You’d think loving and looking after ourselves would be easy, right? It sounds so simple — but honestly, it’s one of the trickiest things to get right. And just to spice things up, everyone and their dog has an opinion on the “right” way to do it.
I’ve never been one of those naturally self-confident people. Feeling comfortable in my own skin and speaking up for what I truly want has always felt like a bit of an uphill climb. . I’ve spent so much of my life worrying about letting other people down — but here’s the thing: no matter what decision you make, someone, somewhere will be disappointed. That’s just how life works. But if you end up disappointing yourself? That stings in a totally different way.
That’s why this season of life feels so important to me. For the first time in a long time, I have the space to ask: What do I want? Where do I want to live? What kind of work excites me? Who do I want to become? I’ve been handed a rare opportunity to pause, reset, and rebuild — and I’m grabbing it with both hands. The mission? To become the most unapologetically me version of myself… one bold, slightly scary, but deeply intentional decision at a time.
And now we reach the next big question — another one that sounds simple but is anything but: what do I actually want? What really matters to me?
Sure, I love a cosy night in, curled up on the sofa with a good book, some tea (or cider, or a G&T, let’s be honest), and zero responsibilities. But the truth is, I’m my best self when I’m outside, being social, soaking up good music — or ideally doing all three at once, while trying not to trip over a tree root.
There’s one area of the UK that I’ve completely fallen for — it’s basically my lifestyle wish list brought to life. Close enough to family and city buzz, loads going on, space to roam, and (drumroll please) an actual house that I can afford. With rooms. For guests. Imagine that — actual spare rooms instead of “just shift the laundry off the air bed and mind the dog.” I’d considered moving there before, but life had other plans. Now, it feels like the right time to build a life that fits me, instead of constantly squeezing into someone else’s version.
So, I’ve got my where sorted… now comes the trickier bit — the what. And honestly, this is the part that’s stumping me the most.
I’ve never really thought of it as something that was holding me back, but in a way… it kind of is. I’ve got a lot of interests (multi-passionate, if we’re being fancy), which sounds great until you’re scrolling through job listings and thinking, “Ooh, that looks fun… and so does that… and that…” Suddenly you’re applying to work in the music industry, a government agency, and to be a surf brand ambassador all in one afternoon.
Lately, I’ve been leaning toward working with an engineering or manufacturing company — feels a bit like going back to my roots, in a good way. But here’s the catch: most of my experience has been in people-heavy industries like law, architecture, and PR. All interesting, but not exactly bursting with CNC machines and factory floors. So, if I want to pivot, it’s going to mean making some compromises — probably more than a few.
And, as much as I hate to admit it, doing it solo adds an extra layer of challenge. There’s no one to tag in when I’m worn out, second-guessing everything, or buried under application tabs and motivational snacks. It’s all on me — but maybe that’s the silver lining too. I get to decide how this story goes.
If chasing the career I really want means rethinking other parts of my life, then that’s what I’ll do. It’s not easy, but if I’m building a life that fits me — the whole me — then it’s worth it. Maybe I just need to take a leaf out of the lionesses play book and realise that resilliance is key…and it’s not over whilst there’s still minutes on the clock.
Maybe I just need to channel the Lionesses and remember: resilience is everything. And it’s not over while there’s still time left on the clock.
Speak soon,
M x
...and with it a piece of my soul 
Leave a comment