I’m Inspired
I’ve done something recently that I have not done in ages!
Knitting!
Whilst in a coffee shop a few weeks ago, I happened to bump into two women who had kids at the same time as me. We chatted about what our now adult children are up to and how life is different with grandchildren.
Then we talked about what we were doing. This is often a huge anxiety trigger for many people, especially when you’ve not seen people for a while. Your thoughts race and you wonder if you will ‘measure up’.
What was interesting about the exchange was there were so many similarities. Perhaps it is normal to feel anxious or worried about entering a different stage in life.
Here’s what happened between the two women:
So… what’s new with you? Last time we talked, you were thinking about signing up for some sort of cooking class.
Jordan:
I actually did it! Took me a while to commit, but yeah—I’m two weeks in now. It’s been kind of amazing.
Mia:
No way! That’s awesome. What made you finally go for it?
Jordan:
Honestly? I got tired of eating sad microwaved meals. But I was nervous, like… “What if I’m the worst one there?” Total imposter syndrome.
But it turns out everyone’s there to learn, and messing up is half the fun. I burned a sauce on day one and no one even blinked. It’s been kind of freeing.
Mia:
I love that. It’s wild how much fear we build up around trying something new. But once you’re in it, it’s not nearly as scary as you imagined.
Jordan:
Exactly. What about you? Doing anything new?
Mia:
Yeah—actually, I’ve started journaling again. Like real journaling, not just scribbling to-do lists.
Jordan:
Ohh, look at you getting reflective.
Haha, yeah. I was sceptical at first. Thought it would just make me overthink everything, or that I wouldn’t stick to it. But it’s been helping me sort through my thoughts in a way I didn’t expect.
Jordan:
That’s so good. Is it more like venting or goal setting?
Mia:
A little of both. Some days it’s like “ugh, today was weird,” and other days I write out things I’m proud of or stuff I want to work on. It’s actually been helping with my sleep too—my mind isn’t racing as much at night.
Jordan:
That’s underrated. Mental clarity is a game-changer.
Mia:
Totally. It feels like we have both levelled up.
Jordan:
Right? Who knew that all it takes to feel more alive is learning to sauté vegetables and write our feelings down.
Mia:
Honestly, if that’s adulting, I’m kind of into it.
This conversation was so useful. Really reinforcing at how easy it can be to not step out of your comfort zone when experiencing a change or challenging times.
For me, it’s all about looking after yourself. Being selfish. Yes, I said selfish! Because if you are not going to look after you, whose responsibility, is it?
For more information on self-care for true change, email me (enquiries@susangraingertherapy.co.uk) or check out the website: www.susangraingertherapy.co.uk