The Logistics Of Love 😍

 Dearest Diary,

I’ve been looking back at those years when the twins were between 9 and 11, and it feels like a different lifetime. That was the era of the "Great Transition".

Back then, I was still learning how to move from being the Engine to being the Navigator.

My late 40s were spent in a frantic, beautiful blur of dance classes and competitions. I remember the intensity of one of the twins finding their wings on the stage—and even though I couldn't dance with them, being their emotional anchor was the most important job I ever had.

I look back at the "Logistics of Love" from those years and realise how much strategy was involved. I was writing and publishing three books in the quiet gaps between school runs and rehearsals. I didn't chase the limelight for those books then; I left them to stand on their own because my energy was needed on the dance floor and at home. They were my "quiet victories".

Now, from the perspective of my 50s in this house we worked so hard to plan and organise, I see that era for what it truly was: the birth of the Invisible Shift. 

I talk about the actual moves and how I dealt with the moves in previous posts. Such as a new place, a longer wait than I thought and more.

My disability taught my children empathy before they could even name it. It taught them that "I can't" isn't a dead end—it's just an invitation to find a different way. I wasn't "less" of a mum because I sat on the sofa; I was more of a strategist.

The series of being a "Twin Mum" ends in the next one.🌙✨

Love 

The Rigid Years: Navigating the School Bell with CP

 

Dear diary 

It's now January 2026, and I'm looking at my calendar for this January, with all the medical appointments and 'face maintenance,' I can’t help but think back to when the little ones were five. Back then, a calendar this full felt like a battlefield.

​Ages five to seven were the 'Rigid Years.' Everything revolved around that school bell. For a mum with CP, that bell isn't just a sound; it’s a high-stakes deadline. I remember the anxiety of the school gate—standing there (or sitting in my scooter) and feeling the 'able-bodied' gaze. You wonder if the other parents see the effort it took just to get out the door with book bags and PE kits, while your own body is screaming for a rest.

​My arthritis, especially in my neck, really started to flare during this time. I wasn't changing nappies anymore, but I was constantly bending for stubborn zips and laces.

I had to be a 'Logistics Queen.' If I didn't plan the morning with precision, I’d be spent by 10 AM. I remember 'Floor Time'—wanting to be down there playing, but knowing that once I was down, getting back up was a mountain to climb. I learned to use my 3-Fold Breath on the mobility scooter after drop-off just to survive the morning. I wasn't the 'active' mum, but I was the present one." Saying yes and no, and you'll have to wait until the time is right.

While also ensuring I tried to space things out so I didn't have to go to bed too early and could have grown-up time.

Love 

Three weeks with Herbalife. My take on the big Health Lifestyle Company

What is Herbalife?

Herbalife is a lifestyle system that was started in 1980 and has health supplements ranging from protein shakes, vitamin supplements, bars and more. It has a big following and sponsors various sports teams and individuals such as La Galaxy, Cristiano Ronaldo, and the Israel Olympic Committee just to name a few. 

It is a multi-level networking company that is introduced to members by other members by talking about the benefits of the supplements etc. Then getting people to be representatives for the company and introducing more people to the products and lifestyle. 

There are lots of companies that do this, such as Forever Living, Juice Plus, Younique, Fredric Mohra (FM World). 

I am not here to diss the way the companies are run as I have tried many of them as a distributor and found that way of work is just not for me. 

However, as a person who is very conscious of what I should eat because of the way my weight also affects my joints and what agility I have left because of my cerebral palsy. I was very curious to know more about the company. And what they could do for me.

How did I get to know about the business?

Originally I saw a box with the name and also noticed that here in the UK the company was sponsoring the Paralympic team. During the original lockdown in 2020, I joined a Facebook page about cerebral palsy and got to know many people who have the same condition. But various types and stages depending on the person etc. One of whom is the Paralympian David Smith MBE. When he mentioned Herbalife and that he uses the products himself.

I have been sceptical about any lifestyle products that weren't being advertised by a person with the condition. So knowing someone else who has a similar condition using these products. Also seeing that the Paralympic team was using them intrigued me.

What happens first?

First of all, I was asked what I wanted as a goal and what I was eating generally. Also how much was I spending on lunchtime food?  From this, David worked out that having 2 shakes a day if I wanted to lose weight or 1 if I was thinking of maintaining. Originally I was thinking of losing weight but I wasn't sure.

What next?

After much deliberation on my part and life getting in the way. Along with David winning a gold medal in the Paralympics 2021 with  I was ready to take the next step in what I wanted to try. 

Then what?

After the break and life getting in the way. I got back in touch with David Smith and said I was ready to start. We recapped on what were my goals. At which point I said I wasn't exactly sure so wanted to trial the shakes on the whole. Especially as I wasn't sure about what would happen because I have endometriosis as well. And that is affected too by what I eat and drink.

Once we agreed that it was to be a general trial of the shakes he asked me what flavours I wanted. I replied with chocolate and cookies and cream.

The next day!

The following day my order arrived and there was so much more than I expected and included everything I needed. Such as the shake cup, measuring tape, measuring scoop and cookery book. As an extra David had sent me some skincare.

To make the shakes!

To make these it is completely easy. All you have to do is add 1 scoop of the actual shake mix and a scoop of the protein powder to 300ml of water. You can add ice too but I didn’t. My favourite flavour is cookies and cream. I was told you can mix the 2 flavours to make a 3rd of Chocolate Cookies and Cream but haven't as of yet.

What I did next!

Over the next week, I tried to follow his suggestion of having 2 shakes a day however because of added complications I have decided to just stick with having one shake a day when I am super busy as they are the most compatible with me as I have been poorly with other types. 

If you are interested in them please don’t hesitate to contact me.