family

We all have a spirit animal. For Fernie Mountain Mamas it is often the majestic and graceful Gran-Mama. Our saviour. Our calm amidst the storm. Our inspiration.

As adults, our lives are filled with tasks and timelines and schedules, to the point where we need to actively work on that connection with our spirit. While our kids might not be aware of it, they more easily live in this way and it’s something to be celebrated and emulated.

Birth is the ultimate beginning. Each new parent patiently waits nine months to meet their little one and begin the big adventure. With this beginning comes one of the purest forms of joy but also restless nights and extreme fatigue.

Most people who have been around pregnancy and birth are familiar with the concept of perinatal mood and anxiety disorders but only know of them as something called “Postpartum” and conventionally only consider postpartum depression in that category.

Spotted: A Fernie Mountain Mama at play in the wild. Watch as the courageous and daring Mama plans and executes a kayaking trip with her precious babe in tow. Balance is essential in work, life and play. 

We can acknowledge that trying to actualize your family is hard while also acknowledging that we can do hard things and we can maybe even do them well if we are prepared. 

We focus a lot on what young people could do or will be in the future. We look forward to when our babies sleep through the night, use their words, and become potty trained. I know a dad who can’t wait until his son is big enough to golf with. But putting so much attention on what lies ahead can leave our children wondering if they are good enough right now.

For some of us it’s about rediscovering potential, for others it’s about finding it. Wherever you are in your journey, I have one piece of advice I’d love to share: Enjoy the process. Figure out what lights you up, gets you going and gives you something to look forward to.

Our senses come alive as we begin to explore what is possible through sensory exploration. Fernie Mountain Mamas understand the importance of exposing their children to new environments to increase their potential for progress. Adina Koran is one such Mama.

Who is a Fernie Mountain Mama? She is the woman next to you in line at the grocery store. She is your next-door neighbour. She is the girl who hitchhiked west or drove north or cycled east and found her forever-home in the Kootenays.