Mumpreneur Movement Magazine_Issue 5: We Are One Part 1 - Oneness

Page 1

issue 5 - We are One / Part 1 - Oneness

oneness not

Sameness Louise O’Reilly

ARTIST, THERAPIST & AUTHOR Melissa McLeod

HOW A

WELL INTENDED WOMAN MADE ME NEVER DO BUSINESS WITH HER Eva Cruz

FOR BETTER OR WORSE, IN SICKNESS AND SEXY TIME Dr Fabianna Marie

BEYOND A FRAGILE SPIRITUALITY:

THE PATH OF SACRED ACTIVISM Dr Ricci-Jane Adams


The Mumpreneur acknowledges the traditional custodians of the land of the Barunggam people where our magazine is produced. We also acknowledge all Australian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples of this nation. We acknowledge the traditional custodians of the lands on which our company is located and where we conduct our business. We pay our respects to ancestors and Elders, past and present. The Mumpreneur Movement is committed to honouring Australian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples’ unique cultural and spiritual relationships to the land, waters and seas and their rich contribution to society. A better understanding and respect for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures develops an enriched appreciation of Australia’s cultural heritage and can lead to reconciliation. This is essential to the maturity of Australia as a nation and fundamental to the development of an Australian identity.

2

| MUMPRENEUR MOVEMENT


media posts, in conversations amongst ourselves, and discussions in the UGWA team. We are the ones who are yearning for the new future that began at the beginning of time, and you are the women who are emerging with strong voices who want to be part of a global community. You are the ones who will step your communities and circles forward. The Ultimate Girls Week Away is designed for women just like you, so you can just be, rest, laugh, sleep, play and everything in between - designed for women by women who understand. If you have forgotten who you are - who you were born to be, and what you are here to do, this is for you. I​ f you often put other people’s priorities before your own. If you care too much, think too long and wonder what else is out there. ​If you yearn to feel deep connections to others. UGWA 2021 is for you, because just like ​Elizabeth Gilbert at UGWA 2020 said “the most powerful woman is a relaxed woman”.

Dear Women of the World, Are you ready for the Ultimate Girls Week Away 2021?

Two years ago, I had a vision for a retreat that would be for women from all around the world, who could come together in a safe place, where we can connect without fear of rejection, isolation, or being judged because of the colour of our skin. Where cultural background, or whom we loved didn’t matter—a safe place for all women. A place for women who want to grow, learn, connect and be inspired; for women who want to have difficult conversations, who want to laugh, cry and be themselves—building a community of nations and cultures, a community of change, that starts with us. UGWA is a feeling, a safe container for all women, no matter what.

family dynamics, health challenges, skillset and more. Our keynotes are none other than Gabrielle Bernstein motivational speaker, life coach, and author and SARK an American author and illustrator of selfhelp books who has sold over two million books worldwide. These women will share their wisdom with us over our time together, both virtually and in person. ​ ur theme is Dream Catchers as during O this time of world instability dreaming is what has gotten many of us through. I hear and see it every day - it is written in social

With love

​Liesel Albrecht

CEO UGWA and Ultimate Retreat Experiences

I went not knowing a soul and came home with some lifelong connections. It is so wonderful to be with women for a whole week, challenging yourself and growing and learning. Doing this in a beautiful setting was the icing on the cake. I am so proud of myself for taking the leap of faith and going on this retreat. It was life-altering. Thank you to Liesel and her wonderful team.

I​ t is fitting that UGWA starts on International Women’s Day, a perfect way to celebrate being women—together. Our team are diverse and come from different corners of the earth - Australia, Lebanon, India, United Kingdom, Arab Emirates, Africa, and the USA, and Indigenous Women that we can grow and learn from. Some are keynote speakers, artists, and healers who add diversity to our team and what we do and offer. They are women of different ages (our youngest member is 25 and oldest 73), culture, background, history, professions,

By committing to this life-changing event you are committing to prioritising yourself. We know there will be questions and some of you will be thinking how are we going to pull this off when the world is just a little bit crazy right now, we have complete faith that it will all flow precisely how it is meant to, it isn’t until March next year after all! So reach out today and let’s have a chat.

​Holly Severson, Portland, Oregon UGWA 2020

Are you craving time out to relax and connect with like-minded women? LINKS: Gabirelle Bernstein

Sark

Ultimate Girls Week Away

www.ultimategirlsweekaway.com

Video


Welcome W

elcome to another issue of the Mumpreneur Movement Magazine. This quarter we are doing things a little differently. We will now have our quarterly theme be being broken up into three sub-themes and published monthly over three months. So you can have bite-sized pieces instead of getting the whole 3-course meal + some on the side, making it easier for you to digest our magazine, as we know that you have a lot going on being a woman, mother, boss and all.

WELCOME TO WE ARE ONE PART 1 – ONENESS. Oneness is designed to remind us that beneath all of the labels, categorisation and the segregation, that we are all one. Outside we might have different packaging and labelling, however on the inside we are all the same. Life would be pretty dull and boring if we all looked the same, just saying. I don’t know any art connoisseur who would fill up their art gallery with many of the same styles of artwork, do you? Life is diverse as are we, that’s what makes it so beautiful. That is what makes every one of us beautiful. Think of yourself as one of a kind, never to be repeated. You are one of Earth’s rarest creatures. So own that, own who you are and remember that the only thing dividing us from each other is ourselves and how we choose to be.

4

| MUMPRENEUR MOVEMENT


Letter from the Editor

simply by being the role model. You are the most powerful and influential woman in their lives! We are fully aware of the injustices that are going on in the world so be brave and stand up for what is right. Become educated on the facts. Share what you learn with your family, friends, followers and community. Be the voice within your circle that is willing to change, that is willing to take responsibility. It’s time to stop seeing and judging by someone’s skin colour, instead see their soul; see who they are as a person and let that guide you and your interactions with them.

THE PHRASE USED BY MANY SPIRITUALISTS, “WE ARE ONE,” SOUNDS NICE DOESN’T IT?. A PHRASE THAT WE SAY YET DO WE REALLY BELIEVE IT OR LIVE IT?

T

he society in which we live seems shrouded in division, judgement and labels. A society based on power, greed, competition, comparison, jealousy, hierarchy and materialism (the more I have the better I am). It’s enough to feel as if there was no hope in the world. The world is controlled by a masculine dominated mindset focused on hierarchy that creates a disconnect and divide, creating fear filled and unhappy people. These people are easily influenced and are great consumers for media mis-information, over medication & materialism, leading to a disempowered society funding big corporations which disconnect people from people. We have been conditioned to believe which type of person is acceptable and those who aren’t. This has led to a racist, privileged and exclusive society, ostracising and discriminating against those that don’t fit into the white led patriarchy’s mould. Fortunately, there are many wonderful people, groups and

movements which are creating a difference and bring hope that all is not lost. There is also hope coming from a major shift which is happening in the world. One that I am determined and committed to being a part of, one that is breaking through conditioning, barriers and misconceptions and bridging the divide between people labelled ‘normal’ and the people deemed ‘different’. A more awakened and conscious society, who see a new way for the world. However, we still need to do the inner and outer work. The more that I educate myself on the African American Lives Matter Movement, it dawns on me just how ignorant and disconnected I have been in my privileged state and how black americans, Indigenous and People of Colour (BIPOC) have lived through decades of unimaginable situations and experiences that no one should ever have to experience. It’s so hard to comprehend a person being treated so. No longer can we sit quietly behind our screens in ignorance. We need to speak up empowered leaders, to teach our kids to be culturally and consciously awakened and aware

This role is not for a ‘specific’ kind of woman, it is for everyday women who are waking up from their slumber of domestication and are breaking the cage of centuries of conditioning, of society’s ridiculous expectations to finally see the truth of what we all need, what this world needs to heal and to unify. It’s time to stand up, speak up and say no to things that you see as unjust. Join, follow and support people, movements and groups that are creating change for the better, let our collective voice be heard. We are in a time where women get to be part of the deconstruction of suppressive platforms. We don’t need to fight, we can do this in a gentle (yet fierce) way. Simply share your truth and knowledge that we are all one, by showing love, understanding and compassion to others and to live a life that acknowledges that people of all ethnicities, ages, sizes, and preferences can enrich each other’s lives. I believe in you, beautiful woman. You see, I believe that it is women who will save the world. Women who understand the importance of community, and the ideology that we can all rise together. We embody oneness through understanding the birthing of our children and the concept that even though our children are separate from our body they are still part of us. This goes for everyone, we all come from the same source and we are all connected. We are one. So much love,

Tammie Pike

CEO & Chief Editor MUMPRENEUR MOVEMENT |

5


contents

10

WOMEN CREATING CHANGE: ALISHA TODD

28

12

MELISSA MCLEOD ARTIST, THERAPIST & AUTHOR

HOW A WELL INTENDED WOMAN MADE ME NEVER DO BUSINESS WITH HER

Melissa McLeod

By Eva Cruz

08

16

18

ONENESS NOT SAMENESS

INCLUSIVITY THROUGH HORSE WISDOM

WOMEN CREATING CHANAGE: TERRI WALLER

By Louise O’Reilly 6

| MUMPRENEUR MOVEMENT

By Alane Millions


August 2020, Issue 5 Publisher Empowered Publishing Chief Editor & CEO Tammie Pike Editor Assistant Naida Nunez Advertising 0409 897 133 Contributors

Louise O’Reilly Eva Cruz Alane Millions Yemi Penn Dr Ricci-Jane Adams Leigh Jane Woodgate Denise Duffield-Thomas Tamara Stiller Salli Galvin Anna from Lunchbox Mini Fiona Newton Dr Fabianna Marie Leonie Laukkanen Carlie Maree Suizy Lamont

19

‘BLACK BODIES HAVE BEEN SOOTHING WHITE BODIES FOR CENTURIES’

Design Nebojsa Dolovacki

By Yemi Penn

21 BEYOND A FRAGILE SPIRITUALITY: THE PATH OF SACRED ACTIVISM By Dr Ricci-Jane Adams

24 EDUCATE YOURSELF! 25 JUDGEMENT VS ONENESS

By Leigh Jane Woodgate

27 MONEY MINDSET ADVICE With Denise Duffield-Thomas

31 CREATING CONSCIOUSLY COURAGEOUS KIDS By Tamara Stiller

33 MINDFIT KIDS By Salli Galvin

35 KIDS LUNCHES MADE FUN By Anna Van Dijk

38 THE MODERN FAMILY By Fiona Newton

40 FOR BETTER OR WORSE, IN SICKNESS AND SEXY TIME By Dr Fabianna Marie

42 RISING FROM THE ASHES AFTER POSTNATAL DEPLETION By Leonie Laukkanen

44 GROWING WILDFLOWERS By Carlie Maree

45 MY OUTBACK EXPERIENCE By Suizy Lamont

©2020 Mumpreneurs Magazine (who hereby insert their copyright), part of the Mumpreneur Group Pty. Ltd. All Rights Reserved. All material with the Mumpreneur Magazine is protected by the international copyright & reproduction of any part in any format without the written permission of the Publisher is strictly prohibited. DISCLAIMER: The information contained within Mumpreneur Magazine is given in good faith and obtained from sources believed to be accurate. The views expressed are not necessarily those of the publishers. The Mumpreneur Group Pty Ltd will not be liable for any opinion or advice contained herein. The product and services mentioned within the Mumpreneurs Magazine is not endorsed by the Publisher of this service whether in articles, ads or images. Photographers are credited where possible. Some images have been provided to us and the provider has confirmed that they have the right to share these images with the Mumpreneurs Magazine for publication. Any business decisions made based on the information provided is not the responsibility of Mumpreneurs Magazine or The Mumpreneur Group Pty Ltd. Due diligence is recommend before starting, paying or engaging with others services. MUMPRENEUR MOVEMENT |

7


Oneness NOT Sameness WRITTEN BY LOUISE O’REILLY

ONENESS DOES NOT EQUATE TO SAMENESS. OUR VERY EXISTENCE PROVES THIS.

C

ould you imagine telling your child: to be part of the universal oneness you must be the same as all other children?

Could you conceptualise the oneness of mumpreneurship as being the same for all mums in business? Despite having different children, circumstances, incomes, business models, marital statuses...? Oneness is inclusive of all differences including differences in cultures and ethnicities too. Oneness isn’t the notion of all people thinking, feeling, acting, and looking the same. Nor is it about believing in the same thing.

Our society has a strange idea that to be part of a group you must be the same. You must conform to specific and rigid identifiers otherwise you’re not accepted. This way of thinking is a narrow-minded-paradigm. It limits individualism, self-expression, and creativity. And it denies our personal and spiritual expansion and evolution. Sameness cannot grow us or our businesses. It only has the capacity for stagnation. Sameness as a definition for oneness doesn’t benefit a soul on the planet because… We. Are. All. Different. Oneness is deeply embedded in my Aboriginal culture. We understand

What we can do to honour oneness is to practice, and share the parts that are kind, accepting, and inclusive. 8

| MUMPRENEUR MOVEMENT

how we’re connected to everything. We understand oneness. We know one tree is different from the next but it makes up the oneness of the forest. The ecosystem. And the oneness of all. It’s the same for people too. We’re all unique. We’re all different. And we make up the collective oneness. Oneness isn’t some level of spiritual attainment. Oneness is what we are. What comes between the knowing and feeling of oneness, is the paradigm of sameness. The idea that we’re all meant to be the same or that we’re the same being because spiritually we are one. While on another plane, this may be true, we must keep in mind that in this lifetime we’re an individual human being. Complete with individual personalities, experiences, thoughts, beliefs, and identities. Honouring our individualism and lovingly accepting our differences in this lifetime, is a great contribution to oneness. Doing this will open you to loving, honouring, and accepting others for their differences too. We can show love and appreciation for others including their differing cultures. We can embrace and celebrate them in their culture. But using another person’s culture for


Louise O'Reilly

our use, benefit, or profit is not even remotely what oneness is about.

masked by a misunderstanding of what oneness is.

Oneness is about inclusion, not about extortion or appropriation of other cultures. Especially when there is a power imbalance like we have in Australia. People with privilege sometimes knowingly or unknowingly appropriate parts of other cultures and adopt them as their own. They have the power to do this. The marginalised people whose culture they are appropriating, don’t have the power within society to stop it from happening. Herein lies the systemic power imbalance.

We all have heritage and culture. Admittedly not all parts of them are kind, or loving to others. Especially when there are differences. What we can do to honour oneness is to practice, and share the parts that are kind, accepting, and inclusive. And condemn the unkind parts that exclude people who are different.

Oneness is sometimes used as an excuse for appropriation. It’s shared as a right to adopt and benefit from any culture… “because we’re all one”. This is not oneness. This is privilege

Oneness celebrates, embraces, and rejoices the differences in us, our children, and our businesses. You can embody oneness by replacing the restrictive societal paradigm that oneness equates to sameness and replace it with the universal concept that oneness is what we already are. Our very existence proves this.

With her unique self-expression, heart-centred rebelliousness, and clarity of her thoughtprovoking vision of what the world could be enjoying, it’s no wonder Louise is a blogger, writer, radio presenter, and an online course creator. Being the founder of Ascension Personal Development (online) Academy means Louise gets to guides students into their own personal, spiritual and business development and expansion. Louise is a Warrwa-Noongar womxn who focuses on cultural diversity & inclusion and antiracism work for individuals and businesses from the inside out. Offering online courses, live trainings, consultancy and writing services in this field. Her dream is to stimulate co-creation of a more inclusive world. Where everyone feels free to be themselves. Her drive is her two children. Her cheer-squad is her husband and her inspiration is the calling from deep within. Louise’s teaching style is gentle, inclusive and supportive. LouiseOReilly.com.au is her second business, where she blogs about Aboriginal human rights, her culture, and life from the perspective of a fair-skinned Aboriginal womxn. Outside of business Louise was freelance writing for Amnesty International, a Miss NAIDOC Perth finalist, and is part of an Australian first, Aboriginal-led visionary 10-year project designed to create social change and reconciliation in Boorloo (Perth).

MUMPRENEUR MOVEMENT |

9


Women Creating Change Alisha Todd Australian multi-instrumentalist, producer and songwriter, Alisha Todd sings the songs of a curious traveller, bringing focus to the beauty and pain of humans and nature alike. From her humble beginnings being raised on country and 90’s pop in small town Gympie to European explorations of getting lost to be found, Alisha’s music too has travelled and evolved in time to be the inspiring nuggets of unconditional encouragement needed while on the endless pursuit of happiness. Australian multi-instrumentalist, producer and songwriter, Alisha Todd sings the songs of a curious traveller, bringing focus to the beauty and pain of humans and nature alike. From her humble beginnings being raised on country and 90’s pop in small town Gympie to European explorations of getting lost to be found, Alisha’s music too has travelled and evolved in time to be the inspiring nuggets of unconditional encouragement needed while on the endless pursuit of happiness. She draws inspiration from travel and change; the separation from the expectation of who you were and the release from these shackles on the human psyche. She pulls you into her world of wanderlust through reconnection with nature and the beauty and pain of human existence, the dark and the light. Her music is emotional. It bares a soul dancing in the Scandinavian mountains melded with the heart of a small-town Aussie girl. Her songwriting and work ethic has recently earned her success with the Gold Coast’s Rage Against The Virus Artist Fund and her successful RADF Funding Grant will be a major support as Alisha prepares to release her up-coming EP in early 2021.

10

| MUMPRENEUR MOVEMENT

Alisha Todd

What are your thoughts on how can we can be part of the solution in creating change within the world? I think we can all be a part of the solution simply by being more empathetic to everyone around us, whether we consider them ‘friends’ or ‘foes’, and educating ourselves with real and true information - be it in politics, cultural oppression, gender equality, trauma and climate change.

W

e are in an age where we shouldn’t believe everything we read, especially from major media outlets. If we want change in our government, then we need to educate ourselves on what our choices are, and perhaps talk about it with each other so we are not in the dark. This year, especially, we have seen that we are so emotionally connected to and experiencing history in such a

similar way to so many people all over the world and we have seen how much we need some kind of human connection for our own personal sanity. Showing unconditional love, and really discovering what that means, is our biggest journey here and I believe the world would be a much better place if we could all embody this.


Never apologise for

WHO you ARE

MUMPRENEUR MOVEMENT |

11


How a

Well Intended Woman Made me Never do Business with Her EVA CRUZ

“Get out or I’ll call the police” she furiously spoke as she grabbed my arm and pushed me. Time froze, the surroundings became blurry, and I felt confused in my reality. 12

| MUMPRENEUR MOVEMENT


What was happening?

A

day before this experience, my daughters and I had walked into a local beauty supply store, and I noticed an employee following my daughters around the store. I am no stranger to racial profiling here in the United States. Being brown and Latinx automatically makes me a target for it. So, when I noticed this familiar behaviour towards my daughters, I was saddened in realizing IT had begun for them too. We left the store. The next day we returned to address this behaviour with the manager. It turned out; the employee was the manager. When I brought up my experience, she immediately became defensive, accusing my daughters of scoping out the video cameras in order to steal. I could feel the blood in my body rising in temperature, my face flushing, my jaw clenching. I tried to remain calm as I am familiar with what happens when people of colour show any emotional response that is not palatable to the white majority. It hardly turns out well for us. Calmly, I advocated for my daughters and asked her for the regional director’s number, which she refused to give and asked me to leave the store. I did not move. While not surprised at her reaction when called out, I was in disbelief. This was MY moment. It was MY turn to experience, first hand, what I’d seen, read and heard from my Black, Brown, Indigenous sisters and brothers. Seeing I wasn’t moving, the woman increased her voice. “Get out or I’ll call the police”, she said. “Ok, I’ll get the number myself and I’ll leave because your behaviour is racist.” When I used the R-word to call her out on her behaviour, her eyes filled with rage. Unable to contain herself, she launched herself at me, grabbed my right arm, and pushed me. Wrongfully Accused. Racially Profiled. Phsyically Assaulted. A year after the incident, I received a message on social media, from a white man, accusing me of ruining this woman’s life. A man I did not know, who lived hours away from me, giving me a lecture on how this woman was a good person, who took care of her aging parents, was well-intended, and

because of ME, this woman lost her job. I had ruined her life. I had ruined her life. Mind you, she profiled my daughters based on race, wrongfully accused them of stealing, threatened us, and assaulted me. Yet, I ruined her life because she lost her job. The thing is, I can hold space for the idea that she was a good and wellintended woman. I can allow space for this woman’s sense of responsibility for her store; her desire to ensure and protect her goods; to keep an accurate inventory. Those are managerial skills. I can also hold space for her feelings when called out, the anger, the disgust, and the fear. I haven’t met a person who enjoys being called out for being wrong. Feeling those feelings- I can hold space and witness her in them. I can even hold space for her bias. Because the truth is, we all have them. What I don’t have space for is what she chose to do with those feelings and her biases. There’s a critical space between the moment we feel our feelings, and the moment we choose what to do with them. That space in between is crucial; it’s when we make a choice. She had to make a choice, the choice to react vs. respond, and she chose. She allowed her feelings to guide her to a primal reaction, FIGHT. She chose to FIGHT. How is it that a good and well-intended woman immediately attacks, without proof? How is it that a good and well-intended woman, when confronted in her accusation, resorts to raising her voice and demand her space be protected by threatening to call the police? How is it that a good and well-intended woman can display such aggressive behaviours? How is it that a good and well-intended woman who ‘shows care for her aging parents’ can also show disregard for the life of a woman and her daughters? Conditioning. In the seconds the manager had to choose her response, her conditioning activated her fear to protect herself from people who had a different skin colour than her. Her conditioning, which leads her to believe, people of colour, are dangerous and violent. Her conditioning, which immediately activates her victimhood, MUMPRENEUR MOVEMENT |

13


and desperately needs the system to, not only rescue her but to punish the other for altering her sense of safety and threatening her privilege. Conditioning was so ingrained that she had no choice, at the moment, but to act on what her conditioning prepared her for. She didn’t hesitate to cause harm to the other to protect her business, and ultimately, herself. My experience in her business is on the more extreme side. As a business owner, you might be reading this, and immediately think: I would never! The reality is that it doesn’t have to be extreme to be harmful. Harm is caused in both extreme and subtle ways; every time conditioning is acted upon.

Let me ask you: HOW aware are you of your conditioning? Your biases? HOW do they inform your actions? Do you instinctively grab your purse when you see a black man in a hoodie walk down the street? DO YOU immediately feel safe when you scope another white woman in a space mainly inhabited by people of colour? WHAT is your reaction when you open an email from a woman named LaQanda vs. a Julie? Do you anticipate the content of the email based on the subject’s name? WHAT is your response, when within your business, someone brings up a matter of race? Privilege? Do you sigh, roll your eyes in anticipation of chaos? HOW do you respond to comments and posts, in your social media, when issues of discrimination, and racism come up?

The list of questions can go on and on for pages, however, let me ask you one last question: While reading through these questions, did you have a body sensation, mainly in your throat, chest, or stomach? And did these sensations caused unpleasant feelings such as fear, sadness, anger, shame, or disgust? If you did, and you consider yourself a businesswoman who does good and your intentions for your business and clients are good, there’s a chance you will cause harm to people of colour. It’s uncomfortable and yet inevitable. Sit with the uncomfortable.

DO YOU know how to listen, and how to respond, when someone calls you out on a statement or action you or your team have made?

And make a choice to allow the discomfort bother you so much that you choose to invest of your time, money, and energy to do the internal work of dismantling your privilege, conditioning, and racism so that you can truly create inclusive and safer spaces for people of colour.

ARE YOU actively engaged in dismantling your privilege?

This well-intended woman made me never do business with her.

What internal work are you doing to undo your conditioning? 14

| MUMPRENEUR MOVEMENT

DON’T LET YOUR BUSINESS HAVE THE SAME STORY.

Nurse. Theologian. Mental Health Therapist. Military Chaplain. Pastor. Life Coach. Writer. Businesswoman. Educator. Facilitator. Racially Profiled. Wrongfully Accused. Physically Assaulted. All of these experiences have informed the way Eva shows up in the world as an instrument of liberation in a space that is bound by power and fear. As the creator, educator, and facilitator of Sacred Inclusion, Eva holds the space for deeper exploration, taking progressive liberal white women through a journey that addresses the conscious & unconscious ways in which harm is perpetrated towards people of color (POC) so they can learn to create truly inclusive and safer spaces.


If you educate a

MAN,

you educate an individual. But if you educate a

WOMAN, you educate a nation. When girls are educated, their countries become stronger and more prosperous

MUMPRENEUR MOVEMENT |

15


W Inclusivity Through

Horse

Wisdom INCLUSIVITY, WOW WHAT A CONCEPT. WITH THE STATE OF THE WORLD AT THE MOMENT, INCLUSIVITY SEEMS AN ILLUSIVE DREAM. COVID19, BLACK LIVES MATTER, RIOTS AND SHOOTINGS, IT SEEMS WE ARE MOUNTAINS AWAY FROM FEELING LIKE WE ARE ALL RESPECTED AND APPRECIATED IN OUR COMMUNITIES. 16

| MUMPRENEUR MOVEMENT

e can feel defeated and powerless in being part of making a lasting change in the world during these trying times. If you’re connected deeply to the state of the world, it feels like anything we do in the positive is so quickly wiped out by the negative; however if you’re reading this article then you are a warrior and now is the time to be courageous and strong. Being a warrior in these times can be a challenge and you may feel like you do not know what to do; what is right, when do I get involved? Is all we need love? The idealist in me believes that if we could just love one another, we can heal the world. The realist in me feels like we find it challenging how to love ourselves so


how can we truly love another and make lasting change. What are people really wanting? Why are they shouting and so angry? It can feel so overwhelming and we do not want to tune out, but often that is what happens. So how do we do it differently, how do we become the change in these trying times? When life is confusing I like to consult with my herd to see what they have to offer. The amazing herd of 10 horses are a family, a micro-community and they all feel inclusive and validated in their domain of 10 small acres. There are 4 stallions, 4 geldings and two mares cramped into one tiny living space and they are able to accomplish cohesiveness. They all have different roles in the herd; the lead mare Fly, leads with empathy, compassion andpatience. The others trust that she is steady and calm in times of turmoil. The lead stallion, Holmes, defends the territory from outside forces and shows the younger stallions how to do the same. The geldings are emotionally agile and have a true sense of where they belong in the herd all while keeping their emotions steady. When there is turmoil in the herd, it is dealt with quickly and the herd simply

goes back to a state of calmness. No one finger points, no one name calls and no one is driven out of the herd. If someones behaviour is causing the turmoil, they may be sent away for a short amount of time and then they are brought back into the herd. The herd must exist this way, as a calm, inclusive unit. If they can not achieve this state, their survival is at risk. A herd of anxious, angry, indifferent horses will not survive long as their core instincts will be overtaxed and unreliable. As humans, if we can not find calm, acceptance and resilience our survival is too at risk. We must choose courage over comfort, stand up for those with no voice, and dial up our level of empathy for others and for their individual stories they have walked in their lives. When we can bring people back into the herd, healing happens. We must take a step back, a deep breath and keep our reactions to a minimum and focus on how we can be responding from a centred heart. Be brave warriors and lead yourself and your families into the future you want in your communities.

As humans, if we can not find calm, acceptance and resilience our survival is too at risk.

Alane Millions Alane (AJ) Millions is an EponaQuest (LLC) Horse Facilitated Learning Teacher with an extensive horse and human background, both nationally and internationally.  Having trained with Linda Kohanov, author of ‘The Power of the Herd’, she now offers life changing Horse Facilitated Learning (HFL) programs in a variety of settings. ​ rounded in 30+ years of G acquired skills as well as a depth of experiential learning, she facilitates the ‘dance’ between horse and human. AJ combines horse wisdom with common sense and has an absolute passion for supporting people to expand the quality of their lives. She delivers powerful, tangible and transformative programs while maintaining the integrity and wellbeing of the horse herd. As a native Canadian, AJ was custodian of a 6,000 acre ranch with 150 head of cattle and horses. She delivered horse programs in Okimaw Ohci Healing Lodge, a correctional facility for First Nations women in Saskatchewan, Canada. Since immigrating to Australia, AJ has lived on the land of both New South Wales and Queensland, raising children, ostriches, emus, cattle, goats, sheep and horses. After co-owning and operating a Wellbeing Centre for 6 years, AJ has been sole proprietor of ‘Leading the Way International’ supporting schools and at risk youth on the Sunshine Coast since 2012.

MUMPRENEUR MOVEMENT |

17


Terri Waller TERRI WALLER IS A MOTHER OF 7 BEAUTIFUL PEOPLE WHO HAVE ALL GROWN INTO CONTRIBUTING ROLES IN COMMUNITY. NOW ALSO A GRANDMOTHER OF 6 TERRI KNOWS FIRST HAND THE WONDER OF SEVEN GENERATION THINKING.

Just be CC- a global humanitarian retail shop where every product supports a social project. Many social projects that are developed in response to community needs including “From SPER to Spurred On”; “Modern Songlines”, “Pollinator Project”, “Lift a Drifter”; “Makers, Market, Maker’s Market” and more.

T

erri is considered more a socialpreneur than a entrepreneur or a mumpreneur but what’s in a prefix.

Establishing SevGen (short for seven generations) in 2012 Terri has developed a charity that operates within a 3E Model where a social Enterprises financially support a different Education, which ignites cultural and creative Entrepreneurship. Futures thinking is the term that comes to mind when one wanders through SevGen’s 3E landscape. Wandering through you will see: The Deadly Espresso Group: Coffee - a social enterprise venture that has much depth and span and services community in many ways including training, employment, social support, capacity building, 18

| MUMPRENEUR MOVEMENT

justice reinvestment, community development, cultural tourism and great coffee!

Then if you keep wandering you will come across artefacts left from a Workplace Learning placements from one of several universities including CQU, USC, QUT, UQ.

Saltt- a social enterprise food manufacturing venture that offers a new seasoning from an ancient land showcasing Australian botanics that flavours full spectrum pink Himalayan salt and Australian grown pesticide free pepper.

The paths lead on and into one another in the SevGen landscape and as you can keep wandering around you will also see mutual obligation activities, individual passion project activities, special interest group activities and more. What we have come to know is that it takes a few sits around the fire to hear about all that goes on in the SevGen landscape so start by wandering up to the Deadly Espresso Cafe in Eumundi.


‘Black bodies have been soothing white bodies for centuries’

Quote by RESMAA MENAKEM

NOW I WANT YOU TO STOP, RE-READ THAT TOP LINE AND SENSE HOW YOU FEEL IN YOUR BODY. IS THERE DIS-EASE? DIS-COMFORT?

T

ake 5mins out and try to unpack what that sentence means to you. Ps nothing is right or wrong, however it is important to understand that racialized trauma resides heavily in the body and this in turn plays a role in white body privilege. The sad death of George Floyd and the beauty in allyship around black lives matter was what forced me to pause and take stock of my story around racism. If you haven’t already, I would lovingly guide you to do the same.

Having read the book ‘My Grandmothers Hands’ by Resmaa Menakem, I realised that as a black woman I had been contributing to white privilege by soothing white bodies. Meaning that despite colleagues making micro aggressive ‘jokes’ in the workplace, I would ignore calling it out for fear of upsetting the balance. Or when someone decides to use my hair as a subject of conversation at a party, I would do everything in my power to make them comfortable despite my immense discomfort; instead, I would soothe them by taking them on an educational journey of my African heritage, when in fact I continue to give them license to think it is okay to be ignorant and shine a torch on the very differences systemic racism has been built on. A must-read for everyone, for in this book, ‘My Grandmothers Hands’ there is hope and healing. Racism and white privilege is born from trauma held in our bodies for centuries. You are born and do not know that you either benefit or dis-benefit from systems that MUMPRENEUR MOVEMENT |

19


I believe we all have a role in choosing our lives path and therefore should see the current state of the world as a call to action, to get to work in rebuilding the broken vase that is life, filling the cracks with gold powder as is seen with the Japanese Kintsugi. created these barriers when in fact, we all come from the one source. It is important to understand that this is not a blame game but a call to action, for all! Yellow, Olive, Black, White etc. To take a stand by firstly knowing where and what they come from and how they may have been privileged from another group’s enslavement. In the most simplistic terms of race, black and white bodies have experienced trauma. Until we acknowledge and investigate our history, regardless of our colour, it will be challenging to heal. However, there is hope, and in my opinion, hope lies in women and mumpreneurs in particular. We have the optimal balance in feminine and masculine energy. Resilience, focus, outcome focus wrapped in energy of wholesomeness, presence, compassion, nurture and much more.

We are the ones to kick off the revolution of oneness by doing simple things like changing our language, getting comfortable with being uncomfortable, being prepared to do the work and then leading the way to change. I believe we all have a role in choosing our lives path and therefore should see the current state of the world as a call to action, to get to work in rebuilding the broken vase that is life, filling the cracks with gold powder as is seen with the Japanese Kintsugi. I have immense hope for a brighter, beautiful, wholesome future; to get there, we will need to collectively, be courageous. Kintsugi ‘The art of precious scars’ – www.lifegate.com Love & Light Yemi Penn

Yemi Penn Born in the UK, early childhood in Nigeria, a stint in Okinawa Japan and now living in Sydney, Australia, Yemi can be described as a citizen of the world! She is an Engineer by profession, an Entrepreneur by Passion and a Transformation Mindset Coach by mission; Yemi Penn is dedicated to guiding others in unlocking their untapped potential. An introvert at heart having only recently found her ‘voice’, she is making up for lost time! Having authored her first book and podcast titled, ‘Did You Get the Memo?’ Yemi has featured in numerous publications in the U.K, Africa and Australia including Entrepreneur.com, MI Business, Women’s Agenda, Smart Company and more; here she shares her stories offering tips on how to be the best, most serving version of oneself. Yemi run’s 3 businesses whilst parenting her two children in Sydney, Australia. One being her Engineering Management consultancy, an F45 Fitness studio in Brixton, London and her Transformation company under her brand of Yemi Penn. With qualifications ranging from project management to neurolinguistic programming, and methods taught to her personally by Jack Canfield and Tony Robbins, Yemi is dedicated to raising the vibration brought about by trauma and engineering powerful people; daring humanity to transmute its pain into power.

20

| MUMPRENEUR MOVEMENT


Beyond a fragile spirituality:

the path of sacred activism

DR RICCI-JANE ADAMS

IN 2018, I DISCOVERED THAT I WAS A WHITE SUPREMACIST. FOR AN EDUCATED, WELL-TRAVELLED, SPIRITUAL AND SEEMINGLY LOVING PERSON, THIS WAS AS SHOCKING A DISCOVERY AS IT SOUNDS.

T

o keep it simple my awakening began with a woman named Layla Saad. Layla was educating white spiritual women to understand how our collective and individual behaviour was causing direct and real harm to black, brown, indigenous women of colour, through our white supremacy, privilege, fragility and exceptionalism.

Layla offered a challenge on her instagram that invited white women to address their inherent racism. (This is now a best-selling book, and I encourage every white woman to buy it and to take the challenge https:// www.meandwhitesupremacybook. com/ especially if the terms mentioned above are new to you. It is our responsibility to educate ourselves).

To start off, please know, I was deeply offended. I tried to count myself out of her accusations, and then I got angry. How dare she tell me that my spirituality was superficial, bypassing and violent? That wasn’t me. She must be talking about other spiritual white women. I was fragile! I went through all the stages that I can see now were my ego attempting MUMPRENEUR MOVEMENT |

21


to maintain its power and privilege. Then at some point as I kept reading, I could feel my resistance melting. I spent a lot of time talking things through with educated white women, whose patience and insightful reflection offered me a safe space to work through the things that I couldn’t resolve in my head. Through this process of speaking my fears out loud I could see that I was afraid of losing control. I was afraid of looking foolish. How could I have been so blind? I recognised that as the leader of an Institute that claims to train women as spiritual leaders that I had no public policy, no plan of action, and no education in my programs in regards to spiritual activism, anti-racism, inclusivity and intersectionality. More importantly I had not done the work of unpacking my white privilege. It had gone unnoticed by me because the systems of power in the world privilege me as a white person (and this is true for all of us no matter how ‘privileged’ our lives have been. It’s a vital distinction), and so I literally did not see what was in plain sight.

We must look to our own subconscious biases, familial programming, our cultural conditioning, our inherited fear programs; and most importantly, we must meet our resistance to disrupting the status quo for fear of rejection by those around us. 22

| MUMPRENEUR MOVEMENT

I was motivated to take action in my interior being, but I also had to take action in the world to correct the error. Here are some of the actions I took: • I engaged the service of Sharyn Holmes (http://www.gutsygirl. com.au/), a Queensland based anti-oppression consultant. It is so vital that we invest in the work of Black, Brown, Indigenous women of colour (BIWOC) who are experts in this space. Sharyn conducted an audit of my Institute through the lens of anti-racism and made detailed recommendations. This led to our first ever anti-racism manifesto. You can read it here https:// instituteforintuitiveintelligence. com/anti-racism-plan/ • I pulled my book, Spiritually Fierce, from sale and I rewrote to reflect my new understanding • I studied with Eva Cruz Pena to understand inclusion from a spiritual perspective. I then engaged Eva’s expertise to offer her training in anti-racism and sacred inclusion education to my students in the Institute. Sacred Inclusion is now one of the

core modules of the Third Level program The Institute now offers a scholarship for each intake of the Third Level program for BIWOC We considered how inclusive we are globally as an Institute and have a policy now on trans and gender diversity, ageism, socioeconomic access and we are working on the development of our disability action plan We lead with our values and are super proud of our Code of Ethics https:// instituteforintuitiveintelligence. com/code-of-ethics-andinstitute-values/ I won’t participate in panels, summits or podcasts which don’t demonstrate genuine inclusion in their invited guest speakers. If I can’t ascertain this easily, I straight up ask I keep showing up to this work, every damn day. There is no quick fix.


The immutable cosmic truth is that, yes, we ARE all one. Yet, that is not the starting point. We must earn the right to claim that truth. We must look to our own subconscious biases, familial programming, our cultural conditioning, our inherited fear programs; and most importantly, we must meet our resistance to disrupting the status quo for fear of rejection by those around us. We are here in this life to learn one-ness through meeting all the places within us that are in contradiction to that truth. It is the work of our lives to overcome the separation mentality and to embody the truth that WE ARE ONE. This is sacred activism.

Ricci-Jane Adams Dr Ricci-Jane Adams is the principal of the Institute for Intuitive Intelligence. She trains women globally to qualify as clinically trained intuitive guides. She is the author of bestselling Spiritually Fierce, a handbook for the development of intuition beyond the trinkets and superstitions of the new age.

MUMPRENEUR MOVEMENT |

23


Educate yourself! Resources to empower yourself and your community

P

erhaps a better way of thinking about white “privilege” is to think about how white, male authority has become normalized.

WHITE PRIVILEGE HAS TURNED INTO AN INCENDIARY PHRASE THAT GETS CERTAIN GROUPS GNASHING THEIR TEETH. THE TERM “PRIVILEGE” BRINGS UP IMAGES OF TRUST FUNDS, COLLEGE PREP SCHOOLS AND A LIFE FREE OF STRUGGLE AND WORRY. 24

| MUMPRENEUR MOVEMENT

THE INVISIBILITY OF PRIVILEGE Part of the challenge of educating yourself, and those around you, about privilege is that privilege is invisible if you’ve got it and obvious if you don’t. Getting someone to understand that the normalization of white male power is actually an aberration of how a power structure could work in our nation is going to take a lot of work.

RACISM ISN’T PERSONAL Racism (and sexism) are systemic, not personal. Bigotry (and chauvinism) are personal. If you hold bigoted ideas as a white person against people of other colours, you are shielded or protected under the umbrella of systemic racism. For those who hold bigoted ideas against white people, the thoughts may be destructive and corrosive, but they’re not protected or normalized in the culture of the majority. Getting a good look at the destructive power of systemic racism can be deeply uncomfortable. Podcasts for kids that tell the story of sports heroes like Wilma Rudolph offer an historic perspective on how systemic racism is strangling the nation.

BOOKS TO EXPAND VIEWPOINTS For those willing to listen to a non-white perspective, books like Me and White Supremacy by Layla Saad are a terrific start. Part of understanding the corrosive power of white privilege is that you have to yank out your worldview and take a good look at why you think what you think. The trouble is that your worldview is wired in pretty tight, and many of those bonds were forged by people you care deeply about. Yanking on it hurts. If you can’t see the world from another perspective as yet, Angry White Men by sociologist Michael Kimmel is a good start. The truth is that white male power is dying because it isn’t good for people of any gender or color. The painful part is that it won’t go gently. Many of the most violent racial uprisings against people of color were tied to the myth of the risk of white female fragility and safety. Authors like Brene Brown are beating this terrible trend back by promoting the support of BIPOC bookstores and the community group Together Rising.

START THE CONVERSATION Whether on social media, in person or at the dinner table with your family share your viewpoint with others and open up the conversation about BLM, BIPOC, equality and anti-racism. Social media is an easy and great way to show that you’re an ally by creating or sharing educational and evidence based antiracism posts and pro BLM. Monitor these and be willing to remove trolls, even if you have to deal with them at the weekend barbeque. Be the example by walking your talk and not just being a keyboard warrior. If you have privilege through skin color, sexual preference or gender, become an umbrella. Post about things that will let your community know what you believe, what you are doing to be part of the solution and help support people from being abused or abusive. This is by no means an exhaustive list and self-education is never done. So if you have other suggestions please share through our social media channels. Let’s keep educating ourselves so we can create a better world.


JUDGEMENT VS

ONENESS JUDGEMENT. IT’S A SNEAKY LITTLE ENERGY CONSUMER. A TIME WASTER THAT INFILTRATES THE LIVES OF EACH AND EVERY INDIVIDUAL ON THIS PLANET. SOME BECOME SLAVES TO IT. OTHERS CHOOSE TO LIVE IN THE SPACE OF IT’S NEMESIS - CONNECTION.

O

therwise known as a desire to learn how to take radical responsibility for oneself by living from a space of observation, compassion, acceptance, understanding, patience, respect and love. NOT AN EASY FEAT: • to merely observe one’s response to a person or circumstance instead of judging them or it. • to have compassion for one’s emotions and feelings that arise in response to another or a circumstance. • to accept, love and respect oneself, another or the situation as they are, or as it is, instead of wishing them or it to be different. • to find the courage to seek understanding as to why the mental, emotional, physical or energetic responses are such in that moment in time, without fear of what may be discovered. • to be patient with oneself, another or the circumstance as it is in that moment and beyond.

We are all one. You are me. I am you. We are all a reflection of another, nature and beyond. There is no separation. The moment that you align with your true nature, integrate the cycles of nature, and balance your masculine and feminine energy. What you will discover is that your capacity to live from a space of observation, compassion, acceptance, understanding, patience, respect and love increases exponentially.

Often unexpected emotions arise. And as human beings we like to create meaning, instead of just being with what is without judgement. I’m sure you’ll agree that there are some folk out there who vibrate at a totally different frequency to you, and like me, I’m sure you’ve had moments in time when you’ve thought to yourselves “How on Earth did that person even make it through the birth canal?” Judgement. It’s always there. But here’s the thing. Everyone is perfect as they are. Everything is perfect as it is. The question is. Are you willing to take radical responsibility for yourself in each and every moment. MUMPRENEUR MOVEMENT |

25


Business Strategy and the Cycle of the Moon create & execute

ENERGY FADING Full Moon

communicate & systemise Half Moon Waxing

Half Moon Waning

New Moon

ENERGY rising

comp lete & chill

Dream & Plan

Yet most are not willing, nor have the desire to commit to practicing the art of true connection. It’s a much easier option to give the responsibility of how we are feeling, to someone or something outside of ourselves. That way, there is no need to sit in the discomfort of what has arisen, or is arising. Being human is complex. Being a Woman takes courage. From month to month we naturally cycle through four phases [unless of course your cycle is not consistent], just as nature does. In each of these four phases menstruation, the follicular phase, ovulation and the luteal phase - our capacity to do certain things changes. The moon guides us - from the new moon to the waxing moon, full moon and waning Moon - we are powerfully supported. The seasons - winter, spring, summer, autumn - clearly indicate when it is a time to be creative and expansive and when it is a time to be still. Yet due to the nature of the 24/7 society that we have created. Often we do not live in alignment with our personal cycle’s, nor do we integrate the cycles of nature. 26

| MUMPRENEUR MOVEMENT

For example, when you are bleeding, it is not a good time to be holding space for others, facilitating business meetings or exerting yourself. Yet, due to the nature of our society, many women do not respect and honour themselves enough to give themselves the time and space to relax during this stage of their cycle. To learn more about how to align your menstrual cycle to your business and life, I invite you to read the The Revolution will be Bloody by Stasha Washburn, The Period Coach. You are made of stardust, and to it you shall return. Might as well fully embrace the adventure of the human experience to get there. You are me. I am you. We are all a reflection of another, nature and beyond. There is no separation. We are one. The next time you feel judgement of another or circumstance arising in you, I invite you to reflect on what part of yourself you are being shown that you have not yet fully embraced.

And remember in the end, the only person you are truly judging is yourself.

Leigh Jane Woodgate Leigh Jane Woodgate is a Business Growth Advisor, Leadership Mentor, Author and the Founder of Inategy Business School, a Leadership Collective and Online Business School that enables conscious leaders to build and grow sustainable businesses without having to compromise who they are to achieve their wildest dreams. For over 20 years Leigh has built successful global businesses alongside influential entrepreneurs & CEO’s. She understands the power of balancing masculine and feminine energy, integrating nature’s cycles and aligning tailored business strategy to each individual to support sustainable business growth. Her clients work with her to learn how to do less and earn more so that they can experience more pleasure, build substantial wealth, and create greater impact with grace, simplicity & flow. Born in Johannesburg. Raised by one of the first men in South Africa to gain custody of a child in the 1980s. She lives in Sydney with her 11 year son, Noah the Kid.


Money Mindset Advice

the underfed kids, plant the seeds, and change the future. That takes money. As women we have the opportunity to harness the tool of money and consciously turn it in the right direction. But we have to give up the guilt. Start by choosing one cause you care about (because otherwise it will be overwhelming) - and imagine yourself easily giving them a million dollar check. How does that feel? Connect to that feeling every time you feel guilty or angry about money. You are a force for good. Let’s get to work!

with DENISE DUFFIELD-THOMAS

Dear Denise, I’ve just been speaking to a friend about money mindset, we are both highly ethically aware and have difficulty reconciling the imbalance that money has created in our world. It’s a massive hurdle. We can see that money can be used ethically, and yes, you can evidence good things occurring. Still, the imbalance is so stark, and so powerfully out of alignment with the Earth that it’s challenging to want to be involved in the system of money. How can we circumvent this?- Anna Kristina

I

totally get it Anna. Can I tell you a secret? Greedy people sleep soundly at night. They spend zero time or energy on feeling guilty. They don’t care if you judge their fifth yacht or their unethical investments.

Now there are almost zero barriers to entry. You can start a business with your phone in between cluster feeding sessions. You can start a magazine (like Tammie!). You can help people all around the world with your knowledge and expertise.

But the women I know - we lie awake and worry - about the planet, about hungry kids, about the ethics of our last purchase.

The only thing that will hold you back is guilt. You are conditioned to believe that you should give yourself away for free - that your knowledge and time shouldn’t be monetised. That money is bad.

Women for centuries have been bartering, endlessly working for free, and giving away our talents to help our communities. Because we couldn’t legally own property, have bank accounts or get loans. We were locked out of business opportunities in a myriad of ways.

It’s going to take people like you and me. Money can change the world - in both short and long term ways. We have to fund organisations we care about, amplify leaders we want to see, fund the green technology, feed

Denise Duffield-Thomas Denise Duffield-Thomas is the money mentor for the new wave of online entrepreneurs who want to make money and change the world. She helps women charge premium prices, release the fear of money and create First Class lives. Her books Lucky Bitch, Get Rich, Lucky Bitch, and Chillpreneur give a fresh and funny roadmap to living a life of abundance without burnout. Her Money Bootcamp has helped over 6,000 students from all around the world. She’s a lazy introvert, a Hay House author and an unbusy mother of 3. She owns a rose farm and lives by the beach in sunny Australia. Find her at...

MUMPRENEUR MOVEMENT |

27


Melissa McLeod

Artist, Therapist, Author.

MELISSA McLEOD WHEN LOOKING FOR AN ARTIST TO CREATE AN ILLUSTRATION OF ONENESS FOR THE FRONT COVER OF THE MUMPRENEUR MOVEMENT MAGAZINE, THERE WAS ONE WOMAN WHO CAME TO MIND INSTANTLY, MELISSA MCLEOD. A WOMAN WHO IS NOT ONLY TALENTED BUT ALSO COMMITTED TO EMPOWERING AND SUPPORTING WOMEN TO EXPRESS THEMSELVES, RELEASE LIMITING BELIEFS AND NEGATIVE HABITS TO UNLOCK THEIR POWER TO BE THE WOMAN THEY WERE BORN TO BE THROUGH HER WORK AS AN ARTIST, THERAPIST AND AUTHOR. I INVITE YOU TO GET TO KNOW MELISSA AND THE INCREDIBLE WORK SHE IS BRINGING TO THE WORLD. What does the front cover image represent? The painting represents the unity of all women, from all cultures, at different stages of their life. The moon represents the power of

the feminine energy where many women gather in circles under the sacred moonlight and are empowered by the energy and connection. When women gather, magic happens. What does ‘we are one’ mean to you? “We are one” means that we come from the one human, spiritual family. The love of a tribe of women is so crucial and ancient, sharing wisdom, comforting and encouraging each woman to rise. We are one with the whole of humanity and mother earth. What inspired you to become an artist? When I was seven I dented holes in a wall with a hammer and painted different coloured fluorescent nail varnish in the divits. It started then. It has always been a part of me, no separation.

28

| MUMPRENEUR MOVEMENT


What is your intention with your art work? I do believe that the work comes through you. My intension is that there is a message or place for the observer to land comfortably. What I mean is that the person looking at the work can either find a meaning that resonates for themselves or is drawn in enough to just ‘rest’ long enough to take a breath before venturing back out into the world.

What is the best part about being an artist? All of it, the mess, the escape, the presence. The joy of creating something that didn’t exist before. It doesn’t have to be perfect, it just has to be here. I love the contrast and dance between the right (creative) and left (logical) sides of the brain. You need both to create. Enough information to even start and then the trust in self to embellish the structure.

What have been some of the biggest challenges and how have you overcome? As an artist or in life? As an artist, it took (and still is taking) time to find my own style outside of commissions. As an artist you can spend so much more time creating art specific to others needs rather than your own. Doing this can result in not creating enough of your own work for solo exhibitions. Also time and space. Often the paid grown up work to pay bills takes priority and the rewarding, soul replenishing work gets moved further down list of priorities.

“TRIBE” - The strength of women together, so powerful and precious. MUMPRENEUR MOVEMENT |

29


How important is it for you to be creative? It’s my life source. Without it I’d be just a shell of nothingness. It’s not just about creating the art, creativity is a perspective, your thoughts and outlook on life. Life is not straightlines~thankfully! Whose work do you most admire? Anyone brave enough to be visible. What advice can you share with new artist just starting out? Have fun, play, experiment. Forget the end result or the potential client. Please paint for yourself! Make messy mistakes, as the late artist Bob Ross would say “Happy Accidents”. Also, to study and learn from the masters to begin, then take off the training wheels and find your own direction! As Oscar Wilde said “Be yourself, everyone else is taken”.

“WOMAN WITHIN SERIES” - “She couldn’t keep the colours within the lines”

What new and exciting projects do you have on the horizon? To complete my goddess range and over twenty huge blank canvases

“WILLOW GODDESS” - She represents the beauty of flexible thinking. Sometimes things do not turn out as we think they ought to, but to flow and see where the wind blows, ensures that you don’t get damaged through rigidity.

awaiting inspiration to strike! I envision chalky pastels, oil rugged abstract landscapes and charcoal loose lines of powerful empowered women. What are three adjectives that describe your style/vibe? Messy, ethereal, guided.

Melissa McLeod Melissa McLeod is a Psychotherapist, Clinical Hypnotherapist, Brain Coach, Art Therapist and Artist with over twenty years experience. She is passionate about supporting women to transform anxiety or limiting thinking so that they can live their life in full bloom!

30

| MUMPRENEUR MOVEMENT


Cr eat i ng

Consciously courageous

kids

I AM GLUED TO MY SCREEN FOR A 5TH NIGHT IN A ROW. AS I DEEP DIVE INTO THE BLACK LIVES MATTER MOVEMENT AND SYSTEMIC RACISM, I AM AWAKENED TO MY OWN IGNORANCE. IGNORANCE TO THE HISTORY OF BLACK SLAVERY, THE STOLEN GENERATION, THE GROSS PRIVILEGE I HAVE BENEFITED FROM AND MY INCOMPREHENSION OF INDIGENOUS ISSUES IN MY OWN COUNTRY.

T

he outrage, the despair, the fear and emotional exhaustion is palpable. The collective shout of voices across the globe is shaking us all awake!

As a 41 year old, caucasian mother of six caucasian children, I have a lot to learn about the deep prejudices and discrimination experienced by people of colour. While my journey to become better educated is still in its infancy, and I most certainly do not claim to be a thought leader on the topic of the Black Lives Matter movement, I do want to see change in this world! To quote Edmund Burke, “The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing.” I have been guilty of putting the responsibility for change on individuals I would consider to be people of importance, influence or authority. The reality is that lasting

change begins with you and I, in our homes, workplaces and schools. If you are a parent, you may be wondering how you can possibly raise your children so that we can see an end to racism in our world. What steps can you take to ensure they are not oblivious to the prejudice and discrimination people of colour have experienced in the past and continue to experience today? Here are a few suggestions.

Get Educated We can’t change what we don’t know. When we take the initiative to educate ourselves we begin being a part of the solution. By listening to the stories of those who are crying out and by asking ourselves if we are, in any way, a part of the problem. Dismissive comments like “All lives matter” or “this issue doesn’t affect me”, show how much room for change is still needed. Diversify your

social media feeds, your reading material and your conversations!

Open Up The Conversation “But these conversations are uncomfortable!” I hear you say. Yes, it can be uncomfortable to open your eyes and learn the truth about the history of your country of origin and countries around the world. It’s uncomfortable to realise the biases you have been conditioned to have. It’s uncomfortable to recognise the ways in which you could have made a difference but didn’t. But on the other side of these uncomfortable conversations lies greater understanding, broader perspectives and more effective actions. Age appropriate conversations can happen at different times and in different places. If you have a child who communicates that they feel uncomfortable, find a suitable time to ask them why this topic is uncomfortable for them. When approached with gentleness and understanding it can be the perfect MUMPRENEUR MOVEMENT |

31


segway to a worthwhile conversation. Conversations don’t always have to be long. Create and embrace teachable moments where conversation flows naturally. For our family it tends to be when we are walking in a park, driving in the car, shopping for groceries or making dinner together.

Be mindful of what is shaping your child’s worldview. Be mindful of what is shaping your worldview. Never before has it been so easy to curate our social media feeds to what makes us happy or comfortable. The risk here is that we can adapt to a narrow viewpoint and ignore the issues of others and there are some issues that should concern us.

Open Ended Questions

Consider watching movies that give your child insight into the stories of people of colour. Include diversity in the audio-visual entertainment your child consumes and where possible, expose your children to the differences in cultural and ethnic groups. Give them an appreciation for the rich variety in our world.

Open ended questions may start a two minute conversation which will lead to a 3 minute conversation. Once you know a little more about the topic and share stories you have heard and report some of the facts. Open ended questions allow your children the space to process their own thoughts. By validating their opinions we open a more stable line of communication with our children, at any age. Try questions that begin with “What would you do if…?” or “Why do you think…?”

Resources Education and conversation can come through the movies we watch, the music we listen to or the social media we consume.

Regardless of whether or not you agree with protests during COVID-19, one thing is for sure, a generation of history makers is rising up.

32

| MUMPRENEUR MOVEMENT

A Generation Rising Regardless of whether or not you agree with protests during COVID-19, one thing is for sure, a generation of history makers is rising up. They are honoring the efforts of those who have gone before them. They are thinking globally and intergenerationally. They have vision, courage, compassion and a willingness to stand up for the rights of another! Something we could all use a bit more of, don’t you think?

Tamara Stiller Tamara Stiller is a speaker, teacher, encourager, blogger, author, mentor and coach to mums who need someone in their corner cheering them on! As a wife and mother (to six children) business owner and entrepreneur, Tamara has a passion for connecting with women who are doubting their ability to be all they are destined to be. Having her own experience with mental health issues and feeling unworthy in her early years of parenting, Tamara stepped out of her comfort zone to discover her own unique gifts. Often referred to as “the ideas girl” Tamara works with business owners to brainstorm creative ideas and curate content plans for marketing. Her ability to recognise and nurture the uniqueness of each individual and business she works with is inspiring. Her enthusiasm and energy is contagious making collaborations both fun and uplifting! Having a successful background in competitive dance, Tamara loves working with people who have drive and focus. Through training with multiple mentors, Tamara continues to further develop her own skills in business, social media, public speaking and coaching. Passionate about creating life-giving homes, families and businesses, Tamara lights up to see others light up!


MindFit kids “We are all one” that is the way a MindFit kid views the world.

A

child that is encouraged to honour and express their uniqueness is a child that understands they are a gift to this world. When children learn to understand that being unique is a powerful contribution to humanity, they then recognise that we are all human; we are all one. There is no division of colour or gender or social status.

WHAT IS A MINDFIT KID? IT’S A CHILD WITH A STRONG, FLEXIBLE, FIT, AND HEALTHY MIND. IT’S A CHILD THAT HAS DEVELOPED ENORMOUS SELFCONFIDENCE AND POWERFUL SELF-ESTEEM. A MINDFIT KID IS AN EMPOWERED CHILD.

A MindFit kid knows that one person’s gifts are not better or worse than another’s because we are all one in our uniqueness. A MindFit generation is raised to believe that in order to thrive - and not just survive – they need to be surrounded by all types of people with all kinds of gifts. As parents, caregivers and educators, we are responsible for moulding and shaping the minds of our children who are the next generation of leaders in our society. We need them to be kind, compassionate, yet powerful in order for them to help humanity find and create peace in the world. Our current education system – in fact, the entire current social system in the western world, has let us down as a collective humanity. There are serious holes in this system MUMPRENEUR MOVEMENT |

33


where children are not taught the basic fundamentals of how to generate healthy self-esteem and courageous self-worth. Sadly, so many children live their lives in disempowered states where they have been taught to play the victim and not take responsibility for their thoughts, feelings and actions. This structure of learning has left a vast number of children to incorrectly believe they are not enough, and unable to understand the power of their uniqueness or recognise the gift that they are and what they have to contribute to the world.

Every child is different – just as every adult is different. Humanity needs to embrace this concept and encourage uniqueness rather than shame, blame or attacking what is different. We were all made different for a reason. If we could all trust in that, then the world would be a kinder place.

Salli Galvin

I understand that many adults (more than we would like to imagine) don’t fully comprehend the power of individuality and, therefore, they do not have the capacity to lead by example to teach our children.

A woman of action. Salli is passionate about creating grounded resilient well adjusted children reach their full potential. She believes it is easier to grow and shape a strong child with a FIT MIND, than fix a broken man.

That is why I developed The MindFit Kids Academy. It is a program that teaches children, aged 6-12 years, five incredibly powerful aspects of social and emotional development through the power of story. These five key points are:

Salli has always been curious of the human mind and how it operates from a scientific perspective. The reason she is so intrigued about this come from her story.

Mind Mastery uses neuroscience to teach the basic fundamentals of how the mind works so that every MindFit kid is able to understand how to use their powerful mind to achieve and enjoy the life they want to live. You Mastery teaches our children that they possess the power within themselves to challenge their happiness model. By understanding that everything is a choice, children learn the power is within them, and they can choose how they respond to any given situation. Dream Mastery harnesses the power of vision to reach a goal. It uses techniques such as visualisation, affirmation, gratitude and the Reticular Activating System and the Universal Law of Attraction to achieve whatever it is in life; a child sets out to accomplish. Self Mastery is aimed at helping children understand who they are and to embrace the unique and special gift they are to humanity. This module is about developing soaring self-esteem and powerful selfconfidence. Mastering our Fears is merely learning how to overcome adversity or the fear that we each have inside. Mastering our Fears builds deep levels of resilience. 34

| MUMPRENEUR MOVEMENT

She grew up on a sheep and wheat farm in WA and her perfect country life was shattered when her father committed suicide. She was the oldest of four girls at 8 her little sisters are 4, 2 and 6 months old. Why a perfectly good man with everything to live for chose to take his life is one of Salli’s greatest mysteries. Her lifelong journey has lead her around the world to four continents investigating Mindfulness and Mindfitness. She has created programs and companies that help children and parents alike to harness the power of their minds.


Kids Lunches

Made

Fun Hi!

I

’m Anna from Lunchbox Mini and my goal is to help busy mums save time, feel more organised and actually enjoy packing lunches. It can happen! I sell the best quality lunch and mealtime products that will inspire you to try new ideas, offer a wide variety of healthy foods and reduce your grocery bill. One of my loves is helping mums get out the lunchbox rut – packing the same things

for their kids day in, day out. It’s uninspiring for you, it’s predictable for them and there’s a whole wide world of foods you (and your kids!) could be trying! If you’re looking for ‘big’ lunch alternatives to the typical, crusts-off, square cut sandwich, take a look at these, some of my most popular lunchbox ideas. There are how-to videos on each of these on my website if you’re wanting to see for yourself just how easy it can be! MUMPRENEUR MOVEMENT |

35


INGREDIENTS • • • • • • • • • •

1 1/2 teaspoons Yeast 2 teaspoons caster sugar 280 grams warm water 1 teaspoon salt 480 grams bakers flour 1 teaspoon bread improver 1 tablespoon olive oil 1 egg, Lightly Beaten Grated Cheese Diced bacon or ham pieces

METHOD Place yeast, sugar and warm water in the bowl 20 sec / speed 4 Add salt, flour, bread improver and oil 5 sec / speed 7 then

1. Cheese and bacon rolls If you love a good quick and easy, home-made, freezer-friendly option for a ‘grab & go’ lunch – cheese and bacon rolls are your answer. Once made (they’re easier than you think!) there’s no cutting, no spreading required – I always pack my kid’s lunches the night before and these go straight into the lunchbox from the freezer. This is my go-to recipe (which is a Thermomix recipe but you could very easily make without – you would just need to knead the dough by hand) that I swear is better than any store-bought we’ve tried!

2. Sandwich Sushi It’s a sandwich, but sushi-style. Way more exciting than your normal square-cut sandwich, and super easy for your kids to pick off the sticks to eat. I love using our Lunch Punch Stix (available in a range of colours on our website), but toothpicks can work just as well. To make, cut the crusts off a piece of bread, roll your bread out flat with a rolling pin, top with their favourite topping and roll up into a log. Cut into 4 even pieces and thread onto your Lunch Punch Stix or toothpick. Much more fun than a sandwich!

3 min / kneed Transfer into lightly oiled bowl and cover with cling wrap Leave to prove for approx 1 hr or until mixture has almost tripled in size. Work the dough into 6- 12 rolls and place on a lined tray, almost touching Pre Heat Oven to 180 degrees Fan Forced Leave rolls to prove for a further 30 minutes or until doubled in size Score top of roll with a sharp knife Brush with egg wash. Top with cheese and then bacon. Bake for 15 - 20 minutes until golden

Cheese and Bacon Rolls (from the Thermomix Recipe Community)

3. Sushi Sandwich It’s sushi, but sandwich-style. If your kids love sushi but making your own just seems way too hard, you have to try this. The exact same ingredients, no rolling, no bamboo mat, no falling apart. To mould into shape, I use one of our reusable beeswax wraps but alfoil works just as well. Take a look at the how-to video on my website – you’ll be so tempted to try it! 36

| MUMPRENEUR MOVEMENT


5. Sushi If you’ve never attempted to make it before, or you have but it just doesn’t seem to turn out right, I have a couple of versions you watch on the website or on our facebook page. My tips are to always use warm sushi rice (not hot and not cold – I always heat mine in the microwave first if using from the fridge), don’t go overboard with the amount of rice you use, and use a small amount of water to make sure the end sticks to the roll.

4. Rice Paper Rolls An easy, sandwich-free alternative that you can make as simple or as fancy as you like. My daughter’s favourite fillings are avocado and ham, but I love them filled with vermicelli

noodles, chicken, cucumber and mint. I make these the night before, pack into our rectangle silicone cup moulds inside the lunchbox, and sprinkle with a few drops of water to keep them from drying out. Easy, light, tasty, healthy!

If you like the sound of any or all of these and would love to receive a new lunchbox-friendly recipe delivered to your inbox each week, head to our website and make sure you sign up to our newsletter. And if you need a hand choosing the right quality, leakproof, airtight lunchbox that will help inspire you to easier, better lunches feel free to get in touch, I’d love to help!

MUMPRENEUR MOVEMENT |

37


Family

The modern FIONA NEWTON

MY PARTNER RENEE AND I LEAD A FULL LIFE. WE RUN TWO BUSINESS TOGETHER – THE FITZROY MARKET IN MELBOURNE AND PRODUCTIVE EVENTS & TRAINING (DELIVERING TRAINING IN PRODUCTIVITY TO ORGANISATIONS RIGHT ACROSS AUSTRALIA).

T

o add some spice to life, we have a couple of not-so-small side projects – Renee created a music festival, A Hitch to the Sticks, and I co-host a radio show Chicks Talking Footy on Joy949. All this while raising our gorgeous son Jaxson. We are busy people but not stressed (at least not most of the time). With the benefit of years of experience working with our clients to develop their own productivity systems and techniques and the benefit of being in a same sex relationship, we realised we could create our own rules. When we decided to have a child together, there were some other practical decisions to be made like who will carry the baby, will we use a friend or an unknown donor? How many attempts at IVF we were willing to make? The sex method is much more enjoyable and cheaper, so I have heard! However, we also felt free to make some more in-depth decisions about how we created our life as there are no gender roles to navigate. 38

| MUMPRENEUR MOVEMENT

I have trained many people that work 10-hour days and commute an hour each way to the office and are lucky to spend 30 minutes with their kids before bedtime. We didn’t want a life where one partner was

working 50 hours a week to support us financially, while the other stayed home with our child full time. We are both highly ambitious and driven. So, we wanted to find a more balanced approach where we could both be

Fitzroy Market


Setting up a lives this way has empowered both of us to do what we love and build a strong connection with our son. I believe a positive that will come out of the global pandemic is that we can all reimagine our work lives and possibly create more work-life balance for everyone. When the average commute time in Australia is 3 hours and 37 minutes a week, and the 9-5 workday no longer works for everybody, perhaps we can all create a new reality. We have free tools that can help you thrive in the ‘New Normal’. Download our Master Your Inbox ebook and Productivity Assessment Tool.

Renee and Fiona

doing what we love, spend time with our son in these precious years, and travel every year.

Jaxson

Our son Jaxson goes to childcare on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday. I hang out with him on Mondays, and Renee hangs out with him on Fridays and we work in between. We both work part-time and parent part-time. It’s not always as smooth as what it sounds. I may need to travel to deliver training or speak at a conference, or Renee might be away to set up things for a music festival (or one of us, usually me, accidentally books too many social engagements in). However, we have the flexibility to change schedules and responsibilities as we need.

I believe a positive that will come out of the global pandemic is that we can all reimagine our work lives and possibly create more work-life balance for everyone.

Fiona Newton Fiona is the co-founder of Productive Events and Training, the creator of The Fitzroy Market and broadcaster on the award-winning Chicks Talking Footy show. Fiona has used her experience as a small business owner and radio broadcaster to train tens of thousands of people across most industries in Australia in how to be more productive and communicate effectively. Renowned for being an inspiring speaker and trainer, Fiona shares her personal insights and experience to help others grow. With every presentation and training session, Fiona aims to ensure her audience takes away useful insights, inspiration and tips that will help them succeed in their career or business.

MUMPRENEUR MOVEMENT |

39


For Better or Worse, In Sickness and Sexy time I WAS ON THE YOUNGER END OF MY BREAST CANCER DIAGNOSIS. I WAS TWENTY SEVEN, HAD A ONE YEAR OLD DAUGHTER, AND MARRIED TO AN AMAZING MAN. OUR LIFE WAS IN THE INFANCY OF THE WORDS WE VOWED TO EACH OTHER ON OUR WEDDING DAY FOUR YEARS PRIOR.

F

or better or worse, in sickness and in health. Of course we were hoping sickness and the worst of times would not be on the five year plan of our marriage. Having a new baby is taxing on romance and “sexy time” but add in a disease that takes the most feminine parts of you. You definitely don’t feel prepared to handle the helm of your body that feels foreign and unfamiliar. John Mayer definitely didn’t name his song correctly when he said, Your Body is a Wonderland” Because, girl, there is no feeling of wonderment when your body has been ravaged by cancer and copious amounts of medications.

No one prepares you to feel unattractive and undesirable. Drains, weight gain, muscle loss, grey skin, bad breath. Now let’s take into account the side effects of some cancer treatments including pain during intercourse, loss of sex drive, vaginal dryness, loss of sensation, and of course fatigue. This sounds 40

| MUMPRENEUR MOVEMENT

like an amazing recipe for “Sexy time” Doesn’t it?

feel about your body post cancer diagnosis.

According to a recent study an estimated 90 percent of the 6 million female cancer warriors in the United States suffer from intimacy issues. This is a difficult topic, that is often a question I receive in my inbox. Why are we so afraid of having these conversations? Sex isn’t an evil word, nor should it be seen that way. Intimacy is a beautiful and natural part of a relationship and when your body feels foreign, sex can as well.

I was so disgusted with my body, I lived in velour tracksuits, in the dead of summer heat to hide the way I looked. I wouldn’t set foot into a clothing store, let alone buy something to help make me feel sexy. Until an August day, the hottest day of the summer, when my husband’s car broke down and I had to drive in the velour tracksuit with no AC, I had an epiphany. I was so miserable with being miserable I knew I needed to change it. The next day I entered a plus size store for the first time. Greeted by a sales woman who was more than happy to help my lost soul search for clothes. As I entered the dressing room on the verge of tears trying on outfits, the sales woman asked me to step outside the dressing room so she could see. Little by little my confidence was being built by a woman I had just met. She honestly had no idea how much she helped me that day.

For my husband and I, we had a very active sex life before cancer. I’m not embarrassed to say it, as a matter of fact I am proud of it. Sex is such a taboo topic for a lot of people, and we are often made to feel insecure about it. Which is why it is so difficult to have these discussions with our health care team and often our partner. It’s very personal and it’s different for everyone. As is the course of treatment and how you


Dr Fabianna Marie

I know how truly blessed I am to have an amazing husband who is and was willing to go the extra lengths to help me find the lost woman who couldn’t bear to look at herself in the mirror. Excited by my new clothing choices I asked to wear an outfit home. With new clothes in tote, I headed home to my awaiting husband. As I walked through the door he very excitedly said, “There’s my wife.” Unknowingly in that moment he wasn’t speaking about my appearance, he was speaking to the smile on my face and my head that was finally held high. Within a few minutes we were celebrating with some “sexy time.” As we laid on the bed talking for a few hours after our “sexy time” he explained to me how much he missed my self-esteem. He fell in love with the woman who never second guessed her sexuality and sensuality. Who felt comfortable in her own skin. He wanted her back and didn’t know how to tell me without hurting me. So instead he wanted to show me. He took my hand and led me to our full length mirror. I was still dressed in my bra and a shirt, as I hadn’t been comfortable being fully undressed. He then undressed me and made me

truly look at the woman staring back. He told me to list everything I loved about myself. This took a while, as I no longer thought about loving the true me. Every scar, every lump and bump. I had to take a hard look and realize my body changed. It wasn’t the hideous looking creature I had made up in my own mind, I was still me. Just different. Bare bones, nothing to hide by a velour tracksuit. At that moment I witnessed the shift. It took a saleswomen, my husband, and a mirror to realize I was still in there, just a bit lost. I know how truly blessed I am to have an amazing husband who is and was willing to go the extra lengths to help me find the lost woman who couldn’t bear to look at herself in the mirror. I recognize that some of you may not have a significant other to pull you from the depths of despair at times. But I assure you, others will. Our community is strong and we continue to be a source of love and strength for our warrior sisters.

Dr. Fabianna Marie is a Naturopathic Doctor specializing in BioPhenotype (The unique Biochemistry of every individual) and Homeopathic Medicine. Dr. Fabianna is a 14 year Metastatic Breast Cancer thriver, an award winning author and national speaker. Her writing has graced the pages of Women’s Day, Vegetarian times, Raw Food Magazine, Yahoo, The Mighty, and many others. Dr. Fabianna is the recipient of the 2017, 2018, & 2019 National Association of Professional Women, Woman of the Year Award, for her contribution to empower women in business.

This conversation is important. Sexuality and body positivity is hard. It is even harder during and after Cancer. If you don’t feel comfortable having this talk with your doctor, reach out to a warrior who has been in your shoes and can offer understanding. Have the conversations with your significant other and be open to how you are feeling, and what you need from them. Feeling sexy comes from within, but it sure does help when your partner can say and do things to spur it along. No one goes unscathed after a cancer diagnosis. And while we are all different and our course of treatment is different, we all feel wounded. We all feel like we lost many pieces of ourselves. When that happens remember to look in the mirror and practice self-love. You take your power back as soon as you accept what is, let go of what was, and have faith in what is to come. Until next time, Fabulous Fighters, Xoxo - Dr. Fab MUMPRENEUR MOVEMENT |

41


Rising

From The Ashes After Postnatal Depletion A life story by LEONIE LAUKKANEN

I HAVE ALWAYS FELT A HIGHER POWER, A MYSTICAL CONNECTION TO AN INVISIBLE WORLD. WHEN MY HUSBAND TOLD ME, HE WOULD GIFT ME A SON ON THE NIGHT OF OUR WEDDING, I LAUGHED IT OFF. I WAS FORTY-ONE AT THE TIME, AND ALREADY HAD MY BEAUTIFUL BABES, LUNA (5) FROM THIS RELATIONSHIP, AND LAEL (11) FROM A FORMER MARRIAGE.

M

y business was thriving, I had just won my fourth business award and spoken at a wellness conference alongside Mia Freedman. I had an epic vision for my service as a spiritual leader. We are powerful magnetic beings, and we are constantly creating our reality with our feelings, thoughts, and words. We manifest what we do want and want we don’t want. Every feeling we have sends a spark of energy out to the Universe and we are encoding our reality in each moment. I teach women how to use divine guidance from our heart’s intelligence, to consciously cocreate our life with the Universe. Our intuition resides in our hearts. It is our feeling state, our vibration that creates our external world. Our life path is not our life plan. On our honeymoon, my intuition told me that I was pregnant, and as you know, a mother’s intuition is always right. I was delighted, but also in emotional turmoil. Having three kids was one of my deepest fears. I only have 2 hands, how was I going to 42

| MUMPRENEUR MOVEMENT

keep them all safe? How was I going to run my business? How was I going to cope? I felt terrible guilt for not wanting him, and shame for these feelings when many women struggle to conceive beyond the age of forty. Being pregnant again was physically and emotionally intense. I was at the time studying with the Institute of Intuitive Intelligence, running my business, and parenting 2 kids without any support with my husband working long hours. When Lael was diagnosed with ADHD, this left me feeling like a failure as a mum. I developed shingles, a sign that my fear of not coping was taking over. I knew this child would be another teacher for me, choosing me to uncover another layer of unmet fear. He was born naturally without drugs after an intense 1.5-hour labour. He flew out of me as I was standing up. I roared like a wild woman, my husband caught him, and Lael named him: Phoenix And then the challenges began. Phoenix had a tongue tie which we had lasered twice, and breastfeeding


existence. This explains why stress and anxiety block our intuition, but bliss and joy can open up our consciousness. It is as if the universe is feeling itself through us. As within, so without, as above, so below. I learned how to teach Intuitive Intelligence Tapping, also known as the Emotional Freedom Technique. I used this powerful modality on myself and tapped on my fears, the guilt, the shame, the failure, the sacrifice of motherhood, and the depletion.

was so painful. He also had silent reflux, and would only sleep being held upright. Sleep deprivation led to postnatal depletion, and I had to surrender everything I loved, including my studies and my business, to survive. I had to learn to trust and surrender. But unlike my divorce 8 years earlier, which left me utterly heartbroken, this time I had spiritual guidance to know I would emerge stronger from this difficult time. Phoenix turns two this month and like his name, I feel I have risen from the ashes and returned to wholeness. I have a new website, have contributed to a new book titled “Awakening – Meet the women birthing a new earth”, and an online program called “Heartfulness”. I learned to make earrings to keep me sane in my moments of madness, and now there are women all over the world adorning themselves in these divine creations as a visual reminder to return to love. I felt this was another chance to turn adversity into opportunity, which is my dharma, or life path. Not only that, but I had a sisterhood supporting me with their energy, and my inner light to guide me. When Phoenix turned one, I studied to become a teacher of Intuitive Intelligence. I learned about the Hermetic laws of the Universe. We are as magnificent or as weak as we think. Our world is how we choose to see it. This means that, when we change our perception, we change our reality. We are all one in the mind of God, because there is no you and I, only we. Our energy precedes our physical

I listen to divine chants while putting Phoenix to sleep, trying to hear the stillness amongst the chaos. I have replenished my depleted nervous system by teaching myself to sleep again. I have nourished my body with whole foods and detoxed from coffee and alcohol. I have handed over my suffering to God, letting go of expectation. I no longer judge myself harshly, but surrender to the demands of love, not fear. I focus on what I can control, which is my energy, and I listen to my intuition. These are not easy disciplines, but the rewards are lifechanging. Embodying these ancient laws has changed everything for me. My business is taking off again, and new opportunities are appearing in my inbox. I am being invited to speak on stages again about my theme of ‘Heartfulness’. My earring-making workshops are drawing in amazing women who are also seeking intuitive connection. I am a calmer and kinder mother, with a strong sense of purpose.

I feel part of a new awakening of the planet, one that focuses on compassion, connection, commitment, community, and contribution. It’s not easy, raising a family and running a business. There are challenges, but they can be overcome. Our mind, heart, and intuition can show us the way. We have the whole Universe inside of us. We are one. Everything we desire is within.

Leonie Laukkanen Leonie Laukkanen is an Intuitive Mentor, Teacher of the Intuitive Intelligence Method, Speaker, Podcaster, Author of the awardwinning international best selling book Mother Om and the creator of Luna Phoenix Designs. For over 10 years Leonie has been teaching yogic principles, mindfulness, intuition, and the art of living life using the divine guidance from our heart’s intelligence. Leonie teaches spiritually awake women how to consciously co-create their life with the universe by guiding them to overcome fear and return to wholeness. Her clients work with her to embark on a sacred journey to clear lifetimes of old beliefs and trauma so they can serve the planet from an empowered place, gracefully align with their soul’s calling, and live life with ease and grace. Leonie lives in Brisbane, Australia with her husband and 3 young children.

MUMPRENEUR MOVEMENT |

43


Growing Wildflowers W e ’ re n ot go ing ba ck to sc ho o l .

I

just wrote a emotional email to my daughter’s teacher, letting them know we’re not coming back.

As Will Smith says, “raising kids is like being a gardener. You provide what the seed needs so that it can grow. It will grow into whatever it was meant to grow into. All you can do is provide the best environment for it to grow in. Not all soil is the same., and not all seeds thrive in a garden.*1

I really value education. It means a lot to me. I was so proud the day we enrolled in the school we did. It felt so right. I was certain we were choosing the best soil money could buy, for our little seeds to grow in. But our girlseed is some kind of wildflower. She feels suffocated in a pot. She is not interested in traditional gardening methods. School wasn’t what I’d hoped it would be for her.

She was growing, but she wasn’t full of life. She didn’t skip into the place like I saw the kids do. I want her to skip. She skips at home. So we’re homeschooling. We’re handcrafting her education. The world will be her classroom. A classroom that doesn’t require her to sit still. It’s hard for a kid to learn when so much of their mental capacity is being taken up by the task of keeping still. We’re lucky enough to have and have worked to create, a life that allows us to do this our way. Her own teaching team. Kid-led learning. Family-crafted curriculum. We’re working with an education consultant. She’s wonderful. She has a teaching background, a psychology qualification, experience with wildflower kids, a passion for experiential learning, and most importantly, an enormous heart. I love what she’s planning for our

daughter. And our daughter does too. I’m nervous; this is not the norm. Making this decision is us stepping outside of the system. However, as a client (who homeschools) said to me recently “this is a no-brainer for you. It’s in alignment with everything you stand for.” No one should have to go to a place they don’t enjoy, every day., that’s soul-destroying and unfair. Everyone should get to do what they love, I believe it’s the key to creating successful outcomes. This is me walking my talk, and making brave decisions as a mama. We don’t do many things the traditional way in our lives, we tend to pave our own path and I think this is going to be quite the adventure. Follow along our homeschooling journey over on instagram @ mscarliemaree

Carlie Maree Carlie Maree is the master of motivational intelligence. She’s a Wall Street Journal bestselling author, online educator, renegade researcher, sought-after speaker and creator of the binge-worthy podcast ‘Go Hack Yourself’. With her bold teachings and revolutionary frameworks, she empowers women all over the world to live differently. She has a deep understanding of how women work - what motivates us, what drives us, and what holds us back. And since coming out last year with her ground-breaking book and Netflix-style documentary, she’s holding nothing back. This woman is the real deal. She’s here to change everything.

44

| MUMPRENEUR MOVEMENT

*1 Reference Source: https://www.facebook.com/redtabletalk/videos/1068231806926090/ S3:E11 - Jada And Will: Their First One-On-One Conversation


My Outback Experience BACK IN JANUARY 2019, MY HUSBAND SHAY AND I MADE THE LIFE CHANGING DECISION TO MOVE TO AN OUTBACK INDIGENOUS COMMUNITY AS MY HUSBAND HAD SECURED WORK RUNNING THE GENERAL STORE IN A LITTLE PLACE CALLED PUNMU IN THE VERY HEART OF WESTERN AUSTRALIA, 1310KM NORTHEAST OF PERTH, IN THE RUDALL RIVER NATIONAL PARK. IT IS ONE OF THE MOST REMOTE COMMUNITIES IN AUSTRALIA.

T

he township is located on the most eastern edge of Lake Dora, a giant dry salt lake which reflects some of the most spectacular desert sunsets. The closest community is Kunawarritji. Punmu is the home of the infamous Barrel train that takes the kids to school, which they love. Earlier in the year, when word of this position came up, we were both pretty excited, we felt it would be an adventure. We had previously felt a calling to go to the outback & I had felt a connection with the indigenous people especially when I travelled to Darwin with Psychic expo where I worked for ten days, then again when I gave up my little Health shop

in Queensland. I knew I had to be on the land and couldn’t explain it; it got to the point I almost had a breakdown. I now know that was my calling, so to speak to work with the indigenous people. As I have always believed that we have so much we can learn from the indigenous people, especially their connection to the land. Since my experience, I also see how we all have tools and practices we can teach each other, and I believe we both knew this. The Indigenous people inspire me as they are so resilient, and it amazes me what little they need. The people live off the land and we could all learn a thing or two from their culture and lifestyle. Their knowledge of bush medicine & living off the land is a real sense of

simplicity that I love. They require very little such as materialistic items, technology isn’t really on the top of their list, which has been nice for us to take a step back in time. Being here has enabled us to watch & learn how each person adapts to the isolation and different way of living. It has taught me different ways of coping with not always having fresh foods. My spices & capsule maker has been a godsend in helping me

MUMPRENEUR MOVEMENT |

45


keep in good health, especially as I have taken on the role of cooking for the school children, I get to create different meals and share different flavours for them to experience, which they are loving. Cooking here at Rawa School has been a great experience for me as I get to share my knowledge and cook good hearty meals each day for the kids. It’s also has given me firsthand experience of learning their way of cooking too such as campouts, different dishes and uses different flavours and produce. Last week I learnt how to make their famous Damper & as we stay here longer I am sure I will learn their Bush Medicines here too. Since arriving I have also been able to share some of my natural remedies such as the Monk kefir which has been beneficial to all who take it. I have given it to some of the people and Elders within the community and they come back asking for more as they say it helps their tummy. I love seeing my own knowledge helping others (as well as animals) to feel better. Being out here has also given my husband and I a chance to be more creative, I have made and sold soap for the last six years, and since moving here, I now have 11 different blends of soaps and have incorporated some with the local healing clays. My famous bush soap is fantastic for exfoliating or for those who have allergies to chemicals. My husband, who never had time before is now working on

his woodwork, crafting different wands and staffs. We are inspired by our surroundings and the community we are a part of. The Art centre here in Punmu could keep me entertained for hours as I could watch the Elders work their magic all day. They all have such amazing talent, and each painting tells a different story. Many of the indigenous artists have won awards for their art work, and now their paintings are sold all over the world. There is no plan how long we will be here, although we have found our piece of paradise back in Queensland that is closer to our family which we look forward going back to when the border restrictions are lifted. Every day we both feel truly blessed to be here as it reminds me constantly how powerful it is when

we are willing to learn from each other and accept each other for who we are, human beings, rather than for what we look like or where we come from.

Suizy Lamont Suizy is a naturally gifted psychic and has been providing her services professionally for over 11 years. A compassionate, sympathetic reader and spiritual healer. From the early age of 7 Suizy knew that she was psychic, though she did not know how to use her gift. It took a series of events in her late thirties to act on it. Assisted by her spirit guides, she pursued it further and was able to fine tune her natural abilities with other modalities to be able to cater to those with physical ailments. She is currently learning bush medicine during her stay in the desert of Western Australia.

46

| MUMPRENEUR MOVEMENT


Why

ADVERTISE With

M A G A Z I N E ? Download our media kit here

As we continuously grow from one platform to another, our Social Media pages and groups and now our website, we will also be supporting sponsored products or services which will be electronically purchased and delivered including ebooks, apps, subscriptions and other online services. Advertising with Mumpreneur Movement Magazine fuses the beauty of traditional publishing with the technological advantages of the digital world, giving you instant access to buyers around the world on pages that never get thrown away. If you have a product or service that you would like to advertise or sell through Mumpreneur Movement Magazine, please contact us below. We evaluate each proposal on a case-by-case basis to ensure that it offers sufficient value for our readers.

Contact us today at mumpreneurmovementmagazine@gmail.com MUMPRENEUR MOVEMENT |

47


CONNECT WITH US

Doing life, motherhood & business differently FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL MEDIA

VISIT OUR WEBSITE ANSWER OUR SURVEY JOIN THE MOVEMENT


Turn static files into dynamic content formats.

Create a flipbook
Issuu converts static files into: digital portfolios, online yearbooks, online catalogs, digital photo albums and more. Sign up and create your flipbook.