It can be hard to make friends as an adult; it can be even harder as a mom. Between nap and feeding schedules, finding the energy for socialization, and fear of judgment from other parents, navigating motherhood can feel incredibly lonely.
That’s why Jasmine Jenkins, a local mom from Honolulu, launched the Honolulu chapter of The Mom Walk Collective. Twice a month, moms across Oahu meet in town for a casual stroll. Sometimes they’ll get a coffee or smoothie beforehand, and sometimes after the walk, the kids will play together on a playground or splash around in the pool as they learn about water safety. No matter what, though, there are always strollers, keiki of all ages, and connection.
“My mission is that all moms have a safe place to go, a village for any stage of motherhood, and not feel like they’re walking through motherhood alone,” says Jenkins.
Meaningful connection
After the birth of her son, Liam, two years ago, Jenkins dealt with debilitating physical complications that impacted her ability to walk. She found that support and grace, especially from other moms, were major factors in her recovery.
“It took over a year to be able to walk more than a mile on my own without pain or assistance from my husband,” she says. “Once I finally made that milestone, I wanted more moms to be able to do that with.”
The answer came to her while she was scrolling on social media during a late-night nursing session. She saw a post about The Mom Walk Collective, an international organization that aims to bring moms together to meet, connect, and be a part of an inclusive community. Although there were chapters around the world, including two others in Hawaii (on the Big Island and Kauai), there were none on Oahu at the time.
“They asked if I wanted to start a chapter in Honolulu, and at first, I was reluctant to say yes; it felt like I’d gone through an ultra-marathon at that point,” says Jenkins. “But it also felt like a calling and an opportunity to reclaim a hard season for all moms.”
Jenkins wasn’t sure if anyone would show up to the walks. But the response was overwhelming, and the group has grown steadily since she first launched it in February this year, with dozens participating each month.
“So many moms have told me how they’ve been seeking more mom community and spaces where they feel seen,” she says. “These mom walks have helped pull them out of darker places and into a place of hope and joy in motherhood.”
Walking side-by-side through life
As a first-time mom, Jenkins also relied on the group in her own healing process. Dealing with physical complications while stepping into motherhood was mentally and emotionally taxing.
“But there’s something about having other moms physically present, literally walking alongside you, with or without their kids, that leaves a memorable impression on you that makes you realize and see you’re not alone,” she says.
And she’s not just surrounded by the moms; there are the delighted squeals from babies in strollers, toddlers taking wobbly steps, and preteens also taking part in the fun.
“Some moms have come to multiple walks, so the kids have gotten used to each other,” says Jenkins. “The older ones often help and have fun walking or running with the toddlers, like my son. And there are babies who are still crawling, getting acclimated to all the faces and outdoor scenery.”
A special place
Now that Jenkins has found her community, she wants to ensure that all moms feel the same level of support and a sense of belonging. Whether you’re a new mom or a mom of teenagers and beyond, you’re welcome to come as you are. And while walks are primarily for moms and their keiki, there are also family walks and gatherings every so often. Be sure to check their Instagram for updates.
“Even if one mom shows up to a mom walk, that’s what this is made for! It’s open to all moms of all stages of motherhood,” says Jenkins. “It’s a place to go for you and your kids, or just to come for a little mom break. I hope every mom knows this is available to them; it’s a special place to serve the moms.”
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Photos courtesy Jasmine Jenkins/The Mom Walk Collective - Honolulu
