Suzanne Lock - Pure Living

Something I've been reflecting on lately is how many of the things we used to worry about seem to quietly fall away with time 🍂

When we're younger, so much of our energy goes into second-guessing ourselves. Whether we're doing enough, saying the right thing or just getting life 'right' 🙃

But as the years go on, we start to notice that a lot of those worries simply don't have the same hold on us anymore. And that's something worth recognising 💗

For me, I've realised that I used to care so much about what other people thought of me - or at least what my mind told me they did. My choices, interests, work, boundaries..

Now, I feel so much more at peace. I'm being authentically me, and I know the people who matter to me don't need me to be someone else. It's so freeing 🌻

If you feel comfortable sharing, I'd love to know - what's something you used to worry about that doesn't bother you anymore? xx

Looking back, there was a time I'd shrink myself without realising it 🍂

I'd downplay the things I was proud of. Hold back my excitement in case it seemed silly. Keep my opinions to myself so I didn't come across as 'too much' 💭

So many women start to feel invisible in midlife, as if their best years are behind them..

But it doesn't have to be that way.

Over time, I realised I didn't want to fade into the background anymore. These days, I'm prioritising my wellness and growth like never before, which has been game-changing for both my fulfilment and my confidence 💫

Wearing bold colours and bright patterns has also become one of my favourite little ways of saying "I'm here, and I'm thriving" 🥰

I share my opinions more freely now, instead of keeping them to myself.
I let myself get excited about things and show my feelings without worrying what others might think.
And I celebrate the things I'm proud of - the big, the small and the works in progress 💗

Midlife deserves to be lived out loud 🌻

Have you ever felt yourself shrinking, or are you learning to take up more space too? I'd love to hear where you're at xx

Something I've been thinking about lately is how much courage it takes to change direction in midlife 💭

We spend so many years putting everyone else first and just doing what we think is necessary to get by, that making a choice for ourselves can feel huge. Even the thought of it can be a bit scary 🫣

For me, the brave thought was saying yes to something new about 10 years ago now. I had no idea where it would take me, but it ended up opening the door to a lovely community of women, more freedom in how I spend my days, and a whole new sense of purpose ✨

I'm so glad I listened to that instinct 💗

If this is the little push you've been waiting for, save it for the days you need a reminder 🌿

And if you're curious about what I said yes to, my inbox is always open 💌

The other day, it occurred to me that we treat 'still working on it' like it's a bad thing or it's disappointing.. when really, it's something to be proud of 🫶🏻

We're so used to celebrating the finish line and the things we feel we've mastered. But staying committed to something, even when it's slow, challenging or there's no end date in sight, that takes just as much strength, wherever you are in your journey 💭

For me, finding a work-life balance is exactly that. I've always been stuck in to my work, and it's probably not something I'll ever fully 'crack', but I'm proud I keep working on it anyway. Some weeks, I feel like I've got it right, but other times, I feel like pressure creeps in and gets on top of me 🙃

However, I know I'm making progress. I can feel it. I'm stricter with my boundaries, and I let myself enjoy holidays without worrying so much about leaving my desk. Above all, I keep showing up and working on it, and that's something I'm proud of 💗

With that being said, I'd love to know - what's something you're still working on that you're proud you haven't given up on? I'd love to hear your experience in the comments xx

I think a lot of us are taught that being a good friend means always being available, no matter what it costs us.. but I don't buy that anymore. It doesn't have to be that way 🤍

For years, I'd say yes before I'd even checked how I'd felt about it. I was so worried about what people would think of me if I said no, and I've always loved helping people. However, that meant my own plans, rest and energy always ended up at the bottom of the pile 🥱

When burnout hit, it was clear something had to change, and I realised I had to put myself first. I started using my energy more wisely, and putting myself higher up the list for once. It didn't take long for me to notice the benefits of that shift 🌷

Now, I check in with myself before I make myself available for anything else. My time is mine to protect, and I don't carry guilt for it anymore. Choosing myself hasn't made me a worse friend. I'm now a calmer, more present one 🥰

Some days, saying no still feels hard. Other days, it's second nature. But either way, I trust that 'no' is a complete sentence and I have the right to protect my peace 🌿

How do you think things could change for you if you put yourself higher on the list and let yourself say no? xx

I've been loving these lately 😌💗

Making the most of the summer scenery before autumn comes along, treating my evening skincare like a luxury spa ritual and writing in my gratitude journal to keep my mindset positive ✍🏻✨

I don't always notice what I'm loving at the time, it's usually when I'm looking back that I notice the pattern.. and recently, it's been these three 💭

What have you been enjoying lately? I'd love to know xx