Lisa Ray Instagram – Even while taking nothing for granted, we can walk the earth guarding our own secrets. We are a family, yes, but also individuals holding onto dreams that don’t resemble each other’s. I’m not going to lie- motherhood is not easy for me. I’m not naturally maternal and I’m not about to conform to society’s template. I need long periods of solitude for instance, and I’m never going to join the ensemble cast (to borrow a friend’s phrase) of moms comparing offspring over lunch in lululemons (I’ve seen it happen everywhere from Hong Kong to Singapore to Toronto) I hate cooking. I dislike picking up after the girls. I don’t believe being a mother defines me. I’m still not one to coo over other kids, I am not enchanted by toddler speak and I want to talk about books, art and politics, not preschool time tables. Having twin toddlers takes a toll on my mental health at times. But in this little family of mine, we make room for each of our eccentricities and craziness. We love hard. And I guess, that’s what makes it work for us. Image @barbarichphoto