It’s been a few days since I last wrote a blog. And for once, I didn’t feel guilty about it. That might not sound like much, but for me — someone who spent years masking without realising I was neurodivergent — it’s huge.
In the past, when I didn’t tick off every box on my to-do list, I’d spiral. I’d get frustrated with myself. I’d start questioning my worth and my motivation. The negative self-talk would creep in — you’re lazy, you’ve failed, you’re falling behind. And honestly, it would crush me.
But not this time.
This time, I noticed I was feeling overwhelmed. My mind felt loud and my body felt tired, and instead of pushing through like I used to, I gave myself a break. I stopped, I rested, and I didn’t write.
It wasn’t laziness. It was self-respect.
And it’s taken me years to get to this place — a place where I can recognise the signs of burnout before they hit full force and say, “Hey, you need a moment.” Especially as a neurodivergent mum, juggling everything from parenting to work to navigating sensory overwhelm, it’s not always easy to pause. But it’s essential.
The Soundtrack That Caught Me Off Guard
This morning, I had a moment that honestly floored me. I was scrolling TikTok while sipping my morning tea (my sacred few minutes of quiet before the chaos), and a familiar tune came on: “Bring It All Back” by S Club 7.
I hadn’t heard it in years, but it stopped me in my tracks. The caption read: “80s and 90s kids are listening to this now and realising the lyrics hit different.”
And wow, did they.
“Don’t stop, never give up, hold your head high and reach the top…”
It hit me deep. Because that version of me — the little girl who struggled to read, who didn’t know she was neurodivergent, who always felt like she had to work ten times harder just to keep up — she needed those words. And actually, I still do.
But I don’t hear them now as pressure to keep pushing through burnout. I hear them as gentle encouragement to keep believing in myself – even when the world feels heavy, even when I take a few days to rest.
Giving Ourselves Grace
As parents, especially those of us who are neurodiverse or parenting children who are, we often carry a heavy load. There’s the emotional labour, the admin, the sensory juggling, and the constant feeling that we should be doing more.
But here’s the truth: we are allowed to rest. Not everything has to be go-go-go. Sometimes the best thing we can do for our mental health — and for our children — is to show them what self-care looks like. Not bubble baths and candles (although I’m not knocking those), but honest rest. Saying, “I’m not okay today, and that’s okay.”
I used to think resting was a weakness. Now I know it’s a strength.
To Anyone Feeling Overwhelmed Today
If you’re reading this and feeling like you’re drowning in life’s demands, I want you to know — you’re not alone. You’re not broken. And it’s okay to stop, breathe, and take care of you.
Play that song. Cry if you need to. Drink your tea while it’s still warm. And know that the world won’t fall apart if you take a few days off.
Because when we come back — and we will — we come back with more clarity, more peace, and more kindness for ourselves.
Have you had a moment recently that made you stop and think about how far you’ve come? I’d love to hear it. Comment below, or share this post with a friend who might need to hear this today. And if this resonated with you, don’t forget to like and subscribe so you don’t miss future posts.
References:
S Club 7 – “Bring It All Back” Lyrics. Retrieved from TikTok trend, July 2025. Middleton, Ellie. Unmasked: The Guide to Being Yourself in a World That’s Trying to Make You Like Everyone Else. (For those exploring their neurodivergence journey.) Mental Health Foundation UK – Resources for burnout and emotional wellbeing.
The bad and your parenting journey 