You know those moments when you tell yourself, “I just can’t do this right now” - when life feels chaotic, your to-do list never seems to end, and the weight of everything on your plate feels completely overwhelming? Then your brain pipes up: "Okay, when I’m less busy… when my life is more together… then I’ll do it." Yep, you know what I'm talking about.

But you know what? It’s not actually life or your circumstances holding you back. It’s your thoughts. The stories you’re telling yourself are the real barrier. We’ve all been there. I do it all the time: “When my business is more established… when I have more time… when life isn’t so overwhelming… then I’ll do it.” But the truth? It’s never the external stuff. It’s your own mind putting your life on hold, keeping you stuck, and stopping you from leaning into what feels right, even if it’s uncomfortable, challenging, or a little scary.

And it’s not just the big things, even the small stuff can get hijacked by your thoughts. You know those days when you’re feeling off, and suddenly the world seems filtered through negativity? You think, I’m not feeling great, so I’ll just keep to myself today… or you start imagining what other people must think of you, projecting your own insecurities onto them. Look, that’s totally normal, we all do it. But here’s the thing: it’s your thoughts creating that experience.

I’m not saying you have to push down your feelings or pretend to be someone you’re not. It’s okay to feel how you feel. What I am saying is this: I know those thoughts feel real. I know they’re convincing, powerful, and can feel like life itself. But the truth is, they’re just a story - your perspective - and I’m asking you to loosen your grip on them. The tighter you hold on, the more you spiral, and the worse you feel.

Don’t let those thoughts stop you from taking the next step, from doing what you know is right for you. Don’t let them hold you back. Because when your thoughts run the show, you shut yourself off from opportunities, connections, and experiences that could help you grow. Your inner wisdom - that quiet, steady voice - is the real hero here. Your thoughts? Sometimes they’re the enemy, convincing you that you’re not good enough, that you’re not capable, or that you can’t do something, when none of that is true.

Imagine your friend sitting in front of you, saying, “I’m not good enough for this or that!” You’d be like, “What are you talking about? Stop saying that nonsense! You can do anything you put your mind to. Trust yourself. Listen to yourself. Take it one step at a time. Don’t limit yourself like that.”

So why do we take our own thoughts as fact? I get it - they feel powerful, convincing, overwhelming. I’m not saying you shouldn’t have those feelings, but if it were your friend, you’d want to shake them and say, “God damn it, you are enough! What do I have to do to show you that?”

And that’s the thing, it’s often so much easier to see someone else’s thoughts for what they really are. But inside your own head, they feel real, undeniable, and heavy. Getting perspective from a friend or someone you trust is powerful. It shows you that your thoughts are just that - thoughts. Your perspective. The story you’ve been telling yourself. Step back, see it from the outside, and suddenly you realise it’s not the truth - and the weight you’ve been carrying begins to lift.

Delaying your life because of societal norms, fears, or beliefs you’ve absorbed? That doesn’t help. Life isn’t easy for anyone, and it’s never going to be perfect. But you always figure it out. Always. Even when it feels impossible. Think about all the times life has thrown you curveballs, and somehow you put one foot in front of the other and got through it. Deep down, you knew what to do - even if it didn’t feel like it at the time. And you will know what to do next time life throws something at you. Trust yourself. Seriously. Trust that you can handle what’s ahead, that you are enough, and that it will be okay.

Life has thrown quite a few unexpected challenges my way. I guess the older you get, the more chances you’ve had to face curveballs. And every single time, I’ve managed to get through them. There’s nothing special about me, I’m just human, like you. I’ve felt overwhelmed, unsure, and stretched thin, and yet here I am.

When I got pregnant, I had just started a new job, it wasn’t well-paid, and I was renting. Was it hard? Absolutely. Did it build character? Without a doubt. Do I regret it? Not for a second. Honestly, there’s never a “perfect” time for the big moments in life. Facing challenges is exactly what helps you grow. And really, who’s to say it would have been any easier if I’d had more money? Juggling work, childcare, and life in general is hard for almost everyone, no matter the circumstances.

When I look back at those days, I can really see how much I’ve grown. My priorities were different, my thoughts were different, but at my core, I’m still me. Those tough moments - the messy, painful, exhausting ones - they built resilience, shaped my perspective, and proved to me over and over that I’m strong enough to get through hard times. They showed me that, no matter what life throws next, I’ll be okay. Do I forget that sometimes? Absolutely. But reminding ourselves of it is exactly what helps us trust ourselves again.

Every challenge is like a building block - it strengthens you, teaches you, and reminds you of something so important: you are enough. I really want you to pause and recognise that. Think about everything you’ve faced and come through, even when it felt unbearable in the moment. Can you see it now? Can you see how capable you were to get through that challenge, and how capable you will be when the next one comes your way? Trust yourself. Believe that you are enough - because you are. You are innately worthy, and no matter what life throws your way, you will be okay.

Don’t get caught up in a future you can’t predict. Those “what ifs” are just stories your mind creates, and letting them run wild only makes you feel worse. Focus on one step, one day at a time, and trust that when the next move is needed, you’ll know exactly what to do.

So here’s the takeaway: don’t close yourself off to life, connections, or opportunities just because you feel overwhelmed. Don’t wait until you’re less stressed, happier, or “ready” to start living. That’s your mind creating limits that don’t exist. Life is messy, beautiful, challenging, and unpredictable - and that’s exactly why it’s worth showing up for. Trust yourself. You always figure it out. 🩷