Motherhood truly is the greatest adventure there is. Along with our founder Sharnee, we talk to three truly inspirational mothers to hear all about this incredible journey in honour of Mother’s Day.
Mother to both Wandering Folk and an energetic little bub, Sharnee is the ultimate adventure mama…
What have you learnt about yourself in your motherhood journey?
It’s funny how your little person can be a reflection of you, so you see all your habits good and bad playing out firsthand in front of you. It makes you very aware of your actions and emotions. It’s all a big learning journey that is heart warming and overwhelming at the same time. I have learnt that I’m quite reactive to certain situations and that I need to take a breath and step back before reacting to it, to show more compassion to how Velvet see things and how she is learning. Velvet is a very intelligent toddler which is so beautiful in so many way’s but I often forget she is only 2 and a half, she is my biggest teacher.
Why is a lifetime of adventures so important to you and your family?
My fondest memories from my childhood are camping with my family, I believe it’s been a big part of shaping my love for the environment and adventures. Velvet thrives when she is outside and already loves going on adventures, whether it’s a walk on the beach or a weekend away, I feel it’s so important for us to still try and live our adventure filled life as much as we can with our little ones in tow. It may look a little different to what we used to do before kids but the excitement in her face and our happiness while we are out in nature is worth all the hard work of making it happen.
If you could use 3 words to describe motherhood what would they be?
Loving, Growing, Overwhelming.
Elise Cook is inspired by her children to look at this world in awe… We find out more about her mindset around motherhood…
What have you learnt about yourself in your motherhood journey?
For me, motherhood has brought a sense of peace that was definitely a surprise, and a welcome one. On one hand life is busier and fuller with a lot less rest, but at the same time my heart feels steady, calm, and sure.
Pip is an absolute joy, and lights up every day for me, and I find myself laughing sun up til sun down. But there have been some big shifts internally since transitioning into motherhood.
I don't question so much about myself anymore. I feel incredibly comfortable, and happy, in my skin. I feel proud of my body in a way that runs deep. After going through sleep deprivation, and the brain scatter it brings (for months!), I feel proud of my mind now that it has re-joined the party too, haha!
I have also learnt to be protective of my energy, set boundaries, and I've been surprised by the ease that has brought.
I feel like motherhood demands so much presence and energy that it forces you to re-evaluate how you use the precious time and energy you have spare to give.
I used to say yes to just about everything and never want to let anyone down. Now, I have no hesitation saying no when I need to, and I've learnt that setting boundaries and being very thoughtful about where I give my energy can lead to richer connections and relationships within my community. Wherever I am, I am fully there.
It's also the reason I now spend large chunks of time offline, and I don't give it much thought. It feels nice.
When I do decide to jump on and give a little energy in that space, I really enjoy it, but I don't feel a need to be constantly present.
I just want to be present in my world, and with my girl.
Why is a lifetime of adventures so import you and your family?
For the sense of freedom it brings, to the heart and the mind.
It's something I want my children to feel, often. And I want them to experience me and Dom when we are in that state of being, often.It's about developing curiosity, and practicing awe and wonder. Being interested in whats around us, looking up at the sky and the stars, and being inspired by new horizons,
If you could use 3 words to describe motherhood what would they be?
Heart expanding, humbling and hilarious.
Self described as a freelance dreamer living in a sunshine state of mind, Bohannah of @thesimplefolk_ inspires us to slow down and embrace the moment.
What have you learnt about yourself in your motherhood journey?
Motherhood has taught me that I don’t need a lot to be happy. Before children, we built a big house with lots of rooms, filled with excessive furniture. As the years have gone on, our possessions are becoming less and less yet more meaningful. My children have taught me to put much greater value on immaterial things - love & closeness, time spent well together, making memories. These things don’t need a house. They come with us wherever we are.
Why is a lifetime of adventures so important to you and your family?
Time goes so fast. If we don’t slow down to enjoy the moments right now, we’ll be looking back in years to come wondering where all that time went. I don’t want to live a mundane life. I want to wake up as the sun rises and catch that golden glow at night. I want the kids to run barefoot in the dirt and feel free, immersed in the beauty and wonder of nature.
If you could use 3 words to describe motherhood what would they be?
Love, crazy & infinite.
Kirriana of @riley_travels shares with us the reason that adventure and travel is so important in her family…
What have you learnt about yourself in your motherhood journey?
My motherhood journey is something I am very proud of, I have pushed myself on many levels since becoming " Mum" wanting to show my little people that giving up isn't an option. I find excitement and love within my children, they are constantly challenging me to be present and to cherish those still moments.
Why is a lifetime of adventures so important to you and your family?
Lock and I both grew up in broken marriages. We devoted ourselves to creating a full extraordinary life with our little people. We wanted to show our children that is ok to live outside of the box to thrive and want more from life. Adventuring teaches them to be open, resilient and means we were 100% apart of their learning. Our aim is to share as many memories as we can together.
If you could use 3 words to describe motherhood what would they be?
Devotion, sacrifice, abundance of love.
Happy Mother's Day.