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Selections from Good Mother, Welcome
by Ingrid Goff-Maidoff
illustrated by Heather Goff
As mothers
we pray
for a world of peace.
We pray for a world of joy.
We pray for the nourishment
and safety of our children.
We pray for wonder, enthusiasm,
goodness and truth,
for compassion, love and kindness…
We pray for discipline.
We pray for maturity.
We pray for courage and strength.
And we give thanks.
The way we live is the way we give thanks.
Our life is a dance of prayer and thanksgiving.
~~~
Honor your child.
Teach by example: honor yourself.
Encourage your child's life-enthusiasm,
his curiosity and self love.
Guide your child to a high estimation of herself.
Children who like themselves
make self preserving choices.
Children who feel loveable and worthwhile
make life affirming choices.
You are the model and the mirror.
If you want your child to enjoy life's adventure,
you must enjoy it yourself.
If you feel drained,
nurture yourself,
make space for yourself,
express yourself.
Do things that make you happy,
make you satisfied, give you joy.
Surround yourself with people who
encourage you, who honor you,
who help you feel loveable and worthy.
Our children are our future:
our future visionaries, leaders and healers.
The work of Motherhood cannot be measured.
It is so important.
The very earth depends on it,
just as we depend on the earth.
~~~~~
Although you are a mother now,
you still remain
the heroine of your own story.
There is a light inside you
that is yours to give the world.
There is a purpose
that is yours.
As a mother you are learning
patience, surrender, submission,
kindness, compassion,
the art of nurturing and love.
You are learning to lose yourself.
And still there is something more
that is you,
that is your individual gift to the world.
To keep your light burning,
to spark the light in others,
that is the challenge.
How to lose yourself
and yet be true to yourself,
to your own destiny~
no simple paradox:
the beautiful riddle of Motherhood.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
All will be tested:
your endurance, your limits,
your humor, patience, love…
There will be dark times.
Remind yourself gently,
"this too shall pass."
For greatest peace of mind,
choose to be where you are now.
Choose to be doing what you are doing now.
Accept the responsibilities that come
with the mothering season.
Embrace your journey with a heartfelt "Yes."
Acknowledge the people you share the journey with~
your children, your partner,
friends who honor and support you.
Commitment to these elements of life
brings clarity, strength, satisfaction,
and peace of mind.
Enjoy the journey.
You can't know where it will take you
or how it will end.
CLICK HERE TO BUY THE BOOK, GOOD MOTHER WELCOME
For more selections from Good Mother, Welcome, check out House Blessing and Body Blessing in the blessings area, and also the article "Motherhood as a spiritual path."
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