Raising a small child as a woman while travelling 10 months out of the year would, I believe, be something I would not be able or even want to do, although with the amazing example of Leila, I am no longer so sure.
In this quote, Lara St. John reflects on the challenges of raising a small child while maintaining a hectic travel schedule, stating that she initially believed it would be something she would neither be able nor willing to do. The mention of traveling 10 months out of the year highlights the demanding nature of her lifestyle, which might make balancing motherhood and constant travel particularly challenging. St. John implies that, at first, she felt uncertain about managing both responsibilities.
However, St. John notes the amazing example of someone named Leila, whose ability to balance motherhood and a similar lifestyle has caused her to reconsider her initial stance. Leila’s example serves as an inspiration and a source of encouragement, showing St. John that it might indeed be possible to successfully navigate such a challenging situation. This shift in perspective demonstrates how the experiences of others can change one’s beliefs and expectations.
The quote suggests a broader theme of personal growth and empowerment, as St. John moves from doubting her own ability to believing that with the right role models, she can make it work. It underscores how seeing others succeed in difficult circumstances can inspire confidence and make seemingly impossible tasks seem achievable.
Ultimately, St. John’s words reflect both the challenges and the possibilities of juggling professional and personal responsibilities. It highlights the influence of strong role models and the importance of staying open to new possibilities, even when one initially doubts their ability to succeed.
PUVu Phuong Uyen
This really gets me thinking about how we define what’s ‘doable’ when it comes to parenting. Is Lara’s hesitation rooted in practicality, emotional readiness, or societal norms? And how do those layers shift when someone shows us a new way forward? I love how the quote highlights the importance of seeing real-life examples—but I also wonder how often we let admiration turn into unfair comparison.
NTXuan Dieu 12.7 Nguyen Thi
I admire Lara’s vulnerability here—it’s not easy to admit when you doubt your capacity for something, even more so when that view starts to shift. I wonder if seeing Leila’s example also sparked a deeper question for her about what kind of support systems she would need to even consider that kind of life. What would have to change in her world for that to feel possible or even appealing?
TTThanhtu Truongtran
This quote made me reflect on the gendered expectations around parenting. Would we even be having this conversation if it were a man traveling 10 months a year with a child? The fact that Lara feels the need to qualify her uncertainty says a lot about the social pressure women face. I’d be curious to hear if she thinks the music or touring industry is adapting to be more inclusive of parenting artists.
NNNguyen Nguyen
Lara’s statement hints at the influence of role models, which I think is often underestimated. But I’m also curious—does she feel the pressure to emulate Leila’s path, or has it simply broadened her understanding of what’s feasible? Admiring someone is one thing, but choosing a similar lifestyle comes with its own emotional and physical demands. How does she evaluate what would work for her versus what just looks admirable from the outside?
HNAnh Tho Ho Nguyen
I find it fascinating how one example—like Leila’s—can completely shift someone’s belief about what’s possible. It makes me wonder how many other women in high-travel or high-performance careers are redefining what parenting can look like. Could we benefit from hearing more of these stories? They might empower others to reconsider limitations that are more societal than personal.