three women reconnect with their childhood hobbies

In recent years, I’ve had a few career changes and rowing has been a source of motivation. There’s truly nothing better for my mental health than rowing first thing in the morning, watching the sunrise. And when I’m rowing, my focus is razor-sharp; I’m thinking not just about the perfect stroke, but about timing it perfectly with the person in front of me, ensuring the boat flows in balance and harmony. This unity of effort completely absorbs me, freeing me from everyday distractions. It’s taught me to release what isn’t working while embracing new challenges with a renewed sense of purpose.

My three teenage children have also taken up rowing as part of their school program, which has sparked some fascinating conversations around the dinner table. It’s wonderful to see them embrace the sport and develop their own passion for it. I like to think my own dedication to rowing has inspired them in some way, and whether they continue with it or not, I’m proud of their commitment and growth.”

‘It’s been a truly enriching experience’: Dr Asti Mardiasmo, 40

“Growing up, I was fascinated by Japanese ballet-based manga novels, so when I turned six, I decided to take ballet lessons. However, after a few classes, I was told by one of my instructors that I didn’t have the ideal physique for ballet due to being a taller, curvier Indonesian girl. I consequently shifted to traditional Balinese dance, where I excelled due to its emphasis on rhythm rather than body shape.

When my daughter, Ariella, turned 18 months old, I enrolled her in a children’s ballet class because she showed interest in dance. I was also curious to see if she would love ballet as much as I did.

Last year, when I found out that her dance school offered adult ballet classes, I jumped at the chance. I entered my first class feeling anxious and unsure if I could keep up with the physical demands of strength, flexibility and endurance. Luckily, my instructor was understanding and let me go at my own pace.

I left that class feeling exhausted and sore and when I told my daughter, she simply nodded and said, ‘That’s just what ballet is like.’ Her nonchalant response reminded me that the challenges I faced are a normal part of the learning process.

I was devastated that a broken ankle prevented me from joining my daughter in the school’s year-end dance performance. But, during rehearsals, she’d had mixed feelings about me participating. On one hand, she was slightly embarrassed that I might make a fool of myself; on the other, she was thrilled to have me up on stage with her.

Whenever I practised my solo or group routine, she would proudly exclaim to others, ‘That’s my mum!’ However, when we danced together, she’d caution me not to make mistakes and embarrass her. Despite her occasional teasing, I think she’s secretly proud of me.

Taking adult ballet classes has had a profound impact in my muscle tone and posture, and I’m now more mindful of my stance and body language. This has boosted my confidence, especially when delivering keynote speeches on stage. An added bonus has been the joy of revisiting a favourite part of my childhood – wearing ballet shoes.

The community of fellow mums I’ve connected with has also been a godsend. We uplift each other, share laughs and offer constructive feedback. It’s been a truly enriching experience.”

‘I was proud of myself for simply giving it a go’: Natalie Calderwood, 39

“Growing up, soccer was seen as a boys’ sport and there were no visible female players in my community, so I played netball instead. Then, at 38, when my youngest turned one, I wanted to step out of my comfort zone and challenge myself.

In 2023, I stumbled upon a local Facebook group seeking female soccer players for Burwood FC [in Sydney]. The prospect of trying something I’d never had the chance to explore during my youth really excited me, plus I was fan-girling over the Matildas at the time, so it really resonated with me.

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Despite the excitement, every time I thought about signing up I worried about embarrassing myself and felt anxious about my lack of skills. However, I made the decision not to let those insecurities hold me back and was invited to a practice session the following Wednesday. But when heavy rain led to a change of plans, instead of practising I was asked to join the team for a match that weekend.

The night before, I had a crash course on the rules, mainly trying to grasp the concept of ‘offside’, which only added to my confusion and nervousness. I almost backed out – my self-doubt was at an all-time high, convincing me I wasn’t up to the task.

At the match, I was pleasantly surprised to find I wasn’t the only beginner. The women on the team were incredibly supportive and non-competitive, which immediately put me at ease. I didn’t perform perfectly but I was proud of myself for simply giving it a go. From that moment, I was hooked. I began attending weekly practice and I continued to play games and tournaments at weekends.

People, including myself, often think it’s too late to start something new, especially when you’re a busy mother in your late 30s. But I’ve realised there’s no ‘wrong’ time to begin a new journey. By silencing my doubts and pushing my limits, I gained the confidence to become my own boss.

All I needed was a gentle push to reconnect with my inner strength and take on a new challenge. This experience gave me that courage. My takeaway is that pushing past difficulties and accomplishing tough tasks is absolutely within reach.”

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