Superbowl 51 embarked on Houston and brought a plethora of events, activities, people and of course opportunities to socialize. The league has a new champion, some are celebrating and others may need therapy (jokes).

One of my highlights was when I received an invite from Julie to attend and interview the panel of celebrity moms at the 2017 Motivated Mom Brunch facilitated by Founder Latoyia Dennis. I was excited to ask these women questions about love, relationships and life and to gain their wisdom.

Rose Rock is a mom (@chrisrock) of 10 children (7 birthed, 3 given) in which Chris and Tony Rock are a part of her crew. However, Mrs. Rock is so much more than their mom, she is passionate about parenting and deeply involved in child advocacy and Parenting Academies, spaces created to allow parents to gain tools and guidance as it pertains to parenting. Mrs. Rock has a wealth of wisdom and we had an opportunity to chat about marriage, vision, parenting and following your dreams.

In reference to parenting, the 4 quotes that resonates the most with me are:

It is easier to build a child than to repair an adult.

You only have 1 chance to raise a healthy child and it starts at birth.

A womb does not make you a mother. Bloodline does not make you family. If you see a spark in a child, pour into them, do not pass them by.

…and my absolute favorite, Your children are your message you send out to the world.

I asked her, ‘How did you know you wanted to marry your husband?’ and like many seasoned women whom I’ve asked before she said, ‘In the beginning, I did not even like him! Everywhere I turned he was there and I thought, ugh!’ LOL! But he finally wore her down and she accepted to go on a date with him, which lasted 3 hours. In those 3 hours he spoke about his dreams, plans and travel and by the end of the date I thought, ‘You will not be traveling alone!’ She speaks on the importance of having a vision not only for your life but also for your children and shared a story of how she and her husband were extremely clear and aligned with the vision for their family. In the beginning they could only afford to have two children, so they did and created a plan on when they would continue to expand their family. When her husband passed away, he left a legacy and blueprint for their children, one which she continued to execute in his absence.

Mrs. Rock also shared she had a health challenge a few years ago which changed her perspective. She promised herself that if she recovered she would no longer do anything mediocre again.

Now, she begins each day asking God, ‘What do you want me to do today?’

Being a mother does not mean you give up on yourself or your dreams. ‘I have all of the songs my mom and grandmother gave to me and now I sing, loudly!’ This is an analogy for dreams (songs) unfilled. Rose is a firm believer, proof and example that it is never too late to create a new vision for your life which she proved by becoming a 1st time author at age 63 and joining the HaperCollins Publishing family.

So what are the takeaways?

Create a vision. Take the time and allow yourself to be bold.
Do not dismiss a prospect because there aren’t initial butterflies in your belly. Love grows over time and friendship is a sustainable place to start.
Invest in your children with your time, energy, and resources.
Say Yes! Sometimes an opportunity will present in the 11th hour, you want to be ready.