Hi Subscriber First Name

Ever feel like taking an hour for yourself is the ultimate act of rebellion as a mum?

There’s a lot of chatter about resolutions and habits at this time of year. By now, you already know what’s good for your mind and body. You don’t need convincing that your well-being matters. That’s not the problem.

The real problem? Actually stepping away from maternal responsibilities, the to-do list breathing down your neck, and everyone else’s needs - it’s hard. And more than that, it can feel selfish.

Even when the people around you are supportive, actually doing it feels indulgent. It’s a massive mum guilt trigger.

But here’s your permission slip: Feel the guilt and do it anyway.

Was my gain worth everyone else’s pain?

It’s winter 2022, and I’ve just got back in from a 60 min yoga class. A class I love and that I have been religiously going to every Sunday morning since way before I was pregnant. Getting back on the mat was a big deal. It felt like reclaiming a piece of myself, even if I was wobbling through poses from lack of sleep or spending half the class in child’s pose. It was peaceful. It was time for me.

Then I walked through the front door.

Imagine: three tiny babies screaming with that unmistakable, desperate newborn cry. My husband, pale as a sheet, looks at me like he’s just survived a hurricane. Chaos. The next hour was triage. Calming the babies, catching up on washing, sterilising bottles, restoring order. As I worked, the question gnawed at me: Was it even worth it? Was my gain worth everyone else’s pain?

I asked my mum. Her advice was firm: “You must keep going to that class.”

So, I did. Week after week, I went. And yes, James moaned about it, and yes, it was hard. But somewhere along the way, it got easier for him.