Recently I had the opportunity to throw a small book launch party for Motherhood Realized. The timing was perfect, just a few days before Mother's Day! It gave us a chance to gather and reflect on motherhood.
And enjoy some Italian Sodas. Mmmm. The ladies who attended were so wonderful and brought snacks to share as well.
Every time I gather with a group of women and have the chance to get down to the meat of motherhood, womanhood, and really just listen and learn from each other . . . . I always feel so refreshed.
And then I wonder why we don't do it more often! It can be difficult sometimes to move past the park/playgroup small talk, but when we do (with others who are tender towards & understanding of our hearts) it can be so enriching.
We need each other. (I love this podcast on this very topic).
So I loved having this opportunity to meet with a few friends, peel back the layers a little more, realize that we have the same concerns/conversations/hopes for our kids, and just enjoy being together for an evening.
We watched several video clips of Motherhood Realized authors reading excerpts from their essays. And we discussed what stood out to us, what we learned.
Here is one VIDEO if you'd like to take a peek! Topics include really listening to your children in an effort to build trust & communication lines, getting through our personal tunnels and finding light, and redefining what is a "good mom."
Before the party I sent everyone a copy of one chapter from the book (you can also get it HERE) so that we could read it ahead of time and be ready to discuss. The essay was a good reminder that your children want you! We don't need to compare ourselves against someone else, or try to be the unrealistic supermom that is born from everything that we see on Pinterest. Our kids could really care less - they just want a mom who loves them and who is happy.
I love this quote from the cover of the book. It sums it all up:
"Motherhood is rarely what we think it will be. But when we gather with other deliberate mothers and share our most powerful perspectives -- like the ones in this book -- our mothering experiences can become even better than we hoped." -Linda Eyre, New York Times bestselling author
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I was thrilled to find these cute printables that really pulled things together and made my party a breeze!
Italian Soda printables : Our Best Bites
Mother's Day party printables : One Charming Party
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Power of Moms has a program that can help you put together a monthly gathering just like this - Learning Circles. It is part book group, support group, and girls' night out. For more information on starting your own click on the button below:
