I don’t often do things for myself, but it struck me during my recent visit home, that I need to be deliberate about taking this beak that I always only talk about.

The rigours of birthing, and raising, 3 young children, while running a startup in a persistently challenging economic environment, has taken a massive toll on me emotionally, mentally, and physically.

I recently discovered that I have a quite serious tear in my L4/L5 lumbar disc, which has caused increasing pain over the last 12 months. I’m currently on a 3-week course of oral steroids to try to medically reduce the herniation, and avoid what could be emergency back surgery.

The doctors believe that this herniation formed as a result of me being inactive and sedentary, for days and weeks, while working long days on Belong. I wasn’t fully aware that sitting for extended periods of time applies tremendous pressure on the discs and the lack of movement limits blood supply and hydration.

My doctors have recommended I try Pilates, alongside the steroids, once the pain starts subsiding - I’m currently seeing mild improvement. The hope is that the meds and the movement compliment each other to help my body heal the herniation over the next few months.

As most of you know, I’ve foregone salary at Belong since May, so I can’t afford this retreat myself. It’s a tough season, but we've been here twice before and we are resilient. We are doing everything in our power to get through it

The funds will be used to pay for a 2-night/3-day Pilates retreat in September.