We all experience anxiety; it’s a completely natural emotion and physical response – it can even serve us well in certain moments and in small controlled spells. However, if anxious feelings are something that you feel like you are currently struggling with, then finding ways in which to manage that experience can really help to…
I have been ‘quiet’ all my life. Sitting in a room full of others taking turns reading out loud from a book we were studying at that time. It’s my turn to read and my hearts racing, my heads feeling light and I want to hide away. I was the one who dreaded school presentations;…
You know that feeling when you are having a moment to think? You’re sat looking at something you love, you breathe deep and a sense of calm follows. This is what I have with my great love of nature. This love has expanded as I have grown older, developed a business within nature and in…
What you need to know about feeling socially anxious and suicidal thinking How many people who feel socially anxious and not good enough have experienced suicidal thinking, or even attempts? If you saw us talking about the rise in suicide rates in Cornwall on Spotlight recently, you’ll know this is something that our own quiet…
Like many introverts, I grew up with my nose in a book, ignoring the world around me and finding solace in the mystical literary worlds. As an English Literature Grad, I am of course, shamelessly sneaking in an article about books here. In my 25 years, I have discovered many lives, visited different countries and…
It’s easy to think that self-compassion is something you can get by without. You can be compassionate towards others, and that’s all that really matters right? But is this true? You only have so much compassion to give. If you’re not re-filling that reservoir of compassion, you’re going to dry up. And then what? Your…
What are you thinking about when you’re having a conversation? Are you fully present? Or is there a voice in your head? At Speaking Connections in August we looked at listening skills and explored what goes on in our heads when we’re having a conversation. I think everyone was a bit surprised to find out that…
Yes. For just a moment, imagine if you obsessed about the things you loved about yourself? How would you feel? Put simply, you would feel pretty fucking awesome right? But hold on, it’s not that easy I hear you say. Well, I know. In fact, I know this all too well. I have spent most of…
My dear friends, How are you? It seems like an age since we last spoke, and even longer since I last saw you. I understand that you must see me as a terrible friend. I hardly make time to see you anymore. I don’t seem to start conversations on messenger. I rarely text or give…
Being seen as imperfect Sometimes we need to give ourselves permission to do the things that we think we shouldn’t do. To behave in a way that doesn’t necessarily fit with how we’re seen. To do the things that scare us and show ourselves as the vulnerable, imperfect human beings we are. I’ve given myself…
We can all be courageous with a good enough reason Did you see me getting vulnerable on BBC Spotlight? If you missed it, here I am with Stacie, Fi and Gemma from our speaking club, sharing our mental health stories about suicide ideation and attempts with BBC Health Correspondent, Jenny Walrond. When Jenny asked if…
Proud to be perfect imperfect Too often, my desire to start a piece of work in just the right way would result in me delaying getting started until I’m up against a tight deadline. I have been guilty of the 3am rush to complete a piece of work – to the highest standard. No, a…