Last week I was here talking about the importance of having friends when you are a parent… this week I want to share something else that is so important to me, but that can also so easily be lost along the way of motherhood… Creativity. I am a creative person, my studies to post grad level were in the performing and creative arts, in my pre-parenting spare time I would write, paint, sketch, journal, photograph, make video art and installations. They were the ways in which I could express myself, my feelings, get rid of the negative energy and reinforce the positive, focus my mind, process decisions. Being creative was just part of my every day life.
But when parenting happened I seemed to have no time or energy for anything other than baby care. Once bedtime finally rolled around I was too exhausted and worn out to do anything much more than sit comatose in front of the TV… But gradually over time I have begun to find pockets of time for me here and there, to actually pluck my eyebrows, dye the grey hair away, drink a hot drink while its still hot, haha, and I have discovered a joy in creative play with my children (see Creative Playhouse)…
And I write, of course. Im literally busy ALL the time, but its better that way, and I have several creative outlets now. But being a full time Mum, I still dont feel like its enough sometimes, and a lot of my ‘creative time’ is actually fuelled by a need to have a part time, work from home business for financial needs. I dont know how much I am really doing for “me”, and Im almost certain I dont know how to listen to myself anymore.
When I came across mothering with heArt from A Free Spirit Life, I felt like Shannon was talking directly to me!
“Loving fully, finding beauty in the struggle, embracing your intuition, expressing your creativity, being aware of your children’s changing needs, making space for what matters most to you, and building the courage to live your authentic life – that’s what mothering with heart is all about….
…The intention for this class is to nurture mother’s (& moms-to-be/grandmothers) intuition through reflection and creativity – while we nurture the intuition and creativity in our children. It’s about remembering to TRUST, to let go of perfect, to be playful and messy, and to connect to other mindful mothers from around the world.
Each day during the course, participants will receive a daily email with inspiration and reflection on mindful mothering from me and 14 other amazing guest contributors. In addition they will receive weekly video check-ins and weekly art projects the whole family will enjoy. They will gain access to an online community, that offers compassion and support way beyond our four week course.”
I am so excited to start this course on July the 8th. It runs for 4 weeks and I think it is going to be the perfect complement to our slow summer days. Jake starts preschool in September and Im having a tough time adjusting to this so I want to make the absolute most of every day, while also preparing myself for some new one-one time with my little girl. Im also really looking forward to connecting with other women all over the world who are also going on this journey.
“Let’s shed the doubt and remember to TRUST ourselves as mothers.
Let’s treat ourselves with kindness and offer support to others.
Let’s share, grow and learn together – as we continue embracing the true gift of motherhood.
Whether you are expecting your first baby, you are a mom of young children, your kids are teens or just went off to college, NOW is the time to take better care of YOU so you can keep being the mother (and woman) you want to be in the world. Mothering with heART will give you the inspiration, time for reflection and connection to community that will enliven your life in more ways than you can even imagine.”
You can read more about mothering with heArt here, or register now, at the special price of only $49 (£32).
I hope to see some of you when the course starts. Thanks for reading. Happy Mummy-ing!
