A Secret to Success as a Working Mom: Turn Burn Out Into Bliss and Embrace Joy

Last weekend my youngest was committed to going to the "Water Steps" a man-made water fall in Pittsburgh by the rivers. (Fun Fact: Three rivers converge in Pittsburgh--The Ohio River, The Monongahela River, and the Allegheny River.)  He kept asking. I knew he was serious when he said, "If you won't take me, I'll ask  daddy!" Given that it was highly unlikely that would happen on an unscheduled day, I relented. So, we went. It wasn’t planned in the way most things in my life are. No calendar block. No checklist. No “productive” purpose attached. And, so in some respects it was uncomfortable. And yet, it seemed necessary. It was the idea of my 8-year-old—offered with the kind of urgency only children possess when something is profoundly important to them.

Birthday Greetings-What’s Right About Social Media




I am feeling honored, humbled and incredibly loved. People comment a lot about what's wrong with social media. Let me tell you what is right with it--birthday wishes.

My birthday was Saturday, November 5th. All weekend I was blessed with hundreds of birthday greetings from family, extended family, friends, and friends of my siblings from all over the country. I have received poems, tributes, virtual cakes, and well wishes. These were sent to me on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter. I even received a cool message from the Twitter gods that included balloons that the kids and I were able to pop!


All of the messages, likes, and photos, reminded me of how blessed I am. They helped make my day more special and helped me have a very happy birthday! Social media has been criticized for a variety of reasons. However, based on the love I received during my birthday weekend, I believe that it's alright! :-)

Sharing Birthday Wishes: If you'd like to leave me a birthday wish or give me the gift of following me, click on these links, FacebookInstagram and Twitter!

Birthday Dinner at Revel and Roost


A photo posted by Chaton Turner (@chatonsworld) on


Don't worry, I also had a great birthday in real life too. I received songs from my uncle, mother and kids. I received numerous gifts from my family. My husband also arranged a birthday dinner for me at Revel and Roost. After that, we got turned up at Social House 7 and Seven in the Cultural District. If I'm feeling brave, I'll post the video! :-)

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