My new online friend, Becky Lyter McCleery, has put her love and energy into creating a new ebook just for mothers called, Awakening Wonder: Discovering Delight in Everyday Moments, where she’s interviewed 27 women from all over the world (including me!) to share their inspirational stories on the challenges and celebrations of raising children. To download your FREE copy of this beautiful book, visit her blog – Raising Loveliness.
And enjoy the guest post below, written by Becky.
Waking Up to Wonder
written by Becky Lyter McCleery
Dear Beautiful You,
Hello there, phenomenal woman! I am honored and delighted to connect with you on this day, in this space.
I know you’re busy. I know you have so much on your plate. I know that it’s hard to slow down and make time just for you, but for right now, I’m asking you to please pause a moment and take a deep breath. Feel free to take another, or two, or ten, or as many as you need, to be here now.
Take this time to check in with yourself.
What do you need right now?
Who do you wish to be today?
How do you wish to live on this day?
In all honesty, I don’t think I ever really stopped to check in with myself until I became a mother. Personally, I like to think of motherhood as my wake up call.
I always knew I wanted to have kids, I just never realized that becoming a mom would turn my world upside down.
I was beyond excited when I found out I was expecting my first child. I couldn’t wait to meet her, hold her, get to know her, and invite her into our beautiful life. Oddly enough, I never imagined how much she would change my life.
As soon as she was born, I knew things had to change. It was as though I had been living on auto-pilot (without even realizing it), focusing entirely on reaching a destination and never stopping to enjoy the journey. I realized that so much of my life had been built upon what I thought others wanted me to do or who I thought others wanted me to be. For the first time, I started to question who I was, who I wanted to be, and how I wanted to live.
I continued living my ordinary daily life, balancing my time and energy between work and family, but I also started questioning. I started reading. I started writing.
I started searching for a new path, my path.
As I questioned and explored, I started to find answers. I continued to wake up and started to realize what I wanted and who I wanted to be.
As I found answers, I began to make changes. Eventually I left my job to be home full-time with my children. While I’ve never regretted leaving my job, I’ll admit that I had no idea how challenging motherhood would be, mentally, physically and emotionally. Although I am grateful to be home with my children, I’ll also admit that some days are lonely and sometimes the daily routine can grow to feel monotonous.
I found myself longing for connection, renewal, and joy.
I knew there had to be more to life than laundry, changing diapers, bath time, and the other tasks on my seemingly endless list of chores.
I wanted to enjoy my life, not just muddle through.
I know that my children are my greatest teachers, and I began to realize that whenever I chose to stay open, they would easily help me to remember what a magical place our world can be.
I believe that we are here for one another, that we need one another, and that we are so much stronger when we join together. I believe there is strength in sharing our stories, honoring our truth, and seeking connection and inspiration to support us on our journey.
Following my own experience of renewing my sense of wonder through the guidance of my children, I wanted to learn how other mothers were recharging and reconnecting with wonder and delight, in the midst of the many duties of mothering. From there, my journey began. I intentionally sought out mothers who inspired me, and then I asked.
I knew there had to be other mothers out there, longing for connection, renewal, and joy. With this in mind, I’ve brought these interviews together in a free, inspirational e-book just for moms.
Awakening Wonder: Discovering Delight in Everyday Moments shares a series of interviews with these amazing mamas, each offering her own experience, perspective, and wisdom. It is my hope that Awakening Wonder will help to nourish your heart and renew your spirit.
I know that it can be hard to step back and take care of yourself, but I also believe that when we fill ourselves with love and kindness, that love and kindness flows out of us and uplifts everyone around us.
I believe that motherhood is a gift, but I know that at times, it can be challenging and perhaps a bit lonely. It is my hope that in reading the interviews with the inspiring mothers featured in this book, you will be reminded that you are not alone. We are right here with you, walking through this journey of a lifetime, side by side.
You are amazing. You really are. I invite you to take some time to nourish, honor, and celebrate who you are and the beauty you bring into our world each and every day.
With love and gratitude for you,
Becky
Becky Lyter McCleery is an inspired mama, writer, and teacher. She is the founder of Raising Loveliness, a gathering place for moms to come together to “bring out the best in ourselves, our children, and one another.” She invites you to join her in her mission to cultivate a more compassionate world.
*Photos provided by Becky Lyter McCleery.
Your Personal Reflection:
What do you need most right now? How can you take better care of YOU, so you can awaken to the wonder and delight in your own life? What special, everyday moments are you most grateful for today?
