Happy May, mamas! A couple of weeks back, I had the absolute privilege of sitting down with Annmarie Chereso, author, teacher, mother, coach, and mindfulness teacher, and our conversation was more revealing than I ever could have anticipated. I shouldn’t be surprised, though, because Annmarie’s mission is to wake up to our inherent, inner genius and remind us all how connected we really are.
In her work, she helps teens and young adults navigate independence and autonomy out of high school and into college so that they can reach their full potential. But she doesn’t stop there. She also coaches parents and their teens on how to become “fully revealed” with each other, in order to deepen and refresh their relationships.
She, of all people, should understand. Annmarie has three children and six stepchildren of her own, with seven of them currently sheltering in place. I know many of you are in similar situations. There isn’t much space to hide. That’s why it’s SO important we stay open and honest about how we’re feeling. Be honest about what you need in order to take care of yourself. Because unless you show up for yourself, you can’t show up for your family or community.
And this isn’t just about the current global situation either; it’s a lifelong commitment you must make with yourself, which brings me to one of the most powerful insights Annmarie dropped in our conversation.
Before she began coaching youth, she worked with many middle-aged people and kept seeing the same pattern over and over again: people in their forties and fifties weren’t happy with their lives because they never truly went after their dreams. Rather, they always did what they thought they were “supposed” to do. Now, imagine if in their twenties, these same people had decided to free themselves from parental expectations and societal constraints and go down the path they actually wanted? They wouldn’t just be happier, they would be free.
As a mom of a nine-year-old girl, I’m tasked with guiding her to her own truth, rather than projecting my needs and wants onto her. Not an easy task, but with mindfulness, it’s a path we can walk one step at a time. I’ve made a pledge to myself that I will empower both of my children to carve their own path and walk forward with confidence.
Does this sound like a lot? Well, it kind of is. But it’s in my imperfections as a parent that I’m able to grow right along with my kids. In speaking with Annmarie, I realized that we need to free ourselves from the constraints of the shoulds and should-nots and just start living in our truth—to be “fully revealed.” You’d be surprised at how much more authentic your relationships become.
Sure, the practice of becoming fully revealed can get uncomfortable. But according to Annmarie, it’s worth it for the depth you’ll discover in yourself and others.
Curious to learn more?
To hear our full conversation, make sure to listen to the episode! You can also find out more about Annmarie and her outstanding coaching platform here.
