by Sarah Juliusson of www.MamaRenew.ca – Find Mama Renew on Facebook & Twitter
I’ve found myself reflecting on my “Mama-Hood” these past few days – the women I am blessed to count as friends, some new & some old, each of whom helps to carry me forward as a woman & mother.
I have recently been blessed by some extraordinary encounters with some of these women, and want to share with you all a taste of my perspective on what makes for a vibrant Mama-Hood of fabulous women:
*Honesty
Without honesty, where are we? Authentic relationships in motherhood require us to let go of our stories around how or who we should be, and simply share from the heart where we actually are. This means sharing in the good & the messy. This was particularly clear this week in a heartfelt exchange of impromptu poetry back and forth with a woman I hold a deep respect for – each of us sharing in the shadow side we don’t often let others see.
*Laughter
The howling laughter I have been blessed within the past week is a true gift. As one dear friend commented on our facebook page when asked to share words of wisdom with mothers of preschool age children:
“Take time to have a good laugh, a gut grabbing, cheek tightening, pee your pants kind of laugh.”
After two kids, I must admit it doesn’t take much to have a “pee your pants” kind of laugh!
*Diversity
When I was a new mother, I craved finding others with similar parenting styles & philosophies. I was seeking affirmation, community, shared resources… As my children grow older, I find myself thriving with a strikingly more diverse group of mamas – loving the different perspectives & insights they bring to me in my own journey.
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What about you? What qualities do you treasure in your Mama-Hood?
Much gratitude to brilliant painter Chantey Dayal for the use of her painting for this blog. You can learn more about Chantey on her website & facebook page. Watch for more of her paintings in future postings.
About Sarah Juliusson
Sarah Juliusson, founder of Mama Renew, is a gifted facilitator and writer on the journey of birth & motherhood. She brings two decades of experience supporting families through pregnancy, birth and motherhood to her work. Sarah is mother to two growing boys, a playful crafter with cloth & wool, student of traditional food preservation, and a diva at heart. Join the conversation on http://www.mamarenew.ca & on facebook at http://www.facebook.com/mamarenew
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I love the bit about diversity. I too seek out like-minded mamas now, but I know when my son gets older and begins to really learn about the world I will want to meet more diverse groups of people to teach him about their perspectives, cultures, lifestyles and experiences.
Interesting how there is that shift as our children grow older. I so craved that like-minded community when they were babes, and now revel in the learning that comes from a wider community. Perhaps when they are little we are so deep in the unknown ourselves that having like-minded peers helps find solid ground.
I’ve been lucky to have a choice between diversifying my friend collection and going with a more homogeneous group. What I’ve found is that I can only handle diversifying SO MUCH. I’ve met and adored both very similar-to-myself moms and so different I feel the need to call the authorities on her. I’ve always been one to value change and diversity but sometimes, it’s just too much to look the other way, so I had to cut a few out of my life. In the same vein, There was one mom in my ‘hood who had to get the ol’ heave-ho because she was doing everything I wanted to do SO PERFECTLY. I was jealous and she was snooty. I had goals, she was 3 months ahead of me in baby-time, and she had already achieved all my goals. It was just too hard to be around her. If her attitude about being so flipping awesome had been more humble, it might have been different, but she was very good at telling people how amazing she is. I’m sharing you on facebook and maybe my blog if I can remember how.
I hear you Peggy – love the “I was jealous and she was snooty” line! I’m sure she was and is pretty flipping awesome, and I’m also pretty sure there was a story underneath all that awesomeness that maybe she couldn’t let out. There is such pressure – especially in that first year of motherhood – to appear as though we have it all together. Thanks for sharing
I’m blessed to live in a foreign country from my own (in Hungary I’m English). I run a baby-mommy club here for native and expat mums. It means we are literally from all over the world. I have learnt so many different views and perspectives and I find they push me on. I love the …i hadn’t thought of that moment I’ll try it when I get home. I also know what a huge support we are to each other being without close family and friends. My little boy is 10 months old and I love mama hood and the trials and challenges it sets me. I hope I rise to meet them with energy, enthusiasm and most of all a huge cracking smile on my face! Mums rock!!!!