There is a narrative out there that is only spoken to mothers which says in order to be “good moms” we must be “self-less”.

Think about that for a moment: We are only good, when we become less like ourselves?

Through this village that Emily’s built for us, it’s been revealed that it’s possible to be a mom and….(dot, dot, dot).

During my first Stroller Strides class, with a toddler and newborn in tow, I thought to myself, Look at this--I am doing something for me, while still mothering them.

Then I looked up at Emily. She was running a business, while literally running with her children. Yes, I thought, Look at us.

What Emily created was a place for us to inspire greatness in each other. A space to hear and see snippets of each other’s existence, instilling a confidence that we are capable of hard things. Here, we show up entirely as we are. Within this group we can exist as our best selves: the strongest, most empowered version of us--where we can share vulnerable truths such as this without fear of judgement or misunderstanding.

While our village will always be here for Emily, she is practicing the very message she’s always promoted, which is to respect our own voices within. Motherhood isn’t about being self-less; it’s about discovering, uncovering, and redefining pieces of ourselves.

And so we say to you, Emily, go find your joy. And when you do, turn back around and share it.

We are here with you, behind you, and from each and every one of us, we thank you.