More gutted tree over here.😆 Like you, but for different reasons (on mat leave with second), I’ve been struggling recently to make time for writing, journaling, all those activities I had ample time for pre-kids. And I’m feeling it! Trying to claw back some sense of selfhood but it’s not always easy.
Yes absolutely, Ren. I’m sure many of us are feeling it. But we’ll get there. It’s the season of motherhood we are in but Spring is coming! Thanks for reading.
Flamingos lose their pink coloring when they’re stressed, malnourished, or unable to access their usual sources of carotenoids (the pigments in algae and crustaceans that make them pink). Similarly, many mums may feel like they’re “losing their color” — feeling drained, overwhelmed, or worn out — because they’re constantly giving of themselves without time to replenish. I’ve noticed this more of a common analogy rather than the trees. I don’t know any plants or trees really and I’ve killed all the ones I’ve had lol I don’t take after my grandad with those green fingers.
But both are powerful ways of showing how self-care and proper nutrition (in a physical, emotional, and mental sense) are essential for everyone, including mothers who might otherwise forget to take care of their own needs.
Yes I have heard about the flamingos. I often wonder if there were a more obvious visual draining of colour for us, as mothers, we may get more support! Thanks for reading, Leesh
I think we do. I just think we worry too much nowadays.
Back in the day, nanny would just help neighbours without asking. She would feed other kids in the area and give them a bath. She wouldn’t hesitate. She knew what struggling was like but still managed to help and assist where she could.
But now, you wouldn’t dare. You ask for permission. You say ‘let me know if you need anything’ but people don’t. We’re not wired up to ask for help but we struggle and it’s tough.
Some get upset at the help. My nanny would help my mum, she would come over and clean, cook and sort me and my siblings out getting us ready for bed. I remember my mum would come home and kick off for some reason. Saying she is interfering. Honestly, if nanny didn’t do it then it wouldn’t have got done or it would have been on us as children to do it. At such a young age it’s quite hard to believe it was my responsibility to wash mud off areas I couldn’t reach or see, or apply sun cream to those same areas, or brush my teeth twice a day without being reminded, or my hair or remove the nits and protect my thick bob style hair from getting them again.
I digress.
I think it’s obvious when someone is struggling. I think it shows in the individuals hair, nails, skin tone, eyes and energy. I’ve always noticed. On some occasions I have just turned up or checked in at the right time and I do my best to listen and be there. Sometimes that’s all you need to do for someone is carry some of the weight of their burdens. But equally when you’re low it’s the last thing you want to do because you don’t have enough of you to go around. So it isn’t always personal why people don’t show up or offer help when you’re quite blatantly needing it.
But people just need to be brave enough to get involved.
When kids cry or hurt at the park, back in the day they’d have parents around helping. Now it’s become normal to watch and wait how long until their parent acknowledges and watches what they’re doing about it almost judging.
People don’t communicate anymore I don’t think. They’re all too cautious and reserved. Which sets an example and the cycle continues
More gutted tree over here.😆 Like you, but for different reasons (on mat leave with second), I’ve been struggling recently to make time for writing, journaling, all those activities I had ample time for pre-kids. And I’m feeling it! Trying to claw back some sense of selfhood but it’s not always easy.
Yes absolutely, Ren. I’m sure many of us are feeling it. But we’ll get there. It’s the season of motherhood we are in but Spring is coming! Thanks for reading.
Thank you! Spring is coming — love it. ♥️
Flamingos lose their pink coloring when they’re stressed, malnourished, or unable to access their usual sources of carotenoids (the pigments in algae and crustaceans that make them pink). Similarly, many mums may feel like they’re “losing their color” — feeling drained, overwhelmed, or worn out — because they’re constantly giving of themselves without time to replenish. I’ve noticed this more of a common analogy rather than the trees. I don’t know any plants or trees really and I’ve killed all the ones I’ve had lol I don’t take after my grandad with those green fingers.
But both are powerful ways of showing how self-care and proper nutrition (in a physical, emotional, and mental sense) are essential for everyone, including mothers who might otherwise forget to take care of their own needs.
Yes I have heard about the flamingos. I often wonder if there were a more obvious visual draining of colour for us, as mothers, we may get more support! Thanks for reading, Leesh
I think we do. I just think we worry too much nowadays.
Back in the day, nanny would just help neighbours without asking. She would feed other kids in the area and give them a bath. She wouldn’t hesitate. She knew what struggling was like but still managed to help and assist where she could.
But now, you wouldn’t dare. You ask for permission. You say ‘let me know if you need anything’ but people don’t. We’re not wired up to ask for help but we struggle and it’s tough.
Some get upset at the help. My nanny would help my mum, she would come over and clean, cook and sort me and my siblings out getting us ready for bed. I remember my mum would come home and kick off for some reason. Saying she is interfering. Honestly, if nanny didn’t do it then it wouldn’t have got done or it would have been on us as children to do it. At such a young age it’s quite hard to believe it was my responsibility to wash mud off areas I couldn’t reach or see, or apply sun cream to those same areas, or brush my teeth twice a day without being reminded, or my hair or remove the nits and protect my thick bob style hair from getting them again.
I digress.
I think it’s obvious when someone is struggling. I think it shows in the individuals hair, nails, skin tone, eyes and energy. I’ve always noticed. On some occasions I have just turned up or checked in at the right time and I do my best to listen and be there. Sometimes that’s all you need to do for someone is carry some of the weight of their burdens. But equally when you’re low it’s the last thing you want to do because you don’t have enough of you to go around. So it isn’t always personal why people don’t show up or offer help when you’re quite blatantly needing it.
But people just need to be brave enough to get involved.
When kids cry or hurt at the park, back in the day they’d have parents around helping. Now it’s become normal to watch and wait how long until their parent acknowledges and watches what they’re doing about it almost judging.
People don’t communicate anymore I don’t think. They’re all too cautious and reserved. Which sets an example and the cycle continues