Livin' Like A Mother

It took fourteen years for me to figure out what was wrong with my mother. It hit me like a bolt of lightning at the age of 34. Her symptoms started when I was just 19. I remember frantically looking for my phone, spending hours with my good friend, Google. I had no idea if I was right or not, but it was the closest I had to the answer. So many thoughts came to me...how could I have not seen it before?  How did no one else know or care to put the pieces together? Schizophrenia. Life became a roller coaster of confusion the day my mom showed signs of a mental illness. She was a recently divorced, single mother raising me those fourteen years ago. Then one day she told me she may have breast cancer. She waited so long to tell anyone, as if it would go away, that by the time we saw a Doctor she was told it was too late. She had Stage 4 cancer and might have a few months to live. My mother is a strong, Filipino woman who raised me to see all things positive in th...

*Blog contains affiliate links I may receive a small commission on. Having a big family was not on my goal poster. In fact I was ready to stop at baby #1. I always say, Life happens while you're making plans. Maybe having a big family was not in my books but it was what we were given. I used to complain when I had just a few kids running the household, yup, those were the good `ole days. To be honest and open, the more kids we had the more difficult it was for me. I was going through changes in myself and constant changes in our daily routines. For 10 years I was either pregnant, just had a baby, or had a toddler in diapers. In fact, here I am STILL changing diapers at the age of 42. I remember getting so excited when one of the kids would start Kindergarten. YES! I am so close to having all my kids in school and finally getting some freedom! Haha fat chance sister, you aren't done yet, here's another little human. I love the new modern blogging moms. They don't...

As women we wear MANY hats, more so than our male counterparts, and its challenging! The tricky part  is how to trade off hats eloquently. If you're a work at home mommy like myself you understand the drill. If not I can sum it up with one of my favorite words of Facebook wisdom, "Why is it I can start out my day as Mary Poppins, only to end the day as Cruella DeVille?" I have many women come to me and ask "How do you do it?" As a mother of 5, owner and operator of two successful businesses including a social media marketing network, I can relate to many momprenuers out there. So here is my gift to you...more advice. I hope you find some words of wisdom, clarity, organization and your very own light bulb moments in this blog. I want to help you manage your many hats with some simple tips and tactics helping you juggle work, play, kids, spouse and you time like a Fashionista or Rockstar, whatever is your pleasure. I wish I could share with ...

Content created by: Dr. Brandon Shapiro  Co-Writer: Anita Burke  Why do I use Yoda quotes? They rock! They are point on and if you are not familiar with our little wise man in burlap do not worry...I am here to help. Helping shed light on a growing concern is my personal mission. I believe a sound mind and body will manifest all that is good in life, and "only the body heals itself". Hey, that's why I became a doctor in the first place, to spread this awareness to others. "Luminous beings are we. Not this crude matter."  Very true Yoda, you are so wise. I feel compelled to share with you who the real culprit is which causes anger, stress, depression and anxiety. The actual higher meaning to our displeasure, disease and emotional roller coasters. Before I share this with you, let me tell you about my style. I am to the point, raw and tells it like it is. Why? I know what really goes on out there my friends, as a doctor I see many unbelievable things....

Written by: Anita Burke  Why do moms decide to blog their life online for all to see? We could say "I want to inspire someone", or "my story might help another mama". Sure, those have passed through my mind, but I have come to realize something. In a moms world almost every action is pretty selfless, wouldn't you agree? So this journey of mine, my fellow mother tribers, is completely selfish. You see I "mom" ALL day (and if you're a mom I assume you may too) so if I don't put my crap out there somewhere Im going to flip my lid. Oh don't get me wrong my lids been flipped PLENTY.  I already experience meltdowns, wine comas, closet crying and my favorite...anxiety attacks. Yet all the advice I've been given to take time out for myself is complete nonsense I tell you. Why? Mom guilt can eat you up alive. I decided I want what all women need, a safe place to vent. Where I can unload my thoughts; the good, bad, ugly and funny thoughts....