The Woman you’re becoming needs You too
Being natural caretakers, there’s a rhythm many women fall into without even thinking about it. You take care of everything, remember everything, show up for everyone… and by the time you think about yourself, there’s barely anything left in the day.
In many years of working with primarily female clients, I have seen this on numerous occasions. I am not judging at all, as I used to cater for everyone except I forgot to listen to my own needs. Burnout comes quickly, whether it’s from working a job you don’t really enjoy, or simply giving your entire energy to others before your cup is even halfway full.
But 2026 has brought me a lot of changes. I have moved to Waiheke Island and I am also pregnant. Stepping into this unknown chapter has made me reflect more and shift priorities where I feel they need to be placed, at least for now… I can feel that my energy is different, my capacity absolutely is different, and I’ve had to make some clear decisions about what comes first. Right now, my rest and wellbeing sit at the centre of my days, and everything else finds its place around that. Some days that looks graceful, other days it looks like cancelling plans and lying down at 2pm with zero negotiation.
It’s been a lesson in listening to myself a bit more closely… and responding without arguing back. Surprisingly, it has been rewarding to acknowledge my body’s and mental needs. It might not always be convenient for others, but what I have learned in the past year is that your life is yours to live the way you want. And I have started to live much more happier and fulfilling life keeping that in mind.
What I’ve realised is that making time for yourself isn’t something you earn once every chore is done. If you keep waiting for that moment, it never quite arrives. There will always be one more thing, one more person, one more reason to delay yourself.
So I believe it has to be a decision you make.
Sometimes it’s small. Sometimes it’s choosing something that feels a little indulgent, even if a part of you wants to justify it.
And somewhere in those choices, you start to honour the woman you are, and the one you’re growing into. Life is a journey, and it can (or must?) be uplifting and enjoyable. A support system around you helps, but if you don’t have one yet, simply setting boundaries and making decisions that are in favour of you and your energy is a great first step.
Since I am a girls’ girl, I am very passionate about women’s empowerment.
Especially during my studio photoshoots, I exclusively offer experiences to only women of all ages and life stages. I intentionally make these photoshoots a half-day experience so you can book yourself a day off, get your hair and makeup done, dress up like it is a celebration (it is! of you!) and those few hours are only about you.
Not only do you get beautiful photos after this, but the experience itself brings that uplift and self-appreciation we sometimes need.
It might be a small thing, but I have seen it working in real life.
When my mum visited me from Europe, I offered her a studio photoshoot and she got so excited. I dressed her up, she had beautiful makeup done, and after those few hours she admitted she felt such a boost of confidence she didn’t expect. She also said that this should be something every woman does at least once in her lifetime. She is 60, I think she knows what she is talking about :)