Hangovers, Henley & Honesty: What Balance Really Looks Like

I Don’t Drink… But Sometimes I Do

I’ve spent the weekend in black tie, dancing at Henley Festival with my boyfriend, my Dad, his fiancé and new friends…

Drinking too much, laughing harder than I have in ages and having one of those nights that leaves a mark — in THE best way.

Now I’m in bits.

My body’s dehydrated, swollen, I’m tired and my head's is foggy.

But I regret none of it.

It reminded me of something important: balance isn’t a straight line. It’s a dance — sometimes elegant, sometimes messy, but still part of the music.

I try to live in a way that honours my body.

I rarely drink.

I eat well.

I exercise 4+ days a week.

I read, reflect, love, learn — and try to stay grounded.

But sometimes… I don’t.

Sometimes I eat the extra biscuits.

Sometimes I lose my patience with my kids.

Sometimes I forget my own advice.

And sometimes, I say yes to the Moët and the wild night.

Does that mean I’m not healthy? Not wise? Not present?

No. It means I’m human.

We love labels.

“I’m healthy.”

“I don’t really drink.”

“I’ve got my life together.”

But life isn’t black and white. And labels can quietly become cages.

So I’m learning to hold space for the and:

• I care deeply about my health and I had a heavy weekend.

• I’ve got my life together and I’m struggling with motivation and brain fog.

• I believe alcohol is a poison and I chose it, knowingly.

What matters is the return. Not perfection — but recovery.

So this morning, I hydrated. I journaled. I forgave myself the sluggishness and the snacks.

And from tomorrow, I’ll be exercising again.

Because one night doesn’t undo who I am.

And if you’ve “fallen off” your plan — nourishment, parenting, hard-work, self-care, sobriety — maybe ask this:

🡪  Can I be honest about where I’m at, without shame?

🡪 Can I make my next choice one that supports me?

🡪 Can I stop labelling myself in ways that feel rigid or performative?

Balance isn’t ticking all the boxes every day.

It’s the grace to wobble, without collapsing.

Take what you need:

• You can love your health and still sometimes harm it.

• You can be an intentional parent and still mess up.

• You can be an awesome coach — and still a woman who gets a hangover!

Just don’t stay stuck there.

Realign.

Rehydrate.

Return to you.

Because you're allowed to be both the work-in-progress and the masterpiece.