My Motherhood: Lindsey Bliss
For the My Motherhood series, we ask different women the same series questions about mindfulness and motherhood to see what works for other women, but also to show how even though we may be different, we are all in this together.
Today I am so honoured to have Lindsey share her motherhood journey with us. She is a huge influence to me, as she is the co-director of Carriage House Birth, a birth doula and a mother of seven. She is also the author of 'The Doula's Guide To Empowering Your Birth'. Follow Carriage House Birth on Instagram for beautiful and empowering stories about the experience of motherhood.
What does your perfect day look like?
My perfect day would definitely involve sleeping in past 7am. Even after having 7 kids I am still not happy with being an early riser. I get woken up at the butt crack of dawn by my kids most days. Once I'm awake I'd eat a delicious breakfast in bed in my cozy bathrobe. Then a family trip somewhere outdoors, preferably a beach, sounds pretty perfect to me. I love spending time with my massive crew. The kids would also magically all get along and not fight!!! I'd end my day with a warm Epsom salt bath and a book. I'm pretty simple.
Do you have any daily rituals you use to center yourself?
One day I swear I will have a daily meditation practice but until then I practice pausing and remembering my breath. I tend to be reactive and I'm trying to be mindful of that and pause more. After I pause, I breathe. It helps makes those challenging parenting days much more manageable.
How do you make time for the different facets of your life?
I don't. Well, not well. Somedays I'm surprised if I even have enough time to brush my teeth before rushing out the door. And then other days I nail it. Not having enough time to focus on all the facets of my life are the source of most of my Mom guilt.
Do you have any family rituals?
We try to sit down together every night as a family for dinner. I ask the kids, "What did you do nice for someone else today?" Or, "What did you enjoy most about your day today?" They then all take turns answering. It's really sweet.
What is the best advice you have ever given or received about motherhood?
I always say to embrace chaos. Be okay with surrendering a little bit. Don't sweat the small shit!
What is your favorite part about motherhood?
My favorite part of motherhood is watching my children become warm and empathetic souls who want to help people and change the world for the better. It makes my heart want to leap out of my chest with joy and pride. It makes all of the sleepless nights, the cracked nipples, poopy baby butts, tears, stomach bugs, fevers, and the thankless motherhood moments absolutely WORTH IT!!!!
