Timing is great Bethany. We are two mothers raising our toddler and our new baby (8 weeks) - it is not easy and yet it is what we want. No one talks about the anguish, pain and the guilt paired with the beauty and love of it all.
Congratulations you two! I hear you on the not-easy-but-what-I-want score. We feel that because we chose it, we forfeit the right to admit that it's hard. What nonsense! Wishing you comfort and joy in these early, roller coaster days x
I revisited those early days of toddler & baby earlier (reading an old journal from after my son was born) and it made me cry - I was talking about myself so nastily I wished I could go back and give myself a hug. I had genuinely forgotten how hard it was. The vast chasm between the needs of a toddler and baby and the guilt at not looking after either of them “properly” and so much more. I know it’s hard to believe but it will get easier in (not that much) time. Give yourself more grace than you think you need and then a little more. You are doing amazing 💛
"I was not distracting myself from motherhood, I was refuelling so I could pour myself into their lives every day. This, too, is maternal." Goodness, Bethany - this piece is breathtaking!
Oh my god Bethany you are a blessing of a woman. I re-read some journal entries from the months after Ren was born earlier today and I so dearly wanted to hug that version of me. Motherhood is desperately lonely when we find ourselves not quite matching up to the idea we had of ourselves as a mother. I’m glad for the many archetypes that exist beyond perfection - there’s room for all versions of us. Thank you for bringing your vibrant honesty to the circle and to this space. Love you mama 💛
Thanks so much, Lorna. I feel exactly the same when I re-read my old journals. It reminds me to extend grace to myself in this season when I am so quick to give myself a hard time! You're amazing xx
This piece moved me deeply. I too am weeping. It captured some of my early struggles, and now stirs in me a desire to be present and compassionate as I prepare to welcome another grandchild. Thank you.
Timing is great Bethany. We are two mothers raising our toddler and our new baby (8 weeks) - it is not easy and yet it is what we want. No one talks about the anguish, pain and the guilt paired with the beauty and love of it all.
Congratulations you two! I hear you on the not-easy-but-what-I-want score. We feel that because we chose it, we forfeit the right to admit that it's hard. What nonsense! Wishing you comfort and joy in these early, roller coaster days x
I revisited those early days of toddler & baby earlier (reading an old journal from after my son was born) and it made me cry - I was talking about myself so nastily I wished I could go back and give myself a hug. I had genuinely forgotten how hard it was. The vast chasm between the needs of a toddler and baby and the guilt at not looking after either of them “properly” and so much more. I know it’s hard to believe but it will get easier in (not that much) time. Give yourself more grace than you think you need and then a little more. You are doing amazing 💛
Lorna, thanks so much for that. Honestly that does really help xx
this is beautiful. i’m 7 months in and this really resonates. thank you 🤍
Hi Brittany, I'm delighted to hear that. Sending love to you at seven months! x
"I was not distracting myself from motherhood, I was refuelling so I could pour myself into their lives every day. This, too, is maternal." Goodness, Bethany - this piece is breathtaking!
Thank you my beautiful friend x
Absolutely loved this piece Beth, gorgeous and full of the sorrowful joy of being a mother, losing yourself and finding her again xxxx
And isn’t she a damn sight braver when you do!? Thanks, Ciara, I really appreciate that x
The mother of the mother is weeping. Twelve years a grandmother and profoundly thankful.
Thanks, mum. How has it been 12 years! X
Oh my god Bethany you are a blessing of a woman. I re-read some journal entries from the months after Ren was born earlier today and I so dearly wanted to hug that version of me. Motherhood is desperately lonely when we find ourselves not quite matching up to the idea we had of ourselves as a mother. I’m glad for the many archetypes that exist beyond perfection - there’s room for all versions of us. Thank you for bringing your vibrant honesty to the circle and to this space. Love you mama 💛
Thanks so much, Lorna. I feel exactly the same when I re-read my old journals. It reminds me to extend grace to myself in this season when I am so quick to give myself a hard time! You're amazing xx
❤️❤️❤️ This is everything
Thank you xx
This piece moved me deeply. I too am weeping. It captured some of my early struggles, and now stirs in me a desire to be present and compassionate as I prepare to welcome another grandchild. Thank you.
Thank you, Wendy. I really value that feedback. And congratulations x