Stepping back to move forward.

“Slowing down isn’t about protesting work. It’s instead about finding a better way to do it.” - Cal Newport

At the start of the year, I created this website with all the best intentions. You know, the kind of intentions that involve neatly scheduled posts, inspirational reflections, and maybe even going viral (a girl can dream!). But as life often reminds us, intentions don’t always equal reality.

Somewhere between family, building a house, running a weightlifting club, coaching, working, studying at university, training, and finishing breast cancer treatment… well, let’s just say my website got pushed to the back of the queue. Along with sleep. And perhaps sanity.

Last week, I found myself sitting in my (currently empty) house on an old Ikea chair, studying biology for the new semester. And then, out of nowhere, a wave of emotion hit me. Those who know me know I’m not exactly what you’d call “emotional” — but there I was, in a house with no furniture (because, honestly, who has the time to pick stuff when life is a whirlwind?), and no real plan to get any.

It was a good moment for a decision. I’ve decided to take the semester off. To take a small step back. To breathe. And, importantly, to make space for the things I love, like writing.

Now, don’t get me wrong, I’m not writing for fame or clicks (and probably not even for my mum to read). I’m writing for me. For this little corner of sanity, reflection, and maybe a bit of humour along the way.

With the semester off, I’m officially reclaiming the running of the house. Furnishing, unpacking, and arranging spaces the way I want them. It’s amazing how small steps can make a big difference: bar stools arrived yesterday, a washing machine and dryer today. Slowly, life is becoming more livable, and I can breathe. But not a full breath. I’ve had painful ribs for the past 4 weeks, and it hurts to breathe in. haha! I’ll share more about that in another post.

So here’s to taking a step back, giving ourselves permission to pause, and remembering that progress doesn’t always look like a finished house, a perfect schedule, or a finished website. Sometimes, it’s just a clean laundry room and a chair that isn’t a camping chair.

- Coach Jade