Do the Quetzal Mama Power Pat

By Quetzal Mama • September 23, 2013

The Quetzal Mama Power Pat

As I grow wiser (not older), it seems my mental energy far outpaces my physical energy. To keep both energies in check, I’ve been doing a daily 2.5 mile walking/jogging combo up a slightly steep, hilly incline. This exercise definitely requires stamina, so I need all the encouragement I can get. This morning, while halfway up the incline, a cyclist sped by. However, before he zoomed into the distance, he quickly turned and said to me: “Keep going.” Wow, you would have thought he just told me I won a million dollars. His simple two words pumped me up, boy! Not only did I make it to my regular stopping point, but briskly went ½ mile further.

I wanted to share this story with the Quetzal Mama community because we all need this type of encouragement. As parents, we are often neglected. Not by others, but by ourselves. As caring parents we often put ourselves, our needs, and our priorities in second or third place. Yours truly is guilty of this. For example, I jokingly refer to myself as the “Pfunky Bus Driver” for my kids. I embellished the “Pf” to add a little “Pfunkiness” to the name. It makes my kids smile. My 10+ year old Honda Pilot is my 8 passenger “bus” and it is pretty funky. I don’t drive a fancy BMW, or an Audio convertible – because that is not my priority. My priority, like you, is to be present for my kids and to attend to whatever tasks are required to enable them reach their life potential.

However, I know that I am more than a shuttle bus driver. I am the driving force that shuttles very important cargo. I am relied upon to be punctual, dependable, and available. I love this role! I feel it is an important role and I’m honored to have the distinction. But, how often do we forget to thank ourselves for the incredible job we do? I’ll bet often. Worse yet – I’ll bet rarely and possibly never. We are Latino parents! We are rock solid, hard working, resilient, and highly efficient. We can juggle “back to school night” with Tae Kwan Do practice, enchiladas for dinner, homework drills, and still remember to call Abuela.

So, just as we faithfully attend to our standby rituals like stocking up on Capri Sun, filling up the Pfunky Bus with gas, or sending the piano teacher’s payment, I am hoping you will do one additional ritual that will also benefit your kids. Give yourself the Quetzal Mama Power Pat! What is a power pat? It is something I do (yes, often), to keep me focused, healthy, and motivated. It is a little goofy, but it is a wonderful exercise I’ve practiced for several years. It goes like this:

The Quetzal Mama Power Pat

With one hand next to each respective shoulder, enthusiastically pat yourself on the back. Put some ganas into it! While your patting yourself, remind yourself (out loud or quietly) how awesome you are and what a great job you are doing.

Take a moment from your day – whether first thing in the morning (my practice), before dinner, or at bedtime, and give yourself the Power Pat. Feeling grateful and appreciated may give you the extra push you need for the day. Thank yourself for your contributions, your accomplishments, and for the driving spirit that will guide you in your future endeavors. We need you to be strong and raise Latino Superstars. Give yourself this moment to appreciate your wonderfulness. Go on, do it now.

―Quetzal Mama