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  • I Am A Woman Who Feels Sexiest When I Bleed

    Maybe I am alone in this, and maybe not. Either way, I claim it now as my truth…

    I am a woman who feels sexiest when I bleed.

    I feel sexiest as I sit bare-assed on my throne with a purple towel under my hips to catch my free flow during those first two days when my body rejects anything inside of me, and clothing seems like such a waste of good blood and laundry detergent.

    I feel sexiest when I see the blood smeared across my inner thighs, painting the most tender and receptive channels of my body with the nourishment that is mine alone to share as I so choose.

    I feel sexiest when I dance naked out under the dark moon, spiraling round with blood on my forehead and trailing down my legs to mark the grass with crimson tracks of where I’ve been as I sing songs of where I’m going.

    I feel sexiest when the children ask me what’s in the jar of red liquid sitting on the bathroom counter, and I tell them it’s my yoni blood, the juice that flows from my body each month to help me shed layers of what’s no longer needed so I can share that gift in holy communion with the Earth and my favorite houseplants.

    I feel sexiest when my stomach is bloated and distended, shattering all of society’s illusions of what feminininity is meant to look like and crafting the knowledge of what true Goddess is based off my own reflection.

    I feel sexiest when I self-pleasure to relieve my menstrual cramps, again and again until the pain turns to pleasure and I remember why my spirit agreed to come into this body, custom designed for my mission to come home to myself as magic and remind others they can do the same.

    I feel sexiest when I let my emotions flow as freely as my blood, my body grieving the loss of the life not yet to birth so that my attention and energy can be directed in fullness towards the mysteries I hold within, awaiting their time to come through. Blood mingled with tears, iron and salt, grieving the deepest aspects of my core wounds, my ancestors’ core wounds, humanity’s core wounds, the Earth’s core wounds, releasing any sense of separation, of defining what’s mine and what’s their’s, so that what needs to be felt, acknowledged, integrated, and released can find its healing through me.

    Because I can.

    And I do.

    And that, I feel, is pretty fucking sexy.

    Not alone. Never alone.

    💗🌋🌹

    #bloodlove #bloodmagic #bloodmysteries

    Credit https://www.facebook.com/hmborababy

     

  • Tonight I Cried With Him, He Didn’t Ask To Be Autistic

    Tonight, I cried with him…

    To the lady in the bathroom:

    Know that words hurt.. They ran deep to my soul tonight.. Why? I’m not sure as I’m usually this “strong person” and can “handle anything”, but tonight, your words hurt..

    ::Back Story::

    Tonight was Tatum’s last night of swimming lessons. As a treat, they always let the kids jump off the diving boards if they want. So, after many jumps off the edge, Tatum FINALLY jumped off the board.. ALL.BY.HIMSELF.. This was HUGE as this is something he typically would be wayyy to scared to do. Unfortunately, because he jumped off the side for way to long, he only got a few rounds of the diving board before class was over.

    He was mad. He kicked. He screamed. He yelled. He bawled.

    I tried calming him down in the pool, however, he wasn’t having it. So we got out.

    He was mad. He kicked. He screamed. He yelled. He bawled, all the way into the shower room where we got dressed. I was trying –everything– in my will power to calm him down. I couldn’t do it.

    This.Is.Autism…

    20 minutes go by with NO behavior change. He was still mad. He was still kicking and screaming at the top of his lungs. I just kept saying, “Tatum, you need to calm down!”

    Finally, a moment where he listened to me as I calmly said in a low voice, “Tatum, you need to calm down and listen to Mommy”…

    In this moment of calm, I overheard a Mom say to another Mom, “Glad that’s not my kid, I’d beat his ass.” <—- and that my friends is when I started bawling…

    You see, I didn’t “intend” for my child to get this disability. It is a struggle every.single.day.. He doesn’t know “calm”.. He fights until he no longer physically can. Somedays that’s 20 minutes, somedays that’s an hour.. And multiple times a day at that.. I wish I could help him, but I can’t….

    But, let me tell you what…. Joining in his world of chaos and “beating his ass” won’t make it any better.

    I cried with you tonight Tatum. Mama can only be so strong. People can be so rude. Especially people who have never dealt with a disability.

    So.. After calming down, on both our parts, I asked Tatum if he was ready to go home for the night.. He gave me a kiss on the forehead and said, “Tatum naughty, sorry Mommy!”

    You are NOT naughty little boy. We will learn how to calm down in stressful situations one way or another.. It will take us several tries to see what way works best for us, but I promise, we will figure it out. Don’t EVER think you are “naughty” for not knowing how to be calm.

    And to the woman in the bathroom, I pray for you. I pray that you NEVER have a child with a disability. I pray that you know how to calm your babies each and everyday in every situation. I pray that your babies never act out in public.. But most of all, I pray that you think of my little boy tonight. I pray that God shows you how much you hurt me. I am strong for my little man, but tonight I wasn’t, and that’s because of your hurtful words. He saw my pain, he saw my weakness, and I’m NOT ok with that. I am his rock. I am supposed to remain calm while he’s not. And I wish you would have to and kept your words to yourself.

    ::Remember::

    We all have hearts, and we all have feelings. Even the “strongest” of us get hurt

    Credit https://www.facebook.com/erica.davis.9212301

     

  • There Is More Good In The World Than You Think

    Tonight on my flight from Indianapolis to Baltimore I sat next to an unaccompanied minor who was traveling to Baltimore to see her Mother. With Southwest Airlines open seating anyone could have sat next to her, in fact many people avoided her and her boundless energy during boarding. But finally the couple you see in the photo occupied the two seats to her right.

    Within minutes the young girl began chatting and the couple likely realized this wouldn’t be a relaxing flight…and they just rolled with it.

    As drinks were being served the couple didn’t even get a chance to voice their requests because they were cutoff by the young girl stating “I’ll take water with a straw and so will they so we can paint!”.

    And they just rolled with it.

    Within minutes the young girl had brought out her Hello Kitty paint sheets and the couple spent the next hour following her instructions- as you can see.

    As I type this the man next to her is being covered with Marvel stickers. They are on his ears, in his beard, arms, everywhere. And he is just rolling with it.

    Moral of the story: There is good in this world. In fact there is more good than bad in this world if we just open our eyes to it. There isn’t a script or instruction manual for love. You just have to roll with it.

    Credit https://www.facebook.com/joshua.haltom.1

     

  • This Tiny Woman Doesn’t Fit The Image Of A Fearless Military Hero

    She stands precisely 5ft tall in her everyday shoes and her smile is disarmingly sweet.

    Kate Nesbitt doesn’t immediately fit the image of a fearless military hero, not off the battlefield at least.

    But there are probably few people a critically injured soldier would rather meet in the chaos of a desert gunfight than this 21-yearold blonde in full flight.

    Bravery: Kate Nesbitt receives the Military Cross from the Prince of Wales during investitures at Buckingham Palace in London. And the sight of her sprinting through an Afghan war zone under heavy machine gun fire is almost certainly one that Lance Corporal John List will remember for the rest of a life he now owes to her astonishing display of courage

    Kate, a medical assistant serving as an Able Seaman with the Royal Navy, raced 70 yards to the stricken soldier’s side as he nearly choked to death from a gunshot wound to the mouth. She cut open a temporary airway and treated him for 45 minutes as rockets whizzed overhead and bullets thudded into the ground nearby.

    Yesterday her ‘inspirational’ bravery was rewarded at Buckingham Palace when she became the Navy’s first woman to be invested with the Military Cross. Then, with a few modest words, she underlined the remarkable spirit of loyalty that bonds Britain’s servicemen and women on the front line. ‘I promised my friends and comrades I’d be their medic,’ she said. ‘I promised I’d be there if they ever needed me. They needed me that day – so when the call came, that’s just what I did.’

    Kate, from Whitleigh, Plymouth, stepped into the history books as only the second woman to be awarded the MC, one of Britain’s highest gallantry awards, as well as becoming the only MC Wren. Presenting her award, the Prince of Wales bowed to what he called her ‘extraordinary’ heroism.

    Her citation read: ‘Under fire and under pressure her commitment and courage were inspirational and made the difference between life and death.’

    My UTMOST RESPECT young lady.

    Credit https://www.facebook.com/100-Year-Challenge-1434913843391968/

     

  • It’s Okay To Find Your Kids Annoying

    I was at the grocery today with the kids when I probably said a little too loudly, NOT in my nice mom voice, “You know I love you very much, but you’re REALLY annoying me today.”

    Right then a young couple walked by, presumably with no kids because the man uttered, “Well that was brutally honest.”

    To which I replied with a sickening sweet smile, “Well they ARE being brutally annoying.”

    And of course a lovely elderly woman strolled by and chimed in, “They grow up fast…you’re going to miss this someday.”

    Really? REALLY? You think I’m going to miss being tortured by two kids in a grocery store someday?

    After they fought alllllll morning and had their water guns thrown away because they wouldn’t stop shooting each other in the eyes. Not to mention one was grounded for an hour, and I had to rip them apart not once, but twice prior to the produce aisle because they couldn’t keep their hands off of each other!

    I promise, I won’t miss THIS part of motherhood. And I really think people need to be a little more supportive and a little less critical of mothers, especially in stores.

    Of course we love them, they are hilarious, sweet, loving, adorable, and fun to be around. But sometimes they act like a**hats and we lose it. And it’s OK to not love every part of motherhood.

    It’s OK to not want to read that same book again tonight.

    It’s OK to lock yourself in your room and binge watch The Great British Baking Show.

    It’s OK to run out after the grocery store and leave your kids with your husband because you need an hour of alone tome at the nail salon.

    And it’s totally OK to tell your kids they’re being annoying in Public when you’ve already broken up 19 fights before you got to the store, and they are STILL wrestling like bear cubs while you’re trying to shuck corn!

    What’s not OK is to judge another mother or say something to her that isn’t helpful – when she’s clearly at the end of her rope.

    So if you see someone like me someday in public and think, “She’s really on edge.” Maybe, I don’t know…offer her encouragement. 🤷‍♀️

    Like, “You’re doing a great job mama!” 👊🏼

    But please spare us the side eyes, glares and snide comments. We are doing the best we can – and sometimes kids need a dose of reality from the person that loves them the fiercest.

    Also my gel manicure was lovely and now I’m ready to go home and snuggle.

    As long as they still aren’t being annoying.

    (You can read more HERE–> https://kristenhewitt.me/its-ok-to-not-love-every-part-of-motherhood-especially-taking-kids-to-the-grocery-store/

    Or follow my podcast on ITunes or Spotify https://kristenhewitt.me/podcast-home/)

     

  • The Back To School Pictures Every Year Are Dull And Mundane

    I know just what you’re thinking because I used to think the same,

    The back to school spam every year is dull and quite mundane.

    But then I had my own kids which I didn’t have before,

    And now I see the meaning of those photos stood by the front door.

    These children seem to grow so quick and at the start of each September,

    We take a photo of them in their uniform so their changes, we remember.

    Their first new shiny school shoes that walk them in on their first day,

    The wonky ties of teens who are figuring out their way.

    We’ve ironed on the name labels, repeated “just do your best”,

    Reminisced on where the years went from when they were first laid on our chest.

    I get that another school photo popping up as a Facebook post,

    Isn’t always very interesting and seems like a parenting boast.

    But these children in these photos stood by the house front door,

    Are our proudest achievements in our lives and we couldn’t wish for more.

    So when you see the back to school spam I ask you to remember,

    To parents this is so much more than just another passing September.

    ♥️💚💛🧡

    Please come and join me on Instagram

    www.instagram.com/thenofiltermum

     

  • To The Person Who Said Yeah Right That’s Not A Service Dog

    This is to the rude person that said to their child (after their child said “look daddy, a service dog!”) “yeah right, that’s not a real service dog.” And to the woman who said “Looks like anyone can put a vest on their dog and call it a service dog these days.” And to the many others who have given me rude comments and dirty looks. You judge me without even knowing me.

    Don’t I look fine? I look like I’ve got it all going for me. My hair is perfectly curled, my makeup is flawless, and I’m cute as a button in my favorite Disney attire. You wouldn’t think anything could even be wrong with me.

    You see, not all disabilities are visible. I have PTSD from watching my 6 year old son die right before my eyes in a car accident on our way to Disney for his 7th birthday. I see the image of my child being killed every day of my life for the last 8 years. Every. Single. Day. I have awful panic attacks that happen at random and I can’t predict them. I have terrible night terrors and severe anxiety. This Service Dog sitting next to me helps me stay calm and when a panic attack happens, he senses it. He immediately leans against me, I bend down to him, he puts his nose to my nose and he brings me back to reality without having to use seriously addictive medication. This Service Dog is my best friend. He makes me feel like I can conquer the world and gives me that confidence, just by being by my side. When he is “working” with his vest on, he walks right beside me, not pulling me. He doesn’t get distracted by other dogs walking by, he is always paying attention to what I’m doing and if I’m getting anxious. I have spent many many many many countless hours working on his training with All American Dog Training Academy making him into the service dog his is today. He doesn’t bark at anyone, he doesn’t even pay any attention to anyone walking by. If I just “wanted to bring my pet with me everywhere” he wouldn’t be this well trained and in tune to my needs.

    Just because someone is different than you, doesn’t mean you need to be a complete asshole. You have no idea what someone has gone through and what they have lived. Instead of judging someone, maybe just be empathic to their situation and not make snide comments as they walk by.

    No, I don’t HAVE to explain myself, but I do it to maybe help someone else with a service dog that has gone through the same experiences of rude people that I have. And maybe, just maybe, those rude people will read this and realize how hurtful they truly are.

    Just remember, you never know what disability someone has by looking at them on the outside, so don’t be an asshole.

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    #servicedog #servicepoodle #servicedogsofdisney #waltdisneyworld #wdw #magicKingdom

    Credit https://www.facebook.com/RedWhiteandBethune/

     

  • Am I Alone For Not Loving My Child?

    This is VERY personal, so please don’t judge me for this or leave negative comments. My 2nd son was born with down syndrome, 3 tiny holes in his heart and IA.

    We were expecting a healthy, normal baby. I was heartbroken. The second I saw him, I just *knew* something was wrong. But I couldn’t place it. I thought it was impossible for me to have a child with down syndrome, as I thought it was genetic. No ultrasounds detected anything wrong. 😞 T

    he cord was wrapped around his neck twice at birth so he had to be put on 24/7 oxygen and a pulse oximeter. We stayed in the NICU with him for a month before he was released to go home. Once we were home, I was still so devastated. I had 2 under the age of 2. I was also by myself for 12+ hours a day with a fragile newborn (who was eating every 4 hours and connected to tons of wires) and a just turned 1 year old.

    I had a mental breakdown. I couldn’t handle it. I felt no love for my 2nd son. I didn’t feel hate, but betrayal (by God) and hurt.

    I couldn’t find it in myself to love this little baby boy, no matter how much I tried. It made me feel like a horrible mother. 😭 Why couldn’t I love this precious gift from God!? Who had already smiled at me when he was only 2 weeks! I hated myself.

    My 2nd son ended up being taken out of my care. He now lives with a relative of his. He is a little over a year old. I see him when I’m able, I’ve seen him 4 times since he was taken out of my care. He lives about 4/5 hours away. I wish I could say my feelings about him have changed. I wish I could say I want to have him with me and his brother (my 1st son). I’ve struggled with mental illness since I was a child. I am on medication and seeing a psychiatrist/psychologist. Has anyone else struggled with anything remotely like this? I just want to know that I’m not alone. I never once felt this was with my first son. My love for him was instant. He looked just like me when I was a baby. I still love him more than anything in the world. Please don’t think I’m a terrible person. 😭🥺

    Credit https://www.facebook.com/SummerXBlackfyre

  • Anxiety isn’t just chest pains, crying, and the inability to relax

    Anxiety isn’t just chest pains, crying, and the inability to relax.

    It’s biting your nails until they bleed, then picking off the skin on your fingers once you’re out of nails to bite.

    It’s driving to the store only to sit in the parking lot for 20 minutes before turning back around, without even going inside.

    It’s getting a text message and forgetting to respond promptly, so instead of responding explaining you were busy, you leave the notification there for days, weeks, even months, getting a knot in your stomach every time you scroll past it or every time that person’s name comes up.

    It’s hearing a noise and planning in your mind where you’ll hide, what doors you’ll lock, and how you’ll secretly call for help if someone broke into your house.

    It’s asking your partner several times a day if they love you, partially kidding, but mostly needing to hear it because you find it so hard to love yourself in that moment.

    It’s putting off washing the dishes until there’s no dishes left, but then feeling overwhelmed by how many dishes there are to wash, so you just leave them another day.

    It’s understanding that what you’re worrying about is often irrational and not as extreme as your reaction warrants, but not being able to control your response. Often times, it even means you CAN’T understand that what you’re worrying about is irrational or not as extreme as your reaction warrants.

    Anxiety isn’t just chest pains, crying, and the inability to relax. It’s taking everyday parts of life and intensifying the excitement or fear they result in times a thousand, to the point that they seem impossible to face. Some days are more manageable than others, and it’s on those days I try to remind myself that I CAN get through whatever anxiety throws my way.

    It’s hard for me to share this and a little embarrassing to include this picture, but if even one person finds comfort in knowing they’re not alone in this, then I’m going to push past my comfort zones to do that. Feel free to share with family and friends let’s help one another.

  • Delayed Cord Clamping-Wait For White

    DELAYED CORD CLAMPING – WAIT FOR WHITE

    After baby is born we usually think of the umbilical cord as a relic – part a life support system that is no longer needed. But the reality is that the cord has one last job to do, and it’s a big one.

    The cord and placenta are a sort of external circulation system: one vein carries oxygen and nutrient-rich blood from the placenta to the baby, and two arteries carry carbon dioxide rich blood and waste away from baby to the placenta for purification. When baby is born, about 1/3 of its blood is in the external part of the circulation system, but quickly makes it’s way to the baby via the umbilical cord. Unless of course, the cord is cut before the transfer is complete.

    Delayed umbilical cord clamping (DCC) allows more blood to transfer from the placenta to the baby, increasing the baby’s blood volume by up to a third.

    The iron in the blood increases the newborn’s iron storage, which is vital for healthy brain development.

    Some new studies have found that DCC can have a positive effect on both preterm and full-term babies. These benefits include an increase in placental transfusion, a 60% increase of RBCs and a 30% increase in neonatal blood volume.

    Another advantage of DCC is the decreased risk of iron deficiency anemia.

    The extra blood at birth helps the baby to cope better with the transition from life in the womb, where everything is provided for them by the placenta and the mother, to the outside world. Their lungs get more blood so that the exchange of oxygen into the blood can take place smoothly.

    Delayed clamping also results in an infusion of stem cells, which play an essential role in the development of the immune, respiratory, cardiovascular, and central nervous systems, among many other functions. The concentration of stem cells in fetal blood is higher than at any other time of life. ICC [immediate cord clamping] leaves nearly one-third of these critical cells in the placenta.

    Stem cells may also help to repair any brain damage the baby might have suffered during a difficult birth. 📸 @monetnicolebirths

    @Bumpbirthandbeyond

    Credit https://www.facebook.com/donna.berent/