This is my Nana, my mum, and my girls on Mother's Day 2023

My Nana is the epitome of a strong woman. She gave birth to 13 babies and over the years has grieved the loss of 6 of those precious souls, too much for a mother to bear. I've always known my nana to be smiling, laughing, joking... Mum has told me countless stories of how much she has given to others throughout her life, even while raising her children in a world that back then showed little compassion and support for women.

While her kids were young she nursed her mother and sister and grieved their loss to cancer... she lost her husband, my Grandad, way too young, and last year her partner Dave.... and still she smiles, she finds the good and looks on the bright side of life. Forever interested in others, and keeps herself socially active - just last week she saved an elderly woman from choking while out to lunch!

Resilience wasn't a word that was talked about back then, but she had it (and still does) in bucketloads!

Being with my Nana on Mother's Day got me thinking about her courage, resilience, and positive mindset. I thought about how, while I hope my girls won't have to face anything like the grief my nana has had in her lifetime, (even though I know they will face challenges, as we all do), I hope they are lucky enough to have inherited some of their great Nana's strength, resilience and positive attitude.

I got thinking about the article we published in Issue 5 of Peptalk, written by David Galbraith. The article was about courage. David talked about one of the first steps to having more courage is to look at who you are. He says that the values that underpin your life will fall out of your ancestry stories. 

Today, on this last Monday in the month of Mother's Day, how about delving into the stories of your ancestors?

Are there some stories you know already that you could pause and have a think about? Stories that make you realise who and what has come before you, the strength and the courage shown. These past stories and the people who are connected to you, are a part of you. 

If you don't know any stories, can you call a grandparent, aunt or uncle and ask? In each family there is usually at least one person who carries this knowledge. It's important to keep these stories alive within you and your family. 

Your ancestral stories can be an awesome source of courage, strength, and gratitude.

Find the ancestral stories that resonate with you and make you feel proud. Carry these stories with you this week for strength and courage.

Use these stories as a source of gratitude - think about where you've come from, what those before you have experienced and overcome, and all of the blessings you have in your life because of those who have walked this earth before you. 

Until next week...

Nadine  🤸‍♀️