Dear Dani,

Your message is what makes sharing such personal information so worthwhile. No woman, with or without children, or man for that matter, should think they’re alone. United we’re stronger. There is always a way to balance your life, it’s just a case of discovering it.

Thank you.
Kate

Hi Debra,

Sorry I never responded to you on here. I’m delighted you enjoyed the article, and helping you has been an absolute pleasure. You have a beautiful book that will be sure to please many a reader one day.

Kate

Your article really touched me. I also started using – and still do – my writing as a way of “escaping the world”. I haven’t got children yet, even though I’m in my late 30s, so I wouldn’t know what it is like to be a stay-at-home mum. All I know is what I used to see – and hear – from my own mum what it feels like. I really admire you for finding a way to express yourself and feel fulfilled and balanced! And even more so, to share the experience with other women who may be going through the same phase in their lives.

Only just came across this marvellous piece of yours today, via a post on Twitter.
You have been such a great help to me in the last few months, with your fantastic critiquing and editing skills. After reading this I now feel I know you a little more personally, so many thanks for sharing.
And again a very Happy birthday to you!

Debra
X

Dear Susan, I apologise for missing your comment, but I am so grateful for your words. You are so right, and, although I don’t look forward to the next transitional period, I now know a light can always be found at the end. I am so pleased you enjoyed the article. I wish you all the best.
Kate

I really enjoyed reading this, and resonated with virtually everything you said, though I am another lifestage older. I still remember the grind of my 30s, when I felt that Egyptian slaves had probably had more time off than the modern mother.

Those”transitional” phases repeat over and over again through life, like tides.

But hanging on to one’s sense of self and creativity is acutely difficult in those middle years. The first bloom of youth and that sense of endless possibility has come up against some limits by then.

The spiral journey continues, though, everlastingly.

Hi Caroline! Thanks so much for your comments. This is the reason I wrote the post, because I know so many other women like us will feel lost at some point in their lives and it’s good to know we’re not alone, and if anything, completely normal! I’m so glad you’ve put yourself first and decided to take up writing again, if it gives you some peace and satisfaction, anything on top will be a bonus. Good luck.
Kate

I stumbled across your article through my twitter feed. I loved every word of it. I too am in that transitional phase having moved from SA to London in my early twenties, enjoyed the corporate world for 10 years + then embarked on motherhood and now ten years later, living in Wales and children are just that little bit older and there’s this void that needs filling. I recently embarked on a creative writing course at the insistence of a good friend and loved it. I have rediscovered my love for writing, something I used to do regularly many years ago. I am looking forward to pursuing my new passion and who knows where it may lead. Thanks for the fab read!