In the first few years of motherhood we need – more than ever – to surround ourselves with the people who lift us up, who give without expectation, who love unconditionally, and who celebrate us. Along with the many physical and emotional changes that occur when we bring a new life (or lives) into this world, we may also reflect on life and ask ourselves some of the "big questions". Some of us feel our identity shift completely, some of us question our parenting ability, and some of us make life choices we never thought we’d make. And throughout all of the new experiences, challenges and joys of motherhood, we will inevitably encounter champions and naysayers.
The “champions” are the people in your life who are your biggest supporters. The ones who accept you completely for who you are, who are there for you through all the joyful, crazy, wonderful, stressful times - and everything in between. They are the friends you can call sobbing at midnight as you sit in the dark with cracked nipples and a heavy heart, the siblings who know just what to say (or what not to say) as you struggle with your toddler’s tantrums, the parents who remind you that you are full of love and compassion, the husbands/partners/lovers who tell you you’re beautiful even though you haven’t showered all day and have spit-up in your hair. Your champions help you out without you having to ask, and they are the ones that make you smile right down to your toes.
The “naysayers” are the ones who leave you with an uneasy feeling, and who always have an opinion on what you’re going through, whether you ask for it or not. They are the ones you dread bumping into on the street or at the grocery store. Before you’ve even had a chance to speak, they bombard you with their opinions on "how to do this,” or "why you should (or shouldn't) be doing that.” Every decision you make is processed and judged, often with responses like, “Really? Wow… that’s so…brave of you.” or, “Are you sure you want to do that….?” The naysayers are the ones who – with just a look, a sentence, a response to your status update - can drop a heavy load of negativity right onto your already-overburdened lap.
So, who would you rather surround yourself with – champions or naysayers?
During the past few weeks, this blog has explored ways that we can “feel good” through positivity, healthy mindsets, and choices that support our physical health and wellbeing.
This week’s task for the Feel Good Project is:
Make a list of your champions. (Don’t spend time making a list of your naysayers – better to focus on the positive people in your life.) And then make sure you surround yourself with these people in your daily life.
Because when you’re around people who support and celebrate you, it’s uplifting. And you, in turn, can be someone else’s champion
Printer-friendly version