India: falling in love with life itself

Shortly after the breakdown of my relationship, I got the opportunity to go and live in India for a year, and that’s where my real love story began; though not with a specific person. I fell utterly, wildly in love with life and India. The people, the colours, the smells, the food, the way the community welcomed me, the energy that seemed to pulse through every street and market. It captivated me completely.

I fell in love with belonging, with curiosity, with living fully in each moment. India taught me that love doesn’t have to be romantic to be transformative. I came away from that year feeling buzzing with life, open to possibility, and deeply grateful.

Johannesburg: love for adventure and friendships

From there, life took me to Johannesburg, where I spent three unforgettable years. I met people who challenged me, inspired me, and made me laugh until my cheeks hurt. We explored, adventured, and discovered the world and ourselves, together.

That chapter of my life was joyful, adventurous, and defining. The love I experienced there wasn’t romantic, but it was intense, deep, and shaping. I learned what it felt like to be part of a tribe, to give and receive connection, and to have the freedom to be fully myself.

Becoming a solo parent: love like no other

And then, a new chapter began. One I hadn’t anticipated. After much soul searching, I decided to become a solo parent. And oh, the love I discovered for my daughter! It’s fierce, grounding, unshakable, and completely unlike anything I’d ever imagined.

Watching her as she grows up and develops her own little personality. It’s a love that grows daily, revealing new depths of patience and joy. Becoming a parent on my own redefined love, for me, entirely.

Community: the love that surrounds you

Because of having my daughter as a solo parent, I also found my solo parent community. A group of people who understand the highs, the lows, and the messy, brilliant reality of raising a child solo. The connection, support, and belonging I feel there is a reminder that love isn’t just romantic. It’s collective, it’s intentional, and deeply supportive.

Furry love: the love we get from our pets

More recently I added two little loves to my life, my cats, Jovi and Nirvana. Their mischief, playfulness, gentle calming purrs and the snuggles they give, have brought a new layer of joy and contentment to my home. I didn’t grow up with pets and never imagined having cats, and yet they have become a massive part of my life and I can no longer imagine life without them.

Stable Consistent Love: the love we get from those closest to us

Throughout every chapter of my life, there has been one form of love that has never wavered: the steady, reliable love from the people closest to me. Long before any of the other chapters unfolded, I was held by friendships that began at school. The kind that have grown, stretched, and deepened over time — and by the unwavering support of my family.

My love story isn’t conventional. I wouldn’t have it any other way

Looking back, I realise that my love story has never been about one person. It’s been about falling in love with life, with adventure, with belonging, and ultimately with myself and the family I’ve chosen and created. It’s messy, colourful, unexpected, and endlessly rich.

I fell in love with India, with Johannesburg, with my daughter, with my community, and yes, even with two mischievous cats. And every single piece of it has made me who I am today. Open, grateful, and capable of loving deeply, wildly, and without expectation.

My love story isn’t what I imagined when I was 29. It’s better.

If you’d like to see this Love Story brought to life in pictures you can check out the Instagram Reel I made on it.