Who Knew?

High school is a conglomeration of many different people that we, as teenagers, felt the need to label and belong to. Although I was never associated with the "hippie" group, I've always had an appreciation for the lifestyle they chose to display. They always seemed so free and unburdened, attempting to be one with the universe, accepting they are a part of nature and living with such a style that resisted the consumer culture we live in.
The reason I could never be a part of this group is because the women didn't shave and they all smelled like patchouli (yuck!).
Now, as a mother, I have realized that I have become a bit of a hippie (minus the hairy legs, well, sometimes, and stinky perfume) and I love it.
I exclusively breastfeed my baby. Nope, no chemically-engineered breastmilk-wannabe formula for us!
I cloth diaper. The thought that disposable diapers remain in the environment for 500 years makes me wretch. Arguably, we use a lot of water washing the diapers, but I wash the diapers everyday filling the washer half full.
I wear my baby. This is how mamas around the world get stuff done. We wear our babies in slings! You either do it with one hand or you put the babe in the babybjorn and clean/cook/walk/push a toddler on the swing/read stories/blog while baby sleeps peacefully nestled with mommy. Among other benefits, studies show that babies who are "worn" are calmer and are more securely attached to their caregiver. Click on this wikipedia article for more information on babywearing.
While I didn't embrace the life of a hippie as a high schooler, who knew it would fit my style as an adult?