Katy Connects

22/07/2025

Three weeks ago I climbed a mountain.

Literally.

I hiked up Mt Snowdon with a group for my friend's 40th birthday!

It was challenging physically and mentally. Lots of people have told me since what an incredible achievement it is. But, for some reason, I'm still struggling to see it as such.

I've realised that I can rarely acknowledge my achievements or feel proud of myself, yet I find it extremely easy to see my faults, flaws and traumas.

So, I'm going to make an effort to shift the way I look at myself from negatively to positively. I will try to recognise that some of the things I do are actually exceptional, and I have every right to feel proud of myself❤️

08/06/2025

I've recently discovered this family and I'm really intrigued.

I love their outlook on life, their values, their observations, the huge variety of skills...

I've been ruminating a lot lately on societal constructs, and what I want in future for myself and my kids.

There are so many different ways of living. What we've been born into, and what we're used to are not necessarily the healthiest.

I'm in a very explorative and open frame of mind at the moment, and I'm keen to see what's out there ✨️

https://www.facebook.com/share/1CENx4kDnY/

Download my App - CaliFlow 🌎
Message me - Balance - to work with me 🙏🏽
Movement and mindfulness 🌱

10/05/2025

An interesting question that came up in therapy this week was if I'm dreaming big enough.

My dream is to buy a little campervan in which to live full time and travel around Europe. I'll have some kind of remote job so I can work on the road. I'll wait til the kids are old enough that they'll either have their own home, or they can live with their dad. They'll have some kind of base.

I hadn't for a moment considered that I could have my own base too - perhaps the cottage I've also been dreaming of on a plot of land, where I'd have a pet goose, duck and goat, space to grow my own food, read books in the shade under the large magnolia tree. That my campervan could sit on the driveway ready for the next adventure. And I don't have to limit my travel to Europe necessarily...

I feel like daring to have one dream is already pushing my luck, and I wouldn't want to jeopardise it by being "greedy".

This is new territory for me anyway, because for a long time I've just been focused on surviving the day, and I couldn't plan for a future that I wasn't sure I'd even be around for.

I'm trying to learn now that it's OK to dream big. It doesn't mean I'm greedy or selfish. I'm allowed to want things for myself. It is safe to accept the good things that come my way without the fear of the bubble bursting.

I am not just tolerated by my friends, family, and workplace; I am loved and welcome.

I am worthy and deserving of a happy and fulfilling life that I can choose for myself, and I do not have to apologise or feel guilty for it.

I can dream as big as I like ✨️

27/04/2025

I really love this series and I'm currently watching it for the second time.

I love their:
💖 Sense of community
💖 Fierce independence mixed with the ability to ask their friends and neighbours for help when needed
💖 Creative thinking and problem solving
💖 Ability to try new things without fear of failure
💖 Perspective on life and work ethic

I've found it all very inspiring and it's made me think about what I want my future to look like xx

https://www.disneyplus.com/browse/entity-d7d08a72-d8ac-470d-a36f-f61eb999a712?sharesource=Android

26/04/2025

My veins tingled when I listened to this. And something similar happened in therapy yesterday.

I often don't know what my wounds are until I notice my body reacting.

26/04/2025

I constantly worry that I'm not doing a good enough job as a parent, and I've just heard quote that seems so simple but so perfect:

"Be the kind of person that you want your kids to actually turn into."

It's all about showing them not telling them.

Set a good example and it'll all fall into place.

This may seem very obvious to some, but I heard it just now and it really resonated 💖

26/04/2025

24/04/2025

This resonates so much. Although I have been learning, over the last years or so, how to allow myself to take up space and think about what I need 💖

10/04/2025

It took me a little while to convince myself to go to the beach today.

I knew there were several great beach options to choose from, and that I would definitely enjoy being by the sea.

I kept worrying about not being able to find a parking space. (To some, that will sound ridiculous, but to those with anxiety you'll know exactly what I mean.)

I pushed myself, and thank goodness I did because this is currently my view...😍😍

09/04/2025

There are a couple of other tents now in the section I'm in, and I couldn't help but compare myself with how they've set up their pitches.

For example, they're both getting the morning sun and I'm still in the shade (which made for an absolutely freezing start 🥶).

They've got shelters and windbreakers for privacy and I'm kind of out in the open.

But I'm trying to break the self-deprecating cycle and the expectation to get things perfect first time.

I've only camped a few times and I've still got lots to learn.

For all I know, they could be too hot in the sun over there and be wishing that they were in the shade like me!

Most likely, they're not paying attention to me at all (in the nicest possible way).

I'm trying not to be afraid of making mistakes, and instead I want to embrace giving things a go without being self conscious.

I'm doing alright ❤️

08/04/2025

I made it!

I've set up, had a cup of coffee and been for a wander around the lakes.

It's a beautiful sunny day and all I can hear are the birds and the occasional plane going by.

I've noticed it's a very strange feeling being able to do whatever I want. I'm not used to it! I don't have to do anything or be anywhere.

I'm trying to go by what I feel like doing rather than what I think I should do. This is my holiday and whatever I find relaxing and enjoyable is what I'll be aiming for!

06/04/2025

I need to pack for my camping trip, but I'm overwhelmed and haven't been able to make a start yet.

Instead of forcing - and ultimately exhausting - myself, I'm going to have a cup of tea, reset my nervous system, try to drum up some dopamine, and try again in a bit.

We don't always have the luxury of time, but, over the last few years, I've been consciously building a life that affords more time and space so I can do things at my own pace where possible.