Today we’d like to introduce you to Danielle Benoit.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Danielle. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
I have always been a goal-driven person. While in high school, I knew without a doubt that I wanted to attend Texas Tech University and follow in the footsteps of my parents. Once I achieved that goal, I set a new one: to graduate and serve others through public education. As life goes, some things changed. I met my husband during my sophomore year at Tech, fell in love with the person of Jesus, and trusted Him with the goals I had set for my life. We got married 14 months after we met, and I moved to Houston to complete my education, husband in tow. I had just barely turned 21.
With this change in life trajectory, I set my energy in being the best teacher I could be. Upon my graduation from the University of Houston- Victoria, I was offered a job within Denton ISD teaching 4th grade math and science. I took advantage of every learning opportunity I could and devoted myself to the care of my students. Although the demands of the job were at times difficult, I ultimately felt fulfilled- as though I was living out my life’s calling to serve others.
At the beginning of 2017, my husband and I began praying over the start of our family. We left it to God, and in His perfect timing, He blessed us with a baby boy on May 28th, 2018. We were overcome with joy, excitement, and thankfulness for this sweet gift. With much deliberation, we decided that I would stay home with our son and my career would be put on pause for a time. Resigning from my beloved job was a difficult decision. However, I was excited for the next chapter. Full of hope, we jumped in headfirst. Our miracle was born three days after my last day of work. I drove my giant pregnant self to Denton ISD’s central offices to resign two days before I went into labor. Whirlwind was an understatement.
I truly wasn’t prepared for the madness that is your life postpartum. It wasn’t so much as the lack of sleep that bothered me, but the “what do I do today?”, every day, that drained my heart. No “goals” + hormones = the baby blues. I want to be very careful in saying that what I experienced was relatively mild and that if you are someone who is struggling, never be afraid to reach out to someone- anyone- and get help. Along with my husband, we brought to light the feelings I was having: depression, isolation and a case of unknown identity. I didn’t know who I was or who I could be outside of being a teacher.
So what’s a girl to do? I don’t want to be cliche, but I prayed. I asked God who I was. I asked Him about what my passions were. I asked Him to meet me in my days filled with monotony and poopy diapers. I asked for deep and meaningful friendships. And boy did He answer. During this time, I specifically remember taking my son to walk around Target and drink a coffee (as stay-at-home-moms do) and purchasing a brand new journal and a new set of my favorite pens (paper mate flair, if you’re curious). I began to write. I wrote down goals for the next year. I wrote down things that make me come alive. I wrote down dreams. Those were the things I committed to pursuing for a full year.
In that wondering, I realized that I actually had dreams. While I ultimately desire to help others, God was inviting me into a season of exploring passions that I otherwise would have never invested in. This is where my blog, Madre Mia, comes in. The name Madre Mia is actually an idea my mom had for a restaurant that we never started. It literally means “My Mother”. As a new mother, I thought it was a perfect way to pay homage to the moms I highly esteem. I worked for two weeks trying to design the site myself (thanks Google) and spent a considerable amount of time writing my first post. I wanted to open up my life because I knew that I was not alone as a new mom, without a job, wondering who she was. I began to desire to connect with other moms who were having similar feelings as me.
My blog is about to reach its first birthday and to tell you the truth, I already feel successful. Not because I have some kind of outrageous following, or the fanciest website. I feel successful because God gave me the courage to try. He stretched out His hand to me, and I took it. He has shown me who I am. He has freed me from other lies I have believed about myself. He has helped me embrace this new role of motherhood. In all of the hardships and uncharted waters, this is the happiest and most alive I have ever been. This is the most “myself” I have ever felt. I wouldn’t trade this journey for anything.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
For me personally, starting my blog was daunting in the sense that I am a detailed person, and designing a website/marketing through IG is riddled with details. I am not a tech savvy person. I don’t have all the best pictures. I don’t own a fancy camera. But at the same time, there is something refining in humbling yourself and committing to learning. And it takes time. Something I tell myself is “you can’t build Rome in a day”. Truly. Anyone you see or learn from online has started from the bottom and has worked, very very hard.
Additionally, opening your life up can be scary. Is what I write going to resonate with others? Do I come off as a relatable person? Do these women believe the same things that I do? Are “they” going to like me? Something I’ve learned is that you’re not going to be everyone’s cup of tea. That is OK! The beautiful thing about the internet is that the reader has the choice of whether or not they want to follow along/engage. It’s up to them! Having the perspective of writing/sharing things that bring me joy has helped me to be true and authentic to myself. If you do things for others, you will eventually burn out.
If you are interested in starting a blog or trying anything new in general, best advice I could give would be to not be afraid of trying. If you try something and decide it’s not for you, you’ve already won because you have an answer. If we never shoot for our dreams, we will always be left wondering, “could I really have made it?” “Do I have what it takes?”. Again, I am not a professional. No one pays me for my opinion or for me to write. Honestly, I would love it if they did (shameless plug lol). But I feel as though I’ve already won. I’m doing something that I love- learning- and connecting with other women, hopefully encouraging them in one way or another! It’s not perfect, and I have a long ways to go… but I’m on the road to where I want to be.
Tell us about your blog – what should we know?
Originally my blog was a food blog, but I have discovered that developing recipes is not my strength, nor do I enjoy it! On my blog and IG, you will find a mix of toddler food inspiration (what I feed Beckham and our adventures in picky eating), toddler sensory play activities, and snipets of our journey as a family/my walk with the Lord. Basically, I’m a mixed bag!
Prior to staying at home, I worked as a 4th-grade math teacher in Denton ISD. I have also spent time teaching early childhood education as well as working with students with special needs. I am a certified EC-6th grade teacher within the great state of Texas. I enjoy using my gifts at my church, where I teach Pre-K Sunday school and occasionally lesson plan.
I am passionate about people- plain and simple. I believe in educating the whole child and that true, academic growth stems from a child (or adult) knowing and believing in themselves. Ultimately, I want people to know that they are valued, cared-for, and capable.
Do you recommend any apps, books or podcasts that have been helpful to you?
Some books I’ve enjoyed recently:
The Whole Brained Child by Daniel J. Siegel and Tina Payne Bryson
No Drama Discipline by Daniel J. Siegel and Tina Payne Bryson
Spirit Led Parenting: From Fear to Freedom in Baby’s First Year by Megan Tietz and Laura Oyer
Raising Passionate Jesus Followers: The Power of Intentional Parenting by Phil and Diane Comer
Contact Info:
- Website: www.madremia.online
- Email: madremiaonline@gmail.com
- Instagram: @madremiablog
Image Credit:
Brittany Bay Productions
Elizabeth Lucht Photography
Suggest a story: VoyageHouston is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
