Women inspired to indulge

Wearing many hats and running a busy schedule is all a part of being a woman, but self-indulgence is something Mullewa resident Philippa Rumble encourages women to do.

Women in Geraldton and the Mid West took time from their busy schedules on Tuesday, February 27, to attend the Women Inspiring Better Business Breakfast at the Gerald Apartment Hotel.

Ms Rumble shared her story of rural living and feelings of isolation, something she struggled with as a young mum living on a farm.

“I was raising two kids on a farm half an hour away from Mullewa and over an hour from Geraldton so I was feeling quite disconnected,” she said.

“It wasn’t until I attended an event with my husband in town when someone said to me, ‘Oh you must be new, welcome’, that I realised I had to do something.”

Ms Rumble became treasurer of her local Agricultural Society, Communications Reference Group member for the National Rural Women’s Coalition and board member of her children’s primary school.

She was previously a WA Rural Ambassador, raising the profile of women in rural Australia.

“I didn’t know how to say no and how to look after myself, I ended up so busy that I couldn’t breathe,” she said.

“I took a step back and started taking time for myself.”

In doing so, Ms Rumble said she started to feel guilty.

“These days there’s expectations of women to do everything and you feel guilty being self-indulgent.

“But I encourage everyone to take 10 minutes every day to do something for yourself.

“I’ve learnt to say no and stop apologising for it, I’ve learnt to value myself and I’m really enjoying it.”

Ms Rumble is starting to study at Geraldton Universities Centre this year. She encouraged women to take the time to value themselves.