The last few weeks have been full — in ways that have been both beautiful and exhausting.

I’ve spent time doing things that genuinely filled my cup. I went on a ghost hunt at Chillingham Castle, which was brilliant fun and exactly the kind of strange, joyful experience I love. I also spent a day at Beamish with friends I’ve met through the TAS group, and honestly, it was one of those days where you laugh until your face hurts and forget, for a while, about everything else going on in your head.

From Thursday through to Tuesday I was rarely on my own — lots of company, lots of conversation, lots of shared experiences. And while it was wonderful, it also quietly tipped me into a mini burnout.

That’s something I’m getting better at recognising now.

I’m learning that I can have an amazing time, feel deeply connected to people, and still need space afterwards. That being “on” for too long — even with people I care about — can leave my nervous system completely frazzled.

So this week has been about gently pulling myself back up.
Not with guilt.
Not with pressure.
But with honesty.

I’m reminding myself to ask for help and support, instead of assuming I have to carry everything alone. I’m practising being more open about how I’m actually feeling with the people I trust, rather than defaulting to “I’m fine” and pushing through.

I’m also trying — really trying — to put what I’m learning in talking therapies into practice. That means noticing patterns. Pausing before I spiral. Being curious instead of critical when I feel overwhelmed.

And most of all, I’m reminding myself to be kind.

I have ADHD.
That’s not an excuse for anything — but it is a reason why life can sometimes feel like hard mode. Why my brain races, why I overcommit, why I feel things deeply, and why burnout can sneak up on me even when everything looks “good” from the outside.

Remembering that helps me soften towards myself rather than pile on more self-judgement.

This is all part of the bigger picture of what I’m building with Hagg Hill Weekender — not just events, but spaces where people can show up as they are, without masking, without pretending they’ve got it all together.

Right now, I’m choosing rest where I can, honesty where it matters, and compassion over criticism.

That feels like progress — even if it’s quiet.

— Sarah 🌱