It’s all too easy to be absorbed in our own little world. We know the circumstances that we find ourselves in and the trials that our family are going through but sometimes it is really good to open our eyes wide and see what else is happening in the world, outside of our bubble.
This month I want to share with you posts that will widen your perspective and demonstrate to you how others are living differently –
I’ll start you off with this wonderful post from Tania at Larger Family Life. It is so refreshing, as it is completely counter cultural. Whilst most people are striving for more and wishing their children have every gift life can offer them but Tania is desiring that her children have less in life and I am right with her.
Claire at Clarina’s Contemplations has written a post I really enjoyed on a similar theme but her motivations come from a different place. This post titled ‘On cluttered lives and seeking simplicity’ is a super positive read and really helped me to know that the dissatisfaction and the longing for order and simplicity that we all feel at times is no bad thing it is just a guiding light towards our future.
Gosh I really love this next post, it is so thoughtful and may just turn a few people’s thinking on its head. Kate at A Playful Day wonderfully helps us explore the myth that we shouldn’t be sharing our great moments on Instagram, for fear of offending someone. I won’t spoilt the post as you need to read it but what a great way to think when you see something idyllic on another person’s feed. Thanks Kate, I’ve not stopped by your blog before but I’ll be back, you had me sold when I read the following on your about page -“From the very start, this place has been somewhere to collect thoughts and document things that bring joy and strength.”
The start of a five-part series from An Ordinary Mummy shares the tale of the first months of the life of her premature twins, born at 31 weeks gestation. I was super lucky that I practically got to full term with my twins and thus never had to go through the heart wrench of leaving your children in special care or worrying that their lungs were so weak they were susceptible to a deadly infection.
I think it is always good to be educated in new areas and thus I was pleased to read Miriam’s recent post at Faith Mummy. She describes how many think of autism as being a hidden disability but for her and her son that is not the case as his behaviors and actions make it quite obvious, which of course provokes different responses from people. Then oh my goodness, I happened to be looking through Faith Mummy’s twitter feed and I came across this post where she shares her pride in her 5-year-old daughter and boy did I have tears in my eyes. Go on, nip over and have a read.
Next up is a feel-good post from Suzanne at 3 Children and It. I’m just about to head into the parenting a teen season and this post gave me lots of hope for the years ahead. All you hear from many is despair and despondency but not so for Suzanne, it always appears to me that she has come into her own parenting her teens.
I recall a few years back reading a series of guest posts over on Down Side Up and gaining a snippet, a short insight to the lives of some parents of children with Downs Syndrome. One of the posts was by Sarah Stevens and it was a delight to read again just recently how her life has changed and progressed over the last three years. She shares a photo of her son George with us and I am captivated, he looks like the most cheeky and delightful young boy.
I’ll leave you with a great post from Dr Juliet McGrattan posting over at The Joy Chaser about what helps her to be positive and a real inspiration to many. As a Mum of three, GP and Clinical Champion for physical activity with Public Health England she is the perfect person to inspire us to move more and look for the joy in everyday life.
Send us your inspiring posts for the next round-up and stop by some of the ones featured to leave a comment!
About Michelle Pannell
Mummy from the Heart is the fourth baby of Michelle, a 46 year old (manic) mother living in East Sussex. Having moved to the countryside and ‘retired’, Michelle can now be found eating too much cake and taking long walks. She lives life on the bright side and looks for the joy in every situation, even the excess pounds those cakes keep adding! Michelle’s blog is a very honest place where she shares tales of imperfect parenting, being a Christian digital activist and anything else that takes her fancy.
Hayley - Downs Side Up
Wednesday 18th of May 2016
Thank you so much darling Michelle for sharing Sarah's post in your round-up. I'm off to tell her now, she'll be delighted. And what a wonderful round-up with familiar names and new. That's this morning's reading taken care of. Love to all Hayley xxx
Michelle Twin Mum
Wednesday 18th of May 2016
Thanks Hayley, it's an absolute pleasure to share. Mich x