This Christmas has been a mix of emotions—a time of connection and gratitude, but also one of frustration and unmet needs. It’s brought up some powerful reflections about how I’ve spent my time, how I want to live, and what truly makes me feel alive.

As I listened to the songs live, I realised how vividly they brought back memories—not just of him but of the times we shared, the feelings I had, and the way his life impacted mine. Music has this extraordinary ability to transport us, to take us back to a moment, a place, or a person, in a way few other things can. It doesn’t just bring back the events—it brings back the emotions, the sensory details, and the meaning wrapped up in those moments.

This year I’ve been on a transformational journey, training to become a facilitator to run groups for pre-teen girls with the organisation Rites For Girls. I first read about this initiative in the Sunday Times in 2022 and knew instantly I’d want my own daughter to go to a Girl’s Journeying Together group when she was old enough. The girls’ groups are aimed at 10-12 year olds (in year 6 and 7) to support them through the transition from primary to secondary school. Through fun activities they focus on building lasting confidence for the girls in trusting their feelings and knowing how to manage them and feeling more at ease in their changing bodies.

I’m not the sort of person who usually talks about capitalism or patriarchy in an aggressive or confrontational way. I’m not standing on a soapbox shouting about how everything is broken. But as a mum of four living in the countryside of southwest England, I’ve come to believe these are conversations we need to be having—calmly, thoughtfully, and with a focus on action.

Have you ever felt like life is rushing by in a blur—juggling work, family, and endless to-do lists—while longing for a moment to simply breathe? For so many women, particularly mums, the pressure to “do it all” is relentless. We pour our energy into work, childcare, running a household, and maintaining relationships—but often at the expense of our own well-being.

As women, we often devote so much of ourselves to others—our families, partners, friends, and communities—that we rarely make time to pause, reflect, and recognize the unique gifts we bring to the world.

“Pulling up the drawbridge” is a phrase that perfectly describes the emotional barrier I’ve had to build over the years. Growing up, I witnessed firsthand the effects of a relationship gone bad. My parents divorced when I was 13, and their split was a messy and damaging experience for everyone involved. I was determined not to recreate that dynamic in my own blended family.

With only 1 week to go until Maverick Mums embark on The Matriarch Adventure in Namibia, Maverick Mum Laura shares her story and motivations to step out of her comfort zone and into the wild!

With the right support and community, maybe us mums really can go ‘off into the wild’?!

A tale of Maverick Mums and unwavering friendship; Maverick Mums Diddi recounts her experience of climbing Mount Snowdon in February this year.

Inspired by a dream, Maverick Mum Ronnie shares the impactful role of supportive women in overcoming life’s challenges.

Maverick Mum Ronnie reflects on her first Mother’s Day when her son was about 2 months old.

As International Women’s Day approaches, the question “But what about the men?” often arises in the media.

Maverick Mums, an organisation specifically supporting women in their adventures into self-care after motherhood, is not immune to this response either.

Review of Maverick Mum’s ½ day ‘Rewilding’ Retreat - Forest bathing, Wild Swimming, investing time back into myself and “refilling” the cup

As I click the ‘Book now’ button on the Maverick Mum’s ‘Rewild yourself’ half-day retreat, I can’t help but feel a thrill of exhilaration course through me tip to toe.