Hello Rebel Souls!
I used to be constantly busy, always on the go. As a mum, wife, youth support worker, and someone who loved leading women’s circles and practicing reiki, my weeks were packed to the brim. There was no room for rest, no time to pause. I pushed through the exhaustion and ignored the signals my body was giving me until my diagnosis of Functional Neurological Disorder (FND) forced me to stop in my tracks.

At first, it was pain that I tried to ignore and push through. But eventually, my body wouldn’t let me continue: my legs stopped working, I couldn’t walk or move, my left arm wouldn’t cooperate, and my body was wracked with spasms. I had no choice but to stop and rest. Initially, I was filled with frustration and resentment. It felt as though everything was being taken away from me. Yet as I began to learn how to pace myself, I realised that many of the things I was mourning weren’t truly important. Living a slower-paced life has not only helped my physical health but has also brought unexpected benefits to my mental well-being.

The Transformative Power of Pacing

Once I committed to pacing, I started allowing myself to say no to activities that would drain me. I learned to prioritize what was most important each week, spreading out my commitments and ensuring I had rest and downtime in between. Instead of packing my schedule and then crashing for days, I could engage fully in what mattered without the heavy toll of burnout.

Admittedly, it was difficult to let go of the guilt that came with “doing nothing.” As someone who had always equated busyness with productivity, slowing down felt foreign and uncomfortable. But now that I’ve experienced the benefits, it’s easier to accept. I sometimes wonder if allowing myself more space and learning to pace earlier might have prevented my FND altogether. By sharing my story, I hope to inspire other women to slow down and reduce stress before it takes a serious toll on their health.

From Chaos to Balance

In the beginning, I wasn’t good at pacing. I’d push myself for days, squeezing in as much as I could until my body collapsed, leaving me bedridden with pain and exhaustion. It was a vicious cycle. With the support of my friends, family, and especially my husband, I learned to plan ahead. Now, each weekend, I review the upcoming week. I decide what’s essential, what I’d like to do if my energy allows, and what can be left for later. I even schedule rest times and keep a list of “nice-to-do” activities for days when I feel more energetic.

A Healthier, Happier Family Life

Pacing has had a profound impact on my family. Being in less pain has made me calmer and more present, which my husband and kids definitely appreciate. I no longer feel guilty about needing a nap during the day because I know that rest gives me the energy to be there for my family later, whether that’s playing outside, enjoying a board game, or snuggling up for a movie. The quality of our time together has improved, and for me, that’s the most rewarding part of prioritizing rest and recovery.

How to Start Pacing Your Own Life

If you feel overwhelmed and don’t know where to start, my advice is to map out your week visually. Seeing everything laid out can make it clear how much you’re really doing. If you have a demanding Monday full of work and kid activities, then block off Tuesday or Wednesday afternoon for rest. Remember, pacing is not just about protecting your health but also about teaching your family the value of rest and balance.

Yes, the guilt of resting can still creep in, especially when I have to say no to something or see my husband being productive. But I remind myself that rest is not a luxury; it’s a necessity. With the support of my loved ones and by affirming that I deserve and need this time, I’ve learned to let go of the guilt and embrace a more balanced, fulfilling way of life. And I believe you can too.

Take care of yourself,
Linda x