I believe women in general are extraordinary, but mothers (not to blow my own trumpet) never cease to amaze me.
As the proud mother of four incredible little people (ages 8,6,3, and 1) I understand the meaning of selflessness. I’ve recently calculated that since 2002, I’ve spent a total of 3 years being pregnant, 4 years breastfeeding, maintained a career, moved countries twice and started 2 businesses.
Like most families, there is never a dull moment in our house. I’m constantly wishing I had more time to spend with each child, more time to read, more time with my husband and more time to myself. And I wish my bathroom felt less like a highway!
Three years ago, with baby no. 3 on the way, we left my career, friends and family in Australia – my home – and relocated to Chicago. In that move, I became a full-time CEO of our household! And while I’m ever so grateful to have spent that precious time at home with the kids – I couldn’t help but feel a little piece of who I was as a woman, had been somewhat neglected over the years.
Regardless of whether we’ve chosen to work from home, climb the corporate ladder, start a business or stay home with the kids – mothers are the busiest of busy people and the masters of juggling and accommodating others in the quest to find that impossible balance.
Although feeling time poor, exhausted and frequently overextended, I’ve identified fast and fail-safe sources of inspiration that recharge me, fill me with energy and awaken my spirit. When I’m in that space, I find that it has a positive impact on the people around me. I’m a better mother, wife, friend and a far more interesting person. Here are a few things that spark my inner hip.
My Soul Sisters – I can count eleven women in my life that I could not live without. I have a special deep connection with each of them. We live in 7 different cities across 3 countries and regardless of how long it’s been between drinks, connecting with any of them is the equivalent of a week in a health spa.
Inspirational people - I love reading about, listening to or meeting anyone who’s followed their heart’s desires and found fulfillment. Whether it’s a personal journey, building a business or giving back to others, hearing these triumphs just gets my juices flowing.
Teaching my kids to be compassionate citizens of the world – Last summer I took a trip with 2 girlfriends and our 7 kids that was one of my most memorable experiences to date. We decided to travel to Peru for 2 weeks to volunteer in an orphanage. Prior to leaving the US, our kids arranged a fundraising event in our community, collecting art supplies and much needed shoes that we personally delivered to the children in Peru. (21 suitcases in total)
We met some amazing people, made wonderful connections and on our last day as I stood on top of Machu Picchu with my daughters, I felt humbled by this incredible experience that I got to share with them. Regardless of my well worn yoga pants from Target and the unwashed shirt I’d been wearing for days – in that moment I felt like one hip Mum.
HipMum – Lastly, I’m an ideas person – always brainstorming and thinking of possibilities. So here’s my latest – HipMum, a website that acknowledges and celebrates the spirit of the woman behind the mother. A place where you can think about what makes you shine and perhaps urge you to reorganize those priorities and shuffle the needs of your spirit to the top of the list. A platform where real women can share their journeys, triumphs and challenges and inspire others to reconnect to their inner hip.
I also wanted a platform that gives us an opportunity as a group to directly impact grass root organizations and individuals who have dedicated their lives to helping women and children in need around the world.
Hang on to your ‘hip’ my friends – you deserve it.
