We are nearing the end of our thirty day challenge and we have already begun here and there to talk about how the challenge has changed us. There is the actual change of improving our eating habits but there is also a slow shift in our perception of the kind of family life that can be possible for us. The discipline of a challenge gives you the assignment but also the license to value self care above perceived care - that idea that we have too much going on to eat well or care for ourselves. I know this is the case when I'm eating poorly but knowing intellectually and feeling the truth in practice are two separate things. Placing a value on making a meal for one another has spilled over into placing value on spending more self care time in our day to day. Today, even though we have only three packing days left, we took turns having another guided meditation massage with Robert Finlayson. And although during these last few move days, we haven't been able to keep to cooking one good meal a day, we are still eating well and learning how to come together, care for ourselves and in turn renew some of the energy in our marriage all while remaining to be fully present and engaged mommies to our daughter. And, as we celebrate our seven years of marriage this July 2nd, I know we've only just begun...
Where we were/ Where we are...For two years before Carrie got pregnant, we were eating nutrient-dense foods and training for ½ marathon walks. We were losing weight and getting into shape. And then we had a baby. A difficult labor and C-section followed by complications, coupled with a collicky baby who wouldn't breastfeed meant that Carrie was out for the count and spent much of her time pumping breast milk. And her mom, who we had slated to feed us for the first two months of Gryffin's life was instead standing in to help Stacey as parent number two.
With all that stress our nutrition went out the window. Fast forward two years now and although we have improved somewhat, our nutrition is still a major issue and it seems all our energy goes into being good moms with little left over for taking care of ourselves and our relationship. Parenthood on our marriage has become a contested space and so we've decided to do something about it. This 30 day Food Challenge blog is part of a collaborative project we are doing to reconnect to ourselves and reclaim our marriage as a top family priority. We will be talking, seeking help from others, connecting to spirit through journeys, making art and documenting our project here on this website. This work will also be featured as part of Stacey's Masters degree programme at Goldsmiths – University of London. AuthorsCarrie and Stacey have been creating together since they met in 2003. Their collaborations include a seven year marriage, a two year old daughter, various art projects and yoga-art-spirit retreat workshops. They are committed to furthering their connection to the world through mind, body, art and spirit. ArchivesCategories |
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