I have been having less screen time. A few weeks ago I had a migraine and I just needed to take a break. So now I am having less time on my phone, laptop and TV.
Yes I do watch Youtube but the holidays have helped me get off my phone, get off my laptop and not watching TV all day and just read and been doing my Wordsearch. I found a good one that has 365 wordsearch book and still with Youtube but to listen to and go for walks, play sports and just having some good holiday fun and it is only been the first week. I like how we explore and focus on just having days out and try different places to eat, would like to have a picnic whilst we are away. Having Mother and Son days and including his father.
Visiting London it seemed that we have become an unsociable city with people on their phones and laptops. Except a few people who knew each other and must have met up were chatting, but people not chatting with strangers. I like a coffee shop and there are a good place to socialise. So we will go to a coffee shop, go swimming and tomorrow we are going to the cinema which is a big screen but we have had a full on couple of days and been a while so is an end of the week treat.
I just wrote a blog about how being a parent has kept me fit: https://getfitgetactivewithme.blogspot.com/2026/07/how-being-parent-has-kept-me-fit.html We are off out next week and be our first mother and son holiday and been a summer of firsts. We did the Guilfest. I like going to see bands play. I love a theatre show and each year we see at least one show per holiday. Not planned one this time, but is on the list of things I still would like to do before the Summer Holidays are over.
My son will be travelling on a Ferry and first time visiting the Isle of Wight and its good to take a break from being online all of the time. I love seeing live events and just make the most of the time I have on this earth to forget my phone, but have in case of an emergency, but not be looking down, paying attention to pings and have good quality time with my son.
When I am on the laptop and my son is on his tablet, when we are at home I will journal and do my wordsearch. We don’t take our devices out unless away and won’t have the TV on. We will play out in the garden and I love to hand write. Why I love journaling and love a notebook to plan. I like to listen to music but sometimes now I realise that it is good on some days to write with silence.
Enjoying the outdoors always does me a world of good. I do get a bit annoyed. Today in the Café after playing tennis this woman kept moving her chair and so was squashed in. Yesterday it was Cyclists and just daily annoyances but do try to stay happy and not allow people who aren’t nice, stop me from having a good day.
It beats being online all the time and meeting friends. I find it rude when your having a meal and they’re on their phone constantly. I want conversation and full attention and scroll but not to the point they’re not engaging. I like a good natter and just a good old fashioned catch up and keeping my phone in my bag, paying full attention with friends because we don’t see each other a lot now.
Yes phones keep in contact. I use Facebook to wish someone a happy birthday and what they’ve been up to but not all the time and was at one point checking my phone every 5 minutes and being on my phone all day. I would watch Youtube when I should be getting my son ready for school and so I spend less time and it has made a difference and just be with the world. Travel on he bus or train, looking out of the window or chatting and we will see what number buses we can see, if we see planes flying over or helicopters and I love it. I’d rather be having a coffee watching the world go by, rather being on my phone or laptop. Its amazing what you see and so when not on devices.
I have had hard times like everyone. I created this blog when I felt stuck. It happened on a Whim. In fact I got a bit jealous over a girl I was working with. I trained her and then she became my Senior Agent and was created websites for the company we were representing and I was like “Hang on that should have been me” but she was more willing than me and she left, because before I found out I was pregnant, I was made redundant, she left to another country and I was moving towards another opportunity. I was coaching a Youth Football team, so I am glad she got the job and not me because I imagined being a senior agent but to honest I knew I didn’t wanted go any further. My ambitions changed and I could have gone for the role but I was more or less training many agents that were new and I enjoyed my time there but I wanted other things.
That job was to help support my income but I didn’t want to spend the rest of my life doing that job and then I did more work in a call centre because it was what I wanted at that point, but it was not what I wanted and again they wanted less people as agents so I lost my job anyway.
I was coaching a football so my working life had changed and then I was pregnant.
I then was not in a happy place, not because of my son, it was I felt not good about my capabilities. Before I was made redundant I’d got into going to the gym a lot, walking a lot and running and for me it helped me clear my head. You’d be surprised with what is around you that can be therapy. I liked going to the gym then and then began walking home which was a long way and again because it cleared the everyday stress. I like to read. I like to clean my desk, I like to listen to music before my son comes home from school and music is a great source of therapy.
I am glad my son came into my world but within myself I wasn’t fully settled inside. I was confused as what I wanted to do next and I am glad now that I didn’t return to work when my son was born because I was there when he smiled for the first time, called me mum and see him walk so it was a good change.
I began working weekends and then I thought someone was getting hurt and I was not happy. Now though I am fully recovered from that time and in a happy place. I love planning my radio show, I like to do morning walks. I find chatting therapy. Depending who with and just enjoy listening to nature in the garden and some find Ironing therapeutic, painting and arts and crafting. I love journaling and making dinner.
Its anything that helps you have a good peace of mind and can switch off. When I am on the treadmill like to listen to four songs, cover over the time and watch the birds in the back garden.
We were supposed to have gone to play tennis but the weather has been miserable and not warm, so I listened to a podcast whilst Henry was listening to his music and putting sticker into his soccer book because he didn’t want to and that to me is therapy and having a bath and shower. Doing my skin care and watching TV.
So you don’t need to pay for therapy. Not saying you shouldn’t. It is up to yourself but for me the habits I do each day is therapy and helps shape my days and weeks.
It is amazing what is around you and now I am no longer daydreaming all day I am noticing more and that to is therapy.
I hope you find this blog helpful and if you want to read more then please subscribe.
Listening to a podcast and documentaries of Queen and Live Aid it made me realise that Queen were perfectionists and to Freddy he had a good attention to detail. A song had to make you feel excited and their Live Aid performance was out of this world and one that will always been remembered and when I spent time in a Mental Health Hospital it would be played and Bob Geldoff too putting it together and changed the music scene that not only can you write music but could create a master piece to be used and fame to make a difference. I have said “I am not perfect” but like my books and blogs to be perfect and have felt such an amateur when their have been a typo that I missed and reading my books and J.K Rowling her books had to be seen that this could be real, the same with the Hunger Games and The Lord Of The Rings.
Myself set up in Radio Studio that I’d like to perfect.
Yes mistakes do happen and can improve our focus and attention to detail as I can see that perhaps I need to do more of an outline on a book and not be in such a rush in publishing it but that my blogs and my message is put across. Its taking pride in what you do and I like my days now that I have had attention in making sure I have slept well, that my clothes are not super creased and that the home is tidy and that there are no crumbs all over the place, that the sink is shining and I am a perfectionist and I think now in observing people, we all are. We all want to have a home to give you comfort so spending time on the look of a home, like furniture, the perfect bed that we like to help have a good nights sleep.
It means you care. Yes you can get things wrong that is part of life but when you keep building and growing being a singer, dancer, writer or a Housewife you it perfect for you and for others you live with. Then there are things that you think are going to be bad, turn out to be a masterpiece. Boy George didn’t like his song “Do you really want to hurt me” and didn’t want it on their album and yet it changed his life and Culture Club, but again it is perfectionism. It can work against you like the example of the Boy George and Culture Club sometimes it can cause confliction.
You only know when something is good when you get feedback both good and bad. I have had criticism, but people will. It doesn’t mean you have to stop but may need to make changes and feedback is a must.
A chef will always want feedback. They need to know if people like their dishes to learn how to make a meal better and it depends who it is for. A child may not go for a steak that is within the specials. I do not like Liver because of school dinners but then I didn’t eat Tuna but had Tuna Steak, which made me realise it could be tasty. So it was perfection for me. It was cooked well, it was flavour and that is where it pays off and so when you do something check it, taste it and makes us succeed by being consistent and attention to detail, which is the key and what you like. What puts you off? What could you make that you can master that will help build a website and what outcome using the Worksheet I created in first blog: https://everyonecanbuildacastle.com/2026/04/29/introduction-to-my-yearly-programme-summer-project-2026/
I like to see things develop and watched how they put together Bohemian Rhapsody. It was really clever and every bit of was important in the making of it. Seeing Strictly Come Dancing live. Being there was such an thrill, because how much work goes into to making it. It was different the clips that they had to do and film and so much goes into it and it is perfectionism because if the presenters can’t talk, the cameras not working it could all have been a disaster so again it is attention to detail and consistency.
So what do you want to focus on?
Focus on what result you want. Who could help you perfect a skill or if its your weekly routine you have been working on?
Dig deep and be honest. It was journaling that helped me put this is blog together and by journaling each day has really been a great. It has helped me to slow down and keep going. Writing a book is a hard process, because how I see it the readers will see it differently and its making it understandable, engaging and that they will read more books I write. All to down with perfectionism and tip you toe in the water to start and learn the craft that you want to perfect.
I do a radio show for the local hospital and its not just pressing buttons, but choosing songs that the patients or family of patients may be listening to and like. Making sure the last song fits in with the news and not cut half the song and playing the Promos and not playing the same songs, it is a whole process and you have to enjoy it and music that may be personal to people. I have made mistakes, but the more I do it the more I will perfect it and try different themes and what a song makes me feel when I hear it.
So having good attention to detail and consistency means you are a perfectionists and now as I become aware of the world as I grow in age, it is okay because its about using to build your skills and abilities and let work for you not against you.
Hello! So it is the beginning of my Life Coaching programme Summer Project 2026 check out previous blog: Summer Project Introduction to My Yearly Programme Summer Project 2026 I included a worksheet which is free to download and print.
So to get started I suggest to create a plan. So I journal every morning and it helps me with my creativity and whilst I listen to an audiobook or music. Develop a playlist. I have one for podcasts, videos about writing as I have books out, for my different books and Parenting videos and so it is good for getting the mood to change and learn.
I train my brain everyday. I like to educate my mind and the first thing in the morning once my son has gone off to school.
So to make a change by going through the worksheet:
Good Systems:
Plan, Plan Plan = Have a good set up and create one that will help you focused on and inspire you to make a change. If there are particular things that you are interested in. #so start with developing a plan and do a list, but concentrate on one area or item at a time.
Ask for help, who can help you or what will help you So my husband always cleans the kitchen and the bathroom, so I will do the areas such as the windowsills, put m sons clothes away and my mum has helped with gardening.
Do you have a quiet time of the day or space you can plan? I love to use the sofa or my desk and in the garden.
Drink? Water, tea and Coffee. I am having a glass of juice each day for Vitamin C and especially in the summer life a fizzy drink but only have one and Zero Sugar.
Is there a time where you feel more energized? I like to work in the mornings and then chill in the afternoon and have time off such as the weekend.
I find spending time planning helps to reset, asking for help as we are not built to do everything and my husband loves to clean and only he is allowed to use the vacuum and the iron. This has helped me to function concentrate on other area so I can then move to onto others.
So sit down with a drink and lets make those changes.
Hello! It’s that time of year when I start sharing blogs about things I’ve done to feel good about myself and my life.
This is all about focusing on abundance and recognizing what’s working in your life.
Make one change at a time and concentrate on what’s important to you.
I have a free worksheet for you to download and print. If you want to stay updated on my posts for this program, please subscribe.
As you work through the worksheet, take time to reflect. I suggest journaling every day, like I do. You can get a smart journal or use an app to track your progress. Begin by focusing on one thing and keep using the worksheet. See Below.
This isn’t a test; it’s an opportunity to face your fears and improve your relationships with yourself and others.
The program will run from May 1, 2026, to August 14, 2026.
Hello! How are you getting on this year so far. It is weird knowing that a couple weeks ago was now last year. It is hard to keep up but just live and I hope you are okay?
So if you are new then I share a cheat sheet to help you feel good about yourself and on how to make life better. I from experience have found life a struggle but let me tell you it can change its just doing one change day which is a course I am developing and why I break it up and so just one thing is still getting jobs done and not draining your energy so you burn out.
Here are Ten Things to Write in your journal to get more out of your life.
So there will be more to come. These weekly Printables are free to download and print and if you’d like to read more of my content then you can subscribe and I also have Youtube Channels and Blog sites so check out these links below:
I have regretted things. I have really punished myself over them. Life is about moving on and going as the times goes and letting things go: Autumn Reset Day 5: Letting things go If there is a photo that makes you unhappy delete it. If there is a piece of clothing or furniture that makes you quiver and upset you then addressing your feelings can help aswell as letting them go.
There are certain songs that can trigger it and so I will play a song that makes me happy or change the thought because of that song. Listen with fresh ears and the same with films or certain TV.
Time is not going to wait and as humans we grow from our mistakes. I have said the wrong thing. Can I turn back and correct? Not I can’t.
Life is full of lessons and we need to forgive ourselves and stop obsessing. If you can imagine being constantly being hit on the head or anywhere with a mallet how would it feel? It would get on your nerves and that is what regrets do.
It is up to you to of how you want to keep pestering yourself. Cut yourself some slack. You can’t fix what’s gone and so why should you? Will the person you have a regret about or an incident that happened involving someone, be restless about the regret you have? Do they still talk to you?
What is it that is bugging you? Write it down. I when my son was doing some tutoring, went through my fears and past worries and why they were bugging me and it just made me come to my senses of it all and felt ten times better. I have begun to realise that somethings are meant to be, because that is how we learn about relationships, good communication, living better and building our inner self to be the better person you are and reinvent yourself and start a fresh.
No being rude to someone is not good, but I wonder how bothered they are and teaches to stop regretting and just learn. Think of all the good things you have done and how is your life now? So stop regretting and start living.
I do have Youtube channels so if you want to check these out then here are the links:
I have felt good this year. I am enjoying journaling whilst my son is having is lesson and it has been a great resource and I do it as my first thing in my journal and I would recommend using the Journal APP I have, not sure if it is available to all phones as it was an APP that was already on my phone. By making this change has helped me to plan content, write about my life, moving on and growing from the past. I dwell a lot on the past from things I did wrong but has helped have shape in my life and “Grow”. My word for 2026. This year 2025 was “Lifestyle” and I have changed my lifestyle.
Was a bit Skeptical about the Elf on the Shelf but my son loves it and I have stopped being a Humbug.
My reading has been an amazing and walked a lot and now as it is Winter I have taken a step back for the Winter and just slowing down, but still being somewhat productive without overwhelm.
Just making one change to your routine can make such a difference. Like having more reading time. I read every morning and evening and it has been one of the greatest habits that has really been a boost and set a challenge of reading 20 books. I am on 17 and have a book on Audible that I am listen to and so is 18 so will have two books left. I have done this on Good Reads. Check out my site: https://mybooksandstories.wordpress.com/
The other change is cleaning. I do it as I go and will make sure that before each meal that I have cleared away the items used. Cleaning does not give me joy but like the results do. Learning. I have done some really good courses and been using Youtube for free training to, to build my platforms and content.
It is good to see the stars and do like a clear sky, but at the same time it is time to slow down and watch some good TV, with a nice hot meal and it is the simple pleasures that makes it different for me now. I did get depressed as I reached adult age, in the winter, but now I embrace it, by not rushing and focus on little pleasures. https://mystylewayofliving.blogspot.com/2025/11/things-that-gives-me-pleasure.html
It is good time to declutter. I do a bit a day and once I start which is the key. Less thinking, more doing and going through my things and today I wrote a list of what I want done by the end of the year and love planning for the next year, around about this time of year and embrace the new year which back at one point would get emotional and felt I wasted a year and so I make the most of the days whilst I am alive and it just simple changes, can make such a difference.
It all counts.
So I hope you are finding these blogs helpful and comforting and that it does not have to be doom and gloom.
Does your past making you feel ashamed? In my life I have not always been kind and had dark thoughts, but I know that this has made me put them to bed as thoughts are what they are and didn’t carry out anything that would have been harmful and often it just I quick thought, in the moment because if I didn’t say anything and been able to see the lighter side of life.
My brother and I never got on as kids. We would argue and fight a lot, but now we are fine. If you constantly feel shameful then what specifically is making you feel that way?
I thought I was being unkind to a girl I work with and apologised and she didn’t have any ideas as to what I was talking about. So, I know longer felt shame and so talk. Let people know how you feel and speak to a psychologist, therapist or a Social Worker, if your thoughts of the past are haunting you and was as bad as what you thought?
Stop giving yourself such a hard time. Everyone has a past. Done the wrong thing or said something that was taken out of context. I remember when working in a Call Centre, one of the new people I spoke to I couldn’t see there face. I thought it was a man. I was chatting about it in the Staff Canteen and she comes over and says “Apparently I sound like a man” and she thought one of us (chatting to some of colleagues) called her a Cow, which we did not and she wanted to hit me, in particular. I felt dreadful and she spoke to one of the managers and I told it was an innocent conversation, and said I am sorry and I did feel ashamed, but it didn’t stop me from talking it made me be more self aware and next time I should have introduced myself and asked who the person was as I not met them and I not into gossiping.
In the end this was resolved she didn’t hit me, I didn’t keep on and the issue was solved, ,so I moved on.
Thinking of the past can drain you and be full of regret and not able to move on, but time has a different idea. Do you want to be happy with who you are? Take it one day at a time and address your feelings. I was so sad when my Nan died. She was my last grandparent and kept forgetting and would have dreams about her still being alive and it really changed a lot. I had a friend who lived by her and so whenever I could would pop in, I did. Suddenly I couldn’t do that anymore.
She would not want me, to not get on my my life. She lived to old age and it was her time.
My parents was getting divorced, I was in a very demanding job, but loved the social life. I then changed jobs but I hated it and it was the wrong move. I then decided I would follow my gut and had to be selfish and do what I felt would lead me to following my dreams. It lead me to a job where, it was a culture shock and what I needed and no longer regret the decisions I made and did what I was hopefully lead me to building a life of my own and it happened.
You never know what path to choose sometimes. It makes me think of a game of chess. What is the right move? Will I need to move my Queen or not? Reflect, write and leave it there. Take a step forward and trust your gut.
When I look back on events now, I loved the people met, good and bad. I like the journeys I have taken and will keep living and not feel ashamed. It happened, noone died so it is time to let the shame go and create more abundance and self belief.
