5 Things I Struggle with as a 30-Something Woman
When we struggle, it can feel like we’re totally alone. As if no one else understands or struggles with the feelings we’re feeling. When in reality, thats far from the case. And that isolation that can come with the hard feelings is often what feeds them.
A concept I talk about to many clients I work with, is the idea of ‘common humanity’, that we all experience tough times, feelings, struggles. But the only way to truly live that and realise it, is if we bring those struggles out into the open and talk about them.
So here’s 5 things I struggle with as a 30 - something woman (who also works in the coaching/self development space!)
1.EQUATING MY WORTH TO MY ABILITY IN MY CAREER
Being so closely tied to work being self employed (I am my business and my business is me).. It’s natural that there will be an overlap here. But I have to be intentional with watering the other things that make me, me, outside of work. I have been and sometimes still am guilty of overthinking decisions, taking work related bumps in the road (inevitable) personally. It’s something I’m SO much better at 7+ years into business, but it’s something that remains on my radar to challenge.
2. UNDERLYING ANXIETY THAT EVERYTHING I’VE WORKED TO BUILD COULD BE GONE OVERNIGHT
I struggle to find the balance of allowing myself to be content and enjoy where I’m at, and not taking anything for granted. I am so beyond grateful that my career is something that makes impact and that I’m passionate about, that it fills me with anxiety and irrational fear at times that that could dissappear overnight. I have to intentionally channel this in the right way so that I find the gratitude, and work hard to sustain, but also call myself out when its getting unhelpful.
3. MAKING THE MOST OF MY LIFE & THAT IVE MAKE CHOICES TO SUPPORT THAT
After experiencing sudden loss when I was in the formative years of life, I am so painfully aware that life is short, that I can get in my own head about wasting time. It makes it hard to slow down (not always a negative - but its important to recognise when its needed) And I find myself swinging a lot between confidence and clarity in my own choices, to debating the ‘what ifs’. This is something I constantly call myself out on.
4. NOT WANTING THE TRADITIONAL SAME PATH AS MANY WOMEN MY AGE
I’ve become much better at blocking out what society wants vs what I want for myself (and I encourage you to do the same) and I am confident in what makes me happy. However idk there’s just something in the air when you hit 30, and it does become tiresome trying to explain your choices to other people.
5. PRIORITISING MYSELF TO KEEP MY CUP FULL
If i’m not careful, my own wellbeing; training, getting outside, eating enough, can fall quickly to the bottom of the pile. However I have learned that I am SO much more prodcutive, and show up better for the people I work with, when I prioritise this first.
So this is something i have to be super intentional to maintain.
It’s not about the absence of struggle, but about the presence of of the self awareness to identify your own vulnerabilities so that you can challenge them.
Charly x
