Stretching Without Snapping: Finding Expansion When Life Already Feels Full

By Sarah Bishop
Mental Strength and Resilience Coach
Founder of Toil and Remedies

Why Momentum Matters (Especially When You’re Exhausted)

Expansion sounds lovely, doesn’t it? Blossoming, evolving, stepping into your best self. But when your days are already full to the brim—juggling NDIS appointments, work, family, and maybe remembering to brush your own hair—growth can feel more like pressure than possibility.

Here’s the thing: expansion doesn’t have to be about doing more.
It’s about becoming more.

More of who you already are.
The version of you that’s buried beneath the busyness, still dreaming big.
And the best part? You don’t need extra hours in the day—you just need intention.

Let’s look at how to expand your life in ways that feel nourishing, not overwhelming.

Step 1: Redefine What Expansion Means

Expansion isn’t always visible. It might look like saying no to something that doesn’t align anymore. Or finally giving yourself permission to be heard in your child’s NDIS review. It could be choosing rest instead of guilt, joy instead of duty.

You get to define what growing looks like for you.

Step 2: Start With Just One Corner

Trying to upgrade your whole life in one go is a recipe for burnout.
Choose one corner—your morning routine, your creative spark, your boundaries—and focus there. Tiny changes can have massive ripple effects.

Think of it like crochet: one loop at a time, and before you know it, something beautiful forms.

“The only thing standing between you and your dreams is the story you keep telling yourself.” – Tony Robbins

You’re not stuck—you’re gathering power.

Step 3: Expand in Community, Not Isolation

You don’t have to do this alone. Expansion thrives in safe spaces—like the Yeah the Girls community or among others navigating the NDIS.

Sharing your story, asking for help, or just hearing “me too” can be the exact nudge you need.
Let people witness your growth. It’s not selfish—it’s sacred.

Step 4: Let Joy Be Your Compass

We expand best when we’re doing what lights us up. Dust off that passion you’ve shelved, try that new thing you’ve been curious about (even if you feel silly), or simply allow yourself small moments of joy every day.

Joy isn’t frivolous—it’s fuel.

You Are Not Too Much. You Were Never Too Much.

You were simply never meant to shrink.

You’re allowed to want more without doing more.
You’re allowed to grow even if things aren’t perfect.
And you’re allowed to expand in the messy, beautiful in-between moments of life.

So here’s your invitation—take a deep breath, and stretch.
Not to breaking point, but to a new beginning.

By Sarah Bishop
Mental Strength and Resilience Coach at Toil and Remedies
Empowering women to navigate disability, caregiving, and personal growth through resilience coaching and personalised healing programmes with NDIS support.