Finding My Radiance

This post is written in partnership with Arm & Hammer and their #TrulyRadiantFinish initiative to help raise money for City of Hope Cancer Treatment.  Thank you so much for supporting the sponsors that support this blog.

Radiance isn’t something I necessarily associate with motherhood.  Honestly, I wasn’t sure I was cut out to be a full-time stay-at-home mom when I left my corporate job last May.  Constant days of negotiating with my toddler (I swear sometimes he acts like he’s 2 going on 17!), figuring out potty training, as well as changing diapers and wiping up spit up from a newborn baby all felt like such a daunting task (and such a huge change from the familiarity of my desk job!).

I’ve never been one to turn back from a challenge though, and my desire to ultimately be there for my kids as they grew up made me tackle my new role head-on.  Now that I’m one year in as a full-time mom, nothing makes me happier!  There are certainly challenging days where I feel like I’m in over my head, at the end of the day nothing makes me happier than to be there for my family.  Below are some of my tips for how I found my radiance as a mother:

1.  Give my kids my undivided attention.  As someone who is kinda addicted to social media, I found that I was constantly checking my phone when I was spending time with my kids.  It was taking my attention away from actually being present with them and I wasn’t putting all of my focus where it should have been.  Also, I simply didn’t want them to think that it was normal to constantly be tied to a phone.  Now, when I’m spending time with my kids, I leave my phone in the other room.  I’m freed from the temptation of checking my phone for updates and I am fully appreciate just spending time with my little ones.

2.  Feed my body with real food.  I find time to nourish my body with real food and avoid processed foods as much as possible.  I find that if I take the time to prepare well-balanced, healthy meals, my body feels better and I do better.  I’m not very good at menu planning, but since we’ve started a recipe delivery service (I’ve used Hello Fresh since January and am now trying out Blue Apron), I’ve been a lot better about cooking!

3.  Fit in exercise.  Fitness has always been important to me but finding time to work out with kids can be difficult.  I’ve since found workout videos online that I can use to break a sweat during nap time as well as a kid-friendly gym that is able to help with looking after the little ones while I work out.

4.  Get dressed.  As easy as it would be for me to stay in my pajamas or workout clothes all day, I find that if I take the time to get dressed, I’m in a better mindset for my day.  Just like I would get dressed to go to work previously, I now get dressed for my day as a mom.  While my sartorial preferences have definitely become more practical now that I take care of my little ones all day (my pencil skirt days are few and far between now!), I still make it a point to take time each morning for myself to get dressed!

5.  Smile!  A smile is everyone’s best accessory!  I strongly believe in smiling as it shows confidence and not only does it make me feel better, but that same feeling spreads to others as well!  I take care of my pearly whites by using Arm & Hammer™ Truly Radiant™ oral care products.  I use the toothpaste twice daily and find that it helps repairs my tooth enamel while making them clean.  I follow up with the ARM & HAMMER™ Truly Radiant™ Rinse and love that it strengthens my teeth without harsh peroxide or alcohol!

Arm & Hammer Truly Radiant™ is committed to helping women feel strong and beautiful with their smiles and in their every day lives.  From now through the end of the year, Arm & Hammer is encouraging women to share moments that make them feel truly radiant.  For every Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram share that includes the hashtag #TrulyRadiantFinish, Arm & Hammer is donating $1 to City of Hope Cancer Research Center!