Redefining Strength: What It Really Means to Be a Woman in Motherhood and Beyond

Ep 10: Finding Strength in Slowing Down, Not Pushing Through

Strength. It’s a word we hear everywhere — especially around International Women’s Day. But the version of strength we’re shown online is often glossy, polished and performative. “Boss babe.” “Do it all.” “Push harder.”

And while that’s inspiring for some, it can feel miles away from the lived reality of motherhood.

In this episode, I talk openly about what strength really looks like for women and mums — the quiet kind, the unseen kind, the kind that doesn’t show up in hashtags or awards. The strength it takes to carry the mental load, hold emotional space for everyone you love, navigate shifting identities, and keep showing up even when you’re exhausted, overwhelmed or simply doing your best.

This is a softer, truer definition of strength — one rooted in vulnerability, honesty, rest and allowing yourself to be human.

Because sometimes strength isn’t pushing through. Sometimes strength is slowing down.

What We Cover in This Episode:

• The truth about “strength” during motherhood
  Why society celebrates women who are constantly achieving and performing — and how that narrative ignores the invisible strength mothers carry every single day.

• The mental, emotional and physical load nobody sees
  From running the family calendar to remembering every school note, grocery item and appointment — plus the emotional labour of supporting kids, partners and friends — Maggie breaks down why this hidden load is a form of strength in itself.

• Why slowing down is often the strongest thing you can do
  Strength is not always powering through. Sometimes it’s admitting you’re tired, asking for help, or choosing rest over pushing harder.

• Empowerment looks different for every woman
  For some women, strength looks like chasing dreams or building a business. For others, it looks like picking a hobby just for themselves or finally saying no to commitments that drain them. Both are valid. Both are powerful.

• What strength looks like after identity shifts
  Maggie opens up about moments where vulnerability — sharing her story, admitting she wasn’t coping, and starting new things despite fear — made her feel most like herself.

• Redefining strength for International Women’s Day
  Instead of fitting someone else’s definition, this episode asks:
  What does strength look like for me now, in this season of my life?

• Why your version of strong is enough
  Whether strength for you is surviving a tough season, dreaming again, resting, trying something new or simply smiling through the hard days — it is valid and worthy of being seen.

💌 Resources & Mentions:

• NJAM Caps – A symbol of this community and a daily reminder that you’re not just a mum — you’re so much more.

• Who Am I Now? Workshop – A self-paced, 13-prompt self-discovery journey to help you reconnect with who you are beyond motherhood.

• A Moment For Me Hobby Subscription Boxes – Mum-proof hobby boxes designed to help you reconnect with yourself through small, nourishing micro-moments of joy.

• The Hidden Chapter Facebook Group – Our free, supportive community where we share early reveals, identity-focused conversations and behind-the-scenes updates.

💬 Listener Takeaway:
Strength doesn’t have to look the same for all of us — and it certainly doesn’t have to match the polished version you see online.

Your strength might be quiet. It might be messy. It might simply be getting through the day or daring to start again after a hard season.

Whatever your version is, it is valid. It is powerful. And it deserves to be seen.

🎧 Listen to the Episode Now:
Hit play on Spotify or Apple Podcasts.
And don’t forget to follow the show so you don’t miss upcoming episodes where we unpack identity, motherhood, and finding YOU again.

Here’s your reminder that empowerment doesn’t have to be loud, big or dramatic. Your small, quiet moments of courage count too.