How did you become a "Holistic Mom"?
I became a holistic mom out of my own struggles with chronic fatigue syndrome and yeast overgrowth. In my late 20s I was diagnosed with CFS and Candidiasis after many years of suffering. I started with strict dietary changes and a supplement regimen that restored 80% of my energy within a very short period of time. It was this change that turned me onto whole foods eating and natural living. When I had my babies, I had learned so much about the power of nature, foods, and natural medicine that it didn't make sense to go back to a conventional way of feeding and caring for them. So I followed my instincts. They have been raised on a whole foods diet, in an attachment parenting way, with little medical intervention. I am as grateful for their health as I am for my own.
What led you to establish the Western Suburbs Chapter of the Holistic Mom's network?
We moved to Naperville when my daughter was 10 months old and I was reaching out to mom's groups to make friends and find community. But my parenting choices were proving to be very different and I struggled to find depth of friendship. I attended the Healthy Child Expo in Chicago and met Nancy Massato, Executive Director of Holistic Moms. She embodied everything that I believed in and I wanted to develop a community in my town that would support my parenting and lifestyle choices.
What challenges did you face when starting out with the chapter?
It was a lot of work. At that time there was nothing like Holistic Moms and I wasn't sure where to start. The biggest fear I faced was not finding the community I so desired. I was also quickly breaking from my family of origin way of doing things, as well as my husbands, and that was very difficult. But the instincts I had about the choices I was making for the kids best interest were strong and I knew I was not the only mom out there making holistic choices for their families. So with kids in tow, I delivered fliers and made phone calls and found a meeting space and just trusted that the community would be come.
How rewarding has it been?
The rewards really can't be expressed in words but more so in feelings. There has been a profound sense of pride in watching the community grow and knowing that it is meeting a need for so many women. There has been feelings of satisfaction after a meeting or event when I have had the privilege to watch moms grow in this journey. There has been a deep sense of peace and fulfillment when a new member has told me how relieved she feels to have found Holistic Moms. There has been a strong sense of connection and grounding when surrounded by my community. A community that gets me, supports me and doesn't judge me. But the biggest reward has been the depth of friendship I have developed with so many intelligent and powerful women, many of whom have become my most trusted and closest girlfriends.
What are your thoughts on the chapter today?
I stepped away from leadership in the chapter in order to focus more on my kids school experience and to become an active volunteer with their school. It was a difficult decision to step back, but the leadership team was strong and I knew the chapter would continue to grow. I continue to be an active member of HMN because of the supportive and connected community it offers. As things get busy, I am able to re-engage and re-ground myself in the things I believe, which are all supported by HMN. I am happy that the chapter is still a strong and viable community for those looking to connect with like minded moms and to grow in their journey's as natural parents. I encourage any moms who are interested in natural living or feel the pull of a holistic lifestyle to come to a meeting and connect with the community.
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