Woman In Blume: September 2026 Newsletter

When Something Needs to Change: Reclaiming Yourself

Greetings,

A slightly longer read this time, inspired by something I’ve been hearing from many women recently. Perhaps some of it will resonate with you too.

We find ourselves at the end of the third quarter, heading into the final stretch for the year. The clichéd phrase we use and often hear, “how time flies”, has become our reality. Reflecting on where we left off and what brought us to September, I was inspired by conversations with countless women who are exhausted and recognising that something must give. That exhaustion has come earlier than expected, with some of us looking forward to the December holiday season to provide us with some respite from the daily grind, but we’re not quite there yet!

I’m exhausted! Does that ring true?

Sometimes it’s pure exhaustion, but other times it may be burnout, and we may not always recognise the symptoms. Either way, it’s a signal from our body that we can choose to ignore or pay attention to. Rest can temporarily restore us but may not always be the solution to remedying exhaustion and burnout. Let’s pay attention to that signal and see where it takes us.

Yet, I’m more than the roles I carry

A contributing factor to our exhaustion is over-extending ourselves. As a woman, we hold so many roles and spaces, from being a daughter, sister, mother, friend, leader, colleague and being ourselves. We spend so much time as nurturers and seeing to the needs of others. Along the way, we have neglected ourselves and lost sight of who we are beyond these roles. Is that true for you? Perhaps recognising this is the first step towards realising that something needs to change and figuring out what’s no longer working for you.

That’s what inspired the September newsletter, recognising that we are more than the roles we carry! Exhaustion, burnout and overlooking our needs contribute to a cycle of staying stuck.

I’ve changed, and maybe my needs have changed too

The reality is that we all change. Our needs change as we evolve, and we reach a realisation that something needs to change as part of that process. Have you reached that point or had a similar thought?

Sometimes small changes can result in big shifts. What do I mean? Well, it may be your relationship with time or setting new boundaries to protect your mental health and recognising when “saying yes” does not serve you. I can relate to this, since I’ve often struggled to say no without putting myself last.

Or rethinking your career, which may show up as a monumental shift, like changing your career, or a quieter, more subtle adjustment. For some, it may be working flexible hours.

What I do know is that change happens with the onset of awareness. It’s the starting point that supports a change in mindset, and that’s when the cognitive or behavioural shift happens.

Part of this is leaning in and asking for help when you feel out of your depth. Recognising that what worked five years ago may not be working for you any longer is part of creating the change that you need.

If this is true and resonates with you, then consider what you are going to change and what it may look like.

Change does not happen overnight and does not always have to mean something big. Sometimes small shifts, like working fewer hours or working flexibly, are enough to reset and give yourself time to recoup, affording you time to think and reset.

Take this with you

The gift of thinking and reflection is one of the greatest gifts we can give ourselves. Spend some time with yourself to reflect on this and see where it leads you.

Perhaps you don’t need to have all the answers yet. Instead, start with the acknowledgement that something needs to be different if your circumstances are to change.

There’s a famous saying that goes, “We can’t expect a different outcome when we do the same thing,” attributed to Albert Einstein.

Perhaps it begins with recognising where you are now, whether you are exhausted, facing burnout, or both. From there, consider what is no longer working or serving you and what you may be prepared to do differently. There may be one thing that needs to change, even if you are not yet sure of the outcome.

Until next time, remember that you are more than the roles that you carry. Embrace all of who you are, and don’t leave “you” behind in the process. Nurture your dreams, however young or old you may be. Dreaming allows you to envision a different outcome, which instils a sense of hope for the future. We all need hope!

If you need a thinking partner, please reach out.

Warm wishes

Angelique

P.S. Look out for my special October newsletter, dedicated to Menopause Awareness Month.