Outdoor learning and adventures continue year-round with Ocean State Kids and with the right layers and strategies, families can thrive in every season. Rhode Island’s coastal weather can change quickly — from crisp dry mornings to blustery, wet conditions — so proper gear is key for warmth, comfort, and most importantly the joy and desire to be outdoors.

I walked into MF Training for the the Mother Load class - running on fumes and anxiety, but the moment I saw Melanie and the other moms, the weight lifted — at least the emotional kind. Between baby giggles, naps, and counting reps with toddlers, we found our rhythm. It wasn’t just about strength training; it was about showing up, chaos and all, and remembering that motherhood itself is the ultimate heavy lift — one we don’t have to carry alone.

In this heartfelt reflection, OSK parent Sam Sweet shares how motherhood and community have reshaped her life. Through Ocean State Kids, she found friendship, belonging, and courage—learning to release fear and rediscover joy in simple moments, like searching for crabs with her children. Her story is a reminder that growth often begins in the smallest, most unexpected places.

This invitation is about pushing forward and building the kind of strength it takes to carry more than most people could ever imagine. Starting in November, join MF Training on Thursdays from 11:00–12:00 pm for a one-hour small group personal training session designed especially for mothers and caregivers—and the best part? Carrier-age kids are welcome.

But here’s what I’ve come to believe: we don’t lose ourselves in motherhood—we evolve. Motherhood doesn’t erase who we are; it chisels away what isn’t needed and slowly reveals who we were meant to become all along.