I recently stumbled upon a thought-changing podcast featuring Rory Vaden, best-selling author of Take the Stairs: 7 Steps to Achieving True Success. In the podcast, Rory explained that, as humans, we are inclined to take the path of least resistance in life. (Guilty here.) He then offered a really cool analogy illustrating how procrastination inevitably leads us to more pain and problems.

In the Colorado Rockies, most storms come from the west and head eastward. Apparently, buffaloes and cows respond very differently to these oncoming storms.

When cows see a storm approaching, they run in the opposite direction from it. Unfortunately for them, they aren’t the fastest thing on cloven hooves. As the storm catches up with them, the cows fail to realize they are actually now running with the storm, prolonging the amount of time they have to endure the inclement weather.

Buffaloes, on the other hand, actually run directly toward a storm when they see it coming, so it passes over them quickly and their exposure is limited.

The bottom line from all this cowboy talk?

1. What seemed like avoidance actually prolonged the pain.
2. What seemed like a sacrifice brought desired results more quickly.

Problems we procrastinate on are amplified. Projects we procrastinate on prevent progress. 

Today, are you ready to be a buffalo and face your challenges head on?

To download a FREE frame-able print of my buffalo graphic, click here.

Today on the blog, I have the privilege of introducing you to a very sweet and talented friend of mine. I met Robin at the Allume Conference last year when I was, like, a thousand months pregnant and wishing I could be put to sleep until I gave birth. So it is very fitting she happens to be the author of a book highlighting the ups and downs of motherhood. Take it away, Robin …

I’m honored that Susan has allowed me to introduce myself and share about Then I Became a Mother. Occasionally, I refer to the book by its acronym: TIBAM.

Of course, you’ve got to pronounce it correctly. The stress falls on the second syllable. TI-BAM! (Feel free to imagine me saying this while holding my fist aloft or giving my thigh a good-natured slap. There’s some power behind the utterance.)

Most often, though, I find myself using the expression when I notice something about my environment – or about myself – that wasn’t evident eight years ago before I became a mother.

When I slide open the top rack of the dishwasher and notice that every item is either a plastic bowl or cup, for instance, I chalk it up to TIBAM.

When I memorize the entire PBS cartoon line-up, it’s because of TIBAM.

When I’m woken before six in the morning by a child with an urgent, yet remarkably random question (Is it true that the national bird is an eagle? Would a stamper work on my sister’s head?), TIBAM is written all over it.

When I rummage in my purse to search for car keys but instead find a diaper, Goldfish cracker crumbs, a naked Barbie and a pine cone, it’s due to TIBAM.

When I see the young mother in the supermarket – the one hushing her crying newborn, the one who feels like the walls are closing in on her, the one whose eyes reveal the weariness inherent in new motherhood – I want to hug her and whisper in her ear that she’s going to make it. I know because of TIBAM.

When I understand that it’s possible to be as equally thankful for bedtime at night as it is to be awestruck by little faces in the morning, I utter a quiet TIBAM.

When I find myself rushing some days because of the tedium and desperately clinging to them because of their goodness, I recognize that it’s all part of TIBAM.

Then I became a mother. TI-BAM! It changes everything, doesn’t it?

To celebrate mothers this week, Then I Became a Mother is on sale for just $2.99. If you know a mother with young children, this is a perfect Mother’s Day gift for her. And if you are a mom of young children, let this book speak life, humor and encouragement to you right where you are.

Which, if you’re like me, is a kitchen with a sticky floor and an overturned bucket of Legos.

Happy Mother’s Day!