I’m writing this on the first Monday of 2026. The Christmas tree and decorations are all put away and there is a sense of freshness and clarity.
So is it time to start afresh, to try something different, to finally do that thing you’ve been thinking about for months.
But sometimes that idea can get squashed with the thought of…
“Is it too late? What’s the point?”
We’ve all played the waiting game at some point in our lives…
Maybe you’ve been waiting to pursue something you put aside years ago.
Maybe you’ve been waiting until the kids left home.
Maybe you’ve been waiting until you have more time, energy, money.
Maybe you’ve been waiting for someone to say it’s okay, go ahead, go for it.
And maybe you’re tired of waiting.
I spent a long time not prioritizing myself. Waiting until everyone else’s needs were met. Waiting until it wouldn’t inconvenience anyone. Just waiting.
Until one day I looked around and thought: What am I waiting for, exactly? What magical moment am I expecting where suddenly it will be easier, less complicated, more acceptable to finally choose myself? At this rate, I will never do what I actually want to do – learn French, live in France, go dancing, sing, love the clothes I wear, feel good about myself, start my own business…
There’s no one who will tell you to stop waiting.
It comes from you.
And it’s okay to start messy, imperfect, not know what you’re doing exactly, learn as you go.
So a few years ago, I stopped waiting.
Not in one dramatic decision, but in a series of small choices that gave me butterflies. I took my life coaching course (I loved it, it changed my life), when people said I shouldn’t be wasting money. I started building this business slowly when people asked why I wasn’t just grateful to have a stable and rewarding work as a nurse.
I carried on because I knew deep down that I wanted to support women in a different way to how I support mothers who come to the neonatal intensive care unit. I knew my new work in life coaching was important and worthwhile. Because it was what I had needed myself and it had changed my life.
Some people didn’t understand.
But I carried on regardless. My journey of rediscovery continued and in doing so, I improved my relationships, authenticity, my strength and joy. I started recognizing myself again.
That woman who used to have dreams and opinions and a sense of what she wanted from life – she was still there. I’d waited so long that I’d almost forgotten who I really was. But I’m back and it feels great. I’m still on that rediscovery journey – I think I always will be because we are always evolving and I love it.
So who’s permission do you need to be you? No-ones – just you.
You don’t need perfect timing – there is never a perfect time.
You don’t need anyone’s approval – you will always be judged so just go for being the true you.
There will always be one more reason to wait. One more person who needs you. One more thing that should come first.
But let’s face it, there’s never a socially acceptable time to prioritize yourself. When you’re younger, you’re needed – by children, partners, money to earn, aging parents to care for (and you truly are needed, and it can be beautiful, it’s not a bad thing).
When you’re older, you’re expected to be grateful, be content with what you have and stop wanting more.
There’s no magical window where everyone suddenly cheers you on saying, “Yes, now is your time. Go ahead. Chase that dream. Choose yourself.
You just have to decide it’s your time. And then start.
Even if it feels too late (it’s not). Even if people are confused (soon they won’t be). Even if it’s messy and imperfect and you’re figuring it out as you go (that’s just fine – you won’t know the second step until you take the first step).
This year, what if you just started on one idea that keeps coming back to you, that just stays with you?
I’m not saying it will be easy. But what if this is the year you let go of the idea that “it’s not the right time”?
Here’s something for you to practice this week:
Answer this question honestly:
What have you been wating to do but have let it sit on a shelf gathering dust?
Write it down. Don’t edit yourself. Don’t make it reasonable or small or acceptable.
Just write what you’ve been waiting to do, be, or become.
Then ask yourself: What’s one tiny step I could take toward that this week?
Not the whole thing or a perfect plan. Just one small movement in that direction.
That’s the beginning. Choose one thing and start anyway.