We are led to come face to face with our limitations in our investigation into what is enough. Today, I recognize – with the help of community – that I am doing too much, that my body is experiencing stress, and that my resisting my limitations may be effecting my ability to produce enough milk to feed my baby. The message is clear to slow down.

And I’ve been resisting the message. I have not only not wanted to slow down, but I have wanted to keep my life going just the way it was before the baby was born. I want to work the same, mother my older child the same, be the same wife and friend.

But life changes, and we are called to adapt. Inside of sufficiency, I do not compare myself to others – other working women, families, mothers, wives. I can let in their encouragement, stories that validate and information that offers options. I will. I did. And so today, after a nourishing visit at nursing moms group – two voicemails following up with love and affection, and a check-in at the beach where a generous friend watches my little one so I can speak with the other generous mom who watches our two preschoolers play, I feel grateful. I celebrate the warm and abounding community around me, and that allows me to slow down, take care and with grace, let the milk flow.

Honor and Balance

On the days I feel out of sorts, unsettled or restless,
I Honor all the gifts I have received.

On the days I feel Balanced, confident andwhole,
I Honor all the gifts I have received.

~Gina LaRoche, Living In Sufficiency
August 24, 2011