After a moment of reflection or so, and some encouragement from a fellow mother and businesswoman who sent me a snippet from a book - Anne Lamott's "Bird by Bird" - Some Instructions on Writing and Life, I realised I have stopped writing out of fear of judgement and whether it will be good enough to hit publish? So here goes as I write a little piece on reflection into motherhood and business, the juggle, the truth, and my thoughts under fluorescent lights.
Motherhood for me personally has been like a wild rollercoaster ride, filled with ups, downs, and plenty of unexpected twists. As I embarked on this incredible journey, armed with my experience as the cool Auntie, a touch of attitude, and an epic podcast playlist, I thought I had it all figured out. But oh boy, teething, sleepless nights, and the emotional whirlwind were a whole new level of "What did I sign up for?" No amount of books or blog posts could have prepared me for the chaos that awaited. But through it all, I've learned some pretty important lessons about expectations, priorities, and mindset.
Finding My Groove:
In the very early days of motherhood, I was like a clumsy baby giraffe trying to find my feet. The ambitious go-getter within me clashed with the need to slow down, snuggle up, and embrace the softer side of life. But you know what? There are newfound superpowers that come with being a Mum. Motherhood has unlocked a whole new level of multitasking. I honestly say the amount of work I can get out with the window I have now versus the endless hours is so much more specific and focused energy, the patience I have developed which has not been my strength in the past (seriously, have you tried negotiating with a toddler?), and the ability to embrace imperfections with a big, hearty laugh... sleep-deprived days might be different, though!
Navigating Expectations:
I think the most challenging part of transitioning into motherhood for me has been navigating expectations. Let's face it, everyone seems to have an opinion on how to raise a tiny human. From well-meaning advice to those judgmental glances, I've had my fair share to navigate. But you know what? I've become a master at shaking it off and embracing my own instincts. Every mama's journey is unique, and I'm learning to trust my gut, prioritise my well-being, and dance to the beat of my own parenting style.
Boss Mum Mode:
Being an entrepreneur is no joke, but adding "Mum" to the mix takes it to a whole new level of awesomeness. Balancing baby bottles and business deals? It's a wild ride, my friends. I'm learning the art of setting boundaries, choosing projects that align with my values (because life's too short for anything less), and surrounding myself with a tribe of amazing parents, like-minded people in business, and positive energy.
The Real Tango:
The truth is, it's really bloody hard to keep it all together, and I acknowledge how privileged and positioned I am, but even with that said, a good friend of mine reminded me there simply aren't enough hours in the month, let alone the week or day, to fit everything in - even if you join the 5 am crew and have an amazing partner with a flexible steady job who supports your goals. So it got me thinking and wondering what support could help? On reflection, asking for help does not come easy, and I'm sure a lot of people can relate to this. For me, it comes from a rooted sense of independence, fear of appearing weak, and societal pressures. This is something I am determined to unravel. I have come to realise it's not working faster or the next flashiest of software; it's investing in a business coach and my mindset. It's about making a plan by asking for help and striving to do better! Together, we're going to set goals and strategies. It's like having a cheerleader in our corner, someone who encourages us to dream big, plan with purpose, and embrace the challenges with a wink and a smile. Who says parenthood and entrepreneurship can't be a thrilling adventure?
What's Next? The Journey Continues:
In the upcoming chapter of this incredible Hellospace journey, we'll delve deeper into our experiences with our business coach and shape our future plans. We'll also share insights and reflections from our 1914 villa home renovation journey, providing valuable do's and don'ts.
I'm intrigued to learn how you find your rhythm while juggling the demands of parenthood and business. We all aspire to walk through a certain door, and I would love to hear about the strategies you've implemented to maintain balance and prioritise your well-being.
Have you sought support from mentors or business coaches to help navigate this unique journey?
We would love to hear your thoughts, please share your insights below so we can inspire one another.
Kia Kaha x
Bridget