Category: Thoughts

Today I woke up feeling deflated- as though all the air has been squished out of me. I am tired although there is no reason to be and just feel generally sad even though there is no particular reason why. At times like this, I find it helpful to remind myself that all really is… Continue reading 30 things to do if you are feeling blue

During lockdown, I have found peace in the gardens at Mill Cottage and this is something that has rather taken me by surprise. I have dipped into gardening before and occasionally been tempted to actually buy a plant or some seeds at the garden centre instead of just indulging in coffee and cake but this… Continue reading Growth

Exams have been cancelled and school physically closed and although I am still remote teaching, now more than ever before I am reminded that it is interacting with students that I love the most about my job. I miss the banter, the smiles and the energy they bring to the classroom which cannot be replicated… Continue reading Lockdown and gratitude

If there is a heaven then this is what I would like it to be- a place where I can snuggle under my blanket and be nice and warm surrounded by people I love. Despite the fact that we have two perfectly good sofas, my default position is still lying on the floor and now… Continue reading Happy place

The past 6 months have been a time of great change for our little family of four. We relocated across the world for the second time to start anew in Berkshire, gave away  or sold many of our possessions, started new jobs and schools and adopted Apollo, our precious dachshund. I am so proud of… Continue reading Stretching time

On Friday I left my job by choice. After 7 years in beautiful Aotearoa it is time for a new adventure. It was a hard decision to make because this really is a wonderful place and we have been so happy here. We arrived here knowing nothing and nobody. Making our life here has brought… Continue reading Time for a new chapter

Last weekend we said goodbye to our lovely sofa. Lucy cried when it was picked up by its new owners. She commented that it has been the only sofa she has ever had in her whole life and she was right. For twelve years our lovely sofa sat at the centre of our home, reminding… Continue reading Goodbye sofa 

We have some big changes coming up on the horizon and the excitement around that has brought some familiar anxieties to the surface. I have often struggled with imposter syndrome and still find it hard at times to accept that I am capable and strong and worthy of good things. In a weak moment I… Continue reading Shopping misadventures

This morning was the first of our Easter school holidays and as she always does in the holidays, when her daddy left for work, Lucy crawled into bed beside me for a cuddle. Snuggling in our pyjamas, I kissed the top of her head and really tried to tune into the moment. "I don't think… Continue reading Mindfulness 101