Arnitris Strong, founding editor of Blessed Be the Tie (www.blessedbethetie.com), knows all too well the anguish mothers face with the separation of their child when returning to the workforce. Four years ago, she discovered that journaling was an effective way to help cope with mommy guilt and maintain the bond with her child. Now, she’s helping other working mothers to leverage the practice of journaling to maintain a deep connection with their children with the release of “Dear Butterfly: A Devotional Journal for Mothers.”
“The bond a child has with its mother is the lens through which it will filter the world,” said Strong. “It is the basis for every relationship they will ever encounter. It is important to create a written legacy of your love and wisdom. The ‘Dear Butterfly’ journal is designed to be that legacy.”
Strong encourages working mothers to fill the journal with stories of love, loss, healing, forgiveness and friendship. Mothers can also use the journal to save scriptures, prayers, observations, ideas and answers. The journaling experience provides nourishment for mothers, and once children are old enough, they can explore the journals’ contents to learn more about their mothers and some of the challenges they faced while raising them while balancing careers and other responsibilities.
As part of the book’s launch campaign, Strong has created a “Dear Butterfly Challenge.” Participants are asked to spend 15 minutes each day for three days creating a handwritten or typed letter that will be treasured for years to come. During the three days, participants will receive a fillable PDF for guidance. Excerpts can be shared via social media on Instagram or Facebook using the #dearbutterfly hashtag.
“It’s not important how much you write, as long as it’s from the heart,” said Strong. “The challenge is not only a great exercise for mothers, but also fathers, grandparents, aunts, uncles, godparents and teachers.”
Arnitris Strong lives in Rockdale County with her family.
To order the journal and to participate in the Dear Butterfly Challenge, visit www.blessedbethetie.com