Inspiring Mama:: Jamie Martin, Author of Steady Days

Jamie Martin is one seriously inspiring Mama! She not only writes an amazing blog called Steady Mom, but she has also published a great book, called Steady Days.

Jamie says, "Steady Mom is one of those resources, providing the ideas and inspiration mothers need to nurture our children and enjoy deeper relationships in our families. I hope my blog encourages other moms who are juggling multiple roles and, like me, sometimes feel overwhelmed by all that is required of us. "

Jamie does all this as well as raising her 3 little ones. I asked Jamie if she would sit down with me and answer a few questions for our Inspiring Mama Series. She was happy to do so and also agreed to offer one reader a signed copy of her book! To be entered into the drawing for her book, please leave a comment here...we will announce the winner on Saturday March 20th ...Congrats Pinecone304 on winning!

Before reading the interview I encourage you to watch this short video about Jamie and her book, Steady Days:


Suzy: Thank you so much for visiting with us today, Jamie. Your book, Steady Days, and blog, Steady Mom, are so inspiring and I am thrilled that you are a part of our Inspiring Mamas Series!

Jamie: Thanks so much for having me, Suzy. It's an honor to be interviewed here.

Suzy: First of all, can you tell us a bit about your book, Steady Days, and why you decided to write it?

Jamie: The subtitle of Steady Days is "a journey toward intentional, professional motherhood." The idea for the book came to me through a playgroup I was a part of. I was a mother to two babies, struggling to create a new identity for myself that included "Mommy" as a big part of my job description.

Many women I met in the playgroup were on a similar journey, looking to take the skills and intention with which they had lived their lives and careers before having kids and somehow merge these two worlds. I began to wonder what it would look like to approach my parenting role in a more mindful way, and that's what led me to write Steady Days.

Suzy: You offer so many amazing ideas and tips to other parents on intentional and mindful parenting. Where do these ideas come from and where do you find inspiration?

Jamie: Most of my ideas come through trial and error! I am a mom currently in the trenches with three little ones at home. As I find an idea that works for us I love to share it in the hopes that it will work for another family or will lead them to discover an even better idea. I find a lot of inspiration from other mothers, both those around me and online, and also from my children. I think often, if we are paying attention, our children will show us the way forward.

Suzy: You say that organization comes easy to you and you have clearly found many ways to make parenting a bit easier by staying organized. Can you share with us some of your more challenging days and/or aspects of parenting that you have struggled to find tools that work?

Jamie: What I talk about in Steady Days is the importance of evaluating WHY you are organized or disorganized. By nature I am a fairly organized person, but that in itself is not always a positive thing. For example, many of my early attempts at organization were really in an effort to control--either my circumstances or those around me. And that is not an acceptable, positive influence on my family. So I've needed to look for ways to let go of the control while maintaining the level of organization that serves us.

We still, of course, have many challenging days and that's one thing I share openly about--in both my book and my blog Steady Mom. I want to give a realistic picture of life as a journey with both highs and lows. But the highs far outweigh the lows.

Suzy: You say that time is a gift, and as a Mom this statement really resonates with me. You have offered ways to help parents use time wisely, whether when cleaning the house or using the computer. For those of us who struggle with time management, can you offer a bit of advice on how to get started with using this gift of time more wisely?

Jamie: I suggest starting with one small step--making just one small change, as you've advocated on your blog. Flexibility is the key when you have little ones and you're trying to manage your time. You must make your time management goals fit in line with both your season in life as well as your personality.

Trying to schedule your life exactly the way someone else does will just set you up for failure. That's why in my book I give many examples and possibilities, always encouraging my readers to find out what works best for them. That is what will lead to long-term progress and successful change.

Suzy: Thank you so much for taking time out of your day to share with us!

Jamie: Thanks to you and your readers for having me!

I encourage you to stop by Jamie's blog and browse around. I have no doubt that you will feel welcome, enjoy yourself, and come away with some useful information.

Congrats Pinecone304 for winning a signed copy of Jamie's book, Steady Days! Thanks to everyone for participating!

Inspiring Mama:: Jamie Martin, Author of Steady Days