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Wednesday, May 25, 2016

PND, A Partner's Perspective


Sponsored by Bupa Australia.

 My husband, Matthew is a problem solver. He is a project manager and is responsible for millions of dollars’ worth of contracts, hundreds of employees and working-around potentially expensive mistakes.

When Matt couldn’t fix my postnatal depression he felt helpless, not a familiar feeling for a bloke like him. Not only was I difficult to live with at the time but I was so absorbed in my own struggle that I was unable to see just how much my pain was tearing him up inside.


Women who experience postnatal depression (PND) need a lot of support, that’s a given. But I think we need to acknowledge what the partners go through as well. Dads and partners also live with the illness and can even experience PND themselves.

I spent most of my time and energy trying to look like a normal, joyful mother while out in public but when my husband walked through the door at night I had nothing left for him. I couldn’t even pretend. He always had me at my absolute worst.

I snapped easily, my mood swings were unpredictable, and usually because Matt was the person in my firing line he copped all of it. And the resentment- oh the resentment!

In the early days I was jealous of his hour commute and lunch breaks (when he actually had time to take them) because at least he got to be alone or speak to adults.

One morning as he was leaving for work, I was feeding our daughter while crying my eyes out. He offered to make me a cup of tea and even though I would have liked one, I said, “No! Just go ahead and leave, just leave us!”

What a horrible thing for him to hear as he was preparing for a stressful day of work. Even writing about that morning makes my eyes misty. The poor guy was simply trying to show me how much he cared.

Dads want to enjoy it too
I’m well aware of my privilege. I have a supportive husband with a great job, I live in a beautiful house and we are comfortable. That’s the thing about PND though, unfortunately, it does not discriminate.

Something I heard at a postnatal depression talk will stick with me forever because I felt like the woman was speaking about me.

“Sometimes the mums who appear to have it all together are the ones who are struggling the most.”

And though this is true, standing next to that mum is a partner who is also struggling.

We are a closer family thanks to The Parent & Baby Wellbeing Program
How can we better support partners of PND sufferers?

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posted by Unknown @ 1:41 PM   2 Comments

Tuesday, April 26, 2016

The Internet is not what's Stressing New Mothers

Sponsored Post

So apparently this whole idea that modern mothers are more anxious because they have access to too much information, is not exactly true. 

I bought into that same myth myself and even rant about it in my mission statement. I have no idea why I adopted such a belief other than maybe it was easier to have something to blame for how I felt.

A survey of 4,000 Australian women, by Medela AU, showed that after seeking advice from a family Doctor or midwife, the next place mothers looked was the internet.
click to view infographic
Most women saw having access to expert information 24/7 as a huge benefit.  They also found value in connecting with like-minded people. Of the women surveyed only ten percent felt overwhelmed by the amount of information available online. So there you have it. The interwebs are as convenient a place for parenting advice as they are for grocery shopping. #whatagift

Seriously. What did breastfeeding mothers do before smartphones? I remember Googling every. single. thing. It's a solitary job, being a milk maid.

So if the web isn't stressing us out...it must be something else.

One sobering statistic the Medela AU survey revealed is 48% of women experience some form of depression/ baby blues/ low mood after childbirth. That is basically HALF of all mothers!!!

Let that sink in for a moment.

48% Half.

I mean, even as a fellow PND sufferer I had no idea the numbers were that high.

Why is this disturbing?
  1. It tells me not nearly enough people are comfortable talking about their experience with PND 
  2. Therefore I highly doubt those women are getting the help and support they need
Maybe there is a stigma with the word ‘depression’ but my guess would be that there is more of a stigma surrounding the "M" word. Perhaps we feel that if we admit we are struggling with motherhood then we are failing at it. 

Which is simply not true.

Opening up about my own experience with PND was terrifying. I literally felt sick when I published my first blog post about the subject. When I was flooded with emails, messages, and kind words from women who had all been through (or who were currently going through) the same experience, I no longer felt alone.

The main lesson I learned is that those metaphorical villages, you know, the ones it takes to raise a child? Well, they look different today.

More and more families are relocating for work, study or even an International romance (guilty). I live half the world away from the people I grew up with.

By opening up about my struggles, I didn’t know it then, but I was inviting people into my own, albeit virtual, village. 

So what can help? According to the Medela survey three main things can help mothers who are suffering.
  1. Speaking to a friend/ partner or family member
  2. Reading about people’s similar experiences online
  3. Consulting a Doctor or Midwife
So just like my advice in the video- we need to create our own villages. These could be online communities, forums, blogs, new friends. Medela AU have created a personalised app with all of these elements and more at your fingertips...Available even in the dim glow of a 3am feed.

To learn more about the Medela app clik here. I will plan to have it for the next bub because it’s a combination of several different apps I used when I had my daughter.  

Note: Can I just say, participating in this campaign has been a privilege. I’m proud to work with a company like Medela AU who are clearly sensitive to a mothers needs. I hope this study encourages women to speak out, because they will find that they are definitely not alone.

If you or someone you love is suffering from depression please contact your local crisis hotline or beyond blue in Australia.

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posted by Unknown @ 8:43 PM   4 Comments

Tuesday, December 22, 2015

Be Awesome But Remember Self Care

Need more of this in my life
I went to my GP yesterday and got a surprising suggestion.

"You need to make more time for yourself."

Who Me? The thing I preach about constantly to my other Mom-friends?

Self care is essential. Your cup needs to be full in order to help others or even just to survive in the parenting world. Why is this so much easier in theory than in practice?

I think for me, it's because my work does not really feel like work anymore. I've started so many projects and they are zapping up every moment of my spare time. Still so much to learn that I don't want to waste one second.

In the past I was gagging to have a break from work and these days I think I'm going to have to start reminding myself to do so. What a huge mental shift.

My new little business is in the construction phase. There is so much more happening behind the scenes (and not enough time) so many more things I want to share (but need to be completed)!

Know how experts say that you can't wait until you 'have more time' to start something because it never actually happens that way? (I swear I read that somewhere and it's true). You know, just that magic time in your life when the calendar clears simultaneously, the chorus of muses sing, motivation is off the chain and your energy set to a constant 'first cup of coffee' level...Obviously this is why those experts say you need to start now...because that will never happen.

Once I made the decision to ignore my fear (as if it were a whining toddler) and follow my passion everything keeps building. 

To anyone out there thinking about starting their own thing or even just exploring a new interest I say:

No time like the present!

Where would you be in one year if you started today?

Do it, do it, do it.

Best. Thing. Ever.

(But just remember to take care of yourself along the way)
I want to inspire other people to do this!
The holiday break is almost here. After today Matt will home for almost three weeks. I'm already fantasizing about a Hemmingway-esque writing retreat in the woods...only mine would have to be on the beach...which would mean hardly any writing would get done. Because beach.

Okay Doc. I'll take your suggestion and also self-prescribe a Corona and a good book.

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posted by Unknown @ 10:24 PM   0 Comments

Thursday, September 3, 2015

14 of the Cutest Ways to Announce Pregnancy or Gender

I have been mentally collecting some of the cute pregnancy/ gender/ new sibling announcements that I've seen lately and I wanted to share my favorites with you.

Note: I've specifically selected ones that don't look like they require a team of stylists- which means they could be re-created with ease!

The one of the things I learned with my first pregnancy, along with what 'Babymoon' means, is that new parents are pressured to come up with cute, clever and unique ways to announce the pregnancy on social media.

To tell you the truth I was kindofalittlebit excited about it. Because I’m an expat I share a lot, A LOT, on social media- it keeps me connected to my friends and family in America (that's my story and I'm sticking to it). #lovesocialmedia #overshare

In the early weeks, once I told everyone I wanted to tell in person via Skype or email, I was ready to blast the message out to my wider Facebook community. I wanted to do it in a way that didn't feel forced or cheesy.

After scouring Pinterest for ideas on how to tell the world I was ‘up the duff’ (as they affectionately say here in Australia) I couldn't find exactly the right image. A few of the examples made me tear up (hormones!) and others were way too complicated and time consuming for my tired, newly-peggi butt. 

 When I was enjoying some alone time at our local pool inspiration struck and this was the photo I shared on my timeline:
Wow, my nails AND toes are done and legs shaved....I was not yet a Mother.

Simple, honest and not too staged. Happy I was with all the kind messages and congratulations. <3

I’m kiiiiiiind of a control freak so I needed to know the gender of my baby. Keeping that a surprise was never even an option for me. When I found out I was having a girl (the best moment of my life to that point) I was even more siked to share the good news. As you will see in my list below, I really dig the shoe pics, so naturally I went with...you guessed it...a shoe pic.

Yes I bought those little leopard shoes specifically for my gender announcement.

So here you are guys- My personal faves.


1. Move on Over Fur-babies
Source

2. Because rules
Source

 3. Vacate the premises
Source
4. Barftastic
Source
5. Shoe timeline
Source
6. Shoe lineup
Source
7. Shoe dates
8. Get messy
Source
9. Balloons!
Source  
10. Dr Seuss
Source
11. A little bit country
Source
12. Gamers
13. Autumn inspo
14. Rude awakening
15. Count cuteness
Source

How did you announce your pregnancy?

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posted by Unknown @ 4:22 PM   0 Comments

Wednesday, August 19, 2015

What's Your Mom Style?

Slipped and fell right back into my Mom uniform.

Lavinia and I have been back from the USA for exactly one week. I’m both happy and bummed to report that we are already back in our routine.

Today was her first day back at childcare so I took a yoga class and now sit here writing (at my glorious new Macbook Pro.)

 Returning home from America gave me a little extra pep, confidence and a few new items for my wardrobe (what better reason to get out and about than a new outfit?) I wanted to make it a point to explore the city of Melbourne more. Two days in- and we did just that! Straight into town to meet a friend for coffee.

Alas, the weather turned drab so my motivation plummeted. We did have two appointments this week which forced us out of hibernation and into jeans... I tried staying dressed until my husband got home from work buuuuuut fail. 

 Somehow I'm in my Mommy uniform again (uuuuggggghhh) and I need to fix the situation.

I love the idea of getting dressed everyday (in something other than sweats) because it makes me feel better about myself. Also it means I’m more likely to go and do something last minute. Are we out of garlic? I can confidently run to the supermarket. Does my sister-in-law want to meet for coffee? I will be prepared to enter society.

When I was suffering from post natal depression both my daughter and I lived in our jammies. It’s funny looking back at her ‘monthly progress’ photos she was often in PJ's. It’s the sad type of evidence which shows that I was struggling. 
Mommy- let's put some clothes on and get amongst it.

I'm no longer struggling but I've sure gotten lazy with my fashion- which sounds superficial but it's not. I believe the way we dress not only expresses how we feel about ourselves but also how we want the world to perceive us. And those two things are important.

In the early post natal months I was limited with clothing because of nursing, then in the months following I was working to shed baby-weight. Recently I realised that my old wardrobe does not necessarily represent me anymore. I don’t have to worry about looking 'corporate' or 'adult' I don't have much of a nightlife...I just want to look like me- so I am trying to figure that out how to do that.

When I was in Buffalo I finished my half-sleeve. It’s something I’ve wanted to do but haven’t had the guts to for many years. I finally feel confident enough in myself as an artistic person to present myself as such. When I was in Nashville, a cab driver asked my friend and I if we were musicians- I took that as a HUGE compliment.
Rock'n'Roll Mama (oooouuuuuch!)

So what the hell am I still doing in my sweatpants? I don’t know, but I’m going to change that before it’s time to pick up Lavinia.

Even though my family is on a tight budget due to a home renovation (which just started this week!) I decided to really think about purchasing one or two things that make me feel good, comfortable and are durable enough for my Mommy lifestyle. So far my boyfriend jeans have been a great investment. My beloved 1990’s are back in fashion so I snatched a couple flannies and a cute pair of converse. Maybe I'm dressing a little young for a 34-year-old Mother but you know what? I feel a helluva lot better than I did in my sweats and hoodie.

So there you are. Fun/ cool Mom reporting for duty. It took all of ten minutes. (Don't mind my messy spare-room bed in the background, priorities people.)
A little effort goes a long way.

The tools:
A bit of makeup (concealer, bronzer, eyeshadow, mascara and lipgloss)
Boyfriend jeans
Converse
Black and white flannel
Blue wool v-neck sweater
Gold hoop earrings

What’s your Mom Style? What’s the one thing you could wear everyday to feel good about yourself?

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posted by Unknown @ 3:24 PM   8 Comments

Sunday, May 10, 2015

Like Tinder but for Mama Dates: Hello Mama's!

Source: website
{This is not a sponsored post, I found out about Hello Mama's socially. We are chatting about partnering-up but I wrote this because I think the concept is awesome and compliments my mission statement, plus I have readers who might love it too!}

Have you ever seen a cool-looking Mother with a well behaved kid at the supermarket and wish you had the guts to ask for her secret? Or have you noticed a Mum pushing her kid through the neighborhood in sweats (just like you) at afternoon nap time and want to shout out to her, “I feel you sister! Hang in there!” Well I-do-but-I-don't because I don't want to look as crazy as I feel.

There is a brand new online matching service in Australia, exclusively for mothers. And you don’t swipe right or left depending on their looks but rather fill out an online profile which matches Mamas based on much more important criteria.

Supplied
Hello Mama’s, a website for Mum-matching, has launched the Aussie version a few days ago. They have been a great success in The US and Canada with over 60,000 users. Big numbers are expected in Australia, New Zealand and the UK as well.

It’s really less like Tinder and more like a combination of Meetup.com (for it's niche interest groups) and Match.com (for it's matches based on a questionnaire.) Feel too shy to meet in person? There is no obligation to do so. HM's have an online forum and chat groups for local advice. And who knows, you could develop an online friendship that could eventually turn into a real life one once you feel comfortable!

Supplied
I’m an outgoing person by nature but striking up conversations at the playground can feel a tad awkward even for me...I've done it a few times but have never been brave enough to score another Mum’s digits, I don’t want to seem like a stalker.

Being a Mother is ironically lonely because you have zero privacy- but someone in the same situation understands those messy feelings. It can really help your state of mind to chat with someone who gets it. Every time I leave my Mum’s Group I feel like I've been given the encouragement to soldier on. Not everyone is so lucky, sometimes Mother’s Group’s don’t work out. Mine only meets once a week- there are four other days to fill!
Easy to use on a mobile too (source: mobile site)
Hello Mama’s could be the answer. Who has time to make Mum friends out in the world when people are scurrying around glued to their phones? Three intelligent, isolated Mothers in the USA thought to use the popular online-dating-service model to link other stay-at-home Mums (why didn't someone think of this sooner?) When you fill out a profile HM's will match you with other like-minded Mums.
The founders. Source: website.
Just moved to a new area? Have a child with severe allergies? Want to hang with people who use the same parenting strategies? Or what if you're like me and want to meet other expats? HM's gives Mothers the opportunity to create specialized, local meet ups or play dates with parents who experience similar challenges.

Motherhood can be extremely isolating for a million reasons. “At the end of the day we want users to be able to create their own support network,” said Shalini, Hello Mama’s Managing Director, Australia. HM's have given Mums the power to do so in a wonderfully simple way.

The site is free to join, it's user-friendly and monitored for safety and respect. I signed up myself and look forward to exploring all it has to offer. Maybe I'll see you on there!

xoxo



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posted by Unknown @ 8:45 AM   3 Comments

Thursday, April 2, 2015

The Feminist Housewife





I am a feminist and a stay-at-home Mother. Seems like a paradox.

Well, I don’t feel bad about staying at home. I’m not bored or unfulfilled.Why do I feel like loving it is a dirty little secret?

Look, it’s a damn difficult job staying home. It’s 24-7. No breaks. No privacy. Just as I’m sure it’s damn exhausting to have to go to an office, then come home and take over the 24-7 shift. As Amy Poelher says about being a working Mom in her very quotable book:
“There is an unspoken pact that women are supposed to follow.  I am supposed to act like I constantly feel guilty about being away from my kids. (I don’t. I love my job.) Mothers who stay at home are supposed to pretend they’re bored and wish they were doing corporate things. (They don’t, they love their job.) If we all stick to the plan there will be less blood in the streets.”- From Poehler's Yes Please
And that’s the truth, we only have each other to blame for tearing one another down. The guilt and judgement would stop if we just admit we all like what we are doing. If you are unhappy generally then I would wager your job has nothing to do with it.
Photo: Sara Heidinger Photography
I tend to be a bit clingy as a mother. I blame being a transplant but sometimes I think it’s because I get too wrapped up in my daughter and need to step back. We spend 50.00 per week to put Lavinia in a five hour Day Care session...so I can breathe (and go to the dentist and all that fun stuff.) Yesterday we rocked up on our usual day, packed and ready to go, and I realized the place was closed due to Spring Holidays. (Those of you who have experienced travelling with me are not surprised.)

Vinnie and I turned around, and went home without any tears shed (by me.) I even good-naturedly attempted a few things on my to-do list. The yoga DVD was a fail since she kept climbing on me during my downward dog saying “horsey, horsey.” I turned on the TV babysitter while I wrote a few emails and found her 45 minutes later nose to screen.  Not my finest parenting moment.

But you know the truth, even though I got a few things done yesterday despite myself I can FEEL it when I don’t have that tiny, little break from my daughter. I was downright lethargic, migraine forming, when Matt arrived home last night. And to think of how torn I was before making the decision to put her into daycare in the first place. I am completely grateful that we can afford this luxury. And I realize that many families cannot justify the cost especially if they have more than one child.

I guess my point is even if you elect to, and enjoy, staying home, you still need some me time. All jobs have pros and cons, moments of boredom and times when you want to quit. There are days when I want to walk out the front door and drown in a dark pub and there are times when I can’t believe I get away with spending every day with the most interesting mini-person on the planet.

There are a few key things you need to consider when making the gigantic decision about working: To be paid or not to be paid...that is the question.

Most items are common sense:
  • The cost of Child Care vs Take home Pay- if you LOVE your job, maybe it's not about the money
  • How passionate you are about your career vs your hobbies- can you make enough time for hobbies at home to feel fulfilled?
  • Do you have the energy to work both in and outside the home? Energy tends to be on short supply no matter what.
My extra bit advice if you want it- Leave that practical stuff last and decide first and foremost what will make you happiest as a parent and as a person despite any societal judgments.

Girl Fraaaaands...yes that's my wine. I had adult supervision.

Nothing is set in stone and few things in life are a perfect fit. You can try something and see if you can make it work and if not change it up. Just be confident in what you want and who you are (it took me a long time to get there) even if it is a stay-at-home feminist.

After all- it's about the choice.

I agree with Amy- can both sides just admit we love our jobs?  What do you think?

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posted by Unknown @ 2:42 PM   0 Comments

Thursday, March 26, 2015

Laila & Spot: Helping New Mothers Look Sane Since 2013

{This is not a sponsored post and opinions are all my own. As I was finishing up this piece, Laila & Spot kindly offered to send me an item of my choice to review in a future post. Can't wait!}

Why is it so difficult to find nursing-wear that is not hideous or expensive? (And I’m speaking from an Australian-shopping perspective.)

I spent a small fortune on maternity wear, most of it bump-hugging and glorious. I never had the courage to show off my midsection until it held a fetus (even in the 1990’s when I was pre-pubescent and crop-tops were a thing.) What fun it was, proudly bouncing around...until near the end when I was living in plus-size hoodies and hibernating on my couch like a Canadian Grizzly.

French Connection tube dress in one size larger than I (used to) wear.
Apologies in advance because there she goes again: I often rant about Australian prices to anyone who will listen.Things are bloody expensive here!!! Look, I get it... People make a living wage which is great, blah blah, but in my opinion, ya’ll have been a captive audience for way too long and retailers have been taking advantage.The sticker shock has worn off now that I'm five years entrenched but my other gripe is lack of variety. If I’m going to shell out big dollars I want to have more than two things to choose from.

Much to my naivety- once I gave birth to my bouncing baby girl, those stretchy tube dresses were no longer practical. I went from belly-pride to belly-hide in a matter of moments. Not to mention I lacked the foresight necessary to realize that my boobs needed to be freed from my clothing about a thousand times daily.

This is what you look like after giving birth- notice, the belly does not magically disappear along with the effects of the epidural.

Don't think the drugs had worn off yet
Desperate and exhausted, I scoured the internet for nursing-friendly attire, and found some amazing, and comfy looking clothes....in Scandinavia...with price-tags even higher than Australian ones. So I surrendered to my sweats, and big button-downs. I completely lost any sense of pride in the way I looked- call me superficial but at the time I needed all the help I could get. I felt fat, unattractive and unsure about the battered body which had just let forth a miracle.

I remember wishing I knew how to sew because I saw a big, fat, gaping hole in the Australian market. Someone needed to design cute, comfy, affordable, nursing-wear for new mothers. While I moaned frumpily, someone was all over it and her name is Laila. She founded a revolutionary company called Laila & Spot.

Finally! Clothing for new mothers and I'm not talking about maternity wear. I had a great laugh reading the section on their website No Pregnant Chicks.
“So you WERE a glowing, expecting mum. But now you ARE a mum – a first time mum or a mum all over again. Either way, among other challenges to be overcome – get ready for war with your wardrobe.”
Thank you Laila. You get it.

She came up with the idea for the company after the birth of her son, where much like me, Laila felt like she no longer knew her body and nothing fit properly. She remembers visitors dropping in during those first hazy weeks and she was sick of receiving them in her pajamas.

Laila explained it perfectly when she told me that in those sleepless early days- a nice outfit would have made such a difference in the way she felt. And like me- Laila moaned until her husband finally said to her "then why don't you do something about it." And she did.

I had the opportunity to scope out some of the Laila & Spot's latest designs at a photoshoot for their new line. Not only are the clothes adorable but the models were real Mums and fans of L&S.  A few had their little babies right there at the shoot, one little guy only 4 weeks old!  If you ask me- that's proof these clothes work for new and nursing mothers.


L&S clothing is trans-seasonal and is designed to be layered. This is strategic, taking into consideration the rapidly changing body temperatures for new mothers. The fabrics are breathable, stretchy and easily wipe-able (bonus.) Plus they have zips in all the right places, privacy shields and great, metal clasps. Gone are the days of fiddling with the crappy plastic ones.

L&S have engineered a user-friendly clasp. Yus!

And in even more good news, the colors and lines are simple so the pieces mix and match easily. They are clean, practical designs and in my opinion will appeal to all different tastes.

Play


Night Out

Work
Their current range of everyday items range from about 30.00-65.00. They are made in India, not far from where Laila herself grew up. Fair work practices and environmental sustainability are priorities to this company so it's refreshingly not about finding the cheapest place to manufacture.

Five fantastic real-life Mums at the L&S photoshoot
It’s understandably difficult to picture what post-baby-life looks like when you’re pregnant with your first. My old friend hindsight has given me yet another gift which I will take as advice: "Next time you are preggers, invest in post-baby threads." I share this wisdom because believe me, clothes are the last thing you’ll have the energy to worry about with a newborn hanging around.

Trust me. You don't want to end up in public looking like this.
Check out my review of a Laila & Spot Two Tone Dress here.

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posted by Unknown @ 1:35 PM   4 Comments

Wednesday, March 18, 2015

I wrote a Mission Statement

My Mothers Group Rocks (missing Katie who took the pic)

I would like it if mothers could feel less alone. Motherhood is an isolating gig whether geographically (if you're an ex-pat like me) or emotionally. The villages meant to 'help raise the child' have dissolved into myths. We are supposed to do it all, have it all, and love it all, at all times.

My aim is for this blog to be a virtual village (I know the word 'virtual' sounds creepy, but it's not.)  Modern motherhood is scary- can you say input overload on the Interwebs? (Organic or non? Strap the baby or set it free? Breast or bottle? Cry-it-out or claw-your-eyes-out?) Too much information! Make it stop! What ever you chose, there is another side telling you, you're wrong. Guilt! Guilt! Guilt!

In addition to TMI, we are the generation of women who were given the gift of TMC-too many choices. Our fearless, feminist mothers and grandmothers told us; “Career first, then start a family.” So here we are, having carved out a bit of life only to hand it all over to a helpless little human.

Could we go back to that career we love without being called selfish? *wince* Is it possible to simultaneously keep our dignity and admit that we enjoy staying home and raising babies? *cringe*



But seriously though, I’m one person with one perspective.  I haven’t been doing this parenting thing for very long and I am no expert. What I do understand is the feeling of crushing guilt, anxiety and insecurity that comes with the job. Sharing my journey makes me feel like someone else gets me.  Like I'm not the only one.  Like I'm not alone.

I think if we are more honest, maybe we can lessen some of this pressure to be these grateful, cup-cake-making, smiling, instagram-hot Moms. Parenting is messy, glorious, and uncomfortable.  It's about making mistakes, learning from them, and loving your guts out.

If I have one mission it’s to be inclusive, respectful and supportive of all Mommas fighting their daily battles and nailing the occasional sweet, sweet victory.

Thanks for listening,

Dawn
xoxo
PS if you would like to join our Facebook Group, click here.
photo Joinusbuttontake2_zps530b2207.jpg











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posted by Unknown @ 9:22 AM   0 Comments

Sunday, February 15, 2015

Join Me on Facebook So We Can Be Awesome Together

photo Joinusbuttontake2_zps530b2207.jpg
I was in serious need of some Namaste today. A van cut me off on my way to yoga and my immediate reaction was to swear and flip the guy off. Twice.

This week has been difficult. A loved one is trying to deny the existence of my depression prior to the post-natal.  It’s a sickening feeling when you feel you need to prove such a thing to someone.  Clearly the reason my middle finger was on a hair trigger.

I was hoping to find some peace of mind in yoga class.  I ‘know’ that I don’t need to prove myself my feelings to anyone, but I wanted to believe it and meditate on it.

And then something incredible happened. I was given a gift. An inspiration. An idea.

My Kangaroo Spotting Facebook Page:  It was just sitting there, doing not much, when I realized that it could be the start of my (our) very own community.

We all need support in our lives at times.  Especially when we become mothers (or Fathers.) Sometimes you just need an encouraging word, or advice from someone. I mean, you could try and figure it out- but Googling your butt off can’t take the place of chatting to someone who cares.

I have many Mom/ Mum friends in various places around the world (and other sympathetic non-mother friends too) and I've recently met some creative and compassionate bloggers online. I feel privileged to know so many amazing, smart, funny and beautiful people.  I wish we could get together in a room and have a serious love fest....clearly the logistics don’t make sense when we are busy living on different continents and all soooooooooooooo.....

I thought the Kangaroo Spotting Facebook page could be our virtual hang out.  A place where the rad women I know (and other like-mindeds) can ask for a hand, for a advice or just for understanding.

I belong to a few Mommy/ Mum’s groups online and they tend to become troll-y, trashy and bitchy. Let’s have our own space my gorgeous goddesses (and gods)!  And let’s see how it works out.

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posted by Unknown @ 10:46 AM   2 Comments