I will never forget January 2012. My son wasn’t quite a year old. I had just recently joined my local MOPS group, and was desperately looking for friendships. I’d left my job the year before and was feeling a longing for adult conversations and relationships that I hadn’t experienced before. Through an overheard conversation I heard someone mention an interesting post from a website called Dallas Moms Blog.
Curious, I found the site that afternoon. It was fairly new, but it appeared to be growing because the week I discovered the site, the founders had put out an open call for contributors. There were only a few in the beginning, but the with me and a few others, the number quickly grew to 7.
Several times a month we’d meet up with each other for “official” Dallas Moms Blog business. Other times it would be hanging out at blogger events or at local play places for play dates. Within the first few months of being a part of Dallas Moms Blog, it had already felt like I’d found a home. Women (and Moms) from all different walks of life, ages of children, and neighborhoods around Dallas were brought together by a common bond. We all needed friendships and the goal of our site was convicting :: we were truly passionate about helping to bring women in their own communities together to find those friendships.
Almost 3 years later, words can’t describe the joy it gives me on a daily basis to be owner of Dallas Moms Blog. Why?
- My Community :: Entering into the world of Motherhood was one of the hardest things I’ve ever had to do–and probably will do! Walking away from careers, abandoning what you’re familiar with in your marriage, financial changes, on top of being solely responsible for another young, tiny human being. In any other situation I’d say “I don’t wish that on anyone!” but of course, that’s the furthest thing from the truth because there’s nothing more magical than motherhood all at the same time! But I will say is that no women should have to go through the transitions of motherhood alone. Whether it’s going from a Duel Income No Kids to SAHM or moving your last child into public school, all moms need that community and I’m so proud that we can provide this!
- Being Social :: You might remember that I’m the socially challenged one and getting out to meet new women is borderline unnerving, but it’s something I desperately want to do! I’m so thankful that Dallas Moms Blog creates these natural situations for moms to come together and get to know one another without the awkward “first mom date” situations. Bring your kids, come alone, or come to learn new skills, there’s at least one event a month where I can break out of my socially awkward bubble and be social!
- The Challenge & Flexibility!! :: Being a Stay-At-Home Mom was more challenging than I’d ever imagined, but for me it wasn’t intellectually stimulating which is what I felt was missing when I became a mom. That desire to still feel like an adult even if I’m covered in baby food, snot, and poo. The business side of Dallas Moms Blog provides that daily stimulating challenge. While I still consider myself a stay-at-home mom, Dallas Moms Blog is like the DIY project that never ends and always fills my free time!
While there’s definitely been learning curves and trials along the way, I’m proud of what all of the amazing moms have accomplished who have been a part of our site; some of which are still here from the beginning. While many will come and go as children age, I hope that by being a part of this community of women we’ll have made their lives better.
But it’s not just the writers who have been a part of this growing team, but ALL of the moms who have found a connection with Dallas Moms Blog. I personally can’t imagine where my life would be without the women and the network that surrounds me each day– from the readers to the writers to the fellow sister site owners.
Here are just a few examples of posts that have made an impact on our readers:
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My Biggest Parenting Regret :: Babywise by Heather
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SIDS – A Topic I Wish I Knew Nothing About by Jennifer
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The Day I Stopped Trying to Make New Friends by Laura
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Forgiving Ourselves as Parents by Krystal
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Changing Lives on a Friday by Sally
While obviously Dallas is already established, I’m excited to say that City Moms Blog Network is now looking to grow nationally! With already having 35 sister sites in major cities across the country, we’d love to continue to expand our network and continue our mission by adding on new sister sites.
If you or someone you know might be interested in connecting moms in your community with us, jump at this opportunity to join CMBN with your own Sister Site by filling out our Start a Sister Site Information Form.
We are having tons of fun making a difference in our local mom communities and would love to share this experience with more moms around the country!
:: Are you ready to make an impact on your local mom community? Are you ready to join a passionate Network of moms? ::
If you currently live in Dallas-Fort Worth, but know of a mom or friend who’s searching for something inspirational and challenging in their lives, consider sharing this post with them! Similar to myself, you may never know what someone is looking for until they find it.
If you’d like to be a writer for Dallas Moms Blog and want to make an impact on our local community, please visit our “Submit a Guest Post” page or stay connected for our Open Contributor Call coming soon!
