On Gardening, Mothering & Abundance (+ a Giveaway!)

These gorgeous sunflowers sprouted up under the bird feeder in my backyard. They were a gift of neglect really, because if the ground below the feeder had been mowed within a reasonable time... well, I would never have seen the sprouts and allowed them to grow into all their grandeur. In retrospect, many of the gifts from my garden have been harvested despite neglect, or out of accident, or experimentation.

Conversely, many harvests have been the product of clear intention, focus, and best efforts. These flowers (above) also came from my garden; they were all grown and nurtured from seed. This bouquet of wild flowers, snapdragons, and broccoli blossoms represents a mix of well-researched and planned out endeavors to grow a butterfly garden, a flower garden, and an edible garden in my small, tropical backyard space.

My experience of gardening closely mirrors that of mothering... somehow, a random mix of intentional, loving attempts and chaotic, best guesses come together to grow something amazing! And when the fruits of my labors, and sometimes gifts of faith, manifest as a display of flowers on my dining table, or as my sweet girls engaged in play, I'm humbled and amazed at the abundance of my world.

Right now, I'm entering a new season - both in my garden, and in mothering. My girls are growing up, and as a family we're entering a new phase. Diapers and sippy cups are well in the past, and bigger questions, different interests, and new concerns are surfacing. As I prepare the soil and plant seeds outside for my spring garden, I find myself doing the same internally to help me transition into this new phase of mothering. I'm amending my toolbox, experimenting with new approaches, and nurturing new ideas.

It's my honor to share a glimpse of my experience, as I pass into this new phase of motherhood, as part of the Abundant Mama Project on Awesomely Awake. 

I'll be a guest contributor in the Spring 2013 Abundant Mama Project, themed The Passage of Motherhood, which begins April 1st. This 5-week e-course helps support you on your journey through motherhood and will "bring new life to old routines... strengthen the bonds you have in your relationships... provide comfort on those challenging days... and add a little bling to the ordinary."

Want to join in? Awesomely Awake is offering one reader a spot in this course! Simply leave a comment on this post for a chance to win a space in the spring Abundant Mama Project. For a second chance, like Awesomely Awake on Facebook and leave a second comment here to let me know. A winner will be announced next Wednesday, March 13. Comments closed.

 

And the winner is: Kali Hatala!

For more information on the Abundant Mama Project, click here.