Taking the Leap: My First Holiday as a Single Mum and the Lessons I learned

As I sit here reflecting on the experience of taking my first holiday as a single mum with a 6-month-old and a 2.5-year-old, I can’t help but feel a mix of pride, relief, and strength. It was hands down one of the most petrifying, vulnerable experiences of my life. I was terrified. I felt like a failure, a loser, and, worst of all, like I was letting my kids down as a mum. After all, we had just come through the heartbreak of a separation that had shaken the foundation of everything I knew.

This wasn’t just any separation - it happened when I was six months pregnant with our second child, during a time when the world was grappling with the chaos of COVID. My 18-month-old daughter and I found ourselves in Australia with no family nearby, trying to adjust to a new reality in a foreign place. Fast forward a year, and the weight of this new life was still fresh. The restrictions had lifted in Perth, but travel to the UK was still off-limits, and I was desperate for an escape.

Taking my first holiday as a single mum felt like stepping into the unknown. My heart raced as I prepared for the trip. I kept asking myself, "Why did I put us in this position?" The guilt, the shame, and the fear of judgment weighed heavily on me. But then, I had to stop. I had to stop wallowing in self-pity because I realised that we had already been through so much - we had already made it a year. I had to shift my focus and mindset.

As a confident professional woman, I thought I could handle anything. But suddenly, I found myself in a position where I was unsure of who I was and what I was capable of. Taking this holiday felt like a leap of faith - a leap into the unknown, not just with my kids, but with myself. I had to trust in ME, the person who had always tried her best, who had never let herself down, even in the face of immense challenges.

I decided to start small with a week away at a nearby campsite. I arranged for a few friends to come over and play in the pool for a couple of hours, hoping the break would help me reset. What happened next was nothing short of transformative. Before I knew it, I was loving life again. I focused on what I could control, and more importantly, I focused on the positives. The moment I allowed myself to relax and open up to new experiences, things started to shift. I realised that nothing is as scary as it seems. It’s all about what we manifest - and sometimes, the fear only exists because we haven’t taken action.

The biggest lesson I learned during this experience was that starting is the hardest part. Stepping out of your comfort zone can feel daunting, but once you take that first step, the world opens up in ways you never imagined. I rediscovered the joy of trusting myself - because I know that I will never let myself down. And once I let go of the fear and doubts, I saw how humanity can be incredibly supportive. People stepped up, offering help, and showing up for me in ways I hadn’t expected.

Another big takeaway? I can and will do anything I want to. I just have to acknowledge that I can’t do everything. Prioritising what fills my cup - what brings me joy, peace, and growth - is essential for me to move forward. As a woman, as a mum, as a leader in my own life, I realised that when you let go of the illusion of perfection, you start to see opportunities everywhere.

What I learned in that week away was that we all have the strength to take control of our own happiness, even when things feel impossible. If I can do it, you can too. And that’s why I want to share this experience with you.

At Rise and Reign Leadership Group, we empower women at all levels to break through their self-imposed limitations and step into their power. If you’re feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or uncertain, I encourage you to take that first step toward reclaiming your confidence, your happiness, and your potential. You don’t have to do it alone. Whether you’re juggling family, career, or personal challenges, we’re here to guide you, support you, and help you rise.

Join us today and discover the power of community, support, and guidance from women who understand the journey. Let’s rise and reign, together.

Take that first step — because the life you want is within your reach.

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