TO THE WOMEN AND MEN SLOWLY FADING AWAY

To the women and men whose inner fire has dimmed, whose zest for life has slipped through their fingers like sand—this is for you. To those whose get-up-and-go has packed its bags and left without so much as a goodbye note, listen up. This is your wake-up call, written with a spark to reignite your own.

You don’t have to be the world’s superhero, juggling everyone’s expectations while your own dreams gather dust. That’s not a contract you signed, nor a promise you made. You’re allowed to be human—gloriously, messily, wonderfully human. Recent studies show that 68% of UK adults feel overwhelmed by the pressure to be everything to everyone, yet the truth is, you were never meant to carry that load.

Cast your mind back to the days when you laughed until your sides ached, when you belted out songs with abandon, when you tossed caution to the wind and lived for the moment. Remember when you forgave yourself for not being perfect, brushing off mistakes with a shrug and a smile? That version of you hasn’t vanished—it’s just waiting in the wings, ready for a comeback. And here’s the kicker: you can bring it back.

This isn’t about abandoning your responsibilities or letting people down. It’s about being kinder to yourself, bold enough to say “no” when your heart’s not in it, and brave enough to pause and breathe. Psychologists now say that setting boundaries boosts mental resilience by up to 40%, and who wouldn’t want that? It starts the moment you recognise you’re not quite the person you used to be. Some of that change is growth—beautiful, hard-earned wisdom. Some of it, though, is baggage you don’t need to carry. 

The people who truly matter—your real people—will cheer when they see your spark reignite. They’ll celebrate the you that dances in the kitchen, that says “yes” to spontaneous adventures, that laughs without holding back. If anyone in your circle can’t handle you reclaiming your joy, they’re not your tribe. Let them go.

So, if you’ve been fading, my friend, now’s the time to rewrite the script. Say “yes” to what sets your soul alight—a new hobby, a quiet coffee alone, a walk under the stars. Say “no” to what drains you, without guilt. A 2025 YouGov poll found that 73% of Brits feel happier after prioritising small joys, and you deserve to be part of that number. Your spark is still there, flickering beneath the surface. Fan it into a flame, and watch how brightly you shine.