Josefine: "Taking time to be by yourself is so valuable"

The time during maternity leave has been lonely and isolating.

'It was a challenge we were never really prepared for,' says Josefine. 'Taking time to be by yourself is so valuable.'
In October, she was one of the selected mothers who received a luxury weekend in Ronneby from Great Earth's ambassador, Micke Gunnarsson.

Josefine, 27, lives in Katrineholm with her husband Magnus, their children Alfred, 3, and Stina, 1.5, and their cat Piggelin. Josefine has just returned to work as a nursery nurse after three years of parental leave.
'It's so much fun and so nice to feel like a person again,' says Josefine. 'I've always seen myself as a mother, and having children was the best thing we've ever done, but we weren't quite prepared for the challenge. And being at home with two small children in the middle of a pandemic has been draining.'

Josefine discovered Micke Gunnarsson, (@mickegunnarsson), in her Instagram feed when Alfred was just a baby.
'Everything he posted resonated deeply with me. He's so wise. What he shares feels so relatable. All the thoughts about parenthood, relationships, and feelings in general,' says Josefine.
Last autumn, Josefine felt worn out. She had a huge need to be alone, to sleep, and just to be. She applied for Micke's project, 'Time for Me-Time for Mums'.
'When Micke called, I was completely shocked. I just thought, this doesn't happen to me. He said I really deserved to get away and that it was lovely I had chosen to go completely on my own.'
'My husband Magnus encouraged me to go. It was the first time I was completely child-free. On the drive there, I thought about turning back several times. But I'm so grateful I went. It was so incredibly wonderful. Everything.'
Josefine enjoyed herself, gained some perspective, and was truly able to unwind during the weekend. It was a time for reflection and for herself.
'Micke and I took a long walk to his favourite café where he treated me to a coffee and cake. We passed a lovely autumn market and talked for a long time. I was on the verge of crying with happiness the entire time.'
'Micke really lifted me up in a positive way and validated the feelings all parents have.'

Josefine's tips for other mums:

• Take it easy and look after yourself.

• Treat yourself to some me-time, like going to the gym, taking a walk, having coffee with friends, or visiting a spa.

• Accept all the help and support you can get.

• Surround yourself with people who energise you.

• De-stress. Try to get a bird's-eye view and learn to recognise your triggers—the things that cause you stress.

Would you also like to apply for the Mum Project? Read more here.