Mojo Mom Chapter 6: Express Yourself

I truly believe that creativity is the underutilized secret weapon of motherhood. Thinking of mother self as an artist has saved my sanity time and time again. When you are an artist, no experience is ever wasted. Life is all potential material that could fuel creativity in an unexpected way later on. So while we sign up our kids for art, music and drama class, let's remember to find our own creative outlets as well. My favorite outlet over the years has been improv comedy, something I wanted to do try in college but never actually did until I signed up as a class to blow off steam when my daughter was a todder. It was a fantastic outlet where I could take of my Mommy hat and not worry about saying the right thing for a change.

The chpater Express Yourself gives you dozens of ideas on how to find your creative outlet. And yes, this is the chapter where I talk about sexuality as well, because that is a key form of expression and intimacy, one that can present an ongoing challenge for every long-term relationship, especially through the transition to parenthood.


Creative Exploration

The Artist’s Way by Julia Cameron

The Creative Habit by Twyla Tharp

The Art of Possibility by Rosamund Stone Zander and Benjamin Zander

101 Improv Games for Children and Adults by Bob Bedore and Ian Barkeley

The Tarot Handbook: Practical Applications of Ancient Visual Symbols by Angeles Arrien, Ph.D.

Arrien's description of the The Princess of Disks was one of the few positive, powerful motherhood symbols I found while I was writing Mojo Mom. "The Princess of Disks is the pregnant lady who represents mastery of creative power. She is a woman who has been over the volcano and through the briar patch. She bears new life that has been gestating and incubating within her for some time...."

Women's Voices in Public Discourse

BlogHer

Women’s e-News

The Op-Ed Project

Sexuality--An important aspect of getting your mojo back, and an ongoing challenge for busy parents.

Great Sex for Moms: Ten Steps to Nurturing Passion While Raising Kids by Valerie Davis Raskin, M.D.

Sexy Mamas: Keeping Your Sex Life Alive While Raising Kids by Cathy Winks and Anne Semans

Mating in Captivity: Unlocking Erotic Intelligence by Esther Perel

Sex Smart: How Your Childhood Shaped Your Sexual Life and What to Do About It by Aline P. Zoldbrod, Ph.D.

Resurrecting Sex: Resolving Sexual Problems and Rejuvenating Your Relationship by David Schnarch, Ph.D.