Dear ones,
I am coming to you today with a soft and grateful heart. In today’s audio transmission, I speak more deeply about the theme of mother hunger, expanding on my essay of the same name that I shared here last week.
On the heels of Mother’s Day this past weekend, this vulnerable and timely topic touches on the deep yearning for the maternal nurturing, protection, guidance, or connection that may have been absent for many of us in our early lives (If this topic is stirring something within you, I highly suggest reading last week’s publication, Mother Hunger: A Daughter’s Hidden Heartbreak, before diving into today’s audio-cast).
As I shared in last week’s piece, through her groundbreaking book Mother Hunger: How Adult Daughters Can Understand and Heal from Lost Nurturance, Protection, and Guidance, therapist and author Kelly McDaniel explores how the absence of essential maternal care can create a lifelong longing that can affect our emotional well-being and sense of self.
In today’s audio, I take a more intimate look at the four distinct categories of mother hunger that McDaniels identifies, weaving in ways these unmet needs can show up in our behaviors and relationships:
Nurturing Hunger – the longing for consistent affection, soothing, and unconditional love.
Protection Hunger – the unmet need for emotional and physical safety, especially during vulnerable moments in childhood.
Guidance Hunger – the absence of grounded, supportive direction through life’s early decisions and transitions.
Connection Hunger – the ache for deep emotional attunement and a secure, lasting bond.
I am also sharing some heartfelt responses from women in this community who resonated deeply with the essay. Their touching words reflect the quiet, often hidden grief that so many of us carry, and the healing that can begin when we name it together.
If all of this speaks to something inside you, I warmly invite you to join my upcoming Radiant Wise Women call.
In the quiet spaces where our stories of mother hunger live, we can find healing together.
The journey through mother hunger isn't one we need to walk alone. If you resonated with what I’ve shared here, I invite you to join this compassionate gathering space where we can witness and support one another.
What We'll Share:
A guided somatic practice to help regulate your nervous system and release tension held since childhood
Private gathering space to connect with and nurture your inner child who still longs to be seen and heard
An opportunity to express your truth in a safe and open space of non-judgment
Join Us
When: Thursday, May 15th • 7:00-8:00 pm CST (5:00-6:00 pm PDT, 8:00-9:00 pm EST)
Topic: Mother Hunger: A Daughter's Hidden Heartbreak
How to Register:
To register, simply subscribe to this newsletter if you haven't already. Then keep an eye on your inbox - all free and paid subscribers will receive the Zoom link via email on the morning of the event.
Please invite your friends and any woman you know who could benefit from an hour of connection, nurturing and self-love.
Together, we'll explore how naming our experiences can transform shame into self-love.
Thank you for being here and for listening with an open heart. May you find resonance and nourishment in this space.
In service of love and truth,
Lee
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Lee Sumner Irwin is a teacher, visionary, author, artist, intuitive guide, and grandmother who has spent the last few decades discovering a multitude of ways to uplift, inspire, and connect with women who feel called to her work. Over the years she has led retreats worldwide, coached women as they birthed their unique gifts and creative energy, and facilitated healing journeys. Her award-winning first book is Radiant Wise Woman: Breaking Free from the Myths of Menopause and Aging. She currently resides in Alabama with her husband where she enjoys dancing, exploring the wonders of nature, building community, nurturing her family, and finding ever-new ways to express her creativity.
Here at RADIANT WISE WOMEN, you’ll only find soul-filled, honest, and authentic content. No artificial intelligence — just pure human consciousness + creativity.
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