Rise and Restore: Reclaiming Your Identity beyond Motherhood
4th Jun, 2025
Reclaiming Your Identity: The Journey Beyond Motherhood
Rediscovering Purpose and Rising with Inspiration
Motherhood is an extraordinary chapter in a person’s life, filled with moments of joy, sacrifice, and transformation. Yet, it is not uncommon for individuals to find themselves wrestling with a sense of lost identity amid the demands of nurturing others.
When seeking a path to reclaim a sense of who you were before your heart started to walk outside of you – as that is how we most often feel when we have children, regardless of their age - it helps to find inspiration of women who went through this journey before us. As we can never go back into the past and be the same woman as before the arrival of our child, we can incorporate all the new lessons, awarenesses and skills into our sense of our more mature identity.
Women of the bible is one source of inspiration to me, and their stories still inspire us today. Let's dive into how these incredible women have made a difference and why they continue to matter for future generations. Naomi and Ruth are two women that through their story and decisions can teach us how to think differently and choose correct behaviour in spite of difficult circumstances.
A Personal Reflection
As I opened a message I received and saw it is all about finding yourself as a mother after the children were older, it made me aware of how many young mothers get caught up in the identity of “mother” that they put themselves in the background only to look at the person somewhere in the future. Many times, wondering why they feel that something is missing, or a longing for “more” or “if only” thoughts that echo in their minds.
I really want to reach young mothers, but also “seasoned” mothers and address this issue. The genesis of a new course I am developing emerged from my own personal journey. As a mother of two, I devoted years to creating a loving home and raising children who would grow into compassionate and confident individuals. Our first baby was a baby we planned for but did not fall pregnant right away. When we did though, it was a beautiful time. Everything went smoothly until the birth. She contracted meningitis and we did not know whether we would be taking home a developmentally challenged baby, or even a baby at all. With many prayers and a miracle from God, we took our baby home just under a month after she was born. With hard work and dedication, the damage that was done to her brain due to the virus could be corrected by the wonder of neuroplasticity and early stimulation. Needless to say – everything centered around her and her development so she can have a “normal” childhood and just live life. I am thankful and utterly grateful to say that my firstborn did life to the fullest while growing up - academically, sport and life in general. Today as a grown woman and mother of a beautiful boy, I see all the dreams we carried in our hearts, play out in front of us and all honour and glory be to God. We were very fortunate with our second child as there were no complications, and we are blessed with two beautiful daughters. Our first taught me about having faith and the second taught me about not being complacent – always be vigilant as pain can be hidden from our view. That is a story for later.
Looking back, I know I also placed myself last. In the quiet moments of self-reflection, I can do an introspection and ask: Who am I beyond the roles I play? What happened to the dreams, passions, and identity that defined me before motherhood?
At times it was a challenging and emotional process to confront the sense of finding a sense of identity amongst all the roles one plays (child, wife, mother, sister, sister-in-law, aunt etc.). Realising each role plays a part in crafting a wiser, more compassionate, more giving person and adding to the integration of all that makes me, “me”, became the cornerstone of this course— “Rise and Restore: Reclaim Your True Self Beyond Motherhood” - a space where others like me can embark on their own journeys of rising and restoring.
The Concept of Rising and Restoring
At the heart of this course lies the dual concepts of rising and restoring:
Rising: Embracing Growth and Transformation
Rising is about stepping into the next phase of life with courage and conviction. It involves recognizing that your identity is not static, but dynamic—an evolving expression shaped by experiences, challenges, and triumphs. To rise is to embrace growth, shedding limiting beliefs and cultivating a mindset that honors your aspirations.
Restoring: Honoring and Reclaiming
Restoring focuses on rediscovering the parts of yourself that may have been set aside during motherhood. It is an act of honoring your dreams, talents, and passions, bringing them back into the light with renewed vigor. Restoring is not just about returning to who you were; it’s about reclaiming and integrating those elements into the person you’ve become.
Inspiration from Ruth and Naomi
The biblical story of Ruth and Naomi serves as a profound source of inspiration for this journey. Their narrative, found in the Book of Ruth, is one of resilience, loyalty, and renewal—themes that resonate deeply with the concept of reclaiming identity.
Naomi, having lost her husband and sons, faced immense grief and uncertainty. Yet, she found strength in her relationship with Ruth, her daughter-in-law, who refused to leave her side. Together, they journeyed back to Bethlehem, supporting one another through their struggles. Ruth’s unwavering determination to rebuild their lives and Naomi’s eventual restoration to joy and purpose embody the essence of rising and restoring.
Their story teaches us that identity can be reclaimed through community, faith, and perseverance. It reminds us that even in the face of loss, there is hope for renewal and rediscovery.
The Course: A Path to Rediscovery
“Reclaiming Your Identity: The Journey Beyond Motherhood” is structured to guide participants through a thoughtful and transformative process. The course is divided into three key phases:
1. Self-Reflection and Awareness
During this phase participants will explore their current perceptions of identity and uncover the areas where they may feel disconnected or unfulfilled.
2. Rising: Building a Vision for Growth
Practical activities and introspection will help individuals define their aspirations, set achievable goals, and cultivate a mindset of transformation. This phase empowers participants to embrace their evolving identity.
3. Restoring: Reclaiming Purpose
The final phase focuses on integrating the rediscovered elements of identity into daily life. Participants will learn practical tools for honoring their passions, building supportive communities, and celebrating their unique journey.
A Journey Worth Taking
Reclaiming your identity beyond motherhood is not an easy path, but it is a journey rich with possibility and fulfillment. By rising and restoring, you can weave the threads of your experiences into a tapestry that reflects your true self—whole, radiant, and empowered. Motherhood is such a blessing and being a mother is a role one never retires from - it changes your very DNA and forms the platform from which you move forward.
As you embark on this journey, remember the lessons of Ruth and Naomi: resilience, loyalty, and renewal. With faith and determination, you too can reclaim your identity and step boldly into the life you were meant to lead.
This course is an invitation—a call to rise, restore, and rediscover the extraordinary person you are. Together, let’s explore the boundless potential that is within you.