As it gets closer to the official publication day of The Kind Mama, I’ve been thinking a lot about how much it means to be sharing this book with you. Becoming a mama and raising the most delicious light of a baby boy has been an incredibly soul-satisfying adventure that’s given me so much precious wisdom I can’t wait to pass along. But there’s also something amazing and unexpected that came from that experience: My sweetly loving, endlessly supportive, infinitely wise, super-groovy tribe. I don’t know what I would have done without all these amazing ladies in my life!
Lalanya Bridges and her two daughters
My friends Lalanya Bridges, Fatim Kramer, Alanis, Laura Louie, my midwives—they taught me so much just by being who they are. They inspired me to follow a more natural path when it came to having and raising a baby because I saw what strong, resolved mamas they were—and how scrumptious their own babies turned out. They were there to listen to all my questions during my pregnancy, and gave me insight that helped me reach my own answers. Plus, almost all of them are veggie heads too! But the most valuable gift they gave me was faith in my own instincts. If I ever felt unsure because my gut was telling me something different than conventional wisdom or I knew in my heart there was a better way, they were there to say, “Hell yeah!” They were my rocks; and I will forever be thankful for them. I know that many of you might not have people around who are interested in “alternative” ways of living. And I know how much pressure there is to conform to what’s “normal” or mainstream. It’s so much easier to just to go along with what everyone says—and sometimes you may not even know there’s another choice! But when you are lucky enough to discover a way of life that really touches you—and I hope my book will be that spark!—that’s magic. You owe it to yourself to honor those feelings, and that’s why seeking out a tribe that shares your path is so crucial. Not sure where to look? Start with The Kind Mama—I’ll be your tribe! Then keep coming back to this blog to connect with likeminded people who have the same hopes and dreams. I know a lot of you already do this, and it’s one of the things about The Kind Life that means the most to me. So please keep sharing your stories, your struggles, your victories, and your thoughts. Together we can build an even bigger, more beautiful tribe! Who is the rock in your life and who helps you to stay true to what feels right in your heart? photo source: Albert Camus
