Well girls, it’s been a month of change, again. And you’ve taken it in your stride admirably. Which doesn’t mean it’s not been hard, I see you both, and I hear you both, and I totally get that it has, but I’m proud of how you work through hard things. We’ve always talked about identifying feelings and taking ownership of them in order to get through them but never have you needed those inner resources more than during this last year or so. The changes and uncertainty and lack of feeling rooted that has been part of our life would have been hard for adults to deal with, let alone adolescents with all the natural changes that come during this time of your lives. The unpredictability of the whole covid situation would have been hard to deal with, without all the other changes and decisions that we’ve had to make.
.jpg)
I always want to be a good example to you – a Mama who shows you what is possible – who not only believes in you, but believes in herself. With all the craziness of last year I’ve had lots of doubts about how we move forwards, a few wobbles and days where I just felt stuck in a time warp (though that’s the covid effect for everyone I’m sure!!). But I hope that in sharing when I’m having a harder times I’m an example too – that you realise that it’s not all great, but damnit there’s still a lot of good to be found. That on tough days moving your body and getting fresh air help. That headspace is good. That good healthy food rules over junk, but a chocolate bar really can be just what you need some days too 😉 That sitting with feelings, and then talking them through is far healthier than burying them. That a bath can soothe more than just aching muscles. That we can find so much joy and contentment in nature. That it’s OK to have a sad day, and to admit it out loud.
.jpg)
I don’t say these things because they happen often – more that because they’re infrequent we sometimes forget how to deal with those unexpected hard days and they come at us sideways. I say these things so you know it’s OK to feel all the feels when one of those days hits you. Because you know you have resources within you, and around you to identify, and move through these days. And then we work our way back to the days where we sail though, feeling the sun on our faces, even when it’s behind a cloud! And every single day, but especially on the tough days of crazy changes I’m here to hold your hand – never forget that my sweeties,
.jpg)
I love you my girlie whirlies, Mama, xx
.jpg)
Artifact motherhood is a collaboration of artists/mothers from around the world. Sharing stories of the joys and struggles of our journey. Our hopes and dreams for our children. With little nuggets of wisdom here and there. These are more than photographs with dates written on the back. These are the artifacts we are leaving behind for children and the generations to come.
Please follow to our next beautiful Mama artist Jess Cheetham HERE
.jpg)
February 2021 | Fujairah | United Arab Emirates
Hollie Stokes - What a lovely testament to your ability in teaching your children the importance of self-care, self-awareness and resilience…especially during tough times. Such a vital tool to understand as an adult. Amazing job, Momma!
Jo - These photos and your words show me the most heartfelt and honest relationship you have with your girls. To share, explore and own each of your feelings is the greatest gift. Breathtaking in every way. x
Ann - This gave me all the feels. You are such an inspiring woman, such an incredible mother. I love the life you are giving them.and as always your images are so beautiful.
Diana - I love the sentiments in your words and the relationship you have with your two daughters. I can only hope I can half-achieve some of those with things with my boys, but anticipate discussing about our feelings will be hard.
Jess - This felt like a private love letter to your girls and therefore such a privilege to be able to read. I can feel your concerns for their happiness in all your words. But what is the most wonderful and moving thing about your post is how strong you are, for them. They are lucky girls to have such a resilient mother. I also have to admit how jealous I am of your freedoms and where you are living at the moment! How I long travel again to warmer climates and colourful new cultures.
Min Mohd - ooh your words, so soothing and full of wisdom! Love it so much!