Mothers Day 2024 | Words of Wisdom
This year I chose to ask a few questions to some women I admire, a few Hello Darling regulars, the women I've been privileged to meet over the years, the good conversationalists, my dearest friend Sue, my mum and my friend Jo who has a different story to tell.
Just a glimpse into the motherhood topic that can mean a lot of different things on Mothers day and other days.
Words of wisdom for a life well lived - we often forget the relevance of what older women have to say and the knowledge they can impart. Women have a massive capacity for love, I've heard so many first time mums say when they are expecting their second child, they don’t know if they can love another tiny human as much as they love their first. I guess it’s a hard one to grasp, the capacity for love is endless, all consuming and so so beautiful.
Being a mum has been my greatest achievement in this life. I am so very grateful that I was able to become one. 
Introducing Jean
Age 67
Jean is so beautiful, she’s like a light that just never dims. She has the most beautiful style and wears the most gorgeous dresses, always smiling and always pops in to say hi when she’s walking past. She used to shop with us when we were in the village and she would be the best mum and grandmother to have.
Did being a mum bring you joy?
Yes because I only had one and I was blessed to have had a beautiful mother myself and my soul is the key to her heart.
Sue is my dearest friend who I met in the States when I first moved there many years ago. She was so caring and lovely to me when I had my first child, she even climbed over a gate to get into our apartment block once when she knew I wasn’t coping, knocked on my door, took one look at me and bundled Casarah and I into her car and took us home for a week. We have been friends ever since, I adore her and am so grateful to have her in my life.
Did being a mum bring you joy?
Since the moment I became a mother my heart has been full of love and happiness. Watching your children grow and mature is so satisfying. Becoming a grandmother is just fabulous.
Is there anything you wish you had done differently?
No, be grateful, happy and enjoy everyday. Remember to smile and do something kind daily for someone.
If you could change anything about your life what would it be?
I wish I had more children as lovely as the two I have, Be grateful for what we do have.
Words of Wisdom for a life well lived?
Look around and you will always see something beautiful. A hug usually makes someones day. Be kind to yourself and those around you.
Introducing Cyndi
Age 72
Cyndi is one of my favs, her visits are always a joy. I remember the very first time she came into our store, I feel like I know her whole family and I love her style. She used to be very even with her shopping, always going to Floosie and Hello Darling on the same day. She’s just awesome.
Did being a mum bring you joy?
Yes, It was magical
Is there anything you wish you had done differently?
Being a bit more patient with my daughter, nothing was a surprise after I had her.
If you could change anything about your life what would it be?
Learn to be more patient and I wish I was better at finances but I have Bill (husband) for that!
Words of Wisdom for a life well lived?
Enjoy the moment, dont always think about whats coming next!
Introducing Ann
Age 71
Ann has been a very loyal customer to the store from the very beginning. She even texts me for advice on what to wear with what some days, I love it, she loves chocolate so I always make sure I have some for her, she’s moving away up north soon to a beautiful house they’ve been building for two years and we will miss her but I know she will still come and visit.
Did being a mum bring you joy?
Yes, there is a special and unique love between a mother and her child
Is there anything you wish you had done differently?
I should have made my decisions more consciously instead of people pleasing
If you could change anything about your life what would it be?
I wouldn't change anything, I love my life!
Words of Wisdom for a life well lived?
Take time every morning to think about what you’re choosing to do, even if its just for the day!
Introducing Jo
Jo and I met through Instagram many years ago. She is a kiwi but lives in Sydney with her husband. She has a great presence called @50sowhatofficial where she talks about midlife. Her story is a different one and we are so grateful she has shared this with us..
I’m Jo and I’m 53 years old (how did that happen so quickly!) and I am married to the love of my life (who also has the patience of a saint. The man deserves a medal).
I would have loved to be a mum. Unfortunately, I lost four pregnancies, one late into my pregnancy. It was a heartbreaking, confusing and an overwhelming time, but it shaped me into the person I am now. I remember at one of my scans, I listened to my baby’s heartbeat, and I have never felt so in love. I feel lucky I got to experience that because some women don’t even get that. I feel lucky, I have a close family, gorgeous nieces, and nephews and one very spoilt god daughter who I love to bits. I was lucky to be very involved with her growing up (she is now 22). We are close and I’m surprised she still wants to hang out with me. We’re off for a girls trip up to Queensland in September (her, her mum and I). Her mum is my best friend, and I’ve always been around for those moments in her life, and I am forever grateful for my best friend for letting me experience motherhood in the most wonderful way.
My life brings me so much joy, now. It took until my late forties to really find myself, to feel confident in who I am. I urge the younger generation to look forward to midlife, and not dread it, because it is truly the most empowering time of a women’s life. I think we get to a certain stage and realise we have limited time left, so let’s get on with it, worry less and embrace who we are and love life a little bit more. We will never be as young as we are today.
I suffered anxiety all my life, and it took a pretty horrific event for me to finally get the help I needed. It was the best thing I could have done. Having experienced that, it encouraged me to look at a more fulfilling life and work, so I now work within the community in mental health and wellbeing (I run and manage a centre in Sydney). One of the things we do is offer free counselling to at risk children. We never want a child to go unheard. It is the most rewarding role I have ever had. Having started in media, which I also love, I am incredibly lucky to work in both the community and still (when I feel the urge) media. I get the best of both worlds.
When I was younger, I wish I had of believed in myself more, compared myself to others less and had the confidence to be myself, to speak up more and ask more questions. I was always so worried about what people thought about me. I wished someone had said ‘Jo, you are good enough as you are’, because I was, we are all are, but sometimes we need to believe it. I make a concerted effort now to tell people they are worthy, that they are incredible, and they are good enough. That’s part of the reason why I started 50sowhat. To create a community of women that can lift each other up, laugh together, celebrate each other, and support one another. We all need that cheerleader in life.
Is there anything I would change about my life, yes, that is to spend more time with my loved ones, more quality time with my husband, my family, and my friends. I heard someone say the other day ‘we only get so many summers’, and it really struck a cord with me. I want to make sure I spend as much time with my loved ones while I can.
I remember my pop saying to me, ‘Jo, never give up, never stop, always smile, be kind to people, be social, spend time with those people that bring you joy and most of all, travel the world, because when you are my age, it’s those memories that make you content, the friends you meet on the way, those stories you get to tell. Not a massive house that you worked 24/7 to get, with no memories or stories to tell’. I’ve never forgotten that. To me, that is a life well lived, stories, friends, family, memories.
Did being a mum bring you joy?
Yes, because I enjoyed caring for them and preparing their meals and entertaining them and reading them stories.
Is there anything you wish you had done differently?
I wish I had let my daughter grow her hair long, I wish I had tried to find another dance teacher when she left because she was so sad.
If you could change anything about your life what would it be?
Nothing
Words of Wisdom for a life well lived?
Children are precious give them as much love as you‘re capable of.