What Inspires you

"what inspires you?"  "I find that so inspiring" "it was inspirational" 

these are questions and remarks I seem to be hearing a lot lately and, standing at the kitchen sink looking out the window the other day - as I do - I was struck by the thought that if I was ever asked what inspired me (unlikely, but could happen) I would be unsure how to respond.
So I have been thinking about this and concerned that perhaps I am not inspired by anything and that my tendency towards apathy and cynicism has set in like some terrible rot ! But after a long discussion with my partner in crime, love, and war I realised that perhaps 
a) I had a far bigger expectation of what it meant to be inspired;
b) Inspiration doesn't necessarily have to lead to anything, rather the very act of feeling inspired by something or someone is enough; and,
c) the people and things around you can be inspiring in a small and low key way.

On reflection I noted that many of the women I am getting to know through life at 6163 are inspiring - their commitment to their kids, their community, the earth and its future, their interests and artistic and creative talents, and the way they see beauty in the very simple things. These are all motivating me, dare I say 'inspiring me' to think, act and see things a little differently.

This moment

Pause, consider, cherish

Book Club

Went to my first book club yesterday, was curious and excited at the prospect of a bunch of women coming together and sharing their views on the book of choice as well as other things they have read or been reading. I was also keen to see what else came up in conversation, (needless to say I was not disappointed in the range) topics covered included:

• Birthing (the books, the classes, the hype, the hippies and the mystique, amongst other things)
• Writing - just how gruelling it is, writers who seem to have mastered it and those that haven't (e.g - men who write about breast feeding)
• Motherhood - full time, part time, highs/lows, super mums, and the eternal search of finding the balance 
• The pluses and minuses of having another child
• Communal living - the  good, bad and challenging
• Meditation with kids  
• Roller derby-ing
• Sibling relationships in adulthood 
• Parties, weddings and holidays

Not bad really !

Hug your loved ones

This week I've been very aware of other people's grief and loss, and while I can't say or do anything for these people that will ease their pain, what I can do is reflect, and pause, and truly cherish all that I have.  In his darkest moment, one of these people said to me it was better to have had the time he had with the love of his life - even for the short time they had together - than to never have known what it meant to share that love with someone. The other's will still be looking at the empty cot where the baby they went to have in hospital should be ... but is not...and never will be.
Life is fragile, it truly can just end, or not work out how you planned, or hoped, and things change very quickly and loss comes to all, and often when you least expect it.
I can only try to remind myself of this, every day, so all the little things that make my life what it is, don't pass me by. 

a day in the life of Finn... somedays my heart just aches with love

The making of lemon curd ...a very satisfying experience

The Getting of Wisdom

This time last week I was footloose and fancy free in Melbourne - drinking champagne with 2 of my oldest friends (also mothers taking badly needed time out), talking, laughing, dancing and then laughing and talking some more. I had my first trip away from my family since my family began and I really needed it - I will be honest and admit that before my time out I had moments (and they were only moments) when I fantasised about leaving and just never coming back. I was stressed and while my kids are probably none the wiser there was a part of me that just didn't have any spark. 

This week I returned to 2 children who were so happy to see me and I have felt energised, happy to spend time with my children and, above all, PATIENT. I see all the mishaps and annoyances as part of the rich tapestry of life with young children rather than these things bringing me to my knees. I have been motivated to do things with them just to be with them and enjoy them. My trip wasn't a long one (5 days in total) but it was enough for me to remind myself of who I am.  I now know that I have to keep looking after myself in this way - even in the smallest way (solo bike ride, movies or just taking myself off for time to think) by doing this I am a better mother and my family will be happier. 

 

Melbourne... I do love thee so

Oh Melbourne, you are one cool place with all your great coffee and even better locations, shops of lust such as a warehouse of 20th century scandanavian furniture, sculpture and museums to inspire, cool street signs, hip hotel rooms, funky graffiti and friends I love and cherish