Interview with Joy Harper, Mother and Doula
I'm inspired by this woman. She lives a conscious, confident, and brilliant life every day in Somerville, Massachusetts. Because of her commitment in providing a true and loving community for mothers, Joy provides some of her professional services within a gift economy model, which sparked our interest in interviewing her. She speaks her truth, and she is really listening when you speak yours. She's living her dream. I thought you'd all like to meet Joy Harper.
1.What dream has come true in your life?
This is going to sound crazy but being a wife and mother and having a family.
Joy with her husband, Morgan
2.How long have you had this dream?
Since childhood. I have always wanted to be a mother. I thought it was the most important role in the world. But that was just the thumb nail of my dream. My dream was to be a mother, connect with other mothers and support and nurture moms as well. To remind myself and others, that we are all doing it so well.
3. What was the biggest fear you had to overcome in pursuing this dream?
That it will not pay my bills. It will not support my student loan or my retirement.
4. What is something you had to sacrifice or give up for this dream to come true?
Not having this dream near my sisters, mother or father (at least not yet). I had to move in order to be a part of a beautiful birth community and live in a community my husband would be happy with. So that meant moving across the country when I finally just followed my heart and gut, and I found myself in Somerville MA.
5. What is one of the greatest rewards of living this dream?
Connecting, connecting, connecting. The connections are not always grand or deep, but they are there like little sprouts. Some grow and other's remain small and even disappear. Seeing new moms, or even seasoned moms work to figure out the best way to navigate the day to day for the family; that is the quiet work of our society that goes unseen and has the most impact in our communities. Families- me, my husband and our friends are the cornerstore of every community.
6. Tell us a story about a moment, an individual, a scene that you experienced that has brought you joy in this dream.
I was able to witness my good friend's home birth of her daughter. That was amazing and beautiful. Actually, just to be invited into someone's home and witness them on an ordinary day or maybe their worst day is a gift.
7. What advice or counsel would you give others who are currently pursuing a similar dream? Or any dream?
Wow! Crazy question! First, I remind people that it is right to feel scared, taking a step that is just out of grasp feels risky because it is. However, I found that when I was not honoring my vision, my goals, my dreams, life because increasingly more uncomfortable and complicated. I venture to say, that it is easier to live your dream than to not.
8. What’s the future vision for this dream? Where are you taking it next? What about in 5-10 years?
I cannot believe you asked this question. I have been wrestling with this thought for the last couple of weeks. I am planning to return full time to work in the fall. I have been home with my son for 3.5 years. As I review my options, my first option leaves me right in front of families again in Early Intervention. I love EI and it is beautiful work. I get to connect with mothers & families and make a meaningful impact in a few families' lives and get to know them, learn from them and grow with them. HOWEVER, I want to have impact in many mother's lives and would like to move forward policies that would grant new moms (and dads, but especially mothers) 12+ weeks paid leave for the birth of each new children. All research points to the best outcomes for families (infant & mothers) for the opportunity to heal, bond and adjust to becoming a family or growing a family. The stress levels on new families is significant and plays a role in the outcome of family health. We can do so much better.
9. Anything else you want us to know? Please share!
We will all, at one point, be parents or have been a child, so the work of families and birth workers impacts everyone- not just a few people at a pivotal time. My goal in pursing this dream is to remind people that I give permission to be their best when I am at my best.
Thank you, Joy, for living your dream!
If you are looking for a caring and emotionally-present doula in the Boston, MA area, you have found her. Learn more about Joy Harper's Doula Services, Newborn Care Classes, Parent Coaching, and Early Intervention Services
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Have YOU had a dream come true? Let us hear from you and be inspired by your story...
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