Can I Really Be a Leader If I Keep Losing My Keys?

Some days, I feel unstoppable. I’m full of confidence, I’ve got clarity, and I feel like I’m leading with purpose—whether that’s in my parenting, my advocacy work, or simply being a voice for families who often feel unheard. On days like that, I’d proudly say yes, I’m a leader. I show up, I speak out, I hold space for others. I believe in what I’m doing.

But then there are mornings like today.

This morning, I stood in my hallway, searching frantically for my keys—for the second time this month. Last night, I borrowed my husband’s keys so I could get something from the shed (which, of course, turned out not to be in the shed—it’s in the loft, naturally). I took a torch with me, came back inside, and I clearly remember putting both the torch and the keys on the bookshelf.

And now? The keys have vanished.

I’ve retraced my steps, looked in all the usual hiding places (under piles of books, in coat pockets, behind the nappy bin), and nothing. Just that pit-in-your-stomach feeling of being behind again. Late. Disorganised. Frustrated.

It’s in moments like this that I question myself. How can I call myself a leader if I can’t even keep track of a set of keys?

But then I stop and remember something important: leadership isn’t about being perfect. It’s not about always having your life perfectly together or ticking every box. It’s about getting back up when you feel behind. It’s about learning to laugh (even if a bit bitterly) at your own chaos and showing up anyway.

Yes, I lose keys. Yes, I lose confidence sometimes too. But I also lead when I share these honest truths. I lead when I speak openly about the real messiness of parenting, of neurodivergence, of being human. I lead when I let other people see that it’s OK to have off days and still be someone who inspires others.

So today? Maybe I’m not feeling like a leader. Maybe today, I’m following—letting someone else’s routine guide me, leaning on others for support, and just trying to catch up. And that’s OK.

Tomorrow, the keys might be found. The confidence might come back. And I’ll lead again. Because being a leader doesn’t mean you never fall—it means you always rise.

Call to Action:

Have you had a “lost keys” moment recently—literally or metaphorically? I’d love to hear about it. Leave a comment, share your story, and don’t forget to like and subscribe to follow along with more real-life reflections from the parenting trenches.

Update!!!

Ryan had both sets of keys in his bag. So wasn’t me lol.

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Are you a leader or a follower?