From depletion to overflow

Breaking free from the downward spiral of individualistic thinking

Mother Missionary is a charity, and a movement.

A movement away from the individualistic mindset we inherited from our broken society, which creates and normalises undernourished, overwhelmed and burnt out Mothers stuck in survival mode.

One that has instilled false beliefs in Mothers…

“I should be able to do it all myself, or it means I’m a failure as a Mother”

“It’s selfish to consider my own needs”

A societal blueprint which devalues the sacred work of Motherhood, instils shame in us at the mere thought of asking for help, and a feeling of guilt if we were ever brave enough to allow ourselves to receive it.

Underneath it all is a distorted relationship to “giving and receiving”, and with that has gone the glue that holds us all together…

Giving is done to get something in return.

Giving is done out of obligation.

Giving is done from an empty cup.

Giving is done to make the “self “ feel better.

All fostering feelings of guilt, shame, pressure, and the sense of being unloved in the receiver. Damaging our trust in others, or really, damaging our trust in love.

On the other hand, receiving has been distorted also.

Asking for help from a place of entitlement.

Asking for help with an attachment to outcome.

Asking for help from energetic grasping and desperation…

Making the giver feel obligated, like they can’t say no, feel resentful when they aren’t met with gratitude, or drained/consumed by over-responsibility.

It’s no wonder why many of us struggle to receive, and many of us are so depleted we have very little to give. The energetic connection is broken. The Village has disintegrated. We are left to self-source - the quickest way to depletion.

But when we break free from this transactional cycle, selfless loving exchange is what emerges, opening the door to an abundant flow of energy between people.

And it is true, one selfless act does always spark another.

Because it is an act that comes from love, not transaction.

It is an act that moves us. Nourishes us. Inspires us. Fills our hearts with gratitude. It’s an act that comes from a full cup, without a single string attached. An act that heals something broken inside of us when we get to receive it.

An act that Mother Missionary is here to spark remembrance of through our charitable service, but also through this movement which shines a light and blazes a path for others.

A path which moves us from depletion to overflow by re-establishing a healthy relationship to “giving and receiving”.

One based on truth, not the lies society sold us.

One based on mutual self-worth and love.

On attunement and transparency.

One which will eventually bring us back together where true thriving can occur.

What I’ve found through my own journey is that it begins with acknowledging the false beliefs for what they are, and letting the truth in.

Acknowledging how hard Mothers have it right now, that the odds are stacked against us.

Acknowledging our own emotions, needs and struggles.

By doing our best and having self-compassion.

By knowing that we were never designed to Mother in isolation, carrying the weight and roles of the whole village.

By realising our needs matter, in fact, Mothering our children to the best of our ability depends on being nourished.

And this is not something we can do alone. We can’t pour into the next generation if we too aren’t caring for ourselves or being cared for.

We need each other.

It’s okay to ask for help when we are in a season of need.

And it’s great to give and consider those around us if we reach a season of overflow.

It is this inner attunement, knowing what season we are in, and honoring that, which enables us to open the door to selfless loving exchange, transcending the depleting cycle of transaction. Giving and receiving from the right energy.

Every little effort towards this counts.

It creates positive ripple effects in our own wellbeing, our children’s, and the world around us.

If you are eager to embark on this journey with us, I invite you to subscribe to our Blog below as we will share more resources over time to support you in this process.

I also want to invite you to consider these self-reflective questions:

-What is something I need right now that I can give myself?

-What is something I need that I can ask for help with?

I encourage you to go for it, to start practicing being open to receiving.

Learning to acknowledge the need. Making space to meet it or asking for help.

Learning to be okay with “no”

To be okay with receiving support that wasn’t exactly what you had in mind.

To go into this experiment with a humble, open, surrendered and grateful heart, so that the door to the loving support we all so desperately need will begin to open.

With Love,

Ashleigh & Claire