I’m loving this series so hard and having read your feedback, I’m pleased you’re loving it too! May you be wom-inspired!
Meet Cybele Masterman.
Bele blogs at Blah Blah Magazine and I think she is pretty awesome. I love her beauty, both inside and out and her quest for a beautiful life. There’s something special about Bele and not because she knows how to make Epsom Salts Lotion either. I was thrilled when she agreed to be part of this series, but when I read her answers to my questions, I was blown away. As Bele says, everyone has a story. And this is hers. It’s inspiring stuff. I’ve still got goosebumps.
Tell us a bit about yourself.
I’m frequently found with food on my face and it may have something to do with the fact I trained as a beauty therapist, aromatherapist and journalist. But then again, it probably has more to do with my quest for a beautiful and meaningful life that doesn’t cost the earth.
Tell us 3 things you are and 3 things you’re not.
I am a mad scientist mama, lover of sleep and adventure OBSESSED.
I’m not great without coffee and I’m not a good multi-tasker or being told what to do.
Complete this sentence, ____________________ changed my life. How and why?
Hanging out in a neonatal intensive care for 96 days with my first baby changed my life.
Death is very close in a NICU. My beautiful baby boy nearly died a couple of times and I was there with other parents when their babies died or told their baby would die. Our time there changed my DNA.
It’s also a place of incredible joy. I was there with other parents when their prem babies opened their eyes for the first time and looked up and locked eyes with them (babies born before 24 weeks can still have their eyes closed). The first cuddle with my boy was heaven and more than worth the month long wait and his cuddles still transport me.
A place like that changes you. You’re reminded of how very precious we all are. We never know what will happen or what we’re capable of, but we can cut the crap and live a real life, the one we were born to live.
What has been life’s greatest lesson?
Hope is always a good thing and worry is not. I’m going to feel just as crap if the worst ends up happening, but at least if I’m hoping, not worrying, there’s a better chance of having a good time while I’m waiting.
What is your biggest achievement?
Yup, my boys.
What has been your toughest obstacle and how have you overcome it?
This is a funny one, because the complications around our son were hard for us as parents, but seeing how hard he worked to be here and how hard he worked to take every breath, meant we had to step up and be there for him, but it wasn’t my fight, it was his.
My battle was after my father died. He was 45 and I was 16. He was my single parent at the time, so I found myself alone in our family home. I felt overwhelmed, scared and desperately sad. To top it off, I was sexually assaulted by a stranger not far from my home a short time later. Why is it that when a shit storm hits it really hits?
I worried about everything: the debts, leaking roof, termites, neighbours trying to swindle land off me because they thought I was too young to notice, court battles, feeling safe in my own home, lightning strikes, walls falling down and trying to study for school.
With hindsight, I can see the worrying was pretty useless. There were people there willing to help me, but I couldn’t see that then. However, it did teach me how to put one foot in front of the other and not to fear hard work. If we really want something we will work and fight hard for it.
Now, I’m incredibly lucky to raise my boys in the home I was brought up in. I would prefer my dad to be here, but I like to think his spirit lives on in the place.
Viktor Frankl says “Those who have a ‘why’ to live, can bear with almost any ‘how.” Everyone needs a purpose, what’s yours?
I’m discovering that there’s a lot to be gained in pursuing a beautiful life that doesn’t cost the earth. For me, it leads to purpose, connection, thoughtfulness, kindness and honouring ourselves.
What are your words to live by?
They’re not really words, but rather a question. I love Mary Oliver’s:
“Tell me, what is it you plan to do
with your one wild and precious life?”
When we can answer that, we have a better chance of leading a good life.
If you could have any mentor, alive or dead, who would you choose and why?
Ooh, only one. Difficult. I’m going to cheat and say Joan of Arc, Rosie Batty and Audrey Hepburn who had/have more courage and grace in their left feet than I could ever hope, but geez they’re inspiring.
If you could play hookie for a day what would be on your list to do?
Go on an adventure. I spent too much time reading Enid Blyton when I was a kid and I’m obsessed with going on adventures.
You give so much to others, what do you do to take care of yourself?
Take my MEDS: meditate, exercise, diet and sleep lots (although, I cheat a bit now and count paddle boarding as a meditation and exercise combo). Oh, and laugh, I’ve heard it’s really good for you x
Thank you for sharing, Bele xx
Let Bele inspire you a little bit more…
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