This is The Big Res(e)t.

Or why we're here

I feel bad about all the times I waxed poetic about having it all as a working mother.

“It’s just so fulfilling!” I’d say. “I can’t imagine motherhood without my career! What would I do all day!”

With smugness I’d watch 3pm come and go, knowing I was just too busy to pickup my daughter.

“Sorry, I’m working!” I’d reply when a coffee date was suggested for after drop-off.

And then, about a year ago, I was forced to shut down my business.

Suddenly, I was out of excuses. I could no longer justify our bloated childcare bill, and I found myself navigating a new chapter of motherhood: one in which I was confronted with endless questions of identity, purpose and self-worth.

And in the midst of all the upheaval, I realised the transition was really a gift: the opportunity to hit the pause button, to indulge in introspection, and to reconnect with what truly matters. As I navigated the challenges and joys of stay-at-home parenthood, I began to unravel the layers of who I am, peeling back the facade of busyness to try and discover who I am at my core.

The Big Res(e)t is my feeble attempt to document this journey, to share the lessons I've learned, and to explore the intersections of motherhood, career, and wellness as authentically and vulnerably as I can.

Here, you'll find musings on everything from the chaos of PTA Fun Day planning to the pursuit of passion projects, from the importance of self-care to the nuances of identity redefinition.

But most importantly, The Big Res(e)t is a celebration of each individual journey, a reminder that there’s no ‘right’ way to parent or to have a career as a parent.

So, whether you're a fellow ex-career girly navigating the trenches of parenthood or a lost girly seeking solace in shared experiences, I invite you to join me as we embark on this journey of rediscovery together.

Here's to embracing the res(e)t and finding beauty in the chaos.

With love and gratitude,

Sophie