That Crossroads Feeling

Lately, I’ve been having the same kind of conversations with so many friends, and it feels like we’re all standing at a crossroads. Yes, that crossroads. The one that creeps up on you when you realise you’re not done yet, not by a long shot, but something has shifted.

As women, we seem to move through shared chapters in life, no matter our paths or circumstances.
There’s the young and free stage — the one where we’re full of statements, energy, independence. We’re out to show the world who we are. Then comes the era of carving out our place, building careers, saving for homes, navigating relationships, juggling everything to prove we can do it all.

And somewhere along the way, something changes. We stop rinsing the life out of life. We start jogging along, riding the tides, sorting everyone else around us, kids, partners, work, family.
But when did we stop putting ourselves first?
When did we start negotiating our own time away?

It feels like an art form, or a rare skill to keep that balance. To say no and protect a little space just for ourselves.

I’m learning that it’s not about huge life overhauls or dramatic change. It’s about tweaks. Small steps. Little shifts that remind us we still matter.
So here’s my new rule: ring-fence time for just you. Non-negotiable. No, you can’t move it. No, you can’t squeeze in one more thing. The washing, the errands, the "Mum, where’s my leggings?" they can all wait.

This is your time.
Headphones on. Walls up.
You’re off duty, even if it’s only for 30 minutes a day.