A few weeks ago, I returned to work after maternity leave, committed to doing my best. I was running on little sleep, balancing the weight of motherhood and career, and pushing through, like so many of us do.
Then, on Wednesday—my third day back—HR told me that I had resigned the previous Friday. But I hadn’t. I had worked Monday and Tuesday, and I had done my job.
When Systems Fail
The confusion hit me hard. And when I’m under pressure, I cope by joking, though I know this isn't always understood by those around me.
Standing outside my workplace, trying to make sense of what happened, I walked into the public entrance to ask for someone to talk to me. A few moments later, things spiraled, and the sheriff arrived.
Before I knew it, I found myself being escorted out in handcuffs and placed on an involuntary psychiatric hold.
The system is designed to keep people in, not to help them get out. What was meant to be 72 hours stretched into a full week. My family had no idea what was happening, experiencing their own trauma as they tried to make sense of the situation.
The Trauma of Separation
During my time in the hospital, I encountered many things that shocked me. I learned that those we label "crazy" may not be as “crazy” as society thinks. I learned that humor is often not welcomed in a setting like that, and that the mental health system is far from perfect.
I was separated from my children for the first time in my life. It felt like a profound loss, one I didn’t know how to navigate at the time.
But I also learned something powerful during this dark time:
💛 My kids are my #1 priority.
💛 In my home, we choose joy.
💛 I am perfectly imperfect, and I refuse to let anyone define my story for me.
Reclaiming My Truth
Seven years ago, I took a week off to recover from postpartum sleep deprivation. I returned to work after that time. This time, though, was different.
This time, the sheriff came, and I was separated from my family. The trauma from that experience runs deep, but it’s not something I’ll label as "postpartum psychosis" like I did seven years ago. I was joyful, sleep-deprived, and adjusting to life with a new baby.
But I now know that doesn't make me psychotic.
I was simply a woman who refused to see the cruelty in the world.
And now, I see it, but I still choose joy.
The Journey Forward
When I came home, I knew something had changed. The book I was writing—the one I paused during my trauma—was the book I needed the most. It’s not just about prenatal yoga. It's about trusting yourself, choosing your own path, and rising up from the moments that try to break you.
So, I’m back. This book is back. And I’m moving forward with more clarity, purpose, and truth than ever before.
If any of this resonates with you, I want to hear from you. You're not alone. Whatever season you're navigating, you have the power to choose your story.
And mine? It's just getting started.
P.S.- If you'd like to receive a 1-day virtual wellness retreat and be the first to know when my book Wild Mama Rising is published, let me know here.
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