Motherhood Relabelled
Motherhood Relabelled
12. The Pursuit of Passion and Purpose beyond Parenthood: A Journey to Balance and Connection 🙏
Ever feel like you're losing yourself in the whirlwind of parenthood? In this week's episode, we dive into the importance of rediscovering our passions and purpose, specifically outside of being a parent. We share our personal experiences and insights on how to identify what truly ignites our passion and how it can evolve with us over time.
Finding balance between parenthood, career, business and personal goals can be a challenging (and ongoing) journey. Listen as we discuss the significance of taking time for ourselves and for our passions, while still managing our commitments to our family. We explore ways to fill our cups, including making time for fun, activities, and fitness while also admitting that sometimes, balance just isn't attainable.
In search of deeper connections and understanding, we reflect on the power of friendship and our podcast's impact on our lives. Through sharing our stories and experiences, we discover how connection can help us find purpose and passion . We even delve into the world of numerology, exploring how it can offer intriguing insights into ourselves and our purpose. Join us for this inspiring, personal and thought-provoking conversation!
This week's special mentions:
- Ikigai - The Japanese Secret to a Joyful Life
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Motherhood Relabelled is a non-parenting podcast for all parents who don’t let the “parenthood label” hold them back. It’s for those who think that parenthood is a part of us, but not the only thing that defines us. Travelling with kids? Sure! Starting a business with kids? Absolutely! Feeling the fittest and strongest you’ve ever felt with kids? Most certainly! This podcast is your weekly dose of making yourself and your own goals a priority.
Speaker 1: Hey Tania, hello Vanessa, How are you Good?
Speaker 2: It's only Tuesday, not Friday. I know It feels like the week is still young.
Speaker 1: Yeah, that's right. Still a lot to achieve, a lot to accomplish.
Speaker 2: There is this week. Yeah, it's only the very beginning, so looking forward to getting started. How's it going? Yeah, so far so good. We've had a good couple of days. Monday and Tuesday is always pretty challenging for me, just with Toby being at home while I'm working, so I just try and organise things for him and mum to do or, if Joel's around, for Joel to do with him. That's quite distracting, isn't it? It can be I manage, and I try and lock myself in the room and just lock it out when he comes and knocks on the door. But yeah, he's fine and I can still get on with my work. But yeah, it can be challenging at times. How about?
Speaker 1: you. Yeah, it's been good. A few big things happening, I feel, at the moment, so Teo is going to start with four days at daycare for the next week, which is sooner than expected. And then in the beginning I felt a bit like, oh, he's still like, you know, he gets really tired, like after three days at daycare. It's a lot And I was like, oh, I'm not sure, Maybe it's too soon, But at the same time I know he loves it there.
Speaker 1: And I definitely take, you know, do with a bit more time, Yeah freedom in a way That's right And they take such good care of him And yeah, so that's great. That's awesome And yeah, we're also moving pretty fast now with our, like whole property investment strategy, so we're looking at buying hopefully our first investment property within the next few months. That's amazing Already just like that.
Speaker 1: Yeah, well, look, we put together the strategy with our coach And there are certain circumstances that just mean that we have to move fairly quickly. But that's not a bad thing. Like you know, when, when I look at the market, i think it's definitely a good time to buy before interest rates, you know like, start coming back down in a way, coming back down and then house prices will go even up, further up. So yeah, no it's an exciting time I feel like a lot of things, are you?
Speaker 1: know running and it's a bit overwhelming. I feel like in the evenings I definitely feel like, oh gosh my brain is fried, There's no more left.
Speaker 2: Recharge mode on Totally. So what are we talking about this week?
Speaker 1: Well, actually we are going quite deep this week. I think, with the topic. That's, yeah, both personally and professionally. I guess we do deal a lot with.
Speaker 2: We do. I guess We do talk about these, this subject, quite a lot actually in our everyday life, but I think the hardest thing is identifying and like defining it for yourself. Yeah, that's right.
Speaker 1: So we are going to talk about how to find passionate purpose specifically outside of parenthood, because that's, i think you know. Obviously everybody, every parent, is passionate about being a parent. That's like we have to be. We have to be. I guess, like what that's definitely been, something that's been on my mind for the past few months is to just, you know, find something. Yeah, find myself again.
Speaker 1: Find something that lights me up like interests you know that keep me stimulated, because I did definitely feel that during mat leave. as overstimulating as it is, It's also very you know that's right.
Speaker 2: Yeah, and just the same kind of stimulation.
Speaker 1: I don't use the word boring because that's too negative. You're not bored. No, you're not very stimulated.
Speaker 2: Yeah, stimulated either. Yeah, yeah, yeah.
Speaker 1: And I definitely missed that part So for sure.
Speaker 2: Why do you think it's important for you to have a sense of purpose in life?
Speaker 1: I think it's just a way of sense, checking you know when you make decisions or when you move forward with your decisions in life, like to see whether that's aligned to your purpose. And the thing is, with what's your purpose. I think it's a very it's a daunting question for most people because people feel like I don't know this, Like I feel like it's, you know it's quite an overwhelming question, But I think for me. I struggled with that question myself for many years where I wasn't quite clear on what my purpose was, but the reality is.
Speaker 1: I think we can have many purposes like for instance, my purpose as a mother is different to my purpose as a business owner versus a partner. You know, again, it's not one sole purpose, that's right. Yeah, i mean there's maybe like a guiding principle or you know values I live by that kind of underpin my personality, i guess. But yeah, i think you know, removing this like heavy weight that people attach to the meaning of purpose, that it has to be this like be on an end or statement that you know this is what you're here for on this earth, totally.
Speaker 1: And you know, don't get me wrong, some people have that And that's amazing, Wow. But I also then think purpose evolves over time. It evolves with you as a person.
Speaker 2: And also the various roles that you play in your life, you know, can evolve. you know, for various reasons, different changes that happen in your life and where you see yourself. Yeah, I definitely believe that your purpose can change.
Speaker 1: Yeah, it's your why, Look, I think there's a core, some something in you that's like a fundamental core, belief or way of life like no matter what you want to call it. I think there's certain things that stay consistent throughout life. Yeah, definitely, but yeah, i think, yeah, we go through so many different stages in life And I think, i definitely think, it adapts.
Speaker 2: But, yeah, yeah, because I guess because it's purpose is it's to give you motivation. For me, anyway, i feel like it's purpose gives you up in the morning. Up in the morning gives you drive, it's what makes you, you know, be excited to get out of bed.
Speaker 1: It's the why behind the watch.
Speaker 2: Yeah, it really is, and you know there's a life to live, you know, and I think there's just so much opportunity. You know, i was just always saying. I remember one of my bosses once saying sleeping is for Sunday.
Speaker 1: We have something like that in Germany, as well as those we used to say like, especially as young, like teenagers or like students, we would go out and party really hard. But, then we would have to show up at our like little side jobs, like at 6am, And we would not sleep with like sleep is for the dead.
Speaker 2: It's true. I mean, like it's what life's here to live.
Speaker 1: So then you have children and you realize, no, sleep is not for the dead.
Speaker 2: We need more sleep. But no, i love that And I actually don't know whether it's actually Sundays for sleeping or sleepings for Sunday. I mean, it's the same saying. Whatever, you know, the saying goes, it means the same thing. But I always like that because it's just, you know, get up and go. So you know, that's why I'm a morning person.
Speaker 2: I love the mornings and I love getting things done early on, you know, and I think it also helps a purpose, helps guide your decisions. Like you said, it gives you guidance and helps you make the decisions. So I think that's really helpful when you know where you're going and does that align, you know, with your beliefs and your values. But also, i guess, you know, it's the motivation thing. It gives you a sense of fulfillment, you know, and it helps us feel like we're making meaningful contributions to the world.
Speaker 2: When we have a sense of purpose, we're doing something for someone to benefit, whether it's, you know, the broader world, or you know your family or yourself as well, included. You know, I think that, yeah, there's, there's the purposes there for someone to benefit. But, you know, it also gives us that strength and determination to keep us going. And I think I often used to say, because my dad passed away a few years ago now and if I was stuck or, like you know, struggling with something and I just wanted to give up, even if it was in exercise or whatever it might be I'd be like, just do it for dad, Oh, that's.
Speaker 2: yeah, you know, like I just it would kind of just feel me a bit and be like just do it for dad.
Speaker 1: I often tell myself that as well, for my grandma and stuff, like I'm like, oh, I even I think of Teo as well. Yeah, exactly, And now, and even more so, like now.
Speaker 2: I'm like you know, it just helps your mindset go like it doesn't give up. Yeah, you know, and I yeah, and because I feel like it's you know, then I fail if I haven't done it for him you know, or for Toby, you know. So I like that sort of thing. It pushes you. Yeah, it does definitely push you.
Speaker 2: But yeah, i think purpose is definitely important. I think you know. I guess naturally we all have some sort of sense of purpose, whether we've defined it or not. You know it's that's one thing, but I think we all know there's something there. That's right.
Speaker 1: We can have a sense of purpose without necessarily defining what it is. Yeah, I definitely think so, or even I was thinking, you know, thinking of it more so in the form of energy and vibrations, of like. You know, if you can't define what your purpose is, you can still define. What is it that makes you feel good? you know, yeah, and what is that feeling? and kind of like, define the feeling of doing something that makes you fulfilled and satisfied and kind of use that as a guide rather than you know.
Speaker 1: That's a great way to put it.
Speaker 2: Yeah, because it is.
Speaker 1: It is it is a vibe, it's an energy.
Speaker 2: It is an energy.
Speaker 1: Yeah, and the other thing I think is really powerful, like, have you heard of the icky guy?
Speaker 2: concept I haven't.
Speaker 1: No, it's actually a Japanese. Well, they say it's a Japanese secret to joyful life And essentially it's helping. Well, it's supposed to help people find their purpose, their meaning, they call it icky guy.
Speaker 2: Yeah, yeah, i feel like I might have. It's probably in some movie. Is it in, like probably what it's called Eat, pray, love, like? I feel like it's in that movie Could be, i don't know.
Speaker 1: But yeah, it's. The idea is that your icky guy combines what you love, which is like your passion or your mission, with what you are good at, so what you know, like what you naturally like Don't want to say talent, but like you know something that that you're good at, plus what, what you could professionally do, as in what you could get paid for, yeah, and then what the world needs, and you know, in the middle of those four different components is what lies the icky guy which is actually like you know the meaning of your life.
Speaker 2: I'm looking at a Venn diagram that Vanessa has just pulled up And I feel like you need to share this in the show notes because I feel like it will make more sense, but it's really hard to explain.
Speaker 1: Yeah.
Speaker 2: Because it's just essentially. The icky guy is in the middle of this Venn diagram And four other circles around it. Make it up with your passion, your mission, your vocation and your profession.
Speaker 1: It's really cool, yeah. So, anyway, check it out And I think, yeah, sometimes you know it's good to write those four things down and see where it leads you.
Speaker 2: And I want to do that And I'm an answer, or you might not, But yeah at the same time, even like if you feel stuck, hey, like you know.
Speaker 2: If you ever feel like you know what am I doing, where do I want to go? If it's a career change or, you know, because a lot of people do go through that point of you know, is this what I really want to be doing with my life? Like you know, after having a kid, you know, lots of people do rethink their jobs and often do change because they found the icky guy Totally No, but that's true.
Speaker 1: I think the postpartum period is an excellent moment to kind of read that moment of reflection or to do this sort of exercise and just find I love that. Yeah, because passion is a funny one, right, i think. Well, purpose and passion, they're kind of linked for me, but they're also not the same. Yeah, if that makes sense, like your, your.
Speaker 2: Your purpose is your, why, yeah, the fundamental reason.
Speaker 1: But it's not always passion, like you know, for instance, like my purpose. if it's more of like a guiding principle, then that will help me go through tough times as well, you know or get back up when you know I don't want to do something I don't want to be doing. So it's not necessarily about passion in that sense, but at the same time I like to think, you know, i want to wake up with a sense of purpose and passion to do what, what I love.
Speaker 2: Yeah, i guess passion is like where your energy goes. Yeah, passion is where your energy goes. I like that. Yeah, i mean, it's essentially your, why I want to make it into some other little phrase where your energy flows, but maybe it is a bit of that.
Speaker 1: Well, i also like to think of you know and now we do this for brands all the time, but it also does really help to do this for yourself is to think of your vision as your goal, then the mission of like how you want to get there and the purpose is the why. Yeah, that's right.
Speaker 2: So the vision is your. what? What do you want to see your future?
Speaker 1: being.
Speaker 2: Then your mission is your how you're going to get there. That's right, You know, buy da-da-da-da, whatever it is. And then your why is your fundamental reason for doing what you do?
Speaker 1: Yeah, that's right.
Speaker 2: But yeah, it's definitely tough like doing it for yourself Totally. Have you found yours? Look, i struggle all the time when I think about this sort of thing, even for the business, like we kind of have defined it for the business but we're sort of I guess we're tweaking words a little bit just to refine it more so, but for Et Collective we came up with you know that our fundamental purpose is to help people And you know that's to make businesses better, future's brighter and people happier. You know, i think that's you know people happier, meaning you know that's employees, it's like business owners, it's you know everybody who A touch by the brand, yeah, a touch by brands that we work with. And then future's brighter, obviously, that's just, you know, helping them realize their vision, yeah, and then you know business is better, just thriving business. So we want people to succeed.
Speaker 2: So I feel like that kind of sums up what we do in terms of purpose. But you know, we're still tweaking that and making sure that that's, you know, what we all believe, i guess, or at least Elza and I believe, but we definitely believe you know the fundamental reason we do. What we do is to help, yeah, to help people. So, yeah, still crafting that. But for me, you know, i think I'm not sure if I've necessarily found my purpose, but I'd like to think that my purpose is to use my creativity. Yeah, i love that.
Speaker 2: You know and my can-do attitude to help you know and inspire and, you know, uplift others to make a positive impact in their lives.
Speaker 1: It's amazing. I love that And you know what that really sums you up to a T.
Speaker 2: Yeah, i was like I never really thought about it, but yeah, it is actually using my creativity to be able to inspire people. You know, that is interesting Yeah.
Speaker 1: Because, I have a very similar purpose And again, I think it's work in progress for me too, and. I always struggle a lot. So the other day I had this epiphany where I was. I've actually been journaling on it quite a lot but like you know, purpose also for me is linked to some sort of point of difference, you know what makes you?
Speaker 1: different from the others you know like, and I was thinking about it a lot And I think you know, no matter what I think of doing, whether it's like anything I touch in my life, whether it's hobbies, passions, work, friendships, i think it's uplifting Yeah. So my purpose is to inspire others with my energy.
Speaker 2: Yeah, I love it.
Speaker 1: Because, like I remember, i remembered my mom, like she told me that when I was in school, like primary school, my teachers would give her. You know how they give feedback to parents and stuff.
Speaker 1: And my mom, she said like she was speechless, like with the feedback she got from my teachers, in the sense that my teacher basically said to her Vanessa is like the sunshine that you know every morning, all of the teachers like were waiting for the bus to come, for the daughter open, for her to come out and just light us all up with sunshine, energy Like and it's so tricky to speak from.
Speaker 2: So I love that so much. I want to be sunshine.
Speaker 1: And I don't know. Like she was like my mom is kind of like, if you know her now, like God, i love her too, but like she can be quite a bit of a cynical, negative person. I think life has kind of made her into this And I think that's the generation. I think the generation is like this, but she was like you should have seen, like just her face. Like when she told me that story I said like can't believe you're my daughter. like this, like sunshine energy, anyway, it's a bit cheesy, but at the same time.
Speaker 2: I really do believe that that's what I am And that's fundamentally at the core of where I am and how I can make a positive impact on other people Absolutely, and I think I feel it like you know, and that's why I think that I love being in your energy, because I feel like I thrive when I have people who you know radiate that sort of same amount of energy and are on the same vibration, i guess they call it.
Speaker 2: That's right, i love that And that's what lifts me up and inspires me And, like you know, and then, on the other hand, like when I'm surrounded by people who don't have that energy, it really drains me, like, and I just get grumpy and really annoyed and I'm in a rut, but when I, you know, have those people who really lift you up and actually inspire you or inspire me, you know, i really feel that.
Speaker 2: So, yeah, I love that You're sunshine And I think I'm I think I'm sure I've said it to you before. You're like a ray of sunshine. Yeah, no, I was on the money?
Speaker 1: Yeah, totally, and I think I've lost that for for a while. You know, like just you go through through stages in life like where it's just a little bit more undimmed maybe.
Speaker 1: maybe it's still there. It's that's. I seriously believe it's at my core. Yeah, i love that. So I think, yeah, that's nice. I think it might my, my missions and stuff like it will evolve over time, but that's definitely at my core purpose of who I am as a person And that's why I also think sometimes purpose can be a bit more broad, like this You know it doesn't have to be like super specific about like I think some people have very specific purposes, like I'm here on this to solve X problem.
Speaker 2: Yes, exactly, that's right. Whatever, that's very true, great, and I think that's it. It doesn't have to be, though. It doesn't have to be specific.
Speaker 1: You know it can be be a bit broader. I think it's about finding out, yeah, what, what makes you you at the core? Yeah, no, i love that.
Speaker 2: I love the sunshine.
Speaker 1: Seriously like it's when, i think about it like it makes me quite emotional because, like, as I said, the way my mom talks about it, like the fact that you know, or the other thing my teacher said as well to my mom, what also led me to to this purpose. Like she said, whatever Vanessa can't achieve with her smart, she'll achieve with her radiance.
Speaker 2: Oh, i love that So nice, that's so cool. I'm just going back in my memory going did my teachers ever say that about me? I'm definitely. I had some positive you know moments and and of my schooling, and great teachers as well, and I think it's those sort of people that really lift you up though right Like when they recognize those.
Speaker 1: But imagine like I'm sitting here right now. I'm 34 years old and I'm still remember that you know what my primary school teacher said to my mother, so the impact that had on me? absolutely not sitting here today to say, well, you live up to it, but before I am like that's pretty powerful.
Speaker 2: Yeah, you know that just shows, like the impact that teachers and we're so grateful for anyone who's a teacher out there, but those how you do it, but just like how fundamental and how you know instrumental they are in young lives, totally, totally, no. So so grateful for that, absolutely. And so what about you know your, i guess your your passion, what's your passion?
Speaker 1: We've talked about a bit of purpose and, yeah, we can probably go back to be the purpose, but and you know the other time, i guess my passion change, change all the time And again I think I put way too much pressure on myself before thinking that I would have to have this like Passion, like intense passion for something, a hobby, whatever And I definitely do have certain things I love doing. But I also think, like there are certain things, you know it's more about the day to day activities that light me up, that I enjoy doing, that I now see as my passion. Yeah, sometimes I'm a bit more passionate about my fitness. Sometimes I'm a bit more passionate about photography, sometimes I'm a bit more, you know, passionate about travel. Exactly, that's definitely one of your passions. Yeah, totally.
Speaker 2: Maybe that's a little bit trickier these days, but still there, still there, still there Sleeping. What about your passion? It's funny because I struggle with this question a lot, because I always think passions needs to be a hobby too. Yeah, and I have lots of interesting. You know lots of things, but I think that my passion and I'm obviously very lucky that my passion is linked to my work, because I love creative problem solving, i love doing what I do.
Speaker 2: That's pretty much awesome And just the idea of testing myself to see if I can actually do this and seeing what I can actually come up with. It's like this physical challenge that Elz and I always talk about Let's see what we can do And it's like that fuel. So for me, yeah, definitely just seeing what I can do within certain parameters, but also the joy that comes with that process of how I get there And that's why I love helping friends with their businesses And I love I've got a couple of girlfriends who are starting out their own businesses and I just love inspiring them Because people always say, oh, how did you do it? You've started your own business And obviously we were quite lucky and fortunate. At a time when I didn't even really think about it, we kind of fell into creating our own business and we were almost freelancers Really within a business environment.
Speaker 1: That's the right. the journey of business is exactly that One step in front of the other.
Speaker 2: You don't start as a perfect business You build the business Exactly. So I feel like I've been very lucky having a bit of a leg up in that sort of way. But I think it comes with the idea of where your passion lies, is where you're good at And what you're interested in. I've always been interested in design. I've always been interested in you know, i feel like you would love interior design.
Speaker 2: And that's funny because I do love interior design And I was actually when I finished school I was like what am I going to be? Like I had ideas that I think before, maybe a year 10, maybe I thought about being a town planner and I'm like that would be really cool.
Speaker 2: And then I thought about being an architect And I'm like I don't really want to study for like seven years because, I knew what the course was long And then I decided, and then I thought interior is I'm like I love interior design. And then I then decided to do graphic design And then I kind of, i think I got into, i think, the graphic design course or whatever it was, the Enmore School of, you know, enmore School of Design, and the course was full for that year. So I was going to do like a bridging kind of fundamental design, fundamentals And that would give you a bit of like an overview of textiles and interiors and graphic. In the end they had a bit of like a criteria, like a testing criteria, where you had to submit a brief, an answer to a brief. And then I got in and I was like cool, well, you know, i didn't have to do the bridging course after all, got straight into the design course, yeah. And so I did my advanced diploma then And I loved that.
Speaker 2: Like my course was so great, like I just it was really hands on and just learned so much from and obviously the teachers are, you know, out there working as well in different businesses as well So I was super lucky at that point And then, you know, was able to get a job straight out of TAFE as well. So, yeah, very lucky at that point. And then you know, you just learn. I was very lucky to have mentors and you learn on the job. So, yeah, look, it's very much fueled my passion in design. So that stems in many different ways And interiors is definitely one of those things I love Like and I appreciate you know beautiful interiors and you know beautiful houses. That.
Speaker 2: I can't afford Yeah.
Speaker 1: Yeah, exactly.
Speaker 2: But you know, like yeah, like whether it you know, even with each project that I work on now, like whether it's for a financial organization, a superannuation company, a pet store, an energy company or medical company, like I just love the process of learning as well. Like I learned about industry, i learned about the business. I think that's one of the best parts of our jobs. Yeah, like nothing's ever the same We're always learning.
Speaker 2: And also learning. I, you know, we cross-pollinate, like what we learned from one industry we can apply to another industry in, you know, in our design world. So I feel like there's lots of, you know, yeah, cross-pollination and learning. That just happens naturally. But yeah, so I think work is definitely. It's funny. I guess that's probably from my upbringing as well. Dad, my dad used to love working, like even in the backyard, like there was always something to be done, there was always something to be fixed. You know, that's just. It runs in my family Like working is where people bond. You know, in my family So, and I think it's just inbred that I love doing what I do because I see other people who enjoy what they're doing. Wow, that is powerful.
Speaker 2: Or it seems like my dad liked what he did, you know so, and he was just good at it. That's a thing, right When you find something you're good at, you will succeed.
Speaker 1: Yeah, oh, pretty much. So I think when you find something you like, you'll be good at it 100%. So it's all, it's this cycle, it's all part of it. It's all part of it, but that's amazing, and that also that goes to show how important it is as well Or the importance of us parents being role models for our children To show that you know you should be doing what you love Like. Unfortunately, my case is quite the opposite. My mom always hated her job.
Speaker 1: And look, they have other passions right And they have other things that they like and share energy for, but you know, But it does make a big difference on someone's life, like if they actually are fulfilled and enjoying what they're doing on a daily basis, like you must feel like. Of course there's stresses like that come with running your own business and being a mom and a business owner, but at the end of the day, like you know it's worth it. You know it's worth it And you, you know your why and you know that you, it still doesn't feel like work in that sense, because it's what you enjoy doing So it.
Speaker 1: That's what I'm aiming for, too, Like my end goal is to I want to spend my days doing things that don't feel like work?
Speaker 2: Yeah, for sure, because there's a negative stigma to work. You know, working to live, or maybe that's that's a perception as well.
Speaker 1: I created my head based on, you know, my family's history of like work is hard work. Is you know like stressful work is work is work is work.
Speaker 2: So I think I want to rebrand that. No, it's true, i think you're right. I love it. Relabel it, relabel work. Yeah, because it's true. Like I mean, so many people are looking at so many different avenues these days to make life and work easier. You know, i think it is just about planning and having those things in place for your future as well, right At a time, at any time like that you've thought about it, which is now, i think, like you know, you planning your future and looking for investments, like I think that's amazing and such a credit to you, to you know and being able to inspire millions by other people to find what else adds to your purpose and your passions and these new things like that you've brought into your life now, or your passions as well.
Speaker 1: You know that's exactly right. I think, yeah, when you take off that pressure off, i feel like the word passion has so much pressure and you're not finding something unique, or like this one thing you love and you're good at Like. It's as simple as having interests, Yeah that's all it is. Like yeah, people sometimes like we can over complicate things sometimes. But yeah, no, i've loved, yeah, i've loved. I just love learning new things as well. Now, this whole property thing, that's definitely.
Speaker 1: You know, keeping me business like learning about launching a business learning even like about launching this podcast, like there's always something you to learn, which I think that's what my passion is. Maybe that's my passion learning new things, learning new things.
Speaker 2: Yeah, i love it.
Speaker 1: I love it, that's cool, that goes hand in hand with your purpose.
Speaker 2: Yeah, yeah, inspiring others and lifting people up, and then interesting Wow. Things to inspire.
Speaker 1: Yeah, that's cool. Learning new things to inspire. That's exactly right. That's cool, love that.
Speaker 2: Lucky you going on, we forget as we go. Hey, work in progress as always. I think so.
Speaker 1: So the other question, i guess, is how do you find balance? and balance I think it's a word we use a lot between you know, mum life and your own passions and goals?
Speaker 2: That's it.
Speaker 2: That's a tough one because I don't think I'm necessarily a great person when it comes to balance.
Speaker 2: I struggle with the equal parts that I should share myself to you know my passions and, being a mum, i think I think I just I must be able to just know when you know, energy and time is due.
Speaker 2: You know like, i try and spend time with Toby because I know that, you know, you know it's going to be good for him this morning to do something together and then I'll get into my work. Or, you know, we'll just, you know, go somewhere quite new and different on the weekend. Like, on the weekend we went fruit picking and that was, you know, it's all fun, yeah, and I feel like you know I needed to give him some extra time and energy this week. And then I guess, when it comes down to my passions, you know, i think I probably just need to know when to switch off as well, yeah, and actually do things for fun. You know like, and I, you know, i enjoy my fitness. You know, at the moment I do feel quite busy and a little bit stretched with all the things that I want to try and do in a day.
Speaker 2: But I think it just yeah, it's just probably, you know, i don't know I could try and say get up earlier, but I'm not sure how much earlier I can get up. I can definitely not get up any early. Like I mean, this morning I got up at five, so, yeah, i really don't know if I could get up any later than that. Really. But yeah, i just think I think it's making sure that you fill those cups, yeah, those individual cups of you know being a mom, you know being a partner and being a family member and you know being you. So I think it's making sure that you do spread you know a little bit more evenly, and I'm learning to do that.
Speaker 1: Yeah.
Speaker 1: I'm definitely learning as well, i don't think I have balance at the moment. Like, i have passion, i have drive, i have ambition, i have motivation, i have goals, i have all of that, yeah, but I don't think I have balance, mm-hmm, and I think it will. I also think there's moments in life where, even though I want to achieve a balanced life, like sometimes it's just not realistic or achievable at certain periods of time. You know, yeah, like for instance, right now, i have so many goals and things. Like I just feel like that's more important to me than balance right now, like for a long time actually.
Speaker 1: I've chosen balance. I've chosen balance over my ambitions. So, for instance, during maternity leave, like it's almost like I dialed my ambitions right down and I surrendered and I stayed there, you know. And I was like, felt very well. I guess I didn't feel balanced in the sense that I was missing some other part of me?
Speaker 2: No, that's right, but which is a good feeling to be in when you're in. That That's true. Like you surrendered to the fact that this is where you are right now, that's true. Your balance is shifted a little bit here, i definitely struggle with that, i think.
Speaker 1: Always I feel like, whatever I give my energy or attention to, like there's some other part of me that's not, that's gonna give or that's not receiving enough, and that's why I feel like I'm always torn in between things And I seriously like one of the things I definitely struggle with recently is just the minute I get up, like my day is planned to the minute almost. Like you know, and I'm just, i think longterm it's probably not sustainable.
Speaker 1: You know, I would have to just slow down a little bit and find, and I do as I think I mentioned before as well, like I do make sure that I schedule those fill my cup activities throughout the day, So at least I get that Yeah that's nice. I like that you do that, But I just don't ever like. I can seriously not remember the last time I just sat there and watched them. Yeah, me neither, Unless it's a kid's movie. I have many other things to do you know, actually funny you say that.
Speaker 2: I know I totally get it And I can't even tell you. The last time I watched anything like on Netflix or I literally just go from I don't know Wiggles to YouTube, things like Monster, drugs and Miss Rachel, of course, and like and actually, funnily enough, last night I put on. I thought I'm sick of watching all those kids like shows. I thought let me see what's on Apple TV And there was a really cute little movie, like a short film, called Stillwater. It was like a Japanese kind of you know English, but it was obviously inspired by Japanese because it had like a pandron as a main character And these kids are like making a rocket out of cardboard.
Speaker 2: And Toby was so into it And he literally just watched it like for I don't know 20 minutes before and I'm like it's not great, i'm not proud of it, but you know, before bed, because this is the only thing that chills you out and, you know, makes him come, do what you've got to do, like sometimes we read and sometimes Mama doesn't want to read. Yeah, that's okay, and you know we just want to chill in front of the TV. So I was like let's put on a movie And so I sat there. He sat there, we put it on and he loved it And he actually like, he actually watched it And he had the patience, and he sat there and watched it.
Speaker 2: Look, that's teaching him something. Yeah, and it was cool because the kids were making something out of cardboard And it's some. you know, i've made him a little, you know kitchen out of cardboard So he can see that. you know there's a connection with stuff being made out of, you know, out of cardboard. So yeah, it was really cool. I'd love to know what is in his little brain. But yeah, it was, it was. It was a moment of like, oh, this is nice for something different. You know, change of pace and not wiggles.
Speaker 1: That's why I think you're slowing down and just taking time to breathe is something I need to relearn a little bit. I think, Yeah, for sure. The same way I feel like you know, the same way you know, i relearned after becoming a mother to, to re find myself you know, like I think it's a similar process. Like you, you just have to take the time to actually sit down and do that.
Speaker 2: Yeah, absolutely.
Speaker 1: You know, do do fine time because, yeah, i think we all feel lost at times, and especially the postpartum, the early postpartum period, i think, is very testing in that sense.
Speaker 2: Yeah, definitely, and I think you know you can easily feel lost, can't you? Like you know, like you totally go. you know what am I doing, like you know I just you know what do I like to do. Is this me Like what did I used to like to do? You know, i think you can easily feel lost, But how did you overcome that? Do you think like and finding your passions again after you know, that period? I?
Speaker 1: think, yeah, i did a lot of like, just you know, reconnecting with myself, like I think, journaling, long walks, meditation, exercise, just like really, and asking myself questions, you know and like. I like to journal on questions because that really helps me to. just sometimes you, you know, when you just sit there and think Oh, why am I feeling like this Or what, why am I feeling lost, like it doesn't necessarily come to you? I feel like when you actually put pen to paper, there's something that unlocks in your brain that actually all of us start writing it all down And it's like all that, yeah, what about you?
Speaker 2: I think it's something that we talked about along the another reword And that's the idea of reconnection, and I think when you do feel lost, you do need to find that moment to reconnect with yourself and reconnect with others, and others who make you happy, and others, you know, friends, whether it be family So true, you know, and I know we talked about this the other day, but I love the fact that it's, yeah, just taking you back to the things that you love to do and just do more of it And back to the basics.
Speaker 1: Yeah, you know.
Speaker 2: I mean, I guess connection is probably the fundamental thing, we all need as humans Like yeah, and I know that that's what makes people happy, right?
Speaker 1: So I feel like it's the best, best cause of action, best medicine for when? connection, that's true, and I definitely like even or us connecting over this podcast as well. I think it has added a whole new level to our friendship and like what we want to do. I think that's a form of connection, as well. As part of this motherhood journey?
Speaker 2: Yeah, I mean surprisingly like and not not, like you know, in a bad way, but like I'm getting so much more out of doing this podcast than I imagined, yeah, so you know I don't find it draining, i find it actually quite the opposite And it really it's kind of like an open journal for me.
Speaker 2: Like you know, it's an and a time to actually make me think about topics and open up which I've something I've never been able to like, i've never really do And I wouldn't never really do it in a public sort of sense, but I guess it's like our intimate space that then everybody else gets to listen to as well, but it's funny.
Speaker 1: I forget sometimes. You know, they walked into daycare and there was this like new lady who had been on mat leave. So I introduced myself to her. She's back And anyway. So I introduced myself and she introduced herself and we had a little chat And then she said, oh, how's the podcast going? And I just didn't expect it, you know, i was like Oh good, She's lovely Yeah it's going good, like it's fun, you know. Like you know, sometimes I like yeah, that's cool.
Speaker 2: She knows about me And it's funny because I even saw one of my friends in the playground the other day and she's like, oh, and Vanessa and Teo, like you know, i'm like she's never even met you But, like you know, like it's, it's like people already know your name and the story, so but no, it's really, it's kind of cool, like to share and I can see why people do it. And you know, as I said before, like if you can inspire and help other people, well, that's with anything that you've learned.
Speaker 1: So you know, and because I came to that conclusion that that is my purpose, like that was another driver for me wanting to do this podcast with you, because I thought obviously it's not going to resonate with everyone. You can't you know like that's, that's also not what we're aiming to do. But like, if we can at least inspire every time, like we meet a handful of people with something, then for me that's that makes me happy, because that's my purpose accomplished.
Speaker 2: And this might be a little bit hocus pocus to you, but there's this guy that I used to see. He's like a counselor, but he also has. he's a bit of an intuitive kind of guy and you know he's spiritual kind of, yeah, definitely. And so every now and then I, if I felt lost, i would go and see Richard and whether you know, and during COVID, you know, when I was Zoom and I just you know, i used to find find him just super healing, just if you ever feel a bit lost, like he would kind of give you reasoning as to why you might be feeling this way. And he does a lot of stuff on numerology and some people can take it or leave it.
Speaker 1: But I just became Well, I'm a spiritual person, so I feel like that would resonate with me.
Speaker 2: Yeah, i just became super interested in it And obviously it explains why you do things a certain way. And I'm a number eight And that means that you know he called it like you're like the CEO of numerology, like you're, you know, the boss person, you know. But then you've got like a number two, which is this sort of softer emotional side, and he said, like having those and two numbers together. He said like you're like this, you know, i can really see you doing something with women and really being like a mentor or inspiring women. And I've even written this down in my book somewhere because I would take notes when he would write, because you couldn't record it.
Speaker 2: But, he would allow you to just take notes. When did he say that? This was about a couple of years ago. That's crazy, yeah. And he's like I can see you doing something you know really beneficial for women. you know really something quite inspiring, whether you're just a, you know, being a mentor or something. Oh my God.
Speaker 1: He manifested. Well, to be honest, though, like even at work, like your business is, like you know, predominantly women, predominantly women, run by women. I think you know you've done a few initiatives for women. I think, Yeah, there's a few things that definitely on the money, Yeah. So I feel like I should go check in with him again, Yeah.
Speaker 2: So anyway, I know, look, take it or leave it, it's some it could be a bit of focus focus to some people, but you know, it's kind of just cool to plan, to seed, you know. But yeah, it's kind of helps to just direction. Anyway, if you want Richard's number, i'll be happy to give it to you, if you ask He'll be more than happy to help.
Speaker 1: I would love that I actually. I've never done this, ever. Yeah, it's really always something I actually wanted to do. It's just about again finding a contact that you sort of trust you know where you feel like you're at least comfortable with that.
Speaker 2: Definitely. And I feel, like every person who I've ever recommended to go see him like I, just mind blown. mind blown by what he knows and what he can read into people. God send me up, I want to see Richard.
Speaker 1: I feel like it's a good time to see Richard for me because there's so many big changes happening. You're right.
Speaker 2: It's just I don't know. Look, it's just a sense of you know, knowing that I really don't think. so I don't think he would. I mean, you know, I don't think he would do that anyway, yeah, no, probably not.
Speaker 1: But yeah, my friends swear by it.
Speaker 2: No, it's not like. I mean, you know he's intuitive, so he does have that sort of you know, i guess six cents if you like, But yeah, it's really cool.
Speaker 1: So more about understanding yourself a bit better.
Speaker 2: Yeah, totally.
Speaker 1: Which is essentially what finding your purpose and passion comes down to.
Speaker 2: So yeah, i don't know. I mean I made me super interested about numerology And I don't really love I mean. Look, i would always read my like zodiac star sign stuff. But you know, it's only just for fun, i don't believe in it necessarily. But yeah, numerology is one thing that I was like really intrigued by Cool.
Speaker 1: Well, yeah, to be discovered, Yeah, and maybe we can do a specific episode. We should get Richard on the podcast. Yeah, maybe we should. That'd be really cool. We could do an episode on numerology with Richard. We could.
Speaker 2: Should ask him. I'm sure he would be super king. He's a great speaker.
Speaker 1: Awesome. Sounds like a plan. We'll recruit him.
Speaker 2: And he's, like you know he's done lots of training for Beyond Blue and you know, like he's you know, legitimately, you know an amazing counselor. I absolutely love that.
Speaker 1: Seriously, There you go. Well, that was an interesting chat, But you know pretty deep choppy It was.
Speaker 2: I wasn't expecting to go far and wide with that one, but that was super cool.
Speaker 1: I love it. That's why you know those chats are meant to be like that, absolutely. You don't really know exactly what you're going to say, but you, yeah, it just unveils like a lot of like deep thoughts.
Speaker 2: Absolutely, and that was very cool. I enjoyed that. Thank you for sharing.
Speaker 1: Yeah, thank you for tuning in, guys, and we see you next week. Bye, bye.
