At the beginning of 2026, I celebrated my 5th business birthday. I’m a bit of an accidental business owner, so it’s definitely a pinch-me moment. I never dreamt of running my own business. But 5 years in, I’m still here, and can honestly say, it’s the best job I’ve ever had.
Category: Business
Project 365
Last year, I took part in Project 365. The idea is to take at least 1 photo a day throughout the year. It’s a great way of ensuring you pick up your camera and take more photos, as well as having memories to look back on.
My Most Read Blog Posts in 2025
Are you ready to discover the top 5 blog posts my readers delved into last year at TheMindfulGingernut.com? Although I published 10 new blog posts in 2025, it was a selection of golden oldies that made it into my Top 5 most-read list!
Moving to London – 10 years on
London. The city that stole my heart, burnt me out, and had an impact on me that will last forever. In August 2015, I packed my bags, waved goodbye to my hometown and left for the big smoke. I’d never lived anywhere other than Northamptonshire. I even went to university there.
Acupuncture – My first experience
Although long intrigued by acupuncture, I had never felt a strong enough pull to seek out an acupuncturist. I have friends who swear by them, so this added to the intrigue. But that all changed when I met Acupuncturist Sarah Bristow at a networking event in Lewes.
Goals and Challenges: Reflecting on Q2
After the challenges of Quarter 1 (Q1), Quarter 2 (Q2) felt a lot more lucrative. Let’s dive in and take a closer look to see where I’m at with my 2025 goals, and the challenges I’ve faced.
Things you need to know before working with me
I love what I do and it takes a lot for me to turn a client away. But over the last few years, I’ve learned some valuable (and sometimes tough) lessons. So these days, I’m setting clearer expectations, especially when it comes to clients looking for a Social Media Manager.
What Skills Do You Need As A Social Media Manager?
Many years ago, when I was contemplating which subjects to take for my GCSEs, social media wasn’t even a thing. I had zero aspirations to become a Social Media Manager (SMM). How could I when they didn’t even exist? Social media as we know it today, didn’t start to emerge until…
What Does a Social Media Manager Actually Do?
If I had £1 for every time someone asked me what a Social Media Manager (SMM) does, I’d be rich. While friends and family not getting it is expected, even prospective clients often ask me during discovery calls: ‘What does a Social Media Manager actually do?’
What Is A Creative Retreat?
I first met Helen at a Netwalking event with the Being Freelance community last summer. Less than a year later I found myself heading to Brighton to join Helen’s latest retreat.
How AI Helped Me Set My New Year Goals
I used to share my goals with my blogging community. But I let things slip last year, which made a huge difference to my accountability! My goal-setting process has changed over the years. This year, I used Chat GPT to help me map out my goals.
Overcoming Loneliness Through the Being Freelance Community
Loneliness isn’t something you always see coming – it can creep up on you, especially during big life changes. During the pandemic, I was one of the millions of adults in the UK who felt its weight.
Achievements That Make Me Feel Proud Of Myself
A few years ago, my parents brought me a book that opened my eyes to the importance of self-care: ‘Self-Care for the Real World’ by Nadia Narain & Katia Narain Phillips. My biggest takeaway from the book, was to write down 5 achievements that make you feel proud of yourself.
Do You Need A Big Life Plan To Be Successful?
Planning – it seems to be a skill you’re either good at, or you’re not. I’m pretty good at planning adventures. It’s having a grand, overarching life plan that I struggle with. The kinda plans that are supposed to help us get where we want to be in five, ten, twenty years time.
February: Dogs, Valentines And Being An Influencer
I don’t quite know where to begin with my usual monthly reflections. February felt like a weird month. I spent so much of it feeling tired and energyless. I felt stuck in first gear. The tiredness dissipated towards the end of the month, but as I pulled together my monthly ‘Look Back’, you’d never know it was a bit of an effort, although it probably does explain some of the zombie feelings!
January: Clearing Out, Celebrations, And A New Challenge
I can’t quite believe we’re a month into 2023 already! Unlike previous years, I really enjoyed January. I eased myself into the New Year and found myself relaxed, with a chilled but positive mindset.
October: Dartmoor, Stalking Deer and an Autumn Retreat
Wow! What an epic month of adventuring October turned out to be! I can go months without seeing people, and then I have a crazy month of socialising and going places. Being an introvert at heart, I find socialising tiring. So as much as it’s been fun, I’m ready to hide away for a bit now!
The Sculpture Park, Surrey
My trip to the Sculpture Park coincided with something new I’m trialling this year with my working week. I’m attempting a four-day working week instead of the ‘normal’ five days. I have no idea how practical this will be. But one of the beauties of being a freelancer is having the flexibility to set my own hours.
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.
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?
Becoming a Freelance Writer
It’s been a whole month since I left the world of football governance and officially launched as a freelance writer.
That’s a whole month of learning, onboarding new clients, and working hard to get my freelance career off the ground. My working days are varied, and dare I say it, fun! I have loved getting those creative juices flowing again.
Money Mindset
I’ve recently finished listening to a brilliant podcast called ‘Her Balanced Business’ by entrepreneur Kim Sprague. It’s really got me thinking about my finances and my money mindset. I’ve worried a lot about finances over the last 18 months, more so at times than I’ve let on. I have to admit, I’m not great at listening to podcasts.
Finding Respite for my Muddled Mind in Holland Park
This weekend, I found myself with some alone time. I needed some space and time to think, reflect and soak up the late October sunshine. I headed to the local market yesterday thinking I would stop by to look for some upcoming birthday presents. The market was celebrating its own birthday and was busier than normal.
Exploring Fulham Palace House and Gardens
Did you know there is a Palace tucked away in leafy Fulham? At the start of this year, I promised myself more London adventures. Not the usual tourist hotspots, but quieter corners of the city. London is full of hidden gems if you take the time to look for them.
Mental Health Awareness Week
I’ve been thinking about mental health a lot this week. Particularly apt with it being Mental Health Awareness Week. Everywhere I’ve turned there have been reminders about mental health awareness. Social media has been full of quotes and articles. And celebrities as well as us ‘normal’ folk have been talking about our experiences with mental health.