This week’s Boss Mom of the Week is Irena Miller, (E-RYT 500) Certified Yoga Teacher. Affiliate links present. 

What draws a person to yoga?

For me, it was being a stressed out, over-worked college student, with way too many deadlines and not enough time.  I knew there was a better pathway to health, time management, and finding my joy.  

It became apparent to me that everything has its season.  There are times when you’ll feel outgoing and productive.  Other times sleepy and restless.  Maybe motivation has checked out the back door.  Regardless, there are ways you can create a more harmonious experience.

In 1996 I devoted myself to the serious study of yoga.  Traveling the United States to study with great teachers.  Soaking up the wonderful teachings and wisdom of these beings.

My path and joy is to share these gems with you.  How to become comfortable in your ‘own skin’.  How a yoga pose can elevate your mood.  How simple poses like downward facing dog can be so refreshing after a long day at work.  How to listen to the signals your body and nature are sending you, so you can make healthier life choices.  Learn to trust your intuition and gut instincts.  Recognize that the peace that passes all understanding resides within you.  And ultimately we are made of joy.  

Tell us a little bit about your family and your Boss Mom journey.

Two amazing Kiddos – Chace (14) and Lexi (8) keep me on my toes!  There’s always an adventure to be had, whether it’s a soccer game, dance recital, or a trip to the amusement park.  They are full of life and fun which spills over into all that they do.  When I became pregnant with Chace, it was a no brainer that it was time to leave corporate America.  It was an opportunity to start my own business and follow in the legacy of my grandfathers.  Boss Mom, came along at just the right time.  As things got overwhelming and I was ready to give up, I heard Dana speak on Pat Flynn’s Smart Passive Income.  She knew what it meant to be a mom, love your family, and run an amazing and successful business.  Where I had difficulty honing in on strategy and bringing my ideas into a bigger picture, Dana was able to help me.  I have a whole new approach to the way I am running my business, thanks to Dana’s input.  And one of the best things, is that my kids can be a part of it.

What are some of your favorite go to meals when time is tight and dinner MUST get on the table?

Summertime – Hamburgers with Spiralized Sweet Potato Fries (it’s just like having a play-doh machine for moms!  Plus Lexi has started to eat Sweet Potatoes now! Wintertime I have a Cauliflower Soup that makes it easier to sneak in extra veggies.  Saute the soup trinity (celery, onion, and carrot), add in cauliflower florets, cook for a little while.  Add 6 cups of stock and a dash of dijon (to thicken it up).  You can even add shredded cheese to the top 🙂

Where do you go for inspiration?

• Doreen Virtue
• James VanPraagh
• Sonia Choquette
• And Boss Mom Beth Fisher Jessop!  

What are you currently reading or listening to (podcasts, books, blogs etc)?

Wowsers.  I’m that gal with 30 books next to the bed.  Most of them non-fiction (Yoga, Spirituality, Nutrition, Entrepreneurial based).  I always am picking up and putting books down.  I finish them over time 🙂  But not too quickly!  

Favorite non-fiction go to right now:  The Game of Life and How to Play It by Florence Scovel Shinn

Last fiction book I read, that left a big impression:  Leaving Time by Jodi PIcoult.

Non-Fiction: The Art of Learning by Josh Waitzkins

Podcasts:  Boss Mom (of course), Smart Passive Income (Pat Flynn), On Being (Krista Tippert)

What is one piece of business advice that you’d give to a mom just starting out?

Take a deep breath, pause, and choose out of love, not fear.  And get a coach!

What are some of your favorite quotes or words to live by?

Do your practice (work) and all is coming. – Pattabhi Jois

Be Yourself, everyone else is already taken.  – Oscar Wilde

She believed she could, so she did. – R.S. Grey

I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.  Phillipians 4:13

In one word, sum up your life as a Boss Mom.

Adaptable

What are three core values of your business and how do those values relate to your motherhood?

Love – Everybody could benefit from a hug now and then, whether they’ve skinned their knee or they’ve had a bad day at work.

Listen – Truly hear what the person is saying beyond their words.  Sometimes the most important things are not said in words.

Guide – Guidance is valuable for those moments when we’ve strayed off path and we need a little direction to get back in the game.