The Day I Stopped Reading the Books I Thought I Should Read

Image of books on a bookshelf, spines facing away.

My relationship with books has always been… complicated If you’d told my younger self that one day I’d happily walk home from the library with a bag full of books, I wouldn’t have believed you. I’m dyslexic, so my relationship with books and reading has always fallen into the “it’s complicated” category. As a child, … Read more

10 Tiny Joys That Can Brighten an Ordinary Day

Image showing a steaming mug on a wooden table next to an open notebook.

Life can feel busy, noisy and overwhelming at times. When that happens, it’s easy to focus on what’s missing, what’s difficult, or the endless list of things still waiting to be done. I’ve always been drawn to the beauty of everyday moments and the small things that quietly bring comfort, calm and joy. A flower … Read more

When Life Feels Heavy, What Really Helps?

Photo of the back of a woman standing next to a wooden gate looking into the UK Spring countryside beyond.

April has seen the UK burst fully into Spring. I was fortunate to spend a lovely weekend away with two amazing friends I’ve known for nearly thirty years. Those few days, just the three of us, reminded me of a version of myself that existed outside of labels — a time when it felt enough … Read more

5 Gentle Self-Care Routines That Fit Into Real Life

Photo of a teapot and cup of tea on a tray in an unmade bed.

Self-care can sometimes feel like just another thing to add to an already full day. But what if it didn’t have to be that way? It’s not all spa days, massages or escaping from everyday life (although that can be lovely). What if self-care could be found in small, quiet moments you’re already living — … Read more

Feeling Like You’re Not Doing Enough?

Image of white plum blossom with a bright blue sky in the background.

But What If You Don’t Need to Do More… What If We’re Not Missing Anything? Is it just me or do you ever wonder what’s the point? Not in a dramatic or desperate way, just a niggling thought in the back of my mind… is this it, or am I missing something? I am truly … Read more

5 Gentle Ways to Reset When You Feel Emotionally Overwhelmed

Teal cup, saucer and pale grey teapot on a white table in bright sunlight.

Emotional overwhelm doesn’t always look dramatic. Often it looks like coping well on the outside — while quietly feeling stretched and emotionally drained on the inside. Why do we feel emotionally overwhelmed when nothing is actually wrong? Because coping uses energy. Holding ourselves together, staying steady for others and managing our reactions takes emotional effort. … Read more

What Standing in Front of Other Artists’ Work Taught Me About Calling Myself One

woman with greying hair and glasses, standing on a city street smiling at the camera.

A Birthday Rule and a Day of Art February half term coincided with my birthday this year. I don’t think I’m alone in finding it hard to tempt my children away from screens. But on my birthday there’s one small rule — they aren’t allowed to complain too loudly. So I squeezed in not one, … Read more

You Are Enough: Three Things I Wish I’d Known Sooner

Old faded colour photo of a young girl hugging a pet dog in a garden.

A gentle reflection on self-worth, gratitude, and being present — especially in a world that tells us we need fixing. For the first 30+ years of my life, I believed I was both too much and not enough. I carried around a constant inner conflict — too loud and too quiet, too confident and too … Read more

Gratitude, Presence and Filling Yourself Up First

Image of an open Gratitude Journal beside a grey blanket, pen and reading glasses.

Gratitude Isn’t About Pretending Everything Is Fine For a long time, I thought gratitude was simply about being polite, saying thank you, or reminding myself to “look on the bright side.” But real gratitude — the kind that actually changes how you feel — is much quieter and much more powerful than that. It’s not … Read more

A Love Letter to Somerset Summers: Introducing Buttercup Posy

Photograph of buttercups growing through and around a metal fence.

This is a tribute to the Somerset summers that shaped me. Sunny days filled with wildflowers, bees, and the quiet magic of my grandparents’ home. Some of my happiest childhood memories come from the summer holidays my sister and I spent with our grandparents in Somerset. They lived in a little haven with a cider … Read more