The "Good Mom" never seems to need anything, least of all help. She effortlessly and endlessly serves her family 24/7 with a serene smile on her face while she prepares Pinterest-worthy holiday crafts. This "Good Mom" makes us mere mortals feel bad when we have, oh, I don't know, basic human needs—and even worse when those needs aren't being met and we require...help.
2020 has taught many of us what it feels like to need help. But, it has also taught us how much we rely on each other, how interconnected we all are.
Because the truth is that the "Good Mom" gets lots of help, all the time. She would not be able to access the internet, phone, plumbing, electricity, transportation, food, water, most of the objects in her home, the building she lives in, education, etc., without the care and effort of a vast global network of other people helping to make this possible for her. Plus, the "Good Mom" tends to be white, upper-middle-class, heterosexual, and partnered, so, ya know, that helps.
"Help" is just energy and care moving through one vast interdependent web of being. So why not give–and receive–it freely and joyfully?
In spite of everything this year, we can still give and receive clarity, comfort, and connection. You can do just that in The Meaning of Motherhood, my six-week online course helping new and expectant grapple with the existential crisis of motherhood. Part philosophy class, part motherhood wisdom circle, this course has been called "transformative," "powerful," "magical," and "healing" by the women who have found community in it.
Danielle LaSusa Ph.D. is a Philosophical Coach, helping new moms grapple with what it means to make a person. She is the co-creater and co-host of Think Hard podcast, which brings fun, accessible, philosophical thinking to the real world. To join her mailing list, subscribe here.
© Copyright Danielle LaSusa PhD, LCC, 2020. All rights reserved.
