Pancake Day today.

I’ve been talking about it for weeks, planning toppings, thinking about it, definitely looking forward to it… and then somehow only just remembered this afternoon. Classic. Annoying. Very typically me.

Life has felt a bit like the weather lately. Four seasons in one day. Sunshine one minute, rain sideways the next. Cold wind, then sudden warmth. It sums up how many of us are moving through life right now, changeable, unpredictable, trying to keep up.

The roads are full of potholes too, which feels like a decent metaphor. You think you’re cruising along nicely and suddenly, bang, you hit something you didn’t see coming. Puncture, turns into new tyre. Cost a fortune I cant really afford, messed up my day.

Today has been busy. Admin piles. Organising things. Collecting stock for a workshop. Trying to remember what needs doing next while my brain jumps three steps ahead. At one point I found myself standing in the kitchen eating Nutella straight from the jar with a spoon, because sometimes that’s just where the day lands.

And honestly? That’s okay.

Being busy doesn’t always mean being productive. Sometimes it just means juggling a hundred small things while trying not to drop the important ones.

One thing I have learned, and keep relearning, is the importance of prioritising what actually keeps me steady. For me today that meant getting the dog out for a walk. Fresh air. Moving my body. Stepping away from the admin and the noise in my head.

Self-care isn’t always candles and long baths. Sometimes it’s muddy boots, wind in your face, and ten minutes where nobody needs anything from you.

I’ve also been trying to drink more water. Sparkling water with lime juice feels like a small win, simple, grounding, a little ritual that reminds me to slow down for a moment. Some days I dont manage it. Some days I do, these are the days I celebrate rather than beating myself up on the days I forget.

And this is where the therapy part comes in.

So many clients come into the room feeling like they should be doing more, coping better, managing perfectly. (That bloody word “should” it carries so much shame.) Yet life isn’t neat. It’s messy and full of competing priorities. Some days you’re organised and on top of everything. Other days you’re eating Nutella from the jar wondering how it’s only lunchtime.

Both are normal.

A few gentle reminders if today feels a bit like chaos:

Prioritise the basics first. Food, water, movement, fresh air, they genuinely change how our nervous system copes with stress.
Choose one or two key tasks, not ten. Your brain likes achievable wins.
Notice your self-talk. “I’m failing” is usually just “I’m overloaded.”
Build pauses into the day. Even five minutes outside counts. My apple diary is my friend! If its not in there, its doubtful it will happen.
Allow imperfection. Life doesn’t need to be beautifully organised to be meaningful. Tomorrow isnt promised. The here and now is so important.

Therapy certainly isn’t about fixing everything. You are not broken. It’s about learning how to move through the busy, unpredictable days with a bit more compassion for ourselves.

So if you’re reading this while juggling work, family, emotions, deadlines, weather changes, and maybe your own metaphorical potholes, you’re not alone.

Take the walk. Drink the water. Eat the pancake (or the Nutella).

Small things matter more than we realise.

Did the jobs get done? Did they heck. My husband surprised me with a bowling trip and couple of hours in the arcade. Did I have fun? Yes. Does it matter the jobs havent got done? Nope. Do I feel good? Yes, exhausted and happy. Does it affect my work or my clients? Jobs being done no. The trip out gives them a non burnt out me. I’m modelling boundaries, being human and self care. Tomorrow is another day! (And i’ll have pancakes then! If I remember!)

Stay safe.

Stay connected.

Take gentle care.

Louise x