What I love about being a business owner

 Well, hello to you, my reader chums! I've always wanted to run my own business. Ever since I was little, I have never liked the idea of having a boss and climbing the career ladder. I loved the thought of building my own business, having the flexibility and voice to run my life how I'd like it.

Running a business is a privilege, and even though it's hard at times, there are a million reasons why I love my business.

What I love about being a business owner

The flexibility 

I never liked it when I was employed, how everything was limited; limited lunch times, limited holidays and essentially, limited freedom. In a way, you're controlled in how you can live your daily life, without the flexibility to book a doctor's appointment whenever you like, take a break when needed and ultimately, have someone you always have to report to. 

As a business owner, I love being able to plan my schedule, book time off and work when it's best for me. I can listen to my body, work at optimum times and take as many breaks as I need. The perks of running a business are that I can work whenever I need and also book a trip whenever I like. Everything is down to my decisions, and I'm grateful for that. It also means I can work more when I want, book in additional projects on a timeline that works for me.

The business community 

Everyone I've met in the business world is incredibly welcoming, supportive and great to learn from. They make running a business a joyous experience as I always have someone I can talk to, get advice from or enjoy business events. I've met many business owners with similar mindsets and ethos to me, making collaboration fun and networking a positive experience. 

Setting my rates and knowing my worth. 

I did struggle with this initially and still do, but overall, setting my rates, choosing projects and pitching to clients that align with my values is a huge win for me. I can put my energy where I like it, thrive in the work I do and know my worth, because I've put a price and time on that, rather than being dictated by someone else. 

Working wherever I like, from favourite cafes to all over the world

One of my favourite parts of working for myself is where I work. Mostly, I work from home in the comfort of my environment, and I also spend a lot of time in coffee shops, co-working with others and soaking up the local community. It's a privilege to know, wherever my laptop is with me, I can work and I don't need to be in a set office to run my business. 

Being my authentic self 

I've spent a long time working on myself to be more confident in living authentically, loving myself and sharing who I am with the world. Running a business means I can do just that and feel more joy and comfort in that. I don't need to pretend to be anyone else. I can live like me, live by my values and work with people who align with that.

I hope you enjoyed this post. Are you self-employed?

Thank you for reading <3
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Small Changes That Can Lift Your Mental Health

We all go through ups and downs, but sometimes the smallest shifts in daily life can make the biggest difference to how you feel. You don’t always need a full life overhaul to improve your mental health. Often it’s about finding simple changes that fit into your routine and actually stick. If you’ve been feeling a little off and want to take better care of yourself, these ideas might be just what you need.

This blog post is a contributed post, written by another author.


Sleep

Sleep doesn’t just recharge your body, it resets your mind too. If you’re constantly tired, everything feels heavier than it really is. Try setting a regular bedtime and actually sticking to it, even on weekends. Ditch the late-night scrolling and give yourself time to unwind before bed with something that signals to your brain that it’s time to switch off, like reading or stretching. You’ll notice your mood and focus improve once your sleep gets more consistent.

Movement

Exercise doesn’t need to mean signing up for the gym or forcing yourself into a workout plan you hate. Even a daily walk can help clear your head and make you feel more grounded. Moving your body releases endorphins, which act as natural stress relief. If the thought of long workouts puts you off, think smaller. Put music on while cleaning, stretch in the morning, or take the stairs instead of the lift. A little movement every day adds up.

Nutrition

What you eat can seriously affect how you feel. If you’re loading up on sugar and caffeine to keep going, you’ll crash harder later. Try to balance things with proper meals that include protein, fruit and veg. Drinking more water than coffee can also make a surprising difference. You don’t need a perfect diet to feel better, but cutting back on processed junk and adding in more real food gives your brain and body what they need to handle stress better.

Stress relief

Finding ways to manage stress makes a big difference to mental health. For some people, that’s meditation or journaling, while others need something more active like yoga or boxing. Some also look into things like medical cannabis if they want another route for managing anxiety or stress, depending on what’s right for them. The key is figuring out what actually helps you feel calmer rather than what you think you should be doing.

Social connections

We all need people, even if it’s just a couple of close friends or family members. Talking about things out loud can make your problems feel lighter, and spending time with people you trust stops you from getting stuck in your own head. Make the effort to reach out, even if it’s just sending a quick message or arranging a coffee. The more you stay connected, the less isolated you’ll feel when life gets tough.

Fresh air

Spending too much time indoors can make anyone feel drained. Even ten minutes outside can change your mood. Natural light helps regulate your body clock, which improves sleep and energy levels, and being in nature has been shown to lower stress. You don’t need to hike a mountain, just step outside for a walk, sit in the garden, or open your windows more often.
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Stepping Outside Your Comfort Zone: Why the Open Road is Your Next Big Leap

Comfort zones have their uses. They keep life predictable, steady, and organised. But after a while, that predictability can start to feel like a loop. Daily routines take shape, and most people rarely move outside the same grid of streets, shops, and workplaces. The open road offers a different rhythm. It’s about shifting perspective, one mile at a time.

This blog post is a contributed post, written by another author.


The Geography of Familiarity

Think about the radius of your life. For many, it’s surprisingly small. A few favourite cafés, the office, the supermarket, maybe the gym. It all starts to blend. Human brains build strong mental maps of the spaces we see often, and while this makes navigation simple, it also locks us into autopilot. The road beyond that radius interrupts this pattern. New signs, untested routes, and unfamiliar landscapes keep the brain engaged. Every detour or side street adds fresh detail to that internal map, which strengthens memory and attention in ways routine never does.

Roads as a Framework for Learning

Travel by car introduces challenges that feel small but are very real. A sudden rainstorm. A confusing roundabout. A diversion through an unexpected village. These are manageable obstacles, but each one requires adjustment. They test focus, patience, and adaptability. In other words, they become exercises in decision-making under shifting conditions. The same mindset applies to problem-solving in other areas of life. Handling uncertainty on the road translates into handling unpredictability elsewhere, whether in professional settings or personal projects.

Social Dimensions of Travel

Journeys reshape social interactions. Meeting people along the way—a quick chat at a petrol station or a short conversation in a roadside café—pulls you out of familiar patterns. With no shared background, communication becomes clearer and more direct. If you’re travelling with others, the road itself becomes a kind of group project. Navigation, timing, food stops—these things demand coordination and negotiation in real time. The result is a practice ground for collaboration that feels organic rather than staged.

Vehicles as Enablers of Transition

Exploration on the road requires a reliable vehicle, and the act of selecting one itself can symbolise transition. Many individuals considering significant lifestyle changes begin with practical steps, such as browsing cars for sale. Choosing a vehicle is rarely only a financial decision; it often reflects broader goals about how far one plans to travel, what terrains to cover, and how much flexibility to retain. A shift in mobility resources can become a concrete marker of commitment to new experiences.

Psychological Shifts Linked to Distance

Distance itself changes perspective. Environmental psychology research shows that unfamiliar places affect how people think about themselves. When the view outside the window changes—fields instead of city streets, mountains instead of suburbs—the brain recalibrates. Challenges that felt fixed at home can look different after hours on a road trip. This isn’t abstract theory; it’s grounded in the way sensory input and context shape attention and problem framing. Even a short trip can create this shift, provided the landscape is far enough removed from what’s familiar.

Integration into Daily Life

The lessons of the road don’t end when the road trip does. Returning home with a different perspective often makes the familiar feel new again. Streets look different, routines stand out, and decisions are reconsidered with fresh clarity. Small insights add up—a habit noticed, a route reconsidered, a new way of thinking about time. The open road is less about escape and more about noticing what else is possible, both while travelling and back in ordinary routines.
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Just do it: start the project you're most scared of

Well, hello to you, my reader chums! I've always been that person who has the get-up-and-go to start the project I've been wanting to do for a while. However, there have been times when I've doubted myself, waited too long to start or questioned whether I'm good enough to give it a go.

If you're thinking of starting a new business, a project or a hobby, here's my advice on how to just do it and make your dreams a reality.

Just do it: start the project you're most scared of

Come up with the idea and map out a rough plan

Everyone has an idea that they're passionate about, whether it's starting a networking event, a side hustle or a new hobby. The best way to begin with any project is brainstorming the idea, the weight of it and coming up with a rough plan. Not everything needs as much planning as you think, and sometimes it's better to start and give it your heart than plan too much and walk away from it.

Decide on the best action plan

When you have your rough idea and plan, you can decide on the next steps to make it a reality. This could be setting up a social media profile, networking at events to build connections, creating an email list or a website. All types of marketing are essenital to work on your idea, but depending on your target audience and your niche will determine the best action plan.

Avoid overthinking it too much

At this point, many people overthink the idea and the action plan, and that's where you're going wrong. If you came up with the idea and have a plan, it has weight in it. You don't need to overthink it. Overthinking any idea will stop you from sharing it with the world and achieving your success. Talk yourself up about what could go right instead of wrong.

Set a launch date/build a profile

With a plan in place, you can come up with a launch date and build up your profile, sharing what you're all about, finding your audience and getting people excited for the project you're launching. The more you share, the more likely you'll get a better reception.

Just do it - and figure out what works and what doesn't 

A launch date, an idea and a plan - it's time to press live. Just post the plan, project or business. Once you've put it out there, you can see where it lands. And, figure out what works, what doesn't and what you need to change.

I hope you enjoyed this post. What would you add?

Thank you for reading <3

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Countries I've travelled that I'd revisit

 Well, hello to you, my reader chums! I'm incredibly grateful I've spent my twenties travelling the world, exploring new places, including two backpacking trips, city breaks and longer holidays to see multiple places in one trip. 

Travelling is part of my soul and something I never want to stop; I'd love to be able to keep adventuring until I'm old and grey, making memories with loved ones.

Countries I've travelled that I'd revisit

If you're planning a holiday and unsure where to go, here are the best countries I've travelled to that I'd revisit again and again.

Sri Lanka

I'm not over the awe and heart of Sri Lanka. Spending two weeks there at the start of my backpacking trip in 2023 was a pure joy and a memory I've cherished forever. Sri Lanka is a country full of soulful people, delicious food, amazing wildlife, scenery, experiences and a culture you will love. I had some incredible experiences in Sri Lanka, including temple hopping in Anuradhapura, hiking up Pidurangala Rock, elephant safari at Hurulu Eco Park, tea plantations in Nuwara Eliya, the train ride from Nuwara Eliya to Ella and visiting Diyaluma Falls. Also, the beach scene across Sri Lanka is beautiful, especially around Unawatuna.

Canada

My road trip in Canada was an experience I'll never forget. The landscapes and mountainous scenery didn't look real, and I don't understand how lucky I am to have experienced it all. I took a road trip across Alberta and British Columbia, visiting Banff, Canmore, Jasper and Golden and soaking up the beauty along the way. Beforehand, I also visited Toronto and took Niagara Falls off my bucket list. 

Why do I want to visit again? I've never felt more at peace than in the surroundings of Alberta. Banff National Park had to be my favourite, especially Lake Louise, Moraine Lake, hiking to Lake Agnes, Johnston Canyon, Bow Falls, Banff Town and Canmore. Driving throughout Banff National Park was a dream where I didn't want to miss a second of the views. Beyond that, driving through Jasper National Park and Yoho National Park was just as gorgeous and magical.

Other highlights include Bow Lake, Peyto Lake, Icefields Parkway, Columbia Icefield, Athabasca Glacier, Pyramid Island, Miette Hot Springs, Athabasca Falls, Emerald Lake and Grassi Lakes. I'm blessed with everything I saw and experienced in Canada, from the world's best hikes to walking on a glacier! I'm also lucky that the weather was perfect the whole time we were there.

Thailand

Thailand is a country I have visited multiple times and would love to revisit again. There's something magical about Thailand; it's called the 'Land of Smiles' for a reason. I have many gorgeous memories of Thailand from the two times I've visited, one time for 5 weeks and another for a week's trip. Thailand has plenty of beautiful islands with clear waters and incredible scenery, such as Koh Lanta, Koh Lipe, Koh Tao and Koh Samui. Each island has its unique appeal, whether you'd prefer a party holiday, pure relaxation or watersports, such as snorkelling and scuba diving.

Aside from the gorgeous beach and island scene, Thailand has some of the very best foods, including curries, noodle dishes and rice meals. I also adored the cities, their beautiful temples and learning more about Thai history and their culture. 

Indonesia

I absolutely fell in love with Indonesia, more than I expected to, and I'm not only talking about Bali. Many people only visit Bali on their trip to the country, but there's so much more to the country than one island. Indonesia boasts diversity in terms of religion, historical sights, island cuisine and mountainous territory. 

My favourite parts of Indonesia were mooching around Ubud, including its temple scene and markets, a day trip to Komodo Island, snorkelling at Manta Point, witnessing the sunrise at Mount Bromo, watching Devil's Tear on Nusa Lembongan, temple hopping in Yogyakarta and eating as much Nasi Goreng as possible.

I learned a lot about myself in Indonesia, how there was more than meets the eye in the lesser-known places and that their food was more delicious than I expected.

Italy 

Italy is my favourite country and my most-visited country, and I had to include it in this list. It's hard to describe why I love Italy as it has been my obsession since I was a little girl and part of my heritage. There's much joy in Italy to explore, from the delicious food scene stretching from north to south, whether you love Bolognese, cured meats and tortellini to arrancini and pizza down south. It's the land of delicious, fresh food made from the heart. 

Italy has plenty to explore and variety across the country, from gorgeous cities to explore with their cobbled streets and old, historic buildings, lakes and mountainous towns with scenery you'll fall in love with and coastal towns with a charm like no other and picturesque scenery. I've visited 7 times across the country, but there are plenty of locations I'd see again, such as Lake Maggiore, Tuscany and Bologna. 

Switzerland 

Love chocolate and cheese? Switzerland is the land for you. I only ever heard positive things about Switzerland, and I'm happy to confirm it lives up to every positive review. The mountainous and lake towns, especially, are a gem to visit with scenery I could only dream of, matching the beauty of Canada's national parks. I fell in love with Spiez and Brienz and felt lucky to go up Mount Niesen. 

Zurich was also a massive surprise with its appeal, chocolate shops everywhere and delicious cheese fondue! The perfect place to eat as much as possible.

Vietnam 

I've visited Vietnam twice and I'm obsessed with the country for multiple reasons: the food, the diverse scenery, the history and the feel of the country. I can't explain why or how I love Vietnam, but there's something about it which is special to me. The rush of Hanoi, the quietness and gorgeous rice fields of Mai Chau, the beauty of Cat Ba Island and Halong Bay, boat tours in Tam Coc and quaint ambience of Hoi An. 

I could mooch and explore Vietnam forever, especially eat my way around it, with the banh mi, pho, rice pancakes, noodle dishes and curries. I'd love to roam around the wild streets of Hanoi, cycle around Hoi An, watch the mountainous view in Halong Bay and cycle along the peaceful rice fields.

Malaysia 

Malaysia is a country that surprised me on many levels. As it borders Thailand, I assumed the culture would be very similar; however, I couldn't be more shocked at the diversity. Malaysia's culture was diverse in terms of religion, history and food scene. Kuala Lumpur with its iconic skyscrapers, city appeal and noteworthy Batu Caves, Cameron Highlands with its hiking experiences and tea plantations, the national park in Penang and the calmness of Langkawi and the beaches.

Croatia 

I adored everything about Croatia, and I wish I could revisit to see more of the country. I've only seen Dubrovnik, and the capital was a gorgeous, historic city with plenty to see and relax on the many beaches. I loved the food, the vibes, the clear waters and the general peace - and I'd love to see more of Croatia's islands.

I hope you enjoyed this post. Which countries would you revisit?

Thank you for reading <3

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Hobbies you can do more in the UK summer

 Well, hello to you, my reader chums! Summer is my season; I love the hot weather, longer days, and the freedom that comes with it. In summer, I feel motivated to do lots of new or my favourite things outside. Wherever you live, summer changes people; you either have the people who relish in the warmth and activities, or try and look for shade and enjoy quiet time. 

Hobbies you can do more in the UK summer

Whatever summer is to you, here are some of my favourite activities you can do in the summertime. 

Swimming in the sea

I'm a beach baby; I grew up by the sea and I love nothing more than spending all day at the beach and the evenings too, especially in the summertime. I have to admit I only swim in the sea during summer, as I'm a massive wimp when the water is too cold. Swim to your heart's desire in the summer, whether it's a morning, beach day or sunset dip.

Picnics everywhere

There's no better joy than packing a picnic and heading out for an adventure that day. I love the homely feel of packing a picnic and choosing a fun destination for the day, whether that's your local park or a day trip to the countryside. Picnics are something you could plan as much as you like, and with as many people.

Hikes in your local area

I love a good hike, especially exploring somewhere new. I do go on hikes in the other seasons; however, they hit differently in the summer as you can enjoy a pub garden or ice cream afterwards and lap up the sunshine as you go. Hikes can be whatever you wish, whether it's an all-day thing or a morning stroll somewhere new. 

Day trips to historic attractions 

One of the best things about the UK is the level of historic attractions to explore, especially with the National Trust and English Heritage. All of these sites can be explored whenever, but during peak blue sky times, they are even more gorgeous, and you can enjoy the outside even more.

Sunset beach evenings

I'm a sucker for a sunset. I could watch the sunset every single night, as it's my favourite time of day, especially in the summer. There's something magical about watching the different colours light up the sky and bidding goodbye to another great day. Sunset beach evenings add to the magic, as you can enjoy your dinner, go for a dip in the sea and wrap up as the air gets cooler.

All the water fun 

When we finally experience some sun in the UK, appreciating the joy of water is everything. Outdoor aqua parks, swimming pools, and paddling pools in your own garden - there's nothing better than cooling down.

All your indoor activities outside

Winter is full of activities. The best thing about summer is that you can do them outside. From painting, crafting, picnics, games, to sports, like yoga and pilates. Embrace the joy of the outside as much as you can in the summer.

I hope you enjoyed this post. What would you add?

Thank you for reading <3


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