Hi friends. Days and days of gray clouds and rain have given way to sunny skies, a gorgeous breeze and 74 degree temperatures here in Charlotte. I am sitting here working with doors and windows to my house open and I’m going to get out for a walk with the girls here in a bit to soak up the sun before the rain returns this weekend.
The beauty of this day is tinged with heaviness and sadness but despite that I’m also feeling hope and gratitude. Last night I taught a Valentine’s Day yoga class to over 60 gorgeous yogis and read them this message from Katherine Budig about love.
I have experienced many seasons of love in my life. Single, in-a-relationship, purposefully celibate, cheated on, lied-to, unrequited, blissed-out, engaged, married, confused, divorced …
I struggle to say any of it was ‘bad’. That’s like calling a tree scrawny because it’s December in the North East. It’s all part of the (hella intense) lesson plan.
On this Valentine’s Day, I’m sharing my love offering to anyone who reads this: a simple meditation for your heart. Put these affirmations on repeat and sit with them for 10 minutes or as long as it takes to feel them. Happy ❤ to all.
★ My love is never wrong.
★ My love was never wasted.
★ My love is mine to give.
★ My love flows on tap.
★ My (our) love is a freaking miracle.
Image: Just me on any given day meditating. I kid. Highly styled image by @disfunkshionmag
#aimtrue #meditation #heart #love
And then I walked out of class and received the notification on my phone about the school shooting in Broward County Florida and my heart sank. The constantly increasing incidence of of mass shootings, school shootings and gun violence in our country has got to stop. It’s terrifying, sad and senseless. There are so many things that I could say here about desperately needed changes to gun control policy and also to our approach to mental health but I’ll just leave it at something has to change, it needs to change soon and we need to be vocal about it.
So how does Kathryn Budig’s reading about love and the Broward County shooting relate here?
The last thing I shared before I closed class last night was how we have the choice to open or to close. Last year I read The Untethered Soul and the hardest hitting takeaway for me was when Michael Singer wrote that in every moment, every situation, every struggle, every challenge, every heartbreak…we have a choice. Are you going to stay open or are you going to close?
That hit me like a ton of bricks because my default is definitely to close. Staying open is probably the thing that I personally struggle with more than anything else. But staying open is one of the best and kindest things that I can do for myself and for all those around me.
A passage from The Untethered Soul…
The more you stay open, the more the energy flow can build. At some point, so much energy comes into you that it starts flowing out of you. You feel it as waves pouring off of you. You can actually feel it flowing off your hands, out your heart, and through other energy centers. All these energy centers open, and a tremendous amount of energy starts flowing out of you. What is more, the energy affects other people. People can pick up on your energy, and you’re feeding them with this flow. If you are willing to open even more, it never stops. You become a source of light for all those around you.
I’m bringing these two things together to remind us that our lives, our hearts and our worlds are messy places that are full of ups and downs as well as mysteries that we cannot understand. There are times when our trees of love are flowering, growing and thriving and then there are times when they’re withering and baron. Despite this, we best serve ourselves and others by staying open. There is so much beauty in our hearts if we choose to keep them open. There is beauty in joy and there is beauty in pain. Like Kathryn Budig writes, your love is never wrong.
This has been so evident to me lately as I’ve been on the receiving end of a whole bunch of kindness that has absolutely reminded me to stay open during a time of life that is full of transition, trepidation and unknown. As I have shared with you guys openly, my biggest struggle throughout pregnancy has been the emotional side of it. Please don’t ever mistake my uncertainty or fear as me not wanting baby boy. I want him more than anything. Pregnancy is just such a crazy time in life where you’re preparing for a life change that there’s honestly nothing you can do to truly prepare for. You can’t even imagine how your life is going to change, even if it’s something that you desire very much.
Couple that with some uncertainty around how relationship and career are going to unfold in the future (I’m sure that you guys have picked up that there is something going on but I am still trying to muck my way through it myself so please give me time), and it’s a bit of an overwhelming experience.
I am so fortunate to be receiving constant reminders that people are good and kind and that the world is still full of love. I’ve had blog readers send me baby gifts from my registry with sweet notes that have brought me to tears.
A friend with five daughters (including a four month old) brought me an epic comfort food feast of meat loaf, mashed potatoes, corn and mac and cheese. I’ve eaten it for dinner every night this week! Talk about selfless and loving. I don’t even know how she pulled this off.
My sweet grandmother sent me chocolate covered strawberries along with a note telling me how special I am to her.
And countless other examples. I honestly don’t think I’ve ever felt as unconditionally loved and supported as I have in my third trimester of pregnancy. It is the ultimate reminder of the power of staying open.
So I’m here today to tell you to AFFIRM YOUR LOVE, CHOOSE TO STAY OPEN and LOVE EACH OTHER WELL. This is how we keep going when the world seems broken and lost. We still have each other and we can choose to treat each other with love, respect and kindness. When we stay open and do this, we are able to be a source of light to those around us and show the world that there is another way.
Sending all of my love to you all,
Jen
Sending you so much love Jen <3 Thank you for sharing your life with us. I needed to hear this today.
Thank you so much Katherine. <3
Long-time reader, just wanted to send you and baby boy some love. Thinking of you <3
Thank you Kelly. xx
I am a long time reader too and I am sending you all positive thoughts for you and baby boy. As a Mum of two ( Canadian, obviously- see my spelling of Mum)- I can assure you that the roller coaster continues through childhood/ teen years. Your openness and amazing loving attitude will serve you very well. You will rock this motherhood thing.❤
Hi Mary – thank you so much for reading for such a long time and for taking a moment to comment. I can only imagine the roller coaster of all the different ages and stages. What a journey it’s sure to be. I’m looking forward to meeting him and figuring it all out together.
Frequent reader, but infrequent commenter. Just wanted to say that this post was just lovely. Sending lots of creepy internet stranger love to you and your boy, from me and my boys (my one-year-old son, and the 23-week-old boy-nugget currently kicking around in my uterus!). Wishing the best for all of you, whatever that turns out to be.
Hi Amy – thank you for reading and for taking a moment to leave a note. It’s not creepy at all, I promise. I love feeling connected to you guys and for this communication to go both ways. It means a lot to me to hear from you. Congrats on your pregnancy and I will be sending a lot of love back to you.
Send love and good wishes to you and your baby boy, Jen. You have a massive support network around you near and far. From your family, friends, co-workers and your blog readers, you are loved and supported. ❤️
*Sending**
Thank you Michelle. <3
Jen, thank you for your honesty in this post and giving us a little glimmer into your (rightfully so) more personal life. You have been on my heart and mind and I am just sending so many good thoughts your way! I feel like I have gotten to know you over the years through reading your blog! Wishing you a wonderful Thursday and into the weekend!!
Natalie
You’re welcome Natalie. Thank you for the support and encouragement. I appreciate you reading. <3
Thank you for sharing, Jen. I am 30 weeks pregnant with my first baby and have really appreciated your openness when it comes to sharing the good and the not-as-good about pregnancy. I wanted this baby and I am beyond thankful to be pregnant but nothing about it is easy. The physical and emotional challenges are no joke. And to add the additional stress of difficulty in a relationship is really tough. I so admire your ability to be grateful for the love you have around you. Your son is lucky to have a mother who is strong enough to stay vulnerable.
Hi Allison – I couldn’t agree with you more about pregnancy. It has absolutely been extremely challenging for me emotionally in ways I never imagined. I will be thinking of you as you get closer to bringing your baby into the world. I appreciate your support.
loved the honesty of this post. sending you love and hoping everything works out for you – and i know it will work out just as it is supposed to <3
i know that when i've gone through rough times, sharing and connecting with others is one of the things that helped the most! each story is unique but somehow it helps to know others have gone through tough times and have come through the other side even stronger.
Thank you Megan. And I totally agree with you, I know it will all work out the way it’s supposed to but it’s just hard to sit in the time of uncertainty/suffering. It’s amazing how much sharing and being vulnerable can help us in not feeling so alone. Because we aren’t…we all struggle and suffer and it’s important to talk about the lows as much as the highs.
I’m just so moved by your openness. Saying thank you feels like the only thing that makes sense. So, thank you.
You are not alone ❤️
Thank you Alicia. xx
I’m in the final weeks of my pregnancy and also can relate to how hard pregnancy can be. We want this baby so much and are so excited for his or her arrival, but I have had a really difficult pregnancy and honestly, I HATE being pregnant. But you can be super thankful for something but also really dislike the process at the same time. I feel like our culture romanticizes what it is like to be pregnant or puts pressure on moms to love the process of growing a baby. And some people do love it – and good for them! But some of us really struggle, either physically or emotionally. I think we’ve all sensed that you are dealing with another source of stress and anxiety in your life and that just makes pregnancy all the more hard as it’s a hard enough process on it’s own. I’m sending you lots of love and hugs, though, and I am glad you are being showered by so much love by those in your community!
I completely agree with you that it’s okay not to enjoy being pregnant even if the baby is something you very much want. I have enjoyed the actually pregnancy part of carrying him but the emotional part has really really pushed me to my edges. I will be sending you a lot of love, strength and prayers as you get ready to bring your sweet babe into the world.
Thank you for sharing. I find you to be such an inspiration in all things! I wish you all the best in love and life and always. Sending love and hugs from SoCal!
Thank you so much Katie. I’m grateful for your support and encouragement.
Sending you love and peace! Thank you for being so open ❤️
Thank you Emma. <3
Thank you for sharing your life with us and being so open with your readers. Sending positive thoughts your way.
You are so welcome Holly. xx
Love you Jen. You are an amazing person and will be a fabulous mom. Debi
Oh thank you Debi. <3 So much love back to you and I’m grateful for your support.
Jen, thank YOU for being open and letting us join you on your journey with baby boy <3 As a single female who has deep wishes to have children one day, the emotional part of it IS super scary but look how many people do it, partnered or not. Please know you are very loved! The community you surround yourself with is so lovely and I am glad to hear how by your side they are. Sending lots of love!
Thank you so much for the love and support Nicki. I know that I will figure this one out, however it all works out. <3
Tears are welling up for you. Goodness, Jen, you are loved. Very much so. Your life lights up and impacts people from across the country and I’m sure the globe. You deserve every bit of kindness shown your way.
Thank you so much sweet friend. I am grateful for you.
Jen, this is just beautiful. Every word. Thank you for sharing your light with us. Baby boy is fortunate to have a mama who brings such light into the world, as he will no doubt bring into yours. Sending you positive thoughts and wishing you the best as you work through what you’re going through and reflecting some light back to you.
Thank you Lauren for your love and support.
Sending love & hugs! My little boy is 11 months old, and this entire motherhood thing is a wild, sweet, confusing, amazing rollercoaster. You’re not alone, and you can do this!
Thank you Jess, so comforting to hear from moms who have gone before. <3
Sending you so, so much love during a tough time sweet friend. My door is always open if you need a change of scenery! xo
Thank you Teri. I miss our weekend visits. <3
Jen, what a beautiful post. As a fellow dog mom to a golden, I know your sweet girls are such a comfort through pregnancy and this difficult time. Dogs can really sense when we really need them! Sending good vibes to you and baby boy and the pups!
Thank you Abby. And yes, the girls are just the best ever. I am so grateful for them every day.
Longtime reader but rarely comment. Sending you hugs and love. Hope your tough situation gets easier soon.
Thank you Jenny. <3
Long time reader and Mom of a 4 year old and 7 month old sending love to you and baby boy. Pregnancy and motherhood are the hardest things you will ever do but the most rewarding. They are so worth it.
Enjoy the last few weeks of pregnancy and enjoy the kindness you’ve received. You deserve it.
Thank you for sending your support Stephanie. Yes, this has been unexpectedly harder than I ever dreamed but I also know that it will all be worth it when he’s here.
I’m thinking of you girl. I’m going through what I think is a similar situation that you are and I know how hard it can be. You’re so brave and being open is extremely vulnerable but it always helps others as well as yourself to heal. You’re not alone and life is messy and it’s crazy how we think it’s going to turn out one way and then just like that, everything is upside down. I’ve followed you for years and I live in Charlotte too and I know you have a wonderful support system and we don’t know each other personally but if you ever need to talk, I’d love to.
Sending positive thoughts always 🙂
Hi Blaire – I’m sorry to hear that you are also going through a period of uncertainty or struggle. I can’t agree with you more that our vulnerability helps others to feel not so alone and also to find healing. Life is so messy and crazy but I also know that I will figure this one out. Please know that the offer to chat goes both ways so reach out anytime. xx
Sending you tons of love, hugs and prayers ❤️❤️❤️
Thank you Sabrina.
Just another internet stranger chiming in to remind you how awesome and strong you are. Keeping your family in my heart. Your blog has been such a light in the darkest times of my life. Sending lots of love your way.
Savannah – thank you so much. I hope that we don’t feel like strangers to each other. I feel connected to you guys even though we’ve never met. I’m so luck to have this amazing community of kick ass women. I am always here to support you and everyone else. Please feel free to reach out if you ever need anything. xo
Thank you for being open to us. You are loved.
You are so welcome Ella and thank you for the love.
I just wanted you to know that I am thinking of you and your baby boy, Jen. Sending you my love. ❤️
Thank you so much Michelle.
Thanks for sharing your story and teaching us your ways. Your baby boy is so lucky to have such a strong mama, sending positive vibes your way!
You are so welcome and thank you for the comment and support.
Tears streaming down my face. Thank you Jen. I’ve followed your blog for years and have been worried about you. I’m not any more. You’ve got this and I’m so excited to see how your beautiful future with baby boy unfolds.
Oh Donna, thank you so much for caring and for loving. I am so grateful. I know that me and this baby boy will figure this out, however it all works out. <3
To me, who have been following you since you were married, you seem stronger than ever. I am so impressed by your journey and greatful for everything you share. I wish you so much happiness and love!
Hi Jeanna – thank you thank you for sticking with me for so long. I do feel like I have grown and learned so much about myself and the world around me over the last 6-7 years but I also know that there is a long way to go. I am grateful for this space to explore it and share it and for everyone’s love and support.
wishing you only the best now and always xoxox. You were always my favorite blogger (and first blog I ever read) and posts like this remind me why you are still my favorite. It’s so extremely hard to balance a personal blog with privacy and openness. You always seem to do it so well. And thank you for acknowledging what happened in Florida. I struggle to understand how so many other bloggers can continue to write posts as if nothing happened.
Meredith – thank you so much for the kind words. It is a tough balance to find but I’ve really come to learn over the years that a certain level of vulnerability is the absolute best way to connect and relate to others. None of us have it all figured out, nor should we be expected to.
Long-time reader, infrequent commenter.
Whatever happens Jen, you and your baby boy will be just fine. I’ve watched you grow and change over the years and I’m inspired by and – if I may say – proud of the woman you’ve become. You will be a fantastic mother and your baby boy is lucky to have you!
Hi Liz – thank you for reading for so long and for taking a moment to comment. I know that we’ll figure this one out. And I also know my heart will love like it never has once he’s here. I really appreciate you support and encouragement, it means a lot to me.
I love you. I love your great big heart. I love your vulnerability. I love you.❤️
Thank you thank you thank you Pam. xxxx
(Very) long time reader here. There is always a way forward, and you will find it. You always do. Sending you so much love and light, Jen.
First, thank you for reading for so long. Second, I completely agree with you and I know that I will figure this out.
Long time reader but never commented…this post was beautiful and well put. Whatever you are going through, you are going through it with such an impressive amount of grace and strength. I am the mom of a one year old and was in your shoes not long ago. I very much remember the weird combination of happiness and excitement to have my baby on the way and complete anxiety of being unable to prepare for what life would be like (especially hard for someone who is inherently a planner). Now a year on the other side, I can say with certainty that it is more wonderful than I would have ever imagined…harder in a lot of ways but so worth it. I tried to do so much “planning” but every day is different and just when you think you have the hang of it, things change again, but that’s ok because it’s all so worth it. Hugs to you and your baby boy from an internet stranger.
Hi Janine, thank you so much for taking a moment to leave a comment. It’s so wonderful to hear encouraging stories from those who have gone before. I am really just trying to trust that it’s all going to make so much sense once he’s here and I’m trying to be flexible and gracious with myself to let this process be whatever it is going to be…and let go of control.
I’m a long time reader but rarely comment. Prayers for peace, hope, love & clarity while you sort through things. Can’t wait to see that little man – in a totally, not creepy way!! LOL
Thank you Traci. And totally not creepy, I think about it all the time! I can’t even imagine what he’s going to look like and be like. It’s exciting to think about.
Beautiful post; I appreciated your honesty and openness while also giving yourself the time and space you need to work through all that is going on. You are going to be an amazing mother and baby boy is so lucky to have you! Wishing you all the best in the coming weeks.
Thank you Erin. With so much changing in life, I’m really trying to be gentle with myself when it comes to decisions and taking space. <3
Thinking of you! You are an amazingly strong person and have what looks like a great support system. I hate that you are going through uncertainty, but you will definitely come out stronger on the other side. Thinking of you and I hope you can feel the good vibes from your readers!
Hi Rebecca – thank you so much for the encouraging words.
Jen, simply beautiful, well said and great reminder to always stay open. I tend to close too, needed to read this today. Virtual hugs to you and baby boy.
thank you kim xx
Sending you a super big cyber hug. That little boy is so lucky you’re his mommy, and he’s going to be so in love with you. It’s the greatest, scariest, most rewarding feeling! And once you’ve felt it, you realize just how small everything else is in comparison ❤️ xoxo
Thank you so much Bridget. I am really trusting and believing that so much of this will make more sense once he’s here and I experience a whole new kind of love. <3
thank you for sharing the love, sending it right back to you. whatever is going on in your life right now – take the time to feel how you feel and work through it in whatever way you need to. Wishing you lots of blessings.
You’re welcome Chelsea. I am really trying to give myself a lot of space to feel and think. The sitting through is just sometimes the challenging part. <3
My pregnancy too was full of many uncertainties. Like you I thankfully had the support of friends and family. It WILL be OK, It IS going to be OK. Enjoy the ups and downs, many more to come, but its all worth it. Once you hold that baby boy it all becomes clear. I love your blog, thanks for sharing.
I’m sorry that you also experienced uncertainty in pregnancy. It’s definitely unsettling and stress-provoking. I DO truly believe that so much of this will make sense once he’s here and that my heart will open and change in ways I never dreamed. <3
This is a moment of suffering. Suffering is a part of life. So awesome you are being kind to yourself. We are all with you in your suffering too, sending strength and courage, discernment and love as you try to remain open. You’re already teaching that sweet boy an invaluable life lesson.
Jaima – thank you so much. Yes, suffering is an inevitable part of life and something you rationally know is normal but hard to sit through. <3
Long time reader, infrequent commenter. You’ve been on my heart and mind lately. Thinking of you, and sending lots of love and prayers to you and your little peanut!
Thank you Jess…for reading and for commenting on this post. I really appreciate your support. xx
Jen, you are an amazing, strong woman. All the love your way is a reflection of that. Adding my bit by thinking of you and sending my love and all the positive energy as well. You got this! x
Thank you so much Barbara.
Jen, I have read your blog from the beginning and always have admired your strength, honesty and the growth during the years. I feel honored that you share your journey with us. Love and blessings your way.
Best,
Lisa
Oh Lisa, thank you so much for following along for the long-haul. I am so appreciative. It’s been quite a journey to share my life on this blog and with my students and I have truly learned to appreciate how much power there is in vulnerability and sharing both the pretty parts of life AND the tough stuff. xx
Hi Jen,
My first time commenting on a blog ever, but I wanted to send you so much love today and every other day. You are powerful beyond measure, even to people you’ve never met and people you don’t even know. Thank you for being vulnerable and open and sharing your heart. You ares beautifully bold and badass and I feel the love you have for those around you and for humanity, even 2,754miles away in Portland. You inspire me and make me want to be better and love harder.
k
Kaitlin – how can I even tell you how much it means to me that you took the time to leave me this comment? I am so grateful for your words.
Jen, you are a tremendously inspiring person. Thank you for sharing YOU with all of us. You remind us that we are all in this life together and we can make our lives and the lives of others more meaningful by loving more, even when it don’t come easy (patty griffin song). Much love and the Valentine’s Day class was amazing. xoxoxo ?❤️?
Susan – thank you so much. Big love to you for being such a wonderful supporter and friend.
You are amazing. Long time reader I am thinking of you, you are so inspiring and strong. Hang in there. Take care xoxo
Thank you very much Shaye.
Thank you for your honesty. Having a baby is the most challenging thing we do as women and many times it goes unnoticed or brushed off. I struggled a lot after having my boys and in some ways will always struggle. I’m an introvert and the emotions and vulnerability I’ve experienced as a mom is more than I expected and sometimes more than I can handle. What I’ve come to realize is everything hard in life is sometimes the best part! I love being a mom and I’m sure you will too!
You’re welcome Alica. I love your note about the hard things in life sometimes being the best part. It’s so true. I know I will love it so much once he’s here but the anticipation is overwhelming sometimes.
Jen, I have emailed a few times, but read your posts often. My sister Ann introduced me to you years ago. I don’t follow any posts but yours!! I know I have been “called” to follow you. I hope that in itself brings a smile to your face. ;o) You look so amazing when you are smiling. We all count on your smile and your passion for living a healthy lifestyle. I am a mother of six children and could type a whole book for you, but just know that anything new takes time. I remember when our first son, Michael, was born; I worked so hard at making everything as perfect as I could, but with our sixth child I relaxed more because I knew so much more. Take the time to get to know him, stare at him, cuddle him, do yoga with him, breath when he breaths, nap when he naps, count his toes and fingers, sing to him, dance with him, and just embrace the moments because it will go by quickly. Each day is a miracle and no one can take away your joy. I knew something was going on about a week ago. In fact, I took time to read several posts back to figure out if I missed something. You are loved and our hero. God has a perfect plan and you must trust in His plan. I have kept you close in my thoughts and prayers. You are wrapped up and cuddled like a newborn baby during this time, and that should provide you comfort and peace beyond belief. If you need an extra set of hands during those first weeks; I would love to help!!! ;o))) Blessings sweet friend!
Hi Christy – oh my goodness. Your comment absolutely filled my heart with love and gratitude. Thank you so very much for reading and for your amazing support and for your advice to slow down and soak it up. I know so much of this will make sense once he’s here, if that makes any sense. And I do truly believe that God does have a plan through all of this.
I was in the same spot as you 3 years ago! It’s very scary! I got married, had a baby and changed jobs all in two months! I also delt with sadness throughout my pregnancy. I remember telling my doctor that I wasn’t ready for the baby to come yet towards the end. I will tell you that now things have very much retuned to normal and it was the best decision I have ever made! I would actually have another one if my husband would let me which I never thought I would say!! You will be a great Mommy & my thoughts are with you during this difficult time!
Hey Elizabeth, thank you for sharing your experience. It’s so helpful to hear that how others have made it to the other side of all of this stuff. <3
You will be an amazing mom! Your career is flexible. You have done so many things and have great qualifications. I’m not exaggerating when I say you could pretty much do whatever you want – teach classes, personal training, part time staff, online business, work from home, etc. Whatever fits your life and your baby’s life!
Thank you for the encouragement Holly. I am trying to keep my options WIDE OPEN and am exploring several options for making work “work” after he’s here. <3
I’m sorry you have so much uncertainty in your life right now, but you are so strong and I am sending so much love to you. I’m glad you have such a wonderful support network–it’s a beautiful sign of who you are! You get back what you put out into the world. 🙂
The uncertainty is the most unsettling part, you know. I am beyond lucky to have the most incredible and caring people in my life. I’m grateful every single day.
Jen, I’m so sorry you are having to go through whatever this is. Praying that all works out for the best for you and your little one! I have enjoyed following your story for a lot of years now. All the best to you!
Thank you Kristen. I am grateful for your encouragement.
Thinking of you during whatever difficulties you’re going through. <3
Thank you Emily.
Jen, thank you for this… it seems that I’m reading it at the perfect time for me… I am struggling tremendously with remaining open as it’s become (sadly) the norm for me to close myself off immediately. You are so inspiring, lead with so much strength and grace, and are a force to be reckoned with. Sending you some extra internet love, but I know you got this ❤️
You are so welcome Brittany. I’m so sorry to hear that you are struggling but please know that you are not alone.
You are about to experience love like you have never experienced before. Instant, deep, unconditional love. This love will never fail you, it will always see you through. It will make you feel as though you could move mountains. And the love you will receive will be beyond anything you can imagine. I know you already love your baby boy, but just wait until you meet him. The best is yet to come and you deserve it. Your life is about to change in the most amazing way. Yes it’s scary, but oh so worth it. You were destined to be a mother. ❤️
Sarah – how can I thank you enough for these words? You are amazing. I want to cut them out and glue them to my mirror so that I can read them every single day.
this is a really beautiful post, so thank you! you are open with this blog, and i hope you feel all your readers thoughts, prayers, love, good vibes, good energy, bc we feel it back in your writing.
whatever is going on, you are one strong, amazing woman who will no doubt be an awesome mother. sending a virtual hug just because <3
Thank you so much Adrianna. I am so grateful for your love and support. <3
I loved reading this today, Jen. Thank you for your honesty and openness. I have been absent around the studio as of late so I’m not sure what’s happening, but whatever it is, I know you’re going to meet these challenges very capably, lovingly and honestly.
As for the uncertainty that lies ahead with Baby Boy…your instincts are right. The whole thing is so…so different, so unexpected, so “so many things.” I’m a mom of 2 and I’ve had so much ambivalence about this stage of my life, raising 2 human beings! It sounds like you are approaching it just right: with openness and hopefully, no predetermined expectations.
Anyway I hope these ramblings from a reader and sometimes student of yours isn’t weird. I have enjoyed your blog and your yoga classes very much over the past 2 years so I wanted to give some encouragement to you.
Good luck and keep sharing when it feels good to you!