Wanderlust & shutter bliss

In my previous post, I shared how therapy and colouring books have played a role in helping me manage stress and anxiety. Colouring has always been more than just a childhood pastime for me—it’s a form of relaxation, creativity, and self-expression.

Recently, I discovered a beautiful colouring book called Worlds of Wonder, and I instantly fell in love with it. The intricate designs and whimsical illustrations provide a perfect escape from the busyness of everyday life. It allows me to focus, unwind, and embrace the simple joy of adding colour to a blank canvas.

If there’s anyone out there who loves colouring as much as I do or even enjoys writing, I truly believe that these activities are not just for kids but for adults as well. There’s something therapeutic about immersing yourself in colours, watching a picture come to life, and letting your creativity flow freely.

Colouring is a wonderful way to de-stress, practice mindfulness, and find a moment of peace in a hectic world. Whether you prefer bold and vibrant colours or soft and subtle tones, it’s a personal experience that brings a sense of accomplishment and joy.

So if you’ve ever thought about picking up a colouring book again, I highly encourage you to do so. It’s a simple pleasure that can bring so much happiness, and who knows? You might just find it as soothing and rewarding as I do.

Lately, I’ve been thinking about healthy ways to unwind after a long day at work or when something happens that triggers anxiety. It’s so easy to get caught up in the stress of the day, and I’ve been searching for simple, effective ways to relax my mind.

Then, I remembered something I used to enjoy—colouring . I used to do it on my iPad, but for me, nothing beats a colouring pen and a book. There’s something incredibly soothing about physically filling in intricate designs with different shades. The act of colouring helps take your mind off stress and brings a sense of calm.

Colouring isn’t just for kids; it’s a fantastic mindfulness activity for adults too. It allows you to focus on the present moment, quieting anxious thoughts while engaging in something enjoyable. Whether you use a physical colouring book or a digital app, it’s a simple way to bring relaxation into your daily routine.

If you’re looking for a new way to de-stress, why not give colouring a try? Grab some coloured pencils, markers, or even a digital stylus and let yourself get lost in the process. You might be surprised at how much it helps!

I have to share something exciting—we recently bought a treadmill! It’s a foldable one, which makes it perfect for our space. I have to admit, I was never a fan of treadmills when I used to go to the gym. Something about running in place never really appealed to me. But my husband, who absolutely loves running, convinced me to give it another shot.

At first, I was hesitant, but as I started using it, I realized something: it made me feel better. There’s something about moving your body, releasing pent-up energy, and just letting go of the stresses of the day that is incredibly therapeutic.

If you’re feeling overwhelmed or just need an outlet for your emotions, I truly believe any form of exercise can help. Whether it’s running, walking, yoga, or even just stretching, movement has a way of easing the mind and body. The simple act of exercising releases tension and allows you to feel more relaxed.

I’ve come to appreciate the treadmill more than I ever thought I would. It’s not just about fitness—it’s about mental clarity, stress relief, and giving yourself the space to breathe. If you’ve ever doubted the power of exercise for your mental well-being, I encourage you to try something that gets you moving. You might be surprised at just how much better you feel!

Have you ever had an exercise routine that helped you de-stress? I’d love to hear what works for you!

Yesterday was a baking day, and what better way to spend it than making cupcakes? Now, I’ll admit, they might not have won any beauty contests, but what they lacked in appearance, they more than made up for in taste!

Baking is always an adventure. From mixing the batter to impatiently waiting for them to rise in the oven, there’s something so satisfying about creating little treats from scratch. The kitchen smelled divine as the cupcakes baked—sweet vanilla and buttery goodness filling the air. This time, we added chocolate chips, which made them even more irresistible.

Once out of the oven, though, let’s just say they had a bit of “character.” Some were a little lopsided, and a few had cracked tops, but that only added to their homemade charm. And the most important part? They tasted absolutely beautiful! Soft, fluffy, with bursts of melted chocolate in every bite—pure bliss.

Baking is so therapeutic; there’s something incredibly calming about focusing on a recipe, measuring, mixing, and watching ingredients transform into something delicious. It’s a moment where all the worries of life seem to wash away, leaving behind only the joy of creating and indulging in a homemade treat.

Of course, no cupcake is complete without a bit of decoration. I attempted some frosting, but let’s just say it didn’t exactly go to plan. A few swirls turned into blobs, and some sprinkles may have gone a little overboard, but hey, it’s all part of the fun, right?

The best part of baking isn’t always how perfect the final product looks—it’s the process, the joy of making something with your own hands, and, of course, getting to enjoy a delicious treat at the end.

Would I bake them again? Absolutely. Would they look better next time? Hopefully! But one thing’s for sure: they’ll still taste just as good.

Have you ever baked something that looked a little wonky but tasted amazing? I’d love to hear about your kitchen adventures!

Good morning, everyone! Today, I wanted to dive into something I’m truly passionate about: well-being, anxiety, and how we can navigate through it all. If you’ve been following my blog, you know I’ve touched a bit dealing with anxiety before. I’ve spoken a bit about my experiences in therapy, but I feel like there’s so much more to say. So, I wanted to take a moment to share a bit more about how I’ve been coping and some things that have helped me along the way.

Anxiety – A Constant Companion
When I left my job last year, it was a huge turning point in my life. That job had been the source of a lot of my anxiety—leading to panic attacks and making me feel completely overwhelmed. I’m in a better place now with a new job, but that doesn’t mean the anxiety just disappeared. There are still moments when I feel like everything is crashing down on me, and I get that familiar knot in my stomach. The anxiety still sneaks up, even though my circumstances have improved.

Some days, I find myself struggling to keep it together. It’s an ongoing journey, and I’m learning to accept that anxiety might always be a part of me, but it doesn’t have to control me.

Journaling: My Safe Space
One of the most valuable tools I’ve found in my journey with anxiety is journaling. Now, I know this might sound simple, but it has had a profound impact on my mental well-being. I’m not someone who likes to talk about my feelings much—honestly, I find it hard to open up sometimes. But journaling gives me the private space I need to express myself. It’s a way for me to process my emotions without feeling judged or vulnerable.

I treat my journal like a safe haven where I can let my thoughts flow freely. I find that putting my feelings on paper helps me make sense of them and clears my mind. And when I look back at my entries, it’s like I have a backup drive for my brain—a way to remember things that matter and reflect on how far I’ve come.

How Journaling Helps
Journaling has become more than just an emotional outlet for me—it has truly boosted my mindfulness and well-being. I’ve learned that it can serve so many purposes. It helps me stay grounded in the present, focus on what’s important, and reflect on my journey. Plus, it’s a great way to practice self-compassion and check in with myself.

Here are a few journaling prompts I’ve found helpful for anxiety. If anyone deals with anxiety try these few prompts you never know it might help you like it helped me.

1. Encourage Yourself: Write down a list of positive affirmations. It may feel cheesy at first, but reminding yourself of your strength, resilience, and worth is incredibly powerful. Some days, I write: “I am strong, I am capable, and I will get through this.”
2. A Heart-to-Heart with Yourself: When you’re having a tough day, ask yourself, “What do I need right now?” It could be a break, a moment of peace, or a reminder that you’re doing the best you can. Writing this down allows you to honor your feelings and take care of yourself.
3. Gratitude List: Write down a few things you’re grateful for. Even on the roughest days, there’s always something to be thankful for. Gratitude has a way of shifting your mindset and helping you focus on the positive.
4. Write a Letter to Your Younger Self: This one took me by surprise. I’ll admit, I thought it was a bit silly at first. But when I wrote a letter to my younger self, it felt like I was giving her the love and encouragement she needed. Reading it back gave me a sense of relief and healing, and I realized how far I’ve come.
5. Celebrate the Wins: Jot down what went well today, no matter how small. This could be as simple as getting out of bed, taking a deep breath, or completing a task. Celebrating the little wins reminds you that progress is being made, even when it feels slow.

These prompts might sound a little odd at first, but trust me—they really do help. They allow me to reflect, process, and ultimately feel lighter. There’s something incredibly powerful about expressing yourself, whether it’s through writing or just being honest with how you feel in the moment.

The Healing Power of Writing
I’ve learned that journaling isn’t just about documenting the hard times. It’s about giving yourself permission to feel and reflect on those emotions. It’s a way to reconnect with yourself and process everything that’s going on in your mind.

Writing a letter to my younger self was one of the most cathartic experiences I’ve had. At first, it felt like an odd exercise, but after reading the letter, I felt a deep sense of relief. I was able to offer myself the love and encouragement I needed in the past, and that brought a sense of closure.

Final Thoughts
I know that living with anxiety is no easy feat, and it’s something I’ll continue to work through. But I’ve realized that there are ways to manage it—small steps that help me stay grounded. Journaling has become one of my most trusted tools, and it’s something I plan to continue to lean on. If you’re struggling with anxiety or simply looking for ways to process your thoughts, I would give journaling a try. You might be surprised at how much it can help.

Thank you for letting me share my experience with you today. It’s a journey, and I’m learning every day. If you’re going through something similar, just know you’re not alone, and there’s always a way forward. Take it one step at a time, and be kind to yourself.