The Power of Compassion in Transformation Dr. Nilesh Satguru’s journey towards understanding compassion began with a patient’s complaint, around not having been listened to – an incident that profoundly impacted his approach as a general practitioner. This experience taught him the importance of making every patient feel seen, heard, and validated. It wasn’t just about diagnosing correctly, but ensuring a genuine connection with patients. This shift in approach led to remarkable transformations in the lives of his patients, from lifestyle changes to significant personal growth. Embracing Compa ..read more

It’s easy to feel lost in the whirlwind of life’s demands, especially when grappling with ADHD. This blog post, inspired by the “Understanding ADHD Burnout” podcast episode of Pause Purpose Play with Michaela Thomas, is a gentle reminder that you’re not alone and that it IS possible to understand and navigate the complexities of ADHD burnout.  A Compassionate Look at ADHD Burnout Whether or not you’ve been diagnosed with ADHD, the experience of burnout is challenging and potentially life-altering. For those with an ADHD brain, however, this journey has its unique twists and turns. The st ..read more

As we stand on the brink of a new calendar year, it’s natural to feel the weight of expectations — the societal push towards a ‘New Year New You’. In last year’s Pause Purpose Play podcast New Year episode, New Year, Still You, I discussed the immense pressure we often face to shed parts of ourselves that we’re unhappy with. But as we all know, nothing magical happens when the calendar flips over. Understanding the Pressure to Transform If you’ve indulged over the festive season, you might face the unhelpful pressure to hit the gym and ‘burn it off’ and feel bad about your body. Lost your ..read more

In this episode, I talk about the societal pressure to make vast changes in work, body image, and parenting as a new year begins. I emphasize the importance of self-compassion and being realistic instead of pushing oneself to perfection. I also introduce the distinction between values and goals, explaining that goals should be driven by one’s values for sustainability and long-term adherence. We address the frustrations of unrealistic New Year’s expectations and the harm of ‘shaming and blaming’. My episode ends with a message of self-acceptance and a note of gratitude. Links: Connect w ..read more

As the festive season approaches, many of us find ourselves caught in the whirlwind of Christmas activities, chasing the illusion of perfection. In the previous blog, I’ve discussed the challenges of festive perfectionism and burnout. Continuing this theme, today’s focus is on understanding and coping with comparison culture during Christmas.   Feeling disheartened by those impeccable Christmas photos on social media is all too common. Images of families in coordinated outfits, smiling in front of a beautifully adorned tree can make our own chaotic homes seem lacking. If this strikes a ..read more

In this episode, I discuss the gamut of emotions that the festive period can trigger, especially for those with traumatic histories or those who are living in non-traditional family setups. I also provide reassurance and practical advice for anyone feeling alone, including professional resources such as the Samaritans hotline. A key focus is on the importance of self-compassion and the acceptance of imperfections during the holiday season. Towards the end of the episode, I gift you a few things to help you through the festive period. Links: Connect with me on Instagram to see the flippa ..read more

Festive perfectionism is linked with that critical little voice that tells you everything must be flawless during the holiday season. It’s the pressure to have the perfect tree, the most delicious baked goods, and the most creative crafts. But let’s be honest, is that what the festive season is truly about? Letting Go of the Pressure This holiday season, I invite you to join me in shedding the pressure of perfection. It’s about embracing the joy and connection found in imperfection. Remember, Christmas and other festive seasons are about making memories, being close to our loved ones, and yes ..read more

In the previous episodes I have talked about festive perfectionism and festive burnout – basically from doing all the things, and trying to do them perfectly. This week, I want to continue the theme by thinking about comparison culture at Christmas. If you feel upset after you’ve seen other people’s pretty Christmas photos, with their kids in matching pyjamas and being all smiles in front of the tree, whilst your kids are murdering each other in the background in your own house, and you draw a deep sigh about the chaos, then this is for you. I’ll keep it brief, as I know you have a lot on in ..read more

Do you feel the pressure to have a ‘perfect’ Christmas? In this episode, I discuss the concept of festive perfectionism. This refers to the pressure people put on themselves to achieve a perfect holiday period with perfect crafts, baking, decorations, and activities. I share tips on how to let go of this pressure and embrace imperfections to find joy and connection in the holidays. Plus I encourage listeners to evaluate what really serves them during the holiday season and to allow themselves to not do everything perfectly. 00:00 Introduction to Festive Perfectionism 01:33 Observations on th ..read more

The festive season is a period often riddled with people-pleasing pressures – no wonder you might feel close to burnout.  So, today we’re unpacking strategies for maintaining your well-being, amidst the hustle and bustle of holiday commitments.  If you’re feeling overwhelmed with the endless to-dos and social expectations that come with this time of year, this episode is for you.  We’ll explore how to set boundaries, prioritize self-care, and say ‘no’ when needed, ensuring you enjoy the festivities without sacrificing your peace of mind.  Get ready to learn how to navigat ..read more