There’s a moment many of us reach, often quietly and without warning, when the pace we’ve been keeping suddenly feels unsustainable. The job, the routine, the endless to-do lists that once felt purposeful now leave us feeling drained and disconnected.
You might not even notice at first. It creeps in gradually, the tiredness that sleep doesn’t fix, the inner restlessness, the sense that something is missing. And for a while, you carry on, telling yourself it’s just a busy season. But what happens when that season never ends?
This is my story of how I found balance again. And why I now hold space for others to pause, reset, and remember who they are beneath the noise.
The Climb Up
At 26, I was offered my first management role. It was everything I had worked for, challenging, exciting, and full of promise. I was determined to prove myself, so I said yes to everything. Yes, to longer hours, yes to added responsibilities, yes to pushing through even when I was exhausted. I enrolled in courses, stayed late, and set my sights on exceeding every target.
From the outside, it looked like success. Inside, I was constantly treading water. The higher I climbed, the harder it became to admit I didn’t feel entirely in control. My confidence wavered, and I often questioned whether I truly belonged in the role I’d worked so hard to earn.
Like many people, I responded the only way I knew how, and I worked harder.
The Slow Drift
Over time, the relentless pace took its toll. My sense of self became entwined with achievement. I stopped asking myself what I wanted or needed. Relationships slipped down the priority list. So did sleep, rest, creativity, and joy.
Looking back, I can see that I didn’t fall apart in one big moment, I simply drifted. Slowly, almost invisibly, I moved away from the person I used to be and the whimsical dreams I had as a little girl. The irony is that I was “doing well” on paper, but I felt increasingly unfulfilled and uncertain.
This is something I see often in others too. particularly those who give so much of themselves to work, family, and responsibility. We’re told success is about pushing through…
…but without intention, even the most successful life can start to feel like a trap.
Choosing to Pause
In 2022, I made a different choice. I took a Time Out. Not because everything had fallen apart, but because I knew I couldn’t keep going the way I had been. I needed space to step back, to see things more clearly, and to finally get honest with myself.
That pause gave me room to breathe, but it also gave me something I hadn’t expected, perspective.
Without the constant busyness to distract me, I had to face what I’d been running from. I realised I could no longer hide from the emotions I’d buried under full calendars and endless tasks. The self-doubt, the fear of not being enough, the creeping sense of emptiness, it all surfaced when I finally slowed down.
I began asking myself deeper questions like, What emotional needs had gone unmet for so long? Why did I feel unfulfilled, even when I was hitting every external marker of success? What was I really afraid of?
It wasn’t easy, but it was necessary.
Alongside the more uplifting reflections, what brings me joy? What feeds my soul? I also made space to explore the parts of me that had been neglected, silenced, or overwhelmed. I unpicked the habits, beliefs, and stories that had kept me on autopilot for so long (and for me my extensive training in Neurolinguistic Programming (NLP), played a huge part in this).
…and with that awareness, with all of that information in hand, I could begin to rebuild.
From a place of honesty.
From a place of self-compassion.
From a place of truth.
Finding Balance Again
The things that helped me weren’t dramatic. They were small, consistent actions, quiet moments of reconnection:
- Smiling – Smiling may seem like a small thing, but it genuinely shifted my state of mind. It softened the edges of stress and helped me connect more openly with those around me.
- Moving my body – Gentle movement became a non-negotiable. Whether it was walking my dogs, cycling local trails, or showing up at the gym, physical activity helped release tension and boost my mood.
- Practising gratitude – This took intention. It’s easy to spiral into what’s not working but training my mind to notice what is helped me ground myself, especially in challenging times.
- Spending time in nature – Volunteering with Coed Lleol at Swiss Valley Reservoir reminded me how healing the outdoors can be. The fresh air, the trees, the stillness, it gave me perspective and presence.
These practices helped me rediscover the version of me that I’d put on hold for years, the one who found joy in simplicity, creativity, connection, and rest.
Introducing The Reset
That personal journey is why I now host a space I call Reset Days, a gentle, restorative day away from expectations and noise.
It’s a chance to digitally detox and tune in to what’s real, honest, and nourishing. You won’t find pressure to perform or fix yourself. Instead, it’s a day to slow down, breathe in the countryside air, and reconnect with parts of yourself that might have been forgotten.
We explore simple rituals from yoga to nature connection, reflective workshops & sound baths and every rest day is just that little bit different from the last, but all run at a pace that honours where you are right now.
Whether you’re burned out, bored, or just curious, Reset Days invite you to step out of the daily rush and back into balance.
You can keep an eye on my Event Page or follow on social media to hear about upcoming dates. They tend to fill quickly, and I’d love for you to join us.
What If You’re Feeling Stuck?
If any part of my story resonates with you, know this: you’re not alone, and it’s not too late to shift.
Balance isn’t about perfection. It’s about tuning in and adjusting gently, again and again. You don’t need to wait for burnout to choose rest. You don’t need to hit a milestone to choose joy.
Start small:
- Notice one thing that lifts your spirits.
- Take a short walk without your phone.
- Write a few lines in a journal.
- Ask yourself: What do I need right now?
Little by little, you’ll find your way back to yourself.
And when you’re ready, I’m holding space for you, whether that’s through a Reset Day, a coaching conversation, or a quiet journal entry from the tools in my Free Resources section on the website. Free Resources – Bryony Wiffen Official
You deserve a life that feels like yours.
