Journey to Coorie

I always hoped to be a Mum and, after a bit of a bumpy road, this became true for me in 2023 with the birth of my little boy. Previously, I had been an early years teacher for thirteen years and I was so lucky to work in a wonderful school which supported me in teaching in a way that was completely aligned to my personal and professional ethos. Placing children at the very centre, seeing education holistically, valuing and making space for social and emotional development, tapping into children’s inherent curiosity, wonder and natural ability to learn through play and embracing the journey of learning rather than simply aiming to achieve targets. Teaching was an enormous part of my life and I gave it my all, so when it became increasingly clear to me that motherhood was pulling me in a different direction it felt like my very foundation was shaking. How could I make this work for my new little family? How could I possibly be the Mama I wanted to be for my little boy whilst also continuing to follow my calling to teach?

Teaching in the way I had done for so many years before would not be compatible (for me) with raising my son. I had also been knocked sideways by motherhood. Whilst being immensely grateful to finally have our baby in my arms, the emotional, mental and physical changes that came with it were so hard. Every part of me and my life changed and I am still learning to navigate this to this day. Whilst our wider family are amazing, most do not live close by and we really felt the absence of the traditional ‘village’ (more about this on the blog). Nothing prepares you for your first baby (and believe me, I read everything I could beforehand!) and the way in which Western society today seems to place the expectation and emphasis in all the wrong places. To nurture and raise a baby well, we must first nurture and hold the parents. Enter, Coorie. I attended a wonderful baby yoga course (with Mamas tlc) when my little boy was 5 months old. It was a game changer. Here were other sleep deprived parents with questionable stains on their four day old clothes. Here were others who had the same worries as me, the same questions, and with whom I could be utterly honest and know there would be true understanding and no judgement. It was also an opportunity to just be with my baby, to play, to watch him experience and discover the world around him in new ways and to witness his first social intearactions with his peers. And……breathe. I felt deeply that I wanted others to have this experience too and so, after some back and forth, some doubts, and a few pep talks from family and close friends, I began my journey to Coorie.

Scotland, and especially the Isles, have been part of my life for as long as I can remember. It is my heart home and we will be there permanently one day. From the outset, I needed Coorie to be true to who I am now, to be authentic and to be real. A Scottish word therefore felt right as I began to ponder a name. ‘Coorie’ or ‘Coorie in’, is a Scots term meaning to cuddle or to snuggle, normally with a loved one, and this seemed to sum up the core of what I wanted to create. So, here we are. One (still often sleep deprived) teacher and new mum trying to find her way, offering help and support to others and hoping to make a difference, whilst remaining true to my values and beliefs about just how miraculous our children are. If you have stuck with me this far, well done and thank you.

Welcome to Coorie and please, just come as you are.