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

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

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