The Ayla Network

Reflecting on what it means to be a mum, I realised "being a mum is something that I used to feel ashamed about. I used to feel that having a child made me a burden on my colleagues, and, honestly, even walking down the street would make me shrink. I tried to make myself small."

Being a mum is a complex identity, especially in 2025, when so much is expected of us as humans alone. I wrote a short piece: 'Shrinking Identities: Coming Out as a Parent'. Follow the link in my bio to have a read.

Happy Mother's Day to all of those who hold this as their identity. Especially my mama 💕

***r

This is the journey that I am really focusing on right now. As a parent, I am faced with the most beautiful parts of myself, but also the ugliest parts that I want to shove deep into the darkest cave on the remotest island. I know on an intellectual level that these are often wounds that never healed over or ones that have experienced repeated trauma.

One part

One of the most common roles I have played in my life and still do is the Good Girl. 😇 She's tied to being one of four siblings growing up, finding my way in a blended family.

She was often reinforced as my role as I grew into a young adult by being the peace keeper, the carer, and the martyr ⛪️

She's often the reason I still find it it difficult to break rules or create emotional boundaries to keep myself safe. ⛑️ This role often means I chastise myself for boundaries I attempt to put in, for judgemental thoughts, or frustration I feel when others are taking advantage of me.

So this quote is a good reminder that I can be both a decent human AND someone who uses boundaries to take care of myself.

A few weeks ago I finished the Together Women's Circle Facilitator, and I am now officially a Women's Circle Facilitator. I have to be honest until May from suggested I run a Women's circle, I hadn't contemplated that I could hold such a sacred space. Thank you for sharing your knowledge, experience, playlists, suggested reads and realness.

So excited to keep Facilitating Women's Circles and growing in this space 💗