Editor’s Note: The opinions expressed in this blog post are solely those of the author.

“Each new morning commences with a still point -- that moment when sleep ends and we become alert and pause ….. Poised on the edge of everything the day will bring. So much is unknown but we start with the familiar—this is where I am, this is what I do, this is the life I am given and will love. Every day we strive to make the best of what we have. They say a smile costs nothing … a kind word likewise. The sun when it shines on our face is free. BUT, what of the courage it can take to simply live.”

Episode two had varied storylines but I found a common thread weaved throughout—the challenge, how we will work through it, those that travel that path with us to ease the burden, and our ‘new normal’. Lucille was so beautiful in her support of an overwhelmed pregnant woman, named Vivian Thompson, as she faced life’s hard bumps especially in the face of scrutiny and judgement from a Social Worker. Sister Francis showed intense professionalism with building trust with Janice as she found out her diagnosis of cervical cancer and had to process the significance and impact this would have on her as a woman and as a wife with intense losses; however, the eventual sight of a window opening with new choices and new horizons. Trixie and the team had to help the community through the examination and treatment of scabies with its sense of shock, embarrassment, and almost a tinge of shame with those that had it (I loved when Jonathon was going to go to a private clinic). Miss Higgins felt violated with the robbery of her home and felt a true rebalancing of life with the loss and then regaining of her independence. Her sense of safety was truly shaken and the kindness of her friends helped get her back on her feet in a solid way (with some fabulous comedy for me in the process—loved the scene with Phyllis doing her calisthenics, her entitlement with the bath scene, her playing of the recorders as their reward or ‘payback’, and then her backhanded compliment as she explained how they had assisted her). Safety and trust is something that can really be shaken and those around you can truly help to heal.

Sometimes we call these events challenges but they can range from a small curveball to life altering tragedies and the navigation of them can redefine where we are on our path of life. As a Modern Day Midwife I love how Call the Midwife and their characters show a realistic view of humanity. We cannot always plan ahead and we do not know our futures; but, as a midwife I have always strived to help people know that they are not alone. It is so essential to have the time to process things—for women and their families to be able to speak their feeling and share concerns. You can help people to see they are not the first person to face this situation and maybe a client or family needs education or a network as supporters. We can reinforce that it is ok to need help — to ask for help, and to be open to accepting it from professionals, friends, family, or a mentor.

The show displayed characters that were encouraged to share their thoughts and feelings and as midwives we really take the time to help people do this. There are so many ways to process things—from talking and sharing, journaling, meditating, time in nature, and spending time sitting with your thoughts. It is in these quiet exercises that situations can settle, come into a new light with a path or plan forward. As a midwife we are experts at sharing the best evidence, finding out personal views and preferences, making sure people have true informed consent with options and the pros and cons within these options, and then within a model of shared decision making moving to what are best for you and your personal situation.

It can take time to process and to be open for what is ahead. Sometimes accepting support and the help of others can be hard for many individuals. In the episode I loved how people rebalanced and even pushed themselves to dream big with new avenues to pursue (Janice being capable of donating toys as they felt like a part of her past and embracing her future plans with education/training as a hairdresser). It can take time to get to a positive mindset; however, the more we practice with awareness and varied techniques such as mindfulness or meditation we can actually enhance our resiliency.

It can be monumental to accept and even let go of current things. We can forge a new way forward and move to what is ahead. As a midwife I have loved helping people look at their challenges and consider their personal way forward—it takes observation and decision making on the side of our client to face things head on and then take action.

We often move along and live our lives on cruise control - we are in our lane per se in a little imaginary comfort zone. When our world is rocked it is hard and we have to regroup and reframe while finding strength in ourselves and those around us. I have found the practice of gratitude to help me as I face my difficulties.

We are living in very uncertain times right now and many things are feeling scary and definitely off balance. Things can even shake us to our core. We take a deep breath. We take some time. We show persistence and try to see the light ahead. That light ahead even has the potential for growth in the process.

“We can be courageous when we stand on solid ground ….when we know who our friends are, when we know what we should do, when we are able to say this is who I am, this is what I cherish, this is what I take and what I give back in exchange. Sometimes we can choose our paths. Sometimes our only choice is how we make our journey. Alone and resolute or trusting in those who can uphold and guide us. Solitude is not armor and the need for others is not weakness. We’re all at our strongest when we find our selfhood and embrace it…. just enough company, just enough space, and always always the exact amount of friendship and love.”