How To Be A Trailblazer Without The Worry
Inspiring parent friend of mine,
Let me know if this feels true for you (or scroll to the bottom for 5 Ways To Be a Trailblazer Without The Worry)
All your life, you wanted to be a good member of the flock. Yet you knew you stood out in a uniquely beautiful way.
The flock guided us along, helping us to navigate the world. You might have flown the same skies and nibbled the same seeds. But mostly you wanted to do things your own way. Fly your own path. Try a worm or three. So that’s what you did.
There is something about new parenthood that guides us back into the brood of birdies for a bit. It’s all so fresh. Plus parenting is hard! You need the flock, and the flock has a lot of advise to give! It’s much easier to blend in. Suddenly you don’t want to stand out on the playground. Being questioned by family members feels deeply hurtful. Judgy stares must be avoided at all costs (raising my hand over here).
You just want to be good. Raise good kids. Be good parents. And so you fly along…You fly along…You fly along…
You pretend that you couldn’t be happier doing what others do with their sweet baby hatchlings. But really things feel off. You’re doing it exactly the way you were told and it works for them. You bought the popular learning toys. You tried some best-seller ideas. Some days go just fine because it feels safe to travel together. But there are days you find yourself exhausted and frustrated. The gimmicks just don’t jive. You wonder why you can’t make it work the way others have made it work?
Somehow you stumble upon another way that is totally different from anything you’ve ever heard. Perhaps you learned about it from a friend or a respectful parenting podcast or from my popular Lioness workshop. The ideas focus on conscious relationships and connection, free movement and lots of play. You wait until no one is looking to try them out because you don’t want any angry bird judgement!
After trying a new way which feels loving for both of you, and leading from your heart….
You realize one day with so much pride: You’re not just a good little birdie after all. You’re a ground-breaking TRAILBLAZER! So much of what you do now aligns with your heart, even if it’s different. And it feels so, so good. But then, somewhere along the way, you noticed you stood out where ever you went. At birthday parties, the grocery store, playgrounds, and the library - you approached things differently.
You longed for the flock to understand. And for the herd to not look at you like you were a wild pigeon with a crazy squawk! But it’s not always that easy. Some days get really lonely, even when you’re trying to be social. It’s not like you wanted to find trailblazers exactly like you (how boring!). But you wanted to find your people who embraced the soul of respectful parenting. Plus are fun to chat with.
Feeling a little lost and unsure of yourself, you questioned your practices. You wondered if you’re doing this respectful parenting thing right?
Here’s a 5 ideas on how to be a trailblazer without the worry:
1) form your own likeminded playgroup
I know this sounds a little overwhelming, but after forming a few of my own playgroups, I realized how easy and fun it is. So many moms are looking for exactly what you’re offering. You can find like-minded parents on Meetup.com and Facebook by creating your own group page. From there you can schedule and set some guidelines that make it enjoyable for all. I explained how I set up my own fulfilling playgroups here. I find there is always at least one kindred spirit you’ll meet and be able to connect more meaningfully to.
2) Model, model, model
Just like we model for our children how we go about things, we can offer the same grace to others. Very few of us want friends or family who are overly preachy or tell us what to do. Instead we can show the way by just being us, and doing what we do. Take some pressure off yourself to teach others. If modeling sparks some interest; lovely. If not, it’s not our job to change their minds.
3) Lose the judgement
In the beginning of learning a new way, it’s very easy to get caught up in Judgement Land. We wonder why others do things a certain way that seems to be problematic in our eyes. Let’s remember that there are many different ways to raise healthy children. There are many different paths to connection and attachment. The more grace and openness we offer others, the more the differences feel like no big deal.
4) Find yourself a parent coach & join an inspiring workshop
Parent Coaches can shine a new light on parenting dilemmas. They can offer a fresh perspective that’s in alignment with your values. They are on your side even with the most challenging struggles in which you’ve tried it all. A virtual session can feel like a big hug, wrapped in care and understanding with someone you trust. Even seasoned parents have struggles, and you don’t have to figure it all out alone.
Of course, I’m here and would feel honored to support you. I also offer the Lioness workshop which will help you dive deep into respectful parenting practices - get instant access.
5) Don’t DOUBT YOURSELF
If it feels like you’re the only one in your child’s school, social group, or family who “gets it,” don’t doubt yourself. Being a trailblazer isn’t always the easy road, but we keep trying our best and know it’s well worth it. Just a reminder that I think you’re amazing. Keep on trailblazing! We’re truly in this together.
Lots of love,
Jesse
WAYS WE CAN CONNECT:
Heart of a Lioness (An instant access 60 min workshop) What’s in store: A unique opportunity to deepen your parenting practice, and I share some huge key pieces on how to: connect deeper with yourself as a mother, and more effectively during caregiving times like diapering, child-led playtimes, and positive discipline with your baby or toddler. Learn more here.
I offer Private Coaching sessions here.
Let’s be friends on Instagram!
A free, made for you mini-series full of rich independent play ideas. You will receive a series of emails with delightful practices here.