She’s So Inspiring – Jacinta Tynan

My life has been touched by some uber amazing women whose passion for life and the way they choose to live it have really inspired me. Some are bloggers, some are not, their lives are all different and they are all special. I feel honoured and privileged that they are sharing their stories and sprinkling a little bit of their awesome right here. May you be wom-inspired!

Meet Jacinta Tynan.

I recently heard Jacinta speak at an event where she was introduced as an “advocate for the joys of motherhood” and that much is true. However, I’d go one step further and say she’s an advocate for the joys of life, although she can also add TV presenter, columnist,author and charity patron to her job description. After hearing Jacinta speak, I knew that she had to be part of this series. I still quote some Jacintaisms (I totally just made up a word) to this day of which my favourites include “these are the good old days,” “remember to remember” to be present and “be the person you needed when you were younger.” So can I introduce you to Jacinta? She is so inspiring!

photo credit: Maya Vidulich

Tell us a bit about yourself.

I have been a Journalist and News Presenter for more than twenty years, currently with Sky News Australia where I’m on air two nights a week and the rest of the time I write books (well, three in ten years) and columns (mainly for Sunday Life) and raise my two young boys.

When I became a mother (6.5 years ago), I was taken aback by how much I was enjoying it after all the “bad press” I’d heard about the struggles and arduousness of motherhood. So I decided to write about it. That column (headlined ‘The Big Easy’) unwittingly sparked a fiery debate about the ease (or not) of parenting which every mother in Australia seemed to have an opinion on, the discussion raging online for months. This inspired me to write Mother Zen, (and start a website) exploring why some women find motherhood such a struggle while others don’t. And looking at how how we can all (me included) lighten up and make the most of this precious time.

photo credit: Maya Vidulich

Tell us 3 things you are and 3 things you’re not.

I am: forgiving, searching, hopeful.

I am not: settled, decisive, done.

Complete this sentence, ____________________ changed my life. How and why?

Meditation changed my life. I just assumed I was one of those people who couldn’t meditate. My mind was always going at 100 miles an hour and I couldn’t quiet it or even sit still. But, when I was pregnant with my first baby, I decided I had to learn to meditate to help me cope with the demands of motherhood. I found the perfect teacher, Tim Brown, who performed a small ceremony and gave me a mantra (a short phrase in Sanskrit), which I repeat for twenty minutes twice a day. And that’s it. It really is as simple as that and yet it has been life changing. Since I started meditating, I am less stressed, less reactive, and more present, focused, and loving. I hate to think where I would be without meditation.

What has been life’s greatest lesson?

To understand that the world is not out to get me. That I’m responsible for all that transpires in my life. I still remind myself of this several times a day. There’s great peace and power in owning my choices.

photo credit: Maya Vidulich

What is your biggest achievement?

Mothering my two beautiful boys. I put off motherhood for as long as I could because I was worried I wouldn’t be any good at it. So it was a surprise to me to find myself embracing my new role. Like any mother, I find it challenging, particularly feeling the weight of being responsible for my children’s emotional wellbeing. But I’m proud of myself for showing up every day, being present (as often as I remember), and doing my part in guiding these two little boys into, hopefully, becoming good men.

photo credit: Maya Vidulich

What has been your toughest obstacle and how have you overcome it?

I made a decision to end my relationship with my children’s father last year which was the hardest thing I’ve ever done. But it was also the most loving thing to do. I had to muster great courage and accept it is best for our boys (and indeed for me – and ultimately for their dad) for us to live apart. I now have a whole new set of challenges raising the boys predominately on my own, but I have to trust and know that it will all make sense one day.

photo credit: Maya Vidulich

Viktor Frankl says “Those who have a ‘why’ to live, can bear with almost any ‘how.” Everyone needs a purpose, what’s yours?

I think we have many purposes – ultimately to constantly evolve as people and enrich the lives of those we love and meet. Being a mother has given me greater purpose because having two little people depend on me is the first time I have felt (rightly or not) that I matter to others.

photo credit: Maya Vidulich

What are your words to live by?

I ask myself almost daily, ‘what would love do?’ The response is always the right one.

photo credit: Maya Vidulich

If you could have any mentor, alive or dead, who would you choose and why?

Jesus or Buddha. I am not overly religious but I admire both Jesus’ and Buddha’s overall premise that love conquers all that we are all equal. It’s so simple, really, and it all makes such sense. No wonder there messages have survived thousands of years. Yet, we need constant reminding.

I’m also blessed to have some real life mentors who I consult regularly: my meditation teacher, Tim Brown and my kinesiologist, Wendy Procter. They help keep me focused on the bigger picture rather than getting caught up in the minutiae.

If you could play hookie for a day what would be on your list to do?

Read books. I have a pile by my bed that keeps growing yet I never seem to be able to find time to read them. A friend of mine (who reads two books a week!) has a theory that we can always make time if we really want to do something. I do agree with her but I always manage to prioritise “more important” things than reading, even though I relish it when I do.