I was scrolling on Instagram when I came across a reel featuring Hoda Kotb talking about the book she was reading: The Pivot Year by Brianna Wiest. The words she quoted from The Pivot Year resonated with me so deeply that I bought it immediately. I know I’m in a pivot year—this journey of embracing change, redefining purpose, and discovering meaning beyond traditional parenthood. My identity is shifting because those 20 years were locked up in chasing the dream of motherhood. And now, one year later, I’m still trying to figure out who I am without that dream. What will be my focus?
The Pivot Year: A Journey to Become the Person You Truly Want to Be
The Pivot Year describes itself as a series of essays for 365 days “to become the person you truly want to be.” When I first read that, I thought, “Well, I’m not sure who I want to be yet. Maybe this book isn’t for me.” But since I’d already bought it, I started reading the first few pages—and I was instantly hooked.
Day 1: Facing the Past and Embracing the Present
On day 1, Brianna Wiest writes, “Will you continue to replay the memories of yesterday, or will you meet the moment and make the most of what is in front of you now?” That hit hard. Will I continue to play out the dream of parenthood even though I gave it up last year? Or will I make the most of what is in front of me now? That sounds simple enough—just move on. But what now?
Day 2: Entering the Gold Vortex
So, I read day 2. She writes, “When you finally admit that you do not know what is next, you enter the gold vortex—the space between everything you know you’re meant for and anything you had previously imagined to be.” Well, damn! Day 2, and she already hit the nail on the head. To me, this meant letting go of what I thought was possible and opening myself up to everything I feel deep down I’m meant to do.
A Meaningful Shift Beyond Traditional Parenthood
There’s meaning in not being able to be a parent in the traditional sense, and that’s what I’m trying to discover now. For years, I thought meaning only came from raising children—nurturing, teaching, and guiding them through life. But maybe that’s just one form of meaning. I’m learning that there’s a different kind of fulfillment to be found in creating a life that’s fully my own. It’s about discovering who I am without the role of the traditional “mom,” and finding purpose in ways I never expected. Whether it’s in my relationships, my passions, or simply in the quiet moments of reflection, I’m realizing that meaning isn’t limited to any one path—it’s something I can create, piece by piece, in this new chapter.
Looking Ahead
I’m looking forward to the upcoming days in this book and hoping it will guide me in the future. I recommend reading this book, too—it just might open up something new for you, as it did for me.
