Every time I look at my children, I am truly humbled. I still can’t believe that they’re mine. Even underneath all the dirt, cheekiness, messiness, and often craziness, they are real little people trying to figure out the world around them.

For those of you who don’t know me outside of cyberspace – I am a wife, daughter, sister, friend, colleague, and most importantly, a motivated (sometimes control-freakish) mom of two awesome boys. Connor is 9 and Brock is 4. 

I am constantly learning and they are constantly surprising me. So as I tucked them into their beds tonight, I couldn’t help but think of the things they’ve taught me in their little lives so far. They’ve taught me that I don’t have to prove anything to them, because even on my worst days, they are still there to greet me at the door with a big smile. They’ve taught me that there really is nothing like a mother’s love for her children and the special bond that is formed from day one. They’ve also taught me more about myself than I could ever have done on my own – and that being a parent can be really tough.

Now I’m not sure if my blog will be around when they’re old enough to read and understand this (or whether they’d even want to), but my hope is that they grow into loving, street-smart, grounded people who respect life and those around them.

I'd like to thank my kids for accepting my flaws, and helping me realize that they are a reflection of me. My kids make me happy. They make me mad. They make me proud, and sometimes, they make me sad. But most of all, they make me who I am today.

So in the spirit of Mother’s Day coming up in a few months (hey, I like to prepare early), I’d like to salute all moms out there who are humbled by their children. No matter how they came into your life, they are a part of you forever. And I want you to know that you are doing an amazing job.

Reflection Work:
What do you cherish the most about your family? Take a moment to hug someone you love so much today for more than 15 seconds. It feels so good.

Kerrie Lee
xo

This past year has taught me so much about myself as a career person, mom and wife. I have realized that my health is more important than any job, connection or promotion - and that happiness can only come when your true passions are being honoured. My family being my number one priority with my health leading the way. 

I have learned first and foremost that without your health you can't be there for your children. So I have changed my way of living and thinking.

TODAY I am recharged and look forward to an exciting year. I no longer think of my career as a means to an end, but rather, an end to a means. I love what I do and share my elation with friends and family, but not because I feel I need to. 

TODAY I no longer feel the need to climb for the sake of climbing or impressing anyone. 

TODAY I reach for new heights in my heart and soul because it inspires others.

TODAY I am more myself than ever before, and I love it. The world is now my stage and my efforts to help others achieve their goals and aspirations is the reward.

Reflection Work:
What do you reach for in your heart? Are you following your dreams? Are you fulfilled? Think about these questions on a daily basis and try to take small steps to reach your goals. Even the smallest change can make a big difference.

Kerrie-Lee
xo

As a kid I was never afraid of a challenge. For 15 years (until I turned 18) I spent most of my time in the studio or traveling around North America as a competitive Irish Dancer. In my teens, I remember training very hard, sometimes 7 days a week, with the best instructors. Competition was fierce on the stage and even in class, but nonetheless, I managed to make it to the World's Competition three times representing Canada. 

Back then failure never seemed to knock me down. I always got right back up (even if that literally meant falling down during a performance or practice - or not placing as high as I had hoped after months of training). I didn't care what other people thought of me. I was young. I was proud. No one could take that from me. 

It wasn't until my twenties that a different kind of competition took over my life. Pressure to land a great job and make a name for myself. Being able to tell my friends and family what I was "doing for a living" seemed like an accomplishment in itself. So I kept pushing myself. Climbing the corporate ladder was the new challenge. It became my priority. Not only because I was learning so much and had more responsibility, but because I could tell people. I was still strong - but in a new way.

Then once I had children, I felt a rush of excitement I had never felt before. I immediately loved them so much and never thought I'd love anything as much again. And I still haven't. Not even close. My responsibilities have changed (as they do) and my competitive edge in life has become even clearer. 

My role as a mother has been the most challenging yet. It is very different to what I thought growing up. In fact, if you had of asked me years back, I would have told you that I didn't think I'd have children. There was no time. 

But life works in mysterious ways. The competition I deal with today is within me. The expectations on my personal abilities to be a good parent have changed me - and I am OK with that. I still push myself in all areas of my life and try not to compare myself to other more seemingly capable moms - but that can be challenging. The good news is that I am confident in myself to take on the experience. 

Reflection Work: 
What are the biggest challenges in your life? Have they changed? Have you changed as a result? Write them down and think about how you've grown as a person to get to where you are today.

Kerrie-Lee
xo