Truth

Recently, my husband and I were on our way to a long-awaited out of town event.

I was dressed to the nines in a long gown, my handsome husband had on his sharp tuxedo — and as parenting often goes, our daughter called crying and sick.

Well, of course I headed home. “The best laid plans,” huh?

Though I had a brief moment of disappointment when I realized I would miss the highly-anticipated event — all it took was holding my daughter’s sick hands in mine to realize I was exactly where I belonged. There will be another event. There will be another chance to go on a date with my husband.

When it comes to being a mom, there will always be moments that surprise us, change our plans last minute, or make us reprioritize. I’ve learned that as long as I stay flexible — and put my family first — I’ll always be exactly where I need to be.

Deborah and husband, Al Roker. 

Tip

It’s OK to say no.

I am a sucker for helping out with charity events and attending dinners and lunches. And in the past, as I’ve dozed off during a lecture, I’ve said to myself: I could be in my pajamas right now.

Now that I’ve learned that I don’t have to say yes to everything, I am much happier. (And in my pajamas a lot more!)

Sometimes saying “no” is good for the people you love, too — after all, the people who need you need a “rested” you!

Find

I’m going to stick to an old-fashioned one today: BAKING SODA.

(It’s not just for baking anymore.)

When you’ve had too much Mexican food — or a strange bug hits — that baking soda works faster than any over-the-counter stuff. And it’s cheaper, too!

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Contributor: Deborah from ABC’s 20/20
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