LET COUNSELLOR KEREN LIGHTEN YOUR LOAD

Taking time out for recovery is key to meeting your goals, so don’t let guilt or anxiety put you off relaxing

Headlines about the hardships of motherhood are rife – and one group of women have been paying close attention. Here, a thirtysomething writer takes a break from her to-do list to hear from those who are burning themselves out to prepare for parenthood

PUSH YOUR BUTTONS?

I’d lost my hubby and the kids had lost their dad. But I knew what to do next…

How many times a day do you hear yourself saying sorr y? ‘Sorry, could I just…?’ ‘Sorry, I can’t make it tonight.’ ‘Sorry, I’m not free.’ We apologise for taking up space, for saying no, for changing our minds, even for wanting something different. Sometimes it just slips out before you’ve even had time to check if it belongs there.