I’m Back – And Here’s Why I Disappeared

So… it’s been a while.

In fact, I quite literally dropped off the face of the earth for a bit there. Life had other plans for me, and I had to listen. Sometimes, the universe pulls us in unexpected directions, forcing us to step back and reassess. And that’s exactly what happened to me. For a time, I had to focus on my health, my recovery, and my personal journey, and in doing so, everything else had to take a backseat.

But now, after much-needed time for healing, reflection, and regrouping, I’m slowly making my way back to this space, The Educators Well. It’s been a journey—one that I’ll be sharing with you over the coming weeks—but the important thing is that I’m here, and I’m committed to bringing this space back to life with renewed energy and focus.

Over the next few weeks, you’ll start to see some exciting changes and updates here. The Educators Well will begin to bloom again—not just with the professional advice and support you’ve come to expect, but with even more heart, more passion, and more real, raw stories that truly matter. Stories that go beyond the daily grind, and speak to the deeper challenges and triumphs we all face as educators.

You’ll notice new blog posts popping up regularly—ones that reflect my own journey, my lessons learned, and the things I’ve realised along the way. I’ll be sharing reflections that are personal, meaningful, and, I hope, deeply relatable. There will also be fresh resources designed to support your wellbeing, business growth, and everything in between. I’ve been working hard behind the scenes, collaborating with amazing people, and creating resources that I’m so excited to share with you.

And that’s just the beginning. There are also some very special projects in the works that I can’t wait to reveal. I promise you, there’s so much more to come!

So, if you’ve been wondering where I’ve been… I’ve been right here, working on myself and preparing to come back stronger, more aligned with my purpose, and ready to support you all in ways that truly matter. The Educators Well is about to become a thriving hub once again—one that celebrates community, connection, and the wellbeing of educators everywhere.

I’m beyond grateful for your patience, your support, and the community we’ve built here. And I can’t wait for what’s ahead.

So where have I been?

The truth is… I’ve been healing.

And I mean healing. Not just resting, not just taking a break—but truly healing.

A while ago, I experienced a life-altering accident that resulted in Post-Concussion Syndrome (PCS). PCS is a condition that affects so much more than just your head—it touches everything. It’s not just about headaches or dizziness. It’s about the ripple effect that affects your body, your mind, your emotions, and every part of your life. PCS has been a constant companion in my journey, and navigating it has been far more than a physical recovery—it’s been an emotional and mental one as well.

At first, I didn’t fully understand the impact. What began as a concussion soon spiraled into a battle I didn’t expect. I’d always been the person who thrived on activity, on plans, on moving full steam ahead. I loved setting goals, creating new projects, and diving deep into everything I did. But suddenly, those things became impossible. Tasks that once felt simple—like reading a book, concentrating for more than a few minutes, or even responding to emails—became overwhelming. I couldn’t keep up with everything, and that was frustrating. My memory, energy, and ability to engage with the world changed drastically, and I had to face a reality I didn’t want to admit. For someone who had always been driven, creative, and full of big ideas, it was incredibly confronting to be forced to slow down.

It wasn’t just the physical impact of PCS, but the mental and emotional toll it took on me. The cognitive fog made even the simplest tasks feel monumental. I felt disconnected, not just from the world around me, but from the very identity I had built for myself as an educator, as a mentor, and as someone who was always “on.” I couldn’t show up in the same way, and that left me feeling inadequate and unsure.

But as I’ve slowly started to heal, both physically and mentally, I’ve come to understand that this new pace of life isn’t a setback—it’s a new way forward. It’s been a difficult lesson, but I’ve learned that it’s okay to not be constantly moving at full speed. I’ve made peace with the fact that the world doesn’t always require me to show up in the same way I once did. And through that peace, I’ve found clarity.

The clarity isn’t just about how I need to approach my own health—it’s about what matters most in life and work. It’s about slowing down and creating space for what truly nourishes me, and in turn, being able to offer more to others. It’s about understanding the importance of balance and sustainability, and how crucial it is to be kind to yourself, especially when life doesn’t go as planned.

I’ve also realized that the “doing” isn’t always what matters most. Being present, being mindful, and giving yourself the grace to heal—those things matter. And, as I come out of the fog, I see now that the pace I was moving at before wasn’t sustainable. I wasn’t allowing myself the rest, reflection, and recharging that are so crucial for long-term wellbeing.

So, while it’s been a tough road, this healing journey has also been enlightening. And as I’ve continued to heal, I’ve also learned that there’s so much more to life than just pushing through. There’s power in slowing down, in taking a step back to reconnect with what really matters, and in embracing new rhythms that honor our bodies and minds.

Now, I’m ready to move forward—slowly, but with purpose. I’ve learned to listen to my body, to prioritise my wellbeing, and to move in a direction that aligns with the true essence of who I am. The journey isn’t over, but it’s one I’m walking with a new sense of clarity and understanding.

And while I may not be where I was before the accident, I’m exactly where I need to be right now.

The Educators Well has always been about more than just professional development

The Educators Well has always been about more than just professional development. It’s never been solely about ticking off boxes, gaining qualifications, or running endless workshops. No, The Educators Well is about creating something far deeper—space. Space for connection, community, reflection, and, above all, wellbeing.

In a profession that’s often driven by deadlines, expectations, and the constant push to do more, it’s easy to lose sight of what truly matters. It’s easy to get caught up in the hustle of professional growth and forget about the personal growth that must accompany it. The Educators Well was created to remind us all of something essential: We need to thrive—not just in business, but in life. Our careers are an important part of who we are, but they aren’t the whole picture. It’s the balance, the integration of both the professional and personal, that makes us truly successful in the long term.

This idea was something I believed in strongly when I first created The Educators Well, and now, after my own personal journey, I understand just how vital it is more than ever. This experience of stepping back, of slowing down, of healing, has underscored for me the reality that in order to thrive in our work and our lives, we must care for ourselves first. We can’t pour from an empty cup. We can’t be the best leaders, mentors, and educators if we aren’t taking the time to nurture our own wellbeing.

This journey I’ve been on—dealing with the impacts of Post-Concussion Syndrome, facing the challenges of recovery, and learning to listen to my body—has given me an entirely new perspective on educator wellbeing. In the past, I was all about pushing through, working harder, and taking on more. But now, I see clearly that true sustainability isn’t about being everywhere, doing everything, and constantly striving for more. It’s about learning to pause, breathe, and be real.

Sometimes, sustainability means letting go of the unrealistic expectations we place on ourselves. It means giving ourselves permission to not be all things to all people, to not be available 24/7, to not have all the answers all the time. Sometimes, sustainability means taking the time to heal, to rest, to reflect, and to recalibrate. It’s about embracing the seasons of life that require us to slow down, to reassess, and to honor the natural rhythms of our bodies and minds.

We all need care. We all need space to breathe. And I’ve come to realize that the most powerful thing we can do as educators is to lead with authenticity and vulnerability. We don’t need to have everything together all the time. What we need is the courage to admit when we’re struggling, the willingness to lean on others, and the wisdom to know when it’s time to take a step back.

I’m more committed than ever to supporting educator wellbeing—not just as a concept, but as a lived experience. It’s about building a community where we can be honest with one another, where we can share the highs and the lows, and where we can lift each other up when we need it most. It’s about creating a space where we can acknowledge the tough days, the moments of doubt, and the struggles—and still walk forward, together, with hope.

So, this is my promise to you, to all of us: The Educators Well will continue to be a place where we can connect on a human level, where we can support each other through the challenges, and where we can find the tools and resources we need to thrive in our work and in our lives. Because, at the end of the day, it’s about us. It’s about taking care of ourselves so we can be the best for those who depend on us.

Let’s continue to move forward—together, with purpose, and with the understanding that our wellbeing is just as important as the work we do.

What’s next?

So, what’s next on this journey? Well, I’m coming back—stronger, wiser, and with fresh eyes. After everything I’ve been through, I’ve gained a clearer perspective on what truly matters and how to approach this next chapter with intention. I’m grounded in my goals, more connected to my purpose, and with a renewed commitment to helping you navigate your own unique journey in the world of early childhood education and beyond.

I’ve spent the last while reflecting, healing, and recalibrating, and now I’m ready to share that growth with you. There are so many exciting things in the works, and I can’t wait to bring them to life in this space. Over the coming weeks, here’s what you can expect:

• Regular blog reflections (hello again!): I’m bringing the blog back, not just to share what I’ve learned, but to create a space for you to reflect, recharge, and connect with others who are on a similar path. These posts will be real, raw, and full of insights that speak to both the joys and challenges of being an educator.

• Mentoring updates and behind-the-scenes insights: As a mentor, I’ve learned just as much as I’ve taught. I’ll be sharing the wisdom I’ve gained from my own experiences, as well as the stories and successes from those I’ve had the privilege of mentoring.

• Resources for wellbeing, leadership, business sustainability, and educator life: I’m curating resources that are practical, helpful, and aligned with real educator needs. Whether it’s strategies for maintaining your wellbeing, tips for leading with authenticity, or tools for building a sustainable and fulfilling career, you’ll find something here that resonates.

• New collaborations and events in the works: I’m so excited to be collaborating with some incredible people and organisations. We’ll be offering new opportunities for connection, learning, and growth—stay tuned for events, workshops, and partnerships that will empower you to thrive in your career and life.

• ...and a few exciting surprises too! Because who doesn’t love a good surprise? I have some special plans brewing, and I can’t wait to share them with you soon.

But most of all, I want to thank you for sticking around—even when I disappeared for a while. Your support means the world, and I truly appreciate your patience and understanding during my time of healing. We’re all in this together, and every single one of you is part of the community that makes The Educators Well so special.

If you’re navigating something hard right now too, I want you to hear this loud and clear: it’s okay to rest. It’s okay to stumble. It’s okay to take your time. What matters is that you keep moving forward, even if it’s slowly. Life doesn’t always go according to plan, but that doesn’t mean we’ve lost our way.

And above all—don’t stop believing in your purpose. The world needs educators like you—people who care, who show up, and who make a difference every single day. Even when the path feels uncertain, trust that your work is meaningful and that your contributions matter.

I’m so honoured to be walking beside you again, and I’m excited to continue supporting you on your journey. Together, we’ve got this.

With heart,

Rachel x