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231</div></div><div class="site-inner"><div class="content-sidebar-wrap"><main class="content"><article class="post-18 page type-page status-publish has-post-thumbnail entry" aria-label="About Me" itemscope itemtype="https://schema.org/CreativeWork"><header class="entry-header"><h1 class="entry-title" itemprop="headline">About Me</h1>
232</header><div class="entry-content" itemprop="text"><input class="jpibfi" type="hidden"><div id="attachment_7190" style="width: 310px" class="wp-caption alignleft"><a href="https://www.handsfreemama.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/rms_aboutpg.png"><img decoding="async" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-7190" class="wp-image-7190 size-full" src="https://www.handsfreemama.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/rms_aboutpg.png" alt="rms_aboutpg" width="300" height="451" data-jpibfi-post-excerpt="" data-jpibfi-post-url="https://www.handsfreemama.com/about-me/" data-jpibfi-post-title="About Me" data-jpibfi-src="https://www.handsfreemama.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/rms_aboutpg.png" srcset="https://www.handsfreemama.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/rms_aboutpg.png 300w, https://www.handsfreemama.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/rms_aboutpg-180x270.png 180w" sizes="(max-width: 300px) 100v
232w, 300px" /></a><p id="caption-attachment-7190" class="wp-caption-text">Rachel Macy Stafford, Author of Hands Free Mama</p></div>
233<p>Hello. I’m Rachel. To know me is to know my personal list of <em>what really matters</em>…</p>
234<p>*My daughters matter. My older daughter is 20. She is my brown-eyed girl with an enormous heart. I learned what matters in life by watching her walk right up to the suffering and extend her hand. <em>“Because when you have the important things in life—like love, faith, and family—there is nothing you own that you can’t give away.”</em> I penned those words by watching my older daughter live. My younger daughter is 17. She is my Noticer. She remembers where I parked the car and often leads me by the hand to the right spot. She notices friends’ new hairstyles and gorgeous sunsets before anyone else. She looks for the child struggling to sharpen his pencil or the one who’s off in the corner alone. She hops right up to offer her assistance. That’s probably what I love most about her noticing gift—she doesn’t just notice things, she notices emotion. Her way of life inspired these words: “<em>We are all just waiting for someone to notice—notice our pain, notice our scars, notice our fear, notice our joy, notice our triumphs, notice our courage. </em><em>And the one who notices is a rare and beautiful gift.”</em></p>
235<p><em> </em>*My husband matters. He provides me with the grace and love that I freely give others, but often neglect to give myself. His love constantly reminds me of the beauty inside me.  I am certain that his love has added an extra ten years to my life.</p>
236<p>*Writing matters. My second grade teacher, Ms. Paluska, led me into the world of writing and it has been home to me ever since. Writing for others is my joy. My favorite gift to give someone is a note or a poem that highlights the best qualities about that person. I am humbled (and touched) when someone tells me they have saved every note that I have ever written them.</p>
237<p>*Teaching matters. Before I was a mom, I was a teacher to special education students. I can still remember all their names and wish I could see how each one turned out. I love sharing information in creative and inspiring ways to those who want to receive it.</p>
238<p>*Encouraging others matters, probably because so many people have encouraged me in my life. I remember the name of every person who encouraged me to publish my works so that as many people as possible could read my words.</p>
239<p>*Recognizing angels matters. I strive to notice the angels that come into my life when I need them, and then later telling them about it. Every single day, I want to be somebody’s angel.</p>
240<p>*Faith matters. I have faith that there is plan for my life. In this case, I believe that God chose me to have a revelation about how I want to spend my days here on this earth.  And it is because of my faith that I understand why God chose me. I was chosen to tell this story because of <em>what really matters </em>to me. Being a mother, a wife, a writer, a teacher, and an encourager has prepared me to show others how to let go of their own daily distractions and grasp what really matters.  Maybe through this blog, I can even become somebody’s angel.</p>
241<p>Which brings me to my last and most recent item that<em> really matters </em>to me…</p>
242<p>*Being Hands Free matters.  Before, I was holding on to the wrong things and missing out on life.  Finally, I am holding on to what matters, and it has given my life new meaning. Come on and join me; grasp what <em>really matters </em>to you and then start living.</p>
243<div class="sharedaddy sd-sharing-enabled"><div class="robots-nocontent sd-block sd-social sd-social-official sd-sharing"><h3 class="sd-title">Share this:</h3><div class="sd-content"><ul><li class="share-facebook"><div class="fb-share-button" data-href="https://www.handsfreemama.com/about-me/" data-layout="button_count"></div></li><li class="share-twitter"><a href="https://twitter.com/share" class="twitter-share-button" data-url="https://www.handsfreemama.com/about-me/" data-text="About Me"  >Tweet</a></li><li class="share-pinterest"><div class="pinterest_button"><a href="https://www.pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.handsfreemama.com%2Fabout-me%2F&#038;media=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.handsfreemama.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2010%2F11%2F1055_RachelStaffordOnlyLovcopy_ppe.jpg&#038;description=About%20Me" data-pin-do="buttonPin" data-pin-config="beside"><img src="//assets.pinterest.com/images/pidgets/pinit_fg_en_rect_gray_20.png" /></a></div></li><li class="share-email"><a rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer" data-shared="" class="share-email sd-button" href="mailto:?subject=%5BShared%20Post%5D%20About%20Me&body=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.handsfreemama.com%2Fabout-me%2F&share=email" target="_blank" title="Click to email a link to a friend" data-email-sh
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244	<li class="comment even thread-even depth-1" id="comment-2">
245	<article id="article-comment-2" itemprop="comment" itemscope itemtype="https://schema.org/Comment">
246
247		<div class="commentnumber">1</div>
248		<header class="comment-header">
249			<p class="comment-author" itemprop="author" itemscope itemtype="https://schema.org/Person">
250				<img alt='' src='https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/97e1cefd27aaa3ea6833cf6bbfbf4e3e?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/97e1cefd27aaa3ea6833cf6bbfbf4e3e?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">eleanor williams</span> <span class="says">says</span>			</p>
251
252			<p class="comment-meta"><time class="comment-time" datetime="2010-11-06T02:54:17-06:00" itemprop="datePublished"><a class="comment-time-link" href="https://www.handsfreemama.com/about-me/#comment-2" itemprop="url">November 6, 2010 at 2:54 am</a></time></p>		</header>
253
254		<div class="comment-content" itemprop="text">
255			
256			<p>Rachel,I hope I have the honor of being your first comment!  I just ran and climbed in the bed with Gibs and rubbed her back.  I love your new &#8220;venture&#8221; and I know it will be a blessing to you and MANY others.  So proud you are my friend!!!</p>
257		</div>
258
259		<div class="comment-reply"><a rel="nofollow" class="comment-reply-link" href="https://www.handsfreemama.com/about-me/?replytocom=2#respond" data-commentid="2" data-postid="18" data-belowelement="article-comment-2" data-respondelement="respond" data-replyto="Reply to eleanor williams" aria-label="Reply to eleanor williams">Reply</a></div>
260		
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263
264	<li class="comment odd alt depth-2" id="comment-947355">
265	<article id="article-comment-947355" itemprop="comment" itemscope itemtype="https://schema.org/Comment">
266
267		<div class="commentnumber">2</div>
268		<header class="comment-header">
269			<p class="comment-author" itemprop="author" itemscope itemtype="https://schema.org/Person">
270				<img alt='' src='https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/214cf89f85afadc72bbb9aa73b26c56c?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/214cf89f85afadc72bbb9aa73b26c56c?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.alwayssupportourheroes.com" class="comment-author-link" rel="external nofollow" itemprop="url">Robin Schmidt</a></span> <span class="says">says</span>			</p>
271
272			<p class="comment-meta"><time class="comment-time" datetime="2018-03-09T06:56:45-06:00" itemprop="datePublished"><a class="comment-time-link" href="https://www.handsfreemama.com/about-me/#comment-947355" itemprop="url">March 9, 2018 at 6:56 am</a></time></p>		</header>
273
274		<div class="comment-content" itemprop="text">
275			
276			<p>Rachel Macy Stafford &#8211; how could you not know this already? You are beyond a shadow of a doubt, an earth angel. From the day I was introduced to your writings, my life has been changed. </p>
277<p>Your ability to somehow connect with me in a way no one else ever has, taught me early on that you are an angel. You are a wife, daughter, mother, teacher, encourager, and one of my main 
277sources of inspiration. </p>
278<p>Although you have thousands and thousands of readers; you have this innate ability to reach in and touch my soul &#8211; making me feel like you wrote that blog, chapter; or poem &#8211; just for me. It is as though you know me on some celestial plain that I cannot begin to explain. </p>
279<p>That is such a blessed gift and you have no idea the impact it continually has on me. I call you one my #SoulSistet because no one has ever been able to see the parts of me that you do. No one else had the ability to fully comprehend my struggles, desires, or heart of compassion. </p>
280<p>God gave the world such an incredible gift by sending you down from Heaven, and letting you guide others with your stories and talents. He uses you as His vessel to share Light in the darkness, and encourage myself and others to Love in ways we may never have known before. </p>
281<p>May you now know that being an angel doesn’t mean you have super powers, it means you were Divinly Chosen to change lives. Just like you help to mold me into a better me. If these qualities do not define being an angel &#8211; I do not know what does.</p>
282<p>From the bottom of my heart, thank you, for being inexplicably, wonderful you. </p>
283<p>Always,<br />
284Robin</p>
285		</div>
286
287		<div class="comment-reply"><a rel="nofollow" class="comment-reply-link" href="https://www.handsfreemama.com/about-me/?replytocom=947355#respond" data-commentid="947355" data-postid="18" data-belowelement="article-comment-947355" data-respondelement="respond" data-replyto="Reply to Robin Schmidt" aria-label="Reply to Robin Schmidt">Reply</a></div>
288		
289	</article>
290	<ul class="children">
291
292	<li class="comment byuser comment-author-handsfreemama bypostauthor even depth-3" id="comment-947364">
293	<article id="article-comment-947364" itemprop="comment" itemscope itemtype="https://schema.org/Comment">
294
295		<div class="commentnumber">3</div>
296		<header class="comment-header">
297			<p class="comment-author" itemprop="author" itemscope itemtype="https://schema.org/Person">
298				<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>
299
300			<p class="comment-meta"><time class="comment-time" datetime="2018-03-09T08:43:00-06:00" itemprop="datePublished"><a class="comment-time-link" href="https://www.handsfreemama.com/about-me/#comment-947364" itemprop="url">March 9, 2018 at 8:43 am</a></time></p>		</header>
301
302		<div class="comment-content" itemprop="text">
303			
304			<p>Oh my goodness, I am printing this out to save for the rest of my life. I shall read it on my dark days. It will give me light, hope, and healing. You are also an earth angel. We feel a lot &#8211; to the point of pain so we must remember to renew and care for ourselves. I love you, sister.</p>
305		</div>
306
307		<div class="comment-reply"><a rel="nofollow" class="comment-reply-link" href="https://www.handsfreemama.com/about-me/?replytocom=947364#respond" data-commentid="947364" data-postid="18" data-belowelement="article-comment-947364" data-respondelement="respond" data-replyto="Reply to Rachel Stafford" aria-label="Reply to Rachel Stafford">Reply</a></div>
308		
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316	<li class="comment odd alt thread-odd thread-alt depth-1" id="comment-6">
317	<article id="article-comment-6" itemprop="comment" itemscope itemtype="https://schema.org/Comment">
318
319		<div class="commentnumber">4</div>
320		<header class="comment-header">
321			<p class="comment-author" itemprop="author" itemscope itemtype="https://schema.org/Person">
322				<img alt='' src='https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/d8deec3d3a167e5dcee63a9a32e39117?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/d8deec3d3a167e5dcee63a9a32e39117?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">GB</span> <span class="says">says</span>			</p>
323
324			<p class="comment-meta"><time class="comment-time" datetime="2010-12-08T14:09:50-06:00" itemprop="datePublished"><a class="comment-time-link" href="https://www.handsfreemama.com/about-me/#comment-6" itemprop="url">December 8, 2010 at 2:09 pm</a></time></p>		</header>
325
326		<div class="comment-content" itemprop="text">
327			
328			<p>I think you see it, Rachel.  You got it, you got it right!  You are on your way!   God Love ya!</p>
329		</div>
330
331		<div class="comment-reply"><a rel="nofollow" class="comment-reply-link" href="https://www.handsfreemama.com/about-me/?replytocom=6#respond" data-commentid="6" data-postid="18" data-belowelement="article-comment-6" data-respondelement="respond" data-replyto="Reply to GB" aria-label="Reply to GB">Reply</a></div>
332		
333	</article>
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335
336	<li class="comment even thread-even depth-1" id="comment-10">
337	<article id="article-comment-10" itemprop="comment" itemscope itemtype="https://schema.org/Comment">
338
339		<div class="commentnumber">5</div>
340		<header class="comment-header">
341			<p class="comment-author" itemprop="author" itemscope itemtype="https://schema.org/Person">
342				<img alt='' src='https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/73db2c5c29afe6ff6ba51b13a4eca39f?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/73db2c5c29afe6ff6ba51b13a4eca39f?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">Holly</span> <span class="says">says</span>			</p>
343
344			<p class="comment-meta"><time class="comment-time" datetime="2010-12-14T17:38:25-06:00" itemprop="datePublished"><a class="comment-time-link" href="https://www.handsfreemama.com/about-me/#comment-10" itemprop="url">December 14, 2010 at 5:38 pm</a></time></p>		</header>
345
346		<div class="comment-content" itemprop="text">
347			
348			<p>Great concept, great way to share and impact. Thanks, Rachel! Glad to know y
348ou and get this insight!!</p>
349		</div>
350
351		<div class="comment-reply"><a rel="nofollow" class="comment-reply-link" href="https://www.handsfreemama.com/about-me/?replytocom=10#respond" data-commentid="10" data-postid="18" data-belowelement="article-comment-10" data-respondelement="respond" data-replyto="Reply to Holly" aria-label="Reply to Holly">Reply</a></div>
352		
353	</article>
354	<ul class="children">
355
356	<li class="comment odd alt depth-2" id="comment-11">
357	<article id="article-comment-11" itemprop="comment" itemscope itemtype="https://schema.org/Comment">
358
359		<div class="commentnumber">6</div>
360		<header class="comment-header">
361			<p class="comment-author" itemprop="author" itemscope itemtype="https://schema.org/Person">
362				<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>
363
364			<p class="comment-meta"><time class="comment-time" datetime="2010-12-14T17:53:51-06:00" itemprop="datePublished"><a class="comment-time-link" href="https://www.handsfreemama.com/about-me/#comment-11" itemprop="url">December 14, 2010 at 5:53 pm</a></time></p>		</header>
365
366		<div class="comment-content" itemprop="text">
367			
368			<p>Thank you for your support, Holly! It means more than you know!</p>
369		</div>
370
371		<div class="comment-reply"><a rel="nofollow" class="comment-reply-link" href="https://www.handsfreemama.com/about-me/?replytocom=11#respond" data-commentid="11" data-postid="18" data-belowelement="article-comment-11" data-respondelement="respond" data-replyto="Reply to Rachel Macy Stafford" aria-label="Reply to Rachel Macy Stafford">Reply</a></div>
372		
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377
378	<li class="comment even thread-odd thread-alt depth-1" id="comment-12">
379	<article id="article-comment-12" itemprop="comment" itemscope itemtype="https://schema.org/Comment">
380
381		<div class="commentnumber">7</div>
382		<header class="comment-header">
383			<p class="comment-author" itemprop="author" itemscope itemtype="https://schema.org/Person">
384				<img alt='' src='https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/43468c2b595cef02ff5d86df1b4e7248?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/43468c2b595cef02ff5d86df1b4e7248?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 Krause</span> <span class="says">says</span>			</p>
385
386			<p class="comment-meta"><time class="comment-time" datetime="2010-12-14T19:27:09-06:00" itemprop="datePublished"><a class="comment-time-link" href="https://www.handsfreemama.com/about-me/#comment-12" itemprop="url">December 14, 2010 at 7:27 pm</a></time></p>		</header>
387
388		<div class="comment-content" itemprop="text">
389			
390			<p>Amazing Rach!!  So proud to call you my friend.  Thank you, thank you for the reminder to slow down and be present with our loved ones!  My floor needs a cleaning and clothes need to be folded&#8230;baby is napping so I should use this time to work &#8211; right?  Nah&#8230;Michigan has blessed us with two back-to-back snow days so I think I will head out and build a snowman with the boys.<br />
391I read every page and entry of your blog.  Many of the entries brought tears to my eyes.  Keep &#8217;
391em coming!  Two of your greatest gifts have always been your insight and your ability to identify emotions and turn them into words.   Bravo!  XO</p>
392		</div>
393
394		<div class="comment-reply"><a rel="nofollow" class="comment-reply-link" href="https://www.handsfreemama.com/about-me/?replytocom=12#respond" data-commentid="12" data-postid="18" data-belowelement="article-comment-12" data-respondelement="respond" data-replyto="Reply to Stephanie Krause" aria-label="Reply to Stephanie Krause">Reply</a></div>
395		
396	</article>
397	<ul class="children">
398
399	<li class="comment odd alt depth-2" id="comment-14">
400	<article id="article-comment-14" itemprop="comment" itemscope itemtype="https://schema.org/Comment">
401
402		<div class="commentnumber">8</div>
403		<header class="comment-header">
404			<p class="comment-author" itemprop="author" itemscope itemtype="https://schema.org/Person">
405				<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>
406
407			<p class="comment-meta"><time class="comment-time" datetime="2010-12-14T19:49:04-06:00" itemprop="datePublished"><a class="comment-time-link" href="https://www.handsfreemama.com/about-me/#comment-14" itemprop="url">December 14, 2010 at 7:49 pm</a></time></p>		</header>
408
409		<div class="comment-content" itemprop="text">
410			
411			<p>Thank you, my friend! You go build that snowman and then tell me something amazing that happened, because I know it will. You words encourage me to continue on this path to a better way to live!</p>
412		</div>
413
414		<div class="comment-reply"><a rel="nofollow" class="comment-reply-link" href="https://www.handsfreemama.com/about-me/?replytocom=14#respond" data-commentid="14" data-postid="18" data-belowelement="article-comment-14" data-respondelement="respond" data-replyto="Reply to Rachel Macy Stafford" aria-label="Reply to Rachel Macy Stafford">Reply</a></div>
415		
416	</article>
417	</li><!-- #comment-## -->
418</ul><!-- .children -->
419</li><!-- #comment-## -->
420
421	<li class="comment even thread-even depth-1" id="comment-13">
422	<article id="article-comment-13" itemprop="comment" itemscope itemtype="https://schema.org/Comment">
423
424		<div class="commentnumber">9</div>
425		<header class="comment-header">
426			<p class="comment-author" itemprop="author" itemscope itemtype="https://schema.org/Person">
427				<img alt='' src='https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/8277dcf73c665acb6f8c0411235cfea5?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/8277dcf73c665acb6f8c0411235cfea5?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">Karen</span> <span class="says">says</span>			</p>
428
429			<p class="comment-meta"><time class="comment-time" datetime="2010-12-14T19:29:04-06:00" itemprop="datePublished"><a class="comment-time-link" href="https://www.handsfreemama.com/about-me/#comment-13" itemprop="url">December 14, 2010 at 7:29 pm</a></time></p>		</header>
430
431		<div class="comment-content" itemprop="text">
432			
433			<p>Rachel&#8230;You are amazing and wonderful! Thanks so much for your insight as well as the strength and creativity to share it with others! You are truly an angel and bless the lives of many&#8230;I am honored to know you and have you as a friend! You go woman! This made my day! I am so ready to be Hands Free! 🙂<br />
434Love and Blessings!</p>
435		</div>
436
437		<div class="comment-reply"><a rel="nofollow" class="comment-reply-link" href="https://www.handsfreemama.com/about-me/?replytocom=13#respond" data-commentid="13" data-postid="18" data-belowelement="article-comment-13" data-respondelement="respond" data-replyto="Reply to Karen" aria-label="Reply to Karen">Reply</a></div>
438		
439	</article>
440	<ul class="children">
441
442	<li class="comment odd alt depth-2" id="comment-16">
443	<article id="article-comment-16" itemprop="comment" itemscope itemtype="https://schema.org/Comment">
444
445		<div class="commentnumber">10</div>
446		<header class="comment-header">
447			<p class="comment-author" itemprop="author" itemscope itemtype="https://schema.org/Person">
448				<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">
448Rachel Macy Stafford</a></span> <span class="says">says</span>			</p>
449
450			<p class="comment-meta"><time class="comment-time" datetime="2010-12-14T19:50:29-06:00" itemprop="datePublished"><a class="comment-time-link" href="https://www.handsfreemama.com/about-me/#comment-16" itemprop="url">December 14, 2010 at 7:50 pm</a></time></p>		</header>
451
452		<div class="comment-content" itemprop="text">
453			
454			<p>Karen, I have seen you with your daughter and you have been a Hands Free Mama since the day she was born. Thank you for encouraging me, Karen. I know I could learn from you, as well.</p>
455		</div>
456
457		<div class="comment-reply"><a rel="nofollow" class="comment-reply-link" href="https://www.handsfreemama.com/about-me/?replytocom=16#respond" data-commentid="16" data-postid="18" data-belowelement="article-comment-16" data-respondelement="respond" data-replyto="Reply to Rachel Macy Stafford" aria-label="Reply to Rachel Macy Stafford">Reply</a></div>
458		
459	</article>
460	</li><!-- #comment-## -->
461</ul><!-- .children -->
462</li><!-- #comment-## -->
463
464	<li class="comment even thread-odd thread-alt depth-1" id="comment-17">
465	<article id="article-comment-17" itemprop="comment" itemscope itemtype="https://schema.org/Comment">
466
467		<div class="commentnumber">11</div>
468		<header class="comment-header">
469			<p class="comment-author" itemprop="author" itemscope itemtype="https://schema.org/Person">
470				<img alt='' src='https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/17194c0df0fde26753ddecdcbe3f8bfc?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/17194c0df0fde26753ddecdcbe3f8bfc?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">Amanda</span> <span class="says">says</span>			</p>
471
472			<p class="comment-meta"><time class="comment-time" datetime="2010-12-14T21:18:57-06:00" itemprop="datePublished"><a class="comment-time-link" href="https://www.handsfreemama.com/about-me/#comment-17" itemprop="url">December 14, 2010 at 9:18 pm</a></time></p>		</header>
473
474		<div class="comment-content" itemprop="text">
475			
476			<p>Thumbs up to you, Rachel, for spreading happiness and gratefulness!</p>
477		</div>
478
479		<div class="comment-reply"><a rel="nofollow" class="comment-reply-link" href="https://www.handsfreemama.com/about-me/?replytocom=17#respond" data-commentid="17" data-postid="18" data-belowelement="article-comment-17" data-respondelement="respond" data-replyto="Reply to Amanda" aria-label="Reply to Amanda">Reply</a></div>
480		
481	</article>
482	</li><!-- #comment-## -->
483
484	<li class="comment odd alt thread-even depth-1" id="comment-21">
485	<article id="article-comment-21" itemprop="comment" itemscope itemtype="https://schema.org/Comment">
486
487		<div class="commentnumber">12</div>
488		<header class="comment-header">
489			<p class="comment-author" itemprop="author" itemscope itemtype="https://schema.org/Person">
490				<img alt='' src='https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/6febaac73e7d693c1533788fd1e36288?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/6febaac73e7d693c1533788fd1e36288?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">Deb Griffith</span> <span class="says">says</span>			</p>
491
492			<p class="comment-meta"><time class="comment-time" datetime="2010-12-15T01:49:02-06:00" itemprop="datePublished"><a class="comment-time-link" href="https://www.handsfreemama.com/about-me/#comment-21" itemprop="url">December 15, 2010 at 1:49 am</a></time></p>		</header>
493
494		<div class="comment-content" itemprop="text">
495			
496			<p>It has taken me 50 + years to learn these lessons.  It is so refreshing to see a woman your age learn them so early.  You are very special and I am very proud to be your friend.<br />
497You go girl !!<br />
498Love ya and miss seeing you everyday.</p>
499		</div>
500
501		<div class="comment-reply"><a rel="nofollow" class="comment-reply-link" href="https://www.handsfreemama.com/about-me/?replytocom=21#respond" data-commentid="21" data-postid="18" data-belowelement="article-comment-21" data-respondelement="respond" data-replyto="Reply to Deb Griffith" aria-label="Reply to Deb Griffith">Reply</a></div>
502		
503	</article>
504	<ul class="children">
505
506	<li class="comment even depth-2" id="comment-22">
507	<article id="article-comment-22" itemprop="comment" itemscope itemtype="https://schema.org/Comment">
508
509		<div class="commentnumber">13</div>
510		<header class="comment-header">
511			<p class="comment-author" itemprop="author" itemscope itemtype="https://schema.org/Person">
512				<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">
512Rachel Macy Stafford</a></span> <span class="says">says</span>			</p>
513
514			<p class="comment-meta"><time class="comment-time" datetime="2010-12-15T02:01:40-06:00" itemprop="datePublished"><a class="comment-time-link" href="https://www.handsfreemama.com/about-me/#comment-22" itemprop="url">December 15, 2010 at 2:01 am</a></time></p>		</header>
515
516		<div class="comment-content" itemprop="text">
517			
518			<p>Thank you for taking the time to tell me this, Deb. Whenever I see those pictures of you and your beautiful grandkids doing something special together, I think to myself, &#8220;Now that is a Hands Free Grandma, if I have ever seen one!&#8221; And I can always tell by their happy faces that the time and attention you give them truly makes a difference! Love you and miss you, too!</p>
519		</div>
520
521		<div class="comment-reply"><a rel="nofollow" class="comment-reply-link" href="https://www.handsfreemama.com/about-me/?replytocom=22#respond" data-commentid="22" data-postid="18" data-belowelement="article-comment-22" data-respondelement="respond" data-replyto="Reply to Rachel Macy Stafford" aria-label="Reply to Rachel Macy Stafford">Reply</a></div>
522		
523	</article>
524	</li><!-- #comment-## -->
525</ul><!-- .children -->
526</li><!-- #comment-## -->
527
528	<li class="comment odd alt thread-odd thread-alt depth-1" id="comment-23">
529	<article id="article-comment-23" itemprop="comment" itemscope itemtype="https://schema.org/Comment">
530
531		<div class="commentnumber">14</div>
532		<header class="comment-header">
533			<p class="comment-author" itemprop="author" itemscope itemtype="https://schema.org/Person">
534				<img alt='' src='https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/fbb6dee17780fbfb47f32dbd21f45cd9?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/fbb6dee17780fbfb47f32dbd21f45cd9?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">Jill</span> <span class="says">says</span>			</p>
535
536			<p class="comment-meta"><time class="comment-time" datetime="2010-12-15T02:06:33-06:00" itemprop="datePublished"><a class="comment-time-link" href="https://www.handsfreemama.com/about-me/#comment-23" itemprop="url">December 15, 2010 at 2:06 am</a></time></p>		</header>
537
538		<div class="comment-content" itemprop="text">
539			
540			<p>Thank you Rachel! Couldn&#8217;t have been a better night for me to read your blog, as I&#8217;m overwhelmed with holiday commitments, cleaning and way too many things on my to-do list! And I have a feeling I&#8217;m going to be thanking you again and again, because I intend to check in regularly to keep me &#8216;in the moment&#8217; with my kiddos! xoxo</p>
541		</div>
542
543		<div class="comment-reply"><a rel="nofollow" class="comment-reply-link" href="https://www.handsfreemama.com/about-me/?replytocom=23#respond" data-commentid="23" data-postid="18" data-belowelement="article-comment-23" data-respondelement="respond" data-replyto="Reply to Jill" aria-label="Reply to Jill">Reply</a></div>
544		
545	</article>
546	<ul class="children">
547
548	<li class="comment even depth-2" id="comment-26">
549	<article id="article-comment-26" itemprop="comment" itemscope itemtype="https://schema.org/Comment">
550
551		<div class="commentnumber">15</div>
552		<header class="comment-header">
553			<p class="comment-author" itemprop="author" itemscope itemtype="https://schema.org/Person">
554				<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">
554Rachel Macy Stafford</a></span> <span class="says">says</span>			</p>
555
556			<p class="comment-meta"><time class="comment-time" datetime="2010-12-15T05:09:29-06:00" itemprop="datePublished"><a class="comment-time-link" href="https://www.handsfreemama.com/about-me/#comment-26" itemprop="url">December 15, 2010 at 5:09 am</a></time></p>		</header>
557
558		<div class="comment-content" itemprop="text">
559			
560			<p>Jill, what a bright spot to hear from you today! I was just telling Scott last night that I couldn&#8217;t wait for you to see that I am writing. You always told me I could do it,  and we shared some lofty writing dreams together, didn&#8217;t we? I can recall every word of encouragement you ever gave me. Thank you for reaching out to me tonight.</p>
561		</div>
562
563		<div class="comment-reply"><a rel="nofollow" class="comment-reply-link" href="https://www.handsfreemama.com/about-me/?replytocom=26#respond" data-commentid="26" data-postid="18" data-belowelement="article-comment-26" data-respondelement="respond" data-replyto="Reply to Rachel Macy Stafford" aria-label="Reply to Rachel Macy Stafford">Reply</a></div>
564		
565	</article>
566	</li><!-- #comment-## -->
567</ul><!-- .children -->
568</li><!-- #comment-## -->
569
570	<li class="comment odd alt thread-even depth-1" id="comment-24">
571	<article id="article-comment-24" itemprop="comment" itemscope itemtype="https://schema.org/Comment">
572
573		<div class="commentnumber">16</div>
574		<header class="comment-header">
575			<p class="comment-author" itemprop="author" itemscope itemtype="https://schema.org/Person">
576				<img alt='' src='https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/d863533ec7b41311218348e65b722eb1?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/d863533ec7b41311218348e65b722eb1?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">Bethany Lynch</span> <span class="says">says</span>			</p>
577
578			<p class="comment-meta"><time class="comment-time" datetime="2010-12-15T02:13:32-06:00" itemprop="datePublished"><a class="comment-time-link" href="https://www.handsfreemama.com/about-me/#comment-24" itemprop="url">December 15, 2010 at 2:13 am</a></time></p>		</header>
579
580		<div class="comment-content" itemprop="text">
581			
582			<p>Love, love, love it!  And, I am so proud of you for pursuing your dream and your passion.  Your words have always touched my heart and soul and I know they will do the same for so many others.  I struggle every day to keep a balance and focus on what matters most.  So, thank you for solidifying what I have always known.  I will be waiting on the edge of my seat for your next entries.  And, smiling as I experience all of my &#8220;hands free&#8221; moments.  Thank you for the reminder!  Love you, my friend.</p>
583		</div>
584
585		<div class="comment-reply"><a rel="nofollow" class="comment-reply-link" href="https://www.handsfreemama.com/about-me/?replytocom=24#respond" data-commentid="24" data-postid="18" data-belowelement="article-comment-24" data-respondelement="respond" data-replyto="Reply to Bethany Lynch" aria-label="Reply to Bethany Lynch">Reply</a></div>
586		
587	</article>
588	<ul class="children">
589
590	<li class="comment even depth-2" id="comment-25">
591	<article id="article-comment-25" itemprop="comment" itemscope itemtype="https://schema.org/Comment">
592
593		<div class="commentnumber">17</div>
594		<header class="comment-header">
595			<p class="comment-author" itemprop="author" itemscope itemtype="https://schema.org/Person">
596				<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">
596Rachel Macy Stafford</a></span> <span class="says">says</span>			</p>
597
598			<p class="comment-meta"><time class="comment-time" datetime="2010-12-15T05:05:48-06:00" itemprop="datePublished"><a class="comment-time-link" href="https://www.handsfreemama.com/about-me/#comment-25" itemprop="url">December 15, 2010 at 5:05 am</a></time></p>		</header>
599
600		<div class="comment-content" itemprop="text">
601			
602			<p>Thank you, Bethany! Your support and encouragement mean the world to me. It really feels good to be doing what I feel has been the plan all along. I can&#8217;t wait to hear (and maybe see) the beautiful Hands Free moments in store for you and your family! So happy you are on this journey with me!</p>
603		</div>
604
605		<div class="comment-reply"><a rel="nofollow" class="comment-reply-link" href="https://www.handsfreemama.com/about-me/?replytocom=25#respond" data-commentid="25" data-postid="18" data-belowelement="article-comment-25" data-respondelement="respond" data-replyto="Reply to Rachel Macy Stafford" aria-label="Reply to Rachel Macy Stafford">Reply</a></div>
606		
607	</article>
608	</li><!-- #comment-## -->
609</ul><!-- .children -->
610</li><!-- #comment-## -->
611
612	<li class="comment odd alt thread-odd thread-alt depth-1" id="comment-27">
613	<article id="article-comment-27" itemprop="comment" itemscope itemtype="https://schema.org/Comment">
614
615		<div class="commentnumber">18</div>
616		<header class="comment-header">
617			<p class="comment-author" itemprop="author" itemscope itemtype="https://schema.org/Person">
618				<img alt='' src='https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/96a46b43ae36eeaa5981a17e44de026f?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/96a46b43ae36eeaa5981a17e44de026f?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">Michelle from Kentucky</span> <span class="says">says</span>			</p>
619
620			<p class="comment-meta"><time class="comment-time" datetime="2010-12-15T05:28:27-06:00" itemprop="datePublished"><a class="comment-time-link" href="https://www.handsfreemama.com/about-me/#comment-27" itemprop="url">December 15, 2010 at 5:28 am</a></time></p>		</header>
621
622		<div class="comment-content" itemprop="text">
623			
624			<p>Rachel-</p>
625<p>A friend of mine posted a link to your blog on facebook, and I followed the link. How grateful I am that I did! I&#8217;ve had one of those days&#8230; I&#8217;m sick, my baby is sick, we have snow but I had to go to the grocery&#8230; One of those days. *sigh* Yet, despite all of this, I could not just relax and take it easy. I, too, feel this need to be productive, to multi-task, to be the super-mom that society expects. This is also evidenced by my need to check facebook from my iPhone before I can allow myself to fall asleep 🙂</p>
626<p>Anyway, I digress. Yes, I&#8217;m so grateful. Because as I read each of your entries and felt warm tears streaming down my face, I realized just how tied-up I&#8217;d become in &#8220;obligations&#8221; (which are really choices, not obligations) and to-do lists. And I&#8217;m sick of it. I&#8217;m sick of not feeling productive if my house isn&#8217;t spotless, or if I&#8217;m not doing more than one thing at a time. </p>
627<p>So I&#8217;m going to take this journey with you. I&#8217;ve been longing for it. I want to be present in my son&#8217;s (and unborn child&#8217;s) lives. And not just physically present&#8230; Not just the mom who is there, but not there. I want to experience the world through my childrens eyes, and I can&#8217;t do that if all I&#8217;m looking at is a phone screen or a computer screen.</p>
628<p>Thanks again for your words. Consider yourself bookmarked!</p>
629		</div>
630
631		<div class="comment-reply"><a rel="nofollow" class="comment-reply-link" href="https://www.handsfreemama.com/about-me/?replytocom=27#respond" data-commentid="27" data-postid="18" data-belowelement="article-comment-27" data-respondelement="respond" data-replyto="Reply to Michelle from Kentucky" aria-label="Reply to Michelle from Kentucky">Reply</a></div>
632		
633	</article>
634	<ul class="children">
635
636	<li class="comment even depth-2" id="comment-28">
637	<article id="article-comment-28" itemprop="comment" itemscope itemtype="https://schema.org/Comment">
638
639		<div class="commentnumber">19</div>
640		<header class="comment-header">
641			<p class="comment-author" itemprop="author" itemscope itemtype="https://schema.org/Person">
642				<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">
642Rachel Macy Stafford</a></span> <span class="says">says</span>			</p>
643
644			<p class="comment-meta"><time class="comment-time" datetime="2010-12-15T15:01:00-06:00" itemprop="datePublished"><a class="comment-time-link" href="https://www.handsfreemama.com/about-me/#comment-28" itemprop="url">December 15, 2010 at 3:01 pm</a></time></p>		</header>
645
646		<div class="comment-content" itemprop="text">
647			
648			<p>Michelle, I am deeply touched by your words. You have articulated thoughts and feelings that sound like they could be coming from own head. I read comment very early this morning and because of your words, I had one of the most Hands Free school mornings ever. I actually read a book to my girls during breakfast. Usually it is rushing around to get out the door with no time for connection. But like you said, it is a choice. Thank you for sharing your thoughts, which in turn touched my life in such a simple, yet profound way. Please continue to check in&#8230;we are truly on the same page.</p>
649		</div>
650
651		<div class="comment-reply"><a rel="nofollow" class="comment-reply-link" href="https://www.handsfreemama.com/about-me/?replytocom=28#respond" data-commentid="28" data-postid="18" data-belowelement="article-comment-28" data-respondelement="respond" data-replyto="Reply to Rachel Macy Stafford" aria-label="Reply to Rachel Macy Stafford">Reply</a></div>
652		
653	</article>
654	</li><!-- #comment-## -->
655</ul><!-- .children -->
656</li><!-- #comment-## -->
657
658	<li class="comment odd alt thread-even depth-1" id="comment-30">
659	<article id="article-comment-30" itemprop="comment" itemscope itemtype="https://schema.org/Comment">
660
661		<div class="commentnumber">20</div>
662		<header class="comment-header">
663			<p class="comment-author" itemprop="author" itemscope itemtype="https://schema.org/Person">
664				<img alt='' src='https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/2220847be81030b49f36f56a84cc048b?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/2220847be81030b49f36f56a84cc048b?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 from Birmingham</span> <span class="says">says</span>			</p>
665
666			<p class="comment-meta"><time class="comment-time" datetime="2010-12-15T15:30:44-06:00" itemprop="datePublished"><a class="comment-time-link" href="https://www.handsfreemama.com/about-me/#comment-30" itemprop="url">December 15, 2010 at 3:30 pm</a></time></p>		</header>
667
668		<div class="comment-content" itemprop="text">
669			
670			<p>It would be such a wonderful gesture to share the special moments you observed with the &#8220;Distracted Dad&#8221;.  He would likely treasure it and even perhaps slow down enough to enjoy some of it first hand.  Good luck finding him.  I can&#8217;t wait to hear his reaction.</p>
671		</div>
672
673		<div class="comment-reply"><a rel="nofollow" class="comment-reply-link" href="https://www.handsfreemama.com/about-me/?replytocom=30#respond" data-commentid="30" data-postid="18" data-belowelement="article-comment-30" data-respondelement="respond" data-replyto="Reply to Sarah from Birmingham" aria-label="Reply to Sarah from Birmingham">Reply</a></div>
674		
675	</article>
676	</li><!-- #comment-## -->
677
678	<li class="comment even thread-odd thread-alt depth-1" id="comment-37">
679	<article id="article-comment-37" itemprop="comment" itemscope itemtype="https://schema.org/Comment">
680
681		<div class="commentnumber">21</div>
682		<header class="comment-header">
683			<p class="comment-author" itemprop="author" itemscope itemtype="https://schema.org/Person">
684				<img alt='' src='https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/73274fca6656cb5cb4dbf2e299aa761b?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/73274fca6656cb5cb4dbf2e299aa761b?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">Liz from Pittsburgh</span> <span class="says">says</span>			</p>
685
686			<p class="comment-meta"><time class="comment-time" datetime="2010-12-16T04:12:25-06:00" itemprop="datePublished"><a class="comment-time-link" href="https://www.handsfreemama.com/about-me/#comment-37" itemprop="url">December 16, 2010 at 4:12 am</a></time></p>		</header>
687
688		<div class="comment-content" itemprop="text">
689			
690			<p>Hi Rachel,<br />
691I too followed a link to your blog that a friend of mine had posted on facebook.  I just finished reading every one of your posts and feel like I&#8217;ve had a complete awakening!  Not until I read your blog this evening, did I even realize how distracted and disconnected I have been living (or rather, not living) my life.  Everything you wrote hits home and I feel like your words were meant just for me.  Your simple and inspiring message of Hands Free Liv
691ing is an epiphany for me!!  From this day forward I vow to myself, my 2 beautiful children, and my husband, to slow down and step away from the distractions that are constantly beckoning me, and spend more time enjoying the precious moments we have together.  </p>
692<p>God sent an angel into my life tonight to help open my eyes.  Thank you and God Bless you Rachel!!  I am on definitely on board!!</p>
693		</div>
694
695		<div class="comment-reply"><a rel="nofollow" class="comment-reply-link" href="https://www.handsfreemama.com/about-me/?replytocom=37#respond" data-commentid="37" data-postid="18" data-belowelement="article-comment-37" data-respondelement="respond" data-replyto="Reply to Liz from Pittsburgh" aria-label="Reply to Liz from Pittsburgh">Reply</a></div>
696		
697	</article>
698	<ul class="children">
699
700	<li class="comment odd alt depth-2" id="comment-39">
701	<article id="article-comment-39" itemprop="comment" itemscope itemtype="https://schema.org/Comment">
702
703		<div class="commentnumber">22</div>
704		<header class="comment-header">
705			<p class="comment-author" itemprop="author" itemscope itemtype="https://schema.org/Person">
706				<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>
707
708			<p class="comment-meta"><time class="comment-time" datetime="2010-12-16T05:24:16-06:00" itemprop="datePublished"><a class="comment-time-link" href="https://www.handsfreemama.com/about-me/#comment-39" itemprop="url">December 16, 2010 at 5:24 am</a></time></p>		</header>
709
710		<div class="comment-content" itemprop="text">
711			
712			<p>Liz, thank you! To know that my words have created an awakening in you is just truly amazing to me. It is so comforting to know that I am not alone in this desire to live a Hands Free life.  I have been blessed with the gift to spread this message and by people like you who take time to let me know it is being heard. May God bless you in your pursuit to make every moment count. Please let me know how it&#8217;s going!</p>
713		</div>
714
715		<div class="comment-reply"><a rel="nofollow" class="comment-reply-link" href="https://www.handsfreemama.com/about-me/?replytocom=39#respond" data-commentid="39" data-postid="18" data-belowelement="article-comment-39" data-respondelement="respond" data-replyto="Reply to Rachel Macy Stafford" aria-label="Reply to Rachel Macy Stafford">Reply</a></div>
716		
717	</article>
718	</li><!-- #comment-## -->
719</ul><!-- .children -->
720</li><!-- #comment-## -->
721
722	<li class="comment even thread-even depth-1" id="comment-45">
723	<article id="article-comment-45" itemprop="comment" itemscope itemtype="https://schema.org/Comment">
724
725		<div class="commentnumber">23</div>
726		<header class="comment-header">
727			<p class="comment-author" itemprop="author" itemscope itemtype="https://schema.org/Person">
728				<img alt='' src='https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/056601f72a3f964d8f06172397d28465?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/056601f72a3f964d8f06172397d28465?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">Nicole</span> <span class="says">says</span>			</p>
729
730			<p class="comment-meta"><time class="comment-time" datetime="2010-12-16T20:28:44-06:00" itemprop="datePublished"><a class="comment-time-link" href="https://www.handsfreemama.com/about-me/#comment-45" itemprop="url">December 16, 2010 at 8:28 pm</a></time></p>		</header>
731
732		<div class="comment-content" itemprop="text">
733			
734			<p>You&#8217;ve truly found your calling. Looking forward to reading more.</p>
735		</div>
736
737		<div class="comment-reply"><a rel="nofollow" class="comment-reply-link" href="https://www.handsfreemama.com/about-me/?replytocom=45#respond" data-commentid="45" data-postid="18" data-belowelement="article-comment-45" data-respondelement="respond" data-replyto="Reply to Nicole" aria-label="Reply to Nicole">Reply</a></div>
738		
739	</article>
740	<ul class="children">
741
742	<li class="comment odd alt depth-2" id="comment-51">
743	<article id="article-comment-51" itemprop="comment" itemscope itemtype="https://schema.org/Comment">
744
745		<div class="commentnumber">24</div>
746		<header class="comment-header">
747			<p class="comment-author" itemprop="author" itemscope itemtype="https://schema.org/Person">
748				<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">
748Rachel Macy Stafford</a></span> <span class="says">says</span>			</p>
749
750			<p class="comment-meta"><time class="comment-time" datetime="2010-12-17T00:21:46-06:00" itemprop="datePublished"><a class="comment-time-link" href="https://www.handsfreemama.com/about-me/#comment-51" itemprop="url">December 17, 2010 at 12:21 am</a></time></p>		</header>
751
752		<div class="comment-content" itemprop="text">
753			
754			<p>Thank you, Nicole! Your words mean so much! XOXO</p>
755		</div>
756
757		<div class="comment-reply"><a rel="nofollow" class="comment-reply-link" href="https://www.handsfreemama.com/about-me/?replytocom=51#respond" data-commentid="51" data-postid="18" data-belowelement="article-comment-51" data-respondelement="respond" data-replyto="Reply to Rachel Macy Stafford" aria-label="Reply to Rachel Macy Stafford">Reply</a></div>
758		
759	</article>
760	</li><!-- #comment-## -->
761</ul><!-- .children -->
762</li><!-- #comment-## -->
763
764	<li class="comment even thread-odd thread-alt depth-1" id="comment-59">
765	<article id="article-comment-59" itemprop="comment" itemscope itemtype="https://schema.org/Comment">
766
767		<div class="commentnumber">25</div>
768		<header class="comment-header">
769			<p class="comment-author" itemprop="author" itemscope itemtype="https://schema.org/Person">
770				<img alt='' src='https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/a60569a19048606d571a35a8a5595850?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/a60569a19048606d571a35a8a5595850?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">Jackie Fisher</span> <span class="says">says</span>			</p>
771
772			<p class="comment-meta"><time class="comment-time" datetime="2010-12-20T04:16:51-06:00" itemprop="datePublished"><a class="comment-time-link" href="https://www.handsfreemama.com/about-me/#comment-59" itemprop="url">December 20, 2010 at 4:16 am</a></time></p>		</header>
773
774		<div class="comment-content" itemprop="text">
775			
776			<p>Rachel: I came across your website from a FB post of your Dad&#8217;s .   I am no longer a  young mother(my  daughter is 30).  I know alot of  your  articles are geared  to  younger families.  What you write makes a lot of sense.  I  have several  young  FCMs who are young mothers who are struggling to create a good balance ( career, family,marriage,community)  in their lives.  I plan to share  your  site with them.  thanks for  sharing  your  inspiration.  Jackie  Fisher, Muncie, IN</p>
777		</div>
778
779		<div class="comment-reply"><a rel="nofollow" class="comment-reply-link" href="https://www.handsfreemama.com/about-me/?replytocom=59#respond" data-commentid="59" data-postid="18" data-belowelement="article-comment-59" data-respondelement="respond" data-replyto="Reply to Jackie Fisher" aria-label="Reply to Jackie Fisher">Reply</a></div>
780		
781	</article>
782	<ul class="children">
783
784	<li class="comment odd alt depth-2" id="comment-61">
785	<article id="article-comment-61" itemprop="comment" itemscope itemtype="https://schema.org/Comment">
786
787		<div class="commentnumber">26</div>
788		<header class="comment-header">
789			<p class="comment-author" itemprop="author" itemscope itemtype="https://schema.org/Person">
790				<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>
791
792			<p class="comment-meta"><time class="comment-time" datetime="2010-12-20T05:29:31-06:00" itemprop="datePublished"><a class="comment-time-link" href="https://www.handsfreemama.com/about-me/#comment-61" itemprop="url">December 20, 2010 at 5:29 am</a></time></p>		</header>
793
794		<div class="comment-content" itemprop="text">
795			
796			<p>Hi Jackie, thank you so much for taking the time to write me and let me know that you will be sharing my writings with the mothers with whom you work. I hope they find my website useful and inspiring. I am amazed by the varying audiences my blog is attracting. Many moms are reading, but so are dads, grandparents, and even people without children simply wanting to live more fully in the moment. Please keep in touch. I would love to hear any Hands Free moments that come from your parents!</p>
797		</div>
798
799		<div class="comment-reply"><a rel="nofollow" class="comment-reply-link" href="https://www.handsfreemama.com/about-me/?replytocom=61#respond" data-commentid="61" data-postid="18" data-belowelement="article-comment-61" data-respondelement="respond" data-replyto="Reply to Rachel Macy Stafford" aria-label="Reply to Rachel Macy Stafford">Reply</a></div>
800		
801	</article>
802	</li><!-- #comment-## -->
803</ul><!-- .children -->
804</li><!-- #comment-## -->
805
806	<li class="comment even thread-even depth-1" id="comment-284">
807	<article id="article-comment-284" itemprop="comment" itemscope itemtype="https://schema.org/Comment">
808
809		<div class="commentnumber">27</div>
810		<header class="comment-header">
811			<p class="comment-author" itemprop="author" itemscope itemtype="https://schema.org/Person">
812				<img alt='' src='https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/91cb28781578e1f2f78dcece3fd1cf07?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/91cb28781578e1f2f78dcece3fd1cf07?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">Michael Davidson</span> <span class="says">says</span>			</p>
813
814			<p class="comment-meta"><time class="comment-time" datetime="2011-03-30T10:18:20-06:00" itemprop="datePublished"><a class="comment-time-link" href="https://www.handsfreemama.com/about-me/#comment-284" itemprop="url">March 30, 2011 at 10:18 am</a></time></p>		</header>
815
816		<div class="comment-content" itemprop="text">
817			
818			<p>Dear Ms. Stafford:</p>
819<p>The hero that you wrote about in &#8220;The Steps of a Hero,&#8221; gave me my first job 10 years ago and to this day, his kindness to me and my family, particularly during long absences from work because I wanted to spend as much time with my wife before her passing is still something that those of us who work for him still talk about.  But, it is a story you will never hear him tell. </p>
820<p>Several months ago, this man reached out to several of his contacts in the publishing world and asking all of us to read this blog.  </p>
821<p>
821I just wanted you to know that when you are ready, feel free to reach out to me.  I work exclusively in a genre that does not cover what you write, but I can provide you names of editors at Random House and Penguin Press that would be interested in speaking with you.</p>
822<p>On a side note &#8211; I just wanted you to know that he talked about you at a business meeting and many of us who have known him for many years still can&#8217;t believe that he spends so much time asking people to help others (when it does not benefit him in anyway &#8211; something you don&#8217;t find in this business) &#8211; so, as a favor to him, whatever you need, just let me know.</p>
823		</div>
824
825		<div class="comment-reply"><a rel="nofollow" class="comment-reply-link" href="https://www.handsfreemama.com/about-me/?replytocom=284#respond" data-commentid="284" data-postid="18" data-belowelement="article-comment-284" data-respondelement="respond" data-replyto="Reply to Michael Davidson" aria-label="Reply to Michael Davidson">Reply</a></div>
826		
827	</article>
828	</li><!-- #comment-## -->
829
830	<li class="comment odd alt thread-odd thread-alt depth-1" id="comment-361">
831	<article id="article-comment-361" itemprop="comment" itemscope itemtype="https://schema.org/Comment">
832
833		<div class="commentnumber">28</div>
834		<header class="comment-header">
835			<p class="comment-author" itemprop="author" itemscope itemtype="https://schema.org/Person">
836				<img alt='' src='https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/eda57d930c56c466055af5f633643826?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/eda57d930c56c466055af5f633643826?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">Kelly Greiner</span> <span class="says">says</span>			</p>
837
838			<p class="comment-meta"><time class="comment-time" datetime="2011-04-18T01:09:29-06:00" itemprop="datePublished"><a class="comment-time-link" href="https://www.handsfreemama.com/about-me/#comment-361" itemprop="url">April 18, 2011 at 1:09 am</a></time></p>		</header>
839
840		<div class="comment-content" itemprop="text">
841			
842			<p>Rachel, I have always meant to comment, but have not. Due to the 2 deaths close to my husband in the past year and a half, I hope to have new meaning. I don&#8217;t like to be stressed and I know what matters most to me&#8230;and it is for sure family and my relationship with friends and God. I just hope and pray that I have your devotion and williness when I do get frustrated or feel stressed. I love the idea for Easter and hope we CAN make TIME to do this!! Thanks Rachel! Your doing a wonderful job!</p>
843		</div>
844
845		<div class="comment-reply"><a rel="nofollow" class="comment-reply-link" href="https://www.handsfreemama.com/about-me/?replytocom=361#respond" data-commentid="361" data-postid="18" data-belowelement="article-comment-361" data-respondelement="respond" data-replyto="Reply to Kelly Greiner" aria-label="Reply to Kelly Greiner">Reply</a></div>
846		
847	</article>
848	</li><!-- #comment-## -->
849
850	<li class="comment even thread-even depth-1" id="comment-452">
851	<article id="article-comment-452" itemprop="comment" itemscope itemtype="https://schema.org/Comment">
852
853		<div class="commentnumber">29</div>
854		<header class="comment-header">
855			<p class="comment-author" itemprop="author" itemscope itemtype="https://schema.org/Person">
856				<img alt='' src='https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/7c85630af6817a71ae20a31e1b35435d?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/7c85630af6817a71ae20a31e1b35435d?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">Waynonda</span> <span class="says">says</span>			</p>
857
858			<p class="comment-meta"><time class="comment-time" datetime="2011-05-18T13:51:43-06:00" itemprop="datePublished"><a class="comment-time-link" href="https://www.handsfreemama.com/about-me/#comment-452" itemprop="url">May 18, 2011 at 1:51 pm</a></time></p>		</header>
859
860		<div class="comment-content" itemprop="text">
861			
862			<p>Thank you for your message today &#8220;Some rain got in&#8221;.  It was beautiful.  I wish we would have been neighbors longer but am grateful for the brief time we were. Again, thank  you.</p>
863		</div>
864
865		<div class="comment-reply"><a rel="nofollow" class="comment-reply-link" href="https://www.handsfreemama.com/about-me/?replytocom=452#respond" data-commentid="452" data-postid="18" data-belowelement="article-comment-452" data-respondelement="respond" data-replyto="Reply to Waynonda" aria-label="Reply to Waynonda">Reply</a></div>
866		
867	</article>
868	<ul class="children">
869
870	<li class="comment odd alt depth-2" id="comment-465">
871	<article id="article-comment-465" itemprop="comment" itemscope itemtype="https://schema.org/Comment">
872
873		<div class="commentnumber">30</div>
874		<header class="comment-header">
875			<p class="comment-author" itemprop="author" itemscope itemtype="https://schema.org/Person">
876				<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">
876Rachel Macy Stafford</a></span> <span class="says">says</span>			</p>
877
878			<p class="comment-meta"><time class="comment-time" datetime="2011-05-20T03:57:30-06:00" itemprop="datePublished"><a class="comment-time-link" href="https://www.handsfreemama.com/about-me/#comment-465" itemprop="url">May 20, 2011 at 3:57 am</a></time></p>		</header>
879
880		<div class="comment-content" itemprop="text">
881			
882			<p>Thank you, Waynonda. You are a very special lady and an extraordinary mother. I feel so blessed our paths crossed when they did.</p>
883		</div>
884
885		<div class="comment-reply"><a rel="nofollow" class="comment-reply-link" href="https://www.handsfreemama.com/about-me/?replytocom=465#respond" data-commentid="465" data-postid="18" data-belowelement="article-comment-465" data-respondelement="respond" data-replyto="Reply to Rachel Macy Stafford" aria-label="Reply to Rachel Macy Stafford">Reply</a></div>
886		
887	</article>
888	</li><!-- #comment-## -->
889</ul><!-- .children -->
890</li><!-- #comment-## -->
891
892	<li class="comment even thread-odd thread-alt depth-1" id="comment-512">
893	<article id="article-comment-512" itemprop="comment" itemscope itemtype="https://schema.org/Comment">
894
895		<div class="commentnumber">31</div>
896		<header class="comment-header">
897			<p class="comment-author" itemprop="author" itemscope itemtype="https://schema.org/Person">
898				<img alt='' src='https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/b908570d60d8c9d7ca2bbb9e98c4ee5a?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/b908570d60d8c9d7ca2bbb9e98c4ee5a?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">Jennifer Brackney</span> <span class="says">says</span>			</p>
899
900			<p class="comment-meta"><time class="comment-time" datetime="2011-06-08T11:35:48-06:00" itemprop="datePublished"><a class="comment-time-link" href="https://www.handsfreemama.com/about-me/#comment-512" itemprop="url">June 8, 2011 at 11:35 am</a></time></p>		</header>
901
902		<div class="comment-content" itemprop="text">
903			
904			<p>Rachel,</p>
905<p>I just received a link to handsfreemama on my facebook page from a friend of mine&#8230;..not a college friend or a mutual friend of ours.  This link was from someone I&#8217;m sure you don&#8217;t know or who does not know you.  Word is traveling fast and your efforts are reaching new heights.  She praised your honesty and encouraged others to join the revolution!  We just got back from Disney World and you know their saying, &#8220;Let the Memories Begin&#8221;.  We&#8217;ll, I think you should use it too.  People are taking it all in instead of giving it all away.  Keep up the good work, you inspire me to be great!!!</p>
906		</div>
907
908		<div class="comment-reply"><a rel="nofollow" class="comment-reply-link" href="https://www.handsfreemama.com/about-me/?replytocom=512#respond" data-commentid="512" data-postid="18" data-belowelement="article-comment-512" data-respondelement="respond" data-replyto="Reply to Jennifer Brackney" aria-label="Reply to Jennifer Brackney">Reply</a></div>
909		
910	</article>
911	<ul class="children">
912
913	<li class="comment odd alt depth-2" id="comment-513">
914	<article id="article-comment-513" itemprop="comment" itemscope itemtype="https://schema.org/Comment">
915
916		<div class="commentnumber">32</div>
917		<header class="comment-header">
918			<p class="comment-author" itemprop="author" itemscope itemtype="https://schema.org/Person">
919				<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">
919Rachel Macy Stafford</a></span> <span class="says">says</span>			</p>
920
921			<p class="comment-meta"><time class="comment-time" datetime="2011-06-08T11:46:37-06:00" itemprop="datePublished"><a class="comment-time-link" href="https://www.handsfreemama.com/about-me/#comment-513" itemprop="url">June 8, 2011 at 11:46 am</a></time></p>		</header>
922
923		<div class="comment-content" itemprop="text">
924			
925			<p>Jennifer, thank you for taking the time to tell me this! Although it was very hard to share this story, comments like yours confirm that my message is meant to be shared. Daily distraction is robbing us of what is most precious and it takes awareness to get our lives back. So many people seem to welcome this awareness and are making changes accordingly. I am truly grateful to have the support of so many who want to grasp what matters in this lifetime. Thank you for letting me know the impact!</p>
926		</div>
927
928		<div class="comment-reply"><a rel="nofollow" class="comment-reply-link" href="https://www.handsfreemama.com/about-me/?replytocom=513#respond" data-commentid="513" data-postid="18" data-belowelement="article-comment-513" data-respondelement="respond" data-replyto="Reply to Rachel Macy Stafford" aria-label="Reply to Rachel Macy Stafford">Reply</a></div>
929		
930	</article>
931	</li><!-- #comment-## -->
932</ul><!-- .children -->
933</li><!-- #comment-## -->
934
935	<li class="comment even thread-even depth-1" id="comment-671">
936	<article id="article-comment-671" itemprop="comment" itemscope itemtype="https://schema.org/Comment">
937
938		<div class="commentnumber">33</div>
939		<header class="comment-header">
940			<p class="comment-author" itemprop="author" itemscope itemtype="https://schema.org/Person">
941				<img alt='' src='https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/7eb678ae284e929ec03b161552827939?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/7eb678ae284e929ec03b161552827939?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.christimcguire.com" class="comment-author-link" rel="external nofollow" itemprop="url">Christi McGuire</a></span> <span class="says">says</span>			</p>
942
943			<p class="comment-meta"><time class="comment-time" datetime="2011-08-03T14:10:17-06:00" itemprop="datePublished"><a class="comment-time-link" href="https://www.handsfreemama.com/about-me/#comment-671" itemprop="url">August 3, 2011 at 2:10 pm</a></time></p>		</header>
944
945		<div class="comment-content" itemprop="text">
946			
947			<p>Hi Rachel! I&#8217;m so glad I found your site and know that there are other women, wives, mothers who are tired of society keeping us on the hamster wheel and want to look to be fulfilled by God and Him alone! Thanks for your encouragement!</p>
948		</div>
949
950		<div class="comment-reply"><a rel="nofollow" class="comment-reply-link" href="https://www.handsfreemama.com/about-me/?replytocom=671#respond" data-commentid="671" data-postid="18" data-belowelement="article-comment-671" data-respondelement="respond" data-replyto="Reply to Christi McGuire" aria-label="Reply to Christi McGuire">Reply</a></div>
951		
952	</article>
953	<ul class="children">
954
955	<li class="comment odd alt depth-2" id="comment-676">
956	<article id="article-comment-676" itemprop="comment" itemscope itemtype="https://schema.org/Comment">
957
958		<div class="commentnumber">34</div>
959		<header class="comment-header">
960			<p class="comment-author" itemprop="author" itemscope itemtype="https://schema.org/Person">
961				<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">
961Rachel Macy Stafford</a></span> <span class="says">says</span>			</p>
962
963			<p class="comment-meta"><time class="comment-time" datetime="2011-08-04T14:46:00-06:00" itemprop="datePublished"><a class="comment-time-link" href="https://www.handsfreemama.com/about-me/#comment-676" itemprop="url">August 4, 2011 at 2:46 pm</a></time></p>		</header>
964
965		<div class="comment-content" itemprop="text">
966			
967			<p>Thank you for your encouragement, as well, Christi! I have met so many folks through this blog who embrace the message of living out our purpose, whatever we believe that is, by pushing away distraction so we actually can! I am so glad you have joined me. All your comments have touched my heart.</p>
968		</div>
969
970		<div class="comment-reply"><a rel="nofollow" class="comment-reply-link" href="https://www.handsfreemama.com/about-me/?replytocom=676#respond" data-commentid="676" data-postid="18" data-belowelement="article-comment-676" data-respondelement="respond" data-replyto="Reply to Rachel Macy Stafford" aria-label="Reply to Rachel Macy Stafford">Reply</a></div>
971		
972	</article>
973	</li><!-- #comment-## -->
974</ul><!-- .children -->
975</li><!-- #comment-## -->
976
977	<li class="comment even thread-odd thread-alt depth-1" id="comment-858">
978	<article id="article-comment-858" itemprop="comment" itemscope itemtype="https://schema.org/Comment">
979
980		<div class="commentnumber">35</div>
981		<header class="comment-header">
982			<p class="comment-author" itemprop="author" itemscope itemtype="https://schema.org/Person">
983				<img alt='' src='https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/c114bc75cf28c7a4f01285bb10c7f7b8?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/c114bc75cf28c7a4f01285bb10c7f7b8?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.momitforward.com" class="comment-author-link" rel="external nofollow" itemprop="url">Jamie Moesser</a></span> <span class="says">says</span>			</p>
984
985			<p class="comment-meta"><time class="comment-time" datetime="2011-09-20T22:25:33-06:00" itemprop="datePublished"><a class="comment-time-link" href="https://www.handsfreemama.com/about-me/#comment-858" itemprop="url">September 20, 2011 at 10:25 pm</a></time></p>		</header>
986
987		<div class="comment-content" itemprop="text">
988			
989			<p>I am floored by what you write, and your approach in general. I would like to feature you on our site, so that more people can be inspired by you. Please contact me.</p>
990		</div>
991
992		<div class="comment-reply"><a rel="nofollow" class="comment-reply-link" href="https://www.handsfreemama.com/about-me/?replytocom=858#respond" data-commentid="858" data-postid="18" data-belowelement="article-comment-858" data-respondelement="respond" data-replyto="Reply to Jamie Moesser" aria-label="Reply to Jamie Moesser">Reply</a></div>
993		
994	</article>
995	</li><!-- #comment-## -->
996
997	<li class="comment odd alt thread-even depth-1" id="comment-1021">
998	<article id="article-comment-1021" itemprop="comment" itemscope itemtype="https://schema.org/Comment">
999
1000		<div class="commentnumber">36</div>
1001		<header class="comment-header">
1002			<p class="comment-author" itemprop="author" itemscope itemtype="https://schema.org/Person">
1003				<img alt='' src='https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/ecc4a57239cb0a3b1f95a4b0b9f4c61a?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/ecc4a57239cb0a3b1f95a4b0b9f4c61a?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">Jennifer</span> <span class="says">says</span>			</p>
1004
1005			<p class="comment-meta"><time class="comment-time" datetime="2011-10-20T15:16:24-06:00" itemprop="datePublished"><a class="comment-time-link" href="https://www.handsfreemama.com/about-me/#comment-1021" itemprop="url">October 20, 2011 at 3:16 pm</a></time></p>		</header>
1006
1007		<div class="comment-content" itemprop="text">
1008			
1009			<p>Rachel &#8211; you are my angel today.  Reading your posts is like a breathe of fresh air.  Thank y
1009ou for posting on my sisters blog so I could meet you.  Isn&#8217;t it remarkable how our angels come into our lives?</p>
1010		</div>
1011
1012		<div class="comment-reply"><a rel="nofollow" class="comment-reply-link" href="https://www.handsfreemama.com/about-me/?replytocom=1021#respond" data-commentid="1021" data-postid="18" data-belowelement="article-comment-1021" data-respondelement="respond" data-replyto="Reply to Jennifer" aria-label="Reply to Jennifer">Reply</a></div>
1013		
1014	</article>
1015	<ul class="children">
1016
1017	<li class="comment even depth-2" id="comment-1035">
1018	<article id="article-comment-1035" itemprop="comment" itemscope itemtype="https://schema.org/Comment">
1019
1020		<div class="commentnumber">37</div>
1021		<header class="comment-header">
1022			<p class="comment-author" itemprop="author" itemscope itemtype="https://schema.org/Person">
1023				<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>
1024
1025			<p class="comment-meta"><time class="comment-time" datetime="2011-10-22T17:58:46-06:00" itemprop="datePublished"><a class="comment-time-link" href="https://www.handsfreemama.com/about-me/#comment-1035" itemprop="url">October 22, 2011 at 5:58 pm</a></time></p>		</header>
1026
1027		<div class="comment-content" itemprop="text">
1028			
1029			<p>Jennifer, I just love your sister&#8217;s blog. She is talented! I found myself laughing outloud at her posts. I don&#8217;t remember how I found her. I believe divine intervention brings people together when they most need their paths to cross. What a bonus that I got to meet you, as well! I thank you from the bottom of my heart for taking time to let me know you were here. I treausre every syllable of encouragement I receive.</p>
1030		</div>
1031
1032		<div class="comment-reply"><a rel="nofollow" class="comment-reply-link" href="https://www.handsfreemama.com/about-me/?replytocom=1035#respond" data-commentid="1035" data-postid="18" data-belowelement="article-comment-1035" data-respondelement="respond" data-replyto="Reply to Rachel Macy Stafford" aria-label="Reply to Rachel Macy Stafford">Reply</a></div>
1033		
1034	</article>
1035	</li><!-- #comment-## -->
1036</ul><!-- .children -->
1037</li><!-- #comment-## -->
1038
1039	<li class="comment odd alt thread-odd thread-alt depth-1" id="comment-2470">
1040	<article id="article-comment-2470" itemprop="comment" itemscope itemtype="https://schema.org/Comment">
1041
1042		<div class="commentnumber">38</div>
1043		<header class="comment-header">
1044			<p class="comment-author" itemprop="author" itemscope itemtype="https://schema.org/Person">
1045				<img alt='' src='https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/61eef91f876efeaf47558c38b7c66852?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/61eef91f876efeaf47558c38b7c66852?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.gooddayregularpeople.com" class="comment-author-link" rel="external nofollow" itemprop="url">Alexandra</a></span> <span class="says">says</span>			</p>
1046
1047			<p class="comment-meta"><time class="comment-time" datetime="2012-03-23T14:51:10-06:00" itemprop="datePublished"><a class="comment-time-link" href="https://www.handsfreemama.com/about-me/#comment-2470" itemprop="url">March 23, 2012 at 2:51 pm</a></time></p>		</header>
1048
1049		<div class="comment-content" itemprop="text">
1050			
1051			<p>FEEL SO hopeful and appreciative that I clicked over to your blog from Scary Mommy.</p>
1052<p>You are unique, unlike so much noise lately.</p>
1053<p>Really, what a wonderful place.</p>
1054		</div>
1055
1056		<div class="comment-reply"><a rel="nofollow" class="comment-reply-link" href="https://www.handsfreemama.com/about-me/?replytocom=2470#respond" data-commentid="2470" data-postid="18" data-belowelement="article-comment-2470" data-respondelement="respond" data-replyto="Reply to Alexandra" aria-label="Reply to Alexandra">Reply</a></div>
1057		
1058	</article>
1059	</li><!-- #comment-## -->
1060
1061	<li class="comment even thread-even depth-1" id="comment-2939">
1062	<article id="article-comment-2939" itemprop="comment" itemscope itemtype="https://schema.org/Comment">
1063
1064		<div class="commentnumber">39</div>
1065		<header class="comment-header">
1066			<p class="comment-author" itemprop="author" itemscope itemtype="https://schema.org/Person">
1067				<img alt='' src='https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/5b779fb67a71219e1a7dc9dbe0447be8?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/5b779fb67a71219e1a7dc9dbe0447be8?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.tellmeallyourthoughtsongod.com" class="comment-author-link" rel="external nofollow" itemprop="url">Heidi</a></span> <span class="says">says</span>			</p>
1068
1069			<p class="comment-meta"><time class="comment-time" datetime="2012-04-29T16:32:58-06:00" itemprop="datePublished"><a class="comment-time-link" href="https://www.handsfreemama.com/about-me/#comment-2939" itemprop="url">April 29, 2012 at 4:32 pm</a></time></p>		</header>
1070
1071		<div class="comment-content" itemprop="text">
1072			
1073			<p>Thank you for sharing a peek into your world.  Your journey is inspiring.</p>
1074		</div>
1075
1076		<div class="comment-reply"><a rel="nofollow" class="comment-reply-link" href="https://www.handsfreemama.com/about-me/?replytocom=2939#respond" data-commentid="2939" data-postid="18" data-belowelement="article-comment-2939" data-respondelement="respond" data-replyto="Reply to Heidi" aria-label="Reply to Heidi">Reply</a></div>
1077		
1078	</article>
1079	<ul class="children">
1080
1081	<li class="comment odd alt depth-2" id="comment-2951">
1082	<article id="article-comment-2951" itemprop="comment" itemscope itemtype="https://schema.org/Comment">
1083
1084		<div class="commentnumber">40</div>
1085		<header class="comment-header">
1086			<p class="comment-author" itemprop="author" itemscope itemtype="https://schema.org/Person">
1087				<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">
1087Rachel Macy Stafford</a></span> <span class="says">says</span>			</p>
1088
1089			<p class="comment-meta"><time class="comment-time" datetime="2012-04-30T23:47:07-06:00" itemprop="datePublished"><a class="comment-time-link" href="https://www.handsfreemama.com/about-me/#comment-2951" itemprop="url">April 30, 2012 at 11:47 pm</a></time></p>		</header>
1090
1091		<div class="comment-content" itemprop="text">
1092			
1093			<p>Thank you so much, Heidi! I appreciate you taking the time to let me know you read this and that you are here.</p>
1094		</div>
1095
1096		<div class="comment-reply"><a rel="nofollow" class="comment-reply-link" href="https://www.handsfreemama.com/about-me/?replytocom=2951#respond" data-commentid="2951" data-postid="18" data-belowelement="article-comment-2951" data-respondelement="respond" data-replyto="Reply to Rachel Macy Stafford" aria-label="Reply to Rachel Macy Stafford">Reply</a></div>
1097		
1098	</article>
1099	</li><!-- #comment-## -->
1100</ul><!-- .children -->
1101</li><!-- #comment-## -->
1102
1103	<li class="comment even thread-odd thread-alt depth-1" id="comment-3069">
1104	<article id="article-comment-3069" itemprop="comment" itemscope itemtype="https://schema.org/Comment">
1105
1106		<div class="commentnumber">41</div>
1107		<header class="comment-header">
1108			<p class="comment-author" itemprop="author" itemscope itemtype="https://schema.org/Person">
1109				<img alt='' src='https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/264a4dddd041190ba2b3c4178021a5b5?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/264a4dddd041190ba2b3c4178021a5b5?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">Kat</span> <span class="says">says</span>			</p>
1110
1111			<p class="comment-meta"><time class="comment-time" datetime="2012-05-08T16:01:58-06:00" itemprop="datePublished"><a class="comment-time-link" href="https://www.handsfreemama.com/about-me/#comment-3069" itemprop="url">May 8, 2012 at 4:01 pm</a></time></p>		</header>
1112
1113		<div class="comment-content" itemprop="text">
1114			
1115			<p>Love this blog.  Thank you.</p>
1116		</div>
1117
1118		<div class="comment-reply"><a rel="nofollow" class="comment-reply-link" href="https://www.handsfreemama.com/about-me/?replytocom=3069#respond" data-commentid="3069" data-postid="18" data-belowelement="article-comment-3069" data-respondelement="respond" data-replyto="Reply to Kat" aria-label="Reply to Kat">Reply</a></div>
1119		
1120	</article>
1121	<ul class="children">
1122
1123	<li class="comment odd alt depth-2" id="comment-3098">
1124	<article id="article-comment-3098" itemprop="comment" itemscope itemtype="https://schema.org/Comment">
1125
1126		<div class="commentnumber">42</div>
1127		<header class="comment-header">
1128			<p class="comment-author" itemprop="author" itemscope itemtype="https://schema.org/Person">
1129				<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>
1130
1131			<p class="comment-meta"><time class="comment-time" datetime="2012-05-08T20:42:12-06:00" itemprop="datePublished"><a class="comment-time-link" href="https://www.handsfreemama.com/about-me/#comment-3098" itemprop="url">May 8, 2012 at 8:42 pm</a></time></p>		</header>
1132
1133		<div class="comment-content" itemprop="text">
1134			
1135			<p>Thank you, Kat! I appreciate the feedback!</p>
1136		</div>
1137
1138		<div class="comment-reply"><a rel="nofollow" class="comment-reply-link" href="https://www.handsfreemama.com/about-me/?replytocom=3098#respond" data-commentid="3098" data-postid="18" data-belowelement="article-comment-3098" data-respondelement="respond" data-replyto="Reply to Rachel Macy Stafford" aria-label="Reply to Rachel Macy Stafford">Reply</a></div>
1139		
1140	</article>
1141	</li><!-- #comment-## -->
1142
1143	<li class="comment even depth-2" id="comment-906127">
1144	<article id="article-comment-906127" itemprop="comment" itemscope itemtype="https://schema.org/Comment">
1145
1146		<div class="commentnumber">43</div>
1147		<header class="comment-header">
1148			<p class="comment-author" itemprop="author" itemscope itemtype="https://schema.org/Person">
1149				<img alt='' src='https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/2ea316e523bb4ab6a7c754adfc04bf91?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/2ea316e523bb4ab6a7c754adfc04bf91?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">Ana</span> <span class="says">says</span>			</p>
1150
1151			<p class="comment-meta"><time class="comment-time" datetime="2017-02-13T05:29:25-06:00" itemprop="datePublished"><a class="comment-time-link" href="https://www.handsfreemama.com/about-me/#comment-906127" itemprop="url">February 13, 2017 at 5:29 am</a></time></p>		</header>
1152
1153		<div class="comment-content" itemprop="text">
1154			
1155			<p>Yeah, I love it to. Specially this sentence:&#8221; Let go of their own daily distractions and grasp what really matters&#8221;. This is so important and sometimes so difficult to achieve.<br />
1156One week ago I started a course and the main subject is this: to focus on what really matters at work, in life&#8230;. What a wonderful coincidence!!!Thank you very much.</p>
1157		</div>
1158
1159		<div class="comment-reply"><a rel="nofollow" class="comment-reply-link" href="https://www.handsfreemama.com/about-me/?replytocom=906127#respond" data-commentid="906127" data-postid="18" data-belowelement="article-comment-906127" data-respondelement="respond" data-replyto="Reply to Ana" aria-label="Reply to Ana">Reply</a></div>
1160		
1161	</article>
1162	</li><!-- #comment-## -->
1163</ul><!-- .children -->
1164</li><!-- #comment-## -->
1165
1166	<li class="comment odd alt thread-even depth-1" id="comment-3132">
1167	<article id="article-comment-3132" itemprop="comment" itemscope itemtype="https://schema.org/Comment">
1168
1169		<div class="commentnumber">44</div>
1170		<header class="comment-header">
1171			<p class="comment-author" itemprop="author" itemscope itemtype="https://schema.org/Person">
1172				<img alt='' src='https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/72b610f7c2804b3f96a7be52b0c4c9b3?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/72b610f7c2804b3f96a7be52b0c4c9b3?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">
1172Jayne Barbour</span> <span class="says">says</span>			</p>
1173
1174			<p class="comment-meta"><time class="comment-time" datetime="2012-05-09T02:30:49-06:00" itemprop="datePublished"><a class="comment-time-link" href="https://www.handsfreemama.com/about-me/#comment-3132" itemprop="url">May 9, 2012 at 2:30 am</a></time></p>		</header>
1175
1176		<div class="comment-content" itemprop="text">
1177			
1178			<p>You are my angel tonight as i read this.  Thank you so much.  I really needed to find your blog!</p>
1179		</div>
1180
1181		<div class="comment-reply"><a rel="nofollow" class="comment-reply-link" href="https://www.handsfreemama.com/about-me/?replytocom=3132#respond" data-commentid="3132" data-postid="18" data-belowelement="article-comment-3132" data-respondelement="respond" data-replyto="Reply to Jayne Barbour" aria-label="Reply to Jayne Barbour">Reply</a></div>
1182		
1183	</article>
1184	<ul class="children">
1185
1186	<li class="comment even depth-2" id="comment-3152">
1187	<article id="article-comment-3152" itemprop="comment" itemscope itemtype="https://schema.org/Comment">
1188
1189		<div class="commentnumber">45</div>
1190		<header class="comment-header">
1191			<p class="comment-author" itemprop="author" itemscope itemtype="https://schema.org/Person">
1192				<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>
1193
1194			<p class="comment-meta"><time class="comment-time" datetime="2012-05-09T03:05:05-06:00" itemprop="datePublished"><a class="comment-time-link" href="https://www.handsfreemama.com/about-me/#comment-3152" itemprop="url">May 9, 2012 at 3:05 am</a></time></p>		</header>
1195
1196		<div class="comment-content" itemprop="text">
1197			
1198			<p>Jayne, you just don&#8217;t even know how much your words mean to me. What a true gift you have given me by letting me know. THANK YOU!</p>
1199		</div>
1200
1201		<div class="comment-reply"><a rel="nofollow" class="comment-reply-link" href="https://www.handsfreemama.com/about-me/?replytocom=3152#respond" data-commentid="3152" data-postid="18" data-belowelement="article-comment-3152" data-respondelement="respond" data-replyto="Reply to Rachel Macy Stafford" aria-label="Reply to Rachel Macy Stafford">Reply</a></div>
1202		
1203	</article>
1204	</li><!-- #comment-## -->
1205</ul><!-- .children -->
1206</li><!-- #comment-## -->
1207
1208	<li class="comment odd alt thread-odd thread-alt depth-1" id="comment-3241">
1209	<article id="article-comment-3241" itemprop="comment" itemscope itemtype="https://schema.org/Comment">
1210
1211		<div class="commentnumber">46</div>
1212		<header class="comment-header">
1213			<p class="comment-author" itemprop="author" itemscope itemtype="https://schema.org/Person">
1214				<img alt='' src='https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/88f1fcf67da382f8719b78ae2f50a32d?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/88f1fcf67da382f8719b78ae2f50a32d?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">Christina</span> <span class="says">says</span>			</p>
1215
1216			<p class="comment-meta"><time class="comment-time" datetime="2012-05-09T16:55:39-06:00" itemprop="datePublished"><a class="comment-time-link" href="https://www.handsfreemama.com/about-me/#comment-3241" itemprop="url">May 9, 2012 at 4:55 pm</a></time></p>		</header>
1217
1218		<div class="comment-content" itemprop="text">
1219			
1220			<p>Great blog Rachel!  Thanks for the reminder to &#8220;stop and smell the roses&#8221;
1220 with our children and loved ones as often as we can!  As they truly are what matters most in life.  🙂</p>
1221		</div>
1222
1223		<div class="comment-reply"><a rel="nofollow" class="comment-reply-link" href="https://www.handsfreemama.com/about-me/?replytocom=3241#respond" data-commentid="3241" data-postid="18" data-belowelement="article-comment-3241" data-respondelement="respond" data-replyto="Reply to Christina" aria-label="Reply to Christina">Reply</a></div>
1224		
1225	</article>
1226	</li><!-- #comment-## -->
1227
1228	<li class="comment even thread-even depth-1" id="comment-3336">
1229	<article id="article-comment-3336" itemprop="comment" itemscope itemtype="https://schema.org/Comment">
1230
1231		<div class="commentnumber">47</div>
1232		<header class="comment-header">
1233			<p class="comment-author" itemprop="author" itemscope itemtype="https://schema.org/Person">
1234				<img alt='' src='https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/bfb1ef556eafb9e8d9aadfba48215e0d?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/bfb1ef556eafb9e8d9aadfba48215e0d?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">arlene in illinois</span> <span class="says">says</span>			</p>
1235
1236			<p class="comment-meta"><time class="comment-time" datetime="2012-05-10T11:57:35-06:00" itemprop="datePublished"><a class="comment-time-link" href="https://www.handsfreemama.com/about-me/#comment-3336" itemprop="url">May 10, 2012 at 11:57 am</a></time></p>		</header>
1237
1238		<div class="comment-content" itemprop="text">
1239			
1240			<p>🙂  Goodmorning Rachel&#8230;<br />
1241I was awakend an hour ago by a squeak in the floorboards above me. First thought, shock, I am asleep? Again? Stretched out &amp; legs up on the new recliner ? Lately, yes I find myself here, but oh such a comfortable snuggly warm chair&#8230; and I am so warm and cozy, and tooo tired to move. ah, just snug in deeper a few minutes to keep warm, wish  I had a blanket&#8230;too tired to move. Just sleep. I  jump. &#8220;Ping&#8221; Somewhere on the couch I had left my phone in my purse.</p>
1242		</div>
1243
1244		<div class="comment-reply"><a rel="nofollow" class="comment-reply-link" href="https://www.handsfreemama.com/about-me/?replytocom=3336#respond" data-commentid="3336" data-postid="18" data-belowelement="article-comment-3336" data-respondelement="respond" data-replyto="Reply to arlene in illinois" aria-label="Reply to arlene in illinois">Reply</a></div>
1245		
1246	</article>
1247	</li><!-- #comment-## -->
1248
1249	<li class="comment odd alt thread-odd thread-alt depth-1" id="comment-3342">
1250	<article id="article-comment-3342" itemprop="comment" itemscope itemtype="https://schema.org/Comment">
1251
1252		<div class="commentnumber">48</div>
1253		<header class="comment-header">
1254			<p class="comment-author" itemprop="author" itemscope itemtype="https://schema.org/Person">
1255				<img alt='' src='https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/bfb1ef556eafb9e8d9aadfba48215e0d?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/bfb1ef556eafb9e8d9aadfba48215e0d?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">arlene in illinois</span> <span class="says">says</span>			</p>
1256
1257			<p class="comment-meta"><time class="comment-time" datetime="2012-05-10T12:41:40-06:00" itemprop="datePublished"><a class="comment-time-link" href="https://www.handsfreemama.com/about-me/#comment-3342" itemprop="url">May 10, 2012 at 12:41 pm</a></time></p>		</header>
1258
1259		<div class="comment-content" itemprop="text">
1260			
1261			<p>&#8230; the sun is rising. Too late to sleep. Peek at fb before youngest is up for school? A post from son&#8217;s past Sunday school teacher&#8230; leads me here &#8211; and as I read thru your first pages.WOW.  My mind says YES. I grab my NEW notebook &#8211; the one to keep things &#8211; memories &#8211; names- places to go &#8211; A purple Mom&#8217;
1261s Journal. And I begin a new page. Blogs to watch ( in my free time) we are so much alike&#8230;TEARS &#8230; as read thru your first year&#8230; I need to go&#8230; I will be back later &#8230; promised french toast, but now only time for cold cereal&#8230;</p>
1262		</div>
1263
1264		<div class="comment-reply"><a rel="nofollow" class="comment-reply-link" href="https://www.handsfreemama.com/about-me/?replytocom=3342#respond" data-commentid="3342" data-postid="18" data-belowelement="article-comment-3342" data-respondelement="respond" data-replyto="Reply to arlene in illinois" aria-label="Reply to arlene in illinois">Reply</a></div>
1265		
1266	</article>
1267	</li><!-- #comment-## -->
1268
1269	<li class="comment even thread-even depth-1" id="comment-3352">
1270	<article id="article-comment-3352" itemprop="comment" itemscope itemtype="https://schema.org/Comment">
1271
1272		<div class="commentnumber">49</div>
1273		<header class="comment-header">
1274			<p class="comment-author" itemprop="author" itemscope itemtype="https://schema.org/Person">
1275				<img alt='' src='https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/751d9d685588a8bac263ad534ef68772?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/751d9d685588a8bac263ad534ef68772?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">Shelly R</span> <span class="says">says</span>			</p>
1276
1277			<p class="comment-meta"><time class="comment-time" datetime="2012-05-10T13:41:19-06:00" itemprop="datePublished"><a class="comment-time-link" href="https://www.handsfreemama.com/about-me/#comment-3352" itemprop="url">May 10, 2012 at 1:41 pm</a></time></p>		</header>
1278
1279		<div class="comment-content" itemprop="text">
1280			
1281			<p>I am SO very thankful I found your website. I have told you this before in another comment, but it has changed my life. I look at things with a whole new perspective now. </p>
1282<p>I have been going through a rough time this week so I came to your site today specifically to read articles that I have not yet read and be reminded what truly matters. I think I will plan to stop by every day and read a previous article until I have read them all. They always uplift me and tell me exactly what I need to hear.</p>
1283<p>Thank you again for changing my life, and especially for changing my daughter&#8217;s life through the changes you have inspired in me.</p>
1284<p>Love,</p>
1285<p>Shelly</p>
1286		</div>
1287
1288		<div class="comment-reply"><a rel="nofollow" class="comment-reply-link" href="https://www.handsfreemama.com/about-me/?replytocom=3352#respond" data-commentid="3352" data-postid="18" data-belowelement="article-comment-3352" data-respondelement="respond" data-replyto="Reply to Shelly R" aria-label="Reply to Shelly R">Reply</a></div>
1289		
1290	</article>
1291	<ul class="children">
1292
1293	<li class="comment odd alt depth-2" id="comment-3354">
1294	<article id="article-comment-3354" itemprop="comment" itemscope itemtype="https://schema.org/Comment">
1295
1296		<div class="commentnumber">50</div>
1297		<header class="comment-header">
1298			<p class="comment-author" itemprop="author" itemscope itemtype="https://schema.org/Person">
1299				<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>
1300
1301			<p class="comment-meta"><time class="comment-time" datetime="2012-05-10T14:05:06-06:00" itemprop="datePublished"><a class="comment-time-link" href="https://www.handsfreemama.com/about-me/#comment-3354" itemprop="url">May 10, 2012 at 2:05 pm</a></time></p>		</header>
1302
1303		<div class="comment-content" itemprop="text">
1304			
1305			<p>Shelley, just know that you have given me the best gift today. These were words I needed to hear. I really appreciate you taking the time to tell me what you come back again and again to read. That means 
1305so much. Thank you, friend.</p>
1306		</div>
1307
1308		<div class="comment-reply"><a rel="nofollow" class="comment-reply-link" href="https://www.handsfreemama.com/about-me/?replytocom=3354#respond" data-commentid="3354" data-postid="18" data-belowelement="article-comment-3354" data-respondelement="respond" data-replyto="Reply to Rachel Macy Stafford" aria-label="Reply to Rachel Macy Stafford">Reply</a></div>
1309		
1310	</article>
1311	</li><!-- #comment-## -->
1312</ul><!-- .children -->
1313</li><!-- #comment-## -->
1314
1315	<li class="comment even thread-odd thread-alt depth-1" id="comment-3428">
1316	<article id="article-comment-3428" itemprop="comment" itemscope itemtype="https://schema.org/Comment">
1317
1318		<div class="commentnumber">51</div>
1319		<header class="comment-header">
1320			<p class="comment-author" itemprop="author" itemscope itemtype="https://schema.org/Person">
1321				<img alt='' src='https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/e54c720a143c707566aa884975cafae0?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/e54c720a143c707566aa884975cafae0?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">Jackie</span> <span class="says">says</span>			</p>
1322
1323			<p class="comment-meta"><time class="comment-time" datetime="2012-05-11T02:25:36-06:00" itemprop="datePublished"><a class="comment-time-link" href="https://www.handsfreemama.com/about-me/#comment-3428" itemprop="url">May 11, 2012 at 2:25 am</a></time></p>		</header>
1324
1325		<div class="comment-content" itemprop="text">
1326			
1327			<p>I&#8217;ve just stumbled upon your site. I am so excited! Can&#8217;t wait to parent alongside you. Inspired.</p>
1328		</div>
1329
1330		<div class="comment-reply"><a rel="nofollow" class="comment-reply-link" href="https://www.handsfreemama.com/about-me/?replytocom=3428#respond" data-commentid="3428" data-postid="18" data-belowelement="article-comment-3428" data-respondelement="respond" data-replyto="Reply to Jackie" aria-label="Reply to Jackie">Reply</a></div>
1331		
1332	</article>
1333	</li><!-- #comment-## -->
1334
1335	<li class="comment odd alt thread-even depth-1" id="comment-3474">
1336	<article id="article-comment-3474" itemprop="comment" itemscope itemtype="https://schema.org/Comment">
1337
1338		<div class="commentnumber">52</div>
1339		<header class="comment-header">
1340			<p class="comment-author" itemprop="author" itemscope itemtype="https://schema.org/Person">
1341				<img alt='' src='https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/58d91e86fbd01bd230e13b93f39d3a0e?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/58d91e86fbd01bd230e13b93f39d3a0e?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.movement.org.uk/users/derek5996" class="comment-author-link" rel="external nofollow" itemprop="url">Estela Jaradat</a></span> <span class="says">says</span>			</p>
1342
1343			<p class="comment-meta"><time class="comment-time" datetime="2012-05-11T16:00:48-06:00" itemprop="datePublished"><a class="comment-time-link" href="https://www.handsfreemama.com/about-me/#comment-3474" itemprop="url">May 11, 2012 at 4:00 pm</a></time></p>		</header>
1344
1345		<div class="comment-content" itemprop="text">
1346			
1347			<p>Superb! Generally I never read whole articles but the way you wrote this information is simply amazing and this kept my interest in reading and I enjoyed it.</p>
1348		</div>
1349
1350		<div class="comment-reply"><a rel="nofollow" class="comment-reply-link" href="https://www.handsfreemama.com/about-me/?replytocom=3474#respond" data-commentid="3474" data-postid="18" data-belowelement="article-comment-3474" data-respondelement="respond" data-replyto="Reply to Estela Jaradat" aria-label="Reply to Estela Jaradat">Reply</a></div>
1351		
1352	</article>
1353	</li><!-- #comment-## -->
1354
1355	<li class="comment even thread-odd thread-alt depth-1" id="comment-3530">
1356	<article id="article-comment-3530" itemprop="comment" itemscope itemtype="https://schema.org/Comment">
1357
1358		<div class="commentnumber">53</div>
1359		<header class="comment-header">
1360			<p class="comment-author" itemprop="author" itemscope itemtype="https://schema.org/Person">
1361				<img alt='' src='https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/d55654f8994a8907a3eaa203b3c1fb6c?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/d55654f8994a8907a3eaa203b3c1fb6c?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">Christina</span> <span class="says">says</span>			</p>
1362
1363			<p class="comment-meta"><time class="comment-time" datetime="2012-05-12T04:13:47-06:00" itemprop="datePublished"><a class="comment-time-link" href="https://www.handsfreemama.com/about-me/#comment-3530" itemprop="url">May 12, 2012 at 4:13 am</a></time></p>		</header>
1364
1365		<div class="comment-content" itemprop="text">
1366			
1367			<p>Stumbled across your blog, thanks to a friend.  I&#8217;m so glad that someone is putting to words what I&#8217;ve been feeling!  I hate that I allow myself to be drawn away from my children by email or social media.  Who else could be more important, not to mention fun, to socialize with than my kids?!  Thank y
1367ou for the challenge to be hands free and cherish the moments, I look forward to reading more of your blog&#8230;.when my children are napping.   🙂</p>
1368		</div>
1369
1370		<div class="comment-reply"><a rel="nofollow" class="comment-reply-link" href="https://www.handsfreemama.com/about-me/?replytocom=3530#respond" data-commentid="3530" data-postid="18" data-belowelement="article-comment-3530" data-respondelement="respond" data-replyto="Reply to Christina" aria-label="Reply to Christina">Reply</a></div>
1371		
1372	</article>
1373	</li><!-- #comment-## -->
1374
1375	<li class="comment odd alt thread-even depth-1" id="comment-3675">
1376	<article id="article-comment-3675" itemprop="comment" itemscope itemtype="https://schema.org/Comment">
1377
1378		<div class="commentnumber">54</div>
1379		<header class="comment-header">
1380			<p class="comment-author" itemprop="author" itemscope itemtype="https://schema.org/Person">
1381				<img alt='' src='https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/cac5066554ced6f940dffad409ad6945?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/cac5066554ced6f940dffad409ad6945?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.kiwimamma.blogspot.co.nz" class="comment-author-link" rel="external nofollow" itemprop="url">meg</a></span> <span class="says">says</span>			</p>
1382
1383			<p class="comment-meta"><time class="comment-time" datetime="2012-05-14T21:59:08-06:00" itemprop="datePublished"><a class="comment-time-link" href="https://www.handsfreemama.com/about-me/#comment-3675" itemprop="url">May 14, 2012 at 9:59 pm</a></time></p>		</header>
1384
1385		<div class="comment-content" itemprop="text">
1386			
1387			<p>this is the reason i only have a basic cell phone &#8211; i don&#8217;t need more distractions.  but the same goes for computer time, or any other things that are stopping us from really connecting with our husbands &amp; kids &amp; are giving us any excuse to &#8216;opt out&#8217; from real-life. this post has really prompted me to put some stronger boundaries in place for time that i spend sitting in front of the computer.</p>
1388		</div>
1389
1390		<div class="comment-reply"><a rel="nofollow" class="comment-reply-link" href="https://www.handsfreemama.com/about-me/?replytocom=3675#respond" data-commentid="3675" data-postid="18" data-belowelement="article-comment-3675" data-respondelement="respond" data-replyto="Reply to meg" aria-label="Reply to meg">Reply</a></div>
1391		
1392	</article>
1393	</li><!-- #comment-## -->
1394
1395	<li class="comment even thread-odd thread-alt depth-1" id="comment-3733">
1396	<article id="article-comment-3733" itemprop="comment" itemscope itemtype="https://schema.org/Comment">
1397
1398		<div class="commentnumber">55</div>
1399		<header class="comment-header">
1400			<p class="comment-author" itemprop="author" itemscope itemtype="https://schema.org/Person">
1401				<img alt='' src='https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/17331523a3bd4b433aa54ed363f9ffdc?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/17331523a3bd4b433aa54ed363f9ffdc?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">Judith</span> <span class="says">says</span>			</p>
1402
1403			<p class="comment-meta"><time class="comment-time" datetime="2012-05-16T05:44:23-06:00" itemprop="datePublished"><a class="comment-time-link" href="https://www.handsfreemama.com/about-me/#comment-3733" itemprop="url">May 16, 2012 at 5:44 am</a></time></p>		</header>
1404
1405		<div class="comment-content" itemprop="text">
1406			
1407			<p>Hi Rachel &#8211; just a short note to say thank-you for your very inspiring stories and website.  I discovered your website last week and today is Day 6 of being a Hands-Free Mama &#8211; I love it!!  Might be too earlier to say this but I can feel the type of parent I am is totally changing for the better.  Thank y
1407ou very much and I look forward to more articles.</p>
1408		</div>
1409
1410		<div class="comment-reply"><a rel="nofollow" class="comment-reply-link" href="https://www.handsfreemama.com/about-me/?replytocom=3733#respond" data-commentid="3733" data-postid="18" data-belowelement="article-comment-3733" data-respondelement="respond" data-replyto="Reply to Judith" aria-label="Reply to Judith">Reply</a></div>
1411		
1412	</article>
1413	<ul class="children">
1414
1415	<li class="comment odd alt depth-2" id="comment-3739">
1416	<article id="article-comment-3739" itemprop="comment" itemscope itemtype="https://schema.org/Comment">
1417
1418		<div class="commentnumber">56</div>
1419		<header class="comment-header">
1420			<p class="comment-author" itemprop="author" itemscope itemtype="https://schema.org/Person">
1421				<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>
1422
1423			<p class="comment-meta"><time class="comment-time" datetime="2012-05-16T11:08:03-06:00" itemprop="datePublished"><a class="comment-time-link" href="https://www.handsfreemama.com/about-me/#comment-3739" itemprop="url">May 16, 2012 at 11:08 am</a></time></p>		</header>
1424
1425		<div class="comment-content" itemprop="text">
1426			
1427			<p>Thank you, Judith. These are truly the most beautiful words for my eyes to read. 6 days&#8211;Hands Free! AWESOME and wonderful! I don&#8217;t think it is too early to say you are changing as a parent! I could feel it from day one. Once your eyes have been opened to the beauty of living &#8220;Hands Free,&#8221; you don&#8217;t see life the same way. I am so glad you are here!</p>
1428		</div>
1429
1430		<div class="comment-reply"><a rel="nofollow" class="comment-reply-link" href="https://www.handsfreemama.com/about-me/?replytocom=3739#respond" data-commentid="3739" data-postid="18" data-belowelement="article-comment-3739" data-respondelement="respond" data-replyto="Reply to Rachel Macy Stafford" aria-label="Reply to Rachel Macy Stafford">Reply</a></div>
1431		
1432	</article>
1433	</li><!-- #comment-## -->
1434</ul><!-- .children -->
1435</li><!-- #comment-## -->
1436
1437	<li class="comment even thread-even depth-1" id="comment-3762">
1438	<article id="article-comment-3762" itemprop="comment" itemscope itemtype="https://schema.org/Comment">
1439
1440		<div class="commentnumber">57</div>
1441		<header class="comment-header">
1442			<p class="comment-author" itemprop="author" itemscope itemtype="https://schema.org/Person">
1443				<img alt='' src='https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/7a7bac782901cabebfa5d676d52b4eab?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/7a7bac782901cabebfa5d676d52b4eab?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.runninghood.us" class="comment-author-link" rel="external nofollow" itemprop="url">Amanda@Runninghood</a></span> <span class="says">says</span>			</p>
1444
1445			<p class="comment-meta"><time class="comment-time" datetime="2012-05-16T18:00:41-06:00" itemprop="datePublished"><a class="comment-time-link" href="https://www.handsfreemama.com/about-me/#comment-3762" itemprop="url">May 16, 2012 at 6:00 pm</a></time></p>		</header>
1446
1447		<div class="comment-content" itemprop="text">
1448			
1449			<p>Ah, a kindred spirit!  All that you said resonates with my heart of hearts!  Teaching, learning, giving back, what&#8217;s important&#8230;.</p>
1450		</div>
1451
1452		<div class="comment-reply"><a rel="nofollow" class="comment-reply-link" href="https://www.handsfreemama.com/about-me/?replytocom=3762#respond" data-commentid="3762" data-postid="18" data-belowelement="article-comment-3762" data-respondelement="respond" data-replyto="Reply to Amanda@Runninghood" aria-label="Reply to Amanda@Runninghood">Reply</a></div>
1453		
1454	</article>
1455	</li><!-- #comment-## -->
1456
1457	<li class="comment odd alt thread-odd thread-alt depth-1" id="comment-3864">
1458	<article id="article-comment-3864" itemprop="comment" itemscope itemtype="https://schema.org/Comment">
1459
1460		<div class="commentnumber">58</div>
1461		<header class="comment-header">
1462			<p class="comment-author" itemprop="author" itemscope itemtype="https://schema.org/Person">
1463				<img alt='' src='https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/88343a1ae95eae02f9eb13b7c4299d41?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/88343a1ae95eae02f9eb13b7c4299d41?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://motherhoodrecipes.blogspot.com/" class="comment-author-link" rel="external nofollow" itemprop="url">Motherhood Recipes</a></span> <span class="says">says</span>			</p>
1464
1465			<p class="comment-meta"><time class="comment-time" datetime="2012-05-18T08:40:28-06:00" itemprop="datePublished"><a class="comment-time-link" href="https://www.handsfreemama.com/about-me/#comment-3864" itemprop="url">May 18, 2012 at 8:40 am</a></time></p>		</header>
1466
1467		<div class="comment-content" itemprop="text">
1468			
1469			<p>I found your blog from one of the articles I&#8217;ve read today from time magazine online, what a great and life changing advocacy and inspiration you&#8217;re! Indeed, my blackberry had become one of the most evil distractions I have right now and I feel guilty everytime I&#8217;m hooked to it instead of playing with my son. Thanks for enlightening me up! </p>
1470<p>I&#8217;ll definitely grab your badge and post it on my blog to spread the word! keep it up!</p>
1471		</div>
1472
1473		<div class="comment-reply"><a rel="nofollow" class="comment-reply-link" href="https://www.handsfreemama.com/about-me/?replytocom=3864#respond" data-commentid="3864" data-postid="18" data-belowelement="article-comment-3864" data-respondelement="respond" data-replyto="Reply to Motherhood Recipes" aria-label="Reply to Motherhood Recipes">Reply</a></div>
1474		
1475	</article>
1476	<ul class="children">
1477
1478	<li class="comment even depth-2" id="comment-3868">
1479	<article id="article-comment-3868" itemprop="comment" itemscope itemtype="https://schema.org/Comment">
1480
1481		<div class="commentnumber">59</div>
1482		<header class="comment-header">
1483			<p class="comment-author" itemprop="author" itemscope itemtype="https://schema.org/Person">
1484				<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">
1484Rachel Macy Stafford</a></span> <span class="says">says</span>			</p>
1485
1486			<p class="comment-meta"><time class="comment-time" datetime="2012-05-18T11:19:52-06:00" itemprop="datePublished"><a class="comment-time-link" href="https://www.handsfreemama.com/about-me/#comment-3868" itemprop="url">May 18, 2012 at 11:19 am</a></time></p>		</header>
1487
1488		<div class="comment-content" itemprop="text">
1489			
1490			<p>Thank you for the loving encouragement and support! I am so glad you are here!</p>
1491		</div>
1492
1493		<div class="comment-reply"><a rel="nofollow" class="comment-reply-link" href="https://www.handsfreemama.com/about-me/?replytocom=3868#respond" data-commentid="3868" data-postid="18" data-belowelement="article-comment-3868" data-respondelement="respond" data-replyto="Reply to Rachel Macy Stafford" aria-label="Reply to Rachel Macy Stafford">Reply</a></div>
1494		
1495	</article>
1496	</li><!-- #comment-## -->
1497</ul><!-- .children -->
1498</li><!-- #comment-## -->
1499
1500	<li class="comment odd alt thread-even depth-1" id="comment-4054">
1501	<article id="article-comment-4054" itemprop="comment" itemscope itemtype="https://schema.org/Comment">
1502
1503		<div class="commentnumber">60</div>
1504		<header class="comment-header">
1505			<p class="comment-author" itemprop="author" itemscope itemtype="https://schema.org/Person">
1506				<img alt='' src='https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/340b1f7fe70b3d5575cb0485d0759da0?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/340b1f7fe70b3d5575cb0485d0759da0?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.onemommysmemos.com" class="comment-author-link" rel="external nofollow" itemprop="url">Brynn Steimle</a></span> <span class="says">says</span>			</p>
1507
1508			<p class="comment-meta"><time class="comment-time" datetime="2012-05-25T05:56:17-06:00" itemprop="datePublished"><a class="comment-time-link" href="https://www.handsfreemama.com/about-me/#comment-4054" itemprop="url">May 25, 2012 at 5:56 am</a></time></p>		</header>
1509
1510		<div class="comment-content" itemprop="text">
1511			
1512			<p>Thank you for this blog. You are amazing. You inspire me! </p>
1513<p>I just found you today, but you are already a huge blessing to me and to my children.</p>
1514		</div>
1515
1516		<div class="comment-reply"><a rel="nofollow" class="comment-reply-link" href="https://www.handsfreemama.com/about-me/?replytocom=4054#respond" data-commentid="4054" data-postid="18" data-belowelement="article-comment-4054" data-respondelement="respond" data-replyto="Reply to Brynn Steimle" aria-label="Reply to Brynn Steimle">Reply</a></div>
1517		
1518	</article>
1519	</li><!-- #comment-## -->
1520
1521	<li class="comment even thread-odd thread-alt depth-1" id="comment-4068">
1522	<article id="article-comment-4068" itemprop="comment" itemscope itemtype="https://schema.org/Comment">
1523
1524		<div class="commentnumber">61</div>
1525		<header class="comment-header">
1526			<p class="comment-author" itemprop="author" itemscope itemtype="https://schema.org/Person">
1527				<img alt='' src='https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/cba655f561c82b4450b6b146013a5792?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/cba655f561c82b4450b6b146013a5792?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.breathofsunshine.wordpress.com" class="comment-author-link" rel="external nofollow" itemprop="url">Kristy @ Breath of Sunshine</a></span> <span class="says">says</span>			</p>
1528
1529			<p class="comment-meta"><time class="comment-time" datetime="2012-05-25T17:10:55-06:00" itemprop="datePublished"><a class="comment-time-link" href="https://www.handsfreemama.com/about-me/#comment-4068" itemprop="url">May 25, 2012 at 5:10 pm</a></time></p>		</header>
1530
1531		<div class="comment-content" itemprop="text">
1532			
1533			<p>I just found your blog today, and I already can not wait to keep exploring further. </p>
1534<p>This year is my year of learning to &#8220;Let Go&#8221; &#8211; It started with the birth of my 2nd son. I had to learn to let go of my birth plan so my child could guide me through his delivery. I had to learn to let go to survive the first few months. In those moments, I knew that the lesson of letting go would define 2012 for me. I know I had him so he could teach me this lesson.</p>
1535<p>Your blog, in the few short minutes I have spent reading it, has already made think about how much further I need to go with this life lesson.  THANK YOU!</p>
1536		</div>
1537
1538		<div class="comment-reply"><a rel="nofollow" class="comment-reply-link" href="https://www.handsfreemama.com/about-me/?replytocom=4068#respond" data-commentid="4068" data-postid="18" data-belowelement="article-comment-4068" data-respondelement="respond" data-replyto="Reply to Kristy @ Breath of Sunshine" aria-label="Reply to Kristy @ Breath of Sunshine">Reply</a></div>
1539		
1540	</article>
1541	</li><!-- #comment-## -->
1542
1543	<li class="comment odd alt thread-even depth-1" id="comment-5003">
1544	<article id="article-comment-5003" itemprop="comment" itemscope itemtype="https://schema.org/Comment">
1545
1546		<div class="commentnumber">62</div>
1547		<header class="comment-header">
1548			<p class="comment-author" itemprop="author" itemscope itemtype="https://schema.org/Person">
1549				<img alt='' src='https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/86cf1206f85a58286d96fc1bf9cb8c4b?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/86cf1206f85a58286d96fc1bf9cb8c4b?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.catdmoore.com" class="comment-author-link" rel="external nofollow" itemprop="url">Catherine Moore</a></span> <span class="says">says</span>			</p>
1550
1551			<p class="comment-meta"><time class="comment-time" datetime="2012-06-21T01:19:45-06:00" itemprop="datePublished"><a class="comment-time-link" href="https://www.handsfreemama.com/about-me/#comment-5003" itemprop="url">June 21, 2012 at 1:19 am</a></time></p>		</header>
1552
1553		<div class="comment-content" itemprop="text">
1554			
1555			<p>Hi! I  met you at Joanne Dorr&#8217;s house one day for our small group.  I love your blog and read it in my reader often, but haven&#8217;t been to it in a while until tonight.  Anyway, I noticed that it looked the same as it did when I first came and didn&#8217;t know if you&#8217;d be interested in a professional blog make-over since you&#8217;re so &#8220;big time&#8221; now.  🙂  I do blog designs for blogger and my husband is currently unemployed.  Not saying your blog looks bad (I love your header picture, by the way!!!), but just reaching out to help someone that has such a great message to spread&#8230;.IF you want the help.  I could give you a discount since you&#8217;re doing such a great ministry!  Just let me know if you&#8217;re interested and I can show you some of my work.  I&#8217;m also a photographer. (website: catdmoore.com)  Blessings, cat ([email protected])</p>
1556		</div>
1557
1558		<div class="comment-reply"><a rel="nofollow" class="comment-reply-link" href="https://www.handsfreemama.com/about-me/?replytocom=5003#respond" data-commentid="5003" data-postid="18" data-belowelement="article-comment-5003" data-respondelement="respond" data-replyto="Reply to Catherine Moore" aria-label="Reply to Catherine Moore">Reply</a></div>
1559		
1560	</article>
1561	<ul class="children">
1562
1563	<li class="comment even depth-2" id="comment-5046">
1564	<article id="article-comment-5046" itemprop="comment" itemscope itemtype="https://schema.org/Comment">
1565
1566		<div class="commentnumber">63</div>
1567		<header class="comment-header">
1568			<p class="comment-author" itemprop="author" itemscope itemtype="https://schema.org/Person">
1569				<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">
1569Rachel Macy Stafford</a></span> <span class="says">says</span>			</p>
1570
1571			<p class="comment-meta"><time class="comment-time" datetime="2012-06-22T00:46:49-06:00" itemprop="datePublished"><a class="comment-time-link" href="https://www.handsfreemama.com/about-me/#comment-5046" itemprop="url">June 22, 2012 at 12:46 am</a></time></p>		</header>
1572
1573		<div class="comment-content" itemprop="text">
1574			
1575			<p>Thank you so much, Catherine. I would be very interested in learning more about your services in the near future! Thank you for your generous offer. My book proposal was recently accepted by a literary agent in NYC &#8230; I am praying a book deal is in my near future. I am certain when the time comes, I would welcome your help and expertise in updating my site. Thank you so much for reaching out.</p>
1576		</div>
1577
1578		<div class="comment-reply"><a rel="nofollow" class="comment-reply-link" href="https://www.handsfreemama.com/about-me/?replytocom=5046#respond" data-commentid="5046" data-postid="18" data-belowelement="article-comment-5046" data-respondelement="respond" data-replyto="Reply to Rachel Macy Stafford" aria-label="Reply to Rachel Macy Stafford">Reply</a></div>
1579		
1580	</article>
1581	</li><!-- #comment-## -->
1582</ul><!-- .children -->
1583</li><!-- #comment-## -->
1584
1585	<li class="comment odd alt thread-odd thread-alt depth-1" id="comment-5608">
1586	<article id="article-comment-5608" itemprop="comment" itemscope itemtype="https://schema.org/Comment">
1587
1588		<div class="commentnumber">64</div>
1589		<header class="comment-header">
1590			<p class="comment-author" itemprop="author" itemscope itemtype="https://schema.org/Person">
1591				<img alt='' src='https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/3ac035aea5b54559c165c9997adbb8d5?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/3ac035aea5b54559c165c9997adbb8d5?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://joycannis.wordpress.com" class="comment-author-link" rel="external nofollow" itemprop="url">Joy</a></span> <span class="says">says</span>			</p>
1592
1593			<p class="comment-meta"><time class="comment-time" datetime="2012-07-10T22:33:08-06:00" itemprop="datePublished"><a class="comment-time-link" href="https://www.handsfreemama.com/about-me/#comment-5608" itemprop="url">July 10, 2012 at 10:33 pm</a></time></p>		</header>
1594
1595		<div class="comment-content" itemprop="text">
1596			
1597			<p>I am so glad I found you Rachel.<br />
1598I don&#8217;t know what led you to my blog, but I am incredibly grateful.<br />
1599As I read what&#8217;s on these pages, it&#8217;s the same feeling I used to have when I walked through the door of my childhood home after a long road trip. The smell, sounds, familiarity, all made it feel like I had never really left. Your blog feels like home to me. Thank you.</p>
1600		</div>
1601
1602		<div class="comment-reply"><a rel="nofollow" class="comment-reply-link" href="https://www.handsfreemama.com/about-me/?replytocom=5608#respond" data-commentid="5608" data-postid="18" data-belowelement="article-comment-5608" data-respondelement="respond" data-replyto="Reply to Joy" aria-label="Reply to Joy">Reply</a></div>
1603		
1604	</article>
1605	<ul class="children">
1606
1607	<li class="comment even depth-2" id="comment-5760">
1608	<article id="article-comment-5760" itemprop="comment" itemscope itemtype="https://schema.org/Comment">
1609
1610		<div class="commentnumber">65</div>
1611		<header class="comment-header">
1612			<p class="comment-author" itemprop="author" itemscope itemtype="https://schema.org/Person">
1613				<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">
1613Rachel Macy Stafford</a></span> <span class="says">says</span>			</p>
1614
1615			<p class="comment-meta"><time class="comment-time" datetime="2012-07-14T17:49:54-06:00" itemprop="datePublished"><a class="comment-time-link" href="https://www.handsfreemama.com/about-me/#comment-5760" itemprop="url">July 14, 2012 at 5:49 pm</a></time></p>		</header>
1616
1617		<div class="comment-content" itemprop="text">
1618			
1619			<p>Oh wow. That is so lovely, Joy! I am SO touched. You are an incredible writer and have blessed so many with your writings about Elliot. Thank you for the honor of this comment on my blog.</p>
1620		</div>
1621
1622		<div class="comment-reply"><a rel="nofollow" class="comment-reply-link" href="https://www.handsfreemama.com/about-me/?replytocom=5760#respond" data-commentid="5760" data-postid="18" data-belowelement="article-comment-5760" data-respondelement="respond" data-replyto="Reply to Rachel Macy Stafford" aria-label="Reply to Rachel Macy Stafford">Reply</a></div>
1623		
1624	</article>
1625	</li><!-- #comment-## -->
1626</ul><!-- .children -->
1627</li><!-- #comment-## -->
1628
1629	<li class="comment odd alt thread-even depth-1" id="comment-6394">
1630	<article id="article-comment-6394" itemprop="comment" itemscope itemtype="https://schema.org/Comment">
1631
1632		<div class="commentnumber">66</div>
1633		<header class="comment-header">
1634			<p class="comment-author" itemprop="author" itemscope itemtype="https://schema.org/Person">
1635				<img alt='' src='https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/3dd4466dab0d52055c5f03c14efff909?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/3dd4466dab0d52055c5f03c14efff909?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.jensyummyfun.com" class="comment-author-link" rel="external nofollow" itemprop="url">Jennifer Hurst</a></span> <span class="says">says</span>			</p>
1636
1637			<p class="comment-meta"><time class="comment-time" datetime="2012-08-01T04:25:54-06:00" itemprop="datePublished"><a class="comment-time-link" href="https://www.handsfreemama.com/about-me/#comment-6394" itemprop="url">August 1, 2012 at 4:25 am</a></time></p>		</header>
1638
1639		<div class="comment-content" itemprop="text">
1640			
1641			<p>I just wanted you to know that I love what you are doing. I am a mother of 6 beautiful, delicious children and my time is obviously  spread thin&#8230; your website inspires me daily to cling to everything that really matters to me. Everything &amp; anything else can wait. Thank you for sharing your passion and gifts with the world. You&#8217;ve made it a better place.</p>
1642		</div>
1643
1644		<div class="comment-reply"><a rel="nofollow" class="comment-reply-link" href="https://www.handsfreemama.com/about-me/?replytocom=6394#respond" data-commentid="6394" data-postid="18" data-belowelement="article-comment-6394" data-respondelement="respond" data-replyto="Reply to Jennifer Hurst" aria-label="Reply to Jennifer Hurst">Reply</a></div>
1645		
1646	</article>
1647	<ul class="children">
1648
1649	<li class="comment even depth-2" id="comment-6416">
1650	<article id="article-comment-6416" itemprop="comment" itemscope itemtype="https://schema.org/Comment">
1651
1652		<div class="commentnumber">67</div>
1653		<header class="comment-header">
1654			<p class="comment-author" itemprop="author" itemscope itemtype="https://schema.org/Person">
1655				<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">
1655Rachel Macy Stafford</a></span> <span class="says">says</span>			</p>
1656
1657			<p class="comment-meta"><time class="comment-time" datetime="2012-08-01T16:20:16-06:00" itemprop="datePublished"><a class="comment-time-link" href="https://www.handsfreemama.com/about-me/#comment-6416" itemprop="url">August 1, 2012 at 4:20 pm</a></time></p>		</header>
1658
1659		<div class="comment-content" itemprop="text">
1660			
1661			<p>I am so moved, Jennifer. Your loving words have fueled me to keep sharing my story like nothing else could. Thank you for being a part of this journey with me.</p>
1662		</div>
1663
1664		<div class="comment-reply"><a rel="nofollow" class="comment-reply-link" href="https://www.handsfreemama.com/about-me/?replytocom=6416#respond" data-commentid="6416" data-postid="18" data-belowelement="article-comment-6416" data-respondelement="respond" data-replyto="Reply to Rachel Macy Stafford" aria-label="Reply to Rachel Macy Stafford">Reply</a></div>
1665		
1666	</article>
1667	</li><!-- #comment-## -->
1668</ul><!-- .children -->
1669</li><!-- #comment-## -->
1670
1671	<li class="comment odd alt thread-odd thread-alt depth-1" id="comment-7056">
1672	<article id="article-comment-7056" itemprop="comment" itemscope itemtype="https://schema.org/Comment">
1673
1674		<div class="commentnumber">68</div>
1675		<header class="comment-header">
1676			<p class="comment-author" itemprop="author" itemscope itemtype="https://schema.org/Person">
1677				<img alt='' src='https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/e8ebf9482e13249c223e0aa8bdd26164?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/e8ebf9482e13249c223e0aa8bdd26164?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">justanotherwakeupcall</span> <span class="says">says</span>			</p>
1678
1679			<p class="comment-meta"><time class="comment-time" datetime="2012-08-27T19:13:12-06:00" itemprop="datePublished"><a class="comment-time-link" href="https://www.handsfreemama.com/about-me/#comment-7056" itemprop="url">August 27, 2012 at 7:13 pm</a></time></p>		</header>
1680
1681		<div class="comment-content" itemprop="text">
1682			
1683			<p>Hi! I&#8217;ve nominated you for an award! Check out the link <a href="http://justanotherwakeupcall.wordpress.com/2012/08/27/rainbows-on-my-windscreen/" rel="nofollow ugc">http://justanotherwakeupcall.wordpress.com/2012/08/27/rainbows-on-my-windscreen/</a></p>
1684		</div>
1685
1686		<div class="comment-reply"><a rel="nofollow" class="comment-reply-link" href="https://www.handsfreemama.com/about-me/?replytocom=7056#respond" data-commentid="7056" data-postid="18" data-belowelement="article-comment-7056" data-respondelement="respond" data-replyto="Reply to justanotherwakeupcall" aria-label="Reply to justanotherwakeupcall">Reply</a></div>
1687		
1688	</article>
1689	</li><!-- #comment-## -->
1690
1691	<li class="comment even thread-even depth-1" id="comment-7453">
1692	<article id="article-comment-7453" itemprop="comment" itemscope itemtype="https://schema.org/Comment">
1693
1694		<div class="commentnumber">69</div>
1695		<header class="comment-header">
1696			<p class="comment-author" itemprop="author" itemscope itemtype="https://schema.org/Person">
1697				<img alt='' src='https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/a971bca66bb82f7158c5c727f589bcfb?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/a971bca66bb82f7158c5c727f589bcfb?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">kirsty barber</span> <span class="says">says</span>			</p>
1698
1699			<p class="comment-meta"><time class="comment-time" datetime="2012-09-20T12:17:46-06:00" itemprop="datePublished"><a class="comment-time-link" href="https://www.handsfreemama.com/about-me/#comment-7453" itemprop="url">September 20, 2012 at 12:17 pm</a></time></p>		</header>
1700
1701		<div class="comment-content" itemprop="text">
1702			
1703			<p>Hi rachel, i have just been recommended to read your blog and have found it very interesting. I have tried to send you a email, but it won&#8217;t allow me for some reason. I have 2 children myself and as a mother i have lots of issues i would love to speak about and write about to do with parenting and the problems we face, i was wondering if you had any advice or help you can give me to starting my own blog. Any information would be great, thankyou. My email address is <a href="mailto:[email protected]">[email protected]</a></p>
1704		</div>
1705
1706		<div class="comment-reply"><a rel="nofollow" class="comment-reply-link" href="https://www.handsfreemama.com/about-me/?replytocom=7453#respond" data-commentid="7453" data-postid="18" data-belowelement="article-comment-7453" data-respondelement="respond" data-replyto="Reply to kirsty barber" aria-label="Reply to kirsty barber">Reply</a></div>
1707		
1708	</article>
1709	<ul class="children">
1710
1711	<li class="comment odd alt depth-2" id="comment-7455">
1712	<article id="article-comment-7455" itemprop="comment" itemscope itemtype="https://schema.org/Comment">
1713
1714		<div class="commentnumber">70</div>
1715		<header class="comment-header">
1716			<p class="comment-author" itemprop="author" itemscope itemtype="https://schema.org/Person">
1717				<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">
1717Rachel Macy Stafford</a></span> <span class="says">says</span>			</p>
1718
1719			<p class="comment-meta"><time class="comment-time" datetime="2012-09-20T17:21:00-06:00" itemprop="datePublished"><a class="comment-time-link" href="https://www.handsfreemama.com/about-me/#comment-7455" itemprop="url">September 20, 2012 at 5:21 pm</a></time></p>		</header>
1720
1721		<div class="comment-content" itemprop="text">
1722			
1723			<p>Hi Kristy, </p>
1724<p>That is wonderful that you are thinking of starting a blog. I am definitely not an expert, but here are a few things I have learned: </p>
1725<p>-Center your blog posts around one central theme. Let readers know what you are about through that one theme. This way readers know what they can expect when they come to your blog. It is hard to build a brand if the blogger is jumping around from topic to topic. My central theme is grasping what matters in life. All my posts have to do with that theme. In addition, it is something I am passionate about. I chose to write what is on my heart and be honest in my writings. Readers want a blogger who is real and authentic, someone they can connect with. </p>
1726<p>-Write consistently. The first year, I published 3 times a week. As my writing obligations and speaking engagements increased, I posted once a week. My readers can rely on me and know I will once post each week. I think writing one good, quality post a week that is well thought out is more effective than writing several rushed posts. </p>
1727<p>-Try not to get discouraged. If your goal is to grow a community of readers, know that it takes time. Just keep writing and reaching out to other bloggers to get your name out. Be prepared for criticism. When you put yourself out there, you run the risk of being criticized. If you believe in your message and feel like your blog is serving the purpose that you intended, then it doesn&#8217;t matter what other people think. </p>
1728<p>Best of luck in your new endeavor, </p>
1729<p>Rachel</p>
1730		</div>
1731
1732		<div class="comment-reply"><a rel="nofollow" class="comment-reply-link" href="https://www.handsfreemama.com/about-me/?replytocom=7455#respond" data-commentid="7455" data-postid="18" data-belowelement="article-comment-7455" data-respondelement="respond" data-replyto="Reply to Rachel Macy Stafford" aria-label="Reply to Rachel Macy Stafford">Reply</a></div>
1733		
1734	</article>
1735	<ul class="children">
1736
1737	<li class="comment even depth-3" id="comment-7494">
1738	<article id="article-comment-7494" itemprop="comment" itemscope itemtype="https://schema.org/Comment">
1739
1740		<div class="commentnumber">71</div>
1741		<header class="comment-header">
1742			<p class="comment-author" itemprop="author" itemscope itemtype="https://schema.org/Person">
1743				<img alt='' src='https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/a971bca66bb82f7158c5c727f589bcfb?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/a971bca66bb82f7158c5c727f589bcfb?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">kirsty barber</span> <span class="says">says</span>			</p>
1744
1745			<p class="comment-meta"><time class="comment-time" datetime="2012-09-23T18:58:28-06:00" itemprop="datePublished"><a class="comment-time-link" href="https://www.handsfreemama.com/about-me/#comment-7494" itemprop="url">September 23, 2012 at 6:58 pm</a></time></p>		</header>
1746
1747		<div class="comment-content" itemprop="text">
1748			
1749			<p>Thankyou so much rachel for that advice, all very useful to know!! I am struggling with the process of how to start a blog or website up! And how do i get people to read it etc? Any more advice would be greateful.</p>
1750		</div>
1751
1752		<div class="comment-reply"><a rel="nofollow" class="comment-reply-link" href="https://www.handsfreemama.com/about-me/?replytocom=7494#respond" data-commentid="7494" data-postid="18" data-belowelement="article-comment-7494" data-respondelement="respond" data-replyto="Reply to kirsty barber" aria-label="Reply to kirsty barber">Reply</a></div>
1753		
1754	</article>
1755	</li><!-- #comment-## -->
1756</ul><!-- .children -->
1757</li><!-- #comment-## -->
1758</ul><!-- .children -->
1759</li><!-- #comment-## -->
1760
1761	<li class="comment odd alt thread-odd thread-alt depth-1" id="comment-7842">
1762	<article id="article-comment-7842" itemprop="comment" itemscope itemtype="https://schema.org/Comment">
1763
1764		<div class="commentnumber">72</div>
1765		<header class="comment-header">
1766			<p class="comment-author" itemprop="author" itemscope itemtype="https://schema.org/Person">
1767				<img alt='' src='https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/1027d87151759179efe66d673a9106dd?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/1027d87151759179efe66d673a9106dd?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">Clare</span> <span class="says">says</span>			</p>
1768
1769			<p class="comment-meta"><time class="comment-time" datetime="2012-10-08T13:26:34-06:00" itemprop="datePublished"><a class="comment-time-link" href="https://www.handsfreemama.com/about-me/#comment-7842" itemprop="url">October 8, 2012 at 1:26 pm</a></time></p>		</header>
1770
1771		<div class="comment-content" itemprop="text">
1772			
1773			<p>Thank you Rachel for your inspiration and gift to this world. Slowing down and seeing/feeling what really matters is precious and something I intend to do much more of. I&#8217;ve just disconnected from facebook for that very reason. I love your blogs and can&#8217;t believe I&#8217;ve only just stumbled upon them, but also believe in divine timing! Thank you Earth Angel, you are a blessing to many. Now to go spend some quality time with my precious ones. 🙂</p>
1774		</div>
1775
1776		<div class="comment-reply"><a rel="nofollow" class="comment-reply-link" href="https://www.handsfreemama.com/about-me/?replytocom=7842#respond" data-commentid="7842" data-postid="18" data-belowelement="article-comment-7842" data-respondelement="respond" data-replyto="Reply to Clare" aria-label="Reply to Clare">Reply</a></div>
1777		
1778	</article>
1779	</li><!-- #comment-## -->
1780
1781	<li class="comment even thread-even depth-1" id="comment-8481">
1782	<article id="article-comment-8481" itemprop="comment" itemscope itemtype="https://schema.org/Comment">
1783
1784		<div class="commentnumber">73</div>
1785		<header class="comment-header">
1786			<p class="comment-author" itemprop="author" itemscope itemtype="https://schema.org/Person">
1787				<img alt='' src='https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/a3c8c80c118c6e5674e41b73e84a2755?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/a3c8c80c118c6e5674e41b73e84a2755?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">Sara</span> <span class="says">says</span>			</p>
1788
1789			<p class="comment-meta"><time class="comment-time" datetime="2012-11-01T21:14:54-06:00" itemprop="datePublished"><a class="comment-time-link" href="https://www.handsfreemama.com/about-me/#comment-8481" itemprop="url">November 1, 2012 at 9:14 pm</a></time></p>		</header>
1790
1791		<div class="comment-content" itemprop="text">
1792			
1793			<p>What a moving &#8220;About&#8221;, straight from the heart. This really touched me. Well done, your writing really is beautiful!</p>
1794		</div>
1795
1796		<div class="comment-reply"><a rel="nofollow" class="comment-reply-link" href="https://www.handsfreemama.com/about-me/?replytocom=8481#respond" data-commentid="8481" data-postid="18" data-belowelement="article-comment-8481" data-respondelement="respond" data-replyto="Reply to Sara" aria-label="Reply to Sara">Reply</a></div>
1797		
1798	</article>
1799	</li><!-- #comment-## -->
1800
1801	<li class="comment odd alt thread-odd thread-alt depth-1" id="comment-8785">
1802	<article id="article-comment-8785" itemprop="comment" itemscope itemtype="https://schema.org/Comment">
1803
1804		<div class="commentnumber">74</div>
1805		<header class="comment-header">
1806			<p class="comment-author" itemprop="author" itemscope itemtype="https://schema.org/Person">
1807				<img alt='' src='https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/74541452ed2115c4f1755cfd65459821?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/74541452ed2115c4f1755cfd65459821?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">Diane</span> <span class="says">says</span>			</p>
1808
1809			<p class="comment-meta"><time class="comment-time" datetime="2012-11-09T05:49:27-06:00" itemprop="datePublished"><a class="comment-time-link" href="https://www.handsfreemama.com/about-me/#comment-8785" itemprop="url">November 9, 2012 at 5:49 am</a></time></p>		</header>
1810
1811		<div class="comment-content" itemprop="text">
1812			
1813			<p>Great job writing, loving&#8230;so inspiring. I look forward to reading more!</p>
1814		</div>
1815
1816		<div class="comment-reply"><a rel="nofollow" class="comment-reply-link" href="https://www.handsfreemama.com/about-me/?replytocom=8785#respond" data-commentid="8785" data-postid="18" data-belowelement="article-comment-8785" data-respondelement="respond" data-replyto="Reply to Diane" aria-label="Reply to Diane">Reply</a></div>
1817		
1818	</article>
1819	<ul class="children">
1820
1821	<li class="comment even depth-2" id="comment-8803">
1822	<article id="article-comment-8803" itemprop="comment" itemscope itemtype="https://schema.org/Comment">
1823
1824		<div class="commentnumber">75</div>
1825		<header class="comment-header">
1826			<p class="comment-author" itemprop="author" itemscope itemtype="https://schema.org/Person">
1827				<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">
1827Rachel Macy Stafford</a></span> <span class="says">says</span>			</p>
1828
1829			<p class="comment-meta"><time class="comment-time" datetime="2012-11-09T17:24:16-06:00" itemprop="datePublished"><a class="comment-time-link" href="https://www.handsfreemama.com/about-me/#comment-8803" itemprop="url">November 9, 2012 at 5:24 pm</a></time></p>		</header>
1830
1831		<div class="comment-content" itemprop="text">
1832			
1833			<p>Thank you, Diane. What a lovely word of encouragement you have given me!</p>
1834		</div>
1835
1836		<div class="comment-reply"><a rel="nofollow" class="comment-reply-link" href="https://www.handsfreemama.com/about-me/?replytocom=8803#respond" data-commentid="8803" data-postid="18" data-belowelement="article-comment-8803" data-respondelement="respond" data-replyto="Reply to Rachel Macy Stafford" aria-label="Reply to Rachel Macy Stafford">Reply</a></div>
1837		
1838	</article>
1839	</li><!-- #comment-## -->
1840</ul><!-- .children -->
1841</li><!-- #comment-## -->
1842
1843	<li class="comment odd alt thread-even depth-1" id="comment-8894">
1844	<article id="article-comment-8894" itemprop="comment" itemscope itemtype="https://schema.org/Comment">
1845
1846		<div class="commentnumber">76</div>
1847		<header class="comment-header">
1848			<p class="comment-author" itemprop="author" itemscope itemtype="https://schema.org/Person">
1849				<img alt='' src='https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/cb9882e4d571464d0f51ae078f29252f?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/cb9882e4d571464d0f51ae078f29252f?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://xedgo.com/index.php?do=/blog/11/getting-the-most-of-your-time-and-money-college-tips/" class="comment-author-link" rel="external nofollow" itemprop="url">engineering internship</a></span> <span class="says">says</span>			</p>
1850
1851			<p class="comment-meta"><time class="comment-time" datetime="2012-11-12T13:32:15-06:00" itemprop="datePublished"><a class="comment-time-link" href="https://www.handsfreemama.com/about-me/#comment-8894" itemprop="url">November 12, 2012 at 1:32 pm</a></time></p>		</header>
1852
1853		<div class="comment-content" itemprop="text">
1854			
1855			<p>Pretty! This has been an incredibly wonderful article.<br />
1856Many thanks for supplying these details.</p>
1857		</div>
1858
1859		<div class="comment-reply"><a rel="nofollow" class="comment-reply-link" href="https://www.handsfreemama.com/about-me/?replytocom=8894#respond" data-commentid="8894" data-postid="18" data-belowelement="article-comment-8894" data-respondelement="respond" data-replyto="Reply to engineering internship" aria-label="Reply to engineering internship">Reply</a></div>
1860		
1861	</article>
1862	</li><!-- #comment-## -->
1863
1864	<li class="comment even thread-odd thread-alt depth-1" id="comment-14040">
1865	<article id="article-comment-14040" itemprop="comment" itemscope itemtype="https://schema.org/Comment">
1866
1867		<div class="commentnumber">77</div>
1868		<header class="comment-header">
1869			<p class="comment-author" itemprop="author" itemscope itemtype="https://schema.org/Person">
1870				<img alt='' src='https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/3beca228edde9a6192fd9c3703a12271?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/3beca228edde9a6192fd9c3703a12271?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">FG</span> <span class="says">says</span>			</p>
1871
1872			<p class="comment-meta"><time class="comment-time" datetime="2013-02-16T03:00:36-06:00" itemprop="datePublished"><a class="comment-time-link" href="https://www.handsfreemama.com/about-me/#comment-14040" itemprop="url">February 16, 2013 at 3:00 am</a></time></p>		</header>
1873
1874		<div class="comment-content" itemprop="text">
1875			
1876			<p>Rachel, you are a beautiful soul. I came across your blog on dailygood and I am floored by you. I am not yet a mother, but I hope that when I am one day (if I am blessed with such a gift) that I can garner such beauty, love and joy from motherhood. God bless y
1876ou!</p>
1877		</div>
1878
1879		<div class="comment-reply"><a rel="nofollow" class="comment-reply-link" href="https://www.handsfreemama.com/about-me/?replytocom=14040#respond" data-commentid="14040" data-postid="18" data-belowelement="article-comment-14040" data-respondelement="respond" data-replyto="Reply to FG" aria-label="Reply to FG">Reply</a></div>
1880		
1881	</article>
1882	<ul class="children">
1883
1884	<li class="comment odd alt depth-2" id="comment-14041">
1885	<article id="article-comment-14041" itemprop="comment" itemscope itemtype="https://schema.org/Comment">
1886
1887		<div class="commentnumber">78</div>
1888		<header class="comment-header">
1889			<p class="comment-author" itemprop="author" itemscope itemtype="https://schema.org/Person">
1890				<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>
1891
1892			<p class="comment-meta"><time class="comment-time" datetime="2013-02-16T04:44:47-06:00" itemprop="datePublished"><a class="comment-time-link" href="https://www.handsfreemama.com/about-me/#comment-14041" itemprop="url">February 16, 2013 at 4:44 am</a></time></p>		</header>
1893
1894		<div class="comment-content" itemprop="text">
1895			
1896			<p>Oh my goodness, what a beautiful compliment! Thank you so much. You have truly touched my heart. God bless you, too!</p>
1897		</div>
1898
1899		<div class="comment-reply"><a rel="nofollow" class="comment-reply-link" href="https://www.handsfreemama.com/about-me/?replytocom=14041#respond" data-commentid="14041" data-postid="18" data-belowelement="article-comment-14041" data-respondelement="respond" data-replyto="Reply to Rachel Macy Stafford" aria-label="Reply to Rachel Macy Stafford">Reply</a></div>
1900		
1901	</article>
1902	</li><!-- #comment-## -->
1903</ul><!-- .children -->
1904</li><!-- #comment-## -->
1905
1906	<li class="comment even thread-even depth-1" id="comment-15131">
1907	<article id="article-comment-15131" itemprop="comment" itemscope itemtype="https://schema.org/Comment">
1908
1909		<div class="commentnumber">79</div>
1910		<header class="comment-header">
1911			<p class="comment-author" itemprop="author" itemscope itemtype="https://schema.org/Person">
1912				<img alt='' src='https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/2ccff85e3ea48d49546c5db7df5c0420?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/2ccff85e3ea48d49546c5db7df5c0420?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">Danelle</span> <span class="says">says</span>			</p>
1913
1914			<p class="comment-meta"><time class="comment-time" datetime="2013-03-05T17:32:23-06:00" itemprop="datePublished"><a class="comment-time-link" href="https://www.handsfreemama.com/about-me/#comment-15131" itemprop="url">March 5, 2013 at 5:32 pm</a></time></p>		</header>
1915
1916		<div class="comment-content" itemprop="text">
1917			
1918			<p>I have read your blog before, but stumbled across it yesterday and I am forever changed.  I still can&#8217;t stop thinking about how moved I was.  I know it was a message made for me.  Now to make a daily change, I&#8217;m working on that, I am forever changed.  I will be in touch, but just wanted to say thank you and thank you to your teenage commenter.</p>
1919		</div>
1920
1921		<div class="comment-reply"><a rel="nofollow" class="comment-reply-link" href="https://www.handsfreemama.com/about-me/?replytocom=15131#respond" data-commentid="15131" data-postid="18" data-belowelement="article-comment-15131" data-respondelement="respond" data-replyto="Reply to Danelle" aria-label="Reply to Danelle">Reply</a></div>
1922		
1923	</article>
1924	<ul class="children">
1925
1926	<li class="comment odd alt depth-2" id="comment-15139">
1927	<article id="article-comment-15139" itemprop="comment" itemscope itemtype="https://schema.org/Comment">
1928
1929		<div class="commentnumber">80</div>
1930		<header class="comment-header">
1931			<p class="comment-author" itemprop="author" itemscope itemtype="https://schema.org/Person">
1932				<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">
1932Rachel Macy Stafford</a></span> <span class="says">says</span>			</p>
1933
1934			<p class="comment-meta"><time class="comment-time" datetime="2013-03-05T17:52:53-06:00" itemprop="datePublished"><a class="comment-time-link" href="https://www.handsfreemama.com/about-me/#comment-15139" itemprop="url">March 5, 2013 at 5:52 pm</a></time></p>		</header>
1935
1936		<div class="comment-content" itemprop="text">
1937			
1938			<p>Thank you, Danelle. Messages like this mean everything to me. Thank you for coming back today to tell me you are here, joining me on this life-changing journey. I am grateful for your company. xo</p>
1939		</div>
1940
1941		<div class="comment-reply"><a rel="nofollow" class="comment-reply-link" href="https://www.handsfreemama.com/about-me/?replytocom=15139#respond" data-commentid="15139" data-postid="18" data-belowelement="article-comment-15139" data-respondelement="respond" data-replyto="Reply to Rachel Macy Stafford" aria-label="Reply to Rachel Macy Stafford">Reply</a></div>
1942		
1943	</article>
1944	</li><!-- #comment-## -->
1945</ul><!-- .children -->
1946</li><!-- #comment-## -->
1947
1948	<li class="comment even thread-odd thread-alt depth-1" id="comment-15185">
1949	<article id="article-comment-15185" itemprop="comment" itemscope itemtype="https://schema.org/Comment">
1950
1951		<div class="commentnumber">81</div>
1952		<header class="comment-header">
1953			<p class="comment-author" itemprop="author" itemscope itemtype="https://schema.org/Person">
1954				<img alt='' src='https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/11bc72bee5a19c61f40802e28e1140b4?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/11bc72bee5a19c61f40802e28e1140b4?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 mika</span> <span class="says">says</span>			</p>
1955
1956			<p class="comment-meta"><time class="comment-time" datetime="2013-03-05T23:31:51-06:00" itemprop="datePublished"><a class="comment-time-link" href="https://www.handsfreemama.com/about-me/#comment-15185" itemprop="url">March 5, 2013 at 11:31 pm</a></time></p>		</header>
1957
1958		<div class="comment-content" itemprop="text">
1959			
1960			<p>Rachel&#8230;I am so glad you include God in the things that are important to you&#8230;all that we have from the Omnipotent One is a gift..and all gifts originate from the power contained within understanding that&#8230;<br />
1961Your gift is the gift of understanding..Jeff</p>
1962		</div>
1963
1964		<div class="comment-reply"><a rel="nofollow" class="comment-reply-link" href="https://www.handsfreemama.com/about-me/?replytocom=15185#respond" data-commentid="15185" data-postid="18" data-belowelement="article-comment-15185" data-respondelement="respond" data-replyto="Reply to jeff mika" aria-label="Reply to jeff mika">Reply</a></div>
1965		
1966	</article>
1967	</li><!-- #comment-## -->
1968
1969	<li class="comment odd alt thread-even depth-1" id="comment-16211">
1970	<article id="article-comment-16211" itemprop="comment" itemscope itemtype="https://schema.org/Comment">
1971
1972		<div class="commentnumber">82</div>
1973		<header class="comment-header">
1974			<p class="comment-author" itemprop="author" itemscope itemtype="https://schema.org/Person">
1975				<img alt='' src='https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/e3e1f6245b7a576301c1d6d6fb6a53a9?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/e3e1f6245b7a576301c1d6d6fb6a53a9?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://CardsForAnyMoment.com" class="comment-author-link" rel="external nofollow" itemprop="url">R Terrell Lowe</a></span> <span class="says">says</span>			</p>
1976
1977			<p class="comment-meta"><time class="comment-time" datetime="2013-03-10T16:08:06-06:00" itemprop="datePublished"><a class="comment-time-link" href="https://www.handsfreemama.com/about-me/#comment-16211" itemprop="url">March 10, 2013 at 4:08 pm</a></time></p>		</header>
1978
1979		<div class="comment-content" itemprop="text">
1980			
1981			<p>Ah those days working with Special Needs Children with all of the under-funding . Due to State truancy laws I foun
1981d I was enforcer most often and not the advocate for those most hard to reach. I found your blog so purposeful and a good witness.</p>
1982		</div>
1983
1984		<div class="comment-reply"><a rel="nofollow" class="comment-reply-link" href="https://www.handsfreemama.com/about-me/?replytocom=16211#respond" data-commentid="16211" data-postid="18" data-belowelement="article-comment-16211" data-respondelement="respond" data-replyto="Reply to R Terrell Lowe" aria-label="Reply to R Terrell Lowe">Reply</a></div>
1985		
1986	</article>
1987	</li><!-- #comment-## -->
1988
1989	<li class="comment even thread-odd thread-alt depth-1" id="comment-16361">
1990	<article id="article-comment-16361" itemprop="comment" itemscope itemtype="https://schema.org/Comment">
1991
1992		<div class="commentnumber">83</div>
1993		<header class="comment-header">
1994			<p class="comment-author" itemprop="author" itemscope itemtype="https://schema.org/Person">
1995				<img alt='' src='https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/c2f4c2e8cdb38095e005f98e0d7c1949?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/c2f4c2e8cdb38095e005f98e0d7c1949?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">Annette Safford</span> <span class="says">says</span>			</p>
1996
1997			<p class="comment-meta"><time class="comment-time" datetime="2013-03-11T21:59:55-06:00" itemprop="datePublished"><a class="comment-time-link" href="https://www.handsfreemama.com/about-me/#comment-16361" itemprop="url">March 11, 2013 at 9:59 pm</a></time></p>		</header>
1998
1999		<div class="comment-content" itemprop="text">
2000			
2001			<p>Rachel,<br />
2002Enjoyed the story &#8220;The Teacher Who Ran&#8221;.  Your determination and love made a difference.  Very inspirational story.  I love how love works.</p>
2003		</div>
2004
2005		<div class="comment-reply"><a rel="nofollow" class="comment-reply-link" href="https://www.handsfreemama.com/about-me/?replytocom=16361#respond" data-commentid="16361" data-postid="18" data-belowelement="article-comment-16361" data-respondelement="respond" data-replyto="Reply to Annette Safford" aria-label="Reply to Annette Safford">Reply</a></div>
2006		
2007	</article>
2008	<ul class="children">
2009
2010	<li class="comment odd alt depth-2" id="comment-16380">
2011	<article id="article-comment-16380" itemprop="comment" itemscope itemtype="https://schema.org/Comment">
2012
2013		<div class="commentnumber">84</div>
2014		<header class="comment-header">
2015			<p class="comment-author" itemprop="author" itemscope itemtype="https://schema.org/Person">
2016				<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>
2017
2018			<p class="comment-meta"><time class="comment-time" datetime="2013-03-12T00:32:47-06:00" itemprop="datePublished"><a class="comment-time-link" href="https://www.handsfreemama.com/about-me/#comment-16380" itemprop="url">March 12, 2013 at 12:32 am</a></time></p>		</header>
2019
2020		<div class="comment-content" itemprop="text">
2021			
2022			<p>Thank you, Annette! I have &#8220;met&#8221; the kindest people through my article with Reader&#8217;s Digest. I am honored you took the time to write and tell me the story touched your heart. Thank y
2022ou!</p>
2023		</div>
2024
2025		<div class="comment-reply"><a rel="nofollow" class="comment-reply-link" href="https://www.handsfreemama.com/about-me/?replytocom=16380#respond" data-commentid="16380" data-postid="18" data-belowelement="article-comment-16380" data-respondelement="respond" data-replyto="Reply to Rachel Macy Stafford" aria-label="Reply to Rachel Macy Stafford">Reply</a></div>
2026		
2027	</article>
2028	</li><!-- #comment-## -->
2029</ul><!-- .children -->
2030</li><!-- #comment-## -->
2031
2032	<li class="comment even thread-even depth-1" id="comment-17873">
2033	<article id="article-comment-17873" itemprop="comment" itemscope itemtype="https://schema.org/Comment">
2034
2035		<div class="commentnumber">85</div>
2036		<header class="comment-header">
2037			<p class="comment-author" itemprop="author" itemscope itemtype="https://schema.org/Person">
2038				<img alt='' src='https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/5266c6865f7744ef85fd3c3b3bbe1ad9?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/5266c6865f7744ef85fd3c3b3bbe1ad9?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.mightyearthling.org" class="comment-author-link" rel="external nofollow" itemprop="url">Darci Andresen</a></span> <span class="says">says</span>			</p>
2039
2040			<p class="comment-meta"><time class="comment-time" datetime="2013-04-03T20:56:12-06:00" itemprop="datePublished"><a class="comment-time-link" href="https://www.handsfreemama.com/about-me/#comment-17873" itemprop="url">April 3, 2013 at 8:56 pm</a></time></p>		</header>
2041
2042		<div class="comment-content" itemprop="text">
2043			
2044			<p>Yes. Thank you. I think you will appreciate this video too, expressing exactly your sentiments:<br />
2045<span class="embed-youtube" style="text-align:center; display: block;"><iframe class="youtube-player" width="640" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/5cKcmzEUP9s?version=3&#038;rel=1&#038;showsearch=0&#038;showinfo=1&#038;iv_load_policy=1&#038;fs=1&#038;hl=en-US&#038;autohide=2&#038;wmode=transparent" allowfullscreen="true" style="border:0;" sandbox="allow-scripts allow-same-origin allow-popups allow-presentation allow-popups-to-escape-sandbox"></iframe></span></p>
2046		</div>
2047
2048		<div class="comment-reply"><a rel="nofollow" class="comment-reply-link" href="https://www.handsfreemama.com/about-me/?replytocom=17873#respond" data-commentid="17873" data-postid="18" data-belowelement="article-comment-17873" data-respondelement="respond" data-replyto="Reply to Darci Andresen" aria-label="Reply to Darci Andresen">Reply</a></div>
2049		
2050	</article>
2051	<ul class="children">
2052
2053	<li class="comment odd alt depth-2" id="comment-17874">
2054	<article id="article-comment-17874" itemprop="comment" itemscope itemtype="https://schema.org/Comment">
2055
2056		<div class="commentnumber">86</div>
2057		<header class="comment-header">
2058			<p class="comment-author" itemprop="author" itemscope itemtype="https://schema.org/Person">
2059				<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>
2060
2061			<p class="comment-meta"><time class="comment-time" datetime="2013-04-03T21:01:30-06:00" itemprop="datePublished"><a class="comment-time-link" href="https://www.handsfreemama.com/about-me/#comment-17874" itemprop="url">April 3, 2013 at 9:01 pm</a></time></p>		</header>
2062
2063		<div class="comment-content" itemprop="text">
2064			
2065			<p>Lovely and powerful! Thank you for what you are doing for the earth and for children and families. I wish I lived closer to CA and could attend the camp! Thank you for reaching out and sharing your mission!</p>
2066		</div>
2067
2068		<div class="comment-reply"><a rel="nofollow" class="comment-reply-link" href="https://www.handsfreemama.com/about-me/?replytocom=17874#respond" data-commentid="17874" data-postid="18" data-belowelement="article-comment-17874" data-respondelement="respond" data-replyto="Reply to Rachel Macy Stafford" aria-label="Reply to Rachel Macy Stafford">Reply</a></div>
2069		
2070	</article>
2071	</li><!-- #comment-## -->
2072</ul><!-- .children -->
2073</li><!-- #comment-## -->
2074
2075	<li class="comment even thread-odd thread-alt depth-1" id="comment-2016
20755">
2076	<article id="article-comment-20165" itemprop="comment" itemscope itemtype="https://schema.org/Comment">
2077
2078		<div class="commentnumber">87</div>
2079		<header class="comment-header">
2080			<p class="comment-author" itemprop="author" itemscope itemtype="https://schema.org/Person">
2081				<img alt='' src='https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/2de867d11b2941a06bc91e8203426fc7?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/2de867d11b2941a06bc91e8203426fc7?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">Lisa Slabaugh</span> <span class="says">says</span>			</p>
2082
2083			<p class="comment-meta"><time class="comment-time" datetime="2013-05-16T21:32:51-06:00" itemprop="datePublished"><a class="comment-time-link" href="https://www.handsfreemama.com/about-me/#comment-20165" itemprop="url">May 16, 2013 at 9:32 pm</a></time></p>		</header>
2084
2085		<div class="comment-content" itemprop="text">
2086			
2087			<p>I would love to know the 6 words to say everyday. I need to let go and do what really matters. My son recently passed away and I need help in trying to really look at what matters and let go of all the bs that seems to drag me down&#8230;..Thank you for taking the time to read this.</p>
2088		</div>
2089
2090		<div class="comment-reply"><a rel="nofollow" class="comment-reply-link" href="https://www.handsfreemama.com/about-me/?replytocom=20165#respond" data-commentid="20165" data-postid="18" data-belowelement="article-comment-20165" data-respondelement="respond" data-replyto="Reply to Lisa Slabaugh" aria-label="Reply to Lisa Slabaugh">Reply</a></div>
2091		
2092	</article>
2093	<ul class="children">
2094
2095	<li class="comment odd alt depth-2" id="comment-20169">
2096	<article id="article-comment-20169" itemprop="comment" itemscope itemtype="https://schema.org/Comment">
2097
2098		<div class="commentnumber">88</div>
2099		<header class="comment-header">
2100			<p class="comment-author" itemprop="author" itemscope itemtype="https://schema.org/Person">
2101				<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>
2102
2103			<p class="comment-meta"><time class="comment-time" datetime="2013-05-16T21:48:48-06:00" itemprop="datePublished"><a class="comment-time-link" href="https://www.handsfreemama.com/about-me/#comment-20169" itemprop="url">May 16, 2013 at 9:48 pm</a></time></p>		</header>
2104
2105		<div class="comment-content" itemprop="text">
2106			
2107			<p>Dearest Lisa, I am so sorry. My heart breaks for you. I would love to help you any way that I can. When you say you would love to know the 6 words to say everyday, I think you might be referring to a certain post I wrote. I will link to it below. However, I am not sure that is the best one for your situation. So I would like to give you a few more that might be more beneficial.</p>
2108<p><a href="https://www.handsfreemama.com/2012/11/20/today-let-me-appreciate/" rel="ugc">https://www.handsfreemama.com/2012/11/20/today-let-me-appreciate/</a><br />
2109<a href="https://www.handsfreemama.com/2011/01/20/butterfly-part-2/" rel="ugc">https://www.handsfreemama.com/2011/01/20/butterfly-part-2/</a><br />
2110<a href="https://www.handsfreemama.com/2012/09/11/remembering-sunscreen-and-butterflies/" rel="ugc">https://www.handsfreemama.com/2012/09/11/remembering-sunscreen-and-butterflies/</a></p>
2111<p><a href="https://www.handsfreemama.com/2012/04/16/six-words-you-should-say-today/" rel="ugc">https://www.handsfreemama.com/2012/04/16/six-words-you-should-say-today/</a></p>
2112<p>Let me know how else I can help. You will be in my thoughts and prayers. Wishing you peace, dear one.</p>
2113		</div>
2114
2115		<div class="comment-reply"><a rel="nofollow" class="comment-reply-link" href="https://www.handsfreemama.com/about-me/?replytocom=20169#respond" data-commentid="20169" data-postid="18" data-belowelement="article-comment-20169" data-respondelement="respond" data-replyto="Reply to Rachel Macy Stafford" aria-label="Reply to Rachel Macy Stafford">Reply</a></div>
2116		
2117	</article>
2118	</li><!-- #comment-## -->
2119</ul><!-- .children -->
2120</li><!-- #comment-## -->
2121
2122	<li class="comment even thread-even depth-1" id="comment-20834">
2123	<article id="article-comment-20834" itemprop="comment" itemscope itemtype="https://schema.org/Comment">
2124
2125		<div class="commentnumber">89</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/93a1773ca76602f0e824be33ebcb1451?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/93a1773ca76602f0e824be33ebcb1451?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.olivejuiceproductions.com" class="comment-author-link" rel="external nofollow" itemprop="url">Kerry</a></span> <span class="says">says</span>			</p>
2129
2130			<p class="comment-meta"><time class="comment-time" datetime="2013-05-23T14:29:35-06:00" itemprop="datePublished"><a class="comment-time-link" href="https://www.handsfreemama.com/about-me/#comment-20834" itemprop="url">May 23, 2013 at 2:29 pm</a></time></p>		</header>
2131
2132		<div class="comment-content" itemprop="text">
2133			
2134			<p>
2134I am not a blog follower but I think I found one I need to read! I have twin 20 month old boys, a 9-5 job and i do a little creative business on the side. I am overwhelmed. EVERY. DAY. Your words from your most recent post have changed me.</p>
2135		</div>
2136
2137		<div class="comment-reply"><a rel="nofollow" class="comment-reply-link" href="https://www.handsfreemama.com/about-me/?replytocom=20834#respond" data-commentid="20834" data-postid="18" data-belowelement="article-comment-20834" data-respondelement="respond" data-replyto="Reply to Kerry" aria-label="Reply to Kerry">Reply</a></div>
2138		
2139	</article>
2140	</li><!-- #comment-## -->
2141
2142	<li class="comment odd alt thread-odd thread-alt depth-1" id="comment-21081">
2143	<article id="article-comment-21081" itemprop="comment" itemscope itemtype="https://schema.org/Comment">
2144
2145		<div class="commentnumber">90</div>
2146		<header class="comment-header">
2147			<p class="comment-author" itemprop="author" itemscope itemtype="https://schema.org/Person">
2148				<img alt='' src='https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/18f08af007579b54b2d9d3810fdf185b?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/18f08af007579b54b2d9d3810fdf185b?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.MellyTheTeach.com" class="comment-author-link" rel="external nofollow" itemprop="url">Tracy Melnyk</a></span> <span class="says">says</span>			</p>
2149
2150			<p class="comment-meta"><time class="comment-time" datetime="2013-05-24T04:10:47-06:00" itemprop="datePublished"><a class="comment-time-link" href="https://www.handsfreemama.com/about-me/#comment-21081" itemprop="url">May 24, 2013 at 4:10 am</a></time></p>		</header>
2151
2152		<div class="comment-content" itemprop="text">
2153			
2154			<p>Hi Rachel,<br />
2155I seriously stumbled upon your blog on FB (the latest blog about why yelling matters) and for kicks I read it!  I am a teacher and a busy mom.  I have 2 daughters like you, ages 5 &amp; 8, and I was moved beyond belief.  I don&#8217;t even know you, but I feel this connection because of this blog.  I am now going to be following everything you write, and I particularly was touched about what you wrote about yourself.  You have a lovely spirit &lt;3  Namaste and thank you for writing!</p>
2156		</div>
2157
2158		<div class="comment-reply"><a rel="nofollow" class="comment-reply-link" href="https://www.handsfreemama.com/about-me/?replytocom=21081#respond" data-commentid="21081" data-postid="18" data-belowelement="article-comment-21081" data-respondelement="respond" data-replyto="Reply to Tracy Melnyk" aria-label="Reply to Tracy Melnyk">Reply</a></div>
2159		
2160	</article>
2161	</li><!-- #comment-## -->
2162
2163	<li class="comment even thread-even depth-1" id="comment-21096">
2164	<article id="article-comment-21096" itemprop="comment" itemscope itemtype="https://schema.org/Comment">
2165
2166		<div class="commentnumber">91</div>
2167		<header class="comment-header">
2168			<p class="comment-author" itemprop="author" itemscope itemtype="https://schema.org/Person">
2169				<img alt='' src='https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/d229d90c3a854760f11dbb08bbdbea8c?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/d229d90c3a854760f11dbb08bbdbea8c?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">Rodni Cruz</span> <span class="says">says</span>			</p>
2170
2171			<p class="comment-meta"><time class="comment-time" datetime="2013-05-24T05:13:39-06:00" itemprop="datePublished"><a class="comment-time-link" href="https://www.handsfreemama.com/about-me/#comment-21096" itemprop="url">May 24, 2013 at 5:13 am</a></time></p>		</header>
2172
2173		<div class="comment-content" itemprop="text">
2174			
2175			<p>LOVE LOVE LOVE your blog post!  I&#8217;m a mom of five awesome kids, 3 amazing grandkids, a physician-OB GYN.  Too often glued to my &amp;*%$# phone out of necessity, currently have been awake nearly 36 hours after delivering 5 babies in the past 2 days&#8230;.so um, yeah&#8230;.thanks for making me cry!  lol</p>
2176		</div>
2177
2178		<div class="comment-reply"><a rel="nofollow" class="comment-reply-link" href="https://www.handsfreemama.com/about-me/?replytocom=21096#respond" data-commentid="21096" data-postid="18" data-belowelement="article-comment-21096" data-respondelement="respond" data-replyto="Reply to Rodni Cruz" aria-label="Reply to Rodni Cruz">Reply</a></div>
2179		
2180	</article>
2181	</li><!-- #comment-## -->
2182
2183	<li class="comment odd alt thread-odd thread-alt depth-1" id="comment-21221">
2184	<article id="article-comment-21221" itemprop="comment" itemscope itemtype="https://schema.org/Comment">
2185
2186		<div class="commentnumber">92</div>
2187		<header class="comment-header">
2188			<p class="comment-author" itemprop="author" itemscope itemtype="https://schema.org/Person">
2189				<img alt='' src='https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/4334f3aa7b5348644dcc1d3ba1c38a02?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/4334f3aa7b5348644dcc1d3ba1c38a02?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">Keri</span> <span class="says">says</span>			</p>
2190
2191			<p class="comment-meta"><time class="comment-time" datetime="2013-05-24T15:43:23-06:00" itemprop="datePublished"><a class="comment-time-link" href="https://www.handsfreemama.com/about-me/#comment-21221" itemprop="url">May 24, 2013 at 3:43 pm</a></time></p>		</header>
2192
2193		<div class="comment-content" itemprop="text">
2194			
2195			<p>I just want to let you know that I am addicted to your blog! You have the insight &amp; the mindset that I desire&#8230; I want to be a cool, care-free, fun-loving, hands free mom &#8230; but I am often a fierce, overwhelmed &amp; angry mom of 2 super awesome &amp; incredibly WILD lil future-men (1yr &amp; 4yr).  I want you to know that you inspire me &amp; I think you&#8217;re my angel of sorts!! Thank you.  =)</p>
2196		</div>
2197
2198		<div class="comment-reply"><a rel="nofollow" class="comment-reply-link" href="https://www.handsfreemama.com/about-me/?replytocom=21221#respond" data-commentid="21221" data-postid="18" data-belowelement="article-comment-21221" data-respondelement="respond" data-replyto="Reply to Keri" aria-label="Reply to Keri">Reply</a></div>
2199		
2200	</article>
2201	</li><!-- #comment-## -->
2202
2203	<li class="comment even thread-even depth-1" id="comment-21423">
2204	<article id="article-comment-21423" itemprop="comment" itemscope itemtype="https://schema.org/Comment">
2205
2206		<div class="commentnumber">93</div>
2207		<header class="comment-header">
2208			<p class="comment-author" itemprop="author" itemscope itemtype="https://schema.org/Person">
2209				<img alt='' src='https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/03c39f9ce714a42a29655fff1bec2376?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/03c39f9ce714a42a29655fff1bec2376?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">Bethanne DeMatteis</span> <span class="says">says</span>			</p>
2210
2211			<p class="comment-meta"><time class="comment-time" datetime="2013-05-25T16:45:11-06:00" itemprop="datePublished"><a class="comment-time-link" href="https://www.handsfreemama.com/about-me/#comment-21423" itemprop="url">May 25, 2013 at 4:45 pm</a></time></p>		</header>
2212
2213		<div class="comment-content" itemprop="text">
2214			
2215			<p>AWESOME!!!</p>
2216		</div>
2217
2218		<div class="comment-reply"><a rel="nofollow" class="comment-reply-link" href="https://www.handsfreemama.com/about-me/?replytocom=21423#respond" data-commentid="21423" data-postid="18" data-belowelement="article-comment-21423" data-respondelement="respond" data-replyto="Reply to Bethanne DeMatteis" aria-label="Reply to Bethanne DeMatteis">Reply</a></div>
2219		
2220	</article>
2221	</li><!-- #comment-## -->
2222
2223	<li class="comment odd alt thread-odd thread-alt depth-1" id="comment-22242">
2224	<article id="article-comment-22242" itemprop="comment" itemscope itemtype="https://schema.org/Comment">
2225
2226		<div class="commentnumber">94</div>
2227		<header class="comment-header">
2228			<p class="comment-author" itemprop="author" itemscope itemtype="https://schema.org/Person">
2229				<img alt='' src='https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/8c8d35d5040938dad
2229ab24b715b15d06a?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/8c8d35d5040938dadab24b715b15d06a?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">Sara Noeske</span> <span class="says">says</span>			</p>
2230
2231			<p class="comment-meta"><time class="comment-time" datetime="2013-06-02T22:01:38-06:00" itemprop="datePublished"><a class="comment-time-link" href="https://www.handsfreemama.com/about-me/#comment-22242" itemprop="url">June 2, 2013 at 10:01 pm</a></time></p>		</header>
2232
2233		<div class="comment-content" itemprop="text">
2234			
2235			<p>Just wanted to say Thank you for being my angel.. say your yelling post on MSN earlier this week.. I will tell ya that I slid a little in my yell free zone.. but you are on the back of my mind and I wanted to know more.. so here I am.. I HAVE to be a better mom&#8230; </p>
2236<p>Thank you again&#8230; off to help the 3 year old 😉</p>
2237		</div>
2238
2239		<div class="comment-reply"><a rel="nofollow" class="comment-reply-link" href="https://www.handsfreemama.com/about-me/?replytocom=22242#respond" data-commentid="22242" data-postid="18" data-belowelement="article-comment-22242" data-respondelement="respond" data-replyto="Reply to Sara Noeske" aria-label="Reply to Sara Noeske">Reply</a></div>
2240		
2241	</article>
2242	<ul class="children">
2243
2244	<li class="comment even depth-2" id="comment-22284">
2245	<article id="article-comment-22284" itemprop="comment" itemscope itemtype="https://schema.org/Comment">
2246
2247		<div class="commentnumber">95</div>
2248		<header class="comment-header">
2249			<p class="comment-author" itemprop="author" itemscope itemtype="https://schema.org/Person">
2250				<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>
2251
2252			<p class="comment-meta"><time class="comment-time" datetime="2013-06-03T12:31:09-06:00" itemprop="datePublished"><a class="comment-time-link" href="https://www.handsfreemama.com/about-me/#comment-22284" itemprop="url">June 3, 2013 at 12:31 pm</a></time></p>		</header>
2253
2254		<div class="comment-content" itemprop="text">
2255			
2256			<p>Hi Sara, you touched my heart with this beautiful message. I am grateful to walk beside you on this journey. Together, there is hope.</p>
2257		</div>
2258
2259		<div class="comment-reply"><a rel="nofollow" class="comment-reply-link" href="https://www.handsfreemama.com/about-me/?replytocom=22284#respond" data-commentid="22284" data-postid="18" data-belowelement="article-comment-22284" data-respondelement="respond" data-replyto="Reply to Rachel Macy Stafford" aria-label="Reply to Rachel Macy Stafford">Reply</a></div>
2260		
2261	</article>
2262	</li><!-- #comment-## -->
2263</ul><!-- .children -->
2264</li><!-- #comment-## -->
2265
2266	<li class="comment odd alt thread-even depth-1" id="comment-22489">
2267	<article id="article-comment-22489" itemprop="comment" itemscope itemtype="https://schema.org/Comment">
2268
2269		<div class="commentnumber">96</div>
2270		<header class="comment-header">
2271			<p class="comment-author" itemprop="author" itemscope itemtype="https://schema.org/Person">
2272				<img alt='' src='https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/a971bca66bb82f7158c5c727f589bcfb?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/a971bca66bb82f7158c5c727f589bcfb?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.kirstybarber.co.uk" class="comment-author-link" rel="external nofollow" itemprop="url">kirsty barber</a></span> <span class="says">says</span>			</p>
2273
2274			<p class="comment-meta"><time class="comment-time" datetime="2013-06-05T13:15:42-06:00" itemprop="datePublished"><a class="comment-time-link" href="https://www.handsfreemama.com/about-me/#comment-22489" itemprop="url">June 5, 2013 at 1:15 pm</a></time></p>		</header>
2275
2276		<div class="comment-content" itemprop="text">
2277			
2278			<p>hello there rachel! love your website, is so inspiring!!! i love reading your posts. I have recently set up a website about parenting and the challenges we face. I want to interact with other mums and share my experiences. I was wondering if you was able to give me any advice on how i get my website noticed and getting mums to access it. Any advice would be extremely useful. Thankyou</p>
2279		</div>
2280
2281		<div class="comment-reply"><a rel="nofollow" class="comment-reply-link" href="https://www.handsfreemama.com/about-me/?replytocom=22489#respond" data-commentid="22489" data-postid="18" data-belowelement="article-comment-22489" data-respondelement="respond" data-replyto="Reply to kirsty barber" aria-label="Reply to kirsty barber">Reply</a></div>
2282		
2283	</article>
2284	</li><!-- #comment-## -->
2285
2286	<li class="comment even thread-odd thread-alt depth-1" id="comment-22677">
2287	<article id="article-comment-22677" itemprop="comment" itemscope itemtype="https://schema.org/Comment">
2288
2289		<div class="commentnumber">97</div>
2290		<header class="comment-header">
2291			<p class="comment-author" itemprop="author" itemscope itemtype="https://schema.org/Person">
2292				<img alt='' src='https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/a83200a9aa2eddf1e1f87deec15f5435?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/a83200a9aa2eddf1e1f87deec15f5435?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>
2293
2294			<p class="comment-meta"><time class="comment-time" datetime="2013-06-08T18:01:48-06:00" itemprop="datePublished"><a class="comment-time-link" href="https://www.handsfreemama.com/about-me/#comment-22677" itemprop="url">June 8, 2013 at 6:01 pm</a></time></p>		</header>
2295
2296		<div class="comment-content" itemprop="text">
2297			
2298			<p>Please include me on new blog posts. Thanks!</p>
2299		</div>
2300
2301		<div class="comment-reply"><a rel="nofollow" class="comment-reply-link" href="https://www.handsfreemama.com/about-me/?replytocom=22677#respond" data-commentid="22677" data-postid="18" data-belowelement="article-comment-22677" data-respondelement="respond" data-replyto="Reply to Jessica" aria-label="Reply to Jessica">Reply</a></div>
2302		
2303	</article>
2304	<ul class="children">
2305
2306	<li class="comment odd alt depth-2" id="comment-22691">
2307	<article id="article-comment-22691" itemprop="comment" itemscope itemtype="https://schema.org/Comment">
2308
2309		<div class="commentnumber">98</div>
2310		<header class="comment-header">
2311			<p class="comment-author" itemprop="author" itemscope itemtype="https://schema.org/Person">
2312				<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">
2312Rachel Macy Stafford</a></span> <span class="says">says</span>			</p>
2313
2314			<p class="comment-meta"><time class="comment-time" datetime="2013-06-09T00:33:42-06:00" itemprop="datePublished"><a class="comment-time-link" href="https://www.handsfreemama.com/about-me/#comment-22691" itemprop="url">June 9, 2013 at 12:33 am</a></time></p>		</header>
2315
2316		<div class="comment-content" itemprop="text">
2317			
2318			<p>Thank you, Jessica! I am so glad you have enjoyed what you&#8217;ve read! If you look at the right side of my blog, you will see a box that says &#8220;want new posts in your inbox?&#8221; then you just type in your email address. You will get an email from feedburner that you will need to confirm the subscription. It is super easy. Then you will receive the new posts each week. I will be taking a Hands Free vacation next week so there will be no posts, but will resume on June 18th. Thank you!</p>
2319		</div>
2320
2321		<div class="comment-reply"><a rel="nofollow" class="comment-reply-link" href="https://www.handsfreemama.com/about-me/?replytocom=22691#respond" data-commentid="22691" data-postid="18" data-belowelement="article-comment-22691" data-respondelement="respond" data-replyto="Reply to Rachel Macy Stafford" aria-label="Reply to Rachel Macy Stafford">Reply</a></div>
2322		
2323	</article>
2324	</li><!-- #comment-## -->
2325</ul><!-- .children -->
2326</li><!-- #comment-## -->
2327
2328	<li class="comment even thread-even depth-1" id="comment-24296">
2329	<article id="article-comment-24296" itemprop="comment" itemscope itemtype="https://schema.org/Comment">
2330
2331		<div class="commentnumber">99</div>
2332		<header class="comment-header">
2333			<p class="comment-author" itemprop="author" itemscope itemtype="https://schema.org/Person">
2334				<img alt='' src='https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/ff4238d9be8d4ccceaa11499a87a94fa?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/ff4238d9be8d4ccceaa11499a87a94fa?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://jjbpr.com" class="comment-author-link" rel="external nofollow" itemprop="url">jennifer</a></span> <span class="says">says</span>			</p>
2335
2336			<p class="comment-meta"><time class="comment-time" datetime="2013-07-01T15:40:21-06:00" itemprop="datePublished"><a class="comment-time-link" href="https://www.handsfreemama.com/about-me/#comment-24296" itemprop="url">July 1, 2013 at 3:40 pm</a></time></p>		</header>
2337
2338		<div class="comment-content" itemprop="text">
2339			
2340			<p>I am a working mom of three little ones.  I often put work first and it really never needs to be first.  I discovered your blog today though a friend that is an editor, and it brought tears to my eyes.  I don&#8217;t know you, but feel we would be great friends!  Thank you for such an incredible blog, such great words of wisdom and for reminding us all what is the real meaning of life.</p>
2341		</div>
2342
2343		<div class="comment-reply"><a rel="nofollow" class="comment-reply-link" href="https://www.handsfreemama.com/about-me/?replytocom=24296#respond" data-commentid="24296" data-postid="18" data-belowelement="article-comment-24296" data-respondelement="respond" data-replyto="Reply to jennifer" aria-label="Reply to jennifer">Reply</a></div>
2344		
2345	</article>
2346	<ul class="children">
2347
2348	<li class="comment odd alt depth-2" id="comment-24380">
2349	<article id="article-comment-24380" itemprop="comment" itemscope itemtype="https://schema.org/Comment">
2350
2351		<div class="commentnumber">100</div>
2352		<header class="comment-header">
2353			<p class="comment-author" itemprop="author" itemscope itemtype="https://schema.org/Person">
2354				<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">
2354Rachel Macy Stafford</a></span> <span class="says">says</span>			</p>
2355
2356			<p class="comment-meta"><time class="comment-time" datetime="2013-07-02T03:05:11-06:00" itemprop="datePublished"><a class="comment-time-link" href="https://www.handsfreemama.com/about-me/#comment-24380" itemprop="url">July 2, 2013 at 3:05 am</a></time></p>		</header>
2357
2358		<div class="comment-content" itemprop="text">
2359			
2360			<p>I am so glad you are here, Jennifer. Welcome, friend.</p>
2361		</div>
2362
2363		<div class="comment-reply"><a rel="nofollow" class="comment-reply-link" href="https://www.handsfreemama.com/about-me/?replytocom=24380#respond" data-commentid="24380" data-postid="18" data-belowelement="article-comment-24380" data-respondelement="respond" data-replyto="Reply to Rachel Macy Stafford" aria-label="Reply to Rachel Macy Stafford">Reply</a></div>
2364		
2365	</article>
2366	</li><!-- #comment-## -->
2367</ul><!-- .children -->
2368</li><!-- #comment-## -->
2369
2370	<li class="comment even thread-odd thread-alt depth-1" id="comment-24673">
2371	<article id="article-comment-24673" itemprop="comment" itemscope itemtype="https://schema.org/Comment">
2372
2373		<div class="commentnumber">101</div>
2374		<header class="comment-header">
2375			<p class="comment-author" itemprop="author" itemscope itemtype="https://schema.org/Person">
2376				<img alt='' src='https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/ae14a3780a880079d09c9f6bca974896?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/ae14a3780a880079d09c9f6bca974896?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 Taylor</span> <span class="says">says</span>			</p>
2377
2378			<p class="comment-meta"><time class="comment-time" datetime="2013-07-05T20:32:01-06:00" itemprop="datePublished"><a class="comment-time-link" href="https://www.handsfreemama.com/about-me/#comment-24673" itemprop="url">July 5, 2013 at 8:32 pm</a></time></p>		</header>
2379
2380		<div class="comment-content" itemprop="text">
2381			
2382			<p>Thank you so much for your FB blog.  You are so awesome and have ministered to me today!!! I had several things to get done today but tripped over a friend&#8217;s FB message with your link and thus ended a couple of hours of &#8220;good enough&#8221; time.  It was just good enough to read one post.  I had to keep reading and then &#8220;shared&#8221; a couple of them with my married daughter who has two kids.  What insight!!  I&#8217;ve recently had a lifestyle change and these words have been so rich to me.  I will continue to read your posts but will have to set the timer each time I begin! lol There are so many that I have to read to get all caught up!!! You inspire me to keep reading one after another.  Thank you so much for tapping in to my day and making my thoughts better.</p>
2383		</div>
2384
2385		<div class="comment-reply"><a rel="nofollow" class="comment-reply-link" href="https://www.handsfreemama.com/about-me/?replytocom=24673#respond" data-commentid="24673" data-postid="18" data-belowelement="article-comment-24673" data-respondelement="respond" data-replyto="Reply to Vicki Taylor" aria-label="Reply to Vicki Taylor">Reply</a></div>
2386		
2387	</article>
2388	</li><!-- #comment-## -->
2389
2390	<li class="comment odd alt thread-even depth-1" id="comment-24675">
2391	<article id="article-comment-24675" itemprop="comment" itemscope itemtype="https://schema.org/Comment">
2392
2393		<div class="commentnumber">102</div>
2394		<header class="comment-header">
2395			<p class="comment-author" itemprop="author" itemscope itemtype="https://schema.org/Person">
2396				<img alt='' src='https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/ae14a3780a880079d09c9f6bca974896?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/ae14a3780a880079d09c9f6bca974896?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 Taylor</span> <span class="says">says</span>			</p>
2397
2398			<p class="comment-meta">
2398<time class="comment-time" datetime="2013-07-05T20:34:48-06:00" itemprop="datePublished"><a class="comment-time-link" href="https://www.handsfreemama.com/about-me/#comment-24675" itemprop="url">July 5, 2013 at 8:34 pm</a></time></p>		</header>
2399
2400		<div class="comment-content" itemprop="text">
2401			
2402			<p>I actually meant, It WASN&#8217;T good enough to read just one post!!!</p>
2403		</div>
2404
2405		<div class="comment-reply"><a rel="nofollow" class="comment-reply-link" href="https://www.handsfreemama.com/about-me/?replytocom=24675#respond" data-commentid="24675" data-postid="18" data-belowelement="article-comment-24675" data-respondelement="respond" data-replyto="Reply to Vicki Taylor" aria-label="Reply to Vicki Taylor">Reply</a></div>
2406		
2407	</article>
2408	</li><!-- #comment-## -->
2409
2410	<li class="comment even thread-odd thread-alt depth-1" id="comment-25254">
2411	<article id="article-comment-25254" itemprop="comment" itemscope itemtype="https://schema.org/Comment">
2412
2413		<div class="commentnumber">103</div>
2414		<header class="comment-header">
2415			<p class="comment-author" itemprop="author" itemscope itemtype="https://schema.org/Person">
2416				<img alt='' src='https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/89b9fd1f75b1462587d814b0f24aa000?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/89b9fd1f75b1462587d814b0f24aa000?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">Christy</span> <span class="says">says</span>			</p>
2417
2418			<p class="comment-meta"><time class="comment-time" datetime="2013-07-13T18:27:41-06:00" itemprop="datePublished"><a class="comment-time-link" href="https://www.handsfreemama.com/about-me/#comment-25254" itemprop="url">July 13, 2013 at 6:27 pm</a></time></p>		</header>
2419
2420		<div class="comment-content" itemprop="text">
2421			
2422			<p>Your blog is awesome! I feel like you put into words exactly how I feel. You have truly inspired me to continue on my path. Thank You!</p>
2423		</div>
2424
2425		<div class="comment-reply"><a rel="nofollow" class="comment-reply-link" href="https://www.handsfreemama.com/about-me/?replytocom=25254#respond" data-commentid="25254" data-postid="18" data-belowelement="article-comment-25254" data-respondelement="respond" data-replyto="Reply to Christy" aria-label="Reply to Christy">Reply</a></div>
2426		
2427	</article>
2428	</li><!-- #comment-## -->
2429
2430	<li class="comment odd alt thread-even depth-1" id="comment-25310">
2431	<article id="article-comment-25310" itemprop="comment" itemscope itemtype="https://schema.org/Comment">
2432
2433		<div class="commentnumber">104</div>
2434		<header class="comment-header">
2435			<p class="comment-author" itemprop="author" itemscope itemtype="https://schema.org/Person">
2436				<img alt='' src='https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/43234454827bd05dfc6ac74e4da50da9?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/43234454827bd05dfc6ac74e4da50da9?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">Kate Sweet</span> <span class="says">says</span>			</p>
2437
2438			<p class="comment-meta"><time class="comment-time" datetime="2013-07-14T22:40:10-06:00" itemprop="datePublished"><a class="comment-time-link" href="https://www.handsfreemama.com/about-me/#comment-25310" itemprop="url">July 14, 2013 at 10:40 pm</a></time></p>		</header>
2439
2440		<div class="comment-content" itemprop="text">
2441			
2442			<p>Thank you so much for your writing on yelling! I am new mom with a lovely, chubby 6 month old daughter and it is wonderful to see how I will strive to be as a mother and wife! 🙂</p>
2443		</div>
2444
2445		<div class="comment-reply"><a rel="nofollow" class="comment-reply-link" href="https://www.handsfreemama.com/about-me/?replytocom=25310#respond" data-commentid="25310" data-postid="18" data-belowelement="article-comment-25310" data-respondelement="respond" data-replyto="Reply to Kate Sweet" aria-label="Reply to Kate Sweet">Reply</a></div>
2446		
2447	</article>
2448	</li><!-- #comment-## -->
2449
2450	<li class="comment even thread-odd thread-alt depth-1" id="comment-25492">
2451	<article id="article-comment-25492" itemprop="comment" itemscope itemtype="https://schema.org/Comment">
2452
2453		<div class="commentnumber">105</div>
2454		<header class="comment-header">
2455			<p class="comment-author" itemprop="author" itemscope itemtype="https://schema.org/Person">
2456				<img alt='' src='https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/02ce7f06ad5e8af437a9c1082c1ef0d3?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/02ce7f06ad5e8af437a9c1082c1ef0d3?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">Megan</span> <span class="says">says</span>			</p>
2457
2458			<p class="comment-meta">
2458<time class="comment-time" datetime="2013-07-16T21:22:13-06:00" itemprop="datePublished"><a class="comment-time-link" href="https://www.handsfreemama.com/about-me/#comment-25492" itemprop="url">July 16, 2013 at 9:22 pm</a></time></p>		</header>
2459
2460		<div class="comment-content" itemprop="text">
2461			
2462			<p>Rachel,<br />
2463Thank you for blogging and taking the time to share your journey. Someone on facebook happened to post your most recent entry about &#8220;hurrying up,&#8221; and it was meant for me. When you described your previous self being type-A , keeping lists, multi-tasking, and hurrying up, etc it is me. I&#8217;ve been feeling very overwhelmed lately, and guilty about not just slowing down for my almost 4 year old daughter. She is much like your younger daughter, and I could learn a lot from her about how to live life. I am so glad I came upon your blog, I&#8217;ll definitely be following it. I think you are an angel that was sent into my life to help me focus on what&#8217;s really important. I&#8217;m ready to begin this journey.</p>
2464		</div>
2465
2466		<div class="comment-reply"><a rel="nofollow" class="comment-reply-link" href="https://www.handsfreemama.com/about-me/?replytocom=25492#respond" data-commentid="25492" data-postid="18" data-belowelement="article-comment-25492" data-respondelement="respond" data-replyto="Reply to Megan" aria-label="Reply to Megan">Reply</a></div>
2467		
2468	</article>
2469	</li><!-- #comment-## -->
2470
2471	<li class="comment odd alt thread-even depth-1" id="comment-25593">
2472	<article id="article-comment-25593" itemprop="comment" itemscope itemtype="https://schema.org/Comment">
2473
2474		<div class="commentnumber">106</div>
2475		<header class="comment-header">
2476			<p class="comment-author" itemprop="author" itemscope itemtype="https://schema.org/Person">
2477				<img alt='' src='https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/6554b7c15d7f4c2ccd4dea1fa15c36a3?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/6554b7c15d7f4c2ccd4dea1fa15c36a3?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.plantlovegrow.com" class="comment-author-link" rel="external nofollow" itemprop="url">Elaheh Bos</a></span> <span class="says">says</span>			</p>
2478
2479			<p class="comment-meta"><time class="comment-time" datetime="2013-07-17T16:06:01-06:00" itemprop="datePublished"><a class="comment-time-link" href="https://www.handsfreemama.com/about-me/#comment-25593" itemprop="url">July 17, 2013 at 4:06 pm</a></time></p>		</header>
2480
2481		<div class="comment-content" itemprop="text">
2482			
2483			<p>Hi, I came across your blog through facebook and was delighted by your attitude and writing style. I too have a child who relishes in collecting stones and asking every imaginable question. I am learning to slow down and re-adjust my attitude so that I don&#8217;t miss out on the beauty and perspective my kids give me. I would love to create a tool with you if you are interested. Something to help us live in the moment that could be shared on both your website and mine. Please take a look at what I do and let me know.  To your bloomingness! Elaheh Bos</p>
2484		</div>
2485
2486		<div class="comment-reply"><a rel="nofollow" class="comment-reply-link" href="https://www.handsfreemama.com/about-me/?replytocom=25593#respond" data-commentid="25593" data-postid="18" data-belowelement="article-comment-25593" data-respondelement="respond" data-replyto="Reply to Elaheh Bos" aria-label="Reply to Elaheh Bos">Reply</a></div>
2487		
2488	</article>
2489	<ul class="children">
2490
2491	<li class="comment even depth-2" id="comment-25682">
2492	<article id="article-comment-25682" itemprop="comment" itemscope itemtype="https://schema.org/Comment">
2493
2494		<div class="commentnumber">107</div>
2495		<header class="comment-header">
2496			<p class="comment-author" itemprop="author" itemscope itemtype="https://schema.org/Person">
2497				<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">
2497Rachel Macy Stafford</a></span> <span class="says">says</span>			</p>
2498
2499			<p class="comment-meta"><time class="comment-time" datetime="2013-07-18T14:39:35-06:00" itemprop="datePublished"><a class="comment-time-link" href="https://www.handsfreemama.com/about-me/#comment-25682" itemprop="url">July 18, 2013 at 2:39 pm</a></time></p>		</header>
2500
2501		<div class="comment-content" itemprop="text">
2502			
2503			<p>Your products are beautiful, Elaheh. Please email me at <a href="mailto:[email protected]">[email protected]</a>. I would love to know more.</p>
2504		</div>
2505
2506		<div class="comment-reply"><a rel="nofollow" class="comment-reply-link" href="https://www.handsfreemama.com/about-me/?replytocom=25682#respond" data-commentid="25682" data-postid="18" data-belowelement="article-comment-25682" data-respondelement="respond" data-replyto="Reply to Rachel Macy Stafford" aria-label="Reply to Rachel Macy Stafford">Reply</a></div>
2507		
2508	</article>
2509	</li><!-- #comment-## -->
2510</ul><!-- .children -->
2511</li><!-- #comment-## -->
2512
2513	<li class="comment odd alt thread-odd thread-alt depth-1" id="comment-25874">
2514	<article id="article-comment-25874" itemprop="comment" itemscope itemtype="https://schema.org/Comment">
2515
2516		<div class="commentnumber">108</div>
2517		<header class="comment-header">
2518			<p class="comment-author" itemprop="author" itemscope itemtype="https://schema.org/Person">
2519				<img alt='' src='https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/628846f505ce701733f3532a47ef95b6?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/628846f505ce701733f3532a47ef95b6?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.insanemomoftwins.com" class="comment-author-link" rel="external nofollow" itemprop="url">Christina</a></span> <span class="says">says</span>			</p>
2520
2521			<p class="comment-meta"><time class="comment-time" datetime="2013-07-21T01:47:54-06:00" itemprop="datePublished"><a class="comment-time-link" href="https://www.handsfreemama.com/about-me/#comment-25874" itemprop="url">July 21, 2013 at 1:47 am</a></time></p>		</header>
2522
2523		<div class="comment-content" itemprop="text">
2524			
2525			<p>Man.  That was a nice read. My friend posted a link to your blog, &#8220;hurry up&#8221; was the last thing I read. I find myself rushing moments, and I need to stop!  They are going to be gone before  I know it, and I know I will miss this.  Even on the most stressful days, when they are fighting and crying, and I&#8217;m in the corner with wine&#8230;..I will miss it.<br />
2526Love your blog.  Can&#8217;t wait to read more! &lt;3</p>
2527		</div>
2528
2529		<div class="comment-reply"><a rel="nofollow" class="comment-reply-link" href="https://www.handsfreemama.com/about-me/?replytocom=25874#respond" data-commentid="25874" data-postid="18" data-belowelement="article-comment-25874" data-respondelement="respond" data-replyto="Reply to Christina" aria-label="Reply to Christina">Reply</a></div>
2530		
2531	</article>
2532	</li><!-- #comment-## -->
2533
2534	<li class="comment even thread-even depth-1" id="comment-26296">
2535	<article id="article-comment-26296" itemprop="comment" itemscope itemtype="https://schema.org/Comment">
2536
2537		<div class="commentnumber">109</div>
2538		<header class="comment-header">
2539			<p class="comment-author" itemprop="author" itemscope itemtype="https://schema.org/Person">
2540				<img alt='' src='https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/53ec4c948c0a48c1c80e418930ad7b79?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/53ec4c948c0a48c1c80e418930ad7b79?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">Katie K</span> <span class="says">says</span>			</p>
2541
2542			<p class="comment-meta">
2542<time class="comment-time" datetime="2013-07-27T01:16:40-06:00" itemprop="datePublished"><a class="comment-time-link" href="https://www.handsfreemama.com/about-me/#comment-26296" itemprop="url">July 27, 2013 at 1:16 am</a></time></p>		</header>
2543
2544		<div class="comment-content" itemprop="text">
2545			
2546			<p>Just stumbled across your blog this evening, and I am SO happy I did.  You are incredibly honest, which is truly hard to find these days!  What an inspiration!!</p>
2547<p>I will surely bookmark your page and visit frequently!</p>
2548<p>THANK YOU for being so real.</p>
2549<p>Katie from LI</p>
2550		</div>
2551
2552		<div class="comment-reply"><a rel="nofollow" class="comment-reply-link" href="https://www.handsfreemama.com/about-me/?replytocom=26296#respond" data-commentid="26296" data-postid="18" data-belowelement="article-comment-26296" data-respondelement="respond" data-replyto="Reply to Katie K" aria-label="Reply to Katie K">Reply</a></div>
2553		
2554	</article>
2555	</li><!-- #comment-## -->
2556
2557	<li class="comment odd alt thread-odd thread-alt depth-1" id="comment-26887">
2558	<article id="article-comment-26887" itemprop="comment" itemscope itemtype="https://schema.org/Comment">
2559
2560		<div class="commentnumber">110</div>
2561		<header class="comment-header">
2562			<p class="comment-author" itemprop="author" itemscope itemtype="https://schema.org/Person">
2563				<img alt='' src='https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/c8e1bdb3a1515253823f0bf99aff8e04?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/c8e1bdb3a1515253823f0bf99aff8e04?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">Teerawut Mahawan</span> <span class="says">says</span>			</p>
2564
2565			<p class="comment-meta"><time class="comment-time" datetime="2013-08-04T21:36:42-06:00" itemprop="datePublished"><a class="comment-time-link" href="https://www.handsfreemama.com/about-me/#comment-26887" itemprop="url">August 4, 2013 at 9:36 pm</a></time></p>		</header>
2566
2567		<div class="comment-content" itemprop="text">
2568			
2569			<p>greeting from Thailand !  I have read &#8220;Loving a Child Through the Challenges of Life&#8221; via the Readers Digest. I have to tell you &#8220;Thank you&#8221;. ieie</p>
2570		</div>
2571
2572		<div class="comment-reply"><a rel="nofollow" class="comment-reply-link" href="https://www.handsfreemama.com/about-me/?replytocom=26887#respond" data-commentid="26887" data-postid="18" data-belowelement="article-comment-26887" data-respondelement="respond" data-replyto="Reply to Teerawut Mahawan" aria-label="Reply to Teerawut Mahawan">Reply</a></div>
2573		
2574	</article>
2575	</li><!-- #comment-## -->
2576
2577	<li class="comment even thread-even depth-1" id="comment-27122">
2578	<article id="article-comment-27122" itemprop="comment" itemscope itemtype="https://schema.org/Comment">
2579
2580		<div class="commentnumber">111</div>
2581		<header class="comment-header">
2582			<p class="comment-author" itemprop="author" itemscope itemtype="https://schema.org/Person">
2583				<img alt='' src='https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/057aa5a2b6d04b5df3c4debabf415866?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/057aa5a2b6d04b5df3c4debabf415866?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">Erica</span> <span class="says">says</span>			</p>
2584
2585			<p class="comment-meta"><time class="comment-time" datetime="2013-08-07T09:08:35-06:00" itemprop="datePublished"><a class="comment-time-link" href="https://www.handsfreemama.com/about-me/#comment-27122" itemprop="url">August 7, 2013 at 9:08 am</a></time></p>		</header>
2586
2587		<div class="comment-content" itemprop="text">
2588			
2589			<p>I just want to say thank you. I can&#8217;t tell you how deeply your words have touched me and I feel transformed. I just happened upon one of your articles today and felt something switch in me once I read it. I immediately found your blog and I have been reading ever since with tear-stained cheeks and a heavy heart! I, too, have been living the life that you have since left behind and I, too have been needing a major wake-up call. Out with the distractions, in with hands-free living! I can&#8217;t wait to hug my 4 year old in the morning, look into her beautiful face and tell her that things are going to be different. Thank y
2589ou, thank you, thank you.</p>
2590		</div>
2591
2592		<div class="comment-reply"><a rel="nofollow" class="comment-reply-link" href="https://www.handsfreemama.com/about-me/?replytocom=27122#respond" data-commentid="27122" data-postid="18" data-belowelement="article-comment-27122" data-respondelement="respond" data-replyto="Reply to Erica" aria-label="Reply to Erica">Reply</a></div>
2593		
2594	</article>
2595	</li><!-- #comment-## -->
2596
2597	<li class="comment odd alt thread-odd thread-alt depth-1" id="comment-27287">
2598	<article id="article-comment-27287" itemprop="comment" itemscope itemtype="https://schema.org/Comment">
2599
2600		<div class="commentnumber">112</div>
2601		<header class="comment-header">
2602			<p class="comment-author" itemprop="author" itemscope itemtype="https://schema.org/Person">
2603				<img alt='' src='https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/9035511475f4805c1f89175d7af76e88?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/9035511475f4805c1f89175d7af76e88?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">Julio</span> <span class="says">says</span>			</p>
2604
2605			<p class="comment-meta"><time class="comment-time" datetime="2013-08-08T14:31:59-06:00" itemprop="datePublished"><a class="comment-time-link" href="https://www.handsfreemama.com/about-me/#comment-27287" itemprop="url">August 8, 2013 at 2:31 pm</a></time></p>		</header>
2606
2607		<div class="comment-content" itemprop="text">
2608			
2609			<p>Thank you, for giving me a pause to re prioritize my life&#8230;. my childs and my wife matters.</p>
2610		</div>
2611
2612		<div class="comment-reply"><a rel="nofollow" class="comment-reply-link" href="https://www.handsfreemama.com/about-me/?replytocom=27287#respond" data-commentid="27287" data-postid="18" data-belowelement="article-comment-27287" data-respondelement="respond" data-replyto="Reply to Julio" aria-label="Reply to Julio">Reply</a></div>
2613		
2614	</article>
2615	<ul class="children">
2616
2617	<li class="comment even depth-2" id="comment-27313">
2618	<article id="article-comment-27313" itemprop="comment" itemscope itemtype="https://schema.org/Comment">
2619
2620		<div class="commentnumber">113</div>
2621		<header class="comment-header">
2622			<p class="comment-author" itemprop="author" itemscope itemtype="https://schema.org/Person">
2623				<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>
2624
2625			<p class="comment-meta"><time class="comment-time" datetime="2013-08-08T18:06:39-06:00" itemprop="datePublished"><a class="comment-time-link" href="https://www.handsfreemama.com/about-me/#comment-27313" itemprop="url">August 8, 2013 at 6:06 pm</a></time></p>		</header>
2626
2627		<div class="comment-content" itemprop="text">
2628			
2629			<p>Thank you, Julio. I am so glad you are here joining me on this life changing journey.</p>
2630		</div>
2631
2632		<div class="comment-reply"><a rel="nofollow" class="comment-reply-link" href="https://www.handsfreemama.com/about-me/?replytocom=27313#respond" data-commentid="27313" data-postid="18" data-belowelement="article-comment-27313" data-respondelement="respond" data-replyto="Reply to Rachel Macy Stafford" aria-label="Reply to Rachel Macy Stafford">Reply</a></div>
2633		
2634	</article>
2635	</li><!-- #comment-## -->
2636</ul><!-- .children -->
2637</li><!-- #comment-## -->
2638
2639	<li class="comment odd alt thread-even depth-1" id="comment-27301">
2640	<article id="article-comment-27301" itemprop="comment" itemscope itemtype="https://schema.org/Comment">
2641
2642		<div class="commentnumber">114</div>
2643		<header class="comment-header">
2644			<p class="comment-author" itemprop="author" itemscope itemtype="https://schema.org/Person">
2645				<img alt='' src='https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/266d9bc09fbdcacb592ce094473811ee?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/266d9bc09fbdcacb592ce094473811ee?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">Macye Fitzpatick</span> <span class="says">says</span>			</p>
2646
2647			<p class="comment-meta"><time class="comment-time" datetime="2013-08-08T16:48:50-06:00" itemprop="datePublished"><a class="comment-time-link" href="https://www.handsfreemama.com/about-me/#comment-27301" itemprop="url">August 8, 2013 at 4:48 pm</a></time></p>		</header>
2648
2649		<div class="comment-content" itemprop="text">
2650			
2651			<p>My niece forwarded your  &#8220;The Day I Stopped Saying &#8216;Hurry Up'&#8221; to my sister Peggy who in turn forwarded to me.  I was the HURRY UP !!!  mom.  As a teacher 10 months of the year did not leave a time cushion.  My daughter is just the opposite.  Bright curious and in the now personality.  My Rachel Macye (yes this is my daughter&#8217;s name) is married with both a daughter (very A type like me) and a son (a very much like Rachel)<br />
2652Her parenting style is so different than mine. She and her husband made the choice for her to be a stay at home mom.<br />
2653I was named Macye for my maternal grandmother.<br />
2654Is it also a family name for you?<br />
2655Thank you for writing this article.<br />
2656Macye C. Fitzpatrick</p>
2657		</div>
2658
2659		<div class="comment-reply"><a rel="nofollow" class="comment-reply-link" href="https://www.handsfreemama.com/about-me/?replytocom=27301#respond" data-commentid="27301" data-postid="18" data-belowelement="article-comment-27301" data-respondelement="respond" data-replyto="Reply to Macye Fitzpatick" aria-label="Reply to Macye Fitzpatick">Reply</a></div>
2660		
2661	</article>
2662	</li><!-- #comment-## -->
2663
2664	<li class="comment even thread-odd thread-alt depth-1" id="comment-27399">
2665	<article id="article-comment-27399" itemprop="comment" itemscope itemtype="https://schema.org/Comment">
2666
2667		<div class="commentnumber">115</div>
2668		<header class="comment-header">
2669			<p class="comment-author" itemprop="author" itemscope itemtype="https://schema.org/Person">
2670				<img alt='' src='https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/48799dc8da70e941e5cd0991441a3789?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/48799dc8da70e941e5cd0991441a3789?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.facebook.com/brice.martins" class="comment-author-link" rel="external nofollow" itemprop="url">Brice</a></span> <span class="says">says</span>			</p>
2671
2672			<p class="comment-meta"><time class="comment-time" datetime="2013-08-09T12:28:55-06:00" itemprop="datePublished"><a class="comment-time-link" href="https://www.handsfreemama.com/about-me/#comment-27399" itemprop="url">August 9, 2013 at 12:28 pm</a></time></p>		</header>
2673
2674		<div class="comment-content" itemprop="text">
2675			
2676			<p>Hi Rachel,</p>
2677<p>I just read your article pushished on huffingtonpost about the words &#8220;Hurry Up&#8221;.</p>
2678<p>This is exactly how I feel about my two daughters right now. I didn&#8217;t make the promise yet, but I think that it will come soon because I&#8217;m wrong et they are so right to take their time to do things. Your post strengthens me to do so.</p>
2679<p>I think it&#8217;s the first time I wrote to an article writer to thank her. So thank you for opening up a little more my eyes.</p>
2680<p>Brice from France.</p>
2681		</div>
2682
2683		<div class="comment-reply"><a rel="nofollow" class="comment-reply-link" href="https://www.handsfreemama.com/about-me/?replytocom=27399#respond" data-commentid="27399" data-postid="18" data-belowelement="article-comment-27399" data-respondelement="respond" data-replyto="Reply to Brice" aria-label="Reply to Brice">Reply</a></div>
2684		
2685	</article>
2686	</li><!-- #comment-## -->
2687
2688	<li class="comment odd alt thread-even depth-1" id="comment-27865">
2689	<article id="article-comment-27865" itemprop="comment" itemscope itemtype="https://schema.org/Comment">
2690
2691		<div class="commentnumber">116</div>
2692		<header class="comment-header">
2693			<p class="comment-author" itemprop="author" itemscope itemtype="https://schema.org/Person">
2694				<img alt='' src='https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/c7da3e477a0a2e916e14be7909a52c42?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/c7da3e477a0a2e916e14be7909a52c42?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">Lauren</span> <span class="says">says</span>			</p>
2695
2696			<p class="comment-meta"><time class="comment-time" datetime="2013-08-13T19:42:08-06:00" itemprop="datePublished"><a class="comment-time-link" href="https://www.handsfreemama.com/about-me/#comment-27865" itemprop="url">August 13, 2013 at 7:42 pm</a></time></p>		</header>
2697
2698		<div class="comment-content" itemprop="text">
2699			
2700			<p>You are truly an inspiration to me! Thank you!</p>
2701		</div>
2702
2703		<div class="comment-reply"><a rel="nofollow" class="comment-reply-link" href="https://www.handsfreemama.com/about-me/?replytocom=27865#respond" data-commentid="27865" data-postid="18" data-belowelement="article-comment-27865" data-respondelement="respond" data-replyto="Reply to 
2703Lauren" aria-label="Reply to Lauren">Reply</a></div>
2704		
2705	</article>
2706	<ul class="children">
2707
2708	<li class="comment even depth-2" id="comment-27867">
2709	<article id="article-comment-27867" itemprop="comment" itemscope itemtype="https://schema.org/Comment">
2710
2711		<div class="commentnumber">117</div>
2712		<header class="comment-header">
2713			<p class="comment-author" itemprop="author" itemscope itemtype="https://schema.org/Person">
2714				<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>
2715
2716			<p class="comment-meta"><time class="comment-time" datetime="2013-08-13T19:45:24-06:00" itemprop="datePublished"><a class="comment-time-link" href="https://www.handsfreemama.com/about-me/#comment-27867" itemprop="url">August 13, 2013 at 7:45 pm</a></time></p>		</header>
2717
2718		<div class="comment-content" itemprop="text">
2719			
2720			<p>You are so kind, Lauren. Thank you. I am glad you are here.</p>
2721		</div>
2722
2723		<div class="comment-reply"><a rel="nofollow" class="comment-reply-link" href="https://www.handsfreemama.com/about-me/?replytocom=27867#respond" data-commentid="27867" data-postid="18" data-belowelement="article-comment-27867" data-respondelement="respond" data-replyto="Reply to Rachel Macy Stafford" aria-label="Reply to Rachel Macy Stafford">Reply</a></div>
2724		
2725	</article>
2726	</li><!-- #comment-## -->
2727</ul><!-- .children -->
2728</li><!-- #comment-## -->
2729
2730	<li class="comment odd alt thread-odd thread-alt depth-1" id="comment-27891">
2731	<article id="article-comment-27891" itemprop="comment" itemscope itemtype="https://schema.org/Comment">
2732
2733		<div class="commentnumber">118</div>
2734		<header class="comment-header">
2735			<p class="comment-author" itemprop="author" itemscope itemtype="https://schema.org/Person">
2736				<img alt='' src='https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/6e03cdf503f4f096ff2486ec2cfd31c0?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/6e03cdf503f4f096ff2486ec2cfd31c0?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">Mayara</span> <span class="says">says</span>			</p>
2737
2738			<p class="comment-meta"><time class="comment-time" datetime="2013-08-14T01:19:57-06:00" itemprop="datePublished"><a class="comment-time-link" href="https://www.handsfreemama.com/about-me/#comment-27891" itemprop="url">August 14, 2013 at 1:19 am</a></time></p>		</header>
2739
2740		<div class="comment-content" itemprop="text">
2741			
2742			<p>Hello! I&#8217;m from Manaus, Brazil (you may google it to know how far your word has reached), and I am your fan. I&#8217;m not a mom yet, but in the near future I want to and I always wonder if I&#8217;m gonna be a good mom &#8217;cause sometimes I don&#8217;t have patience with people I love, like my mother, and it&#8217;s all about that: enjoying little moments with your loved ones. I reeeeaaally love your blog! Abraços (hugs)!</p>
2743		</div>
2744
2745		<div class="comment-reply"><a rel="nofollow" class="comment-reply-link" href="https://www.handsfreemama.com/about-me/?replytocom=27891#respond" data-commentid="27891" data-postid="18" data-belowelement="article-comment-27891" data-respondelement="respond" data-replyto="Reply to Mayara" aria-label="Reply to Mayara">Reply</a></div>
2746		
2747	</article>
2748	</li><!-- #comment-## -->
2749
2750	<li class="comment even thread-even depth-1" id="comment-28068">
2751	<article id="article-comment-28068" itemprop="comment" itemscope itemtype="https://schema.org/Comment">
2752
2753		<div class="commentnumber">119</div>
2754		<header class="comment-header">
2755			<p class="comment-author" itemprop="author" itemscope itemtype="https://schema.org/Person">
2756				<img alt='' src='https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/54d7a2fe0009fdc749968151f5491f2d?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/54d7a2fe0009fdc749968151f5491f2d?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.jenheartoflove.wordpress.com" class="comment-author-link" rel="external nofollow" itemprop="url">Jen</a></span> <span class="says">says</span>			</p>
2757
2758			<p class="comment-meta"><time class="comment-time" datetime="2013-08-16T11:57:38-06:00" itemprop="datePublished"><a class="comment-time-link" href="https://www.handsfreemama.com/about-me/#comment-28068" itemprop="url">August 16, 2013 at 11:57 am</a></time></p>		</header>
2759
2760		<div class="comment-content" itemprop="text">
2761			
2762			<p>Hi Rachel,</p>
2763<p>I just found your blog today and I love it.<br />
2764I posted a link to your post &#8211; The Day I Stopped Saying &#8216;Hurry Up&#8217;, on my blog. It was really beautiful and it touched my heart. Thank y
2764ou!</p>
2765<p>Love<br />
2766Jen</p>
2767		</div>
2768
2769		<div class="comment-reply"><a rel="nofollow" class="comment-reply-link" href="https://www.handsfreemama.com/about-me/?replytocom=28068#respond" data-commentid="28068" data-postid="18" data-belowelement="article-comment-28068" data-respondelement="respond" data-replyto="Reply to Jen" aria-label="Reply to Jen">Reply</a></div>
2770		
2771	</article>
2772	</li><!-- #comment-## -->
2773
2774	<li class="comment odd alt thread-odd thread-alt depth-1" id="comment-28709">
2775	<article id="article-comment-28709" itemprop="comment" itemscope itemtype="https://schema.org/Comment">
2776
2777		<div class="commentnumber">120</div>
2778		<header class="comment-header">
2779			<p class="comment-author" itemprop="author" itemscope itemtype="https://schema.org/Person">
2780				<img alt='' src='https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/edfabb7b0b7622bcc626bf24283f9e34?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/edfabb7b0b7622bcc626bf24283f9e34?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://familiarecomenda.blogspot.com" class="comment-author-link" rel="external nofollow" itemprop="url">Juliana</a></span> <span class="says">says</span>			</p>
2781
2782			<p class="comment-meta"><time class="comment-time" datetime="2013-08-25T15:14:58-06:00" itemprop="datePublished"><a class="comment-time-link" href="https://www.handsfreemama.com/about-me/#comment-28709" itemprop="url">August 25, 2013 at 3:14 pm</a></time></p>		</header>
2783
2784		<div class="comment-content" itemprop="text">
2785			
2786			<p>Hi, Rachel,<br />
2787As author of travel blog Família Recomenda (family recommends) in Portuguese, I can only say your words are inspiring and truthful. I share your beliefs in building ever lasting memories with our children by paying attention to what they are and what they want.<br />
2788I always urge my blog readers to do the same, when they ask me things like &#8220;should I take a 2 year-old to Disney World?&#8221; I always answer: look at your child, see what she can handle and how this particular destination will help you have a good time and build lasting memories. And, if you want to go because of yourself and not your child, there´s nothing wrong about that, as long as you acknowledge it and don´t put it all down on HER bill!<br />
2789When we become parents we have to grow a lot and actually become the grown ups, isn´t it? It´s a very demanding job and your words certainly help us do it.<br />
2790I will definitely read more of your blog and follow your next posts. Thanks a lot for sharing these things with us!</p>
2791		</div>
2792
2793		<div class="comment-reply"><a rel="nofollow" class="comment-reply-link" href="https://www.handsfreemama.com/about-me/?replytocom=28709#respond" data-commentid="28709" data-postid="18" data-belowelement="article-comment-28709" data-respondelement="respond" data-replyto="Reply to Juliana" aria-label="Reply to Juliana">Reply</a></div>
2794		
2795	</article>
2796	</li><!-- #comment-## -->
2797
2798	<li class="comment even thread-even depth-1" id="comment-29172">
2799	<article id="article-comment-29172" itemprop="comment" itemscope itemtype="https://schema.org/Comment">
2800
2801		<div class="commentnumber">121</div>
2802		<header class="comment-header">
2803			<p class="comment-author" itemprop="author" itemscope itemtype="https://schema.org/Person">
2804				<img alt='' src='https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/41ee04a1613acf74aaf409e435ff9c44?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/41ee04a1613acf74aaf409e435ff9c44?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">Sally</span> <span class="says">says</span>			</p>
2805
2806			<p class="comment-meta"><time class="comment-time" datetime="2013-08-30T05:23:28-06:00" itemprop="datePublished"><a class="comment-time-link" href="https://www.handsfreemama.com/about-me/#comment-29172" itemprop="url">August 30, 2013 at 5:23 am</a></time></p>		</header>
2807
2808		<div class="comment-content" itemprop="text">
2809			
2810			<p>
2810Wish I knew u as a  person, I wish I could become inspired to publish.  as a child I always been creative and when I learned about fiction I was hooked.  I like your style as well.  I would like to have friends.  I am a young working mom with little to no time to myself .  I am crying with hope in my heart that you can reach me the way you speAK it sounds like you have a grasp on things in life.  Take care,  Sally</p>
2811		</div>
2812
2813		<div class="comment-reply"><a rel="nofollow" class="comment-reply-link" href="https://www.handsfreemama.com/about-me/?replytocom=29172#respond" data-commentid="29172" data-postid="18" data-belowelement="article-comment-29172" data-respondelement="respond" data-replyto="Reply to Sally" aria-label="Reply to Sally">Reply</a></div>
2814		
2815	</article>
2816	<ul class="children">
2817
2818	<li class="comment odd alt depth-2" id="comment-29190">
2819	<article id="article-comment-29190" itemprop="comment" itemscope itemtype="https://schema.org/Comment">
2820
2821		<div class="commentnumber">122</div>
2822		<header class="comment-header">
2823			<p class="comment-author" itemprop="author" itemscope itemtype="https://schema.org/Person">
2824				<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>
2825
2826			<p class="comment-meta"><time class="comment-time" datetime="2013-08-30T10:39:02-06:00" itemprop="datePublished"><a class="comment-time-link" href="https://www.handsfreemama.com/about-me/#comment-29190" itemprop="url">August 30, 2013 at 10:39 am</a></time></p>		</header>
2827
2828		<div class="comment-content" itemprop="text">
2829			
2830			<p>Hi Sally, I am so glad you are here. This community is very supportive of one another. Each week on my new blog posts, many of the same commenters post their thoughts and experiences. I welcome you to post anytime you need to share something. I found that my writing was healing to me and by sharing my stories, I felt less alone. Just remember, you are not alone and today offers new chances to live the way you want to live&#8211;even if it is just a baby step in that direction. </p>
2831<p>Love, Rachel</p>
2832		</div>
2833
2834		<div class="comment-reply"><a rel="nofollow" class="comment-reply-link" href="https://www.handsfreemama.com/about-me/?replytocom=29190#respond" data-commentid="29190" data-postid="18" data-belowelement="article-comment-29190" data-respondelement="respond" data-replyto="Reply to Rachel Macy Stafford" aria-label="Reply to Rachel Macy Stafford">Reply</a></div>
2835		
2836	</article>
2837	</li><!-- #comment-## -->
2838</ul><!-- .children -->
2839</li><!-- #comment-## -->
2840
2841	<li class="comment even thread-odd thread-alt depth-1" id="comment-31351">
2842	<article id="article-comment-31351" itemprop="comment" itemscope itemtype="https://schema.org/Comment">
2843
2844		<div class="commentnumber">123</div>
2845		<header class="comment-header">
2846			<p class="comment-author" itemprop="author" itemscope itemtype="https://schema.org/Person">
2847				<img alt='' src='https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/d2e9dfa988452ed34691ccabb05c4206?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/d2e9dfa988452ed34691ccabb05c4206?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">David Fetzer</span> <span class="says">says</span>			</p>
2848
2849			<p class="comment-meta"><time class="comment-time" datetime="2013-09-24T17:04:33-06:00" itemprop="datePublished"><a class="comment-time-link" href="https://www.handsfreemama.com/about-me/#comment-31351" itemprop="url">September 24, 2013 at 5:04 pm</a></time></p>		</header>
2850
2851		<div class="comment-content" itemprop="text">
2852			
2853			<p>I think you&#8217;ve found the right track for you, and didn&#8217;t have to endure a mid-life crisis to do it.  And that&#8217;s partially because you haven&#8217;t yet had to confront what &#8220;mid-life&#8221; means.</p>
2854<p>So probably, if you&#8217;re lucky, your life will play out much as you&#8217;ve laid it out.  If that&#8217;s so, that&#8217;s truly wonderful, as long as you don&#8217;t miss the incredibly beautiful pop-up, surprise tableaux that life has to offer.   They&#8217;re everywhere.  They&#8217;re every day, and they&#8217;re everyday.  Revel in that distinction.</p>
2855<p>Good luck.</p>
2856		</div>
2857
2858		<div class="comment-reply"><a rel="nofollow" class="comment-reply-link" href="https://www.handsfreemama.com/about-me/?replytocom=31351#respond" data-commentid="31351" data-postid="18" data-belowelement="article-comment-31351" data-respondelement="respond" data-replyto="Reply to David Fetzer" aria-label="Reply to David Fetzer">Reply</a></div>
2859		
2860	</article>
2861	</li><!-- #comment-## -->
2862
2863	<li class="comment odd alt thread-even depth-1" id="comment-31935">
2864	<article id="article-comment-31935" itemprop="comment" itemscope itemtype="https://schema.org/Comment">
2865
2866		<div class="commentnumber">124</div>
2867		<header class="comment-header">
2868			<p class="comment-author" itemprop="author" itemscope itemtype="https://schema.org/Person">
2869				<img alt='' src='https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/113a4205e8fb84b67c2094f1f8090f11?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/113a4205e8fb84b67c2094f1f8090f11?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">Berry</span> <span class="says">says</span>			</p>
2870
2871			<p class="comment-meta"><time class="comment-time" datetime="2013-10-01T17:47:23-06:00" itemprop="datePublished"><a class="comment-time-link" href="https://www.handsfreemama.com/about-me/#comment-31935" itemprop="url">October 1, 2013 at 5:47 pm</a></time></p>		</header>
2872
2873		<div class="comment-content" itemprop="text">
2874			
2875			<p>Rachel,  I really appreciate your blog. It helps me be a better and a less reactionary mom to my three children whom I absolutely adore yet with whom I don&#8217;
2875t always keep my cool.  Thank you!</p>
2876		</div>
2877
2878		<div class="comment-reply"><a rel="nofollow" class="comment-reply-link" href="https://www.handsfreemama.com/about-me/?replytocom=31935#respond" data-commentid="31935" data-postid="18" data-belowelement="article-comment-31935" data-respondelement="respond" data-replyto="Reply to Berry" aria-label="Reply to Berry">Reply</a></div>
2879		
2880	</article>
2881	</li><!-- #comment-## -->
2882
2883	<li class="comment even thread-odd thread-alt depth-1" id="comment-37032">
2884	<article id="article-comment-37032" itemprop="comment" itemscope itemtype="https://schema.org/Comment">
2885
2886		<div class="commentnumber">125</div>
2887		<header class="comment-header">
2888			<p class="comment-author" itemprop="author" itemscope itemtype="https://schema.org/Person">
2889				<img alt='' src='https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/3e36460f38892246a879926ce48fa8ee?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/3e36460f38892246a879926ce48fa8ee?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">Doreen</span> <span class="says">says</span>			</p>
2890
2891			<p class="comment-meta"><time class="comment-time" datetime="2013-10-29T01:56:24-06:00" itemprop="datePublished"><a class="comment-time-link" href="https://www.handsfreemama.com/about-me/#comment-37032" itemprop="url">October 29, 2013 at 1:56 am</a></time></p>		</header>
2892
2893		<div class="comment-content" itemprop="text">
2894			
2895			<p>Hi Rachel,</p>
2896<p>I just chanced upon your blog through a friend&#8217;s sharing on FB. Love your blog&#8217;s name and purpose 🙂 Will definitely follow your posts from now on. Thanks for writing your life experiences! God bless you and the family.</p>
2897		</div>
2898
2899		<div class="comment-reply"><a rel="nofollow" class="comment-reply-link" href="https://www.handsfreemama.com/about-me/?replytocom=37032#respond" data-commentid="37032" data-postid="18" data-belowelement="article-comment-37032" data-respondelement="respond" data-replyto="Reply to Doreen" aria-label="Reply to Doreen">Reply</a></div>
2900		
2901	</article>
2902	</li><!-- #comment-## -->
2903
2904	<li class="comment odd alt thread-even depth-1" id="comment-52065">
2905	<article id="article-comment-52065" itemprop="comment" itemscope itemtype="https://schema.org/Comment">
2906
2907		<div class="commentnumber">126</div>
2908		<header class="comment-header">
2909			<p class="comment-author" itemprop="author" itemscope itemtype="https://schema.org/Person">
2910				<img alt='' src='https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/785a0b3f040fdd11ddb932da846770b6?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/785a0b3f040fdd11ddb932da846770b6?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.fitmomhealthyfamily.com" class="comment-author-link" rel="external nofollow" itemprop="url">Natalie</a></span> <span class="says">says</span>			</p>
2911
2912			<p class="comment-meta"><time class="comment-time" datetime="2013-12-09T05:34:03-06:00" itemprop="datePublished"><a class="comment-time-link" href="https://www.handsfreemama.com/about-me/#comment-52065" itemprop="url">December 9, 2013 at 5:34 am</a></time></p>		</header>
2913
2914		<div class="comment-content" itemprop="text">
2915			
2916			<p>I am so happy to have stumbled onto your website from Facebook.  I am working on getting my key priorities firmly in place and your blog is so timely.  Thank you for encouraging me with hands free mama today.  I look forward to keeping in touch.</p>
2917		</div>
2918
2919		<div class="comment-reply"><a rel="nofollow" class="comment-reply-link" href="https://www.handsfreemama.com/about-me/?replytocom=52065#respond" data-commentid="52065" data-postid="18" data-belowelement="article-comment-52065" data-respondelement="respond" data-replyto="Reply to Natalie" aria-label="Reply to Natalie">Reply</a></div>
2920		
2921	</article>
2922	</li><!-- #comment-## -->
2923
2924	<li class="comment even thread-odd thread-alt depth-1" id="comment-55552">
2925	<article id="article-comment-55552" itemprop="comment" itemscope itemtype="https://schema.org/Comment">
2926
2927		<div class="commentnumber">127</div>
2928		<header class="comment-header">
2929			<p class="comment-author" itemprop="author" itemscope itemtype="https://schema.org/Person">
2930				<img alt='' src='https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/353ab90d906b5b7ac00e66d421c04ef1?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/353ab90d906b5b7ac00e66d421c04ef1?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.nothinbutcrazylove.com" class="comment-author-link" rel="external nofollow" itemprop="url">Mandee Kanikula</a></span> <span class="says">says</span>			</p>
2931
2932			<p class="comment-meta"><time class="comment-time" datetime="2013-12-12T01:44:59-06:00" itemprop="datePublished"><a class="comment-time-link" href="https://www.handsfreemama.com/about-me/#comment-55552" itemprop="url">December 12, 2013 at 1:44 am</a></time></p>		</header>
2933
2934		<div class="comment-content" itemprop="text">
2935			
2936			<p>I just came across your blog this morning because of a post someone had shared on Facebook. As I sat a my kitchen counter reading the post I was moved to tears. I saw my reflection in what I was reading. You are brave to share your story and I am so thankful you did. I truly believe that God put that in front of me today so that I could see what I have been doing to my own daughters. I really was the punch to gut so to speak that I needed. I have been living in a world of anger and self loathing and not only i am suffering but so are the ones I love the most. I cannot say Thank You enough to you for posting this story. I am also a blogger and I think now I can talk about and share my journey through these tough issues. I am not feeling so alone anymore after reading your post as well as all the comments you received from it. If you would be OK with it I would love to write about my journey as well.  Thank y
2936ou again!!!</p>
2937		</div>
2938
2939		<div class="comment-reply"><a rel="nofollow" class="comment-reply-link" href="https://www.handsfreemama.com/about-me/?replytocom=55552#respond" data-commentid="55552" data-postid="18" data-belowelement="article-comment-55552" data-respondelement="respond" data-replyto="Reply to Mandee Kanikula" aria-label="Reply to Mandee Kanikula">Reply</a></div>
2940		
2941	</article>
2942	<ul class="children">
2943
2944	<li class="comment odd alt depth-2" id="comment-55566">
2945	<article id="article-comment-55566" itemprop="comment" itemscope itemtype="https://schema.org/Comment">
2946
2947		<div class="commentnumber">128</div>
2948		<header class="comment-header">
2949			<p class="comment-author" itemprop="author" itemscope itemtype="https://schema.org/Person">
2950				<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>
2951
2952			<p class="comment-meta"><time class="comment-time" datetime="2013-12-12T02:00:35-06:00" itemprop="datePublished"><a class="comment-time-link" href="https://www.handsfreemama.com/about-me/#comment-55566" itemprop="url">December 12, 2013 at 2:00 am</a></time></p>		</header>
2953
2954		<div class="comment-content" itemprop="text">
2955			
2956			<p>Of course! I believe there is great healing in writing down our thoughts, goals, and experiences as we strive to have a more peaceful response with the people we love &#038; ourselves. I&#8217;d love to see your post if you decide to share it. Thank you for the kind words.</p>
2957		</div>
2958
2959		<div class="comment-reply"><a rel="nofollow" class="comment-reply-link" href="https://www.handsfreemama.com/about-me/?replytocom=55566#respond" data-commentid="55566" data-postid="18" data-belowelement="article-comment-55566" data-respondelement="respond" data-replyto="Reply to Rachel Macy Stafford" aria-label="Reply to Rachel Macy Stafford">Reply</a></div>
2960		
2961	</article>
2962	<ul class="children">
2963
2964	<li class="comment even depth-3" id="comment-60013">
2965	<article id="article-comment-60013" itemprop="comment" itemscope itemtype="https://schema.org/Comment">
2966
2967		<div class="commentnumber">129</div>
2968		<header class="comment-header">
2969			<p class="comment-author" itemprop="author" itemscope itemtype="https://schema.org/Person">
2970				<img alt='' src='https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/353ab90d906b5b7ac00e66d421c04ef1?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/353ab90d906b5b7ac00e66d421c04ef1?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.nothinbutcrazylove.com" class="comment-author-link" rel="external nofollow" itemprop="url">Mandee Kanikula</a></span> <span class="says">says</span>			</p>
2971
2972			<p class="comment-meta"><time class="comment-time" datetime="2013-12-17T05:16:44-06:00" itemprop="datePublished"><a class="comment-time-link" href="https://www.handsfreemama.com/about-me/#comment-60013" itemprop="url">December 17, 2013 at 5:16 am</a></time></p>		</header>
2973
2974		<div class="comment-content" itemprop="text">
2975			
2976			<p>Thanks for the reply. I did decide to post on blog about the issues I having with my behavior towards my girls and my family. </p>
2977<p>Thanks again for sharing your story and for giving me hope that I can change the way I do things.</p>
2978		</div>
2979
2980		<div class="comment-reply"><a rel="nofollow" class="comment-reply-link" href="https://www.handsfreemama.com/about-me/?replytocom=60013#respond" data-commentid="60013" data-postid="18" data-belowelement="article-comment-60013" data-respondelement="respond" data-replyto="Reply to Mandee Kanikula" aria-label="Reply to Mandee Kanikula">Reply</a></div>
2981		
2982	</article>
2983	</li><!-- #comment-## -->
2984</ul><!-- .children -->
2985</li><!-- #comment-## -->
2986</ul><!-- .children -->
2987</li><!-- #comment-## -->
2988
2989	<li class="comment odd alt thread-even depth-1" id="comment-56761">
2990	<article id="article-comment-56761" itemprop="comment" itemscope itemtype="https://schema.org/Comment">
2991
2992		<div class="commentnumber">130</div>
2993		<header class="comment-header">
2994			<p class="comment-author" itemprop="author" itemscope itemtype="https://schema.org/Person">
2995				<img alt='' src='https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/e71f83e4d4d46086f534bf374a6bb28f?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/e71f83e4d4d46086f534bf374a6bb28f?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">Molly</span> <span class="says">says</span>			</p>
2996
2997			<p class="comment-meta"><time class="comment-time" datetime="2013-12-13T03:50:33-06:00" itemprop="datePublished"><a class="comment-time-link" href="https://www.handsfreemama.com/about-me/#comment-56761" itemprop="url">December 13, 2013 at 3:50 am</a></time></p>		</header>
2998
2999		<div class="comment-content" itemprop="text">
3000			
3001			<p>Rachel~ Today&#8230; you are my angel.</p>
3002		</div>
3003
3004		<div class="comment-reply"><a rel="nofollow" class="comment-reply-link" href="https://www.handsfreemama.com/about-me/?replytocom=56761#respond" data-commentid="56761" data-postid="18" data-belowelement="article-comment-56761" data-respondelement="respond" data-replyto="Reply to Molly" aria-label="Reply to Molly">Reply</a></div>
3005		
3006	</article>
3007	</li><!-- #comment-## -->
3008
3009	<li class="comment even thread-odd thread-alt depth-1" id="comment-57440">
3010	<article id="article-comment-57440" itemprop="comment" itemscope itemtype="https://schema.org/Comment">
3011
3012		<div class="commentnumber">131</div>
3013		<header class="comment-header">
3014			<p class="comment-author" itemprop="author" itemscope itemtype="https://schema.org/Person">
3015				<img alt='' src='https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/75acecf9d49837fe2480715ac311ca20?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/75acecf9d49837fe2480715ac311ca20?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>
3016
3017			<p class="comment-meta"><time class="comment-time" datetime="2013-12-13T19:21:02-06:00" itemprop="datePublished"><a class="comment-time-link" href="https://www.handsfreemama.com/about-me/#comment-57440" itemprop="url">December 13, 2013 at 7:21 pm</a></time></p>		</header>
3018
3019		<div class="comment-content" itemprop="text">
3020			
3021			<p>I was wondering if there are any posts written about when your kids are defiant and mis-behave or any good referrals – such as fighting with each other, spitting on the floor, hitting the dog, peeing outside during snow storms or anytime (two boys), not listening when called to the table for dinner, screaming consistently while driving, I could go on and on and on I have four kids 13, 7, 6, and 3.  As of today it is my 6 year old boy that causes the most issues (which I try my hardest not to compare or isolate  ) … and honestly I read all of the parenting books, the mom blogs, I am a Gold member of positive parenting solutions, and the articles I read are endless … I am a working mother that really strives to disconnect and become hands on and completely present when at home with the kids and also divide my time up between the four of them to give them at least 2 x 10 minute individual time.  I plan activities, craft time, story time, just being settled together time, etc… but I seem to have no idea how to move forward with this phase…. Oh and throw in there a very hormonal 13 year old girl&#8230; who is very angry with her 6 year old brother 😉</p>
3022<p>Anyway  I was just seeing if you had any postings on how you just be present during breakdowns or behavior that is disrespectful and honestly out of line … </p>
3023<p>Love your posts – they are inspiring!</p>
3024		</div>
3025
3026		<div class="comment-reply"><a rel="nofollow" class="comment-reply-link" href="https://www.handsfreemama.com/about-me/?replytocom=57440#respond" data-commentid="57440" data-postid="18" data-belowelement="article-comment-57440" data-respondelement="respond" data-replyto="Reply to Elizabeth" aria-label="Reply to Elizabeth">Reply</a></div>
3027		
3028	</article>
3029	<ul class="children">
3030
3031	<li class="comment odd alt depth-2" id="comment-57516">
3032	<article id="article-comment-57516" itemprop="comment" itemscope itemtype="https://schema.org/Comment">
3033
3034		<div class="commentnumber">132</div>
3035		<header class="comment-header">
3036			<p class="comment-author" itemprop="author" itemscope itemtype="https://schema.org/Person">
3037				<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">
3037Rachel Macy Stafford</a></span> <span class="says">says</span>			</p>
3038
3039			<p class="comment-meta"><time class="comment-time" datetime="2013-12-13T21:26:28-06:00" itemprop="datePublished"><a class="comment-time-link" href="https://www.handsfreemama.com/about-me/#comment-57516" itemprop="url">December 13, 2013 at 9:26 pm</a></time></p>		</header>
3040
3041		<div class="comment-content" itemprop="text">
3042			
3043			<p>Thank you, Elizabeth. I have reached out to a author friend of mine who has more experience in this area. She is parent/life coach and she said you may reach out to her and she is happy to help. She also referred another person who would be good to talk to … </p>
3044<p>Sandy <a href="http://www.languageoflistening.com" rel="nofollow ugc">http://www.languageoflistening.com</a><br />
3045Theresa: <a href="http://www.theresakellam.com" rel="nofollow ugc">http://www.theresakellam.com</a></p>
3046<p>Here is another article that may offer a little help too. <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>
3047		</div>
3048
3049		<div class="comment-reply"><a rel="nofollow" class="comment-reply-link" href="https://www.handsfreemama.com/about-me/?replytocom=57516#respond" data-commentid="57516" data-postid="18" data-belowelement="article-comment-57516" data-respondelement="respond" data-replyto="Reply to Rachel Macy Stafford" aria-label="Reply to Rachel Macy Stafford">Reply</a></div>
3050		
3051	</article>
3052	</li><!-- #comment-## -->
3053</ul><!-- .children -->
3054</li><!-- #comment-## -->
3055
3056	<li class="comment even thread-even depth-1" id="comment-59011">
3057	<article id="article-comment-59011" itemprop="comment" itemscope itemtype="https://schema.org/Comment">
3058
3059		<div class="commentnumber">133</div>
3060		<header class="comment-header">
3061			<p class="comment-author" itemprop="author" itemscope itemtype="https://schema.org/Person">
3062				<img alt='' src='https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/0af05795804b89c72e580b6ce0a2b3ab?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/0af05795804b89c72e580b6ce0a2b3ab?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</span> <span class="says">says</span>			</p>
3063
3064			<p class="comment-meta"><time class="comment-time" datetime="2013-12-15T21:58:58-06:00" itemprop="datePublished"><a class="comment-time-link" href="https://www.handsfreemama.com/about-me/#comment-59011" itemprop="url">December 15, 2013 at 9:58 pm</a></time></p>		</header>
3065
3066		<div class="comment-content" itemprop="text">
3067			
3068			<p>Great reading, I am very happy I have come across your blog as its very relevant information for me. I am aspiring to be a hands free Mama and am learning what really is important. Thanks for writing your blog. Love it.</p>
3069		</div>
3070
3071		<div class="comment-reply"><a rel="nofollow" class="comment-reply-link" href="https://www.handsfreemama.com/about-me/?replytocom=59011#respond" data-commentid="59011" data-postid="18" data-belowelement="article-comment-59011" data-respondelement="respond" data-replyto="Reply to Claire" aria-label="Reply to Claire">Reply</a></div>
3072		
3073	</article>
3074	</li><!-- #comment-## -->
3075
3076	<li class="comment odd alt thread-odd thread-alt depth-1" id="comment-69736">
3077	<article id="article-comment-69736" itemprop="comment" itemscope itemtype="https://schema.org/Comment">
3078
3079		<div class="commentnumber">134</div>
3080		<header class="comment-header">
3081			<p class="comment-author" itemprop="author" itemscope itemtype="https://schema.org/Person">
3082				<img alt='' src='https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/9683b19a1ca706f1bd895c5c905a395d?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/9683b19a1ca706f1bd895c5c905a395d?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">Keya M</span> <span class="says">says</span>			</p>
3083
3084			<p class="comment-meta"><time class="comment-time" datetime="2014-01-01T02:25:42-06:00" itemprop="datePublished"><a class="comment-time-link" href="https://www.handsfreemama.com/about-me/#comment-69736" itemprop="url">January 1, 2014 at 2:25 am</a></time></p>		</header>
3085
3086		<div class="comment-content" itemprop="text">
3087			
3088			<p>You&#8217;re simply an incredible woman&#8230; I just can&#8217;t tell you how you and your write ups on this site has inspired me a lot lot lot&#8230;. thanks a ton&#8230;.. for creating such a wonderful site and writing such beautiful things.. though I&#8217;
3088m neither married nor a mother&#8230; your parenting tips have touched me still&#8230;. How I wish to write like you&#8230; How I wish to say thanks to your 2nd grade teacher who inspired you to write&#8230; loads of love to you and your family&#8230; God Bless you.. Happy New Year&#8230;. xoxo</p>
3089		</div>
3090
3091		<div class="comment-reply"><a rel="nofollow" class="comment-reply-link" href="https://www.handsfreemama.com/about-me/?replytocom=69736#respond" data-commentid="69736" data-postid="18" data-belowelement="article-comment-69736" data-respondelement="respond" data-replyto="Reply to Keya M" aria-label="Reply to Keya M">Reply</a></div>
3092		
3093	</article>
3094	</li><!-- #comment-## -->
3095
3096	<li class="comment even thread-even depth-1" id="comment-72068">
3097	<article id="article-comment-72068" itemprop="comment" itemscope itemtype="https://schema.org/Comment">
3098
3099		<div class="commentnumber">135</div>
3100		<header class="comment-header">
3101			<p class="comment-author" itemprop="author" itemscope itemtype="https://schema.org/Person">
3102				<img alt='' src='https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/e2584eadfff8bf24ec61fdce593fc644?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/e2584eadfff8bf24ec61fdce593fc644?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>
3103
3104			<p class="comment-meta"><time class="comment-time" datetime="2014-01-05T05:50:18-06:00" itemprop="datePublished"><a class="comment-time-link" href="https://www.handsfreemama.com/about-me/#comment-72068" itemprop="url">January 5, 2014 at 5:50 am</a></time></p>		</header>
3105
3106		<div class="comment-content" itemprop="text">
3107			
3108			<p>I stumbled on a link to your site through facebook the other day. Not knowing what it, was the headline &#8216;hands free mama&#8217; somehow stood out to me. I believe that one simple click of the mouse will forever change me for the better. I have struggled with living a distracted, over packed, and hectic life only for it to visibly make oldest daughter suffer.. all the while I am convincing myself I am doing it for her and my son. Each line I continued to read of your blogs from &#8216;the truth hurts&#8217; right down to &#8216;hands free&#8217; touched home and brought tears to my eyes. I was also reading this page and saw your part on angels.. well I want to thank you. Thank y
3108ou, because I believe you are my angel. Reading your words shows me I am not alone in this, that it is not to late to change and be the mother I so badly want to be. You are not only my, but my children&#8217;s (daughter 7, son 18 months) angel too. I am so excited to get over to my local bookstore here in New-Brunswick Canada tomorrow to get your book!! since finding out about it a few days ago it is all I have been talking about. I do hope to be able to order a bracelet also soon, it is a beautiful reminder of how I want to live.</p>
3109<p>Thanks again<br />
3110and take care Rachel. Hugs those babies of yours tightly.</p>
3111<p>With love, Kayla.</p>
3112		</div>
3113
3114		<div class="comment-reply"><a rel="nofollow" class="comment-reply-link" href="https://www.handsfreemama.com/about-me/?replytocom=72068#respond" data-commentid="72068" data-postid="18" data-belowelement="article-comment-72068" data-respondelement="respond" data-replyto="Reply to Kayla" aria-label="Reply to Kayla">Reply</a></div>
3115		
3116	</article>
3117	</li><!-- #comment-## -->
3118
3119	<li class="comment odd alt thread-odd thread-alt depth-1" id="comment-73125">
3120	<article id="article-comment-73125" itemprop="comment" itemscope itemtype="https://schema.org/Comment">
3121
3122		<div class="commentnumber">136</div>
3123		<header class="comment-header">
3124			<p class="comment-author" itemprop="author" itemscope itemtype="https://schema.org/Person">
3125				<img alt='' src='https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/47f692655237cf8eb4e370e826a3cc1f?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/47f692655237cf8eb4e370e826a3cc1f?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://bravethisday.blogspot.com" class="comment-author-link" rel="external nofollow" itemprop="url">Abigail Shelton</a></span> <span class="says">says</span>			</p>
3126
3127			<p class="comment-meta"><time class="comment-time" datetime="2014-01-07T13:50:49-06:00" itemprop="datePublished"><a class="comment-time-link" href="https://www.handsfreemama.com/about-me/#comment-73125" itemprop="url">January 7, 2014 at 1:50 pm</a></time></p>		</header>
3128
3129		<div class="comment-content" itemprop="text">
3130			
3131			<p>Your epiphany and tears over the starfish are beautiful. What an amazing moment that you captured and shared with everyone. Thank you.  I love how you see your children, how you SEE them and know them. That is the intent I have for my five. At times I hide in distractions to make a place for myself, as my five overwhelm me. But I&#8217;ve found that being with them is where my place is. How wonderful to stumble across your blog and find your words.<br />
3132Thank you</p>
3133		</div>
3134
3135		<div class="comment-reply"><a rel="nofollow" class="comment-reply-link" href="https://www.handsfreemama.com/about-me/?replytocom=73125#respond" data-commentid="73125" data-postid="18" data-belowelement="article-comment-73125" data-respondelement="respond" data-replyto="Reply to Abigail Shelton" aria-label="Reply to Abigail Shelton">Reply</a></div>
3136		
3137	</article>
3138	</li><!-- #comment-## -->
3139
3140	<li class="comment even thread-even depth-1" id="comment-73493">
3141	<article id="article-comment-73493" itemprop="comment" itemscope itemtype="https://schema.org/Comment">
3142
3143		<div class="commentnumber">137</div>
3144		<header class="comment-header">
3145			<p class="comment-author" itemprop="author" itemscope itemtype="https://schema.org/Person">
3146				<img alt='' src='https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/5693831acecb045e14fab467c8d83311?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/5693831acecb045e14fab467c8d83311?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">Taylor C</span> <span class="says">says</span>			</p>
3147
3148			<p class="comment-meta"><time class="comment-time" datetime="2014-01-08T09:16:46-06:00" itemprop="datePublished"><a class="comment-time-link" href="https://www.handsfreemama.com/about-me/#comment-73493" itemprop="url">January 8, 2014 at 9:16 am</a></time></p>		</header>
3149
3150		<div class="comment-content" itemprop="text">
3151			
3152			<p>I . I wanted to say thank you for your blog and your book. I am slowly putting down my electronics and spending less and less time on social media. In fact I made the decision to deactivate my Facebook because I have found it is the base of a lot of my unnecessary stress in my life. You have encouraged me to spend time with my son and my husband and live in the moment instead of playing on Facebook and worrying about what other people are doing and competing against them instead of enjoying my own life and the life of my family without all the drama. Thank y
3152ou so much!!</p>
3153		</div>
3154
3155		<div class="comment-reply"><a rel="nofollow" class="comment-reply-link" href="https://www.handsfreemama.com/about-me/?replytocom=73493#respond" data-commentid="73493" data-postid="18" data-belowelement="article-comment-73493" data-respondelement="respond" data-replyto="Reply to Taylor C" aria-label="Reply to Taylor C">Reply</a></div>
3156		
3157	</article>
3158	</li><!-- #comment-## -->
3159
3160	<li class="comment odd alt thread-odd thread-alt depth-1" id="comment-77927">
3161	<article id="article-comment-77927" itemprop="comment" itemscope itemtype="https://schema.org/Comment">
3162
3163		<div class="commentnumber">138</div>
3164		<header class="comment-header">
3165			<p class="comment-author" itemprop="author" itemscope itemtype="https://schema.org/Person">
3166				<img alt='' src='https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/8456997b427afbeb7cef3d00ba4be9ef?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/8456997b427afbeb7cef3d00ba4be9ef?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">Valerie</span> <span class="says">says</span>			</p>
3167
3168			<p class="comment-meta"><time class="comment-time" datetime="2014-01-15T11:54:29-06:00" itemprop="datePublished"><a class="comment-time-link" href="https://www.handsfreemama.com/about-me/#comment-77927" itemprop="url">January 15, 2014 at 11:54 am</a></time></p>		</header>
3169
3170		<div class="comment-content" itemprop="text">
3171			
3172			<p>Rachel &#8211; I started reading your blog about 6 months ago when a friend shared one of your posts on Facebook.   I have a 6 yr old daughter and a 5 yr old son.  I know you have heard this before, but your words really hit home, you were writing about me.  As a type A, “OCD” perfectionist, I know how difficult it is to admit to anyone (kids, husband, friends, public) that I am wrong, I made a mistake, I made a bad decision.  Your blog has truly helped me change my thinking and my behavior.  The Important Thing About Yelling, The Day I Stopped Saying Hurry Up, The Bully Too Close to Home and Who You Are Now Matters More &#8211; are life changers for me.  Words cannot express how thankful I am that you spoke to issues that are difficult to recognize in yourself and that others may recognize in you, but are afraid to tell you.  Through sharing your experiences you are saving Moms, but more importantly, you are saving children.  Thank you!<br />
3173P.S. – Yesterday my son came home from pre-school with stains from a cupcake with green icing all around is mouth and chin (it was dark green).  As we were getting out of the car he saw is friend playing a few houses away.  “Mommy, can I go play with Matthew?” The old me would have said, “Not until we get inside and clean your face” which would have no doubt caused a battle of wills.  The new me, “Sure go ahead, remember to be home by 5:00pm for dinner.”  “Ok, mommy, I love you!”  ~Life Changer~</p>
3174		</div>
3175
3176		<div class="comment-reply"><a rel="nofollow" class="comment-reply-link" href="https://www.handsfreemama.com/about-me/?replytocom=77927#respond" data-commentid="77927" data-postid="18" data-belowelement="article-comment-77927" data-respondelement="respond" data-replyto="Reply to Valerie" aria-label="Reply to Valerie">Reply</a></div>
3177		
3178	</article>
3179	</li><!-- #comment-## -->
3180
3181	<li class="comment even thread-even depth-1" id="comment-82720">
3182	<article id="article-comment-82720" itemprop="comment" itemscope itemtype="https://schema.org/Comment">
3183
3184		<div class="commentnumber">139</div>
3185		<header class="comment-header">
3186			<p class="comment-author" itemprop="author" itemscope itemtype="https://schema.org/Person">
3187				<img alt='' src='https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/ed703e8254ecdb1ecaca9dbab379ed68?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/ed703e8254ecdb1ecaca9dbab379ed68?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">Clara</span> <span class="says">says</span>			</p>
3188
3189			<p class="comment-meta"><time class="comment-time" datetime="2014-01-21T17:13:02-06:00" itemprop="datePublished"><a class="comment-time-link" href="https://www.handsfreemama.com/about-me/#comment-82720" itemprop="url">January 21, 2014 at 5:13 pm</a></time></p>		</header>
3190
3191		<div class="comment-content" itemprop="text">
3192			
3193			<p>
3193I am from Spain. I feel absolutely as you describe in your posts. You are brave, generous and honest. Thank you so much for sharing your thoughts. They can help me a lot to change many thinks that I don&#8217;t like of my Family life. You are great. Thank you, thank you.</p>
3194		</div>
3195
3196		<div class="comment-reply"><a rel="nofollow" class="comment-reply-link" href="https://www.handsfreemama.com/about-me/?replytocom=82720#respond" data-commentid="82720" data-postid="18" data-belowelement="article-comment-82720" data-respondelement="respond" data-replyto="Reply to Clara" aria-label="Reply to Clara">Reply</a></div>
3197		
3198	</article>
3199	</li><!-- #comment-## -->
3200
3201	<li class="comment odd alt thread-odd thread-alt depth-1" id="comment-86474">
3202	<article id="article-comment-86474" itemprop="comment" itemscope itemtype="https://schema.org/Comment">
3203
3204		<div class="commentnumber">140</div>
3205		<header class="comment-header">
3206			<p class="comment-author" itemprop="author" itemscope itemtype="https://schema.org/Person">
3207				<img alt='' src='https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/abc40a31c5486fcb6010574802459fec?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/abc40a31c5486fcb6010574802459fec?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://testmonsterblog.com/" class="comment-author-link" rel="external nofollow" itemprop="url">Andrea</a></span> <span class="says">says</span>			</p>
3208
3209			<p class="comment-meta"><time class="comment-time" datetime="2014-01-27T03:19:17-06:00" itemprop="datePublished"><a class="comment-time-link" href="https://www.handsfreemama.com/about-me/#comment-86474" itemprop="url">January 27, 2014 at 3:19 am</a></time></p>		</header>
3210
3211		<div class="comment-content" itemprop="text">
3212			
3213			<p>just great! I hope I can read the book soon in german&#8230;&#8230;&#8230;&#8230;&#8230;&#8230;&#8230;Thank you!</p>
3214		</div>
3215
3216		<div class="comment-reply"><a rel="nofollow" class="comment-reply-link" href="https://www.handsfreemama.com/about-me/?replytocom=86474#respond" data-commentid="86474" data-postid="18" data-belowelement="article-comment-86474" data-respondelement="respond" data-replyto="Reply to Andrea" aria-label="Reply to Andrea">Reply</a></div>
3217		
3218	</article>
3219	</li><!-- #comment-## -->
3220
3221	<li class="comment even thread-even depth-1" id="comment-91569">
3222	<article id="article-comment-91569" itemprop="comment" itemscope itemtype="https://schema.org/Comment">
3223
3224		<div class="commentnumber">141</div>
3225		<header class="comment-header">
3226			<p class="comment-author" itemprop="author" itemscope itemtype="https://schema.org/Person">
3227				<img alt='' src='https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/a4fdb921f6d6d4263869c0fa825abf1c?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/a4fdb921f6d6d4263869c0fa825abf1c?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">Jules</span> <span class="says">says</span>			</p>
3228
3229			<p class="comment-meta"><time class="comment-time" datetime="2014-02-10T19:56:10-06:00" itemprop="datePublished"><a class="comment-time-link" href="https://www.handsfreemama.com/about-me/#comment-91569" itemprop="url">February 10, 2014 at 7:56 pm</a></time></p>		</header>
3230
3231		<div class="comment-content" itemprop="text">
3232			
3233			<p>A note to my Angel.<br />
3234Dear Angel,<br />
3235I see your smile and I read your signs.<br />
3236I witness your love all  round<br />
3237But above all i know you are a true angel &#8211; even though i cant touch your wings.<br />
3238I know this because only my Angel can make my heart bleed tears that have nt flowed for years<br />
3239Only my angel can come to find me in my place of hurt<br />
3240And lead me home<br />
3241Only my angel can whisper to me that everything will be better soon<br />
3242And finally I can believe.</p>
3243<p>Thank you for appearing Angel Rachel and holding out your hand.</p>
3244<p>Amen</p>
3245		</div>
3246
3247		<div class="comment-reply"><a rel="nofollow" class="comment-reply-link" href="https://www.handsfreemama.com/about-me/?replytocom=91569#respond" data-commentid="91569" data-postid="18" data-belowelement="article-comment-91569" data-respondelement="respond" data-replyto="Reply to Jules" aria-label="Reply to Jules">Reply</a></div>
3248		
3249	</article>
3250	</li><!-- #comment-## -->
3251
3252	<li class="comment odd alt thread-odd thread-alt depth-1" id="comment-91593">
3253	<article id="article-comment-91593" itemprop="comment" itemscope itemtype="https://schema.org/Comment">
3254
3255		<div class="commentnumber">142</div>
3256		<header class="comment-header">
3257			<p class="comment-author" itemprop="author" itemscope itemtype="https://schema.org/Person">
3258				<img alt='' src='https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/cac252aa6fddc5a6911597c368bd1427?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/cac252aa6fddc5a6911597c368bd1427?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">Priya</span> <span class="says">says</span>			</p>
3259
3260			<p class="comment-meta"><time class="comment-time" datetime="2014-02-10T21:26:59-06:00" itemprop="datePublished"><a class="comment-time-link" href="https://www.handsfreemama.com/about-me/#comment-91593" itemprop="url">February 10, 2014 at 9:26 pm</a></time></p>		</header>
3261
3262		<div class="comment-content" itemprop="text">
3263			
3264			<p>I read this article which was forwarded by my husband and believe me after reading this I started thinking that am I not good mother.it is not that I am not doing good to my children but mostly I think that I am doing for them and can&#8217;t give myself time.i do laundry,dishes and fulfill every single wish of kids but still I feel I lag behind as good mother.</p>
3265		</div>
3266
3267		<div class="comment-reply"><a rel="nofollow" class="comment-reply-link" href="https://www.handsfreemama.com/about-me/?replytocom=91593#respond" data-commentid="91593" data-postid="18" data-belowelement="article-comment-91593" data-respondelement="respond" data-replyto="Reply to Priya" aria-label="Reply to Priya">Reply</a></div>
3268		
3269	</article>
3270	</li><!-- #comment-## -->
3271
3272	<li class="comment even thread-even depth-1" id="comment-94937">
3273	<article id="article-comment-94937" itemprop="comment" itemscope itemtype="https://schema.org/Comment">
3274
3275		<div class="commentnumber">143</div>
3276		<header class="comment-header">
3277			<p class="comment-author" itemprop="author" itemscope itemtype="https://schema.org/Person">
3278				<img alt='' src='https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/1448deb04ebaf22b6818ba32beb23bb0?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/1448deb04ebaf22b6818ba32beb23bb0?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://artlibre.org/infos.php/about.html?a%5B%5D=%3Ca+href%3Dhttp%3A%2F%2Fwww.goldcoastroofing.weebly.com%3ETop+Gold+Coast+Roofing+Company%3C%2Fa%3E" class="comment-author-link" rel="external nofollow" itemprop="url">Antoinette</a></span> <span class="says">says</span>			</p>
3279
3280			<p class="comment-meta"><time class="comment-time" datetime="2014-02-17T22:27:34-06:00" itemprop="datePublished"><a class="comment-time-link" href="https://www.handsfreemama.com/about-me/#comment-94937" itemprop="url">February 17, 2014 at 10:27 pm</a></time></p>		</header>
3281
3282		<div class="comment-content" itemprop="text">
3283			
3284			<p>When I originally commented I clicked the &#8220;Notify me when new comments are added&#8221; checkbox and now each time a<br />
3285comment is added I get four e-mails with the same comment.<br />
3286Is there any way you can remove me from that service?<br />
3287Thanks!</p>
3288		</div>
3289
3290		<div class="comment-reply"><a rel="nofollow" class="comment-reply-link" href="https://www.handsfreemama.com/about-me/?replytocom=94937#respond" data-commentid="94937" data-postid="18" data-belowelement="article-comment-94937" data-respondelement="respond" data-replyto="Reply to Antoinette" aria-label="Reply to Antoinette">Reply</a></div>
3291		
3292	</article>
3293	<ul class="children">
3294
3295	<li class="comment odd alt depth-2" id="comment-95107">
3296	<article id="article-comment-95107" itemprop="comment" itemscope itemtype="https://schema.org/Comment">
3297
3298		<div class="commentnumber">144</div>
3299		<header class="comment-header">
3300			<p class="comment-author" itemprop="author" itemscope itemtype="https://schema.org/Person">
3301				<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">
3301Rachel Macy Stafford</a></span> <span class="says">says</span>			</p>
3302
3303			<p class="comment-meta"><time class="comment-time" datetime="2014-02-18T07:39:43-06:00" itemprop="datePublished"><a class="comment-time-link" href="https://www.handsfreemama.com/about-me/#comment-95107" itemprop="url">February 18, 2014 at 7:39 am</a></time></p>		</header>
3304
3305		<div class="comment-content" itemprop="text">
3306			
3307			<p>Whenever the next email appears, read carefully and look for the word &#8220;unsubscribe.&#8221; It should be near the bottom of the email. Sometimes it is in small print.</p>
3308		</div>
3309
3310		<div class="comment-reply"><a rel="nofollow" class="comment-reply-link" href="https://www.handsfreemama.com/about-me/?replytocom=95107#respond" data-commentid="95107" data-postid="18" data-belowelement="article-comment-95107" data-respondelement="respond" data-replyto="Reply to Rachel Macy Stafford" aria-label="Reply to Rachel Macy Stafford">Reply</a></div>
3311		
3312	</article>
3313	</li><!-- #comment-## -->
3314</ul><!-- .children -->
3315</li><!-- #comment-## -->
3316
3317	<li class="comment even thread-odd thread-alt depth-1" id="comment-101739">
3318	<article id="article-comment-101739" itemprop="comment" itemscope itemtype="https://schema.org/Comment">
3319
3320		<div class="commentnumber">145</div>
3321		<header class="comment-header">
3322			<p class="comment-author" itemprop="author" itemscope itemtype="https://schema.org/Person">
3323				<img alt='' src='https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/e5d87bcdad710e4f0d54d806d9607227?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/e5d87bcdad710e4f0d54d806d9607227?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.reikiforpeace.org" class="comment-author-link" rel="external nofollow" itemprop="url">Rahel Warshaw-Dadon</a></span> <span class="says">says</span>			</p>
3324
3325			<p class="comment-meta"><time class="comment-time" datetime="2014-03-05T02:58:37-06:00" itemprop="datePublished"><a class="comment-time-link" href="https://www.handsfreemama.com/about-me/#comment-101739" itemprop="url">March 5, 2014 at 2:58 am</a></time></p>		</header>
3326
3327		<div class="comment-content" itemprop="text">
3328			
3329			<p>Shalom Rachel!<br />
3330I was touched by your blog<br />
3331&#8220;https://www.handsfreemama.com/2014/03/03/the-ten-minutes-that-changed-my-distracted-life/&#8221;</p>
3332<p>I would suggest only one change:  You wrote:<br />
3333&#8221; During that episode with my younger daughter I had every reason to become frustrated, impatient, and upset.<br />
3334But I didn’t.<br />
3335I was able to look at her as a child, not a miniature adult.<br />
3336I was able to realize yelling or forcing were not going to help the situation.<br />
3337I was able to keep what really mattered in perspective while my best laid plans went terribly awry.&#8221;</p>
3338<p>Of course, for you, your young daughter is among the most important people in your life.  but suppose that sick person were not your young daughter, but your ADULT daughter.  Or suppose she were your mother, or your best friend, or, indeed, anyone who happens to be near you and in need.  You would not even consider treating such adults as children,  and not as miniature adults.  And for adults too,  you can &#8220;realize [that] yelling or forcing [will] not &#8230;  help the situation.&#8221; And you can &#8220;keep what really matter[s] in perspective while my best laid plans [go] terribly awry.&#8221;&#8221; </p>
3339<p>As soon as one can free one&#8217;s self of the egocentric vision (my dress, my plans are more important than anything else&#8230;.), your advice works for every relationship, starting with our children, but not limited to our children.</p>
3340<p>well done!</p>
3341<p>Rahel (the Hebrew form of Rachel!)<br />
3342Reiki Master &#8211; Jerusalem<br />
3343<a href="http://www.reikiforpeace.org" rel="nofollow ugc">http://www.reikiforpeace.org</a></p>
3344		</div>
3345
3346		<div class="comment-reply"><a rel="nofollow" class="comment-reply-link" href="https://www.handsfreemama.com/about-me/?replytocom=101739#respond" data-commentid="101739" data-postid="18" data-belowelement="article-comment-101739" data-respondelement="respond" data-replyto="Reply to Rahel Warshaw-Dadon" aria-label="Reply to Rahel Warshaw-Dadon">Reply</a></div>
3347		
3348	</article>
3349	</li><!-- #comment-## -->
3350
3351	<li class="comment odd alt thread-even depth-1" id="comment-116027">
3352	<article id="article-comment-116027" itemprop="comment" itemscope itemtype="https://schema.org/Comment">
3353
3354		<div class="commentnumber">146</div>
3355		<header class="comment-header">
3356			<p class="comment-author" itemprop="author" itemscope itemtype="https://schema.org/Person">
3357				<img alt='' src='https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/9504eef65d3f558fa22b7ffa83e0ebbe?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/9504eef65d3f558fa22b7ffa83e0ebbe?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">Trina Higgs</span> <span class="says">says</span>			</p>
3358
3359			<p class="comment-meta"><time class="comment-time" datetime="2014-03-26T14:28:15-06:00" itemprop="datePublished"><a class="comment-time-link" href="https://www.handsfreemama.com/about-me/#comment-116027" itemprop="url">March 26, 2014 at 2:28 pm</a></time></p>		</header>
3360
3361		<div class="comment-content" itemprop="text">
3362			
3363			<p>I have no doubt that you are several people&#8217;s angel.  Including me.  There&#8217;s the angel that passed your name on to me this morning, and I thanked him.  And you&#8217;re an angel for your words that I have read, and I have only read a few so far, which have sparked a fire in me to be more present in every aspect of my life.  I am a rusher and sometimes for no reason.  And I&#8217;ve seen the look in my kids eyes after I&#8217;ve sighed or chided them because they had an accident that was going to slow me down.  Of course I apologize but the guilt is very hard to let go of.  It&#8217;
3363s a work in progress.  God bless you.</p>
3364		</div>
3365
3366		<div class="comment-reply"><a rel="nofollow" class="comment-reply-link" href="https://www.handsfreemama.com/about-me/?replytocom=116027#respond" data-commentid="116027" data-postid="18" data-belowelement="article-comment-116027" data-respondelement="respond" data-replyto="Reply to Trina Higgs" aria-label="Reply to Trina Higgs">Reply</a></div>
3367		
3368	</article>
3369	<ul class="children">
3370
3371	<li class="comment even depth-2" id="comment-116120">
3372	<article id="article-comment-116120" itemprop="comment" itemscope itemtype="https://schema.org/Comment">
3373
3374		<div class="commentnumber">147</div>
3375		<header class="comment-header">
3376			<p class="comment-author" itemprop="author" itemscope itemtype="https://schema.org/Person">
3377				<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>
3378
3379			<p class="comment-meta"><time class="comment-time" datetime="2014-03-26T17:35:28-06:00" itemprop="datePublished"><a class="comment-time-link" href="https://www.handsfreemama.com/about-me/#comment-116120" itemprop="url">March 26, 2014 at 5:35 pm</a></time></p>		</header>
3380
3381		<div class="comment-content" itemprop="text">
3382			
3383			<p>thank you, dear Trina. this means a great deal to me. thank you for offering me this beautiful gesture of love and encouragement through your words. i am so glad you are here walking beside me on this journey.</p>
3384		</div>
3385
3386		<div class="comment-reply"><a rel="nofollow" class="comment-reply-link" href="https://www.handsfreemama.com/about-me/?replytocom=116120#respond" data-commentid="116120" data-postid="18" data-belowelement="article-comment-116120" data-respondelement="respond" data-replyto="Reply to Rachel Macy Stafford" aria-label="Reply to Rachel Macy Stafford">Reply</a></div>
3387		
3388	</article>
3389	</li><!-- #comment-## -->
3390</ul><!-- .children -->
3391</li><!-- #comment-## -->
3392
3393	<li class="comment odd alt thread-odd thread-alt depth-1" id="comment-154010">
3394	<article id="article-comment-154010" itemprop="comment" itemscope itemtype="https://schema.org/Comment">
3395
3396		<div class="commentnumber">148</div>
3397		<header class="comment-header">
3398			<p class="comment-author" itemprop="author" itemscope itemtype="https://schema.org/Person">
3399				<img alt='' src='https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/30c2299605fb3bda4eb6abb7ab774b4f?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/30c2299605fb3bda4eb6abb7ab774b4f?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.angelastrand.com/" class="comment-author-link" rel="external nofollow" itemprop="url">Angela</a></span> <span class="says">says</span>			</p>
3400
3401			<p class="comment-meta"><time class="comment-time" datetime="2014-04-23T16:01:19-06:00" itemprop="datePublished"><a class="comment-time-link" href="https://www.handsfreemama.com/about-me/#comment-154010" itemprop="url">April 23, 2014 at 4:01 pm</a></time></p>		</header>
3402
3403		<div class="comment-content" itemprop="text">
3404			
3405			<p>Hi there! I&#8217;m a Mama of 3 little ones and I love the basis and purpose behind your blog. I have a question for you. Since going &#8220;Hands Free&#8221;, when do you fit blogging/writing and keeping your Facebook page updated into your schedule? I am a blogger as well and with 3 little kids, I&#8217;m finding it hard to find the time. Also, I&#8217;m not one of those gals who can stay up into the wee hours of the night to get posts written. I guess sleep is more important to me, since I know I need it to be healthy and a nice Mama! So, when do you fit it in?<br />
3406Thanks!</p>
3407		</div>
3408
3409		<div class="comment-reply"><a rel="nofollow" class="comment-reply-link" href="https://www.handsfreemama.com/about-me/?replytocom=154010#respond" data-commentid="154010" data-postid="18" data-belowelement="article-comment-154010" data-respondelement="respond" data-replyto="Reply to Angela" aria-label="Reply to Angela">Reply</a></div>
3410		
3411	</article>
3412	</li><!-- #comment-## -->
3413
3414	<li class="comment even thread-even depth-1" id="comment-167485">
3415	<article id="article-comment-167485" itemprop="comment" itemscope itemtype="https://schema.org/Comment">
3416
3417		<div class="commentnumber">149</div>
3418		<header class="comment-header">
3419			<p class="comment-author" itemprop="author" itemscope itemtype="https://schema.org/Person">
3420				<img alt='' src='https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/84ec45a874977da00193ada55fc8b899?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/84ec45a874977da00193ada55fc8b899?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">Ric</span> <span class="says">says</span>			</p>
3421
3422			<p class="comment-meta"><time class="comment-time" datetime="2014-04-30T16:02:00-06:00" itemprop="datePublished"><a class="comment-time-link" href="https://www.handsfreemama.com/about-me/#comment-167485" itemprop="url">April 30, 2014 at 4:02 pm</a></time></p>		</header>
3423
3424		<div class="comment-content" itemprop="text">
3425			
3426			<p>Love your welcome statement !!  if you don&#8217;t mind plan to make it part of my mantra</p>
3427		</div>
3428
3429		<div class="comment-reply"><a rel="nofollow" class="comment-reply-link" href="https://www.handsfreemama.com/about-me/?replytocom=167485#respond" data-commentid="167485" data-postid="18" data-belowelement="article-comment-167485" data-respondelement="respond" data-replyto="Reply to Ric" aria-label="Reply to Ric">Reply</a></div>
3430		
3431	</article>
3432	</li><!-- #comment-## -->
3433
3434	<li class="comment odd alt thread-odd thread-alt depth-1" id="comment-265669">
3435	<article id="article-comment-265669" itemprop="comment" itemscope itemtype="https://schema.org/Comment">
3436
3437		<div class="commentnumber">150</div>
3438		<header class="comment-header">
3439			<p class="comment-author" itemprop="author" itemscope itemtype="https://schema.org/Person">
3440				<img alt='' src='https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/d3e84063f363c88cf28ce6615f0be23e?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/d3e84063f363c88cf28ce6615f0be23e?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</span> <span class="says">says</span>			</p>
3441
3442			<p class="comment-meta"><time class="comment-time" datetime="2014-07-02T20:56:14-06:00" itemprop="datePublished"><a class="comment-time-link" href="https://www.handsfreemama.com/about-me/#comment-265669" itemprop="url">July 2, 2014 at 8:56 pm</a></time></p>		</header>
3443
3444		<div class="comment-content" itemprop="text">
3445			
3446			<p>This is a very beautiful blog. I can&#8217;t wait to read more. I love how you love your children and are not afraid to gush over that fact. I feel the same way about my own. I&#8217;m glad to have stumbled upon you.</p>
3447		</div>
3448
3449		<div class="comment-reply"><a rel="nofollow" class="comment-reply-link" href="https://www.handsfreemama.com/about-me/?replytocom=265669#respond" data-commentid="265669" data-postid="18" data-belowelement="article-comment-265669" data-respondelement="respond" data-replyto="Reply to Stephanie" aria-label="Reply to Stephanie">Reply</a></div>
3450		
3451	</article>
3452	</li><!-- #comment-## -->
3453
3454	<li class="comment even thread-even depth-1" id="comment-268847">
3455	<article id="article-comment-268847" itemprop="comment" itemscope itemtype="https://schema.org/Comment">
3456
3457		<div class="commentnumber">151</div>
3458		<header class="comment-header">
3459			<p class="comment-author" itemprop="author" itemscope itemtype="https://schema.org/Person">
3460				<img alt='' src='https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/b403ebcd89fa0d9ed21b11691f5ef2dd?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/b403ebcd89fa0d9ed21b11691f5ef2dd?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://beagoodmama.wordpress.com" class="comment-author-link" rel="external nofollow" itemprop="url">Claire</a></span> <span class="says">says</span>			</p>
3461
3462			<p class="comment-meta"><time class="comment-time" datetime="2014-07-06T04:14:03-06:00" itemprop="datePublished"><a class="comment-time-link" href="https://www.handsfreemama.com/about-me/#comment-268847" itemprop="url">July 6, 2014 at 4:14 am</a></time></p>		</header>
3463
3464		<div class="comment-content" itemprop="text">
3465			
3466			<p>Thank you so much for writing all those things. I&#8217;ve being following and I couldn&#8217;t agree more, but today, I want to leave hand free too. How do you start?<br />
3467Thanks</p>
3468		</div>
3469
3470		<div class="comment-reply"><a rel="nofollow" class="comment-reply-link" href="https://www.handsfreemama.com/about-me/?replytocom=268847#respond" data-commentid="268847" data-postid="18" data-belowelement="article-comment-268847" data-respondelement="respond" data-replyto="Reply to Claire" aria-label="Reply to Claire">Reply</a></div>
3471		
3472	</article>
3473	</li><!-- #comment-## -->
3474
3475	<li class="comment odd alt thread-odd thread-alt depth-1" id="comment-328133">
3476	<article id="article-comment-328133" itemprop="comment" itemscope itemtype="https://schema.org/Comment">
3477
3478		<div class="commentnumber">152</div>
3479		<header class="comment-header">
3480			<p class="comment-author" itemprop="author" itemscope itemtype="https://schema.org/Person">
3481				<img alt='' src='https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/ff3c977fdc8c1b0da351192bc8965e57?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/ff3c977fdc8c1b0da351192bc8965e57?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">
3481Betsy Spraberry</span> <span class="says">says</span>			</p>
3482
3483			<p class="comment-meta"><time class="comment-time" datetime="2014-08-13T12:29:15-06:00" itemprop="datePublished"><a class="comment-time-link" href="https://www.handsfreemama.com/about-me/#comment-328133" itemprop="url">August 13, 2014 at 12:29 pm</a></time></p>		</header>
3484
3485		<div class="comment-content" itemprop="text">
3486			
3487			<p>Rachael,  I am reading post after post of your journey and I have to say it is hitting me right in the middle of my heart. I was a busy overworked, over committed teacher and coach. I chose this past may to resign and stay with my precious baby girl and side kick, Miss Maggie May.  We know that giving up my job will me giving up some financial security. But more than that, we know that giving up my job is where the Lord is leading us. So, here I am now, on &#8220;summer break&#8221; that doesn&#8217;t end as my fellow teacher friends go back to work next week. Through this whole process my desire is to be different but I find myself getting sucked into the world of social media or tv or the many other distractions that come with society today. While being sucked in to one of those venues today I ran across a blog post from your site. I am so thankful I did. Tears welled up as I read through even just your information page. Thank you for sharing your heart and being an ANGEL in my life today that made me realize how important my new &#8220;job&#8221;  is. What a blessing it is to be called MOMMA.</p>
3488		</div>
3489
3490		<div class="comment-reply"><a rel="nofollow" class="comment-reply-link" href="https://www.handsfreemama.com/about-me/?replytocom=328133#respond" data-commentid="328133" data-postid="18" data-belowelement="article-comment-328133" data-respondelement="respond" data-replyto="Reply to Betsy Spraberry" aria-label="Reply to Betsy Spraberry">Reply</a></div>
3491		
3492	</article>
3493	<ul class="children">
3494
3495	<li class="comment even depth-2" id="comment-328431">
3496	<article id="article-comment-328431" itemprop="comment" itemscope itemtype="https://schema.org/Comment">
3497
3498		<div class="commentnumber">153</div>
3499		<header class="comment-header">
3500			<p class="comment-author" itemprop="author" itemscope itemtype="https://schema.org/Person">
3501				<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>
3502
3503			<p class="comment-meta"><time class="comment-time" datetime="2014-08-13T17:10:57-06:00" itemprop="datePublished"><a class="comment-time-link" href="https://www.handsfreemama.com/about-me/#comment-328431" itemprop="url">August 13, 2014 at 5:10 pm</a></time></p>		</header>
3504
3505		<div class="comment-content" itemprop="text">
3506			
3507			<p>Welcome, Betsy! I am so glad you are here. Thank you for sharing YOUR story. I can see many glimmers of goodness in the coming days and years for you and sweet Maggie May! Bless you both!</p>
3508		</div>
3509
3510		<div class="comment-reply"><a rel="nofollow" class="comment-reply-link" href="https://www.handsfreemama.com/about-me/?replytocom=328431#respond" data-commentid="328431" data-postid="18" data-belowelement="article-comment-328431" data-respondelement="respond" data-replyto="Reply to Rachel Macy Stafford" aria-label="Reply to Rachel Macy Stafford">Reply</a></div>
3511		
3512	</article>
3513	</li><!-- #comment-## -->
3514</ul><!-- .children -->
3515</li><!-- #comment-## -->
3516
3517	<li class="comment odd alt thread-even depth-1" id="comment-800006">
3518	<article id="article-comment-800006" itemprop="comment" itemscope itemtype="https://schema.org/Comment">
3519
3520		<div class="commentnumber">154</div>
3521		<header class="comment-header">
3522			<p class="comment-author" itemprop="author" itemscope itemtype="https://schema.org/Person">
3523				<img alt='' src='https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/9d55e7a11caa24aa4165ea2e590c77a5?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/9d55e7a11caa24aa4165ea2e590c77a5?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">Gaz</span> <span class="says">says</span>			</p>
3524
3525			<p class="comment-meta"><time class="comment-time" datetime="2015-11-24T17:45:06-06:00" itemprop="datePublished"><a class="comment-time-link" href="https://www.handsfreemama.com/about-me/#comment-800006" itemprop="url">November 24, 2015 at 5:45 pm</a></time></p>		</header>
3526
3527		<div class="comment-content" itemprop="text">
3528			
3529			<p>Hi Rachel,</p>
3530<p>I just read your story about loosing the chapters of your book. I know a lot of time has passed since, but if you stil have not formated the computer, I could give it a try to bring them back.</p>
3531<p>Best Regards,<br />
3532Gaz</p>
3533		</div>
3534
3535		<div class="comment-reply"><a rel="nofollow" class="comment-reply-link" href="https://www.handsfreemama.com/about-me/?replytocom=800006#respond" data-commentid="800006" data-postid="18" data-belowelement="article-comment-800006" data-respondelement="respond" data-replyto="Reply to Gaz" aria-label="Reply to Gaz">Reply</a></div>
3536		
3537	</article>
3538	<ul class="children">
3539
3540	<li class="comment byuser comment-author-handsfreemama bypostauthor even depth-2" id="comment-800051">
3541	<article id="article-comment-800051" itemprop="comment" itemscope itemtype="https://schema.org/Comment">
3542
3543		<div class="commentnumber">155</div>
3544		<header class="comment-header">
3545			<p class="comment-author" itemprop="author" itemscope itemtype="https://schema.org/Person">
3546				<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">
3546Rachel Stafford</a></span> <span class="says">says</span>			</p>
3547
3548			<p class="comment-meta"><time class="comment-time" datetime="2015-11-24T21:04:10-06:00" itemprop="datePublished"><a class="comment-time-link" href="https://www.handsfreemama.com/about-me/#comment-800051" itemprop="url">November 24, 2015 at 9:04 pm</a></time></p>		</header>
3549
3550		<div class="comment-content" itemprop="text">
3551			
3552			<p>Thank you for being so kind. I was able to re-write it and get my book published. But thank you so much for your thoughtfulness.</p>
3553		</div>
3554
3555		<div class="comment-reply"><a rel="nofollow" class="comment-reply-link" href="https://www.handsfreemama.com/about-me/?replytocom=800051#respond" data-commentid="800051" data-postid="18" data-belowelement="article-comment-800051" data-respondelement="respond" data-replyto="Reply to Rachel Stafford" aria-label="Reply to Rachel Stafford">Reply</a></div>
3556		
3557	</article>
3558	</li><!-- #comment-## -->
3559</ul><!-- .children -->
3560</li><!-- #comment-## -->
3561
3562	<li class="comment odd alt thread-odd thread-alt depth-1" id="comment-807821">
3563	<article id="article-comment-807821" itemprop="comment" itemscope itemtype="https://schema.org/Comment">
3564
3565		<div class="commentnumber">156</div>
3566		<header class="comment-header">
3567			<p class="comment-author" itemprop="author" itemscope itemtype="https://schema.org/Person">
3568				<img alt='' src='https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/dc9ab2a31935ae057a48133254f80047?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/dc9ab2a31935ae057a48133254f80047?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.carolinacisneroscafe.wordpress.com" class="comment-author-link" rel="external nofollow" itemprop="url">Carolina Hinojosa-Cisneros</a></span> <span class="says">says</span>			</p>
3569
3570			<p class="comment-meta"><time class="comment-time" datetime="2015-12-30T20:33:14-06:00" itemprop="datePublished"><a class="comment-time-link" href="https://www.handsfreemama.com/about-me/#comment-807821" itemprop="url">December 30, 2015 at 8:33 pm</a></time></p>		</header>
3571
3572		<div class="comment-content" itemprop="text">
3573			
3574			<p>Rachel,<br />
3575I was just gifted your book &#8220;Hands Free Mama&#8221; for Christmas.  Major hint! 😉  I&#8217;m excited to read more.   Thank you for your blessings.</p>
3576		</div>
3577
3578		<div class="comment-reply"><a rel="nofollow" class="comment-reply-link" href="https://www.handsfreemama.com/about-me/?replytocom=807821#respond" data-commentid="807821" data-postid="18" data-belowelement="article-comment-807821" data-respondelement="respond" data-replyto="Reply to Carolina Hinojosa-Cisneros" aria-label="Reply to Carolina Hinojosa-Cisneros">Reply</a></div>
3579		
3580	</article>
3581	</li><!-- #comment-## -->
3582
3583	<li class="comment even thread-even depth-1" id="comment-813148">
3584	<article id="article-comment-813148" itemprop="comment" itemscope itemtype="https://schema.org/Comment">
3585
3586		<div class="commentnumber">157</div>
3587		<header class="comment-header">
3588			<p class="comment-author" itemprop="author" itemscope itemtype="https://schema.org/Person">
3589				<img alt='' src='https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/b864859ebc9446f3f59cffb11d4516be?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/b864859ebc9446f3f59cffb11d4516be?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">Yvette Ramirez</span> <span class="says">says</span>			</p>
3590
3591			<p class="comment-meta"><time class="comment-time" datetime="2016-01-26T11:01:52-06:00" itemprop="datePublished"><a class="comment-time-link" href="https://www.handsfreemama.com/about-me/#comment-813148" itemprop="url">January 26, 2016 at 11:01 am</a></time></p>		</header>
3592
3593		<div class="comment-content" itemprop="text">
3594			
3595			<p>God&#8217;s blessings to you Rachel.  I am overjoyed to have come accross your page this morning.  I was reading my daily articles on Desiring God and clicking forward on many links as I usually do when the Holy Spirit speaks to me of what is usually going on in my life at the moment.  Your Blog has brought, what I discribe as a pilar of light, to my life as I live and see it.  God has so gracefully walked me thru the internet and led me to a place that has shown me there is more to my lofe than a cell phone super glued to my hand.  My two boys are grown now and live miles upon miles aways from me, but  I have chosen to take your 21 day challenge with goals and specific activities I feel need to happen in order that I may become one with my Savior and have a closer relationship with my boys.<br />
3596Thank you! And I praise my Lord Jesus Christ for you!</p>
3597		</div>
3598
3599		<div class="comment-reply"><a rel="nofollow" class="comment-reply-link" href="https://www.handsfreemama.com/about-me/?replytocom=813148#respond" data-commentid="813148" data-postid="18" data-belowelement="article-comment-813148" data-respondelement="respond" data-replyto="Reply to Yvette Ramirez" aria-label="Reply to Yvette Ramirez">Reply</a></div>
3600		
3601	</article>
3602	</li><!-- #comment-## -->
3603
3604	<li class="comment odd alt thread-odd thread-alt depth-1" id="comment-821162">
3605	<article id="article-comment-821162" itemprop="comment" itemscope itemtype="https://schema.org/Comment">
3606
3607		<div class="commentnumber">158</div>
3608		<header class="comment-header">
3609			<p class="comment-author" itemprop="author" itemscope itemtype="https://schema.org/Person">
3610				<img alt='' src='https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/4ec8c35773eafd22e7fb0a1903887846?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/4ec8c35773eafd22e7fb0a1903887846?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">Mary</span> <span class="says">says</span>			</p>
3611
3612			<p class="comment-meta"><time class="comment-time" datetime="2016-03-13T18:57:35-06:00" itemprop="datePublished"><a class="comment-time-link" href="https://www.handsfreemama.com/about-me/#comment-821162" itemprop="url">March 13, 2016 at 6:57 pm</a></time></p>		</header>
3613
3614		<div class="comment-content" itemprop="text">
3615			
3616			<p>I checked out your Hands Free Life book from the library and love it! I wish I would have read it 24 yrs ago before my 1st child was born&#8230;But I plan on buying a copy to give to my daughter to inspire her as she raises the next generation in our family;
3616 she just had my first grandchild!  Thank you for sharing your life!</p>
3617		</div>
3618
3619		<div class="comment-reply"><a rel="nofollow" class="comment-reply-link" href="https://www.handsfreemama.com/about-me/?replytocom=821162#respond" data-commentid="821162" data-postid="18" data-belowelement="article-comment-821162" data-respondelement="respond" data-replyto="Reply to Mary" aria-label="Reply to Mary">Reply</a></div>
3620		
3621	</article>
3622	</li><!-- #comment-## -->
3623
3624	<li class="comment even thread-even depth-1" id="comment-846707">
3625	<article id="article-comment-846707" itemprop="comment" itemscope itemtype="https://schema.org/Comment">
3626
3627		<div class="commentnumber">159</div>
3628		<header class="comment-header">
3629			<p class="comment-author" itemprop="author" itemscope itemtype="https://schema.org/Person">
3630				<img alt='' src='https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/c55a1ed6836cf28089dc1497f42ff2b2?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/c55a1ed6836cf28089dc1497f42ff2b2?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">Wiladean (Van Duyne) DeWitt</span> <span class="says">says</span>			</p>
3631
3632			<p class="comment-meta"><time class="comment-time" datetime="2016-06-11T16:21:55-06:00" itemprop="datePublished"><a class="comment-time-link" href="https://www.handsfreemama.com/about-me/#comment-846707" itemprop="url">June 11, 2016 at 4:21 pm</a></time></p>		</header>
3633
3634		<div class="comment-content" itemprop="text">
3635			
3636			<p>What a wonderfull piece of reading. I am going for your book.  I would never have found it if it was not for your Uncle Robert Dean !!  Yes I still call him  that&#8211;my Mother said to.  Manny-Mannnny years ago.  We (my sister, my hubby and I) had dinner with him a few weeks ago. Be sure and tell your father &#8211;a cousin was thinking of him-we always try to see Robert Dean and catch up on extended family when we are in Indiana.  it&#8217;s always so good to  &#8220;go home&#8221;.</p>
3637		</div>
3638
3639		<div class="comment-reply"><a rel="nofollow" class="comment-reply-link" href="https://www.handsfreemama.com/about-me/?replytocom=846707#respond" data-commentid="846707" data-postid="18" data-belowelement="article-comment-846707" data-respondelement="respond" data-replyto="Reply to Wiladean (Van Duyne) DeWitt" aria-label="Reply to Wiladean (Van Duyne) DeWitt">Reply</a></div>
3640		
3641	</article>
3642	<ul class="children">
3643
3644	<li class="comment byuser comment-author-handsfreemama bypostauthor odd alt depth-2" id="comment-846779">
3645	<article id="article-comment-846779" itemprop="comment" itemscope itemtype="https://schema.org/Comment">
3646
3647		<div class="commentnumber">160</div>
3648		<header class="comment-header">
3649			<p class="comment-author" itemprop="author" itemscope itemtype="https://schema.org/Person">
3650				<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>
3651
3652			<p class="comment-meta"><time class="comment-time" datetime="2016-06-12T00:13:24-06:00" itemprop="datePublished"><a class="comment-time-link" href="https://www.handsfreemama.com/about-me/#comment-846779" itemprop="url">June 12, 2016 at 12:13 am</a></time></p>		</header>
3653
3654		<div class="comment-content" itemprop="text">
3655			
3656			<p>How lovely to see this message from you, Wiladean! You have truly made my day! I cannot wait to tell my dad. He will be so happy to hear this! Thank you for your support. I will have to send Uncle Robert Dean a thank you note! Love, Rachel</p>
3657		</div>
3658
3659		<div class="comment-reply"><a rel="nofollow" class="comment-reply-link" href="https://www.handsfreemama.com/about-me/?replytocom=846779#respond" data-commentid="846779" data-postid="18" data-belowelement="article-comment-846779" data-respondelement="respond" data-replyto="Reply to Rachel Stafford" aria-label="Reply to Rachel Stafford">Reply</a></div>
3660		
3661	</article>
3662	</li><!-- #comment-## -->
3663</ul><!-- .children -->
3664</li><!-- #comment-## -->
3665
3666	<li class="comment even thread-odd thread-alt depth-1" id="comment-941141">
3667	<article id="article-comment-941141" itemprop="comment" itemscope itemtype="https://schema.org/Comment">
3668
3669		<div class="commentnumber">161</div>
3670		<header class="comment-header">
3671			<p class="comment-author" itemprop="author" itemscope itemtype="https://schema.org/Person">
3672				<img alt='' src='https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/7ebdc3cdb1b7ea6161edbc4344673ffa?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/7ebdc3cdb1b7ea6161edbc4344673ffa?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://writingpassion96.wordpress.com" class="comment-author-link" rel="external nofollow" itemprop="url">Shakir</a></span> <span class="says">says</span>			</p>
3673
3674			<p class="comment-meta"><time class="comment-time" datetime="2017-11-27T03:58:48-06:00" itemprop="datePublished"><a class="comment-time-link" href="https://www.handsfreemama.com/about-me/#comment-941141" itemprop="url">November 27, 2017 at 3:58 am</a></time></p>		</header>
3675
3676		<div class="comment-content" itemprop="text">
3677			
3678			<p>Hello,<br />
3679I accidentally visited your blog but now, I&#8217;m so glad that I did. I&#8217;ve fallen in love with your words. You should never cease writing because these words can light up many individuals&#8217; paths.<br />
3680love,<br />
3681From Sri Lanka</p>
3682		</div>
3683
3684		<div class="comment-reply"><a rel="nofollow" class="comment-reply-link" href="https://www.handsfreemama.com/about-me/?replytocom=941141#respond" data-commentid="941141" data-postid="18" data-belowelement="article-comment-941141" data-respondelement="respond" data-replyto="Reply to Shakir" aria-label="Reply to Shakir">Reply</a></div>
3685		
3686	</article>
3687	<ul class="children">
3688
3689	<li class="comment byuser comment-author-handsfreemama bypostauthor odd alt depth-2" id="comment-941256">
3690	<article id="article-comment-941256" itemprop="comment" itemscope itemtype="https://schema.org/Comment">
3691
3692		<div class="commentnumber">162</div>
3693		<header class="comment-header">
3694			<p class="comment-author" itemprop="author" itemscope itemtype="https://schema.org/Person">
3695				<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">
3695Rachel Stafford</a></span> <span class="says">says</span>			</p>
3696
3697			<p class="comment-meta"><time class="comment-time" datetime="2017-11-28T18:25:20-06:00" itemprop="datePublished"><a class="comment-time-link" href="https://www.handsfreemama.com/about-me/#comment-941256" itemprop="url">November 28, 2017 at 6:25 pm</a></time></p>		</header>
3698
3699		<div class="comment-content" itemprop="text">
3700			
3701			<p>Thank you! What a blessing to my soul.</p>
3702		</div>
3703
3704		<div class="comment-reply"><a rel="nofollow" class="comment-reply-link" href="https://www.handsfreemama.com/about-me/?replytocom=941256#respond" data-commentid="941256" data-postid="18" data-belowelement="article-comment-941256" data-respondelement="respond" data-replyto="Reply to Rachel Stafford" aria-label="Reply to Rachel Stafford">Reply</a></div>
3705		
3706	</article>
3707	</li><!-- #comment-## -->
3708</ul><!-- .children -->
3709</li><!-- #comment-## -->
3710</ol></div><div class="entry-pings"><h3>Trackbacks</h3><ol class="ping-list">		<li id="comment-2192" class="pingback even thread-even depth-1">
3711			<article id="div-comment-2192" class="comment-body">
3712				<footer class="comment-meta">
3713					<div class="comment-author vcard">
3714												<b class="fn"><a href="http://almostsupermom.wordpress.com/2012/02/18/where-has-the-time-gone/" class="url" rel="ugc external nofollow">Where has the time gone? &laquo; Almost Super Mom</a></b> <span class="says">says:</span>					</div><!-- .comment-author -->
3715
3716					<div class="comment-metadata">
3717						<a href="https://www.handsfreemama.com/about-me/#comment-2192"><time datetime="2012-02-18T21:29:02-06:00">February 18, 2012 at 9:29 pm</time></a>					</div><!-- .comment-metadata -->
3718
3719									</footer><!-- .comment-meta -->
3720
3721				<div class="comment-content">
3722					<p>[&#8230;] recently found Hands Free Mama on one of my nap time pinterest searches, what an eye opener.  Please if you have 5 minutes check [&#8230;]</p>
3723				</div><!-- .comment-content -->
3724
3725				<div class="reply"><a rel="nofollow" class="comment-reply-link" href="https://www.handsfreemama.com/about-me/?replytocom=2192#respond" data-commentid="2192" data-postid="18" data-belowelement="div-comment-2192" data-respondelement="respond" data-replyto="Reply to Where has the time gone? &laquo; Almost Super Mom" aria-label="Reply to Where has the time gone? &laquo; Almost Super Mom">Reply</a></div>			</article><!-- .comment-body -->
3726		</li><!-- #comment-## -->
3727		<li id="comment-4643" class="pingback odd alt thread-odd thread-alt depth-1">
3728			<article id="div-comment-4643" class="comment-body">
3729				<footer class="comment-meta">
3730					<div class="comment-author vcard">
3731												<b class="fn"><a href="http://momitforward.com/inspiration-rachel-macy-staffords-has-a-hands-free-approach-to-life" class="url" rel="ugc external nofollow">Inspiration: Do What You Can Do</a></b> <span class="says">says:</span>					</div><!-- .comment-author -->
3732
3733					<div class="comment-metadata">
3734						<a href="https://www.handsfreemama.com/about-me/#comment-4643"><time datetime="2012-06-10T03:21:05-06:00">June 10, 2012 at 3:21 am</time></a>					</div><!-- .comment-metadata -->
3735
3736									</footer><!-- .comment-meta -->
3737
3738				<div class="comment-content">
3739					<p>[&#8230;] courtesy of Hands Free Mama. Be Sociable, Share!           [&#8230;]</p>
3740				</div><!-- .comment-content -->
3741
3742				<div class="reply"><a rel="nofollow" class="comment-reply-link" href="https://www.handsfreemama.com/about-me/?replytocom=4643#respond" data-commentid="4643" data-postid="18" data-belowelement="div-comment-4643" data-respondelement="respond" data-replyto="Reply to Inspiration: Do What You Can Do" aria-label="Reply to Inspiration: Do What You Can Do">Reply</a></div>			</article><!-- .comment-body -->
3743		</li><!-- #comment-## -->
3744		<li id="comment-5640" class="pingback even thread-even depth-1">
3745			<article id="div-comment-5640" class="comment-body">
3746				<footer class="comment-meta">
3747					<div class="comment-author vcard">
3748												<b class="fn"><a href="http://almostsupermom.wordpress.com/2012/07/11/just-be-with-me/" class="url" rel="ugc external nofollow">Just Be With Me &laquo; Almost Super Mom</a></b> <span class="says">says:</span>					</div><!-- .comment-author -->
3749
3750					<div class="comment-metadata">
3751						<a href="https://www.handsfreemama.com/about-me/#comment-5640"><time datetime="2012-07-11T17:44:49-06:00">July 11, 2012 at 5:44 pm</time></a>					</div><!-- .comment-metadata -->
3752
3753									</footer><!-- .comment-meta -->
3754
3755				<div class="comment-content">
3756					<p>[&#8230;] have been trying to take tips from fellow blogging Moms like Shawn and Rachael about living in the moment, being more peaceful and enjoying my children.  I had a horrible [&#823
37560;]</p>
3757				</div><!-- .comment-content -->
3758
3759				<div class="reply"><a rel="nofollow" class="comment-reply-link" href="https://www.handsfreemama.com/about-me/?replytocom=5640#respond" data-commentid="5640" data-postid="18" data-belowelement="div-comment-5640" data-respondelement="respond" data-replyto="Reply to Just Be With Me &laquo; Almost Super Mom" aria-label="Reply to Just Be With Me &laquo; Almost Super Mom">Reply</a></div>			</article><!-- .comment-body -->
3760		</li><!-- #comment-## -->
3761		<li id="comment-7845" class="pingback odd alt thread-odd thread-alt depth-1">
3762			<article id="div-comment-7845" class="comment-body">
3763				<footer class="comment-meta">
3764					<div class="comment-author vcard">
3765												<b class="fn"><a href="http://momontherange.com/how-i-survived-and-thrived-33-hours-offline/" class="url" rel="ugc external nofollow">How I survived (and thrived) 33 hours offline | Mom on the Range</a></b> <span class="says">says:</span>					</div><!-- .comment-author -->
3766
3767					<div class="comment-metadata">
3768						<a href="https://www.handsfreemama.com/about-me/#comment-7845"><time datetime="2012-10-08T15:31:45-06:00">October 8, 2012 at 3:31 pm</time></a>					</div><!-- .comment-metadata -->
3769
3770									</footer><!-- .comment-meta -->
3771
3772				<div class="comment-content">
3773					<p>[&#8230;] I shared my story about &#8220;Social Free Sundays&#8221; with Rachel Macy Stafford, author of Hands Free Mama, an online movement for parents to disconnect from their devices and connect with their children [&#8230;]</p>
3774				</div><!-- .comment-content -->
3775
3776				<div class="reply"><a rel="nofollow" class="comment-reply-link" href="https://www.handsfreemama.com/about-me/?replytocom=7845#respond" data-commentid="7845" data-postid="18" data-belowelement="div-comment-7845" data-respondelement="respond" data-replyto="Reply to How I survived (and thrived) 33 hours offline | Mom on the Range" aria-label="Reply to How I survived (and thrived) 33 hours offline | Mom on the Range">Reply</a></div>			</article><!-- .comment-body -->
3777		</li><!-- #comment-## -->
3778		<li id="comment-11346" class="pingback even thread-even depth-1">
3779			<article id="div-comment-11346" class="comment-body">
3780				<footer class="comment-meta">
3781					<div class="comment-author vcard">
3782												<b class="fn"><a href="http://lovelovelyzie.wordpress.com/2013/01/06/a-very-harry-new-year/" class="url" rel="ugc external nofollow">A Very Harry New Year &laquo; LoveloveLyzie</a></b> <span class="says">says:</span>					</div><!-- .comment-author -->
3783
3784					<div class="comment-metadata">
3785						<a href="https://www.handsfreemama.com/about-me/#comment-11346"><time datetime="2013-01-06T06:32:46-06:00">January 6, 2013 at 6:32 am</time></a>					</div><!-- .comment-metadata -->
3786
3787									</footer><!-- .comment-meta -->
3788
3789				<div class="comment-content">
3790					<p>[&#8230;] Practice Hands Free parenting. I will give Son full attention when we are together instead of talking to him while [&#8230;]</p>
3791				</div><!-- .comment-content -->
3792
3793				<div class="reply"><a rel="nofollow" class="comment-reply-link" href="https://www.handsfreemama.com/about-me/?replytocom=11346#respond" data-commentid="11346" data-postid="18" data-belowelement="div-comment-11346" data-respondelement="respond" data-replyto="Reply to A Very Harry New Year &laquo; LoveloveLyzie" aria-label="Reply to A Very Harry New Year &laquo; LoveloveLyzie">Reply</a></div>			</article><!-- .comment-body -->
3794		</li><!-- #comment-## -->
3795		<li id="comment-12988" class="pingback odd alt thread-odd thread-alt depth-1">
3796			<article id="div-comment-12988" class="comment-body">
3797				<footer class="comment-meta">
3798					<div class="comment-author vcard">
3799												<b class="fn"><a href="http://52daysofsunshine.wordpress.com/2013/01/25/great-blogs-good-surprises/" class="url" rel="ugc external nofollow">Great Blogs, Good Surprises!. | 52 Days of Sunshine</a></b> <span class="says">says:</span>					</div><!-- .comment-author -->
3800
3801					<div class="comment-metadata">
3802						<a href="https://www.handsfreemama.com/about-me/#comment-12988"><time datetime="2013-01-25T16:27:59-06:00">January 25, 2013 at 4:27 pm</time></a>					</div><!-- .comment-metadata -->
3803
3804									</footer><!-- .comment-meta -->
3805
3806				<div class="comment-content">
3807					<p>[&#8230;] know there are wonderful blogs out there that I haven&#8217;t met yet, and even Hands Free Mama, PluginId and Good Reads with Ronna are my favorite blogs, I have the feeling that they have [&#823
38070;]</p>
3808				</div><!-- .comment-content -->
3809
3810				<div class="reply"><a rel="nofollow" class="comment-reply-link" href="https://www.handsfreemama.com/about-me/?replytocom=12988#respond" data-commentid="12988" data-postid="18" data-belowelement="div-comment-12988" data-respondelement="respond" data-replyto="Reply to Great Blogs, Good Surprises!. | 52 Days of Sunshine" aria-label="Reply to Great Blogs, Good Surprises!. | 52 Days of Sunshine">Reply</a></div>			</article><!-- .comment-body -->
3811		</li><!-- #comment-## -->
3812		<li id="comment-23157" class="pingback even thread-even depth-1">
3813			<article id="div-comment-23157" class="comment-body">
3814				<footer class="comment-meta">
3815					<div class="comment-author vcard">
3816												<b class="fn"><a href="http://1inawesomewonder.com/2013/06/15/the-revolution/" class="url" rel="ugc external nofollow">The Revolution | 1inawesomewonder</a></b> <span class="says">says:</span>					</div><!-- .comment-author -->
3817
3818					<div class="comment-metadata">
3819						<a href="https://www.handsfreemama.com/about-me/#comment-23157"><time datetime="2013-06-15T04:55:18-06:00">June 15, 2013 at 4:55 am</time></a>					</div><!-- .comment-metadata -->
3820
3821									</footer><!-- .comment-meta -->
3822
3823				<div class="comment-content">
3824					<p>[&#8230;] Around the revolution of this world I must solve     Didn’t I read somewhere about living hands free? Time for an about-face, today I decide, to just [&#8230;]</p>
3825				</div><!-- .comment-content -->
3826
3827				<div class="reply"><a rel="nofollow" class="comment-reply-link" href="https://www.handsfreemama.com/about-me/?replytocom=23157#respond" data-commentid="23157" data-postid="18" data-belowelement="div-comment-23157" data-respondelement="respond" data-replyto="Reply to The Revolution | 1inawesomewonder" aria-label="Reply to The Revolution | 1inawesomewonder">Reply</a></div>			</article><!-- .comment-body -->
3828		</li><!-- #comment-## -->
3829		<li id="comment-25776" class="pingback odd alt thread-odd thread-alt depth-1">
3830			<article id="div-comment-25776" class="comment-body">
3831				<footer class="comment-meta">
3832					<div class="comment-author vcard">
3833												<b class="fn"><a href="http://wendy-nielsen.com/2013/07/19/unsolicited-advice-about-parenting/" class="url" rel="ugc external nofollow">How to Handle Unsolicited Advice About Parenting</a></b> <span class="says">says:</span>					</div><!-- .comment-author -->
3834
3835					<div class="comment-metadata">
3836						<a href="https://www.handsfreemama.com/about-me/#comment-25776"><time datetime="2013-07-19T12:04:36-06:00">July 19, 2013 at 12:04 pm</time></a>					</div><!-- .comment-metadata -->
3837
3838									</footer><!-- .comment-meta -->
3839
3840				<div class="comment-content">
3841					<p>[&#8230;] over how your perception of a situation shapes your reality. Lately, I’ve been reading posts from Hands Free Mama. Man, Rachel Macy Stafford is brilliant. She completely focuses on, and eloquently shares the ways [&#8230;]</p>
3842				</div><!-- .comment-content -->
3843
3844				<div class="reply"><a rel="nofollow" class="comment-reply-link" href="https://www.handsfreemama.com/about-me/?replytocom=25776#respond" data-commentid="25776" data-postid="18" data-belowelement="div-comment-25776" data-respondelement="respond" data-replyto="Reply to How to Handle Unsolicited Advice About Parenting" aria-label="Reply to How to Handle Unsolicited Advice About Parenting">Reply</a></div>			</article><!-- .comment-body -->
3845		</li><!-- #comment-## -->
3846		<li id="comment-28558" class="pingback even thread-even depth-1">
3847			<article id="div-comment-28558" class="comment-body">
3848				<footer class="comment-meta">
3849					<div class="comment-author vcard">
3850												<b class="fn"><a href="http://www.csupaszivmagazin.hu/amikor-felhagytam-a-siess-mar-felszolitasokkal/" class="url" rel="ugc external nofollow">Amikor felhagytam a Siess már! felszólításokkal |</a></b> <span class="says">says:</span>					</div><!-- .comment-author -->
3851
3852					<div class="comment-metadata">
3853						<a href="https://www.handsfreemama.com/about-me/#comment-28558"><time datetime="2013-08-23T10:12:37-06:00">August 23, 2013 at 10:12 am</time></a>					</div><!-- .comment-metadata -->
3854
3855									</footer><!-- .comment-meta -->
3856
3857				<div class="comment-content">
3858					<p>[&#8230;] a Hands Free Mama oldalon olvasható. Amikor elolvastam, annyira megtetszett, hogy megkértem Rachel-t, engedje meg, hogy magyarra fordítva kitehessem a Csupa Szív oldalára is. Volt olyan kedves, [&#823
38580;]</p>
3859				</div><!-- .comment-content -->
3860
3861				<div class="reply"><a rel="nofollow" class="comment-reply-link" href="https://www.handsfreemama.com/about-me/?replytocom=28558#respond" data-commentid="28558" data-postid="18" data-belowelement="div-comment-28558" data-respondelement="respond" data-replyto="Reply to Amikor felhagytam a Siess már! felszólításokkal |" aria-label="Reply to Amikor felhagytam a Siess már! felszólításokkal |">Reply</a></div>			</article><!-- .comment-body -->
3862		</li><!-- #comment-## -->
3863		<li id="comment-28765" class="pingback odd alt thread-odd thread-alt depth-1">
3864			<article id="div-comment-28765" class="comment-body">
3865				<footer class="comment-meta">
3866					<div class="comment-author vcard">
3867												<b class="fn"><a href="http://nzchristianmum.com/2013/08/26/hands-free-mama/" class="url" rel="ugc external nofollow">Hands Free Mama | nzchristianmum</a></b> <span class="says">says:</span>					</div><!-- .comment-author -->
3868
3869					<div class="comment-metadata">
3870						<a href="https://www.handsfreemama.com/about-me/#comment-28765"><time datetime="2013-08-26T10:04:41-06:00">August 26, 2013 at 10:04 am</time></a>					</div><!-- .comment-metadata -->
3871
3872									</footer><!-- .comment-meta -->
3873
3874				<div class="comment-content">
3875					<p>[&#8230;] Rachel is the Hands Free Mama and her blog has some amazingly encouraging words to give life and to help you, check out&#8230;..How to Miss a Childhood [&#8230;]</p>
3876				</div><!-- .comment-content -->
3877
3878				<div class="reply"><a rel="nofollow" class="comment-reply-link" href="https://www.handsfreemama.com/about-me/?replytocom=28765#respond" data-commentid="28765" data-postid="18" data-belowelement="div-comment-28765" data-respondelement="respond" data-replyto="Reply to Hands Free Mama | nzchristianmum" aria-label="Reply to Hands Free Mama | nzchristianmum">Reply</a></div>			</article><!-- .comment-body -->
3879		</li><!-- #comment-## -->
3880		<li id="comment-64733" class="pingback even thread-even depth-1">
3881			<article id="div-comment-64733" class="comment-body">
3882				<footer class="comment-meta">
3883					<div class="comment-author vcard">
3884												<b class="fn"><a href="http://365daymiracles.com/2013/12/24/the-bully-too-close-to-home/" class="url" rel="ugc external nofollow">The Bully too Close to Home | 365 Days...Expect a miracle *</a></b> <span class="says">says:</span>					</div><!-- .comment-author -->
3885
3886					<div class="comment-metadata">
3887						<a href="https://www.handsfreemama.com/about-me/#comment-64733"><time datetime="2013-12-23T19:18:45-06:00">December 23, 2013 at 7:18 pm</time></a>					</div><!-- .comment-metadata -->
3888
3889									</footer><!-- .comment-meta -->
3890
3891				<div class="comment-content">
3892					<p>[&#8230;] name is Rachel Strafford with Hands Free Mama.  She has also recently written a book (her story) that can be [&#8230;]</p>
3893				</div><!-- .comment-content -->
3894
3895				<div class="reply"><a rel="nofollow" class="comment-reply-link" href="https://www.handsfreemama.com/about-me/?replytocom=64733#respond" data-commentid="64733" data-postid="18" data-belowelement="div-comment-64733" data-respondelement="respond" data-replyto="Reply to The Bully too Close to Home | 365 Days...Expect a miracle *" aria-label="Reply to The Bully too Close to Home | 365 Days...Expect a miracle *">Reply</a></div>			</article><!-- .comment-body -->
3896		</li><!-- #comment-## -->
3897		<li id="comment-75572" class="pingback odd alt thread-odd thread-alt depth-1">
3898			<article id="div-comment-75572" class="comment-body">
3899				<footer class="comment-meta">
3900					<div class="comment-author vcard">
3901												<b class="fn"><a href="http://truparenting.net/hands-full-hands-free/" class="url" rel="ugc external nofollow">From Hands Full, to Hands Free! &#124; TRU ParentingTRU Parenting</a></b> <span class="says">says:</span>					</div><!-- .comment-author -->
3902
3903					<div class="comment-metadata">
3904						<a href="https://www.handsfreemama.com/about-me/#comment-75572"><time datetime="2014-01-13T04:07:14-06:00">January 13, 2014 at 4:07 am</time></a>					</div><!-- .comment-metadata -->
3905
3906									</footer><!-- .comment-meta -->
3907
3908				<div class="comment-content">
3909					<p>[&#8230;] Dad” goal was threatened and I struggled to see it as it happened. At the same time my friend Rachel Stafford invited me to review an advanced copy of her new book, “Hands Free Mama.” It couldn’t have [&#823
39090;]</p>
3910				</div><!-- .comment-content -->
3911
3912				<div class="reply"><a rel="nofollow" class="comment-reply-link" href="https://www.handsfreemama.com/about-me/?replytocom=75572#respond" data-commentid="75572" data-postid="18" data-belowelement="div-comment-75572" data-respondelement="respond" data-replyto="Reply to From Hands Full, to Hands Free! &#124; TRU ParentingTRU Parenting" aria-label="Reply to From Hands Full, to Hands Free! &#124; TRU ParentingTRU Parenting">Reply</a></div>			</article><!-- .comment-body -->
3913		</li><!-- #comment-## -->
3914		<li id="comment-76148" class="pingback even thread-even depth-1">
3915			<article id="div-comment-76148" class="comment-body">
3916				<footer class="comment-meta">
3917					<div class="comment-author vcard">
3918												<b class="fn"><a href="http://www.dangerlibrarian.com/?p=175" class="url" rel="ugc external nofollow">danger librarian &laquo; Don&#8217;t Make Me Raise My Voice: Modelling Problem-Solving Behaviors in the Library &laquo;</a></b> <span class="says">says:</span>					</div><!-- .comment-author -->
3919
3920					<div class="comment-metadata">
3921						<a href="https://www.handsfreemama.com/about-me/#comment-76148"><time datetime="2014-01-13T20:51:55-06:00">January 13, 2014 at 8:51 pm</time></a>					</div><!-- .comment-metadata -->
3922
3923									</footer><!-- .comment-meta -->
3924
3925				<div class="comment-content">
3926					<p>[&#8230;] this article from the Huffington Post by Rachel Macy Stafford, I thought about a similar, recent epiphany of my own.  No, I&#8217;m not secretly a mom, but I do [&#8230;]</p>
3927				</div><!-- .comment-content -->
3928
3929				<div class="reply"><a rel="nofollow" class="comment-reply-link" href="https://www.handsfreemama.com/about-me/?replytocom=76148#respond" data-commentid="76148" data-postid="18" data-belowelement="div-comment-76148" data-respondelement="respond" data-replyto="Reply to danger librarian &laquo; Don&#8217;t Make Me Raise My Voice: Modelling Problem-Solving Behaviors in the Library &laquo;" aria-label="Reply to danger librarian &laquo; Don&#8217;t Make Me Raise My Voice: Modelling Problem-Solving Behaviors in the Library &laquo;">Reply</a></div>			</article><!-- .comment-body -->
3930		</li><!-- #comment-## -->
3931		<li id="comment-86512" class="pingback odd alt thread-odd thread-alt depth-1">
3932			<article id="div-comment-86512" class="comment-body">
3933				<footer class="comment-meta">
3934					<div class="comment-author vcard">
3935												<b class="fn"><a href="http://playfullearning.net/art-parenting-little-things/" class="url" rel="ugc external nofollow">The Art of Parenting... It&#039;s the Little Things &raquo; Playful Learning</a></b> <span class="says">says:</span>					</div><!-- .comment-author -->
3936
3937					<div class="comment-metadata">
3938						<a href="https://www.handsfreemama.com/about-me/#comment-86512"><time datetime="2014-01-27T06:05:25-06:00">January 27, 2014 at 6:05 am</time></a>					</div><!-- .comment-metadata -->
3939
3940									</footer><!-- .comment-meta -->
3941
3942				<div class="comment-content">
3943					<p>[&#8230;] is for this reason that I love the work of Rachel Macy Stafford and her new book, Hands Free Mama. Reading Rachel&#8217;s book, is like having tea with a good [&#8230;]</p>
3944				</div><!-- .comment-content -->
3945
3946				<div class="reply"><a rel="nofollow" class="comment-reply-link" href="https://www.handsfreemama.com/about-me/?replytocom=86512#respond" data-commentid="86512" data-postid="18" data-belowelement="div-comment-86512" data-respondelement="respond" data-replyto="Reply to The Art of Parenting... It&#039;s the Little Things &raquo; Playful Learning" aria-label="Reply to The Art of Parenting... It&#039;s the Little Things &raquo; Playful Learning">Reply</a></div>			</article><!-- .comment-body -->
3947		</li><!-- #comment-## -->
3948		<li id="comment-89971" class="pingback even thread-even depth-1">
3949			<article id="div-comment-89971" class="comment-body">
3950				<footer class="comment-meta">
3951					<div class="comment-author vcard">
3952												<b class="fn"><a href="http://theeverydayprojectblog.com/accomplishments/" class="url" rel="ugc external nofollow">More Than Your Accomplishments · The Every Day Project</a></b> <span class="says">says:</span>					</div><!-- .comment-author -->
3953
3954					<div class="comment-metadata">
3955						<a href="https://www.handsfreemama.com/about-me/#comment-89971"><time datetime="2014-02-06T15:02:25-06:00">February 6, 2014 at 3:02 pm</time></a>					</div><!-- .comment-metadata -->
3956
3957									</footer><!-- .comment-meta -->
3958
3959				<div class="comment-content">
3960					<p>[&#8230;] I was reading Hands Free Mama by Rachel Macy Stafford, several things struck me but what floored me was when she said: Do not let her think she is only [&#8230;]</p>
3961				</div><!-- .comment-content -->
3962
3963				<div class="reply"><a rel="nofollow" class="comment-reply-link" href="https://www.handsfreemama.com/about-me/?replytocom=89971#respond" data-commentid="89971" data-postid="18" data-belowelement="div-comment-89971" data-respondelement="respond" data-replyto="Reply to More Than Your Accomplishments · The Every Day Project" aria-label="Reply to More Than Your Accomplishments · The Every Day Project">Reply</a></div>			</article><!-- .comment-body -->
3964		</li><!-- #comment-## -->
3965		<li id="comment-95970" class="pingback odd alt thread-odd thread-alt depth-1">
3966			<article id="div-comment-95970" class="comment-body">
3967				<footer class="comment-meta">
3968					<div class="comment-author vcard">
3969												<b class="fn"><a href="http://philipp-greifenstein.de/beunruhigend-schlecht-huffington-post-deutschland-ueber-eltern-und-kinder/" class="url" rel="ugc external nofollow">Beunruhigend schlecht - Huffington Post Deutschland über Eltern und Kinder | Philipp Greifenstein</a></b> <span class="says">says:</span>					</div><!-- .comment-author -->
3970
3971					<div class="comment-metadata">
3972						<a href="https://www.handsfreemama.com/about-me/#comment-95970"><time datetime="2014-02-20T12:24:41-06:00">February 20, 2014 at 12:24 pm</time></a>					</div><!-- .comment-metadata -->
3973
3974									</footer><!-- .comment-meta -->
3975
3976				<div class="comment-content">
3977					<p>[&#8230;] hat die HuffPo allein zwei Artikeln der us-amerikanischen Bloggerin Rachel Macy Stafford (englische Selbstvorstellung, unbedingt lesenswert) zu verdanken, die für die deutsche Ausgabe übersetzt wurden. [&#8230;]</p>
3978				</div><!-- .comment-content -->
3979
3980				<div class="reply"><a rel="nofollow" class="comment-reply-link" href="https://www.handsfreemama.com/about-me/?replytocom=95970#respond" data-commentid="95970" data-postid="18" data-belowelement="div-comment-95970" data-respondelement="respond" data-replyto="Reply to Beunruhigend schlecht - Huffington Post Deutschland über Eltern und Kinder | Philipp Greifenstein" aria-label="Reply to Beunruhigend schlecht - Huffington Post Deutschland über Eltern und Kinder | Philipp Greifenstein">Reply</a></div>			</article><!-- .comment-body -->
3981		</li><!-- #comment-## -->
3982		<li id="comment-97100" class="pingback even thread-even depth-1">
3983			<article id="div-comment-97100" class="comment-body">
3984				<footer class="comment-meta">
3985					<div class="comment-author vcard">
3986												<b class="fn"><a href="http://justwritemommy.com/12-things-ive-learned-about-blogging-in-my-first-90-days/" class="url" rel="ugc external nofollow">12 Things I&#8217;ve Learned About Blogging In My First 90 Days &lsaquo; Porridge</a></b> <span class="says">says:</span>					</div><!-- .comment-author -->
3987
3988					<div class="comment-metadata">
3989						<a href="https://www.handsfreemama.com/about-me/#comment-97100"><time datetime="2014-02-23T17:24:44-06:00">February 23, 2014 at 5:24 pm</time></a>					</div><!-- .comment-metadata -->
3990
3991									</footer><!-- .comment-meta -->
3992
3993				<div class="comment-content">
3994					<p>[&#8230;] to write about being a good mother is both ironic and counter-productive. Rachel Macy Stafford of Hands-Free Mama talks about the topic of knowing what&#8217;s most important and minimizing all other distractions [&#8230;]</p>
3995				</div><!-- .comment-content -->
3996
3997				<div class="reply"><a rel="nofollow" class="comment-reply-link" href="https://www.handsfreemama.com/about-me/?replytocom=97100#respond" data-commentid="97100" data-postid="18" data-belowelement="div-comment-97100" data-respondelement="respond" data-replyto="Reply to 12 Things I&#8217;ve Learned About Blogging In My First 90 Days &lsaquo; Porridge" aria-label="Reply to 12 Things I&#8217;ve Learned About Blogging In My First 90 Days &lsaquo; Porridge">Reply</a></div>			</article><!-- .comment-body -->
3998		</li><!-- #comment-## -->
3999		<li id="comment-101776" class="pingback odd alt thread-odd thread-alt depth-1">
4000			<article id="div-comment-101776" class="comment-body">
4001				<footer class="comment-meta">
4002					<div class="comment-author vcard">
4003												<b class="fn"><a href="http://globalnews.ca/news/1188254/wednesday-march-5-2014-on-the-morning-show/" class="url" rel="ugc external nofollow">Wednesday, March 5, 2014 on The Morning Show - Toronto | Globalnews.ca</a></b> <span class="says">says:</span>					</div><!-- .comment-author -->
4004
4005					<div class="comment-metadata">
4006						<a href="https://www.handsfreemama.com/about-me/#comment-101776"><time datetime="2014-03-05T04:11:09-06:00">March 5, 2014 at 4:11 am</time></a>					</div><!-- .comment-metadata -->
4007
4008									</footer><!-- .comment-meta -->
4009
4010				<div class="comment-content">
4011					<p>[&#8230;] MACY STAFFORD – Author Rachel Macy Stafford is in-studio to talk about her new book, Hands Free Mama. The book points out that living “Hands Free” is not about giving up technology or forgoing [&#823
40110;]</p>
4012				</div><!-- .comment-content -->
4013
4014				<div class="reply"><a rel="nofollow" class="comment-reply-link" href="https://www.handsfreemama.com/about-me/?replytocom=101776#respond" data-commentid="101776" data-postid="18" data-belowelement="div-comment-101776" data-respondelement="respond" data-replyto="Reply to Wednesday, March 5, 2014 on The Morning Show - Toronto | Globalnews.ca" aria-label="Reply to Wednesday, March 5, 2014 on The Morning Show - Toronto | Globalnews.ca">Reply</a></div>			</article><!-- .comment-body -->
4015		</li><!-- #comment-## -->
4016		<li id="comment-354860" class="pingback even thread-even depth-1">
4017			<article id="div-comment-354860" class="comment-body">
4018				<footer class="comment-meta">
4019					<div class="comment-author vcard">
4020												<b class="fn"><a href="http://workspacefile.com/playfullearning/art-parenting-little-things/" class="url" rel="ugc external nofollow">The Art of Parenting... It&#039;s the Little Things | Playful Learning</a></b> <span class="says">says:</span>					</div><!-- .comment-author -->
4021
4022					<div class="comment-metadata">
4023						<a href="https://www.handsfreemama.com/about-me/#comment-354860"><time datetime="2014-08-29T12:55:40-06:00">August 29, 2014 at 12:55 pm</time></a>					</div><!-- .comment-metadata -->
4024
4025									</footer><!-- .comment-meta -->
4026
4027				<div class="comment-content">
4028					<p>[&#8230;] is for this reason that I love the work of Rachel Macy Stafford and her new book, Hands Free Mama. Reading Rachel&#8217;s book, is like having tea with a good [&#8230;]</p>
4029				</div><!-- .comment-content -->
4030
4031				<div class="reply"><a rel="nofollow" class="comment-reply-link" href="https://www.handsfreemama.com/about-me/?replytocom=354860#respond" data-commentid="354860" data-postid="18" data-belowelement="div-comment-354860" data-respondelement="respond" data-replyto="Reply to The Art of Parenting... It&#039;s the Little Things | Playful Learning" aria-label="Reply to The Art of Parenting... It&#039;s the Little Things | Playful Learning">Reply</a></div>			</article><!-- .comment-body -->
4032		</li><!-- #comment-## -->
4033		<li id="comment-783629" class="pingback odd alt thread-odd thread-alt depth-1">
4034			<article id="div-comment-783629" class="comment-body">
4035				<footer class="comment-meta">
4036					<div class="comment-author vcard">
4037												<b class="fn"><a href="http://www.aholyexperience.com/2015/10/what-to-look-for-when-youve-lost-your-joy/" class="url" rel="ugc external nofollow">what to look for when you&#8217;ve lost your joy | A Holy Experience</a></b> <span class="says">says:</span>					</div><!-- .comment-author -->
4038
4039					<div class="comment-metadata">
4040						<a href="https://www.handsfreemama.com/about-me/#comment-783629"><time datetime="2015-10-09T08:30:12-06:00">October 9, 2015 at 8:30 am</time></a>					</div><!-- .comment-metadata -->
4041
4042									</footer><!-- .comment-meta -->
4043
4044				<div class="comment-content">
4045					<p>[&#8230;] a late-night chat with her sick daughter, Rachel Macy Stafford heard a phrase that moved her deeply. Rachel had just miscalculated her mother’s age, and her [&#8230;]</p>
4046				</div><!-- .comment-content -->
4047
4048				<div class="reply"><a rel="nofollow" class="comment-reply-link" href="https://www.handsfreemama.com/about-me/?replytocom=783629#respond" data-commentid="783629" data-postid="18" data-belowelement="div-comment-783629" data-respondelement="respond" data-replyto="Reply to what to look for when you&#8217;ve lost your joy | A Holy Experience" aria-label="Reply to what to look for when you&#8217;ve lost your joy | A Holy Experience">Reply</a></div>			</article><!-- .comment-body -->
4049		</li><!-- #comment-## -->
4050		<li id="comment-789757" class="pingback even thread-even depth-1">
4051			<article id="div-comment-789757" class="comment-body">
4052				<footer class="comment-meta">
4053					<div class="comment-author vcard">
4054												<b class="fn"><a href="https://alainewrites.wordpress.com/2015/10/22/what-matters-most/" class="url" rel="ugc external nofollow">What matters most | ramdom access memories</a></b> <span class="says">says:</span>					</div><!-- .comment-author -->
4055
4056					<div class="comment-metadata">
4057						<a href="https://www.handsfreemama.com/about-me/#comment-789757"><time datetime="2015-10-21T18:31:32-06:00">October 21, 2015 at 6:31 pm</time></a>					</div><!-- .comment-metadata -->
4058
4059									</footer><!-- .comment-meta -->
4060
4061				<div class="comment-content">
4062					<p>[&#8230;] &nbsp;I must choose to place my time and energy in what (and who) mattered most. &#8211; Rachel Macy Stafford [&#8230;]</p>
4063				</div><!-- .comment-content -->
4064
4065				<div class="reply"><a rel="nofollow" class="comment-reply-link" href="https://www.handsfreemama.com/about-me/?replytocom=789757#respond" data-commentid="789757" data-postid="18" data-belowelement="div-comment-789757" data-respondelement="respond" data-replyto="Reply to What matters most | ramdom access memories" aria-label="Reply to What matters most | ramdom access memories">Reply</a></div>			</article><!-- .comment-body -->
4066		</li><!-- #comment-## -->
4067		<li id="comment-795932" class="pingback odd alt thread-odd thread-alt depth-1">
4068			<article id="div-comment-795932" class="comment-body">
4069				<footer class="comment-meta">
4070					<div class="comment-author vcard">
4071												<b class="fn"><a href="http://naturealmom.com/hands-free-mama/" class="url" rel="ugc external nofollow">Hands Free Mama &#8211; Natureal Mom</a></b> <span class="says">says:</span>					</div><!-- .comment-author -->
4072
4073					<div class="comment-metadata">
4074						<a href="https://www.handsfreemama.com/about-me/#comment-795932"><time datetime="2015-11-10T19:02:57-06:00">November 10, 2015 at 7:02 pm</time></a>					</div><!-- .comment-metadata -->
4075
4076									</footer><!-- .comment-meta -->
4077
4078				<div class="comment-content">
4079					<p>[&#8230;] first came across Hands Free Mama and her journey to slow down in a post called, The Day I Stopped Saying Hurry Up. Her words hit [&#8230;]</p>
4080				</div><!-- .comment-content -->
4081
4082				<div class="reply"><a rel="nofollow" class="comment-reply-link" href="https://www.handsfreemama.com/about-me/?replytocom=795932#respond" data-commentid="795932" data-postid="18" data-belowelement="div-comment-795932" data-respondelement="respond" data-replyto="Reply to Hands Free Mama &#8211; Natureal Mom" aria-label="Reply to Hands Free Mama &#8211; Natureal Mom">Reply</a></div>			</article><!-- .comment-body -->
4083		</li><!-- #comment-## -->
4084		<li id="comment-799358" class="pingback even thread-even depth-1">
4085			<article id="div-comment-799358" class="comment-body">
4086				<footer class="comment-meta">
4087					<div class="comment-author vcard">
4088												<b class="fn"><a href="http://stephenscreative.com.au/wouldnt-change-anything/" class="url" rel="ugc external nofollow">I Wouldn&#039;t Change Anything... Lying or Stupid! - Stephens Creative</a></b> <span class="says">says:</span>					</div><!-- .comment-author -->
4089
4090					<div class="comment-metadata">
4091						<a href="https://www.handsfreemama.com/about-me/#comment-799358"><time datetime="2015-11-23T00:49:32-06:00">November 23, 2015 at 12:49 am</time></a>					</div><!-- .comment-metadata -->
4092
4093									</footer><!-- .comment-meta -->
4094
4095				<div class="comment-content">
4096					<p>[&#8230;] Slow Home Podcast had an interview with Rachel Macy Stafford that I enjoyed. She [&#8230;]</p>
4097				</div><!-- .comment-content -->
4098
4099				<div class="reply"><a rel="nofollow" class="comment-reply-link" href="https://www.handsfreemama.com/about-me/?replytocom=799358#respond" data-commentid="799358" data-postid="18" data-belowelement="div-comment-799358" data-respondelement="respond" data-replyto="Reply to I Wouldn&#039;t Change Anything... Lying or Stupid! - Stephens Creative" aria-label="Reply to I Wouldn&#039;t Change Anything... Lying or Stupid! - Stephens Creative">Reply</a></div>			</article><!-- .comment-body -->
4100		</li><!-- #comment-## -->
4101		<li id="comment-817894" class="pingback odd alt thread-odd thread-alt depth-1">
4102			<article id="div-comment-817894" class="comment-body">
4103				<footer class="comment-meta">
4104					<div class="comment-author vcard">
4105												<b class="fn"><a href="http://kaitlincurtice.com/2016/02/23/day-9-lent-for-my-working/" class="url" rel="ugc external nofollow">Day 9: Lent for my Working | KAITLIN CURTICE:</a></b> <span class="says">says:</span>					</div><!-- .comment-author -->
4106
4107					<div class="comment-metadata">
4108						<a href="https://www.handsfreemama.com/about-me/#comment-817894"><time datetime="2016-02-23T07:39:09-06:00">February 23, 2016 at 7:39 am</time></a>					</div><!-- .comment-metadata -->
4109
4110									</footer><!-- .comment-meta -->
4111
4112				<div class="comment-content">
4113					<p>[&#8230;] few months later, I found Rachel and her little girl Avery, and the relationship that seeped out of that is something I could never have [&#8230;]</p>
4114				</div><!-- .comment-content -->
4115
4116				<div class="reply"><a rel="nofollow" class="comment-reply-link" href="https://www.handsfreemama.com/about-me/?replytocom=817894#respond" data-commentid="817894" data-postid="18" data-belowelement="div-comment-817894" data-respondelement="respond" data-replyto="Reply to Day 9: Lent for my Working | KAITLIN CURTICE:" aria-label="Reply to Day 9: Lent for my Working | KAITLIN CURTICE:">Reply</a></div>			</article><!-- .comment-body -->
4117		</li><!-- #comment-## -->
4118		<li id="comment-817898" class="pingback even thread-even depth-1">
4119			<article id="div-comment-817898" class="comment-body">
4120				<footer class="comment-meta">
4121					<div class="comment-author vcard">
4122												<b class="fn"><a href="http://cisneroscafe.com/2015/12/31/reading-list-2016/" class="url" rel="ugc external nofollow">Reading List 2016 &#8211; Cisneros Cafe</a></b> <span class="says">says:</span>					</div><!-- .comment-author -->
4123
4124					<div class="comment-metadata">
4125						<a href="https://www.handsfreemama.com/about-me/#comment-817898"><time datetime="2016-02-23T08:30:40-06:00">February 23, 2016 at 8:30 am</time></a>					</div><!-- .comment-metadata -->
4126
4127									</footer><!-- .comment-meta -->
4128
4129				<div class="comment-content">
4130					<p>[&#8230;] Hands Free Mama:  A Guide to Putting Down the Phone, Burning the To-Do List, and Letting Go of Perfection to Grasp What Really Matters! by Rachel Macy Stafford [&#8230;]</p>
4131				</div><!-- .comment-content -->
4132
4133				<div class="reply"><a rel="nofollow" class="comment-reply-link" href="https://www.handsfreemama.com/about-me/?replytocom=817898#respond" data-commentid="817898" data-postid="18" data-belowelement="div-comment-817898" data-respondelement="respond" data-replyto="Reply to Reading List 2016 &#8211; Cisneros Cafe" aria-label="Reply to Reading List 2016 &#8211; Cisneros Cafe">Reply</a></div>			</article><!-- .comment-body -->
4134		</li><!-- #comment-## -->
4135		<li id="comment-895020" class="pingback odd alt thread-odd thread-alt depth-1">
4136			<article id="div-comment-895020" class="comment-body">
4137				<footer class="comment-meta">
4138					<div class="comment-author vcard">
4139												<b class="fn"><a href="http://theeverydayprojectblog.com/more-than-your-accomplishments/" class="url" rel="ugc external nofollow">More Than Your Accomplishments</a></b> <span class="says">says:</span>					</div><!-- .comment-author -->
4140
4141					<div class="comment-metadata">
4142						<a href="https://www.handsfreemama.com/about-me/#comment-895020"><time datetime="2016-12-16T13:09:46-06:00">December 16, 2016 at 1:09 pm</time></a>					</div><!-- .comment-metadata -->
4143
4144									</footer><!-- .comment-meta -->
4145
4146				<div class="comment-content">
4147					<p>[&#8230;] I was reading Hands Free Mama by Rachel Macy Stafford, several things struck me but what floored me was when she said: Do not let her think she is only [&#8230;]</p>
4148				</div><!-- .comment-content -->
4149
4150				<div class="reply"><a rel="nofollow" class="comment-reply-link" href="https://www.handsfreemama.com/about-me/?replytocom=895020#respond" data-commentid="895020" data-postid="18" data-belowelement="div-comment-895020" data-respondelement="respond" data-replyto="Reply to More Than Your Accomplishments" aria-label="Reply to More Than Your Accomplishments">Reply</a></div>			</article><!-- .comment-body -->
4151		</li><!-- #comment-## -->
4152		<li id="comment-929137" class="pingback even thread-even depth-1">
4153			<article id="div-comment-929137" class="comment-body">
4154				<footer class="comment-meta">
4155					<div class="comment-author vcard">
4156												<b class="fn"><a href="http://thelittlesandme.com/favorite-things-summer-giveaway/" class="url" rel="ugc external nofollow">My Favorite Things Summer Giveaway on The Littles &amp; Me</a></b> <span class="says">says:</span>					</div><!-- .comment-author -->
4157
4158					<div class="comment-metadata">
4159						<a href="https://www.handsfreemama.com/about-me/#comment-929137"><time datetime="2017-05-22T08:17:14-06:00">May 22, 2017 at 8:17 am</time></a>					</div><!-- .comment-metadata -->
4160
4161									</footer><!-- .comment-meta -->
4162
4163				<div class="comment-content">
4164					<p>[&#8230;] I first found out about Only Love Today (*affiliate link) from Rachel Macy Stafford I knew it was something that I wanted to get my hands on. I must say that this book has been such [&#8230;]</p>
4165				</div><!-- .comment-content -->
4166
4167				<div class="reply"><a rel="nofollow" class="comment-reply-link" href="https://www.handsfreemama.com/about-me/?replytocom=929137#respond" data-commentid="929137" data-postid="18" data-belowelement="div-comment-929137" data-respondelement="respond" data-replyto="Reply to My Favorite Things Summer Giveaway on The Littles &amp; Me" aria-label="Reply to My Favorite Things Summer Giveaway on The Littles &amp; Me">Reply</a></div>			</article><!-- .comment-body -->
4168		</li><!-- #comment-## -->
4169		<li id="comment-933453" class="pingback odd alt thread-odd thread-alt depth-1">
4170			<article id="div-comment-933453" class="comment-body">
4171				<footer class="comment-meta">
4172					<div class="comment-author vcard">
4173												<b class="fn"><a href="http://austin.citymomsblog.com/2017/07/11/daughter-hard-on-herself/" class="url" rel="ugc external nofollow">Why is My Daughter Hard on Herself?</a></b> <span class="says">says:</span>					</div><!-- .comment-author -->
4174
4175					<div class="comment-metadata">
4176						<a href="https://www.handsfreemama.com/about-me/#comment-933453"><time datetime="2017-07-11T19:01:28-06:00">July 11, 2017 at 7:01 pm</time></a>					</div><!-- .comment-metadata -->
4177
4178									</footer><!-- .comment-meta -->
4179
4180				<div class="comment-content">
4181					<p>[&#8230;] she is truly disappointed in herself when her choices negatively affect those around her. She’s a noticer, a feeler and has a strong sense of empathy. Yet she hasn’t quite mastered how to pause and [&#8230;]</p>
4182				</div><!-- .comment-content -->
4183
4184				<div class="reply"><a rel="nofollow" class="comment-reply-link" href="https://www.handsfreemama.com/about-me/?replytocom=933453#respond" data-commentid="933453" data-postid="18" data-belowelement="div-comment-933453" data-respondelement="respond" data-replyto="Reply to Why is My Daughter Hard on Herself?" aria-label="Reply to Why is My Daughter Hard on Herself?">Reply</a></div>			</article><!-- .comment-body -->
4185		</li><!-- #comment-## -->
4186		<li id="comment-998196" class="pingback even thread-even depth-1">
4187			<article id="div-comment-998196" class="comment-body">
4188				<footer class="comment-meta">
4189					<div class="comment-author vcard">
4190												<b class="fn"><a href="https://malloryervin.com/2019/11/04/rachel-stafford/" class="url" rel="ugc external nofollow">Ep #19: How Living Hands-Free Will Completely Change Your Life | Mallory Ervin</a></b> <span class="says">says:</span>					</div><!-- .comment-author -->
4191
4192					<div class="comment-metadata">
4193						<a href="https://www.handsfreemama.com/about-me/#comment-998196"><time datetime="2019-11-04T00:00:55-06:00">November 4, 2019 at 12:00 am</time></a>					</div><!-- .comment-metadata -->
4194
4195									</footer><!-- .comment-meta -->
4196
4197				<div class="comment-content">
4198					<p>[&#8230;
4198] Stafford: Site | Twitter | Facebook | Instagram | [&#8230;]</p>
4199				</div><!-- .comment-content -->
4200
4201				<div class="reply"><a rel="nofollow" class="comment-reply-link" href="https://www.handsfreemama.com/about-me/?replytocom=998196#respond" data-commentid="998196" data-postid="18" data-belowelement="div-comment-998196" data-respondelement="respond" data-replyto="Reply to Ep #19: How Living Hands-Free Will Completely Change Your Life | Mallory Ervin" aria-label="Reply to Ep #19: How Living Hands-Free Will Completely Change Your Life | Mallory Ervin">Reply</a></div>			</article><!-- .comment-body -->
4202		</li><!-- #comment-## -->
4203</ol></div>	<div id="respond" class="comment-respond">
4204		<h3 id="reply-title" class="comment-reply-title">Leave a Reply <small><a rel="nofollow" id="cancel-comment-reply-link" href="/about-me/#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>
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4209<script>document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() );</script>
4209</p></form>	</div><!-- #respond -->
4210	</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>
4211<div class="textwidget custom-html-widget"><center>
4212<a href="https://my.handsfreemama.com/">
4213<img src="https://www.handsfreemama.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/SoulShift_logo.png" alt="Soul Shift" width="350" height="140" border="0">
4214	</a></center></div></div></section>
4215<section id="text-12" class="widget widget_text"><div class="widget-wrap"><h4 class="widget-title widgettitle">Welcome!</h4>
4216			<div class="textwidget"><a href="https://www.handsfreemama.com/about-me/">
4217<img border="0" alt="Rachel" src="https://www.handsfreemama.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/hfm_sidebar_new.png" width="350" height="289">
4218</a>
4219<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>
4220<div align="right" style="margin-top:-30px"><img src="https://www.handsfreemama.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/sb-sig.png"></div></div>
4221		</div></section>
4222<section id="text-16" class="widget widget_text"><div class="widget-wrap"><h4 class="widget-title widgettitle">Meet Rachel</h4>
4223			<div class="textwidget"><a href="https://www.handsfreemama.com/events/">
4224<img border="0" alt="Speaking Events" src="https://www.handsfreemama.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/rs_sb.jpg" width="350" height="289">
4225</a>
4226<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.” 
4227–A Hands Free Mama in progress </blockquote></div>
4228		</div></section>
4229<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>
4230<section id="simple-social-icons-2" class="widget simple-social-icons"><div class="widget-wrap"><h4 class="widget-title widgettitle">Keep In Touch</h4>
4231<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>
4231<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>
4232<section id="text-13" class="widget widget_text"><div class="widget-wrap"><h4 class="widget-title widgettitle">Books</h4>
4233			<div class="textwidget"><center>
4234<a href="https://www.handsfreemama.com/books/">
4235<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">
4236</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>
4237
4238<a href="https://www.handsfreemama.com/books/">
4239<img src="https://www.handsfreemama.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/LLV_SB.png" alt="Live Love Now" width="263" height="400" border="0">
4240</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>
4241
4242<a href="https://www.handsfreemama.com/books/">
4243<img src="https://www.handsfreemama.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/olt-banner.png" alt="Books" width="263" height="400" border="0">
4244</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/">
4245<img src="https://www.handsfreemama.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/book-sb.jpg" alt="Books" width="263" height="400" border="0">
4246</a>
4247
4248<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>
4249<a href="https://www.handsfreemama.com/books/">
4250<img src="https://www.handsfreemama.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/thebook1.png" alt="Books" width="308" height="400" border="0">
4251</a>
4252
4253<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>
4254		</div></section>
4255<section id="archives-3" class="widget widget_archive"><div class="widget-wrap"><h4 class="widget-title widgettitle">Archives</h4>
4256		<label class="screen-reader-text" for="archives-dropdown-3">Archives</label>
4257		<select id="archives-dropdown-3" name="archive-dropdown">
4258			
4259			<option value="">Select Month</option>
4260				<option value='https://www.handsfreemama.com/2026/08/'> August 2026 </option>
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4278	<option value='https://www.handsfreemama.com/2023/11/'>
4278 November 2023 </option>
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4285	<option value='https://www.handsfreemama.com/2023/01/'> January 2023 </option>
4286	<option value='https://www.handsfreemama.com/2022/12/'> December 2022 </option>
4287	<option value='https://www.handsfreemama.com/2022/10/'> October 2022 </option>
4288	<option value='https://www.handsfreemama.com/2022/08/'> August 2022 </option>
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4292	<option value='https://www.handsfreemama.com/2021/12/'> December 2021 </option>
4293	<option value='https://www.handsfreemama.com/2021/11/'> November 2021 </option>
4294	<option value='https://www.handsfreemama.com/2021/10/'> October 2021 </option>
4295	<option value='https://www.handsfreemama.com/2021/09/'> September 2021 </option>
4296	<option value='https://www.handsfreemama.com/2021/08/'> August 2021 </option>
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4298	<option value='https://www.handsfreemama.com/2021/05/'> May 2021 </option>
4299	<option value='https://www.handsfreemama.com/2021/04/'> April 2021 </option>
4300	<option value='https://www.handsfreemama.com/2021/03/'> March 2021 </option>
4301	<option value='https://www.handsfreemama.com/2021/02/'> February 2021 </option>
4302	<option value='https://www.handsfreemama.com/2021/01/'> January 2021 </option>
4303	<option value='https://www.handsfreemama.com/2020/12/'> December 2020 </option>
4304	<option value='https://www.handsfreemama.com/2020/11/'> November 2020 </option>
4305	<option value='https://www.handsfreemama.com/2020/08/'> August 2020 </option>
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4309	<option value='https://www.handsfreemama.com/2020/03/'> March 2020 </option>
4310	<option value='https://www.handsfreemama.com/2020/02/'> February 2020 </option>
4311	<option value='https://www.handsfreemama.com/2020/01/'> January 2020 </option>
4312	<option value='https://www.handsfreemama.com/2019/12/'> December 2019 </option>
4313	<option value='https://www.handsfreemama.com/2019/11/'> November 2019 </option>
4314	<option value='https://www.handsfreemama.com/2019/10/'> October 2019 </option>
4315	<option value='https://www.handsfreemama.com/2019/09/'> September 2019 </option>
4316	<option value='https://www.handsfreemama.com/2019/08/'> August 2019 </option>
4317	<option value='https://www.handsfreemama.com/2019/07/'> July 2019 </option>
4318	<option value='https://www.handsfreemama.com/2019/06/'> June 2019 </option>
4319	<option value='https://www.handsfreemama.com/2019/05/'> May 2019 </option>
4320	<option value='https://www.handsfreemama.com/2019/04/'> April 2019 </option>
4321	<option value='https://www.handsfreemama.com/2019/01/'> January 2019 </option>
4322	<option value='https://www.handsfreemama.com/2018/12/'> December 2018 </option>
4323	<option value='https://www.handsfreemama.com/2018/11/'> November 2018 </option>
4324	<option value='https://www.handsfreemama.com/2018/10/'> October 2018 </option>
4325	<option value='https://www.handsfreemama.com/2018/09/'> September 2018 </option>
4326	<option value='https://www.handsfreemama.com/2018/08/'> August 2018 </option>
4327	<option value='https://www.handsfreemama.com/2018/07/'> July 2018 </option>
4328	<option value='https://www.handsfreemama.com/2018/06/'> June 2018 </option>
4329	<option value='https://www.handsfreemama.com/2018/05/'> May 2018 </option>
4330	<option value='https://www.handsfreemama.com/2018/04/'> April 2018 </option>
4331	<option value='https://www.handsfreemama.com/2018/03/'> March 2018 </option>
4332	<option value='https://www.handsfreemama.com/2018/02/'> February 2018 </option>
4333	<option value='https://www.handsfreemama.com/2018/01/'> January 2018 </option>
4334	<option value='https://www.handsfreemama.com/2017/12/'> December 2017 </option>
4335	<option value='https://www.handsfreemama.com/2017/11/'> November 2017 </option>
4336	<option value='https://www.handsfreemama.com/2017/10/'> October 2017 </option>
4337	<option value='https://www.handsfreemama.com/2017/09/'> September 2017 </option>
4338	<option value='https://www.handsfreemama.com/2017/08/'> August 2017 </option>
4339	<option value='https://www.handsfreemama.com/2017/06/'> June 2017 </option>
4340	<option value='https://www.handsfreemama.com/2017/05/'> May 2017 </option>
4341	<option value='https://www.handsfreemama.com/2017/04/'> April 2017 </option>
4342	<option value='https://www.handsfreemama.com/2017/03/'> March 2017 </option>
4343	<option value='https://www.handsfreemama.com/2017/02/'> February 2017 </option>
4344	<option value='https://www.handsfreemama.com/2017/01/'> January 2017 </option>
4345	<option value='https://www.handsfreemama.com/2016/12/'> December 2016 </option>
4346	<option value='https://www.handsfreemama.com/2016/11/'> November 2016 </option>
4347	<option value='https://www.handsfreemama.com/2016/10/'> October 2016 </option>
4348	<option value='https://www.handsfreemama.com/2016/09/'> September 2016 </option>
4349	<option value='https://www.handsfreemama.com/2016/08/'> August 2016 </option>
4350	<option value='https://www.handsfreemama.com/2016/06/'> June 2016 </option>
4351	<option value='https://www.handsfreemama.com/2016/05/'> May 2016 </option>
4352	<option value='https://www.handsfreemama.com/2016/04/'> April 2016 </option>
4353	<option value='https://www.handsfreemama.com/2016/03/'> March 2016 </option>
4354	<option value='https://www.handsfreemama.com/2016/02/'> February 2016 </option>
4355	<option value='https://www.handsfreemama.com/2016/01/'> January 2016 </option>
4356	<option value='https://www.handsfreemama.com/2015/12/'> December 2015 </option>
4357	<option value='https://www.handsfreemama.com/2015/11/'> November 2015 </option>
4358	<option value='https://www.handsfreemama.com/2015/10/'> October 2015 </option>
4359	<option value='https://www.handsfreemama.com/2015/09/'> September 2015 </option>
4360	<option value='https://www.handsfreemama.com/2015/08/'> August 2015 </option>
4361	<option value='https://www.handsfreemama.com/2015/07/'> July 2015 </option>
4362	<option value='https://www.handsfreemama.com/2015/06/'> June 2015 </option>
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4364	<option value='https://www.handsfreemama.com/2015/04/'> April 2015 </option>
4365	<option value='https://www.handsfreemama.com/2015/03/'> March 2015 </option>
4366	<option value='https://www.handsfreemama.com/2015/02/'> February 2015 </option>
4367	<option value='https://www.handsfreemama.com/2015/01/'> January 2015 </option>
4368	<option value='https://www.handsfreemama.com/2014/12/'> December 2014 </option>
4369	<option value='https://www.handsfreemama.com/2014/11/'>
4369 November 2014 </option>
4370	<option value='https://www.handsfreemama.com/2014/10/'> October 2014 </option>
4371	<option value='https://www.handsfreemama.com/2014/09/'> September 2014 </option>
4372	<option value='https://www.handsfreemama.com/2014/08/'> August 2014 </option>
4373	<option value='https://www.handsfreemama.com/2014/06/'> June 2014 </option>
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4376	<option value='https://www.handsfreemama.com/2014/03/'> March 2014 </option>
4377	<option value='https://www.handsfreemama.com/2014/02/'> February 2014 </option>
4378	<option value='https://www.handsfreemama.com/2014/01/'> January 2014 </option>
4379	<option value='https://www.handsfreemama.com/2013/12/'> December 2013 </option>
4380	<option value='https://www.handsfreemama.com/2013/11/'> November 2013 </option>
4381	<option value='https://www.handsfreemama.com/2013/09/'> September 2013 </option>
4382	<option value='https://www.handsfreemama.com/2013/08/'> August 2013 </option>
4383	<option value='https://www.handsfreemama.com/2013/07/'> July 2013 </option>
4384	<option value='https://www.handsfreemama.com/2013/06/'> June 2013 </option>
4385	<option value='https://www.handsfreemama.com/2013/05/'> May 2013 </option>
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4387	<option value='https://www.handsfreemama.com/2013/03/'> March 2013 </option>
4388	<option value='https://www.handsfreemama.com/2013/02/'> February 2013 </option>
4389	<option value='https://www.handsfreemama.com/2013/01/'> January 2013 </option>
4390	<option value='https://www.handsfreemama.com/2012/11/'> November 2012 </option>
4391	<option value='https://www.handsfreemama.com/2012/09/'> September 2012 </option>
4392	<option value='https://www.handsfreemama.com/2012/08/'> August 2012 </option>
4393	<option value='https://www.handsfreemama.com/2012/07/'> July 2012 </option>
4394	<option value='https://www.handsfreemama.com/2012/06/'> June 2012 </option>
4395	<option value='https://www.handsfreemama.com/2012/05/'> May 2012 </option>
4396	<option value='https://www.handsfreemama.com/2012/04/'> April 2012 </option>
4397	<option value='https://www.handsfreemama.com/2012/03/'> March 2012 </option>
4398	<option value='https://www.handsfreemama.com/2012/01/'> January 2012 </option>
4399	<option value='https://www.handsfreemama.com/2011/12/'> December 2011 </option>
4400	<option value='https://www.handsfreemama.com/2011/11/'> November 2011 </option>
4401	<option value='https://www.handsfreemama.com/2011/10/'> October 2011 </option>
4402	<option value='https://www.handsfreemama.com/2011/09/'> September 2011 </option>
4403	<option value='https://www.handsfreemama.com/2011/08/'> August 2011 </option>
4404	<option value='https://www.handsfreemama.com/2011/07/'> July 2011 </option>
4405	<option value='https://www.handsfreemama.com/2011/06/'> June 2011 </option>
4406	<option value='https://www.handsfreemama.com/2011/05/'> May 2011 </option>
4407	<option value='https://www.handsfreemama.com/2011/04/'> April 2011 </option>
4408	<option value='https://www.handsfreemama.com/2011/03/'> March 2011 </option>
4409	<option value='https://www.handsfreemama.com/2011/02/'> February 2011 </option>
4410	<option value='https://www.handsfreemama.com/2011/01/'> January 2011 </option>
4411	<option value='https://www.handsfreemama.com/2010/12/'> December 2010 </option>
4412
4413		</select>
4414
4415			
4415<script type="text/javascript">
4416/* <![CDATA[ */
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4429</script>
4429
4430</div></section>
4431<section id="categories-2" class="widget widget_categories"><div class="widget-wrap"><h4 class="widget-title widgettitle">Categories</h4>
4432<form action="https://www.handsfreemama.com" method="get"><label class="screen-reader-text" for="cat">Categories</label><select  name='cat' id='cat' class='postform'>
4433	<option value='-1'>Select Category</option>
4434	<option class="level-0" value="1840">#metoo</option>
4435	<option class="level-0" value="25">Accent on the Positive</option>
4436	<option class="level-0" value="1757">achieving dreams</option>
4437	<option class="level-0" value="1754">advocacy</option>
4438	<option class="level-0" value="1836">African Road</option>
4439	<option class="level-0" value="1826">being present</option>
4440	<option class="level-0" value="1761">compassion</option>
4441	<option class="level-0" value="1778">conscious parenting</option>
4442	<option class="level-0" value="1859">Coronavirus</option>
4443	<option class="level-0" value="1735">courage</option>
4444	<option class="level-0" value="1742">dealing with change</option>
4445	<option class="level-0" value="1784">dying</option>
4446	<option class="level-0" value="1769">elderly</option>
4447	<option class="level-0" value="246">Embrace The Reminder</option>
4448	<option class="level-0" value="1766">emotional wellbeing</option>
4449	<option class="level-0" value="210">Eyes Unseen Words Unheard</option>
4450	<option class="level-0" value="1767">finding joy</option>
4451	<option class="level-0" value="229">Hands Free Baby Steps</option>
4452	<option class="level-0" value="84">Hands Free Evidence</option>
4453	<option class="level-0" value="1780">healing</option>
4454	<option class="level-0" value="1747">human connection</option>
4455	<option class="level-0" value="1760">human needs</option>
4456	<option class="level-0" value="1816">I am enough</option>
4457	<option class="level-0" value="79">I Have Today</option>
4458	<option class="level-0" value="1741">intentional living</option>
4459	<option class="level-0" value="1853">isolation</option>
4460	<option class="level-0" value="1776">kids and phones</option>
4461	<option class="level-0" value="1753">life&#8217;s purpose</option>
4462	<option class="level-0" value="1857">Live Love Now</option>
4463	<option class="level-0" value="1856">LIVE LOVE NOW the book</option>
4464	<option class="level-0" value="1736">living authentically</option>
4465	<option class="level-0" value="262">Living In Realness</option>
4466	<option class="level-0" value="22">Memory Bank</option>
4467	<option class="level-0" value="1763">mental health</option>
4468	<option class="level-0" value="1737">new year hopes</option>
4469	<option class="level-0" value="1744">new year resolutions</option>
4470	<option class="level-0" value="1782">only love today</option>
4471	<option class="level-0" value="1743">only love today the book</option>
4472	<option class="level-0" value="1863">overcoming adversity</option>
4473	<option class="level-0" value="1838">Overcoming fear</option>
4474	<option class="level-0" value="1865">Pandemic holiday</option>
4475	<option class="level-0" value="1867">pandemic struggles</option>
4476	<option class="level-0" value="30">Perfect Imperfection</option>
4477	<option class="level-0" value="1748">positive parenting</option>
4478	<option class="level-0" value="1785">purpose</option>
4479	<option class="level-0" value="28">Putting Distraction In Its Place</option>
4480	<option class="level-0" value="1862">racism</option>
4481	<option class="level-0" value="1825">Raising Resilient Kids</option>
4482	<option class="level-0" value="1872">raising teens</option>
4483	<option class="level-0" value="1852">rejection</option>
4484	<option class="level-0" value="1759">relationships</option>
4485	<option class="level-0" value="26">Right Here Right Now</option>
4486	<option class="level-0" value="1837">Rwanda</option>
4487	<option class="level-0" value="1824">School Shootings</option>
4488	<option class="level-0" value="1745">self-acceptance</option>
4489	<option class="level-0" value="1746">self-forgiveness</option>
4490	<option class="level-0" value="1781">self-love</option>
4491	<option class="level-0" value="1756">self-perception</option>
4492	<option class="level-0" value="1839">sexual assault</option>
4493	<option class="level-0" value="1770">simplicity</option>
4494	<option class="level-0" value="1870">Soul Shift</option>
4495	<option class="level-0" value="1869">special education teacher</option>
4496	<option class="level-0" value="1789">special needs children</option>
4497	<option class="level-0" value="29">Sunset Moments</option>
4498	<option class="level-0" value="21">Take Time to Say It</option>
4499	<option class="level-0" value="1831">teen wellness</option>
4500	<option class="level-0" value="24">The Hands Free Revolution</option>
4501	<option class="level-0" value="325">The Power of A Question</option>
4502	<option class="level-0" value="50">The Truth Hurts (and Heals)</option>
4503	<option class="level-0" value="334">There Is A Reason</option>
4504	<option class="level-0" value="1854">traveling</option>
4505	<option class="level-0" value="1830">unconditional love</option>
4506	<option class="level-0" value="1866">virtual learning</option>
4507	<option class="level-0" value="1768">volunteering</option>
4508	<option class="level-0" value="18">What I Would Have Missed</option>
4509	<option class="level-0" value="1779">yelling</option>
4510	<option class="level-0" value="55">Your Words</option>
4511</select>
4512</form>
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4526
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4543            <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">
4544	                <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>
4545	            </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 …
4546hopelessness withdraws…
and when we see these things,
it is not a time to lecture, turn away,
or retaliate —
but a call to love.

4547My hand in yours,
Rachel 
4548
4549📘poem from my 4th book LIVE LOVE NOW: Relieve the Pressure &amp; Find Real  Connection with Our Kids">
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4555            <span class="sbi-screenreader">December can stir up pressure we were never meant </span>
4556            <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">
4557	                <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>
4558	            </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.
4559
If you’re feeling stretched thin or expecting too much of yourself, these permission slips are for you.
4560
4561May they help you lower the bar, 
4562soften your pace, and protect the peace you’ve worked so hard to claim.
4563
4564If one slide speaks to you, save it, send it to a friend, or say it to yourself.
4565
4566Rest is not a reward —
4567it is a remembering: 
4568you are worthy, too.🩵
4569
4570Only Love Today. 
4571
4572My hand in yours, 
4573Rachel">
4574        </a>
4575    </div>
4576</div><div class="sbi_item sbi_type_carousel sbi_new sbi_transition" id="sbi_17927611500159324" data-date="1764893261">
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4578        <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=jxqTL5lxNgoQ7kNvwFSpfzW&#038;_nc_oc=AdrNPYkuUoWtD48BRGNNx2LIhQb4rHM4Vi02H5oGQouMUHZxo2zqbpxsZAdtDTv2YhQ&#038;_nc_zt=23&#038;_nc_ht=scontent.cdninstagram.com&#038;edm=ANo9K5cEAAAA&#038;_nc_gid=yQDnku3NEwGE2m95i_Y5Tw&#038;_nc_tpa=Q5bMBQKK6V4ucG8X67Pe_YncXNf-Y-_i5v7ZwNMxOmTDS2ElouhrNdvh-ahZ9O8zMM74FcFFoq2Rz2yUag&#038;oh=00_AQJq9IGeMHkSW2C8G9UdG1hlGql9MQ85VEMlpLw90GvzQA&#038;oe=6A9E3F75" 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=jxqTL5lxNgoQ7kNvwFSpfzW&amp;_nc_oc=AdrNPYkuUoWtD48BRGNNx2LIhQb4rHM4Vi02H5oGQouMUHZxo2zqbpxsZAdtDTv2YhQ&amp;_nc_zt=23&amp;_nc_ht=scontent.cdninstagram.com&amp;edm=ANo9K5cEAAAA&amp;
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4579            <span class="sbi-screenreader">December 2010 found me overwhelmed, exhausted, and</span>
4580            <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">
4581	                <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>
4582	            </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.
4583
4584It reminded me of this truth: You are allowed to receive love, joy, and rest — not just give it.
4585
4586If holiday stress, anxiety, or emotional fatigue has you pushing toward the finish line, please remember:

4587this is your life.
4588
Your story is still unfolding, still capable of softness, still open to joy.
4589
4590I 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. 
4591
4592My hand in yours, 
4593Rachel 
4594
4595As always, please leave a heart if you are here. It helps to know we are not alone this December. 
4596
4597#onlovetoday">
4598        </a>
4599    </div>
4600</div><div class="sbi_item sbi_type_carousel sbi_new sbi_transition" id="sbi_17940904221001158" data-date="1764180208">
4601    <div class="sbi_photo_wrap">
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4603            <span class="sbi-screenreader">During a very difficult season, I invited everyone</span>
4604            <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">
4605	                <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>
4606	            </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.
4607
4608That moment taught me something I now know for sure:

4609When we make room for grief, we make room for our humanity… and for the humanity of those we love.
4610
4611That’s where healing begins.

4612If 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.

4613My hand in yours,
4614Rachel 
4615
4616🩵 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.">
4617        </a>
4618    </div>
4619</div><div class="sbi_item sbi_type_carousel sbi_new sbi_transition" id="sbi_18129694531495949" data-date="1763855058">
4620    <div class="sbi_photo_wrap">
4621        <a class="sbi_photo" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/DRYKxcmjeFG/" target="_blank" rel="noopener nofollow" data-full-res="https://scontent.cdninstagram.com/v/t51.82787-15/587686709_18514089118071382_4965631393020069280_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_e35_tt6&#038;_nc_cat=101&#038;ccb=7-5&#038;_nc_sid=18de74&#038;efg=eyJlZmdfdGFnIjoiQ0FST1VTRUxfSVRFTS5iZXN0X2ltYWdlX3VybGdlbi5DMyJ9&#038;_nc_ohc=RavU9pezPGAQ7kNvwHuMf-Z&#038;
4621_nc_oc=AdrXp9n5xXALUPkF5Rg9_TirOxcsXBbumdR7zJOZCbr7SfZ_GYcdamoB16pBgBfJf3U&#038;_nc_zt=23&#038;_nc_ht=scontent.cdninstagram.com&#038;edm=ANo9K5cEAAAA&#038;_nc_gid=yQDnku3NEwGE2m95i_Y5Tw&#038;_nc_tpa=Q5bMBQJTjgxWS9jqUsB1SwB7BTa8qSNFTQEKGjohwTWjtuyG-toJOKB2T3qW545Ui4LEtk2XIIJXASqIsA&#038;oh=00_AQLMo_qnRXJcjRkHThrHG7UmpS09pOvZ-AQKfmRkT8DOow&#038;oe=6A9E5CB1" data-img-src-set="{&quot;d&quot;:&quot;https:\/\/scontent.cdninstagram.com\/v\/t51.82787-15\/587686709_18514089118071382_4965631393020069280_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_e35_tt6&amp;_nc_cat=101&amp;ccb=7-5&amp;_nc_sid=18de74&amp;efg=eyJlZmdfdGFnIjoiQ0FST1VTRUxfSVRFTS5iZXN0X2ltYWdlX3VybGdlbi5DMyJ9&amp;_nc_ohc=RavU9pezPGAQ7kNvwHuMf-Z&amp;_nc_oc=AdrXp9n5xXALUPkF5Rg9_TirOxcsXBbumdR7zJOZCbr7SfZ_GYcdamoB16pBgBfJf3U&amp;_nc_zt=23&amp;_nc_ht=scontent.cdninstagram.com&amp;edm=ANo9K5cEAAAA&amp;_nc_gid=yQDnku3NEwGE2m95i_Y5Tw&amp;_nc_tpa=Q5bMBQJTjgxWS9jqUsB1SwB7BTa8qSNFTQEKGjohwTWjtuyG-toJOKB2T3qW545Ui4LEtk2XIIJXASqIsA&amp;oh=00_AQLMo_qnRXJcjRkHThrHG7UmpS09pOvZ-AQKfmRkT8DOow&amp;oe=6A9E5CB1&quot;,&quot;150&quot;:&quot;https:\/\/scontent.cdninstagram.com\/v\/t51.82787-15\/587686709_18514089118071382_4965631393020069280_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_e35_tt6&amp;_nc_cat=101&amp;ccb=7-5&amp;_nc_sid=18de74&amp;efg=eyJlZmdfdGFnIjoiQ0FST1VTRUxfSVRFTS5iZXN0X2ltYWdlX3VybGdlbi5DMyJ9&amp;_nc_ohc=RavU9pezPGAQ7kNvwHuMf-Z&amp;_nc_oc=AdrXp9n5xXALUPkF5Rg9_TirOxcsXBbumdR7zJOZCbr7SfZ_GYcdamoB16pBgBfJf3U&amp;_nc_zt=23&amp;_nc_ht=scontent.cdninstagram.com&amp;edm=ANo9K5cEAAAA&amp;_nc_gid=yQDnku3NEwGE2m95i_Y5Tw&amp;_nc_tpa=Q5bMBQJTjgxWS9jqUsB1SwB7BTa8qSNFTQEKGjohwTWjtuyG-toJOKB2T3qW545Ui4LEtk2XIIJXASqIsA&amp;oh=00_AQLMo_qnRXJcjRkHThrHG7UmpS09pOvZ-AQKfmRkT8DOow&amp;oe=6A9E5CB1&quot;,&quot;320&quot;:&quot;https:\/\/scontent.cdninstagram.com\/v\/t51.82787-15\/587686709_18514089118071382_4965631393020069280_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_e35_tt6&amp;_nc_cat=101&amp;ccb=7-5&amp;_nc_sid=18de74&amp;efg=eyJlZmdfdGFnIjoiQ0FST1VTRUxfSVRFTS5iZXN0X2ltYWdlX3VybGdlbi5DMyJ9&amp;_nc_ohc=RavU9pezPGAQ7kNvwHuMf-Z&amp;_nc_oc=AdrXp9n5xXALUPkF5Rg9_TirOxcsXBbumdR7zJOZCbr7SfZ_GYcdamoB16pBgBfJf3U&amp;_nc_zt=23&amp;_nc_ht=scontent.cdninstagram.com&amp;edm=ANo9K5cEAAAA&amp;_nc_gid=yQDnku3NEwGE2m95i_Y5Tw&amp;_nc_tpa=Q5bMBQJTjgxWS9jqUsB1SwB7BTa8qSNFTQEKGjohwTWjtuyG-toJOKB2T3qW545Ui4LEtk2XIIJXASqIsA&amp;oh=00_AQLMo_qnRXJcjRkHThrHG7UmpS09pOvZ-AQKfmRkT8DOow&amp;oe=6A9E5CB1&quot;,&quot;640&quot;:&quot;https:\/\/scontent.cdninstagram.com\/v\/t51.82787-15\/587686709_18514089118071382_4965631393020069280_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_e35_tt6&amp;_nc_cat=101&amp;ccb=7-5&amp;_nc_sid=18de74&amp;efg=eyJlZmdfdGFnIjoiQ0FST1VTRUxfSVRFTS5iZXN0X2ltYWdlX3VybGdlbi5DMyJ9&amp;_nc_ohc=RavU9pezPGAQ7kNvwHuMf-Z&amp;_nc_oc=AdrXp9n5xXALUPkF5Rg9_TirOxcsXBbumdR7zJOZCbr7SfZ_GYcdamoB16pBgBfJf3U&amp;_nc_zt=23&amp;_nc_ht=scontent.cdninstagram.com&amp;edm=ANo9K5cEAAAA&amp;_nc_gid=yQDnku3NEwGE2m95i_Y5Tw&amp;_nc_tpa=Q5bMBQJTjgxWS9jqUsB1SwB7BTa8qSNFTQEKGjohwTWjtuyG-toJOKB2T3qW545Ui4LEtk2XIIJXASqIsA&amp;oh=00_AQLMo_qnRXJcjRkHThrHG7UmpS09pOvZ-AQKfmRkT8DOow&amp;oe=6A9E5CB1&quot;}">
4622            <span class="sbi-screenreader">Let this be your reminder:
4623You don’t have to dis</span>
4624            <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">
4625	                <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>
4626	            </svg>	                    <img decoding="async" src="https://www.handsfreemama.com/wp-content/plugins/instagram-feed/img/placeholder.png" alt="Let this be your reminder:
4627You don’t have to disappear to keep the peace.
4628
You don’t have to abandon yourself to belong.
4629
You don’t have to hold the whole room to be worthy of love.
4630
4631Only 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.
4632
4633This reminder is for anyone learning to stay true to themselves while still loving the people around them.
4634
Only love today… 
4635and in the week ahead.
4636
4637My hand in yours, 
4638Rachel">
4639        </a>
4640    </div>
4641</div><div class="sbi_item sbi_type_image sbi_new sbi_transition" id="sbi_18160535425398675" data-date="1763647552">
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4644            <span class="sbi-screenreader"></span>
4645            	                    <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.
4646
Because they are wrong.
4647
4648To ease pain is everything.

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

4649I say this as someone who learned a lot
when I finally stopped trying to convince people who were never meant to understand.

4650The quiet inner nudges,
the ones with no words,
only truth—
that’s what needed my trust,
not the naysayers.

4651Go where your heart indicates your presence is needed.
Trust what you feel, even if you can’t explain it yet.

4652My hand in yours,
Rachel">
4653        </a>
4654    </div>
4655</div><div class="sbi_item sbi_type_carousel sbi_new sbi_transition" id="sbi_18179326966362121" data-date="1763483361">
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4658            <span class="sbi-screenreader">I thought it was a reflection in the glass. 

</span>
4659            <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">
4660	                <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>
4661	            </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.
4662 
4663So, I got out of my car to investigate. 
4664Sure enough, it really was a rainbow wedge just waiting to be spotted.
4665 
4666I felt this surprising sense of relief that I’d witnessed it.

I know… that probably sounds strange.
4667
@dermotkennedy has this line in his song “Lost.” He sings, 
4668 
4669“My sense of wonder is just a little tired.”

That’s how I’ve been feeling this fall – 
like my wonder has grown weary.
4670 
4671I love that the very next line in the song is this:
4672 
4673“But if only you could see yourself in my eyes, 
4674you’d see you shine, 
you shine.”
4675 
4676I 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.
4677 
4678I wanted to write about that moment, but it felt too small in the grand scheme of things.

The
4678n 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.
4679 
4680And I was so grateful she told me 
4681because if she could see herself in my eyes, 
4682she’d see she shines, 
she shines. 
4683 
4684And I told her so.
4685 
4686A few hours later, I saw that tiny rainbow in that clear blue sky, 
4687and my childlike wonder, the one that had gone dormant, was revived.
4688 
4689I heard myself say, wow.
4690
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,
4691we all needed, 
in this tender season of weary wonder.
4692
4693Let’s keep looking. 
4694
4695Let’s keep sharing. 
4696
4697The smallest things hold us together.
4698
My hand in yours,
Rachel 
4699
4700🌈 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.">
4701        </a>
4702    </div>
4703</div><div class="sbi_item sbi_type_carousel sbi_new sbi_transition" id="sbi_18086146447961629" data-date="1763396146">
4704    <div class="sbi_photo_wrap">
4705        <a class="sbi_photo" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/DRKfd-KDahm/" target="_blank" rel="noopener nofollow" data-full-res="https://scontent.cdninstagram.com/v/t51.82787-15/582604023_18513346828071382_1458635648208400448_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_e35_tt6&#038;_nc_cat=103&#038;ccb=7-5&#038;_nc_sid=18de74&#038;efg=eyJlZmdfdGFnIjoiQ0FST1VTRUxfSVRFTS5iZXN0X2ltYWdlX3VybGdlbi5DMyJ9&#038;_nc_ohc=BaeYwaD8tGYQ7kNvwEWiH1_&#038;_nc_oc=Adr3qiBJZv0GW5Y0HfP553aUJgAauC5AK-FuuASN8DKqDuhZx3lwbk5RBD2kGgMuFjc&#038;_nc_zt=23&#038;_nc_ht=scontent.cdninstagram.com&#038;edm=ANo9K5cEAAAA&#038;_nc_gid=yQDnku3NEwGE2m95i_Y5Tw&#038;_nc_tpa=Q5bMBQKv80NOw5grUAkdkwVLJKZya2Dd-uqeCQWJdOMbYirNViZ5ydDY8FpDJ7mn4Q1KWFiY82XP_VlGfQ&#038;oh=00_AQKBSgT-8yK-vGbqhPTBcJ-rh1iDgEYmOrsQJSNlAwbz8Q&#038;oe=6A9E5061" data-img-src-set="{&quot;d&quot;:&quot;https:\/\/scontent.cdninstagram.com\/v\/t51.82787-15\/582604023_18513346828071382_1458635648208400448_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_e35_tt6&amp;_nc_cat=103&amp;ccb=7-5&amp;_nc_sid=18de74&amp;efg=eyJlZmdfdGFnIjoiQ0FST1VTRUxfSVRFTS5iZXN0X2ltYWdlX3VybGdlbi5DMyJ9&amp;_nc_ohc=BaeYwaD8tGYQ7kNvwEWiH1_&amp;_nc_oc=Adr3qiBJZv0GW5Y0HfP553aUJgAauC5AK-FuuASN8DKqDuhZx3lwbk5RBD2kGgMuFjc&amp;_nc_zt=23&amp;_nc_ht=scontent.cdninstagram.com&amp;edm=ANo9K5cEAAAA&amp;_nc_gid=yQDnku3NEwGE2m95i_Y5Tw&amp;_nc_tpa=Q5bMBQKv80NOw5grUAkdkwVLJKZya2Dd-uqeCQWJdOMbYirNViZ5ydDY8FpDJ7mn4Q1KWFiY82XP_VlGfQ&amp;oh=00_AQKBSgT-8yK-vGbqhPTBcJ-rh1iDgEYmOrsQJSNlAwbz8Q&amp;oe=6A9E5061&quot;,&quot;150&quot;:&quot;https:\/\/scontent.cdninstagram.com\/v\/t51.82787-15\/582604023_18513346828071382_1458635648208400448_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_e35_tt6&amp;_nc_cat=103&amp;ccb=7-5&amp;_nc_sid=18de74&amp;efg=eyJlZmdfdGFnIjoiQ0FST1VTRUxfSVRFTS5iZXN0X2ltYWdlX3VybGdlbi5DMyJ9&amp;_nc_ohc=BaeYwaD8tGYQ7kNvwEWiH1_&amp;_nc_oc=Adr3qiBJZv0GW5Y0HfP553aUJgAauC5AK-FuuASN8DKqDuhZx3lwbk5RBD2kGgMuFjc&amp;_nc_zt=23&amp;_nc_ht=scontent.cdninstagram.com&amp;edm=ANo9K5cEAAAA&amp;_nc_gid=yQDnku3NEwGE2m95i_Y5Tw&amp;_nc_tpa=Q5bMBQKv80NOw5grUAkdkwVLJKZya2Dd-uqeCQWJdOMbYirNViZ5ydDY8FpDJ7mn4Q1KWFiY82XP_VlGfQ&amp;oh=00_AQKBSgT-8yK-vGbqhPTBcJ-rh1iDgEYmOrsQJSNlAwbz8Q&amp;oe=6A9E5061&quot;,&quot;320&quot;:&quot;https:\/\/scontent.cdninstagram.com\/v\/t51.82787-15\/582604023_18513346828071382_1458635648208400448_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_e35_tt6&amp;_nc_cat=103&amp;ccb=7-5&amp;_nc_sid=18de74&amp;efg=eyJlZmdfdGFnIjoiQ0FST1VTRUxfSVRFTS5iZXN0X2ltYWdlX3VybGdlbi5DMyJ9&amp;_nc_ohc=BaeYwaD8tGYQ7kNvwEWiH1_&amp;_nc_oc=Adr3qiBJZv0GW5Y0HfP553aUJgAauC5AK-FuuASN8DKqDuhZx3lwbk5RBD2kGgMuFjc&amp;_nc_zt=23&amp;_nc_ht=scontent.cdninstagram.com&amp;edm=ANo9K5cEAAAA&amp;_nc_gid=yQDnku3NEwGE2m95i_Y5Tw&amp;_nc_tpa=Q5bMBQKv80NOw5grUAkdkwVLJKZya2Dd-uqeCQWJdOMbYirNViZ5ydDY8FpDJ7mn4Q1KWFiY82XP_VlGfQ&amp;oh=00_AQKBSgT-8yK-vGbqhPTBcJ-rh1iDgEYmOrsQJSNlAwbz8Q&amp;oe=6A9E5061&quot;,&quot;640&quot;:&quot;https:\/\/scontent.cdninstagram.com\/v\/t51.82787-15\/582604023_18513346828071382_1458635648208400448_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_e35_tt6&amp;_nc_cat=103&amp;ccb=7-5&amp;_nc_sid=18de74&amp;efg=eyJlZmdfdGFnIjoiQ0FST1VTRUxfSVRFTS5iZXN0X2ltYWdlX3VybGdlbi5DMyJ9&amp;_nc_ohc=BaeYwaD8tGYQ7kNvwEWiH1_&amp;_nc_oc=Adr3qiBJZv0GW5Y0HfP553aUJgAauC5AK-FuuASN8DKqDuhZx3lwbk5RBD2kGgMuFjc&amp;_nc_zt=23&amp;_nc_ht=scontent.cdninstagram.com&amp;edm=ANo9K5cEAAAA&amp;
4705_nc_gid=yQDnku3NEwGE2m95i_Y5Tw&amp;_nc_tpa=Q5bMBQKv80NOw5grUAkdkwVLJKZya2Dd-uqeCQWJdOMbYirNViZ5ydDY8FpDJ7mn4Q1KWFiY82XP_VlGfQ&amp;oh=00_AQKBSgT-8yK-vGbqhPTBcJ-rh1iDgEYmOrsQJSNlAwbz8Q&amp;oe=6A9E5061&quot;}">
4706            <span class="sbi-screenreader">“I saw my openness, my trust, my over-kindness n</span>
4707            <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">
4708	                <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>
4709	            </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.”

4710A reader pulled that line from my recent newsletter and said, “This one really got me.”
4711
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.”
4712
4713Her words reminded me how many of us move through the world with soft hearts we’ve been taught to doubt, toughen up, or hide.
4714
If that’s you, I want you to know you’re not alone.
4715
4716On 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.
4717
4718It 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.
4719
4720Climb my Treehouse ladder and read the full story.
4721
Comment SOFTHEART &amp; I’ll send you the link directly or click the link in bio or stories.

My hand in yours,
Rachel
4722
4723🧡 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.">
4724        </a>
4725    </div>
4726</div><div class="sbi_item sbi_type_carousel sbi_new sbi_transition" id="sbi_17873413503425153" data-date="1758894679">
4727    <div class="sbi_photo_wrap">
4728        <a class="sbi_photo" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/DPEVmecDf7u/" target="_blank" rel="noopener nofollow" data-full-res="https://scontent.cdninstagram.com/v/t51.82787-15/553362885_18501925516071382_787707361522292015_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_e35_tt6&#038;_nc_cat=109&#038;ccb=7-5&#038;_nc_sid=18de74&#038;efg=eyJlZmdfdGFnIjoiQ0FST1VTRUxfSVRFTS5iZXN0X2ltYWdlX3VybGdlbi5DMyJ9&#038;_nc_ohc=XDWXUc6JAC8Q7kNvwGZ5dO9&#038;_nc_oc=Adonh-vIMPY3asHvoz9R7WdYaHqmTEDaY5nQeRYBhNv31rSbglHfY49eo510WVM7euo&#038;_nc_zt=23&#038;_nc_ht=scontent.cdninstagram.com&#038;edm=ANo9K5cEAAAA&#038;_nc_gid=yQDnku3NEwGE2m95i_Y5Tw&#038;_nc_tpa=Q5bMBQLiuMQbKkON_va_xkse87r_nOnlvu37u6xOoqCajUqZFDr5OSh_cJ3x_Gau2hyV4boysgqrozV-PQ&#038;oh=00_AQLdosG3Z6fnsohgRi-JEiRlE4bgLnhu6UENi7-z2dS1Bg&#038;oe=6A9E3D64" data-img-src-set="{&quot;d&quot;:&quot;https:\/\/scontent.cdninstagram.com\/v\/t51.82787-15\/553362885_18501925516071382_787707361522292015_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_e35_tt6&amp;_nc_cat=109&amp;ccb=7-5&amp;_nc_sid=18de74&amp;efg=eyJlZmdfdGFnIjoiQ0FST1VTRUxfSVRFTS5iZXN0X2ltYWdlX3VybGdlbi5DMyJ9&amp;_nc_ohc=XDWXUc6JAC8Q7kNvwGZ5dO9&amp;_nc_oc=Adonh-vIMPY3asHvoz9R7WdYaHqmTEDaY5nQeRYBhNv31rSbglHfY49eo510WVM7euo&amp;_nc_zt=23&amp;_nc_ht=scontent.cdninstagram.com&amp;edm=ANo9K5cEAAAA&amp;_nc_gid=yQDnku3NEwGE2m95i_Y5Tw&amp;_nc_tpa=Q5bMBQLiuMQbKkON_va_xkse87r_nOnlvu37u6xOoqCajUqZFDr5OSh_cJ3x_Gau2hyV4boysgqrozV-PQ&amp;oh=00_AQLdosG3Z6fnsohgRi-JEiRlE4bgLnhu6UENi7-z2dS1Bg&amp;oe=6A9E3D64&quot;,&quot;150&quot;:&quot;https:\/\/scontent.cdninstagram.com\/v\/t51.82787-15\/553362885_18501925516071382_787707361522292015_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_e35_tt6&amp;_nc_cat=109&amp;ccb=7-5&amp;_nc_sid=18de74&amp;efg=eyJlZmdfdGFnIjoiQ0FST1VTRUxfSVRFTS5iZXN0X2ltYWdlX3VybGdlbi5DMyJ9&amp;_nc_ohc=XDWXUc6JAC8Q7kNvwGZ5dO9&amp;_nc_oc=Adonh-vIMPY3asHvoz9R7WdYaHqmTEDaY5nQeRYBhNv31rSbglHfY49eo510WVM7euo&amp;_nc_zt=23&amp;_nc_ht=scontent.cdninstagram.com&amp;edm=ANo9K5cEAAAA&amp;
4728_nc_gid=yQDnku3NEwGE2m95i_Y5Tw&amp;_nc_tpa=Q5bMBQLiuMQbKkON_va_xkse87r_nOnlvu37u6xOoqCajUqZFDr5OSh_cJ3x_Gau2hyV4boysgqrozV-PQ&amp;oh=00_AQLdosG3Z6fnsohgRi-JEiRlE4bgLnhu6UENi7-z2dS1Bg&amp;oe=6A9E3D64&quot;,&quot;320&quot;:&quot;https:\/\/scontent.cdninstagram.com\/v\/t51.82787-15\/553362885_18501925516071382_787707361522292015_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_e35_tt6&amp;_nc_cat=109&amp;ccb=7-5&amp;_nc_sid=18de74&amp;efg=eyJlZmdfdGFnIjoiQ0FST1VTRUxfSVRFTS5iZXN0X2ltYWdlX3VybGdlbi5DMyJ9&amp;_nc_ohc=XDWXUc6JAC8Q7kNvwGZ5dO9&amp;_nc_oc=Adonh-vIMPY3asHvoz9R7WdYaHqmTEDaY5nQeRYBhNv31rSbglHfY49eo510WVM7euo&amp;_nc_zt=23&amp;_nc_ht=scontent.cdninstagram.com&amp;edm=ANo9K5cEAAAA&amp;_nc_gid=yQDnku3NEwGE2m95i_Y5Tw&amp;_nc_tpa=Q5bMBQLiuMQbKkON_va_xkse87r_nOnlvu37u6xOoqCajUqZFDr5OSh_cJ3x_Gau2hyV4boysgqrozV-PQ&amp;oh=00_AQLdosG3Z6fnsohgRi-JEiRlE4bgLnhu6UENi7-z2dS1Bg&amp;oe=6A9E3D64&quot;,&quot;640&quot;:&quot;https:\/\/scontent.cdninstagram.com\/v\/t51.82787-15\/553362885_18501925516071382_787707361522292015_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_e35_tt6&amp;_nc_cat=109&amp;ccb=7-5&amp;_nc_sid=18de74&amp;efg=eyJlZmdfdGFnIjoiQ0FST1VTRUxfSVRFTS5iZXN0X2ltYWdlX3VybGdlbi5DMyJ9&amp;_nc_ohc=XDWXUc6JAC8Q7kNvwGZ5dO9&amp;_nc_oc=Adonh-vIMPY3asHvoz9R7WdYaHqmTEDaY5nQeRYBhNv31rSbglHfY49eo510WVM7euo&amp;_nc_zt=23&amp;_nc_ht=scontent.cdninstagram.com&amp;edm=ANo9K5cEAAAA&amp;_nc_gid=yQDnku3NEwGE2m95i_Y5Tw&amp;_nc_tpa=Q5bMBQLiuMQbKkON_va_xkse87r_nOnlvu37u6xOoqCajUqZFDr5OSh_cJ3x_Gau2hyV4boysgqrozV-PQ&amp;oh=00_AQLdosG3Z6fnsohgRi-JEiRlE4bgLnhu6UENi7-z2dS1Bg&amp;oe=6A9E3D64&quot;}">
4729            <span class="sbi-screenreader">This poem from my book Soul Shift is personal.
4730
4731I </span>
4732            <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">
4733	                <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>
4734	            </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.
4735
4736I 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.
4737
4738There wasn’t. 
She was just planted in the wrong place.
4739
4740I’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.

4741May you never confuse rejection with unworthiness.
May you keep seeking the conditions where you can thrive.
4742
4743🌱You are worthy of good soil.
4744
My hand in yours,
4745Rachel
4746
4747🍂My final in-person gathering of 2025 is six weeks away… 
4748This one’s for the givers. 
4749The ones who make it look easy—until they break down. 
4750For those who’ve forgotten they are a worthy recipient of their own caregiving. 
I’d love for you to be part of this circle.
4751✨ Only Love Today: A Restorative Retreat for Givers 
🗓 November 7–9 @artoflivingboone in the Blue Ridge Mountains ⛰️
4752Comment BELONG if you’d like more details.">
4753        </a>
4754    </div>
4755</div>    </div>
4756
4757	<div id="sbi_load" >
4758
4759	
4760	
4761</div>
4762
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