The Whole Mama

Oh, the irony …

I’ve been going through a transition in my life and at times, it has been pretty exhausting and last week was one of those times. And it shone a light of irony on perhaps one of the very few “down sides” to unschooling that I can think of.

I practise whole life unschooling and, for me, it needs practise every day as I heal away from my authoritarian childhood and surrender to the flow, love and respect available in the moment. So that means my children have choice … and discussions and guidance about their choices, but they do have the final say about what goes into their bodies, when their bodies need rest, what they want to do with their time and what they want to watch on TV, just as I do.

Well Spring is well and truly here and so is that wonderful drive to clear away anything that doesn’t serve me or my family and draw in an abundant life that does.

At home, I installed a fire pit in my garden last week and my kids and I have already had our first barbeque on it and spent almost every night since sitting around it’s warmth enjoying the night and firelit dinners together. I don’t quite remember a British Spring that’s seemed so warm and inviting to be in Nature since I arrived here and I’m enjoying it as much as I can. The fire’s also been the focus of some deep ceremonies that I’ve done to release patterns and beliefs that don’t serve me, as well as a lot of grief, disappointment and sadness that I have experienced recently.

and I got to spend it with my husband, my children and my friends … and the most decadent chocolate cake imaginable, baked by my husband.  I’ll post the recipe soon!

My children devised a treasure hunt for me, with cryptic clues thought up by my husband, that led me around the house till I found their presents hidden away.  What fun to start my day

I feel blessed, chocolated out and very, very happy.  Here’s to a beautiful and abundant year begun on a springboard of joy and connection.

When I was a little girl, I used to spend hours in a tree alongside our boundary wall, sitting as still as I could, watching our neighbours. Just seeing what other people were doing at home when I wasn’t visiting them, fascinated me. It still does and I can’t help looking into well-lit uncurtained rooms when I go for an evening walk.

photo by mydearDelilah

Why? I really don’t know, but people’s everyday lives just fascinate me. It’s one of the reasons I love reality TV … and blogs. Even though I know these are more edited versions of the lives I used to watch as a little girl (and more-than-edited in the case of most reality TV shows) I still love them for the glimpses of the people and their lives I share through them.

Yet, there’s something about that that also makes me feel really self-conscious about writing my first blog post. So, I’ve decided to just share that with you and get over my first writing hurdle here and now! As you’ll find, being authentic is really important to me.

I’d have thought that starting writing would be pretty easy as I’ve been writing for my friends and family for years, as well as various forums, doing exactly what I hope to do with this blog! I love being inspired and inspiring others.

photo by loumurphy

I love Google and discovering information about just about anything: a true life learner before I knew the term through the unschooling community. I love great food, arts and crafts, spirituality, self development, natural health and nutrition, energy medicine, great buys (especially books, though some gadgets too), beauty in everything and a good laugh, but most of all relationships.  And I’ve been writing bits about it all, here and there, and I’ve just been encouraged enough times now to be ready to write it all down in one place.

I hope to build many relationships through this blog, so please jump in and comment when you come by.

Thanks for reading my first really public writing.