Can you share a positive example of where you’ve felt loved?
I can recall the moments where I did not solicit these random acts of love that live rent free in my heart:
1. In 2017 I fell ill and had to take time off work. During this time my mood was low and I was in excruciating pain. Every morning my uncle woke me up with breakfast, lunch time he would walk to my favourite chicken joint and buy we whatever I felt like and dinner time he would make different warm meals. My uncle is a wild case but he showed me a love I’d never experienced, being taken care of without asking. Just thinking of it gives me butterflies in my stomach! I’ll never forgot what he did for me, he may not be perfect, in that moment, he was what I did not know I needed.
2. Carrying on from the same story, my mum also showed me warmth I never knew existed in her. Growing up we had a rocky relationship, she’s quite strict and shows little emotion. However, in my weakest moment, she was the true definition of a mum. Every day she ran me a bath and bathed me. I cannot describe what those moments felt like all I know is that was true love. I’m crying just thinking of this.
3. Last year during the last trimester of my pregnancy I realised my partner and I were struggling to prepare for the baby. I asked my brother if he would be willing to come and help me out for a month as hiring someone would cost an arm and a leg. He did not even hesitate, just got his visa sorted and flew over within the next month. When he arrived he took care of me, I’m a chatterbox and all he did during the day was talk and listen to me. I felt seen and heard in those moments. During my pregnancy I felt so lonely and overwhelmed as I was diagnosed with depression pre-pregnancy. In addition to that he helped transform my flat into a fresh nest for his niece. My brother and I have always been close and that brought us even closer. Initially I was embarrassed to ask him, looking back it was the best decision I ever made. I’m forever for his love and support in everything that I do, he’s a big reason for my growth overall as a better human being and I’m proud to have him as a brother and uncle to my baby girl.
3. My dad and I are like cousins. He’s a story for another day. One thing I can count on is his support in times of despair. When I first moved overseas, I had a horrible working experience and considered leaving it all and moving back home. I took time off and I told my dad all about it, he gave me the best advice. And five years later I have him to thank for still hanging on.
4. The birth of my baby girl will always be my absolute favourite thing. The experience was traumatic, however, I would do it all over again just to get to meet her and hold her in my arms. Her cute smiles warm my heart and brighten up my day. I could be feeling sad or angry but when I look at her and she always smiles at the right time, I feel at peace. I feel lucky to love and be loved by her.
5. Pre-pregnancy I was diagnosed with depression. I’ve never felt so numb in my life. I contemplated going back home and spending time with my family. However, my partner of 3 months at the time asked me to give him a chance to take care of me. When I say this man took me in, bathe me, fed me and allowed me to just be in my feelings for 2 months straight. He never acted moody or complained, just simply took care of me. He was gentle and kind in a way I didn’t know was possible. He drives me mad some days, but on those days he made me whole, he helped me fill my cup and for that I will never forget the love, care and kindness he showed me. I never expected nor asked, he just came through for me and give me what I did not know was missing in my life.
I can go on and on for days, this is my top 5 highlights in no particular order.
Adulting & Motherhood 