THE MARATHON OF MOTHERHOOD AND LIFE

This week I bumped into an old friend I hadn't seen in a while. I was out walking on a gorgeous Saturday morning and she was waving her son off as he ventured across the lake in his boat. Immediately we began the cross-questioning of catching up on each other's lives. Mothering. Work. Health. Happiness. This conversation led to me sharing my philosophy on life being a marathon, not a sprint.

Whether you're a runner or not, the difference between these two events - and the mindset to match - is obvious. Sprinters go full-pelt, smashing out their run as quickly as possible. They push hard to get the result they're aiming for. In contrast, distance runners have a totally different game-plan. There's still strategy, but it focusses on a slower, more consistent run to achieve their goal. Patience and belief matter.

It's true that sometimes mums have to sprint to get to the finish line, but that shouldn't be every day for 18 years. Or more! Life and leadership should be run - should be strategic - like a marathon. And by leadership, I'm talking parenting. After all, you're leading children, the most vulnerable, for the longest time, with the greatest power to influence. Yep, parenting DESERVES time for leadership mentoring. 

Back to the conversation by the lake. As I was reflecting on the last two-and-a-bit years with my friend, I mentioned how I deliberately took time to remind myself of the marathon view of life, 'cause I know I can do a sprint mentality really easily ... and the results aren't always great 🫣 You know how it is: life throws you curve balls, layers expectations and challenges on you from what feels like EVERY angle,  and before you know it, you're running that race!

I'm sure you know as well as I do, sprints aren't meant to go forever, so when mums exert themselves, pushing, pushing, pushing, go-go-going 24/7, they burn the candle at both ends and SOMETHING GIVES. They yell at the children, break down, get an injury, make mistakes, forget things, ruin relationships, hurt people or hurt themself. They lose sleep, forget the importance of taking care of themself and their body starts to pay the price. So does their mental health. I speak from experience. Can you relate too?

I'm not blaming mums 😔

Staying in your serene, personally aligned marathon jog or walk, with an audio book or your fave music playing is not easy! Heck, there's a zillion offerings coming at you from social media, school requests, children, friends and family, not to mention your own brain thinking, wondering, worrying. Nope, marathon running is not for the faint-of-heart, but that doesn't mean you stop. The fact is, the human game of life requires you to get from Point A to B and using this analogy, you're either sprinting through life or coasting through life (with some need to sprint from time to time😉)

What part of the marathon is this season of life for you?

• Have you been sprinting too long and it's time to slow down, catch your breath, calibrate and re-energise?
• Have you just been dealt a hand of cards that requires you to get your mental & physical game on because you're going to have to push hard for a while? Maybe you're moving house, you've got a loved one in the hospital or you've gone back to study?
• Are you jogging with ease, because you've been preparing your mind, body and environment for this life? You might be undertaking what looks like a lot from the outside, but you've gotten so clear on your limits and your strengths, that designing a life of considerate boundaries and aligned values makes it do-able over the long-term.

Where ever you are in your race, know most of it is a mental game. Your mind is where your power is, especially when you're honest with who you are and how you want to live.

If you want to learn more about training your brain to work for you, not against you, if you want access to like-minded women, or you'd like specific support, I invite you to join us in my signature coaching container, EMPOWERED, the membership to empower you and your child.

Until then, stay amazing and enjoy

Catherine