Life has a way of challenging us in ways we never expect. Over the past 18 or so months, I’ve been navigating one of the most difficult periods of my life as my mother battled the horrific disease that is cancer.

The trips back and forth to Sweden, the constant worry, and finally, the heart-wrenching moment of her passing have been incredibly tough.
But in the middle of all this sorrow, I’ve discovered a renewed sense of purpose and determination not to let grief overshadow my own life and aspirations.

Not gonna lie, the challenges of navigating my grief and showing up for my family was something I had a really hard time doing in a ‘nice’ and ‘well mannered’ way. Is that even possible? I think there’s another blog post on that topic alone at some point…

Back to original programming..

Whilst grieving my mother’s death, I’ve committed to levelling up in every aspect of my life. I want to honour her memory by living fully and helping others find their own paths.
This journey has forced me to look in the mirror, and boy I did NOT like what I saw staring back at me. And I don’t mean the physical me. I did not recognise who I had become as a person, partner or mother. I was not the person I wanted to be, at all. But it has also led me to new initiatives and a stronger resolve to create supportive networks for others in similar situations. It’s like I’ve discovered a new power from within. And I like it!

Tomorrow, 27th June, I’m hosting my second coffee meet-up in Central London for anyone who has faced redundancy or is looking to re-enter the job market after a career break. This event is more than just a gathering; it’s a chance to connect, share experiences, and support one another during these challenging times.

Since my role was made redundant, I’ve been on quite a journey, aside from my mother’s illness. I’ve applied for nearly 100 jobs and had only a handful of responses. It’s been tough, but I’m not giving up.
Instead, I’ve channeled my energy into creating opportunities for others and myself.

Here’s some of the things I’ve been up to:
Organised Coffee Meet-Ups: I’ve put together two coffee meet-up networking events so far, bringing people together to foster new connections. And more are in the works! 
Local Community Networking for Mums: I’m organising a recurring community networking event for mums in my area, supporting each other in all that comes with raising children and creating a family.
Training for a Coaching Certificate: I’m working on getting a coaching certificate to empower others and provide guidance during their job search/career/life.
Focused on Personal Growth: Despite everything going on, I’m dedicated to being a better mother, partner, and overall person.

I believe that through resilience and community, we can overcome any obstacle. These initiatives have given me a renewed sense of purpose and a way to channel my grief into something positive and impactful.

If you or someone you know could benefit from a supportive network, please join us tomorrow or for any future event. Just reach out and I can add you to the emailing list.
Let’s share our stories, uplift each other, and create new opportunities together. I’m looking forward to meeting everyone and building a stronger, more connected community.

In these moments of connection, we find strength. In supporting each other, we heal.

My mother’s spirit and strength guide me every day, and I want to extend that strength to others. Let’s not let loss define us but let it inspire us to live fully and help one another thrive.

Reflecting on this past year and a half, I see how crucial it is to keep pushing forward despite the setbacks. Life is too precious to be overshadowed by grief alone. By organising these meet-ups and community events, I’m not only finding my own path but also helping others find theirs. And that, to me, is a very fulfilling way to honour my mother’s memory.

I will also make sure that I and my closest celebrate everything. No matter how big or small – celebrate your wins! That is what my mum did and I honestly think all of us need a little bit more of that in our lives.

Enjoy your day and hopefully, you’ll get to sleep well, even if it’s only five minutes at a time. X