Because you don’t need more rules, love—you need a softer rhythm that actually fits real life.

If you’re reading this with tired eyes and a tired heart, I want you to hear me: you’re not lazy, you’re not “backsliding”, and you’re not doing life wrong.

You’re likely just… worn thin.

Midlife can be a lot. The mental load. The changing body. The family needs. The surprises you didn’t ask for. And in the middle of all that, faith can start to feel like another thing you’re “failing at”.

So today we’re doing something very WYRLORA: we’re ditching the pressure and choosing a reset.

Not the kind where you wake up at 5am, read 14 chapters, journal for an hour, drink green juice, and become a brand-new woman by Tuesday.

I mean a real reset. The kind that meets you where you are.

Before we start: a truth that will steady you

Renewal is not a personality trait.
Renewal is not “being more disciplined”.
Renewal is returning—again and again—when life knocks you around.

If faith is part of your world, you may draw comfort from the idea that God doesn’t ask you to perform your way back into love.

And if faith isn’t your thing right now, you can still take this as a nervous-system reset: small practices that bring you back to centre.

A quick note about “burnout” language (because words matter)

The World Health Organization describes burnout as an occupational phenomenon linked to chronic workplace stress (not a catch-all label for every kind of tired).
But many women experience what I’ll call soul fatigue—that heavy feeling of “I’ve got nothing left”.

So, we’re treating this gently and wisely.

Your 7-step spiritual reset (gentle, doable, repeatable)

1) The “one breath” return (60 seconds)

When life is loud, your spirit can’t hear a thing.

Try:

• Breathe in slowly for 4

• Hold for 2

• Out for 6

• Whisper (or think): “I’m here.”

If faith is part of your world, add: “God, I’m here.”
That’s it. That counts.

2) Swap guilt for a micro-habit (5 minutes)

Guilt says: “You should be doing more.”
Micro-habits say: “Let’s start small and stay kind.”

Pick one:

• Read one short Psalm or proverb

• Listen to one worship/peace playlist song

• Write one line: “Today I need…”

• Sit outside and notice 5 things you can see

Small is not pointless. Small is how you rebuild.

3) Make a “comfort list” for hard days

Hard seasons need a plan. Not a perfect one—just a plan.

Create a list titled: “When I’m not okay, I do this.”

Ideas:

• shower + fresh clothes (it changes your brain chemistry, honestly)

• 10-minute walk

• call one safe friend

• read something steady

• reduce noise (news + socials)

• cook something simple

• go to bed early without apology

This is maturity, love—not weakness.

4) Rebuild trust with honesty (not pretending)

If faith is part of your world, here’s a bold but freeing idea:

You can be honest with God.
Anger, confusion, sadness, disappointment… it’s all allowed.

Try this line:

• “God, I don’t understand this… but I’m willing to stay open.”

That’s not a fake faith. That’s a resilient faith.

5) Choose a “daily anchor” that fits your season

A daily anchor is a small practice that signals safety and steadiness.

Examples:

• Morning mug + one line of gratitude

• School drop-off then 3 minutes of quiet in the car

• A walk after dinner with one calming thought

• A “lights out” prayer that’s one sentence long

Midlife women don’t need more tasks. We need anchors.

6) Bring faith into the ordinary (because that’s where we live)

Faith doesn’t only happen in churches, books, or perfect quiet times.

It can look like:

• blessing your kitchen while you wipe the bench

• saying “thank you” out loud when something goes right

• pausing before reacting and choosing a calmer response

• being kinder to yourself when you stuff up

If faith is part of your world, you can call this “walking with God”.
If not, call it “living on purpose”.

Either way—your life gets lighter.

7) Reconnect through community (but choose wisely)

Community can heal… or it can drain you.

Look for spaces that feel:

• safe

• kind

• non-judgy

• grounded in reality

• supportive of women in midlife

If your old space hurt you, you’re allowed to heal first. You’re allowed to take your time.

A simple 7-day reset plan (print this in your brain, love)

Day 1: One breath return + early bedtime
Day 2: 5-minute micro-habit + comfort list
Day 3: Reduce noise (socials/news) + walk
Day 4: Honest journal line + one encouraging message to a friend
Day 5: Daily anchor chosen + practice once
Day 6: Ordinary-life faith (kitchen blessing / gratitude / calm pause)
Day 7: Rest + gentle reflection: “What helped me feel steadier?”

Repeat next week. No perfection required.

A gentle prayer for renewal (optional)

“God, I’m tired, and I don’t want to perform.
Reset what’s heavy in me.
Return me to peace—one small step at a time.
Help me choose what’s life-giving.
Amen.”

In Closing (you’re doing better than you think)

Renewal isn’t a dramatic transformation. It’s a series of tiny returns.

So, if all you can do today is breathe, drink water, and say one honest sentence—that’s not ‘nothing’. That’s a reset.

If you want more support, explore another WYRLORA post on rest, join the WYRLORA Circle, or subscribe to WL Message for steady encouragement that doesn’t shout at you.

Until we chat again,

Blessing & hugs to you my dear friend,

Dianne xx