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A Reminder to Myself

January 14, 2017 By Lindsay Gee Leave a Comment

Dear Me,

You had a hard week. It scared you. It shook you to your core. Hospitals and medical issues scare you. You are okay.

You had a hard week. It made you cry. It made you cheer. It filled you with doubt. It filled you with joy. You’ve never once believed in yourself so much and so little in a day. You had a hard week. And Linds, it’s okay.

You’re ok.

Exhaustion settled in again. Your body took over. It’s a reminder to rest, recover, slow down. At some point your body will take over and lead you to the reality of your health. I hope it’ll lead you to strength and power, not fatigue and hospitals.

Enjoy the moments. Be present. Sleep. Rest.

You had a hard week. But in the week you also did good. You got people moving. You inspired people. You made your kids smile. You stressed your husband out and irritated him beyond belief (is that a win?!), but you also made him laugh. Remember that you did good. You are doing good. The people challenging you, pushing against you, demanding from you are there to teach you. You should be grateful for these lessons.

And I know you are.

Your mind and body are strong. Believe in yourself. Believe in your goodness. Believe in your joy. Believe that you have the right to experience success. Believe that you have the right to show pride and joy. Believe that you work hard enough that people don’t mind if you take a moment to celebrate, to #dancedammit. Believe that you also have the right to rest.

You had a hard week. You’ve been told that before great success comes great chaos. Well, holy shit…success is imminent then, isn’t it? Ha! We’re witty, you and I.

You had a hard week. But, you have 5000+ women supporting you. Failure is not an option and even if those 5000+ women weren’t there, if it was only you believing in yourself, failure is not an option.

You need to work hard. You need to forge ahead. You need to continue to push and dig and drive and cheer. It lights your soul up. And when people tell you to rest. Do it. Just rest. Not for long, because I know you, but rest. Your body and soul need the joy and light that inspiring others brings, but they also need down-time and nobody can fault you for that.

So, let’s do this. Let’s change the world. Let’s be the voice so many Mamas need. Let’s motivate and inspire. But Linds, let’s also take care of us. Deal? Deal.

Now, go get your coffee, drink up and always, always, always remember this:

You Laughed in 2016 – Remember That

December 29, 2016 By Lindsay Gee Leave a Comment

It’s the end of another year and as with every year, I see post after post of people wishing away the year. Ranting about how awful the past 365 days were. Giving the past year the big eff you. And yes, while this year has been a tough one for many people, it’s time for us all to reflect on the goodness that has come out of all your hard work. It’s time to reflect and show gratitude for a life you still get to lead. You’re alive, people. You’re here.

Bad things happen. They happen all the time. Jobs are lost. Relationships break down. People die. In no way am I saying we shouldn’t grieve, because change is hard and honestly, we have lost some stellar celebrity and musical icons this year, so yes you should grieve.

But…You. Are. Here.

In a day and age where social media rules all hours, news travels fast. And unfortunately, bad/sad news travels even faster. We are constantly inundated with the badness of the world and only every now and then do we get to celebrate the goodness. So, our job, as regular ‘ol shmos is to find the goodness and celebrate it. People are going to die in 2017. It’s a given. Remember the Lion King and the Circle of Life? There’s simply no way of getting around death. People also died last year and the year before and wait for it…the year before that. We’ve lost some amazing people in 2016 and it saddens me to think of who we might lose in 2017…but we’re going to lose some. So, how are we going to get through all the deaths, the sadness, the grief and the turmoil?

I get concerned when I continuously read people bashing the year they’ve had. Okay, sure, you’ve had a doozy. But did you learn? Did you grow? Did you morph into a newer version of yourself because you needed to adapt to your life? Did you laugh? Did you love? Were there births in your life? Anniversaries? Did you celebrate and laugh? Why is it that when people reflect on the year past, anger and bitterness always wins? There were times of accomplishment and joy. Times of silliness and sun. Life was yours all year.

You. Are. Here.

Life is hard. I, myself, have had a difficult year of growth, loss and change, but boy did I laugh this year. I found new friends, new support and a lot of new love. I took comfort in old love and I got to watch my children grow and learn and experience new things every day. When I look back on 2016 I think about how much my son’s confidence has grown. I think about how my daughter is the strongest woman I’ve ever met and she’s only six years old. I reflect on the fact that I had to watch my husband go through a really difficult year and yet we were and are able to look to one another for strength and laughter. I celebrate all of this.

I encourage you to not buy into the negativity that goes around at this time of year. Don’t bash the year you just survived.

You. Are. Here. You made it.

If you want to make 2017 better for yourself, start with some positive reflection on how you made it through 2016. Celebrate yourself. Celebrate others. Grieve death but celebrate the life that was; there is nothing we can do about it, so respect it, grieve it and then choose to celebrate it.

I don’t like being the bearer of bad news, but there are going to be difficult moments in 2017. And you know what? You’re going to handle those too. You’re going to cry and rage and feel like you’ve been run over at times in this coming year. But you’re also going to laugh until you pee your pants, you’re going to dance with your lover and you’re going to be silly with your friends. You’re going to celebrate the birth of new babies and you’re going to welcome new friends into your life.

You are here and you can handle all of it. You just handled 2016. Take a few moments and remember the good of 2016, really think about it. Think only of the good. And smile. Let that positivity guide you into your new year.

Me, I’m going to spin some records from the artists we lost this year and I’m going to dance and smile because ultimately, that’s what I want my life to be about. Dancing and smiling.

I choose to celebrate 2016 for its good, its bad and its ugly. I choose to start 2017 filled with gratitude and light instead of anger and dismay. I hope you stand tall and bright with me.

I wish you all the best in this coming year.

4 Strategies to Help You Cope When Everything Goes Wrong

December 14, 2016 By Lindsay Gee Leave a Comment

It’s going to happen. Like it or not things are going to go wrong in your life. It could be a minor thing like spilling coffee on your pants. It could be a major thing like illness or an accident. Or it could be a bunch of minor things that create a major thing. And some days, some months, some years it seems like absolutely everything is going wrong in your life and nothing is going right.

We all have moments when we look to the sky and quietly whisper “Seriously? This too?”. Moments when you think you can’t handle one more thing and you’ll actually question your ability to withstand the pressure of one more weight added your shoulders. Moments when you think “if one more thing goes wrong, I’m pretty sure, no I’m certain, my head will explode”.

I’m happy to report that no, in fact, your head won’t explode and there are numerous strategies you can use to help you slow down, reflect and get through times when you feel like everything is going wrong.

Prioritize your tasks.
Usually, when you feel like everything is going wrong it’s a very busy time in your life. You’ll find yourself with a task list of a bajillion (it’s a word) things to do and when we have so much to do, we move quickly. Unfortunately, it’s usually when we’re moving too quickly that more mistakes happen and more things go wrong. So first, slow down and breathe. Take time to reflect on all the things/tasks/demands you need to get done and prioritize that list.If it’s a bad day, prioritize your day. A bad month? Look at what needs to get done over the next month and set goals you want to achieve within the next 30 days. Bad year? Same deal. List everything that’s gone wrong and figure out how to help yourself make them go right. Prioritize that list and focus on the top three tasks. Really, really be aware of what’s most important to you to “fix” and solve the major issues going on in your life.
Reach out. We’re all so connected now through social media, the internet and all of our devices. But, when’s the last time you’ve actually connected with your friends and family members? When’s the last time you connected with that long-time friend you never have 5 minutes to chat with? When things go wrong, it’s time to get off your devices and reach out for human contact. We live in a busy, busy world but don’t forget that there is still a lot of love out there. I bet there is someone in your life who would love to help you get back on your feet.Don’t be shy about asking for help. It could be a simple request for an afternoon playdate so you can get some errands done in peace. Or, it could be a larger favor like a weekend alone to reflect, prioritize and figure some things out on your own.Whatever you need, reach out and ask for it. Your friends and family want you to feel good. They want you to feel loved, cherished and taken care of. But, if you’re constantly putting on a brave face and saying “it’s okay, I’m okay, I’m good”, they’re going to believe you (until things really go wrong and they need to come pick you up off the floor…trust me on this one). So, reach out. And hey…there’s really nothing as therapeutic as a really great Girls’ Night surrounded by the incredible women in your life. Laughter truly is the best medicine.
Practice gratitude. When things are going sideways on you, the last thing you’re going to want to do is be grateful. However, this is probably the best time for you to stop, reflect on your life and remember what you have to be grateful for. You can start with the “little” things like hot coffee, a beating heart, food in the fridge, your children. As your start listing off the “little” things they’ll become less little.Sure, your kid was a nutjob and made you late. But, you have a child who loves you like crazy. Be grateful for that. Your job is demanding and your boss is a tyrant? You have a paycheck coming in and a way to help support your family. Everyone is sick in your household…for the third time in a week? Be thankful for medicine and your strong arms to hold the ones you love as they get well. Roof is leaking, food’s gone bad, car broke down and your dog ran away (insert Blake Shelton song)? You have a home, a car and your loyal dog will come back because he loves you and you have his favorite bed and stuffie.
Gratitude. It’s a powerful, powerful tool. Trust me. I challenge you to write down three things that you’re grateful for every morning and every night before you go to bed. And just watch. Watch the power of gratitude affect your life and welcome the positivity back into your heart.
Workout. Well, if you know me at all, you knew this would be on the list. The power of moving your body, of exercise, is incredible. So when things go wrong, go workout. Practice yoga, find a group fitness class you love, go throw some weights around, sweat yourself silly on your treadmill. Whatever you love to do to get active, go do it.During those moments of “Really universe, really?!” it’s time to get your sweat on.
Let your body take care of you. Go. Sweat. The endorphins and other hormones released, the mental focus and the overall well-being that exercise can bring into your life will help you reframe your thoughts and come up with a plan to tackle what needs to be tackled. The power of moving your body is incredible. Let your body help fuel and inspire your mind. There is nothing more therapeutic than a really good sweat sesh. So go lace up your sneakers, tie your hair up in that crazy pineapple you’ve been sporting and get moving. Your body, your mind and your spirit will thank you.

Things are going to wrong in your life. All the time. But, how you cope and react to those events is completely up to you. You get to decide what you want to put your energy into (for the most part). So, take control and try the above 4 strategies when you get overwhelmed with it all. Sometimes it’ll work like a hot damn and other times you’ll comment below about how ridiculous these strategies are. And, that’s okay! Some day it’ll work. Some days it won’t. But…don’t you dare give up. Don’t you dare lessen who you are and what you’re doing because you’re feeling beat up.

Remember, you’re amazing and you have amazing things to do in this world. Trust yourself, be grateful for all you have and get to work! You have an incredible life to lead. So go live it! Not every day is going to be a bad day. In fact, you’re going to have some pretty amazing days ahead of you. So focus there. Focus on the good.

Remembering the Good in Yourself

December 7, 2016 By Lindsay Gee Leave a Comment

Have you ever had those times in your life when you question your worth? When you start looking at the person you are, the person you’ve become and you start thinking “jeez, I could do better, be better, be more”? I’ve recently just come through that experience and the secret to coming out of that nonsense?

People.

It’s that simple. Now, don’t get me wrong…people are most often the cause of you having to dive into the abyss of yourself and search for your goodness and worth. But, please know, it’s also people that pull you right back out and into the bright, warm, strong arms of love and acceptance.

To say I’ve had a rough few months would be an understatement. My health has been poor and I wasn’t sleeping. I was also at a crossroads with my business and there was a lot of change happening…something I struggle with. So, I started to doubt myself. I started to wonder if I could actually pull off this mega-dream of world domination.

Then…I traveled to see the people who I am working so hard for. As the Founder of Hot Mama I often get pulled into the business side of things and I forget who I am doing all of this for. It’s for you, Mamas. And my family, of course. But, it’s for the benefit of families, of Mamas and of their children that I work so hard. And I have the Alberta Hot Mamas to thank for grounding me and pulling me out of my cave of doubt and worry.

I recently traveled to Alberta to visit some of our Franchise Owners. Often times I don’t look forward to traveling, but this time was different. I NEEDED the Hot Mamas. I needed to remember my why. And what better way than by surrounding myself with the very people I am working so hard for (and with!).

There wasn’t a moment during my trip when I doubted myself. Mamas were excited to meet me. Nervous to meet me. And so open and warm and friendly. There was NO WAY I could possibly doubt myself.

I haven’t laughed, loved and felt more honoured in quite a long time.

I know why I’m here and I know why I work so hard. But sometimes, you need people to remind you. Sometimes you need to let the energy you’re helping to create surround and ooze back into your soul. Sometimes you just need to let all the bad go and accept the good.

I cannot thank the Alberta Hot Mamas enough for my last visit. I enjoyed every single aspect of it. From cooking with our Calgary West Sarcee Mamas for Made by Momma, to participating in classes with Edmonton SE and Edmonton SW, to kicking some serious Spruce Grove Hot Mama ass, to hanging out with some of the coolest St. Alberta Hot Mamas in town! Aaaaand, how can I forget the wine, the Caesars and OH!…the Santa Shuffle 5k.

See? It was busy, busy, busy.

The best thing? Our Sherwood Park Franchise Owner texted me at the end of the trip and said “You all looked so happy!”…and Mamas…I don’t think “happy” has been an adjective to describe me in a very long time. And what a wonder it was to hear that!

Thank you, Hot Mamas. Thank you for bringing the happy back into my life. You have reminded me of my goodness and my worth. I am forever grateful.

One last thank you…I GOT A SELFIE STICK FINALLY! YAY!

With much love and mad respect,
Your OHM

The Day Exhaustion Took Over

November 22, 2016 By Lindsay Gee 1 Comment

Be careful.
Take time for yourself.
You need to rest/sleep.
Self-care is so important.
You are important.
You can’t keep working at this rate, one day it’ll catch up with you.

Yeah. I’ve heard it all. And, until it actually happened, I just smiled, nodded and agreed with the person spouting their wisdom…then I got back to work.

For the past 4.5 years, I’ve worked hard. I mean, really, really stinkin’ hard. Most days (not all) I work 15-16 hour days but lately it’s been more like 20 hours per day. It takes time and energy to build an empire and plan for world domination, and with only 24 hours in a day, I tried to put most (if not all) of them to good use.

Until I couldn’t.

For the past month, I’ve pushed myself past what was healthy. Past what I knew I was capable of. But, the demands were there and the work had to get done. No one else could do it. My team was already taxed to the max, so as the leader of my crazy company, I needed to step up, give more, do more, push more and get it all done. And I did.

Until I couldn’t.

Last Friday I woke at 1:30am and started to work. That was atypical, but recently, my mind just won’t shut down. If I wake to shift in bed, I’m up. There’s no getting back to sleep. I’m a classic insomniac. And that is not something I say with pride.

So last Friday I woke at 1:30am and got to work. By 7:30am when my kids woke I’d put in a solid 6 hours of work, was ahead of my plan for the day (how couldn’t I be?!) until it all came to a screeching halt. All of a sudden I was shaky, agitated, exhausted, nauseous and to be honest, I’ve never felt so awful in my life. I managed to get my kids to school then headed to bed. I tried to sleep but couldn’t.

I was restless, my body wouldn’t settle, my mind wouldn’t stop. I had things to do, but no energy to do it. No amount of willpower was getting me out of the hole I had dug for myself. My body wouldn’t rest. It was revolting against me the only way it could…by knocking me flat.

It was time to stop. I had hit the wall of exhaustion and it felt like the worst illness ever.

I’ve never been scared of my body before, but I can honestly say that last Friday, I was scared. I didn’t know how to stop, to breathe, to rest. I couldn’t stop or breathe or rest.

So, I reached out. To friends, to family, to loved ones. I broke down so I could build back up.

It’s true that your body will only handle so much. You and your mind can push and push and push and still feel like you can push some more, but your body is the ultimate gauge of how healthy you are. Because when it’s maxed (and after 4.5 years I think I’m finally maxed), it gives up. No notice. It just…stops.

You drop.

It’s not a pleasant fall and it’s been 4 days of medication, fever, sleep meds and self-care to get my feet back under me. Four days isn’t so bad…but I still have some recovery to do. I have to rest.

As I laid in bed trying to rest, the following questions kept coming forward in my mind: Why do I push so hard?

There are the typical excuses of world domination, founding a company, wanting to be successful, showing up all those who doubt me, etc…but the real reason? I think it’s because I don’t want people to think I’m not working for them. I want people to know that I’m working…literally day in and day out…to help build our business. I need them to know that they haven’t sacrificed their family’s lives for someone who sits around and does nothing.

And that’s where I’ve gone wrong. I’ve sacrificed my own body for this. I’ve sacrificed my health for this. I’ve sacrificed my own family for this. And while our mission at Hot Mama is extremely important, it cannot be at the cost of me.

It cannot be at the cost of me.

I went to the doctor on Sunday and she asked when I wanted to be admitted to the hospital. I didn’t even tell my husband that. She said, “do you want to be admitted now or would you like to keep killing yourself for another week and really feel the depths of exhaustion…because you’re there now…next step is medical”.

Well…holy shit.

Oops.

Talk about a wake-up call.

So Mamas…here’s me . Claiming myself back. I talk and I talk and I talk about the importance of prioritizing. Of putting yourself high up on your list. But I certainly don’t practice it. I try to. I do small things, but it’s time I role model to all of those who follow me the importance of rest.

And yes, right now…I need medication. I need meds to help me sleep. I’m okay with that. Because after a few nights of sleeping from 9pm to 7am I’m slowly crawling back to myself. I’m committing to rest. I’m committing to me and my own importance.

I’m important. It’s time I start treating myself like it. I need rest. And so do you, Mama.

Don’t be me. Don’t push so hard and work so hard your body breaks and shuts down. Learn from me. I am not a martyr so I’d best stop acting like one. I will commit to rest. I will commit to sleep. I will commit to these things because I know I need it.

I’ll write about how I plan to take care of me soon; maybe I’ll even come up with the ultimate self-care guide. But for now, I commit to sleep. For now, I will use the medication my doctor gave me, but soon I will come up with a new plan to help with insomnia and I will let you know what works for me and what doesn’t.

But Mama, please listen: if you’re tired, exhausted, pushed to your max…don’t be me. You need to stop. Put your head on your pillow, tell yourself you’ve done the best you can with the time you’ve had each day and rest. Just rest. Rest your mind, your body, your soul.

Just rest.

Because trust me when I say that if you don’t, your body will eventually take over your mind and the results are not pretty and they are certainly not fun.

Rest, Mama. You need to rest. Ain’t no shame in that. And that is what I’ve learned over the last four days. There’s no shame in resting.

And rest I shall.