Beyond The Hype

Finding fulfilment in life’s timeless comforts

Going back to bed with a cuppa and a good book = a timeless comfort!

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Dear Friend

How are you today?  I hope the sun is shining over you.

Earlier whilst walking the ridgebacks along the beach, I was having a full blown voice note conversation with a friend, as you do at 7am.  She mentioned that she had finished her Morning Pages, but that she doesn’t really feel the benefits.  I replied “Why do it then?” As you know, I’m a journaling junkie, I journal every single day without fail, but I struggled with “Morning Pages” a few years ago.  I didn’t enjoy it at all, I basically couldn’t fit morning pages into my morning routine, so I stopped struggling to do it. Instead, I created my own journaling techniques, a practice that totally suits me, that fits in with my busy schedule and I bloody love it.

I’ve heard a few friends recently express that they don’t enjoy “Morning Pages”, that they don’t look forward to their cold water therapy dip and that they struggle to keep a consistent yoga practice.  What is that all about? This made me realise that so many of us, in our pursuit for better health and wellbeing, get caught up in the latest trends and fads. From extreme cold water therapy swims, detox diets and hot new workout crazes, the “next big thing” that promises to transform our lives always seems to be just around the corner.  But at what point do we pause and ask ourselves - am I really doing this for me? Is it serving me? Does it light me up? 

In my humble opinion, I think in today’s society there’s an undeniable social pressure to stay on top of wellness trends.  We see influencers and celebs endorsing the latest superfoods, breath work techniques and mindfulness kickstart programs. Our friends start raving about their newfound energy and clarity from biohacking or cryotherapy.  So suddenly, we feel left behind if we’re not part of the movement. Meh!! It’s time to take back control of activities and practices that are simple, affordable and enjoyable.

This FOMO - “Fear Of Missing Out”, coupled with a desire for belongingness, can compel us to jump on wellbeing bandwagons that don’t necessarily align with our authentic selves.  We seem to adopt new habits and purchase products more out of a need to follow the crowd than any genuine resonance with the practice itself. Does this sound familiar to you? Yes, I thought so.

Time and time again when I’m teaching therapeutic journaling, I say that journaling might not suit everyone, that my techniques may not land well and it’s ok.  There is no right or wrong way to journal.  It’s been around for centuries.  Call it what you like, dear diary, journaling, writing, mind mapping, lists, whatever suits you. Grabbing a pen or pencil and writing down ones thoughts on a blank page isn’t a new fad or latest trend. Journaling is one of the best therapies available to us right now and if you struggle with Morning Pages, try a different journaling technique. I have loads to share with you! My mission to encourage as many people to journal daily, one word, one day at a time, is heartfelt and I’m super careful that I don’t come across as if I’m selling the latest trendy wellbeing tool.

The problem with blindly pursuing wellness fads is that they are often rooted more in marketing hype than substantive benefits.  Brands capitalise in on our insecurities and promise quick, effortless solutions to our deep human conditions, such as stress, depression, lack of self-esteem.

In our eagerness to “fix” ourselves, we sometimes fail to pause and reflect on whether these trends are truly enriching our lives.  We then end up replacing one unfulfilling pursuit with another, continuously searching for the next novel approach to fill a void that products and practices alone cannot satisfy.

So what’s the solution?

I truly believe we need to pause for thought, go back to basics and lean into the simple joys in life.  Rather than getting swept up in the wellness crazes.  I advised my friend that a more grounding approach, may be to revisit simple activities and practices that may have rejuvenated her soul years ago.  Perhaps it’s the solitude of a long walk in nature, the creative expression of painting or journaling, or the comfort of curling up on the sofa with a good book.  Hell yeah to all that!  Walking, journaling and reading, three amazing activities that will certainly boost your health and wellbeing.

I know I’m having a little rant here today, but the unassuming joys, so often overshadowed by trendier pursuits can be profound sources of nourishment for our minds, bodies and souls.  If anything, they allow us to “slow down”, tune into our authentic needs and find fulfilment in the unhurried unfolding of the present moment.

By letting go of the need to chase after the latest health and wellbeing obsessions, the one thing we reclaim is precious time and the energy for what truly lights us up.  Instead of structuring our lives around rigid regimes. Get some JOMO vibes in your life - Joy Of Missing Out! Have you read the book Four Thousand Weeks by Olivia Burkeman - it’s a real gem of a publication, one that will make you appreciate every single minute you have left on this planet.

By rooting ourselves in the simple joys that have sustained us, I guarantee we will start to cultivate a more balanced foundation of wellbeing. Maybe take the time today to tune into your inner voice and ask yourself, what am I forcing myself to do each day and does it really benefit by health and wellbeing?  

Here are a few journaling prompts I’ve curated that might help you explore what really lights you up and boost your energy levels…

1. If your inner child could speak to you now, what simple activities or experiences would they encourage you to rediscover?  

2. Describe your ideal morning routine - one that truly nourishes your mind, body and spirit without the influence of external pressures or trends.

3. Reflect on a time when you felt grounded and content within yourself, without seeking external validation or the latest self-improvement hack.  That did your state of being feel like?

4. Imagine giving advice to your future grandchild about cultivating true, lasting wellbeing.  What wisdom would you share?

5. Write about a simple act of self-care that you can easily incorporate into your day today, without any special equipment or costly investments.

Ultimately the greatest journey towards wholeness begins not with chasing external factors, but with tenderly nurturing the simple joys that have always resided within you. Lean into more unhurried delights, seek out the simple pleasures in life.  Do something today that your future self with thank you for.

Until the next time,

Take care and stay safe xx