Last week twenty women gathered to hear Mrs. Rivka Caroline, Shlucha and author of “From Frazzled to Focused,” speak about “In Praise of the Aishes Chayil: Ten tips to help you stay focused, inspired, and smiling.”
A light brunch was followed by a talk by Mrs. Caroline who shared truly useful tips helping us in our collective mission of being the Super-mothers that we are.
Here is first tip:
Perfection isn’t a destination; it’s a distraction.
“A lot of us have a message going in our mind: ‘If I can’t do it properly, I wont do it at all’ or we think, ‘I’ll do that when I have a free day.’ I am sorry to say, but you’ll never have a free day because we live crazy lives. It’s a little frustrating and sometimes a little disheartening but sometimes big projects have to be done in half hour increments. I tell people, ‘Try and see what have to be done properly– some things have to be done perfectly in life: You children’s shidduchim for example– and do those things really perfectly. But you will be surprised how many things can be done “well”.
“I’ll tell someone: I know you like to make your egg salad with sauteed onions, but that’s on hold for the next decade. When you have time for yourself– I am a big believer for mothers having some time to do whatever they want– If you want to make those sauteed onions and that makes you happy, do it! But do that as a joy rather than ‘Oh gosh, that’s how I always do it.’
“Don’t box yourself in by saying, ‘This is what I have always done.’
“Its better to have frozen chicken soup and a fresh mother.
“Life is like one of those triangles, like the food pyramid: right on the top of the triangle is your perfectionism and choose it. Choose the things you want done perfectly, but remember that’s the tippy top of the triangle, don’t make it the base. The base is “good enough” or “good”– but it’s OK.
“Pick and choose what you have to have done perfectly.”
“Visualize that triangle, and If you are feeling out of whack you’ve probably taken your triangle and turned it upside down. Take a deep breath and ask yourself, ‘What’s really important?’
“Or ask yourself a future question: ‘Everything is under control and I’m feeling normal, what did I do differently?’ and the answers will come to you.”
Next Tip: Limiting Decision Making.
When you are in the toothpaste aisle for a half hour choosing between all the brands and sizes… there’s the two-choices tip that will save you time…
To hear the full talk, you can click here.
Thank you Mrs. Rivka Caroline for graciously giving of your time and expertise! You can visit her website here for more time-saving resources.
The wonderful brunch ended with a raffle for a free mani-pedi! Women expressed that they enjoyed the talk and brunch. A series of similar brunches on relevant topics has been launched for this month.
We hope you can join us this Tuesday, Feb. 4th for a talk with Rabbi Daniel Schonbuch, MFT. He will speak about “Raising Children with Self Esteem”. This talk will be useful and enlightening for mothers with children of all ages. We invite you to enjoy a light brunch at 12:30. Babies are welcome. Special raffle for all participants! Suggested donation $4. If you are unable to make it, the class will be posted online here.
Adar I/February Tuesday Lectures and Brunches Schedule. Topic: Parenting and Marriage:
Tuesday, Feb. 4 – “Raising Children with Self Esteem” with Rabbi Daniel Schonbuch
Tuesday, Feb. 11 – “Marriage and Self Improvment” with Mrs. Tzameret Borevitz
Tuesday, Feb. 18 – “The Art and Science of Attachment and Enhancing Closeness” with Rabbi Daniel Schonbuch
Tuesday, Feb. 25 – “Instilling a Chassidishe Atmosphere in Your Home” with Mrs. Chana Leah Schapiro
We hope you take part and enjoy!
The brunches take place in 556 Crown St. Apt A4 – future site of a Women’s Community Center. Babies are always welcome. There is room for parking your carriage in the lobby. Time: 12:30-2pm. Cost: $4 Sugg. Donation.
For more information please visit: iLearnCH.com or call us at 718.735.0030 Ext. 106
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Best SOS Teacher
I read this book, and I absolutely loved it! An absolute must read for any mother!!
AYC
Where can we buy the book? and what’s the price? More info please!
You da best! (Crunch Munch Cornflakes and Bisli)
Thanks for sharing, great ideas.
How about some tips for getting organized ?
That would be awesome!
Your awesome!
worth listening to – full of excellent tips that you can take home today. the book is an easy read and extremely understanding of a mother of many household.
she also has fabulous tips for the ‘organized’ ones among us.
Can you imagine living your life at triple your current potential?