Hi everyone, I hope you’re keeping well. The past couple of weeks have been relentless for me. I’ve been navigating freelance life, home life, and the changing of the seasons (ugh, I hate the gloomy weather, I’m a summer baby!).
This time of year is always a little bittersweet for me. I love Christmas, I love nostalgia, but I also sometimes worry about not appreciating memories enough — or wishing I had more time to be fully present. Does anyone else feel that way? You enjoy the festivities, but they can also bring up some heavy feelings.
Anyway, today I felt inspired to write another article, so here we are. I needed to read these reminders myself, so I hope they help you too. Life can feel overwhelming at times, and some weeks leave us feeling a little off balance. If you’re struggling, unsure, or just in need of a gentle reminder, here are five things I think you might need to hear this week.
1. There is Time
Time is one of the most precious things we have, yet it can feel like it’s slipping through our fingers. The pressure to achieve, to reach goals, or simply “keep up” with life can be exhausting. For years I’ve been on a constant treadmill of hustle, without really thinking about my health or my main priorities. I want to remind you that it’s okay to go at your own pace. Take your time. Make the most of every moment. Absorb every experience fully. Life isn’t a race, it’s a journey, and every small step matters.
2. Nothing Good Gets Away
It’s natural to worry about losing opportunities, friendships, or relationships. But the truth is, what’s meant for you will stay and it won’t pass you by. If something comes to an end, it’s not a loss. Every time something comes to an end, it’s a space opening up for something even better to enter your life. Life can be confusing and terrible at times, but things always work out in the end (even if it wasn’t how you originally planned or expected). Trust that what you need will find its way to you, even if it doesn’t feel that way at first.
3. Let Go of What You Can’t Control
I know how frustrating it can be when you’re trying to control something that’s simply beyond your reach. The endless worry, stress, anxiety… I’ve been there. But putting energy into what you cannot change only exhausts you and creates unnecessary stress. I know it’s easy to say this when you’re through the other side, but instead, focus on what you can control: your choices, your reactions, and how you treat yourself. Letting go is not giving up, it’s choosing peace and clarity whilst you navigate the next steps.
4. You Are Exactly Where You Need to Be
I know this reminder can annoy people, but hear me out. It’s so easy to compare yourself to others or to your own expectations. But comparison steals joy. Wherever you are right now, you are doing an incredible job. Growth, learning, and progress don’t always look dramatic or grand, but they are happening, even when it feels quiet or slow. Trust yourself and the path you’re on. Even if things are up and down at the moment, have a little faith that things will work out soon.
5. It’s Okay to Feel Overwhelmed
And last but not least, that leads me onto point number five. Life isn’t always easy, and it’s perfectly normal to feel emotions in full force. It’s okay to rest. It’s okay to cancel plans. It’s okay to let go of anything that doesn’t serve you. Hold space for yourself and the emotions that arise, without judgment. Feeling is a vital part of the human experience, and allowing yourself to feel is a form of self-care.
I’ll be honest… this week, I’ve felt a little low and not quite like myself. But instead of searching for a “why,” I’ve been trying to trust the process. I’m riding the wave, being kind to myself, and reminding myself that this too shall pass. Sometimes, that means letting go of plans or giving yourself extra rest and that’s completely okay.
I make the conscious effort every single day to look after myself, regardless of how I feel or where I am. After all, we can’t expect others to do it for us. Our body and mind are the house we live in, so we need to make it a safe and secure place to be. This might include doing the washing, making the bed, brushing my teeth… Again, it doesn’t need to be adventurous. I try to show up for myself every day. I ease the slack, I’m intentional with my energy, and I choose myself when I can.
So to anyone reading this who might need it: I’m sending you a big virtual hug. You’ve got this, even if it doesn’t feel like it right now. Take a breath, be gentle with yourself, and remember that small, intentional steps forward every day are still progress.
All my love,
Jess xxx
