Helping Hands and Heart Birth Services

I think, really, they are linked. Linked through the brain, a long journey, but linked. Hands carry out that work of heart. And the heart hears, listens to find out which tasks the hands need to accomplish. So, six years ago I began a journey of gratitude. I didn't know it at the time. In fact, it really started out as a journey of difficulty, of unknowing, of disbelief. The news was earth shattering, all shades of sad and anger. All shades of regret and shame and guilt and wishing I had done better. But over this lifetime, I have learned, there is always something...to learn! So, as I embarked on the very darkest journey, I became aware of the light. The light of belief. The light of trust. The light of joy! And I have to tell you, that joy-light, it shines brightest of all, next to hope! When you can believe and trust, you have hope, which in turn leads to joy. Joy permeates the darkest spaces and places and tidies up messes as it washes through. And I learned that gratitude al...

I often find this title in my head- while on call for a birth, I am in a space, a holding pattern. I am not at all still, or simply quiet, but I am preparing my heart and hands for the work ahead. On call is usually a set time, from 37 to 42 weeks, marked off on my calendar. During this time, I am doing all the usual things, but have everything loosely planned in case I need to get up and go. I have bags packed and notes taken, my gas tank sits at full. I remember a day in particular, 7 years ago. I got the call, that things had progressed from watch and wait to needing assurance. A quick visit with ideas for comfort and then off I went to take care of outstanding needs before the imminent birth. We took some time, went to the weekly doctors' appointment, wandered the snow-laden streets of town, mama riding her waves gracefully and with purpose. She was mentally and physically prepared for the work ahead of her. Visits with friends helped fill her love tank, family gave her a warm...

I just went for a walk. A long walk! The snow is piling up, about 8 inches or so (is that 20 cm?) and it covers this town! Maybe I will change my background for this blog!! I have given myself a new goal, at least 30 minutes outside for at least 5 days per week.  In my coursework, we had a great exercise, Making Shift Happen. It challenges our reasons for making things work--or not! The questions are: What improvement goal would you like to work toward?  What are the obstacle behaviours?  What are competing demands?  What are your hidden life-beliefs (those words inside your head, like " I will never lose weight, it never works")  What alternatives can you come up with to overcome these so they are not excuses? So, I have decided the goal will be a small one. Fresh air for 30 minutes a day, 5 times a week. I think it should be an attainable goal. I really didn't want to begin weight loss or exercise that would get messed up with the holidays coming up-...