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Jul 31, 2023·edited Jul 31, 2023Liked by Asia Suler

How beautifully expressed. I see this as your next book. For me, having my child allowed me to leave an abusive relationship. I was unable to do so for myself, but as soon as I saw the vulnerability of the young being in my charge, I knew I had to leave. That's letting go of what does not belong, and it's been now 22 years of single parenting and letting go while watching my child blossom into an adult. She is not expressive normally, but I want to share something she wrote in acknowledgments published in her undergrad thesis a few months ago to encourage all who are in the thick of the constant pulling of a young child that some distant day, what you are doing may be acknowledged.

"Mom, you are one of the strongest people I have ever known, and I would not be here without everything in life you have gifted to me. Thank you for your love, trust, and wisdom. You have never said no to my crazy pursuits, and I am grateful for the freedom you have granted me to become my own person."

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This was beyond touching Erin. Thank you so much for sharing this portal into such a beautiful possible future with us. Words like these from your own child...wow. They are just everything. What a gift.

Children really do give you the power to do things you never thought you'd do before, don't they? Sometimes I wonder how much different my life would be if I had decided to embark on motherhood when I was younger. How much more I'd know myself through having the courage to let go. It's not an easy path, motherhood, but it powerful beyond anything I've ever experienced. Much love to you Erin.

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This is beyond beautiful, Asia. I love how you related the nakedness of motherhood to the story of Inanna, too. I feel this so deeply. My daughter is now nearing two years and I am just starting to feel like I'm emerging back into life & wanting to meet up with friends again and such. I was in a cocoon for two years, and it taught me so much about myself that I now cherish. You summed the experience up perfectly. Thank you so much for sharing. Xx

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Thank you for being here Hunter. And for reporting back from motherhood just a few steps beyond where I am now. It's so nourishing to hear that you *do* emerge from the cocoon... and that you look back on and cherish that time. It's buoying me today.

Also, on threading in Inanna, I'm starting to see just how many of our myths describe the journey of birth and parenthood. Motherhood really is the original hero's journey...

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You definitely feel the pull to emerge from the cocoon, but of course it's bittersweet. I already miss pieces of that phase.

Yes!! I've begun calling it The Heroine's Journey because that resonates with me even more. I've been reading about Mary Magdalene lately which weaves that thread even deeper. How magical we are as women. Xx

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