🍂 Issue #15 - FALLing in love with slowing down
Tips to embrace the season of NOvember, this month's Amazon picks, community highlights and more
Hi there,
In case you missed it, we’re officially in the “Let’s circle back after the holidays” and “NOvember” seasons. And I don’t know about you, but to me, this means our time to shine has come. Let’s focus on practicing what we preach and actually saying “no” to things that do not align with our current season in life without feeling guilty for prioritizing ourselves (and our families).
Here's to intentionally slowing down in these next few weeks, giving yourself the freedom to do what feels right, resisting the temptation to overcommit, and allowing this deliberate slowdown to create space for the things that genuinely matter.
xx
Ingrid
P.S. Don't forget to check in on your mom friends. Just forward this email or share this link.
🛍 This month’s Amazon picks
These UGG Tasman Slippers have over 24k reviews. Moms all over social are obsessed because they’re cute and will keep your feet warm.
Say goodbye to cold coffee (or tea or whatever your choice of bev is) with this smart mug that keeps your drink warm! It has over 8k reviews and it is the #1 best seller in mugs.
Protect your eyes from harmful UV rays with these SOJOS oversized and polarized sunnies.
Keep your feet dry with these chelsea rain boots that over 23k+ reviews and come in different colors
Here’s what is happening in our lives at the moment
The end of the year is underway and the activities, requests, invites, etc., are starting to pile up! And in order to avoid breaking down, we need to focus on the two P’s: pause and prioritize. This November, let's embark on a journey of self-empowerment by embracing the power of saying “no”.
The pressure to overcommit during the last season of the year can be overwhelming. From holiday gatherings to school events, it's easy to find ourselves stretched thin. However, there's strength in setting boundaries and saying “no” to activities that don't resonate with our values or bring genuine joy.
📌 Consider this: by prioritizing ourselves and our families, we create a space for authentic connections and memorable moments. Instead of spreading ourselves thin, let's focus on quality over quantity.
💡Here are four tips to help you navigate the next few weeks:
Reflect on your priorities: Take a moment to identify what truly matters to you and your family. This clarity will guide you in making decisions aligned with your values.
Set clear boundaries: It's okay to decline invitations or commitments that add stress without value. Communicate your limits respectfully, and remember that saying “no” is a powerful act of self-care.
Delegate responsibilities: Share the load with your partner, family members, or friends. Delegating tasks can alleviate stress and create a more balanced and less stressful environment.
Schedule “me/us time”: Carve out moments for self-care without guilt for yourself or invite your partner to join. Whether it's a quiet cup of tea, a short walk, or going out to eat, investing in yourself and your relationship is crucial for overall well-being.
Remember, saying “no” doesn't mean you're letting others down; it means you're choosing to prioritize yourself. This season, let's celebrate the strength that comes with prioritizing our (and our families) mental and emotional well-being. By doing so, we not only nurture ourselves but also create a more meaningful and joyous holiday season for our families.
🫶 And so you don’t feel alone in this, we asked the community what they’re saying “no” to this season, and here are a few of the answers:
🤓 Need inspo? Here are a few polite and concise ways to decline an invitation or request:
For an Invitation: “Thank you so much for inviting me, but I won't be able to make it this time. I appreciate the thought!”
For a Request: “I appreciate you reaching out, but unfortunately, I'm unable to commit to this at the moment. Thank you for understanding.”
General Decline: “I'm grateful for the invitation/opportunity, but I won't be able to participate. I hope it goes well!”
Expressing Gratitude: “Thank you for thinking of me, but I won't be able to attend/participate. I'm grateful for the invitation/opportunity.”
Remember to keep it brief, express gratitude, and, if necessary, you can offer a concise reason for your decline.
ICYMI on social
Working Momkind’s merch store is live! Tap here to browse and shop.
Jeanelle Teves, General Manager of North America for Bugaboo shares two tools for setting up a new month as a working mom to two under 6.
Are you an entrepreneur looking for funding? Check out this post by Entreprenista featuring four business grants currently accepting applications.
Michelle Pratt, CPST, from @safeintheseat shared Amazon’s Black Friday car seat sales! Check them out and save to cart so you don’t miss out.
Trending articles
🔥🔥🔥Doing Non-Promotable Work? Here’s How to Write About It in Your Performance Review by Catherine Tansey | Lattice
🔥🔥🔥World’s Top Companies for Women edited by Rachel Rabkin Peachman | Forbes
Resilience Is About How You Recharge, Not How You Endure by Shawn Achor and Michelle Gielan | HBR
Why You Should Build a “Career Portfolio” (Not a “Career Path”) by April Rinne | HBR
NEW! Introducing "mom to mom,” a new interview series featuring moms from our community, who will be sharing their best tips and advice for navigating motherhood.
Meet Daniela Procopio the founder of SOLMA Tea, the first ready-to-drink lactation tea supplement. Inspired by her personal experiences and challenges and guided by the expertise of a certified lactation consultant, SOLMA Tea strives to provide breastfeeding mothers with an all-in-one solution, empowering them to effortlessly boost their milk supply and fulfill hydration needs when they need it most. Daniela lives in Massachusetts with her husband and three kids.
WM: What’s the best piece of advice you’ve received since becoming a mother?
DP: To best care for your baby and your family, you must care for yourself. Make yourself a priority as well. Stay on top of your physicals and practice self-care when you can. You cannot pour from an empty cup.
WM: What advice would you give to moms who are thinking about starting their own business while also raising kids?
DP: It’s okay if you don’t have everything figured out. Just start and put one foot in front of the other. Have your “why” be your north star and figure it out as you go.
WM: Managing a business and being a mom is no easy feat. How do you balance your professional and personal life?
DP: Certain times during my day are blocked off as a “nonnegotiable” time, meaning I cannot move what is there. Typically, things in that slot are:
Pre-scheduled work deliverables
Dinner with kids
Other activities with the children
I set strict boundaries to help delineate when I can focus on professional tasks versus when I need to have my full attention elsewhere.
WM: What inspired you to start your own business, and how has being a mom influenced your entrepreneurial journey?
DP: I’ve always had an entrepreneurial spirit. The idea for SOLMA was born from my first postpartum journey, so in a way, being a mom is what inspired me to leap into entrepreneurship. I felt a need in the market for a ready-to-drink lactation-support beverage to support a busy lifestyle. Being on this journey has clearly defined my why. On days when things feel discouraging, or the to-do list doesn’t seem to be shrinking, I focus on my “why.” My children are at the heart of why I got started on this journey, and the opportunity to positively impact breastfeeding women everywhere is also the fuel that keeps the flame burning.
✦🎉 Community Highlights🎉 ✦
Raena Boston, the mom behind @theworkingmomtras and co-founder of Chamber of Mothers, was honored last week with a Care Catalyst Award at Care Fest. This award is given to influencers for “sharing their care experiences and helping us imagine a world where care is visible, valued, and supported.” Congrats, Raena!
Lindsey Suriani completed her first half marathon in under 3 hours after training for 14 weeks! Woohoo, thanks for the inspo, and congrats, Lindsey!
Alyssa Arnold, Christine Jackson, Lauren Ramirez, and Megan Sykes all recently gave birth to beautiful babies! Sending so much love your way. xx
💌 As seen on Substack:
is a newsletter with an expert-backed exploration of the many truths of motherhood—from two journalists and maternal health advocates. Type your email below and hit “subscribe” to get it straight in your inbox!Partner of the month: Guava
Redefining the portability standard of travel-tested gear for parents.
This issue was brought to by Ingrid Zapata Read, founder of Working Momkind. Got a question or suggestion? Leave a comment or get in touch.
Wonderful issue as always, Ingrid! Thank you for including Two Truths 🙏🏻❤️