When I became a freelance writer, I had no idea what to expect. I wasn’t someone who had planned for years to become a freelancer. I had taken redundancy the previous summer and decided I wanted to do something which involved two of my biggest passions – writing and helping others. Since then, my freelance…
Author: The Mindful Gingernut
Reflecting on Racism
This time last week, there was a feeling of excitement and anticipation in the air.
The England Senior Men’s football team were due to face Italy in the final of UEFA Euro 2020 that evening. It was to be the first final in a major competition the England men’s team had played in since their World Cup win in 1966.
Is Football Really Coming Home?
As I sit here writing this post, it’s the eve of the UEFA Euro 2020 final between England and Italy. Yes, I know we’re in 2021 but, 2020 was meant to be the 60th anniversary of the Euro’s, so there was some reluctance from UEFA to change it. UEFA are also trying to ensure the football tournament is more sustainable.
A Look Back At June
If you’re new to my blog, I like to finish each month (or start the next month) with a look back at the month just gone. It allows me to reflect on the highs and the lows of the last few weeks and is a great way to remember some of the adventures I’ve had….
Mid-Year Goals Review
As we edge closer to the middle of the year, I thought it was about time I sat back and reviewed my 2021 goals to see how they are progressing. Mid-year is a good time to reflect on your goals and to check whether we need to make any significant changes to them as we…
The Law of Attraction
Have you ever felt an overwhelming desire to go somewhere or do something you’ve never done before? I’m not talking about a desire to go somewhere just because it looks nice. I’m talking about an overwhelming pull to go somewhere or do something.
How I Became Confident Without Realising
Thirty years ago, when I was just eight years old, I was a happy but shy kid. If anyone spoke to me in the street, I would often hide behind my mum and, I would avoid eye contact at all costs. As I progressed through my teens, I still struggled with shyness and nerves, despite…
Making New Friends and Returning to Some Kind of Normality
As I write this week’s blog post, I’m sitting outside my parent’s house in Northamptonshire, soaking up the sun, which has decided to grace us with its presence during the past week. May was a much colder, wetter month than I think any of us had hoped, although it didn’t stop me from getting out…
Old Fashioned Romance with a Modern Day Twist
I love being single, but that doesn’t stop me from looking forward to being in love again. Although I have to admit, and if you have read some of my earlier blog posts, you may have already worked out, I’m not great at finding romance. Falling for the wrong men is becoming quite the speciality of mine.
Receive Monthly Musings Directly To Your Inbox
Happy Sunday! I hope you’ve had a productive week and a fun weekend. It’s been a busy week at the Mindful Gingernut HQ as I’ve been beavering away writing client newsletters and social media posts, as well as working in the background creating my first Mindful Gingernut newsletter! I’ve been toying with the idea of…
Mental Health Awareness Week
It’s Mental Health Awareness Week in the UK this week.
Mental health is something we all have. Everyone has a different level of physical health, and it’s the same for our mental health, too.
I’ve had a front row seat watching family and friends who’ve suffered from poor mental health since my teens.
The Aftermath of Redundancy
Last August, a week before I was due to move house, my boss gathered the senior management team on a call and told us we were all at risk of redundancy. Or in official terms, our jobs were at risk. I had two choices: Stay and fight for a new role or leave an organisation I’d been with for just over five years, and an industry I had been in for almost fifteen.
Family, Radio Shows, and Wellness Retreats
I was starting to think this year couldn’t get any weirder, but it did. April was a strange month in many ways. It was time to readjust as lockdown measures continued to ease here in the UK, with two households or groups of six now able to meet outdoors and restaurants, pubs and cafes with…
My Top #5 Apps for Newbie Freelance Writers
Earlier this year, I snowballed into the world of writing. As much as I knew I wanted to chase a career as a freelance writer, I was starting everything from scratch. Up until that point, I’d spent most of my adult life working in sports governance. I had a massive network in football, but I…
Has City Life Made Me Lonely?
Recently, as a guest on Shoreditch Radio, I was asked whether I thought London was a lonely place to live. I’ve suffered from great waves of loneliness over the last few years. Lockdown certainly played a big part in my loneliness, but did living in London also contribute?
Are You Having Problems Sleeping?
We all know that lockdown has played havoc with both our mental and physical health. But did you know that a key factor in maintaining a healthy mind and body is getting a good night’s sleep? Over the last year, many of us have experienced sleep problems. Whether you’ve had problems falling asleep, waking up…
Fresh Air, Photoshoots & The Mindful Gingernut
Happy Easter to you if you’re reading this over the Easter bank holiday weekend. Whether you’re celebrating Easter or not, I hope you’re having a lovely bank holiday weekend. The spring sunshine is out in full force here today, although rumour has it that winter may be returning tomorrow with the chance of snow. As…
Chocolate Memories
Chocolate brownies fill me with all the emotions. Whether I’m baking them or eating them, they bring a mixture of happiness and an overwhelming sense of sadness. My best friend was the absolute queen of brownies. No one else’s could ever compare. They were perfectly gooey in the middle, with that slight crack on top, the kind you hope for every time you open the oven door.
Achieving Goals in 2021
When I sat down and set my goals for 2021, I also booked slot’s in my diary to ensure I reviewed each goal quarterly. Whilst I’m pretty good at setting goals, I’m not very good at reviewing them. I have a habit of rocking up at the end of December and writing a year-end review…
Boris Bikes, Hail and New Adventures
It feels like a lifetime since we were able to go on new adventures. Although there is light at the end of the tunnel in terms of the lockdown measures here in the UK, it’s been a real struggle since Christmas. It’s been almost a year since we entered into the first lockdown, but the…
My Top 5 Places to Visit in India
On 23rd December 2019, I found myself at London Gatwick Airport about to board a flight to India. India had been on my mind a lot in the few years prior to my trip. I couldn’t get away from this nagging feeling that I had to go. So on a whim, in May 2019, I…
The Road Map out of Lockdown
February has been another odd month. There have been plenty of moments to feel grateful for, yet I can’t shake this feeling of trepidation. Animal Hospital Update I’m pleased to report that following last month’s roundup, my trusty companion, Wigs, seem’s to be doing a lot better. She’s discovered a love for Cat Malt which…
Olhos de Água and Praia da Falesia
This post was originally published on 7th February 2019 and updated on 21st February 2021. It follows my adventures in Portugal as I visit Olhos de Água and Praia da Falesia for the first time. Olhos de Água After a relaxing day on Tuesday, I was back in explorer mode yesterday. I decided to head east of the resort…
Love or Loyalty?
As it’s Valentines Day today, I thought I would re-visit one of my favourite blog posts. This subject really got me thinking, and it certainly caused some interesting debate in our office at the time. This post was originally published on 28th March 2019 and updated on 14th February 2021. Is love or loyalty is…
Albufeira
Yesterday was my first full day in Portugal. I’m staying 4km outside of old town Albufeira, and with my solo trip being out of season, many of the shops and restaurants nearby were still closed. Having decided to head into central Albufeira, aiming for the old town, I could either take a taxi, a local bus or walk the 4km from my hotel into Albufeira.
