Back to reality (and 16 degree swims!)

We're back! Our family just returned from the most beautiful trip to Vietnam - I fell in love, and I think I left a piece of my heart there. The food (ohhh the food), the warm ocean, the rich culture, the scooters zipping past in every direction...we absolutely loved it. I took eight pairs of Sheilas with me and they were on full rotation - sun, sand, street food and swims, they handled it all like champs! 

Highlights? Snorkelling in 30 degree water that felt like a bath. Lazing in the sun with the fam. Eating our body weight in bahn mi. Wandering night markets with colourful lanterns in every direction. Massages & hair washes. Safe to say, we'll be back!

I'll pop a few photos below if you want to have a stickybeak at the trip.

This week though? Ugh. Talk about coming back to reality with a thud. It's been one of those weeks where everything has felt a bit...hard. Tariffs, order issues, tech problems, decision fatigue - it's been a lot. I'm so proud of what Sheila May has become, but it's not all sunshine and pretty swimmers. Some week just test you, don't they?

BUT - I made myself a promise. I said I'd get back in the ocean when we returned. I was swimming pretty regularly before we left and I know how good it makes me feel. So this morning, I drove to the beach and there wasn't a single other person there. Just me, the ocean, and a chill in the air.

Let me tell you - 16 degree water hits very different to Vietnam's balmy bathwater! My whole body ached and I nearly talked myself out of it...but I did it! I got in! And despite the pain, I felt alive, clear, proud. I'm going to try to keep the cold dips up over winter.

(If you're a cold-water swimmer, I need your tips! Seriously - does it always hurt this much?!)

And before I go - just wanted to send a little love to anyone finding Mother's Day tricky this year. Whether it's a day of joy, sadness, longing or reflection, I see you.

I'll be spending Sunday with the fam. Feeling grateful for the chance to mark my 20th Mother's Day (how?!). Last night I realised I have been putting kids to bed for 20 years. What used to feel like a chore now feels like something I'm clinging to. They don't need it any more, but I'll take the stories, the snuggles, the sleepy chats for as long as they'll let me. It goes so fast. 

Big hugs,
Toni x