A few months ago, I booked a hotel and went away for the night.

Just me.

I walked there, took chocolate and a good book, and did nothing except relax, read and be in my own company.

I don’t think I said a word for hours.

It was a wonderful treat. It felt indulgent and exciting (and maybe a little weird?).

And it was EXACTLY what I needed.

Scrolling back through photos recently I found this, taken by my daughter as I attempted to recreate a teenage eye roll.

It made me laugh. And also perfectly summed up how I felt (and most likely what I looked like) when my coach first asked me the hardest questions I find to answer:

What do you want to acknowledge yourself for?

What skills or qualities about yourself are you celebrating?

Are you kind and compassionate, and see the learning for next time?

Or…

Do you beat yourself up for getting it wrong?

Ruminate on all the reasons people will think less of you?

Go over and over all the things you could (should) have done to avoid it in the first place?

Does it feel like you’ve been working towards, or through, something for so long and you’re not there yet?

Are you longing to be the other side of something (an illness, a decision, a project) and can’t see the light at the end of the tunnel?

Are you frustrated and a little overwhelmed? Doing everything right but it doesn’t seem to be coming together?

If so, this one’s for you.

How are you feeling at the start of this new year?

Raring to go, or feeling like you want to take it slowly?

Keen to set a big goal for the year, or still emerging from the last one?

Off to a fast start, or worrying that everyone else is out of the blocks and you’re being left behind?

If you are feeling like you need a little time, you’re not alone.