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"Art is the only way to run away without leaving home."
--Twyla Tharp

Mojo is energy and power, and the big question is how does a burned- out mom find a starting point that will allow her to reconnect with her inner power source?

The good news is that the answer does not have to involve more work, it involves play. I believe that creativity is the underutilized secret weapon of motherhood.

Sure, we play with our kids all the time, but it's not the kind of play where we let ourselves go. When we play with our kids we're usually still guiding them, watching out for everyone, making sure to stay "appropriate." What moms need is a chance to let our minds roam freely, to think wild thoughts, to have a taste of mental privacy.

In Mojo Mom I explore many ways to bring a sense of creativity into our lives. I truly believe that all mothers are artists. When you rev up your mojo it can flow to other areas of your life. Art, whether it's music, dance, crafts, or drama, generates sense of joy that permeates the rest of your day.

And this isn't just for "artistic types." I used to think of myself as an analytical scientist and teacher, but after becoming a mom I branched out into writing and improvisational comedy. The sense of freedom that came with creating a whole new world in my imagination was completely invigorating. Artistic exploration does not necessarily require a great deal of time, just a commitment to make it a priority. I took classes at night once a week for a few years, and I completed my first novel by dedicating six hours a week to my writing when my daughter was in toddler preschool.

We sign our kids up for so many classes and experiences. Isn't it time we gave a bit of that gift to ourselves, as well?

Amy Tiemann, Mojo Mom, Gotham, Penguin Books