23. When your body asks for a pause
Last month I wrote about change and how to meet it with more ease as we move through midlife. Turns out, I needed that pep-talk for myself.
Last week I officially left my long-time employee role and stepped fully into self-employment. I’ll still be working with my lovely ex-employer and friend, Jaya, which I’m so grateful for, but now I also have more time to grow this space and create the things I’ve dreamed of for so long. A new season of work, freedom and creativity - everything I’ve hoped for. I was buzzing with ideas!
But life had other plans.
There was an emotional trip to Queensland for Andy’s family, a long drive home with our new car (including a detour for a blown tyre) and then, the moment we landed back in Torquay… my body gave in. A heavy head cold hit.
My first week of self-employment and I was flat on the couch.
At first, I was frustrated and pushing to prove I could do it all, even while sick. But by day two I realised what was really going on. My body wasn’t failing me, it was trying to integrate all the change.
Change, even the good kind, is still stress. Our nervous system doesn’t distinguish between excitement and threat, both require energy to process. Sometimes the only way the body can make us slow down enough to catch up, is to pull the handbrake itself.
So reluctantly I let it.
I swapped strategy for Netflix and planning for naps. And little by little, I felt the relief that comes from finally listening.
If you’re moving through change of your own - a new job, a health shift, kids leaving home, or simply the pull of the new season, here are a few ways to let your body catch up:
Take one intentionally slow day after a big change, even if it feels indulgent, gift yourself some time.
Pay attention to your body’s small signals… the quick breath, the heavy limbs, the restless mind. They often speak before words can.
Journal on: “What part of me hasn’t yet caught up to where I am now?”
Meditate! Because even five minutes of stillness can help your body move from doing to being and remind your nervous system that it’s safe to rest.
Our bodies are always a few steps behind our ambition. Give them the grace to arrive.
October always feels like a deep exhale. The light changes, the air warms and everything begins to unfurl again. But before we rush into blooming, it’s worth remembering that rest is part of growth too.
Maybe this month, you give yourself permission to pause before the next beginning - to let your body settle into all that’s shifting. AND all that lay ahead… the silly season is fast approaching.
Relish the under-scheduled weekends while you can!
Libby x