Over the weekend I had a “light bulb” moment; a moment so strong and bright I was tempted to write or tweet Oprah and tell her about it. It’s the kind of thing that we search most of our lives trying to find – the right place to fit in and feel wanted, a chance to be ourselves in a space that allows us to follow our passion and chase a dream.
You may remember from my Project Mom Casting video that one of my childhood dreams was to become a Radio City Rockette. I was a dancer since the age of 3 and as a little girl it was all I ever really wanted to be.
Well, that and a writer.
I dreamt about publishing a book of my very own (one fine day) and seeing my name featured in a popular magazine. I guess I somehow always imagined my name in print.
{Insert light bulb moment}
I guess I always imagined my name in print.
Now I may not be the most gifted or technical writer out there but what I am sure of is that I have found my voice – and this voice has resonated with so many women and mothers.
THIS is what I was destined to do.
THIS is my call to action.
THIS has been a dream of mine and I am right now fulfilling it through this blog.
I *do* have my name in print and it can be seen at the very top of this post, “by Theta Mom.” And although I may not have 100,000 subscribers what I do have is an amazing, dedicated readership who actually care about what I have to say, who continue to come back again and again; women who continue to inspire me and make me want to do this every single day.
THAT is empowering.
THAT is why I blog.
And THAT is why I will continue to support this Mission.
My name *is* in print – and I can’t wait to see where this journey takes me next.
Tractor Mom says
Well said, Theta Mom! See, I put your name in print again!
Come by when you get another light bulb moment…
Joy says
I had those two childhood dreams too! Well, except it wasn’t the Rockettes – it was the White House. I was going to be The First Female President! AND An Author!
I’m living the 2nd dream now, and happy to let the first one go to others — I don’t need any more stress or gray hair.
Maureen @Tatter Scoops says
Very well said and to me you are a writer! You put your voice out there to inspire so many and to me that is amahzying 😀
Theta Mom says
And THAT Maureen was the exactly the sentiment I tried to convey in this post. My voice may not be heard the traditional way, but through this blog, yes, I *am* published.
Chrissy MacCEO says
It’s truly fantastic when we have these sort of “visions” – congrats on realizing yours! And you do have a fabulous blog, so keep at it!
Lindsay @ Just My Blog says
Heather, you are certainly making a difference in many lives each and every day…even if you don’t know it. More than the fact that people know your name and people like you….You have always blogged with such integrity that we not only like you…we RESPECT you. And THAT is something to be proud of. In this world where everyone is always looking for something to tear someone else down, you are coming out on top. I’ve never truly read a negative thought on here and I RESPECT you for that. Your name is in print because it deserves to be. And I’m still hoping for that book…I’d buy the Theta Mom Chronicles.
Theta Mom says
Lindsay,
And a comment like this from a reader like you means SO much. I try to continue to raise the bar on “blog standards” and encourage others to do the same. I have always remained professional and treated this blog as well as every single reader with respect. I agree, I have a created an environment that fosters integrity and sincerity, and I am SO glad it is also perceived in that way.
Thank you for the kind words and for always reading. You, my friend, are an integral part that keeps this train moving!!
xo
Miranda says
Hear, Hear!!
(or is it “Here, here!”? I never know…)
Your name IS in print. You ARE making a difference. You DO have people who want to read what you have to say. That’s worth something, you know?
Theta Mom says
Without a doubt Miranda – worth a lot!!
By Word of Mouth says
and we have lightbulb moments shine we read you …
so smart, and caring, and ever thoughtful and insightful.
You were the first ‘community’ I came across and you take care of it like a very great leader – thank you!
Theta Mom says
Thank you so much for this awesome comment – it makes me so happy to know that others are connecting and networking in this space – which is the very reason I began TMC.
Lindsey says
Bravo! Good for you for naming your dream – I have the same one, and am shamefully reticent about acknowledging it aloud (WHY?) … and for recognizing that you are achieving it.
xox
Theta Mom says
Shout it out LOUD Lindsey – especially since YOU are the kind of writer I admire and have tons of respect for.
Shout it on the rooftops girl because you have the talent!!
Jessi says
Congratulations on your light bulb moment! You are helping women all over. Your readership might not be 100,000 yet, but it will be. Keep it up, mama. We’re all behind you!
Theta Mom says
Thank you!!! That is SO awesome that you are here and reading.
Michelle says
Amen! So great that blogging has brought you such fufillment. I love blogging and will continue to do it as long as I enjoy it.
Kmama says
Yes, your name IS in print!! And you are a fabulous woman and writer!!
FYI…my WP plugin for comments wasn’t installed when you commented, so you didn’t get my reply emailed to you. It should be fixed now. 😉 Thanks for the comment!
Nobody says
i wish i could see it that way. my ultimate desire to be published writing fiction fantasy doesn’t quite get satisfied through my blog, though. it IS, however, relatively cheap therapy and fulfills other voids in my heart. i love blogging despite my low number of followers- and i’m so glad there are other people out there who understand why!
Theta Mom says
Keep at that dream and don’t let anyone stop you – and I’ve always said that everyone has different blogging goals…continue to blog as long as it brings YOU joy.
And thanks for reading. You are the women who make this worth the ride for me!!
Melissa (Confessions of a Dr.Mom) says
I really like your way of thinking because it *is* so true. Congratulations Theta Mom! You really have done a lot and you have a clear and purposeful mission…one you should be proud of. One, that I am thankful for. Oprah would be proud. You should be proud.
Rock on Mama!
Theta Mom says
Thanks for the vote of confidence!! I will rock on mama!!
Rebekah C says
I think one of the biggest things that keeps me coming back here is that you definitely really “get” what makes blogging such an important thing to me. Blogging is about community, support, friendship and just…connecting. I love how you’ve taken your dream and created a rich community with it.
Theta Mom says
Rebekah,
Seriously, it’s comments like this that keep this ship sailing! I am so happy there are so many women and mothers here to supprt and connect with one another – that has been my vision since Day 1. Thanks for being a part of the journey!
Shell says
Wow- what an awesome reminder!
Jaime says
Did you know that Theta Mom is one of the few blogs that I stay on top of? Seriously, I have over 800 unread items in my Google Reader right now but when I click over to Theta Mom it says “Theta Mom” has no unread items.” The reason for this is because I can relate to you and enjoy what you write.
Keep up the great work!
Nicole says
You wanted to be a Rockette? I wanted to be on Broadway! That or a concert pianist. Instead I got my MA in economics, so not sure about that!
Keep up the great work. I’m still trying to get your widget on my blog. I may be an economist but apparently I am befuddled by blogger. Oh well, I shall try again!
Khara says
Well, it might not be 100,000 but 2,928 and growing every minute is not too shabby! Thank you for the wonderful forum!
Theta Mom says
Glad that you are a part of it!! Thanks for the comment!
Alexis says
I’ve wanted to be a writer since before I can remember, too. And your lightbulb moment has become my lightbulb moment, too, so thanks for that. Even though I haven’t gotten published (yet) by a major company, I publish myself almost every day. And people actually want to read it! It’s kind of amazing, actually. Thanks for the reminder that I don’t have to wait to realize my dreams.
Alexandra says
You said it so very perfectly.
In my own little corner of the world, I exist.
And I make the world better for someone who needs a lift.
That’s all I ever wanted: to lighten someone’s load.
This is beautiful, ThetaMom, so in perspective.
And, again, I find myself relating to you.
Thank you for being here.
Sarah at the Stroller Ballet says
I can really relate to this! I have thought so many times, since starting my blog, “wow, I really wish I could do something with a writing career”. I love to write, as well, and after a year I feel like I have really gained a voice. And it’s so true – through my blog I have accomplished that! Thanks for the reminder…and I think you definitely do have a lot to be proud of with your blog. You are an inspiration to so many!!
Tracie says
You are so right. I had that author dream when I was a kid too. And the Wonderwoman dream (who doesn’t want an invisible flying vehicle?)
Paula@Simply Sandwich says
And I am very grateful that your name is in print because you are so inspiring to me! Writing is something I love as well and I would have LOVED to have been a Rockette except my short little legs would have never fit the bill!
Theta Mom says
Paula,
A comment like this from a reader means so much – so thank you!! I hope I continue to inspire.
Cheryl D. says
That’s great that you’ve found your voice–I’m still looking for mine! LOL
That being said, I do get a thrill when I hit my “publish” button on my blog. It makes me feel so important! And I LOVE getting comments. I may not have a huge readership (heck, even a little readership), but I enjoy having the outlet and having people read what I have to say!
Thanks for opening up your blog as a community! It’s wonderful!
Christine says
You radiate with every post you write. I love that about this place. It’s infectious and lovely, and I can’t wait to see where it takes you!
Anne says
Your posts are always so very true and well expressed. I also have a dream of having my name in print some day. But for now I am so glad that I am able to write and publish material that gets read by others – thanks to your wonderful community that you’ve built! You should consider yourself a writer. After all, you have thousands who read your words every day and that’s a lot more readers that some obscure print journal would have!
Amy Sullivan says
I know that feeling of being made to write and truly feeling as if writing must be a part of your destiny.
Be proud of the amazing thing you are doing here!
Kristy says
I know! I used to complain about how I would never have the time to write and follow my true dream, but then I started blogging, and here I am! Writing more than I ever have in my life. And I am so open to the possibilities in that.
http://www.pampersandpinot.com
julia says
well said Heather. you DO have a fantastic following. I remember first reading your blog when you first started!! I admit, I don’t comment as often as I should… probably b/c I get your posts by email. but thanks for all you do for bringing women together.
anna c says
this is something i needed to hear this morning. thanks for saying (writing!) it. your name is in print for all of the good reasons listed here.
Erin Brooks says
Yes it is girl! Your writing is awesome, fun and inspiring. You know how to connect with your readers and make them wanting to come back for more! Sam and I come everyday to your site!
Allison @ Alli 'n Son says
It’s it amazing when you realize that all of your time and energy is going towards exactly what you wanted in life? amazing
Jen says
I love those light bulb moments!
Melinda says
Yes, seeing your name here is awesome! And I think we’ll be finding it in other places as well. I believe in ya! ;0)
Sugar Mama says
My childhood dream was to be a counselor. And now I need one. ;o)
Awesome that you realized how having your name in print can be so many different things… and you’ve accomplished that! You are an incredible writer and share so much with so many of us.
Thanks!
Flory says
Heather, you are a writer. A good one too! Keep writing!
Missy says
Sometimes our dreams can still be fulfilled, they just take on a different form then we originally imagined them to be.
Tina @ Life Without Pink says
I am a true believe that our words as bloggers are VERY powerful and influential. From the day you started to blog, you hit a chord with a lot of women and it hasn’t stopped since. Many of us {like me} look up to you and I know part of the reason for starting my second blog {this one} was because of you. Keep writing, keep following your dream…you never know where it will take you.
Cyrene says
Bringing women together from around the world is a colossal accomplishment Heather! One that you deserve accolades for. Thank you for keeping it real, and for the positive attitude and tone that you set here. We have too much negativity going around in the world and it’s refreshing to see someone who stands for unity and friendship.
Jackie says
Congratulations on achieving your dream!! And with the great writing that you do you will reach that number of 10,000 or even 100,000 readers!
Thank you for being here to inspire all of us!
Jen says
I have this same dream, I want to see my name in print. I didn’t realize that it already is. Right there are the top of all my posts, the posts which I pour my heart and soul into.
Loukia says
Yes, your name IS in print! And what you’ve done over here at Theta Mom is amazing and you should be SO proud! I have the same dream, too. And I guess my blog is that, a little bit, huh? I’d love to have a book published one day, too!
Imperfect Momma says
You are so right! I have had those same dreams. Well not to be a Rockette…I wanted to be on Broadway. But I do want to be a published author. Guess I already am right? Thanks for the reminder.
Brittany at Mommy Words says
Thanks Heather I needed that lightbulb too! You are always inspiring and here you go THETA MOM in print in caps!
xoxo
Elizabeth Flora Ross says
And what a wonderful voice it is! Beyond having your name in print, you touch people’s lives. You inspire them. You help them. You do so much more than just write.
Looking forward to connecting with you via The Red Dress Club. You’ll love it, and be a great addition.
Erin Margolin says
Love the power and strength I hear in this post. Heather, you are awesomesauce! We all admire you so much!
Rachel {at} Mommy Needs a Vacation says
Your name is TOTALLY in print lady!! And I LOVE it!
Maria says
Love those lightbulb moments!!
Roxane says
We, as your readers, already knew that you are way deserving of “Theta Mom” on a big fat shiny Vegas-like marquee.
Congrats on discovering what we already knew!
Theta Mom says
Your comment right now just MADE MY DAY! Thank you!!
We are bloggers – but moreover, we are writers!!
xo
Shannon says
I wanted to be a Rockette once, too. I contemplated an audition when I lived in NYC but that never went further than pretending to perform “One” from “A Chorus Line” at a class at Broadway Dance Center.
I gave up that dream a while ago but I still dream of writing a novel. I’m working on that one.