In today’s fast-paced and chaotic world, finding and maintaining inner peace has become a precious commodity. The demands of modern life, coupled with the relentless influx of information and distractions, can easily disrupt our emotional, mental, and spiritual balance. However, it’s essential to prioritize guarding your peace in these three crucial dimensions of life. In this blog post, we will discuss strategies and practices to help you protect your peace emotionally, mentally, and spiritually.

Emotional Peace: Cultivating Resilience

Emotional peace is the foundation of overall well-being. It involves understanding and managing your emotions, allowing you to respond to life’s challenges with resilience. Here are some key strategies to guard your emotional peace:

1. Emotional Awareness: Start by acknowledging your emotions without judgment. Understand that all feelings are valid, and it’s essential to embrace them rather than suppress them.
2. Mindful Breathing: Incorporate deep breathing exercises into your daily routine. Deep, intentional breaths can help calm your nervous system and create a sense of emotional stability.
3. Healthy Boundaries: Learn to set and maintain healthy boundaries in your relationships. This includes saying “no” when necessary and prioritizing self-care without guilt.
4. Positive Self-Talk: Challenge negative self-talk and replace it with self-compassion and positive affirmations. Treat yourself with the same kindness you would offer to a friend.
5. Seek Support: Don’t hesitate to seek professional help if needed. Therapy can be a valuable tool for processing emotions and gaining a deeper understanding of yourself.

Mental Peace: Nurturing Clarity and Focus

Mental peace is closely tied to your ability to stay focused, think clearly, and maintain a sense of calm amidst life’s complexities. Here’s how you can guard your mental peace:

1. Mindfulness Meditation: Practice mindfulness meditation to improve your concentration and reduce mental clutter. It helps you stay present in the moment and avoid getting lost in worries about the past or future.
2. Limit Information Overload: Be selective about the information you consume. Constant exposure to news and social media can overwhelm your mind. Set boundaries and take regular breaks from screens.
3. Organize and Prioritize: Create to-do lists and prioritize tasks. A well-organized schedule can reduce mental chaos and help you stay on track.
4. Learn to Say “Yes” to the Right Things: Avoid overcommitting yourself. It’s okay to decline invitations or requests that will stretch you too thin mentally. Focus on what truly matters to you.
5. Continuous Learning: Engage in activities that stimulate your mind and promote lifelong learning. Whether it’s reading, taking up a new hobby, or pursuing further education, mental stimulation is essential for peace of mind.

Spiritual Peace: Connecting with Inner Wisdom

Spiritual peace transcends religious beliefs and taps into a deeper sense of purpose and connection with the universe. Here’s how you can nurture your spiritual peace:

1. Meditation and Reflection: Spend time in quiet contemplation or meditation to connect with your inner self. It’s a path to self-discovery and can provide profound insights.
2. Nature and Solitude: Spending time in nature and seeking solitude can help you connect with something greater than yourself. It offers a sense of serenity and awe that can be deeply spiritual.
3. Practice Gratitude: Cultivate a sense of gratitude for the blessings in your life. Acknowledging the positive aspects of your existence can foster a deep sense of spiritual peace.
4. Acts of Kindness: Engage in acts of kindness and service to others. This can create a sense of purpose and connection to the greater good.
5. Explore Spiritual Practices: Explore various spiritual practices or philosophies that resonate with you. Whether it’s yoga, mindfulness, prayer, or a specific belief system, finding what aligns with your inner self is crucial.

Guarding your peace emotionally, mentally, and spiritually is a lifelong journey. It requires consistent effort and self-compassion. By practicing emotional awareness, maintaining mental clarity, and nurturing your spiritual connection, you can find balance and harmony in your life. Remember that peace is not the absence of challenges but the ability to navigate them with grace and resilience. Prioritize your well-being, and the world around you will become a more peaceful place as well.

In today’s fast-paced and often stressful world, many of us find ourselves grappling with a wide range of emotional, psychological, and interpersonal challenges. These challenges can take a toll on our mental well-being and overall quality of life. Thankfully, therapy has emerged as a valuable resource for individuals seeking help and guidance in navigating life’s complexities. Today, let’s explore the myriad reasons why therapy is so helpful and why seeking professional assistance can be a transformative experience.

However, it’s important to acknowledge the privilege it is to be able to afford mental health support, check your insurance benefits, and reflect on the need for more accessible mental health services in the United States.

Acknowledging Privilege

Before delving into the profound benefits of therapy, it’s crucial to acknowledge that access to mental health support can be a privilege not everyone enjoys. The cost of therapy and mental health services can be a significant barrier for many individuals and families. It’s a privilege to be able to seek professional help when needed, and we must be aware of this privilege while discussing the advantages of therapy.

Checking Insurance Benefits

If you have health insurance, it’s essential to explore your policy’s coverage for mental health services. Many insurance plans provide some level of coverage for therapy and counseling. By taking the time to understand your insurance benefits, you can make therapy more financially accessible. This step can significantly reduce the financial burden of seeking mental health support.

Advocating for Accessibility

While therapy can be profoundly beneficial, there is an undeniable need for greater accessibility to mental health services in the United States. Barriers such as high costs, limited availability of providers in certain areas, and the stigma surrounding mental health care can prevent many individuals from seeking help. It’s incumbent upon society to advocate for improved accessibility, reduced costs, and increased awareness of the importance of mental health. This includes supporting policies that prioritize mental health care and destigmatizing seeking help for mental health challenges.

The Transformative Power of Therapy

A Safe and Supportive Space

One of the most fundamental reasons therapy is so helpful is the creation of a safe and supportive space. In therapy, you have the opportunity to share your thoughts, feelings, and experiences without judgment. This environment allows for a deep exploration of your inner world, fostering self-awareness and personal growth.

Expert Guidance

Therapists are trained professionals with the knowledge and expertise to help you navigate your challenges. They can offer valuable insights, coping strategies, and evidence-based techniques to address a wide range of issues, from anxiety and depression to relationship conflicts and trauma. With their guidance, you can develop the skills needed to manage and overcome these obstacles.

Improved Mental Health

Therapy is a proven tool for improving mental health. It provides a structured approach to understanding and managing mental health conditions. Whether you’re dealing with clinical disorders or simply feeling overwhelmed by life’s demands, therapy can empower you to regain control of your emotional well-being.

Enhanced Self-Understanding

Self-discovery is a crucial aspect of personal growth, and therapy can be a powerful catalyst for enhanced self-understanding. By delving into your thoughts, behaviors, and past experiences, you gain valuable insights into the underlying causes of your challenges. This self-awareness can lead to positive changes in your life and relationships.

Coping Skills and Resilience

Therapy equips you with a toolbox of coping skills and resilience-building techniques. As you work with your therapist, you learn to identify and manage stressors, develop healthier ways of thinking, and build the emotional resilience needed to face life’s ups and downs.

Emotional Validation

In therapy, your feelings are not only acknowledged but also validated. This validation can be incredibly empowering, as it helps you accept your emotions as valid and legitimate. It’s a reminder that it’s okay to feel the way you do, which can reduce shame and self-criticism.

Improved Relationships

Therapy isn’t just about individual growth; it can also have a positive impact on your relationships. By gaining insight into your own patterns of behavior and communication, you can develop healthier interactions with others. Couples and family therapy, in particular, can be instrumental in resolving conflicts and improving relationship dynamics.

Goal Setting and Achievement

Therapy helps you set and work towards achievable goals. Whether you’re aiming to overcome a specific phobia, manage your anxiety, or improve your self-esteem, your therapist can help you outline a roadmap for success. This goal-oriented approach provides a sense of purpose and motivation.

Therapy is a powerful and invaluable resource for anyone seeking help in addressing life’s challenges and improving their overall well-being. It offers a safe and supportive environment, expert guidance, and a path to personal growth and self-discovery. It is also crucial to remember the privilege associated with affording mental health support. Furthermore, we must actively work towards a future where mental health services are more accessible to all, irrespective of their socioeconomic status, because everyone deserves the opportunity to benefit from the transformative power of therapy.

By investing in therapy, individuals can enhance their mental health, develop coping skills, and build more fulfilling relationships. Ultimately, the decision to seek therapy is a proactive step towards a happier, healthier, and more balanced life.

September is Suicide Prevention and Awareness Month, a time when we come together to address the critical issue of suicide. While suicide affects individuals from all walks of life, one particularly vulnerable group is often overlooked – mothers. Maternal suicide is a devastating and underreported crisis that deserves our attention and action. Today, we’ll discuss the alarming statistics, risk factors, and steps we can take to raise awareness and provide support to mothers in need.

The Silent Crisis:

Maternal suicide is a deeply distressing and tragically common occurrence that occurs when a mother dies by suicide during pregnancy or in the first year after childbirth. This silent crisis remains largely hidden from public view, overshadowed by the joyous narrative of motherhood. However, the statistics paint a grim reality:

1. Global Prevalence: Maternal suicide is a global issue, affecting mothers in every corner of the world. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), maternal mental health disorders, including depression, anxiety, and psychosis, are significant contributors to maternal suicides.
2. Underreporting: It’s crucial to note that maternal suicides are often underreported or misclassified as accidents. This means the true scale of the problem may be even greater than official statistics suggest.

Risk Factors:

Understanding the risk factors associated with maternal suicide is essential for prevention and support. Several factors contribute to the heightened risk of suicide among mothers:

1. Maternal Mental Health: Perinatal mental health disorders, such as postpartum depression, anxiety, and psychosis can significantly increase the risk of maternal suicide.
2. Social Isolation: Mothers who lack a strong support network or feel socially isolated may face heightened feelings of despair and hopelessness.
3. Stigma and Shame: Societal expectations of motherhood can create feelings of inadequacy and shame, making it difficult for mothers to seek help.
4. Financial Stress: Economic hardship and financial insecurity can exacerbate the stress and anxiety experienced by mothers.

Raising Awareness and Taking Action:

1. Break the Silence: The first step in addressing maternal suicide is breaking the silence surrounding it. Encourage open conversations about maternal mental health and the challenges mothers face during TTC, pregnancy, and postpartum.
2. Screening and Early Intervention: Routine screening for perinatal mental health disorders should be a standard practice during prenatal and postnatal care. Early intervention and treatment can make a significant difference.
3. Education: Educate yourself and others about the signs of maternal mental health disorders and suicide risk. Knowledge is a powerful tool for prevention.
4. Supportive Communities: Create and foster supportive communities for mothers. Building connections and providing non-judgmental support can be life-saving.
5. Advocate for Policy Change: Advocate for policies that support maternal mental health, including improved access to mental health services, paid family leave, and affordable childcare.
6. Seek Professional Help: If you or someone you know is struggling with maternal mental health issues or suicidal thoughts, seek professional help immediately. There is no shame in reaching out for support.

Maternal suicide is a heartbreaking reality that we must confront and address during Suicide Prevention and Awareness Month. By raising awareness, fostering supportive communities, advocating for policy changes, and promoting early intervention, we can work together to ensure no mother feels alone or unsupported during their journey through pregnancy and motherhood.

Let us stand together to break the silence and provide hope and help to mothers in need. Every mother deserves the chance to thrive and experience the joys of motherhood.

Perfectionism, often seen as a virtue, can paradoxically become a significant barrier to personal growth and happiness. While striving for excellence is admirable, the relentless pursuit of perfection can lead to stress, anxiety, and even paralysis. This complex behavior often has deep roots in shame. Feelings of inadequacy and the fear of being judged are at the core of perfectionism, making it essential to address this emotional underpinning while working on strategies to overcome it. In this blog post, we’ll explore some practical ways to combat perfectionism while delving into its connection with shame.

Perfectionism is often rooted in shame – the belief that one is inherently flawed or not “good enough.” This deep-seated sense of shame can manifest in the need to be perfect to avoid criticism or rejection. Perfectionists often set unattainable standards for themselves as a way to protect against possible blows to their self-esteem. Recognizing this connection is crucial because it allows you to address the underlying emotional issues that drive perfectionism.

1. Recognize the Negative Impacts of Perfectionism

The first step in reducing perfectionism is to acknowledge its detrimental effects on your life. Perfectionism can lead to procrastination, self-doubt, and increased stress. This self-imposed pressure can stem from a fear of shame and criticism. By recognizing these consequences and understanding their connection to shame, you can begin to understand why it’s essential to change your mindset and behavior.

2. Set Realistic Goals

Perfectionists often set impossibly high standards for themselves as a way to shield themselves from feelings of shame. Instead, aim for realistic and achievable goals. Break down larger tasks into smaller, more manageable steps, allowing yourself to celebrate small victories along the way. This approach not only reduces the pressure to be perfect but also increases your chances of success and helps alleviate the fear of not meeting those high standards.

3. Embrace the 80/20 Rule

The 80/20 rule, also known as the Pareto Principle, suggests that roughly 80% of outcomes result from 20% of efforts. In practical terms, this means that you don’t need to be perfect in every aspect of your life or work. Identify the most critical tasks or areas where your efforts will have the greatest impact, and focus your energy there. Accept that not everything needs to be flawless, addressing the perfectionist’s fear of being judged for perceived flaws.

4. Practice Self-Compassion

Treat yourself with the same kindness and understanding that you would offer to a friend facing similar challenges. Self-compassion involves acknowledging your flaws and mistakes without harsh self-criticism. When you’re more forgiving of yourself, you’ll find it easier to let go of perfectionistic tendencies and the shame that often accompanies them.

5. Embrace Mistakes and Learn from Them

Mistakes are a natural part of life and a valuable source of learning. Instead of fearing them, view mistakes as opportunities for growth and self-improvement. When you make an error, analyze what went wrong and how you can do better next time. Remember that no one, no matter how accomplished, is immune to making mistakes, and doing so helps chip away at the shame associated with imperfection.

6. Set Time Limits

Perfectionists tend to spend an excessive amount of time on tasks, often beyond what is necessary, driven by the fear of being judged if they don’t meet their own high standards. Set time limits for your activities and projects. This will force you to make decisions more efficiently and prevent you from endlessly tweaking or obsessing over details, reducing the paralyzing effects of perfectionism.

7. Challenge Your Inner Critic

The inner critic is the voice inside your head that constantly judges and criticizes your actions, often echoing the negative messages of shame. Challenge this negative self-talk by questioning its validity. Are your concerns based on facts, or are they rooted in irrational fears of imperfection and the subsequent shame? Developing a more balanced and rational perspective can help silence the inner critic and ease the burden of perfectionism.

8. Seek Feedback and Support

Don’t hesitate to seek feedback from others. Friends, family, and colleagues can provide valuable insights and help you gain a more objective view of your work or abilities. They can also offer emotional support, reminding you that you don’t have to face perfectionism and the accompanying shame alone.

Perfectionism, often fueled by shame, can be a tough habit to break. However, by addressing the emotional underpinnings of perfectionism and applying practical strategies, you can reduce its grip on your life. Remember that embracing imperfection does not mean settling for mediocrity; it means striving for excellence without the paralyzing fear of falling short. By setting realistic goals, practicing self-compassion, and learning from your mistakes while addressing the shame associated with them, you can lead a more fulfilling and balanced life free from the burdens of perfectionism.

Parenthood is a rewarding journey, filled with joy, love, and unforgettable moments. However, when your partner is frequently away on business, this path can become significantly more challenging. Believe me, I know! My spouse often travels for work, and all our family are 8+ hours and crossing many state line away from us!

Coping with the responsibilities of parenting alone while managing a household can be a demanding task. In this blog post, we’ll explore the unique challenges faced by parents when their partner is away on business and offer some valuable strategies to make the experience more manageable.

The Solo Parenting Struggle

Parenting is a team effort, and when one half of the team is away, it can feel like you’re navigating difficult waters alone. Here are some common challenges that arise:

1. Increased Responsibility:

As the sole caregiver during your partner’s absence, you must shoulder the full burden of parenting, from school pickups to bedtime routines. The sheer volume of tasks can be overwhelming, yet nothingness and recharging moments can be in short supply.

2. Emotional Toll:

Being apart from your partner can lead to feelings of loneliness and emotional strain. The absence of their support and companionship can be emotionally taxing.

3. Juggling Work and Home:

Balancing your career with the demands of parenting becomes more complicated when your partner is away. It often requires meticulous scheduling and strong time management skills.

4. Fatigue and Burnout:

The constant hustle of managing the household and taking care of your children can lead to exhaustion and burnout. It’s challenging to find time for self-care when you’re the primary caregiver.

5. Decision-Making:

Parenting often involves making important decisions together. When one parent is away, you may face tough choices alone, which can add stress to an already challenging situation. Decision fatigue is a real thing!

Strategies for Thriving as a Solo Parent

While parenting solo during your partner’s business trips can be demanding, it’s essential to remember that you can not only survive but thrive in these circumstances. Here are some strategies to help you navigate this challenging period:

1. Open Communication:

Maintain open and honest communication with your partner. Discuss your feelings, challenges, and expectations, and work together to find solutions that support both of you.

2. Build a Support Network:

Lean on friends and family for support. Having a trusted support network can provide relief and offer opportunities for your children to spend time with loved ones.

3. Prioritize Self-Care:

Don’t neglect self-care. Make time for activities that rejuvenate you, even if it’s just a short break for a walk or a relaxing bath after the kids are in bed.

4. Embrace Routines:

Establishing routines can bring stability and predictability to your children’s lives, making the absence of one parent easier to navigate.

5. Plan Ahead:

Plan meals, activities, and childcare in advance. Being organized can help reduce stress and ensure that you have time for yourself and your family.

6. Technology Connection:

Use technology to bridge the gap. Regular video calls with your partner can help maintain a sense of togetherness and allow them to stay connected with your children. Utilize virtual connections with family and friends to maintain social and emotional engagement!

7. Seek Professional Help:

If the challenges become overwhelming, consider seeking the assistance of a therapist or counselor who specializes in family dynamics and stress management.

8. Celebrate Reunions:

When your partner returns from their business trip, celebrate your reunion as a family. This can create positive memories and reinforce your bond.

Parenting when your partner is away on business is undoubtedly challenging, but it can also be an opportunity for growth and resilience. By implementing these strategies and maintaining a strong support system, you can successfully navigate the complexities of solo parenting and ensure that your children continue to thrive in your care. Remember, you’re not alone on this journey, and you have the strength to overcome these challenges.

In today’s digital age, social media has become an integral part of our lives. It connects us with friends, keeps us informed, and offers endless entertainment. However, it’s easy to fall into the black hole of mindless scrolling, wasting precious hours each day. To regain control of your time and make the most of your online presence, it’s crucial to be intentional about your social media usage. In this blog post, we’ll explore the benefits of mindful engagement and provide practical suggestions for decreasing scrolling.

The Importance of Intentional Social Media Usage

Social media can be a double-edged sword. On one hand, it provides us with valuable information and connections; on the other hand, it can be a significant time drain. Being intentional about your time spent on social media can lead to several advantages:

1. Increased Productivity:

By reducing aimless scrolling, you’ll free up more time for productive activities. Whether it’s work-related tasks, personal projects, or spending time with loved ones, being intentional about social media allows you to allocate your time more effectively.

2. Improved Mental Health:

Excessive social media use has been linked to stress, anxiety, and depression. Setting boundaries and curating your online experience can help protect your mental well-being.

3. Enhanced Focus:

Mindful engagement on social media enables you to concentrate on the content that matters most to you. This can lead to a more enriching online experience.

Practical Tips for Decreasing Scrolling

Now that we understand the benefits of intentional social media usage, let’s explore practical strategies to help you decrease scrolling:

1. Set Specific Goals:

Define clear objectives for your social media use. Are you using it for networking, staying informed, or entertainment? Knowing your purpose will help you stay on track.

2. Limit Your Time:

Use apps or built-in features that allow you to set daily time limits for each social media platform. When the timer goes off, it’s a signal to log off and move on to other activities.

3. Curate Your Feed:

Unfollow or mute accounts that don’t align with your interests or values. This will reduce the noise in your feed and make your social media experience more enjoyable.

4. Disable Notifications:

Turn off non-essential notifications to prevent distractions. You can check your updates when it’s convenient for you, rather than being constantly interrupted.

5. Create Designated Scrolling Time:

Allocate a specific time each day for scrolling through your social media feeds. This allows you to enjoy it as a planned activity rather than a default pastime.

6. Use Digital Well-being Apps:

Many smartphones now offer digital well-being features that track your screen time and app usage. Reviewing these insights can be eye-opening and motivate you to reduce scrolling.

7. Implement the 2-Minute Rule:

If you find yourself mindlessly scrolling, give yourself two minutes to decide whether the content is genuinely worth your time. If not, close the app and move on.

8. Embrace Real-World Activities:

Replace some of your social media time with offline activities like reading, exercising, or spending quality time with friends and family.

9. Reflect Regularly:

Periodically assess your social media usage. Are you meeting your goals? Are you happy with your online experience? Adjust your strategy as needed.

10. Seek Support:

Share your intentions with friends or family and ask for their support and accountability in your efforts to decrease scrolling.

By implementing these strategies, you can transform your social media experience from a time-consuming habit to a valuable tool that enhances your life. Being intentional about your time spent on social media empowers you to regain control and find balance in our digital world.

Check out my reel to see the built-in tools Instagram has to help you be more intentional!

Welcoming a new life into the world is a momentous occasion, filled with joy and anticipation. However, the perinatal period, which encompasses trying to conceive, pregnancy, and the first year postpartum, can also bring about significant emotional challenges for both the birthing person and their partner. Perinatal mental health issues, such as postpartum depression and anxiety, are more common than one might think.

Today, we’ll explore how partners can play a crucial role in recognizing signs of perinatal mental health issues, offering unwavering support, and knowing when and how to seek help.

Recognizing the Signs: The first step in being a supportive partner during the perinatal period is recognizing the signs of potential mental health issues. Keep an eye out for:

1. Mood Swings: Frequent and extreme mood swings that seem disproportionate to the situation could be indicative of a deeper emotional struggle.
2. Withdrawal: If your partner is withdrawing from activities they used to enjoy or isolating themselves from friends and family, this might be a sign that something isn’t right.
3. Excessive Anxiety or Worry: While some degree of worry is normal, if your partner is experiencing constant, overwhelming anxiety that interferes with their daily life, it’s time to take notice.
4. Fatigue: Persistent exhaustion that goes beyond what’s expected during the perinatal period might signal a mental health issue.
5. Changes in Appetite: Significant changes in eating habits—either overeating or loss of appetite—can be red flags.
6. Difficulty Bonding: Struggling to bond with the baby or expressing thoughts of resentment or indifference toward the baby could be signs of a deeper emotional struggle.

Offering Support: Being a supportive partner means creating a safe and understanding environment. Here’s how you can help:

1. Open Communication: Encourage open conversations about emotions and fears without judgment. Make it clear you’re there to listen and support.
2. Share Responsibilities: Help alleviate the stress by sharing responsibilities related to the baby and household chores. Don’t just tick things off your partner’s list; help create the list.
3. Encourage Self-Care: Remind your partner of the importance of self-care and watch the baby so they can take breaks.
4. Accompany to Appointments: Offer to accompany your partner to doctor appointments or therapy sessions if they’re comfortable with it.
5. Validate Emotions: Let your partner know that their feelings are valid and that seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness.
6. Educate Yourself: Take the time to learn about perinatal mental health issues so you can better understand what your partner is going through.

Seeking Help: Knowing when to seek professional help is crucial. If you notice the signs persisting or worsening, it’s time to take action:

1. Encourage Professional Help: Suggest therapy or counseling to your partner and offer to help them find a suitable mental health professional.
2. Emergency Situations: If your partner expresses thoughts of self-harm or harming the baby, take immediate action by contacting a mental health crisis hotline or a healthcare provider.
3. Family and Friends: Reach out to your support network for guidance and assistance. Sometimes an outside perspective can provide valuable insights. Remember to reach out to long-distance supports virtually as well.
4. Medication: If recommended by a healthcare professional, support your partner’s decision to explore medication as part of their treatment plan.

The perinatal period is a time of transition that can be challenging, but with the right support, couples can navigate it together. Partners have a crucial role to play in recognizing signs of perinatal mental health issues, providing unwavering support, and guiding their loved ones toward professional help when needed.

By working together, couples can create a foundation of emotional well-being for both the new parent and the newborn, fostering a healthier start to this beautiful journey of parenthood.

Amplify! Blog Guest Writer – Ashley Reckdenwald of Working Mom Notes

Women are always looking for the so called “village” but where is it? Do we have to pay for it or not? Over the past several decades, American society has promoted capitalism in exchange for community. In doing so, it has devalued the idea of caring for our children as a collective and has isolated parents.

Some of us find privilege in paying for resources and those resources become our community including nannies, cleaning services, before-and-after care, shopping delivery, and so much more. Others of us find privilege in help and support from family, close friends, and religious affiliations like their church, temple, or mosque.

The village comes in many forms and to define it as one thing only one way doesn’t work. Villages are meant to function as micro-units. They are meant to be unique. We should strive to look at parents who have built successful villages and take the parts that will work for each of us as individuals. There in lies the secret to the village. It doesn’t simply exist one way.

The hardest part? It doesn’t simply appear- you have to build it. So, build it to your specifications.

Is your village paid for or not? I think it’s multi factorial and paying for a village (if you can) shouldn’t be discounted. I hated the idea of paying for my village. It made me feel as if there was no one I could rely on who truly cared about me. But that was simply a narrative I chose to believe instead of looking at the bigger picture and the circumstances of those around me.

To this day, my village is a mix of those I pay to help me and those I’ve built relationships with over the past 8 years of motherhood. Villages take time, so don’t get discouraged. Different seasons call for different levels of village reinforcement.

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