Let’s be real, being a Mom is H-A-R-D, some days more so than others… Maybe by 10 a.m. you’ve already given two baths, changed outfits three times (you included). Then you were accidentally kicked in the face, which caused your precious cup of mom fuel to spill all over you… all while having to negotiate literally every detail of the day! #toddlerlife

Does this sound familiar to anyone? Well, this is how I’d describe a predominantly challenging morning in my household… please send help!

On those days in particular, I’ve found it’s – E S S E N T I A L - to have a pump-up routine in my back pocket.

Ironically, this “pump-up theory” all came together from the combination of: the wit of my wild 2-year-old and something my Boss always used to say before I’d go on-camera at Fox Sports.

Before walking on-set to shoot a Sports Update Segment my Boss always said, “Tara, did you do your pump-up routine?” I’ll never forget the first time this exchanged happened. Surprised I said, “Um…no, I didn’t know that was a thing.” He convincingly explained, you cannot expect to go on-camera and bring your best energy without giving yourself some sort of pep-talk. We are not robots and nor does anyone to expect us to be. To deliver our BEST self we must commit to doing whatever is going to put that extra pep-in-our-step.

For me, listening to music is an immediate pick-me-up. When I’m feeling low-energy, defeated by the day, about to go on-camera, or even tackle the day with my energetic toddler. I habitually put on my current anthem. Right now, it’s Carrie Underwood’s song  “Champion.” If you haven’t heard this one, download it now. You’ll thank me later!

Henry just recently started saying to me, “MAMA BE HAPPY,” in a very serious + bossy tone. I’m naturally a pretty peppy person, so if he sees me frustrated or upset he gets a little confused. The first time he said that it immediately snapped me out of my funk and a guilty smile appeared across my face. But, I remember thinking to myself, “Oh like it’s that easy to just flip the switch.”

The truth is - it IS! Being H-A-P-P-Y is an uncomplicated choice. Deciding on happy is an important life skill, in my opinion. It means you’ve developed a higher level of awareness to how you’re feeling. For the record, it’s “ok” to feel like things are hard, especially on those extra challenging days. You just don’t have to stay in that mode forever. In order to make it through, you have to give yourself that energy boost to make it over the hump. Just like before a big performance. Even on the days when I’m at home with my son and no one is watching, he’s watching and so am I, which is the most important audience there is. Choose Happy by pressing pause for a deep breath, then press play to your pump-up routine and carry that energy boost with you through the day.

It really is THAT easy, it’s all about how you choose to see it. Hang in there, Mamas! Always remember you all are already a Champion to some very special little ones.

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