I once thought I had my life all figured out. A young, ambitious twenty-something with a clear career path and a burning desire to make a difference. Complete my education, live abroad, manage a setting and graduate from University… Forever be the best early years educator. But life had other plans.
Becoming a mother was a life-altering experience. The joy of motherhood was immense, but it was also accompanied by unexpected challenges. I grappled with postpartum depression, heartbreak, and a profound sense of confusion….Who was I? Why can’t I do this right and why isn’t my baby happy? I must be a bad mother. It was as if my identity had been completely reshaped, and I was left to navigate a new reality alone or at least I felt alone.
As I welcomed more children into my life, I continued to search for my purpose. I juggled motherhood and work, often feeling overwhelmed and unsure of my direction, I suffered a great loss within my family and battled the dark cloud of depression alone over and over. Some thought I was brave but really I was barely holding on. It wasn’t until the first lockdown of 2020, during the traumatic birth experience of my third daughter, that I truly discovered my calling.
In the midst of chaos, I found clarity. At a time when I needed to be hard, I felt soft. I realised my passion for early childhood education and the importance of creating nurturing environments for young children and their families. I remembered my calling! Something I felt I didn’t have for nearly 5 years. With this newfound purpose, I founded The Natural Sensory Nook….I set to work!
Through this venture, I’ve had the privilege of connecting with countless families, providing a safe and supportive space for mothers, and fostering a sense of community. I build villages of love, nurture and support. Witnessing the joy and growth of young children has been incredibly rewarding and a true honour I value every day, but it’s the impact on parents that truly fills my heart. To be part of these families and for them to feel safe, to be open and vulnerable is something I will treasure forever.
Joining the Village Visionaries in January 2024 has been a game-changer. It’s given me the tools and support to grow my business and reconnect with my authentic self. The journey has been far from easy, but the pain and challenges I’ve endured have shaped me into the person I am today. This hasn’t been just education or building on my business. The Village Visionary programme has been quite literally life-changing, bringing back the love of myself and celebrating the person I am today, to be a good supporter in my community but most of all the mother I want and have wanted to be for my children.
I’m grateful for the opportunity to share my experiences and to help other mothers. Together, we can build stronger communities and support one another on this incredible journey of motherhood.
I don’t feel alone, lost or confused. I’m held by the villages I have built and by those I have been welcomed into.
My future path is clear, with some unexpected turns I’m sure, but with natural open growth through my Village Visionary knowledge. I know with my village supporting me I can continue my new mission.