I now know how she did it.
My mom.
I now know how she managed to raise us kids and create a life for herself while also supporting her marriage.
She didn’t do it all at once.
Or all the time.
I know this because I’ve now walked a mile in her shoes. Well, the shoes of motherhood.
And some days, I juggle it all well.
Some days, I don’t have to juggle it at all.
But many days, I drop something on the floor: my marriage, myself, my kids, my friends, my spiritual practices, or my work.
And when one of these things gets dropped, I am reminded of a childhood scene, and suddenly catch a glimpse of understanding of how Mom felt in that particular moment. And I realize that this journey of motherhood is a well-worn path.
She did it with grace and gratitude.
With fire and rain.
It’s not a mixed metaphor. Motherhood isn’t a winding path or a juggling act.
It’s juggling WHILE walking that twisty path!
And what I’ve come to learn as most important are these 4 things:
- Have compassion for yourself: you’re doing the best you can
- Have compassion for your family members: they’re also finding their way
- Find a practice that fills you up: a sport, nature, meditation, yoga, qigong, volunteering, art, singing, spiritual practice…
- Support others and let them support you: whether it’s your women’s circle, your walking group, or your one dear friend
During the year that An Accidental Awakening took place, I discovered many things, but the 4 above have been touchstones for me. That year, I plumbed the depths of motherhood, marriage and me.
And I received answers.
But as the saying goes:
Before enlightenment, chop wood, carry water. After enlightenment, chop wood, carry water.
For the story of how I started blending spiritual life with family life, pick up a copy of my soon to be released self-help memoir, An Accidental Awakening: It’s not about yoga; It’s about family. Preorder your copy today on Amazon or Kobo.
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Stephanie Hrehirchuk - Author 