Pausing, and Choosing to Move Forward
It has been a while since I last wrote a blogpost. Not because I had nothing to say, but because I felt it was time to pause. To think about myself again, fully, and to take care of myself.
The past few years have been intense. I was tired. Deeply tired. Caring for Imani twenty four hours a day asks a lot, and that is not always visible to the outside world. But it weighs on you, both physically and mentally.
Over the past months, I consciously chose to create space. Space to breathe. Space to feel what I truly needed. And most of all, space to stop putting myself last. I found that space in a sports community where I can truly be myself. A place where I move, grow stronger, and reconnect with my body. Where I can express myself, build confidence, and share my story without needing to explain. It has given me more than I ever expected.
Step by step, I began to feel stronger again. I lost much of my pregnancy weight, but more importantly, I felt my energy return. My desire to live, to make plans, and to look ahead. It feels as though I am ready to rearrange my life again. To make conscious choices, not based on obligation, but on what feels right for our family.
That is why I made a difficult, but clear decision.I resigned from my recent job, a job i truly loved. But I felt the need to be more present for my family. More available. More here.
The new year brings new challenges. I am about to begin a new chapter, one I look toward with confidence. Alongside this, I am launching something I am incredibly proud of. My own webshop.
There, I will be selling journals where mothers can write down their stories. Their thoughts, their feelings, their small and big moments. Writing has helped me immensely over the past years. It gave me calm, clarity, and a place to put down what sometimes felt too heavy to carry alone. I truly believe this can mean something for other mothers too. Not as a solution to everything, but as gentle support in their own journey.
This blogpost feels like the closing of an intense year. But also like a new beginning. I am entering the new year with more trust. With more care for myself. And with the desire to keep growing, together with my family.
I will continue to share updates about Imani and her progress. On January fifth, she will start daycare. For the first time in two years, we will be separated. To be honest, I have looked forward to this moment for a long time. At the same time, it will feel strange not having her with me every day. Still, it feels right. Because it also allows me to reclaim parts of my own life.
On January twelfth, I will start my new job, directly full time. It will take some getting used to, but I am ready. I have a lot to achieve in 2026. I have energy, and I truly feel excited about what lies ahead.
Lastly, I want to thank everyone who has supported me over the past years. Everyone who stood by me when things felt too heavy. The community I have grown so attached to. And all of you, for continuing to follow our story.
I wish you nothing but the very best for the new year. Thank you for being here. And for reading along, even in the quiet moments.
And also a thank you to Koen Bracke for these beautiful pictures.
