We moved from Brixton to Hampton in 2014. It was a big shift as we were officially moving out of London to a more 'appropriate' suberb to bring up our only son at the time, Charlie. We knew a few friends in surrounding villages but all my kiwi friends were in North West London. So I was (in theory) starting again and building a whole new friendship base. Charlie was only 7 months at the time and thankfully some of our surrounding friends had young kids too, so I wasn't entirely alone. In fact, as the months and years have marched on I know more people in my neighborhood now than I did back in NZ. I'm so grateful for the beautiful souls I have met since moving here. I mean, wow.

Fast forward to today.. we now have a 2nd son Cooper (20 months old), Charlie finishes nursery (for good) next Friday, and we have 7 weeks of summer holidays ( holy shit ) before he starts SCHOOL in September! Where does the time go?

Anyway, another major thing that has happened since we arrived here is my shift in focus. I've become incredibly passionate about our local community and helping unite people together. Maybe my motivation is simply driven by being a bit older? Maybe it's by being a mum ( with all the other mums & dads) at the nursery gates and making new fabulous friends that has truly lit a fire under my ass to just DO something that might make a positive difference. I have this is incredible urge to get to know our neighbors, create solid friendships and form a TRIBE that may help build a stronger, safer and healthier community for our children to grow up in. They say it takes a village to raise a child. It's my community who may just will look out for my boys as they grow and explore the Hampton village streets, it's my community who may help them when I can't see them, who may bring them home if they are lost, who may knock on our door unannounced with a bottle of wine just to say hi. I feel compelled to build safety around us by unity.

I love connecting with friends on new levels. Group fitness is a brilliant way to bring like minded people together. I sometimes work out with my boys in the playground or park as it's a win win environment for them to play while I get a workout done. Many of us aren't motivated by solo workout missions, hence my FIT KIDS community initiative was born, and by complete accident. I'm working out in the park anyway, why not invite our community to join in - for free!

I'm just like anyone out there. I just want to be a good human, make a positive impact and set a good example for my kids.

If you want to do something like this in your community and need some help! let me know! I'd be happy to share my experiences.