Your Weekly Boost: Living Life in Full Bloom #16 🌸
Making Space to Breathe, Move & Be
Happy Monday!
Are you ready for Your Weekly Boost? It’s a long weekend for Easter here in Australia and I certainly needed the time out to relax and not have any plans. I’ve had a walking catchup with a friend, gone for a long run with another friend and celebrated our 27th wedding anniversary with a special dinner at home.
I’ve been feeling out of sorts lately, busy being a Nan during the school holidays, group trainer commitments, baking a delicious birthday cake for my daughter, podcast interviews and blog post writing, preparing for my presentation at an upcoming event plus pushing my workout routine to the point of straining my neck. This made me tired, irritable and I wasn’t in a good place, mentally.
I certainly didn’t feel that I was blooming!
Don’t get me wrong, each of these activities on their own bring me great joy and fulfillment, but when they all happen in the one week it can be overwhelming. I was not feeling motivated to exercise and I needed to find some harmony and space.
This week, I want to focus on how we can make space to breathe, move and be - even when we have responsibilities that need our attention. I’m sure this happens in your life, so I would be curious to know how you cope.
Making Space to Breathe, Move & Be — Even With Responsibilities
Life is full. We have people to care for, tasks that won’t complete themselves, and expectations—sometimes from others, often from ourselves.
So how do we “live in full bloom” when we can barely find five quiet minutes to ourselves?
The answer isn’t in waiting for everything to be done—it’s in weaving moments of care into the life we’re already living.
You don’t need to escape your life to find peace. You can bloom right in the middle of it.
How do we create space for rest, reflection, and gentle movement when life still demands so much of us? It can feel impossible to even pause, let alone bloom.
Here’s how you can, in small, compassionate ways — even with responsibilities on your plate:
🌼 1. Rethink what “space” means
Creating space doesn’t have to be dramatic or time-consuming. It can be:
A deep breath before you respond to someone.
Five minutes of quiet before everyone else wakes up.
Stretching while the kettle boils.
Saying no to something non-essential so you can say yes to yourself.
Social Media Free Sundays
Even a moment is a beginning. Recently I have been taking Social Media Free Sundays. I don’t look at any social media and only look at my phone if I receive a message. I turn the phone onto silent.
It is so liberating and surprisingly I haven’t been tempted to check out Facebook or Instagram. It can wait until Monday and if there is something I want to share, that can wait until Monday as well.
And do you know what has happened? Absolutely nothing except a calmer mind. The world hasn’t ended but I have taken back my space.
🌼 2. Include yourself in your list of priorities
We often show up for everyone else but leave ourselves last. Start asking:
“What do I need today to feel grounded—even just a little?”
When you meet your own needs, even gently, you have more to give to others in a way that doesn’t drain you.
🌼 3. Turn tasks into mindful movement
If your day is full of “doing,” bring mindfulness into the doing.
Wash dishes slowly, feeling the warmth of the water.
Breathe deeply while folding clothes.
Turn on music and move gently while tidying up.
It’s not always about stopping. It’s about softening within the movement.
🌼 4. Let go of perfection
Some days you’ll create a full hour of space. Other days, just a minute. That’s okay. Blooming doesn’t look the same every day—and that’s the beauty of it.
It’s about progress, not performance.
🌼 A Gentle Truth
You can bloom and still be responsible. You can care for others and still care for yourself.
The key is not to wait for the “perfect” time. Find tiny moments of grace in the middle of the mess.
🌿 Gentle Action
Take 5–10 minutes today to pause and create space for yourself—even if it’s while doing something ordinary.
Brew a warm drink. Stand at the window. Stretch your arms. Feel your breath move in and out.
🌼 Movement can be the medicine. Stillness can be the reset. Either one can shift your whole energy—even just a little.
🧘♀️ Mantra for the Week
“Even with responsibilities, I create space for myself. I bloom in small moments.”
Let it guide you when the day feels heavy. Let it remind you that you are allowed to take up space, too.
✍️ Journal Prompt
Where can I create space for myself this week—even in small, gentle ways?
What simple movement helps me shift my energy when I feel flat or overwhelmed?
What does blooming mean to me when life feels full and busy?
Print off this image and use it as a daily reminder to ‘Breathe, Move and Be’
🎧 Tune in to the Podcast
Creating Your Space for a Life Well Lived
This week’s podcast is timely. My guest is Wendy Demarasque and we are discussing ‘Creating Space for Life Well Lived’. We had a fabulous conversation and I certainly had an ‘ah ha’ moment when we discussed Harmony.
📖☕ Suggested Reading
I enjoy reading as a way of creating space when I need to relax and unwind. I shared my monthly Book Review post a few days ago and have included here in case you missed it.
Book Reviews: What I've been reading lately
Upcoming Events
I am delighted to be one of six fabulous women who will share their story of redefining ageing. The Reinventing Midlife: Embracing Transformation Event will be presented by The Silver Sirens and if you live in Brisbane, I would love to see you there.
Tickets available now: Silver Sirens Redefining Ageing 2025 - Brisbane | Silver Sirens
🌸 Join the Women Living Well After 50 30 Minute Daily Exercise Challenge Group
Start your day with a burst of motivation! Join our 30-Minute Daily Challenge on Facebook—a supportive space for Women 50+, where we encourage each other to dedicate just 30 minutes a day to moving, reflecting, or trying something new. It’s a small commitment that leads to big changes. No judgement, just encouragement! Come join me.
WLWA50 30-Minute Daily Exercise Challenge
Well said Sue, you always share brilliant things and inspire us all. None of us are perfect and you tell it like it is so many thanks for that.
This is so timely Sue. After the busy month that I've had it was great to read you tips about making space and breathing. I've been trying to take a bit of slow time in the afternoons. That has worked some days but not every day. As April is coming to an end, life is getting back to normal.