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231<body class="page-template-default page page-id-5814 gutentor-active custom-header header-image content-sidebar genesis-breadcrumbs-hidden genesis-footer-widgets-visible" itemscope itemtype="https://schema.org/WebPage"><div class="site-container"><header class="site-header" itemscope itemtype="https://schema.org/WPHeader"><div class="wrap"><div class="title-area"><p class="site-title" itemprop="headline"><a href="https://www.handsfreemama.com/">Hands Free Mama</a></p><p class="site-description" itemprop="description">Letting Go...To Grasp What Really Matters</p></div><div class="widget-area header-widget-area"><section id="text-15" class="widget widget_text"><div class="widget-wrap">			<div class="textwidget"><img src="https://www.handsfreemama.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/tagline.png"></div>
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250</div></div><div class="site-inner"><div class="content-sidebar-wrap"><main class="content"><article class="post-5814 page type-page status-publish entry" aria-label="Connect" itemscope itemtype="https://schema.org/CreativeWork"><header class="entry-header"><h1 class="entry-title" itemprop="headline">Connect</h1>
251</header><div class="entry-content" itemprop="text"><input class="jpibfi" type="hidden"><p>Email: <a href="mailto:[email protected]" target="_blank" rel="noopener">rachelstafford (at) handsfreemama (dot) com</a></p>
252<p>Twitter: <a href="https://twitter.com/handsfreemama" target="_blank" rel="noopener">twitter.com/handsfreemama</a></p>
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254<h1 style="text-align: center;">Speaking Requests</h1>
255<blockquote><p>In order to live the Hands Free message that she shares on her blog, Rachel has a small and limited speaking calendar. In light of this, Rachel does consider, but cannot respond positively to all requests. If you&#8217;d like to make an appearance request, please inquire through the contact form.</p></blockquote>
256
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269                            <input name='input_3' id='input_1_3' type='text' value='' class='medium'    aria-required="true" aria-invalid="false"  />
270                        </div></li><li id="field_1_5"  class="gfield field_sublabel_below field_description_below gfield_visibility_visible"  data-js-reload="field_1_5"><label class='gfield_label' for='input_1_5' >Event Date(s)</label><div class='ginput_container ginput_container_text'><input name='input_5' id='input_1_5' type='text' value='' class='medium'      aria-invalid="false"   /> </div></li><li id="field_1_6"  class="gfield field_sublabel_below field_description_below gfield_visibility_visible"  data-js-reload="field_1_6"><label class='gfield_label' for='input_1_6' >Event City</label><div class='ginput_container ginput_container_text'><input name='input_6' id='input_1_6' type='text' value='' class='medium'      aria-invalid="false"   /> </div></li><li id="field_1_7"  class="gfield field_sublabel_below field_description_below gfield_visibility_visible"  data-js-reload="field_1_7"><label class='gfield_label' for='input_1_7' >Type of Event</label><div class='ginput_container ginput_container_text'><input name='input_7' id='input_1_7' type='text' value='' class='medium'      aria-invalid="false"   /> </div></li><li id="field_1_8"  class="gfield field_sublabel_below field_description_below gfield_visibility_visible"  data-js-reload="field_1_8"><label class='gfield_label' for='input_1_8' >Approx. # of Attendees</label><div class='ginput_container ginput_container_text'><input name='input_8' id='input_1_8' type='text' value='' class='medium'      aria-invalid="false"   /> </div></li><li id="field_1_9"  class="gfield field_sublabel_below field_description_below gfield_visibility_visible"  data-js-reload="field_1_9"><label class='gfield_label' for='input_1_9' >Audience Description</label><div class='ginput_container ginput_container_text'><input name='input_9' id='input_1_9' type='text' value='' class='medium'      aria-invalid="false"   /> </div></li><li id="field_1_10"  class="gfield field_sublabel_below field_description_below gfield_visibility_visible"  data-js-reload="field_1_10"><label class='gfield_label' for='input_1_10' >Theme/Topics of Interest</label><div class='ginput_container ginput_container_text'><input name='input_10' id='input_1_10' type='text' value='' class='medium'      aria-invalid="false"   /> </div></li><li id="field_1_11"  class="gfield gfield_contains_required field_sublabel_below field_description_below gfield_visibility_visible"  data-js-reload="field_1_11"><label class='gfield_label' for='input_1_11' >Budget Range<span class="gfield_required"><span class="gfield_required gfield_required_asterisk">*</span></span></label><div class='ginput_container ginput_container_text'><input name='input_11' id='input_1_11' type='text' value='' class='medium' maxlength='10' aria-describedby="gfield_description_1_11"   aria-required="true" aria-invalid="false"   /> </div><div class='gfield_description' id='gfield_description_1_11'>Please enter a dollar ($) amount. </div></li><li id="field_1_12"  class="gfield field_sublabel_below field_description_below gfield_visibility_visible"  data-js-reload="field_1_12"><label class='gfield_label' for='input_1_12' >Program Type</label><div class='ginput_container ginput_container_select'><select name='input_12' id='input_1_12' class='medium gfield_select'     aria-invalid="false" ><option value='45-minute virtual one-on-one session' >45-minute virtual one-on-one session</option><option value='45-minute virtual Q&amp;A' >45-minute virtual Q&amp;A</option><option value='60-minute virtual presentation' >60-minute virtual presentation</option><option value='60-minute in-person presentation + meet &amp; greet' >60-minute in-person presentation + meet &amp; greet</option><option value='Retreat Workshop Faculty' >Retreat Workshop Faculty</option></select></div></li><li id="field_1_13"  class="gfield field_sublabel_below field_description_below gfield_visibility_visible"  data-js-reload="field_1_13"><label class='gfield_label' for='input_1_13' >Referred by</label><div class='ginput_container ginput_container_select'><select name='input_13' id='input_1_13' class='medium gfield_select'     aria-invalid="false" ><option value='Recent Event' >Recent Event</option><option value='Client Referral' >Client Referral</option><option value='Book/DVD/CD' >Book/DVD/CD</option><option value='Web Search' >Web Search</option><option value='Article/Press' >Article/Press</option><option value='Newsletter/Blog' >Newsletter/Blog</option></select></div></li></ul></div>
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284</div></article><div id="comments-container"><div class="entry-comments" id="comments"><h3>Comments</h3><ol class="comment-list">
285	<li class="comment even thread-even depth-1" id="comment-40974">
286	<article id="article-comment-40974" itemprop="comment" itemscope itemtype="https://schema.org/Comment">
287
288		<div class="commentnumber">1</div>
289		<header class="comment-header">
290			<p class="comment-author" itemprop="author" itemscope itemtype="https://schema.org/Person">
291				<img alt='' src='https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/736d7d719f58f37d62e9ab9bdaa1da18?s=96&#038;d=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.handsfreemama.com%2Fwp-content%2Fthemes%2Frestored316-market%2Fimages%2Fgravatar.png&#038;r=g' srcset='https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/736d7d719f58f37d62e9ab9bdaa1da18?s=192&#038;d=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.handsfreemama.com%2Fwp-content%2Fthemes%2Frestored316-market%2Fimages%2Fgravatar.png&#038;r=g 2x' class='avatar avatar-96 photo' height='96' width='96' decoding='async'/><span class="comment-author-name" itemprop="name">Alissa</span> <span class="says">says</span>			</p>
292
293			<p class="comment-meta"><time class="comment-time" datetime="2013-11-14T15:38:52-06:00" itemprop="datePublished"><a class="comment-time-link" href="https://www.handsfreemama.com/contact/#comment-40974" itemprop="url">November 14, 2013 at 3:38 pm</a></time></p>		</header>
294
295		<div class="comment-content" itemprop="text">
296			
297			<p>I just wanted to take a moment and thank you. I read  &#8220;Taking Away my Daughter&#8217;s Smile&#8221;  on Facebook this morning. I first had heard about you through a colleague. My son is 7 and daughter is 4. I feel like that entire story I read was about me. Where have I gone.  I easily get annoyed like you did and I am missing the flowers and focusing on the weeds more than I wish to. I cannot wait for your book to come out. It is so timely because I am very blessed and I don&#8217;t want to miss out on what is truly important because of self-induced pressures and what always needs to get done.</p>
298		</div>
299
300		<div class="comment-reply"><a rel="nofollow" class="comment-reply-link" href="https://www.handsfreemama.com/contact/?replytocom=40974#respond" data-commentid="40974" data-postid="5814" data-belowelement="article-comment-40974" data-respondelement="respond" data-replyto="Reply to Alissa" aria-label="Reply to Alissa">Reply</a></div>
301		
302	</article>
303	<ul class="children">
304
305	<li class="comment odd alt depth-2" id="comment-40975">
306	<article id="article-comment-40975" itemprop="comment" itemscope itemtype="https://schema.org/Comment">
307
308		<div class="commentnumber">2</div>
309		<header class="comment-header">
310			<p class="comment-author" itemprop="author" itemscope itemtype="https://schema.org/Person">
311				<img alt='' src='https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/1fa73762ddf5452a7c89ab8cc8ea71fb?s=96&#038;d=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.handsfreemama.com%2Fwp-content%2Fthemes%2Frestored316-market%2Fimages%2Fgravatar.png&#038;r=g' srcset='https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/1fa73762ddf5452a7c89ab8cc8ea71fb?s=192&#038;d=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.handsfreemama.com%2Fwp-content%2Fthemes%2Frestored316-market%2Fimages%2Fgravatar.png&#038;r=g 2x' class='avatar avatar-96 photo' height='96' width='96' decoding='async'/><span class="comment-author-name" itemprop="name"><a href="https://www.handsfreemama.com" class="comment-author-link" rel="external nofollow" itemprop="url">Rachel Macy Stafford</a></span> <span class="says">says</span>			</p>
312
313			<p class="comment-meta"><time class="comment-time" datetime="2013-11-14T15:52:49-06:00" itemprop="datePublished"><a class="comment-time-link" href="https://www.handsfreemama.com/contact/#comment-40975" itemprop="url">November 14, 2013 at 3:52 pm</a></time></p>		</header>
314
315		<div class="comment-content" itemprop="text">
316			
317			<p>Thank you, Alissa. It is messages like yours that makes sharing my own painful truths easier. I am glad to know I am not alone. I think there is so much hope in sharing both our struggles and our commitments to make new choices for the ones we love the most. I am so glad you are here.</p>
318		</div>
319
320		<div class="comment-reply"><a rel="nofollow" class="comment-reply-link" href="https://www.handsfreemama.com/contact/?replytocom=40975#respond" data-commentid="40975" data-postid="5814" data-belowelement="article-comment-40975" data-respondelement="respond" data-replyto="Reply to Rachel Macy Stafford" aria-label="Reply to Rachel Macy Stafford">Reply</a></div>
321		
322	</article>
323	</li><!-- #comment-## -->
324
325	<li class="comment even depth-2" id="comment-272461">
326	<article id="article-comment-272461" itemprop="comment" itemscope itemtype="https://schema.org/Comment">
327
328		<div class="commentnumber">3</div>
329		<header class="comment-header">
330			<p class="comment-author" itemprop="author" itemscope itemtype="https://schema.org/Person">
331				<img alt='' src='https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/d8737d2d875f6efd34ce914a89d2c75f?s=96&#038;d=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.handsfreemama.com%2Fwp-content%2Fthemes%2Frestored316-market%2Fimages%2Fgravatar.png&#038;r=g' srcset='https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/d8737d2d875f6efd34ce914a89d2c75f?s=192&#038;d=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.handsfreemama.com%2Fwp-content%2Fthemes%2Frestored316-market%2Fimages%2Fgravatar.png&#038;r=g 2x' class='avatar avatar-96 photo' height='96' width='96' decoding='async'/><span class="comment-author-name" itemprop="name"><a href="http://sotedesigns.com" class="comment-author-link" rel="external nofollow" itemprop="url">Stella</a></span> <span class="says">says</span>			</p>
332
333			<p class="comment-meta"><time class="comment-time" datetime="2014-07-09T13:21:16-06:00" itemprop="datePublished"><a class="comment-time-link" href="https://www.handsfreemama.com/contact/#comment-272461" itemprop="url">July 9, 2014 at 1:21 pm</a></time></p>		</header>
334
335		<div class="comment-content" itemprop="text">
336			
337			<p>I wanted to comment after I read the post &#8220;the truth about yelling&#8221; as it really opened my eyes to see the kind of damage it can do emotionally, in fact it sounded like I was reading about myself. I am so glad I got a wake up call here early enough. My kids are 3 and 2 and they are great kids, no wait, fantastic kids but some days when those many &#8220;distractions&#8221; get in the way of my role as a mother it does however set something off. I realize now what the real meaning of being a hands free mom is. Thanks so much Rachel and may God bless y
337ou with many more insightful posts to help moms like myself.</p>
338		</div>
339
340		<div class="comment-reply"><a rel="nofollow" class="comment-reply-link" href="https://www.handsfreemama.com/contact/?replytocom=272461#respond" data-commentid="272461" data-postid="5814" data-belowelement="article-comment-272461" data-respondelement="respond" data-replyto="Reply to Stella" aria-label="Reply to Stella">Reply</a></div>
341		
342	</article>
343	</li><!-- #comment-## -->
344</ul><!-- .children -->
345</li><!-- #comment-## -->
346
347	<li class="comment odd alt thread-odd thread-alt depth-1" id="comment-41046">
348	<article id="article-comment-41046" itemprop="comment" itemscope itemtype="https://schema.org/Comment">
349
350		<div class="commentnumber">4</div>
351		<header class="comment-header">
352			<p class="comment-author" itemprop="author" itemscope itemtype="https://schema.org/Person">
353				<img alt='' src='https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/43fbc9f8795147d77848ca243c6ffb0e?s=96&#038;d=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.handsfreemama.com%2Fwp-content%2Fthemes%2Frestored316-market%2Fimages%2Fgravatar.png&#038;r=g' srcset='https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/43fbc9f8795147d77848ca243c6ffb0e?s=192&#038;d=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.handsfreemama.com%2Fwp-content%2Fthemes%2Frestored316-market%2Fimages%2Fgravatar.png&#038;r=g 2x' class='avatar avatar-96 photo' height='96' width='96' loading='lazy' decoding='async'/><span class="comment-author-name" itemprop="name">Krystal Burton</span> <span class="says">says</span>			</p>
354
355			<p class="comment-meta"><time class="comment-time" datetime="2013-11-14T22:11:29-06:00" itemprop="datePublished"><a class="comment-time-link" href="https://www.handsfreemama.com/contact/#comment-41046" itemprop="url">November 14, 2013 at 10:11 pm</a></time></p>		</header>
356
357		<div class="comment-content" itemprop="text">
358			
359			<p>I love you new shop! Can you tell me if these items are made in the USA? My family is doing a Made in the USA Christmas and I&#8217;d love to buy my sister and some friends the bracelets. Thanks!</p>
360		</div>
361
362		<div class="comment-reply"><a rel="nofollow" class="comment-reply-link" href="https://www.handsfreemama.com/contact/?replytocom=41046#respond" data-commentid="41046" data-postid="5814" data-belowelement="article-comment-41046" data-respondelement="respond" data-replyto="Reply to Krystal Burton" aria-label="Reply to Krystal Burton">Reply</a></div>
363		
364	</article>
365	<ul class="children">
366
367	<li class="comment even depth-2" id="comment-41148">
368	<article id="article-comment-41148" itemprop="comment" itemscope itemtype="https://schema.org/Comment">
369
370		<div class="commentnumber">5</div>
371		<header class="comment-header">
372			<p class="comment-author" itemprop="author" itemscope itemtype="https://schema.org/Person">
373				<img alt='' src='https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/1fa73762ddf5452a7c89ab8cc8ea71fb?s=96&#038;d=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.handsfreemama.com%2Fwp-content%2Fthemes%2Frestored316-market%2Fimages%2Fgravatar.png&#038;r=g' srcset='https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/1fa73762ddf5452a7c89ab8cc8ea71fb?s=192&#038;d=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.handsfreemama.com%2Fwp-content%2Fthemes%2Frestored316-market%2Fimages%2Fgravatar.png&#038;r=g 2x' class='avatar avatar-96 photo' height='96' width='96' loading='lazy' decoding='async'/><span class="comment-author-name" itemprop="name"><a href="https://www.handsfreemama.com" class="comment-author-link" rel="external nofollow" itemprop="url">Rachel Macy Stafford</a></span> <span class="says">says</span>			</p>
374
375			<p class="comment-meta"><time class="comment-time" datetime="2013-11-15T05:50:13-06:00" itemprop="datePublished"><a class="comment-time-link" href="https://www.handsfreemama.com/contact/#comment-41148" itemprop="url">November 15, 2013 at 5:50 am</a></time></p>		</header>
376
377		<div class="comment-content" itemprop="text">
378			
379			<p>Yes! Chris and Jessica make our bracelets and they live in PA! Thank you for the support! I feel so honored that you want to give our bracelets as Christmas gifts to your family!</p>
380		</div>
381
382		<div class="comment-reply"><a rel="nofollow" class="comment-reply-link" href="https://www.handsfreemama.com/contact/?replytocom=41148#respond" data-commentid="41148" data-postid="5814" data-belowelement="article-comment-41148" data-respondelement="respond" data-replyto="Reply to Rachel Macy Stafford" aria-label="Reply to Rachel Macy Stafford">Reply</a></div>
383		
384	</article>
385	</li><!-- #comment-## -->
386</ul><!-- .children -->
387</li><!-- #comment-## -->
388
389	<li class="comment odd alt thread-even depth-1" id="comment-42021">
390	<article id="article-comment-42021" itemprop="comment" itemscope itemtype="https://schema.org/Comment">
391
392		<div class="commentnumber">6</div>
393		<header class="comment-header">
394			<p class="comment-author" itemprop="author" itemscope itemtype="https://schema.org/Person">
395				<img alt='' src='https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/69b8213f7d7e800ead87187261db72bf?s=96&#038;d=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.handsfreemama.com%2Fwp-content%2Fthemes%2Frestored316-market%2Fimages%2Fgravatar.png&#038;r=g' srcset='https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/69b8213f7d7e800ead87187261db72bf?s=192&#038;d=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.handsfreemama.com%2Fwp-content%2Fthemes%2Frestored316-market%2Fimages%2Fgravatar.png&#038;r=g 2x' class='avatar avatar-96 photo' height='96' width='96' loading='lazy' decoding='async'/><span class="comment-author-name" itemprop="name">Lawrence Chapman</span> <span class="says">says</span>			</p>
396
397			<p class="comment-meta"><time class="comment-time" datetime="2013-11-18T00:37:43-06:00" itemprop="datePublished"><a class="comment-time-link" href="https://www.handsfreemama.com/contact/#comment-42021" itemprop="url">November 18, 2013 at 12:37 am</a></time></p>		</header>
398
399		<div class="comment-content" itemprop="text">
400			
401			<p>Dear Rachel,<br />
402Now I am 87 and do well to walk, but there was a day when I could keep up with most of my students.  I was a teacher for 32 years.  I congratulate you for your story.  It was great.  I wrote a story that was published in the Houston Chronicle and had a response from a former student.  In essence, this is what she had to say.  She didn&#8217;t remember any math, but I made an off hand remark in which I said I didn&#8217;t go to places where I would be uncomfortable going with any of my children.  She said it had kept her from getting in trouble because she didn&#8217;t know what she would tell her future children and she had also told her children and it has had a positive effect on them.  So, when you ran after the little boy, your action that had no relation to what you were teaching, had a far reaching effect.  There are some people that are natural born teachers, but the vast majority of us learn to be teachers on the job.<br />
403	Long after I retired, I started writing a weekly column in a small weekly paper in the town where I grew up.  If you like I will send one.  Just let me know.  If I had my life to live over, I would still teach.<br />
404Sincerely,<br />
405Lawrence Chapman</p>
406		</div>
407
408		<div class="comment-reply"><a rel="nofollow" class="comment-reply-link" href="https://www.handsfreemama.com/contact/?replytocom=42021#respond" data-commentid="42021" data-postid="5814" data-belowelement="article-comment-42021" data-respondelement="respond" data-replyto="Reply to 
408Lawrence Chapman" aria-label="Reply to Lawrence Chapman">Reply</a></div>
409		
410	</article>
411	</li><!-- #comment-## -->
412
413	<li class="comment even thread-odd thread-alt depth-1" id="comment-42272">
414	<article id="article-comment-42272" itemprop="comment" itemscope itemtype="https://schema.org/Comment">
415
416		<div class="commentnumber">7</div>
417		<header class="comment-header">
418			<p class="comment-author" itemprop="author" itemscope itemtype="https://schema.org/Person">
419				<img alt='' src='https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/d300ee53003f958d1f3dd5387c30d5a3?s=96&#038;d=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.handsfreemama.com%2Fwp-content%2Fthemes%2Frestored316-market%2Fimages%2Fgravatar.png&#038;r=g' srcset='https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/d300ee53003f958d1f3dd5387c30d5a3?s=192&#038;d=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.handsfreemama.com%2Fwp-content%2Fthemes%2Frestored316-market%2Fimages%2Fgravatar.png&#038;r=g 2x' class='avatar avatar-96 photo' height='96' width='96' loading='lazy' decoding='async'/><span class="comment-author-name" itemprop="name"><a href="http://www.nickheap.co.uk" class="comment-author-link" rel="external nofollow" itemprop="url">Nick Heap</a></span> <span class="says">says</span>			</p>
420
421			<p class="comment-meta"><time class="comment-time" datetime="2013-11-18T15:35:55-06:00" itemprop="datePublished"><a class="comment-time-link" href="https://www.handsfreemama.com/contact/#comment-42272" itemprop="url">November 18, 2013 at 3:35 pm</a></time></p>		</header>
422
423		<div class="comment-content" itemprop="text">
424			
425			<p>Hi Rachel, You write wonderful, wise, clear and moving material. It is such a welcome reminder of what is really important in life. Thanks so much, Nick</p>
426		</div>
427
428		<div class="comment-reply"><a rel="nofollow" class="comment-reply-link" href="https://www.handsfreemama.com/contact/?replytocom=42272#respond" data-commentid="42272" data-postid="5814" data-belowelement="article-comment-42272" data-respondelement="respond" data-replyto="Reply to Nick Heap" aria-label="Reply to Nick Heap">Reply</a></div>
429		
430	</article>
431	<ul class="children">
432
433	<li class="comment odd alt depth-2" id="comment-42275">
434	<article id="article-comment-42275" itemprop="comment" itemscope itemtype="https://schema.org/Comment">
435
436		<div class="commentnumber">8</div>
437		<header class="comment-header">
438			<p class="comment-author" itemprop="author" itemscope itemtype="https://schema.org/Person">
439				<img alt='' src='https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/1fa73762ddf5452a7c89ab8cc8ea71fb?s=96&#038;d=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.handsfreemama.com%2Fwp-content%2Fthemes%2Frestored316-market%2Fimages%2Fgravatar.png&#038;r=g' srcset='https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/1fa73762ddf5452a7c89ab8cc8ea71fb?s=192&#038;d=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.handsfreemama.com%2Fwp-content%2Fthemes%2Frestored316-market%2Fimages%2Fgravatar.png&#038;r=g 2x' class='avatar avatar-96 photo' height='96' width='96' loading='lazy' decoding='async'/><span class="comment-author-name" itemprop="name"><a href="https://www.handsfreemama.com" class="comment-author-link" rel="external nofollow" itemprop="url">Rachel Macy Stafford</a></span> <span class="says">says</span>			</p>
440
441			<p class="comment-meta"><time class="comment-time" datetime="2013-11-18T15:48:48-06:00" itemprop="datePublished"><a class="comment-time-link" href="https://www.handsfreemama.com/contact/#comment-42275" itemprop="url">November 18, 2013 at 3:48 pm</a></time></p>		</header>
442
443		<div class="comment-content" itemprop="text">
444			
445			<p>You are so kind, Nick! Thank you for the loving encouragement. I so appreciate it.</p>
446		</div>
447
448		<div class="comment-reply"><a rel="nofollow" class="comment-reply-link" href="https://www.handsfreemama.com/contact/?replytocom=42275#respond" data-commentid="42275" data-postid="5814" data-belowelement="article-comment-42275" data-respondelement="respond" data-replyto="Reply to Rachel Macy Stafford" aria-label="Reply to Rachel Macy Stafford">Reply</a></div>
449		
450	</article>
451	</li><!-- #comment-## -->
452</ul><!-- .children -->
453</li><!-- #comment-## -->
454
455	<li class="comment even thread-even depth-1" id="comment-42330">
456	<article id="article-comment-42330" itemprop="comment" itemscope itemtype="https://schema.org/Comment">
457
458		<div class="commentnumber">9</div>
459		<header class="comment-header">
460			<p class="comment-author" itemprop="author" itemscope itemtype="https://schema.org/Person">
461				<img alt='' src='https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/e55659e118e4cdd8446d35786649e3d0?s=96&#038;d=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.handsfreemama.com%2Fwp-content%2Fthemes%2Frestored316-market%2Fimages%2Fgravatar.png&#038;r=g' srcset='https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/e55659e118e4cdd8446d35786649e3d0?s=192&#038;d=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.handsfreemama.com%2Fwp-content%2Fthemes%2Frestored316-market%2Fimages%2Fgravatar.png&#038;r=g 2x' class='avatar avatar-96 photo' height='96' width='96' loading='lazy' decoding='async'/><span class="comment-author-name" itemprop="name">Lilypad</span> <span class="says">says</span>			</p>
462
463			<p class="comment-meta"><time class="comment-time" datetime="2013-11-18T19:16:58-06:00" itemprop="datePublished"><a class="comment-time-link" href="https://www.handsfreemama.com/contact/#comment-42330" itemprop="url">November 18, 2013 at 7:16 pm</a></time></p>		</header>
464
465		<div class="comment-content" itemprop="text">
466			
467			<p>Could you please offer some vegan-friendly bracelets?  We don&#8217;t buy leather.  Thanks!</p>
468		</div>
469
470		<div class="comment-reply"><a rel="nofollow" class="comment-reply-link" href="https://www.handsfreemama.com/contact/?replytocom=42330#respond" data-commentid="42330" data-postid="5814" data-belowelement="article-comment-42330" data-respondelement="respond" data-replyto="Reply to 
470Lilypad" aria-label="Reply to Lilypad">Reply</a></div>
471		
472	</article>
473	</li><!-- #comment-## -->
474
475	<li class="comment odd alt thread-odd thread-alt depth-1" id="comment-42880">
476	<article id="article-comment-42880" itemprop="comment" itemscope itemtype="https://schema.org/Comment">
477
478		<div class="commentnumber">10</div>
479		<header class="comment-header">
480			<p class="comment-author" itemprop="author" itemscope itemtype="https://schema.org/Person">
481				<img alt='' src='https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/46d0ae5b9413fac9c96323fa721b035e?s=96&#038;d=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.handsfreemama.com%2Fwp-content%2Fthemes%2Frestored316-market%2Fimages%2Fgravatar.png&#038;r=g' srcset='https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/46d0ae5b9413fac9c96323fa721b035e?s=192&#038;d=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.handsfreemama.com%2Fwp-content%2Fthemes%2Frestored316-market%2Fimages%2Fgravatar.png&#038;r=g 2x' class='avatar avatar-96 photo' height='96' width='96' loading='lazy' decoding='async'/><span class="comment-author-name" itemprop="name">Kayla</span> <span class="says">says</span>			</p>
482
483			<p class="comment-meta"><time class="comment-time" datetime="2013-11-20T06:55:18-06:00" itemprop="datePublished"><a class="comment-time-link" href="https://www.handsfreemama.com/contact/#comment-42880" itemprop="url">November 20, 2013 at 6:55 am</a></time></p>		</header>
484
485		<div class="comment-content" itemprop="text">
486			
487			<p>Thank you so much. I started staying home with my two year old in September things went great for the first couple weeks she was happier I was happier. Then she started hitting yelling hitting her self then I was yelling back. I too was yelling at her for ridiculous things. I also realized that I was trying to get our house perfect when she would destroy it in seconds then spending all my free time on YouTube or games. Instead I should be spending time with her that&#8217;s what I wanted was to spend time with her. I right this to crying realizing how much what she is doing &#8220;wrong&#8221; is my fault I&#8217;m going to give this a try thank you so much.</p>
488		</div>
489
490		<div class="comment-reply"><a rel="nofollow" class="comment-reply-link" href="https://www.handsfreemama.com/contact/?replytocom=42880#respond" data-commentid="42880" data-postid="5814" data-belowelement="article-comment-42880" data-respondelement="respond" data-replyto="Reply to Kayla" aria-label="Reply to Kayla">Reply</a></div>
491		
492	</article>
493	</li><!-- #comment-## -->
494
495	<li class="comment even thread-even depth-1" id="comment-43014">
496	<article id="article-comment-43014" itemprop="comment" itemscope itemtype="https://schema.org/Comment">
497
498		<div class="commentnumber">11</div>
499		<header class="comment-header">
500			<p class="comment-author" itemprop="author" itemscope itemtype="https://schema.org/Person">
501				<img alt='' src='https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/d0cb683157bd25795e803069749243d2?s=96&#038;d=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.handsfreemama.com%2Fwp-content%2Fthemes%2Frestored316-market%2Fimages%2Fgravatar.png&#038;r=g' srcset='https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/d0cb683157bd25795e803069749243d2?s=192&#038;d=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.handsfreemama.com%2Fwp-content%2Fthemes%2Frestored316-market%2Fimages%2Fgravatar.png&#038;r=g 2x' class='avatar avatar-96 photo' height='96' width='96' loading='lazy' decoding='async'/><span class="comment-author-name" itemprop="name"><a href="https://thenellistnews.blogspot.com/2013/11/fighting-dragons-with-you.html" class="comment-author-link" rel="external nofollow" itemprop="url">DeAnna Nellist</a></span> <span class="says">says</span>			</p>
502
503			<p class="comment-meta"><time class="comment-time" datetime="2013-11-20T17:49:09-06:00" itemprop="datePublished"><a class="comment-time-link" href="https://www.handsfreemama.com/contact/#comment-43014" itemprop="url">November 20, 2013 at 5:49 pm</a></time></p>		</header>
504
505		<div class="comment-content" itemprop="text">
506			
507			<p>Hi Rachel,</p>
508<p>     I have been following your blog for a few months now and it has profoundly influenced my parenting.  I blogged today about a specific moment that really was inspired by you and your  amazing words.  I wanted to share it with you.</p>
509<p><a href="https://thenellistnews.blogspot.com/2013/11/fighting-dragons-with-you.html" rel="nofollow ugc">http://thenellistnews.blogspot.com/2013/11/fighting-dragons-with-you.html</a></p>
510<p>
510     Thank you for your vulnerability, honestly and encouragement!  You are a beautiful soul! -DeAnna Nellist</p>
511		</div>
512
513		<div class="comment-reply"><a rel="nofollow" class="comment-reply-link" href="https://www.handsfreemama.com/contact/?replytocom=43014#respond" data-commentid="43014" data-postid="5814" data-belowelement="article-comment-43014" data-respondelement="respond" data-replyto="Reply to DeAnna Nellist" aria-label="Reply to DeAnna Nellist">Reply</a></div>
514		
515	</article>
516	</li><!-- #comment-## -->
517
518	<li class="comment odd alt thread-odd thread-alt depth-1" id="comment-43392">
519	<article id="article-comment-43392" itemprop="comment" itemscope itemtype="https://schema.org/Comment">
520
521		<div class="commentnumber">12</div>
522		<header class="comment-header">
523			<p class="comment-author" itemprop="author" itemscope itemtype="https://schema.org/Person">
524				<img alt='' src='https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/b4d975b4453fd92771c96fb055eb1a97?s=96&#038;d=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.handsfreemama.com%2Fwp-content%2Fthemes%2Frestored316-market%2Fimages%2Fgravatar.png&#038;r=g' srcset='https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/b4d975b4453fd92771c96fb055eb1a97?s=192&#038;d=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.handsfreemama.com%2Fwp-content%2Fthemes%2Frestored316-market%2Fimages%2Fgravatar.png&#038;r=g 2x' class='avatar avatar-96 photo' height='96' width='96' loading='lazy' decoding='async'/><span class="comment-author-name" itemprop="name">Holli</span> <span class="says">says</span>			</p>
525
526			<p class="comment-meta"><time class="comment-time" datetime="2013-11-21T23:05:41-06:00" itemprop="datePublished"><a class="comment-time-link" href="https://www.handsfreemama.com/contact/#comment-43392" itemprop="url">November 21, 2013 at 11:05 pm</a></time></p>		</header>
527
528		<div class="comment-content" itemprop="text">
529			
530			<p>Thank you for your amazing posts. I stumbled upon your blog a few days ago and I can&#8217;t stop reading! I have cried, laughed, smiled, and said &#8216;omg, this is me&#8217; during every story.  I want you to know that most of your stories seem to come right out of my life, like &#8216;Taking away my daughters smiles&#8217; and &#8216;never saying hurry up again&#8217; . Wow, I didn&#8217;t realize until right then the damage I have done to my kids and the heart break I have caused them. My youngest bites and picks at his little lip,  and I must say &#8216;Hurry Up&#8217; a hundred times a day. I am missing out on so much with my little flowers and I&#8217;m enjoying the kids that God gave me. Thank you for being my inspiration and writing about the issues that most moms are terrified to admit!! TEARS!!!</p>
531		</div>
532
533		<div class="comment-reply"><a rel="nofollow" class="comment-reply-link" href="https://www.handsfreemama.com/contact/?replytocom=43392#respond" data-commentid="43392" data-postid="5814" data-belowelement="article-comment-43392" data-respondelement="respond" data-replyto="Reply to Holli" aria-label="Reply to Holli">Reply</a></div>
534		
535	</article>
536	<ul class="children">
537
538	<li class="comment even depth-2" id="comment-43415">
539	<article id="article-comment-43415" itemprop="comment" itemscope itemtype="https://schema.org/Comment">
540
541		<div class="commentnumber">13</div>
542		<header class="comment-header">
543			<p class="comment-author" itemprop="author" itemscope itemtype="https://schema.org/Person">
544				<img alt='' src='https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/1fa73762ddf5452a7c89ab8cc8ea71fb?s=96&#038;d=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.handsfreemama.com%2Fwp-content%2Fthemes%2Frestored316-market%2Fimages%2Fgravatar.png&#038;r=g' srcset='https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/1fa73762ddf5452a7c89ab8cc8ea71fb?s=192&#038;d=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.handsfreemama.com%2Fwp-content%2Fthemes%2Frestored316-market%2Fimages%2Fgravatar.png&#038;r=g 2x' class='avatar avatar-96 photo' height='96' width='96' loading='lazy' decoding='async'/><span class="comment-author-name" itemprop="name"><a href="https://www.handsfreemama.com" class="comment-author-link" rel="external nofollow" itemprop="url">Rachel Macy Stafford</a></span> <span class="says">says</span>			</p>
545
546			<p class="comment-meta"><time class="comment-time" datetime="2013-11-22T01:07:04-06:00" itemprop="datePublished"><a class="comment-time-link" href="https://www.handsfreemama.com/contact/#comment-43415" itemprop="url">November 22, 2013 at 1:07 am</a></time></p>		</header>
547
548		<div class="comment-content" itemprop="text">
549			
550			<p>Thank you, Holli, for taking the time to tell me how my stories have impacted you! It means the world to me. I love knowing that I am not alone. We are in this together. Baby steps toward the life we want to live so we can love the people who make life worth living! So glad you found me!</p>
551		</div>
552
553		<div class="comment-reply"><a rel="nofollow" class="comment-reply-link" href="https://www.handsfreemama.com/contact/?replytocom=43415#respond" data-commentid="43415" data-postid="5814" data-belowelement="article-comment-43415" data-respondelement="respond" data-replyto="Reply to Rachel Macy Stafford" aria-label="Reply to Rachel Macy Stafford">Reply</a></div>
554		
555	</article>
556	</li><!-- #comment-## -->
557</ul><!-- .children -->
558</li><!-- #comment-## -->
559
560	<li class="comment odd alt thread-even depth-1" id="comment-43772">
561	<article id="article-comment-43772" itemprop="comment" itemscope itemtype="https://schema.org/Comment">
562
563		<div class="commentnumber">14</div>
564		<header class="comment-header">
565			<p class="comment-author" itemprop="author" itemscope itemtype="https://schema.org/Person">
566				<img alt='' src='https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/f96f73caf02cdf55f26136a3e87fd75e?s=96&#038;d=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.handsfreemama.com%2Fwp-content%2Fthemes%2Frestored316-market%2Fimages%2Fgravatar.png&#038;r=g' srcset='https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/f96f73caf02cdf55f26136a3e87fd75e?s=192&#038;d=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.handsfreemama.com%2Fwp-content%2Fthemes%2Frestored316-market%2Fimages%2Fgravatar.png&#038;r=g 2x' class='avatar avatar-96 photo' height='96' width='96' loading='lazy' decoding='async'/><span class="comment-author-name" itemprop="name"><a href="http://antoinetterascon.wordpress.com" class="comment-author-link" rel="external nofollow" itemprop="url">Antoinette</a></span> <span class="says">says</span>			</p>
567
568			<p class="comment-meta"><time class="comment-time" datetime="2013-11-22T17:41:27-06:00" itemprop="datePublished"><a class="comment-time-link" href="https://www.handsfreemama.com/contact/#comment-43772" itemprop="url">November 22, 2013 at 5:41 pm</a></time></p>		</header>
569
570		<div class="comment-content" itemprop="text">
571			
572			<p>Wow! As I wipe the tears away after reading this on yelling, I am so happy to have come across these most wonderful words. Being ashamed of my yelling tantrums in fits of frustratations projected on to my children, this helps me to be able to grow &amp; move on &amp; let go of my guilt &amp;
572 shame in order to get to a more peaceful place. Thank you! On the other hand, when I was able to lock myself in my bathroom, just breathe through it, or get through my frustrations without yelling~ I wrote a children&#8217;s book that helps express the unconditional love throughout the day with a child. If  you are interested-it is titled~<br />
573I Love You Bigger than the Whole Wide World. For further info, you can check it out at antoinetterascon. wordpress.com<br />
574Thank you with immense gratitude~Antoinette</p>
575		</div>
576
577		<div class="comment-reply"><a rel="nofollow" class="comment-reply-link" href="https://www.handsfreemama.com/contact/?replytocom=43772#respond" data-commentid="43772" data-postid="5814" data-belowelement="article-comment-43772" data-respondelement="respond" data-replyto="Reply to Antoinette" aria-label="Reply to Antoinette">Reply</a></div>
578		
579	</article>
580	</li><!-- #comment-## -->
581
582	<li class="comment even thread-odd thread-alt depth-1" id="comment-48293">
583	<article id="article-comment-48293" itemprop="comment" itemscope itemtype="https://schema.org/Comment">
584
585		<div class="commentnumber">15</div>
586		<header class="comment-header">
587			<p class="comment-author" itemprop="author" itemscope itemtype="https://schema.org/Person">
588				<img alt='' src='https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/a70e29fb3e581e35ff91e3f38f9c9692?s=96&#038;d=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.handsfreemama.com%2Fwp-content%2Fthemes%2Frestored316-market%2Fimages%2Fgravatar.png&#038;r=g' srcset='https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/a70e29fb3e581e35ff91e3f38f9c9692?s=192&#038;d=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.handsfreemama.com%2Fwp-content%2Fthemes%2Frestored316-market%2Fimages%2Fgravatar.png&#038;r=g 2x' class='avatar avatar-96 photo' height='96' width='96' loading='lazy' decoding='async'/><span class="comment-author-name" itemprop="name"><a href="http://www.revistacrescer.com.br" class="comment-author-link" rel="external nofollow" itemprop="url">Andressa Basilio</a></span> <span class="says">says</span>			</p>
589
590			<p class="comment-meta"><time class="comment-time" datetime="2013-12-03T17:15:45-06:00" itemprop="datePublished"><a class="comment-time-link" href="https://www.handsfreemama.com/contact/#comment-48293" itemprop="url">December 3, 2013 at 5:15 pm</a></time></p>		</header>
591
592		<div class="comment-content" itemprop="text">
593			
594			<p>Hello, Ms. Rachel, how you’re doing? I’ve try to make contact with you, but I think my e-mail didn’t get at you. I work with Alexandre, I’m reporter of Crescer Magazine. I would like to ask you two things: First, could you give us the Hand Free Mama’s PDF? And then, could you give us an interview by email to talk about your book? </p>
595<p>Thank you very much, </p>
596<p>Andressa Basilio<br />
597+55 (11) 3767-7839<br />
598<a href="mailto:[email protected]">[email protected]</a></p>
599		</div>
600
601		<div class="comment-reply"><a rel="nofollow" class="comment-reply-link" href="https://www.handsfreemama.com/contact/?replytocom=48293#respond" data-commentid="48293" data-postid="5814" data-belowelement="article-comment-48293" data-respondelement="respond" data-replyto="Reply to Andressa Basilio" aria-label="Reply to Andressa Basilio">Reply</a></div>
602		
603	</article>
604	</li><!-- #comment-## -->
605
606	<li class="comment odd alt thread-even depth-1" id="comment-54023">
607	<article id="article-comment-54023" itemprop="comment" itemscope itemtype="https://schema.org/Comment">
608
609		<div class="commentnumber">16</div>
610		<header class="comment-header">
611			<p class="comment-author" itemprop="author" itemscope itemtype="https://schema.org/Person">
612				<img alt='' src='https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/bf5646257f3d09128287b92122e1c766?s=96&#038;d=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.handsfreemama.com%2Fwp-content%2Fthemes%2Frestored316-market%2Fimages%2Fgravatar.png&#038;r=g' srcset='https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/bf5646257f3d09128287b92122e1c766?s=192&#038;d=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.handsfreemama.com%2Fwp-content%2Fthemes%2Frestored316-market%2Fimages%2Fgravatar.png&#038;r=g 2x' class='avatar avatar-96 photo' height='96' width='96' loading='lazy' decoding='async'/><span class="comment-author-name" itemprop="name">Elizabeth</span> <span class="says">says</span>			</p>
613
614			<p class="comment-meta"><time class="comment-time" datetime="2013-12-10T20:05:23-06:00" itemprop="datePublished"><a class="comment-time-link" href="https://www.handsfreemama.com/contact/#comment-54023" itemprop="url">December 10, 2013 at 8:05 pm</a></time></p>		</header>
615
616		<div class="comment-content" itemprop="text">
617			
618			<p>How do I pre-order?</p>
619<p>Many thanks,<br />
620Elizabeth</p>
621		</div>
622
623		<div class="comment-reply"><a rel="nofollow" class="comment-reply-link" href="https://www.handsfreemama.com/contact/?replytocom=54023#respond" data-commentid="54023" data-postid="5814" data-belowelement="article-comment-54023" data-respondelement="respond" data-replyto="Reply to Elizabeth" aria-label="Reply to Elizabeth">Reply</a></div>
624		
625	</article>
626	</li><!-- #comment-## -->
627
628	<li class="comment even thread-odd thread-alt depth-1" id="comment-54411">
629	<article id="article-comment-54411" itemprop="comment" itemscope itemtype="https://schema.org/Comment">
630
631		<div class="commentnumber">17</div>
632		<header class="comment-header">
633			<p class="comment-author" itemprop="author" itemscope itemtype="https://schema.org/Person">
634				<img alt='' src='https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/cb9364ccb95f4e419e98b03b5d6d69e1?s=96&#038;d=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.handsfreemama.com%2Fwp-content%2Fthemes%2Frestored316-market%2Fimages%2Fgravatar.png&#038;r=g' srcset='https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/cb9364ccb95f4e419e98b03b5d6d69e1?s=192&#038;d=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.handsfreemama.com%2Fwp-content%2Fthemes%2Frestored316-market%2Fimages%2Fgravatar.png&#038;r=g 2x' class='avatar avatar-96 photo' height='96' width='96' loading='lazy' decoding='async'/><span class="comment-author-name" itemprop="name">IRMA DUTCH</span> <span class="says">says</span>			</p>
635
636			<p class="comment-meta"><time class="comment-time" datetime="2013-12-11T03:48:04-06:00" itemprop="datePublished"><a class="comment-time-link" href="https://www.handsfreemama.com/contact/#comment-54411" itemprop="url">December 11, 2013 at 3:48 am</a></time></p>		</header>
637
638		<div class="comment-content" itemprop="text">
639			
640			<p>Parents:   What about the idea of treating your husband and children as if they were SPECIAL guests.   For instance:  When a guest come to visit do you take her/his coat and hang it up in the closet?  Do you demand obedience from a guest?  Do you assign SCUT work to a guest?  Do you say please, thank you, I&#8217;m sorry, please excuse me when a guest is present?  Are you polite, kind, gracious, pleasant and generous to a guest?<br />
641Important questions to ask.</p>
642		</div>
643
644		<div class="comment-reply"><a rel="nofollow" class="comment-reply-link" href="https://www.handsfreemama.com/contact/?replytocom=54411#respond" data-commentid="54411" data-postid="5814" data-belowelement="article-comment-54411" data-respondelement="respond" data-replyto="Reply to IRMA DUTCH" aria-label="Reply to IRMA DUTCH">Reply</a></div>
645		
646	</article>
647	</li><!-- #comment-## -->
648
649	<li class="comment odd alt thread-even depth-1" id="comment-54702">
650	<article id="article-comment-54702" itemprop="comment" itemscope itemtype="https://schema.org/Comment">
651
652		<div class="commentnumber">18</div>
653		<header class="comment-header">
654			<p class="comment-author" itemprop="author" itemscope itemtype="https://schema.org/Person">
655				<img alt='' src='https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/cb197308986812dec781fbc694c581e2?s=96&#038;d=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.handsfreemama.com%2Fwp-content%2Fthemes%2Frestored316-market%2Fimages%2Fgravatar.png&#038;r=g' srcset='https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/cb197308986812dec781fbc694c581e2?s=192&#038;d=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.handsfreemama.com%2Fwp-content%2Fthemes%2Frestored316-market%2Fimages%2Fgravatar.png&#038;r=g 2x' class='avatar avatar-96 photo' height='96' width='96' loading='lazy' decoding='async'/><span class="comment-author-name" itemprop="name">Miriama</span> <span class="says">says</span>			</p>
656
657			<p class="comment-meta"><time class="comment-time" datetime="2013-12-11T09:43:58-06:00" itemprop="datePublished"><a class="comment-time-link" href="https://www.handsfreemama.com/contact/#comment-54702" itemprop="url">December 11, 2013 at 9:43 am</a></time></p>		</header>
658
659		<div class="comment-content" itemprop="text">
660			
661			<p>Please add me to your email mailing list for new blogs</p>
662		</div>
663
664		<div class="comment-reply"><a rel="nofollow" class="comment-reply-link" href="https://www.handsfreemama.com/contact/?replytocom=54702#respond" data-commentid="54702" data-postid="5814" data-belowelement="article-comment-54702" data-respondelement="respond" data-replyto="Reply to Miriama" aria-label="Reply to Miriama">Reply</a></div>
665		
666	</article>
667	</li><!-- #comment-## -->
668
669	<li class="comment even thread-odd thread-alt depth-1" id="comment-54953">
670	<article id="article-comment-54953" itemprop="comment" itemscope itemtype="https://schema.org/Comment">
671
672		<div class="commentnumber">19</div>
673		<header class="comment-header">
674			<p class="comment-author" itemprop="author" itemscope itemtype="https://schema.org/Person">
675				<img alt='' src='https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/786b393ed0cad887683c66225874d35e?s=96&#038;d=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.handsfreemama.com%2Fwp-content%2Fthemes%2Frestored316-market%2Fimages%2Fgravatar.png&#038;r=g' srcset='https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/786b393ed0cad887683c66225874d35e?s=192&#038;d=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.handsfreemama.com%2Fwp-content%2Fthemes%2Frestored316-market%2Fimages%2Fgravatar.png&#038;r=g 2x' class='avatar avatar-96 photo' height='96' width='96' loading='lazy' decoding='async'/><span class="comment-author-name" itemprop="name">Shannon Wooten</span> <span class="says">says</span>			</p>
676
677			<p class="comment-meta"><time class="comment-time" datetime="2013-12-11T14:53:17-06:00" itemprop="datePublished"><a class="comment-time-link" href="https://www.handsfreemama.com/contact/#comment-54953" itemprop="url">December 11, 2013 at 2:53 pm</a></time></p>		</header>
678
679		<div class="comment-content" itemprop="text">
680			
681			<p>
681Sat in my car at a Sonic this morning reading this as I waited on my Coke.  Tears just started rolling down my face as I felt like I was reading something someone had written about my life?! This is so me and something I have struggled with inside for so long!! I have wanted to change it some how<br />
682Some way and always seem to fail ?  I wish so desperately to make the change you did 🙂  what a blessing for you!</p>
683		</div>
684
685		<div class="comment-reply"><a rel="nofollow" class="comment-reply-link" href="https://www.handsfreemama.com/contact/?replytocom=54953#respond" data-commentid="54953" data-postid="5814" data-belowelement="article-comment-54953" data-respondelement="respond" data-replyto="Reply to Shannon Wooten" aria-label="Reply to Shannon Wooten">Reply</a></div>
686		
687	</article>
688	</li><!-- #comment-## -->
689
690	<li class="comment odd alt thread-even depth-1" id="comment-55941">
691	<article id="article-comment-55941" itemprop="comment" itemscope itemtype="https://schema.org/Comment">
692
693		<div class="commentnumber">20</div>
694		<header class="comment-header">
695			<p class="comment-author" itemprop="author" itemscope itemtype="https://schema.org/Person">
696				<img alt='' src='https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/562c94540524b1f2975daeb8c37f64f6?s=96&#038;d=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.handsfreemama.com%2Fwp-content%2Fthemes%2Frestored316-market%2Fimages%2Fgravatar.png&#038;r=g' srcset='https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/562c94540524b1f2975daeb8c37f64f6?s=192&#038;d=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.handsfreemama.com%2Fwp-content%2Fthemes%2Frestored316-market%2Fimages%2Fgravatar.png&#038;r=g 2x' class='avatar avatar-96 photo' height='96' width='96' loading='lazy' decoding='async'/><span class="comment-author-name" itemprop="name">Erin</span> <span class="says">says</span>			</p>
697
698			<p class="comment-meta"><time class="comment-time" datetime="2013-12-12T08:47:55-06:00" itemprop="datePublished"><a class="comment-time-link" href="https://www.handsfreemama.com/contact/#comment-55941" itemprop="url">December 12, 2013 at 8:47 am</a></time></p>		</header>
699
700		<div class="comment-content" itemprop="text">
701			
702			<p>Thank you for your encouragement in living a more hands free life. I have pre-ordered your book and look forward to reading it. I am the mom of three girls under age 6 and have known for some time that I am way too distracted. </p>
703<p>I am wondering however how you have found a balance. Do you set specific rules and guidelines for yourself? Time on the computer? Time on the internet? Time cleaning your house? Time preparing meals? </p>
704<p>I love the concepts that you share, but can&#8217;t figure out how to fit it all in. Becoming &#8220;hands free&#8221; seems very extreme. What if I need to make a call or look up an address? Are FB and Instagram horrible? Because that is one way that I stay in touch with family who is far away. Is it so bad to feel like I need a break from my kids and to lay down on the couch for a few minutes in the afternoon? </p>
705<p>I would love to read practical applications of how all of this works in your life. Have you set up definitive rules to live by? I would love to know.</p>
706<p>Thanks so much.</p>
707		</div>
708
709		<div class="comment-reply"><a rel="nofollow" class="comment-reply-link" href="https://www.handsfreemama.com/contact/?replytocom=55941#respond" data-commentid="55941" data-postid="5814" data-belowelement="article-comment-55941" data-respondelement="respond" data-replyto="Reply to Erin" aria-label="Reply to Erin">Reply</a></div>
710		
711	</article>
712	</li><!-- #comment-## -->
713
714	<li class="comment even thread-odd thread-alt depth-1" id="comment-56258">
715	<article id="article-comment-56258" itemprop="comment" itemscope itemtype="https://schema.org/Comment">
716
717		<div class="commentnumber">21</div>
718		<header class="comment-header">
719			<p class="comment-author" itemprop="author" itemscope itemtype="https://schema.org/Person">
720				<img alt='' src='https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/551e6bf85fc716036221cc6f796814d6?s=96&#038;d=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.handsfreemama.com%2Fwp-content%2Fthemes%2Frestored316-market%2Fimages%2Fgravatar.png&#038;r=g' srcset='https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/551e6bf85fc716036221cc6f796814d6?s=192&#038;d=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.handsfreemama.com%2Fwp-content%2Fthemes%2Frestored316-market%2Fimages%2Fgravatar.png&#038;r=g 2x' class='avatar avatar-96 photo' height='96' width='96' loading='lazy' decoding='async'/><span class="comment-author-name" itemprop="name">Bhuvana</span> <span class="says">says</span>			</p>
721
722			<p class="comment-meta"><time class="comment-time" datetime="2013-12-12T16:30:15-06:00" itemprop="datePublished"><a class="comment-time-link" href="https://www.handsfreemama.com/contact/#comment-56258" itemprop="url">December 12, 2013 at 4:30 pm</a></time></p>		</header>
723
724		<div class="comment-content" itemprop="text">
725			
726			<p>Hi Rachel, </p>
727<p>     I saw this post aout Yelling amd it kind of struck a note. i guess all moms at some point pf their life go through that phase. i am trying to be hands free and enjoy the moments of childhood and view life from their point of view and not from pur point of view of what life should be. </p>
728<p>   My only question is how do you balance the value system you want them to grow up with ? For eg, we go late to school almost every single day. I want my son to develop a value of being on time and it is ok if you go late once in a while bit I do n
728ot want him to grow up with the value of it is ok to be late for an appointment. How do you balance the value system ? Most of the time we all get frustrated because of internal and external expectations and distractions. We can try and let go of external distractions, external expectations and am fighting hard to let go of the internal expectations. </p>
729<p>Thanks for your input and thoughts&#8230; Great blog and it gives us all a mirror to look at and correct the mistakes without committing it in our life. </p>
730<p>Thanks<br />
731Bhuvana</p>
732		</div>
733
734		<div class="comment-reply"><a rel="nofollow" class="comment-reply-link" href="https://www.handsfreemama.com/contact/?replytocom=56258#respond" data-commentid="56258" data-postid="5814" data-belowelement="article-comment-56258" data-respondelement="respond" data-replyto="Reply to Bhuvana" aria-label="Reply to Bhuvana">Reply</a></div>
735		
736	</article>
737	</li><!-- #comment-## -->
738
739	<li class="comment odd alt thread-even depth-1" id="comment-56300">
740	<article id="article-comment-56300" itemprop="comment" itemscope itemtype="https://schema.org/Comment">
741
742		<div class="commentnumber">22</div>
743		<header class="comment-header">
744			<p class="comment-author" itemprop="author" itemscope itemtype="https://schema.org/Person">
745				<img alt='' src='https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/b97a8ad6b45288744b005a7d70b11569?s=96&#038;d=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.handsfreemama.com%2Fwp-content%2Fthemes%2Frestored316-market%2Fimages%2Fgravatar.png&#038;r=g' srcset='https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/b97a8ad6b45288744b005a7d70b11569?s=192&#038;d=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.handsfreemama.com%2Fwp-content%2Fthemes%2Frestored316-market%2Fimages%2Fgravatar.png&#038;r=g 2x' class='avatar avatar-96 photo' height='96' width='96' loading='lazy' decoding='async'/><span class="comment-author-name" itemprop="name">Heather</span> <span class="says">says</span>			</p>
746
747			<p class="comment-meta"><time class="comment-time" datetime="2013-12-12T17:22:54-06:00" itemprop="datePublished"><a class="comment-time-link" href="https://www.handsfreemama.com/contact/#comment-56300" itemprop="url">December 12, 2013 at 5:22 pm</a></time></p>		</header>
748
749		<div class="comment-content" itemprop="text">
750			
751			<p>I have to take the time to say thank you for sharing this message. As I read it uncontrollable tears fell down my face. This story came across my computer at the very moment I needed it most. I have been battling with my very own demons, constantly feeding my mind negative stuff about me and all my imperfections. I also have had how I treat my oldest daughter weighing heavily on mind. I remember vividly the first time I ever yelled at her and immediately after doing so thinking it sounded horrible. However, in that very second of my decision to yell, and not even getting the result I was looking for, began a terrible habit I have yet to be able to break. Thank you again for sharing this message, know you have touched my heart deeply and I am challenging myself to use the STOP strategy.</p>
752		</div>
753
754		<div class="comment-reply"><a rel="nofollow" class="comment-reply-link" href="https://www.handsfreemama.com/contact/?replytocom=56300#respond" data-commentid="56300" data-postid="5814" data-belowelement="article-comment-56300" data-respondelement="respond" data-replyto="Reply to Heather" aria-label="Reply to Heather">Reply</a></div>
755		
756	</article>
757	</li><!-- #comment-## -->
758
759	<li class="comment even thread-odd thread-alt depth-1" id="comment-56350">
760	<article id="article-comment-56350" itemprop="comment" itemscope itemtype="https://schema.org/Comment">
761
762		<div class="commentnumber">23</div>
763		<header class="comment-header">
764			<p class="comment-author" itemprop="author" itemscope itemtype="https://schema.org/Person">
765				<img alt='' src='https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/6c0686502ca0bfc579136547e58407a0?s=96&#038;d=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.handsfreemama.com%2Fwp-content%2Fthemes%2Frestored316-market%2Fimages%2Fgravatar.png&#038;r=g' srcset='https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/6c0686502ca0bfc579136547e58407a0?s=192&#038;d=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.handsfreemama.com%2Fwp-content%2Fthemes%2Frestored316-market%2Fimages%2Fgravatar.png&#038;r=g 2x' class='avatar avatar-96 photo' height='96' width='96' loading='lazy' decoding='async'/><span class="comment-author-name" itemprop="name">Piper Williams</span> <span class="says">says</span>			</p>
766
767			<p class="comment-meta"><time class="comment-time" datetime="2013-12-12T18:28:33-06:00" itemprop="datePublished"><a class="comment-time-link" href="https://www.handsfreemama.com/contact/#comment-56350" itemprop="url">December 12, 2013 at 6:28 pm</a></time></p>		</header>
768
769		<div class="comment-content" itemprop="text">
770			
771			<p>I would like to be notified of your posts by email. You recent post has changed my life&#8230; I pray I will make the changes I need to to live again.</p>
772		</div>
773
774		<div class="comment-reply"><a rel="nofollow" class="comment-reply-link" href="https://www.handsfreemama.com/contact/?replytocom=56350#respond" data-commentid="56350" data-postid="5814" data-belowelement="article-comment-56350" data-respondelement="respond" data-replyto="Reply to Piper Williams" aria-label="Reply to Piper Williams">Reply</a></div>
775		
776	</article>
777	</li><!-- #comment-## -->
778
779	<li class="comment odd alt thread-even depth-1" id="comment-56514">
780	<article id="article-comment-56514" itemprop="comment" itemscope itemtype="https://schema.org/Comment">
781
782		<div class="commentnumber">24</div>
783		<header class="comment-header">
784			<p class="comment-author" itemprop="author" itemscope itemtype="https://schema.org/Person">
785				<img alt='' src='https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/cfba2b18cbcb155161ddeebe907584a3?s=96&#038;d=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.handsfreemama.com%2Fwp-content%2Fthemes%2Frestored316-market%2Fimages%2Fgravatar.png&#038;r=g' srcset='https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/cfba2b18cbcb155161ddeebe907584a3?s=192&#038;d=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.handsfreemama.com%2Fwp-content%2Fthemes%2Frestored316-market%2Fimages%2Fgravatar.png&#038;r=g 2x' class='avatar avatar-96 photo' height='96' width='96' loading='lazy' decoding='async'/><span class="comment-author-name" itemprop="name">Monica</span> <span class="says">says</span>			</p>
786
787			<p class="comment-meta"><time class="comment-time" datetime="2013-12-12T22:16:30-06:00" itemprop="datePublished"><a class="comment-time-link" href="https://www.handsfreemama.com/contact/#comment-56514" itemprop="url">December 12, 2013 at 10:16 pm</a></time></p>		</header>
788
789		<div class="comment-content" itemprop="text">
790			
791			<p>Rachel&#8230;As I read your story my eyes teared up and I had to choke the rest down. This is totally me. I am 40 years old now, work full time an hour away and have the most sensitive wonderful son that I miss often due to my schedule. I struggle financially, but try to tell myself there are more important things in life than work and schedules. I am that master of perfection and with anxiety find myself throwing orders out and rushing my my poor child too often. I cannot express how you hit home. I love God and my son more than anything. You have enlightened me so!  I will start TODAY! No more hectic ordering around, no more demands that really amount to nothing. I want to thank you for waking me up 🙂 God Bless you and your family. ONLY LOVE TODAY!</p>
792		</div>
793
794		<div class="comment-reply"><a rel="nofollow" class="comment-reply-link" href="https://www.handsfreemama.com/contact/?replytocom=56514#respond" data-commentid="56514" data-postid="5814" data-belowelement="article-comment-56514" data-respondelement="respond" data-replyto="Reply to Monica" aria-label="Reply to Monica">Reply</a></div>
795		
796	</article>
797	</li><!-- #comment-## -->
798
799	<li class="comment even thread-odd thread-alt depth-1" id="comment-56533">
800	<article id="article-comment-56533" itemprop="comment" itemscope itemtype="https://schema.org/Comment">
801
802		<div class="commentnumber">25</div>
803		<header class="comment-header">
804			<p class="comment-author" itemprop="author" itemscope itemtype="https://schema.org/Person">
805				<img alt='' src='https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/b06750ea8e948bbbbf004e647cd7f3b3?s=96&#038;d=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.handsfreemama.com%2Fwp-content%2Fthemes%2Frestored316-market%2Fimages%2Fgravatar.png&#038;r=g' srcset='https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/b06750ea8e948bbbbf004e647cd7f3b3?s=192&#038;d=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.handsfreemama.com%2Fwp-content%2Fthemes%2Frestored316-market%2Fimages%2Fgravatar.png&#038;r=g 2x' class='avatar avatar-96 photo' height='96' width='96' loading='lazy' decoding='async'/><span class="comment-author-name" itemprop="name">CC</span> <span class="says">says</span>			</p>
806
807			<p class="comment-meta"><time class="comment-time" datetime="2013-12-12T23:03:06-06:00" itemprop="datePublished"><a class="comment-time-link" href="https://www.handsfreemama.com/contact/#comment-56533" itemprop="url">December 12, 2013 at 11:03 pm</a></time></p>		</header>
808
809		<div class="comment-content" itemprop="text">
810			
811			<p>Read your bully article on MSN Living.  So much of me and my daughter in this article, I actually didn&#8217;t finish it through.  Was too hard.  I lost her 5 years ago tragically.  She was 17.  Spent the last 5 years living in sorrows and regret.  Being a military family with constand deployments didn&#8217;t help.  I think at the end I was beyond a lot of my parenting issues, but I think of  the damage done earlier.  So much fear and focus on her future as an adult, I never truly enjoyed her or relaxed in the present enough.  As a teacher of military children, I see many of my parents going down the same path.  Many military spouses would benefit from hearing from you!</p>
812		</div>
813
814		<div class="comment-reply"><a rel="nofollow" class="comment-reply-link" href="https://www.handsfreemama.com/contact/?replytocom=56533#respond" data-commentid="56533" data-postid="5814" data-belowelement="article-comment-56533" data-respondelement="respond" data-replyto="Reply to CC" aria-label="Reply to CC">Reply</a></div>
815		
816	</article>
817	<ul class="children">
818
819	<li class="comment odd alt depth-2" id="comment-56651">
820	<article id="article-comment-56651" itemprop="comment" itemscope itemtype="https://schema.org/Comment">
821
822		<div class="commentnumber">26</div>
823		<header class="comment-header">
824			<p class="comment-author" itemprop="author" itemscope itemtype="https://schema.org/Person">
825				<img alt='' src='https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/1fa73762ddf5452a7c89ab8cc8ea71fb?s=96&#038;d=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.handsfreemama.com%2Fwp-content%2Fthemes%2Frestored316-market%2Fimages%2Fgravatar.png&#038;r=g' srcset='https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/1fa73762ddf5452a7c89ab8cc8ea71fb?s=192&#038;d=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.handsfreemama.com%2Fwp-content%2Fthemes%2Frestored316-market%2Fimages%2Fgravatar.png&#038;r=g 2x' class='avatar avatar-96 photo' height='96' width='96' loading='lazy' decoding='async'/><span class="comment-author-name" itemprop="name"><a href="https://www.handsfreemama.com" class="comment-author-link" rel="external nofollow" itemprop="url">
825Rachel Macy Stafford</a></span> <span class="says">says</span>			</p>
826
827			<p class="comment-meta"><time class="comment-time" datetime="2013-12-13T01:24:49-06:00" itemprop="datePublished"><a class="comment-time-link" href="https://www.handsfreemama.com/contact/#comment-56651" itemprop="url">December 13, 2013 at 1:24 am</a></time></p>		</header>
828
829		<div class="comment-content" itemprop="text">
830			
831			<p>I am so sorry for your loss. Thank you for sharing your story. It will impact some lives&#8211;it has impacted mine.</p>
832		</div>
833
834		<div class="comment-reply"><a rel="nofollow" class="comment-reply-link" href="https://www.handsfreemama.com/contact/?replytocom=56651#respond" data-commentid="56651" data-postid="5814" data-belowelement="article-comment-56651" data-respondelement="respond" data-replyto="Reply to Rachel Macy Stafford" aria-label="Reply to Rachel Macy Stafford">Reply</a></div>
835		
836	</article>
837	</li><!-- #comment-## -->
838</ul><!-- .children -->
839</li><!-- #comment-## -->
840
841	<li class="comment even thread-even depth-1" id="comment-56684">
842	<article id="article-comment-56684" itemprop="comment" itemscope itemtype="https://schema.org/Comment">
843
844		<div class="commentnumber">27</div>
845		<header class="comment-header">
846			<p class="comment-author" itemprop="author" itemscope itemtype="https://schema.org/Person">
847				<img alt='' src='https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/21994daa89510bbed1c2ab5fce6575c8?s=96&#038;d=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.handsfreemama.com%2Fwp-content%2Fthemes%2Frestored316-market%2Fimages%2Fgravatar.png&#038;r=g' srcset='https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/21994daa89510bbed1c2ab5fce6575c8?s=192&#038;d=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.handsfreemama.com%2Fwp-content%2Fthemes%2Frestored316-market%2Fimages%2Fgravatar.png&#038;r=g 2x' class='avatar avatar-96 photo' height='96' width='96' loading='lazy' decoding='async'/><span class="comment-author-name" itemprop="name">Meg Capreedy</span> <span class="says">says</span>			</p>
848
849			<p class="comment-meta"><time class="comment-time" datetime="2013-12-13T02:20:28-06:00" itemprop="datePublished"><a class="comment-time-link" href="https://www.handsfreemama.com/contact/#comment-56684" itemprop="url">December 13, 2013 at 2:20 am</a></time></p>		</header>
850
851		<div class="comment-content" itemprop="text">
852			
853			<p>Hello,<br />
854I am so grateful for your work that you share. I had a suggestion for a bracelet. I would love to see one that has &#8220;only love today &#8221; printed on it, as it would be wonderful to glance at that many times every day. Thanks!</p>
855		</div>
856
857		<div class="comment-reply"><a rel="nofollow" class="comment-reply-link" href="https://www.handsfreemama.com/contact/?replytocom=56684#respond" data-commentid="56684" data-postid="5814" data-belowelement="article-comment-56684" data-respondelement="respond" data-replyto="Reply to Meg Capreedy" aria-label="Reply to Meg Capreedy">Reply</a></div>
858		
859	</article>
860	<ul class="children">
861
862	<li class="comment odd alt depth-2" id="comment-56691">
863	<article id="article-comment-56691" itemprop="comment" itemscope itemtype="https://schema.org/Comment">
864
865		<div class="commentnumber">28</div>
866		<header class="comment-header">
867			<p class="comment-author" itemprop="author" itemscope itemtype="https://schema.org/Person">
868				<img alt='' src='https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/1fa73762ddf5452a7c89ab8cc8ea71fb?s=96&#038;d=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.handsfreemama.com%2Fwp-content%2Fthemes%2Frestored316-market%2Fimages%2Fgravatar.png&#038;r=g' srcset='https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/1fa73762ddf5452a7c89ab8cc8ea71fb?s=192&#038;d=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.handsfreemama.com%2Fwp-content%2Fthemes%2Frestored316-market%2Fimages%2Fgravatar.png&#038;r=g 2x' class='avatar avatar-96 photo' height='96' width='96' loading='lazy' decoding='async'/><span class="comment-author-name" itemprop="name"><a href="https://www.handsfreemama.com" class="comment-author-link" rel="external nofollow" itemprop="url">Rachel Macy Stafford</a></span> <span class="says">says</span>			</p>
869
870			<p class="comment-meta"><time class="comment-time" datetime="2013-12-13T02:32:18-06:00" itemprop="datePublished"><a class="comment-time-link" href="https://www.handsfreemama.com/contact/#comment-56691" itemprop="url">December 13, 2013 at 2:32 am</a></time></p>		</header>
871
872		<div class="comment-content" itemprop="text">
873			
874			<p>You are so kind! And thank you for the bracelet idea. Lots of people have requested that. My sister in law helps me with the store &#038; she and I are going to work on getting that done tomorrow. In a couple weeks, we should have them from our talented bracelet-making friends.</p>
875		</div>
876
877		<div class="comment-reply"><a rel="nofollow" class="comment-reply-link" href="https://www.handsfreemama.com/contact/?replytocom=56691#respond" data-commentid="56691" data-postid="5814" data-belowelement="article-comment-56691" data-respondelement="respond" data-replyto="Reply to Rachel Macy Stafford" aria-label="Reply to Rachel Macy Stafford">Reply</a></div>
878		
879	</article>
880	<ul class="children">
881
882	<li class="comment even depth-3" id="comment-57667">
883	<article id="article-comment-57667" itemprop="comment" itemscope itemtype="https://schema.org/Comment">
884
885		<div class="commentnumber">29</div>
886		<header class="comment-header">
887			<p class="comment-author" itemprop="author" itemscope itemtype="https://schema.org/Person">
888				<img alt='' src='https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/21994daa89510bbed1c2ab5fce6575c8?s=96&#038;d=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.handsfreemama.com%2Fwp-content%2Fthemes%2Frestored316-market%2Fimages%2Fgravatar.png&#038;r=g' srcset='https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/21994daa89510bbed1c2ab5fce6575c8?s=192&#038;d=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.handsfreemama.com%2Fwp-content%2Fthemes%2Frestored316-market%2Fimages%2Fgravatar.png&#038;r=g 2x' class='avatar avatar-96 photo' height='96' width='96' loading='lazy' decoding='async'/><span class="comment-author-name" itemprop="name">Meg Capreedy</span> <span class="says">says</span>			</p>
889
890			<p class="comment-meta"><time class="comment-time" datetime="2013-12-14T01:21:48-06:00" itemprop="datePublished"><a class="comment-time-link" href="https://www.handsfreemama.com/contact/#comment-57667" itemprop="url">December 14, 2013 at 1:21 am</a></time></p>		</header>
891
892		<div class="comment-content" itemprop="text">
893			
894			<p>I figured that I wasn&#8217;t the first to suggest it 🙂 I will check the store in a few weeks&#8230;I will love wearing it! Thank you so much.</p>
895		</div>
896
897		<div class="comment-reply"><a rel="nofollow" class="comment-reply-link" href="https://www.handsfreemama.com/contact/?replytocom=57667#respond" data-commentid="57667" data-postid="5814" data-belowelement="article-comment-57667" data-respondelement="respond" data-replyto="Reply to Meg Capreedy" aria-label="Reply to Meg Capreedy">Reply</a></div>
898		
899	</article>
900	</li><!-- #comment-## -->
901</ul><!-- .children -->
902</li><!-- #comment-## -->
903</ul><!-- .children -->
904</li><!-- #comment-## -->
905
906	<li class="comment odd alt thread-odd thread-alt depth-1" id="comment-57688">
907	<article id="article-comment-57688" itemprop="comment" itemscope itemtype="https://schema.org/Comment">
908
909		<div class="commentnumber">30</div>
910		<header class="comment-header">
911			<p class="comment-author" itemprop="author" itemscope itemtype="https://schema.org/Person">
912				<img alt='' src='https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/21994daa89510bbed1c2ab5fce6575c8?s=96&#038;d=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.handsfreemama.com%2Fwp-content%2Fthemes%2Frestored316-market%2Fimages%2Fgravatar.png&#038;r=g' srcset='https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/21994daa89510bbed1c2ab5fce6575c8?s=192&#038;d=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.handsfreemama.com%2Fwp-content%2Fthemes%2Frestored316-market%2Fimages%2Fgravatar.png&#038;r=g 2x' class='avatar avatar-96 photo' height='96' width='96' loading='lazy' decoding='async'/><span class="comment-author-name" itemprop="name">Meg Capreedy</span> <span class="says">says</span>			</p>
913
914			<p class="comment-meta"><time class="comment-time" datetime="2013-12-14T02:04:59-06:00" itemprop="datePublished"><a class="comment-time-link" href="https://www.handsfreemama.com/contact/#comment-57688" itemprop="url">December 14, 2013 at 2:04 am</a></time></p>		</header>
915
916		<div class="comment-content" itemprop="text">
917			
918			<p>I am not surprised that I am not the first to suggest it. 🙂 I will be sure to check the store in a few weeks. I will love wearing it! Thanks so much.</p>
919		</div>
920
921		<div class="comment-reply"><a rel="nofollow" class="comment-reply-link" href="https://www.handsfreemama.com/contact/?replytocom=57688#respond" data-commentid="57688" data-postid="5814" data-belowelement="article-comment-57688" data-respondelement="respond" data-replyto="Reply to Meg Capreedy" aria-label="Reply to Meg Capreedy">Reply</a></div>
922		
923	</article>
924	<ul class="children">
925
926	<li class="comment even depth-2" id="comment-57733">
927	<article id="article-comment-57733" itemprop="comment" itemscope itemtype="https://schema.org/Comment">
928
929		<div class="commentnumber">31</div>
930		<header class="comment-header">
931			<p class="comment-author" itemprop="author" itemscope itemtype="https://schema.org/Person">
932				<img alt='' src='https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/1fa73762ddf5452a7c89ab8cc8ea71fb?s=96&#038;d=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.handsfreemama.com%2Fwp-content%2Fthemes%2Frestored316-market%2Fimages%2Fgravatar.png&#038;r=g' srcset='https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/1fa73762ddf5452a7c89ab8cc8ea71fb?s=192&#038;d=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.handsfreemama.com%2Fwp-content%2Fthemes%2Frestored316-market%2Fimages%2Fgravatar.png&#038;r=g 2x' class='avatar avatar-96 photo' height='96' width='96' loading='lazy' decoding='async'/><span class="comment-author-name" itemprop="name"><a href="https://www.handsfreemama.com" class="comment-author-link" rel="external nofollow" itemprop="url">
932Rachel Macy Stafford</a></span> <span class="says">says</span>			</p>
933
934			<p class="comment-meta"><time class="comment-time" datetime="2013-12-14T03:24:11-06:00" itemprop="datePublished"><a class="comment-time-link" href="https://www.handsfreemama.com/contact/#comment-57733" itemprop="url">December 14, 2013 at 3:24 am</a></time></p>		</header>
935
936		<div class="comment-content" itemprop="text">
937			
938			<p>YAY! I love that people spoke out about this. I cannot wait for mine either!</p>
939		</div>
940
941		<div class="comment-reply"><a rel="nofollow" class="comment-reply-link" href="https://www.handsfreemama.com/contact/?replytocom=57733#respond" data-commentid="57733" data-postid="5814" data-belowelement="article-comment-57733" data-respondelement="respond" data-replyto="Reply to Rachel Macy Stafford" aria-label="Reply to Rachel Macy Stafford">Reply</a></div>
942		
943	</article>
944	</li><!-- #comment-## -->
945</ul><!-- .children -->
946</li><!-- #comment-## -->
947
948	<li class="comment odd alt thread-even depth-1" id="comment-57728">
949	<article id="article-comment-57728" itemprop="comment" itemscope itemtype="https://schema.org/Comment">
950
951		<div class="commentnumber">32</div>
952		<header class="comment-header">
953			<p class="comment-author" itemprop="author" itemscope itemtype="https://schema.org/Person">
954				<img alt='' src='https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/2c316a93e854e6c18185f351c75b6c85?s=96&#038;d=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.handsfreemama.com%2Fwp-content%2Fthemes%2Frestored316-market%2Fimages%2Fgravatar.png&#038;r=g' srcset='https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/2c316a93e854e6c18185f351c75b6c85?s=192&#038;d=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.handsfreemama.com%2Fwp-content%2Fthemes%2Frestored316-market%2Fimages%2Fgravatar.png&#038;r=g 2x' class='avatar avatar-96 photo' height='96' width='96' loading='lazy' decoding='async'/><span class="comment-author-name" itemprop="name">Jeni</span> <span class="says">says</span>			</p>
955
956			<p class="comment-meta"><time class="comment-time" datetime="2013-12-14T03:21:34-06:00" itemprop="datePublished"><a class="comment-time-link" href="https://www.handsfreemama.com/contact/#comment-57728" itemprop="url">December 14, 2013 at 3:21 am</a></time></p>		</header>
957
958		<div class="comment-content" itemprop="text">
959			
960			<p>I say thank you from the bottom of my heart! Your blog is a huge blessing! I have two small children that mean the world to me and your words have penetrated my heart. Your wisdom, perspective, and transparency are priceless. Each time I read your blogs I cry because your words embrace me as a mom with grace and love. God has blessed me with my son and daughter and I want to live life to the fullest with them creating as many wonderful memories as possible and your blog is helping me to do that. The post about saying saying stop and only love have made the past couple of days so much brighter. Blessings to you for this blog!</p>
961		</div>
962
963		<div class="comment-reply"><a rel="nofollow" class="comment-reply-link" href="https://www.handsfreemama.com/contact/?replytocom=57728#respond" data-commentid="57728" data-postid="5814" data-belowelement="article-comment-57728" data-respondelement="respond" data-replyto="Reply to Jeni" aria-label="Reply to Jeni">Reply</a></div>
964		
965	</article>
966	<ul class="children">
967
968	<li class="comment even depth-2" id="comment-57736">
969	<article id="article-comment-57736" itemprop="comment" itemscope itemtype="https://schema.org/Comment">
970
971		<div class="commentnumber">33</div>
972		<header class="comment-header">
973			<p class="comment-author" itemprop="author" itemscope itemtype="https://schema.org/Person">
974				<img alt='' src='https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/1fa73762ddf5452a7c89ab8cc8ea71fb?s=96&#038;d=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.handsfreemama.com%2Fwp-content%2Fthemes%2Frestored316-market%2Fimages%2Fgravatar.png&#038;r=g' srcset='https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/1fa73762ddf5452a7c89ab8cc8ea71fb?s=192&#038;d=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.handsfreemama.com%2Fwp-content%2Fthemes%2Frestored316-market%2Fimages%2Fgravatar.png&#038;r=g 2x' class='avatar avatar-96 photo' height='96' width='96' loading='lazy' decoding='async'/><span class="comment-author-name" itemprop="name"><a href="https://www.handsfreemama.com" class="comment-author-link" rel="external nofollow" itemprop="url">
974Rachel Macy Stafford</a></span> <span class="says">says</span>			</p>
975
976			<p class="comment-meta"><time class="comment-time" datetime="2013-12-14T03:27:46-06:00" itemprop="datePublished"><a class="comment-time-link" href="https://www.handsfreemama.com/contact/#comment-57736" itemprop="url">December 14, 2013 at 3:27 am</a></time></p>		</header>
977
978		<div class="comment-content" itemprop="text">
979			
980			<p>I am so thankful for the progress that you have made! What a beautiful comment of support you have given me. I am blessed to share this journey with you, Jeni.</p>
981		</div>
982
983		<div class="comment-reply"><a rel="nofollow" class="comment-reply-link" href="https://www.handsfreemama.com/contact/?replytocom=57736#respond" data-commentid="57736" data-postid="5814" data-belowelement="article-comment-57736" data-respondelement="respond" data-replyto="Reply to Rachel Macy Stafford" aria-label="Reply to Rachel Macy Stafford">Reply</a></div>
984		
985	</article>
986	</li><!-- #comment-## -->
987</ul><!-- .children -->
988</li><!-- #comment-## -->
989
990	<li class="comment odd alt thread-odd thread-alt depth-1" id="comment-61166">
991	<article id="article-comment-61166" itemprop="comment" itemscope itemtype="https://schema.org/Comment">
992
993		<div class="commentnumber">34</div>
994		<header class="comment-header">
995			<p class="comment-author" itemprop="author" itemscope itemtype="https://schema.org/Person">
996				<img alt='' src='https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/a4ae19d5b98cf03523ee5f3c8b8550ad?s=96&#038;d=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.handsfreemama.com%2Fwp-content%2Fthemes%2Frestored316-market%2Fimages%2Fgravatar.png&#038;r=g' srcset='https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/a4ae19d5b98cf03523ee5f3c8b8550ad?s=192&#038;d=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.handsfreemama.com%2Fwp-content%2Fthemes%2Frestored316-market%2Fimages%2Fgravatar.png&#038;r=g 2x' class='avatar avatar-96 photo' height='96' width='96' loading='lazy' decoding='async'/><span class="comment-author-name" itemprop="name"><a href="https://www.ahandsonmom.blogspot.com" class="comment-author-link" rel="external nofollow" itemprop="url">Amy Croker</a></span> <span class="says">says</span>			</p>
997
998			<p class="comment-meta"><time class="comment-time" datetime="2013-12-18T18:40:07-06:00" itemprop="datePublished"><a class="comment-time-link" href="https://www.handsfreemama.com/contact/#comment-61166" itemprop="url">December 18, 2013 at 6:40 pm</a></time></p>		</header>
999
1000		<div class="comment-content" itemprop="text">
1001			
1002			<p>Dear Rachel, I can&#8217;t thank you enough for your post, A Bully Too Close to Home.&#8221; It was so scary yet so humbling to read as it reminded me so much of my life right now. I feel like all I do is bark at my girls. I feel that my day is just filled with negativity, hurry  ups and we are going to be late if you don&#8217;t do&#8230; My oldest, who is 6, is really suffering from anxiety. Every time she has to get ready to go somewhere, she throws a fit about what she is wearing. It can even be an outfit she chooses. It can be so tiring and so wearing on our family when she throws these fits. I have tried to be patient and to be positive when she does this, but now I am just finding myself getting mad at her and then criticizing myself the whole day for being such a bad mom that yells. I am not sure why my oldest has started doing this. I tend to want to put blame on my husband because he is not home that much, our marriage is unraveling, my depression and the list can go on of excuses I try to make and really it is how I have reacted to the challenges I have going on right now.  I also know it is about how I feel about myself and how I try to be this super mom that I am not. I see these moms that seem to have everything, a great job, a wonderful husband, good friends that are supportive and still have time for not only themselves but for their kids. I know my oldest and I am sure my 3 year old is also suffering from my anger and resentment that I seem to have about everything. After reading your story, especially your example of you running down to your basement to see why your youngest was crying, and to see that your oldest was not even going to try to convince it was not her fault, I got these huge lump in my throat. It was like I was reading my story. I do this and need to stop. I want to stop and I want to be better not only for me but for everyone around me. I just got my &#8220;Hands Free&#8221; pledge in the mail yesterday. I can&#8217;t wait to frame it and put on display for a daily reminder of how to be a better mom, and most importantly &#8220;Hands Free.&#8221;
1002 Thank you so much for your blog, your encouraging words and just being real. You have touched this broken mom and I pray that as I put back each new piece of me every day, I remember to just &#8220;love for today.&#8221; God Bless you!<br />
1003Amy</p>
1004		</div>
1005
1006		<div class="comment-reply"><a rel="nofollow" class="comment-reply-link" href="https://www.handsfreemama.com/contact/?replytocom=61166#respond" data-commentid="61166" data-postid="5814" data-belowelement="article-comment-61166" data-respondelement="respond" data-replyto="Reply to Amy Croker" aria-label="Reply to Amy Croker">Reply</a></div>
1007		
1008	</article>
1009	<ul class="children">
1010
1011	<li class="comment even depth-2" id="comment-61191">
1012	<article id="article-comment-61191" itemprop="comment" itemscope itemtype="https://schema.org/Comment">
1013
1014		<div class="commentnumber">35</div>
1015		<header class="comment-header">
1016			<p class="comment-author" itemprop="author" itemscope itemtype="https://schema.org/Person">
1017				<img alt='' src='https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/1fa73762ddf5452a7c89ab8cc8ea71fb?s=96&#038;d=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.handsfreemama.com%2Fwp-content%2Fthemes%2Frestored316-market%2Fimages%2Fgravatar.png&#038;r=g' srcset='https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/1fa73762ddf5452a7c89ab8cc8ea71fb?s=192&#038;d=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.handsfreemama.com%2Fwp-content%2Fthemes%2Frestored316-market%2Fimages%2Fgravatar.png&#038;r=g 2x' class='avatar avatar-96 photo' height='96' width='96' loading='lazy' decoding='async'/><span class="comment-author-name" itemprop="name"><a href="https://www.handsfreemama.com" class="comment-author-link" rel="external nofollow" itemprop="url">Rachel Macy Stafford</a></span> <span class="says">says</span>			</p>
1018
1019			<p class="comment-meta"><time class="comment-time" datetime="2013-12-18T19:29:10-06:00" itemprop="datePublished"><a class="comment-time-link" href="https://www.handsfreemama.com/contact/#comment-61191" itemprop="url">December 18, 2013 at 7:29 pm</a></time></p>		</header>
1020
1021		<div class="comment-content" itemprop="text">
1022			
1023			<p>Amy, thank you so much for your open, honest, heartfelt words. I am so touched by what you have shared with me. I have received hundreds of emails from people asking for help in silencing the inner bully and being more positive with their children. I am going to cut &#038; paste what I have shared with them in case there is something here that might help you too. </p>
1024<p>Andrea Nair is a brilliant author who specializes in the connection between parents and children. Andrea immediately wrote a post that describes a practical and powerful strategy that we can all start implementing today, right now. Here is the link to “Seven Steps to Being Less Harsh on Our Kids”: <a href="http://www.yummymummyclub.ca/blogs/andrea-nair-button-pushing/20131212/steps-to-being-less-harsh-on-our-kids" rel="nofollow ugc">http://www.yummymummyclub.ca/blogs/andrea-nair-button-pushing/20131212/steps-to-being-less-harsh-on-our-kids</a></p>
1025<p>I also reached out to Sandra Blackhard, Author of &#8220;Say What You See For Parents &#038; Teachers.” She provided these tips for strengthening or rebuilding relationships with children and yourself:</p>
1026<p>•    It&#8217;s never too late to turn around your relationship with your child. A key factor in your relationship with your child is your relationship with yourself. When you become aware that you want or need help, or believe your child might, trust your instincts and DON&#8217;T WAIT! Help is available in the form of books and professionals such as coaches, counselors, therapists and doctors. They can help you bring love and understanding to yourself and your child and provide tips and tools for keeping your relationship intact.</p>
1027<p>•    To rebuild or strengthen your relationship, the first step is ALWAYS connection. This step helps you understand the child&#8217;s perspective, underlying motivation, wishes and intentions while helping you remain objective and calm. Listening, observing and objectively describing what you see and hear is the easiest way to start. Avoid judgment, criticism, questions and advice while connecting. Hugs, play wrestling and other forms of physical contact also bring connection.</p>
1028<p>•    Children don&#8217;t think like adults, but this doesn&#8217;t mean the way they think is wrong. You can consider childhood as the testing phase for cause and effect logic to a child anything really is possible. What they tell you is a window into that world &#8211; the world where fantasy becomes discovery. You can provide facts as a child requests, but remind yourself to listen with wonder, not skepticism.</p>
1029<p>•    Acknowledge children&#8217;s good intentions, especially when things have gone badly. Your child&#8217;s good intentions tell you who your child really is. The accidents and problems that their actions may create are valuable learning experiences that you can use to help the child achieve their goals and fulfill their intentions. It takes a while to figure out how this world works. Your job is to be their guide.</p>
1030<p>•    Children welcome do-overs. Do-overs really do rebuild connection. Blame and “I told you so’s” are not part of a do-over. Do-overs are all about seeing the child’s point of view, apologizing for your emotional explosion or mistake, and working together to solve the problem that set it off. Even though you would prefer to catch yourself in the moment or stop yourself before you started, do-overs can be your saving grace &#8211; now and always. Do-overs let children (and us) see who we really are – a loving, understanding parent who sometimes forgets themselves when feeling mad. But the loving, understanding one is the real one, and our kids know it. They hate it when we disappear and they can’t reach us (that’s the tears), but they remain surprisingly ready to welcome us back. It’s up to us to take the first step.</p>
1031<p>Sandra Blackhard and her colleagues have kindly offered their contact information so people can reach out directly to them about issues they are facing.</p>
1032<p>If you feel like there should be something you can do to turn things around but you don&#8217;
1032t know what it is, feel lost, stuck or overwhelmed, contact:</p>
1033<p>Sandra &#038; Eva, parenting/life coaching: <a href="http://www.languageoflistening.com" rel="nofollow ugc">http://www.languageoflistening.com</a></p>
1034<p>If you feel hopeless like nothing you do will ever work, or if you or your child(ren) are experiencing depression, anxiety, grief, trauma, attention problems, self-inflicted injury, suicidal thoughts, or are simply wishing for healing, contact:</p>
1035<p>Theresa, PhD, licensed psychologist: <a href="http://www.theresakellam.com" rel="nofollow ugc">http://www.theresakellam.com</a></p>
1036<p>Recommended Books:</p>
1037<p>Brene Brown has written several books that helped me overcome my inner bully. I highly recommend these two books by her: </p>
1038<p>“The Gifts of Imperfection”: <a href="https://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/159285849X/wwwbrenebrown-20" rel="nofollow ugc">http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/159285849X/wwwbrenebrown-20</a></p>
1039<p>“I Thought It Was Just Me”: <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Thought-Was-Just-but-isnt/dp/1592403352/ref=pd_sim_b_2" rel="nofollow ugc">http://www.amazon.com/Thought-Was-Just-but-isnt/dp/1592403352/ref=pd_sim_b_2</a></p>
1040<p>I also highly recommend this book: </p>
1041<p>Peaceful Parent, Happy Kids:  <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Peaceful-Parent-Happy-Kids-Connecting/dp/0399160280/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&#038;ie=UTF8&#038;qid=1387183818&#038;sr=1-1&#038;keywords=dr.+laura+markham" rel="nofollow ugc">http://www.amazon.com/Peaceful-Parent-Happy-Kids-Connecting/dp/0399160280/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&#038;ie=UTF8&#038;qid=1387183818&#038;sr=1-1&#038;keywords=dr.+laura+markham</a></p>
1042<p>Dr. Markham also has a blog that is a valuable resource to parents with children of all ages:  <a href="http://www.ahaparenting.com" rel="nofollow ugc">http://www.ahaparenting.com</a></p>
1043<p>I hope I have provided some additional resources that will help you take further steps toward the life you want to live &#038; the person you want to be. It&#8217;s not too late. </p>
1044<p>With gratitude,</p>
1045<p>Rachel</p>
1046		</div>
1047
1048		<div class="comment-reply"><a rel="nofollow" class="comment-reply-link" href="https://www.handsfreemama.com/contact/?replytocom=61191#respond" data-commentid="61191" data-postid="5814" data-belowelement="article-comment-61191" data-respondelement="respond" data-replyto="Reply to Rachel Macy Stafford" aria-label="Reply to Rachel Macy Stafford">Reply</a></div>
1049		
1050	</article>
1051	</li><!-- #comment-## -->
1052</ul><!-- .children -->
1053</li><!-- #comment-## -->
1054
1055	<li class="comment odd alt thread-even depth-1" id="comment-66964">
1056	<article id="article-comment-66964" itemprop="comment" itemscope itemtype="https://schema.org/Comment">
1057
1058		<div class="commentnumber">36</div>
1059		<header class="comment-header">
1060			<p class="comment-author" itemprop="author" itemscope itemtype="https://schema.org/Person">
1061				<img alt='' src='https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/b5cee60432ccb9c45d20f7e7ffb903de?s=96&#038;d=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.handsfreemama.com%2Fwp-content%2Fthemes%2Frestored316-market%2Fimages%2Fgravatar.png&#038;r=g' srcset='https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/b5cee60432ccb9c45d20f7e7ffb903de?s=192&#038;d=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.handsfreemama.com%2Fwp-content%2Fthemes%2Frestored316-market%2Fimages%2Fgravatar.png&#038;r=g 2x' class='avatar avatar-96 photo' height='96' width='96' loading='lazy' decoding='async'/><span class="comment-author-name" itemprop="name">lesley</span> <span class="says">says</span>			</p>
1062
1063			<p class="comment-meta"><time class="comment-time" datetime="2013-12-27T12:35:21-06:00" itemprop="datePublished"><a class="comment-time-link" href="https://www.handsfreemama.com/contact/#comment-66964" itemprop="url">December 27, 2013 at 12:35 pm</a></time></p>		</header>
1064
1065		<div class="comment-content" itemprop="text">
1066			
1067			<p>Hi Rachel,</p>
1068<p>I just found your blog.  It looks great and sounds perfect I&#8217;d like to give you one suggestion.  I&#8217;d LOVE to read it but the contrast of the text is much too low.  It hurt my eyes to read one page.  If you could increase the text contrast it would be so much easier to read.</p>
1069<p>happy holidays,<br />
1070Lesley</p>
1071		</div>
1072
1073		<div class="comment-reply"><a rel="nofollow" class="comment-reply-link" href="https://www.handsfreemama.com/contact/?replytocom=66964#respond" data-commentid="66964" data-postid="5814" data-belowelement="article-comment-66964" data-respondelement="respond" data-replyto="Reply to lesley" aria-label="Reply to lesley">Reply</a></div>
1074		
1075	</article>
1076	<ul class="children">
1077
1078	<li class="comment even depth-2" id="comment-68323">
1079	<article id="article-comment-68323" itemprop="comment" itemscope itemtype="https://schema.org/Comment">
1080
1081		<div class="commentnumber">37</div>
1082		<header class="comment-header">
1083			<p class="comment-author" itemprop="author" itemscope itemtype="https://schema.org/Person">
1084				<img alt='' src='https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/1fa73762ddf5452a7c89ab8cc8ea71fb?s=96&#038;d=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.handsfreemama.com%2Fwp-content%2Fthemes%2Frestored316-market%2Fimages%2Fgravatar.png&#038;r=g' srcset='https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/1fa73762ddf5452a7c89ab8cc8ea71fb?s=192&#038;d=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.handsfreemama.com%2Fwp-content%2Fthemes%2Frestored316-market%2Fimages%2Fgravatar.png&#038;r=g 2x' class='avatar avatar-96 photo' height='96' width='96' loading='lazy' decoding='async'/><span class="comment-author-name" itemprop="name"><a href="https://www.handsfreemama.com" class="comment-author-link" rel="external nofollow" itemprop="url">
1084Rachel Macy Stafford</a></span> <span class="says">says</span>			</p>
1085
1086			<p class="comment-meta"><time class="comment-time" datetime="2013-12-29T17:29:11-06:00" itemprop="datePublished"><a class="comment-time-link" href="https://www.handsfreemama.com/contact/#comment-68323" itemprop="url">December 29, 2013 at 5:29 pm</a></time></p>		</header>
1087
1088		<div class="comment-content" itemprop="text">
1089			
1090			<p>Hi Lesley, thanks for the feedback. I just had my blog re-designed, so I am still tweaking it based on reader suggestions. My web designer has darkened the font based on your feedback. I hope it is more readable. Thanks!</p>
1091		</div>
1092
1093		<div class="comment-reply"><a rel="nofollow" class="comment-reply-link" href="https://www.handsfreemama.com/contact/?replytocom=68323#respond" data-commentid="68323" data-postid="5814" data-belowelement="article-comment-68323" data-respondelement="respond" data-replyto="Reply to Rachel Macy Stafford" aria-label="Reply to Rachel Macy Stafford">Reply</a></div>
1094		
1095	</article>
1096	</li><!-- #comment-## -->
1097</ul><!-- .children -->
1098</li><!-- #comment-## -->
1099
1100	<li class="comment odd alt thread-odd thread-alt depth-1" id="comment-70952">
1101	<article id="article-comment-70952" itemprop="comment" itemscope itemtype="https://schema.org/Comment">
1102
1103		<div class="commentnumber">38</div>
1104		<header class="comment-header">
1105			<p class="comment-author" itemprop="author" itemscope itemtype="https://schema.org/Person">
1106				<img alt='' src='https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/55cb562fde718bf33fdf3d410fcc89d0?s=96&#038;d=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.handsfreemama.com%2Fwp-content%2Fthemes%2Frestored316-market%2Fimages%2Fgravatar.png&#038;r=g' srcset='https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/55cb562fde718bf33fdf3d410fcc89d0?s=192&#038;d=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.handsfreemama.com%2Fwp-content%2Fthemes%2Frestored316-market%2Fimages%2Fgravatar.png&#038;r=g 2x' class='avatar avatar-96 photo' height='96' width='96' loading='lazy' decoding='async'/><span class="comment-author-name" itemprop="name">Mandy Roland</span> <span class="says">says</span>			</p>
1107
1108			<p class="comment-meta"><time class="comment-time" datetime="2014-01-03T03:41:21-06:00" itemprop="datePublished"><a class="comment-time-link" href="https://www.handsfreemama.com/contact/#comment-70952" itemprop="url">January 3, 2014 at 3:41 am</a></time></p>		</header>
1109
1110		<div class="comment-content" itemprop="text">
1111			
1112			<p>To find such encouragement from a stranger, to improve my life and my family&#8217;s, because she is sharing deeply personal thoughts and feelings is a rare treasure.  Keep your wonderful words and insights flowing as you continue on your journey!</p>
1113		</div>
1114
1115		<div class="comment-reply"><a rel="nofollow" class="comment-reply-link" href="https://www.handsfreemama.com/contact/?replytocom=70952#respond" data-commentid="70952" data-postid="5814" data-belowelement="article-comment-70952" data-respondelement="respond" data-replyto="Reply to Mandy Roland" aria-label="Reply to Mandy Roland">Reply</a></div>
1116		
1117	</article>
1118	<ul class="children">
1119
1120	<li class="comment even depth-2" id="comment-71096">
1121	<article id="article-comment-71096" itemprop="comment" itemscope itemtype="https://schema.org/Comment">
1122
1123		<div class="commentnumber">39</div>
1124		<header class="comment-header">
1125			<p class="comment-author" itemprop="author" itemscope itemtype="https://schema.org/Person">
1126				<img alt='' src='https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/1fa73762ddf5452a7c89ab8cc8ea71fb?s=96&#038;d=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.handsfreemama.com%2Fwp-content%2Fthemes%2Frestored316-market%2Fimages%2Fgravatar.png&#038;r=g' srcset='https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/1fa73762ddf5452a7c89ab8cc8ea71fb?s=192&#038;d=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.handsfreemama.com%2Fwp-content%2Fthemes%2Frestored316-market%2Fimages%2Fgravatar.png&#038;r=g 2x' class='avatar avatar-96 photo' height='96' width='96' loading='lazy' decoding='async'/><span class="comment-author-name" itemprop="name"><a href="https://www.handsfreemama.com" class="comment-author-link" rel="external nofollow" itemprop="url">Rachel Macy Stafford</a></span> <span class="says">says</span>			</p>
1127
1128			<p class="comment-meta"><time class="comment-time" datetime="2014-01-03T10:05:52-06:00" itemprop="datePublished"><a class="comment-time-link" href="https://www.handsfreemama.com/contact/#comment-71096" itemprop="url">January 3, 2014 at 10:05 am</a></time></p>		</header>
1129
1130		<div class="comment-content" itemprop="text">
1131			
1132			<p>
1132Wow. This means so much to me. Thank you for telling me this!</p>
1133		</div>
1134
1135		<div class="comment-reply"><a rel="nofollow" class="comment-reply-link" href="https://www.handsfreemama.com/contact/?replytocom=71096#respond" data-commentid="71096" data-postid="5814" data-belowelement="article-comment-71096" data-respondelement="respond" data-replyto="Reply to Rachel Macy Stafford" aria-label="Reply to Rachel Macy Stafford">Reply</a></div>
1136		
1137	</article>
1138	</li><!-- #comment-## -->
1139</ul><!-- .children -->
1140</li><!-- #comment-## -->
1141
1142	<li class="comment odd alt thread-even depth-1" id="comment-72085">
1143	<article id="article-comment-72085" itemprop="comment" itemscope itemtype="https://schema.org/Comment">
1144
1145		<div class="commentnumber">40</div>
1146		<header class="comment-header">
1147			<p class="comment-author" itemprop="author" itemscope itemtype="https://schema.org/Person">
1148				<img alt='' src='https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/e49731f27d20f30ca1900f54b372ccaf?s=96&#038;d=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.handsfreemama.com%2Fwp-content%2Fthemes%2Frestored316-market%2Fimages%2Fgravatar.png&#038;r=g' srcset='https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/e49731f27d20f30ca1900f54b372ccaf?s=192&#038;d=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.handsfreemama.com%2Fwp-content%2Fthemes%2Frestored316-market%2Fimages%2Fgravatar.png&#038;r=g 2x' class='avatar avatar-96 photo' height='96' width='96' loading='lazy' decoding='async'/><span class="comment-author-name" itemprop="name">Helene Ehlers</span> <span class="says">says</span>			</p>
1149
1150			<p class="comment-meta"><time class="comment-time" datetime="2014-01-05T06:48:21-06:00" itemprop="datePublished"><a class="comment-time-link" href="https://www.handsfreemama.com/contact/#comment-72085" itemprop="url">January 5, 2014 at 6:48 am</a></time></p>		</header>
1151
1152		<div class="comment-content" itemprop="text">
1153			
1154			<p>Thanks</p>
1155		</div>
1156
1157		<div class="comment-reply"><a rel="nofollow" class="comment-reply-link" href="https://www.handsfreemama.com/contact/?replytocom=72085#respond" data-commentid="72085" data-postid="5814" data-belowelement="article-comment-72085" data-respondelement="respond" data-replyto="Reply to Helene Ehlers" aria-label="Reply to Helene Ehlers">Reply</a></div>
1158		
1159	</article>
1160	</li><!-- #comment-## -->
1161
1162	<li class="comment even thread-odd thread-alt depth-1" id="comment-72263">
1163	<article id="article-comment-72263" itemprop="comment" itemscope itemtype="https://schema.org/Comment">
1164
1165		<div class="commentnumber">41</div>
1166		<header class="comment-header">
1167			<p class="comment-author" itemprop="author" itemscope itemtype="https://schema.org/Person">
1168				<img alt='' src='https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/a86e8022ad3df4275717f8397f21f0c3?s=96&#038;d=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.handsfreemama.com%2Fwp-content%2Fthemes%2Frestored316-market%2Fimages%2Fgravatar.png&#038;r=g' srcset='https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/a86e8022ad3df4275717f8397f21f0c3?s=192&#038;d=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.handsfreemama.com%2Fwp-content%2Fthemes%2Frestored316-market%2Fimages%2Fgravatar.png&#038;r=g 2x' class='avatar avatar-96 photo' height='96' width='96' loading='lazy' decoding='async'/><span class="comment-author-name" itemprop="name"><a href="http://none" class="comment-author-link" rel="external nofollow" itemprop="url">Karri Neese</a></span> <span class="says">says</span>			</p>
1169
1170			<p class="comment-meta"><time class="comment-time" datetime="2014-01-05T16:02:46-06:00" itemprop="datePublished"><a class="comment-time-link" href="https://www.handsfreemama.com/contact/#comment-72263" itemprop="url">January 5, 2014 at 4:02 pm</a></time></p>		</header>
1171
1172		<div class="comment-content" itemprop="text">
1173			
1174			<p>Hello, my name is Karri Neese and I came across your blog while researching distracted parenting. You see I am a kdg teacher of 15 yrs and I recently was recognized as teacher of the year at my school. Well, as part of that process, I will be writing about major issues that I feel have effected education positively and negatively over my teaching career. Your &#8220;hands free mama&#8221; approach is exactly what I am trying to convey to my parents of my students. I would like to use some of your suggestions and possibly refer to ur blog in my teacher of the year report. But definitely would like your permission and blessing beforehand. I want to join hands with you and start a hands free revolution among our families and I would like to start it with me And my student body! Please consider my request and feel free to respond it you have any concerns with my request. I saw you were once a teacher, so you know my passion! 🙂 thank you for what your doing, I would love to read your book. I will be looking for it. I would even like to start a book study in my school, if I can get others on board! Thank you for your time and consideration. Karri neese</p>
1175		</div>
1176
1177		<div class="comment-reply"><a rel="nofollow" class="comment-reply-link" href="https://www.handsfreemama.com/contact/?replytocom=72263#respond" data-commentid="72263" data-postid="5814" data-belowelement="article-comment-72263" data-respondelement="respond" data-replyto="Reply to Karri Neese" aria-label="Reply to Karri Neese">Reply</a></div>
1178		
1179	</article>
1180	<ul class="children">
1181
1182	<li class="comment odd alt depth-2" id="comment-72458">
1183	<article id="article-comment-72458" itemprop="comment" itemscope itemtype="https://schema.org/Comment">
1184
1185		<div class="commentnumber">42</div>
1186		<header class="comment-header">
1187			<p class="comment-author" itemprop="author" itemscope itemtype="https://schema.org/Person">
1188				<img alt='' src='https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/1fa73762ddf5452a7c89ab8cc8ea71fb?s=96&#038;d=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.handsfreemama.com%2Fwp-content%2Fthemes%2Frestored316-market%2Fimages%2Fgravatar.png&#038;r=g' srcset='https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/1fa73762ddf5452a7c89ab8cc8ea71fb?s=192&#038;d=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.handsfreemama.com%2Fwp-content%2Fthemes%2Frestored316-market%2Fimages%2Fgravatar.png&#038;r=g 2x' class='avatar avatar-96 photo' height='96' width='96' loading='lazy' decoding='async'/><span class="comment-author-name" itemprop="name"><a href="https://www.handsfreemama.com" class="comment-author-link" rel="external nofollow" itemprop="url">
1188Rachel Macy Stafford</a></span> <span class="says">says</span>			</p>
1189
1190			<p class="comment-meta"><time class="comment-time" datetime="2014-01-06T02:19:58-06:00" itemprop="datePublished"><a class="comment-time-link" href="https://www.handsfreemama.com/contact/#comment-72458" itemprop="url">January 6, 2014 at 2:19 am</a></time></p>		</header>
1191
1192		<div class="comment-content" itemprop="text">
1193			
1194			<p>I would be HONORED, Karri, to be mentioned in your project. Feel free to email me if you need anything. I may even be able to get you a copy of my book that comes out on Tuesday called Hands Free Mama. It is FULL of ideas to help people become less distracted and more connected. </p>
1195<p>Congrats on your &#8220;teacher of the year&#8221; recognition. That is outstanding. I appreciate the work you do for our precious children.</p>
1196		</div>
1197
1198		<div class="comment-reply"><a rel="nofollow" class="comment-reply-link" href="https://www.handsfreemama.com/contact/?replytocom=72458#respond" data-commentid="72458" data-postid="5814" data-belowelement="article-comment-72458" data-respondelement="respond" data-replyto="Reply to Rachel Macy Stafford" aria-label="Reply to Rachel Macy Stafford">Reply</a></div>
1199		
1200	</article>
1201	</li><!-- #comment-## -->
1202</ul><!-- .children -->
1203</li><!-- #comment-## -->
1204
1205	<li class="comment even thread-even depth-1" id="comment-77401">
1206	<article id="article-comment-77401" itemprop="comment" itemscope itemtype="https://schema.org/Comment">
1207
1208		<div class="commentnumber">43</div>
1209		<header class="comment-header">
1210			<p class="comment-author" itemprop="author" itemscope itemtype="https://schema.org/Person">
1211				<img alt='' src='https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/11299a97beae449ba16d87ab6b909887?s=96&#038;d=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.handsfreemama.com%2Fwp-content%2Fthemes%2Frestored316-market%2Fimages%2Fgravatar.png&#038;r=g' srcset='https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/11299a97beae449ba16d87ab6b909887?s=192&#038;d=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.handsfreemama.com%2Fwp-content%2Fthemes%2Frestored316-market%2Fimages%2Fgravatar.png&#038;r=g 2x' class='avatar avatar-96 photo' height='96' width='96' loading='lazy' decoding='async'/><span class="comment-author-name" itemprop="name">Joanne</span> <span class="says">says</span>			</p>
1212
1213			<p class="comment-meta"><time class="comment-time" datetime="2014-01-14T23:24:46-06:00" itemprop="datePublished"><a class="comment-time-link" href="https://www.handsfreemama.com/contact/#comment-77401" itemprop="url">January 14, 2014 at 11:24 pm</a></time></p>		</header>
1214
1215		<div class="comment-content" itemprop="text">
1216			
1217			<p>Just found your site!! Looking forward to reading your blog and your book!</p>
1218		</div>
1219
1220		<div class="comment-reply"><a rel="nofollow" class="comment-reply-link" href="https://www.handsfreemama.com/contact/?replytocom=77401#respond" data-commentid="77401" data-postid="5814" data-belowelement="article-comment-77401" data-respondelement="respond" data-replyto="Reply to Joanne" aria-label="Reply to Joanne">Reply</a></div>
1221		
1222	</article>
1223	</li><!-- #comment-## -->
1224
1225	<li class="comment odd alt thread-odd thread-alt depth-1" id="comment-78747">
1226	<article id="article-comment-78747" itemprop="comment" itemscope itemtype="https://schema.org/Comment">
1227
1228		<div class="commentnumber">44</div>
1229		<header class="comment-header">
1230			<p class="comment-author" itemprop="author" itemscope itemtype="https://schema.org/Person">
1231				<img alt='' src='https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/f60f0ea1e0cf984744de2dc8c5c738ae?s=96&#038;d=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.handsfreemama.com%2Fwp-content%2Fthemes%2Frestored316-market%2Fimages%2Fgravatar.png&#038;r=g' srcset='https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/f60f0ea1e0cf984744de2dc8c5c738ae?s=192&#038;d=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.handsfreemama.com%2Fwp-content%2Fthemes%2Frestored316-market%2Fimages%2Fgravatar.png&#038;r=g 2x' class='avatar avatar-96 photo' height='96' width='96' loading='lazy' decoding='async'/><span class="comment-author-name" itemprop="name"><a href="https://livingontheledgeblog.blogspot.com/" class="comment-author-link" rel="external nofollow" itemprop="url">Julie @ Living on the Ledge</a></span> <span class="says">says</span>			</p>
1232
1233			<p class="comment-meta"><time class="comment-time" datetime="2014-01-16T10:50:40-06:00" itemprop="datePublished"><a class="comment-time-link" href="https://www.handsfreemama.com/contact/#comment-78747" itemprop="url">January 16, 2014 at 10:50 am</a></time></p>		</header>
1234
1235		<div class="comment-content" itemprop="text">
1236			
1237			<p>Hi Rachel,</p>
1238<p>What a beautiful website/blog! I&#8217;m a writer by profession and a new blogger, and just yesterday I blogged about putting down my phone and paying attention to my kids. (I have tw
1238o-year-old twins and a four-month old.) Started searching the topic today and found you. This is wonderful work you&#8217;re doing. Bravo. I&#8217;m so happy to be following along!</p>
1239		</div>
1240
1241		<div class="comment-reply"><a rel="nofollow" class="comment-reply-link" href="https://www.handsfreemama.com/contact/?replytocom=78747#respond" data-commentid="78747" data-postid="5814" data-belowelement="article-comment-78747" data-respondelement="respond" data-replyto="Reply to Julie @ Living on the Ledge" aria-label="Reply to Julie @ Living on the Ledge">Reply</a></div>
1242		
1243	</article>
1244	</li><!-- #comment-## -->
1245
1246	<li class="comment even thread-even depth-1" id="comment-79423">
1247	<article id="article-comment-79423" itemprop="comment" itemscope itemtype="https://schema.org/Comment">
1248
1249		<div class="commentnumber">45</div>
1250		<header class="comment-header">
1251			<p class="comment-author" itemprop="author" itemscope itemtype="https://schema.org/Person">
1252				<img alt='' src='https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/36e03be695501e45f33ad08e5f5ceb89?s=96&#038;d=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.handsfreemama.com%2Fwp-content%2Fthemes%2Frestored316-market%2Fimages%2Fgravatar.png&#038;r=g' srcset='https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/36e03be695501e45f33ad08e5f5ceb89?s=192&#038;d=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.handsfreemama.com%2Fwp-content%2Fthemes%2Frestored316-market%2Fimages%2Fgravatar.png&#038;r=g 2x' class='avatar avatar-96 photo' height='96' width='96' loading='lazy' decoding='async'/><span class="comment-author-name" itemprop="name">Laura</span> <span class="says">says</span>			</p>
1253
1254			<p class="comment-meta"><time class="comment-time" datetime="2014-01-17T08:18:58-06:00" itemprop="datePublished"><a class="comment-time-link" href="https://www.handsfreemama.com/contact/#comment-79423" itemprop="url">January 17, 2014 at 8:18 am</a></time></p>		</header>
1255
1256		<div class="comment-content" itemprop="text">
1257			
1258			<p>You&#8217;re going to publish your books in Spanish?</p>
1259		</div>
1260
1261		<div class="comment-reply"><a rel="nofollow" class="comment-reply-link" href="https://www.handsfreemama.com/contact/?replytocom=79423#respond" data-commentid="79423" data-postid="5814" data-belowelement="article-comment-79423" data-respondelement="respond" data-replyto="Reply to Laura" aria-label="Reply to Laura">Reply</a></div>
1262		
1263	</article>
1264	<ul class="children">
1265
1266	<li class="comment odd alt depth-2" id="comment-79669">
1267	<article id="article-comment-79669" itemprop="comment" itemscope itemtype="https://schema.org/Comment">
1268
1269		<div class="commentnumber">46</div>
1270		<header class="comment-header">
1271			<p class="comment-author" itemprop="author" itemscope itemtype="https://schema.org/Person">
1272				<img alt='' src='https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/1fa73762ddf5452a7c89ab8cc8ea71fb?s=96&#038;d=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.handsfreemama.com%2Fwp-content%2Fthemes%2Frestored316-market%2Fimages%2Fgravatar.png&#038;r=g' srcset='https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/1fa73762ddf5452a7c89ab8cc8ea71fb?s=192&#038;d=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.handsfreemama.com%2Fwp-content%2Fthemes%2Frestored316-market%2Fimages%2Fgravatar.png&#038;r=g 2x' class='avatar avatar-96 photo' height='96' width='96' loading='lazy' decoding='async'/><span class="comment-author-name" itemprop="name"><a href="https://www.handsfreemama.com" class="comment-author-link" rel="external nofollow" itemprop="url">Rachel Macy Stafford</a></span> <span class="says">says</span>			</p>
1273
1274			<p class="comment-meta"><time class="comment-time" datetime="2014-01-17T14:35:57-06:00" itemprop="datePublished"><a class="comment-time-link" href="https://www.handsfreemama.com/contact/#comment-79669" itemprop="url">January 17, 2014 at 2:35 pm</a></time></p>		</header>
1275
1276		<div class="comment-content" itemprop="text">
1277			
1278			<p>Yes. My publisher is working on it! 🙂</p>
1279		</div>
1280
1281		<div class="comment-reply"><a rel="nofollow" class="comment-reply-link" href="https://www.handsfreemama.com/contact/?replytocom=79669#respond" data-commentid="79669" data-postid="5814" data-belowelement="article-comment-79669" data-respondelement="respond" data-replyto="Reply to Rachel Macy Stafford" aria-label="Reply to Rachel Macy Stafford">Reply</a></div>
1282		
1283	</article>
1284	</li><!-- #comment-## -->
1285</ul><!-- .children -->
1286</li><!-- #comment-## -->
1287
1288	<li class="comment even thread-odd thread-alt depth-1" id="comment-82114">
1289	<article id="article-comment-82114" itemprop="comment" itemscope itemtype="https://schema.org/Comment">
1290
1291		<div class="commentnumber">47</div>
1292		<header class="comment-header">
1293			<p class="comment-author" itemprop="author" itemscope itemtype="https://schema.org/Person">
1294				<img alt='' src='https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/d836c0e2498c41fce2836f4eda7e1c3c?s=96&#038;d=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.handsfreemama.com%2Fwp-content%2Fthemes%2Frestored316-market%2Fimages%2Fgravatar.png&#038;r=g' srcset='https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/d836c0e2498c41fce2836f4eda7e1c3c?s=192&#038;d=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.handsfreemama.com%2Fwp-content%2Fthemes%2Frestored316-market%2Fimages%2Fgravatar.png&#038;r=g 2x' class='avatar avatar-96 photo' height='96' width='96' loading='lazy' decoding='async'/><span class="comment-author-name" itemprop="name">Tamara Nowlan</span> <span class="says">says</span>			</p>
1295
1296			<p class="comment-meta"><time class="comment-time" datetime="2014-01-20T20:07:40-06:00" itemprop="datePublished"><a class="comment-time-link" href="https://www.handsfreemama.com/contact/#comment-82114" itemprop="url">January 20, 2014 at 8:07 pm</a></time></p>		</header>
1297
1298		<div class="comment-content" itemprop="text">
1299			
1300			<p>Thank you for everything Rachel. I live in Central Queensland Australia on a cattle property, am the mother of two small children and your words have been like a warm soothing balm on a fresh wound.   I struggled like mums all over the world learning how to juggle children and my career (yes being a grazier is a career and it requires a lot of intelligence and study to be a good one!)  Life is so wonderful and yet soooo different after having children it takes a lot to get ur head around it all!  I look forward to receiving your blog every time and I wait until I have a quiet moment to read it  so that I can really absorb the message. I&#8217;
1300m sorry that there are people out there who would criticise your openness, it never even occurred to me that that would happen!  Thank you again for your braveness, honesty and beautiful spirit and also thank you to your beautiful girls &#8211; without them I doubt that you would have such positive power to affect as many lives as you have!! Thank you especially for your bracelet there is only love today, I try to live my life by it!</p>
1301		</div>
1302
1303		<div class="comment-reply"><a rel="nofollow" class="comment-reply-link" href="https://www.handsfreemama.com/contact/?replytocom=82114#respond" data-commentid="82114" data-postid="5814" data-belowelement="article-comment-82114" data-respondelement="respond" data-replyto="Reply to Tamara Nowlan" aria-label="Reply to Tamara Nowlan">Reply</a></div>
1304		
1305	</article>
1306	<ul class="children">
1307
1308	<li class="comment odd alt depth-2" id="comment-82116">
1309	<article id="article-comment-82116" itemprop="comment" itemscope itemtype="https://schema.org/Comment">
1310
1311		<div class="commentnumber">48</div>
1312		<header class="comment-header">
1313			<p class="comment-author" itemprop="author" itemscope itemtype="https://schema.org/Person">
1314				<img alt='' src='https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/1fa73762ddf5452a7c89ab8cc8ea71fb?s=96&#038;d=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.handsfreemama.com%2Fwp-content%2Fthemes%2Frestored316-market%2Fimages%2Fgravatar.png&#038;r=g' srcset='https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/1fa73762ddf5452a7c89ab8cc8ea71fb?s=192&#038;d=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.handsfreemama.com%2Fwp-content%2Fthemes%2Frestored316-market%2Fimages%2Fgravatar.png&#038;r=g 2x' class='avatar avatar-96 photo' height='96' width='96' loading='lazy' decoding='async'/><span class="comment-author-name" itemprop="name"><a href="https://www.handsfreemama.com" class="comment-author-link" rel="external nofollow" itemprop="url">Rachel Macy Stafford</a></span> <span class="says">says</span>			</p>
1315
1316			<p class="comment-meta"><time class="comment-time" datetime="2014-01-20T20:11:11-06:00" itemprop="datePublished"><a class="comment-time-link" href="https://www.handsfreemama.com/contact/#comment-82116" itemprop="url">January 20, 2014 at 8:11 pm</a></time></p>		</header>
1317
1318		<div class="comment-content" itemprop="text">
1319			
1320			<p>thank you, dear Tamara. your words have lifted me today.</p>
1321		</div>
1322
1323		<div class="comment-reply"><a rel="nofollow" class="comment-reply-link" href="https://www.handsfreemama.com/contact/?replytocom=82116#respond" data-commentid="82116" data-postid="5814" data-belowelement="article-comment-82116" data-respondelement="respond" data-replyto="Reply to Rachel Macy Stafford" aria-label="Reply to Rachel Macy Stafford">Reply</a></div>
1324		
1325	</article>
1326	</li><!-- #comment-## -->
1327</ul><!-- .children -->
1328</li><!-- #comment-## -->
1329
1330	<li class="comment even thread-even depth-1" id="comment-82322">
1331	<article id="article-comment-82322" itemprop="comment" itemscope itemtype="https://schema.org/Comment">
1332
1333		<div class="commentnumber">49</div>
1334		<header class="comment-header">
1335			<p class="comment-author" itemprop="author" itemscope itemtype="https://schema.org/Person">
1336				<img alt='' src='https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/e90a3309ef94d9bc036002b018ccc987?s=96&#038;d=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.handsfreemama.com%2Fwp-content%2Fthemes%2Frestored316-market%2Fimages%2Fgravatar.png&#038;r=g' srcset='https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/e90a3309ef94d9bc036002b018ccc987?s=192&#038;d=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.handsfreemama.com%2Fwp-content%2Fthemes%2Frestored316-market%2Fimages%2Fgravatar.png&#038;r=g 2x' class='avatar avatar-96 photo' height='96' width='96' loading='lazy' decoding='async'/><span class="comment-author-name" itemprop="name">Danise</span> <span class="says">says</span>			</p>
1337
1338			<p class="comment-meta"><time class="comment-time" datetime="2014-01-21T03:55:41-06:00" itemprop="datePublished"><a class="comment-time-link" href="https://www.handsfreemama.com/contact/#comment-82322" itemprop="url">January 21, 2014 at 3:55 am</a></time></p>		</header>
1339
1340		<div class="comment-content" itemprop="text">
1341			
1342			<p>With incredible respect and gratitude I write to say thank you for sharing your story and your message with the world. </p>
1343<p>Your transparency and courage are a daily inspiration to me to keep on trying to do better. To be better. You have a gift with words and to say What you are doing with that gift is important, is an understatement. It is absolutely crucial. </p>
1344<p>You are that voice for so many struggling yet too afraid to be honest. For all those too ashamed to open up; you are that long awaited icebreaker. That sigh of relief. You are light and love and refreshingly sweet honesty. You offer hope and healing to broken hearted souls by letting us know we are not alone and there is still time to change. We are GOOD moms,  (NOT monsters) who are trying desperately to find our way out of the dark, back to a place of love. We just need a little help. So thank you, from the bottom of my heart, for helping. </p>
1345<p>I stand with you in support to say: Carry on. Stay brave. God has chosen you for a grand purpose. May He bless you and your mission as richly as you have blessed all of us!</p>
1346		</div>
1347
1348		<div class="comment-reply"><a rel="nofollow" class="comment-reply-link" href="https://www.handsfreemama.com/contact/?replytocom=82322#respond" data-commentid="82322" data-postid="5814" data-belowelement="article-comment-82322" data-respondelement="respond" data-replyto="Reply to Danise" aria-label="Reply to Danise">Reply</a></div>
1349		
1350	</article>
1351	<ul class="children">
1352
1353	<li class="comment odd alt depth-2" id="comment-82370">
1354	<article id="article-comment-82370" itemprop="comment" itemscope itemtype="https://schema.org/Comment">
1355
1356		<div class="commentnumber">50</div>
1357		<header class="comment-header">
1358			<p class="comment-author" itemprop="author" itemscope itemtype="https://schema.org/Person">
1359				<img alt='' src='https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/1fa73762ddf5452a7c89ab8cc8ea71fb?s=96&#038;d=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.handsfreemama.com%2Fwp-content%2Fthemes%2Frestored316-market%2Fimages%2Fgravatar.png&#038;r=g' srcset='https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/1fa73762ddf5452a7c89ab8cc8ea71fb?s=192&#038;d=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.handsfreemama.com%2Fwp-content%2Fthemes%2Frestored316-market%2Fimages%2Fgravatar.png&#038;r=g 2x' class='avatar avatar-96 photo' height='96' width='96' loading='lazy' decoding='async'/><span class="comment-author-name" itemprop="name"><a href="https://www.handsfreemama.com" class="comment-author-link" rel="external nofollow" itemprop="url">
1359Rachel Macy Stafford</a></span> <span class="says">says</span>			</p>
1360
1361			<p class="comment-meta"><time class="comment-time" datetime="2014-01-21T05:41:49-06:00" itemprop="datePublished"><a class="comment-time-link" href="https://www.handsfreemama.com/contact/#comment-82370" itemprop="url">January 21, 2014 at 5:41 am</a></time></p>		</header>
1362
1363		<div class="comment-content" itemprop="text">
1364			
1365			<p>You have touched my heart with your beautiful affirming words, Danise. These are words I will remember again and again and again. </p>
1366<p>I am grateful to all these supportive comments on this blog post today and to have so many authentic and loving people walking beside me on this journey.</p>
1367		</div>
1368
1369		<div class="comment-reply"><a rel="nofollow" class="comment-reply-link" href="https://www.handsfreemama.com/contact/?replytocom=82370#respond" data-commentid="82370" data-postid="5814" data-belowelement="article-comment-82370" data-respondelement="respond" data-replyto="Reply to Rachel Macy Stafford" aria-label="Reply to Rachel Macy Stafford">Reply</a></div>
1370		
1371	</article>
1372	</li><!-- #comment-## -->
1373</ul><!-- .children -->
1374</li><!-- #comment-## -->
1375
1376	<li class="comment even thread-odd thread-alt depth-1" id="comment-87396">
1377	<article id="article-comment-87396" itemprop="comment" itemscope itemtype="https://schema.org/Comment">
1378
1379		<div class="commentnumber">51</div>
1380		<header class="comment-header">
1381			<p class="comment-author" itemprop="author" itemscope itemtype="https://schema.org/Person">
1382				<img alt='' src='https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/b04326d7b6681252880f666d8c3959c9?s=96&#038;d=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.handsfreemama.com%2Fwp-content%2Fthemes%2Frestored316-market%2Fimages%2Fgravatar.png&#038;r=g' srcset='https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/b04326d7b6681252880f666d8c3959c9?s=192&#038;d=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.handsfreemama.com%2Fwp-content%2Fthemes%2Frestored316-market%2Fimages%2Fgravatar.png&#038;r=g 2x' class='avatar avatar-96 photo' height='96' width='96' loading='lazy' decoding='async'/><span class="comment-author-name" itemprop="name">sarah b</span> <span class="says">says</span>			</p>
1383
1384			<p class="comment-meta"><time class="comment-time" datetime="2014-01-29T13:55:30-06:00" itemprop="datePublished"><a class="comment-time-link" href="https://www.handsfreemama.com/contact/#comment-87396" itemprop="url">January 29, 2014 at 1:55 pm</a></time></p>		</header>
1385
1386		<div class="comment-content" itemprop="text">
1387			
1388			<p>About a week ago my husband started a difficult conversation with me about how I&#8217;m not reaching my children by yelling at them.  Unlike your daughter, my daughter does not fear me when I yell, she laughs at me, which is to say she continues not to listen.  After my husband left for work I opened an email my sister in-law sent with your &#8220;Bully&#8230;&#8221; blog.  What incredible timing.  After wiping away tears I vowed to make a change.  Everyday has been a challenge but I&#8217;m proud to say that I have already seen a huge change in myself and I&#8217;m committed to being a calmer, more patient mom.  Thank you for your bravery in sharing your stories with us, I&#8217;m forever grateful.</p>
1389		</div>
1390
1391		<div class="comment-reply"><a rel="nofollow" class="comment-reply-link" href="https://www.handsfreemama.com/contact/?replytocom=87396#respond" data-commentid="87396" data-postid="5814" data-belowelement="article-comment-87396" data-respondelement="respond" data-replyto="Reply to sarah b" aria-label="Reply to sarah b">Reply</a></div>
1392		
1393	</article>
1394	</li><!-- #comment-## -->
1395
1396	<li class="comment odd alt thread-even depth-1" id="comment-101920">
1397	<article id="article-comment-101920" itemprop="comment" itemscope itemtype="https://schema.org/Comment">
1398
1399		<div class="commentnumber">52</div>
1400		<header class="comment-header">
1401			<p class="comment-author" itemprop="author" itemscope itemtype="https://schema.org/Person">
1402				<img alt='' src='https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/f4e2d5f63ff0119bb3a1aa623bc67403?s=96&#038;d=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.handsfreemama.com%2Fwp-content%2Fthemes%2Frestored316-market%2Fimages%2Fgravatar.png&#038;r=g' srcset='https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/f4e2d5f63ff0119bb3a1aa623bc67403?s=192&#038;d=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.handsfreemama.com%2Fwp-content%2Fthemes%2Frestored316-market%2Fimages%2Fgravatar.png&#038;r=g 2x' class='avatar avatar-96 photo' height='96' width='96' loading='lazy' decoding='async'/><span class="comment-author-name" itemprop="name">Patty</span> <span class="says">says</span>			</p>
1403
1404			<p class="comment-meta"><time class="comment-time" datetime="2014-03-05T10:05:07-06:00" itemprop="datePublished"><a class="comment-time-link" href="https://www.handsfreemama.com/contact/#comment-101920" itemprop="url">March 5, 2014 at 10:05 am</a></time></p>		</header>
1405
1406		<div class="comment-content" itemprop="text">
1407			
1408			<p>I found your blog on a similar journey, as with many of the mamas following you.  The concept of  &#8220;3 word meditations&#8221; has grown out of my own journey as well as insights you have shared.  It started just as a means of inserting positive phrases to my self-talk, but I began to realize the most powerful phrases contained only 3 words.  Such as you have shared: &#8220;Be Here Now&#8221;, and &#8220;Only Love Today&#8221;.  I imagine you&#8217;ve blogged on this concept already, but I wanted to share a few more &#8220;3 word meditations&#8221; that have been moving my life.<br />
1409Grace And Peace<br />
1410Assume Best Intentions<br />
1411Elevate Your Peers<br />
1412Gentleness Is Effective<br />
1413Do Your Best<br />
1414Never GiveUp</p>
1415<p>I&#8217;d love to hear other 3 word meditations people use to turn around the talk in our minds.<br />
1416Thank you again for all you share<br />
1417Patty</p>
1418		</div>
1419
1420		<div class="comment-reply"><a rel="nofollow" class="comment-reply-link" href="https://www.handsfreemama.com/contact/?replytocom=101920#respond" data-commentid="101920" data-postid="5814" data-belowelement="article-comment-101920" data-respondelement="respond" data-replyto="Reply to Patty" aria-label="Reply to Patty">Reply</a></div>
1421		
1422	</article>
1423	</li><!-- #comment-## -->
1424
1425	<li class="comment even thread-odd thread-alt depth-1" id="comment-102576">
1426	<article id="article-comment-102576" itemprop="comment" itemscope itemtype="https://schema.org/Comment">
1427
1428		<div class="commentnumber">53</div>
1429		<header class="comment-header">
1430			<p class="comment-author" itemprop="author" itemscope itemtype="https://schema.org/Person">
1431				<img alt='' src='https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/b9f723e111999b8b9bd5f50815145a8c?s=96&#038;d=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.handsfreemama.com%2Fwp-content%2Fthemes%2Frestored316-market%2Fimages%2Fgravatar.png&#038;r=g' srcset='https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/b9f723e111999b8b9bd5f50815145a8c?s=192&#038;d=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.handsfreemama.com%2Fwp-content%2Fthemes%2Frestored316-market%2Fimages%2Fgravatar.png&#038;r=g 2x' class='avatar avatar-96 photo' height='96' width='96' loading='lazy' decoding='async'/><span class="comment-author-name" itemprop="name">Deborah</span> <span class="says">says</span>			</p>
1432
1433			<p class="comment-meta"><time class="comment-time" datetime="2014-03-06T16:12:47-06:00" itemprop="datePublished"><a class="comment-time-link" href="https://www.handsfreemama.com/contact/#comment-102576" itemprop="url">March 6, 2014 at 4:12 pm</a></time></p>		</header>
1434
1435		<div class="comment-content" itemprop="text">
1436			
1437			<p>Really love your honesty, inspires me to be intentional as well! Thank you</p>
1438		</div>
1439
1440		<div class="comment-reply"><a rel="nofollow" class="comment-reply-link" href="https://www.handsfreemama.com/contact/?replytocom=102576#respond" data-commentid="102576" data-postid="5814" data-belowelement="article-comment-102576" data-respondelement="respond" data-replyto="Reply to Deborah" aria-label="Reply to Deborah">Reply</a></div>
1441		
1442	</article>
1443	</li><!-- #comment-## -->
1444
1445	<li class="comment odd alt thread-even depth-1" id="comment-119592">
1446	<article id="article-comment-119592" itemprop="comment" itemscope itemtype="https://schema.org/Comment">
1447
1448		<div class="commentnumber">54</div>
1449		<header class="comment-header">
1450			<p class="comment-author" itemprop="author" itemscope itemtype="https://schema.org/Person">
1451				<img alt='' src='https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/61e2a32ddaeb0ddc758e6ee01c190499?s=96&#038;d=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.handsfreemama.com%2Fwp-content%2Fthemes%2Frestored316-market%2Fimages%2Fgravatar.png&#038;r=g' srcset='https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/61e2a32ddaeb0ddc758e6ee01c190499?s=192&#038;d=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.handsfreemama.com%2Fwp-content%2Fthemes%2Frestored316-market%2Fimages%2Fgravatar.png&#038;r=g 2x' class='avatar avatar-96 photo' height='96' width='96' loading='lazy' decoding='async'/><span class="comment-author-name" itemprop="name">Dana Welch</span> <span class="says">says</span>			</p>
1452
1453			<p class="comment-meta"><time class="comment-time" datetime="2014-03-31T12:53:28-06:00" itemprop="datePublished"><a class="comment-time-link" href="https://www.handsfreemama.com/contact/#comment-119592" itemprop="url">March 31, 2014 at 12:53 pm</a></time></p>		</header>
1454
1455		<div class="comment-content" itemprop="text">
1456			
1457			<p>It happened when I didn&#8217;t think it would.  I thought my sons were too old (16, 14, 10) for me (and them) to benefit from Hands Free.  I thought I&#8217;d missed my chance.  Then my 14 year old invited me to a pillow fight while the 2 of us stepped into the hotel room.  My brain and heart fought for a brief moment.  I didn&#8217;t want to mess up the room.  I wanted to get back to the pool where the rest of my family was waiting.  Luckily, my heart said &#8220;go for it&#8221; (thanks to Hands Free reading).  I shouted &#8220;yes!&#8221; and for the next 2 minutes we duked it out laughing and playing together.  It was the my favorite part of the vacation, and it wouldn&#8217;t have happened if I hadn&#8217;t been reading your book.  I am forever grateful, and so excited that I can choose Hands Free living and experience memory making moments with my sons at the ages they are.</p>
1458		</div>
1459
1460		<div class="comment-reply"><a rel="nofollow" class="comment-reply-link" href="https://www.handsfreemama.com/contact/?replytocom=119592#respond" data-commentid="119592" data-postid="5814" data-belowelement="article-comment-119592" data-respondelement="respond" data-replyto="Reply to Dana Welch" aria-label="Reply to Dana Welch">Reply</a></div>
1461		
1462	</article>
1463	<ul class="children">
1464
1465	<li class="comment even depth-2" id="comment-119865">
1466	<article id="article-comment-119865" itemprop="comment" itemscope itemtype="https://schema.org/Comment">
1467
1468		<div class="commentnumber">55</div>
1469		<header class="comment-header">
1470			<p class="comment-author" itemprop="author" itemscope itemtype="https://schema.org/Person">
1471				<img alt='' src='https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/1fa73762ddf5452a7c89ab8cc8ea71fb?s=96&#038;d=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.handsfreemama.com%2Fwp-content%2Fthemes%2Frestored316-market%2Fimages%2Fgravatar.png&#038;r=g' srcset='https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/1fa73762ddf5452a7c89ab8cc8ea71fb?s=192&#038;d=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.handsfreemama.com%2Fwp-content%2Fthemes%2Frestored316-market%2Fimages%2Fgravatar.png&#038;r=g 2x' class='avatar avatar-96 photo' height='96' width='96' loading='lazy' decoding='async'/><span class="comment-author-name" itemprop="name"><a href="https://www.handsfreemama.com" class="comment-author-link" rel="external nofollow" itemprop="url">
1471Rachel Macy Stafford</a></span> <span class="says">says</span>			</p>
1472
1473			<p class="comment-meta"><time class="comment-time" datetime="2014-03-31T20:50:53-06:00" itemprop="datePublished"><a class="comment-time-link" href="https://www.handsfreemama.com/contact/#comment-119865" itemprop="url">March 31, 2014 at 8:50 pm</a></time></p>		</header>
1474
1475		<div class="comment-content" itemprop="text">
1476			
1477			<p>Thank you, Dana. You have brought me to tears. The happiest kind of tears. I am grateful to walk this journey with you. Thank you for reminding us all that it&#8217;s not too late. And to listen to our heart!</p>
1478		</div>
1479
1480		<div class="comment-reply"><a rel="nofollow" class="comment-reply-link" href="https://www.handsfreemama.com/contact/?replytocom=119865#respond" data-commentid="119865" data-postid="5814" data-belowelement="article-comment-119865" data-respondelement="respond" data-replyto="Reply to Rachel Macy Stafford" aria-label="Reply to Rachel Macy Stafford">Reply</a></div>
1481		
1482	</article>
1483	</li><!-- #comment-## -->
1484</ul><!-- .children -->
1485</li><!-- #comment-## -->
1486
1487	<li class="comment odd alt thread-odd thread-alt depth-1" id="comment-167810">
1488	<article id="article-comment-167810" itemprop="comment" itemscope itemtype="https://schema.org/Comment">
1489
1490		<div class="commentnumber">56</div>
1491		<header class="comment-header">
1492			<p class="comment-author" itemprop="author" itemscope itemtype="https://schema.org/Person">
1493				<img alt='' src='https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/167234c5a6a83a618a7d47aca6b083b4?s=96&#038;d=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.handsfreemama.com%2Fwp-content%2Fthemes%2Frestored316-market%2Fimages%2Fgravatar.png&#038;r=g' srcset='https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/167234c5a6a83a618a7d47aca6b083b4?s=192&#038;d=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.handsfreemama.com%2Fwp-content%2Fthemes%2Frestored316-market%2Fimages%2Fgravatar.png&#038;r=g 2x' class='avatar avatar-96 photo' height='96' width='96' loading='lazy' decoding='async'/><span class="comment-author-name" itemprop="name">Alethia</span> <span class="says">says</span>			</p>
1494
1495			<p class="comment-meta"><time class="comment-time" datetime="2014-04-30T20:33:17-06:00" itemprop="datePublished"><a class="comment-time-link" href="https://www.handsfreemama.com/contact/#comment-167810" itemprop="url">April 30, 2014 at 8:33 pm</a></time></p>		</header>
1496
1497		<div class="comment-content" itemprop="text">
1498			
1499			<p>Dear Rachel,<br />
1500I am a mother of a 3.5 year old and a 17 month old.  I just finished your book and ordered a bracelet for myself as a reminder.  Thank you for sharing your stories and publishing a book.  Throughout the book, I was brought to tears many times.  Thank you for allowing me to realize ways to improve and what really is important in life and especially in these early years.  Today,  I was making the bed and my daughter asked if she could &#8220;PLEASE&#8221; jump on the bed just a little bit.  To her surprise, I said yes.  The smiles and laughs during the few minutes of jumping were priceless.  Thank you, Rachel.<br />
1501Alethia</p>
1502		</div>
1503
1504		<div class="comment-reply"><a rel="nofollow" class="comment-reply-link" href="https://www.handsfreemama.com/contact/?replytocom=167810#respond" data-commentid="167810" data-postid="5814" data-belowelement="article-comment-167810" data-respondelement="respond" data-replyto="Reply to Alethia" aria-label="Reply to Alethia">Reply</a></div>
1505		
1506	</article>
1507	</li><!-- #comment-## -->
1508
1509	<li class="comment even thread-even depth-1" id="comment-197310">
1510	<article id="article-comment-197310" itemprop="comment" itemscope itemtype="https://schema.org/Comment">
1511
1512		<div class="commentnumber">57</div>
1513		<header class="comment-header">
1514			<p class="comment-author" itemprop="author" itemscope itemtype="https://schema.org/Person">
1515				<img alt='' src='https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/bcd3354d66f738a7eacc8fccd13c4a60?s=96&#038;d=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.handsfreemama.com%2Fwp-content%2Fthemes%2Frestored316-market%2Fimages%2Fgravatar.png&#038;r=g' srcset='https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/bcd3354d66f738a7eacc8fccd13c4a60?s=192&#038;d=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.handsfreemama.com%2Fwp-content%2Fthemes%2Frestored316-market%2Fimages%2Fgravatar.png&#038;r=g 2x' class='avatar avatar-96 photo' height='96' width='96' loading='lazy' decoding='async'/><span class="comment-author-name" itemprop="name">Vicki</span> <span class="says">says</span>			</p>
1516
1517			<p class="comment-meta"><time class="comment-time" datetime="2014-05-15T00:39:10-06:00" itemprop="datePublished"><a class="comment-time-link" href="https://www.handsfreemama.com/contact/#comment-197310" itemprop="url">May 15, 2014 at 12:39 am</a></time></p>		</header>
1518
1519		<div class="comment-content" itemprop="text">
1520			
1521			<p>I just recently found your blog and FB page and am so happy I did. You hit the nail on the head every time and in reading your words, I know I&#8217;
1521m not alone. Thank you for that. I ordered (and just received) a &#8220;Live Hands Free&#8221; bracelet today and absolutely love it. One question though: I have slender wrists and the strap is much too long. Would you recommend trimming it and if so, what should I use? I don&#8217;t want to hack it to pieces after only just getting it but the extra is flopping all over the place! </p>
1522<p>Thank you for your inspiration &#8230;</p>
1523		</div>
1524
1525		<div class="comment-reply"><a rel="nofollow" class="comment-reply-link" href="https://www.handsfreemama.com/contact/?replytocom=197310#respond" data-commentid="197310" data-postid="5814" data-belowelement="article-comment-197310" data-respondelement="respond" data-replyto="Reply to Vicki" aria-label="Reply to Vicki">Reply</a></div>
1526		
1527	</article>
1528	<ul class="children">
1529
1530	<li class="comment odd alt depth-2" id="comment-200675">
1531	<article id="article-comment-200675" itemprop="comment" itemscope itemtype="https://schema.org/Comment">
1532
1533		<div class="commentnumber">58</div>
1534		<header class="comment-header">
1535			<p class="comment-author" itemprop="author" itemscope itemtype="https://schema.org/Person">
1536				<img alt='' src='https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/1fa73762ddf5452a7c89ab8cc8ea71fb?s=96&#038;d=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.handsfreemama.com%2Fwp-content%2Fthemes%2Frestored316-market%2Fimages%2Fgravatar.png&#038;r=g' srcset='https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/1fa73762ddf5452a7c89ab8cc8ea71fb?s=192&#038;d=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.handsfreemama.com%2Fwp-content%2Fthemes%2Frestored316-market%2Fimages%2Fgravatar.png&#038;r=g 2x' class='avatar avatar-96 photo' height='96' width='96' loading='lazy' decoding='async'/><span class="comment-author-name" itemprop="name"><a href="https://www.handsfreemama.com" class="comment-author-link" rel="external nofollow" itemprop="url">Rachel Macy Stafford</a></span> <span class="says">says</span>			</p>
1537
1538			<p class="comment-meta"><time class="comment-time" datetime="2014-05-16T12:38:29-06:00" itemprop="datePublished"><a class="comment-time-link" href="https://www.handsfreemama.com/contact/#comment-200675" itemprop="url">May 16, 2014 at 12:38 pm</a></time></p>		</header>
1539
1540		<div class="comment-content" itemprop="text">
1541			
1542			<p>Hi Vicki, thank you for the kind words about my blog! I trimmed my bracelet for myself and my daughters, too. I would just use a good pair of scissors and cut at an angle. I find that makes it easier to put it through the buckle. You will love it so much more without that extra flapping around! Thanks for asking! My sister-in-law runs the shop for me and she recently began adding a little instruction card so people know they can trim the strap and how to do it. Thanks for your support!</p>
1543		</div>
1544
1545		<div class="comment-reply"><a rel="nofollow" class="comment-reply-link" href="https://www.handsfreemama.com/contact/?replytocom=200675#respond" data-commentid="200675" data-postid="5814" data-belowelement="article-comment-200675" data-respondelement="respond" data-replyto="Reply to Rachel Macy Stafford" aria-label="Reply to Rachel Macy Stafford">Reply</a></div>
1546		
1547	</article>
1548	<ul class="children">
1549
1550	<li class="comment even depth-3" id="comment-210306">
1551	<article id="article-comment-210306" itemprop="comment" itemscope itemtype="https://schema.org/Comment">
1552
1553		<div class="commentnumber">59</div>
1554		<header class="comment-header">
1555			<p class="comment-author" itemprop="author" itemscope itemtype="https://schema.org/Person">
1556				<img alt='' src='https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/bcd3354d66f738a7eacc8fccd13c4a60?s=96&#038;d=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.handsfreemama.com%2Fwp-content%2Fthemes%2Frestored316-market%2Fimages%2Fgravatar.png&#038;r=g' srcset='https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/bcd3354d66f738a7eacc8fccd13c4a60?s=192&#038;d=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.handsfreemama.com%2Fwp-content%2Fthemes%2Frestored316-market%2Fimages%2Fgravatar.png&#038;r=g 2x' class='avatar avatar-96 photo' height='96' width='96' loading='lazy' decoding='async'/><span class="comment-author-name" itemprop="name">Vicki</span> <span class="says">says</span>			</p>
1557
1558			<p class="comment-meta"><time class="comment-time" datetime="2014-05-20T23:29:09-06:00" itemprop="datePublished"><a class="comment-time-link" href="https://www.handsfreemama.com/contact/#comment-210306" itemprop="url">May 20, 2014 at 11:29 pm</a></time></p>		</header>
1559
1560		<div class="comment-content" itemprop="text">
1561			
1562			<p>Thanks for the reply, Rachel. I did actually find the instruction card after I posted my message to you. It must have fell out in the car as I couldn&#8217;t wait to get home to open the package after stopping off at my mailbox. I trimmed the bracelet and I LOVE it! Now I think I have to get the &#8220;Only Love Today&#8221; one …</p>
1563		</div>
1564
1565		<div class="comment-reply"><a rel="nofollow" class="comment-reply-link" href="https://www.handsfreemama.com/contact/?replytocom=210306#respond" data-commentid="210306" data-postid="5814" data-belowelement="article-comment-210306" data-respondelement="respond" data-replyto="Reply to Vicki" aria-label="Reply to Vicki">Reply</a></div>
1566		
1567	</article>
1568	</li><!-- #comment-## -->
1569</ul><!-- .children -->
1570</li><!-- #comment-## -->
1571</ul><!-- .children -->
1572</li><!-- #comment-## -->
1573
1574	<li class="comment odd alt thread-odd thread-alt depth-1" id="comment-208889">
1575	<article id="article-comment-208889" itemprop="comment" itemscope itemtype="https://schema.org/Comment">
1576
1577		<div class="commentnumber">60</div>
1578		<header class="comment-header">
1579			<p class="comment-author" itemprop="author" itemscope itemtype="https://schema.org/Person">
1580				<img alt='' src='https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/f7d51fbd98d5649142593edbf6947b4f?s=96&#038;d=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.handsfreemama.com%2Fwp-content%2Fthemes%2Frestored316-market%2Fimages%2Fgravatar.png&#038;r=g' srcset='https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/f7d51fbd98d5649142593edbf6947b4f?s=192&#038;d=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.handsfreemama.com%2Fwp-content%2Fthemes%2Frestored316-market%2Fimages%2Fgravatar.png&#038;r=g 2x' class='avatar avatar-96 photo' height='96' width='96' loading='lazy' decoding='async'/><span class="comment-author-name" itemprop="name"><a href="http://www.theplayfulsoul.com" class="comment-author-link" rel="external nofollow" itemprop="url">Vicki mack</a></span> <span class="says">says</span>			</p>
1581
1582			<p class="comment-meta"><time class="comment-time" datetime="2014-05-20T07:49:44-06:00" itemprop="datePublished"><a class="comment-time-link" href="https://www.handsfreemama.com/contact/#comment-208889" itemprop="url">May 20, 2014 at 7:49 am</a></time></p>		</header>
1583
1584		<div class="comment-content" itemprop="text">
1585			
1586			<p>Hi! Thank you for your voice! </p>
1587<p>I am wondering if you sell wholesale? I would also love to host you in Indianapolis for an event if you are ever interested!</p>
1588<p> Just as a fun note, beginning next month, we are starting our Imaginary Friend Playgroup for wee ones 3-6 and our Guardian Angel Playgroup for 7-10 year olds. Thank y
1588ou for your time today! Have a beautiful one! &lt;3 w love&#8230;vicki</p>
1589		</div>
1590
1591		<div class="comment-reply"><a rel="nofollow" class="comment-reply-link" href="https://www.handsfreemama.com/contact/?replytocom=208889#respond" data-commentid="208889" data-postid="5814" data-belowelement="article-comment-208889" data-respondelement="respond" data-replyto="Reply to Vicki mack" aria-label="Reply to Vicki mack">Reply</a></div>
1592		
1593	</article>
1594	</li><!-- #comment-## -->
1595
1596	<li class="comment even thread-even depth-1" id="comment-232963">
1597	<article id="article-comment-232963" itemprop="comment" itemscope itemtype="https://schema.org/Comment">
1598
1599		<div class="commentnumber">61</div>
1600		<header class="comment-header">
1601			<p class="comment-author" itemprop="author" itemscope itemtype="https://schema.org/Person">
1602				<img alt='' src='https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/eb64dd18fe7111bb83fb5b081e65ff20?s=96&#038;d=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.handsfreemama.com%2Fwp-content%2Fthemes%2Frestored316-market%2Fimages%2Fgravatar.png&#038;r=g' srcset='https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/eb64dd18fe7111bb83fb5b081e65ff20?s=192&#038;d=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.handsfreemama.com%2Fwp-content%2Fthemes%2Frestored316-market%2Fimages%2Fgravatar.png&#038;r=g 2x' class='avatar avatar-96 photo' height='96' width='96' loading='lazy' decoding='async'/><span class="comment-author-name" itemprop="name">Jessika</span> <span class="says">says</span>			</p>
1603
1604			<p class="comment-meta"><time class="comment-time" datetime="2014-06-02T10:19:20-06:00" itemprop="datePublished"><a class="comment-time-link" href="https://www.handsfreemama.com/contact/#comment-232963" itemprop="url">June 2, 2014 at 10:19 am</a></time></p>		</header>
1605
1606		<div class="comment-content" itemprop="text">
1607			
1608			<p>I just read your article about yelling at your kids in a Spanish parenting Facebook page, and with tears in my eyes I realized that it isn&#8217;t too late to stop yelling at mine. I overreact a lot of times and I have also seen fear in the eyes of my Alex when he knows I&#8217;m about to yell at him. I feel so bad about this and many times I have thought that it might be too late (he&#8217;s 5) and that he will fear me for the rest of his life. But you just gave me hope. I&#8217;m going to stop today. Thank you.</p>
1609		</div>
1610
1611		<div class="comment-reply"><a rel="nofollow" class="comment-reply-link" href="https://www.handsfreemama.com/contact/?replytocom=232963#respond" data-commentid="232963" data-postid="5814" data-belowelement="article-comment-232963" data-respondelement="respond" data-replyto="Reply to Jessika" aria-label="Reply to Jessika">Reply</a></div>
1612		
1613	</article>
1614	</li><!-- #comment-## -->
1615
1616	<li class="comment odd alt thread-odd thread-alt depth-1" id="comment-246714">
1617	<article id="article-comment-246714" itemprop="comment" itemscope itemtype="https://schema.org/Comment">
1618
1619		<div class="commentnumber">62</div>
1620		<header class="comment-header">
1621			<p class="comment-author" itemprop="author" itemscope itemtype="https://schema.org/Person">
1622				<img alt='' src='https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/7d7cbe8332233678dd6a364aa7e0445d?s=96&#038;d=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.handsfreemama.com%2Fwp-content%2Fthemes%2Frestored316-market%2Fimages%2Fgravatar.png&#038;r=g' srcset='https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/7d7cbe8332233678dd6a364aa7e0445d?s=192&#038;d=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.handsfreemama.com%2Fwp-content%2Fthemes%2Frestored316-market%2Fimages%2Fgravatar.png&#038;r=g 2x' class='avatar avatar-96 photo' height='96' width='96' loading='lazy' decoding='async'/><span class="comment-author-name" itemprop="name">Mandy</span> <span class="says">says</span>			</p>
1623
1624			<p class="comment-meta"><time class="comment-time" datetime="2014-06-13T13:24:28-06:00" itemprop="datePublished"><a class="comment-time-link" href="https://www.handsfreemama.com/contact/#comment-246714" itemprop="url">June 13, 2014 at 1:24 pm</a></time></p>		</header>
1625
1626		<div class="comment-content" itemprop="text">
1627			
1628			<p>Rachel,</p>
1629<p>I just finished reading your book, and I feel strongly that I need to thank you for what you have done for me and my family.  In sharing your thoughts and experiences, you have validated so many of the concerns and feelings that have dominated my heart for a very long time.  In sharing your journey of transformation, you have given me tools that I can realistically employ towards my goal of changing my story (and those of my children) before we&#8217;ve missed out on even more Sunset Moments.</p>
1630<p>My kids are nine and six, and I&#8217;ve missed a lot.  They&#8217;ve missed a lot, too.  It pains me to admit that I&#8217;m a stay-at-home mom who has still managed to put housework, volunteer commitments, and a meaningless pursuit of perfection before simply enjoying our time together as a family.  I know that I will still have my control freak days, but your book is helping me to take baby steps towards being the woman, wife, and mother that I want to be.  I believe that your words have been God&#8217;s vehicle for a message that he has been asking me to hear for a long time, and I know that He will walk with me as I try to change.  Thank y
1630ou for speaking up and for helping families to fight back in this age where distractions will rob us of our joy if we let them.  Your work means so much, and I&#8217;m grateful.</p>
1631		</div>
1632
1633		<div class="comment-reply"><a rel="nofollow" class="comment-reply-link" href="https://www.handsfreemama.com/contact/?replytocom=246714#respond" data-commentid="246714" data-postid="5814" data-belowelement="article-comment-246714" data-respondelement="respond" data-replyto="Reply to Mandy" aria-label="Reply to Mandy">Reply</a></div>
1634		
1635	</article>
1636	</li><!-- #comment-## -->
1637
1638	<li class="comment even thread-even depth-1" id="comment-262837">
1639	<article id="article-comment-262837" itemprop="comment" itemscope itemtype="https://schema.org/Comment">
1640
1641		<div class="commentnumber">63</div>
1642		<header class="comment-header">
1643			<p class="comment-author" itemprop="author" itemscope itemtype="https://schema.org/Person">
1644				<img alt='' src='https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/291675d7d9fa01d48d899ad217f6811b?s=96&#038;d=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.handsfreemama.com%2Fwp-content%2Fthemes%2Frestored316-market%2Fimages%2Fgravatar.png&#038;r=g' srcset='https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/291675d7d9fa01d48d899ad217f6811b?s=192&#038;d=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.handsfreemama.com%2Fwp-content%2Fthemes%2Frestored316-market%2Fimages%2Fgravatar.png&#038;r=g 2x' class='avatar avatar-96 photo' height='96' width='96' loading='lazy' decoding='async'/><span class="comment-author-name" itemprop="name">Heather McConachie</span> <span class="says">says</span>			</p>
1645
1646			<p class="comment-meta"><time class="comment-time" datetime="2014-06-29T23:11:08-06:00" itemprop="datePublished"><a class="comment-time-link" href="https://www.handsfreemama.com/contact/#comment-262837" itemprop="url">June 29, 2014 at 11:11 pm</a></time></p>		</header>
1647
1648		<div class="comment-content" itemprop="text">
1649			
1650			<p>Im glad I stumbled on to your page. right now at this very moment I am a mom struggling to fix things between my twin nine year old girls. we have some major issues. Your page I believe can hopefully help me fix the rift between us.. I admite I wasn&#8217;t thinking the way Iam raisisn my girls is they way I thought I would be  raising . I need a change im finding good advice and hope here. thank you so much.</p>
1651		</div>
1652
1653		<div class="comment-reply"><a rel="nofollow" class="comment-reply-link" href="https://www.handsfreemama.com/contact/?replytocom=262837#respond" data-commentid="262837" data-postid="5814" data-belowelement="article-comment-262837" data-respondelement="respond" data-replyto="Reply to Heather McConachie" aria-label="Reply to Heather McConachie">Reply</a></div>
1654		
1655	</article>
1656	</li><!-- #comment-## -->
1657
1658	<li class="comment odd alt thread-odd thread-alt depth-1" id="comment-268685">
1659	<article id="article-comment-268685" itemprop="comment" itemscope itemtype="https://schema.org/Comment">
1660
1661		<div class="commentnumber">64</div>
1662		<header class="comment-header">
1663			<p class="comment-author" itemprop="author" itemscope itemtype="https://schema.org/Person">
1664				<img alt='' src='https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/c1b90284966a16e88bb214c076fbb1b1?s=96&#038;d=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.handsfreemama.com%2Fwp-content%2Fthemes%2Frestored316-market%2Fimages%2Fgravatar.png&#038;r=g' srcset='https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/c1b90284966a16e88bb214c076fbb1b1?s=192&#038;d=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.handsfreemama.com%2Fwp-content%2Fthemes%2Frestored316-market%2Fimages%2Fgravatar.png&#038;r=g 2x' class='avatar avatar-96 photo' height='96' width='96' loading='lazy' decoding='async'/><span class="comment-author-name" itemprop="name">Heena</span> <span class="says">says</span>			</p>
1665
1666			<p class="comment-meta"><time class="comment-time" datetime="2014-07-05T21:52:15-06:00" itemprop="datePublished"><a class="comment-time-link" href="https://www.handsfreemama.com/contact/#comment-268685" itemprop="url">July 5, 2014 at 9:52 pm</a></time></p>		</header>
1667
1668		<div class="comment-content" itemprop="text">
1669			
1670			<p>I just read your article  the important thing about yelling.<br />
1671I do exactly all those things that you mentioned in your article<br />
1672and I feel extremely guilty right now.<br />
1673I am a yeller,  and I really want to stop.<br />
1674I am obsessed with cleanliness and organising things that I can&#8217;t stand the mess little kids make. This is an eye opener, thank you for sharing.</p>
1675		</div>
1676
1677		<div class="comment-reply"><a rel="nofollow" class="comment-reply-link" href="https://www.handsfreemama.com/contact/?replytocom=268685#respond" data-commentid="268685" data-postid="5814" data-belowelement="article-comment-268685" data-respondelement="respond" data-replyto="Reply to Heena" aria-label="Reply to Heena">Reply</a></div>
1678		
1679	</article>
1680	</li><!-- #comment-## -->
1681
1682	<li class="comment even thread-even depth-1" id="comment-269635">
1683	<article id="article-comment-269635" itemprop="comment" itemscope itemtype="https://schema.org/Comment">
1684
1685		<div class="commentnumber">65</div>
1686		<header class="comment-header">
1687			<p class="comment-author" itemprop="author" itemscope itemtype="https://schema.org/Person">
1688				<img alt='' src='https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/7484ecc3599cd0e68e5f3c4d50f50fea?s=96&#038;d=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.handsfreemama.com%2Fwp-content%2Fthemes%2Frestored316-market%2Fimages%2Fgravatar.png&#038;r=g' srcset='https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/7484ecc3599cd0e68e5f3c4d50f50fea?s=192&#038;d=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.handsfreemama.com%2Fwp-content%2Fthemes%2Frestored316-market%2Fimages%2Fgravatar.png&#038;r=g 2x' class='avatar avatar-96 photo' height='96' width='96' loading='lazy' decoding='async'/><span class="comment-author-name" itemprop="name">Jessica</span> <span class="says">says</span>			</p>
1689
1690			<p class="comment-meta"><time class="comment-time" datetime="2014-07-07T08:21:03-06:00" itemprop="datePublished"><a class="comment-time-link" href="https://www.handsfreemama.com/contact/#comment-269635" itemprop="url">July 7, 2014 at 8:21 am</a></time></p>		</header>
1691
1692		<div class="comment-content" itemprop="text">
1693			
1694			<p>I just wanted to let you know how much I enjoy your blog! I am a stay at home mom of two incredible children (5 and 7) and two older step daughters.  My patience has been so low for the last few months.  I very suddenly lost my father 3 months ago and my 21 year old step daughter has moved in with us.  Needles to say,  I am frustrated beyond belief and my patience wears thin pretty much every day.  Every time I lose my patience with my children I feel guilty.  I woke up this morning and found your blog, I would say it was meant to be!  Thank y
1694ou for helping me see that every day is a new opportunity to show my children good choices and how important they are to me by being kind and patient.</p>
1695		</div>
1696
1697		<div class="comment-reply"><a rel="nofollow" class="comment-reply-link" href="https://www.handsfreemama.com/contact/?replytocom=269635#respond" data-commentid="269635" data-postid="5814" data-belowelement="article-comment-269635" data-respondelement="respond" data-replyto="Reply to Jessica" aria-label="Reply to Jessica">Reply</a></div>
1698		
1699	</article>
1700	<ul class="children">
1701
1702	<li class="comment odd alt depth-2" id="comment-271304">
1703	<article id="article-comment-271304" itemprop="comment" itemscope itemtype="https://schema.org/Comment">
1704
1705		<div class="commentnumber">66</div>
1706		<header class="comment-header">
1707			<p class="comment-author" itemprop="author" itemscope itemtype="https://schema.org/Person">
1708				<img alt='' src='https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/1fa73762ddf5452a7c89ab8cc8ea71fb?s=96&#038;d=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.handsfreemama.com%2Fwp-content%2Fthemes%2Frestored316-market%2Fimages%2Fgravatar.png&#038;r=g' srcset='https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/1fa73762ddf5452a7c89ab8cc8ea71fb?s=192&#038;d=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.handsfreemama.com%2Fwp-content%2Fthemes%2Frestored316-market%2Fimages%2Fgravatar.png&#038;r=g 2x' class='avatar avatar-96 photo' height='96' width='96' loading='lazy' decoding='async'/><span class="comment-author-name" itemprop="name"><a href="https://www.handsfreemama.com" class="comment-author-link" rel="external nofollow" itemprop="url">Rachel Macy Stafford</a></span> <span class="says">says</span>			</p>
1709
1710			<p class="comment-meta"><time class="comment-time" datetime="2014-07-08T17:39:05-06:00" itemprop="datePublished"><a class="comment-time-link" href="https://www.handsfreemama.com/contact/#comment-271304" itemprop="url">July 8, 2014 at 5:39 pm</a></time></p>		</header>
1711
1712		<div class="comment-content" itemprop="text">
1713			
1714			<p>I am so glad you found my blog, Jessica. I am truly sorry for your loss. I hope you can find encouragement in the messages I write here. Peace be with you.</p>
1715		</div>
1716
1717		<div class="comment-reply"><a rel="nofollow" class="comment-reply-link" href="https://www.handsfreemama.com/contact/?replytocom=271304#respond" data-commentid="271304" data-postid="5814" data-belowelement="article-comment-271304" data-respondelement="respond" data-replyto="Reply to Rachel Macy Stafford" aria-label="Reply to Rachel Macy Stafford">Reply</a></div>
1718		
1719	</article>
1720	</li><!-- #comment-## -->
1721</ul><!-- .children -->
1722</li><!-- #comment-## -->
1723
1724	<li class="comment even thread-odd thread-alt depth-1" id="comment-284387">
1725	<article id="article-comment-284387" itemprop="comment" itemscope itemtype="https://schema.org/Comment">
1726
1727		<div class="commentnumber">67</div>
1728		<header class="comment-header">
1729			<p class="comment-author" itemprop="author" itemscope itemtype="https://schema.org/Person">
1730				<img alt='' src='https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/b2d0d32bd71449f88cd7a95bbc3a3514?s=96&#038;d=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.handsfreemama.com%2Fwp-content%2Fthemes%2Frestored316-market%2Fimages%2Fgravatar.png&#038;r=g' srcset='https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/b2d0d32bd71449f88cd7a95bbc3a3514?s=192&#038;d=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.handsfreemama.com%2Fwp-content%2Fthemes%2Frestored316-market%2Fimages%2Fgravatar.png&#038;r=g 2x' class='avatar avatar-96 photo' height='96' width='96' loading='lazy' decoding='async'/><span class="comment-author-name" itemprop="name">Jessica Payne</span> <span class="says">says</span>			</p>
1731
1732			<p class="comment-meta"><time class="comment-time" datetime="2014-07-20T00:14:01-06:00" itemprop="datePublished"><a class="comment-time-link" href="https://www.handsfreemama.com/contact/#comment-284387" itemprop="url">July 20, 2014 at 12:14 am</a></time></p>		</header>
1733
1734		<div class="comment-content" itemprop="text">
1735			
1736			<p>I want to thank you for opening my eyes to the truth that I had buried deep within myself. My perfectionism and control freak tendencies have too often left me exhausted and an extreme yelling machine. I have become something I had never envisioned myself being.  I have lived too many of my days in regret. Wanting to not even awake in the morning afraid of  what type of &#8220;mommy monster&#8221;  would appear.<br />
1737I am two weeks into my hands free journey and more joy has entered our home.<br />
1738My breakthrough occurred when my family recently had a beach day. Normally I would sit there on my phone, never to even touch the water. I would say to myself, this is my time to just relax. My husband would be the one to go in the ocean and play with the kids ages 8, 6 &amp; 4. But today was different. I was reading your book and you wrote how you didn&#8217;t like to get your hair wet at the pool. Well&#8230; I didn&#8217;t like to get my hair wet either OR to be cold OR to be seen in my suit. I finished the chapter and my husband came and sat down next to me. I mentioned, &#8220;I don&#8217;t know the last time I went swimming in the ocean.&#8221; He said, &#8220;Me either. What happened to the Jessica who would jump in the ocean any chance she got?&#8221; I wondered what happened to her too. I was so tightly wound up I didn&#8217;t recognize myself anymore. I looked up and saw my 6 year old jumping in the waves on his own while the 8 and 4 year old were busy digging in the sand. I turned to my husband and said, &#8220;I&#8217;m going to go make that kids day right now!&#8221; My husband looked shocked. I walked quickly to the shore and my 6 year old walked toward me like he was already expecting my arrival! He held out his hand to grab mine and we walked further into the ocean together hand in hand, both of us grinning ear to ear. Yes, his held out hand was my sweet confirmation for this new journey! We played for over and hour&#8230;floating on our backs and body surfing. My 6 year old was the one I felt most distant with but thanks to you, I won my child&#8217;s heart back and in the process am gaining the life I envisioned in my pre-child days. I am now completely off facebook, talk to my children in the car instead of zoning out and have designated tech free times each day! I&#8217;ve shared your book with all the mamas I know. It&#8217;s a must read for anyone who is serious about living life as God intended-with abundant joy! We all want this, we just don&#8217;t know how to get there. Thanks for showing us that there isn&#8217;t really all that far away!</p>
1739		</div>
1740
1741		<div class="comment-reply"><a rel="nofollow" class="comment-reply-link" href="https://www.handsfreemama.com/contact/?replytocom=284387#respond" data-commentid="284387" data-postid="5814" data-belowelement="article-comment-284387" data-respondelement="respond" data-replyto="Reply to Jessica Payne" aria-label="Reply to Jessica Payne">Reply</a></div>
1742		
1743	</article>
1744	</li><!-- #comment-## -->
1745
1746	<li class="comment odd alt thread-even depth-1" id="comment-292074">
1747	<article id="article-comment-292074" itemprop="comment" itemscope itemtype="https://schema.org/Comment">
1748
1749		<div class="commentnumber">68</div>
1750		<header class="comment-header">
1751			<p class="comment-author" itemprop="author" itemscope itemtype="https://schema.org/Person">
1752				<img alt='' src='https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/e78821e3bb79561bae5772fd075cd974?s=96&#038;d=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.handsfreemama.com%2Fwp-content%2Fthemes%2Frestored316-market%2Fimages%2Fgravatar.png&#038;r=g' srcset='https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/e78821e3bb79561bae5772fd075cd974?s=192&#038;d=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.handsfreemama.com%2Fwp-content%2Fthemes%2Frestored316-market%2Fimages%2Fgravatar.png&#038;r=g 2x' class='avatar avatar-96 photo' height='96' width='96' loading='lazy' decoding='async'/><span class="comment-author-name" itemprop="name"><a href="http://www.creationsbyskyler.com" class="comment-author-link" rel="external nofollow" itemprop="url">Sky</a></span> <span class="says">says</span>			</p>
1753
1754			<p class="comment-meta"><time class="comment-time" datetime="2014-07-24T15:52:30-06:00" itemprop="datePublished"><a class="comment-time-link" href="https://www.handsfreemama.com/contact/#comment-292074" itemprop="url">July 24, 2014 at 3:52 pm</a></time></p>		</header>
1755
1756		<div class="comment-content" itemprop="text">
1757			
1758			<p>I just read &#8220;The Important Thing About Yelling&#8221; and I am now in tears! I am that Mom that you were ashamed to admit that you had become. As much as I try to manage everything &amp; be Superwoman, I realized that I just can&#8217;t! Hubby gets to go off to work while I am at home managing two kids, household chores, cooking &amp; a fledgling bakery business. As much as I try to get things done while the kids are asleep, there just aren&#8217;t enough hours in the day. You have encouraged me to do on a regular basis what I had the foresight to do every so often &amp; that is to calm down, take a breath, be ok with what I am able to get done, enjoy my kids &amp; most importantly, stop losing my cool &amp; raising my voice around my children. THANK YOU!!!!!</p>
1759		</div>
1760
1761		<div class="comment-reply"><a rel="nofollow" class="comment-reply-link" href="https://www.handsfreemama.com/contact/?replytocom=292074#respond" data-commentid="292074" data-postid="5814" data-belowelement="article-comment-292074" data-respondelement="respond" data-replyto="Reply to Sky" aria-label="Reply to Sky">Reply</a></div>
1762		
1763	</article>
1764	</li><!-- #comment-## -->
1765
1766	<li class="comment even thread-odd thread-alt depth-1" id="comment-300524">
1767	<article id="article-comment-300524" itemprop="comment" itemscope itemtype="https://schema.org/Comment">
1768
1769		<div class="commentnumber">69</div>
1770		<header class="comment-header">
1771			<p class="comment-author" itemprop="author" itemscope itemtype="https://schema.org/Person">
1772				<img alt='' src='https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/ee329c3bdf0cd7bb502a9925ada83149?s=96&#038;d=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.handsfreemama.com%2Fwp-content%2Fthemes%2Frestored316-market%2Fimages%2Fgravatar.png&#038;r=g' srcset='https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/ee329c3bdf0cd7bb502a9925ada83149?s=192&#038;d=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.handsfreemama.com%2Fwp-content%2Fthemes%2Frestored316-market%2Fimages%2Fgravatar.png&#038;r=g 2x' class='avatar avatar-96 photo' height='96' width='96' loading='lazy' decoding='async'/><span class="comment-author-name" itemprop="name">Carly</span> <span class="says">says</span>			</p>
1773
1774			<p class="comment-meta"><time class="comment-time" datetime="2014-07-29T05:45:57-06:00" itemprop="datePublished"><a class="comment-time-link" href="https://www.handsfreemama.com/contact/#comment-300524" itemprop="url">July 29, 2014 at 5:45 am</a></time></p>		</header>
1775
1776		<div class="comment-content" itemprop="text">
1777			
1778			<p>I am the coordinator of our local MOPS (mothers of preschoolers). We recently had our yearly planning retreat. During discussion, we realized that EVERY SINGLE one of the women there feels like we are too distracted, that we spend  to much time on our  phones/facebook, yadda, yadda&#8230; Since this was an across the board issue with our leadership, we decided it most likely is something the rest of our moms deal with, too. So we decided to try to do a group study as your book over the course of the year. To kick it off, I would like to do a meeting themed &#8220;TechNO&#8221; mama and focus on putting our phones/computers down and being present. Ideally, it would be awesome to have you as a speaker, but even if you could come, I&#8217;m not sure we&#8217;d even have the budget for it. So my question to you is twofold: Do you have any kind of podcast/video you have done on this topic or would you be willing to do one? If not, do you have any ideas for a live or recorded speaker? Thanks so much!</p>
1779		</div>
1780
1781		<div class="comment-reply"><a rel="nofollow" class="comment-reply-link" href="https://www.handsfreemama.com/contact/?replytocom=300524#respond" data-commentid="300524" data-postid="5814" data-belowelement="article-comment-300524" data-respondelement="respond" data-replyto="Reply to Carly" aria-label="Reply to Carly">Reply</a></div>
1782		
1783	</article>
1784	</li><!-- #comment-## -->
1785
1786	<li class="comment odd alt thread-even depth-1" id="comment-337976">
1787	<article id="article-comment-337976" itemprop="comment" itemscope itemtype="https://schema.org/Comment">
1788
1789		<div class="commentnumber">70</div>
1790		<header class="comment-header">
1791			<p class="comment-author" itemprop="author" itemscope itemtype="https://schema.org/Person">
1792				<img alt='' src='https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/904dcc5ebaf068602f3ce4b6da77993f?s=96&#038;d=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.handsfreemama.com%2Fwp-content%2Fthemes%2Frestored316-market%2Fimages%2Fgravatar.png&#038;r=g' srcset='https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/904dcc5ebaf068602f3ce4b6da77993f?s=192&#038;d=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.handsfreemama.com%2Fwp-content%2Fthemes%2Frestored316-market%2Fimages%2Fgravatar.png&#038;r=g 2x' class='avatar avatar-96 photo' height='96' width='96' loading='lazy' decoding='async'/><span class="comment-author-name" itemprop="name">Kim D</span> <span class="says">says</span>			</p>
1793
1794			<p class="comment-meta"><time class="comment-time" datetime="2014-08-19T04:10:22-06:00" itemprop="datePublished"><a class="comment-time-link" href="https://www.handsfreemama.com/contact/#comment-337976" itemprop="url">August 19, 2014 at 4:10 am</a></time></p>		</header>
1795
1796		<div class="comment-content" itemprop="text">
1797			
1798			<p>Rachel, please keep repeating. Your blog and your book have been helping me for awhile now during my journey to become the parent and person I want to be. The way you have focused on perfectionism, overcommittment, self blame and criticism which comes out on others hits the nail right on the head. And I slide back and those are the times when I need to hear the repeat, when I need to hear that I am not back to the starting point, that I won&#8217;t get it right every time especially when other stresses are weighing on me. Just yesterday I couldn&#8217;t figure out why my youngest was having such a tantrum. I knew she had missed her sister who had been away and was now home. I realize today she jut wanted to be included. We were making sandwiches, my 8 year old and I and my 3 year old just wanted a job, wanted not to be told to &#8220;go find something to do&#8221;. Of course. I can see it now. Sometimes it is so hard to truly put the other worries aside to hear what is going on. Practice. Right?  Thank y
1798ou for all you have done for me. I am here listening for a repeat.</p>
1799		</div>
1800
1801		<div class="comment-reply"><a rel="nofollow" class="comment-reply-link" href="https://www.handsfreemama.com/contact/?replytocom=337976#respond" data-commentid="337976" data-postid="5814" data-belowelement="article-comment-337976" data-respondelement="respond" data-replyto="Reply to Kim D" aria-label="Reply to Kim D">Reply</a></div>
1802		
1803	</article>
1804	</li><!-- #comment-## -->
1805
1806	<li class="comment even thread-odd thread-alt depth-1" id="comment-808300">
1807	<article id="article-comment-808300" itemprop="comment" itemscope itemtype="https://schema.org/Comment">
1808
1809		<div class="commentnumber">71</div>
1810		<header class="comment-header">
1811			<p class="comment-author" itemprop="author" itemscope itemtype="https://schema.org/Person">
1812				<img alt='' src='https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/ed318464c6fbdeb26fa280286685fc76?s=96&#038;d=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.handsfreemama.com%2Fwp-content%2Fthemes%2Frestored316-market%2Fimages%2Fgravatar.png&#038;r=g' srcset='https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/ed318464c6fbdeb26fa280286685fc76?s=192&#038;d=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.handsfreemama.com%2Fwp-content%2Fthemes%2Frestored316-market%2Fimages%2Fgravatar.png&#038;r=g 2x' class='avatar avatar-96 photo' height='96' width='96' loading='lazy' decoding='async'/><span class="comment-author-name" itemprop="name"><a href="http://www.gotrpa.org" class="comment-author-link" rel="external nofollow" itemprop="url">Tracy</a></span> <span class="says">says</span>			</p>
1813
1814			<p class="comment-meta"><time class="comment-time" datetime="2016-01-02T07:01:31-06:00" itemprop="datePublished"><a class="comment-time-link" href="https://www.handsfreemama.com/contact/#comment-808300" itemprop="url">January 2, 2016 at 7:01 am</a></time></p>		</header>
1815
1816		<div class="comment-content" itemprop="text">
1817			
1818			<p>What&#8217;s the best way to receive your posts/articles?</p>
1819<p>Thank you</p>
1820		</div>
1821
1822		<div class="comment-reply"><a rel="nofollow" class="comment-reply-link" href="https://www.handsfreemama.com/contact/?replytocom=808300#respond" data-commentid="808300" data-postid="5814" data-belowelement="article-comment-808300" data-respondelement="respond" data-replyto="Reply to Tracy" aria-label="Reply to Tracy">Reply</a></div>
1823		
1824	</article>
1825	<ul class="children">
1826
1827	<li class="comment byuser comment-author-handsfreemama bypostauthor odd alt depth-2" id="comment-808330">
1828	<article id="article-comment-808330" itemprop="comment" itemscope itemtype="https://schema.org/Comment">
1829
1830		<div class="commentnumber">72</div>
1831		<header class="comment-header">
1832			<p class="comment-author" itemprop="author" itemscope itemtype="https://schema.org/Person">
1833				<img alt='' src='https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/1fa73762ddf5452a7c89ab8cc8ea71fb?s=96&#038;d=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.handsfreemama.com%2Fwp-content%2Fthemes%2Frestored316-market%2Fimages%2Fgravatar.png&#038;r=g' srcset='https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/1fa73762ddf5452a7c89ab8cc8ea71fb?s=192&#038;d=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.handsfreemama.com%2Fwp-content%2Fthemes%2Frestored316-market%2Fimages%2Fgravatar.png&#038;r=g 2x' class='avatar avatar-96 photo' height='96' width='96' loading='lazy' decoding='async'/><span class="comment-author-name" itemprop="name"><a href="https://www.handsfreemama.com" class="comment-author-link" rel="external nofollow" itemprop="url">Rachel Stafford</a></span> <span class="says">says</span>			</p>
1834
1835			<p class="comment-meta"><time class="comment-time" datetime="2016-01-02T11:48:25-06:00" itemprop="datePublished"><a class="comment-time-link" href="https://www.handsfreemama.com/contact/#comment-808330" itemprop="url">January 2, 2016 at 11:48 am</a></time></p>		</header>
1836
1837		<div class="comment-content" itemprop="text">
1838			
1839			<p>Thank you, Tracy. There is a little subscription box on the home page of this blog where you can submit your email address and you will receive my new blog posts in your email inbox. I also post short, inspiring entries M-F on The Hands Free Revolution Facebook page if you would like additional inspiration. Thank you!</p>
1840		</div>
1841
1842		<div class="comment-reply"><a rel="nofollow" class="comment-reply-link" href="https://www.handsfreemama.com/contact/?replytocom=808330#respond" data-commentid="808330" data-postid="5814" data-belowelement="article-comment-808330" data-respondelement="respond" data-replyto="Reply to Rachel Stafford" aria-label="Reply to Rachel Stafford">Reply</a></div>
1843		
1844	</article>
1845	</li><!-- #comment-## -->
1846</ul><!-- .children -->
1847</li><!-- #comment-## -->
1848
1849	<li class="comment even thread-even depth-1" id="comment-810880">
1850	<article id="article-comment-810880" itemprop="comment" itemscope itemtype="https://schema.org/Comment">
1851
1852		<div class="commentnumber">73</div>
1853		<header class="comment-header">
1854			<p class="comment-author" itemprop="author" itemscope itemtype="https://schema.org/Person">
1855				<img alt='' src='https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/2131bf2f2a8acb668b9c15a6e2777a75?s=96&#038;d=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.handsfreemama.com%2Fwp-content%2Fthemes%2Frestored316-market%2Fimages%2Fgravatar.png&#038;r=g' srcset='https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/2131bf2f2a8acb668b9c15a6e2777a75?s=192&#038;d=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.handsfreemama.com%2Fwp-content%2Fthemes%2Frestored316-market%2Fimages%2Fgravatar.png&#038;r=g 2x' class='avatar avatar-96 photo' height='96' width='96' loading='lazy' decoding='async'/><span class="comment-author-name" itemprop="name"><a href="http://www.giftedandcreativecounseling.com" class="comment-author-link" rel="external nofollow" itemprop="url">Linda leviton</a></span> <span class="says">says</span>			</p>
1856
1857			<p class="comment-meta"><time class="comment-time" datetime="2016-01-15T08:41:30-06:00" itemprop="datePublished"><a class="comment-time-link" href="https://www.handsfreemama.com/contact/#comment-810880" itemprop="url">January 15, 2016 at 8:41 am</a></time></p>		</header>
1858
1859		<div class="comment-content" itemprop="text">
1860			
1861			<p>Just read this post.  It is so touching. Your daughter is so lucky to have a mother like you.  I work and assess children like yours everyday&#8230;the bright stars who sometimes get lost in the dark night sky.  I see them and help their parents find them.  Check out my website, <a href="http://www.gifted" rel="nofollow ugc">http://www.gifted</a> and creative counseling.com,  and if you have one, add me to your distribution list.  You are a beautiful soul.   Warmly,  Linda.</p>
1862		</div>
1863
1864		<div class="comment-reply"><a rel="nofollow" class="comment-reply-link" href="https://www.handsfreemama.com/contact/?replytocom=810880#respond" data-commentid="810880" data-postid="5814" data-belowelement="article-comment-810880" data-respondelement="respond" data-replyto="Reply to 
1864Linda leviton" aria-label="Reply to Linda leviton">Reply</a></div>
1865		
1866	</article>
1867	</li><!-- #comment-## -->
1868
1869	<li class="comment odd alt thread-odd thread-alt depth-1" id="comment-818671">
1870	<article id="article-comment-818671" itemprop="comment" itemscope itemtype="https://schema.org/Comment">
1871
1872		<div class="commentnumber">74</div>
1873		<header class="comment-header">
1874			<p class="comment-author" itemprop="author" itemscope itemtype="https://schema.org/Person">
1875				<img alt='' src='https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/e5b7d5c5b5e8bf58dc60a4c94cca146d?s=96&#038;d=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.handsfreemama.com%2Fwp-content%2Fthemes%2Frestored316-market%2Fimages%2Fgravatar.png&#038;r=g' srcset='https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/e5b7d5c5b5e8bf58dc60a4c94cca146d?s=192&#038;d=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.handsfreemama.com%2Fwp-content%2Fthemes%2Frestored316-market%2Fimages%2Fgravatar.png&#038;r=g 2x' class='avatar avatar-96 photo' height='96' width='96' loading='lazy' decoding='async'/><span class="comment-author-name" itemprop="name">Jeff Wurgler</span> <span class="says">says</span>			</p>
1876
1877			<p class="comment-meta"><time class="comment-time" datetime="2016-02-29T11:34:26-06:00" itemprop="datePublished"><a class="comment-time-link" href="https://www.handsfreemama.com/contact/#comment-818671" itemprop="url">February 29, 2016 at 11:34 am</a></time></p>		</header>
1878
1879		<div class="comment-content" itemprop="text">
1880			
1881			<p>I don&#8217;t know if you will ever see this comment, but I just wanted to tell you what a positive feeling I got from your article on yelling.  My children include 2 boys, 7 and 14 and a 6 year old girl.  My wife is currently the primary breadwinner of our household with a long commute while I re-invent myself in a new career path at almost 50 years old.  This places me as the one who gets the kids ready for 3 different schools, cleans, shops, pays bills, cooks meals, etc.  Mr. Mom.  I love my kids deeply and try to be the best parent that I can be.  But your article caught my eye because I DO tend to yell if I don&#8217;t get their immediate attention for whatever reason.  And I get upset for those child mistakes.  Just last night my 7 year old son spilled tomato soup because he was not paying attention to his actions at mealtime.  Instead of helping him to clean it up, I am busy pointing out his lack of control at the table while I clean it up.</p>
1882<p>Your article has given me good reason to reflect on my reactions to these simple childhood mistakes.  I will pause when agitated and think of much more constructive and loving ways to react.  Your article has made a very strong impact on a loving parent who is not too old or stubborn to change.  I want the best relationship that I can have with my children, while staying focused on my responsibilities as a parent.  Thank you SO much!</p>
1883		</div>
1884
1885		<div class="comment-reply"><a rel="nofollow" class="comment-reply-link" href="https://www.handsfreemama.com/contact/?replytocom=818671#respond" data-commentid="818671" data-postid="5814" data-belowelement="article-comment-818671" data-respondelement="respond" data-replyto="Reply to Jeff Wurgler" aria-label="Reply to Jeff Wurgler">Reply</a></div>
1886		
1887	</article>
1888	<ul class="children">
1889
1890	<li class="comment byuser comment-author-handsfreemama bypostauthor even depth-2" id="comment-819071">
1891	<article id="article-comment-819071" itemprop="comment" itemscope itemtype="https://schema.org/Comment">
1892
1893		<div class="commentnumber">75</div>
1894		<header class="comment-header">
1895			<p class="comment-author" itemprop="author" itemscope itemtype="https://schema.org/Person">
1896				<img alt='' src='https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/1fa73762ddf5452a7c89ab8cc8ea71fb?s=96&#038;d=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.handsfreemama.com%2Fwp-content%2Fthemes%2Frestored316-market%2Fimages%2Fgravatar.png&#038;r=g' srcset='https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/1fa73762ddf5452a7c89ab8cc8ea71fb?s=192&#038;d=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.handsfreemama.com%2Fwp-content%2Fthemes%2Frestored316-market%2Fimages%2Fgravatar.png&#038;r=g 2x' class='avatar avatar-96 photo' height='96' width='96' loading='lazy' decoding='async'/><span class="comment-author-name" itemprop="name"><a href="https://www.handsfreemama.com" class="comment-author-link" rel="external nofollow" itemprop="url">
1896Rachel Stafford</a></span> <span class="says">says</span>			</p>
1897
1898			<p class="comment-meta"><time class="comment-time" datetime="2016-03-02T18:53:41-06:00" itemprop="datePublished"><a class="comment-time-link" href="https://www.handsfreemama.com/contact/#comment-819071" itemprop="url">March 2, 2016 at 6:53 pm</a></time></p>		</header>
1899
1900		<div class="comment-content" itemprop="text">
1901			
1902			<p>Thank you, Jeff. I truly appreciate your heartfelt comment and commitment to nurture your children&#8217;s beautiful spirits in a positive, loving home. Thank you for taking the time to let me know the impact of my words. I am grateful.</p>
1903		</div>
1904
1905		<div class="comment-reply"><a rel="nofollow" class="comment-reply-link" href="https://www.handsfreemama.com/contact/?replytocom=819071#respond" data-commentid="819071" data-postid="5814" data-belowelement="article-comment-819071" data-respondelement="respond" data-replyto="Reply to Rachel Stafford" aria-label="Reply to Rachel Stafford">Reply</a></div>
1906		
1907	</article>
1908	</li><!-- #comment-## -->
1909</ul><!-- .children -->
1910</li><!-- #comment-## -->
1911
1912	<li class="comment odd alt thread-even depth-1" id="comment-835327">
1913	<article id="article-comment-835327" itemprop="comment" itemscope itemtype="https://schema.org/Comment">
1914
1915		<div class="commentnumber">76</div>
1916		<header class="comment-header">
1917			<p class="comment-author" itemprop="author" itemscope itemtype="https://schema.org/Person">
1918				<img alt='' src='https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/94832b62f69bd659b5a92a9a0386e21e?s=96&#038;d=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.handsfreemama.com%2Fwp-content%2Fthemes%2Frestored316-market%2Fimages%2Fgravatar.png&#038;r=g' srcset='https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/94832b62f69bd659b5a92a9a0386e21e?s=192&#038;d=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.handsfreemama.com%2Fwp-content%2Fthemes%2Frestored316-market%2Fimages%2Fgravatar.png&#038;r=g 2x' class='avatar avatar-96 photo' height='96' width='96' loading='lazy' decoding='async'/><span class="comment-author-name" itemprop="name">Stephanie Hoover</span> <span class="says">says</span>			</p>
1919
1920			<p class="comment-meta"><time class="comment-time" datetime="2016-05-03T07:01:19-06:00" itemprop="datePublished"><a class="comment-time-link" href="https://www.handsfreemama.com/contact/#comment-835327" itemprop="url">May 3, 2016 at 7:01 am</a></time></p>		</header>
1921
1922		<div class="comment-content" itemprop="text">
1923			
1924			<p>Love your insight and wisdom.</p>
1925		</div>
1926
1927		<div class="comment-reply"><a rel="nofollow" class="comment-reply-link" href="https://www.handsfreemama.com/contact/?replytocom=835327#respond" data-commentid="835327" data-postid="5814" data-belowelement="article-comment-835327" data-respondelement="respond" data-replyto="Reply to Stephanie Hoover" aria-label="Reply to Stephanie Hoover">Reply</a></div>
1928		
1929	</article>
1930	</li><!-- #comment-## -->
1931
1932	<li class="comment even thread-odd thread-alt depth-1" id="comment-844938">
1933	<article id="article-comment-844938" itemprop="comment" itemscope itemtype="https://schema.org/Comment">
1934
1935		<div class="commentnumber">77</div>
1936		<header class="comment-header">
1937			<p class="comment-author" itemprop="author" itemscope itemtype="https://schema.org/Person">
1938				<img alt='' src='https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/4d5635ece8cceafdb3aa531431de253b?s=96&#038;d=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.handsfreemama.com%2Fwp-content%2Fthemes%2Frestored316-market%2Fimages%2Fgravatar.png&#038;r=g' srcset='https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/4d5635ece8cceafdb3aa531431de253b?s=192&#038;d=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.handsfreemama.com%2Fwp-content%2Fthemes%2Frestored316-market%2Fimages%2Fgravatar.png&#038;r=g 2x' class='avatar avatar-96 photo' height='96' width='96' loading='lazy' decoding='async'/><span class="comment-author-name" itemprop="name">Claire Grice</span> <span class="says">says</span>			</p>
1939
1940			<p class="comment-meta"><time class="comment-time" datetime="2016-06-04T16:22:34-06:00" itemprop="datePublished"><a class="comment-time-link" href="https://www.handsfreemama.com/contact/#comment-844938" itemprop="url">June 4, 2016 at 4:22 pm</a></time></p>		</header>
1941
1942		<div class="comment-content" itemprop="text">
1943			
1944			<p>Thank you for sharing your experiences</p>
1945		</div>
1946
1947		<div class="comment-reply"><a rel="nofollow" class="comment-reply-link" href="https://www.handsfreemama.com/contact/?replytocom=844938#respond" data-commentid="844938" data-postid="5814" data-belowelement="article-comment-844938" data-respondelement="respond" data-replyto="Reply to Claire Grice" aria-label="Reply to Claire Grice">Reply</a></div>
1948		
1949	</article>
1950	</li><!-- #comment-## -->
1951
1952	<li class="comment odd alt thread-even depth-1" id="comment-865574">
1953	<article id="article-comment-865574" itemprop="comment" itemscope itemtype="https://schema.org/Comment">
1954
1955		<div class="commentnumber">78</div>
1956		<header class="comment-header">
1957			<p class="comment-author" itemprop="author" itemscope itemtype="https://schema.org/Person">
1958				<img alt='' src='https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/efebb39bb8d25c5ea732495f7f384345?s=96&#038;d=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.handsfreemama.com%2Fwp-content%2Fthemes%2Frestored316-market%2Fimages%2Fgravatar.png&#038;r=g' srcset='https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/efebb39bb8d25c5ea732495f7f384345?s=192&#038;d=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.handsfreemama.com%2Fwp-content%2Fthemes%2Frestored316-market%2Fimages%2Fgravatar.png&#038;r=g 2x' class='avatar avatar-96 photo' height='96' width='96' loading='lazy' decoding='async'/><span class="comment-author-name" itemprop="name">Julie</span> <span class="says">says</span>			</p>
1959
1960			<p class="comment-meta"><time class="comment-time" datetime="2016-08-27T09:48:01-06:00" itemprop="datePublished"><a class="comment-time-link" href="https://www.handsfreemama.com/contact/#comment-865574" itemprop="url">August 27, 2016 at 9:48 am</a></time></p>		</header>
1961
1962		<div class="comment-content" itemprop="text">
1963			
1964			<p>Bravo!! As the parent of three special needs young adults, please let me assure that not only do you make a difference, but you are fostering  a mindset  that&#8217;s ripples extend logarhythmically. YOU are a beautiful moment this morning.</p>
1965		</div>
1966
1967		<div class="comment-reply"><a rel="nofollow" class="comment-reply-link" href="https://www.handsfreemama.com/contact/?replytocom=865574#respond" data-commentid="865574" data-postid="5814" data-belowelement="article-comment-865574" data-respondelement="respond" data-replyto="Reply to Julie" aria-label="Reply to Julie">Reply</a></div>
1968		
1969	</article>
1970	</li><!-- #comment-## -->
1971
1972	<li class="comment even thread-odd thread-alt depth-1" id="comment-871960">
1973	<article id="article-comment-871960" itemprop="comment" itemscope itemtype="https://schema.org/Comment">
1974
1975		<div class="commentnumber">79</div>
1976		<header class="comment-header">
1977			<p class="comment-author" itemprop="author" itemscope itemtype="https://schema.org/Person">
1978				<img alt='' src='https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/e792c35095ac28ed85b7d83885e5063d?s=96&#038;d=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.handsfreemama.com%2Fwp-content%2Fthemes%2Frestored316-market%2Fimages%2Fgravatar.png&#038;r=g' srcset='https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/e792c35095ac28ed85b7d83885e5063d?s=192&#038;d=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.handsfreemama.com%2Fwp-content%2Fthemes%2Frestored316-market%2Fimages%2Fgravatar.png&#038;r=g 2x' class='avatar avatar-96 photo' height='96' width='96' loading='lazy' decoding='async'/><span class="comment-author-name" itemprop="name">Claudia</span> <span class="says">says</span>			</p>
1979
1980			<p class="comment-meta"><time class="comment-time" datetime="2016-09-23T21:36:32-06:00" itemprop="datePublished"><a class="comment-time-link" href="https://www.handsfreemama.com/contact/#comment-871960" itemprop="url">September 23, 2016 at 9:36 pm</a></time></p>		</header>
1981
1982		<div class="comment-content" itemprop="text">
1983			
1984			<p>Rachel, I just left you a message.<br />
1985I just found, I guess because GOD meant it to be, the thing you wrote for me long time ago in 2010.</p>
1986<p>There will never be enough words to say how GREATFUL I am with you.</p>
1987		</div>
1988
1989		<div class="comment-reply"><a rel="nofollow" class="comment-reply-link" href="https://www.handsfreemama.com/contact/?replytocom=871960#respond" data-commentid="871960" data-postid="5814" data-belowelement="article-comment-871960" data-respondelement="respond" data-replyto="Reply to Claudia" aria-label="Reply to Claudia">Reply</a></div>
1990		
1991	</article>
1992	</li><!-- #comment-## -->
1993
1994	<li class="comment odd alt thread-even depth-1" id="comment-879102">
1995	<article id="article-comment-879102" itemprop="comment" itemscope itemtype="https://schema.org/Comment">
1996
1997		<div class="commentnumber">80</div>
1998		<header class="comment-header">
1999			<p class="comment-author" itemprop="author" itemscope itemtype="https://schema.org/Person">
2000				<img alt='' src='https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/4e67dacf21e4365011182ca474ddcbc2?s=96&#038;d=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.handsfreemama.com%2Fwp-content%2Fthemes%2Frestored316-market%2Fimages%2Fgravatar.png&#038;r=g' srcset='https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/4e67dacf21e4365011182ca474ddcbc2?s=192&#038;d=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.handsfreemama.com%2Fwp-content%2Fthemes%2Frestored316-market%2Fimages%2Fgravatar.png&#038;r=g 2x' class='avatar avatar-96 photo' height='96' width='96' loading='lazy' decoding='async'/><span class="comment-author-name" itemprop="name"><a href="http://fb" class="comment-author-link" rel="external nofollow" itemprop="url">Semantha</a></span> <span class="says">says</span>			</p>
2001
2002			<p class="comment-meta"><time class="comment-time" datetime="2016-10-18T20:08:57-06:00" itemprop="datePublished"><a class="comment-time-link" href="https://www.handsfreemama.com/contact/#comment-879102" itemprop="url">October 18, 2016 at 8:08 pm</a></time></p>		</header>
2003
2004		<div class="comment-content" itemprop="text">
2005			
2006			<p>I read your post today and it brought me to tears . I am that angry person and I&#8217;m very much afraid I don&#8217;t know how to be anything else .<br />
2007Now I look forward to reading your book and seeing if I can find my own way forward .</p>
2008<p>Semantha</p>
2009		</div>
2010
2011		<div class="comment-reply"><a rel="nofollow" class="comment-reply-link" href="https://www.handsfreemama.com/contact/?replytocom=879102#respond" data-commentid="879102" data-postid="5814" data-belowelement="article-comment-879102" data-respondelement="respond" data-replyto="Reply to Semantha" aria-label="Reply to Semantha">Reply</a></div>
2012		
2013	</article>
2014	<ul class="children">
2015
2016	<li class="comment byuser comment-author-handsfreemama bypostauthor even depth-2" id="comment-879118">
2017	<article id="article-comment-879118" itemprop="comment" itemscope itemtype="https://schema.org/Comment">
2018
2019		<div class="commentnumber">81</div>
2020		<header class="comment-header">
2021			<p class="comment-author" itemprop="author" itemscope itemtype="https://schema.org/Person">
2022				<img alt='' src='https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/1fa73762ddf5452a7c89ab8cc8ea71fb?s=96&#038;d=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.handsfreemama.com%2Fwp-content%2Fthemes%2Frestored316-market%2Fimages%2Fgravatar.png&#038;r=g' srcset='https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/1fa73762ddf5452a7c89ab8cc8ea71fb?s=192&#038;d=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.handsfreemama.com%2Fwp-content%2Fthemes%2Frestored316-market%2Fimages%2Fgravatar.png&#038;r=g 2x' class='avatar avatar-96 photo' height='96' width='96' loading='lazy' decoding='async'/><span class="comment-author-name" itemprop="name"><a href="https://www.handsfreemama.com" class="comment-author-link" rel="external nofollow" itemprop="url">
2022Rachel Stafford</a></span> <span class="says">says</span>			</p>
2023
2024			<p class="comment-meta"><time class="comment-time" datetime="2016-10-18T20:41:52-06:00" itemprop="datePublished"><a class="comment-time-link" href="https://www.handsfreemama.com/contact/#comment-879118" itemprop="url">October 18, 2016 at 8:41 pm</a></time></p>		</header>
2025
2026		<div class="comment-content" itemprop="text">
2027			
2028			<p>Thank you so much, Semantha, for bravely revealing your struggle and your hope. Typing those words could not have been easy, but they are powerful &#8230; and they are a starting point. Take a moment and acknowledge the significance of this difficult truth you have proclaimed today. I am grateful and hopeful that you are going to read my book. There is only so much I can cover in a blog post and this is a PROCESS with many small steps. They are all in the book (Hands Free Mama) and it really gets to the root of the issue. I mentioned to Sara that I have created a handout with some strategies to become more positive, less critical … to chose a peaceful response in times of frustration &#038; challenge. Feel free to email me for that handout. My email is <a href="mailto:[email protected]">[email protected]</a>. You will get an auto response, but know that I will respond to you. I am so touched by your message tonight and feel extremely hopeful about your future.</p>
2029		</div>
2030
2031		<div class="comment-reply"><a rel="nofollow" class="comment-reply-link" href="https://www.handsfreemama.com/contact/?replytocom=879118#respond" data-commentid="879118" data-postid="5814" data-belowelement="article-comment-879118" data-respondelement="respond" data-replyto="Reply to Rachel Stafford" aria-label="Reply to Rachel Stafford">Reply</a></div>
2032		
2033	</article>
2034	</li><!-- #comment-## -->
2035</ul><!-- .children -->
2036</li><!-- #comment-## -->
2037
2038	<li class="comment odd alt thread-odd thread-alt depth-1" id="comment-886834">
2039	<article id="article-comment-886834" itemprop="comment" itemscope itemtype="https://schema.org/Comment">
2040
2041		<div class="commentnumber">82</div>
2042		<header class="comment-header">
2043			<p class="comment-author" itemprop="author" itemscope itemtype="https://schema.org/Person">
2044				<img alt='' src='https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/9aa645d48c40421ce20e172b1785ddd2?s=96&#038;d=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.handsfreemama.com%2Fwp-content%2Fthemes%2Frestored316-market%2Fimages%2Fgravatar.png&#038;r=g' srcset='https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/9aa645d48c40421ce20e172b1785ddd2?s=192&#038;d=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.handsfreemama.com%2Fwp-content%2Fthemes%2Frestored316-market%2Fimages%2Fgravatar.png&#038;r=g 2x' class='avatar avatar-96 photo' height='96' width='96' loading='lazy' decoding='async'/><span class="comment-author-name" itemprop="name">Samantha Youngman</span> <span class="says">says</span>			</p>
2045
2046			<p class="comment-meta"><time class="comment-time" datetime="2016-11-16T13:56:51-06:00" itemprop="datePublished"><a class="comment-time-link" href="https://www.handsfreemama.com/contact/#comment-886834" itemprop="url">November 16, 2016 at 1:56 pm</a></time></p>		</header>
2047
2048		<div class="comment-content" itemprop="text">
2049			
2050			<p>Hi Rachel&#8230;i am an Australian living in England with 3 young children and my lovely husband. I heard of you for the first time about 2 weeks ago via Maggie Dent&#8217;s website, i heard her interview you on radio and loved what i heard. I cried listening to the interview as during the previous day i had literally said to a girlfriend, &#8220;I am so sick of never having any time for the things i actually want to do&#8221; and then the very next day i heard your voice coming through my computer articulating all the things i felt but couldn&#8217;t say. I instantly ordered your books on line and just finished the first one on the way home to my children today after having spent the day in London. I came home to my nanny and 3 kids eating dinner and i sat with them all for half an hour.(previously i would not have done this, i would have busied myself with washing or the other thousand things that needed doing after been away from home all day). Then my eldest son asked me to buy him a special pen that some of his friends had at school but he couldn&#8217;t really describe it to me, only the colours. So we came in to my study and jumped on the computer and spent 10 minutes on one particular site but with no luck. To cut a long story short we eventually found the exact pen he was hoping for after about 20 min of searching. His words to me were, in the instant we bought it, &#8220;Mummy, thank you so much for spending the time looking for that pen for me. Most other mummies would have given up the search but you kept at it, i love you so much!&#8221;. My heart leapt and the significance of everything you write about really sunk it. Even the amount that i acknowledged what he said i felt was increased as a result of reading your book. I feel like i have been given a gift finding you and i don&#8217;
2050t think the timing is insignificant either. Thank you so much for what you write. Keep going, you are giving a voice to so many of us with the same thoughts but without the gift of the written word and just by reading what you write it brings it all to the forefront. For i feel it is stuff that deep down we all probably know but it isn&#8217;t prioritised in this busy, pressured world. Thank you so much for reminding and showing me what is really important in life.</p>
2051		</div>
2052
2053		<div class="comment-reply"><a rel="nofollow" class="comment-reply-link" href="https://www.handsfreemama.com/contact/?replytocom=886834#respond" data-commentid="886834" data-postid="5814" data-belowelement="article-comment-886834" data-respondelement="respond" data-replyto="Reply to Samantha Youngman" aria-label="Reply to Samantha Youngman">Reply</a></div>
2054		
2055	</article>
2056	<ul class="children">
2057
2058	<li class="comment byuser comment-author-handsfreemama bypostauthor even depth-2" id="comment-886856">
2059	<article id="article-comment-886856" itemprop="comment" itemscope itemtype="https://schema.org/Comment">
2060
2061		<div class="commentnumber">83</div>
2062		<header class="comment-header">
2063			<p class="comment-author" itemprop="author" itemscope itemtype="https://schema.org/Person">
2064				<img alt='' src='https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/1fa73762ddf5452a7c89ab8cc8ea71fb?s=96&#038;d=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.handsfreemama.com%2Fwp-content%2Fthemes%2Frestored316-market%2Fimages%2Fgravatar.png&#038;r=g' srcset='https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/1fa73762ddf5452a7c89ab8cc8ea71fb?s=192&#038;d=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.handsfreemama.com%2Fwp-content%2Fthemes%2Frestored316-market%2Fimages%2Fgravatar.png&#038;r=g 2x' class='avatar avatar-96 photo' height='96' width='96' loading='lazy' decoding='async'/><span class="comment-author-name" itemprop="name"><a href="https://www.handsfreemama.com" class="comment-author-link" rel="external nofollow" itemprop="url">Rachel Stafford</a></span> <span class="says">says</span>			</p>
2065
2066			<p class="comment-meta"><time class="comment-time" datetime="2016-11-16T16:06:19-06:00" itemprop="datePublished"><a class="comment-time-link" href="https://www.handsfreemama.com/contact/#comment-886856" itemprop="url">November 16, 2016 at 4:06 pm</a></time></p>		</header>
2067
2068		<div class="comment-content" itemprop="text">
2069			
2070			<p>You have blessed me so much, dear Samantha! I am so touched by every word of your message. Thank you for taking the time to encourage me! Thank you for choosing love for yourself and your precious ones. 12</p>
2071		</div>
2072
2073		<div class="comment-reply"><a rel="nofollow" class="comment-reply-link" href="https://www.handsfreemama.com/contact/?replytocom=886856#respond" data-commentid="886856" data-postid="5814" data-belowelement="article-comment-886856" data-respondelement="respond" data-replyto="Reply to Rachel Stafford" aria-label="Reply to Rachel Stafford">Reply</a></div>
2074		
2075	</article>
2076	</li><!-- #comment-## -->
2077</ul><!-- .children -->
2078</li><!-- #comment-## -->
2079
2080	<li class="comment odd alt thread-even depth-1" id="comment-895461">
2081	<article id="article-comment-895461" itemprop="comment" itemscope itemtype="https://schema.org/Comment">
2082
2083		<div class="commentnumber">84</div>
2084		<header class="comment-header">
2085			<p class="comment-author" itemprop="author" itemscope itemtype="https://schema.org/Person">
2086				<img alt='' src='https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/a317a1fe02eed6b2f2ce9ac56ff9400b?s=96&#038;d=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.handsfreemama.com%2Fwp-content%2Fthemes%2Frestored316-market%2Fimages%2Fgravatar.png&#038;r=g' srcset='https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/a317a1fe02eed6b2f2ce9ac56ff9400b?s=192&#038;d=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.handsfreemama.com%2Fwp-content%2Fthemes%2Frestored316-market%2Fimages%2Fgravatar.png&#038;r=g 2x' class='avatar avatar-96 photo' height='96' width='96' loading='lazy' decoding='async'/><span class="comment-author-name" itemprop="name">Tasha</span> <span class="says">says</span>			</p>
2087
2088			<p class="comment-meta"><time class="comment-time" datetime="2016-12-19T06:58:39-06:00" itemprop="datePublished"><a class="comment-time-link" href="https://www.handsfreemama.com/contact/#comment-895461" itemprop="url">December 19, 2016 at 6:58 am</a></time></p>		</header>
2089
2090		<div class="comment-content" itemprop="text">
2091			
2092			<p>I just wanted to thank you for sharing your incredible journey. I am a person that is beholden to my to do list and perfection, and I&#8217;m trying to change that. My husband celebrated his 45th birthday yesterday so I decided that I would use your idea and come up with a list of   &#8220;45 things we love about you&#8221;.  I posted it on Facebook (because he does not have a Facebook account) and asked friends and family to respond. It was wonderful to read all of the kind words people had to say about my husband. My favorite part was hearing our 21 year old son&#8217;s rather lengthy post about how much he admires his dad. My husband was so touched and felt truly loved and appreciated. I look forward to my own journey of hands free living, and cannot wait to buy your next book. Thank y
2092ou!!!</p>
2093		</div>
2094
2095		<div class="comment-reply"><a rel="nofollow" class="comment-reply-link" href="https://www.handsfreemama.com/contact/?replytocom=895461#respond" data-commentid="895461" data-postid="5814" data-belowelement="article-comment-895461" data-respondelement="respond" data-replyto="Reply to Tasha" aria-label="Reply to Tasha">Reply</a></div>
2096		
2097	</article>
2098	<ul class="children">
2099
2100	<li class="comment byuser comment-author-handsfreemama bypostauthor even depth-2" id="comment-895470">
2101	<article id="article-comment-895470" itemprop="comment" itemscope itemtype="https://schema.org/Comment">
2102
2103		<div class="commentnumber">85</div>
2104		<header class="comment-header">
2105			<p class="comment-author" itemprop="author" itemscope itemtype="https://schema.org/Person">
2106				<img alt='' src='https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/1fa73762ddf5452a7c89ab8cc8ea71fb?s=96&#038;d=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.handsfreemama.com%2Fwp-content%2Fthemes%2Frestored316-market%2Fimages%2Fgravatar.png&#038;r=g' srcset='https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/1fa73762ddf5452a7c89ab8cc8ea71fb?s=192&#038;d=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.handsfreemama.com%2Fwp-content%2Fthemes%2Frestored316-market%2Fimages%2Fgravatar.png&#038;r=g 2x' class='avatar avatar-96 photo' height='96' width='96' loading='lazy' decoding='async'/><span class="comment-author-name" itemprop="name"><a href="https://www.handsfreemama.com" class="comment-author-link" rel="external nofollow" itemprop="url">Rachel Stafford</a></span> <span class="says">says</span>			</p>
2107
2108			<p class="comment-meta"><time class="comment-time" datetime="2016-12-19T08:07:42-06:00" itemprop="datePublished"><a class="comment-time-link" href="https://www.handsfreemama.com/contact/#comment-895470" itemprop="url">December 19, 2016 at 8:07 am</a></time></p>		</header>
2109
2110		<div class="comment-content" itemprop="text">
2111			
2112			<p>WOW! This is so incredible, it brings tears to my eyes! Thank you for letting me know! I am so grateful for your support and for your presence beside me on this journey. I look forward to hearing your progress!</p>
2113		</div>
2114
2115		<div class="comment-reply"><a rel="nofollow" class="comment-reply-link" href="https://www.handsfreemama.com/contact/?replytocom=895470#respond" data-commentid="895470" data-postid="5814" data-belowelement="article-comment-895470" data-respondelement="respond" data-replyto="Reply to Rachel Stafford" aria-label="Reply to Rachel Stafford">Reply</a></div>
2116		
2117	</article>
2118	</li><!-- #comment-## -->
2119</ul><!-- .children -->
2120</li><!-- #comment-## -->
2121
2122	<li class="comment odd alt thread-odd thread-alt depth-1" id="comment-1029836">
2123	<article id="article-comment-1029836" itemprop="comment" itemscope itemtype="https://schema.org/Comment">
2124
2125		<div class="commentnumber">86</div>
2126		<header class="comment-header">
2127			<p class="comment-author" itemprop="author" itemscope itemtype="https://schema.org/Person">
2128				<img alt='' src='https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/cc7889c78ce8a613c129d43d9b6afeb7?s=96&#038;d=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.handsfreemama.com%2Fwp-content%2Fthemes%2Frestored316-market%2Fimages%2Fgravatar.png&#038;r=g' srcset='https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/cc7889c78ce8a613c129d43d9b6afeb7?s=192&#038;d=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.handsfreemama.com%2Fwp-content%2Fthemes%2Frestored316-market%2Fimages%2Fgravatar.png&#038;r=g 2x' class='avatar avatar-96 photo' height='96' width='96' loading='lazy' decoding='async'/><span class="comment-author-name" itemprop="name">Michele</span> <span class="says">says</span>			</p>
2129
2130			<p class="comment-meta"><time class="comment-time" datetime="2020-12-23T09:58:43-06:00" itemprop="datePublished"><a class="comment-time-link" href="https://www.handsfreemama.com/contact/#comment-1029836" itemprop="url">December 23, 2020 at 9:58 am</a></time></p>		</header>
2131
2132		<div class="comment-content" itemprop="text">
2133			
2134			<p>I like your books. thanks for putting the time into them &#8211;<br />
2135but:<br />
2136Hi ,  I&#8217;ve tried emailing you<br />
2137my email gets rejected for spam when it contains text on my part and just your unsubscribe link on your email.</p>
2138		</div>
2139
2140		<div class="comment-reply"><a rel="nofollow" class="comment-reply-link" href="https://www.handsfreemama.com/contact/?replytocom=1029836#respond" data-commentid="1029836" data-postid="5814" data-belowelement="article-comment-1029836" data-respondelement="respond" data-replyto="Reply to Michele" aria-label="Reply to Michele">Reply</a></div>
2141		
2142	</article>
2143	</li><!-- #comment-## -->
2144</ol></div>	<div id="respond" class="comment-respond">
2145		<h3 id="reply-title" class="comment-reply-title">Leave a Reply <small><a rel="nofollow" id="cancel-comment-reply-link" href="/contact/#respond" style="display:none;">Cancel reply</a></small></h3><form action="https://www.handsfreemama.com/wp-comments-post.php" method="post" id="commentform" class="comment-form" novalidate><p class="comment-notes"><span id="email-notes">Your email address will not be published.</span> <span class="required-field-message">Required fields are marked <span class="required">*</span></span></p><p class="comment-form-comment"><label for="comment">Comment <span class="required">*</span></label> <textarea id="comment" name="comment" cols="45" rows="8" maxlength="65525" required></textarea></p><p class="comment-form-author"><label for="author">Name <span class="required">*</span></label> <input id="author" name="author" type="text" value="" size="30" maxlength="245" autocomplete="name" required /></p>
2146<p class="comment-form-email"><label for="email">Email <span class="required">*</span></label> <input id="email" name="email" type="email" value="" size="30" maxlength="100" aria-describedby="email-notes" autocomplete="email" required /></p>
2147<p class="comment-form-url"><label for="url">Website</label> <input id="url" name="url" type="url" value="" size="30" maxlength="200" autocomplete="url" /></p>
2148<p class="form-submit"><input name="submit" type="submit" id="submit" class="submit" value="Post Comment" /> <input type='hidden' name='comment_post_ID' value='5814' id='comment_post_ID' />
2149<input type='hidden' name='comment_parent' id='comment_parent' value='0' />
2150</p><p style="display: none;"><input type="hidden" id="akismet_comment_nonce" name="akismet_comment_nonce" value="3ae3468849" /></p><p style="display: none !important;" class="akismet-fields-container" data-prefix="ak_"><label>&#916;<textarea name="ak_hp_textarea" cols="45" rows="8" maxlength="100"></textarea></label><input type="hidden" id="ak_js_2" name="ak_js" value="236"/>
2150<script>document.getElementById( "ak_js_2" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() );</script>
2150</p></form>	</div><!-- #respond -->
2151	</div></main><aside class="sidebar sidebar-primary widget-area" role="complementary" aria-label="Primary Sidebar" itemscope itemtype="https://schema.org/WPSideBar"><section id="custom_html-2" class="widget_text widget widget_custom_html"><div class="widget_text widget-wrap"><h4 class="widget-title widgettitle">A Course by Rachel</h4>
2152<div class="textwidget custom-html-widget"><center>
2153<a href="https://my.handsfreemama.com/">
2154<img src="https://www.handsfreemama.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/SoulShift_logo.png" alt="Soul Shift" width="350" height="140" border="0">
2155	</a></center></div></div></section>
2156<section id="text-12" class="widget widget_text"><div class="widget-wrap"><h4 class="widget-title widgettitle">Welcome!</h4>
2157			<div class="textwidget"><a href="https://www.handsfreemama.com/about-me/">
2158<img border="0" alt="Rachel" src="https://www.handsfreemama.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/hfm_sidebar_new.png" width="350" height="289">
2159</a>
2160<p style="text-align: center; font-size:11px"><i>I want to make memories, not to-do lists. I want to feel the squeeze of loving arms, not the pressure of over-commitment. I want to get lost in conversation with my favorite people, not consumed in a sea of unimportant emails. I want to be overwhelmed by sunsets that give me hope, not by overloaded agendas that steal my joy. I want the noise of my life to be a mixture of laughter & gratitude, not the intrusive buzz of mobile phones & text messages. I’m letting go of distraction, perfection, & pressure to grasp what really matters. I’m living Hands Free. Will you join me? (<a href="https://www.handsfreemama.com/about-me/">Read More</a>)</i></p>
2161<div align="right" style="margin-top:-30px"><img src="https://www.handsfreemama.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/sb-sig.png"></div></div>
2162		</div></section>
2163<section id="text-16" class="widget widget_text"><div class="widget-wrap"><h4 class="widget-title widgettitle">Meet Rachel</h4>
2164			<div class="textwidget"><a href="https://www.handsfreemama.com/events/">
2165<img border="0" alt="Speaking Events" src="https://www.handsfreemama.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/rs_sb.jpg" width="350" height="289">
2166</a>
2167<blockquote>“After attending one of Rachel’s speaking events, I am finding myself pausing more and re-setting my reactions to my spouse and children as a result of reflecting on the situations and lessons Rachel shared. Her decision to reveal the good, the bad, and the ugly, and what she’s learned as she’s worked to transform herself, has lasting impacts on her audience. Rachel’s lessons are like ripples in the ocean as they help others like me move towards choosing love and coming as we are. Rachel works wonders by helping others work wonders.” 
2168–A Hands Free Mama in progress </blockquote></div>
2169		</div></section>
2170<section id="search-4" class="widget widget_search"><div class="widget-wrap"><form class="search-form" method="get" action="https://www.handsfreemama.com/" role="search" itemprop="potentialAction" itemscope itemtype="https://schema.org/SearchAction"><input class="search-form-input" type="search" name="s" id="searchform-2" placeholder="Search..." itemprop="query-input"><input class="search-form-submit" type="submit" value="Search"><meta content="https://www.handsfreemama.com/?s={s}" itemprop="target"></form></div></section>
2171<section id="simple-social-icons-2" class="widget simple-social-icons"><div class="widget-wrap"><h4 class="widget-title widgettitle">Keep In Touch</h4>
2172<ul class="aligncenter"><li class="ssi-email"><a href="https://www.handsfreemama.com/contact/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><svg role="img" class="social-email" aria-labelledby="social-email-2"><title id="social-email-2">Email</title><use xlink:href="https://www.handsfreemama.com/wp-content/plugins/simple-social-icons/symbol-defs.svg#social-email"></use></svg></a></li><li class="ssi-facebook"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/TheHandsFreeRevolution" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><svg role="img" class="social-facebook" aria-labelledby="social-facebook-2"><title id="social-facebook-2">Facebook</title>
2172<use xlink:href="https://www.handsfreemama.com/wp-content/plugins/simple-social-icons/symbol-defs.svg#social-facebook"></use></svg></a></li><li class="ssi-instagram"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/handsfreerevolution/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><svg role="img" class="social-instagram" aria-labelledby="social-instagram-2"><title id="social-instagram-2">Instagram</title><use xlink:href="https://www.handsfreemama.com/wp-content/plugins/simple-social-icons/symbol-defs.svg#social-instagram"></use></svg></a></li><li class="ssi-pinterest"><a href="https://www.pinterest.com/handsfreemama/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><svg role="img" class="social-pinterest" aria-labelledby="social-pinterest-2"><title id="social-pinterest-2">Pinterest</title><use xlink:href="https://www.handsfreemama.com/wp-content/plugins/simple-social-icons/symbol-defs.svg#social-pinterest"></use></svg></a></li><li class="ssi-rss"><a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/handsfreemama" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><svg role="img" class="social-rss" aria-labelledby="social-rss-2"><title id="social-rss-2">RSS</title><use xlink:href="https://www.handsfreemama.com/wp-content/plugins/simple-social-icons/symbol-defs.svg#social-rss"></use></svg></a></li><li class="ssi-substack"><a href="https://rachelmacystafford.substack.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><svg role="img" class="social-substack-svg" aria-labelledby="social-substack"><title id="social-substack">Substack</title><use xlink:href="https://www.handsfreemama.com/wp-content/themes/restored316-market/images/symbol-defs.svg#social-substack"></use></svg></a></li><li class="ssi-twitter"><a href="https://twitter.com/handsfreemama" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><svg role="img" class="social-twitter" aria-labelledby="social-twitter-2"><title id="social-twitter-2">Twitter</title><use xlink:href="https://www.handsfreemama.com/wp-content/plugins/simple-social-icons/symbol-defs.svg#social-twitter"></use></svg></a></li></ul></div></section>
2173<section id="text-13" class="widget widget_text"><div class="widget-wrap"><h4 class="widget-title widgettitle">Books</h4>
2174			<div class="textwidget"><center>
2175<a href="https://www.handsfreemama.com/books/">
2176<img src="https://www.handsfreemama.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/Soul-Shift-Cover-sidebar.png" alt="Live Love Now" width="263" height="395" border="0">
2177</a><br>Buy: <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Soul-Shift-Getting-Unstuck-Reclaiming/dp/1683649524" target="_blank">Amazon</a> | <a href="https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/soul-shift-macy-rachel-stafford/1141363805" target="_blank">Barnes & Noble</a><br><br>
2178
2179<a href="https://www.handsfreemama.com/books/">
2180<img src="https://www.handsfreemama.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/LLV_SB.png" alt="Live Love Now" width="263" height="400" border="0">
2181</a><br>Buy: <a href="https://amzn.to/2pdKI1e" target="_blank">Amazon</a> | <a href="https://bit.ly/32P9Rxe?fbclid=IwAR2ABXGCgXX8VhHR23oHOvJBXVAWBr56Jz_vGJr8vYE3FJcVTRg7HIBbL0w" target="_blank">Barnes & Noble</a><br><br>
2182
2183<a href="https://www.handsfreemama.com/books/">
2184<img src="https://www.handsfreemama.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/olt-banner.png" alt="Books" width="263" height="400" border="0">
2185</a><br>Buy: <a href="https://www.handsfreemama.com/onlylovetoday/" target="_blank">Amazon</a> | <a href="http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/only-love-today-rachel-macy-stafford/1123949263?ean=9780310346746" target="_blank">Barnes & Noble</a><br><br><a href="https://www.handsfreemama.com/books/">
2186<img src="https://www.handsfreemama.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/book-sb.jpg" alt="Books" width="263" height="400" border="0">
2187</a>
2188
2189<br>Buy: <a href="http://amzn.to/1xy8rGU" target="_blank">Amazon</a> | <a href="http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/hands-free-life-rachel-macy-stafford/1120663228?ean=9780310338154" target="_blank">Barnes & Noble</a><br><br>
2190<a href="https://www.handsfreemama.com/books/">
2191<img src="https://www.handsfreemama.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/thebook1.png" alt="Books" width="308" height="400" border="0">
2192</a>
2193
2194<br>Buy: <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Hands-Free-Mama-Putting-Perfection/dp/0310338131" target="_blank">Amazon</a> | <a href="http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/hands-free-mama-rachel-stafford/1115457387?ean=9780310338130" target="_blank">Barnes & Noble</a></center></div>
2195		</div></section>
2196<section id="archives-3" class="widget widget_archive"><div class="widget-wrap"><h4 class="widget-title widgettitle">Archives</h4>
2197		<label class="screen-reader-text" for="archives-dropdown-3">Archives</label>
2198		<select id="archives-dropdown-3" name="archive-dropdown">
2199			
2200			<option value="">Select Month</option>
2201				<option value='https://www.handsfreemama.com/2026/08/'> August 2026 </option>
2202	<option value='https://www.handsfreemama.com/2026/07/'> July 2026 </option>
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2208	<option value='https://www.handsfreemama.com/2026/01/'> January 2026 </option>
2209	<option value='https://www.handsfreemama.com/2025/12/'> December 2025 </option>
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2216	<option value='https://www.handsfreemama.com/2024/09/'> September 2024 </option>
2217	<option value='https://www.handsfreemama.com/2024/06/'> June 2024 </option>
2218	<option value='https://www.handsfreemama.com/2023/12/'> December 2023 </option>
2219	<option value='https://www.handsfreemama.com/2023/11/'>
2219 November 2023 </option>
2220	<option value='https://www.handsfreemama.com/2023/10/'> October 2023 </option>
2221	<option value='https://www.handsfreemama.com/2023/09/'> September 2023 </option>
2222	<option value='https://www.handsfreemama.com/2023/08/'> August 2023 </option>
2223	<option value='https://www.handsfreemama.com/2023/04/'> April 2023 </option>
2224	<option value='https://www.handsfreemama.com/2023/03/'> March 2023 </option>
2225	<option value='https://www.handsfreemama.com/2023/02/'> February 2023 </option>
2226	<option value='https://www.handsfreemama.com/2023/01/'> January 2023 </option>
2227	<option value='https://www.handsfreemama.com/2022/12/'> December 2022 </option>
2228	<option value='https://www.handsfreemama.com/2022/10/'> October 2022 </option>
2229	<option value='https://www.handsfreemama.com/2022/08/'> August 2022 </option>
2230	<option value='https://www.handsfreemama.com/2022/07/'> July 2022 </option>
2231	<option value='https://www.handsfreemama.com/2022/06/'> June 2022 </option>
2232	<option value='https://www.handsfreemama.com/2022/03/'> March 2022 </option>
2233	<option value='https://www.handsfreemama.com/2021/12/'> December 2021 </option>
2234	<option value='https://www.handsfreemama.com/2021/11/'> November 2021 </option>
2235	<option value='https://www.handsfreemama.com/2021/10/'> October 2021 </option>
2236	<option value='https://www.handsfreemama.com/2021/09/'> September 2021 </option>
2237	<option value='https://www.handsfreemama.com/2021/08/'> August 2021 </option>
2238	<option value='https://www.handsfreemama.com/2021/07/'> July 2021 </option>
2239	<option value='https://www.handsfreemama.com/2021/05/'> May 2021 </option>
2240	<option value='https://www.handsfreemama.com/2021/04/'> April 2021 </option>
2241	<option value='https://www.handsfreemama.com/2021/03/'> March 2021 </option>
2242	<option value='https://www.handsfreemama.com/2021/02/'> February 2021 </option>
2243	<option value='https://www.handsfreemama.com/2021/01/'> January 2021 </option>
2244	<option value='https://www.handsfreemama.com/2020/12/'> December 2020 </option>
2245	<option value='https://www.handsfreemama.com/2020/11/'> November 2020 </option>
2246	<option value='https://www.handsfreemama.com/2020/08/'> August 2020 </option>
2247	<option value='https://www.handsfreemama.com/2020/06/'> June 2020 </option>
2248	<option value='https://www.handsfreemama.com/2020/05/'> May 2020 </option>
2249	<option value='https://www.handsfreemama.com/2020/04/'> April 2020 </option>
2250	<option value='https://www.handsfreemama.com/2020/03/'> March 2020 </option>
2251	<option value='https://www.handsfreemama.com/2020/02/'> February 2020 </option>
2252	<option value='https://www.handsfreemama.com/2020/01/'> January 2020 </option>
2253	<option value='https://www.handsfreemama.com/2019/12/'> December 2019 </option>
2254	<option value='https://www.handsfreemama.com/2019/11/'> November 2019 </option>
2255	<option value='https://www.handsfreemama.com/2019/10/'> October 2019 </option>
2256	<option value='https://www.handsfreemama.com/2019/09/'> September 2019 </option>
2257	<option value='https://www.handsfreemama.com/2019/08/'> August 2019 </option>
2258	<option value='https://www.handsfreemama.com/2019/07/'> July 2019 </option>
2259	<option value='https://www.handsfreemama.com/2019/06/'> June 2019 </option>
2260	<option value='https://www.handsfreemama.com/2019/05/'> May 2019 </option>
2261	<option value='https://www.handsfreemama.com/2019/04/'> April 2019 </option>
2262	<option value='https://www.handsfreemama.com/2019/01/'> January 2019 </option>
2263	<option value='https://www.handsfreemama.com/2018/12/'> December 2018 </option>
2264	<option value='https://www.handsfreemama.com/2018/11/'> November 2018 </option>
2265	<option value='https://www.handsfreemama.com/2018/10/'> October 2018 </option>
2266	<option value='https://www.handsfreemama.com/2018/09/'> September 2018 </option>
2267	<option value='https://www.handsfreemama.com/2018/08/'> August 2018 </option>
2268	<option value='https://www.handsfreemama.com/2018/07/'> July 2018 </option>
2269	<option value='https://www.handsfreemama.com/2018/06/'> June 2018 </option>
2270	<option value='https://www.handsfreemama.com/2018/05/'> May 2018 </option>
2271	<option value='https://www.handsfreemama.com/2018/04/'> April 2018 </option>
2272	<option value='https://www.handsfreemama.com/2018/03/'> March 2018 </option>
2273	<option value='https://www.handsfreemama.com/2018/02/'> February 2018 </option>
2274	<option value='https://www.handsfreemama.com/2018/01/'> January 2018 </option>
2275	<option value='https://www.handsfreemama.com/2017/12/'> December 2017 </option>
2276	<option value='https://www.handsfreemama.com/2017/11/'> November 2017 </option>
2277	<option value='https://www.handsfreemama.com/2017/10/'> October 2017 </option>
2278	<option value='https://www.handsfreemama.com/2017/09/'> September 2017 </option>
2279	<option value='https://www.handsfreemama.com/2017/08/'> August 2017 </option>
2280	<option value='https://www.handsfreemama.com/2017/06/'> June 2017 </option>
2281	<option value='https://www.handsfreemama.com/2017/05/'> May 2017 </option>
2282	<option value='https://www.handsfreemama.com/2017/04/'> April 2017 </option>
2283	<option value='https://www.handsfreemama.com/2017/03/'> March 2017 </option>
2284	<option value='https://www.handsfreemama.com/2017/02/'> February 2017 </option>
2285	<option value='https://www.handsfreemama.com/2017/01/'> January 2017 </option>
2286	<option value='https://www.handsfreemama.com/2016/12/'> December 2016 </option>
2287	<option value='https://www.handsfreemama.com/2016/11/'> November 2016 </option>
2288	<option value='https://www.handsfreemama.com/2016/10/'> October 2016 </option>
2289	<option value='https://www.handsfreemama.com/2016/09/'> September 2016 </option>
2290	<option value='https://www.handsfreemama.com/2016/08/'> August 2016 </option>
2291	<option value='https://www.handsfreemama.com/2016/06/'> June 2016 </option>
2292	<option value='https://www.handsfreemama.com/2016/05/'> May 2016 </option>
2293	<option value='https://www.handsfreemama.com/2016/04/'> April 2016 </option>
2294	<option value='https://www.handsfreemama.com/2016/03/'> March 2016 </option>
2295	<option value='https://www.handsfreemama.com/2016/02/'> February 2016 </option>
2296	<option value='https://www.handsfreemama.com/2016/01/'> January 2016 </option>
2297	<option value='https://www.handsfreemama.com/2015/12/'> December 2015 </option>
2298	<option value='https://www.handsfreemama.com/2015/11/'> November 2015 </option>
2299	<option value='https://www.handsfreemama.com/2015/10/'> October 2015 </option>
2300	<option value='https://www.handsfreemama.com/2015/09/'> September 2015 </option>
2301	<option value='https://www.handsfreemama.com/2015/08/'> August 2015 </option>
2302	<option value='https://www.handsfreemama.com/2015/07/'> July 2015 </option>
2303	<option value='https://www.handsfreemama.com/2015/06/'> June 2015 </option>
2304	<option value='https://www.handsfreemama.com/2015/05/'> May 2015 </option>
2305	<option value='https://www.handsfreemama.com/2015/04/'> April 2015 </option>
2306	<option value='https://www.handsfreemama.com/2015/03/'> March 2015 </option>
2307	<option value='https://www.handsfreemama.com/2015/02/'> February 2015 </option>
2308	<option value='https://www.handsfreemama.com/2015/01/'> January 2015 </option>
2309	<option value='https://www.handsfreemama.com/2014/12/'> December 2014 </option>
2310	<option value='https://www.handsfreemama.com/2014/11/'>
2310 November 2014 </option>
2311	<option value='https://www.handsfreemama.com/2014/10/'> October 2014 </option>
2312	<option value='https://www.handsfreemama.com/2014/09/'> September 2014 </option>
2313	<option value='https://www.handsfreemama.com/2014/08/'> August 2014 </option>
2314	<option value='https://www.handsfreemama.com/2014/06/'> June 2014 </option>
2315	<option value='https://www.handsfreemama.com/2014/05/'> May 2014 </option>
2316	<option value='https://www.handsfreemama.com/2014/04/'> April 2014 </option>
2317	<option value='https://www.handsfreemama.com/2014/03/'> March 2014 </option>
2318	<option value='https://www.handsfreemama.com/2014/02/'> February 2014 </option>
2319	<option value='https://www.handsfreemama.com/2014/01/'> January 2014 </option>
2320	<option value='https://www.handsfreemama.com/2013/12/'> December 2013 </option>
2321	<option value='https://www.handsfreemama.com/2013/11/'> November 2013 </option>
2322	<option value='https://www.handsfreemama.com/2013/09/'> September 2013 </option>
2323	<option value='https://www.handsfreemama.com/2013/08/'> August 2013 </option>
2324	<option value='https://www.handsfreemama.com/2013/07/'> July 2013 </option>
2325	<option value='https://www.handsfreemama.com/2013/06/'> June 2013 </option>
2326	<option value='https://www.handsfreemama.com/2013/05/'> May 2013 </option>
2327	<option value='https://www.handsfreemama.com/2013/04/'> April 2013 </option>
2328	<option value='https://www.handsfreemama.com/2013/03/'> March 2013 </option>
2329	<option value='https://www.handsfreemama.com/2013/02/'> February 2013 </option>
2330	<option value='https://www.handsfreemama.com/2013/01/'> January 2013 </option>
2331	<option value='https://www.handsfreemama.com/2012/11/'> November 2012 </option>
2332	<option value='https://www.handsfreemama.com/2012/09/'> September 2012 </option>
2333	<option value='https://www.handsfreemama.com/2012/08/'> August 2012 </option>
2334	<option value='https://www.handsfreemama.com/2012/07/'> July 2012 </option>
2335	<option value='https://www.handsfreemama.com/2012/06/'> June 2012 </option>
2336	<option value='https://www.handsfreemama.com/2012/05/'> May 2012 </option>
2337	<option value='https://www.handsfreemama.com/2012/04/'> April 2012 </option>
2338	<option value='https://www.handsfreemama.com/2012/03/'> March 2012 </option>
2339	<option value='https://www.handsfreemama.com/2012/01/'> January 2012 </option>
2340	<option value='https://www.handsfreemama.com/2011/12/'> December 2011 </option>
2341	<option value='https://www.handsfreemama.com/2011/11/'> November 2011 </option>
2342	<option value='https://www.handsfreemama.com/2011/10/'> October 2011 </option>
2343	<option value='https://www.handsfreemama.com/2011/09/'> September 2011 </option>
2344	<option value='https://www.handsfreemama.com/2011/08/'> August 2011 </option>
2345	<option value='https://www.handsfreemama.com/2011/07/'> July 2011 </option>
2346	<option value='https://www.handsfreemama.com/2011/06/'> June 2011 </option>
2347	<option value='https://www.handsfreemama.com/2011/05/'> May 2011 </option>
2348	<option value='https://www.handsfreemama.com/2011/04/'> April 2011 </option>
2349	<option value='https://www.handsfreemama.com/2011/03/'> March 2011 </option>
2350	<option value='https://www.handsfreemama.com/2011/02/'> February 2011 </option>
2351	<option value='https://www.handsfreemama.com/2011/01/'> January 2011 </option>
2352	<option value='https://www.handsfreemama.com/2010/12/'> December 2010 </option>
2353
2354		</select>
2355
2356			
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2358
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2370</script>
2370
2371</div></section>
2372<section id="categories-2" class="widget widget_categories"><div class="widget-wrap"><h4 class="widget-title widgettitle">Categories</h4>
2373<form action="https://www.handsfreemama.com" method="get"><label class="screen-reader-text" for="cat">Categories</label><select  name='cat' id='cat' class='postform'>
2374	<option value='-1'>Select Category</option>
2375	<option class="level-0" value="1840">#metoo</option>
2376	<option class="level-0" value="25">Accent on the Positive</option>
2377	<option class="level-0" value="1757">achieving dreams</option>
2378	<option class="level-0" value="1754">advocacy</option>
2379	<option class="level-0" value="1836">African Road</option>
2380	<option class="level-0" value="1826">being present</option>
2381	<option class="level-0" value="1761">compassion</option>
2382	<option class="level-0" value="1778">conscious parenting</option>
2383	<option class="level-0" value="1859">Coronavirus</option>
2384	<option class="level-0" value="1735">courage</option>
2385	<option class="level-0" value="1742">dealing with change</option>
2386	<option class="level-0" value="1784">dying</option>
2387	<option class="level-0" value="1769">elderly</option>
2388	<option class="level-0" value="246">Embrace The Reminder</option>
2389	<option class="level-0" value="1766">emotional wellbeing</option>
2390	<option class="level-0" value="210">Eyes Unseen Words Unheard</option>
2391	<option class="level-0" value="1767">finding joy</option>
2392	<option class="level-0" value="229">Hands Free Baby Steps</option>
2393	<option class="level-0" value="84">Hands Free Evidence</option>
2394	<option class="level-0" value="1780">healing</option>
2395	<option class="level-0" value="1747">human connection</option>
2396	<option class="level-0" value="1760">human needs</option>
2397	<option class="level-0" value="1816">I am enough</option>
2398	<option class="level-0" value="79">I Have Today</option>
2399	<option class="level-0" value="1741">intentional living</option>
2400	<option class="level-0" value="1853">isolation</option>
2401	<option class="level-0" value="1776">kids and phones</option>
2402	<option class="level-0" value="1753">life&#8217;s purpose</option>
2403	<option class="level-0" value="1857">Live Love Now</option>
2404	<option class="level-0" value="1856">LIVE LOVE NOW the book</option>
2405	<option class="level-0" value="1736">living authentically</option>
2406	<option class="level-0" value="262">Living In Realness</option>
2407	<option class="level-0" value="22">Memory Bank</option>
2408	<option class="level-0" value="1763">mental health</option>
2409	<option class="level-0" value="1737">new year hopes</option>
2410	<option class="level-0" value="1744">new year resolutions</option>
2411	<option class="level-0" value="1782">only love today</option>
2412	<option class="level-0" value="1743">only love today the book</option>
2413	<option class="level-0" value="1863">overcoming adversity</option>
2414	<option class="level-0" value="1838">Overcoming fear</option>
2415	<option class="level-0" value="1865">Pandemic holiday</option>
2416	<option class="level-0" value="1867">pandemic struggles</option>
2417	<option class="level-0" value="30">Perfect Imperfection</option>
2418	<option class="level-0" value="1748">positive parenting</option>
2419	<option class="level-0" value="1785">purpose</option>
2420	<option class="level-0" value="28">Putting Distraction In Its Place</option>
2421	<option class="level-0" value="1862">racism</option>
2422	<option class="level-0" value="1825">Raising Resilient Kids</option>
2423	<option class="level-0" value="1872">raising teens</option>
2424	<option class="level-0" value="1852">rejection</option>
2425	<option class="level-0" value="1759">relationships</option>
2426	<option class="level-0" value="26">Right Here Right Now</option>
2427	<option class="level-0" value="1837">Rwanda</option>
2428	<option class="level-0" value="1824">School Shootings</option>
2429	<option class="level-0" value="1745">self-acceptance</option>
2430	<option class="level-0" value="1746">self-forgiveness</option>
2431	<option class="level-0" value="1781">self-love</option>
2432	<option class="level-0" value="1756">self-perception</option>
2433	<option class="level-0" value="1839">sexual assault</option>
2434	<option class="level-0" value="1770">simplicity</option>
2435	<option class="level-0" value="1870">Soul Shift</option>
2436	<option class="level-0" value="1869">special education teacher</option>
2437	<option class="level-0" value="1789">special needs children</option>
2438	<option class="level-0" value="29">Sunset Moments</option>
2439	<option class="level-0" value="21">Take Time to Say It</option>
2440	<option class="level-0" value="1831">teen wellness</option>
2441	<option class="level-0" value="24">The Hands Free Revolution</option>
2442	<option class="level-0" value="325">The Power of A Question</option>
2443	<option class="level-0" value="50">The Truth Hurts (and Heals)</option>
2444	<option class="level-0" value="334">There Is A Reason</option>
2445	<option class="level-0" value="1854">traveling</option>
2446	<option class="level-0" value="1830">unconditional love</option>
2447	<option class="level-0" value="1866">virtual learning</option>
2448	<option class="level-0" value="1768">volunteering</option>
2449	<option class="level-0" value="18">What I Would Have Missed</option>
2450	<option class="level-0" value="1779">yelling</option>
2451	<option class="level-0" value="55">Your Words</option>
2452</select>
2453</form>
2453<script type="text/javascript">
2454/* <![CDATA[ */
2455
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2464})();
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2466/* ]]> */
2467</script>
2467
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2469</aside></div></div><nav class="nav-footer"></nav><div class="footer-widgets"><div class="wrap"><div class="widget-area footer-widgets-1 footer-widget-area"><section id="text-22" class="widget widget_text"><div class="widget-wrap"><h4 class="widget-title widgettitle">HFM on Facebook</h4>
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2475</div><div class="widget-area footer-widgets-3 footer-widget-area"><section id="text-20" class="widget widget_text"><div class="widget-wrap"><h4 class="widget-title widgettitle">HFM on Instagram</h4>
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2477<div id="sb_instagram"  class="sbi sbi_mob_col_1 sbi_tab_col_2 sbi_col_3 sbi_width_resp sbi_disable_mobile" style="padding-bottom: 10px;width: 100%;" data-feedid="*1"  data-res="auto" data-cols="3" data-colsmobile="1" data-colstablet="2" data-num="9" data-nummobile="" data-item-padding="5" data-shortcode-atts="{&quot;feed&quot;:&quot;1&quot;}"  data-postid="5814" data-locatornonce="48c4de2bc2" data-sbi-flags="favorLocal">
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2483            <span class="sbi-screenreader"></span>
2484            <svg class="svg-inline--fa fa-clone fa-w-16 sbi_lightbox_carousel_icon" aria-hidden="true" aria-label="Clone" data-fa-proƒcessed="" data-prefix="far" data-icon="clone" role="img" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" viewBox="0 0 512 512">
2485	                <path fill="currentColor" d="M464 0H144c-26.51 0-48 21.49-48 48v48H48c-26.51 0-48 21.49-48 48v320c0 26.51 21.49 48 48 48h320c26.51 0 48-21.49 48-48v-48h48c26.51 0 48-21.49 48-48V48c0-26.51-21.49-48-48-48zM362 464H54a6 6 0 0 1-6-6V150a6 6 0 0 1 6-6h42v224c0 26.51 21.49 48 48 48h224v42a6 6 0 0 1-6 6zm96-96H150a6 6 0 0 1-6-6V54a6 6 0 0 1 6-6h308a6 6 0 0 1 6 6v308a6 6 0 0 1-6 6z"></path>
2486	            </svg>	                    <img decoding="async" src="https://www.handsfreemama.com/wp-content/plugins/instagram-feed/img/placeholder.png" alt="During the holiday season, it helps to remember:
grief wears disguises …
fear talks in unbecoming ways …
anxiety gets controlling …
depression can look like fatigue …
2487hopelessness withdraws…
and when we see these things,
it is not a time to lecture, turn away,
or retaliate —
but a call to love.

2488My hand in yours,
Rachel 
2489
2490📘poem from my 4th book LIVE LOVE NOW: Relieve the Pressure &amp; Find Real  Connection with Our Kids">
2491        </a>
2492    </div>
2493</div><div class="sbi_item sbi_type_carousel sbi_new sbi_transition" id="sbi_17993663933855237" data-date="1765043714">
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2496            <span class="sbi-screenreader">December can stir up pressure we were never meant </span>
2497            <svg class="svg-inline--fa fa-clone fa-w-16 sbi_lightbox_carousel_icon" aria-hidden="true" aria-label="Clone" data-fa-proƒcessed="" data-prefix="far" data-icon="clone" role="img" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" viewBox="0 0 512 512">
2498	                <path fill="currentColor" d="M464 0H144c-26.51 0-48 21.49-48 48v48H48c-26.51 0-48 21.49-48 48v320c0 26.51 21.49 48 48 48h320c26.51 0 48-21.49 48-48v-48h48c26.51 0 48-21.49 48-48V48c0-26.51-21.49-48-48-48zM362 464H54a6 6 0 0 1-6-6V150a6 6 0 0 1 6-6h42v224c0 26.51 21.49 48 48 48h224v42a6 6 0 0 1-6 6zm96-96H150a6 6 0 0 1-6-6V54a6 6 0 0 1 6-6h308a6 6 0 0 1 6 6v308a6 6 0 0 1-6 6z"></path>
2499	            </svg>	                    <img decoding="async" src="https://www.handsfreemama.com/wp-content/plugins/instagram-feed/img/placeholder.png" alt="December can stir up pressure we were never meant to carry alone.
2500
If you’re feeling stretched thin or expecting too much of yourself, these permission slips are for you.
2501
2502May they help you lower the bar, 
2503soften your pace, and protect the peace you’ve worked so hard to claim.
2504
2505If one slide speaks to you, save it, send it to a friend, or say it to yourself.
2506
2507Rest is not a reward —
2508it is a remembering: 
2509you are worthy, too.🩵
2510
2511Only Love Today. 
2512
2513My hand in yours, 
2514Rachel">
2515        </a>
2516    </div>
2517</div><div class="sbi_item sbi_type_carousel sbi_new sbi_transition" id="sbi_17927611500159324" data-date="1764893261">
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2519        <a class="sbi_photo" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/DR3G_QQDTND/" target="_blank" rel="noopener nofollow" data-full-res="https://scontent.cdninstagram.com/v/t51.82787-15/589186710_18515858608071382_4153758622938855550_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_e35_tt6&#038;_nc_cat=100&#038;ccb=7-5&#038;_nc_sid=18de74&#038;efg=eyJlZmdfdGFnIjoiQ0FST1VTRUxfSVRFTS5iZXN0X2ltYWdlX3VybGdlbi5DMyJ9&#038;_nc_ohc=bV8LwORDH5YQ7kNvwGrh0W1&#038;_nc_oc=AdrjvAdZflzxHFGB4t3aRcDhBgoUTWFFhQ1t3UKuxXavnZzyUtflERDguesZWuzuflE&#038;_nc_zt=23&#038;_nc_ht=scontent.cdninstagram.com&#038;edm=ANo9K5cEAAAA&#038;_nc_gid=yqZbsqAycm6DdH1YGnTcHQ&#038;_nc_tpa=Q5bMBQK-5NirIuNtcOKGaNHIzgCCAkMhliQiOTEPG51HEps-agk638HpkVqIXUHYngTaz29T0VicQrxMJw&#038;oh=00_AQLq8De6pnjAEx7UcY0H0PlQTtn-PighmEW-Wo-YHcsrYg&#038;oe=6AAEBA35" data-img-src-set="{&quot;d&quot;:&quot;https:\/\/scontent.cdninstagram.com\/v\/t51.82787-15\/589186710_18515858608071382_4153758622938855550_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_e35_tt6&amp;_nc_cat=100&amp;ccb=7-5&amp;_nc_sid=18de74&amp;efg=eyJlZmdfdGFnIjoiQ0FST1VTRUxfSVRFTS5iZXN0X2ltYWdlX3VybGdlbi5DMyJ9&amp;_nc_ohc=bV8LwORDH5YQ7kNvwGrh0W1&amp;_nc_oc=AdrjvAdZflzxHFGB4t3aRcDhBgoUTWFFhQ1t3UKuxXavnZzyUtflERDguesZWuzuflE&amp;_nc_zt=23&amp;_nc_ht=scontent.cdninstagram.com&amp;edm=ANo9K5cEAAAA&amp;
2519_nc_gid=yqZbsqAycm6DdH1YGnTcHQ&amp;_nc_tpa=Q5bMBQK-5NirIuNtcOKGaNHIzgCCAkMhliQiOTEPG51HEps-agk638HpkVqIXUHYngTaz29T0VicQrxMJw&amp;oh=00_AQLq8De6pnjAEx7UcY0H0PlQTtn-PighmEW-Wo-YHcsrYg&amp;oe=6AAEBA35&quot;,&quot;150&quot;:&quot;https:\/\/scontent.cdninstagram.com\/v\/t51.82787-15\/589186710_18515858608071382_4153758622938855550_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_e35_tt6&amp;_nc_cat=100&amp;ccb=7-5&amp;_nc_sid=18de74&amp;efg=eyJlZmdfdGFnIjoiQ0FST1VTRUxfSVRFTS5iZXN0X2ltYWdlX3VybGdlbi5DMyJ9&amp;_nc_ohc=bV8LwORDH5YQ7kNvwGrh0W1&amp;_nc_oc=AdrjvAdZflzxHFGB4t3aRcDhBgoUTWFFhQ1t3UKuxXavnZzyUtflERDguesZWuzuflE&amp;_nc_zt=23&amp;_nc_ht=scontent.cdninstagram.com&amp;edm=ANo9K5cEAAAA&amp;_nc_gid=yqZbsqAycm6DdH1YGnTcHQ&amp;_nc_tpa=Q5bMBQK-5NirIuNtcOKGaNHIzgCCAkMhliQiOTEPG51HEps-agk638HpkVqIXUHYngTaz29T0VicQrxMJw&amp;oh=00_AQLq8De6pnjAEx7UcY0H0PlQTtn-PighmEW-Wo-YHcsrYg&amp;oe=6AAEBA35&quot;,&quot;320&quot;:&quot;https:\/\/scontent.cdninstagram.com\/v\/t51.82787-15\/589186710_18515858608071382_4153758622938855550_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_e35_tt6&amp;_nc_cat=100&amp;ccb=7-5&amp;_nc_sid=18de74&amp;efg=eyJlZmdfdGFnIjoiQ0FST1VTRUxfSVRFTS5iZXN0X2ltYWdlX3VybGdlbi5DMyJ9&amp;_nc_ohc=bV8LwORDH5YQ7kNvwGrh0W1&amp;_nc_oc=AdrjvAdZflzxHFGB4t3aRcDhBgoUTWFFhQ1t3UKuxXavnZzyUtflERDguesZWuzuflE&amp;_nc_zt=23&amp;_nc_ht=scontent.cdninstagram.com&amp;edm=ANo9K5cEAAAA&amp;_nc_gid=yqZbsqAycm6DdH1YGnTcHQ&amp;_nc_tpa=Q5bMBQK-5NirIuNtcOKGaNHIzgCCAkMhliQiOTEPG51HEps-agk638HpkVqIXUHYngTaz29T0VicQrxMJw&amp;oh=00_AQLq8De6pnjAEx7UcY0H0PlQTtn-PighmEW-Wo-YHcsrYg&amp;oe=6AAEBA35&quot;,&quot;640&quot;:&quot;https:\/\/scontent.cdninstagram.com\/v\/t51.82787-15\/589186710_18515858608071382_4153758622938855550_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_e35_tt6&amp;_nc_cat=100&amp;ccb=7-5&amp;_nc_sid=18de74&amp;efg=eyJlZmdfdGFnIjoiQ0FST1VTRUxfSVRFTS5iZXN0X2ltYWdlX3VybGdlbi5DMyJ9&amp;_nc_ohc=bV8LwORDH5YQ7kNvwGrh0W1&amp;_nc_oc=AdrjvAdZflzxHFGB4t3aRcDhBgoUTWFFhQ1t3UKuxXavnZzyUtflERDguesZWuzuflE&amp;_nc_zt=23&amp;_nc_ht=scontent.cdninstagram.com&amp;edm=ANo9K5cEAAAA&amp;_nc_gid=yqZbsqAycm6DdH1YGnTcHQ&amp;_nc_tpa=Q5bMBQK-5NirIuNtcOKGaNHIzgCCAkMhliQiOTEPG51HEps-agk638HpkVqIXUHYngTaz29T0VicQrxMJw&amp;oh=00_AQLq8De6pnjAEx7UcY0H0PlQTtn-PighmEW-Wo-YHcsrYg&amp;oe=6AAEBA35&quot;}">
2520            <span class="sbi-screenreader">December 2010 found me overwhelmed, exhausted, and</span>
2521            <svg class="svg-inline--fa fa-clone fa-w-16 sbi_lightbox_carousel_icon" aria-hidden="true" aria-label="Clone" data-fa-proƒcessed="" data-prefix="far" data-icon="clone" role="img" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" viewBox="0 0 512 512">
2522	                <path fill="currentColor" d="M464 0H144c-26.51 0-48 21.49-48 48v48H48c-26.51 0-48 21.49-48 48v320c0 26.51 21.49 48 48 48h320c26.51 0 48-21.49 48-48v-48h48c26.51 0 48-21.49 48-48V48c0-26.51-21.49-48-48-48zM362 464H54a6 6 0 0 1-6-6V150a6 6 0 0 1 6-6h42v224c0 26.51 21.49 48 48 48h224v42a6 6 0 0 1-6 6zm96-96H150a6 6 0 0 1-6-6V54a6 6 0 0 1 6-6h308a6 6 0 0 1 6 6v308a6 6 0 0 1-6 6z"></path>
2523	            </svg>	                    <img decoding="async" src="https://www.handsfreemama.com/wp-content/plugins/instagram-feed/img/placeholder.png" alt="December 2010 found me overwhelmed, exhausted, and running on empty. One tiny moment — my child’s burst of joy — brought me back to myself.
2524
2525It reminded me of this truth: You are allowed to receive love, joy, and rest — not just give it.
2526
2527If holiday stress, anxiety, or emotional fatigue has you pushing toward the finish line, please remember:

2528this is your life.
2529
Your story is still unfolding, still capable of softness, still open to joy.
2530
2531I wrote a new essay in Rachel’s Treehouse on how to feel heard and bring self-compassion into December. Click the link in stories or comment RECEIVE if you’d like to read it. 
2532
2533My hand in yours, 
2534Rachel 
2535
2536As always, please leave a heart if you are here. It helps to know we are not alone this December. 
2537
2538#onlovetoday">
2539        </a>
2540    </div>
2541</div><div class="sbi_item sbi_type_carousel sbi_new sbi_transition" id="sbi_17940904221001158" data-date="1764180208">
2542    <div class="sbi_photo_wrap">
2543        <a class="sbi_photo" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/DRh28pSiZTZ/" target="_blank" rel="noopener nofollow" data-full-res="https://scontent.cdninstagram.com/v/t51.82787-15/584381121_18514634554071382_6033016705957373556_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_e35_tt6&#038;_nc_cat=100&#038;ccb=7-5&#038;_nc_sid=18de74&#038;efg=eyJlZmdfdGFnIjoiQ0FST1VTRUxfSVRFTS5iZXN0X2ltYWdlX3VybGdlbi5DMyJ9&#038;_nc_ohc=RK3Gzehco70Q7kNvwEA8q52&#038;_nc_oc=Adr-jnaXE_cbf981a-TzY3SICqdya21_QQruxK5T23HS_8A_NkwPP8v0k7Fb9f-l_A0&#038;_nc_zt=23&#038;_nc_ht=scontent.cdninstagram.com&#038;edm=ANo9K5cEAAAA&#038;_nc_gid=yqZbsqAycm6DdH1YGnTcHQ&#038;_nc_tpa=Q5bMBQL--8IyidpcviuEU-_yyRlcH797Gyc-LGv7H9bJo3qAtUOkFSUl2qLEQxlAoueaVImbn99D404uWA&#038;oh=00_AQLOepz60C2v1-sHRLMoQVqe72HkESYaYv8VybwaEslw_A&#038;oe=6AAED1FB" data-img-src-set="{&quot;d&quot;:&quot;https:\/\/scontent.cdninstagram.com\/v\/t51.82787-15\/584381121_18514634554071382_6033016705957373556_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_e35_tt6&amp;_nc_cat=100&amp;ccb=7-5&amp;_nc_sid=18de74&amp;efg=eyJlZmdfdGFnIjoiQ0FST1VTRUxfSVRFTS5iZXN0X2ltYWdlX3VybGdlbi5DMyJ9&amp;_nc_ohc=RK3Gzehco70Q7kNvwEA8q52&amp;_nc_oc=Adr-jnaXE_cbf981a-TzY3SICqdya21_QQruxK5T23HS_8A_NkwPP8v0k7Fb9f-l_A0&amp;_nc_zt=23&amp;_nc_ht=scontent.cdninstagram.com&amp;edm=ANo9K5cEAAAA&amp;
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2544            <span class="sbi-screenreader">During a very difficult season, I invited everyone</span>
2545            <svg class="svg-inline--fa fa-clone fa-w-16 sbi_lightbox_carousel_icon" aria-hidden="true" aria-label="Clone" data-fa-proƒcessed="" data-prefix="far" data-icon="clone" role="img" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" viewBox="0 0 512 512">
2546	                <path fill="currentColor" d="M464 0H144c-26.51 0-48 21.49-48 48v48H48c-26.51 0-48 21.49-48 48v320c0 26.51 21.49 48 48 48h320c26.51 0 48-21.49 48-48v-48h48c26.51 0 48-21.49 48-48V48c0-26.51-21.49-48-48-48zM362 464H54a6 6 0 0 1-6-6V150a6 6 0 0 1 6-6h42v224c0 26.51 21.49 48 48 48h224v42a6 6 0 0 1-6 6zm96-96H150a6 6 0 0 1-6-6V54a6 6 0 0 1 6-6h308a6 6 0 0 1 6 6v308a6 6 0 0 1-6 6z"></path>
2547	            </svg>	                    <img decoding="async" src="https://www.handsfreemama.com/wp-content/plugins/instagram-feed/img/placeholder.png" alt="During a very difficult season, I invited everyone at our Thanksgiving table to share one thing they were grateful for. I remember holding my breath while trusting that whatever emerged—messy, honest, tender, real—was worthy of being heard.
2548
2549That moment taught me something I now know for sure:

2550When we make room for grief, we make room for our humanity… and for the humanity of those we love.
2551
2552That’s where healing begins.

2553If you’d like to read more, I wrote about this more deeply in my latest Treehouse essay. Link in stories or comment SPACE, and I’ll send it to you.

2554My hand in yours,
2555Rachel 
2556
2557🩵 Please know how grateful I am for everyone in this community. Thank you for letting me know how my words have felt like support to you this year. It means more than I can say.">
2558        </a>
2559    </div>
2560</div><div class="sbi_item sbi_type_carousel sbi_new sbi_transition" id="sbi_18129694531495949" data-date="1763855058">
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2563            <span class="sbi-screenreader">Let this be your reminder:
2564You don’t have to dis</span>
2565            <svg class="svg-inline--fa fa-clone fa-w-16 sbi_lightbox_carousel_icon" aria-hidden="true" aria-label="Clone" data-fa-proƒcessed="" data-prefix="far" data-icon="clone" role="img" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" viewBox="0 0 512 512">
2566	                <path fill="currentColor" d="M464 0H144c-26.51 0-48 21.49-48 48v48H48c-26.51 0-48 21.49-48 48v320c0 26.51 21.49 48 48 48h320c26.51 0 48-21.49 48-48v-48h48c26.51 0 48-21.49 48-48V48c0-26.51-21.49-48-48-48zM362 464H54a6 6 0 0 1-6-6V150a6 6 0 0 1 6-6h42v224c0 26.51 21.49 48 48 48h224v42a6 6 0 0 1-6 6zm96-96H150a6 6 0 0 1-6-6V54a6 6 0 0 1 6-6h308a6 6 0 0 1 6 6v308a6 6 0 0 1-6 6z"></path>
2567	            </svg>	                    <img decoding="async" src="https://www.handsfreemama.com/wp-content/plugins/instagram-feed/img/placeholder.png" alt="Let this be your reminder:
2568You don’t have to disappear to keep the peace.
2569
You don’t have to abandon yourself to belong.
2570
You don’t have to hold the whole room to be worthy of love.
2571
2572Only Love Today means turning some of that love inward —
toward the parts of you that fall back into old patterns during the holidays, the parts that brace, perform, shrink, or overgive.
2573
2574This reminder is for anyone learning to stay true to themselves while still loving the people around them.
2575
Only love today… 
2576and in the week ahead.
2577
2578My hand in yours, 
2579Rachel">
2580        </a>
2581    </div>
2582</div><div class="sbi_item sbi_type_image sbi_new sbi_transition" id="sbi_18160535425398675" data-date="1763647552">
2583    <div class="sbi_photo_wrap">
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2585            <span class="sbi-screenreader"></span>
2586            	                    <img decoding="async" src="https://www.handsfreemama.com/wp-content/plugins/instagram-feed/img/placeholder.png" alt="Let no one tell you your efforts don’t matter.
2587
Because they are wrong.
2588
2589To ease pain is everything.

And if you touch even one life through your actions, one is enough.

2590I say this as someone who learned a lot
when I finally stopped trying to convince people who were never meant to understand.

2591The quiet inner nudges,
the ones with no words,
only truth—
that’s what needed my trust,
not the naysayers.

2592Go where your heart indicates your presence is needed.
Trust what you feel, even if you can’t explain it yet.

2593My hand in yours,
Rachel">
2594        </a>
2595    </div>
2596</div><div class="sbi_item sbi_type_carousel sbi_new sbi_transition" id="sbi_18179326966362121" data-date="1763483361">
2597    <div class="sbi_photo_wrap">
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2599            <span class="sbi-screenreader">I thought it was a reflection in the glass. 

</span>
2600            <svg class="svg-inline--fa fa-clone fa-w-16 sbi_lightbox_carousel_icon" aria-hidden="true" aria-label="Clone" data-fa-proƒcessed="" data-prefix="far" data-icon="clone" role="img" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" viewBox="0 0 512 512">
2601	                <path fill="currentColor" d="M464 0H144c-26.51 0-48 21.49-48 48v48H48c-26.51 0-48 21.49-48 48v320c0 26.51 21.49 48 48 48h320c26.51 0 48-21.49 48-48v-48h48c26.51 0 48-21.49 48-48V48c0-26.51-21.49-48-48-48zM362 464H54a6 6 0 0 1-6-6V150a6 6 0 0 1 6-6h42v224c0 26.51 21.49 48 48 48h224v42a6 6 0 0 1-6 6zm96-96H150a6 6 0 0 1-6-6V54a6 6 0 0 1 6-6h308a6 6 0 0 1 6 6v308a6 6 0 0 1-6 6z"></path>
2602	            </svg>	                    <img decoding="async" src="https://www.handsfreemama.com/wp-content/plugins/instagram-feed/img/placeholder.png" alt="I thought it was a reflection in the glass. 

Surely, it couldn’t be a tiny rainbow. The sky was nothing but clear blue and sunshine.
2603 
2604So, I got out of my car to investigate. 
2605Sure enough, it really was a rainbow wedge just waiting to be spotted.
2606 
2607I felt this surprising sense of relief that I’d witnessed it.

I know… that probably sounds strange.
2608
@dermotkennedy has this line in his song “Lost.” He sings, 
2609 
2610“My sense of wonder is just a little tired.”

That’s how I’ve been feeling this fall – 
like my wonder has grown weary.
2611 
2612I love that the very next line in the song is this:
2613 
2614“But if only you could see yourself in my eyes, 
2615you’d see you shine, 
you shine.”
2616 
2617I saw Dermot perform this song a cappella a month ago. I stood on the floor of a packed venue with tears sliding down my cheeks. Every single person in the room knew the lyrics. For 3 minutes and 45 seconds, there was no “othering” – just us. All of us, together.
2618 
2619I wanted to write about that moment, but it felt too small in the grand scheme of things.

The
2619n yesterday, after posting here for the first time in a while, a friend reached out. 

She trusted me with something really tough she’s going through.
2620 
2621And I was so grateful she told me 
2622because if she could see herself in my eyes, 
2623she’d see she shines, 
she shines. 
2624 
2625And I told her so.
2626 
2627A few hours later, I saw that tiny rainbow in that clear blue sky, 
2628and my childlike wonder, the one that had gone dormant, was revived.
2629 
2630I heard myself say, wow.
2631
And suddenly, in the grand scheme of things, 
it didn’t feel insignificant at all,
like maybe this pocket-sized rainbow was something 
my friend needed,
2632we all needed, 
in this tender season of weary wonder.
2633
2634Let’s keep looking. 
2635
2636Let’s keep sharing. 
2637
2638The smallest things hold us together.
2639
My hand in yours,
Rachel 
2640
2641🌈 What tiny marvels have you witnessed lately? In my Treehouse, I call these stories hope scrolls - as opposed to doom scroll - and they really can lift the human spirit.">
2642        </a>
2643    </div>
2644</div><div class="sbi_item sbi_type_carousel sbi_new sbi_transition" id="sbi_18086146447961629" data-date="1763396146">
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2646_nc_gid=yqZbsqAycm6DdH1YGnTcHQ&amp;_nc_tpa=Q5bMBQJ8feVPcYZZQY1t_vOweiZxV9VYqkDVy4BK69aTX_UxI6i7-sYVtKrc0zxaLR3NebxouijRLW2j4w&amp;oh=00_AQLhIcxfd8JMO_0goglwu_f8cJdv--eRtPZZZhbLLaAUaQ&amp;oe=6AAECB21&quot;}">
2647            <span class="sbi-screenreader">“I saw my openness, my trust, my over-kindness n</span>
2648            <svg class="svg-inline--fa fa-clone fa-w-16 sbi_lightbox_carousel_icon" aria-hidden="true" aria-label="Clone" data-fa-proƒcessed="" data-prefix="far" data-icon="clone" role="img" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" viewBox="0 0 512 512">
2649	                <path fill="currentColor" d="M464 0H144c-26.51 0-48 21.49-48 48v48H48c-26.51 0-48 21.49-48 48v320c0 26.51 21.49 48 48 48h320c26.51 0 48-21.49 48-48v-48h48c26.51 0 48-21.49 48-48V48c0-26.51-21.49-48-48-48zM362 464H54a6 6 0 0 1-6-6V150a6 6 0 0 1 6-6h42v224c0 26.51 21.49 48 48 48h224v42a6 6 0 0 1-6 6zm96-96H150a6 6 0 0 1-6-6V54a6 6 0 0 1 6-6h308a6 6 0 0 1 6 6v308a6 6 0 0 1-6 6z"></path>
2650	            </svg>	                    <img decoding="async" src="https://www.handsfreemama.com/wp-content/plugins/instagram-feed/img/placeholder.png" alt="“I saw my openness, my trust, my over-kindness not as gullible or naïve, but as a soft strength worth safeguarding.”

2651A reader pulled that line from my recent newsletter and said, “This one really got me.”
2652
When I thanked her, she replied,
“I’ve been discussing your essay with my husband all morning. Really timely for me in my healing journey.”
2653
2654Her words reminded me how many of us move through the world with soft hearts we’ve been taught to doubt, toughen up, or hide.
2655
If that’s you, I want you to know you’re not alone.
2656
2657On a recent flight, I encountered an elderly gentleman who became a mirror — showing me that my softness was never the mistake. I had simply misunderstood it.
2658
2659It brings me peace to share the moment that helped me reclaim openness, trust, and kindness as a soft strength worth protecting, especially in a world aching for human connection.
2660
2661Climb my Treehouse ladder and read the full story.
2662
Comment SOFTHEART &amp; I’ll send you the link directly or click the link in bio or stories.

My hand in yours,
Rachel
2663
2664🧡 If you’re here, would you leave a heart, so I know? It’s been a while since I posted here. Your presence means more than you’ll ever know.">
2665        </a>
2666    </div>
2667</div><div class="sbi_item sbi_type_carousel sbi_new sbi_transition" id="sbi_17873413503425153" data-date="1758894679">
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2670            <span class="sbi-screenreader">This poem from my book Soul Shift is personal.
2671
2672I </span>
2673            <svg class="svg-inline--fa fa-clone fa-w-16 sbi_lightbox_carousel_icon" aria-hidden="true" aria-label="Clone" data-fa-proƒcessed="" data-prefix="far" data-icon="clone" role="img" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" viewBox="0 0 512 512">
2674	                <path fill="currentColor" d="M464 0H144c-26.51 0-48 21.49-48 48v48H48c-26.51 0-48 21.49-48 48v320c0 26.51 21.49 48 48 48h320c26.51 0 48-21.49 48-48v-48h48c26.51 0 48-21.49 48-48V48c0-26.51-21.49-48-48-48zM362 464H54a6 6 0 0 1-6-6V150a6 6 0 0 1 6-6h42v224c0 26.51 21.49 48 48 48h224v42a6 6 0 0 1-6 6zm96-96H150a6 6 0 0 1-6-6V54a6 6 0 0 1 6-6h308a6 6 0 0 1 6 6v308a6 6 0 0 1-6 6z"></path>
2675	            </svg>	                    <img decoding="async" src="https://www.handsfreemama.com/wp-content/plugins/instagram-feed/img/placeholder.png" alt="This poem from my book Soul Shift is personal.
2676
2677I wrote it for my students who were shunned.
For women who came to my workshops and said, “This is the first time I haven’t felt invisible.”
And, of course, for little Rachel—
the girl who often wondered if something was wrong with her.
2678
2679There wasn’t. 
She was just planted in the wrong place.
2680
2681I’ll never forget the first time I uprooted…
and found HOME among strangers who felt like family.
That moment changed me—
and it’s why I continue to leave my comfort zone to create circles of connection and belonging.

2682May you never confuse rejection with unworthiness.
May you keep seeking the conditions where you can thrive.
2683
2684🌱You are worthy of good soil.
2685
My hand in yours,
2686Rachel
2687
2688🍂My final in-person gathering of 2025 is six weeks away… 
2689This one’s for the givers. 
2690The ones who make it look easy—until they break down. 
2691For those who’ve forgotten they are a worthy recipient of their own caregiving. 
I’d love for you to be part of this circle.
2692✨ Only Love Today: A Restorative Retreat for Givers 
🗓 November 7–9 @artoflivingboone in the Blue Ridge Mountains ⛰️
2693Comment BELONG if you’d like more details.">
2694        </a>
2695    </div>
2696</div>    </div>
2697
2698	<div id="sbi_load" >
2699
2700	
2701	
2702</div>
2703
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2706	</div>
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2709</div>
2710		</div></section>
2711</div><div class="widget-area footer-widgets-4 footer-widget-area"><section id="text-23" class="widget widget_text"><div class="widget-wrap"><h4 class="widget-title widgettitle">Rachel&#8217;s Treehouse on Substack</h4>
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2916 gform.initializeOnLoaded( function() { jQuery(document).on('gform_post_render', function(event, formId, currentPage){if(formId == 1) {if(!jQuery('#input_1_11+.ginput_counter').length){jQuery('#input_1_11').textareaCount(    {'maxCharacterSize': 10,    'originalStyle': 'ginput_counter',	 'truncate': true,	 'errorStyle' : '',    'displayFormat' : '#input of #max max characters'    });jQuery('#input_1_11').next('.ginput_counter').attr('aria-live','polite');}jQuery('#input_1_2').mask('(999) 999-9999').bind('keypress', function(e){if(e.which == 13){jQuery(this).blur();} } );jQuery( "#gform_1" ).on( 'submit', function( event ) {
2917	jQuery( '<input>' )
2918		.attr( 'type', 'hidden' )
2919		.attr( 'name', 'gf_zero_spam_key' )
2920		.attr( 'value', '7TnbinvH1gmKtwtWXEiRbb2LkNjFpQXGDAs6iB1oB0GbIVFJZBJMWWYIuPdQtRVV' )
2921		.appendTo( jQuery( this ) );
2922} );} } );jQuery(document).bind('gform_post_conditional_logic', function(event, formId, fields, isInit){} ) } ); 
2923/* ]]> */
2924</script>
vendor: 1 bytes, line 2924
2924
2925<script type="text/javascript">
2926/* <![CDATA[ */
2927 gform.initializeOnLoaded( function() { jQuery(document).trigger('gform_post_render', [1, 1]) } ); 
2928/* ]]> */
2929</script>
2929
2930
2931
2932
2933</body></html>
2934
2935<!-- plugin=object-cache-pro client=phpredis metric#hits=7794 metric#misses=361 metric#hit-ratio=95.6 metric#bytes=2830953 metric#prefetches=325 metric#store-reads=176 metric#store-writes=9 metric#store-hits=331 metric#store-misses=288 metric#sql-queries=76 metric#ms-total=730.88 metric#ms-cache=65.14 metric#ms-cache-avg=0.3540 metric#ms-cache-ratio=8.9 -->

Line numbers count LF bytes from the start of the resource, as the search results do. Vendor segments are library code the classifier recognised; they are stored but not indexed. Bytes are shown as Latin1 characters, one per byte.