Last Week, I Watched a Dream Come to Life
Aahliyah Amerat
Mother | Building Ambitious Peace – For Parents Who Want It ALL. Redefining Parenthood & Creating Freedom To Choose.
At the Parent Recharge event last week, something truly special happened. Parents arrived, kids laughed, and for a few hours, we all took a collective exhale. One kid even fell asleep under the slide! This event took a year to bring to life, and it reminded me of the first time I gave myself permission to recharge—and how hard that was. Watching this event come to life after a year of dreaming and planning felt surreal. It was a moment that reminded me:
This is what I’m meant to do.
A Walk-In Mum, A Powerful Conversation
One of the most memorable moments was meeting a walk-in mum. She hadn’t heard of the event but joined because she’d had an overwhelming morning. She was 9 months postpartum, and as we spoke, she shared how she felt like she was failing in her relationship. Her family lived over 8 hours away, leaving her without the village support we all need. She was questioning everything—whether to move back home, start a business, go back to work, or even how to reconnect with her partner.
Honestly? I saw myself in her. At 9 months postpartum, I felt the same—overwhelmed, disconnected, and consumed by all the changes.
By the time she left, she told me she finally felt like she could take a breath. For the first time in a while, she was ready to take a small step forward—starting with trying the brain dump method. (more on that later)
Let’s Stop Telling Parents to “Enjoy the Moment”
During our chat, she mentioned something that used to drive me crazy: “Just enjoy your baby because it goes so fast.” I told her, “People who say that have just forgotten the feeling. They mean well, but they have hindsight bias. If we truly remembered how hard it could be, we’d probably never do it again.”
I won’t give that advice to the next struggling parent I meet. Instead, I’ll offer reassurance:
For example, if sleep training puts you and your baby in distress, don’t do it. Eventually, your child will sleep through the night, and you’ll forget there was ever a time they didn’t. Everything has seasons—nothing lasts forever.
This lesson applies to parenthood, relationships, and business. Feeling content with your choices and staying true to your instincts allows you to navigate each season with peace.
The Brain Dump Diary Method
One of the tools I shared with her was something that’s saved me time and time again: the brain dump diary method.
Here’s how it works:
Why It Works
This method has been a game-changer for me. I use it when:
It’s like having an unbiased sounding board that helps me find clarity. And the best part? It’s a form of journaling that leaves me feeling lighter and more focused. I do this every single night. (Okay, most nights. Some nights, I fall asleep putting my little one to bed!) But I make sure I do it as a weekly ritual to reflect on my past week and get focused for my next week.
Why I Created Ambitious Peace
When that mum left the event, she felt uplifted and seen. That conversation reminded me exactly why I started Ambitious Peace: to create spaces where parents feel supported, heard, and valued.
I felt invisible during pregnancy. Everyone focused on the baby, and it was as if I wasn’t there—merely just a vessel holding the cargo. That invisibility could have easily turned into resentment toward my daughter, entirely because of how others made me feel.
I wanted a space where parents could feel seen—where they could get the support they need to thrive in the moment they’re in and then show up as their best selves for their children.
Seeing parents walk out lighter, more hopeful, and connected to themselves reminded me why I started this journey. It’s not just about moments of rest—it’s about creating a community where parents feel powerful enough to take back control.
Feedback That Touched My Heart
Some feedback from the event truly stuck with me:
Parent Recharge Is Expanding
We’re so excited to share that the Parent Recharge will soon be coming to different parts of London. We’re actively seeking partnerships with more venues to expand this service across the city. Whether you’re looking for a consistent monthly spot near home or want to explore new environments weekly, we’ve got you covered.
Currently, we’re hosting the Parent Recharge every third Thursday of the month at Millie and Maise's luxury soft play café in Clapham. The next event is on 20th February. Our goal is to expand to North, East, and West London by the end of the year, so stay tuned for updates!
Mastery Moment
Remember, this isn’t about perfection—it’s about progress. Just one small step forward can make all the difference.
This week’s task: Carve out 10-15 minutes for a brain dump (yes, even if it’s while your little one naps or you’re sipping cold tea). Unload everything that’s been weighing on your mind and let it flow—no judgment, no filter.
Then, highlight one priority you can focus on and commit to taking one small step toward it this week.
Bonus: If you’re comfortable, share your step with someone who can hold you accountable.
Parenthood Can Be Easier
Parenthood can feel overwhelming, lonely, and chaotic, but moments like the Parent Recharge prove it doesn’t have to stay that way. When we give ourselves space to recharge—mentally, emotionally, and physically—we’re better equipped to show up for the ones we love and, most importantly, for ourselves.
If you’re in London, join us at the next Parent Recharge event or share it with someone who’s in the early-years trenches. Everyone deserves guilt-free time for themselves—and I promise, your child will have a blast while you recharge.
And if you try my Brain Dump Dairy method, hit reply and let me know how it worked for you. I’d love to hear your experience and any insights you gained!
Here for the chaos and the growth,
Aahliyah