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mummyconqueringanxiety
I am mummy to one feisty toddler and wife to a wonderful man, living in the North of England, UK and making it a priority to enjoy life every second we get to spend together as a family.
You will usually find me writing, anything from lists to blog posts, and excited by stationery - show me your post-its!
Following my recent breakdown, I believe talking about our struggles is the key to recovery. I started the blog because I felt compelled to share my story & my main goal is to help other people.
AD / PR – please note – the sessions have been gifted in exchange for my honest thoughts about the process
At this point in my hypnotherapy course, I feel like I will always work on myself. The fact that our stress buckets constantly fill up with life’s challenges, means it’s ingrained in me that I have to empty it regularly. I simply cannot forget the techniques I am learning.
I will be honest and say that finding meditation time, as a busy mum, is difficult. It’s lovely to take part in the planned hypnotherapy sessions. This is time just for me. And I look forward to it.
So what’s changed since I last updated you?
The only way I can explain the confidence changes I am experiencing is by explaining the feeling that something is happening in the background. I know I’m different. A better version of me. I’ve progressed. But because I haven’t actively taken part in the change process, I sometimes wonder what is happening behind the scenes. This is the curious, controlling part of me. And I also need to work on that!
Processes working behind the scenes
Subconsciously certain things are happening. At work, we got the opportunity to apply for additional responsibilities for a role I would love to do. Without really thinking, I just sat and typed my application. I was present and open throughout the whole process and viewed it as a learning experience.
My previous reaction to stressful situations
I mean nobody likes job interviews, do they?
If you follow my blog, you will know that in the past I have completely crumbled in situations like this. Even having my interview for this current job, I took Kalms just beforehand and I was nervous. This time it’s different.
Broadening my horizons… finally
Because we are on a fixed-term contract at work, I am also taking the same attitude about other opportunities. And instead of not believing in myself, I am thinking about whether the company and the terms are right for me. I have literally never thought like that before in my life. All I can remember is suffering from low self-confidence. And believing I should attend all interviews, and take any opportunity offered because there wouldn’t be another one.
The work must continue
Because these recent changes are so positive, I know I must continue setting aside time for myself. And during these periods of time, I must look after myself. Whether that be something I love doing, or meditation to achieve these great results. I am happier for working on myself.
Final thoughts
I have another session coming up tomorrow and after a break of three weeks, I am so looking forward to it.
May the personal development continue, long after these wonderful sessions with Kevin have ended.
It is a proven fact, that the early years of our lives shape who we are and how well we cope with challenges in adult life. A traumatic experience in childhood can have lasting effects. Exploring emotions is vital.
All human beings have emotions. They start to develop at an early age, often when toddlers don’t really understand what they are yet. The common one in our house at the moment is missing other people. This involves a daily conversation filled with reassurance, that everyone misses the people they love.
Because toddler emotions are a challenge I currently face. And I know other parents definitely go through this cycle, I wanted to write a post dedicated to the best stories I could find, discussing children’s emotions.
Quick note: Mummy Conquering Anxiety is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program. Some of the links contained on this page are affiliate links and if you go through them to make a purchase, I will earn a commission. I only recommend products I use myself and think would be useful for other people
Let’s look at the research into why we should explore emotions
Understanding children’s emotions are critical to understanding their behaviour. Early years children feel a range of emotions, but often cannot express, interpret or process them like us.
With poor emotional skills, it could be harder for children to learn:
Children grow and develop rapidly in their first five years across the four main areas of development. These areas are motor (physical), communication and language, cognitive, social and emotional.
Social and emotional development means how children start to understand who they are, what they are feeling and what to expect when interacting with others. It is the development of being able to:
Form and sustain positive relationships.
Experience, manage and express emotions.
Explore and engage with the environment.
Positive social and emotional development is important. This development influences a child’s self-confidence, empathy, the ability to develop meaningful and lasting friendships and partnerships, and a sense of importance and value to those around them. Children’s social and emotional development also influences all other areas of development.
Parents and caregivers play the biggest role in social/emotional development because they offer the most consistent relationships for their children. Consistent experiences with family members, teachers and other adults help children learn about relationships and explore emotions in predictable interactions.
To nurture your child’s social and emotional development, it is important that you engage in quality interactions like these on a daily basis, depending on the age of your child:
Be affectionate and nurturing: hold, comfort, talk and sing with your baby, toddler and child.
Help your baby experience joy in “give-and-take” relationships by playing games like “peek-a-boo.”
Provide your toddler with responsive care, letting them practice new skills while still providing hands-on help.
Support your child’s developing skills; help him/her, but don’t do everything for your child, even if it takes longer or is messy.
Teach social and emotional skills, such as taking turns, listening and resolving conflict.
What happens if we don’t manage emotions
One of the most important ways parents or guardians can help is by listening to their children and taking their feelings seriously. They may want a hug, they may want you to help them change something or they may want practical help.
Children and young people’s negative feelings usually pass. However, it’s a good idea to get help if your child is distressed for a long time if their feelings are stopping them from getting on with their lives, if their distress is disrupting family life or if they are repeatedly behaving in ways you wouldn’t expect at their age.
What’s Troubling Tawny? The award-winning second book in the Sumatran Trilogy! Tawny longs to make friends with another rhino, but her shyness holds her back. When she meets a hornbill called Tallulah, she is surprised to learn that she has a lot in common with the beautiful bird.
Poppy the porcupine has always wanted to make a friend, but her defensive nature prevents her. When a young tiger cub stumbles upon her one day in the rainforest, she reacts badly and scares him away.
Determined to change her ways, she sets out to find him, but little does she know that the tiger cub is about to have a problem of his own. In the face of danger, will Poppy find a way to save the day?
The Problem with Poppy is the award-winning debut picture book by British author Emma Sandford. Illustrated by Ukrainian artist Olena Osadcha.
If you could change something about yourself, would you do it?
When Sarah Simpkins is teased about her shadow in the school playground, she finds herself wishing she didn’t have one.
That night she has the chance to make the wish come true. But will losing her shadow really make her happy?
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Let’s Be Friends Again
Purchase the book below:
Let’s Be Friends Again
Kids World Books – Sibling fights, tantrums and subsequent bonding is the theme of this story.
The story is narrated by a boy and he narrates rather than shares his experiences with his sister. The boy and the girl play together. They spend most of their leisure time together. Just like every sibling, they fight often and bond subsequently.
The boy finds some trouble with his sister. The boy sometimes babysits for his sister and she used to trouble him! However, she was a good listener and the boy used to tell some great stories. The boy refused to share his toys with her. Yet, the smart girl used to grab all her brother’s toys. The tantrum began when the girl played with his brother’s pet turtle!
The girl thought that the tank where the pet turtle was kept was too small for the turtle. She carried it to the pond and let it free in the pond.
The boy was as angry as he lost his pet turtle. He showed his anger in many ways. He shouted at her. He threw away his toys and kept on thinking about his turtle. His parents supported his sister. He planned to avenge the loss of his pet and imagined many things. (This is definitely a fun part that everyone would die laughing).
He couldn’t sleep for hours thinking about the pet. He then saw his sister playing in the garden so happy like never before. The boy was surprised as well as very angry seeing her sister happy.
He made a decision! What was that?
Let’s be friends again, the lovable brother and sister, their cute fights, rivalry, etc are narrated beautifully. It happens very commonly in every household.
Children and young people are still developing – they don’t have adult brains or bodies, so need help to understand and manage their emotions.
You’ve probably heard your parents or grandparents say “they’re just attention seeking” or “they’re being difficult”. But there’s usually more to it than this.
We often ask people who contact Children 1st Parentline: “What is your child trying to tell you when they’re acting like that?” Looked at this way, unwanted behaviour is usually about a child needing something – or their way of trying to work out how to manage something.
From a toddler’s need for comfort to a teenager’s conflicting desires for independence and security, testing behaviour is common and is often set off by everyday experiences rather than big events.
Jodi also thinks the book will come just at the right time for children who have had to shut themselves away all year and might be scared to try something new.
She added: “It is a lovely story for 4–7-year-olds about taking yourself out of your comfort zone to try new things.
“Worley’s story is a fab way to engage children with these cute little monsters and learn how to develop their confidence.
“The book also included suggested activities for parent and adult readers.
“I’m also now writing my second story for the series about Worley and Co!
“Having suffered quite a bit as a kid – I lost my dad at 10 and my best friend at 14 – and had a lot of bullying and not nice things going on and I didn’t know how to cope,” she explained.
“That had a massive effect on me as an adult which led to a breakdown. I don’t want kids to go through what I did. The more people I can teach and I can help the better. I don’t think I would have had as big a meltdown if I already had tools to use.
“My characters are all monsters – I have a whole tribe of emotions monsters that teach children about emotions. Worley is the main one and he meets his friends with different emotions.
“The first one was teaching him to be brave and through the monster, you learn you might make a mistake but it will be fine. He realises he doesn’t need to be the best at everything.
“The second book is about anger. The book is written as a rhyme; basically, Worley gets angry and doesn’t know what it is. His friend George, the angry monster, teaches him it is ok to be angry and how to manage it.
“It is done in quite a fun way so children can understand.”
Buster Finds His Beat
Purchase the book below:
Buster Finds His Beat
A feel-good story about an autistic boy, That will capture your imagination and fill you with joy.
Buster uses ear defenders to soften sounds he hears, Find out what happens when he faces his fears…
Pick up your copy, you’ll be in for a treat, As he uses the power of sound to find his own beat.
The first book in a new rhyming picture book series from D.M. Mullan and Kirsteen Harris Jones – welcome to D.M. Mullan’s Curious Tales… Hector van Groat If something is missing, and you’re feeling blue, you could learn from Hector, who feels this way too. This little genius lives in an upside-down boat, and he grunts from his hill like a grumpy old goat. “Hector van Groat needs no one but Hector because he is a genius, a crazy inventor”.
A beautifully illustrated picture book about mental health for young readers. Where Is My Smile? is the story of a little boy who can’t find his smile anywhere. He searches and searches, but it’s nowhere to be found. Where could his smile be? This delightful picture book is perfect as a bedtime story, and to help little children understand that it’s okay to be sad sometimes, but we can always find our way through it.
Final Thoughts
I hope you enjoyed reading my list of books to inspire conversations with your toddler about emotions.
Do you have any of these books? Or will you be purchasing them? What techniques do you use to explore emotions?
I would love to hear from you in the comments below.
Dream to Change the world is the first in a series of black history books aimed at five to eight-year-olds. Creatively depicting the early years of John La Rose’s life in Trinidad. This is followed by Jump Up! A Story Of Carnival – highlighting the origins of carnival.
Please note:I was gifted these books by the George Padmore Institute – the review is based on my own thoughts following reading the stories with my child. There was no obligation to post a review
Black British History
In all areas, we teach my little one about different cultures. But it is difficult as a parent when there is a lack of narrative on the actual history. I will admit there is also a gap in my knowledge. We know what we were taught at school and it’s clear, that history is sometimes rewritten or reshaped to suit the needs of the people writing it. This doesn’t help me provide my child with the facts. With an overview of what actually took place. It’s the reason I am so happy these books exist. And I was motivated to read them with my little girl and publish this review.
There is something missing from our learning experience. Our younger generation needs to understand and be educated, to allow for all children to have an inclusive education. The more we understand something, the better we can appreciate its significance.
The George Padmore Institute
The George Padmore Institute (GPI) explores the lives and struggles of Britain’s black communities of Caribbean, African and Asian descent.
Dream To Change The World
The George Padmore Institute (GPI) has published a children’s book! Dream to Change the World is part of an Arts Council England project grant to demonstrate the importance of Black British history and inspire new generations with stories of diversity and inclusion. It also showcases how archives can play a key role for authors.
Our Writer in Residence, award-winning Ken Wilson-Max, has written and illustrated the book for children aged 5 to 8 years old. Dream to Change the World is the story of the childhood of John La Rose. Born in Trinidad, John’s influence on black communities in London and internationally is unparalleled in Black British history. He was an activist, publisher, trade unionist and writer. His tireless commitment to racial equality and social justice in Britain and beyond is inspirational. John’s archives are held at the GPI, the archive he co-founded, and from which Ken Wilson-Max has created a magical and engrossing book. Young readers will also learn about John’s achievements throughout his life from a fascinating timeline at the end of the book.
About writing the book, Ken Wilson-Max said:
‘Having grown up in a large, culturally blended family meant it was not difficult to create empathy-based stories, where those reading could imagine for a moment what it feels like to be those they read about. When I was approached to become the Writer in Residence at the George Padmore Institute it felt like a significant career milestone would finally be crossed. Working with the GPI team has been a very rich and rewarding experience. My hope for the books is to show people that we are more similar than different and equally entitled to history, culture, pride and dignity. These stories are accessible to all children and encourage them to step into another experience of the world.’
Jump Up! A Story Of Carnival
The George Padmore Institute (GPI) is delighted to announce the publication of Jump Up! A Story of Carnival for five-to-eight-year-olds, written and illustrated by award-winning author Ken Wilson-Max. It is the second book in the GPI’s new series of black history books, Reaching New Generations, which is helping to fill the void in reading material for younger children that the 2020 Black Lives Matter campaigns highlighted.
Jump Up! tells the story of Cecille, a young black girl living in the Caribbean, and how her community develops their very own Carnival, based on their long-remembered African traditions. For those who may wonder where our UK Carnivals – from Notting Hill to Luton and Leeds – came from, here’s an early origin story. Ken was inspired to write the book when he came across the GPI’s unique Carnival archive collection during his tenure as the Institute’s writer-in-residence. The story draws on the history of the festival and highlights one of the many contributions that Britain’s Caribbean population have made to our everyday cultural life.
Ken Wilson-Max said:
‘When the GPI asked if I was interested in doing a second book, I immediately thought of a story about the origins of Carnival that is also about the humanity of enslaved people, and their hope for building new lives, personified by a little girl, while celebrating what made them… them. This book, in a small way, connects the past with the present and hopefully helps readers consider a more inclusive future.’
Award-winning British–Trinidadian poet and musician Roger Robinson said:
‘Having an eight-year-old son myself, I can attest that it’s important for every child to recognise themselves in what they consume. That is why Jump Up and other books by GPI are so crucial – so that black children can enjoy stories whilst recognising themselves as joyfully intelligent and also being a part of a strong, vibrant culture.’
George Padmore Institute Trustee, teacher and editor Nisha Obano said:
‘With its luscious and vibrant illustrations, Jump Up! is certain to inspire young people of all ages, and serves as a reminder that, with the power of love and determination, anything is possible.’
Final thoughts
I hope you enjoyed reading about these books and will consider purchasing them. For more information, you can visit http://www.georgepadmoreinstitute.org. You can also find more blog posts about books, by visiting the Book Corner of my blog.
Quick note: Some of the links contained on this page are affiliate links and if you go through them to make a purchase, I will earn a commission. I only recommend products I use myself and thinkwould be useful for you.
Where do you look when you want to check out a product? Or find a quirky and unusual gift? Google of course. I don’t know about you, but I trust what I read online, mainly when it comes from bloggers I know and love.
Do you want to know why? We do our research! In order to write a blog post, you need to know what you’re talking about. Check out the products for yourself and do a lot of scouring the internet. That makes what we write an amazing resource. We put the hard work in so you don’t have to.
I mainly write about the products I buy as a customer. Some of them, like No7, I have bought for years and therefore know all about the range. It is about sharing this knowledge with others to make their online purchases easy.
Here are some of the gift guides I have written previously
Feel free to check out any of these gift guides for inspiration and ideas. When shopping for a loved one, we often think about a gift that suits their preference and personality. I personally love a unique and quirky gift, with a special touch.
Some of the unique and quirky small brands I have worked with
I love supporting small businesses and discovering products people may not know about. Especially hand-crafted products. The kind you would find at a small craft market, or the little gift shops on holiday. When a purchase resonates with me, or I feel like I would gift it to someone, I feel obliged to share my knowledge with other people.
I have two exciting gift guides coming up on Thursday 28 July 2022 and I am also in the process of organising one for August 2022. I genuinely love working with these brands and putting the information together.
You will also get to see more video content. keep an eye on Instagram and TikTok for details.
If you’re struggling with gifting ideas
We all have that one person who is really difficult to buy for, don’t we? In our family, it’s my dad.
If after reading these gift guides, you’re still looking for the perfect gift or something extra special, check out these ideas below:
Why not give the amazing gift of a special book, journal, diary or any of the other amazing products from Waterstones?
An English Heritage membership is the perfect gift for anyone who loves exploring. Maybe you have a loved one who enjoys reading about history? The great news is, that you can also take six children with you when purchasing an adult membership!
CAN I INCLUDE MY CHILDREN IN MY MEMBERSHIP?
English Heritage membership allows every Member to take up to six children under 18 within the family group into any of our properties at no extra charge.
Silly Sentiments is an independent UK-based greeting and gifting company that specialises in personalisation. We’re located in the Midlands and control all elements of production, from design to print, passing savings to our customers.
Some other quirky mentions before we wrap up (hehe)
Our service is about making it easy to deliver happiness direct to someone’s door
The Gift of Cake is a family business based in the South West of England.
We wanted to provide a service for ordering a cake online, including a personalised message and sending it by post as a lovely gift for the lucky recipient. But it’s not that easy to send a cake through the post. So we’ve invested time, money and hard work to provide a great solution.
Celebrate Gifts Ltd is the UK’s leading manufacturer of Chocolate Bouquets, Yankee Candle Bouquets, Alcohol Bouquets and Hat Box gifts.
All Celebrate Gifts are handmade by our team of qualified florists and come with the option to add a complimentary gift message. Our gifts also arrived fully assembled so they can be taken straight out of the box and enjoyed!
Inspiring lessons, workshops and experiences that make brilliant days out and unusual gifts for any occasion.
From Hula to Harmonica classes, Gin Tours to Paddleboarding the Indytute offers unusual gift experiences in London.
Founded by Calypso Rose in 2013, the site has grown in popularity ever since and now offers over 160 unique and unusual experiences.
Final thoughts
I hope you enjoyed reading my gift guides and why I think they are important when shopping for special occasions. An amazing resource we can tap into to make our busy lives much easier!
Have you purchased from any of these brands before? What’s your favourite? or do you have someone who is difficult to buy for?
I would love to hear your thoughts in the comments below.
20% off discount code MCA20 until the end of the year (Including Advent Calendars)
LAUNCHING – 18 September 2022
Quick note: Some of the links contained on this page are affiliate links and if you go through them to make a purchase, I will earn a commission. I only recommend products I use myself and think would be useful for other people.
Small in size but packed full of treats – the Box of Wishes Advent Calendar contains skincare, face masks and beauty tools. Hydrate with our Shower Gel before nourishing your skin with our Body Butter infused with Community Fair Trade Mango Seed Oil from India.
This calendar celebrates the women of Chhattisgarh, India, and through our Mango Seed Oil, we continue to support them with job prospects and opportunities for independence.
What’s included?
STRAWBERRY SHOWER GEL 60ML BRITISH ROSE HAND CREAM 30ML RASPBERRY BORN LIPPY 10ML MINI RAMIE BATH LILY BRITISH ROSE SHOWER GEL 60ML TEA TREE FACE WASH 60ML SATSUMA SOAP 100G MANGO BODY BUTTER 50ML SHEA HAND BALM 10ML VITAMIN C SHEET MASK 18ML SHEA SHAMPOO 60ML SHEA CONDITIONER 60ML PINK GRAPEFRUIT SHOWER GEL 60ML STRAWBERRY LIP BUTTER 10ML MANGO SHOWER GEL 60ML HIMALAYAN CHARCOAL MASK 15ML HAIR CLAW ALMOND MILK SHOWER CREAM 60ML BRITISH ROSE SHOWER SCRUB 50ML VITAMIN E SHEET MASK 18ML SHEA SOAP 100G STRAWBERRY HAND CREAM 30ML AVOCADO SHOWER CREAM 60ML ALMOND MILK BODY BUTTER 50ML
Our Ultimate Advent Calendar is bursting with iconic full-sized bestsellers as well as exciting new products, beauty tools and everything you need to nourish your body and soul. Scrub, soften and slather your way to your most beautiful Christmas yet with our luxurious Sheet Masks, nourishing Body Butters, and rejuvenating Body Scrubs.
What’s included?
AVOCADO SHOWER CREAM 250ML CAMOMILE CLEANSING BUTTER 20ML EDELWEISS LIQUID PEEL 100ML MANGO HAND BALM 30ML BOOST HAND WASH 250ML MORINGA SHAMPOO 250ML STRAWBERRY LIP BUTTER 10ML RAMIE BATH LILY MORINGA CONDITIONER 250ML VITAMIN E HYDRATING TONER 250ML VITAMIN E SHEET MASK 18ML MANGO BATH BLEND 250ML BRITISH ROSE BODY YOGURT 200ML ALMOND MILK LIP CARE STICK 4.2G PINK CLAY FACIAL KONJAC SPONGE HIMALAYAN CHARCOAL MASK 15ML PINK GRAPEFRUIT SHOWER GEL 250ML MANGO BODY SCRUB 50ML AVOCADO LOTION TO OIL 200ML BRITISH ROSE FACIAL MASK 15ML ALMOND MILK HAND BALM 30ML EDELWEISS SHEET MASK 21ML HIMALAYAN CHARCOAL NIGHT PEEL 30ML SHEA BODY BUTTER 200ML SLEEP PILLOW MIST 100ML
Final Thoughts
If you follow the blog, you will know I am a huge fan of The Body Shop. You can check out my other posts featuring their amazing products below:
We are The Grumpy Olive, a team of three sisters blogging from London. On our blog, we write about all the things we love and including food, coffee, beauty and books among many things. You can expect to find easy but tasty recipes, the latest in books and also some talk on beauty and travel because we may fancy that here and there. But most of all, The Grumpy Olive is a little corner of the internet where everything is just fun, new and upbeat – just what the doctor ordered!
Sensory Retreats make fantastic self-heating eye masks – the perfect gift!
I absolutely love eating Tiramisu. But what you will find on The Grumpy Olive blog is a unique and quirky writing style. It keeps you entertained and also makes you feel like you’re chatting over coffee with a friend. This isn’t just a recipe, it’s a catch-up.
I am personally not a huge fan of mushrooms, but I would follow this recipe and maybe change the ingredients slightly. I do love that the blog offers lots of vegan options.
Another thing I absolutely love about reading recipes on The Grumpy Olive, is the detail. You get to learn about the science behind cooking or the history relating to food. And you genuinely feel like you’ve learned something new.
These rolls look absolutely amazing. So yummy and the dipping sauce is the perfect edition. Again, you get lots of information on where to buy the ingredients and how to store them.
Please go check out their posts, give them a follow on Twitter, or support them by commenting on and sharing their blog posts, You won’t be disappointed when you have a browse through the blog.
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Picture a British seaside town, with the seagulls making noise and the fresh sea air. The charm of the seaside!
I don’t know why, but it’s such a British thing to buy gifts for other people whilst we are on holiday. I’ve purchased some of the best birthday and Christmas presents for people whilst on my holidays. Maybe I am more relaxed or have spending money. I really don’t know the reason behind it.
Now picture a small boutique with handmade, one-of-a-kind gifts. Then imagine the shop is labelled as an art collective. It’s the type of place I could spend hours in. Therefore, I HAD to transport all my lovely readers to this shop for a little while.
Come along and see what they have on offer
Bring together handmade pieces from several different creators, it’s the kind of place we would visit whilst on holiday. Mainly because my hubby would stop just outside and say “this is your type of place, let’s go in”.
If you follow this blog, you all know I love a unique and quirky gift for someone. I am so excited to share with you some of the unique and quirky pieces sent to me by Zebadiah’s. You can view a list of the artists featured on the website.
Handmade earrings
I love handmade earrings. Simply because you would be hard pushed to find someone else wearing the same pair.
Hat
How cute is this handmade hat? My little one looks cool in hats and she has a collection at home already. I just know this one will come to be one of her favourites. And we are heading for cooler weather in the UK, so she will get so much use out of it.
Brooch
Transport me back to the days of looking through my Grandma’s jewellery drawer. She had a lovely white dresser with a wide drawer. All the pieces were laid out on tissue paper, all sparkly and amazing. Since this moment, I’ve loved brooches and I try my best to pin them to going out jackets whenever I can. This one will be coming on my next outing with me! My little one has also shown an interest in it.
Dress
The dress is fantastic. You can tell it’s such good quality material and the colours are amazing.
I honestly can’t wait to wear it. My little one commented that it looked like a rainbow. And we are kind of matching with the dress and the hat.
Other items which stood out to me
I’ve had a browse on the website and the ceramic bowls and bracelets really stood out to me. Everyone has a different preference for what they like and the reason why. You will find something amongst the collections for yourself. Or a great gift for someone else.
Please show my September 2022 advertisers some love, by commenting, sharing their posts, and interacting with one another. I regularly post on Twitter about the blogging community and how it is great to be part of such a supportive group of people.
Look out for updates on these bloggers and their amazing work, throughout the month on Twitter.
Time to check out the advertisers
Lady Boss Nomad
A little bit about the blog
Having owned a successful service-based bookkeeping business and started as a small business owner. I’m an intelligent savvy business owner with a creative edge. I can help you with your product creation through launch, list building and marketing your new products. If you’re service-based I can help you set up systems to attract the right clients.
Please also check out:
‘DFY Social media kits’ – this kit includes 90 inspirational social media quotes for Instagram Twitter and Facebook for businesses to use as their own. At a special price of $5.00.
We are The Grumpy Olive, a team of three sisters blogging from London. On our blog, we write about all the things we love and including food, coffee, beauty and books among many things. You can expect to find easy but tasty recipes, the latest in books and also some talk on beauty and travel because we may fancy that here and there. But most of all, The Grumpy Olive is a little corner of the internet where everything is just fun, new and upbeat – just what the doctor ordered!
Sign up for my monthly newsletter, to gain access to exclusive offers & updates
Sign up for my freebie library. With new freebies added to help organise your life and take away some stress!
Want to book an advertising spot?
I am taking bookings for the rest of 2022 and you can find more details here.
Did you know?
Selecting the gold package for £6.50 means you get a custom link in my sidebar, as well as your logo. You ALSO get your own dedicated advertisers’ post! AND four blog posts promoted throughout the month!
Want a special offer?
I am offering a SPECIAL DISCOUNT for the remainder of 2022. Book three months on the silver package for £10.00, instead of £12.00. (this applies to existing bookings and new ones, and you can select any of the remaining months of the year as three months!)
Because I am excited by stories and books again, it was time to dedicate a space on my blog to all things books! Reading is currently helping me mentally. And I wanted to share this passion, in the hope, it might help other people out there.
You can check out Book Corner because it’s where you will hear about my latest book reviews, what I am currently excited about reading, and any stories that literally knocked my socks off.
Quick note: Some of the links contained on this page are affiliate links and if you go through them to make a purchase, I will earn a commission. I only recommend products I use myself and thinkwould be useful for you.
A much-needed break to help me mentally
If you follow me on Twitter, you will know I am taking a two-week break from blogging in September. Whilst writing and being creative is my passion, I have worked non-stop on this little passion project since July 2021. It’s time to refresh and return better than ever. Because I have so many exciting things in the pipeline.
Follow me on Goodreads to hear about my reading progress. Whilst I am not sure I will achieve my target for 2022, I hope to make some reading progress during my two-week blogging break. I can’t wait to get lost in these stories and restore my mental well-being.
I’m going all out & saying this is one of the best books I’ve ever read. The pace, the writing, is outstanding. I couldn’t wait to keep turning pages and it’s renewed my eagerness to get through my TBR list!
Absolutely amazing! Gripping right from the very beginning. Strong characters and the second half of the book had me constantly turning the pages. I loved the characters and got to know them all very well. Would love to see this as a fil…
Books transporting us to a new destination
I have been struggling recently, with physical illness, and being run down. This means I’ve taken a hit emotionally and mentally. I am finding that reading allows me to switch off and recover, which I am thankful for. I often read books to get transported to the destination the book is set in. Lately, I need something to bring me out of the fog and reading is helping me mentally.
Let’s dive into my current reading list
As any book lover will experience, there were many titles on my list to choose from. I managed to narrow it down into a manageable reading list. And put them in an order I was happy with.
Mental Health books currently helping me mentally
It is important to me, to read about mental health, as well as write about it on this blog.
I recently visited the Bradford Literature Festival recently and attend a talk by Horatio Clare, discussing Heavy Light. Reading about mental illness from the perspective of the person is something very interesting to me. As such, I am so eager to read this title. It just had to come top of the pile.
I haven’t finished this book yet. But I can say, it is so well written. And I relate to so much of the content. Whilst I haven’t experienced psychosis, I have experienced seeing a situation from a completely different perspective because of my anxiety and depression. During my pregnancy and stay in the hospital, my and my hubby’s accounts of what took place are so different. It’s like talking to people who were in hospitals at opposite ends of the country. Therefore, I can relate to some of what Horatio and his partner experienced. It is a helpful insight into mental illness, and the lack of support for individuals who are unwell. Also a heartbreaking insight into what their families go through.
“The words with which a breakdown is treated are all medicalised – illness, treatment, nurse, doctor, meds – but the mechanism of treatment belongs to retribution: incarnation, surveillance, behaviour monitoring, parole. For crimes against normality, we get a label and a chemical life sentence. I hate this mechanism. I refuse to believe in it.” ― Horatio Clare, Heavy Light: A Journey Through Madness, Mania and Healing
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The Power Of Letters
If you follow my blog, you will know a letter I wrote was published in an anthology. The proceeds of the book went to the Prince’s Trust and the letters are designed to give the youth of today hope that things can get better. I was honoured to be part of this project.
I can’t wait to read the other amazing letters featured. However, with how I have been feeling recently, I think waiting for a little would be better for me mentally.
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This was a recommendation I picked up and I am so excited to see what it is all about. I feel like this book will contribute to helping me mentally. And will also tie in with the work I am doing in my hypnotherapy course, which helps me to understand how the brain works.
More about the book – From Amazon
The Psychopath Inside, tells the fascinating story of Fallon’s reaction to the discovery that he has the brain of a psychopath. While researching serial murderers, he uncovered a distinct neurological pattern in their brain scans that helped explain their cold and violent behaviour. A few months later he learned that he was descended from a family with a long line of murderers which confirmed that Fallon’s own brain pattern wasn’t a fluke.
As a scientist convinced that humans are shaped by their genetics, Fallon set out to reconcile the truth about his brain with everything he knew about the mind, behaviour, and the influence of nature vs. nurture on our personalities. How could he, a successful scientist and a happy family man with no history of violence, be a psychopath? How much did his biology influence his behaviour? Was he capable of some of the gruesome atrocities perpetrated by the serial killers he had studied?
Combining his personal experience with scientific analysis, Fallon shares his journey and the discoveries that ultimately led him to understand that, despite everything, science can teach us, humans are even more complex than we can imagine.
I know this title is part of a series. But having read the reviews, I have decided to read this one as a stand-alone book. We all have different preferences when reading and personally, I want titles which have great reviews, otherwise, I simply won’t finish them. This book sounds like the best one in the series. Obviously, I can’t pass judgment until I’ve read it. Sign up to be alerted each time a blog post is released, and you can catch up with the review when I finish it.
Getting lost in a book is helping me mentally. I love nothing more than a thriller, or crime drama. Therefore, naturally, it is the type of book I love reading.
A bit more information (courtesy of Wob)
Dark secrets, a devastating mystery and the games people play: the gripping new novel from the bestselling author of The House We Grew Up In and The Third Wife.
You live on a picturesque communal garden square, an oasis in urban London where your children run free, in and out of other people’s houses.
You’ve known your neighbours for years and you trust them. Implicitly.
You think your children are safe.
But are they really?
Midsummer night: a thirteen-year-old girl is found unconscious in a dark corner of the garden square. What really happened to her? And who is responsible?
Utterly believable characters, a gripping story and a dark secret buried at its core: this is Lisa Jewell at her heart-stopping best.
I have decided to add this to my list, but whether I read it or not will be very much based on how I like the other one in the series. I realise it sounds a bit quirky to read the titles in this order, but I love doing things my own way and this feels right. If I like the first title, it will be like watching the series and then the prequel.
This is another title, which is technically a series, but can be treated as a stand-alone book. I can’t wait to read this one. I love high-quality writing. And the reviews suggest I won’t be disappointed with this one.
A Thousand Moons skips forward a few years from Days Without End and although it’s in effect a sequel, the novel stands alone, wasting no time with backstory as it launches into its typically rollicking tale.
Even when you come out of bloodshed and disaster in the end you have got to learn to live.
Winona is a young Lakota orphan adopted by former soldiers Thomas McNulty and John Cole. Living with Thomas and John on the farm they work in 1870s Tennessee, she is educated and loved, forging a life for herself beyond the violence and dispossession of her past. But the fragile harmony of her unlikely family unit, in the aftermath of the Civil War, is soon threatened by a further traumatic event, one which Winona struggles to confront, let alone understand.
Told in Sebastian Barry’s rare and masterly prose, A Thousand Moons is a powerful, moving study of one woman’s journey, her determination to write her own future, and the enduring human capacity for love. (courtesy of Amazon).
‘Nobody writes like, nobody takes lyrical risks like, nobody pushes the language, and the heart, and the two together, quite like Sebastian Barry does.’ ALI SMITH
My hubby has been nagging me for years to get the full Harry Potter series and read it. He is aware I love the description and imagination in a book, much more than in a film. Up to now, I have been reluctant. But I will be giving this a go and see what happens. And whether I then want to read the rest of the books. Stay tuned on the blog and also on Twitter.
Final thoughts
I have so many titles on my bookshelf and I intend to continue my reading journey, with another Goodreads challenge in 2023. Stay tuned to the blog, on Book Corner for more of my current reading lists.
“Yes, your transformation will be hard. Yes, you will feel frightened, messed up and knocked down. Yes, you’ll want to stop. Yes, it’s the best work you’ll ever do.”
Robin Sharma
AD / PR – please note – the sessions have been gifted in exchange for my honest thoughts about the process
My recent struggles
I haven’t had a great time over the last few weeks. We’ve had yet another sickness bug in the house. On top of this, I’ve felt burnout, stress and depression. Whilst I am now starting to look back on the situation with hindsight, a few weeks back I was in the midst of serious brain fog. And I didn’t have a clue what I was doing. Negative thoughts started creeping back in and I was in self-destruct mode for a short time. I am currently in the midst of transformation and didn’t expect a setback.
Self-care requires constant maintenance
It’s a great reminder that I will never really be free of anxiety or stress. None of us will. And the vital part is self-maintenance. Like physical self-care, mental well-being is something we must stay on top of.
Transformation isn’t sweet and bright. It’s a dark and murky, painful pushing. An unravelling of the untruths you’ve carried in your body. A practice in facing your own created demons. A complete uprooting, before becoming.
Victoria Erickson
The techniques I am learning
The techniques I am learning in my solution-focused hypnotherapy course, centre around emptying your stress bucket regularly. I’ve experienced the catastrophic implications of not doing this. And I intend to never return to that place again.
Recognising the self-destruct feeling
Lately, I was feeling, reckless, and rebellious and was starting to pay attention to the negative thoughts inside my head. Now this phase has mostly passed, I am able to look back with logic and say my relationships weren’t the greatest. In our house, there was no priority on genuine communication, which eventually has consequences. This, coupled with stress, burnout and physical illness, isn’t a good combination.
I felt like you might just before something great happens. Ever felt totally anxious or flat before an exam, driving test, or a change of some kind? I feel like these growing pains are a sign, that change is happening. And I have to ride it out and continue.
How is my hypnotherapy course going?
I am now halfway through my hypnotherapy sessions. During the trance parts we are initiating change directly with my subconscious mind, therefore I don’t consciously know some of these changes are happening. As quite a controlling person, it’s an adjustment period for me.
Transformation is difficult for a reason
If the transformation was easy, we would all just say one positive sentence to ourselves and that would be the end of it. How dangerous would this be for anyone susceptible to negative thinking though? it could easily go the other way. We have to work hard to implement lasting change.
If you do not change direction, you may end up where you are heading.
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