How to begin again

And a recent interview on Alana Kirk's Substack

Twenty minutes ago, I was still in bed. Yesterday morning, I learnt that I can’t do any sport or walk much for at least another two weeks, having injured myself while travelling (nothing major). I was frustrated as I’m burning with energy — to move, to exercise, to be out and about in nature.

But this morning, I embraced it. I stayed in bed late, with my cat purring and reaching his paw up to my face to get my attention, a cup of spiced coffee, and a novel about death — which isn’t as dark as it sounds.

With ever-so-slightly fresher air coming through the window, Autumn is whispering of its return and I’m reminded of what it feels like to slow down, to really rest.

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I have been away and offline. Coming back to work is always a bit confusing, as though I can’t remember how to perform basic tasks. My energy is still scattered; pieces of me left behind in different places, new ideas trying to catch up, and the stimulating change of the last few weeks waiting to settle.

I think this is why people are taking fewer breaks — no matter our circumstances, we feel as though we’re constantly needed. We have to respond to emails, to keep scrolling in case we miss something, to be available and connected. We’re afraid of what might happen if we fully switch off, or that we won’t know how to start again.

I have learnt from experience that I simply cannot live like this, I can’t always show up online or be a presence. My energy and productivity is not consistent, and when I force it to be, my creative work suffers. Breaks are essential and the inspiration that comes from them is juicy.

After a break my mind tells me that I can’t remember how to write these newsletters, or that I’ve lost motivation. Of course, it’s not true. All we have to do to put those thoughts in their place is to sit down and begin. To start somewhere, anywhere.

It’s that simple. The energy will settle. It will release and flow — we can direct it wherever we wish.

So if you’re struggling with getting back into the flow, with the change of seasons or sporadic bursts of energy, try to slow down. Your energy, inspiration, creativity or whatever it is that feels missing will rise back up again, but there’s no harm in taking a beat in the meantime.

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While I was away, Alana Kirk published an interview with me on her Substack.

Alana is a midlife coach, speaker and an author, “I use words to change worlds. Through writing, speaking and coaching, I help women explore and figure out how to navigate this incredibly unique, but often desperately hard midlife.”

You can learn more about Alana and the amazing work she does here.

It was such an honour to be featured on her Substack! I’ve pasted a snippet below, or you can find the full interview here.

What would you tell your 20 year old self?

Don’t feel like you have to follow trends to be successful － trying to do what others describe as a ‘recipe for success’ will not work for you. You will only be successful when you follow your own instincts and pursue your unique ideas, that perhaps others don’t understand at first. Don’t worry about them, listen to yourself and follow what excites you, it will lead to magic and opportunities you can’t imagine. 

If you could wave a midlife magic wand, what you most wish for for women today?

That fear no longer holds them back. That they see just how amazing they really are. To be able to be fully themselves, both alone and in company, to take time for themselves, and to pursue exactly what they want without guilt.

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Until next week,

Tamzin xx