Hello lovely friend,

I took this picture in the Lower Omo Valley in Ethiopia some years ago now. My friend and I were on holiday, taking a break from London. At the time we were as free as birds, flying by the seats of our pants through this breathtaking country. It’s only now that I realize how much I took that complete freedom for granted – I know it’s a cliché but if only I had appreciated it more at that.

We were visiting the Mursi tribe in the back of beyond when I snapped this photo of a Mumma and her babies. As a passionate travel photographer, I added this to the pile of photos that I liked but I never fully took on board the full meaning of what the image represented.

Recently, in the throws of motherhood with two children under three, the same photo caught my eye and struck a profound chord within me. I felt a complete affinity with this unknown woman. In terms of culture, language and way of life, we are worlds apart but the selfless love this mother conveys to her offspring – giving every last ounce of herself to someone else seems to be a universal phenomenon.

For me, this photo reinforces the unconditional outpouring of a mother’s own nutrients, energy and love to her dependants. It exemplifies the unconscious shift from “I” to “we” that will continue for the rest of that woman’s life.

My children bring me a huge amount of happiness and fulfillment and have been two of my greatest teachers. The sublime feeling of love I feel when I feed my baby in my arms is all-encompassing. In experiencing these sentiments there are also times when I have feelings of sacrifice and frustration at the surrender of my old self, my old ego and the loss of that frivolous free person who seemed so much more fun!

When I feel overwhelmed by the routine, the endless domesticity, the lack of ‘me time’ and the daily challenges that motherhood brings, I remind myself to find my motherhood mojo – translation – to find the balance in caring for my children and caring for me.

I aspire to nurture my children, to be present and ensure they are happy and secure, however, I also see the importance of nourishing the things that resonate with me and my path. When I do the things that I love and am passionate about (which can coexist with motherhood) this fills me with happiness and filters through to the happiness of my children, as they are (at this stage of their lives) an extension of my own feelings and emotions.

Much of my impetus for starting the Nourishing Hub has been based on this philosophy – women putting their own health first, not at the cost of others but rather for the benefit. For us to truly care and give to others, we need to feel empowered and fulfilled in ourselves, we need to have the physical and mental health and stamina to combat the daily demands of our overly busy lives.

As a mother how do you replenish and reward yourself?
Perhaps it’s a 10-minute meditation in the morning, a yoga class, going for a walk, a coffee with friends, going to an inspiring talk or creating a business or project for yourself. It doesn’t matter what it is, it’s about creating a guilt-free ritual each day to nourish yourself with those things that give you your mojo.

So this Mother’s day I hope we can celebrate the amazing selflessness of women, their devotion, compassion and commitment to others. Equally, I hope we celebrate women’s own unique needs and desires and nurture these like we would another member of our family.

if you missed our Mother’s Day Gluten Free Orange and Almond Cake Recipe click here.

Happy Mother’s Day!

Simone @ the Nourishing Hub X