Mom Blogger Monday: Amy Beth Chesler

Writing As A Form of Reflection

Amy Beth Chesler is a published author, blogger and mother of a sweet boy and darling girl (both under five). She’s currently living the hustling, never-sleeping Mommy dream while maintaining her blog This House of Love.

Amy is heading to Orlando soon to attend BlogHer17, a national conference for influencers held every year, where she will be recognized as a “Voice of the Year” for her incredibly moving blog piece titled Expressing Motherhood (it’s a must-read! but you’ll need a box of tissues).

Congratulations, Mama! Keep on doing your thing. Your courage, resilience and willingness to share your life stories is empowers all of us and gives us motivation!

What inspired you to become a blogger?

I have a lot of anxiety stemming from growing up with domestic violence as a norm in my home. I am still recovering to a certain extent, and find much solace in writing about my past. My philosophy is that if being honest and open about my experiences can help one person go through or get out of something similar, it’s all worth it to me.

However, I really started blogging when I started Momming. I found myself having either these incredibly tough or absolutely extraordinary days, but no one to really talk about them with (besides my husband). It’s hard to be around your kids all day and have little creative or social outlet. So, I combined my constant love for writing with my desire for reflection. It helps me process my days and find common links with other moms.

Also, even though I love to write fiction, a lot of times it’s very difficult to focus on it when my day was so consuming. So, blogging helps me satisfy my love for writing when I don’t have time for anymore make-believe.

What is your proudest Mommy Blogger Moment?

I think every time I share a difficult, emotional piece that allows me to heal – whether it be on stage, on my blog, or in a Chicken Soup for the Soul book, it’s a victory. I feel further from my past, more sound in my role as a happy wife and mom of two. Also, winning the title of “Voice of the Year” is pretty awesome, too! It just tells me that my pieces aren’t just getting lost in cyberspace, people are listening (or reading), and its helping.

What’s your favorite place to take the kids in LA?

I grew up in Calabasas, so a hidden gem that waaay more people should know about is Leonis Adobe Museum. It’s a preserved home and ranch from the 1880’s on the outskirts of Los Angeles County. They host incredibly fun days for the little ones in July and August. On these “Lil’ Rancher Days” they have an area to feed the various farm animals, do arts and crafts, make tortillas, listen to live music, and have a generally great time! Plus, there are a ton of restaurants and dessert shops within walking distance to enjoy afterwards.

What’s your favorite LA hang out without the kids?

The Westfield Village just opened around a $5 Uber ride from our house, and our new favorite date night (when the sitter doesn’t cancel, lol) consists bar/restaurant hopping there. It’s full of gourmet restaurants and beautiful scenery.

What’s your best motherhood advice?

When I was pregnant with my first, someone in the Starbucks line told me (in reference to parenthood), “The days are long, but the years are short.” Nothing has proven truer. Just when you can’t imagine making it through another hour without a steaming mug of coffee, your children are four and one and a half, and playing on their own long enough for you to craft a long e-mail. Excuse me while I go shed *ALL* the tears.