Weekly Blog Post Digest dispatched every Friday
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- Why Your Inner Circle Is Your Greatest Resource in a Crisis (And How to Build One That Actually Works for You)
Science-backed strategies for introverts who need real connection, not just a crowded room and how meaningful connection, not small talk, is the secret weapon every introvert needs to survive uncertain times What this is: A warm, honest, evidence-backed exploration of why the people around you matter enormously when life gets complicated, and why this is … - The Stories We Tell Ourselves: How to Rewrite the Narrative That’s Making You Miserable
What this is: A practical, warm-hearted exploration of why your inner narrative might be your biggest source of stress, and what you can actually do about it, starting today. What this isn’t: Another “just think positive!” pep talk. No toxic positivity. No worksheets asking you to “visualise your best self living your best life.” Read … - The Loneliness Epidemic: Why Do I Feel Lonely Even When I’m Surrounded by People?
The Loneliness Nobody Talks About: When You’re Never Alone But Always Lonely One crisp spring night, somewhere along the Camino de Santiago, in the southwest of France, a small group of reading retreat guests sits in a clearing around a fire. By the time Lisa speaks, both hands wrapped around her mug, her tea has …Continue reading “The Loneliness Epidemic: Why Do I Feel Lonely Even When I’m Surrounded by People?”
- Overthinking Can Make You Blind to Opportunities
The mental habit that keeps smart, capable people stuck, and the surprisingly simple shift that changes everything. What this is: A candid, research-informed look at how overthinking, especially during times of stress and uncertainty, actively blinds you to the opportunities that could change your life. Practical, warm, occasionally irreverent. What this isn’t: A collection of …Continue reading “Overthinking Can Make You Blind to Opportunities”
- Why a Reconnect with Nature Retreat in the southwest of France Might Be the Smartest Thing You Do This Year
An Esprit Meraki Stress-Reducing Retreat Could Be Your Most Powerful Reset in These Uncertain Times What this is: A grounded, honest look at why attending a stress-reducing retreat during a period of sustained political uncertainty is genuinely useful, not indulgent. We’re talking neuroscience, narrative, and the particular magic of walking the Camino de Santiago in … - The Doctor Who Couldn’t Breathe Part 4
As you may know, I host Camino de Santiago walking and writing retreats and belong to a delightfully creative band of scribblers called the Wordweavers in the southwest of France writing group, and at one of our meetings, held on Friday the 13th of February 2026, which felt appropriately theatrical—I read the story you’re about … - The Doctor Who Couldn’t Breathe Part 3
As you may know, I host Camino de Santiago Walking and Writing retreats, and I’m also part of the Wordweavers Writing Group here in the southwest of France. At our last meeting—held on the wonderfully ominous date of Friday the 13th of February 2026—I brought along this story. This is part 3 of the story … - The Village That Time Forgot: A Visit to Sainte Christie d’Armagnac
Deep in the heart of the rolling hills of Gascony, one of south-west France’s most remarkable medieval villages sits quietly on a pilgrim road, largely unknown to the wider world — and all the more remarkable for it. Within walking distance of my little farm it is a must-se for all of my Camino de …Continue reading “The Village That Time Forgot: A Visit to Sainte Christie d’Armagnac”
- A Visit to the Thursday Eauze Market – a Study in Mindfulness
During my Camino de Santiago Crossroads Retreat, we spend one morning visiting the Thursday Eauze market. This is not, strictly speaking, a demanding activity. No mountains are climbed, no ice baths are required, and the greatest physical challenge tends to be resisting the cheese stalls. Rather than rushing through with a shopping list, we slow …Continue reading “A Visit to the Thursday Eauze Market – a Study in Mindfulness”
