Diagnosed with Burnout: What I’m Feeling Right Now

This past Thursday, I was officially diagnosed with burnout.

It was a moment that came with a strange mix of emotions — part disbelief, part relief, and part grief for the version of myself that thought I could keep going at this pace forever. I sat there listening to the words, and deep down I knew it was true. But until someone said it out loud, I didn’t want to believe it.

The Ones Who Saw It Before I Did

The truth is, others saw the signs before I did. Judy gently mentioned a few times that I seemed “off” — more tired than usual, more withdrawn. Aunt Jeannie, in her sweet and direct way, even told me, “You’re running on empty, and I’m worried about you.” I’d always smile, brush it off, tell them I was just busy, or “having a week.”

To be honest, I didn’t believe them. I thought I was just tired. I thought maybe I needed to manage my schedule better, get a bit more sleep, or drink more water. But looking back now, they were right — they saw the unraveling I was trying so hard to hide. And maybe a part of me did know, but I wasn’t ready to admit that I wasn’t okay.

What Burnout Feels Like

Burnout doesn’t announce itself loudly. It builds slowly, like a weight pressing down on your chest, making it harder to breathe, harder to focus, harder to feel. I wasn’t just physically tired. I was emotionally and mentally drained. Everything felt heavy. Even the smallest tasks became overwhelming. I’d lost my motivation, my spark, my ability to bounce back.

Since Thursday, I’ve been sitting with so many emotions:

• Guilt, for not listening sooner — to others, and to myself.

• Shame, for not being able to “handle it all” like I always have.

• Gratitude, for the people who saw me slipping and tried to hold me up.

• Relief, for finally having clarity — for naming what I’ve been feeling.

• Fear, because recovery means slowing down, and I’ve forgotten how to do that.

Admitting It

Admitting I have burnout felt like admitting defeat — but now, I’m starting to see it as an invitation. A chance to stop pretending. A chance to rest. A chance to find my way back to me.

It’s still hard to sit in this space. I don’t know what healing looks like yet. But I know it starts here: with honesty, with boundaries, and with listening to the people who love me — the ones who knew I was hurting even before I could say it out loud.

To Anyone Else Out There

If you’re reading this and something in you resonates — if you’re pushing through each day feeling like a shell of who you once were — please know this: you’re not lazy, and you’re not broken. You’re likely burned out. And it’s okay to pause. It’s okay to fall apart. It’s okay to need help.

Burnout is not the end of the road. It’s a redirection.

So today, I’m choosing to take that detour. To rest, to reset, to receive the love and support I’ve been too busy to acknowledge. I’m learning that even strength has its limits — and that real strength is knowing when to stop.

Thank you, Judy and Aunt Jeannie, for seeing me when I couldn’t see myself. I’m listening now. 

5 Things You Should Never Do When Buying a New Car

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Buying a new car can be an expensive business, whether you are buying new or used, so it is really important that you take your time and get it right. You want to feel excited, and maybe a bit smug about your new purchase, not dejected and ripped off, after all, right? So, before you sign that contract and drive that new car away, make sure you are aware of these five car buying mistakes, so that you do not make them!

1. Never Skip the Research

Would you walk into a tattoo shop and point randomly at the wall? No? Then why would you buy a car without knowing what you are getting into? Make sure you research prices, reviews, trims, and real-life reliability stories. And not just from the car manufacturer’s site. Try forums, review sites, and the occasional deep-dive YouTube rant. It is not paranoia, it is preparation.

2. Do Not Fall for the “It Is the Last One” Line

Ah, the classic pressure move. If a dealer tells you “this is the last one in stock,” do not immediately whip out your wallet like you are bidding on a lost treasure. This line is usually code for “please panic so I do not have to negotiate.” Stay cool. If it really is the last one, there will be more elsewhere. The world is not running out of cars.

3. Never Buy on the First Visit

Buying a car should not feel like a fast-food order. Take your time. Compare different models, test drive a few, and visit more than one dealership. Your perfect car might be just down the road, and you will never know if you already signed your life away because they had decent coffee. Check out Skoda dealers as well if you are looking for reliability and value. A few extra stops now can save you a long-term commitment to something you barely like.

4. Do Not Forget the Extra Costs

Sure, the car itself might fit your budget. But what about insurance? Maintenance? Fuel? Monthly payments on that extended warranty you agreed to while daydreaming about lunch? Remember, the sticker price is just the start. Budget like a grown-up, even if you plan to drive like a teenager who just got their license.

5. Never Skip the Test Drive (And Make It a Real One)

Spending five minutes circling a dealership lot is not a proper test drive. You would not buy a mattress after sitting on it for twelve seconds. Take the car on real roads. See how it handles traffic, turns, parking, and potholes. This is your chance to figure out if the car fits your life, not just your Instagram feed.

Learn from Other People’s Regrets

When you’re buying a new car, it’s sensible to learn from the mistakes others like you have made in the past, because, although it is not rocket science, there are pitfalls that it is easy to fall for, and you don’t want to regret your decision, right?

How to Buy a Car Without Spending Too Much

 

Image Credit: I’M ZION from Unsplash.

You’ll have plenty of reasons to buy a car. It could be essential for your daily life and getting to and from everywhere you need to be. But, that doesn’t mean you should just buy one of the first ones you should come across.

You’re much better off making sure you take the right approach. This is especially true when it comes to making sure you can actually afford it.

While this can be a relatively tricky balancing act, it doesn’t need to be. Focusing on the right areas should be more than enough to help with this. The right steps should have a significant impact on the process going forward.

Do Your Homework

Before going to a dealership, it’s always worth doing your research to figure out what you want. Look into different types of cars to see which ones you want. It’s also worth looking into the different dealerships you go to. You wouldn’t want to end up at one that has quite a few BMW car finance claims against it or that gives you a terrible deal.

Decide Between New & Used

It’s always worth considering both new and used cars when you’re considering buying. Used cars will naturally be much more affordable, but you’ll have to shell out more for repairs and maintenance. Weigh the pros and cons of both before making a decision. That way, there’ll be less to worry about.

Set a Budget

One of the largest areas you’ll need to put some time and effort into is setting a budget for your new car. This could be the most important step to take. It helps you narrow down your options to what you can afford without putting too much financial stress on yourself. Make sure this is a priority going forward.

Consider the Total Cost of Ownership

Speaking of a budget, don’t just focus on the asking price when you’re putting this together. Instead, you’re much better off focusing on the total cost of owning the car. This includes insurance, gas, the monthly repayments, and more. Make sure you can actually afford these long-term before committing to anything.

Negotiate

When you’re on a relatively tight budget for a car, it’s always worth trying to negotiate as much as you can. Most dealerships have a little bit of wiggle room with their prices, and it’s always worth trying to take advantage of this. At a minimum, you could get a little off the asking price or a few free extras.

Trying to buy a car can often seem relatively complicated. You’ll have to deal with sales tactics, different terms and conditions, and more. Then there’s making sure you can actually afford the one you want, which can be a chore in itself.

Thankfully, there are ways to make it much easier for yourself. Focusing on the right steps should be more than enough to help with this going forward. By sticking to them as much as you can, there’s no reason why you shouldn’t be able to afford your new car.

never alone

Today, during a quiet lunchtime walk, I came across a single, vibrant flower—blooming so beautifully in a place I nearly passed by. But something made me stop. In that quiet moment, with the breeze around me and silence in my heart, I felt like God was reaching out through that little bloom. It felt like a whisper from Heaven, as if He—and maybe even my sister—were saying, ‘You’re not alone. I’m still with you.’

Grief is such a strange companion. Some days I walk through it strong, other days I crumble under the weight of missing her. The ache of losing my sister never truly leaves—it just softens and shifts with time. But in that moment with the flower, I felt something holy. A peace. A divine comfort. A reminder that even in the deepest sorrow, God sees me, holds me, and walks every step with me.

This verse came to my heart and settled there like a balm:
‘The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.’ – Psalm 34:18

And in that stillness, I could almost feel her near—not gone, but just in a place I can’t reach yet. I whispered her name, wiped a quiet tear, and kept walking… not alone, but wrapped in love that never truly leaves."

your home

Dear Rachel,

Today my heart feels heavy in a new kind of way. I wasn’t there when your house — your home — was packed up and rearranged. I wasn’t there when the last pieces of you were gently wrapped, folded, or placed in boxes. But I’ve felt every bit of it from a distance. I was thinking about how excited you were when you bought this house and how much you loved it.  

Your home was more than just a house. It was where your babies took their first steps, where you stayed up late helping with homework, and where you laughed, cried, and made the every day feel meaningful. It was you — through and through.

And now, life has changed again. He’s moved on. He’s married someone new. He still loves you so much and every day he wishes you back.  And as hard as that is to accept, I need you to know — she’s wonderful.

She is kind. She treats your children with love and patience. She doesn’t try to replace you, because she couldn’t — no one ever could. But she shows up for them. She holds space for their memories, and she honors you in her own quiet way. I see that, and I'm thankful. I think you would be too.

Still, it hurts — letting go of what was, and accepting what is. It’s not what any of us wanted. But life moves forward, even when we’re still grieving, still holding onto pieces of the past.

I hope somehow you know your babies are safe. They are still surrounded by love, even if it looks different now. You did such an incredible job raising them — they are strong, respectful, and full of the same kind of love you gave so freely. You would be proud, Rachel. So proud.

No matter what changes around them, they will always carry you. So will I.

I miss you more than words can express.

I love you always.

**Your sister,**

Terri

10 months

Ten Months Without You 

It’s been ten months since you left, Rachel, and not a single day has passed without thinking of you. The world keeps spinning, people keep moving, and life continues in all its ordinary ways—but nothing has been quite the same without you here.

Ten months without your laugh, your voice, your wisdom. Ten months of missing the way you lit up every room you entered. You had a way of making even the darkest days a little brighter, and I still find myself reaching for the phone, wanting to share something with you, only to remember that you’re not there to answer.

This month, I took a vacation to see your kids. Being with them brought a mix of emotions—joy, sadness, love, and longing. They carry pieces of you in the way they smile, the things they say, and the light in their eyes. You would be so proud of them. Being near them felt like being near you, and I cherished every moment.

I also went to visit your resting place. Standing there, I felt the full weight of your absence and the deep love that still connects us. I brought my thoughts, my tears, and my prayers. I spoke to you in silence, hoping somehow you could hear. It gave me peace, even in the pain.

Grief is a strange companion. It walks beside me quietly, sometimes with tears, sometimes with smiles at the memories we made. I miss the little things—your texts, our inside jokes, the comfort of knowing you were always there.

But even in your absence, your presence remains. I see you in sunsets and songs, in moments of quiet, in the strength I didn’t know I had. And every time I hear the words,

“Now heaven is sweeter with you there,"

I feel a quiet ache and a strange comfort. It reminds me that while I wish you were still here with me, I believe you're in a place of peace—and somehow, heaven truly is sweeter with you there, Rachel.

Ten months without you has felt like a lifetime, but I hold on to everything you gave me: love, laughter, courage, and a sense of home.

I will keep living in a way that honors you. I will speak your name, tell your stories, and make sure that who you were never fades with time. Your life was a gift, and your memory will always be a guiding light.

I miss you more than words can say. Ten months without you, Rachel, but a love that will last forever.

When to Be Concerned About Your Hearing

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Our hearing is one of those things that we take for granted. Most people are born with the ability to hear, and we use it to navigate life and communicate with each other. But hearing loss and other issues can interfere with our abilities to do these things. Just like any other part of your health, this can in turn affect our quality of life.

While you don’t need to stay up at night worrying about it, it’s good to always be aware of your hearing and any potential problems. While hearing loss is inevitable for most people as they get older, there are sometimes things we can do to prevent it or slow it down.

Risk Factors For Hearing Loss

The most common risk factor for hearing loss is age. As people get older, they’re more likely to lose their hearing to an extent. If hearing loss runs in your family, then you’re even more likely to experience it when you age. This doesn’t mean you will completely lose your hearing, but many people have less sensitive hearing.

Other risk factors include wear and tear on your ears. If you’re regularly exposed to loud noises, it can damage the delicate hairs in your ears, which over time can cause hearing loss. People who work on construction sites or as soldiers, for example, can lose their hearing, as can musicians or people who listen to loud music.

Ear infections and blocked ears can also cause hearing loss. Sometimes this is temporary, but it can also cause permanent damage. Ear injuries might also cause temporary or permanent hearing loss.

Signs of Hearing Loss

Hearing loss can be surprisingly hard to notice, mainly because your brain is very good at masking it and compensating. You might not realise you’re losing your hearing until it gets more profound.

However, there are a few signs. Tinnitus is often a symptom associated with hearing loss. It’s characterized by ringing or buzzing in your ears and, in some cases, it can be difficult to deal with. You can do things like listening to quiet music or white noise for some tinnitus relief, or see a doctor.

One of the most common signs of hearing loss is actually other people. Your loved ones, who are the ones having to repeat themselves or speak louder to be heard, might realize that you’re losing your hearing before you do.

What to Do About Hearing Loss

If you are experiencing hearing loss, then think about what risk factors might cause them. You can use ear defenders if you work at a construction site to preserve your hearing, for example. 

You can also see an ear doctor or an audiologist and get a hearing test. This way, you understand how much you’ve lost your hearing and, if it’s appropriate, you can get a hearing aid to restore some of your sense of hearing. 

A doctor can also identify hearing loss caused by illnesses and, in some cases, treat it.

Congratulations Graduate!

Today is a day of immense pride and joy as I celebrate the incredible achievement of your graduation from university. The years of hard work, dedication, and countless hours spent in lectures, assignments, and late-night study sessions have led to this moment, and I couldn’t be more proud.

From the very start, you have been an inspiration. Your focus, determination, and passion have been evident throughout your entire academic journey. Earning your degree is a remarkable accomplishment, and it reflects your ability to rise above challenges and stay committed to your goals. Your hard work has truly paid off.

Watching you grow over the years has been such a rewarding experience. You've transformed into an accomplished, confident graduate, ready to take on the world. You’ve not only gained knowledge, but you've also developed a strength of character that will guide you through every step of your future.

This degree represents much more than academic success—it speaks to your perseverance, your growth, and your unwavering commitment to building a bright future for yourself. The lessons you’ve learned and the experiences you’ve had will stay with you long after today, shaping the incredible person you’re continuing to become.

As you take the next steps into the world, I know that your future holds endless possibilities. You’ve built a solid foundation, and I have no doubt that you will achieve amazing things in whatever path you choose. Your dedication and brilliance will continue to open doors, and I am excited to see where your journey takes you next.

I am beyond proud of you, not just for what you’ve achieved, but for the kind, driven, and remarkable person you are. You've made us all so proud, and I can't wait to see the wonderful things you’ll accomplish in the next chapter of your life.

Congratulations, my brilliant graduate! The world is yours to explore one more year to become a teacher which has been your dream.. Congrats on your Bachelor of Arts with honours in music and a major in French. 

With all my love and pride

Happy 23rd Anniversary

My Andrew 💗

I can hardly believe that it’s been 23 years since we stood side by side and promised to love each other forever. It feels like just yesterday, yet so much has changed—and so much has remained beautifully the same. Every single day with you has been an incredible adventure, and I find myself more in love with you than I ever thought was possible.

When I reflect on all that we’ve shared over these 23 years, I’m filled with an overwhelming sense of gratitude. We’ve built a life together—one that is rich in memories, love, laughter, and even challenges that have only made us stronger. I remember the early days of our marriage, the excitement of our first home, the first time we held hands, the first time we laughed at the same joke—moments that, at the time, felt small but have now become the foundation of everything we are. They have all woven together into a beautiful tapestry that tells the story of us.

But it’s not just the big moments I treasure—it’s the quiet, everyday things that you do that make me feel loved in ways I never could have imagined. It’s the way you reach for my hand when we walk together, the way you look at me with such kindness and understanding, the way you make our home a sanctuary of warmth and peace. You have this incredible ability to make every moment feel significant, as if time slows down whenever we’re together. Whether we’re facing challenges or celebrating triumphs, your presence has always been my greatest comfort.

In you, I have found not just a husband, but my best friend, my confidant, and my true partner in every sense of the word. You’ve stood by me through every high and every low, always offering love, patience, and encouragement. I feel so deeply fortunate to share my life with you. You’ve shown me the meaning of unconditional love—love that endures, love that grows, love that never wavers even when the world around us changes. I am who I am because of you, and for that, I will be forever grateful.

The years have flown by, and yet, with you, I feel as though I’ve lived a thousand lifetimes of joy, passion, and connection. I have loved every season of our life together—the seasons of discovery when we were just starting out, the seasons of growth as we built our family, the seasons of strength as we faced obstacles side by side, and even the quiet seasons, when we’ve simply been content in each other’s presence. Every single season with you has been a gift.

Looking back, I wouldn’t change a thing. Every challenge we faced only made our love deeper and more resilient. Every moment of happiness, every dream we’ve shared, every goal we’ve achieved—has been made even sweeter because we’ve experienced it together. I couldn’t have asked for a more perfect partner in life.

As we celebrate 23 years of love, I want you to know how incredibly blessed I feel to walk through life with you. My heart swells with love for you, and I find myself endlessly grateful for the man you are. Thank you for being my unwavering support, my endless source of joy, and the love of my life. You are everything I ever dreamed of and more.

Here’s to the 23 beautiful years we’ve spent together, and to all the years ahead of us, filled with new memories, new laughter, and more love than I ever thought possible. I look forward to everything the future holds for us, knowing that as long as I’m with you, I am home.

I love you beyond words, beyond measure, beyond forever.

Forever and always,
Terri