New beginnings:
Spring, Self-Care, and the Journey to Thrive
There’s something about spring that feels deeply symbolic to me. The slow unfurling of buds, the return of birdsong, the longer days—it’s a gentle but powerful reminder that even after the darkest seasons, life begins again. What once looked dormant bursts into colour. What felt stagnant starts to stir. And somehow, nature reminds us that hope and possibility are always waiting—even if they’ve been buried for a while.
This time of year encourages reflection. For me, that reflection has led to one clear realisation: prioritising my own wellbeing is not a luxury—it’s essential. Because when I do, I open myself up to the growth that spring represents. I begin to notice the opportunities I would have otherwise missed. I find the energy and resilience to help not only myself, but my children, flourish too.
The Journey from Winter to Spring
Mental health is not linear. My own journey has had its share of cold, hard winters. I’ve struggled for years—especially with feeling psychologically unsafe, with trying to “fit in” to a world that doesn’t always make space for people like me. I often joke that I might’ve made a very successful man, because my personality doesn’t always align with the traits so often expected (and accepted) of women.
But here I am, standing and enjoying the spring of my mental health life. Not because things magically fixed themselves, but because I’ve kept moving—sometimes crawling—toward healing. Thanks to the support of an amazing husband, two incredible (and motivating!) children, close friends who remind me who I am, and a job that finally feels like mine, I’ve slowly begun to thaw. And now, I’m starting to bloom.
Spring as a State of Mind
Spring is not just a season—it’s a state of mind. It’s that moment where we start to believe, even if tentatively, that things can be different. That we can grow. That the version of ourselves we want our children to see is within reach.
My hopes for this season are simple but deeply important:
To keep learning—about myself, my children, and how we can all thrive.
To connect with those who care, and worry less about those who don’t.
To be more confident in who I am, so I can model that confidence to my kids.
Because what our children need isn’t perfection. They need to see growth, self-respect, and the courage to keep going. If we want them to value their wellbeing, to speak kindly to themselves, to believe in their capacity to overcome—it starts with us.
The Power of Modelling Wellbeing
It’s taken me years to truly understand that self-care is not selfish. In fact, it’s one of the most generous things we can do—for ourselves and our families. When we invest in our wellbeing, we’re also investing in the environment we create for our children.
This journey doesn’t always feel inspiring in the moment. Some seasons are hard. Some steps feel backwards. But by making a quiet commitment to keep moving forward—to rest when we need, to pause when we must, and to keep looking for that light—we eventually shift from winter into spring.
And with time, maybe even into summer.
So if you're still in winter, know this: your spring will come. And when it does, I hope you embrace it—not only for yourself, but for the young eyes watching you. Because what better gift can we offer our children than the example of a parent who is learning to bloom?
Let’s keep walking this path together, one hopeful step at a time.
