Ep #151 – The Fairytale of Motherhood with Annie Love

“Our greatest suffering comes from our attachment to our fantasies.”

Annie had wanted to be a mum since she was a little girl. Before she had her children she had a very clear idea of what motherhood was going to look like. But her fantasy was a long way from the reality she experienced.

As a mum of three sons, the youngest of which who was born with Down Syndrome and then having to navigate two of her boys getting very unwell in their young years – Annie has had to endure some very tough challenges, way more than most of us has to manage as parents.

In this beautifully vulnerable and honest interview, Annie describes her actual journey and how far that deviated from her life long fairytale, but with such acceptance and grace.

“I think we grow up expecting a fairytale. Marrying the partner of our dreams, falling pregnant easily and giving birth to perfect children, living happily ever after. I have learned the hard way that things don’t always (or maybe ever) happen the way we expect them to. And yet, these experiences have led me to be who I am today. They have shaped me and broken me and strengthened me.”

Annie Love is a Certified Life Coach, writer, creative spirit, wife and mother to three beautiful boys. Through her motherhood journey, she’s navigated significant health challenges with two of her children and grief following the death of her youngest son, so she understands that life doesn’t always go to plan. Annie is passionate about helping women find light and joy in their lives, even when things feel hard. She writes over on the Mummalove blog and you can also find her podcasting at ‘The Mummalove Podcast.’