When every part of your life asks more of you—your family, your career, your aging parents—it’s easy to forget the version of yourself that existed before everything became so full.
You’re accomplished, capable, and constantly in motion. But the real challenge now? Making space for yourself again—not as a luxury, but as a necessity.
This isn’t about escaping your life. It’s about stepping back into it, with clarity, calm, and a renewed connection to who you are beyond your roles.
Reconnection Starts Within
This isn’t a reinvention. It’s a return. A gentle, deliberate shift from doing to being. From tending everyone else to finally listening inward.
Start with your mental space. Clear out the noise. Turn down the volume on urgency. Daily practices like journaling or guided meditation can offer surprising relief—simple, steady ways to anchor yourself in the present.
You’ve outgrown some connections, and life drifted you from others. That’s normal. What matters now is building the relationships that support the woman you’ve become.
Make time for meaningful conversations. Seek spaces where you’re not explaining yourself—where you’re seen, understood, and invited deeper. That’s where the real restoration happens.
Reawaken What You Miss
You don’t need to add more to your plate—you need to carve out time for what fills you back up. Return to something you once loved. Read uninterrupted. Take a class for no other reason than curiosity. Let enjoyment take priority over productivity.
Care That Actually Restores
This is not about fixing yourself. You are not a project. Choose what genuinely supports you—sleep, food that sustains you, movement that doesn’t feel like punishment. Let go of the all-or-nothing approach. This is about consistency, not perfection.
Quiet, grounding, reflective time in community with other women asking the same questions.
This is the moment to make space for you, not later. Not someday. NOW.
You don’t have to choose between success and well-being. Step away from the chaos, reset your mind and body, and realign with what truly matters. Our wellness retreats, online courses—including one on building deeper connection and community—and free resources give you the space to breathe, reflect, and design a life that feels fulfilling—without guilt, without compromise.
Balancing career, family, and personal responsibilities can make maintaining friendships and support feel impossible.
Time slips away between deadlines, caregiving duties, and everyday obligations.
The result? Connections weaken, and the benefits of close relationships begin to fade. While professional success and family commitments matter, friendships are just as essential for overall well-being.
The Health Risks of Lack of Support
Ignoring friendships doesn’t just lead to a sense of isolation—it has measurable effects on health. Studies show that women who lack strong social ties have a 26% higher risk of premature death, a 29% greater chance of developing heart disease, and a 32% higher likelihood of stroke. These numbers, reported by the American Heart Association, highlight the serious consequences of neglecting social connections.
Beyond physical health, the impact on emotional well-being is just as profound. A study published in JAMA Psychiatry found that women with weaker social networks experience significantly higher rates of anxiety and depression. Regular, meaningful interactions help regulate stress hormones, improve mood, and contribute to a greater sense of life satisfaction.
Why Friendships Fade—and How to Change It
Many women don’t intend to drift away from friendships, but daily demands make it easy to deprioritize them. Common reasons include:
Work overload. Long hours and high expectations make personal time feel like a luxury.
Family responsibilities. Caring for children, parents, or partners often takes precedence.
Scheduling conflicts. Coordinating time with friends becomes difficult when everyone is juggling commitments.
Emotional exhaustion. After a packed day, the idea of making plans can feel overwhelming.
The good news? These obstacles aren’t insurmountable. Prioritizing friendship doesn’t require massive life changes—small, consistent efforts can make a difference.
The Benefits of Prioritizing Connection
Research from the National Institute on Aging confirms that maintaining strong friendships improves cognitive function and reduces the risk of dementia by up to 40%. Engaging conversations and shared experiences stimulate the brain, keeping it sharp as the years go by.
Additionally, friendships act as a buffer against stress. The Mayo Clinic reports that spending time with supportive friends lowers cortisol levels, reduces blood pressure, and strengthens the immune system. Simply put, making time for friendships isn’t just enjoyable—it’s essential for long-term health.
How to Strengthen Friendships in a Busy Life
Maintaining strong connections doesn’t require significant sacrifices. Simple strategies can help keep friendships alive:
Prioritize quick check-ins. A five-minute call or voice message can maintain connection even on the busiest days.
Schedule standing meetups. Monthly gatherings or weekly walks create consistency without extra planning.
Combine activities. Exercising, running errands, or attending events together makes time for connection without disrupting routines.
Be intentional with outreach. Sending a thoughtful message or remembering important dates strengthens bonds.
Invest in shared experiences. Taking a trip, attending a retreat, or working on a joint project deepens friendships.
The Long-Term Impact of Intentional Connection
Friendships aren’t a luxury—they’re a necessity. Strong relationships enhance well-being, increase resilience, and contribute to a longer, healthier life. Ignoring these connections leads to increased stress, health risks, and emotional exhaustion.
Balancing life’s responsibilities is challenging, but friendships deserve a place on the priority list. Investing in meaningful connections isn’t about finding extra time—it’s about making the most of the time already available. The rewards far outweigh the effort, making it a choice worth committing to every day.
You don’t have to choose between success and well-being. Step away from the chaos, reset your mind and body, and realign with what truly matters. Our wellness retreats, online courses, and free resources give you the space to breathe, reflect, and design a life that feels fulfilling—without guilt, without compromise.
Be the first to know about upcoming retreats—join the info list for dates and details.
Having just returned from a weeklong trip to London, I am still buzzing with the fun and excitement of a great experience.
The history, the cultural similarities and differences, even the public transportation!
I learned a lot, not just about England but about myself as well. Talk about getting back to your core self and beliefs!
While England may not be a huge cultural shift from the U.S., it is still fascinating to note how my perspectives on some things are so informed by my country.
The complete disregard for crosswalk signs took me aback! Being there during the Presidential Inauguration, I was surprised at how deeply interested and informed the Brits – including many who were transplants from other countries – were about what was going on. I don’t think we reciprocate that broader worldview much, at least not on a large scale.
I was truly impressed by the public transportation system, the efficiency of customs, and the friendly and polite but reserved nature of the people. The introvert in me LOVED not having to smile and say hello to every. single. stranger. I passed.
I spent much of my time diving into history and doing all I could to experience the country. While I love to shop in general, I am not a big shopper while visiting other countries. First of all, I have to carry it all back! Secondly, I can shop anywhere. Other than a few unique to London baubles, my primary focus was expanding my perspectives on the world.
Travel is a transformative experience
Beyond the allure of exotic destinations and breathtaking scenery, travel offers an unparalleled opportunity to grow emotionally, intellectually, and spiritually. In the fast-paced lives of modern professionals balancing careers, family, and personal aspirations, travel can serve as a powerful reset button, providing clarity and inspiration for life’s next chapter.
The Connection Between Travel and Personal Growth
Personal growth is a lifelong journey. It requires stepping out of comfort zones, embracing new experiences, and challenging preconceived notions. Travel inherently facilitates this process. Whether navigating unfamiliar streets in a foreign city, engaging with people from diverse cultures, or experiencing awe-inspiring natural wonders, travel exposes us to situations that expand our horizons and deepen our understanding of the world and ourselves.
As we age, the need for continued personal growth becomes even more critical. Studies indicate that staying mentally and emotionally engaged in new experiences contributes to better overall well-being.
According to the Global Coalition on Aging, older adults who engage in regular travel report improved physical and cognitive health.
Travel isn’t just a luxury; it’s a vital component of maintaining vitality and curiosity.
Why Travel Matters for Personal Transformation
1. Expanding Perspectives: Travel pushes us to see the world through a different lens. Meeting people with different traditions, beliefs, and lifestyles fosters empathy and reduces biases. A study published in the Journal of Personality and Social Psychology found that exposure to diverse cultures enhances creativity and problem-solving skills. This expanded perspective can positively influence both personal and professional relationships.
2. Boosting Emotional Resilience: Travel often comes with unexpected challenges—a missed flight, a language barrier, or navigating unfamiliar systems. Overcoming these hurdles builds emotional resilience and problem-solving abilities. These lessons translate into greater confidence and adaptability in daily life.
3. Reigniting Creativity: Exploring new destinations sparks creativity. Immersing in vibrant markets, historical landmarks, or serene landscapes stimulates the senses and provides a fresh source of inspiration. A study by INSEAD researchers found that individuals who lived abroad displayed higher levels of creative thinking, suggesting that even short-term travel can have a lasting impact on our ability to innovate.
Travel by the Numbers: A Powerful Tool for Personal Growth
Statistics reinforce the benefits of travel. According to the U.S. Travel Association:
86% of travelers say that travel improves their mood and outlook.
61% feel that travel has a lasting positive impact on their productivity and energy levels.
89% of leisure travelers cite travel as a source of relaxation, inspiration, and renewed purpose.
Additionally, research from AARP found that individuals aged 50 and older who prioritize travel often report a greater sense of purpose and fulfillment compared to their peers who travel less frequently. Travel helps people reconnect with themselves, rediscover passions, and envision new goals.
The Role of Travel in Aging Gracefully
As we age, maintaining a growth mindset becomes increasingly important. Neuroscience shows that the brain thrives on novelty and challenge, and travel offers both. Exploring new destinations stimulates neural pathways, keeping the brain sharp and engaged.
Incorporating travel into a wellness routine can also improve mental and emotional health.
Studies show that planning and anticipating a trip can boost happiness and reduce stress. Upon returning, the memories and insights gained from travel can continue to uplift and motivate.
Tips for Transformative Travel Experiences
To fully harness the growth potential of travel, consider these strategies:
1. Set Intentions: Before embarking on your journey, reflect on what you hope to gain. Are you seeking inspiration, relaxation, or connection? Having a clear intention can help shape a more meaningful experience.
2. Embrace Uncertainty: Allow room for spontaneity. Some of the most transformative travel moments come from unplanned encounters and experiences.
3. Prioritize Wellness: Incorporate activities like yoga, meditation, or journaling during your travels. These practices can deepen your connection to the experience and foster introspection.
4. Seek Cultural Immersion: Engage with locals, try regional cuisines, and participate in traditional activities. These authentic interactions create lasting memories and enrich your understanding of the destination.
5. Reflect and Integrate: After returning home, take time to reflect on your journey. What did you learn about yourself? How can you integrate these lessons into your daily life?
Travel as an Investment in Yourself
In a world that often prioritizes productivity over presence, travel reminds us of the value of slowing down, exploring, and reconnecting. It’s an investment in personal growth that pays dividends long after the suitcase is unpacked.
Whether it’s a solo retreat in a tranquil setting, a cultural immersion in a bustling city, or a nature-based adventure, travel has the power to transform. It’s not just about discovering new places; it’s about rediscovering who you are and who you aspire to be.
So, where will your next journey take you? The world is waiting, and so is the next chapter of your growth.
You don’t have to choose between success and well-being. Step away from the chaos, reset your mind and body, and realign with what truly matters. Our wellness retreats, online courses, and free resources give you the space to breathe, reflect, and design a life that feels fulfilling—without guilt, without compromise.
Be the first to know about upcoming retreats—join the info list for dates and details.
As the calendar flips to a new year, many people eagerly set New Year’s resolutions.
These well-meaning commitments often focus on self-improvement—losing weight, exercising more, or saving money.
However, despite the initial enthusiasm, studies show that by the second Friday of January, known as “Quitters Day,” most resolutions have been abandoned.
According to a 2020 report by Strava, the social network for athletes, this day marks the point when motivation dwindles, and goals are left unmet. Many people set overly ambitious goals or lack a clear plan to achieve them, leading to feelings of overwhelm. As the initial excitement fades and real-life challenges arise, the gap between expectations and reality grows, causing many to lose their resolve.
The Challenge with Resolutions
New Year’s resolutions are typically outcome-focused and specific. While setting measurable goals has its merits, resolutions often lack flexibility and can lead to frustration when life inevitably throws curveballs. For instance, resolving to hit the gym five days a week might sound achievable on January 1, but by mid-January, the demands of daily life often derail these plans. The result? Feelings of failure and self-doubt.
Statistics underscore this trend. Research from the University of Scranton suggests that only 8% of people achieve their New Year’s resolutions. The issue lies not in setting goals but in the rigid, all-or-nothing mindset they often foster. This mindset stems from the pressure to achieve perfection, leaving little room for flexibility or setbacks. When individuals view a single misstep as failure, it can lead to abandoning the goal entirely, undermining long-term success and personal growth.
The Power of Intention
Rather than setting rigid resolutions, consider the practice of setting intentions.
An intention provides a guiding principle for how you want to live and feel throughout the year.
It’s less about achieving a specific outcome and more about aligning your actions with a greater purpose.
For example, instead of resolving to lose 20 pounds, you might set an intention to nurture your body. This shift allows for a variety of actions—eating nourishing foods, engaging in joyful movement, or prioritizing sleep—that align with your overarching purpose. Intentions are flexible and adaptable, which makes them more sustainable over time.
Why Intentions Work
Setting intentions taps into intrinsic motivation—the desire to do something because it aligns with your values and brings personal satisfaction. Research published in the journal Motivation and Emotion highlights the power of intrinsic motivation in sustaining long-term habits. When actions stem from a deeper purpose, they become more fulfilling and easier to maintain.
Additionally, intentions encourage mindfulness. By regularly reflecting on your intention, you stay present and connected to your goals, even when challenges arise. This practice can also enhance emotional resilience, helping you bounce back from setbacks more effectively.
Living with Purpose
A life without purpose can have detrimental effects on emotional and physical health. A 2019 study in JAMA Network Open found that individuals with a strong sense of purpose had a significantly lower risk of mortality and cardiovascular events. Purpose acts as a buffer against stress and provides a sense of direction, especially during difficult times.
Conversely, a lack of purpose can contribute to feelings of aimlessness, low self-worth, and even depression. The human need for meaning is deeply rooted, and neglecting it can lead to long-term dissatisfaction. By setting an intention, you create a touchstone that reminds you of what truly matters, fostering a sense of fulfillment and direction.
How to Set an Intention for the Year
Reflect on Your Values: What matters most to you? Consider your priorities, passions, and the areas of life where you’d like to grow.
Choose a Guiding Word or Phrase: Summarize your intention in a simple, inspiring way. Words like “balance,” “growth,” or “connection” can serve as daily reminders of your purpose.
Visualize Your Ideal Life: Imagine how living in alignment with your intention would feel. Visualization can help cement your commitment and inspire actionable steps.
Create Daily Practices: Incorporate small, meaningful actions that align with your intention. These could include journaling, meditating, or setting boundaries to protect your time and energy.
Revisit and Adjust: Life evolves, and so can your intention. Regularly check in with yourself to ensure your intention still resonates and adapt as needed.
Embracing Intentions Over Resolutions
Intentions empower you to approach personal growth with compassion and flexibility. Unlike resolutions, which often hinge on external outcomes, intentions foster an internal shift that can ripple across all areas of your life. They encourage you to live purposefully, even when the path isn’t linear.
This year, as you consider what you want to accomplish, think beyond resolutions. Set an intention that aligns with your values and provides a sense of purpose. Start today by reflecting on what truly matters to you and taking the first small step toward a more meaningful year. Not only will it enhance your well-being, but it will also inspire meaningful and lasting change. With intention as your guide, the new year becomes an opportunity to cultivate a life of authenticity, balance, and joy.
You don’t have to choose between success and well-being. Step away from the chaos, reset your mind and body, and realign with what truly matters. Our wellness retreats, online courses, and free resources give you the space to breathe, reflect, and design a life that feels fulfilling—without guilt, without compromise.
Be the first to know about upcoming retreats—join the info list for dates and details.
You’ve accomplished a lot. Whether it’s raising a family, advancing in your career, or managing the complex dynamics of relationships, you’ve built a life full of meaning and purpose.
But every now and then, you can’t shake the feeling that despite all you’ve achieved, something is missing.
That sense of emptiness or restlessness can be confusing, especially when it seems like you should feel content.
This feeling is more common than you might think, especially when you’re balancing a busy, multi-faceted life. It’s easy to push these thoughts aside and power through your day, but that underlying feeling could be your inner voice nudging you toward something more.
Understanding why you feel this way is the first step toward addressing it. Here are five reasons you might be experiencing this sense of missing something and how to shift your mindset to reclaim a more fulfilled life.
1. You’ve Been Prioritizing Others for Too Long
When you’re responsible for many people—whether in your professional life, your family, or your community—it becomes second nature to focus on their needs before your own. You spend time ensuring everything is running smoothly, that others are happy and well-cared for. This constant outward focus can leave little space for you to check in with yourself. Over time, this imbalance can lead to burnout and a feeling of being disconnected from your own needs.
This is especially common for those in caregiving roles, whether that’s for children, aging parents, or even within a leadership position at work. The satisfaction of helping others is meaningful, but without replenishing your own energy and tuning into your own desires, you’re left running on empty. That feeling of something being missing could be a sign that it’s time to shift your focus inward and ask yourself what you truly need.
Start by carving out small moments in your day to connect with yourself. Whether it’s through meditation, journaling, or simply a quiet cup of coffee in the morning, these small acts of self-reflection can help you begin to reconnect with the parts of you that have been neglected.
2. Your Identity Has Become Tied to Your Roles
You’ve worn many hats in your life, from being a spouse, a parent, and a professional to a leader and a caregiver. Each role has shaped you, contributing to who you are today. However, when your identity becomes entirely tied to these roles, it can be hard to separate who you are from what you do. While these roles are essential, they don’t encompass the full spectrum of your being.
The sense of something missing may come from this over-identification with your roles.
When we define ourselves solely by our responsibilities or accomplishments, we miss out on the other parts of our identity that crave attention—our passions, dreams, and creative outlets.
These elements of ourselves often get pushed aside in favor of meeting external expectations.
To combat this, it’s important to nurture the parts of you that don’t directly relate to your job title or family role. Maybe it’s a hobby you used to love but no longer make time for, or a creative pursuit you’ve put on the back burner. Rediscovering these parts of yourself can bring back the joy and fulfillment that’s been missing.
3. Life Transitions Have Shifted Your Priorities
Life is made up of a series of transitions. Children grow up, careers evolve, relationships change. You may be in a phase of life where many of these transitions are happening at once—your kids have moved out, your career might be at a peak or in transition, and you’re possibly stepping into the role of caregiver for aging parents. While these shifts can bring new opportunities, they can also leave you feeling like the old way of doing things no longer works for you.
This feeling of something missing could be an invitation to redefine what fulfillment looks like for this stage of your life. The things that once filled your cup—such as family milestones or professional achievements—might not provide the same level of satisfaction now. As your external circumstances change, your internal desires and goals may also shift.
Embracing this transition as an opportunity for self-reflection can help you uncover new sources of fulfillment. What do you want more of in this next phase of life? What do you want less of? Taking the time to explore these questions can help you adjust to the new normal and create a life that feels rich and meaningful.
4. Your Life Feels Out of Balance
When you’re living a fast-paced life, it’s easy to lose balance. You’re constantly moving from one task to the next, trying to keep up with the demands of work, family, and personal obligations.
While you may be excelling in some areas, the constant juggling act can leave you feeling stretched too thin. When life feels out of balance, that missing piece could be the time and space to simply breathe.
The constant busyness may prevent you from pausing to assess whether the way you’re spending your time aligns with your core values. Over time, this imbalance creates a disconnection between what you’re doing and what truly nourishes you. That feeling of something being missing could stem from not having enough time to focus on what matters most to you.
Finding balance doesn’t necessarily mean doing less, but it does mean being intentional about how you spend your time. Evaluate where your energy is going and whether those areas are fulfilling. It might be time to delegate responsibilities or say no to commitments that don’t serve you, creating more room for the things that bring you joy and balance.
5. You Crave Deeper Meaning
In the midst of managing your daily responsibilities, it’s easy to lose sight of the bigger picture. While you’re likely doing well in your career and personal life, there may be a deeper part of you that’s searching for more—whether that’s a greater sense of purpose, spiritual connection, or personal growth. That lingering feeling of something missing could be a signal that you’re ready to connect with a deeper sense of meaning.
This might manifest as a desire for more profound connections with the people around you, or it could be a longing to contribute to something bigger than yourself. Sometimes, what’s missing isn’t something external at all, but rather an internal connection with your values, your purpose, or a spiritual practice that grounds you.
Consider exploring new avenues for personal development or deepening your connection with practices that inspire you, whether that’s through meditation, volunteering, or participating in activities that bring you closer to your sense of purpose. By aligning with what truly matters to you, you can fill that void with meaning and fulfillment.
You are not alone
Feeling like something is missing in your life isn’t a sign that you’ve done anything wrong; it’s often a natural part of growth and evolution. It’s a signal that you’re ready for the next step in your personal journey.
If any of these reasons resonate with you, now might be the perfect time to take action. Laylo Yoga & Wellness offers retreats and courses designed to help you reconnect with yourself, explore what’s truly missing, and discover the tools to create a more fulfilling, balanced life. By taking the time to step away from your daily routine and focus on your personal growth, you can realign with what matters most and create the space to live a more enriched, meaningful life.
You don’t have to choose between success and well-being. Step away from the chaos, reset your mind and body, and realign with what truly matters. Our wellness retreats, online courses, and free resources give you the space to breathe, reflect, and design a life that feels fulfilling—without guilt, without compromise.
Be the first to know about upcoming retreats—join the info list for dates and details.
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