Problogger, Parenting and Pearls of Wisdom

Darren and his closing words on the blogger’s potential

I love learning new things and I love meeting new people. Last week I got to do both for 2 whole days at the Problogger Event where we talked, laughed (your fault Natalie) and immersed ourselves in all things bloggy and business. We listened to and were inspired by the passionate, the experienced, the expert, the novice and those who had accents that just made them really easy to listen to!

There is much I have taken away from this experience in terms of how to improve my blog and business and I will certainly look forward to taking on these new challenges.
But more than that, these conferences leave me with many important lessons about people and life in general. As my blog is ultimately about parenting I will share with you some of the wonderful words of wisdom from the speakers and how we can apply them to our parenting and everyday living.

“Get the big things right and the little things will follow” Darren Rowse, Problogger

Certainly in parenting we need often to be reminded not to sweat the small stuff. If we are secure in our values and have a clear picture of how these values see our family function, then we can be sure that the little things will take care of themselves. The daily decision making and the choices we make, will all come down to a strong sense of belief in these ideals.

“Embrace the long and consistent effort” Chris Guillebeau

I don’t need to tell you that parenthood is a long process and nor need I remind you that it requires a certain, alright gigantic amount of effort. Sometimes however, we all need to take a step back and embrace the journey, the good, the not so good, the little moments and the mundane tasks. To fight through the challenges and not wish away each stage, for each will bring with it new delights, new achievements and more than likely new challenges.

“Cut out the noise and don’t compare” Sarah Wilson

I love this advice for all things work and family related, as so often it becomes the bain of every parent (the comparing element as well as the literal noise!). Comparing yourself constantly with other parents, with their methods, techniques and choices only serves to squander our confidence and clutter our path.

“Time is a perception, don’t use it as an excuse” Chris Guillebeau

The smooth, unaffected tone and manner of his voice help make these words from Chris resonate more deeply than than they would have had I
merely read them! I know I am not alone in using time as an excuse and I may or may not have prefaced many an idea with “when I have more time…”. I can’t wait until they bring in 27 hour days! Darren added to this advice with his “15 minute challenge”. If there is something you really want to achieve, be it writing a book, cleaning out the garage, organising your photo albums or embroidering a quilt, then allow yourself 15 minutes every day solely devoted to this task. You will be amazed at how all those 15 minutes will add up and what you will ultimately achieve.

And finally the words of the supper funny, insightful and exasperating James Tuckerman
“we are in the business of sharing….”

So for me, I will continue to share my passion for families to experience joy in the everyday. I will continue to share the lessons I’ve learnt as a student, the research I do as a professional and the challenges I face as a parent. I will share my experiences of grief at having lost a child. I will share the things I am not very good at, the things I am trialling, the mistakes I have made, the ideas that help me and the methods that work.
And ultimately I will share my love of family and my belief that it is at the very core of everything I will ever do.

Photo booth fun with Grace and Kimberley at Maha

 

My ‘old school’ handwritten notes

 

more photobooth shenanigans with Mrs problogger

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This Post Has 12 Comments

  1. kirri

    There are so many gems of wisdom in this post that can be applied not just to parenting, blogging and business but to life in general. You’ve got me so inspired reading this Martine….and a little green that you had the opportunity to be in the same room with Chris G 🙂

    1. Martine

      Thanks Kirri….and yes Chris was great. So unassuming yet still so inspiring.

  2. Nathalie Brown

    Wise words to apply to pretty much anything we do, love giggling with you xxx

    1. Martine

      Loved the laughs with you too lovely x

  3. Carli

    It was lovely to briefly meet you Martine and great tips. How fabulous was James Tuckerman?!

    1. Martine

      Thanks Carli, yes we must catch up more next time. James was amazing. It was a fabulous way to start the day!

  4. mumspeak

    So bummed I couldn’t go. Glad it was so much insightful and fun!! And thanks for sharing your pearls.
    x

    1. Martine

      Thanks Lou, you must try and go next time…and yes it was a nice balance of learning and socialising!

  5. Kelly HTandT

    It looks and sounds like everyone gained so much from the 2 days and I’m really enjoying reading everyone’s post-problogger posts. Some great words of wisdom you’ve brought home from it, thanks for sharing x

  6. Kimberley M

    Love it, Martine! So great to meet you and hang out with you at Maha. Hope to catch up with you again soon! Kx

  7. Kylez @ A Study in Contradictions

    Your second point really resonates with me. My daughter is less than 6 weeks from turning 1 and there have definitely been times when I have wished that she would be on to the next stage and get past the one she was at because of some challenge or other. Now looking back, I wish I could have all that time again because this year has just gone so fast and I will never get those stages and things back. I’m definitely learning to live in the moment and try to enjoy each day as it comes and embrace the shitty stuff that comes with each stage because its becoming all too clear how fast life is moving and how quick she is growing up. Thank you for sharing this.

    1. Martine

      Oh so true Kylez. There will always be days that we wish away and want to be done with….but yes the years all go so quickly that even the bad days can soon be forgotten!

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