I wanted to share a few things that have made this month feel lighter, more joyful, and a little more grounded. I always think it’s nice to pause and notice what’s working, what’s helping, and what’s bringing comfort, not in a big, life-changing way, but in those small, steady moments that add up. Here’s what I’ve been loving lately…
A Hike I’ll Never Forget
For the summer solstice, I spent the weekend in the Yorkshire Dales with my boyfriend and a few friends. We stayed in the village of Reeth (which I’d never heard of before!) and explored Keld and the surrounding trails. Honestly, I think it’s one of the most untouched, beautiful parts of England I’ve ever seen.
We hiked the Keld & River Swale Circular. The views, the rivers, the waterfalls, it was stunning. But, Instagram vs. reality, I totally overdid it in the 30°C heat and ended up with heat exhaustion later that evening. So here’s your reminder: if you’re hiking in the heat, take it steady, hydrate, and really listen to your body! Would 100% recommend the hike though, just maybe on a cooler day!
Something I’ve Been Listening To On Repeat
I’ve been completely drawn into the Tao Te Ching lately (it’s pronounced Dow De Jing). It’s an ancient Chinese text, part of Taoist philosophy, and honestly, it’s one of those things I feel like I’ll return to over and over again throughout my life.
Taoism (sometimes spelled Daoism) is more of a way of living than a set of rigid beliefs. It’s about flowing with life, working with nature instead of against it, trusting in simplicity, and letting things unfold in their own time. It’s rooted in softness, humility, and balance. It reminds me so much of the lessons I try to follow in my own life and in my work, moving gently, trusting timing, letting go of the need to control everything.
The YouTube Video I’ve been listening to is a long one, over six hours, but the way it breaks down each chapter and explains it in such simple, practical language is something really special. I can’t remember specific chapters because honestly, I’ve been letting it wash over me and trusting that the parts I need will stick.
It’s one of those listens that feels calming and grounding, perfect for walks, quiet moments, or even drifting off to sleep. Definitely something I know I’ll come back to again and again.
A Recipe I Look Forward to Every Summer
This Rice Tabbouleh with Halloumi & Harissa is my go to summer flavour bomb. It’s sweet, smoky, zingy, and has just the right amount of heat. I look forward to making this every year, it’s that good. I added chicken for extra protein but honestly, the halloumi version is chef’s kiss. The recipe is from a sample page on Amazon, but the whole book is brilliant and currently only £3.50, absolute steal.
The Supplement That Changed My Hydration Game
This month I was getting loads of headaches, especially in the heat. After chatting with my brother, he mentioned electrolytes, so I started adding them to my daily water. I usually drink about 2+ litres a day but adding this in made a massive difference. Headaches, gone. Such a simple switch, but it’s made me feel so much better, especially during busy days and gym sessions.
A Gentle Mindset Reminder
This month, I let my thoughts spiral and totally overwhelmed myself. After all the mindset work, meditation, and reflection I’ve done, I found myself thinking “I should know better.” But honestly? That’s part of the trap.
Becoming aware of our thoughts doesn’t mean we stop having them. It just means we get better at noticing when we’ve been swept away. I caught myself eventually, and when I stepped back into awareness, not trying to fix or change, just observing and seeing them for they are, the tension slowly started to melt away.
The truth is, we don’t heal or grow in a straight line. Sometimes we revisit the same patterns and beliefs again and again, but we meet them with deeper self-awareness each time. And the deeper we go, the more confronting it can feel. That’s where the real softness is needed.
We’ve been building thought habits (conditionings) for centuries, habits passed down through generations. It’s no wonder they can take time to process. So be patient with yourself. Be kind. Let it be messy. Let it take as long as it takes.
"You are not your thoughts. You are the awareness behind them." — Eckhart Tolle
That’s the quote I’ve been leaning on this month. A quiet nudge to stay with myself, without judgement, and to keep coming back to that place of calm observation.
Something to Try This Month
Take a moment to check in, not in a performative way, just quietly. What’s helping? What’s not? What’s bringing ease? If anything here gave you a little lift or something to try, I’d love you to share it. Send me a message or tag me on Instagram, I love hearing what’s working for you.