RTÉ Lifestyle’s Hourglass Event welcomed a sea of women to The Little Museum of Dublin on Thursday, July 26 for a live podcast recording; all engaging in the discussion about the Struggle to Juggle.
The event will also air in a one-hour programme on RTÉ Radio 1 on Bank Holiday Monday, August 6 from 2pm until 3pm.
Méabh spoke to child psychologist Sinéad Lynch, who attended with the youngest member of the audience, her 6-month-old baba.
What is your Struggle to Juggle?
"My Struggle to Juggle is my 6-month-old boy and my passion for work."
"There’s one thing learning about child psychology, and then there’s one thing being a mum. All the books can tell you things, but until you’re actually there, it’s a different thing."
As a new Mum what message could you relate most to at the event
"The thing I got the most of out of tonight was self kindness.
"I think practicing self compassion, especially when you’re a mum, is key.
"What I’d say to any new mum is, to try to quieten the inner critic, remove all the ‘shoulds’ – I should do this, I should be doing that – and just talk to yourself in a kinder way."
Sinéad encourages all mothers to show themselves, and their daily struggles, that compassion, and to give our self compassion a louder voice than that of the inner critic.
"Say things like: That was a really tough day and, actually, I got through today or, you know what, we got dressed today and went outside!"
Sinéad tries to practice her own advice daily and believes even if it’s something as simple as getting through the day; remember, you’re doing great."
Méabh also caught up with the WellNow Company who were on hand on the night with their take-home tips.
Their message for busy Mums faced with the Struggle to Juggle is:
"Planning and trying to stick to the plan, but living your life at the same time, reverting to the plan and tweaking it - [that] will be our take home."
Jessica added how fantastic an atmosphere there was in The Little Museum of Dublin and felt the real warmth in the room.
"Hearing both Jackie [Hurley] and Alli’s [McDonnell] stories really highlighted that everyone’s situation is different and everybody has their own struggles, it’s the way that we all come together and support each other to get through and juggle really."
Both Suzanne and Jessica love a good plan, and spoke at the event about the importance of planning and prepping when trying to live a healthier life; ‘It’s really the cornerstone of that.’
Jessica reiterated the proverb: It takes a village to raise a family, emphasising how imperative support is for new parents. And it was clear from the intangible feeling of support in the room on the night that everyone there, had come in support of each other’s struggle.
It’s true what they say; when women support each other, incredible things happen.
To find out more about the Hourglass Live Podcast Event and to see who was in attendance click here.
Méabh Riordan
P.s. Listen to the recording from the live event in a one-hour programme on RTÉ Radio 1 on Bank Holiday Monday, August 6, 2018 from 2pm until 3pm.
