Rocking Chair to Mountain: Finding Motivation Even When You Really CBA!

At the start of this year, I spent what felt like weeks stuck in my IKEA rocking chair.

Everything felt like an effort.

Getting dressed? A mammoth task.

Cooking dinner? No chance.

Socialising? Only if the postman counts!

It took me a while to realise that this crushing lack of motivation wasn’t just me being lazy — it was hormonal.

Hello, perimenopause.

Even though I still couldn’t be bothered, I knew I had to take action.

I threw the kitchen sink of wellness at it: yoga, breathwork, meditation, laughter, dancing in the kitchen, grounding, cold showers…

I started better supporting my gut health and upped my omega 3s.

I also decided to study and become a Menopause Wellness Coach so I could share the tools that were starting to help me feel like myself again.

And they did help — not just me, but others too. I’ve loved supporting people through the murky waters of low motivation, mood dips and brain fog.

But even with all the tools, life sometimes throws extra stuff your way that knocks you back a step or ten!

About six weeks ago, my dad was admitted to hospital and he’s still there now.

My routine has mostly consisted of a few minutes of morning yoga or meditation, followed by trying to squeeze in as much work as possible before heading off for the daily hospital visit.

Anyone who’s had a loved one in hospital will know how emotionally exhausting it is.

By evening, my motivation levels were back in rocking chair territory – and so was my ass!

Last week, I decided something needed to change. I needed to find something that would spark joy — even during this stressful time.

And here’s something I’ve really come to believe: we can experience joy in the midst of sadness or uncertainty. Humans are weird and wonderful like that. Our emotions don’t follow a neat, linear path.

We’re not either happy or sad. We can be both. It’s non-dual. It’s messy. It’s human.

Sidenote: I’ve since realised this all-at-once emotional intensity isn’t just a ‘me’ thing — it’s also really common in people with ADHD tendencies or busy brains like mine. It can feel like a lot sometimes, but it’s also what makes us able to laugh at a silly dog selfie even when life feels heavy.

For me, when I feel low or overwhelmed, I tend to isolate — maybe you can relate? Through my yoga practice and a lifetime of self-discovery, I’ve become more aware of this habit.

It’s not easy, but when I notice it, I do my best to drag myself out of the house and be sociable — even when it’s the last thing I feel like doing.

Thankfully, my job makes that easier. I’m lucky enough to teach the practices that help me — from yoga and meditation to breathwork, strength training and even laughter yoga.

And that’s how the Summer Pop-Up Sessions came to life.

I realised I needed a little more fun and flexibility in my life, and I thought maybe others did too. At events, I often get asked where people can join me for different types of sessions and until now, the answer was mostly “you can’t!”

But the Pop-Ups tick that box. ✅

They’re outdoors, spontaneous, and full of movement, connection, and mood-boosting benefits — both for me and for everyone who comes along.

Truthfully though, even after announcing them, I still hadn’t scheduled a single session. 🫣

The motivation wasn’t quite there… until my lovely friend Sarah (who practises with me every day via the Online Yoga Membership) came to visit.

She suggested a Wednesday morning class in the park — and promised me coffee and cake afterwards, which obviously sealed the deal.

So that’s what we did.

Six lovely humans and two cockerpoos joined us in Craig-y-Don Park for yoga under the trees and a dog-selfie or two! It was divine.

I felt like I’d done something meaningful before the day had even properly begun.

It reminded me that this is the kind of community I want to build. One that lifts your energy just by showing up — even when you’re feeling a bit meh. 🫤

There have been a few other nudges like that lately too…

The other day, my friend Kerri invited me for a lake dip and picnic. I gave the kind of vague, non-committal reply we’ve all used when we’re peopled-out.

That day I was teaching six back-to-back yoga sessions for teens, and then going to a funeral. I wasn’t exactly in the mood for socialising.

But during the funeral, I overheard some older guests talking — about how fast life goes, how they hadn’t seen each other for 40 years. That hit me.

Life is short.

Too short to keep putting off the things that bring you joy.

So I went. I was tired and a bit grumpy, but I went. And I’m so glad I did.

We swam, we picnicked, we laughed. I came home feeling lighter. ☺️

That was last night.

This morning I’m writing this at 7am, sitting on the side of Conwy Mountain. Who am I?!

I feel like I’m back to being me.

The me who wakes up at dawn to catch a wave. The me who rides up hills in sideways rain just for fun. The me who says yes more often than no. 👍🏼

So, here’s your gentle but honest reminder:

Life is too short not to do the thing.

Whatever your “thing” is — do it.

Even if it’s a small version. Even if it’s just one tiny action.

And if you really don’t feel like it, that’s okay too. Stay in the metaphorical rocking chair. But maybe reach out to someone whose energy lifts yours. You might just absorb a little of their spark. ✨

And if you’re local and want to join in on the next Summer Pop-Up Session, you know where I’ll be — on the mat taking a dog selfie!

Until next time, wishing you Less Stress & More Yoga,
Paula 😃🙏

Practice with me! 😃

Before you go, I’d love to invite you to join my online movement & mindfulness classes!

Sunrise Stretch classes are donation-based live yoga classes with 20 minutes of movement followed by 10 minutes of mindfulness or other amazing well-being practices like Laughter or Face Yoga. You can also join me on replay by subscribing to the Online Yoga Membership for just £10 per month!

You can also dive into my guided practices on YouTube, or join us live at classes, courses and events in North Wales.

And if you’re interested in bringing the benefits of yoga, laughter, face yoga and mindfulness to your community or workplace, get in touch for a private session tailored to your needs.

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