Here’s an explanation as to why I chose to name this blog Inspire Mama and what motivated me to start it. I chose to use the word mama for a couple reasons. First and most obvious is that the role of mama is paramount for me right now. Another not so obvious reason is that Mama can be used to describe any woman. When I lived in NYC and worked as a teacher in Spanish Harlem I was often called mama before I was a mother. The use of mama as a term of endearment even for young girls resonates with my soul. All women, even the ones who are not mothers, have amazing nurturing and creative abilities and so you’re all mama to me.
I chose the word inspire because it has a couple of meanings that fit the purpose for this blog. First, I love that it means to inhale deeply. I connect to this because of my studies of dance/movement therapy, yoga and meditation. These experiences have firmed my belief in the power of breath.
Even more significant to me, inspire means to be in spirit. After Isaiah was born, we both went through tumultuous times and I believe it was divine inspiration that finally eased our suffering. I will write about this in a future post. I’ve always had faith in prayer, but during Isaiah’s first six months I found myself talking to God nearly as often as I took a breath. One of my daily prayers is, “how can I serve” and this blog feels like an answer to me.
There are several reasons why I decided to start Inspire Mama. As far back as I could write, I have kept a private journal, which in the past has gotten me into some serious trouble with my parents and boyfriends. Maybe we’ll talk about that another time. Also writing helps me to process the things going on in my head and I love the idea of keeping a record of the day to day goings on of our life. And then there’s this crazy, intense desire to document Kai and Isaiah’s childhood through pictures, video and journaling. Where does that come from? Hmmm, another future blog post?
After a few months of soul searching, I’m beginning to discover myself again. The more effort I put into doing the things that I love the more energy I have to do more. I’ve been on a quest for sources of inspiration and I’ve found it in books, on websites and blogs, from my children, in nature, food and sometimes I find it within. I’m excited to share my discoveries with you.
I have to admit one of my reasons for starting the blog is self-serving. I think it will help to keep me on course. I hope it will motivate me to strive for my personal best. And maybe when I’m having a down day, it will help me to remember there’s so much to be grateful for and to strive for something better.
Better yet, possibly this blog will inspire my friends, family and friends-to-be to lead a more positive, creative, authentic and abundant life. Ultimately, I hope this blog will lead to the creation of a community of inspired mamas. Let’s share our knowledge and learn from each other’s experiences and creativity. Are you with me?