One of the biggest lessons I have learnt on my motherhood journey
To the mummas feeling exhausted, to the mummas who are feeling on top of the world right now… one of the biggest lessons I have learnt on my motherhood journey…
…is that you can feel both.
There is always light and darkness. Postpartum with my first-born threw me into a spiral of grief and depression for my old self. A longing to have time alone, but craving my child’s touch constantly. The duality of feeling sadness and grief, while also feeling pure joy. Motherhood can be both.
At times I felt so lonely and lost, while simultaneously feeling the most connected that I have ever felt. I lost contact with friends whose values didn’t align with mine as I began to question the norm and go through my biggest personal development journey yet.
And slowly, I started to find my village again. Conscious conversations where women support one another, and don’t gossip or put others down. Spaces that felt like home. If you’re feeling lost or overwhelmed, let the pages of this book remind you, you are not alone.
And… it is safe to slow down. The to-do lists and chores will pile up and down whether you take time for yourself or not.
So my gentle piece of advice, to you my penpal… Be kind to yourself. You are holding so much. Listen to the whispers that say; “pause” or “slow down”.
Tune in to your body’s wisdom and ask for help when you need it. You’re not failing, you’re an incredible Mumma who needs to nurture herself too.
If it feels good, write a JOY LIST. This isn’t a self-care checklist, it’s a list of all the things that bring you joy. Place it somewhere you look often, and when you find yourself feeling low, go do something on your list.
As I write this, my one year old is breastfeeding and my four year old is by my side reading a book. It feels calm, and I’m ignoring the milk splatter down the hallway, the pushbike in my bedroom and the dishes in the sink.
Motherhood is a beautiful chaos. I can wish it away or I can choose to soften a little, smile and enjoy the ride.
