If you’ve been feeling a bit off lately – like your motivation has hit pause, and you’re not quite sure what to do next – you’re not alone. In fact, I’m right there with you.

After an incredibly productive and purpose-filled start to the year, the last few days have felt… different. I’ve achieved so much already in 2025 – scheduled blog posts and newsletters through the end of May, completed new qualifications, and taken big steps in both my personal and professional life. But as April rolled in, so did a sense of stillness. And not the peaceful kind, either.

Instead of ticking off to-do lists and heading to the gym, I’ve found myself stuck in a strange in-between – feeling unmotivated, unsure, and, to be completely honest, a little bit lost. I haven’t had proper quality time with myself. I’ve skipped workouts, paused planning, and found myself wondering, What now?

At first, I fought it. Told myself I should be doing more. That I was wasting time. But I’m learning (and re-learning, constantly) that sometimes, the stillness is exactly what we need. So, in this season, I’m choosing to reframe this lull as an opportunity: a chance to reset, refocus, and realign.

Giving Myself Permission to Slow Down

The truth is – I’m not “doing nothing.” Far from it. I’ve created a solid foundation that allows me the space to step back without everything crumbling. That in itself is something to be proud of.

So, I’m giving myself full permission to pause. Not forever, just long enough to breathe. To unplug from all the expectations I put on myself and to reconnect with what truly matters. This week, I’m taking one or two days off completely. No planning. No pressure. Just space to be still.

That means long walks with no destination. Journaling without structure. Enjoying moments just for the joy of them – not for the outcome.

Reconnecting with Myself

I’ve noticed that the more disconnected I feel from myself, the more difficult everything else becomes. So now, I’m making a conscious effort to come back home to myself. That means moving my body again – not to tick a box but to shift my energy. It means booking solo dates with myself, whether that’s a café stop, a quiet afternoon walk, or a mindful moment in nature.

I’ve even created a little “Soul-Care Checklist” (at the end of the post) of the things that help me feel most grounded. This week, I’m committing to doing one of those things every single day.

Reigniting My Business Spark

When it comes to the business side of things, I’m easing back in with low-pressure wins. No big launches or heavy brainstorming sessions. Instead, I’m:

• Revisiting my why – the heartbeat behind Midlife by Design.
• Reflecting on the women I’ve helped and the impact I want to continue making.
• Reconnect with my audience in small, meaningful ways – whether that’s a story, a poll, or a behind-the-scenes update.

Most importantly, I’m reminding myself that just because I’m not “doing” doesn’t mean I’m not growing. Growth isn’t always loud. Sometimes, it’s quiet. Gentle. Internal.

Planning My Own Reset

To support this realignment, I’m also thinking of planning a solo retreat – or at least a dedicated “reset week” at home. A mix of soul work, movement, and visioning. A chance to review my goals and dreams and make space for whatever’s next.

This will be a time for reflection but also for inspiration. I’ll be filling my cup with long walks, journaling, listening to audiobooks, and engaging with book summaries on the Headway App – my favourite companion on solo strolls, giving me bite-sized wisdom to help me keep moving forward.

What I’m Reminding Myself (and You)

This dip in energy and motivation? It isn’t a sign that I’m failing – it’s feedback. It’s my body and mind’s way of telling me it’s time to check in and slow down.

• You are still moving forward, even in the pauses.
• You are still growing, even when it’s not visible.
• You are still you – powerful, creative, and capable.

So, if you’re reading this and feeling a bit lost, too, I want to encourage you to pause. Take a breath. Be gentle with yourself. And remember, you don’t need to have it all figured out today. Just take the next right step, no matter how small.

Your Turn

If you’ve been feeling like this too – foggy, fatigued, or simply off-track – I’d love to hear from you. What’s been helping you come back to yourself? Have you given yourself permission to slow down, too?

Let’s remind each other that we’re allowed to ebb and flow. We’re allowed to rest, reassess, and reinvent – over and over again.

Because midlife is not a crisis. It’s our creative opportunity.

P.S. If you’re craving space to reconnect and reflect, why not join one of my upcoming Midlife Circle Meet-Ups or take a moment to journal your way back to yourself using the prompts I’ve shared on the blog? You don’t have to do it all alone. 💫

🌿 Soul-Care Checklist

A gentle guide to coming home to yourself

Mind & Emotions

• ☐ Journal freely for 10–15 minutes (no structure, just feelings)
• ☐ Do a “thought detox” – write down worries and release them
• ☐ Sit in stillness and breathe deeply for 3–5 minutes
• ☐ Listen to an uplifting podcast or audiobook
• ☐ Say 3 kind things to yourself out loud
• ☐ Create a list of things you’re proud of this year
• ☐ Repeat a self-love or empowerment affirmation
• ☐ Set a loving boundary that protects your peace

Body & Energy

• ☐ Take a walk in nature (no phone, just you and the world)
• ☐ Stretch for 10 minutes or do gentle yoga
• ☐ Dance to your favourite feel-good playlist
• ☐ Drink a big glass of water and eat something nourishing
• ☐ Do a body scan meditation before bed
• ☐ Book or do something that makes you feel good in your skin (massage, bath, skincare, etc.)
• ☐ Rest without guilt – a nap, an early night, or a slow morning

Heart & Joy

• ☐ Call or voice-note someone who fills you up
• ☐ Watch or read something that makes you laugh
• ☐ Do one thing just for joy (paint, bake, pottery, etc.)
• ☐ Make time for your hobby (even 15 mins counts)
• ☐ Light your favourite candle and set a loving intention
• ☐ Visit a new café, park, or place that sparks curiosity
• ☐ Write down your current dreams (no filtering!)

Spirit & Self-Connection

• ☐ Pull an oracle or inspiration card for the day
• ☐ Write a letter to your future self
• ☐ Create a mini vision board (Pinterest or journal)
• ☐ Sit with a hot drink and ask: What do I need right now?
• ☐ Reflect on your cycle or energy rhythms
• ☐ List 5 things you’re grateful for today
• ☐ Connect with your “why” – why you do what you do

Use this checklist when:

• You’re feeling disconnected or overwhelmed
• You’re lacking motivation and need a reset
• You want to nurture your inner world
• You need to return to you

Remember: soul-care isn’t self-indulgent — it’s essential.

Print this out, keep it in your journal, or save it on your phone as a gentle reminder that you’re allowed to pause, replenish, and begin again at any time.

Feel free to sign up to my Friday Morning Love Note HERE! This isn’t just a newsletter - it’s your invitation to pause, reflect, and realign with you. Every week, we’ll journey together to uncover the small, meaningful shifts that will help you design a life that feels uniquely and beautifully yours. Each week, I’ll deliver fresh intentions, uplifting tips, and simple shifts to inspire purposeful, creative living.