10 questions to myself; a writing exercise.

1. What makes you smile?
Babies seems the obvious answer. But its seeing you realize how strong and magnificent you are. Seeing you through to the other side of a long labor you never thought would end or believed you'd ever survive. Its the walk home after a late, long exhausting and oh so successful breastfeeding consult with that mom who really felt like she was failing and is now feeling confident. My arms are aching but I also feel strong like I have wings helping me get to the train. 


2. What are your favorite things to do in the past? What about now?
Be. That deep stillness. Being in the ocean. Being in deep stillness, in big still waters. And now, I find that in labor. It gives me deep, calming, self-regulation to support women in labor.


3. What activities make you lose track of time?
Births of course. Writing.  My meetings with my clients. Supporting the doulas who I mentor, either our meetings, phone calls, emails, texts, etc. 


4. What makes you feel great about yourself?
My work. My kids. Yes work first because working is easier than parenting.


5. Who inspires you most? (Anyone you know or do not know. Family, friends, authors, artists, leaders, etc.) Which qualities inspire you, in each person?
All the moms I work with inspire me. The strength and courage I have been so blessed to have witnessed.


6. What are you naturally good at? (Skills, abilities, gifts etc.)
Doula-ing. Breastfeeding support. I'm also really good at cleaning, writing, drawing. Being comfortable in diverse spaces.


7. What do people typically ask you for help in?
Birth, breastfeeding, parenting boys, interracial hair care. Healthy meal preparation.


8. If you had to teach something, what would you teach?
Breastfeeding. But I wouldn’t call it teaching. I'd call it supporting.


9. What would you regret not fully doing, being or having in your life?
Not exercising more. Not somehow being a better parent. It was the doula thing but I'm doing that now so the bucket list got shorter. 

10. You are now 90 years old, sitting on a rocking chair outside your porch; you can feel the spring breeze gently brushing against your face. You are blissful and happy, and are pleased with the wonderful life you’ve been blessed with. Looking back at your life and all that you’ve achieved and acquired, all the relationships you’ve developed; what matters to you most? List them out.
That my children turned out well.
All the many women and babies I have helped and how that love has spread out into the world.