It’s been a week. We all have them, the weeks when we have to keep going but when we also have to give ourselves a little space and quiet time.
I’ve been pre-occupied with some health concerns - the likelihood is that everything will be absolutely fine but I need some appointments and tests to confirm that. So my days feel busy but like I’m not really achieving much because my thoughts feel heavy and my head is emotional.
My three things from this week are:
speaking up if something isn’t quite right - whether you are an old menopausal gal like me or if you are pregnant, in labour or recovering from pregnancy and birth - is important. No-one knows your body like you and so getting checks, asking for more support or reassurance and asking for referrals is crucial.
know how to use your breathing - it can help with discomfort, stress and staying calm. It’s really under-estimated but it can be really simple and effective. There’s a range of free resources on the Breathing Space section of my website.
giving myself a hard time for not achieving what I ‘should’ be achieving and feeling like I am failing, or simply not good enough. I’m busy changing the focus of my business, raising my profile as a specialist and having more confidence in my ‘personal brand’ - and I’m working out what I’m happy with so my work remains genuine, authentic and achievable.
I’m not alone with my over-thinking and self-criticism, I know many of us do this in our personal and professional lives. And my head can be a jumble. I always write down plans and notes but I’ve also started a journal: with quick diary entries, I can make a note of all the good stuff so I have a record of my learning, the conversations, my goals, what I’m good at and my achievements.
I talk about this with parents all the time - make a note of the stuff you are doing well otherwise you might only be consumed by the challenges and stresses - and I’m finally doing this for myself. I reckon my friend Sarah, the Queen of journaling, will be delighted.
I like reflecting on my week and I’m really seeing a difference in my headspace and in my confidence. Thinking about the highlights in your week could be a useful and positive way to think about what has gone well and how you have managed any personal and professional challenges.
And now it’s the weekend - my time to read, attempt to relax and clean the damn house. But first, I will go dancing!
Have a great week x