August Already? Don’t Forget to Pause.

How is it August already? The school holidays disappeared in a whirlwind of ice creams, sibling squabbles, and bedtime negotiations. Now it's all uniform shopping and "Wait, did we even have summer?" panic.

Here's the thing, (and you already know this): You can't pour from an empty cup.

Yesterday, my youngest was pulling on my arm like a human tug-of-war rope, "Ma! I have to show you something" I was stood in the garden, camera in hand, the light was perfect.

Normally, I'd cave instantly (parenting = perpetual guilt). But instead, I gently said , I need ten minutes, just ten. . And you know what? The world didn't end. She survived and I got this shot

That 'self-imposed/society imposed parenting guilt'? It lies. Ten minutes of peace isn't neglect, it's love, for them and you. And afterward? I was more present and much less frazzled.

So in the chaos of back-to-school madness:

• Take your ten minutes or whatever you need. 

• Say no sometimes. Not selfish, its sustainable.

• Notice the magic (bees, light, silence, whatever does it for you)—it fuels you better than guilt ever could.

Enjoy the rest of August!