Blogs
I’ve explored the science-backed benefits of adding a splash of self-love and a pinch of gratitude to your mindfulness practice, all served-up with a touch of British wit and wisdom from some of the most renowned thinkers.
Let’s be honest, the idea of loving ourselves is often dismissed quicker than the suggestion of an afternoon tea without biscuits (seriously, what’s the point of tea without a biscuit?). I get it — thoughts arise like, “Won’t self-love make me self-centred?” or “Isn’t it better to focus on caring for others first?” or even, “Will this turn me into a narcissistic ninny?” Meanwhile, some of us have been taught to chase approval from others like it’s the last remaining carrot cake at the Church bake sale.
However, the reality is that seeking acceptance from the outside world leaves us overlooking our most reliable source of validation — ourselves. Add a dollop of gratitude, and you’ve got a recipe for a transformative mindset shift that extends far beyond just you.
Read more: 6 Mindful Reasons to Embrace Self-Love and Gratitude (Even Churchill Would Have Approved)
Let’s be honest. When was the last time you actually let your phone die? I mean, fully, completely dead, the sort of dead where you press the button, and it gives you that tragic little blank screen, silently judging you for your negligence. Never, right? It’s practically a universal sin in today’s world to let your phone battery run to 0%.
And what about that shiny smartwatch? The one that’s always tapping you on the wrist to remind you of your step count, how long you've been sitting, and your resting heart rate? Imagine, for a second, letting it run out of juice. Oh, the HORROR!
It’s October, folks, and while we Canadians are getting busy and gearing up for that glorious long weekend of stuffing our faces with turkey and mashed potatoes (I’m already in jogging bottoms in preparation), I’ve got a little challenge for you. Yes, you, reading this while debating whether or not you can justify pie for breakfast. Spoiler: you absolutely can.
Thanksgiving is creeping up fast, but here’s the kicker—what if we didn’t wait for one single weekend to express our gratitude? What if we made this whole “being grateful” thing a year-round event? Like, why reserve it for just one meal and a couple of polite conversations over pumpkin pie? What if, instead of apologising our way through life, we started dishing out some gratitude instead? Oh yes, this is a gratitude revolution, and I’m leading the charge!
The Canadian Apology Syndrome
As we head into the season of gratitude and holiday giving, let’s shift our focus from accumulating more “stuff” to something far more meaningful — creating memories, not just clutter! Yes, the holidays are known for well-intentioned gifts, but how many novelty socks and scented candles does one person need? (I mean, unless you’re secretly building a sock empire, it’s probably time to scale back). So, instead of turning your home into a stockroom of trinkets, why not sprinkle some gratitude into your life and celebrate the joy of less?
Here’s the twist: what if we swapped the avalanche of "stuff" for the blessing of shared moments? Experiences that fill our hearts, not our closets. Gratitude, my friend, isn’t just a season — it’s a lifestyle that will help you declutter with grace and joy.
Read more: Decluttering: Little Things to Remember if You Struggle to Let Go (with Gratitude!)
"Being present." Oh yes, we’ve all heard it a million times. Whether you’re binge-watching YouTube wellness gurus or scrolling through Instagram mindfulness quotes, it’s everywhere. It’s as common as a cup of tea in good old London, but like a badly made cuppa, it can be a bit… bland. What exactly does it mean to be "present"? And how does it connect to that trendy little word "mindfulness"? Is it just another thing to add to our already overwhelming to-do lists, right next to "sort the laundry" and "finally learn yoga"?
Not to worry, I’ve got you covered. We’re about to break down this whole "being present" business in a way that’s fun, fabulous, and refreshingly real. None of that woo-woo talk, just the no-nonsense lowdown on what it means, how it actually feels, and why you should care.
Read more: Being Present: Ditching Auto-Pilot and Owning Your Life (with a Little Attitude)
Hi, I'm Bhupi
I used to be in your shoes.
I know what it's like to be burned out, overwhelmed, and stressed out.
I relied on pizza and Netflix.
Trust me, YOU are not ALONE!
Colour To De-stress
Colour Bhupi's hand-drawn mandalas to relax, breathe, chill out and de-stress!
