Launching him, discovering me
Life has a way of shifting — children grow up, careers evolve, roles change, seasons turn. When supporting others through their transitions, we often forget to pause and consider our own. This reflection is about recognising those moments of change — whether joyful, challenging or bittersweet — and choosing to make space for your own health, wellbeing and next chapter.
Two weeks ago, I packed the car and drove my 21-year-old son to begin a new chapter — a new city, a new career, a new life.
I was excited for him. Truly excited. Watching your child step confidently into adulthood is one of the great privileges of parenthood.
And yet. There is a moment — somewhere between unpacking boxes and saying goodbye — when it hits you. The season has shifted.
The day that should be celebrated also lands with a thud in your chest. Not dramatic. Not tragic. But real.
As someone who spends much of their time supporting women in business, mentoring others, building networks and solving problems — I realised something important on that drive home: I have spent decades investing in everyone else’s growth. It might be time to invest a little more in my own.
The woman behind the roles
When you are a business owner, a leader, a mother, a community contributor — your identity can become beautifully intertwined with responsibility.
But when one of those daily roles shifts — especially motherhood — you’re left with space.
And space can be confronting.
Instead of filling it immediately with more work (which is my natural instinct), I made a conscious decision:
I’m going to use this transition to prioritise my health and wellbeing.
Not as a luxury or reward. But as a responsibility.
The pamper day I should have booked years ago
There’s a day spa in Capalaba I’ve driven past for years — always thinking, “One day I’ll book that.”
Last week, I did.
I booked myself in at Milqué Spa Capalaba.
No special occasion.
No justification needed.
Just a decision.
Walking through the doors felt symbolic. I wasn’t someone’s mum for the afternoon. I wasn’t a CEO. I wasn’t solving problems. I was simply a woman allowing herself to rest.
It reminded me how easy it is to postpone care. And how transformative it is when you stop postponing it.
If you’re in this season too — here are some gentle ways to navigate it
Whether you’ve just dropped a child at university, supported them into a new job, or simply feel a shift in your life stage — here are a few things that helped me.
Allow both pride and grief
You can be thrilled for them and still feel the loss of daily presence. Both emotions are valid. Don’t rush yourself past either.
Schedule care — don’t “find time”
If it’s not in the diary, it won’t happen.
Book the massage. Schedule the walk. Lock in the GP appointment. Commit to the Pilates class.
Treat your wellbeing like a board meeting — non-negotiable.
Revisit your own goals
When was the last time you asked yourself:
- What do I want next?
- What does this next chapter look like for me?
- How do I want to feel in my body and my business?
We often focus on launching our children. Perhaps it’s time to launch ourselves into something new.
Invest in preventative health
This is the stage to:
- Find a trusted local GP.
- Book the health checks you’ve been postponing.
- Prioritise sleep and nutrition.
- Build strength — physically and mentally.
Strong women build strong families. But we must build ourselves too.
Create rituals for connection
Just because they’ve left doesn’t mean connection ends. A weekly call. A shared Spotify playlist. A Sunday message. The relationship evolves — it doesn’t disappear.
This isn’t an ending. It’s a rebalancing.
For years, I have poured energy into supporting others — my children, my team, our members, our community.
And I will continue to do so.
But this moment has gently whispered something important: you don’t have to wait for permission to take care of yourself.
The house may feel quieter. The routines may shift. But this space can become something beautiful — a season of renewal, strength and intention.
To every woman navigating a similar chapter:
Celebrate your child’s independence.
Honour your emotions.
And don’t forget to book your own pamper day.
You deserve one.