This title came to me as I was getting out of bed this morning. I didn’t even know the Bob Dylan song (I’m listening to it as I write to you!), but I certainly knew the title, and it seems so apt to me. I see that the times really are a-changin’.
I believe that we will look back to this time and see it as a time of profound cultural change.
All around me, I see women creating change in their life. And I see women supporting each other, encouraging each other, and inspiring each other to be all that they can be – to share their gifts in the world, and to be the best mother they can be. And to bring compassion when times are tough, and when we aren’t giving our gifts or being the mother that we want to be.
Our culture is changing. No longer is it about big businesses. We don’t need to do business degrees to start up our own businesses. We can be passionate about something and simply start doing it. We can combine it with being with our children, staying at home if we want, and creating our own support tribe.
I went and talked with the Gold Coast Aware Parenting support group on Friday, and was so touched by what I saw and heard. Some of the women there have been meeting for two years, since they started their natural parenting group. And they have become family. The six of them take turns caring for each other’s children. Three of the mums will look after six children. And another day it will be another three mothers doing the caring. Meanwhile, the other three mums can go and do nourishing things for themselves, like go for a massage or see a movie. And they can also get things done that can be challenging when there is a toddler around, like doing their courses, or their businesses, and doing things around the house. They spend nearly every day together. They have created their own tribe. The kids see each other nearly every day of the week, so they have secure attachments not only with their mum and dad, but another five women. When I heard them talk about this I wished I had something like that! How amazing that they created this circle of support for themselves and their children.
I really think that women are designed to spend lots of time with other women.
I see it happening online too. In the amazing Launch a Little Course I did, there is a huge amount of support and love. If someone needs technical help, it is freely given. If someone needs empathy, it is given. If someone gets scared or is about to give up, everyone bands together to tell them that they can do it. And if someone shares something amazing they have just done, everyone celebrates and cheers.
In the last few generations, perhaps since the Industrial Revolution, women were separated. Competition became the norm. Who had the best washing machine, the newest car, the most successful husband, the slimmest figure and the most well-behaved kids.
It is this which is changing. We are saying “NO” to competition, comparison, judgment and lack. Our culture is changing. Technology makes it possible for us to connect with like-minded people on social media. Technology means we can set up our own businesses and combine it with our family life in ways that nourish us and let us make true choices in the world. And most of all, we are celebrating other women when they shine and be all that they can be. And each time we do that, we allow our own light to shine.
I’m seeing it in my Love Being a Mother at Christmas Course Facebook group too. One beautiful woman talked about “generosity of spirit” and that is what I see emerging.
And as we have generosity of spirit towards other women, inspiring them, encouraging them, giving support and empathy and love, so we are creating a new world for our children.
Do you let yourself be inspired by other women? Last year I was inspired by Danielle La Porte and Marie Forleo. This year it is Lisa Messenger and Jana Kingsford. I read words written by Lisa and Jana and they inspire me to share my gifts, to keep learning, to do what I’m here to do.
Do you let yourself feel deeply connected with other women?
I have my core group of beautiful women friends, and I also have so many women in my life whom I absolutely love. I am so grateful that I get to meet so many beautiful women in doing what I do. I feel such love and warmth when I think of everyone whom I have met in my travels and workshops in Sydney, Melbourne, the Gold Coast, and Byron Bay. I look through my Facebook friends and am filled with joy and gratitude that I actually know so many of you and simply love you.
Are you finding this in your life? Feeling a sense of belonging, of support, of inspiration? I hope you do. And if that isn’t quite your reality, do you want it to be? and are you willing to allow it to come into your world?
As ever, I’d love to hear if any of this resonates with you.
So much love to you,
Marion
xxxx
