Earlier this year, I looked in the mirror. I didn't recognise myself. My sparkle was gone. In truth, I didn't wake up and suddenly realise "whoops I've lost my sparkle". If I'm really honest with myself (and you) it had been a slow and drawn out dimming of my sparkle. Whilst I've been posting words of courage, adventure and love (things very dear to my heart), I've also been secretly running from my own thunderous cloud; darting from the darkness in what I thought was blissful denial. But I can’t run any more. I'm surrendering to the storm and with that, my truth... • The truth is, my hubby and I have been trying to start a family of our own for what feels like an eternity. And I know there are others out there walking the same tiresome/frustrating/soul-destroying path and understand the darkest depths of the words "with every month that rolls on by, my little heart breaks". And despite my hubby being the incredible rock he is, the first half of this year saw me through the loneliest of times. • So there you have it. A small battle you knew nothing about, but a chapter I wish I had the courage to break my silence on sooner. But the story doesn't end here... • Hope springs at the most unexpected of times and whilst we can't make sense of the divine timing of life, I also wanted to share today that I'm finally pregnant! (Still pinching myself). And I'm well aware this is a more unusual pregnancy announcement. Admittedly, it's hard for me to sing this crazy beautiful news out loud when I know so many others continue to struggle with their own infertility journey. My only hope is that I can serve as a tiny beacon of light that it CAN happen. I want to thank my insanely supportive friends and family who provided me with an endless supply of ears and shoulders to lean on when I needed it most (you know who you are). • To those women, men, couples & lovers out there who ache to dip their toe in the world of parenthood... I feel you... every part of you... with every fibre of my being. Sending you a hefty dose of love a