Featured Poem: A heartfelt original piece inspired by a conversation between two child-free women - one by choice, one by circumstance.
In this deeply personal episode, Patricia opens up about her decision not to have children, exploring themes of time, choice, societal expectations, and alternative forms of motherhood. With tenderness and honesty, she speaks to women who have chosen not to have children, as well as those who grieve the children they couldn't have. Through stories, reflections, and a heartfelt poem, Patricia honours the many ways we love, nurture, and leave a legacy beyond biology.
This episode is for you if you've ever:
- Felt pressure from your “biological clock”
- Faced judgment for not having children
- Grieved infertility or loss
- Been a mentor, godparent, aunt, or carer who has loved deeply
- Wondered about your legacy outside of motherhood
Topics Covered:
- Choosing child-free living with intention
- The emotional weight of societal and familial pressure
- Reflections on adoption, foster care, and shared parenting
- Emotional intelligence in parenting and relationships
- The power of nurturing beyond blood ties
- A poetic tribute to the children who’ve touched Patricia’s life
Key Quotes:
"To mother not with the body, but with the heart."
"Your love matters. However it shows up in the world."
"Legacy is not only about lineage — it’s about presence, care, and connection."
Mentioned Resources:
- Poem: This Be The Verse by Philip Larkin
- Book: Emotional Intelligence by Daniel Goleman
- Inspiration from writer Maeve Binchy on the ‘borrowed parent”
🙏 Dedicated with love to: all the beautiful children I have been blessed to know in my life
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