2011 has been a fruitful year of discovery. Of making many new connections and friends on the interwebz and in-real life. I’m truly grateful.
If I haven’t thanked you for your support …consider this a gift-wrapped acknowledgment that comes with a real hug! Thank you.
Two years ago, I didn’t know if I could create a business of meaning and be a loving attentive mum. I just wasn’t sure I had it in me.
My confidence had been eroded by years of struggling with seemingly insurmountable stumbling blocks, self-neglect, doubt and playing it safe.
I have my story. The one that involves bouts of depression, anxiety, brutal violence, eating disorders, loss, grief and a lot of self-loathing.
But I am not my story. Just as you are not yours.
Why do I want to help mums so much?
With all my heart. With dedication and passion?
Because I am one.
Because I have felt both enlightened and bound by the role of mummyhood.
Because I understand the burden of constantly giving and not saving much for ourselves.
The toll that it can have. The experience of feeling stripped bare and raw but continuing for the sake of our children. Often behind a thinly veiled smile, stapled firmly in place.
The unattainable expectations that we get entangled in to the point that we lose sight of who is our number one.
The comparing of our interiors to someone else’s shiny-perfect, “I wanna be that” exterior.
That we feel guilty and self-indulgent when our inner voice emits a soft ‘what about me?’
Who will take care of my needs when I am so busy serving others?
What happened to me? When did I begin to disappear?
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I enjoy being a mum and a woman. I thrive on that feeling of sisterhood and community.
What do I know to be true?
I know, that with a little self-reflection, self-compassion and consistent daily rituals, we can work towards being women who care for ourselves as much as we care for our children and feel completely ok about doing just that!
Because when we do…
We are able to experience more life, more love and more beauty.
We are able to find the energy to chase those childhood dreams and capture them, firmly.
We are able to give more of our hearts and presence to our families and still have a little space of our own. We are able to connect with other women and lift them up the way that we have done for ourselves.
That is my why. That is my dream.
And if it’s yours too, then you’re in my crew and I’m so happy to have you along for the ride!
Even if it’s a small seed of hope shrouded in a dark place…
You’re in my crew.
So…A special thank you to all my rocking mamas (and beautiful men!)
I hope that this Christmas ~
You are surrounded by love.
That you find pockets of peace and stillness and connect with the being who is YOU.
Vibrant, full of purpose and a hanger on-to dreams.
(Maybe you don’t know what they are yet. Maybe you have given up).
But every day, every moment you have the chance to reclaim what has always been Yours.
I hope you connect to that.
Do your best. Strive for whatever it is that makes your heart sing!
But enjoy the moments too. The all we have. The Here and Now.
Because this is your life and it’s happening all around you.
The best and brightest to you all.
PS – I am going to be taking a blog-hiatus until 2012. But I’ll be back…with some New Year surprises for you all x
About kirri
I’m on your crew! Lovely post, lovely dream. All the best for your Christmas break and the New Year!
Tat recently posted..Is Santa real at your place?
Thanks so much for your support Tat. I’m really happy we found each other on the interwebz.
kirri recently posted..The one thing you need to start creating the life you truly desire
See you in 2012! Have a wonderful and warm Christmas <3
Really Ninja recently posted..THINGS I KNOW: Internet connections
Back in 2012! Hope to connect again soon.
kirri recently posted..The one thing you need to start creating the life you truly desire
Well you know I am in your crew – looking forward to seeing you soon and all that will come in 2012 – I don’t even remember how we first connected, but am grateful that we have – xxx
Deb @ Home life simplified recently posted..How to make a decision stress free
Lovely post Kirri, hope you Luke and the girls have a lovely Christmas. I’ll look forward to your New Year surprises in 2012!
Hope you have a fantastic relaxing break Kirri. I hear your story loud and clear. Earlier this year I had that same self doubt; I had been blogging a few years but lost my mojo. When the AusBlogCon was on in March I didn’t even go because I felt like a fraud.
I just closed my eyes and jumped straight back in and now I’m on the planning team for next year’s conference.
Love & stuff
Mrs M
Maria Tedeschi (Mum’s Word) recently posted..NEWS THIS WEEK 28 NOVEMBER 2011
What? Mrs M lost her mojo? I don’t believe it or at the very least, it went completely unnoticed!
Im looking forward to meeting you at the conference – very much
kirri recently posted..The one thing you need to start creating the life you truly desire
Wonderful post Kirri, wishing you and your family all the very best for Christmas and beyond, may the year ahead be full of fairy wishes and butterfly kisses
Rhianna recently posted..Things I Know about TIK
Want to help mums too; that’s very important to me. I want to encourage them and help them see the fun, because some days it’s hard to find.
Enjoy your break Kirri, and see you next year!
Jess recently posted..Die Cockroaches Die!
Oh, you are so very, very special, Kirri ! You know, the start of our friendship has easily been one of this year’s highlights for me.
A merry christmas to you and your beautiful family. I look forward to a 2012 with you close by my side xxx
Grace recently posted..Things I Know About 2011: A Year of Contrasts
Most women could do a better job of looking after themselves. This is a lovely post. Have a wonderful Christmas and New Year.
tinsenpup recently posted..{this moment} – Taking a Moment
such a lovely and honest text! I’m absolutely in your crew;) And I’m glad to find your blog which gives me some power and inspiration for my everyday routine (as a mom and as a woman as well). I wish you a merry christmas and a happy new year! I’m looking forward to read your posts in 2012!;)
Cindy recently posted..Dental clinics abroad
Glad to have you on board Cindy! Thank you so much for visiting.
2012 is well and truly here and Im looking forward to some more sharing and learning.
kirri recently posted..How to stop procrastinating and get stuff done.
Have a wonderful Christmas and speak soon…
Terry recently posted..Lost in the haze? Where next?
Lovely post, Kirri. Enjoy your hiatus and we’ll see you in 2012!
I’m grateful that I’ve connected with you recently. Your posts are always inspiring and we both seem to share a desire to see mums encouraged and looking after our/themselves (though in different ways). I hope you have a wonderful Christmas/New Year with your family, and I look forward to what you have in store for 2012.
Debbie @ Aspiring Mum recently posted..Mini Christmas Wreaths
“But I am not my story. Just as you are not yours.”
Sent shivers through my whole body and tears in my eyes.
What powerful words.
Kind of set me free in a way. Thankyou x
Hope you have a very Merry Christmas, and I look forward to stalking you in the New Year xx
on ya Kirri. Have a merry xmas and a hangover free new year
- tork
Dad Blog Tork recently posted..Plants vs Zombies – Last Minute Gift Idea for Dad or Kids
Arrrgh me hearties Captin! `
Merry Christmas beautiful! I’m so happy to know you and come along on a journey of self-acceptance. I love what you stand for, who you are and your passion.
Bring on 2012!
penny @ Wildlife Fun 4 Kids recently posted..Tag, you’re it! It’s a Wildlife Christmas
Oh, why haven’t I been here sooner! Your blog is a breath of fresh air. You are so inspiring. I’ll go ahead and read your previous posts…
Have a merry Christmas and an even merrier 2012!
Thank you so much for your kind words – Come back, won’t ya!
kirri recently posted..The things I know about being at peace with parenting
I’ve really enjoyed your Blog and meeting you throught it this year so I’m stopping by to wish you a very happy Christmas
countingducks recently posted..Happy Christmas One and All
I loved this post and I’m so glad it’s the first one I’ve read of yours. I am definitely in your crew!
Vanita recently posted..My 7 Link Challenge
Lovely to meet you Vanita – first in twitter-verse and now here!
kirri recently posted..The one thing you need to start creating the life you truly desire
I also hope to be surrendered by love too. Christmas is the time to show and share all our love with out family:)
Anna recently posted..inexpensive dentist
I’m in your crew girl! Although not a momma yet, I appreciate your dedication to recognizing women and their multiple roles throughout life. You write with passion and honesty…your ability to be vulnerable is truly inspiring, and in this emerges great strength.
Best in 2012 to you, Luke and the girls.
Leah
xo
Leah my Canadian lovely. You were always someone I felt safe being vulnerable with and that is what it’s about – authentic connection. You are a such a blessing and You’ll always be in my crew x
kirri recently posted..The one thing you need to start creating the life you truly desire
I am pretty sure that I am in your crew…as are you in mine! May 2012 be bigger and brighter!
Love your new look page Kirri.
I am going to bookmark your words “The comparing of our interiors to someone else’s shiny-perfect, “I wanna be that” exterior.”…. It is SO true and so well put.
Looking forward to 2012.
Jodie – Muddled UP Mumma recently posted..Kids Crocs Giveaway
I was in your crew the moment I met you!
Gina recently posted..Merry Christmas & Happy New Year!
Hi! I just found your blog so I guess I’m a new recruit in the crew!
Look forward to reading and commenting in 2012!
Neen recently posted..Neenish Arts in 2012
Ooh fresh meat
Happy to have you round and looking forward to the opportunity to hang some more.
kirri recently posted..The things I know – Sometimes lying keeps us safe
Dropping in from Deb’s Home Life Simplified… you write beautifully. Looking forward to ‘reading’ more of you in 2012!
Lyndal recently posted..Oh Hi there, 2012…
Thanks so much Lyndall. Hoping to connect a lot more with everyone over at Debs via the 52 week challenge.
kirri recently posted..The one thing you need to start creating the life you truly desire
Thank you for this, Kirri. Thank you for sharing and for giving so freely of yourself. I look forward to what’s up your sleeves for 2012. This year will be amazing. Huge hugs, Julie
Hi stranger! So great to see that you are back…i will pop over to your blog. Amazing things for all of us this year….Im so feeling that!
kirri recently posted..The one thing you need to start creating the life you truly desire