During this historically long period of high-unemployment, too many people are working on their resumes, capturing all their areas of strength, documenting their experience, and sharing examples of how they performed in their various jobs, all in an effort to entice a new employer to meet them and ultimately hire them.

This thought got me to wondering what a mother’s resume would look like in comparison to a professional’s. I suppose it would depend on the experience of the mother and the professional. New moms and new professionals can offer some experience and the desire to work hard and learn. The more experienced mother and professional can offer solid examples of how they have performed and grown into roles with increasing levels of responsibility and then began mentoring other young mothers and professionals.

However, a new or experienced mother’s resume would include accomplishments that would never be captured in a professional’s resume.  A mother’s resume would include the times she stepped back and put her children first, her commitment to help her children through a  challenge no matter how painful or long it took, her limitless ability to forgive, her constant, steadfast belief in her children’s abilities and dreams, and, of course, the wisdom she imparted on them. These are examples of what would never be included in a professional’s resume, but are just some of the qualities that make a great mother.

Additionally, the job descriptions could not be more contrary.  Professionals, no matter how long the hours, eventually go off the clock.  Moms do not.  Professionals get sick time, vacation time, holidays off with pay.  Moms do not.  Professionals, even in a down market, can receive increased salary and a promotion.  Moms do not.  Professionals who want to make a career change or leave a job have that option.  Moms do not.  The long-term goal of a professional is to achieve higher titles and higher pay so that they can enjoy a well-lived retirement.  Not moms.

The job of a mom is the hardest and most selfless work a person can take on physically, financially, emotionally, and spiritually.  Here’s the thing though about mothers, they don’t think of it as work.  They have another four-letter word for it and that is L-O-V-E.

To all mother’s everywhere, and especially mine, I wish you a heart-felt Happy Mother’s Day!  Your children appreciate all you do for us and have taught us, especially all those wise Irish sayings!

Happy Easter!

The Irish are in full celebration mode.  We have just celebrated one of the most important days of the year, St. Patrick’s Day, and now we begin preparations to celebrate an even greater holiday, Easter.

Easter reminds us that God has ensured our success. To achieve it, we must work to see our dream come true, because,

God helps those that help themselves

And, as we diligently work and sacrifice to accomplish our goal, we will undoubtedly face setbacks. These setbacks may come too frequently; seem insurmountable, and very unfair. However,

God only gives you what you can bear

Somewhere along the line, as we work through these challenges, we will learn things about ourselves, someone else, and develop a confidence that allows us to meet our goal and prepares us for next one. Nothing is done in vain, as long as we learn something and remain positive.

But, life and dreams are complicated. You may even find that a dream may not have come to pass the way you had hoped. After properly mourning a loss, remember,

If God shuts a door, he opens a window

And that window will take us on a greater journey that puts new opportunities in place.

The challenges, set-backs, and losses may have us believing that we will never get there. It is at this point that we need remember that all things happen,

In God’s due time

There is a reason, unknown to us, why we must wait. It is the hardest thing of all to do. But, if we trust God, our dream will come to pass, and we will experience a greater sense of accomplishment and appreciation for all of our effort.

Dream big and always believe with the heart of a child!

An Irish Easter Blessing:

“At the breaking of the Easter dawn may the Risen Savior bless your home with grace and peace from above, with joy and laughter, and with love. And when night is nigh, and day is done Make He keep you safe from all harm.”

They say change is good, and it is.  However, it can be unnerving and sometimes the mere thought of all the ways a life changes–be it a new job, going away to school, starting a new business, etc.–can shake our confidence, cause us to focus on the potential negative outcomes, and have us feel overwhelmed.

You may find the below expressions helpful to remember when you need to remain focused as you transition into a new and exciting time in your life:

American ends in I CAN

 Anything worth having is worth working hard for

Cross that bridge when you come to it

Don’t paint the devil on the door until he is already there

Where there is a will there is a way

I am very pleased to announce that I have been featured along with 35 other women of Irish descent to share our personal stories covering everything from Irish charm, Irish luck, and Irish love of family, to Irish gumption in the newly released book Wise Irish Women: A Journey of Love, Loyalty, and Friendship to Inspire the Irish Spirit, authored by Patricia Connorton Kagerer, and her cousin Laura Prendergast Gordon.

The book was inspired by Tricia and Laura’s desire to share the strength and character of the very special Irish women in their lives along with words of wisdom from other women with deep ties to Ireland. Whether it’s a story by acclaimed author Mary Higgins Clark, playwright Marianne McDonald, QVC Host Jane Treacy, or Tricia and Laura themselves, each story is designed to inspire women to make a difference in their own corner of the world.

Wise Irish Women provided me with an opportunity to share the strength, courage, and character of the very special Irish women in my life. My grandmother, Bridget Ena Madden McCaffrey who came to the United States alone at the age of 18 from County Mayo Ireland in 1907 and through her example passed on a legacy of optimism, a good sense of humor, and wise expressions for navigating life’s ups and downs. For example, she would say “when you feel like you are at the end of your rope, tie a knot and hold on.” My mother, Patricia Eileen McCaffrey Gatz, continued the tradition by always being a positive role model to me and by arming me with the same wise words she learned from my grandmother, including “you can do anything you put your mind to.” I felt compelled to share that wisdom in my book, Wise Words & Witty Expressions. Now through Wise Irish Women, I can give my readers a closer look into how these words saw my grandmother, mother, and me through life’s most challenging moments.

I feel humbled to be among the very special women captured in this wonderful book. After finishing the book, I felt inspired and reminded of the power of the Irish. I know you will enjoy the book too!

Read what people are saying about Wise Irish Women:

“I am so pleased to be included in this wonderful collection of true stories. Wise Irish Women will make you laugh, and cry, and think, and love.” —Mary Higgins Clark International Bestselling Mystery Writer

“What a wonderful book, again illustrating that the Irish have it all, both the tragedy that shaped their thoughts and the joy and wit to see the rainbow after every rainfall. This book is the most precious pot of gold you could ever find!” —Marianne McDonald, PhD, MRIA, (Member Royal Irish Academy)

“Wise Irish Women embraces the essence of the Fearless Women Books, illuminating women who shine in their lives and make a difference in spite of their challenges and fears.” —Mary Ann Halpin Internationally Acclaimed Author and Photographer of the Fearless Women Books

To learn more about Wise Irish Women and to order the book, visit www.wiseirishwomen.com.

March is the month of St. Patrick’s Day and a time to celebrate all things Irish.  As a tribute to the Irish, who have shown tremendous courage and conviction in working to advance their place in the world, you may find the following expressions helpful to keep you focused on meeting your goals:

American ends in I CAN

Don’t have a defeatist attitude

Keep your eye on the prize

Plan your work and work your plan

You can do anything you put your mind to

I know you will be successful.  Think positively!

It is that most important of all the months of the year for the Irish, March, the month of St. Patrick’s Day.  In fact, in my recent travels, I passed an Irish organization that had a digital clock outside their building that was counting down the days, hours, minutes and seconds to St. Patrick’s Day.  All year, the Irish and people of all cultures from around the world look forward to heading off to parades and to pubs in celebration because

everyone is Irish on St. Patrick’s Day. 

And doesn’t that tell you all you need to know about the Irish.  We are a proud culture of people that enjoy a good time and want everyone to join in with us, fully believing

the more the merrier.

Why does all-the-world anticipate March 17th every year?  Well, we can chalk that up to the indomitable and contagious spirit of the Irish. We have shown the world that pride in our roots and acceptance of others are not mutually exclusive events.  By welcoming all into our celebration, the world remembers for at least one day during the year that

we are stronger when we stand together.

My wish is that we remember for more than one day during this year that we share more in common with each other than in difference and that we put our energy into building bridges of peace and understanding with each other.

Happy St. Patrick’s Day and may the luck of the Irish always be with you!

With Valentine’s Day approaching, love is on the mind and in the air.  According to Wikipedia, the name “Valentine” was derived from Valens meaning worthy, strong, and powerful.  When I think of love these are the words that come to my mind. To have a love that captures these qualities, be it in a family, friendship, or romantic relationship makes that relationship extraordinarily special. To be worthy, one must be willing to consider the needs of another above their own; to be strong one must be willing to be available through all life’s challenges and not waiver in their commitment; to be powerful love must consist of trust, respect, and honesty so that the relationship can continue to flourish.  This makes love anything but easy and sometimes we fall short, but our willingness to admit our shortcomings and work on improving them and our willingness to forgive allows our love relationships to grow in worthiness, strength, and power.

Love overlooks a lot

Therefore, real love, the kind of love that shapes who we are and who we will become and will stay within our heart forever, looks nothing like many of the Hollywood movies or TV sitcoms we see today.

Good looks won’t keep the fire burning
Looks fade, stupid is forever

Don’t fall prey to those that wish to manipulate our willingness to love for their own purposes.  That is not love and it would be helpful to:

Only give your tears to someone who deserves them

Valentine’s Day provides us with an opportunity to honor our love relationships for the peace, confidence, and strength they have given us on our journeys.  Take this opportunity to remember and acknowledge those whose love has been instrumental in your life.

Happy Valentine’s Day!

With Valentine’s Day approaching, love is on the mind and in the air.

Love in its infinite variety is the most powerful emotion and, therefore, provides us with the greatest level of pleasure and the greatest depth of pain.  As we focus our attention on love in the month of February, perhaps you will find the following expressions helpful to keep in mind in order to maintain a healthy relationship with love:

• Love overlooks a lot
• Good looks won’t keep the fire burning
• Just because there is snow on the roof does not mean there is no fire within
• Love is blind and marriage is an eye-opener
• Only give your tears to someone who deserves them

As the holidays wind down and we return to work, you may have that feeling of “ugg” thinking about the office nonsense you will have to face.  Let’s face it, unless you have a trust fund, you have to work and not everyone at your workplace is someone you want to spend all day with.  You may find the following expressions helpful to remember when the offices games start to tap dance on your nerves:

• Empty barrels make the most noise
• Be above that
• Give them enough rope and they will hang themselves
• Consider the source
• Crème always rises to the top

I hope you find these wise words and witty expressions helpful as you navigate your workplace. Don’t let the shenanigans of others detract from your God-given right to be at peace.

I am pleased to announce that I will be at the following “Meet the Author” events where I will be speaking and signing my book. I look forward to seeing you there!

May 17
2:00 – 4:00 p.m.
Sayreville Public Library
Creative Writing Workshop: Journey to Becoming a Self-published Author
1050 Washington Road
Parlin, NJ 08859
732-727-0212

http://www.sayrevillelibrary.org/index.php

Week of July 22
Lecture Series on the value of expressions &
the journey of a self-published author
Deerfield Spa
650 Resica Falls Road
East Stroudsburg, PA 18302
(800) 852-4494

http://www.deerfieldspa.com

Oct. 16
11:00 a.m.
St. Stan’s Seniors, Private Event
423 Main Street
Sayreville, NJ 08872

 
Past 2012 Events

March 10
11:oo a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Book Signing Trend Coffee & Tea House
411 Bloomfield Avenue Montclair, NJ 07042

https://www.trendcoffee.com/Home_Page.html

April 12
1:00 p.m.
Our Lady of Victory
Senior Meeting
Monsignor Dalton Hall
42 Main Street
Sayreville, NJ 08872