Another Mother's day - on not numbing and on practicing compassion.

It's already been Mother's day here in the UK and I posted about it back in April, thinking then much about carers, and the many children who grow up without Mum around for one reason or another.

This weekend I've been listening to and reading about women who remind me why I changed my job seven years ago, and started working with parents rather than with children. When I started I was full of love for parents and completely aware of the struggle it can be to bring up a child/children. When I started I had good intentions, but I wasn't really strong or whole enough to help in the best way(not for all of these seven years anyway).

I done good, don't get me wrong, that is until I got burned out with giving; and with not knowing how to set boundaries whilst still practicing compassion.

I done good too, while things were going smoothly for me personally, before it all got a bit too raw and sharp.

So as it's Mother's Day today in Australia, the USA and Canada, and simply because they are awesome - I want to share these women with the world. Their work is what mothers and children need, fathers too, in fact their work is what the world needs more of. Maybe I might be getting ready to know where my future might take me because of them too! What gifts they are.

The first woman I would like to share, is of course, Brene Brown, this time talking about parenting, especially about parenting teens, on a radio show called "How she really does it.". Please listen. It's awesome stuff!

I also really want to share Marianne Elliott's blog post, To Suraya with love. Marianne is raising money and awareness, for the work of Suraya Pakzad, whose work supports mothers in Afghanistan. The video on her blog page is really worth a watch, and there are links showing where to donate to the project To Mama With Love. Please watch.

Both these women know how important it is to look after Mothers and Parents.This video of Brene speaking about vulnerability and numbing says it all. I recommend watching the whole of it, however if you are short of time, the last 10 minutes are enough! Inspiring.

I'm holding all Mothers who are feeling vulnerable and scared, close to my heart today.