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Louise Saunders

@louise521

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Unraveling working Mom of two boys on a journey to live fully and authentically. #DELOULOU

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November 2nd and still new, fragrant growth amongst the crunchy leaves and spent blooms. #natureishealing #keepgardenswild #littlethingsthatbringmejoy 🦋💓🌿 by @louise521

I used to shame myself SO MUCH for..... EVERYTHING, even things outside my control, like my ridiculously BAD vision. As I've gotten older, I've realized more and more how trapped I've been by trying to conform to standards of ALL KINDS. The #patriarchy from such a young age sets standards for feminine beauty, female aging, what, how, why, where and when a mom should be (or not be?). As much as I have tried to keep up, I think I'm going to take a different approach and just shame myself less. If you see me squinting at you, don't take it personally 🤓 #fuckthepatriarchy today's message was, in part, brought to you by @brooke_baldwin ALSO, #vote by @louise521

Trying to walk out into the world each day and take note of the little things that bring me joy. It's overwhelming in the world and so easy to get lost in the negativity. In my personal opinion, #lovewillalwayswin and can be found ALL AROUND US. #maryoliver for the daily win and perspective ✨🦋 by @louise521

November here already and today's "random" Mary Oliver inspiration could not be more appropriate. Bearing witness to the passing of my Dad last November changed me and my perspective on life, love, and the complexities of relationships, those that we have with others, and more importantly, the relationship that I, as a WOMAN, have with myself and the world around me. I will never recover from the loss of my father. He was, and STILL IS, my guiding light... AND I am so in love with this life I have built and the #community I'm starting to build. While I might not have it all planned, I DON'T plan to waste any of this #wildandpreciouslife #womensupportingwomen #maryoliver by @louise521

One more thing: walks usually help me to get OUT my RAGE. Today, my walk inspired more clarity on my OUTRAGE, #femalerage and why my mental health journey and experience as an attorney, a claims representative, and a working mom inspired me to be more vocal in support of #womensmentalhealth and Lindsay Clancy. Not just here in #massachusetts but EVERYWHERE IN THE WORLD, WOMEN ARE FED UP. WOMEN MUST BE BELIEVED AND SUPPORTED. #womensupportingwomen❤️ by @louise521

Bringing it back to the start. The reason I started following the Lindsay Clancy trial is because I couldn't shake the feelings, the strong, compelling feelings that something wasn't right. I don't think many people actually watched or cared to understand the details, or complete lack of investigation involved after the tragedy. Nobody questioned what #patricksaid . As the trial unfolded, it became so clear just how MIGHTILY the systems, our communities FAILED LINDSAY AND THOSE CHILDREN. When I was invited by @rob.finnerty to speak about my support for Lindsay on Newsmax, I tried to maintain a level of impartiality since the jury was deliberating. To be clear: I DO NOT BELIEVE THAT LINDSAY COMMITTED THE CRIMES AND I WILL NEVER STOP TALKING ABOUT #justiceforlindsayclancy , no matter how much MEN TRY TO SILENCE US. Love to @saltylunatics by @louise521

Love is so complex and all-consuming at times. This #griefjourney has shown me the true power of #reallove and also the complicated process of #lettinggo . Life is fragile. Hold and love as if your life depends on it and also know when it's time to let go. by @louise521

The ability to #findjoy or slivers of #lightthroughdarkness is a superpower that we can all unlock if we take the time to breathe and feel all emotions. Little things that add a bit of #levity to life can make even the darkest of times seen a little bit lighter. Thanks for the T-shirt, Aunt G! by @louise521

The usual mix of #femalerage and #whimsy LIFE IS HARD AND FEELS BONKERS AT TIMES. It's also SO BEAUTIFUL. It's ok to lean into the #rage and raw emotions in life. The balance feels precarious and fragile at times. After a pregnancy loss in 2021, my beautiful Dad comforted me and said so gently, "Oh, Lou-Lou, I'm so sorry. Life is so fragile." So true. Since it's fragile and fleeting, lean into it all, even the RAGE. IT'S ABOUT TIME. by @louise521

#beesofinstagram SNOOZIN'! A bee snoozing on a flower is one of the GREATEST wonders of life in my personal opinion. #getoutside and take in the world around you ✨🫶 by @louise521

Ethan told us a long time ago that he wanted to play in the NHL. When I was a kid, and even as an adult, I remember putting people (seemingly, everyone except myself) on pedestals. We were taught at some point back in the day to be realistic and logical, and somehow through all of that, we lost the ability to #dreambig

I'm convinced every day that these kids are here to teach us more than we could ever teach them. When I responded to Ethan (so logically) with the facts and figures as to why it's hard to make it, what effort it takes, etc. he looked at me and said, "Mom, I DREAM BIG." I dream big because of him now too. Even if it's unimaginable now, save some room in your heart to dream. ✨❤️ #parentingrealtalk by @louise521

As we approach this upcoming midterm election cycle, I am deep in thought about #communitybuilding (what's new lately?) Last week, Reading Youth Hockey was honored to be visited by @megankeller4 and she was SO INSPIRING. I am so blown away and motivated by the girls in Ethan's hockey program and on his team. It inspires me to push for meaningful changes for our children.

Having said all of this, I can't help but notice the ever-present power of the #patriarchy all around. How often are men given deference for just being a man? Men support other men, even if their beliefs don't line up because they know each other from the neighborhood, the golf club, the fraternity. To build communities, we first have to be clear on our own personal values, right? Also, PLEASE VOTE. YOUR VOICE MATTERS! 📣 by @louise521