Find Support and Joy in Motherhood with Story of Mum
Welcome to Story of Mum: A Community Built by Mums, For Mums
Welcome! This platform truly revolves around you – the incredible mothers who form the heart of Story of Mum. We extend our sincere gratitude for your presence and for the remarkable work you undertake every day as mothers. We acknowledge the often-unseen and unappreciated aspects of motherhood, the messy and demanding moments that frequently go unnoticed. We see your efforts, we value your dedication, and we appreciate everything you do. Story of Mum serves as a community where mothers connect, share their stories, and find solace in knowing they are not alone in their experiences. We believe in the power of shared experiences and the strength that comes from a collective understanding of motherhood’s journey.
Our Story: Understanding the Realities of Motherhood
At Story of Mum, our foundation lies in the personal journeys of our co-founders, Pippa and Penny Best. Their individual experiences have shaped our mission and continue to guide our commitment to supporting mothers.
Pippa’s Journey: From Overwhelmed to Empowered
Before embracing motherhood, Pippa enjoyed a thriving career in film development, a fulfilling personal life, and a strong sense of self. However, the transition to motherhood presented unexpected challenges. The profound shift in identity, coupled with difficulties in areas like breastfeeding and navigating early motherhood milestones, led to feelings of failure and self-doubt. Throwaway comments, though often well-intentioned, amplified these anxieties, contributing to sleepless nights and a sense of inadequacy. Pippa felt lost and struggled to reconcile her previous identity with her new role as a mother. She initially attempted to maintain a facade of control, transitioning from workaholic to what she describes as “mumaholic,” striving for an unattainable ideal of perfect mothering. It was through the unwavering support of family and friends that Pippa began to navigate these turbulent waters. Honest conversations with friends who admitted their own struggles normalized her experiences, while her partner and mother provided invaluable practical and emotional support. This realization – that challenges are common and support is crucial – became a cornerstone of Pippa’s journey. She recognized the profound need for mothers to openly discuss the messy realities of parenting, not just in the early stages but throughout their children’s growth. This insight, coupled with the sudden loss of a dear friend who had offered immense support, inspired Pippa to take a risk and establish Story of Mum with her own mother, Penny. Their aim was to create a joyful, authentic, and creative community where mothers could reconnect with themselves and discover their evolving identities in motherhood and beyond. Today, Pippa continues her work in film while navigating the everyday realities of motherhood, embracing the imperfections and learning from every step. She finds profound joy in the simple moments with her children, in witnessing the empowerment of other mothers, in moments of celebration with loved ones, and in the quiet moments of self-care.
Penny’s Perspective: Wisdom and Inspiration from a Mother and Grandmother
Penny brings a wealth of experience as a mother of three (including Pippa) and a grandmother of four. With over four decades of professional experience as a supervisor, researcher, and trainer in creative playfulness, she possesses a deep understanding of the mind-body connection. Penny finds immense inspiration in Pippa’s passion and creative energy, cherishing their collaborative work. She hopes that Story of Mum will encourage other experienced mothers, grandmothers, and great-grandmothers to share their own transitions and find support within the community. Penny’s vibrant spirit is evident in what makes her feel most alive, which includes:
- Picking wild blackberries on a sudden whim in the countryside with her hubby. This spontaneous connection with nature brings her joy and a sense of freedom.
- Cycling alone through autumnal sun rays and fresh air without any need to reach a destination. The simple act of movement and immersion in the beauty of the season provides a sense of peace and mindfulness.
- Silently witnessing courageous folk as they move within the sacred circular space during Authentic Movement retreats. Observing others’ vulnerability and strength in these spaces is deeply inspiring for her.
- Running giggling across a Norfolk beach as the sun sets after a hilarious freezing skinny dip with other ladies of a certain age. This shared experience of joy and liberation creates lasting memories and strengthens bonds.
- Trying to breath through her nerves and anticipation moments before she opens a creative workshop for others. The anticipation and the opportunity to facilitate creativity in others fill her with purpose.
- Dancing barefoot anywhere. This simple act of self-expression and connection to her body brings her pure joy and freedom.
- Catching herself laughing out loud WITH her grandchildren when they simply all get it! These shared moments of understanding and laughter are precious and deeply fulfilling.
Penny’s simple yet powerful philosophy is: “If in doubt, dance!”
What We Believe: Empowering Mums to Change the World
At Story of Mum, our core beliefs drive our mission to support and uplift mothers. We are guided by the following principles:
- Mothers possess immense power to change the world. We recognize the significant influence mothers have on their families, communities, and future generations. However, this power is often underestimated or unfelt amidst the daily demands of motherhood.
- Mothers play a vital role in shaping the next generation. The impact of a mother’s love, guidance, and care extends far beyond their immediate family, yet this crucial work often lacks the recognition and appreciation it deserves.
- Mothers often lack adequate support. Despite the profound responsibilities of motherhood, formal support systems are often insufficient, leaving mothers feeling isolated and overwhelmed. There is no universal guide or training that can fully prepare someone for the diverse experiences of motherhood.
- Happier mothers create happier families and stronger communities. When mothers prioritize their well-being and feel supported, this positivity ripples outwards, strengthening their families and contributing to more vibrant and resilient communities.
- Collective well-being leads to a better world. By fostering a community of supported and empowered mothers, we contribute to a kinder, fairer, and happier world for everyone.
We are committed to changing the narrative around motherhood and providing the support that is so often needed.
How We Support You: Finding Your Space for Rest, Joy & Connection
Story of Mum provides various avenues for support, designed to nurture your well-being and remind you of your capabilities. Here are some of the ways we can help you find your space:
- Mamas’ Retreats: These retreats offer a dedicated time and space for mothers to step away from their daily routines and focus on their own needs.
- Purpose: To provide a nurturing environment for reconnection with oneself and other mothers.
- Benefits: Rest, revitalization, and a renewed sense of inner strength.
- Activities: Include workshops and activities designed to promote well-being and connection.
- Online Community: Connect with a supportive network of mothers who understand your experiences.
- #somum Make Dates: Monthly opportunities for connection and creative expression in Mamas’ Everyday Retreat.
- Private Facebook Group: A welcoming space for ongoing support, conversations, and shared experiences, acting as a free mini Mamas’ Retreat.
- Inspiring Content & Resources: Access motivation and ideas to uplift your daily life.
- Newsletters: Receive a regular dose of authentic inspiration delivered directly to your inbox.
- Blog & Social Media: Find stories, tips, and resources on our website and platforms like Twitter, Facebook, Pinterest, and Instagram.
- One-to-One Support: Receive personalized guidance tailored to your individual journey.
- Individual Sessions: Explore your specific needs and challenges with a supportive listener.
- 15-Minute Chat: Connect with us to discuss how we can best support you and help you navigate your motherhood journey.
Join the Story of Mum Community Today!
We warmly invite you to become an integral part of the Story of Mum community. Take the first step towards finding more rest, joy, and connection in your motherhood journey by exploring the following options:
- Sign up for our monthly newsletter: Receive a regular dose of inspiring and authentic content.
- Join our online community: Participate in our monthly #somum Make Dates and our private Facebook group to connect with other mothers.
- Explore our e-courses: Discover opportunities to connect with us and other mums while prioritizing your self-care.
- Consider attending a Mamas’ Retreat: Immerse yourself in a life-affirming experience focused on rest and rejuvenation.
- Explore one-to-one support: Connect with us for a personalized chat to see how we can best assist you.
We are deeply committed to making a positive impact on the lives of mothers worldwide, regardless of their individual circumstances. We strive to ensure that the space and support you need are accessible. We encourage you to learn more about our social enterprise work and bursaries and join us in our mission to change the world, one beautiful, brave, precious mama at a time.
Hello, we are the Casino Montreal, a premier destination for entertainment in Canada. Located on Notre Dame Island, our impressive structure houses a vast array of gaming options to suit every preference. You can find everything from thousands of slot machines to numerous gaming tables featuring classics like blackjack and roulette. Beyond the gaming floor, we also offer a variety of restaurants and captivating shows to enhance your visit. For those who prefer to play from the comfort of their own homes, we also provide a comprehensive online platform. Our online casino features a wide selection of popular games, bringing the thrill of the Casino de Montréal directly to you. Whether you join us in person or online, we are committed to providing a memorable and exciting gaming experience for all our valued guests. We always encourage responsible gaming practices for everyone’s enjoyment.