The excuse is gone. The fear isn’t
I became a single mum when my children were still toddlers. For years, everything I had went into them: school runs, homework, fevers, bills, all of it on my own.
And I did it. My children are grown now, and they’re doing well. That’s the one part of my life where I feel completely sure of myself.
But at work, it’s a different story. I’ve been in the same place for years, and I always feel like I’m not doing enough, not good enough, one mistake away from being found out. I watch other mums who started around the same time as me moving up, one promotion after another. The path is right there in front of me. I can see what I would need to do.
For a long time, I told myself it was because of the kids. I didn’t have the time or energy, and they came first. That was true once.
But they’re grown now. Nobody is stopping me. And I’ve had to admit something I’ve never said out loud: it isn’t the kids. It’s me. I’m scared.
I don’t know exactly what I’m scared of. Failing, maybe. Or finding out I’m not as capable as I hoped. Maybe I got so used to putting myself last that I don’t know how to put myself first.
This was supposed to be my time. So why do I still feel stuck?
What would you tell her?
Maybe you recognise a little of yourself in her story. Have you ever known something needed to change but struggled to take the first step? What helped you move through the fear, rebuild your confidence, or start putting yourself first? Share your thoughts anonymously inthe comments section below
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