Mama's Journey

I recently returned home from a trip to the west coast. It left me filled  with plenty to ponder and fresh appreciation for the gifts that grace my life. It was a strange to be away from my girls, separate from my daily tasks that often find a way to define me. In this freedom I found myself untethered. As the week grew I became witness to new pieces peeking out of me. Some pieces felt like an old friend embracing me, gently reminding me of places within I'd forgotten ~ some pieces carried a new fiery strength ~ some pieces brought a  new freedom, allowing me to break out and express with fervour. It was a journey, that as a mother I will treasure. I am grateful for remembering the importance of taking time away from the routines of life, to search out the inner places that often lie hidden, places that  crave  attention and yearn for expression.  I will carry the renewed  knowledge that my family can not only exist without me but will also  remember the experience of returning home to two grinning girls that had stories upon stories about all the adventures they had had in my absence. I  welcome the new commitment of taking myself out of the family equation, occasionally ~ just long enough to offer nourishment to the places that feed my ability to stay connected to myself on this amazing journey as a mother.

Here are some  highlights of the beauty that fueled my journey...

   Beautiful times in the lush spaces of Stanley Park

Sunset at the ocean with my mother

    Play and lots of laughter with my sisters

 I welcome the infinite lessons as a woman and as a mother and I bow to mothers everywhere for the continual gifts of love, sacrifice, creativity, dedication and tenderness that they offer in their lives!

Namaste

~ Shanti~