Empowering Mom through Balance

Tara Paterson
“We have enough people who tell it like it is- now we could use a few who can tell it like it can be.” – Robert Orben

As a woman and a mom, I have traveled a long road of self-discovery. I have listened to theories ranging from- you are a mom that is the only thing you should be concerned about; to the most important thing for you to do is take care of your husband and his needs so he can continue to ?....... In theory, this may have worked for some women a century ago, but today things have advanced to a place where at the click of a button, we have access to the whole world and the possibilities that exist for anyone who’s interested.

Understand that the right to choose your own path is a sacred privilege. Use it. Dwell in possibility.” - Oprah Winfrey

What I have found to be true, whether of myself or the many women I have spoken to over the years, is the concept that a role that is unknown territory when we begin may not be our only lot in life. I love and adore my children every bit as much as any mother does, but I knew early on that for me there was more to life than just being someone’s- mom, daughter, wife, sister and friend. I realized I want to be me.

What does that mean?

It means we have forgotten what our life was like for 20+ years, before we became a parent. We spent a decade or more developing the personality that would guide us through life. We may have spent 4 or more years in college to help us decide what to do with our future. We met lots of people who shaped our thoughts; we traveled to places that opened our minds to the vastness of this world; we discovered the internet which connected us to like minds or all kinds; but through all of these things, we were molding ourselves to become the person we are today.


Ambition’s a good thing if you’ve got it headed in the right direction.” – John Wise

I am not suggesting for a second that we become selfish or forget that becoming a mom was a choice. If anything, I hope that this empowers you to think about what your inner most desire is and how you can achieve it for yourself. It is through balance and encouragement that each of us can live a fulfilling life and still keep our priorities in check. If we spend a little time each day taking care of the one who takes care of all, we will experience the possibilities that exist for each of us.

He who neglects to drink of the spring of experience is likely to die of thirst in the desert of ignorance.” – Ling Po

Tara Paterson 2004- 2007, All Rights Reserved
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Tara Paterson

Tara has been building bridges with moms and families for many years. Her passion first revealed itself with JustforMom.com, a web site business with advice, ideas, and resources designed to "touch each Mom´s life, one Mom at a time." She went on to create Moms In Print, a resource to assist, educate, and guide mom writers to realize their dream of being a published author; and in July 2004, Ms. Paterson launched her 501 (c)3 non- profit concept- the Just For Mom foundation. The Foundation has been involved with projects that involve a grassroots effort to support the Reading Rainbow; the creation of the prestigious Mom´s Choice Award®; and is the recipient of a portion of the proceeds from the Chicken Soup series - Chicken Soup for the Mother and Sons Soul.

Tara received her parent coach certification through the Academy for Coaching Parents International; is a columnist for Children of the New Earth, an online publication; and is an expert blogger for the Partnership for a Drug Free America; she is also a trainer for the Academy for Coaching Parents.

She is the co-author of the book- Raising Intuitive Children (New Page Books, May '09) and is the spokesperson for the Mom's Choice Awards.

Tara was nominated as the 2002 Entrepreneur of the Year by the Loudoun County Chamber of Commerce, and was awarded Entrepreneur of the Year in 2003 by a Northern Virginia networking group.

She has been seen on CNN, the Today Show, the Early Show, 48 Hours and has been featured in the Washington Post, Newsweek, the Purcellville Gazette, the Loudoun Magazine and quoted in the USA Today and Parenting Magazine.


Tara Paterson is available for private coaching, presentations, lectures, and workshops. To find out more, visit her ParentingIntuitives blog.