Oh hey strangers! It’s been over a year since I’ve written a blog post. It’s been a time! The best of times, the worst of times and everything in between! Matrescence (the process of becoming a Mother) has been / still is one of the most jarring, rewarding, confusing, awe inspiring, lovely, weird and wonderful experiences of my life. Trying to figure out this “new me” that’s merged with the “old me” and then parent, wife, work and everything in between has been interesting to say the least! I highly recommend reading or listening to Mama Rising by Amy Taylor-Kabbaz for amazing insight, advice and humour on this Motherhood journey.
I started writing this post at the last New Moon, over 6 weeks ago. This is what I wrote:
A year ago, heavily pregnant, I was convinced that my daughter would arrive on the Aries New Moon. It made sense, new moon, new beginnings, newness, birth. Right?
I was so prepared to meet our baby girl! I had meticulously prepped and trained, my body, mind and spirit for the her birth. I was calm and composed. I felt strong and powerful.
Despite my best efforts of doing all the natural labour inducing tricks under the sun, baby girl was not ready to emerge with the New Moon. She was born three days later though, a day after her due date.
The most amazing, powerful birthing experience, which I shared on Instagram, but I will one day write about over here.
And oh em geeeeeee, what a year it has been! (Insert cross eyed, crazy face emoji!)
Anyhoo, that’s as far as I got with writing this post…because you know, parenting, prepping for a 1st bday party, the launch of my cleanse ebook etc etc and yeah, here we are! I have grown and matured just as much as my baby girl in the last year. I fall more in love with her as her little personality develops. I love experiencing the world through her eyes.
Postpartum has been interesting too: physically, mentally and spiritually – so much change, so many shifts. I think I’ve done a pretty good job navigating the peaks and valleys. I used all the tricks, tools and knowledge that I had from my own training and reached out for the support and care when I came up short. I would like to share more details on all of this too, because there’s so much to unpack!
It took me about six months postpartum to kind of feel “normal” and settled within my new life and identity. I really found my groove after about nine or ten months. My intention was to really kick my ass into high gear with my business and blog after Chloe turned one. But then the universe had another plan…
I thought I was really done with the film industry ( my previous career of 12 years for those that don’t know!), but three weeks ago I was offered the most amazing position on a big TV show with a costume designer I love. The offer came out of the blue and I knew immediately that it was a gift from the universe. It’s been hard work hustling as an entrepreneur, trying to build up my business, as a one woman show; even harder during a pandemic and then getting pregnant and taking maternity leave etc.
It took a huge leap of faith when I went full time into all things Bespoke Body in 2020. We didn’t have much savings, since we’d just paid for our own wedding at the end of 2019 and then the pandemic hit. No film work for my husband. I hustled. I took my business online, doing virtual privates, group fitness classes and group wellness workshops. When things opened up, I was able to get back to in person clients and towards the end of 2020 and beginning of 2021, I was really thriving. Then I had a baby and things changed. I couldn’t work the hours I previously had. I had to find new clients. But the hustling spirit had faded. I was tired. I was distracted. I felt like I had half a brain and half a personality. I had so many wonderful ideas and plans, but my ability to execute them was diminished.
And then this offer came in… with things being a little quiet again with work for my husband, I knew I had to take it. We just couldn’t bear anymore financial stress!
Telling my dearest regular clients that I wouldn’t be able to work with them for a while has been the hardest thing, but they were all so encouraging which really helped.
The job runs until the end of the year, so for now I’m pushing pause on most of my Bespoke Body work. I may post on various platforms from time to time, or I might be pretty quiet. You’ll still be able to purchase my ebook and contact me for support on that. I’ll also be seeing the odd virtual health coaching client when I have time and space.
I am so proud of all that I’ve achieved with my business in the last two years. I am even prouder of the beautiful transformations I’ve witnessed in so many of my clients. Helping people to feel and look better and live their best lives is my greatest passion and purpose. I will always want to share my knowledge with people. I will never stop wanting to guide others to optimal health. So I know that this is not the end, just a little detour! I hope you will continue to come along for the ride! Much love and gratitude always…
Oona xoxo
