The power of sisterhood ~ Celeste's story Pt 5

Do you ever feel like life is just a bit too crazy busy and out of control!

That there is too much to do and to be honest you actually don't want to do it, even if you did have the time?

That's how Celeste is feeling today, with all there is to get done.

Dave is away on business and she's really noticing all those little things he does and how much of a difference it makes!

Taking out the garbage, emptying the dishwasher in the morning (and putting it on before going to bed).

 

 

On top of all that Tilly is teething and is super clingy and Gillian has an orthodontist appointment 2 hours away in the city tomorrow.

The washing and dishes are piling up, she's given the kids toasted sandwiches or take-away for dinner the last 3 nights and she'd really love to get more than 2 hours sleep in a block without Tilly needing her.

Sure she is coping way better than she would have a couple weeks ago. She isn't totally depleted and the kids are really helping her (they have been making use of that family nurturing list which everyone loves!)

 

But she could really use an extra set of hands this week.

Her family isn't close by and she tried asking Dave's family for some help but it just ended up as more work for her and more stress.

 

 

In an effort to change up the energy this morning Celeste decided to take the kids off to their favorite park at the end of the street again.

It's a beautiful day and the kids love it there - to be honest she loves sitting in the sun there too- its officially on her self care list.

If she gives them a hour to run around she can hopefully get them into something more quiet at home and get the laundry done.

 

 

So with her trusty thermos in hand, she headed off for the park with her kids.

Celeste settles in under the tree with her tea and her notepad (she's hoping a nice clear to do list will help her get on top of it all).

Tilly is beside her playing with a toy, content to be beside instead of on top of her for a change.

 

A car pulls up in the car park and out spills a load full of kids with balls, frisbees and foam swords.

Andrew calls out in excitement!

'Mum! Ben, Rosey and Matt are here!'

 

Celeste looks up in surprise and delight.

Walking across the grass towards her with a big smile on her face and carrying a basket overflowing with food, hats and spare jumpers, was her old friend Sarah.

'Celeste! Its great to see you! I've missed hanging out with you guys!'

Celeste agreed.

 

Their families always had fun together and Sarah had a been a friend for years

hmm why didn't they hang out more?

-Time- she guessed.

 

Sarah settled onto the grass beside her under the tree and said hello to Tilly.

Celeste mentioned Tilly was teething.

Sarah empathised with Tilly and asked her if she'd like some cold berries to chew on. Tilly beamed and took the little container of frozen blueberries.

 

Sarah then turned and asked Celeste how she was

To Celeste's surprise she didn't say fine, she actually just blurted out the whole truth ~ all that she was feeling.

 

How her day had been,

How everything was piling up,

How she didn't have any real, physical support around,

How hard it had been with Dave's family's last visit,

How they made her feel like an inadequate mother and homemaker.

 

 

Sarah sat and listened, focused on Celeste, present to her, nodding now and again, or making a comment to let her know she got what Celeste was saying.

More and more words tumbled out of Celeste's mouth.

She felt safe, and it actually felt freeing.

Sarah didn't give advice,

didn't feed her story with drama,

didn't jump in and take over with her own story

She just listened, she was present, she created a space that felt safe to share

- and share Celeste did!

 

Finally feeling complete and like she'd poured a ton of sludge out of herself she stopped talking.

She felt lighter. She felt completely different actually.

Freer again.

That feeling of inspiration and joy was flowing back in again!

Best of all she felt completely accepted by Sarah. It was liberating to feel loved and accepted even after sharing her dirty laundry.

 

They sat drinking cups of tea together under the tree and watched the kids run around and play.

'You know' said Sarah

'I came here today to give the kids a chance to run around and play while I worked through these pages from this amazing book I have, my Heart Book'

 

Pages from a book?

The Heart Book?!?

 

Could it be the same book!

As Sarah unfolded the book the familiar, beautifully decorated pages became visible

 

- It was!

What were the chances!

 

'Would you like to do them with me?' Sarah asked

'I think it would be perfect for you at the moment and it would be perfect for me too'

 

Celeste looked to the pages

It takes a village - getting clear on the support you need

Perfect indeed!

SO together as the bonds of sisterhood between the two mothers blossomed they filled out the worksheets and committed to a course of action together, a plan that mutually supported them both.

 

A conscious and intentional sisterhood had been formed there under the tree at the park that day.

A sisterhood that would feed and enrich them both beyond what they could ever imagine.

 

Much love
Lisa and Kaya
xx