GROWING WELL
Thoughts on Health, Wellbeing, Self-Care and Modern Life …without the pressure to be perfect 🌿
I’ve become deeply passionate about being well - mostly because, for a long time, I really wasn’t.
My journey back from serious illness has been messy, humbling, and full of lessons I never expected.
Along the way, I’ve had to rethink what “well” really means - physically, mentally, and emotionally. There’s rarely ever been a magic fix, no single path, but I have discovered a few practical things that have helped me find steadier ground.
So this space is where I share those nuggets - in the hope that something here might help you find your own way to Growing Well. 🌱
Putting Yourself First Isn’t Selfish
It’s Essential
The idea of putting themselves first seems a complete anathema to most people I know. They would happily chew off their own arm rather than cancel a plan, take a well-earned rest, or say no without attaching a three-paragraph explanation and a fruit basket….
Disconnect. Breathe. Feel Much Calmer.
One small habit that changed everything for me
My husband often says there are three of us in our relationship. Before you panic, let me reassure you - it’s not that kind of story.
The third party is my mobile phone. I am, by my own admission, deeply attached to it. If I put it down and can’t find it: panic…
Natural Alternatives To Antibiotics
Drawing on old wisdom to support modern wellbeing.
Once upon a time (1928, to be precise), Penicillin arrived and quite rightly earned its place as a medical marvel. Antibiotics have saved countless lives, and we’re deeply grateful for them.
But fast forward a few decades, and we’ve also learned this: more isn’t always better…
Menopause Sucks
Why we really need to talk more about Menopause
Recently, I watched a great series, Riot Women. Created by the wonderful Sally Wainwright, it tells the story of five fierce women in their fifties who form a punk band to vent their rage about ageing, menopause and the general audacity of the world.
And honestly? It blew my mind.
🌵 Cactus or Orchid? 🌸
How to tend your friendship garden
I celebrated a big birthday recently (21 again, obviously) and as I looked out at a room packed with friends I have known and loved for many decades, I felt ridiculously lucky.
Many had flown over to Spain for less than 48 hours, just to be with me on my special day. Which is friendship. Or madness. Possibly both. And as I looked around at their wonderfully familiar, smiling and slightly sunburnt faces, I realised something important…
When Anxiety Comes Calling
How I’ve learned to calm the storm
Anxiety is a rotten thing. I know, because it has shadowed much of my life. Over the past decade I’ve slowly gathered a small toolkit for calming my nervous system when anxiety flares. None of these are miracle cures - if only - but together they can gently guide the body back towards safety…