55 Comments
User's avatar
Niki Walker's avatar

This found me at the exact right moment and cracked me open so whole that as I’m typing my face is wet with big, hearty tears.

I’m not a mother — yet — but gosh do I know grief. And how it feels to sit and hold the conflicting realities of the mother you have and the one you wish you had. And to pray and trust in the process of life unfolding, uncontrollably all around us. Finding women like you gives me confidence to keep going, to keep trusting, and who knows, maybe someday, I’ll step into the great unknown of motherhood.

Beautiful. Truly. Thank you so much for sharing.

Expand full comment
Janey's avatar

Thank you … so generous and heart opening… speaking as an older mum whose younger daughter had a beautiful full blooming life and then needed to leave this one consciously and clearly

…. And my eldest is now blooming again in May as she accepts the compliments of others for her generous loving emotional strength and clarity she gives to others

❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️hooray xx

Expand full comment
Janey's avatar

Thank

Expand full comment
Dara Levan's avatar

This is one of the most stunning, and heartfelt pieces I’ve read on mothering and motherhood. Authentic. Evocative. Raw. Love every word. 💜

Expand full comment
Nona's avatar
May 3Edited

I’m so grateful for your words, your presence and your raw honesty. I first found you when you were newly pregnant with your second child. I then began seeking out, listening to and accessing all of your writing. Reading your words, sharing them with my community, therapy clients and friends and family and sitting in the quiet space in reflection of the meaning they have for me. Listening to your podcast episodes, walking, connecting to my breath and stopping to engage in the power of noticing. Attending your workshops, adding to my Alex Elle sweatshirt collection 🙌🏼 and connecting to the legacy of your scents you’ve created. Thank you for being vulnerable and for being authentically yourself. You have been a huge expander for me in my own healing process, and as a guide in the healing of others, inspiring me to start my own podcast and start a second (very) aligned business.

I have immense gratitude for you, your work and your presence 🩶

Expand full comment
VV's avatar

Beautifully said, I feel this too, I resonate so deeply. I feel I am so far away from this and it's just come to my awareness. Letting go to let Love Lead. Love that I am still finding within myself for myself. Luv u Alex and thank you.💛

Expand full comment
Shante's avatar

This is just perfectly written… I am grieving in the sense of being single , no kids , 44 … sometimes my mind wanders of how did I get here.. so I go into this shell of a space … of sadness.. and feeling empty… this is why I am trying the joy journaling … to help me find happiness… throughout the month .. and even after .

Expand full comment
Mage Fischer's avatar

“It feels good to feel as deeply as I can feel today.” Wise words that resonate strongly with me.

Expand full comment
Come Sit By Me's avatar

Well, you're just as impressive as a person can be..I loved listening to you at the 2023 Santa Fe writer's retreat...and happened to be in the thick of grief. My mother and oldest brother had died just a few months before. Some sessions I listened to from my hotel room, in the evening(after exploring the town)...yours I went to in person & your Soul Energy was so very present. At 63, I have learned just how nonlinear grow/life is...stash all your wisdom of this moment & when life is just too much, remember all of your hard won wisdom!!! Thank you for your work!!

Expand full comment
Doreen's avatar

Alex, so beautifully written. What a gift you are to your children. Your a beautiful soul 💛

Expand full comment
Tara Dawn's avatar

Thank you for sharing. The photos speak volumes of the past, the current and the future. I too was a young mom and grew up with my daughters and now have two adult grandsons. One is married, 4 years now with no plan for Great Grand Babies yet. I am good with that, take your time there is no rush there are years ahead of us.

Thank you Moms of the world that are caring for their children and sometimes even someone else babe too. Give your self a hug for ME and feel my LOVE.

Expand full comment
Kathilia Edghill's avatar

Whew. So beautifully articulated Alex. Thank you for sharing your heart like this. I connected with you as I read, and I genuinely appreciate that. 🙏🏾🖤

Expand full comment
Nikole Tutton's avatar

Someone once said, "grief is the culmination of love". Those of us who love deeply and unabashedly, then mourn our loved one's loss without shame and with every cell in our body.

That's a life worth living.

Expand full comment
Lakisha Robinson-Steward's avatar

❤️

Expand full comment
Ellie's avatar

This one spoke to me a little bit louder, thank you🩷

Expand full comment
Underground Queen's avatar

Im so grateful for you because you literally put the perfect words to a tight beat to help me heal.

Expand full comment
Wilde Sage by Peta's avatar

So beautifully written. Thank you 🧡. Motherhood is so full of love & complexity. I had my boys later & they cracked me open too, mainly under the weight of my own expectations.

Here is a bit of my story

https://open.substack.com/pub/wildesage/p/letting-go-a-mothers-day-reflection

Expand full comment
Tina Derke's avatar

This was so beautiful & from the heart. Some days my grief overwhelms me but every day I try to find a bit of joy where I can. Your words reach deep.❤️

Expand full comment