Trust your instincts. Intuition doesn't lie.

– Oprah Winfrey

Around the dinner table, my youngest daughter said, "I've been thinking about my birthday, and I would like to have a dinner party for my 16th".

I'll be honest, I thought, "Please, no!"

Outwardly, I asked her how many people and what kind of food, then suggested she consider it more.

A couple of weeks later, she came back with a plan:

• 16 friends

• Italian food

• Long tables with picnic benches

• Flowers and candles on the table

I'll be honest, I thought, "Please, no!"

But then, I thought about it more. She had a clear vision and a plan, and what better way to encourage her intuition and learn to trust it then to allow her to follow through with it?

As artists and photographers, we often have dreams and plans (big and small) and those in our life might utter “please, no” under their breath.

So learning to trust our intuition is often two steps forward, and one step backwards.

She is also an artist with a creative heart, and leaning into my mentoring head, I realised I was onboard with her idea.

We did an inspiration board, made a budget, and worked on her plan.

We then spent weekends shopping, searching and tweaking her plan.

Last Saturday, we held her dinner party.

We worked Friday night and all day Saturday to make her vision a reality.

She was a beautiful host, connecting with all her friends and ensuring they were all happy and content.

She beamed!

And this is one example where my motherhood journey and creativity cross paths.

As a mother, I saw the work involved and the cost.

As a creative, I saw a spark and an idea bloom.

And I'm so glad I let my creative heart and her vision lead the way.

And at the end of the night, as the last guest left at midnight, she thanked me for an awesome night and hugged me.

She said, “I had the best night, but never again!”

Bone weary tired and with a full heart, I replied, "Never again!"