For those who don’t know Rosie (@rosie_luik), she is something of a super human.
Rosie Luik is beautiful, intelligent, kind, with a strong desire to help and motivate others. Rosie is also a model, a social media influencer, a mother to four children, as well as being an altruistic surrogate to twins. After the birth of the twins, and again after the birth of Rosie’s fourth child, Rosie experienced life threatening complications. Rosie has written three books (“Help, I’m a Tweenager: A Girl’s Guide to Puberty”, “21st Century Guide to the Birds and the Bees, and An IVF Story” based on her own experiences). We had the pleasure of meeting Rosie and her delightful husband, Adrian, in Melbourne for the 2017 Influencer Awards and are honoured that she has agreed to allow us to share a little of her inspiring story.
#01 You have been quite open in social media about the health challenges you have had, particularly after the birth of the twins and your youngest child. What do you attribute to your recovery and return to health?
Ido find it a challenge sometimes to share certain parts of my life. However, I also feel strongly that being open and honest about your life, speaking the truth and not trying to maintain a facade, just being yourself is whats best for the mind and soul. My road to recovery was quite a long one and is still ongoing. The twins are now 7 and my youngest 6 and I still undergo the occasional surgery, my last one being a few weeks ago. I feel very blessed though that they are becoming further and further apart. Initially my recovery involved a flurry of procedure after procedure and weeks and months spent at a time in hospital.
After I made it home it took me an entire year to feel and function somewhat like myself again. For quite some time I was consumed by negative feelings of guilt for letting my family down and ashamed that I couldn’t be the Mummy and wife that I wanted and needed to be. Slowly I began to focus on listening to my body, following my instincts and exercising regularly. I had to work just as hard on my mind as well as my body to become strong and healthy again.
I am so grateful that I had the ongoing support and understanding of my husband and kids. They all just adapted to what needed to be done while I was recovering which also had a big influence on helping me return to full health.
#02 How do you juggle your modelling career, four children and your social media commitments?
Our children are now all at school so once the morning routine is done and they are off for the day I get stuck into what I need to get done. If I’m not shooting or traveling I’m kicking off the day with an F45 class and then I get stuck into my emails, social media and planning the week or two ahead. My husband is a firefighter with a rotating roster which works amazing for our family as we can lock in my commitments so that at least one, if not both of us, is always around for the kids. I am also extremely lucky to have a very hands on husband who is fantastic at washing, cooking and cleaning. If I have to travel for a few days I know our home will run smoothly and the kids will eat better than if I was there! Let’s just say cooking is not one of my passions or skill sets!
#03 What is your favourite ‘down time’ activity?
Ilove to exercise but I also love PJ’s, a good book and the couch just as much! I love to lose myself in my writing too. I publish stories to an online writing community which I find extremely therapeutic letting the creative juices flow.
#04 You have recently started another website, blog and Instagram called ‘Move Your Mum’. Can you tell us a little bit about what motivated you to do this and how it has been received?
Istarted my career in my 30’s, after having six kids (twins as a surrogate) and in an industry that is typically not welcoming to older women and especially ones with stretch marks. To achieve the goals I set for myself I had to find ways to carve myself out a career and find a place for me. I wanted to show women and mums that it doesn’t matter how old you are, whether you’ve had kids or not, you can achieve your goals. When I set my goals for my career and what I wanted to achieve, I found that genuine support for my path was a little lacking, especially from the places that you would expect it most. I did have the support of my family and a handful of friends and that was enough for me to keep going. I wondered how people could pursue their goals if they didn’t have at least that handful of people cheering them on. I wanted to create a community of likeminded, supportive women who empower each other, lift each other up and help each other to achieve their goals. A community of women that realise that jealousy and competing with each other is toxic. I wanted to help women and Mum’s take those first steps in the right direction and help them do what they’ve always wanted. I’ve had to overcome so many hurdles; related to health, finances and friendships that I thought by sharing my experiences I could help people set out to achieve their goals too.
#05 What are your top tips for those embarking on motherhood?
Laugh lots and enjoy your beautiful children, they are an absolute gift and on those days you feel broken, tired and fed up just remember it doesn’t last forever. Appreciate the “now” because you never know when you will get that last time of something; the last bedtime story, the last snuggle in the middle of the night, the last time you have to help them brush their teeth or wipe their bottom! Before you know it they will be waving goodbye to you, hopefully thanking you for keeping them safe and loved as they set off to experience the world and create their own life story.
Remember to be as patient as you can. Take a deep breath and take it all on the chin. I used to get told by people that I always seemed calm and to breeze through motherhood. I think thats one of the best compliments I’ve ever received from people. Even though they didn’t see the numerous times I lost my s@#t. I am a fierce protector of my kids and try to make sure as to not let the little things bother me. I see things for what they are and just try to find the enjoyment in every situation. I do my best to remain calm, be present and listen to my children.
I also tell everyone to wear Spanks after giving birth. That was the one piece of advice from my Nanna when I was pregnant with my first baby. I lived in mine for eight weeks after every birth; I swear by them and whatever magic it is that makes them work!
#06 Who do you most admire and why?
I admire lots of people;
My Mum for one, who’s also raised four children and I take a lot from her.
My husband who loves just being with our kids and making memories as a family.
I admire anyone willing to step out of their comfort zone and try something new.
I admire kind, genuine people as I find them so refreshing; one of the best choices you can make is to be kind to people.
I also admire Harry Styles as he’s just himself in a world full of haters, criticism and pressure. He wears what he wants, is who he is and is still so humble and kind. Something I strive to be.
