We realize mother’s day is a sensitive and painful time for many for a variety of reasons. Please take care of yourself ❤️
If you’ve been around for a moment, you likely know that Lopa, our Founder and CEO, developed Rasa after she became a mother and struggled with finding a nourishing ritual and beverage that supported her energy. Four years later, our team has expanded to include mothers at various stages of motherhood (from toddlers to grandkids!). We turned to them for their insight and learning about motherhood, energy, and more.
Cheri
Customer Care Associate
Mama of Karyssa 13, Asher 12, Rachel 9, Hudson 9 (Irish twins), and Duncan 7
What’s a lesson you’ve learned about this stage of motherhood?
That kids will surprise you every damn day.
Each mama's experience of motherhood is unique. What has surprised you or changed you within your journey as a mother?
This is a challenging one to answer. I think what surprised me is to find out how strong mamas are but also, like women in general. We’re fucking Vikings, man!
How has your relationship with energy changed as a mother?
Over 4 years we added 5 kids to the “us” that is our family, and our heads were spinning in the day-to-day. It was exhausting then, and with kids coming into teen years, it’s becoming a little less exhausting. A bunch of our kids were adopted and I joked that every time I signed up for a half marathon we’d get another baby. So I just stopped signing up. Then right before the world shut down I had to have an emergency hysterectomy, and as much as that emotionally plays with you even when your heart is done having kids, I was able to sign up for runs and make it to running groups. I lived in a lot of pain before that. Now that I can run regularly and sleep through the night, my energy has changed again.
Last summer I was complaining to my friend about how depleted I was feeling again and her mom, Veronica, said “here...try these” and gave me a ton of different Rasa blends she had in the pantry, and even a Moka Pot. I started drinking it and it gave me wings. Literally makes me want to go brew a Super Happy Sunshine just thinking about it. Also, knowing that my kids are old enough for me to sneak out for a run or go have a little date night is a whole new kind of energizing.
Veronica
B2B Sales Account Manager
Mama of Jolee & Santan, ages (whispers...) 42 & 30 (& 2 Grandkids Jordan & Jeremy 11 & 9)
What’s a lesson you’ve learned about this stage of motherhood?
My girls are so different. Even when I speak with them I have noticed I listen in a different way and respond differently. Their expectations of me have changed a ton through the years. My eldest, who is a divorced mom of 2, has taken on her role of mom in a way that I can honestly say I am in awe of how amazing she is. As a mom, she needs me in a “support as needed” kind of role. My youngest is an incredible person who I honestly still see as my little girl. I’m her mama.
My girls always give me space and allow me to be my random self—without judgment. The growth has been two-sided through the years.
However, as a mom the only thing I ever want them to know: I’m there if you need me. As much as I hate to admit it, I am now grandma 😉
Each mama's experience of motherhood is unique. What has surprised you or changed you within your journey as a mother?
No matter how old the kids are, you just want to protect them, and take care of them. It never changes. All that really changes is having to learn to be gentle with yourself when your help/advice is not required. And realizing some of the mistakes you think that your own mom made, which you worked so hard at never-repeating yourself, well, um, sometimes you just do. Maybe it never was a mistake in the first place. So perceptions change.
How has your relationship with energy changed as a mother?
My kids no longer ‘drain’ me. The high take charge mom kinda energy I needed raising them, just gets redirected into things I take on. So it's a matter of rerouting and finding your own way of using all the busyness and responsibility of parenting into things you love.
Shaquala
Marketing Coordinator
Mama of Isla, 2
What’s a lesson you’ve learned about this stage of motherhood?
Big feelings and emotional outbursts happen, but my role as mom at this time is comforting her and reminding her that I love her no matter what. Especially during the hard times. I always want to be her safe space and home.
Each mama's experience of motherhood is unique. What has surprised you or changed you within your journey as a mother?
I am surprised by the amount of purpose my child has given me. I loved my life beforehand but having Isla has added some razzle-dazzle I didn’t know I needed.
How has your relationship with energy changed as a mother?
I feel tired more often for sure. Coffee isn’t enough, drinking Rasa Bold regularly since joining the Rasa team a few months ago has had a significant positive impact on my sustainable energy. Rather than having two cups of coffee per day I have one in the morning and I’ve replaced my second cup with Bold which gives me the earthy robust flavor I love without the anxiety or crash.
Denene
Customer Care Associate
Mama of Chanté, 30, Allison, 27, Stephanie, 26, and Braylyn, 20. One grandson, Nolan 5. He calls me Baba which makes me think he carried that in from a previous life because he started saying it out of nowhere shortly after he started talking.
What’s a lesson you’ve learned about this stage of motherhood?
That I still cannot resolve quarrels between the siblings. The love and bonds they share can usually get them through their issues. I’m not able to ‘fix’ everything. Watching them learn and grow has been such a highlight of my life.
Each mama's experience of motherhood is unique. What has surprised you or changed you within your journey as a mother?
As a child who lost my mother to suicide at 5 years old, I often struggled with motherhood. I learned and accepted that I could not always protect my children as I wished I could. I battled my own issues with addiction and cleaned up 15 years ago. My children are so resilient and went through a lot of hardships all around. They are true champions. My children are all really good people and living great lives after all the shit they have been through. Learning how to forgive myself and others has been my saving grace in my journey as a mother. I was raised to give love, even if you have nothing else to give in the moment. So that is what I did, and it truly shows in them as adults.
How has your relationship with energy changed as a mother?
It is still ever-changing as I try to find balance with the emotional & physical hormone rollercoaster that is menopause. Not here or there yet since I am still cycling and trying to find balance in that crazy realm of not too bad to really really bad. Trying all I can before resorting to a hysterectomy. Rasa has been helping me so much lately as I have been craving Spicy Rose Cacao the most. I didn’t know until recently that it can support a healthy hormone balance. No wonder I have been craving it the most.
Amy
Packaging designer
Mama of Uly, 14 and Lily, 11. Step-mom of Jyana, 17
What’s a lesson you’ve learned about this stage of motherhood?
Not too tight, not too loose. The teen years seem to be about setting boundaries and letting go. It’s sometimes hard to know which is called for in each moment.
Each mama’s experience of motherhood is unique. What has surprised you or changed you within your journey as a mother?
As soon as I became a mother, and increasingly with every year, my appreciation for my own mother has gotten deeper. Any criticisms or resentments I had in my teens and 20s have been replaced with awe and gratitude, now that I know what it takes to do the job.
How has your relationship with energy changed as a mother?
Each phase of motherhood has required a different (but no less intense) kind of energy. In the early days, the demands were so physical, I craved dense nutrition and sleep the most. Now that the kids are older, I need more mental energy to keep up with the complexities of calendars & social/emotional needs on top of full-time work. I rely on Rasa Bold for the nootropic boost I need to stay on top of it all.