Читать книгу Work. Mama. Life. - Ali Young - Страница 7

This book has been sitting in my brain for years, and there are a few key people who have challenged me, supported me and nurtured me to help bring her to life. I wouldn't have had my own mothering journey without the experience I had as a child with my own mum, and my two grandmothers. Growing up surrounded by so many strong (some might say stubborn ;) ) women was such a blessing. My mum showed me how working mum life can be, both the good and the bad, and began to open my eyes to the possibilities. Thanks to you and Dad for your never-ending support of your crazy daughter, and to my brother for keeping me level. Nothing without Fambam.

To my soul-sister Olivia, who I owned my first practice with and who blessed me to be embraced as close as one can with her crazy triplets journey. You've been my supporter since I met you in 2003. Thanks for being my sounding board, my level head, my chiro-queen and my gin-buddy.

To the calm mums in my world. You don't know how much you show up for me, and how much you show me how to choose calm in my mothering choices. To my SIL Michelle, with your grace and composure, you show me how to be me and not lose myself. To Court, if I didn't have my dose of Calm-Court each week I think I'd be a basket case by now, and to Michelle S – the way you navigate your mothering journey is so inspiring to me, thanks for letting me in!

To the women over the years who have shaped me on my feminist ideals. From railing against early injustices with Amanda and Suemaree, to chiro discoveries with Sare, Hails, Vikkie and Laura, to the Perth Fun Days with Alicia, Joce, PD, Spag, Davi, and the Freo Crew, and to my CQ queens who listen to my babble, Jo, Hails, Em, Cass, Em, Ange, Alana and Jode. You've all been part of my mother journey.

To my team in my practice, for putting up with my big ideas with minimal follow through – thanks for keeping me ticking along through 2021. Anna – my right hand woman, thanks so much. Court – your fresh air and vibe is just what we needed and Kate, thanks for making the trek to central Queensland so I could fulfil this dream, and hopefully you can fulfil yours.

To the expat mamas who supported me in both Malaysia/Singapore and South Korea: Samira, Angela and KK, Tam, Leah, Jenn, Caz, Michelle, Yols, Anita, Sim, Nadine, Coley, and Mel, you girls helped me have the beginnings of this flame.

This book would not of been possible without the love-story of my beautiful profession, Chiropractic. If I wasn't entrenched in the deep knowing of its philosophy, and it didn't open my eyes to the magic that lies within each of us, I'd just be another peep doing a job she didn't love. Particular mention goes to James Carter and his gang back in the 2000s, and to Brandi and Don McDonald and all of the superstars in ‘The Engine', for their keen insights and eye-openings, always at times when I needed that little bit of guidance.

Thank you to the amazing Tina Tower, who pitched me to Lucy at Wiley Publishing because she knew I had a story to tell, and that there were so many mums in the world who would benefit from listening in. To all of the other women building their empires in her world, I feel lucky to be a part of it.

To Wiley for taking a chance on me, and in particular to Lucy who saw something in my passion and managed, with Leigh to bring it out onto paper. To my editor Sandra, to Chris and to all of the team, thank you.

To the loves of my life — my own little fambam. For Pete for putting up with the late nights, the rants about how the world is skewed against women, how we need to do better for our kids, and still finding a way to love me. Ditto. And to my beautiful children. You gave me the gift of being a mother. You amaze me often, I love you both so much. Thanks for choosing us as your parents.

And finally, to all of the mums who have crossed my path in practice in my nearly 20 years. Each of your stories, your wins, your struggles, those tears of joy and happiness, and the ones of sorrow and sadness. This book is for you. My love story to say thank you. You have inspired me, and now it's my turn to pass the baton on. We are warrior women, we are strong. Let's lean in. Together.