For so many, motherhood comes with a rejigging of priorities. Life takes on a whole new meaning and perspective; and for many mums, it means starting their own business; with the hope to build flexibility, and a customised lifestyle doing something they love.
Nurturing a child (or children) and nurturing a business can be a tough gig at times; not to mention trying to nurture yourself amongst it all. The wearing of so many hats can often feel quite overwhelming… so where does one start? According to Sonia Bestulic, Business Chicks Premium member and author of the newly released gift book: Flourish for Mums, 21 ways to thrive with self-care and acceptance, it starts with honouring your humanness; amongst all the roles that are being played in life.
We chatted to Sonia about how she’s combining decades of experience working with thousands of mothers; together with her own personal motherhood journey of having three children in two and half years; all whilst running her own Sydney based speech pathology company.
Tell us about Flourish for Mums?
Flourish for Mums acknowledges and respects that motherhood carries an unexpected, yet evolutionary path of self-development and self-discovery; that is incredibly unique to the individual. Amongst it all, the weight of social media, societal expectations, and an ever-evolving concept of what it means to be a good parent, plays heavily on the minds of mothers.
Flourish for Mums provides a perfect companion to cultivate 21 simple, yet effective ways to release mother guilt, and experience a new kind of self-nurture and love. It is filled with uplifting anecdotes and supportive strategies, while busting big misconceptions – it is personal, yet universal in its strong, yet gentle messages.
What inspired you to write a book?
In my work over the years, with so many mothers, who have children with additional support needs, I was constantly inspired and humbled by their strength and determination. Yet a common theme that was ever present was their feeling of somehow being a failure; and their doubt as to whether they were doing or being enough. They committed support and nurture of others; yet they too needed support. This theme I realised was common amongst so many mothers; regardless of their specific circumstances or family dynamics.
When I then began my motherhood journey, those early years were filled with much fascination, and joy, alongside the undercurrents of mental, emotional, spiritual, and physical fatigue, trying to be a ‘good enough’ mother, as well as wife, daughter, sister, friend and company leader. This changed when I experienced the liberation of ‘letting go’ of unrealistic expectations and coming to a place of accepting and embracing my own personal growth journey, whilst sharing in the growth journey of my children. This gifted more daily joy, self-kindness and compassion, and a new way of experiencing life, at home and in the workplace.
Why do you feel this message was so important to share?
Mums are important. They need to feel valued, considered, and listened to as individuals. Society can thrust the mother identity onto mothers and be dismissive of the individual. Often the message is “it is all about the kids”. This book says it is about you too; and it gifts mums with simple ways to experience coming back to themselves. Caring for ourselves as mums is one of the most powerful ways we can care for our children; and those with whom we share our world.
How is Flourish for Mums different to the other self-care books out there?
It speaks specifically to mothers; from an angle of self- care that does not go into the common messages often found in self-care books regarding good nutrition, sleep, and exercise. We all know we need to do our best with those aspects – this book goes much deeper than that. It shares ways to relish self-care in an easily accessible way, without the need for lots of additional time or a big money spend; but encourages a decision to commit to one’s self.
What would you say to all the mums in the Business Chicks community who are running their own businesses?
No matter what business you are in; or the size of it; know what you want it to do for you. Be clear on understanding its why and reflect on your expectations. Delegate when you need to; reach out for help when you need to.
You matter. You are valued. You are loved. It is your time to thrive and to flourish.
Grab your copy of Flourish For Mums here and use the code FLOURISHBC to receive your signed copy with free postage, yay! (Valid until 31 May 2021).
Sonia Bestulic is a Business Chicks Premium member, award-nominated author, Founding Director of Talking Heads Speech Pathology, podcaster of Chatabout Children with Sonia Bestulic, and highly regarded speaker. Sonia is an advocate for honouring mothers’ wellbeing, celebrating children, and living a life powered by love.
