I pushed my son up the hill and saw this patch of grass near a couple having a picnic. I sat there when I was newly sober and shook with grief and pain that I had numbed for so long. I starred at the pub in eyesight and tears ran down my cheeks. I didn’t know how to exist without escapism. I imagined walking into the pub and beginning the descent into freedom from my thoughts. However I now knew that it would ultimately only exacerbate my pain. And so I was stuck in between a rock and a hard place.

Ooft. December is a challenging month when it comes to wellness and self-care.Yet arguably it is a month when we need it most.

Our calendar is suddenly full to bursting. We're exhausted from all the socialising (as nice as it sounds in theory). It is darker and colder for those in the northern hemisphere. We are uninspired to honour our fitness routine. Work deadlines are mounting. People are drinking more, which might make you feel pressured to as well. And we're supposed to be having the most fun we've had all year.

The awesome thing about habit formation is that when you really enjoy the benefits it turns from something you have to hold yourself to, into something you either do without thinking, or feel grateful you get to do.

Part of being our best selves (which is what we all want, right?) means being cautious and thoughtful about the words we use. This is for a plethora of reasons.

Returning to a business mindset after having a baby has been an empowering reimagining.

Ahead of my maternity leave I am reflecting on this pivotal transitional time.

Instead of fixating on perfection, let's shift our focus to the willingness to restart. Life happens on life's terms, and we all make mistakes along the way. It's not about avoiding failure; it's about how we respond to it. Embracing the willingness to restart means acknowledging our missteps, learning from them, and moving forward with renewed determination.

To be of service is to let your light shine bright. Denying your true calling or playing small means denying the world of your unique expertise and brilliance. We were each made differently, purposefully, so that we can contribute in a special way.

Become unstoppable in the workplace. This does not mean being subservient. This is the highest calling.