Posted: Friday, 24 March 2017 @ 09:32
New Mum Lucy Felton, of the 'Lucy Edit' is a journalist, content expert and style influencer based in London. We caught up with former head of fashion content at Look magazine about motherhood and mantras that she lives by.
How will you be spending Mother’s Day?
The simple things really are the best and you can't beat newborn cuddles. Hector is just six weeks old and does the cutest thing where he curls into a tiny ball on my chest, and I know it won't be long before all that stops. I'm making the most of it before it's all toy trucks and sword fights. We'll be staying local, perhaps a nice walk in the park and if I'm really lucky his daddy will be on nappy duty the whole day!
What does Mother’s Day mean to you?
It's a reminder to stop and celebrate the most important women in your life. Whether that's mum, grandma, an auntie... make sure they know you think the world of them.
How has your life changed since the birth of your son?
Oh wow, beyond recognition! I was the super organised pregnant person - nesting non-stop and arming myself with all the information I could get my hands on, but when they're born it's like a lightening bolt that shakes everything up. Nothing could have prepared me for the shift. Those early few days really are a shock to the system but if you can ride out the storm, navigate the sleepless nights and banish the baby blues then what comes afterwards is pure magic.
What do you know now that you wish you’d known before he was born?
To relish in the spare time I had. Hector is my first and I wish I'd known to lap up all that me-time - soaks in the bath, grabbing a coffee on my own, popping to the shops without it being a full blown military procedure getting out of the house! Of course he's worth it though!
Do you have any advice for working Mums?
Be realistic. You can't do everything, be everywhere and that's ok. Pre-Hector my daily to-do list was always ridiculously long, and I'd whizz through everything like a pro. Now, if I can get one or two of the things on the list ticked off I see that as a huge achievement. I often think 'what's the one thing I want to achieve today to make me feel like I'm on top of my game?' I'll make sure I prioritise that single thing first, and do it well, so that I don't feel defeated by the end of the day once baby duties take over and everything else goes out of the window.
What inspires you to be #mybestself?
My boys. My husband and my son. They're the ones I want to be running at optimum for and whether that's addressing my wellbeing, being loving or having a positive outlook on life, they're my motivators. Always.
Do you use mantras?
I'm definitely into an uplifting quote. Something that focuses the mind or gives you a little kick inside.
Which mantras inspire you and how?
I use them a lot in my work, my writing. There's so much great, feel-good inspo available at our fingertips these days like #qotd (quote of the day) on Instagram and beautiful positivity boards on Pinterest. I can spend hours scrolling through, liking and pinning those. My favourite mantra at the moment is 'You've got this Mama'. As a new mum it reminds me that I'm totally capable and to give myself a little pat on the back for surviving the day on three hours sleep!
Do you have a personal mantra you live by?
'Nothing stays the same forever.' My lovely mum has always said it to me and it's so true - if you're having a crappy day then you know tomorrow will be better. When you're not enjoying a phase in your life you can be rest assured things will soon change - nothing ever stays the same for long - just ride it out.
Lucy Felton, mum to baby Hector Felton. @TheLucyEdit blog - The Lucy Edit - www.lucyfelton.com