What can I tell you about Michelle, aka Rockin Random Mom‘s blog? Well for one it rocks…and it is random! It’s also full of creativity, honesty, and warmth. Michelle was one of the first at the cool mum party, and quite rightly so.
So without further ado, read on and meet Michelle…
x MMT
Oooh…p.s. we are looking for new bloggers to feature so if you would like to be a guest blogger on Meet the Members, drop me an e mail to mummuddlingthrough@gmail.com
Hi all, I’m Michelle, the name and face behind RockinRandomMom. I’m an American blogger and a happily single mom to two awesome boys! Besides my boys, I love writing, the outdoors, and rock music! I began blogging in July of last year, right before my 38th birthday and I started because I felt lost.
Prior to blogging I worked as a Developmental Specialist, working with children ages 0-3 with developmental delays. Working with the children and their families was great. While I didn’t see myself doing that for the rest of my life, I saw it as an opportunity to get my foot in the door to the field I want to work in, which is Social Work/Psychology. My boss, however, felt differently. She didn’t feel that I was a good fit but rather than tell me that, she made my life hell there, to the point that I quit. I was so stressed from that job that by the time I got home, I was checked out and didn’t get to spend a lot of time with my children, which was another motivation for leaving. So, with no back-up plan and several job rejections later, I needed to find an outlet to deal with my shaken confidence in myself and my abilities.
Enter Blogging.
I never saw myself as a writer. Truth be told, I always wanted to be a professional singer but life got in the way and I decided that being a mother was far more important. I never thought writing would become my thing. I had kept diaries since I was eleven years old and between those diaries and music, they helped me cope with the abuse I suffered in my childhood. The reason for my blog name is combining my three favorite hings, my love of music, my passion for writing, and my boys. The random part is because I am a random person. I have so many thoughts swimming around in my head that I can’t keep them all straight. I write about recovering from PTSD and the healing process. Surprisingly, all of the posts I have written about this subject has gotten a lot of positive feedback and it makes me proud because now I’m finally feeling like, through my writing, I am fulfilling my passion for helping others. I’m even considering writing an E-book.
I also write about my boys though. My oldest, Adam, has Autism and my youngest, Conner, has ADHD. I write about what these things mean for me and for them. I write about their triumphs in spite of their disabilities because I have thrived in my own life, in spite of the rough start I had coming into this world. That is what my blog is mostly about. Overcoming obstacles to live the best possible life you can live and rockin’ it! Sometimes you have to take the bull by the horns and kick its ass! It isn’t easy to do. That bull is pretty big. There will be struggles in life but I fully believe that if you fight hard enough, you will persevere. That’s what I teach my boys. Hey, I just got a new idea for another blog post!
Along with my healing, I write about fitness and the different things I do to help me keep myself calm, motivated, and in a positive frame of mind. That isn’t always easy as I do suffer from depression every now and then but as I have healed, the depression episodes have reduced significantly but when I don’t work out or do some sort of physical activity, like hiking (my favorite), I notice that my depression sneaks up on me and my triggers from my PTSD start to activate. So, to keep that from happening and to keep improving myself, I work out and I write about it. In fact, I will be starting a weekly check in, writing about what I’m doing and how I’m feeling.
I also write supernatural fiction. This has been a dream of mine since 2006 when I started my first supernatural story. I’ve since started three more and one of them is on my blog if you are interested in reading it. I really enjoy writing much more than I could have ever imagined and I finally feel fulfilled doing it.
Some random facts about me: As I mentioned, I love Psychology. I am fascinated by the human mind and the human soul (philosophy). I love the color purple, am a coffee addict, and a history buff. You can actually read my random facts on my blog. A big thank you to Sarah at MMT for allowing me this opportunity to introduce myself to you all!
Have an awesome day!
Michelle, RockinRandomMom
Robyn February 13, 2016
Wow Michelle, what a varied and interesting background you have! It certainly sounds like your experiences are rich with possibilities for blog writing and helping others experiencing the same issues. It sounds like you’re a very creative and thoughtful person and that blogging is your ideal outlet 🙂 Nice to learn more about you! Thanks again MMT for another interesting feature.
nightwisprav3n February 25, 2016
Yes, writing has become a major outlet for me and while this week, I’ve been feeling under the weather, I always look forward to writing new posts and sharing them with everyone. Feel free to stop by my blog and let me know what you think:)
Unhinged Mummy (aka Janine Woods) February 25, 2016
It’s always nice being able to get to know fellow bloggers a little better even if it’s only via the Internet. I have read a few posts of yours and I have always enjoyed reading them. It seems we have a few things in common as well. Purple is my favourite colour and my son also has autism (we think. Still waiting for assessment).
It sounds like you have a very interesting life and many reasons to blog. I also use my blog as an outlet, to get things off my chest and help me deal with my emotions. It’s like a form of therapy for me and it really does help.
Thanks for sharing a little about you.
nightwisprav3n February 25, 2016
The assessment process can take some time. I waited for months for my son to be assessed and diagnosed but I’ve heard that it can take much longer, especially if you don’t have an advocate in the field to help you. I was an advocate and was able to get a few of the children I used to work with assessed in a reasonable time frame but if they tried to do it on their own it would have taken much longer. Good luck with the assessment. It can be grueling but once you get that done, you’ll know how to move forward. I haven’t written any Autism posts since November so that’s something I’m working on. Feel free to read any of my posts about my son:)
Unhinged Mummy (aka Janine Woods) February 27, 2016
Oh I’ll definately be along for a read. I still haven’t heard anything in terms of a date for his assessment but he was only referred in September 2015 although he has been under pediatrician since July 2014. Definately a long process. Admittedly things have suddenly stepped up a gear since his SENco has been involved
nightwisprav3n February 27, 2016
Yes when an advocate gets involved things go much faster:)
gimmiefive February 25, 2016
What a great read I can relate to so much, I love psychology – eventually I’d like to go back and do something with my Psychology degree but for know people watching is my sport 😉 Histories my thing too 🙂 Look forward to checking out your blog!
nightwisprav3n February 25, 2016
People watch… I like that lol! I got my degree in Child Advocacy Studies and it hasn’t allowed a lot of opportunity for me. I should have, and could have double majored in Psychology but with raising a family, I didn’t want to put too much on my plate. It’s okay though. I have no regrets about that because I can still have a hobby. I love figuring out what’s going on in people’s heads:)
islandliving365 February 25, 2016
Fantastic read and I like Michelle’s ethos of taking the bull by the horns! Her blog sounds really interesting, can’t wait to read and I will be checking it out! #coolmumclub
nightwisprav3n February 25, 2016
I actually made that a quote on my weekly quotes! I just love that metaphor! I’m excited to hear your thoughts on my posts. It’s very nice to meet you:)
rhymingwithwine February 25, 2016
It’s great to find out a bit more about you Michelle. I do enjoy your posts and I love that you look for the positive and demonstrate such triumph over what must have been incredibly difficult experiences. Dawn xx
Thanks for sharing MMT :0) xx
MMT February 25, 2016
`Thanks Dawn…looking forward to your guest post 😉 x
rhymingwithwine February 25, 2016
…. Have a little peek in your E-Mails lovely 😉 xx
MMT February 25, 2016
Yay! Will do xx
nightwisprav3n February 25, 2016
Thank you Dawn! I have an aunt Dawn. She’s pretty awesome! I’m really glad you like my blog and I look forward to hearing more of your thoughts in the future:)
2teens1preteen February 25, 2016
Love this post – love the fact that you’ve so many strings to your bow – wow! Never too late to be a singer though! will go and check your blog out for sure – love the fact that you’ve got so much positive energy #coolmumclub x
nightwisprav3n February 25, 2016
I love the strings to my bow bit! I love Archery. Haven’t done that activity since I was a kid but I have always love Robin Hood, lol! Thank you for the compliment! I hope you can stop by my blog and read some of my posts. I would love to hear your thoughts:)
2teens1preteen February 25, 2016
Of course I will !
beautybabyandme February 25, 2016
Lovely to meet you! Look forward to reading your blog – your life sounds super interesting so I bet it’ll be a great read xx #coolmumclub
nightwisprav3n February 25, 2016
It’s lovely to meet you too! I look forward to hearing your thoughts on my posts:)
bloodsugarecmomagik February 25, 2016
Love this! Very relatable too, I worked in a similar job, have PTSD But not been to a rock concert since I saw ZZ Top before number one was born great post #coolmumclub x
nightwisprav3n February 25, 2016
The last concert I went to was in my early twenties and my local radio station put on a music festival. A lot of great bands were there like Disturbed, Offspring, and Limp Biscuit (yeah, that was a long time ago, lol) I also went to a New Kids on The Block concert when I was 16, yeah, I’m admitting that, lol!
bloodsugarecmomagik February 25, 2016
I just bought Conspiracy of One for pure nostalgia purposes! NKOTB x
nightwisprav3n February 26, 2016
I still have their VHS of their first video that chronicled them traveling lol!
motherhoodtherealdeal February 25, 2016
Great to get to know Michelle a little better. Keep ’em coming #coolmumclub sista! x
nightwisprav3n February 25, 2016
Thank you Tayla!
Morgan Prince February 25, 2016
It’s always lovely when you find new bloggers and I’m so glad that you were able to introduce yourself here Michelle. It sounds like writing really is your thing, and that you’re loving it. It also sounds like we would get on really well – I love Psychology too, I love my coffee, and purple is my favourite colour!
Thanks to MMT for having Michelle guest post. 🙂
#coolmumclub
nightwisprav3n February 25, 2016
Purple is awesome isn’t it? Psychology has always fascinated me! I love figuring out what makes people tick:)
Life Love and Dirty Dishes February 25, 2016
Nice to meet you Michelle. Love this series. #CoolMumsClub
MMT February 25, 2016
Would love to feature you hun! If you fancy it pop me something over xx
Life Love and Dirty Dishes February 25, 2016
Will do 🙂
nightwisprav3n February 25, 2016
It’s very nice to meet you too:)
rebecca | AAUBlog February 25, 2016
this is a great idea for a series. I’ve not come across Michelle’s blog before – will pop over for a nosey! #coolmumclub
nightwisprav3n February 25, 2016
Wonderful! I’m glad you’ve seen my blog! Pop on over and leave a comment or two. I’d love to hear your thoughts:)
thismummylark February 25, 2016
Hello 🙂 look forward to reading your posts.
nightwisprav3n February 25, 2016
Hello! I look forward to hearing your thoughts:)
ljdove23 February 25, 2016
Such a great idea!! Would love to feature on this too! #coolmumclub
agentspitback February 25, 2016
Love knowing more about you, Michelle! Your story is so inspirational! Your posts have touched me so deeply. I sometimes I wish you lived down the road and we could go out for some cake. An Ebook would be awesome! #coolmumclub
Thanks MMT for hosting.
nightwisprav3n February 25, 2016
Agent Spitback, I wish we were right up the road from each other too but we have the internet and I’m always available to talk. Hearing your thoughts about my posts has inspired me to keep writing and to work on an E-book. I can’t wait to start writing it and I can’t wait to send it out:)
The Anxious Dragon February 25, 2016
Michelle is someone who started blogging at the same time as me, and our life stories while by no means identical certainly have things in common which mean we had a connection straight away. She is an awesome blogger and an even more awesome blogging friend. One day we will overcome the location thing and meet up for real xx #coolmumclub xx
nightwisprav3n February 25, 2016
It has been awesome getting to know you Tracey and you know how much I want to visit the UK. I just need the money, lol! Once I do though, I fully intend to come see you! It will be a lot of fun:)
occupation:(m)other February 25, 2016
I really enjoy Michelle’s blog and so it’s lovely to get to know her a bit more through this feature. I really like the variety on her blog and it sounds like that is just her…lots going on, passions and thoughts and experiences. A really lovely post! #coolmumclub
nightwisprav3n February 25, 2016
Thank you so much! I’m really glad you enjoy my blog! It’s inspiring and humbling to know people are reading what I write and are enjoying it:)
domesticgoddess February 25, 2016
I love Michelle’s blog, she has such inspiring stories and great content. She is a great supporter in the blogging community always showing her blogger love to us all. Great post as always, thank you for sharing #coolmumclub
crummymummy1 February 25, 2016
I love hearing more about the people and personalities behind the blogs! #coolmumclub
thebrightnessofthesedays February 25, 2016
I haven’t come across Michelle’s blog before but will be checking it out – great to hear her story #coolmumclub xx
anxiousmummyblog February 25, 2016
It is great to find out more about other bloggers and their stories. I haven’t come across Michelle’s blog yet so I am going to pop over and have a good read now, I love finding new ones! I also used to work with children and families and would love to study child psychology one day so I think I am going to love your blog. Great to find out more about you 🙂 #coolmumclub
Someone's Mum February 25, 2016
Lovely to hear a bit more about Michelle. I haven’t seen any of your supernatural fiction. I like that kind of thing so will have a look! #coolmumclub
Becky, Cuddle Fairy February 26, 2016
I love reading Michelle’s blog! She’s full of great ideas, great content & truthful posts. This has been lovely to get to know her better. Your series is fab & I’m thrilled that you are featuring me in a few weeks – yay! #coolmumclub
This Mum's Life February 26, 2016
I feel like I’m getting to know more and more about you! This was such an interesting read, I love the positive influences you bring into your life, to help you overcome what sounds like a lot of very tough situations you have to deal with. My brain also gets very muddled with random thoughts-that is something we have in common! I also find that blogging helps me sift through these thoughts, and organise them a bit better, my blog is the best therapist I’ve ever had! I definitely look forward to reading more of your posts. xx
#coolmumclub
Anna Brophy February 26, 2016
What an inspiration! Keep kicking life’s ass! #coolmumclub
Yvonne - Double the Monkey Business February 27, 2016
Love this! So interesting to find out more about you and I am always interested in finding out more about why people blog. It sounds like you have found it quite therapeutic (as have I, I suffered from PTSD after the birth of my boys and after a traumatic event that happened a long time ago). Oh and it is never to late to be a singer 🙂 xxxxx
mackenzieglanville February 27, 2016
I am a fan of Michelle she is a great writer and I always enjoy her blog, great to see her featured here! #coolmumclub
DomesticatedMomster February 29, 2016
I have known Michelle for quite some time now and not only is she a wonderful asset to the blogosphere, but also to the friendship/human race as well. Always nice to learn a little more about those who you already adore. She’s someone who’s strength I admire and commend her for doing everything on her own. #coolmumclub
Claire at Tin Box Traveller February 29, 2016
Great to meet you Michelle. How fantastic that you found blogging. I’ve always had a love for writing and have traced it back to when I have a diary as a kid. It was like blogging, but 80s style. Oh, and no-one read it but me 🙂 #CoolMumClub
Lucinda Leo February 29, 2016
Michelle, I was headed over to your blog next so it was a lovely surprise to find you here too! So interesting to hear more about you and your background. I sense that you are the kind of person who uses the challenges life presents as stepping stones for growth and greater fulfilment. Off to read more of your stuff now…
theparentingjungle April 29, 2016
I love feature posts as being new to the blog world it helps you meet new people and check out new blogs. Intrigued be the supernatural fiction! Sad to hear about the job but glad you found the bloggy world, If social work/psychology is your passion you can do lots of distance learning/free courses..I only have just done my MA so things are never outside of your reach lovely xx #Coolmumclub