True Self Profile - Summa

This month in our True Self series, we are featuring the gorgeous Summa. I met Summa at an Align and Shine Retreat we both attended last month in Mudgee. My intention was to reset; Summa’s was to rediscover herself beyond motherhood. A good reminder for everyone that we are more. More than our life roles, more than our occupation, more than our body, more than our accomplishments…

Our hope is that somewhere in Summa’s story, someone else sees a little bit of themselves and feels reminded that it’s never too late to begin again.

Introducing Summa…

Hi, I’m Summa. A mum, fitness lover and aspiring Reformer Pilates instructor who is currently in a season of life that looks very different to how I once imagined it.

I’m a mum of five, and family is at the absolute heart of who I am. Alongside motherhood. I’ve spent the last 12 months rediscovering me, rebuilding my confidence, finding a love for strength training and movement, and learning that it’s never too late to start something new.

That journey has led me to Reformer Pilates, and I’m currently working towards becoming a Pilates Instructor. I’m equal parts excited and terrified, but I think that's what makes this chapter so special. I am stepping outside of my comfort zone and proving to myself that I’m capable of more than I sometimes give myself credit for.

When I’m not being a mum or at the gym, you’ll usually find me sharing the real-life version of it all online; the workouts, food, wins, wobbles, nerves, motherhood and everything in between. I love being able to connect with other women who are figuring themselves out too, because I've learned that you don't have to have everything perfectly together to be proud of how far you’ve come.

You can find me on Instagram at @summacorecollective where I share my fitness journey, Pilates journey and the beautifully chaotic reality of being a mum and finding myself again.

What has been a life defining moment for you?

Losing my eldest son to SIDs, ten years ago, completely changed my life. It was something I never imagined I would have to experience, and it changed me in ways I’m still discovering.

It taught me just how fragile and precious life is, and it shaped the way I approach motherhood, my family and life in general.

But I also don’t want my story to be defined only by what I’ve lost. I’ve experienced incredible grief, but I’ve also experienced incredible love, joy and growth. Becoming a mum again, raising my children and eventually finding my way back to myself has all shaped who I am today.

What’s the biggest lesson you’ve learnt about yourself?

That I’m capable of far more than I think I am. I have a tendency to doubt myself and convince myself I’m not ready or not good enough, but I’m learning that I don’t have to feel confident before I take the leap.

Sometimes you just have to be terrified and do it anyway.

Who are you currently learning the most from RIGHT Now?

My kids. They constantly remind me to slow down, be present and not take the little things for granted. They also remind me that life doesn’t have to be perfect to be really beautiful.

What does a meaningful life look like to you?

A meaningful life to me is being surrounded by people I love, being present for my kids, looking after myself and having things in my life that excite me.

I used to think a meaningful life was about achievements. Now I think it’s about the memories you’re making while you’re achieving them.

What’s a life non-negotiable for you?

My family, obviously, but also making sure I don’t disappear inside motherhood.

I’m learning that looking after myself isn’t selfish. want my children to see me having dreams, working towards them and doing things that make me happy.

When are you at your happiest?

Probably when I’m surrounded by my family and absolutely nothing exciting is happening. The kids are being chaotic, everyone is laughing, and I’m just sitting there thinking, this is it. This is what I dreamed of.

I also love that feeling after doing something that scared me and realising I actually did it.

What is getting priority in your life right now?

Me - in a way I haven’t prioritised myself before.

My health, my fitness and stepping into this new chapter with Reformer Pilates. I’m currently working towards becoming a teacher, which is equal parts exciting and terrifying.

I’m really enjoying discovering what I’m capable of outside of being Mum

When did you last make yourself proud?

Recently, actually. My final Pilates assessment has been making me incredibly nervous. I even rang my dad crying because I was so anxious about it.

He basically told me, “Good. You should be nervous. If you walked in thinking you knew everything, that would be the problem.”

And honestly, that stuck with me. I’ve kept practising despite being nervous, and I’m proud of myself for not letting the fear make the decision for me.

What advice would you give someone trying to live a good life?

Stop waiting until you are ready.

There will always be a reason to wait. The kids, work, money, your body, your confidence, whatever it is.

But life is happening while you are waiting.

You can be grateful for the life you have and still want something more for yourself. Those two things can exist together.

What do you hope people remember about you?

I hope people remember me as someone who was genuine. Someone who loved fiercely, laughed a lot, wasn’t afraid to start again and always tried to make other people feel comfortable being exactly who they are.

I hope my children remember a mum who loved them enormously, but also showed them that it’s okay to have dreams of your own.

And I hope people remember that no matter what life threw at me, I kept choosing to live it.

Wow, how heartfelt was that! Summa is a mover and a shaker for sure. Thank you for trusting us with your story and sharing so openly. Big love girlfriend. I feel my happiest too when I am out there doing scary shit, being brave and doing it anyway. Such a great feeling. Make sure to give Summa some love on her Instagram, and if you're local to North West Sydney, you might like to try her Reformer Pilates classes.

Make sure to check out all the other true self profiles here.

Each month, an amazing human being will share with us their personal stories and tips on how to live your best life. If you would like to be featured in the upcoming months, then please make contact at laurathexplaura@gmail.com

What resonated with you from Summa’s story?

Perhaps something she shared reminded you of your own journey, or gave you a little nudge to begin again. We’d love to hear from you — join the conversation and leave a comment below .