Motherhood can be a thankless job sometimes.
The early morning feedings. The round the clock diaper changes. And might I remind you, labor? You do so much for your family–and you make it look so easy. To you, it’s all just part of the job. But motherhood is so much more than just one day on the calendar. You deserve more recognition than that!
PhenomeMOMS are the mothers who go above and beyond for their families every day. They’re the moms with heart–the ones who want the best for their children, and are trying their hardest to give it to them. Each PhenomeMOM is a woman who is committed to doing her very best in her personal life and the lives of her family. I’m honored to bring you their stories–the ones that make you laugh, cry, and think about your own motherhood.
This week’s PhenomeMOM is Danielle Faust–a mom of two who somehow finds the time to share how she creates a “kickass life” on her blog at OK Dani, inspire women of color to get in shape at Fit Noire.com, motivate moms to pursue entrepreneurship as co-host of the Blab show Moms and Biz, and empower mothers as co-creator of The Mommy Conference. Oh, and in her spare time, she models. Learn more about what makes Dani a PheneomeMOM below!
When did you become a mom?
I feel like I became a mom in October 2011 when I found out I was pregnant with my first child after the doctors told me it was impossible, but, I officially became a mother on June 7, 2012 when my son Rohan was born. (I’ve since had a daughter, Kaya, born March 20, 2014)
How has motherhood changed you?
Motherhood changed me for the better in so many ways. It made me examine a lot of my character flaws like laziness (still there) and selfishness (still there too, but not with the kids lol). I was an only child for 14 years and I knew I was spoiled and selfish… I didn’t realize how selfless I could actually be until my son was born. Jumping up with zero sleep to cater to someone else would never, ever,…ev-er… be my MO. Until I became a mother. It also made me realize how strong I am, and when I cannot be strong and need some serious help.
Motherhood has both made me courageous and more outspoken (if you can believe it) I think about how I’d want my children to react to situations when they’re around and model that whereas before I’d let things slide, or react horribly to situations. Physically, motherhood has ruined my figure leaving me mushy and tiger striped…but that’s neither here nor there.
What do you love most about being a mom?
I love everything about being a mom. Everything except for the sleeplessness. I love the snuggles, and being their guide. I love the laughter and the light they bring to my life. I love teaching them and learning lessons from my children as well. I love the love they give me, the acceptance, the forgiveness, and I love that all the higher qualities are mirrored back. I love how my life revolves around them, even though I sometimes get annoyed at how my life revolves around them. 🙂 I love exposing the kids to new experiences, and watching their wonder and awe at the most simple things. I love being a witness to how magical the world is to them. It’s phenomenal. I can’t choose one thing that I love most about being a mom. I just love being a mom and being engaged with my children. It’s the biggest blessing I’ve had.
See more of PhenomeMOM Dani’s kickass life at OK, Dani.com, get her fitness tips at Fit Noire.com, and catch a glimpse of her world on Instagram @thedanifaust.
Do you want to be our next PhenomeMOM? Let us know why you’re a phenomenal mother here.
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Thanks so much for featuring us on your fantastic site!! Honored to be a part of your quest to inspire mothers!
Love it! Dani is awesome and inspires so many of us! I love her transparency on her blog and social media on the joys and struggles of motherhood.