I'm 7 years into motherhood with 3 kids also, and I can feel the same shift inside of me. It started slowly as I turned 40 last year and decided that after the 30s being so much about being mum and caring for others, my 40s could be a bit more about caring for myself. It also felt easier to do now that everyone is older, so I'm glad past me surrendered as well as she could to that intense and wonderful phase!
I think there's something empowering around turning 40. I'd love to know how you create time for yourself, or care for yourself, if you're up for sharing? I'm all ears for new ideas x
I absolutely felt and still feel that empowerment. I'm loving the 40s. I quit my 9-5 just before turning 40 to go freelance, and being able to exercise during the day has been huge for me. I'll happily work once the kids are in bed if it means I can take an hour for a run during the day, which wasn't an option before quitting. I've been running consistently for over a year and it has done wonders for me, I feel physically and mentally at my strongest (and certainly did not feel like that through a good chunk of my 30s).
I also went to therapy at 39, I wanted to look back at my 30s and lovingly close that chapter and think about what's coming next for me, the kids and our family. So it was nothing ground breaking really, therapy and exercise 😊 but also a little bit of magic/empowerment about this new decade, because I do feel it has shifted something inside of me that is hard to put into words but that I am soaking and enjoying.
Love this so much! Currently taking day trips to theatre matinees, and long walks by the sea with me myself and I while I contemplate a solo retreat in Spain next year! Been in Motherhood mode the last 7 years, moving countries and trying to set up several businesses so now finally giving myself permission for some ME TIME 💛
Re your thoughts of starting a school…I was wondering if you’ve heard about Progressive Education and the Inspire Education Summit which is on this week (online and free).
It’s in collaboration with 'Limitless' and celebrates the launch of their new membership community for start-up schools and learning communities. There have been some fantastic talks which you might find helpful.
Thank you so much for sharing these links, I have seen these talks and I signed up for them but I haven’t had a chance to watch them yet. I will do. Xx
Hello fellow Peacock. I relate to this completely. I have just turned 42 and perimenopause has freed me from my people pleasing tendancies. I am no longer scarificing everything for those around me. I am making space for me and rediscovering what makes me happy. I'm not worrying about what people think of me for being so extravagant, because it does seem to be viewed as extravangant when a woman, a mother, takes time for herself. I am sauna'ing, cold water swimming, spending time with friends, having nights away, going to retreats..... and it feels GLORIOUS!
I love this so much and it felt inspiring to hear as I’m still in the all consuming days of early motherhood (my daughter is 4 months old and I write this comment as I pump since apparently that’s when I do most of my Substack reading). Really beautifully written, thank you.
I really resonate with how you articulate your needs and wants. I've always been quite good at courting myself but haven't before given it much thought or recognised the true value of it. Ironically it has been the long days of motherhood and well-timed naps that have afforded me the most freedom to do nice things for myself. A hot drink in a beautiful or bustling space, an art show or getting lost in a creative setting, and perhaps my favourite thing to do: a long walk to taste something delicious like a halva brownie from Violets bakery. Bliss!
I love this! 😊❤️😊 Roll on the decade of the peacock. You've summed up in words what I've been viscerally feeling but couldn't articulate - so glad I have your writing and your wisdom (and you!) in my life xxx
I'm 7 years into motherhood with 3 kids also, and I can feel the same shift inside of me. It started slowly as I turned 40 last year and decided that after the 30s being so much about being mum and caring for others, my 40s could be a bit more about caring for myself. It also felt easier to do now that everyone is older, so I'm glad past me surrendered as well as she could to that intense and wonderful phase!
I think there's something empowering around turning 40. I'd love to know how you create time for yourself, or care for yourself, if you're up for sharing? I'm all ears for new ideas x
I absolutely felt and still feel that empowerment. I'm loving the 40s. I quit my 9-5 just before turning 40 to go freelance, and being able to exercise during the day has been huge for me. I'll happily work once the kids are in bed if it means I can take an hour for a run during the day, which wasn't an option before quitting. I've been running consistently for over a year and it has done wonders for me, I feel physically and mentally at my strongest (and certainly did not feel like that through a good chunk of my 30s).
I also went to therapy at 39, I wanted to look back at my 30s and lovingly close that chapter and think about what's coming next for me, the kids and our family. So it was nothing ground breaking really, therapy and exercise 😊 but also a little bit of magic/empowerment about this new decade, because I do feel it has shifted something inside of me that is hard to put into words but that I am soaking and enjoying.
Love this so much! Currently taking day trips to theatre matinees, and long walks by the sea with me myself and I while I contemplate a solo retreat in Spain next year! Been in Motherhood mode the last 7 years, moving countries and trying to set up several businesses so now finally giving myself permission for some ME TIME 💛
that solo retreat sounds very nice! x
Hi Annie,
Re your thoughts of starting a school…I was wondering if you’ve heard about Progressive Education and the Inspire Education Summit which is on this week (online and free).
https://www.facebook.com/ProgEducat
It’s in collaboration with 'Limitless' and celebrates the launch of their new membership community for start-up schools and learning communities. There have been some fantastic talks which you might find helpful.
https://educationstartups.org/inspire?fbclid=IwY2xjawGsLcxleHRuA2FlbQIxMAABHeLQ8chdRb2aKa_syHvdjWWurBHaHpLp8f5563gyLBbCBUCocLD4TdiYpQ_aem_TpUlhM1oZBllZjvpUNtyHQ
I home educated my children and am reading about your home ed journey with interest.
Keep up the good work! x
Thank you so much for sharing these links, I have seen these talks and I signed up for them but I haven’t had a chance to watch them yet. I will do. Xx
Hello fellow Peacock. I relate to this completely. I have just turned 42 and perimenopause has freed me from my people pleasing tendancies. I am no longer scarificing everything for those around me. I am making space for me and rediscovering what makes me happy. I'm not worrying about what people think of me for being so extravagant, because it does seem to be viewed as extravangant when a woman, a mother, takes time for herself. I am sauna'ing, cold water swimming, spending time with friends, having nights away, going to retreats..... and it feels GLORIOUS!
GLORIOUS indeed. I love it xx
I love this so much and it felt inspiring to hear as I’m still in the all consuming days of early motherhood (my daughter is 4 months old and I write this comment as I pump since apparently that’s when I do most of my Substack reading). Really beautifully written, thank you.
Ahh, congratulations. Such a tender time. I found pumping really hard, you're doing very well xxx
Thank you so much. It is very hard!
100 per cent! Motherhood for 10 years with lots of moves (plus an international one) I’m so ready for some peacock time!
Love love love this so much Annie. And completely what I needed to hear. I’m definitely with you. ❤️
Love this annie! Its a new era! Im going to take myself out for dinner, because why not!
I really resonate with how you articulate your needs and wants. I've always been quite good at courting myself but haven't before given it much thought or recognised the true value of it. Ironically it has been the long days of motherhood and well-timed naps that have afforded me the most freedom to do nice things for myself. A hot drink in a beautiful or bustling space, an art show or getting lost in a creative setting, and perhaps my favourite thing to do: a long walk to taste something delicious like a halva brownie from Violets bakery. Bliss!
I love this! 😊❤️😊 Roll on the decade of the peacock. You've summed up in words what I've been viscerally feeling but couldn't articulate - so glad I have your writing and your wisdom (and you!) in my life xxx