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Life Got Too Loud—So I Hit Pause
I needed to reset my life when feeling overwhelmed. I had to take a step back and look at everything from the outside. In a detached way. That’s exactly what I did recently. It changed my mindset totally.
I took a full month off all work and retreated into an 8m x 3m caravan with Ian. No deadlines. No attachments. No notifications. No Internet! (Also, living with someone in a confined space deserves a whole blog post of its own—stay tuned for that one.)
The Month That Changed My Perspective
Before leaving, I was drowning in worry: What do I do next with my life?
It’s now been five years since Ian’s cancer diagnosis. Five years of quietly holding my breath, waiting for signs of decline. That month off reminded me I simply couldn’t live in that waiting room anymore.
With no access to social media, I returned to something that’s always been my safe place—books. And two things stood out to me that I would love to share with you.
1. Do the Timeline Exercise to reposition
One book prompted me to draw two timelines. First, a retrospective timeline listing my achievements. This was huge. When you’re stuck in a cycle of feeling like you’re not getting anywhere, it helps to see where you’ve already been.
My timeline included raising two strong daughters, integrating a third into our family, two national business awards, and yes—wearing a giant yellow kangaroo suit while performing with puppets. (Not everyone can say that!) In short: I’ve done some successful stuff.
2. “Act As If”
The second game-changer was the mindset shift: act as if.
Another part of the timeline exercise asked me to project forward. Imagine your ideal life 12 months from now, then act as if it’s already happening. To walk into a room in a year’s time and tell someone this was the best year ever, what happened and what changed to make it so.
If I want to be a leader, through social media, Thermomix®, or simply by example, then I need to carry that leadership now. Head high. Shoulders back. Dressing the part. Speaking clearly about my vision. Reading what leaders read. And yes, wearing my Team Leader badge even if I’m a team of one (for now?).
Reclaiming Energy, Joy and Confidence
Following this “act as if” principle has helped me feel more grounded and excited about life. I’m less tired, more focused, and more grateful than I’ve felt in a long time. Cancer is still there in the background and it always will be. But I can’t change that. I can only change my mindset and how I respond.
That month away reminded me just how powerful it can be to reset my life when feeling overwhelmed—sometimes all it takes is space, reflection, and a little faith in what comes next.
To everyone who’s been a part of my journey so far: thank you. I’ve learned, I’ve grown, and I’ve had a lot of fun (even if the kangaroo suit was a bit much).
If you’ve loved reading this article, check out my guest editor’s article here:https://realfoodcook.com.au/my-evolving-cancer-nutrition-journey/
Current Thermomix® offers: https://thermomix.com.au/pages/payment-options
What People Say
Nicki King
August 21, 2024
Michelle Boyd catered for our wedding ceremony, and the food was absolutely incredible! We had a few guests with dietary needs, and Michelle made sure every dish was not only delicious but also met everyone’s requirements. I’ve been lucky enough to taste Michelle’s food on several occasions, and I always look forward to seeing what amazing dishes she creates. My husband and I also bought a Thermomix from Michelle, and she came to our home for a demonstration. We use the Thermomix all the time now, and the recipes she shared with us are regulars in our meals. We’re so excited to learn more from Michelle and can’t wait to attend one of her dinner events soon!
Jane-Marie Pfeiffer
May 26, 2024
Last week I attended Michelle’s Real Food Dinner -Gut health edition. Michelle informed us with very valuable information about gut health and how we can look after our gut by eating food with a higher fibre content. She prepared some beautiful tasty dishes show casing some great gut health foods. I highly recommended attending these nights when they come available. It was a fun night of information, chats and yummy food. Thank you Michelle. Can’t wait to see what you will be presenting next.
Sandy Andrews
May 26, 2024
YumHugs catered for my 70th birthday tea at a local hall. Michelle and Ian came and plated up the delicious finger food and served it too, so I didn't have so much to organise and could spend time with my guests. The food was amazing and their calming presence made the event so much better! They even packed up the left overs. Yum Hugs is great and Michelle and Ian are wonderful!
Lee-anne Voigt
May 26, 2024
Thank you Michelle and Ian for welcoming us to your dining room table for a Real Food Gut Health evening. LOVED the food you prepared, together with learning more about gut health and enjoying animated round the table conversation. I’ll be signing up for another event 😀😀
Kelly Hody
May 24, 2024
I have ordered Yum Hugs products several times now and cannot speak highly enough of the quality of the food and exceptional customer service. I took a large sweet treat grazing box to an event today and everyone absolutely loved it! There's something to please everyone in these boxes and I will definitely be ordering time and time again. I also attended Yum Hugs 'Real Food Dinner - Gut Health Edition' and this was an amazing experience. I loved being able to try new foods in a social setting, and learn about ingredients and simple ways to improve my nutrition. Michelle has a real knack for creating delicious food combinations that are also easy to recreate at home.
Wendy Stanton
April 26, 2024
I attended Michelle’s first Real Food Dinner - Gut Health Edition as I wanted to learn more about gut health and options for switching up my diet. I received all that and more! Not only was Michelle very knowledgeable about the subject but she also cooked a variety of high fibre, and very delicious dishes for us to try. I had a great evening and can highly recommend the experience to anyone with an interest in food and talking about food! Michelle also produces some amazing sweet treats and my favourite - the energy seed bars. Thankyou Michelle!
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