Advice Your Mom Would Give if She Thought You Were Listening

Note to Self: Keep Believing

Note to Self: Keep Believing

on Oct 12, 2015

Even though they are now 20 and 22, I encourage my little girls to believe in the Tooth Fairy, and anything else that makes their lives more magical. I’m not worried about it messing with their grasp on reality. Life will dish out enough reality. But life, particularly in the launching years, can be woefully short on affirming reminders. That’s why, I believe, we all have to work hard to remind ourselves what we believe. We have to sneak reminders to ourselves every chance we get. From the book Do Your Laundry or You’ll Die Alone:
#5 Huff Tooth Fairy

My own mom preached the power of positive affirmations. I thought it was woo woo voo doo growing up, but now I get it. (Sorry, Mom. It took me awhile.)

If you’re a follower of this book blog, you know what a big fan I am of Notes to Self socks. What could be better than wrapping your feet in affirmations each morning, and looking down to be reminded each night that “I am STRONG,” “I am HAPPY,” “I am BRAVE,” I am BEAUTIFUL,” or “I BELIEVE.” It’s proven: the subconscious mind is most receptive in the morning and at night, so socks are the perfect affirmation delivery system.

And clean socks with empowering messages are a no-brainer for great college CARE packages.

College Care Packages Keep it Clean

College Care Packages Keep it Clean

My daughter, Tess, discovered Notes to Self socks in high school during basketball season when someone gave her a pair of “I am AWESOME” socks as a gift. She testified to me passionately that “They really WORK, Mom!” I guess that means when your socks tell you you’re AWESOME, the basketball agrees. She refused to play a game without them.

When our family discovered Notes to Self socks, I had no idea that the company and its delightful founder lived right here in my hometown, Kansas City. By happenstance I met owner Laura Schmidt a little over a year ago and became an even bigger believer.

Her company’s backstory is great, but it’s nothing compared to the stories that have been written by the people who wear her amazing socks. Take for example, the Kansas City Royals.

Baseball fans know the magical story of the 2014 Kansas City Royals. Last year the team made the playoffs for the first time in decades by winning a wildcard game. Then, this scrappy club with one of the smallest budgets in the major leagues went all the way to the World Series. After a crushing loss in game 5, Laura sent “I BELIEVE” socks to every member of the Royals team and all the coaches. And game 6? A 10-0 Royals win!

Screen Shot 2015-10-12 at 6.21.12 PM

Last year, Laura of Notes to Self Socks doubled down on affirmation for our Royals. She sent them each ‘I BELIEVE’ socks AND, get this – also ‘I BELIEVE’ pillowcases.

When I heard this, I immediately popped some of the pillowcases into CARE packages for my daughters, who are rooting for their Royals from Chicago and New York.)
IMG_5319
The socks, pillowcases and baseball skills worked! The Royals won the 2015 World Series!!!

Screen Shot 2015-10-12 at 6.22.51 PM
I know people will read this and think I’m on the payroll of Notes to Self socks. But, no, I’m just a raving fan. The way I look at it, affirmations are the voice of belief, the greatest power in the universe. I love that all this power is doing its magic on mere socks and pillowcases.

Laundry. I told you it was important.

Do Your Laundry or You'll Die Alone

    8 Comments

  1. These are cute. I had not seen them before. I do think sharing a positive attitude helps turn everything positive.

    Leigh Powell Hines

    October 16, 2015

  2. Oh my gosh, I loved knowing about these socks and pillowcases. What a brilliant idea. And oh do I ever wish I had read this post prior to Monday. My 10-year-old overheard my husband and I talking about having to open Christmas presents a different night this year because my sister’s family is coming to stay with us Christmas Eve, and she connected the dots and tearfully came to me later saying “You’re Santa, aren’t you? You lied to me all this time!” I admitted to it,but I tried my best to convince her there is still a lot of magic that goes on at Christmas. But, I think she’s going to grieve this loss of some of the magic for awhile.

    Julie Jo Severson

    October 15, 2015

    • Oh, Julie Jo, I feel your pain. My daughter caught us playing Santa Clause, and it was the most gut-wrenching conversation of my life. Interestingly, the next year, she acted as if the conversation had never happened. I know you’ll make her Christmas magical.

      Becky Blades

      October 15, 2015

  3. I love this. I also love those socks! I might have to check them out because I need them and so does my daughter.

    Andrea

    October 15, 2015

  4. These socks are cool! I need to check them out!!

    Kim

    October 15, 2015

  5. Love love these socks!! What a great idea! I will definitely have to check out your book!

    Joy Brown

    October 15, 2015

  6. Thank you Becky for this wonderful post! As you know, I LOVE your book and all the wisdom it contains! It’s my favorite graduation gift!

    Laura Schmidt

    October 14, 2015

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