We’re the women behind So Just Be — two menopausal travellers in comfortable shoes, armed with snacks, sarcasm, and low expectations. We’ve stopped chasing enlightenment and started chasing free parking. If life won’t thrill you, Britain’s oddest attractions just might. Probably not — but at least you’ll have a story to tell and somewhere to sit down afterwards.
Author Archives: So Just Be
Facing Phobias and Anxiety in Midlife: Why It’s More Common Than You Think
Ever found yourself clutching the handrail like a lifeline because the escalator suddenly looks steeper and faster than it did in your twenties? Whether it’s an irrational fear of pigeons, public speaking, or the rising cost of HRT, the truth is our brains are busy processing decades of accumulated worries, and sometimes, they go rogue. So why does this happen, and more importantly, what can we do about it?
Embracing the Quiet Life: 11 Ways to Find Peace in Silence
Many of us are yearning for calm, craving a space where we can breathe and so just be. But what does it mean to live quietly, and how can we incorporate it into our daily lives?
Little Ears, Big Boundaries: Why I Don’t Want an Audience of Children During Grown-Up Chats
There’s something uniquely sacred about a good catch-up with a friend. But lately, I’ve noticed something creeping into these moments that makes me want to stay home instead: the children.
I know it sounds harsh, but I don’t want an audience of children when I’m opening up about my life.
Surviving the Christmas Cram: Why Can’t We Just Catch Up in January?
The problem isn’t the Christmas roast or even the marathon gift-wrapping sessions at 2 a.m. after your fifth mug of mulled wine (don’t judge, we’ve all been there). The real stress kicks in when, for some bizarre reason, every single person in your life wants to cram everything into December. No one, and I mean no one, ever stops to ask the simple question: “Why can’t we just meet in January?”
18 Everyday Mid-Life Annoyances (And Why We’re Totally Justified in Complaining)
Ah, middle age. A time of wisdom, grace, and… utter frustration! You’d think by now, we’d have life sorted. But no, it seems there are still a million things designed to drive us up the wall. So, grab a cuppa, sit back, and nod along as we list the top things that drive us absolutely mad.
Proof that Friends, Kindness and Coldplay will Fix You: The Perimenopausal Princess Papers (Part 22)
I’ve been having a tough time recently. In isolation, I could have coped with any of my issues, but combine ill health, bereavement, perimenopause and a difficult time at work, and you’ve discovered my kryptonite.
Feeling Stuck? You Might Be Experiencing Functional Freeze!
Do you ever find yourself staring at your to-do list, feeling overwhelmed and unsure where to start? Or maybe you’re constantly switching between tasks without making any real progress. If this sounds familiar, you could be experiencing something called ‘functional freeze’.
Stuff You and Your Humble Brag
Ever scrolled through social media and come across someone flaunting their perfect life, complete with #blessed captions and endless humble brags? You know the type – the ones who make you roll your eyes so hard, you fear they might get stuck that way. But why does their fakery rub us the wrong way, and why should we focus on counting our blessings and embracing our flaws instead?
Timeless Reflections of a Life Well-Lived
Have you ever paused to ponder the twists and turns of your own life’s journey? Do you ever find yourself wondering about the roads not taken, the dreams left unfulfilled, or the moments that have shaped you into the person you are today?
