The three versions of me
There’s a version of me that existed before my son’s autism diagnosis — and there’s the woman I am now. Between those two versions lies a journey I never expected to take, one that cracked me open, reshaped me, and taught me what true strength really means.
If you saw the version of me before the diagnosis and saw me now, you’d see three completely different women.
The first version was young — maybe even a little naive — gliding through life without a care in the world. Life was simple. Life was bliss.
The second version was where I began to break. Peeling back layer after layer of myself, trying to find meaning, purpose, and a way to navigate some of the hardest moments of my life.
And the third version… she looks like a woman who has finally come home to herself. She’s powerful beyond measure and carries a deep sense of peace in her world.
To the mums still in the thick of version two — I see you with every part of my being. My heart aches for you and beats alongside you. I see how hard you’re trying. I see you navigating the maze that autism can be. I see you holding it all together for your family, digging deeper than you ever thought possible, even when you’re utterly exhausted.
To the mums who’ve emerged into version three — welcome. Welcome to a glorious life. Welcome to a place where, even when things get hard, gratitude anchors you. You can finally breathe. The world feels abundant, and the energy flows in ways that words can’t quite explain.
And to the mums reading this thinking, “I just don’t have time to add one more thing to my plate,” I want to gently ask you — what is that costing you?
Truly.
What is it costing you not to get support?
Your mental health? Your peace? Your time and energy?
And perhaps more importantly — what is it costing your child?
A regulated mum? A present mum? A mum who feels certain and calm in her world?
So, on this glorious sunny day — my birthday — I ask you:
How can you show up for you today?
How can you take one step closer to becoming the next version of yourself?
Because I promise you — that version of you already exists.
She’s waiting.
She’s strong, calm, and confident.
And when you finally choose to invest in yourself — through coaching, support, or simply giving yourself permission to slow down — you’ll meet her.
And when you do, you’ll realise she was there all along, waiting for you to see her too.
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Podcast Episode #50: Introducing You to the You Are Seen Community
This week I launched the You Are Seen Community. A space for mums (and dads) who get it — mums who are walking the same path of raising autistic children, who are figuring it out one day at a time, just like you.
Inside the You Are Seen Community, you’ll find:
▶️ A safe, private space to ask questions and share your heart
▶️ Weekly mini coaching sessions with me to help you feel calmer and more confident
▶️ Real conversations with other mums who understand what life is really like after a diagnosis
Here’s your next step – JOIN THE COMMUNITY
Once you’ve joined, take a moment to:
1️⃣ Introduce yourself in the welcome post — we’d love to meet you.
2️⃣ Explore the Guides section (you’ll find my favourite resources there).
3️⃣ Keep an eye out for the next mini coaching thread — you can join in or simply read along. And remember — you don’t have to do this alone anymore. You’re part of a community that truly sees you.
See you inside!
