It’s Wednesday so time for another World Mama! After busy working mama Shannon from Atlanta and Texas mama Emily who is building a life in Sweden, I would like you to meet Natalia. Natalia is one of the most talented mom’s I have met on Instagram and one I have had the pleasure of meeting in person, because she lives in the Netherlands! Originally from Russia, Natalia is sharing her story of love and serendipity and some words of wisdom.

The older I get the more examples I see that love doesn’t have borders or frameworks. Love is the law of nature, the power behind a chain reaction that will change your life forever. And your role is just to be open and follow the lead. Be impulsive, let yourself live with no regrets.

When I look back I am amazed at how many small details must have fallen into the right pattern for magic to happen. How two strangers from different countries should have been brought together on a small island in the middle of a turquoise sea, despite their long planed agendas. How they happened to bump into each other in different places all the time. And how one day they decided to let fate lead their way towards each other.

So a lot of people ask me, how did I end up living in the Netherlands. I always proudly answer that I came here for love. I am a citizen of the world, I’ve lived in Santiago de Cuba, Taipei and Moscow, but I chose Amsterdam to settle down and start a family here. And I will never regret this choice, for it lead me to Stephan, Stanley and Sophie. Triple S as I call this team. Since then I LOVE surfing, EAT Greek food and PRAY that my happiness lasts forever.

I am no relationship expert, I’ve had my ups and downs, love euphoria and a broken heart, but once in a while I remind myself of my 5 tips for a happily ever after. If you agree, just wink;)

Regret Nothing

Society tried to make us follow the rules ever since we were little girls. Break the rules, in the end we only regret the chances we didn’t take, the relationships we were too afraid to have and the decisions we waited too long to make.

Listen actively

In the beginning we all wear pink glasses. When the magic of those first weeks wears off, the real problems begin. Think of the top 10 things that are most important to you when it comes to your partner and observe, ask, discuss. You want to be singing from the same sheet, not just lie on the same one.

Don’t lie

Any lie will come to the surface and will slap you in the face. That’s a universal rule. No exceptions. You want to be loved for the person you are, not the one you could have been. Don’t lie to your person. Not even about your weight.

Love yourself

No one will love you the way you deserve it until you set an example.

Be brave

Confucius said there are 3 things in life that once gone, may never come back—time, words  and opportunity. Do not waist time, choose your words carefully and an grab the opportunity. So live today and do not let anyone stop you.

x
Natalia

Natalia is a family photographer. My family has had the pleasure to do a photoshoot with her. We absolutely loved the results! Also, Aya can be quite shy when it comes to meeting new people, but with Natalia she immediately felt at ease. That’s why I would highly recommend her if you live in the Netherlands and are looking for a photographer! Check out her website!