EmPower Reflections – Shared by Nikita Saha Lee

When I first became a mum, I was told it would be the most rewarding journey of my life—and in many ways, it was. I was soaking in every phase, from the late-night cuddles to the milestones that seemed to come and go in a blink. I wanted to cherish it all.

But somewhere along the way, I began to feel… burnt out.

And that confused me.

How could I be both grateful and exhausted? How could I love motherhood, yet feel like I wasn’t doing justice to myself for not enjoying every single moment? The guilt crept in. Maybe I wasn’t cut out for this. Maybe I was missing something everyone else seemed to understand.

The Realisation

Through EmPower, I uncovered a truth I didn’t even realise was shaping my life:

I was doing too much.

Not just too much in general—but too much for others, and not nearly enough for myself. I had become the stereotype of the all-giving mother, pouring into everyone around me and leaving little to nothing for myself. The resentment crept in.

It hit me: if I kept running on empty, what example was I really setting? What kind of presence was I giving my family?

Rediscovering What I Value

EmPower gave me the tools to pause, reflect, and ask: What do I truly value?

For me, the answers were simple yet powerful: fun, excitement, and new experiences.

I started adding these to my tracker as non-negotiables. At first, it felt strange to prioritise myself so intentionally. But once I began carving out those small moments—whether it was trying something new, saying yes to adventure, or simply choosing fun—the magic started to unfold.

The Transformation

Something incredible happened.

When I gave myself permission to live in alignment with my values, I started enjoying motherhood more. I began asking for help from my support system without guilt, knowing that by filling myself up, I had more energy, patience, and joy to give.

What’s Next

At the time I was writing this piece, I’d booked myself into a sound bath session—something new, something exciting, and completely aligned with my values. It felt like a small step, but to me, it was everything. It was proof that I can keep evolving, keep exploring, and keep showing up for myself.

Because when I show up for myself, I show up better for my family.

EmPower made that possible.

If you’ve been giving endlessly to others but forgetting yourself, know this: it’s not selfish to choose you. It’s essential.

If you’re a parent or an individual on the edge — know that you’re not alone.

The EmPower programme helps individuals reconnect with who they are, what matters to them, and how to take meaningful action without burning out.

📩 Learn more or speak to our team: Duncan.batty@em-po.com