I hope you feel proud of this kindness to yourself. I’m learning so much about better boundaries from my current exhaustion and burnout, like saying no to family gatherings because they’re tiring and I just don’t want to.
I want to be a cosy little bean curled up in a blanket and watch films and unless something is going to give me joy and energy I’m saying thanks but no thanks.
I’ve just bought The Selfish Romantic, so once I’m finished reading Attached it’s next on my list. I’m acting out my anxious attachment style with my therapist right now and it’s very uncomfortable but being honest and upfront about it has been so healing.
Good on you and enjoy that necessary digital break.
Boundaries have been the biggest challenge I’ve taken on in recent years and I’m nowhere near there yet. But the one I’ve managed to do well is that I have Mondays off work. I’ve done this since I had my first child 11 years ago, I maintained it through a number of different work patterns across two different employers and I carry it on now as a freelancer and it keeps me sane. Sometimes I do a ton of errands, chores round the house, life admin, batch cook, get my nails done, do a Pilates class. Sometimes I just watch TV, listen to podcasts or scroll on my phone. But whatever I do, I do it deliberately and without shame that I’m not doing paid work or doing something for my kids. It’s been a revelation and it has stopped me resenting other stuff, like when I have tight deadlines and have to work into the night - which is both necessary for one of my regular clients, and works well for my ADHD brain anyway.
Hi Michelle, I have been following your account since 2018 and have read all three of your books. I just wanted to share my appreciation here and I hope that your time off gives you some time to reflect on all of the good that you have produced both for yourself and your audience this year. I personally love this chattier style of letter and would be open to any format that you'd want to try!
That’s so kind, thank you! One of the things I realised when writing this letter is that I think I was trying to provide so much value that I lost a lot of my truth and personality. Next year we are bringing that back! 🩵
Thank you for sharing. I only found you this morning on IG and now I know why 😂 I’ve been deliberating this, I’m exhausted. So, I’m taking a break from today. Wishing you a restful and peaceful Christmas.
Good for you to choose you 😊 I like everything you write, whatever the style. It's always you.... I hope you will take, and get, all the rest you need. I worry for you, and for everyone, with all the viruses floating around, that long Covid will catch you again. Or people around you. Covid is far from gone, and keeps developing new mutations that are ever more contagious. Please protect yourself... I hope you don't mind me saying this, I am genuinely concerned, much love to you, Harriet
Hi Michelle! Thank you for your vulnerability and sharing your thoughts and feelings with us as it helps us not to feel alone in the burnout and dealing with all the things in life! Kudos to you for choosing you! I wish more people chose themselves first. Sending you lots of healing vibes and light! Hope you have a restful and relaxing period during your healing journey!
I hope you feel proud of this kindness to yourself. I’m learning so much about better boundaries from my current exhaustion and burnout, like saying no to family gatherings because they’re tiring and I just don’t want to.
I want to be a cosy little bean curled up in a blanket and watch films and unless something is going to give me joy and energy I’m saying thanks but no thanks.
I’ve just bought The Selfish Romantic, so once I’m finished reading Attached it’s next on my list. I’m acting out my anxious attachment style with my therapist right now and it’s very uncomfortable but being honest and upfront about it has been so healing.
Forgot to say: I loved this style - more of this please!
Now that you say it, yes, very proud of myself! I hear you on being a cosy little bean! Oh yay, happy reading! xx
Good on you and enjoy that necessary digital break.
Boundaries have been the biggest challenge I’ve taken on in recent years and I’m nowhere near there yet. But the one I’ve managed to do well is that I have Mondays off work. I’ve done this since I had my first child 11 years ago, I maintained it through a number of different work patterns across two different employers and I carry it on now as a freelancer and it keeps me sane. Sometimes I do a ton of errands, chores round the house, life admin, batch cook, get my nails done, do a Pilates class. Sometimes I just watch TV, listen to podcasts or scroll on my phone. But whatever I do, I do it deliberately and without shame that I’m not doing paid work or doing something for my kids. It’s been a revelation and it has stopped me resenting other stuff, like when I have tight deadlines and have to work into the night - which is both necessary for one of my regular clients, and works well for my ADHD brain anyway.
I think when I have a child I want to start taking Wednesdays off and going down to 4 days a week! I love that you do everything consciously :)
Hi Michelle, I have been following your account since 2018 and have read all three of your books. I just wanted to share my appreciation here and I hope that your time off gives you some time to reflect on all of the good that you have produced both for yourself and your audience this year. I personally love this chattier style of letter and would be open to any format that you'd want to try!
That’s so kind, thank you! One of the things I realised when writing this letter is that I think I was trying to provide so much value that I lost a lot of my truth and personality. Next year we are bringing that back! 🩵
*all three adult books, not How To Say No (yet!)
Thank you for sharing. I only found you this morning on IG and now I know why 😂 I’ve been deliberating this, I’m exhausted. So, I’m taking a break from today. Wishing you a restful and peaceful Christmas.
Oh wow! Fortuitous timing! You too ☺️
Thank you, Michelle, for helping me feel part of your journey. Wishing you a truly peaceful Christmas.
You too and thank you so much 🩵
Proud of you! And your paperback book is going to be just fine without you 💛💛💛
Good for you to choose you 😊 I like everything you write, whatever the style. It's always you.... I hope you will take, and get, all the rest you need. I worry for you, and for everyone, with all the viruses floating around, that long Covid will catch you again. Or people around you. Covid is far from gone, and keeps developing new mutations that are ever more contagious. Please protect yourself... I hope you don't mind me saying this, I am genuinely concerned, much love to you, Harriet
Hi Michelle! Thank you for your vulnerability and sharing your thoughts and feelings with us as it helps us not to feel alone in the burnout and dealing with all the things in life! Kudos to you for choosing you! I wish more people chose themselves first. Sending you lots of healing vibes and light! Hope you have a restful and relaxing period during your healing journey!
When it came to choosing the title, it was all in my head. I hope you get a chance to rest over the break 🥰