::5 Ways to overcome a Challenge:: #WednesdayWisdom

I recently became aware that my coping skills are great, except when I'm under true pressure and stress, go figure! Challenges come in many forms; you can be overworked, having too much on your plate, dealing with difficult people, and really just about anything in life can become a challenge.  If you read about my mental breakdown in 2012 here, then you know how well I handled stress then. I've thankfully grown so much since then; mentally, physically, emotionally. And, I am now able to walk myself back into a good place.

Creating these strengths within myself has been vital to my overall success. 

Some of the best ways that I have learned to deal with it are as follows:

1) Talk it out- Like a really raw and serious talk with someone who will be REAL and RAW. For me, that person is my Husband. He tells me the things, I don't want to hear. And, we all need that one person. Who isn't going to tell you that, it's all going to be OK. Because sometimes, it's not going to be okay, and that is also OK. If that makes sense. (Bear with me here.) But, you want to have that one person who you can truly express your frustration too and will help you talk it out so that you can think of a solution. Sometimes, that person is a therapist. And, that is OK too.

I have had the ability to get therapy and it was truly freeing and very helpful! 

2) Have a moment (melt-down if you will)- the release is needed. A good friend told me a long time ago, "Connie, I'm going to let you have your pity party, but then I'm going to need you to put your big girl panties back on and get over it."  It's been the best most memorable pep-talk of my life. One, it came from a very loving place. She meant well and I knew it. She was allowing me to "have my moment" but then giving me the motivation to realize, I could get past it. Sometimes, it's ok to have that moment but don't give up. Keep pushing forward and you will see that it's so worth it.

Also, a rule of thumb. I have my meltdowns, alone, in a quiet place where I can truly reflect. 

3) Don't be a Victim- Accept that you too have faults and are allowing these things get to you. There is nothing worse than denial. And, don't get me wrong. I have been there. I pretend that everyone else has issues and I'm the victim they prey on. Nope. A lot of times I am my own issue. Whatever it is, I have been there. We all have faults. Instead of focusing on a "woe me mentality" push forward and think about the solutions and positive. It's often hard to see these when we are in the middle of something bad but trust me, steps 1 and 2 are a huge help.

Don't be a victim, be victorious! 

4) Care but not too much- I hate this advice. Because I am a person or was one, who cared so much all the time about what people thought about me or if I was playing nice. Well. (and, it's easier said than done.) Try not to care so much. Care enough that you know hard times can come, bad things happen and you will make it through. But, don't dwell on the feeling so much that it consumes you. As an overthinker, thoughts, and what-ifs slowly eat at my soul. I know I'm weird. But, it's true. Over time I have learned not to allow this to hinder my existence or to slow my progress. You should never allow emotions of what others could think of you, overwhelm you this much. Don't get me wrong, it happens, but push past it anyway!

Push through the emotion... 

5) Move forward As that famed Ice Queen (and my 6-year-old daughter) would say, LET IT GO... LET IT GO..- The hardest part of getting pas hard times, for me, is letting it go. Not everything has a solution or endpoint. Not everything will. Knowing that sometimes words are left unspoken, through are held back and people change, is the key to moving forward. Being able to let things go and again not allowing them to dwell or sit in your mind or heart is very important. Very important. Let it go, more so for you than for the situation or person.

And, remember that you can and WILL overcome these challenges. You can do this Momma!

Remeber that troubles are temporary.... live in peace with yourself and who you are... 

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::Momma Disclosure:: This is a sponsored post. All content is my true and honest opinion.

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Priorities + Goals ~ 2016 Edition #OneWord

As all the New Year resolution posts roll out, I resolved a couple of years ago to be different. And, just as life happens, every time I vow to slowly creep away from Momma of Dos and venture into a new area of life, well, LIFE happens. I am always brought back to this space. Where, yes, all the magic happens, kind of. All I know is that no matter what, I will be here. But, as the new year rolls on I also want you to follow us over at Houston Latina Bloggers. Where I feel the magic is slowly starting to rise. As we continue to grow our social media communities we want you to join us and share with us, and tell us what you think. We have an amazing group of talented writers and we love to share.

2016 promises to be different for me. In so many ways already. The New year  has definitely kicked in with a bang. Changes are already appearing in my life. Good, I hope.

A couple of years ago I decided on selecting ONE word, that would define and guide my year. Because I feel that we can make resolutions daily, to make the necessary changes. We can create goals and flip them in a matter of moments. I decided that this one word would help guide those resolutions and goals and OH boy. When I look back at the words, and the goals I set out to reach  for previous years, I feel good about my selections. I have accomplished my goals in SO many ways with simply providing that ONE word that would help me get through it all. Keeping that word in mind with all my actions. Carrying it in my mind and heart, referring to it and guarding it.

With all that in mind, this year my word is "Priority". My priorities have names- Ricardo, Camila and Santiago. As years have gone by I have done so much for them, for us and for myself. That's a given. Today, I feel my focus should be further on them as my priority. Sure I love attending events and being involved in so many areas of life. But, when I think about it more and more, my priorities shift as the year goes by and I don't ever want to lose that connection with my Husband and my kids. I feel 2016 will be one for us to further grow as a family. We are planning a couple of strategic moves, and fun trips for this year already. I want to keep them in mind when making my choices. 

And, thanks to the universe and me simply putting things out there so much has already happened in 2016 that has helped further  guide my  word selection.  

With all that is going on... the voices in my head keep repeating; "Quit while you're ahead Connie." But, for some reason, my heart and actions keep pushing me forward. I don't like to give up and I definitely don't like to quit. No matter what, or who, I can't give up now.

Some goals this month:

• For myself- seek my priorities and keep them throughout 2016. 
• For my family- seek their well-being and be there for them. 
• For my sanity-relax and let go of "doing" so much. 
• For my career- focus, be productive and find the balance needed. 
• For my blog- un-blog, write when needed and seek my priorities. 

2016 will be a good year!

What is your word for 2016??

::Making Connections:: Networking Events and Conferences

{This is not a compensated post. All opinions expressed are my own.} 

Houston hosted for the first time ever one of the largest Latino conference and event organizers- Hispanicize. As they brought their three city networking tour to Houston in an effort to promote the April conference. And, Houston Latina Bloggers were present. As Social Media/Digital influencers and content creators, we attend these events all the time. I always hear from everyone, I made some great connections today or I met new people last night. So, you made the connections. Now, what? The following are some tips to convert those connections into lasting business relationships and help build your brand. 

{Picture from Hispanicize facebook page} 

1) Create a database- Thanks to my 8-5 job I have become a bit of an excel nerd. A simple spreadsheet with all your new contacts will go a long way. Now, you definitely want to do this after every event and don't get behind like this Momma did this year. I think since May I have about 300 business cards sitting on my desk waiting to be converted into tangible connections. Don't wait, do it now! Record people's names, phone number, email address and their blog or company/brand. You can pull from this database and filter it for easy access to everyone you need to stay in touch with. Nerdy. I know. 

2) Send an Email- I know that these days we can easily add people to our Facebook pages and LinkedIn, but then what? Sure that person can see your work and what you do. But, if you don't reach out to them and find out how you can work together or collaborate, then that person just becomes another FB friend. The true connection comes by sending your connections a personalized email, reminding them that it was great to meet them and maybe asking or offering to work with them in some way. Making that connection with people who are within your niche and that you would like to work with or learn from is very important. Otherwise, they are just a business card sitting on your desk. 

3) Interact- If you truly want to keep up with your new connections and create a circle of good networking contacts; then please don't forget that we are all human we love interaction and conversation. Not every day, you don't have to become the persons best friend, in some cases you do. But, every once in a while finding out how they are or what they are working on, is always a good start. You never know what you can learn from your new contacts or what event they might know of that you don't. Keeping in touch even in this day in age, is very important. I see people "like" or comment on my social media sites all the time, but unless I engage in real conversation with them, I have nothing. 

                                                   {Picture  from Hispanicize facebook page} 

Finally, when you go out to events and networking functions have fun, relax and enjoy everyone. My favorite part of these situations is just enjoying the moment and not worrying too much about whether or not the relationship will be built or if the person will help me gain anything. I simply talk to as many people as I can. Becuase I love to talk. I always ask about them and listen to them. I am myself and if the conversation leads to what I do, then I gladly explain who I am and what I do. 

                                                    {Picture from Hispanicize facebook page} 

Have you made great new connections lately? How have you followed up with those connections and do you keep a database? 

2015 My Year in Words-Blogging

"I know the plans I have for you,...plans to prosper...."

Those words have never meant more to me than now. I have been writing my blog for almost 9 years, every year I feel I have reached a new high. Reached new goals and achieved all that I can. Then a new year rolls in and the unexpected happens. New doors open and dreams come to light. As a writer, a doer and someone who just wants to thrive within this area of my life. 2015 was no exception. I achieved many new goals as a writer being published for the first time and being invited to speak at events. As well as re-opening the door to creating and establishing a larger group of local Latina's. Houston Latina Bloggers. With the help of yes, DOS amazing writers who have become great friends, supporters and co-workers. Jihane, Ariana and I finally established some reachable goals and have set them into motion for our group. 

2015 was a good one for Momma of Dos but for Houston Latina Bloggers, we closed off with a bang. At our first ever HLB networking event in September, an event a few years in the making. Thanks to Alicia the local shop owner over at Thinking Girls Boutique who just really believed in us and wrote us into her trusty calendar. Once it was scheduled I knew it was real. In a matter of weeks, we put our event together.  And today, thanks to many, our communities are now fully thriving. Seeing new bloggers emerge and knowing that your advice and pep-talks have helped lead the way. Is amazing.

In a matter of days a new year will begin leaving behind a year filled with life. Struggles, pains, growth and closed doors. No matter how many times I look back and think about those who never responded to my emails, never called when they said they would or just looked right over me; I also see all those who did and they have made my year an amazing one. Giving me new opportunities, letting me get my toes in the door and seeing what I am capable of. Seeking within me the strength and the wisdom learned over the years. Pushing me to rise above and do what is needed.

None of this is possible without, my family, my Husband who never quite understands the late nights and clickity-clack of my keyboard. But still he remains, he supports me and loves me just the same. My kids, who know that after my 8-5 job, I "wou-k" hours with no end on my computer at home. My true Latina Tribe and all the ladies on my side, who constantly cheer me on. Our HLB team is unique and we help each other achieve our vision. Genuinely. 

As for me and my world, I am the one with two kids, a full-time job outside the home and so much to give and prove to the world. A world that once told me I was too poor to reach goals, a world that once told me I was too brown to dream, a world that I blocked out for years so that I could run for the finish line. 2015 was  a good one. Lots was achieved, but I feel the real work will be done in 2016, only to be able to reach new levels of confidence, strength, and wisdom. 

In 2016 I want to be further inspired and motivated. I don't want to quit. I want to be further encouraged. I want to be able to say that I have come a long way but have finally reached that level of stability that I need to not just see my vision but be able to touch it with great clarity.

Are you ready for 2016? What do you want to achieve and dream up?

::10 Positive things to do BEFORE 2016::

The new year will be upon us soon, in 30 days to be exact. I love happy, positive posts that will help us grow. 2015 has been a great one. I will have a reflection post soon. But, for now I wanted to kick off our "new year resolution" making, early. Only because being prepared and envisioning what I want in 2016 is highly important to me. I have been doing this for a couple of years now and things have just slowly become better and gone in a more desired direction. Now, I have said this before, my challenges and my vision boards don't go without troubles or difficulties. They just help me get through the tough moments easier. 

Let's begin. How can you make 2016 a better and bigger year?

::Envision your 2016::

Think about what it is you want, envision your happy place. Never a prefect world but always happy with your choices and the path you are walking. What you want for your family, your career, your education, your friendships, your business endeavors and partnerships. Anything goes. Sometimes the bigger the dream the better making those dreams come true though might take small steps and setting a series of smaller goals. These goals can be monthly goals. Just know that the process takes times. Be patient.

::Write it down::

Now that you have it all set-up in your mind and you have envisioned what 2016 will look like, write it down! One of my biggest mistakes is thinking, and thinking and not making notes or writing it down. Write your vision out as bullet points if you want just quick notes, or into your planner as monthly or weekly goals so that it's already planned. Writing down what you want is very important. It creates a visual, it's another reason why I believe in vision boards. This year I even created a digital vision board on Pinterest. Anything to help me SEE everything that I want, helps.

::Positive thoughts::

Set your mind in the right direction and the rest will follow. Trust. One of my biggest challenges year to year is my weight. Some months out of the year, I can't. I won't. My mind can't focus on being strict and disciplined, it wants to just be. I think months like these are necessary, it helps prepare our minds for what we really want. Once your mind is set on something it's hard to not go through with it, at least for me. I can be very stubborn. Mindset is everything!


::Positive Words::

Words, my friend Jotina has an excellent book about our language and how we should change this. I myself have done several #30daychallenege's now. And, 2016 will not be an exception, already planning it, so be ready January 1. The 30 day challenge is mainly on my Instagram. And, trust me, it has truly changed me. I used to work in a negative environment with co-workers whose words were always unhappy and complaint, once I changed my language to myself, that situation turned itself around. Our minds and our language are key to progressing. I have lived it.

::Start your weight loss plan now::

I started boot-camp about a month ago in November, knowing myself and that I love to eat. That and that the holidays were coming up and that I suck at self-control. I got a good deal on Texas Fit Chicks through Groupon and went with it. This week I started on my second month and have signed up for 3 new months. Oh this will be hell. But, it's okay because I am already loving the changes in my body and the 7 pound weight-loss in November. I have pictures on Instagram. Not like transformation stuff, but motivational ones that keep me going and reminded. If you start now, you won't have to think about it come January 1, you will already have a plan and your habits set. Just sayin'. As they say, the early bird gets the worm...and the abs! Ha.

:: Take a Break::

We all know that those who hustle succeed, but every once in a while a break is  much needed. You don't want to burn yourself out and lose sight of what you are really after. Taking a break and reorganizing your thoughts and plan is needed. I try to do this often, sometimes it's easier said than done. I am a person who constantly needs to be in motion, only because my anxiety and depression will kick in if I don't. And, that's even harder to shake. But, I do believe in resting and making sure that I remain focused so I take breaks, when needed. A break for everyone is different. For me, even not doing laundry, staying off social media after 5 p.m. or skipping a blog are all good breaks. I mentally shut down and enjoy things like; napping, T.V. and annoying my Husband and kids to do things!

::Take up a Hobby::

Helps fuel creativity and new ideas. I love making things, writing and exercising. All, I feel, are good hobbies to have. I have started doing some photography and learning more about taking quality pictures. I love making wreaths and headbands. Of course writing is my obvious passion. Exercising I feel is a good hobby, keeps you busy and in shape. I am not as good at that but I try. Always doing the things I really like, because they keep me motivated and inspire me so much. Plus they make me happy and keep me in a good mood which is valuable to good family life.

:: Eat Well::

Hardest thing ever for this Mexican Momma who loves ALL foods. But, I do notice that when I eat well I feel better. About myself, about my energy and overall mood. Good healthy food is so important in your 30's and beyond, I am sure. I ate so much crap food for so long that now, I would rather eat clean healthy homemade food. It's good every once in a while to have a good cheat meal, but for the long haul I prefer healthy eats. I get a lot my food prep ideas from Pinterest . Your body and mind will love you!


::Sleep::

This doesn't apply to me. Ha. I should sleep more. I can't sometimes. I have a problem shutting down and refuse to take medicine. Even after a long day waking up before 6 a.m. and exercising every night, I still can't seem to shut down. Insomnia is a real issue I have had for years, since High School. But, now well into my 30's, I know how important it is and when I can, I do sleep well. It's vital to my health. I can function just fine even on a couple of hours of sleep, my body is kind of used to it.

::Go Out::

Being social and meeting up with friends or meeting new people are vital, you never know who you will meet and how they will impact your life. Friends are a good reminder of how awesome your life's journey has been. Going out with your Hubby or significant other, is just as important to relax and have fun. I have the most fun on date-nights now with my Husband because they are so long overdue at times. They help remind me of how life brought us together and we always sit and think about the kids which is an amazing reminder of how much God has blessed us over the years.  This all helps re-inspire you on so many levels. So have a taco, drink a margarita, enjoy life and the rest will follow.

::Change:: #ThursdayThoughts

Thinking about life and the future, allows me to be open to change. 

This year my life was centered around "focus". Focusing on my career. Focusing on life. Focusing on local opportunities. I feel I did well. I have done well. I have come a long way in 2015. We have exactly 2 1/2 months left and for some reason the word "Change", is stuck in my head. I am sure I have experienced it before and I have talked about it in the past. But, today it just feels like it has a whole new meaning. 

Not sure yet what the meaning is, or where it will lead but I feel that the focus has given me a new season of change. We have good things going on in our home. My Hubby is doing well at work. My kids are happy and healthy, school eh, that's a whole other post. The struggles are real, I say this often but thankfully, "the struggles" are not so bad. We manage. We make it through them. We survive. Things could be worse but they are not. 

Things could be better, this I know. 

This morning I was listening to Jotina Buck on Periscope, if you don't know her...trust me. You should follow her. Her #Periscope topic was; "There are no shortcuts." during the broadcast someone posted, "there is a blessing in the wait." All of it touch my heart and woke my soul up! It's true. Our society has become so accustomed to having everything at our finger tips and at the touch of a screen. Truth is, that in this life there are no shortcuts. We must work hard, daily, through our struggles, pains and woes to make it. 

I don't feel there is anything wrong with this. I thrive in the moments of struggle. I always have. For a moment, I might feel as if my ship is sinking but survival mode kicks in. And, even if I have to take the long route out of the problem, I always make it out alive. Not by taking shortcuts but by living and embracing the change. Right now, I feel that things are at a calm stand-still but I invite change into my life and stare it straight in the face. Ready. Prepared. To take the long route and not worry about where the shortcuts might lead me. I don't want the easy way out, ever. 

I want to take the route that will lead me to victory through strength, growth and life long learning. I have had countless moment in my life when I have had to wait. Where I have had to struggle. It has been painful. I have had moments, I didn't think I would make it out alive, but I have. It's in those moments that I have been most alive, most aware and that I have grown and learned the most about myself and about life.   

As the years go by and the time progresses, these moments become easier to face. I don't know what change you are going through right now, but don't feel pressured to use the easy way out. Know that the situation will pass, and you will grow from it. Have faith in your true abilities. Always let your light shine! 

::A 2015 Vision::

I think people read my blog, view my social media updates and can maybe forget that I have an 8-5 PM job which is NOT social media, marketing or PR related. A job that I have honestly worked hard to obtain and maintain. I received a college degree in 2005 and 10 years later I still don't feel like I have put my degree to good use despite becoming an Assistant Supervisor in one of the busiest Elections departments in the US. I assisted in running the 3rd largest county in the U.S. That among many other accomplishments in my career. A career that for 3 months after each pregnancy and 7 months in 2012-2013 I put on hold for my family. A career that I don't mind having, that I enjoy and love. I love being a working Momma. Not many can tell you that. I love my family and children as well. With each job comes a new level of work life balance. But, that doesn't mean that I don't like to grow, learn and achieve. 

I rarely speak about my 8-5pm, and it took 4 years for me to discuss the fact that I worked for Harris County Elections here on my blog. This will probably be the only post "directly" about my job in hopefully the next 5 years or so. 

Here is why. In January after several conversation with a good friend, speaking to a life coach and spending the previous 30 days doing a 30 days of Affirmation challenge; I decided changes needed to be made. I also put some real thought into what I needed to do for my family and myself.  Making the decision that this year, I needed to step it up and move on to the next level. Because I know I can. 

I came into work on the first day of 2015, cleared my current cubicle and decided that I would not be in this desk past March or April. I gave myself a clear vision of leaving that cubicle and then worked hard every day towards making my job a good, happy, healthy environment for myself. I decided that if I had worked hard in the last year and a half I would work harder in the next 4 months. Working towards a new position, either in my current company or else where. 

While this blog and my writing and social media communities are my passion, I love having this "double-life". I might complain that I am exhausted and never have much time for anything but I truly thrive from it. 

So the vision. I pray. A lot. Daily. With my kids, alone, at my desk, in my car... I asked for God to provide a new place for me where I can further grow, explore new opportunities and have the same or better level of flexibility that I have now. Have I obtained that? Well. 3 weeks ago a co-worker announced her very unforeseen resignation. A week later, I thought, I should apply for this job. The same week I inquired with my boss, the other departments managers, and applied to HR. The following Monday I received an interview and yesterday. I started my new job. Same company, different department. I envisioned it in January. Set my mind to it and then did those things needed to succeed and of course seized the perfect opportunity. 

Why am I sharing this? The mindset, the intent, the prayers. Good karma. Wishing others well. Are all a very powerful thing. I don't know what you believe in. But, I  do know that having a good positive outlook as well as seeking spiritual peace and acceptance can take you places. I know that having goodwill for others and not being jealous of their journey but instead seeking your own, will have good "karma like" results. I am constantly motivated by female CEO's, by Women Bloggers, by good all-around hard working sacrificing people. I seek to be motivated and create my own journey and story. Will I one day be a CEO who blogs? Maybe or maybe not but either way; it's my vision and my journey that really matters.

Learning to create opportunities based on your given talents, your learned skills and the purpose that drives us all, is what my vision is about.

What do I see for 2015? Good things. Better surroundings. And, as Walter Mercado would say...mucho, mucho Amor!

Let me also add to my vision a Husband, who constantly pushes me to do more and be my best because he knows that as young Hispanic parents we can do so much more! That paired with two little children who are always so patient and look up to me and my every move. I am inspired and motivated most by them. My vision for 2015 is not complete yet. But, I feel satisfied so far.

One of my other goals was to seek more local blogging opportunities. Because of this new job, I will probably be forced to seek more local events and blogging opportunities. Something I feel is really needed for local Latino Bloggers.

::My Electronic Vision Board with lots of good resources:: 

         Follow Connie's board ::Vision Board 2015:: on Pinterest.  

Now you tell me, it's almost April... what is your 2015 vision and how will you create your positive happy space?

A Holiday Reflection ::2014 is over::

::Marriage:: 
My Husband and I like every other marriage, couple and as individual experience highs and lows. Times where we support one another fiercely, or when we just feel like giving up completely. But, in the last 15 years I have learned that no matter what, we are always there for one another. Never perfect just dependable. This year we were committed to more date-nights which with help from good friends and my Momma or his. We were able to accomplish. We have seen the difference it makes in our relationship and stress level. Next year.... MORE date-nights!  In all we both know that marriage is not easy and we try very hard to work on it and to work on ourselves as individuals...everyday. We celebrated 8 years of marriage this year and have been together for 15...it's been a lifetime of lessons learned... time well spent and an lifetime of blessings to go.

::Family:: 
I focused this year on making everything about my little family of 4. #TeamGomez We are who need each-other the most. I wanted us to have peace and unity as a family of 4 and I think we achieved that. We were able to travel more and explore our own city a bit more this year, since our Dos little ones are "outgrowing" the tantrum stages and have a better attention span. I love everything we can teach them and the experiences we are able to provide for them. It takes a lot of work and we are more than willing to invest in them. 

My parents are also a huge blessing and have always been...they help us more than they should some times...I am very thankful... even though they are crazy Mexican Grandparents who love to over-shower the kids with presents but their love is unconditional and so appreciated. We all drive each other nuts can't imagine us living in one house, ever.  Although we'd be one awesome MTV reality show.

::Friends:: 
I read somewhere...

I've learned over the years, only the one who really want to be around will remain. And, you know what no matter how small my circle becomes every year I have had the biggest rewards.

Along the way, I have met some pretty amazing ladies from the world wide web who have become the best friends a girl could ask for! Plus they totally get my passion for this here blog and they get why I write. Their support has been impeccable and much needed. 

::Blog Wise::
For my blog it's been a fantastic year! The busiest in my 6 years of blogging and the best since I started to do this as a business in 2012.  I have had so many amazing opportunities this year, was able to travel and meet so many amazing new people as well as connect in person with many online blogging friendships! It's so different to meet people in person, see them smile and able to speak to one another. The REAL life experience will always make things so much better. I am thankful and humbled by everyone who trusted me this year to work with them and I hope that our friendships last a life time!

::Career Wise::
Not much happened in 2014 in my 8-5 but I plan to change that in 2015..... My #oneword for 2015 is Focus. The focus is about to get real!

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!! MOMMA OF DOS APPRECIATES ALL THE LOVE AND SUPPORT THIS YEAR!! THANK YOU FOR BEING HERE!!! 2015 WILL BE AMAZING AND I TRULY HOPE IT BRING YOU SO MANY NEW BLESSINGS!!! 

What about you, how did your 2014 turn out??