Seeking Stories from Mamas

[Imani]

Stories open up windows of possibility. It is through the sharing of our stories as women that we learn. It is through these stories that we are called to action. It is through these stories that we heal.

I think I have shared witih many of you that I am finishing up my book that I am hoping to have published in the early part of next year. I am looking for stories to be included in the book from some of you...mothers who are going against the odds, whose stories will inspire other moms, mothers who live from a place of passion with particular stories/successes that highlight being "green" and sustainable - I will list some of the specific stories I am looking for and if you are a fit let me know - I know sometimes it is hard to step forward but if you have something important to share please do! I can also interview you if you are not comfortable with writing or having your writing edited....

Some themes:

*being in a relationship with a partner who was unable to support you
*started your own woman based green business and the reasons behind it, particularly if there were hardships involved
*single mom doing a good green deed
*successful green mom entrepeneur
*serendipitous stories of love and/or divine timing (stories of meeting your beloved, a business partner, a lucky break, etc.)
*tragedy that inspired you to heal yourself/family
*stories of raising our children to be activists
*personal stories involving environmental issues in your community

more to come...thanks!

[Christina]

Hello,

I started my story two years ago. I have been seeing a Naturopath for 6 years now. He has done wonders for my husband and I However, 2 years ago I became pregnant with my daughter and my life changed. I wanted to do more, to be better. I vowed for a natural birth and have been on an ever changing journey since. The people that have been brought into my life have been a blessing and have only been stepping stones in my journey. I gave birth 15 wonderful months ago, a beautiful, drug free birth. Since her birth, I have been on an organic diet, cloth diapers and vaccine free journey. Every day leads to learning more, less t.v, all natual toys, an up and coming green smoothies and raw food diet. I am thankful for my encounters and the angels that have crossed my path along the way. These angels enter my life for a reason and have lead me on a journey and will continue to lead me on the journey of happiness and true well-being.

[Amy Bronowicki]

We see a naturopath for my 2 autistic boys and it has made all the difference. Going green has really opened our eyes to see how much pollution and enviromental issues affect our health as well as behaviors. We are recovering our boys from autism one day at a time and it is amazing. I love learning more and more about going green and eating healthy and properly. We are currently on the SCD ( Specific Carbohydrate Diet) and it really has helped with our overall well being. The whole family does it, not just my autistic boys. I am so glad about this site and look forward to it growing.

[Imani]

A couple of you expressed interested in submitting stories for my upcoming book and I am happy to say that I am almost done! So, if you are interested in sharing your personal story of struggle, triumph and challenge that would serve as an inspiration to other women, please consider taking the time to respond to the questions below:

Name: _________(mother, grandmother, aunt, sister of....) Anonymous accepted
Age: (optional)
Residence: (optional)

What challenges/obstacles do you/have you faced trying to raise your family in a more sustainable way? How did you overcome them? If still present in your life, how to you continue to deal with them? What gives you hope? What message would you want to convey to other women facing similar circumstances?

In particular I am seeking stories of women who have overcome health related challenges with themselves/their children, those struggling with feeding their families healthy food, single parenthood and financial challenges of living a sustainable life, those living in toxic environments, those overcoming chemical addicitions, those who have become a role model in their community (developed programs to empower other women, started their own "green" companies)....

[carrie nagel]

I began seeing the benefits of going green and eating organic food while in high school. At that time it was less available than it is today, but with the help of an understanding mother, my sister and I did the best we could, Visiting local farms in NJ where we grew up. Fast forward 5 years when my now husband of 15 years, then high school sweetheart, and I found out we were pregnant with our daughter just after finishing college. Needless to say, we were broke and just starting out, but Being preganant, eating organically became even more important. With my husband and 1/2 beleiver and more of a realist supporting my decision, we forged ahead. We lived with one car, in a 700 square foot condo where I ran a daycare for 7 children for 5 years while he went back for his masters degree and worked full time. The bulk of my work and sacrifice was for the sole purpose of being to be able to feed my new family the way I knew was right. 14 years later, I have a 14, 9 and 7 year old who are never sick, have no allergies, and have never been prescribed an antibiotic (except the 9 year old for Lymes Disease). I have no doubt in my mind it was our decision to make the right choices ealry that have led to our success. When I see people in their 5,000 square foot homes and driving BMW's who tell me they could never "afford" to eat organic, I make sure to share my story. Anything worth anything, takes a little sacrifice!