Journal
Your breath…
Do you realise the power it can wield?
It is our life force and constant companion; from our very first moments, to our very last.
At once unassuming and extraordinary; bringing life to our bodies and vitality to our spirit.
It calms our nerves and smooths over our frayed edges.
It ignites our passions and fuels our creativity.
It steadies us when we falter, and brings clarity and peace.
It pushes us to keep going when nothing else can.
It will shift what no longer serves us, and replaces it with hope.
It brings us to here and now, and allows us to see the truth.
And it will, if we allow it, shine a light on our shadow;
Uncover the depths of our despair, reveal the rage buried within, and expose the fears we evade.
Then, without judgement, guide us through the other side; exhausted, elated, grateful, a new.
It gives us permission to let go.
And we can access this power at any time. It belongs to us. It is ours. And when we take a breath, we say yes to life.
Kids are people too…
I recently asked my 6-year-old son if he thinks most adults like children. He said no. I asked if he thinks most adults treat children fairly or with respect. He said no. I asked if he thinks adults bully children. He said yes. (He did clarify that he wasn’t talking about me, but what he has observed).
They deserve better
My beautiful baby looks up at me and smiles as she lays in my arms. Touching my face – her little fingers run over my lips, pull on my nose, and touch my cheeks. She is perfectly herself – innocent and full of wonder. She deserves peace, and kindness, and safety, and security, and support, and compassion, and so much love.
Embracing excitement
One of my favourite feelings is excitement. It is an exquisite mix of happiness, joy, and anticipation. It is innocent and thrilling and childlike. I have a memory from when I was probably about 8 or 9. I was all ready to go to a birthday party; I was sitting in the car in my favourite dress, and my excitement level was palpable. I felt like my insides were going to explode out of me, and I could barely contain it. The anticipation felt immense…my stomach was in a knot of frantic little butterflies, all wanting to get to that party.
Fostering connection
A sense of connection looks different for all of us, and will change depending on who we are with, how we feel, and what we are doing. But one thing that I think rings true for all of us, is how it makes us feel. When you feel connected to someone, or something, you feel safe, you feel content, you feel accepted, and you feel understood. And even when it is fleeting, it feels awesome!
One day…
One day you will sit in that chair by the window. The afternoon sun will shine through the blinds and warm your face. You will sink in to the soft chair that you picked out especially for this spot. It will hug your body as you sip on a cup of tea and pick at pieces of dark mint chocolate. You will start and finish many books in this spot. You will drink many cups of tea in this spot. You will eat many pieces of chocolate in this spot. But not today.
A healing birth
The best part of 2015 for us was the birth of our daughter. Our third child, and first daughter was born on the 10th September 2015. She was born in water, at home, and it was pretty darn special. As always, when a new person comes in to a family there is a period of adjustment for everyone. It can be particularly difficult for older siblings as they adapt to sharing another person with Mum and Dad, and navigating the new dynamics.
Take a breath and let go
It is the end of the day and I watch you all sleep. I savour your beauty, your stillness, and the wonderous people that you are. I think about the little things you do that make me smile, and I tell myself to remember them….but so often I forget. Tonight I try to remember…