Mindfulness Practice

Over the last few days, I’ve been thinking about what I want to achieve in 2025. Be more mindful. Eat healthier. Start intermittent fasting. Write more. Read more. Study towards becoming a mental wellness coach. Be a better teacher. Feel more comfortable in my own skin while working on my fitness. But here’s the thing: I’m waiting for Wednesday to start. When I eat a chocolate, I tell myself, “Better eat this now, because from Wednesday, there’s nothing.” Deep down, I know this isn’t the right mindset. So what is? Why Waiting for ‘The Right Time’ Doesn’t Work Like many of us, I’ve fallen into the trap of believing that change needs a grand starting point—a new year, a new week, or even a specific day like your birthday. It feels tidy, doesn’t it? But this “all or nothing” approach often sets us up for failure. The problem with waiting is that it creates a scarcity mindset: the idea that life will suddenly become restrictive or joyless once you begin. Worse still, it suggests that perfe...

Why Do My Best Intentions Turn Into Coffee and Scrolling? You know the feeling—you go to bed full of ambition, picturing yourself waking up bright and early, sipping water like a health guru, easing into a yoga flow, and journaling with purpose. But when the alarm goes off, reality sets in. Instead of transforming into the morning superstar you envisioned, you grab a cup of coffee and start scrolling through Instagram. What’s going on here? The truth is, this morning battle is all too familiar, and it’s not just about willpower—it’s rooted in psychology and habit. Let’s unpack why coffee and scrolling take over and explore how you can align your intentions with your actions. The Disconnect Between Intentions and Reality At night, we’re reflective and motivated. It’s easy to dream of being a better version of ourselves tomorrow. Psychologists refer to this as “positive projection”—imagining your future self smashing goals gives you a feel-good boost in the present. But when the morning ...

Let’s talk about pain. No, not the stub-your-toe-on-the-sofa kind, but the deep, emotional, "life-has-sucker-punched-you" kind. The hard truth is, healing starts with accepting something most of us would rather avoid: you’ve got a hand in your own suffering. Stay with me, though—it’s not as bleak as it sounds. This isn’t about assigning blame or declaring fault. It’s about taking responsibility. Picture it less like pointing fingers and more like grabbing the wheel of your own life. Because if you’ve been hurt—whether by a dodgy relationship, past trauma, or life’s general knack for throwing curveballs—you might instinctively want to direct all the blame outwards. And yes, external factors do matter, but here’s the thing: waiting for someone else to fix things is like waiting for the bus in the middle of nowhere. It’s not coming. The Temptation of Victimhood Staying in victim mode can feel... oddly comforting, can’t it? There’s no need to make any big changes because, hey, it...

  Yesterday, the skies wore a shroud, A veil of sorrow, heavy and proud. Loneliness hummed, soft yet near, Its echo lingered, sharp and clear. But today, sunlight weaves its way, Through broken shadows of yesterday. Peace whispers where pain had been, A quiet bloom that grows within. Each tear that fell became a seed, Pain nurturing beauty’s creed. Now I breathe, with calm inside, Grateful for the ebbing tide. Life unfolds like the ocean's sway, Grief and joy carving its way. Yesterday's shadows softly wane, Leaving the lessons, keeping the gain.

As the holiday season nears, streets glitter with lights, homes echo with carols, and an air of joy seems to permeate the world. Yet, for many, the phrase "Merry Christmas" holds a bittersweet undertone, as this season isn’t as joyful as it seems. The Pain of Loneliness For those mourning lost loved ones, Christmas often brings painful reminders of shared moments now out of reach. Decorating trees, unwrapping gifts, or enjoying holiday meals can amplify the sense of absence. Similarly, individuals separated from their families—whether by physical distance, estrangement, or personal reasons—feel the weight of isolation during a season centered on connection. Financial Struggles Amid Festive Expectations Christmas often equates to spending—lavish gifts, elaborate decorations, and indulgent feasts. For those facing financial hardships, this pressure to meet societal norms can lead to stress and feelings of inadequacy. The season’s commercial nature sometimes overshadows its true...

How to Turn Self-Doubt into Self-Growth Introduction Self-doubt is something everyone experiences from time to time. It often creeps in just as we’re about to face new challenges or step outside our comfort zones. It can feel like a hurdle, preventing us from reaching our full potential. Here’s the reassuring part: self-doubt doesn’t have to hold you back. In fact, when approached thoughtfully, it can be a catalyst for growth. By learning to understand and reframe it, you can transform moments of hesitation into opportunities to adapt, learn, and flourish. Let’s explore some practical ways to turn self-doubt into self-improvement. Recognising Self-Doubt as a Natural Process The first step is to realise that self-doubt is a completely normal reaction to unfamiliar situations. It’s not a sign of weakness or failure—it’s an indicator that you’re pushing yourself to grow. Feeling unsure is simply part of the process. Rather than resisting these feelings, take a moment to acknowledge them. ...

Introduction: Fire Your Inner Critic Today Let’s face it—everyone has that nagging inner voice critiquing their every move. From mispronouncing “charcuterie” to pairing socks with sandals (just once!), it’s time to put an end to this self-judgment. Here’s a guide to silencing that inner commentator and living unapologetically, quirks and all. 1. Recognise the Critic—and Laugh It Off Picture your inner critic as a grouchy neighbor constantly complaining. Is that who you want running your life? Definitely not! The next time that voice says, “You’re terrible at this,” respond with humour: “Maybe, but I’m having fun trying!” Humour disarms negativity and shifts your mindset. 2. Realise Nobody’s Watching as Closely as You Think Here’s a secret: most people are too focused on their own lives to notice your slip-ups. Trip on the sidewalk? Own it with a confident pose. Even Taylor Swift probably has her awkward moments (we all do). Remember, these small mistakes are insignificant in the bigger...