There was a time when I struggled with being a mum. I knew I loved my children, but I felt like I was going through life on autopilot. My life consisted of work, cooking, cleaning, washing, tidying, paying bills, shopping, ferrying the children around, etc. I felt like my cup was always being emptied and never being filled. Most days, I felt numb and run-down; I had no energy, no joy, no excitement, and no spark. Emotionally, I was irritable, teary and anxious. I was looking for external things to make myself happy, and I wondered, “Is this it”?

When I looked at my life from the outside and considered that I was the role model to my children, I realised I would have to change for them. I wanted them to have a happy and fulfilled mother they looked up to, not one who felt empty, worn out and used up. Ultimately, I wanted to demonstrate how I wanted them to be when they grew up which is to be kind to themselves, nurture and support themselves, and be their own best friend. I reflected on my life and realised I needed to invest in my physical, mental and emotional wellbeing.