* Please note: I am not really a sugar coater. When it comes to pregnancy, babies, and children, I'm not the mushy gushy type. I like to keep it real and admit that a lot of women actually did not enjoy pregnancy, and that all parentshave children that drive them crazy from time to time. (Some more than others, I'm sure.) This does not mean that those parents are not as good of parents or that they love their child any less. So, if you are offended by anything I say.....Sorry!

In early March of 2010, I found out I was pregnant. I went to see my Doctor for the first time and cried. Now, I wasn't crying out of happiness, I wasn't crying because I was sad. Tears welled down my face and all I could say was "but I'm a hula hoop performer and business is just starting to get good!!!" Yes, that initial selfishness of "How the hell and I going to grow my business as a hot hoop performer with a belly???" I had come to terms with the fact that I had to put me on the backburner and that I was carrying and growing a human being inside of my body. It took me a few months to pick up a hoop again and get back on my feet. (See video!) (http://www.hoopcity.ca/video/12-weeks-5-days) I also had to sit back and watch my fellow hoopers develop and progress while a felt like I stalled (No hoop pun intended). I'm not going to lie.....it kind of sucked.

Now, as I stated in my first blog, not only am I a hoop dancer, but I am a full time high school art teacher. Ask ANY teacher and they will tell you that education is a 24 hour job! (We even dream of school, students, and parents....but it's usually called nightmares!) I was shuffling teaching art, teaching hoop, promoting, creating, and finding time for me which usually was for rest. And then comes baby!

Moms AND Dads of ALL careers can relate to the fear of not being successful due to their attention being split.

Determination. Man, did I think that I was determined before my child! I believe that any parent that wants to succeed professionally will push even harder to obtain that dream. I also believe that some sort of support systemis important. We usually think of the mother caring for a baby, which truly is the case when she is pregnant. (duh!) But, after that 9 months, a father's role with his career is changed as well. The love of my life (Mike) is a musician and makes a living off of making sound. We had some life changes that were necessary. I am fortunate that he is home during the days so my son does not have to go into daycare. When I get home from work, Mike is able to rehearse or gig. We also have family locally that can watch my son (Coltrane) on the weekend so I am able to go out to see Mike play or to perform. It is important to keep doing the things that you did before baby, even if it is at a smaller scale. 

Single Parents, you can do it!  It is NOT easy to be a parent with a partner, and I give my utmost respect to those who do it alone. You deserve a metal!!!! (Especially during those toddler years....I feel at times I'm going to rip out my hair!) Determination. We CAN do whatever we want!!!! We just may not be able to do it as fast as we want.

So, how do we as (new) parents come to grips that our path to success will be more difficult?

{Sigh} Here is the hard part. You will not be able to do ANYTHING as quickly as before!!! Well, except maybe move when you see your child in danger. (Hoop Plug: My reflexes and reaction time are quicker than ever since I started hula hooping!!!) However, when it comes to business, you can't dedicate the time the way it was before child. You will start to prioritize what is important in life! (1. Family 2. Career) You will start creating schedules! (Kids are good at forcing you to do that!) And soon, you will find that things will become, wait for it....wait for it......easier! It's amazing how a child can change your perspective on everything!

Again, we can do whatever we want in life. You have to want it bad enough! It may not come as quickly as you planned or want it to be, but it will come. Keep doing the things that you love doing, even in small doses. Children grow so quickly, that soon you will say "where did that baby go???" Don't regret not soaking in every little moment of your sweet child. Follow the path that your life is leading you because it keeps getting better! Be patient, don't be afraid to compromise, be inspired, inspire, be driven, be patient, be patient, be patient!

Love and Hoopiness!

Psyche - Founder of Hoopin'Spiration