This month, in keeping with this year's theme of Generosity, I have something really exciting to share with you—but first, a little story:
A Vietnam War veteran once told me about when he was out in the jungle and came upon a herd of elephants. He watched as all the mother elephants got into a big circle to protect the babies in the middle. As he told me this story, his eyes reddened and he said,
"The thing I wanted more than anything in the world was to be in the center of that circle."
I knew exactly what he meant.
At the time, I'd been a mother for less than a year, and it wasn't at all what I expected. Motherhood was lonely, isolating, and alienating. I didn't know who I was anymore. I didn't feel like a mother. I certainly didn't feel like I could stand up and be the strong protector I wanted to be. I felt like a small, scared, lost baby elephant that wanted to be surrounded and held—but I didn't have a pack.
That image has stayed with me as I've talked with lots of mothers over the years. Whether our kids are infants, in elementary school, or have yet to arrive, so many of us feel confused, overwhelmed, and like we're missing our tribe.
So, I am thrilled to announce a new group coaching program for moms, where you can feel the joy, relief, and strength of being seen and surrounded by a group of women as you grow into the mother you truly want to be.
If this sounds like something you want to be a part of, just email me with a "YES!" and I'll follow up!
Weekly Gifts
This year I’m working on my theme of Generosity by giving at least one gift every week of the year, and to chronicle and reflect on them here.
Week 11, Mar 11-17: I spent a week sending meditative loving-kindess to myself and others, wishing for our peace, safety, happiness, and freedom, and WOW, I feel much so much more capable of giving now. Turns out that my old therapist was right: I did need to be more generous toward myself.
Week 12, Mar 18-24: I'm part of a women's/queer financial literacy group, and this week another member and I created a presentation on Investing 101. The time we took to organize the info was certainly a kind of gift, but of course, after presenting it to the group, I felt like I had received a major gift too in the form of my financial confidence.
Week 13, Mar 25-31: My mother-in-law was in town from Philly last week, and my own parents drove in from Seattle, as did my sister and her family, and we hosted everyone overnight at our house. It feels a little unfair to count that as a gift, rather than just what one does for family, but I think it's good to remember that we can give these things freely and generously, not just out of obligation.
Week 14, Apr 1-7: A writer friend spent three hours talking with me about the structure of my book and helping me get clarity for my next draft. It was an incredibly generous use of her time and talents, and as a thank you I took her out to dinner. It felt like a somewhat paltry gift in return, but I'm learning that part of generosity is learning to receive.
Week 15, Apr 8-14: The new mother's group coaching program I talk about above really is my generous offer for this week. I have been wanting to do something like this for YEARS, and I'm so excited to finally give it to my community.
If you are ready to be generous with yourself and join our motherhood circle, just email me with the word "Yes!"
Danielle LaSusa Ph.D. is a Philosophical Coach, helping new moms grapple with what it means to make a person. She is the creator of The Meaning of Motherhood course, which explores the changes in identity, meaning, and wisdom that come with motherhood. To join her mailing list, subscribe here.
© Copyright Danielle LaSusa PhD, LCC, 2021. All rights reserved.
