Finding Purpose Through Parenthood: My Story of Motherhood and Business.

Life, I've come to understand, is a journey that unfolds in mysterious ways. In my case, it's been a journey that intertwined motherhood and business in the most unexpected yet beautiful manner.

My path to motherhood began in the most unexpected way when my husband and I took in my one-year-old nephew, Cooper. His parents were young and going through a divorce. My husband and I took him in and loved him as our own. Cooper was born on September 11th, 2006, and he was a funny and energetic child. He had a special bond with our dog, Pete, and they seemed to have their way of communicating with each other. Cooper was thrilled to learn he would be a big brother as I was pregnant and the baby was due in September. However, on April 24th, 2008, while on a trip to visit his grandparents, the car Cooper was travelling in collided with a broken-down car, and he tragically passed away at Manning Base Hospital on April 25th, 2008.

Two days before Cooper's second birthday, on September 10th, 2008, I went into labour with my daughter. It felt like Cooper had something to do with it, as if he was trying to keep everyone occupied so we wouldn't dwell on the sadness of not having him with us to celebrate his birthday. I gave birth on September 12th to the most perfect baby girl. Well …….. sort of perfect; she was born with a torticollis tumour (a benign mass/lump on the neck that causes the baby's head to tilt to one side) and congenital vertical talus (her left foot was turned outward, and her toes were touching her shin). Both conditions were corrected with physiotherapy. I gave birth to another daughter in 2011 and a son in 2013.

After our first daughter was born, my husband joined the Army, and we were relocated to Brisbane, which allowed me to be closer to my older sister. My sister became my biggest support because my husband was often absent and uninvolved in family life. She joined me in the journey of motherhood, and our children, born around the same time, formed a close bond.

Eventually, I became a single mother with three kids half the time. I was determined to build a good life for my kids and myself, so I worked hard to complete my social work degree and obtain mental health accreditation to start a private therapy practice. In 2020, I fulfilled my dream and established my private practice. My sister has been my pillar of support, holding me up when I needed it the most and helping to raise my children when I decided to leave my marriage. She cried with me when it got too hard; she brought me bread and chicken when we had no money, and she loved my kids and me when I didn't have the energy. Motherhood wouldn't be the same without her!

Shortly after entering single parenthood, a new aspect of motherhood presented itself to me – the world of neurodiversity. The diagnosis of ADHD and autism in my daughter propelled me into a world of learning, ultimately leading to my own diagnosis. This discovery - of a neurodiverse family - changed my perception of motherhood and, in turn, influenced the direction of my business.

Understanding neurodivergent minds was liberating. It taught me to make peace with my perceived flaws and to celebrate my strengths. Knowledge of my children's neurodivergent world helped me understand the true purpose of my business - Balance Centre for Mental Health. This sanctuary, built with an intent to understand and accept, became a healing space where individuals could explore themselves, improve their mental health and sketch out their life's strategic plan.

Being a mum blessed with neurodiverse children and being neurodivergent myself, I made it my mission to provide psychological and coaching services to children, adolescents, and adults who lie outside the conventional mental health boxes.

The journey of motherhood has heavily influenced my business, teaching me that strength often comes from overcoming challenges. It taught me that what may appear as imperfections to some are actually what make us uniquely beautiful.

In the end, my lessons of motherhood and the birth of my business are inseparable. Just like my children, my business too was born out of love, nurtured through trials, and strengthened by overcoming challenges. As I continue on this journey, I am reminded every day of why I do what I do – for the love of my children, the love of self-discovery, and the love of helping others find their equilibrium in life.

I hope my story resonates with you, and I look forward to sharing more tales from this beautifully chaotic journey called life.

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This story was contributed by:

Teena Mogler from Balance Centre for Mental Health

Teena is a a Mental Health Social Worker who specialises in Autism and ADHD, working with individuals, families and carers. I am an experienced mental health clinician who uses a non-judgmental and empathetic approach to treat a wide variety of difficulties in adults and adolescents.

You can get in touch with her at admin@balancecentreformentalhealth.com.au or via https://www.balancecentreformentalhealth.com.au/contact