Red Rag, Meet Bull: The Reel That Started a Revolution

Hi Subscriber First Name

Last week, I was listening to a podcast by one of our FMG mamas, Stacia Keogh on a run with my dog. Her guest said something that made me stop and rewind:

“When you care so much about someone or a mission, then you don’t care what other people think.”

She was talking about advocating for her autistic child. But I knew exactly what she meant.

I never saw myself as an advocate. But when my babies’ futures were on the line, I went toe-to-toe with doctors who’d written us off. Claws out like a mama tiger circling her cubs snarling at any potential threat.

Early into motherhood, though, I realised something else needed fighting: society’s toxic portrayal of “the good mum.” It was a suffocating, impossible standard. A shackle. And it made me feel like I was not good enough, no matter how hard I tried.

Then, exactly a year ago, a top influencer’s reel pushed me to start this movement.

If you weren’t with me back then, picture this:

I’m 18 months into motherhood, a triplet mum deep in the trenches. I’ve gone a few rounds with mum guilt but finally managed to knock it out cold. I’m just back from a guilt-free yoga class.

And then I see this reel.

It said:
"it’s only psychopaths who never feel guilt. Feeling guilt shows how much you love and care."

Red rag to a bull

I was furious. A flaming wildfire ready to burn this lie to the ground. Guilt as a metric of love? Guilt as a badge of honour? And this message coming from someone who clearly didn’t know what it’s like to juggle 18-month-old triplets?! Seriously? Wanna see?

I wrote about this today on Linkedin and someone commented, “So many of us shout at the phone/tv /laptop or compose responses in our heads. But to put it out there takes guts.”

But as the podcast guest said, when you care this much, you stop caring about being judged or people-pleasing. You just speak your raw truth.

I had no idea that would lead me here, with you - this incredible community of mamas who refuse to let mum guilt win.

This March, I’m throwing a birthday party for the movement. 🎉 A space for us to share, laugh, and feel empowered together. One year on from the very first event (remember that? 70 of you showed up!)

Thank you, Subscriber First Name, for being here. For showing up, for fighting back, and for bringing your energy to this revolution.

Much love 🙏🏽

Leila (and the triplets) xxx

Ps. Photo is a snapshot of my life at the time.