Reclaiming My "Forward": How "Living Forward" Helped Me After Baby

Becoming a mother is a whirlwind of joy, exhaustion, and a complete shift in priorities. Like many new parents, I found myself utterly consumed by my baby's needs.

My own goals, dreams, and even basic self-care took a backseat. It wasn't intentional, but somewhere between sleepless nights and endless nappy changes, I lost sight of my "forward."

I felt adrift, like my life had become solely about caring for another human, and while that's an incredible privilege, I knew I was missing something. I yearned for a sense of direction, a way to integrate my new identity as a mother with my personal aspirations.

That's when I discovered "Living Forward: A Proven Plan to Stop Drifting and Get the Life You Want" by Michael Hyatt and Daniel Harkavy. It wasn't a magic wand, but it was a lifeline.

The book's simple yet powerful concept – creating a Life Plan – resonated deeply.

It wasn't about adding more to my already overflowing plate, but about strategically organising my life around my core values and priorities. Hyatt and Harkavy emphasised the importance of defining what truly mattered and then building a framework to achieve it.

For me, this meant:

• Identifying my core values: Reconnecting with what truly mattered to me, beyond being a mother.

• Creating a vision: Envisioning the life I wanted to live, not just survive.

• Breaking down goals into actionable steps: Making those visions tangible and achievable, even with limited time.

• Prioritising self-care: Recognising that I couldn't pour from an empty cup.

The "Living Forward" system provided a structure that allowed me to reclaim my "forward." It helped me create a manageable plan that integrated my role as a mother with my personal goals.

I learned to schedule time for myself, in environments that I love. I rediscovered my passion for writing and started carving out small pockets of time to pursue it.

This book didn't just change my life; it gave me the tools to actively shape it. It reminded me that motherhood doesn't mean sacrificing my own dreams. It's about finding a way to integrate them into my new reality.

If you're feeling lost in the chaos of parenthood, or any life transition, I highly recommend giving "Living Forward" a read. It might just help you find your "forward" too.

Written by Lyndsay Ansell,

Founder of the Juggle Struggle

www.jugglestruggle.net