Reclaiming Your Intimacy: A Journey Back to Yourself

By Sally Cross, Intimacy & Relationship Coach, Therapeutic Coach, & Author.

She thought she just needed a lie-in. Perhaps a long bath. A weekend away. A few early nights. But even after all of that, the tiredness lingered. Not just in her body, but in her bones. In her heart. In the way her smile never quite reached her eyes anymore.

This wasn’t just fatigue. This was a woman who had been giving and giving for decades. Somewhere along the way, she had drifted far from herself. She hadn’t meant to. Life just happened. Her partner relied on her. Work demanded her best self. The added demand on her as a caregiver...and so much more!

The Weight of Responsibility

She showed up. Again and again. She made lists, planned meals, remembered birthdays, and held space for others, even when no one held space for her. Somewhere between the school runs, the promotions, the breakups, the makeups, the griefs, and the good intentions, she forgot the sound of her own longing.

She was tired, yes. But not just from lack of sleep. She was tired of:

• Being everything for everyone else.

• Swallowing her needs to keep the peace.

• Feeling invisible in her own relationship.

• Carrying unspoken griefs no one else seemed to notice.

• Numbing out because sensuality felt so far out of reach.

  
  

She was tired of being disconnected from herself.

The Mirror of Midlife

Midlife has a funny way of holding up a mirror. It doesn’t always shout; sometimes it whispers. A question here, a restlessness there. A sense that something needs to change… even if you don’t yet know what. For many women, that whisper turns into a call: to pause, to reflect, to ask, “What about me?”

Not in a selfish way, but in a soulful one. When you’ve spent decades taking care of others, the act of turning towards yourself again can feel radical. Tender. Sacred. If this resonates, I want you to know, you’re not alone. I've walked that path, along with many other women before me, and after...

Embracing Your Inner Wisdom

What you’re feeling isn’t weakness; it’s wisdom. It’s your inner world nudging you, calling you back into alignment with who you truly are. You may not need more coffee or another holiday. You may need intimacy with yourself. A reconnection to your body, your voice, your pleasure, your power. A homecoming.

Not the intimacy they talk about in glossy magazines or sex-ed classes, but a deeper kind—one rooted in presence, self-respect, and sovereign sensuality.

The Journey Ahead

I am excited to share with you that this is the journey I explore more deeply in my upcoming book: She Rises: A Midlife Woman’s Intimacy Guide to Reconnection & Reclaiming Her Sensual Self.

It’s written for the woman who’s ready to stop just surviving and start truly living; in her skin, her soul, and her own glorious truth.

Finding Your Path

As you embark on this journey, consider what intimacy means to you. It may involve reconnecting with your passions, exploring new hobbies, or simply taking time for yourself. Reflect on what brings you joy and fulfilment.

The Importance of Self-Care

Self-care is not just a buzzword; it’s a necessity. Prioritise your well-being. Schedule time for activities that nourish your spirit. Whether it’s reading a book, practising yoga, or enjoying nature, make self-care a non-negotiable part of your routine.

Building a Support System

Surround yourself with supportive friends and family. Share your feelings and experiences with those who understand. Having a strong support system can make a significant difference in your journey towards self-reconnection.

Embracing Change

Change can be daunting, but it is also an opportunity for growth. Embrace the changes that come with midlife. They can lead to new beginnings and a deeper understanding of yourself.

Conclusion

Stay close. There’s so much more to come. ✨

www.sallycross.com