Hello beauty,

I hope you and the fam-bam are well. Today I want to share a little bit about my life as an artist and mama: behind the scenes and heart-to-heart. Because let’s be honest: realness is where authentic living happens.

MY LIFE AS AN ARTFUL PARENT

Meet my gorgeous little fella, Maxie. Here we are in my studio this morning, on the second-last day of the Summer school holidays. I’ve been working from home on my laptop, he’s been watching youtube and every so often, he walks past and kisses me on the cheek on his way to the fridge.

So far this morning, we’ve had a cuppa together on the front deck, made a video and meditated together, and he’s tried to teach me computer games. We made a yummy lunch. This afternoon we are going for a scooter ride. And it’s taken me 7 attempts to finish this post #reallifeparenting.

HOW MOTHERHOOD HAS CHANGED ME

Since Maxie came into my life 9 years ago, my world turned inside out. My heart now lives within me, him and in all things I touch and see. I cry more. I feel more. I love more than I ever thought possible. We have very different interests - he’s not into art at all, and I prefer epic nature over screen time, but we always create ways to meet in the middle. And I have learned so much about myself as a creative human and participant in this beautiful, creative, crazy Earth we call home … all deepened by my capacity to love and stretch and feel and grow, as a Mama.

MINDFUL PARENTING - WHEN THE GOING GETS TOUGH

After 13 years as an artist and early childhood educator, I thought Motherhood would come easily to me. Boy was I in for a shock. The sleepless nights, the relentless juggling of all the balls, trying to live up to being a great mum/partner/daughter, sister, friend, business owner, the worry of getting this parenting thing wrong and messing up my beautiful boy, all weighed heavily on me (and still does from time to time!) and I experienced post-natal anxiety/depression for the first 3 years of his life.

Through therapy, medication, mindfulness and the support of friends, family and professionals, I pulled through and learned loads of techniques to buoy my wellbeing. But it was by no means an easy road. It’s an art and an ongoing string of intentional, mini-choices that feel nourishing, achievable and aligned.

I learned that recharging is important but more so, pro-active self-care to mitigate burn-out in the first place, is imperative. I’m way better at giving to my son and my purpose, when it’s from a full cup.

THE ROLE OF PRO-ACTIVE SELF-CARE AND PARENTING

As I recovered, I knew I had to make massive changes in my life. I had to lean into my needs, not as optional, but as essential for the health of myself and my son. As a result, I now approach my wellbeing pro-actively, every single day, to ensure my needs and self-care are a major priority. For me, pro-active self-care means BIG, HONEST AWARENESS, with myself and outwardly, towards others.

PARENTING SELF-CARE TIPS - DEVELOP A LIST OF WELLBEING ALIGNERS

Over the years, I have developed a ‘list’ of action-values for myself. These are simple action steps I enjoy doing, that are both good for me and I can incorporate into each day to check-in, nourish my needs and fill my cup. I don’t do them all each day. These are all lighthearted tools, not chores.

Here’s my list of wellbeing aligners:

1. daily mindfulness meditation

2. adventure time in nature

3. quality time with a loved one, talking, laughing, sharing stories

4. making art

5. eating well and drinking loads of fluids

6. moving my body through walking and yoga

7. creating an environment with inspiring colours, textures and natural vibes (look up: biophilia!)

8. contributing to others by sharing creative wellbeing approaches and inspiring beauty

SUPERCHARGED SELF-CARE TIP

I’ve learned to get comfortable doing things in small, bite-sized chunks. That’s a gold nugget for any busy, mindful human, right there. And a hot tip: When I can combine some of my wellbeing aligners together, like adventures in nature with my son, or making art while inspiring others, my sense of wellbeing thrives. Rather than ‘staying afloat’, my energy leans into THRIVING territory.

SHIFTING GEARS INTO AUTHENTIC, ARTFUL MAMAHOOD

All in all, being artful in my approach to Mamahood and life, means learning how to get centred within myself to I can parent, respond and choose from a more aligned place.

1. I’ve made massive changes to my schedule and output and expectations of self and others.

2. I’ve hired a heartfelt business coach to support me as a solo entrepreneur.

3. I’ve had hard conversations, based on genuinely reflecting and growing.

4. I’ve let relationships go. Even big ones, like marriage. Because I’ve realised as I age, I don’t have the luxury or desire to live outside of my own, unique sense of wellbeing alignment anymore.

5. My life is an art that deserves my mindful attention, as much as my child and family and paintings do.

OVERALL, MOTHERHOOD HAS TAUGHT ME …

To wrap up, what motherhood has taught me essentially, is to lighten up, whilst simultaneously getting braver to be my truest self.

The art of mindful parenting requires EPIC AUTHENTICITY.

When I stray from my core, Max feels it and lets me know. Kids are spot-on like that. And I gently remind him the same. Together, we are helping each other paint a life aligned with our values and divine individuality. It’s challenging and wonderful and rich and hard sometimes … and I wouldn’t have it any other way.

UPCOMING MINDFUL ART WORKSHOPS

• Throughout February, I’ve partnered with my local Redcliffe City Art Gallery to facilitate some ‘Mindful Art Mornings’. CLICK HERE for more details and bookings.

• I’m also in the process of creating some new online courses with bite-sized mindful art offerings, so keep your eyes peeled! SIGN UP HERE for my mailing list updates if you haven’t already.

With love,