The Day I Chased My Phone Around Town

A woman just laughing at herself, this is so a good therapy.

Sis, let me tell you what happened to me the other day. I was going to the library… well, actually, I had to go to the bank first because I needed my Statement of Account. You know those adulting errands that drain your energy before you even step out of the house? Yes, that one.

The plan was simple: bank first, then the library to print a few things out. Simple, right? Lies. Pure lies.

As I stepped out of the house, it started drizzling. So I rushed to the car because I had no intention of arriving anywhere looking like a wet mop. Then it hit me… I would need coins for the library printer. Coins. In 2025. Why are we still living like this? I could have paid with my card, but I was not even thinking about this alternative.

I found £1 in the car boot in my gym bag, where I put my swimming gear for my swimming lessons, in case anyone is wondering why £1 would be in my boot, and went on with my appointments. I went to the bank, collected my Statement of Account, and then headed to the library. That was when I realised I had misplaced my mobile.

Sis, the way my heart dropped.

I retraced my steps back to the bank. It was not there. I went back to the car. It was not there. I returned to the library again to try to print. I tried to log in to my Canva app, but it required confirmation from my mobile device. Since it was a public computer, I had to verify. But of course, I could not. I even tried to log in through my email. Still no.

So I left the library without printing anything. I felt tired and stressed. And on the way back to the car, it suddenly dawned on me…“Check the car boot.”

Where did I find my phone? In the car boot. In the car. Boot. Honestly, I had to laugh at myself. Because sometimes, if we don’t laugh, we cry.

And sis, this moment reminded me of something important. We often underestimate how much these little episodes affect our mental health. We joke about “mum brain”, but the truth is many of us are overwhelmed. We carry the mental load, the appointments, the errands, the school notes, the Christmas prep, the therapy work, the emotions… all at once.

This is why I create self-care tools. We deserve small pockets of calm. We deserve space to breathe. We deserve tools that support our healing and remind us that we are human.

If you’re a busy mum reading this and nodding your head, please know you’re not alone. If your brain feels scattered some days, you’re not “failing”. You’re tired. You’re carrying too much. And laughing at yourself sometimes becomes a survival skill.

So sis, if you’ve ever had a day like mine — running around, forgetting things, laughing at yourself so you don’t cry — please take it as a gentle sign. Your mind is tired. Your heart is doing a lot. And you deserve pockets of calm that remind you to breathe.

When you get a moment, have a little browse through my website: ruthymichaels.com.

I’ve created soulful therapy tools, colouring books, sudokus, and puzzles to help you slow down, reconnect, and refill your cup. And they’re not just for you — they’re perfect for your loved ones too, especially as we head into Christmas.

We all need something soothing to hold onto. Let these be yours.

Sis, we’re doing our best. And it’s enough.