It’s been a while since I’ve written, and so much has changed in the past four years. Like many of you, I’ve navigated some tough moments, but also found beauty in the stillness and space I created. I paused my business, stepped away from the hustle, and took time to reflect deeply on what truly matters to me.

When I left Sydney in 2020, it was in the midst of personal and global chaos—my mother had just undergone heart surgery, my sister was facing breast cancer, and the world was still grappling with the unknowns of COVID. I needed to pause. I packed up and moved to the NSW Northern Rivers, where I spent 10 months reconnecting with nature, friends, and most importantly, myself.

I explored the breathtaking Ballina Byron coastline, walked through the hinterlands, and exercised daily, finding a new rhythm. That pause helped me regain clarity and reconnect with the authentic parts of myself I had forgotten. It was in those quiet moments—whether walking in nature, swimming in the ocean or having long conversations with friends—that I realised how important it is to stop, reflect, and realign with your values.

Taking a break doesn’t mean losing momentum; it’s about regaining direction. When we pause, we can reflect on what lights us up and move through life’s challenges with more grace. My pause gave me the time to embrace the changes in my life and come back to what truly matters—connection, growth, and joy.

Since then, I’ve returned to Sydney, and one of my goals was to make new friendships. At 50, I joined two local area women’s groups during one of Sydney’s Covid lockdowns, and met some incredible women who have since become some of my closest friends. We talk and meet up regularly, and this connection has been such a gift, reminding me of the power of community, shared experiences, and vulnerability.

Now, at 53, I find myself at another crossroads. Reigniting my passion and purpose, I’m stepping back into my business with a renewed sense of direction and focus. If these past few years have taught me anything, it’s the value of taking a step back to move forward.

So if you’re feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or just a little lost, I encourage you to take your own pause. Reflect on what matters most, reconnect with your inner self, and know that you’re always capable of realigning your path.

We don’t have to have it all figured out right away. Sometimes, all we need is a little time and space to rediscover our spark.

With gratitude,

Christine