AS mothers, we're often told that our greatest purpose is to find joy in the journey - to bask in the sweet snuggles, the milestones, the laughter that echoes through our homes.
And it's true, motherhood does bring unparalleled moments of pure, unadulterated happiness.
But the reality is, the path to that joy is rarely black and white, light and dark. It's a vibrant tapestry of colours, woven from the full spectrum of our emotions.
In this column, I'll be exploring the complicated, colourful landscape of modern motherhood - the highs and the lows, the ecstasy and the anguish, and all the nuanced shades in between.
Because the truth is, being a happy mother isn't just about experiencing bliss; it's about learning to hold space for the entirety of our feelings, from the deepest shadows to the brightest light.
You see, when we become mothers, we don't just give birth to our children - we also give birth to a new version of ourselves.
This transition, known as "matrescence," is a profound identity shift that can leave us feeling both elated and unmoored, overjoyed and overwhelmed.
We're navigating uncharted territory, redefining our roles, and shedding old layers of self to make way for the woman we're becoming.
And let's be honest - that process isn't always pretty.
There are the sleepless nights, the moments of self-doubt, the guilt that can feel like an ever-present companion.
There are days when we look in the mirror and wonder, "Who am I now?" There are times when we collapse on the bathroom floor, crying into our hands, wondering if we're truly cut out for this whole motherhood thing.
But here's the thing: those messy, uncomfortable emotions aren't a sign of failure. They're a natural byproduct of this incredible transformation.
And the more we can learn to honour and integrate them, the closer we'll come to cultivating the deep, abiding happiness that motherhood promises.
That's where this column comes in. I’ll bring you regular insights into what this journey entails with practices for mind-body-spirit wellness.
As a fellow mother, wife, and woman, together we'll explore how to navigate the full spectrum of matrescence with greater self-compassion and presence.
We'll learn to attune to the wisdom of our bodies, to uncover the root causes of our stress and anxiety, and to build resilience in the face of the inevitable challenges that arise.
Most importantly, we'll remember that happiness isn't something to be chased or achieved, but rather an ever-flowing wellspring within us. It's not about doing or being "better" as mothers, but about expanding our capacity to feel - to sink into the fullness of our emotional experience, without judgment or resistance.
Because when we learn to feel before we think, when we stop trying to force ourselves into a predetermined mould of what a "good mother" should be, that's when the magic happens. That's when we begin to access the deep, abiding joy that's our birthright - not as an elusive goal, but as a constant companion on the winding path of motherhood.
So, join me as we explore the joys and complexities of this transformative journey. Week by week, together, we'll cultivate the self-awareness, self-care practices, and inner resources to weather the storms and bask in the sunshine.
Because at the end of the day, our happiness isn't just our own - it's a gift we give to our children, and to the world. – March 20, 2026
