real, raw motherhood
I will be 41 next week. Some people dread getting older. I don’t. I’ve been blessed with another year of living; breathing; feeling; loving. I don’t begrudge the deeper lines on my forehead nor the multiplying gray strands that stand out in my dark hair because the alternative is really not that appealing, wouldn’t you…
I’ve written extensively about my shortcomings as a mother so today I would like to focus on my strengths. It seems like we all have an easy time beating ourselves up for all that we do wrong but it is important to also recognize all that we do right. Only when we reconcile the multiple…
I am celebrating the one year anniversary of my blog. I have published one new essay every week for a year. No small feat. In some ways, writing has become easier and yet it’s still hard. It is a weekly exercise in manifesting a personal yearning, overcoming procrastination and defeating perfectionism. It is is a…
One of my favorite perks as a mother is that I get to discover picture books alongside my daughter. There are so many wonderful publications, a real treasure trove of humor, wits and inspiration that I had missed out on until I became a parent. The latest picture book to have made an impact on…
There are things we want yet we’re not always willing to do what it takes to get them. That’s why Olympic athletes amaze us. That’s why self made millionaires awe us. Very successful people consistently do what it takes to get what they want. Natural talent, circumstances, resources all come into play but they do…
My friend had insisted so much, I finally agreed to drive an hour from my hometown and meet the American martial artist who was visiting Reunion Island for a week. I stepped out of the car and had my first glance of his 6 foot 1 frame. “Not bad” I thought to myself. Five minutes…
I’m watching my daughter’s Capoeira teacher help the kids do back flips. There is not one child who is hesitant. Every single one of them trusts, respects and admires him so much that they either have no fear or are willing to push through it . They know he’s got their backs (literally). They know…
As my friend drove us home from the grocery store, I wondered aloud: “Why oh why must motherhood be so hard?” And she replied: “It’s hard only because you care.” Being a perfect mother is impossible. Being a great mother is a tall order. Being a good mother is challenging. Challenged I am every day…
She’s turning seven in two days. My baby is now a full fledged little girl. Who likes make up, nail polish, pig tails and twirly dresses. Who speaks three languages and is eager to learn more. Who’s in first grade but scored an A+ on a second grade math test yesterday. Who practices leaps in…
I have been contemplating committing to a worry free life. Lofty wouldn’t you say? But imagine. Imagine the Freedom. Imagine the Joy. Imagine the Peace that would bring me. I am a person with a natural bend towards anxiety. Is it hormonal? Is it a result of my upbringing? I don’t know. I wake up…