I recently listened to a great book that holds a key insight for quitting smoking: Standing on the Edge: Finding Freedom Where Fear and Courage Meet by Joan Halifax. It talks about the importance of boundaries and thresholds, which is crucial during the identity shift of quitting. The quality that resonated most with me from the book was empathetic distress. This happens when you get lost in someone else's emotions and can't regulate or come back to your own center. This was a huge part of my addiction. I didn't know how to disconnect from others' needs and create space for myself, other than by smoking. In a twisted way, that cigarette felt like my me time. It was the only moment I put myself ahead of everyone else. Logically, smoking makes no sense, but emotionally, it met a need. This book guides you to find a healthy balance with even seemingly good qualities like empathy or compassion. You can create true, lasting boundaries without harming yourself. Check out this book! It's so important to explore this self-understanding to quit in a lasting and meaningful way.

I had a pretty sluggish week last week but I am coming in with a lot more energy today. Share a gif today and let us know what sort of week you think you have incoming.

I’m having a softer day today and it made me curious about something: How do you spend your Sundays in a way that actually supports your energy for the week ahead? Do you do rituals? Move your body? Prep for the week? Do absolutely nothing? Hide under blankets with your pets? There’s no right way — I just love hearing how different people create their own version of a “reset.” If you feel like sharing, I’d love to hear your Sunday rhythms. (And who knows… maybe we can all steal each other’s fave ideas.)

Can you believe we’re on Day 20 already? You’ve been doing an amazing job showing up and stepping out of your comfort zone! 🎉 Today’s task is about celebrating others and sharing who inspires you. Here’s what to do: 1️⃣ Think of a mentor or someone who has inspired you on your journey. 2️⃣ Share a story or anecdote about them on your social media. 3️⃣ Highlight how they’ve influenced or supported you, and why their impact matters to you. This task is about acknowledging the people who’ve helped you grow and showing your audience that you’re always learning and evolving. 🌱 Sharing who inspires you gives people a glimpse into your journey and the values that shape you. Bonus Tip: Sharing this also makes you more relatable and approachable – it shows that you don’t see yourself as perfect, and you’re open to learning, just like everyone else. Once you’ve posted, come back and tell us about it! How did it feel to celebrate someone who’s influenced you? Did it spark any engagement? Let’s keep the momentum going. 🌟 See you tomorrow for Day 21! 😊 👉Catch up with previous days HERE

I am a bit behind on the visibility challenge this weekend. That is because I am having a super busy weekend. Yesterday we went to our local Christmas market in the morning and Hector got to make some reindeer food. I then had an interlude to watch Arsenal play, which was not fun. In the afternoon and evening we had our towns Christmas Light Up which is a bit different. We don't have lights through the town but instead the kids build lanterns for the event. Then during the evening everyone parades through town with their lanterns including some giant ones. I've attached some pictures. Today we are meeting up with my brother and his family as they are away fro Christmas, so I have not had much bandwidth for anything else. What are you up to this weekend?