Mindful Musings

The Book That Changed Me: The Midnight Library by Matt Haig
A life-affirming novel about choosing to stay, even when life feels unbearably heavy. Some books arrive at exactly the right moment. Not when everything is falling apart, but when the weight of living has quietly become too much to hold. For me, that book was The Midnight Library by Matt Haig. A Life-Affirming Story with a Dark Beginning The Midnight Library begins with a woman who no longer wants to live. From that moment, the novel opens into a liminal space where she is able to explore the many lives she could... Read more...
Notes I wrote while trying to keep going: March
Written in the weeks after my mum died. My mum died and the world didn’t stop spinning. The plates I was already spinning didn’t fall. They just slowed. Enough for me to catch my breath. Enough to realise I was still expected to keep going. I didn’t have school runs to anchor the day. I had evenings. Bedtimes. The quiet weight of the end of the day when everyone else sleeps and there’s nowhere left to put the feelings. I had already been grieving her. Therapy told me that. In... Read more...
Notes I wrote while trying to keep going: February
quiet things, loud anger February barely registered. I don’t remember doing much. Maybe that’s the point. I started colouring in. Not mindfully. Just filling in shapes so my hands had something to do.I did jigsaws. Pieces, edges, something that fit where it was meant to. It helped in a way I didn’t have words for. I went for a hike to Kodak Corner in the Mourne Mountains. It was beautiful in the way things are when they don’t ask anything of you. The sky, the rock, the distance. I remember... Read more...
Notes I wrote while trying to keep going: January
then I’ll grieve My mum had just died and everything went strange around the edges. Work felt different. People didn’t know what to say. Some said nothing. Some said too much. I kept logging on anyway. There was so much life admin. No one tells you about the list you inherit when your next of kin dies. The accounts. The forms. The calls. The repeating of the sentence: my mum has died. Life admin is hard at the best of times. Doing it while numb is something else entirely. On... Read more...
What Should Daydot Do Next?
Exploring sunrise sea dips and hiking up mountains around Northern Ireland. What adventure should come next? Current Adventures I've enjoyed the serenity of sea dips at sunrise and the challenge of mountain hikes. These activities have been a refuge from the weekly hustle. Seeking Suggestions What makes you feel rejuvenated after a hectic week? I'm looking for new ideas and would love to hear from you. Share your thoughts and stay tuned for the next chapter of our adventures together. Read more...
How the New Taylor Swift Album, "The Tortured Poets Department" Has Affected Me
The therapy for past trauma I never knew I needed. A Surprising Therapy The lyrics and melodies of Taylor Swift's latest album have unexpectedly become a source of healing, addressing past traumas and encouraging emotional exploration. Personal Reflections Each track has touched on different aspects of my experiences, helping me to confront and cope with deep-seated issues in a way I hadn't anticipated. Favorite Tracks from the Album Who's Afraid of Little Old Me? - This song resonates with my journey of overcoming fear and embracing my true self, the... Read more...
How Sea Dips Have Helped My Mental Health
The journey of getting up at 5 AM, driving for 40 minutes, and dipping for 20 minutes has been transformative for my mental health. The Journey Begins It all started with a decision to change my routine. Rising before the sun and embracing the chilly embrace of the sea has been a pivotal part of my recovery from OCD and PTSD. The Challenge and Reward The cold water was a shock at first, but each dip brought a renewed sense of peace and clarity that lasted throughout the day. Join... Read more...
What is a wellness journal for?
Wellness journals are more than just diaries. They're tools designed to foster a holistic approach to health, enabling individuals to track, plan, and reflect on their physical, mental, and emotional well-being. But what exactly is a wellness journal for? Let's delve into its core purposes and how it can benefit your life. Tracking Progress and Patterns At its heart, a wellness journal serves as a tracker. Whether it's logging daily exercise, monitoring sleep patterns, or recording dietary habits, it helps identify trends that affect your overall health. This insight allows... Read more...
Is a wellness journal worth it? Exploring the Benefits for Mind, Body, and Spirit
In the bustling rhythm of modern life, prioritising wellness has become more than just a trend—it's a necessity. Amidst the myriad of tools and practices championed for personal growth and health, the wellness journal or planner, stands out as a simple yet profound instrument. But the question arises, is investing time and energy into maintaining a wellness journal truly worth it? Let's delve into the multifaceted benefits of wellness journals to uncover their value for the mind, body, and spirit. The Essence of Wellness Journals A wellness journal is a personal... Read more...
The Role of Nature in Nurturing Mindfulness and Well-being
In recent years, the connection between nature and our mental health has become increasingly evident. Immersing ourselves in the natural world has shown profound effects on enhancing our mindfulness and overall well-being. From the soothing sound of waves crashing against the shore to the robust challenge of a mountain hike, nature offers a unique and powerful avenue for self-exploration and mental rejuvenation. Embracing the Sea's Embrace Last year, I began the practice of sea dipping—a ritual that has since become a cornerstone of my mindfulness journey. The act of entering... Read more...
Cultivating Mindfulness Through Creative Expression
The journey towards mindfulness and self-discovery often leads us through varied landscapes of the human experience. One path, rich with the potential for introspection and awareness, is through creative expression. Whether it's painting, writing, music, or any other form of art, engaging in creative activities offers a unique avenue for cultivating mindfulness and enriching our mental well-being. The Art of Presence Creative expression requires a presence of mind that mirrors the principles of mindfulness. When we create, we are fully engaged in the moment, focused on our medium, and responsive... Read more...
The Science of Mindfulness: Understanding Its Impact on the Brain
Mindfulness, once a practice rooted in ancient traditions, has now become a subject of modern science's fascination. As researchers delve into the neurological effects of mindfulness, a growing body of evidence reveals its profound impact on the brain. This exploration into the science of mindfulness illuminates how the practice can reshape our neural pathways, leading to enhanced mental well-being and cognitive function. Neuroplasticity and Mindfulness At the heart of mindfulness' effect on the brain is neuroplasticity—the brain's ability to reorganise itself by forming new neural connections throughout life. Mindfulness practice... Read more...

Made for moments like this

I don’t write these things to sell notebooks.
But these are the kinds of moments my notebooks were made for.
A place to document experiences, not improve them.
Forests & Rivers

Forests & Rivers

Half-Feral, Fully Fabulous

Half-Feral, Fully Fabulous

Mountains & Glens

Mountains & Glens

Seas & Sunrises

Seas & Sunrises

Cosmic Beyond

Cosmic Beyond

Half-Feral, Fully Fabulous

Half-Feral, Fully Fabulous