Picture the scene…doing ALL the things, being ALL things to EVERYONE. Living life being superhuman and achieving it all with a smile on your face and beaming with pride, all without breaking into a sweat. Sounds great! Or does it? If that’s your reality then much kudos to you, I am genuinely delighted for you and cheering you on. But how many of us find ourselves juggling all the balls and yet feeling we’re not accomplishing anything? Spending our time doing what’s needed but not progressing? Making sure that everyone else is sorted but not seeing ourselves flourish? Knowing we’re going to drop one, or all, of these balls soon because the pressure is mounting, and this pace is not sustainable forever? Telling yourself you need to slow down? Exhausting, isn’t it! I get it, this current world demands so much from us. Multitasking is praised as a valuable skill and productivity is often measured by how many tasks we can juggle simultaneously. But being busy does not necessarily equal productivity or success, rushing through life can lead to burnout, decreased productivity, and a loss of the simple joys that make life meaningful. Today we'll explore the importance of slowing down and why it's crucial for our well-being and overall quality of life. There are also some practical tips on how to cultivate a slower pace and find serenity in these busy times. Why is this important? Why do we need to slow down? Here are some of the risks that constantly living at “full throttle” could bring: Mental Well-being Constantly juggling multiple tasks and racing against the clock can take a toll on our mental health. Stress, anxiety, and even depression can result from the relentless pursuit of productivity. Slowing down allows us to find moments of peace, reduce stress, and reconnect with our inner selves. Physical Health The rush of modern life often leads to neglecting our physical well-being. Lack of sleep, poor eating habits, and a sedentary lifestyle can lead to various health issues. Slowing down gives us the time to prioritise self-care, exercise, and nourishing our bodies properly. Creativity and Innovation Rushing may help us complete more tasks, but it often hampers our creativity and ability to think deeply. When we slow down, our minds can wander, explore new ideas, and make connections that we might miss when racing through tasks. Relationships Multitasking can affect the quality of our relationships. Being physically present but mentally absent can strain our connections with loved ones. Slowing down allows us to be fully present in our interactions, creating deeper and more meaningful relationships. Understanding the challenge We tell ourselves to slow down, but have you ever asked yourself if what you are doing is of crucial importance … to YOU? There’s a world of difference between a) doing twelve tasks that are pieces of a particular project you’re working on, or b) doing twelve tasks just because (fill in the blank) ________ you’re used to doing it, people assume it’s your job, no one does it better than you, it won’t get done if you don’t do it, no other person knows how to do it, etc. …. Sound familiar? I can’t tell you which of the scenarios above relate your circumstances, but what I can tell you is that you already know the answer. Even if you don’t know consciously, your subconscious and your body does. Whatever the circumstances, even if all these tasks are vital, there are steps you can take to find contentment and fulfilment in life. Practical tips: Here are a few steps you can take to support you in slowing down: Breathe Firstly, stop what you’re doing right now, just for a moment. And breathe. When we’re stressed and busy our breathing can become shallow and more frequent and it’s useful to stop and take some deep, slow breaths to get perspective. Discernment Are these tasks really yours to complete? Can they be carried out by someone else? Be honest with yourself. Some tasks, if they are related to your work, may be your responsibility but can you pass some tasks in your life to other people? Prioritise Identify your most important tasks and focus on them. Not everything needs to be done immediately. By setting priorities, and putting a plan in place, you can allocate your time and energy more effectively. Time management tools can really help you. Set Realistic Goals Don't overcommit. Be realistic about what you can achieve in a day or a week. Setting achievable goals reduces the pressure to constantly rush. Single Tasking Instead of trying to do multiple things at once, practice single tasking. Dedicate your full attention to one task at a time, and you'll likely find that you accomplish it more efficiently and with better results. Mindfulness Incorporate mindfulness practices into your daily routine. Meditation, deep breathing exercises, or simply paying full attention to your surroundings for a few minutes can help you stay grounded and centred. Be present, not just physically! Disconnect Constant digital connectivity can be overwhelming. Take breaks from screens, put away your phone during meals and bedtime and set boundaries for when, and how, you engage with technology. Enjoy Simple Pleasures Take time to enjoy the little things in life – a cup of tea, a walk in the park, a conversation with a friend. Slowing down allows you to appreciate these moments more fully. Time out Here’s the nag for self-care but it’s so important. Take time each week for YOU! Schedule it into your calendar if you must but give yourself the respect you deserve. After all, your mind, body, and spirit are the magical components that get you through the day. It’s vital to take care of them so you can show up in the world in the way you would like to. Conclusion In a world that seems to prize speed and being busy above all else, it's important to remember that the art of slowing down is not a sign of laziness or complacency. It's a conscious choice to live a more balanced and fulfilling life. By embracing a slower pace, we can improve our mental and physical well-being, nurture our creativity, and deepen our connections with others. So, take a deep breath, let go of the urge to constantly juggle tasks, and start treasuring the beauty of a slower, more meaningful life. It can be scary and overwhelming to create new practices but don’t worry, you’re not on your own. Do you need further help? If you’re not sure how to discern what’s really yours, put an action plan together, incorporate mindfulness into your daily life, find tools and resources to help you, or just want someone to hold your hand and guide you through it then come join our friendly, private Facebook group. Or if you prefer, you can also book a 1-2-1 session with me. Reach out to me on email or book directly via the website . Karen x

Happy September! My goodness, I can’t believe we’re here already, how has the year gone so quickly already? Or has it? I love this time of year, Autumn is my favourite season and I can feel the warmth of summer starting to cool down, some leaves are starting to turn golden, the farmers around me are harvesting in the fields and evenings are having me putting on my cardigan now. But we aren’t quite there yet, the sun still gifts us warm days and beautiful light. I don’t know about you, but this time of year always has me in reflective mood. As the daylight hours get shorter, the fires and stoves get stoked and we start to slow down it’s the perfect time to contemplate the previous months, reflect and look towards the remaining part of the year. To think about what worked, what didn’t and what’s next. So, what about this year thus far then? What a ride! That’s what my inner voice screams. On the outside is that calm exterior, going about business as usual, while the internal rollercoaster has excelled itself and journeyed to places I didn’t think still existed. But of course, those places will always exist. Those places we don’t like to acknowledge or go to. But they are part of who we are. You can’t have light without shadow and that’s ok. We can’t ignore those areas, for it’s what completes us. The months of confusion, wrecked plans, sadness and fear that we’ve all experienced have no doubt taken their toll. How many of us feel exhausted, frustrated or quite honestly scared? Boy, hasn’t it been one hell of year so far, and yet I’m so proud of us all. We have come so far, even though it’s a struggle, and we have managed to endure what 2020 has thrown at us up to now. What’s next? I one hundred percent advocate the saying “it’s ok not to be ok”. For who is it that makes us believe we have to be ok all the time? that’ll be OURSELVES! We constantly put pressure on ourselves to be all things to everyone - don’t we always come good for others? Our family, friends or pets? We carry on regardless, even though we are in turmoil and, in some cases, just trying to get through the day. That leads me I ask, what about YOU? How are YOU feeling about this year? How do YOU feel right now? Sometimes there comes a point where the Universe nudges you into a moment of self-care. Sometimes it just needs to be about YOU. Sometimes you have to stop and acknowledge that now is the time to hold space for yourself. Sound familiar? We all need to look after ourselves and there is no shame in that, in fact I truly believe we should prioritise it. How can we give to others when we can’t give to ourselves? None of us are untouched by this, including me. And every so often I find myself stepping back for a wee while, to concentrate on me and my own needs. This time of reflection has highlighted for me the importance of looking after ourselves at this time. To stop, recharge our batteries and re focus is a huge benefit, allowing us to regroup and plan for the coming months. But how can we give ourselves this thing we call self-care? Everyone is different, and even small things can make a big difference to our day. Here are some examples of how you can take care of YOU. Listening to your favourite music Taking a walk in nature Cuddling the cat Taking a pampering bath Talking to another person or professional therapist Dancing round the living room Reading your favourite book Watching your favourite film Going for a run Take up that favourite hobby again Do what works for you, it doesn’t have to be complicated or expensive. What’s your favourite activity or food? Who are the people you like to interact with, the ones who feed your soul and lift you up? Taking a few weeks away from being plugged in to the mainstream media is one way that works wonders for me. In fact, I very rarely interact with it these days. In short, I encourage you to be gentle with yourself at this time. Ask yourself how you can make that small change, to do something for your own self-care. Because YOU are so worth it. XXX

18th June to 12th July. Put that in your calendar. Right Now. And set the alert to remind you. Done? … Good. What’s it for? Well, that’s the period of time for the next Mercury Retrograde. To be precise, it’s 05:53 on 18th June to 09:20 on 12th July (UK time). What does retrograde mean? Retrograde is the term applied to the motion of a planet, when it appears to be going backwards in orbit. In reality it isn’t, it’s just an optical illusion related to the part of orbit the particular planet is in. Mercury Retrograde happens 3 or 4 times a year, depending on whether it falls over a year end on our linear calendar. Years ago, when I used to mention Mercury Retrograde to my colleagues, they thought I was a bit weird, but these days there are lots of articles about it on the internet and it’s quite a common term to come across. And the poor planet does get quite a bad rap in a lot of these articles, striking fear into the reader, and pronouncing doom and gloom for the 3 weeks it’s with us. In reality, yes there are bound to be “glitches” during retrograde. But this is not some cosmic event, sent by our Creator, to wreak havoc on our lives. It’s a natural, regular occurrence (this is one of those times when I really wish I’d listened to my physics teacher in school!) and its effects actually give us opportunities that maybe aren’t expected. What is Mercury? Mercury is the smallest planet in our solar system and it’s the one that’s closest to the sun. It completes its orbit every 88 days, compared to our 365 days. Mercury represents your mind, communication, travel, gathering information, intellect and thought processes. It’s also known as the Roman God of Communication and the Messenger. How does retrograde affect us? When a planet goes retrograde it gives us the potential to revisit and adjust scenarios and tasks in our lives that maybe weren’t complete or fully dealt with, related to that planet’s associations. There will also be correlation to the zodiac sign that the planet is in, when it goes retrograde. So, you may have occasions in work or your personal life to REvamp, REwork, REview, REvalue, REassess, REconsider etc. those thoughts, plans, projects, contracts or reports, for example. You can expect things to surface that need to be dealt with, even if you didn’t consciously realise they would need to be managed. But that doesn’t mean it’s a bad thing, and quite often it’s a welcome relief to have that chance to sort it out, once and for all, or release it. A second chance, you might say. What about this retrograde? Mercury in retrograde relates in broad terms to communication, planning, information processing, travel and technology. The imminent retrograde will happen when Mercury is in the zodiac sign of Cancer. Cancer is a water element, and water is representative of emotions. In retrograde these emotions may be charged, with people reacting, before thinking. You, and others, may have unrealistic expectations around words, meanings and deeds. Add this all together and it makes for a few weeks of, in its simplest view, things going wrong with heightened emotions around them, to add insult to injury. Anything else I should know? This retrograde is occurring when there are lots of other planets also in retrograde (also a natural and common event). There’s a full moon during the retrograde pre shadow and it’s happening in eclipse season. That’s a whole other article, that I’ll be writing about. What can I expect? Here are some examples of issues that might surface during Mercury retrograde: Emails or texts you’ve sent are misread or misunderstood Plans go awry Your computer won’t work A project changes or gets cancelled This is an example of what I mean; during one retrograde I overslept my alarm clock, my cat wouldn’t come back in the house so I could leave for work, a warning light came on in the car, I got stuck in the most hideous traffic queue, was late for work, my laptop wouldn’t boot up and when it did, my password had expired and I couldn’t reset it. That all happened in ONE morning! Get the idea? But what can I do? Now you’re aware of it, it’s already easier to navigate, but here are some examples of simple practicalities, to guide you through: Double check booking details you’re making to ensure the right dates, prices etc are being confirmed. Pause before responding or replying to something that’s got your back up. Emotions will be very heightened you may need to take time out first. Check that email or text before you send it, for tone, spelling and grammar, and make sure you’re not sending it TO ALL by mistake (yes, it has happened to me). Don’t do things in haste. Backup your computer. And it might not be worth installing that new software just yet, unless it’s essential of course. We all know that nothing regarding computer updates only takes 5 minutes, at the best of times! Some people recommend avoiding signing papers. That doesn’t necessarily resonate with me, sometimes you don’t have a choice, but if you are signing important contracts, be aware that they may be subject to change at some point in the future. They might not be set in stone. Be very clear with your written and verbal communication, to avoid misunderstandings. If you’re able to get tasks or projects completed prior to retrograde it’s a good idea to do so. An example might be getting that contract signed. Don’t take things personally. This isn’t permanent, and you WILL get through it. Finally, LAUGH! As much as you can. What else? Here’s the thing … retrograde has a shadow phase, before AND after. Each one lasts approximately two weeks in length. We are already in the pre shadow phase, it started on 2nd June. At the end of retrograde you have the post shadow phase, which goes from 12th – 26th July. The pre shadow phase , where the planet is “slowing down” and getting ready to go retrograde, will be the period that gives you a good idea of what’s likely to come up for you during the retrograde. This is where I have actually been having most of my difficulties over the last few years, and by the time we are fully in retrograde I can usually navigate fairly calmly. In the last pre shadow phase, for example, misunderstandings kept causing issues, so I realised I had to be VERY clear with my communication, even verbally, and worked really hard on that for the following 6 or so weeks. I will admit, for the first week I just wanted to hide under the duvet and not come out, but once I realised the pattern, I was able to start adjusting my behaviour. This week I am already feeling its effects. Little technology glitches here and there are giving me reason to suspect that’s what I need to be careful with. The laptop upgrade certainly isn’t going to be carried out just yet, me thinks. The post shadow phase , where the planet is technically direct but getting back up to full speed, is the stage where you’ve got the opportunity to integrate the hard work and lessons you’ve been through. It’s that final chance, if you like, to cross the t and dot the i. In Summary Retrograde is not something to be scared of but it’s useful to be aware of it. I’m not going to lie or sugar coat it, sometimes retrograde time CAN be a bitch, especially if you didn’t see it coming. And yet sometimes you hardly feel a thing! But being forewarned gives you the ability to be prepared, to help you ride the wave of possible confusion, frustration and feelings of gloom. Because, in the words of Abraham Lincoln, “This too shall pass.” Love & light Karen XXX

In a previous blog post I wrote about letting go and seeing what comes out. I think I'm starting to find out now. It feels that the last few weeks have passed really quickly, and I have to say I'm enjoying being at home. I've got used to not mixing with other people and my introverted side is absolutely loving this! But I am finding that I'm starting to miss social interactions. Never has my phone been charged up so many times in a week, thanks to catching up with everyone that way. Video calling is making me giggle. And I've taken to social media to connect with my tribe again. This last week has been surprisingly productive for me, I think I'm getting into my groove now as I have a list of tasks (and activities) that have been progressed or completed. The trouble I'm having is that I feel scattered. I get confused by this new way doing life and feel as if I have no plan, no clear path through the week. That's because I've spent the last few weeks giving it all up to the heavens and going with the flow. My guides and the universe have a plan for me, and for once I'm relinquishing the control and listening to them…properly listening to them! It's making the days quite interesting, I have to say. I will start a task and then suddenly this overwhelming compulsive feeling envelopes me, TELLING me that a certain other task needs doing…NOW! So, I'm obeying, pausing one task for another. And that's how my days are going. I never know in the morning what I'm going to achieve by the end of the day, and my business head screams in anguish that this is no way to do things. I can almost see the rolling of eyes and the wagging finger. And yet, somehow, I have managed to be quite productive with it all; the first stage of my website revamp is complete, and I am writing again. The downside? I have to say, no housework has been carried out for a while. Occasionally I look at the floor and sigh, it would only take minutes to get the vacuum cleaner out and just get rid of……NO! YOU HAVE TO DO THIS OTHER THING! And to be honest I don't think the cat is fussed whether the rug has a bit of fluff on it or not. Actually, he's terrified of the vacuum cleaner so think he's quite relieved! I haven't tidied up the corner of the room that is my office space either. But that's ok. It's a weird ride I'm on at the moment but it's almost freeing, when you don't have to control every moment of the day. I have that sense of calm back and can honestly say it's almost peaceful. Am quite intrigued to see what my guides have in store for me for the rest of the week…… Love and light Karen XXX

This week is turning out to be a challenging one, to say the least. I hadn’t planned on speaking about this today but if feels right to share. I was awake and out of bed at 4am today as I couldn’t sleep but wasn’t sure why. So I let the cat out, made a coffee and switched on the TV. I can tell you there’s nothing worth watching at that time of the day but, a wee while later, seeing the beautiful sunrise made me smile. I wish I’d taken pics. My day then got serious as I admitted defeat and realised I had to ask for help. Financial help, to be exact, from the government. Yes, I have indeed applied for Universal Credit! Now then, this post is not a political one or even one to discuss my financial position in life but suffice to say that whilst the government help that’s been introduced for self-employed people in this time of crisis is so welcome, it turns out that what’s in my best interest at the moment is making this application today. I call it “Operation Put Your Big Pants On, Girl”. The point of this story? The last few days I’ve been talking about acknowledging feelings and going within, to see what comes out. Today’s lesson, or acknowledgment, was related to my ego. What, little old me has an EGO? That’ll be a big fat yes. I made that application, all the while experiencing a gut wrenching nausea and having tears running down my cheeks. I thought I was going to have a panic attack. And it struck me, my friend called PRIDE had come out to say hello. Kicking and screaming it was too. Such a weird thing, this pride. I’ve always been an independent lady but I’m not conceited or full of self-importance. I’m no different to anyone else. Maybe it’s that feeling of failure, self-doubt, wondering what everyone will think, is the Universe really that cruel? Or maybe, just maybe, it’s only my own projection of feelings that actually, if you think about it, no one else is even entertaining for a second. And if they were, it’s no business of mine. And it doesn’t matter either! To add insult to injury I then had to head to the supermarket for essentials. Cue major anxiety again at the thought of mixing with actual human beings again. As it turned out the trip wasn’t as bad I thought although the queue of customers around the car park was a bit disturbing to see. Sitting with this all day I’ve realised it’s a setback. In fact we get these in life all the time. Asking for help is OK. I have my dignity and my honour, it doesn’t degrade me. I don’t need to have this lower energy unpack it’s bags and hang around. Although I’m grateful for the opportunity to work with it the front door is open and it’s ok to have it leave. The important thing is I’ve acknowledged and seen it for what it really is, allowing me to move on. I AM EXCEPTIONAL. I AM POWEFUL. I AM WORTHY. So cheers to “Operation Put Your Big Pants On, Girl”. Onwards and Upwards. Oh and I can confirm, people, I have actually managed to buy a pack of loo roll!!! There IS a God after all…… Love and light Karen XXX