Top 4 Ways to Read Books on a Budget

It’s hard to believe it’s almost March.

They say time flies when you’re having fun, and even though most things have been closed this year, time really has flow. It just goes to show that you can have fun, even when life is stripped down to the essentials.

In light of the fact that most things have been closed/we’ve not been allowed to mix much, I’ve definitely continued with reading as a fulltime habit.

However, given the fact that I seem to be flying through books a lot recently, I’ve had to find ways to do it on a budget (I can no longer justify spending €5 – €10 on a book since I am currently going through around 3 – 5 books per month.)

But, as you will see below there are PLENTY of ways around this:

1. Charity Shop Finds

I got this tip from my friend and I’m embarrassed to say it never even crossed my mind before she said anything, but I’m so glad she did as you can get some absolute bargains – and great reads – from charity shops.

I recently found The Power of Now for €1.00 in my local charity shop – it’s currently €10.49 on Amazon! I often take a trip to my local charity shop to stock up on books, and what’s great about it is that there’s always so much variety as people often drop off the books they no longer want lying around at home – plus buy buying from them, you are donating to a good cause!

2. Amazon Offers

Another strategy I deploy to read books on a budget is to search for the latest offers on Amazon (for Kindle books).

If you’re a fan of reading on Kindle, then I definitely recommend this.

What’s good about Kindle is if you liked the book but don’t plan on reading it again, you simply buy a digital copy, read it and don’t have to worry about having wasted paper by buying a physical copy.

Then, if the opposite happens and you liked it a lot, you can justify buying a physical copy.

This has happened to me a number of times, especially with The Power of Now by Eckhart Tolle, Can’t Hurt Me by David Goggins and Wabi Sabi by Beth Kempton, which are never far from sight and great to just pick up and flick through whenever I get the opportunity.

3. Sort by Price on Offer

You’ll be surprised what a bit of Amazon digging can lead to!

I often sort my search by price on Amazon, which leads to a tonne of free (or incredibly cheap) books, including fiction, non fiction, kids books, cookery books and more!

Simply click on Kindle Books on Amazon, then sort your search by price (low to high) for a wealth of free books.

I started off the New Year reading free books but sometimes the genres are a bit fluffy (there are also loads of free crime/detective books if that’s your thing).

Next, I moved on to £1.00 books and suddenly the quality – and variety – of books increased massively. That said, I’ve found some great classics for free, including The Jungle Book, Robinson Crusoe, Pride and Prejudice and much more!

Alternatively, look for the Deal of the Day for the latest special offers, which features countless books for as little as £0.99.

4. Book Borrowing

Up to now this has worked a treat for me, especially for kids books. This is the ultimate way to share the books you love with others, and learn about some great books that are adored by your friends! I also love book borrowing as it means you get to discuss the book afterwards – it’s always nice to gain other people’s perspectives on books.

What are your tips for reading books on a budget? Leave a comment below!

My Top 5 Books of 2020

What a year 2020 has been! This is the first year in my entire life where I’ve pretty much picked up reading as a full-time hobby. I’ve always been an avid reader but this is the first year I’ve read this many books (just hit 40 and I’m still going strong – lockdown definitely helped…).

I know 2020 isn’t quite up yet and hopefully I will squeeze in a handful more books between now and then. If any of them beat this list then I will update it!

With that in mind, here are my top 5 books of 2020:

5. The Diary of Anne Frank

Obviously I’ve heard a great deal about this book, but I cannot believe I only just read it this year.

Anne Frank is a true inspiration to us all. Something so simple about the book is how she starts each entry with “My Dearest Kitty” or “My darling Kitty” (her imaginary friend.) She was such a character and there are some truly Laugh Out Loud moments (and so many lows) that make you want to hug her and comfort her and tell her how amazing she is.

Throughout the book she talks about how much she wants to inspire the world and become a famous writer or journalist after the war. Well, with 30 million copies sold worldwide in more than 65 languages, she has achieved just that!

Anne Frank has become the most famous young author of all time, and gave a rare glimpse into the day-to-day life of a Jewish person in hiding during WWII. Anne was an extremely intelligent and insightful young woman – and is definitely someone who I would invite to my dream dinner party!

4. Where the Crawdads Sing, by Delia Owens

Earlier, this year, I helped to organise my friend’s virtual baby shower, and as a Thank You gift, she sent me a bundle of books in the post. It was such a sweet and thoughtful gesture and I was truly touched by her generosity.

Within the bundle was Where the Crawdads Sing, an absolute gem of a book that tells the story of Kya Clark, a young girl described by locals as ‘The Marsh Girl.’

At a young age her battered and bruised mother leaves her abusive father (and consequently, Kya), and from the offset it is clear that Kya lives an isolated and reclusive life where she is forced to fend for herself. There are so many poignant moments where your heart bleeds for Kya, but there are also so many beautiful moments where we learn about the importance of courage, resilience and determination. The initial chapters of the book also have so many exquisite descriptions of nature, which I really enjoyed.

This is honestly an outstanding read and has a shocking ending that I couldn’t stop thinking about for weeks after finishing it. I am so grateful to my friend for sending this book to me (thank you, Jess!)

3. The Power of Now, by Eckhart Tolle

With so much going on in the world right now, it can be easy to get caught up in the never-ending stream of thoughts going on in our heads (especially mine!)

Don’t get me wrong: just because I’ve read this book (and bookmarked about a gazzilion pages) doesn’t mean I’m suddenly the most Zen person in the village (quite the opposite actually; more like the nuttiest person in the village!) BUT what I did take from this book is that no matter how cloudy our thoughts get, the blue sky is always there. We are not our thoughts, and the storms always pass.

If we can just centre ourselves in the present moment, even just for twenty seconds, that’s something very powerful indeed. As Thich Nhat Hanh says in his book, Silence: “One nerve impulse, one action potential, needs only a millisecond. Giving yourself twenty seconds is giving yourself twenty thousand milliseconds to stop the runaway train of thought.”

I’ve read a lot of books on mindfulness but The Power of Now, which I purchased on Kindle, is one book I plan on buying in physical format so I can have it on hand and just flip open a random page for some quick inspiration (Hi George! It’s Christmas soon!)

2. The Nightingale, by Kristin Hannah

I have to admit when my sister first pitched this to me as a ‘must-read book about the Second World War’ I wasn’t exactly jumping with enthusiasm about reading it, but boy was she right in recommending it. It took me a single weekend to get through this book (and at 450 pages, it’s a long book!)

This is an incredible story about two sisters in France and their battle to survive during the Second World War.

There’s so much depth to this story and it is so shocking and truly horrifying what went on in France (and across the globe) during WWII, and I had no idea about most of it. This is such an inspiring and gripping read and reminds you what true hardship really means, and how much people endured during the war. It also reminds you about the power of resilience, love and freedom.

The Nightingale stays with you long after you’ve finished it. It is such an eye-opener and so beautifully written; I cannot recommend this book enough.

1. Can’t Hurt Me, by David Goggins

This list would not be complete without this exceptional book and if there is one book you need to read at some point in your life, it’s Can’t Hurt Me by David Goggins.

It begins with his (terrible) childhood, then goes on to describe the ups and downs he went through throughout his life.

Goggins is someone who simply never gives up and perseveres where most of us would give up or quit or think negatively, very early on. On the contrary, he just keeps pushing himself beyond his mental and physical limits. He thinks so differently to most people and is massively inspiring to us all.

His theory is that we only use 40% of our brains and I totally agree. We just cop out so quickly or convince ourselves that we can’t be bothered or it’s too difficult or we’re not capable etc., when in actual fact, anything is possible. It’s all about mind over matter and shutting up that voice in your head that’s constantly trying to convince you otherwise.

Goggins is an incredible human (superhuman?) who is solid as a rock, both mentally and physically. He has been described as the toughest man alive and if I could just steal 1% of his thought-process, I’d be a really happy human (superhuman?)

So there you have it, my top 5 reads. What books have you read this year that have inspired you? Leave a comment below!

A Day in the Life of a Real Estate Agent in Cyprus

A guest post from a close friend of mine and real estate agent in Limassol.

Some people think being a real estate agent in Cyprus is easy. You simply take some photos from your phone, answer a few phone calls, go to some viewings, and then get the deposit and the client to sign on the dotted line.

 Job done.

Oh and let’s not forget the benefits….the commissions.

All sounds so easy and appealing, right?

The truth is, everyone in real estate knows that this job can be tough – especially in this current climate. (In fact one has to be tough especially in Cyprus and its climate!) It can also be a huge burden, especially when people expect you to be constantly available. There’s no ‘clocking in’ or ‘clocking out’, and even though I do my best for each of my clients, there’s no guarantee that a potential deal will end in success.

A typical day involves making and receiving A LOT of phone calls, SMS messages, WhatsApp messages, Viber messages, Messenger messages and emails! But clients can get excited and I’ll often wake up to countless missed calls from throughout the night that continue throughout the day – and well into the night. Thank heavens for silent mode.

Some clients’ expectations are through the roof, and I can’t tell you how many times I’ve heard and read people complaining that agents don’t answer their phones or reply to requests. There have been so many occasions where I’ve received numerous missed calls and messages from the same person; I try calling back and we keep missing each other countless times.

Day to day, even hour to hour (sometimes minute to minute!) my schedule is forever changing. Aside from the constant stream of phone calls, messages, voice notes, voicemails and emails, we also need to handle listings, attend viewings, take professional photos (from a professional camera!), process paperwork and visit various legal and administrative offices. Imagine having to call these offices too!! I could easily spend one hour or two trying to get through.

Sometimes I feel like my to-do list is never-ending and different things can crop up at the last minute, meaning I’ll often have to drop what I’m doing to deal with something more urgent. In fact, I’ve realised that if I answered every call and message the moment it comes through I will never get anything done at all!

There are also lots of sacrifices that come with this job, so striking a balance is crucial. And while I don’t always get it spot on, I do try my best and I always strive to go above and beyond, because I love this job and genuinely want what’s best for my clients, even when someone is being a pain in the ***.

Being a real estate agent can be stressful, but part of the fun – and the craziness – of the job is that it’s constantly changing, and there’s definitely never a dull moment.

I love what I do and wouldn’t change it for the world, even though I have had some experiences that I’d rather bury deep into the recesses of my mind… 

So for those of you who still think our job is easy or would rather cut out the middle man, please remember that we put a lot of time, effort and energy into what we do. We are also experts at handling multiple requests, multiple schedules, multiple clients, and multiple responsibilities.

Through the ups and downs, I do what I do with knowledge, professionalism and a smile on my face, knowing that no matter how demanding it gets, there’s a solution to everything, which sometimes involves a glass of wine – and putting my phone on Silent!

My Top Books on Resilience

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Reading is one of my all-time favourite pastimes.

You get to absorb yourself in another world and switch off from your own; you get to learn about faraway lands and places, some real, some make-believe; you get to while away an evening without the usual distractions of television or phones. These are some of the many reasons I love to read.

One subject in particular I love reading about is resilience. I love reading books about other people’s struggles, because you learn so much about their abilities to endure and come through stronger than ever.

These types of books are so inspiring for so many reasons. They motivate, uplift and make us feel empowered. They equip us with knowledge and show us a strength we didn’t know existed.

Here are my top books of all time on resilience:

A Thousand Splendid Suns

Written by Khaled Hosseini, author of The Kite Runner.

A woman and a girl form an unexpected bond during the volatile events that shook Afghanistan during the past 30 years, including the Soviet invasion and the reign of the Taliban.

During a time when women were not allowed to leave their homes unchaperoned by a man and public stonings were the norm, Mariam and Laila manage to support one another through some of the toughest and most challenging circumstances, and the most inconceivable suffering.

This is an evocative and beautifully written book that makes for a very emotional read. Some bits were so moving they genuinely brought me to tears.

I would definitely recommend reading this book!

Total Number of Times Read: Twice. This is my favourite book, so I plan on reading it again sometime soon!

Pachinko

Pachinko is a novel about Korean immigrants living in Japan during the Japan-Korea Treaty of 1910 (and beyond), when Japan formally annexed Korea. It is so interesting and I knew nothing about this situation before reading this book!

Again, the protagonists endure unparalleled suffering, including poverty, abuse and war. But their resilience in the face of unimaginable hardship is admirable and awe-inspiring.

Total Number of Times Read: Once; would love to read it again!

Memoirs of a Geisha

Young Sayuri is unwillingly thrown into the mysterious world of the Japanese Geisha, where she is forced to survive in the same okiya as the wicked Hatsumono, in the hopes of one day becoming a successful geisha herself.

This is an intricately woven tale of hope, beauty, innocence and the complex world of the Geisha.

Total Number of Times Read: I have lost count! At least 20, if not more!

The Tattooist of Auschwitz

This is the first time I’ve read a book about Auschwitz, and I’m so glad I did.

Even though it was very difficult to stomach at times (it’s so difficult to fathom what went on in Auschwitz, and the book is based on interviews with Holocaust survivor, Ludwig Sokolov, so a lot of it is based on fact), I couldn’t put it down, namely because of the resilience that the characters demonstrated in the midst of the most terrifying and disturbing circumstances.

Total Number of Times Read: Once. Would consider reading it again!

What are your favourite books of all time? Leave a comment below!

Coronavirus Survival Kit: Evenings

Photo by Designecologist from Pexels

This is a trying time for all of us.

No one really knows the full impact that this virus is likely to cause (though we can look to China for some ideas). In the meantime, for those of us who are stuck at home, I have come up with this little guide on how to weather the storm.

As a mother of two, I’ve found the more mental health preparation I do the evening before, the better I manage the following day.

While school is out, we’re adhering to our usual routine, so once the kids are asleep I begin to unwind from the day just passed. My first step is to either take a shower, or if I’m feeling indulgent, I’ll have a bath, light some candles and relax, away from my mobile phone and the endless spiral of news stories, articles and opinion pieces about this disgusting virus.

I then do a 10 – 30 minute meditation, depending on how I feel. I typically use Headspace and they have just introduced an amazing collection of meditations designed to support us during this crisis, which, as far as I’ve understood, are completely free of charge.

I highly recommend doing some of these meditations; some of them are just one minute long and you’ll be surprised at how impactful just a short meditation can be! I can’t recommend meditation enough!

Following this, I then read for a bit before switching off my mobile phone and fullying absorbing myself in a TV show or movie for the next hour or so.

Before going to bed, I write in my journal and this is something I have strictly adhered to for about a year now! I make a habit of writing only the positive things that have happened that day, and this is honestly the best thing to do just before I close my eyes.

While all of this might seem fairly dull and straightforward to some, these are my essential tools for supporting and maintaining a positive mindset and avoiding any sort of mental health spiral – particularly in the midst of a crisis!

Weathering the Coronavirus Storm…

Image by DarkWorkX from Pixabay

I’ve certainly been going through the motions when it comes to the Coronavirus. First came nonchalance, then full-blown panic, then anger…

Now I’ve accepted it; it is what it is, it’s not completely out of our control and no matter what, the show must go on.

Yes I am worried; of course I am. Here in Cyprus, all schools and nurseries will be closed as of tomorrow. The Education Ministry has announced closure for one week, but who knows how long this could go on for?

We are not allowed to go to public events with 75 people or more, and after-school lessons have been cancelled. Private tuition centres are closed, some yoga studios too, while many businesses are making preparations for their employees to work from home… You name it, people are taking action.

And while many of you reading this might think that is extreme (especially since we don’t actually have that many cases of it here in Cyprus), I believe it is better to be safe than sorry. Cyprus is a small country with a tiny population, and things could very quickly spiral out of control if we don’t take stringent measures.

But that inevitably leaves me with a lot of questions, including… What on earth does this mean for my work?

An important meeting got cancelled yesterday due to Coronavirus fears, and while I am disappointed about the cancellation, I also fully respect the company’s decision to cancel.

I’m also worried about the potential implications of the virus on my workload, since I am a freelancer who earns my keep from projects as and when they arise.

If the meeting got cancelled, does that mean they won’t want me to write any further articles this month? What about next month? What if my other clients cancel? What if this thing takes months to go away? Will I be out of a job?

As you can see, it’s easy for me to allow my thoughts to spiral out of control (especially as a sufferer of anxiety), but I’m doing my utmost to avoid panicking.  

Health comes first, and if, unfortunately, my work does take a blow, then that’s out of my hands for now. If things get worse before they get better, then so be it. Of course I want this thing to go away; of course I wish it were all just a bad dream; of course I wish I could click my fingers so that everything could go back to how it was, or we could fast-forward to a Coronavirus-free future where this is all well and truly behind us.

But I can’t do that. And so for now, we must hold our heads high, continue as well as we possibly can, and stay positive.  

The show must go on!

Valentine’s Day Isn’t Only for Lovers

Valentine’s Day is here and I haven’t posted in months, so I thought I would take this opportunity to create a quick post about… you guessed it: Love!

This post hasn’t got an awful lot to do with content writing. In fact, it’s got nothing to do with content writing at all. But words are my thing and writing is one of the many ways in which I process my thoughts and manage my life.

I understand that life can get difficult, stressful and downright depressing – I am absolutely no stranger to that. But I am so blessed to know that there are a handful of people in my life that I can reach out to during difficult times. They know who they are and I am utterly indebted to each and every one of those people for everything they do for me, no matter how small it may seem.

Come to think of it, this post IS about content writing because if I wasn’t able to get through the bad times, my writing would suffer as a result. When I’m functioning at my peak, I can feel it in my writing; the inspiration flows from within me, and I feel compelled to write and write and write to my heart’s content.

But when I’m struggling with a difficult emotion or having a hard time, it can be so hard to focus on my writing. Everything seems fuzzy and confused; my thoughts don’t connect like usual and I really have to focus just to string a sentence together (to my clients, don’t worry, this doesn’t happen often ;)).

Which is why I am so grateful to the handful of people in my life, who are always there for me through thick and thin (they know who they are!) They never judge me or put me down, and always fill me with encouragement.

So this Valentine’s Day (and beyond!), spread some love not just to your lover, but to your loved ones too!

I Doubt I’ll Make Millions from Freelancing, and that’s Okay

Since making the transition from full time employee to freelancer, a lot of changes have gone on in the world.

When I first started freelancing, it was less common and less heard of to work from home. Particularly in Cyprus, it was hardly heard of to work part time let alone to work from home, and the vast majority of jobs advertised were only offered on a full time basis.

While freelancing probably is not without its disadvantages, for me, particularly at this stage in my life, the pros definitely outweigh the cons.

Since I started freelancing in 2013, it’s certainly been a bumpy ride. I was lucky enough to land a major client fairly early on, but when that fell through in 2017, I felt shaken up, and wasn’t sure if I’d be able to get back on my feet.

Since then, I’ve managed to build up a relatively steady stream of clients (and have had another child), so although the work sometimes feels like it’s not enough, I also feel like I’m able to strike a really good balance between working and parenting/managing all the other stuff that comes with being a working parent.

But with the rise of social media, I’m frequently bombarded with articles, emails, videos and social media posts on subjects like ‘How I Made my Millions from Freelancing’ and ‘Yes you CAN Charge $2,000 per post!’

While I don’t doubt that these posts aren’t true, I do think that this sort of success is difficult to come by. And while I believe in the law of attraction and the power of positivity, I also believe that if you do attain this level of success, it will come at a cost.

At this stage in my life, I’m happy to make a little bit of extra cash each month to support my family and put less financial pressure on my husband.

While I used to be obsessed with calculating my earnings each month from freelancing, some months I know have been much quieter than others, and if I’ve made close to nothing, I have learnt to accept that that’s okay.

Yes, we have monthly bills to pay and unanticipated payments always arise, but we always manage to work it out.

Because freelancing means that some months you’ll have made a decent amount, and others you’ll have made nothing! By being as organised as possible with our finances, we somehow seem to figure it out even during the most difficult months.

The flexibility afforded from freelancing has also meant that I’ve got more time to do other things, like meditate, work on my own website, focus on the kids and spend longer on my current workload, without feeling the pressure to get it done as quickly as possible in order to move on to the next task.

And as I said before, while each month definitely differs in terms of workload (and ultimately, income) for the time being, that’s okay.

As a working mum, there have been plenty of occasions where I’ve had to drop what I’m doing to go pick up one of the kids at a moment’s notice, and having the ability to do that means the world to me.

While I’d never say no to extra work, when it doesn’t come through as I’d initially hoped, I have learnt to accept that and move on.

For those of you out there who are making a fortune from freelancing, I salute you!

And while I may not be making millions from freelancing (far from it!), for now, I’m completely okay with that.

What are your thoughts on freelancing? Leave a comment in the box below!

The Pros and Cons of Working from Home

Working as a freelancer is both liberating and frustrating. You get to work from the comfort of home – but also with only yourself for company.

While this doesn’t bother me, it definitely doesn’t work for everyone. Some people simply need to be surrounded by other people in order to work productively – and that’s absolutely understandable.

If you’re wondering what it’s really like to work from home and aren’t sure whether it’s right for you, read on for the pros and cons:

Pros:

Fewer Distractions

For me, one of the biggest benefits of working from home is that there are fewer distractions.

Yes, I am guilty of putting the washing machine or the dishwasher on, which can be incredibly annoying, but generally speaking, the house is so calm and quiet, and the only noises I can hear are passing traffic or, if I’m in the mood for it, the music I’m playing in the background.

While I do find I concentrate best in complete silence, sometimes when I’m working on something a little less demanding (like an upload or some admin), I do enjoy a chill out mix.

Set Your own Hours

Need to run to the post office or go to the bank? Working from home makes it so much easier to carve out time for errands or appointments which you don’t always want to schedule around your working hours.

The beauty of working from home is that you carve out your hours around your schedule.

As a working mother, there have been plenty of occasions where I’ve had to pick up my daughter from nursery at a moment’s notice, or stop what I’m doing to show the builder how to open the latch to the roof (the husband seems to love arranging for builders to come round while I’m home and he’s at work!)

But being at home reduces your frustrations around these unforeseen events, and I always feel so grateful that I can be home when I’m truly needed.

Increased Flexibility

Having the ability to set your own hours automatically equates to increased flexibility. If something non-work-related comes up in the morning, I simply pick up where I left off later in the day, or carve out time in the evening when the day just didn’t work out. I don’t have anyone looking over my shoulder pressuring me to work during specified hours – I simply make up for lost time when my day hasn’t worked out as planned.

Cons:

You Feel Out of the Loop

I have a long-term client who I’ve been writing for since 2013 and have gotten to know him and his team pretty well. They have head offices in Switzerland and I really love their work culture, ethic and philosophy.

It’s an amazing company and they’ve worked on some incredible projects, but sometimes, you can feel a bit out of the loop and it would be amazing to sit in on a meeting (physically) instead of being heard through a speaker!

The same goes for other clients. Yes, I’ve spoken via email, Skype or phone with countless clients, but there are so many of them that I’ve never had the pleasure of meeting in person.

 Sometimes, you can’t beat that physical interaction and the chance to get to know them and all their quirks! I’m really interested in body language and tone of voice, but if I’m not meeting them in person, I definitely miss out on these factors.

Where do you Draw the Line?

As I mentioned above (in the pros no less), working from home offers immense flexibility, but you have to be able to draw the line and switch off mentally from your workload.

When your work desk is right there in your face 24/7, it can be difficult to draw the line between work and home life.

But if you’re disciplined and focused, this isn’t as difficult as it sounds. As long as you are strict with yourself and learn to switch off when it’s time to switch off, working from home is definitely a dream come true.

What are your Thoughts on Working from Home?

Does the idea of working from home put you off or fill you with joy?

We’re all different, and that’s what makes the world go round. I for one love working from home. It suits my personality down to a T and fits in with my routine and schedule. It affords me amazing flexibility, and as a mum of two, this is a huge plus.

Let me know your thoughts in the comments section below!

My review of Headspace (& How it helps my Writing)

Image by Snapwire from Pexels.

I’m naturally a very busy ‘thinker,’ which isn’t necessarily a ‘good’ or ‘bad’ thing, but I wouldn’t mind having the ability to switch my brain off every now and then – or at least the sound!

I’ve wanted to get into meditation for years now but I took the wrong approach and never seemed to find the right time. I began with the book, Wherever You Go, There You Are, by Jon Kabat-Zinn, which is an incredible book but too deep/heavy for a beginner. Then I switched to various meditations on YouTube, chopping and changing depending on my mood.

I can’t remember exactly how I came across Headspace but I haven’t looked back since. After giving their Beginner’s Level 1 course a go (which is free of charge), I then did session 1 of Managing Anxiety, which is a 30-day course (the first audio is also free of charge). After that, I was in two minds about whether to invest in Headspace. First of all, you can get meditations for free on YouTube, and the app is quite expensive, especially when you compare it to services like Netflix for instance.

As I continued to commit to one 10-minute session a day, a ‘40%-off’ offer came by. I took the plunge and bought a 1-year subscription, vowing to try to commit to one 10-minute session a day.

In the first weeks, during those daily 10 minute meditations, not a lot changed for me, especially outside of the sessions. I still had lots of thoughts coming and going, and my brain rarely stopped ticking. As the weeks developed, I began to notice a small difference as I was meditating, and I occasionally managed to hold on to that calm, focused feeling for a short while after.

But then, without even realising it, the daily meditations began to impact my daily life, from how mindful I was during something as mundane as housework, to my level of concentration within a conversation. I have naturally become more mindful as I am driving (always a bonus), during a conversation with someone, or when writing an article. I now feel much more focused and ‘in the zone’ as I move from one activity to the other, finding more pleasure and enjoyment in whatever it is I am doing.

Image by pixel2013 from Pixabay

Image by pixel2013 by Pixabay.

As a writer, I’m often forced to be analytical and sometimes sceptical about things, and I wasn’t without my doubts when it came to meditation. But this app is definitely up there on my list of top investments!

Don’t get me wrong, like everyone else, I have terrible days where I feel like everything is falling down on top of me. Days where I worry ceaselessly, feel anxious or down in the dumps. Some days, meditation is much harder than others, and sometimes it feels as if my mind has been elsewhere for most of the session and that I’ve actually wasted my time bothering with a session.

But the truth is, I can’t imagine my life without meditation – and the Headspace app – and everything it has taught me so far.

I’m also truly grateful for the impact it’s had on my work. I have fewer ‘fuzzy’ days and my ability to concentrate while writing has definitely been heightened.

I can’t wait to continue with my meditation journey and see how my practice develops and evolves.

Has anyone else tried meditation? What have your experiences been like?

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