Some mornings just hit differently. Today was one of those mornings where I could feel the universe laughing at me before 7:30 AM.
It started out as any normal day. I got up, sorted out Amelia’s breakfast, and went to change her nappy. Simple enough, right? Except, midway through, my stomach decided it had other plans. And let me tell you, there was no waiting.
One of the things I don’t talk about enough is that I have incontinence—something that’s been a struggle since having Amelia. It’s one of those things that people don’t really mention, but it’s a reality for so many of us, especially after pregnancy, birth trauma, and neurodiversity-related sensory issues.
So, this morning, my body just… didn’t cooperate. I shit myself. Full-on, no warning, just chaos. There was no chance of making it to the toilet in time, and I had to abandon all dignity and jump in the shower. Meanwhile, Amelia decided she also needed to be involved—trying to get into the shower while it was, well, definitely not a place for a toddler at that moment.
By the time I got myself sorted, I put Amelia in her highchair, thinking that maybe—just maybe—I could get a minute to breathe. But no. Because the moment her breakfast was in front of her, she looked me dead in the eyes and launched it across the room. The floor, the sofa, her clothes—completely covered in cereal.
At that point, I just stood there, staring at the destruction, feeling that overwhelming need to cry. I just needed a little bit of time. A moment to breathe, to process, to not feel like everything was spiraling out of control before 8 AM.
Incontinence and the Realities of Parenting
I don’t think we talk about incontinence enough—how common it is, how isolating it can feel, and how much it impacts daily life. I’ve learned to adapt, to manage, to carry on. But mornings like today? They remind me that my body doesn’t always play by my rules.
And when you’re a parent, there’s no pause button. No “I need a minute.” It’s just survive, clean up, keep going—even when you’re running on empty.
So, What Do You Need a Break From?
Because if I can be honest about this morning’s disaster, then you can be honest too. What’s pushing you to the edge today? What do you wish you could step away from, even just for a moment?
Let’s talk about it—because if there’s one thing I know for sure, it’s that we are not alone in this chaos.
If you’re feeling overwhelmed today, take a breath. Find a moment for yourself, even if it’s just a cup of tea in silence. And if you need to vent, drop a comment below—I’ll be right there with you.
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