Choosing to Heal Loudly: My Journey Through a Tough Winter
This autumn and winter have tested me in ways I never expected. I went back to work after maternity leave, trying to find a balance between my job, my business, and my family. But the reality hit hard—my husband and I no longer had the same days off, which meant we barely got any family time together. Then, just as I was trying to adjust, the Christmas chaos took over, which included three solid weeks of illness in our house and an A&E visit.
I knew something had to change, and that change was reducing my working hours. It was a decision I didn’t make lightly, but I knew it was necessary. My new schedule was supposed to start in January, but an admin error delayed it until February. That extra month of overwhelm pushed me to breaking point. I felt like I was drowning, and for a moment, I just wanted to run away from it all.
But I didn’t. Instead, I reached out. First to my husband, then to my mum, my friends, and finally, I opened up on social media. Admitting that I wasn’t coping felt terrifying at first, but it turned out to be the most freeing thing I could have done. The support I received reminded me that I wasn’t alone, that struggling didn’t mean I was failing, and that asking for help was a strength, not a weakness.
Since then, I’ve made small but meaningful changes to improve my mental health. I’ve been focusing on my version of 1% better—my daily good deed that helps make tomorrow easier. Some days that means tidying a messy drawer, meal planning so I don’t have to think about dinner, or sticking to my skincare routine. Other times, it’s laying out my clothes the night before so I start my morning off right, making space for exercise, or carving out even a few minutes of alone time. Little things that, over time, make a big difference.
Healing isn’t always pretty, and it’s definitely not linear, but I’m choosing to heal loudly—because no one should feel like they have to struggle in silence.
If you’ve been feeling overwhelmed, please know you’re not alone. There’s no shame in asking for help, in making changes, or in choosing yourself. And if you ever need a listening ear, my messages are always open. ❤️
