Blogs

Ah, life—forever the relentless teacher. It’s like being back at school, except this time there are no lunch breaks, you’re the only student, and the teacher happens to be a bit of a sadist. You see, life has this funny little habit of sending the same lesson your way over and over again, until you finally get the message. It’s like when you ignore the washing-up for a bit too long—it doesn’t go away, does it? It just sits there, getting more grim until you can’t ignore it anymore.

Here’s the kicker: whatever lesson you're meant to learn, it will keep coming back around until you actually learn from it. Think of it as the world’s most persistent boomerang. Or that clingy ex who just can't take a hint and keeps sliding into your DMs, texts, WhatsApp and every single messaging app you use. No matter how much you dodge, avoid, or deny, life will keep serving you the same old dish—until you take a bite and finally digest its meaning.

“Why Does This Keep Happening to Me?!”

Read more: The Relentless Return of Life's Lessons: Like a Bad Penny!

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)

Alright, my lovelies, grab your favourite cuppa, settle in, and let’s have a little chat about something we all do far too often: people-pleasing. We’ve all been there, haven’t we? Bending over backwards, putting our own needs on the back burner, just to keep everyone else happy. But let’s get one thing straight: losing yourself in the pursuit of pleasing everyone is a sure-fire way to end up feeling like a soggy biscuit at the bottom of a cuppa—utterly useless and a bit of a mess.

Don’t get me wrong, wanting to help others and make them happy is a beautiful trait. But when it starts costing you your peace of mind, self-worth, and authenticity, it’s time to put the brakes on. So, let’s dive into some tips, tricks, and sassy wisdom to keep that lovely sparkle in your eyes while staying true to yourself. After all, we’re here for the self-love, self-care, and a cheeky bit of gratitude, aren’t we?

Read more: Don't Be Afraid of Losing People: Be Afraid of Losing Yourself Trying to Please Everyone

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!

Read more: If You Recharge Your Phone, Why Not Your Mind?