We want our website to make you feel INSPIRED and ENCOURAGED – not inadequate, guilty or more stressed.
With all the ideas showered on us every day (especially by the vast world that is the internet!) we would like to say upfront that we hope our site makes you feel good about yourself as a person… and not more overwhelmed by “what you should be doing” or “what you could be doing” with yourself, your children, and your family.
All the ideas here are simply put out there in case they might help you meet whatever goals you have for yourself and your family, and not at all to tell you what you should (or should not) be doing. All mothers have different interests, talents, and life circumstances, and this diversity of personality and experiences is part of what makes our community rich and beautiful.
In fact, we want to say upfront that we do not do all the things we post about here – and nor do we aspire to!
At this busy time in our lives (while raising small children!) we do not host all four core activities, decorate extensively and put on elaborate parties for each day of Ayyam-i-Ha, spend hours meditating and reading the Writings each morning, stay upbeat and positive throughout every moment of endless housework (especially when we wake up to the piles of dishes and laundry left over night), or even sleep through the night.
Nor are our children free from shouting, whining, hitting, or any other issue. No amount of education about virtues and exposure to Baha’i ideals can stop kids from being kids or erase their need to go through all the childhood experiences and various stages required in order for them to grow up. (That’s why we have to work so hard to train them so they can mature! And this will take TIME no matter what we do to help along the way.)
This site however is focused on recording the uplifting ideas about mothering as we feel inspired by our own personal reflections on the Baha’i Writings, and not the other issues. But please know, as you read whatever is recorded here, that many of those same dilemmas you face every day are most likely behind the scenes in our house too… and are taking place the other 23 hours of the day that we are not blogging!
We find sharing the tips we’ve found (and heard from other mothers, just like you!) is what gives us hope that we can improve, become more detached from the material world and the materialistic forces around us, and start afresh every day trusting in God’s grace and forgiveness. We hope you will share these same feelings as you read our posts.
The most important guidance you can get for being a mother is reading the Writings and reflecting on how you can live up to the high ideals as you personally decide… don’t add anything to your “to do” list that doesn’t help you with this.
So please, whatever you do, leave our blog feeling that you are not alone in your struggles. It’s not easy for any of us. Nor are you alone in your effort of striving to live a more uplifting and spirit-centered life even as you navigate the amazing (and sometimes heart wrenching) journey that is motherhood. We’re all in this together!
Here are some words to inspire all of us:
Wherefore, look not on the degree of your capacity, ask not if you are worthy of the task: rest ye your hopes on the help and loving-kindness, the favours and bestowals of Bahá’u’lláh — may my soul be offered up for His friends! Urge on the steed of high endeavour over the field of sacrifice, and carry away from this wide arena the prize of divine grace.
(Abdu’l-Baha, Selections from the Writings of Abdu’l-Baha, p. 23)
Sincerely,
Chelsea and Penina
