
As mothers, it's not often that we feel seen, heard and valued. Yet our everyday stories matter, and sharing them can inspire others.Story of Mum: Mums making an exhibition of ourselves is a touring program of exhibitions and events in galleries and online that aims to put mothers in the spotlight.

Find out more at www.storyofmum.com/exhibition.
Parallel to the real life events, a virtual exhibition is travelling round the world, stopping for mini exhibitions on blogs - like mine!
Participants are asked to choose items from the existing exhibition, create one item to add to the exhibition, and share their thoughts on these and their identity in motherhood. I'm proud to be a part of this important work of art and house it here on my blog. Here is my exhibition:
I Curated This:

I'm a Mum and I'm Trying My Best!
Even though this mom looks very happy and has lovely manicured fingernails, I know she is likely tired, feels like her house is never clean, and like she is treading only slightly above the choppy waters of parenthood. When every hour of every day asks you to be so many things, all you can say as a mom is that you are trying to do your best, celebrate small victories, and forgive yourself daily for the ones that you don't achieve. 
I'm a Mum and A Non-Stop Worrier!
This mom's photo reminded me of a recent discussion I had with a friend about how the anxiety of motherhood is endless. I remember feeling completely anxious the first time I took my daughter for walk a few weeks after her birth. She was no more than a foot in front of me, lying snuggling in her stroller, but the inability for me to simply touch my tummy and know that she was safe struck me. From wondering if she is warm enough, has had enough to eat, if she will be okay because she hasn't pooped in four days, to whether or not kids are sharing with her on the playground, I know this energy of worry will be something that stays with me for the rest of my life and will continue to fuel whatever is making my hair grow grayer by the minute.I Created This:
I'm a Mom and I'm Afraid
I keep having the most frightening dream. My husband and I somehow decide to leave our apartment with our daughter sleeping in her room alone for hours. We are out having a good time when I realize its late and she probably woke up. I start to panic thinking no one is there with her. That she is screaming for us and scared. We quickly hop in the car but it doesn't move so we get out and walk through thick, tall snow. Its taking too long and I am calling for someone to help and they don't. I imagine how terrified my daughter is as I answer my ringing cell phone. Its my husband who somehow got ahead of me. "Why did I do this?" I scream at him, my voice loud and shaky, "How can I do this?" I'm confused and know even in my dream this is something I wouldn't do. He tells me his sister is there and I'm relieved but when I ask him if our daughter is okay his voice turns somber. The fear and guilt well up in my chest and pull me out of the dream. I'm sweating, back in my bed, my daughter safely asleep in hers. The anxiety is palpable and lingering around me as I catch my breathe.
I'm a mother and I'm afraid. Afraid I won't be able to protect my daughter from everyone and everything. While I am so many things: a worker, daughter, wife, cleaner, errand runner, class parent, I am fearful that the one last sliver of energy I have, the most important job of being a mother, will somehow not get my 100% in the moment its needed most. My dream can represent so many things and so many insecurities I face as a parent. But the biggest issue I see when I recall these images is the lack of control. The lack of control you inevitably have as a mother once the child leaves your womb. From natural disasters to the unthinkable happening in classrooms I start to ask: Why did I do this? Why did I bring this child into a world that I may not be able to protect her from? But I know the answer is clear. Because that is what we do. We are not complete without our children. Motherhood is our evolutionary right and blessing. And though bad things happen we have to bury the fear in order to grow and experience the depth and beauty of love.
I am a mom. I am afraid. I will likely not stop being afraid for my child's safety for the rest of her life. And I'm certain I'm not the only one.
Find out about how to submit your own mini exhibition or find other mini exhibitions to visit on the virtual Story of Mum: Mums making an exhibition of ourselves tour here.
Find out about how to submit your own mini exhibition or find other mini exhibitions to visit on the virtual Story of Mum: Mums making an exhibition of ourselves tour here.