Working Mom Wednesday // JAN 2024

I’m proud to announce something new: Working Mom Wednesdays – A Celebration of Supermoms! Every month, I’ll feature an inspiring working mom you’ll love getting to know!

This month, I’m thrilled to introduce you to Maria Granados! Maria is the co-founder and executive director of the Take Part Foundation, and co-founder of Life-Pulse, Inc. She’s mom to three kiddos, ages 6, 5, and 9 months, and a passionate encourager to moms raising children living with disabilities.

Being a working mom can feel like work all on its own, and nobody understands better than other working moms! Afterall, we are better together! After hearing feedback from countless other working mommas over the last several years, we are creating a community (via Facebook Group) where you can connect with each other, ask questions, celebrate wins, process challenges, crowd source ideas, and share meaningful faith convos. And at the end of the day, we are all-in to cheer each other on!

Click here to join the Working Mom Recharge Facebook Group! I hope you will visit often to connect, encourage, and find helpful insights for all things working-mom-life! I hope every time you visit, your soul will feel recharged!

What’s keeping your plate full personally and professionally?

I like to consider myself a "full-time me," juggling a range of responsibilities in both my personal and professional life. My typical day involves shuttling my first grader and pre-schooler to school and finding time to work while looking after my 9-month-old. To help me focus on work, I've arranged for in-home daycare two days a week.

My main professional focus right now is planning a gala for the Take Part Foundation, and I put all my energy into that when I'm working. I also have regular meetings with my husband to discuss the vision and direction of Life Pulse, a company he manages full-time.

On a personal note, I'm deeply committed to the daily care of my oldest child, who has a rare form of muscular dystrophy. This involves tasks like managing her vent, g-tube, airway clearance equipment, and wheelchair. These responsibilities have become second nature to me over time.

In addition to all of this, I recently wrapped up a teaching season for women's ministry at our church. Part of my daily routine includes studying and praying for these teaching events, and I have one coming up in January that's currently a big part of my schedule.

Do you work primarily out of passion (because you want to), out of need for provision, or a combination of both?

I would say that currently, I work primarily out of passion, but it used to be more driven by the need for provision. During the COVID pandemic, my boutique served many people in-person through our teaching program, so the income was crucial. However, when we were able to shift back to in-person operations, I decided to put the boutique aside to focus more on our nonprofit mission. I knew I could manage without the boutique income at that point, so now my work is driven more by my passion for our nonprofit.

What does a typical day look like for you? How do you juggle it all?

My typical day is quite busy, but we've got a system that helps me juggle what God calls me to each day. I always start with morning exercise, scripture reading, and prayer. Then it's the usual family chaos in the morning, getting the kids to school. I review my planner to see what's urgent and important, catch up with Matt on business and life matters, and tackle my tasks.

After school pick-up, my day can involve church events, doctor's appointments for Nat, networking events, or other commitments in the evenings. And, of course, taking care of baby Teddy is always in the mix. Throughout the day, I stay connected with friends, mentors, and mentees through voice notes and Marco Polo. My schedule doesn't allow for many coffee dates, so I use technology to stay in touch until I can see them in person again.

How does being a working mom impact your kids?

My kids benefit from seeing me prioritize my relationship with Jesus above all else, setting an example for them to keep faith at the center of their lives. They take joy in witnessing how our work positively affects others and feeling like they're part of something meaningful.

On the negative side, it's tough when I have to tell them to wait because I'm working. I don't want them to feel like they're second to my job. This discomfort comes from unresolved issues within me, like not fully surrendering my motherhood role to God's plan. I sometimes let others' opinions influence me. However, I aim to celebrate my calling as a mom without guilt.

On the negative side, there are moments when they may feel less prioritized, but I talk with them, apologize, and pray together. My hope is that they see a mom who acknowledges her mistakes and takes them to Jesus, turning those failures into valuable lessons for them rather than causing them trauma.

What holds the biggest tension for you in trying to manage everything right now? (i.e. childcare, meal prep, mom guilt, friendship, being a single mom, your marriage, etc.)

Meal prep! Boys eat so much—even at 5! What in the world?! It's funny but I feel like meal prep and keeping my house clean are the two biggest pain points for me. It feels like more to do when I'm already working. I just want to be "with" the kids and not cleaning or cooking.

What's one resource, tip, or trick that makes your working mom life easier?

Communication with my spouse WEEKLY at least on my goals/vision for the week for the family, my work, my relationships, my health and my relationship with Christ! So many issues can be solved by reviewing your goals and desires for the week as well as your schedules. If Matt knows what I desire for the week, he can better understand how to help me navigate with our family as things come up throughout the week. So many arguments can be avoided this way!

What advice or encouragement would you share with a working momma who is feeling overwhelmed right now?

You are not alone. The people you assume have it together do not. In fact, the idea of “having it together” is a lie. None of us do! But, we can have peace in chaos—it's wholeness in Jesus and it's available even when we are spending a week in the hospital, bankrupt, walking through marriage trials, etc. Peace doesn't have to wait. Ask God for wholeness that only comes through Him! Then, surround yourself with women who don't play into the traps the enemy likes to lure us into: gossip, body shaming, husband bashing, etc. A lot of overwhelm left me when I left circles where those were the norm.

How are you fueling your spiritual life right now? Anything you would share or recommend to others on this front?

The Gospels are always on play. I try to constantly be reading the words Jesus spoke no matter what other books of the Bible I am in at the time. Scripture is fuel for me. It's alive and giving life to us right now. I can't imagine being able to function without God's word. My prayer life and relationship with Jesus thrive when I am in the Word of God regularly. If you aren't there yet and want to be—start in the Gospels! I recommend listening to audio of the bible while you drive!

Any final thoughts?

If anyone struggles with special needs children—how to navigate life in the unknown—please know I am here as a friend to listen and share how I've managed.