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Mind Yersel', The Bendy Barn, Celorico da Beira (2026)

21/05/2026

The rage in my body as I type this is strong. There are a lot of tears sitting right under that rage. They've bubbled, but not surfaced, just yet. Somewhere in the middle of that there is grief, deep deep grief.
It feels thousands of years old. It is.

Truthfully, I don't know if any of this is what I "should" be feeling. Luckily though I know there is no should. I almost don't know what I'm even trying to write here, but, I know it will come.

Rewind to March 2023, some of you might remember that Erin was assaulted. Attacked. Visciously. For nothing. Absolutely nothing. She was simply standing, making a phone call to a friend for a lift and she was beaten by a person who is beyond understanding for me right now. Even the Therapist in me is struggling, probably because the Mum in me is stronger. Louder. With my hand on my heart let me say this simply, the Mum is me is still to this very day fu***ng raging.
Overflowing with rage.

Erin was 17. This person was 28, a Muay Thai boxer apparently, and in his own words that very day, the words that accompanied his going "oot oot" profile photo, an "original gangster". As I type this the taste of vomit in my mouth is actually burning my throat. He makes me sick. The attack haunts me, more often than I like to admit. Wrong time, wrong place, apparently. But don't forget, Erin was lucky. Lucky it wasn't worse, lucky because he had numerous previous convictions for serious violence, including with various weapons, knives, hammers and razor blades even. Razor blades concealed inside him. Armed and ready should the moment arise. And no, I'm not making this up. Where your head went, yup it's true.
Concealed inside him.

Deep breath and back to the point.

Erin being "lucky" she was alive.
How lucky. 17 and attacked only by a lucky kind of violence. F**k luck, f**k violence and f**k him and every single man like him.
Don't dare whisper not all men at me right now, I've never once said all men. I will say this though, too fu***ng many men.
And we all know it.
Tears are now sliding down my cheeks, because I hate being angry and I am so so fu***ng angry. It hurts my soul.

For the last 3 years Erin has needed various interventions because of this attack, and she won't mind me telling you this. Physical, medical, dental and maybe most importantly mental. Bruises and broken teeth will eventually heal (one tooth is still loose due to the trauma), but the mental pain takes much longer. Much longer. It's crippling at times.
I know that from personal experience, from professional experience and I know that from watching and supporting my daughter heal these last 3 years. Heartbreaking.

Why am I bringing this up now?
Well, for the last three years we've not been allowed to say anything due to potential legal implications. But now, I can. You see he's just been convicted. Not for what you might be expecting though. 3 weeks after that attack on Erin, (which btw happened when he was on early release from prison, again for the umpteenth time), he was one of seven people who committed a murder. I won't talk about that here because first of all it's not my story and second of all I don't know enough detail. Erin's assault became part of the prosecutions case though as it showed escalation. And finally, we just found out that he's been sentenced, to life. With a multitude of additional years added for things like carrying a machete, extensive previous convictions and prison sentences. Previous victims included his mother and grandmother. To the person who's life he ended, with all my heart I hope your soul is at peace and I send your family nothing but love.

I hope as you all read this you can understand my rage.

What is the point of this post though? I'm still asking myself. I think it's to vent. To process. To release. To finally be able to use my voice. To stand beside my beautiful girl and say f**k you Dale Russell. F**k you.
We can name him now you see.
His sentence is in black and white.
The next three decades of his life are not his own anymore. Relief. Right?

Maybe, yet, as I type this it hits me, it's not enough. I don't even believe in the prison system. Statistics show it doesn't work. There should be a better way. Prevention I know is better than cure. The professional in me has a whisper of wonder, what happened to create a person like that. How did he become so vicious. So full of rage. I have a need to understand, but right now that's not my focus.

As I type I realise that I will not allow my rage to define me or make me anything like him. Neither will Erin. We will do better. I promise we will. Even though it shouldn't be on us.

I will rage, but I will rise. As we should.

I didn't plan to say this because there's nothing concrete in place yet, but my friend Shahnaz Radjy and I have a hope, a wish, a vision that's starting to form and in time, I honestly I'm dreaming so hard that it becomes something tangible I can share here.
It's time. I can no longer do nothing about this level of violence.

Erin, I am so proud of you.
You deserve a better world.
You deserve better men.
You deserve a Mum who will do all she can to give you those things, I'm just figuring out what that is.

I love you.

To anyone who might be impacted by this post, I've got you. Thank you for having me. For having us.

Just breathe. Cry it out. Let it go.

Mind Yersel' ❤️

If you got this far, please share this. 🙏

20/05/2026

Wow. What support we've had over the last couple of days! THANK YOU! ⭐

As I type that all I can hear is "over the last 5.5 years actually" and it's so true.

I woke up in a panic about 30 minutes ago, my dream was about Mind Yersel' ending because we're selling the farm. Sheer panic.
Just for a second I thought it was all over. Then I remembered, we managed to bring this energy, these mountains, all of this from the mountains to Wishy 4 times. Nothing is ending, just everything is changing.

As it should.

This video is just a tiny glimpse at the magic. Farm or no farm this magic is going nowhere, right?

Can yeez please share this, I know yer maybe sick of it, but a second of your time means that this won't end. Mind Yersel' magic is going nowhere, but it needs help to stay alive.

We've had a request for a viewing btw, a Scottish person sent our farm to a friend living in Portugal, looking for a place. You just never know, so please, tell the world our land needs a new Guardian.

No matter where we go, I will do my best to keep MOVING MOUNTAINS. To bring the calm with us, and, du know what... We will make it even better. Somehow.

There's a tiny bit of fear kicking about my body today, I better get dancing and shake it off.

Are ye staying with us wherever we go?

Today ye should move more,

Mind Yersel' ❤️

17/05/2026

💜⭐ PLEASE help us sell by sharing ⭐💜
⭐🇵🇹🏡 RARE PROPERTY 🏡🇵🇹⭐

Farm for Sale | Famalicão da Serra | Serra da Estrela Natural Park | Portugal

76,203m² Mista Property | Legal Farmhouse | Habitation Exemption | Exceptional Year-Round Water | River & Waterfalls | Productive Agricultural Land

Located in the beautiful village of Famalicão da Serra, within the Serra da Estrela Natural Park, this unique and fully legal mixed property (“Mista”) offers an increasingly rare combination in Central Portugal: abundant year-round water, productive fertile land, excellent access, legal documentation in order, and complete peace without isolation.

The property comprises 76,203m² of diverse land, approximately divided between cultivated agricultural terraces, orchards, olive groves and river frontage on one side, and protected mountainside with oak forest and natural water sources on the other.

This is a farm that has been genuinely lived on, cared for and worked with respect.

Legal Status & Documentation

One of the strongest aspects of this property is its legal status and paperwork.

Farmhouse registered on Urban Article

Remaining land registered on Agricultural Article

Two separate articles officially confirmed as “Mista”

Fully registered with BUPi

Habitation Exemption Licence granted by Câmara

Previously approved renovation project previously granted by Câmara

Survey completed during our original purchase

Property registered with ADAG and currently receiving annual subsidy of approximately €1,500 (potentially higher with animal use)

Annual property tax (IMI) is currently approximately €20 per year.

Water – The Heart of the Farm

Water is without question one of the most extraordinary features of this land.

The farm contains:

A year-round river running through the property (extremely rare in this region)

Several smaller waterfalls

A stunning waterfall within a cave, approximately 4 metres high

7 natural water mines located on the mountainside

Fully established water infrastructure from mountain to cultivated land

3 large storage tanks:
1 massive reservoir
1 medium tank
1 smaller tank
After years searching throughout Portugal, this remains the most water-abundant land we have ever encountered.

The entire agricultural side of the farm benefits from this established system and has enormous resilience and self-sufficiency potential.

The Farmhouse & Buildings

The farmhouse is approximately 130m² and currently divided into 5 main separate spaces, offering flexibility for:

One substantial family home
Two smaller independent homes
Retreat or guest accommodation potential
The house requires renovation, particularly the roof, which is in poor condition. However, one quarter of the house has been lived in continuously for the past 3 years.

Current living setup includes:

Indoor/outdoor kitchen
Separate bathroom building approximately 3 metres from the house
Boiler-fed shower
Flushing toilet with septic tank
Washing machine area
The property has mains electricity connected, while water is entirely off-grid.

Solar was never installed simply because the electricity connection is already extremely accessible, located approximately 1.5 metres from the main entrance. Average electricity costs are currently around €60 per month.

In addition to the farmhouse there are:

4 substantial concrete outbuildings
Combined approximately 30m²
Separate covered concrete structure with 3 walls, approximately 24m²
This shaded structure has previously been used as:

Kitchen space
Dining area
Winter social space
Summer shaded living area
Agricultural Land & Productivity

The cultivated side of the farm is exceptionally fertile and benefits from a rare microclimate that supports both citrus and extensive vegetable growing.

The land includes:

Large flat fields
Multiple traditional terraces
Fully fenced perimeter
Previously used for sheep
There are over 100 olive trees, both ancient and younger productive trees.

Fruit production includes:

Lemon
Orange
Tangerine
Grapefruit
Cherry
Multiple apple varieties
Multiple pear varieties
Quince
Mulberry
Fig
Kiwi
Walnut
Chestnut
Hazelnut
There are also:

3 huge ancient mulberry trees
A vineyard with approximately 200 vines
Jeropiga has been produced here every year.

Forest & Wildlife

The mountainside section contains:

2 oak forests
Natural biodiversity rarely found today
Wildlife regularly seen on the property includes:

Heron living by the river
Deer visiting close to the house
The rare Golden Oriole bird
The land offers deep tranquility, privacy and connection to nature while remaining accessible and practical.

A 150-year-old walnut tree beside the river has become one of the most loved spaces on the farm — a place of shade, restoration and reflection.

Access, Infrastructure & Connectivity

Asphalt road access directly to the property
Excellent road condition
Two main access routes leading to the N18-1
Distances:

Guarda – approximately 20 minutes north
Covilhã – approximately 30 minutes south
Both cities have hospitals and full services.

Mobile signal is excellent.

Internet:

MEO and NOS available
MEO performs significantly better
Fibre internet available within the village if desired
Mains water connection from Câmara is also possible if preferred.

The Village – Famalicão da Serra

The farm is approximately 10 minutes walking distance from the village.

Famalicão da Serra is a vibrant and unusually active mountain village with a strong cultural identity and community spirit.

Village amenities include:

2 shops
Pharmacy
2 bakeries
ATM
Medical clinic (weekly doctor)
Music school
3 cafés
Newly built Bombeiros
Espaço do Cidadão
Regular visiting services include:

Fruit vans
Meat vans
Barber services
Medical support vehicles
The village is especially known for its musical culture, including:

5 bands
One of the region’s oldest Philharmonic bands, over 100 years old
Many festas throughout the year
State-of-the-art theatre and cultural venue: Casa da Cultura
The community here has been a huge part of why we fell in love with this place. There is support and warmth if you wish to integrate, yet the property itself still offers genuine solitude and privacy.

River Beaches & Natural Surroundings

Valhelhas river beach is less than 10 minutes away, with many other river beaches and natural swimming areas located within 15–20 minutes.

The wider Serra da Estrela region offers some of the most beautiful landscapes in Portugal.

A Living Farm With Purpose

Over the past two years, the land has also supported part of our mental health and nature-based project, welcoming around 70 visitors with extraordinary feedback and experiences.

There is enormous potential here for:

Self-sufficiency
Regenerative agriculture
Retreat work
Community living
Tourism projects
Family homestead living
Therapeutic or nature-based work
At the same time, it is important to say honestly that farm life requires commitment, adaptability and care.

We made a promise to be guardians of this land, and despite the challenges that come with rural life, it has given back more than we could ever explain.

Included in Sale

The farm is being sold largely as seen.

We are taking very little with us and most items can either remain as part of the sale or be negotiated within the contract.

Reason for Sale

This sale comes from the head, not the heart.

Due to a life-changing injury unrelated to the farm, alongside family circumstances, the time has come for us to return closer to our motherland, Scotland.

Ideal Buyer

This property would suit someone who:

Loves nature deeply
Understands rural living
Values water security and legal clarity
Wants productive land with genuine potential
Seeks peace without total isolation
Appreciates both self-sufficiency and community
This is not simply land to own — it is land to participate in.

Valuation completed.
€265, 000 - Offers Over

**Serious enquiries only. For more photos or information please email mindyersel.bendybarn@gmail.com

We are ready to sell 🙏

17/05/2026

Today is the day... 🏡 🇵🇹
It's time 💚

15/05/2026

‼️LAST EVER VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITY ‼️
🌟 🌟 🌟 PORTUGAL VOLUNTEER ⭐⭐⭐
💜 I really need this shared to help 💜

This feels so bizarre to write. Surreal, sad, necessary and definitely marks the "end" of something that we've had so much fun with over the last 5 years!

This is very different to our normal shout for a volunteer, because this time it's not to help us create, build, or grow something. It's to help us take down, close and pass on... everything.
It's time and we've decided some help, that matches a final opportunity for someone to come and experience the magic of these mountains is right.

🌟 This will be HEAVY graft. Physical af. That means unfortunately anyone in poor health, carrying an injury, or not in a well enough head space to work, this time unfortunately we cannot accommodate. It's the first time, in all the opportunities we've offered, that we've had to explicitly state all of this. So, please be honest, because we only get one chance at this. Examples of work are, lifting & moving, burning, extensive land work including clearing the land and troughs that support the water infrastructure. There is 22 acres, not all of it needs attention, but this is a real farm and requires real work.

🌟 This will be mostly early morning work. 7am - 11am at this time of year is our primary "working" hours. This is due to fire risk restrictions, but also practicality, as when it gets hot it is too hot to work manually.

🌟 You will stay either in the caravan, or, if you prefer, on the land in a tent (as most of our guests & volunteers have done).

🌟 The timing of this is more flexible than normal. We have NO set dates in mind, but, would like to plan and confirm dates asap to secure support and draw up a time line for our existing to do list.

🌟 4 hours per day, 5 days per week. Usually Mon - Fri, 7am - 11am as an example. Set tasks with the deadline for completion of each to be potentially agreed either in advance if required, or on arrival, which given the nature of the land is usually best. Open for discussion.

🌟 Incase it's not obvious, your stay is free, no charge (yes, many places take a fee from volunteers 🙄). We will provide breakfast & your evening meal on working days, teas coffees & kitchen basics like spices, oil and so on to support your own cooking. Other meals are your responsibility. We have done this many times and that is what works best.
Examples are, eggs or porridge for breakfast and bean chilli, salads, baked potato for evening meal. Usually cooked by me, however on my working days I often have late finishes, so shared cooking is welcomed.

🌟 You will be collected from the local bus station and dropped off there again of course. We usually go to the shops once per week and you are welcome to join, but there is also a local shop in the village as well as 3 cafes and 2 bakers.

‼️ I hate that I have to make this clear, nut from experience, I know I do. This is not a holiday. It is a WORKING holiday. There is a big difference. We expect agreed arrangements to be fulfilled. We fully expect you to also have an AMAZING time. We know that this works, when we both stick to the plan.

20 hours work per week in return for free accommodation, brekky and dinner. The rest of the time is yours! You are very welcome to use all of the land, river, waterfalls etc to truly immerse yourself in this incredible space. We invite you to explore. We encourage you to come, contribute, then the rest of the time truly Mind Yersel'.

Flight costs are not included.

If this post screams your name, and you know, hand on heart that you are fit, willing and able to stick to our offer then please reach out. YOU MUST TRULY LOVE NATURE AND BE WILLING TO EMBRACE FARM LIFE.
We will do a video interview with each person that fits the bill, to try and ensure that we both can get everything we need from this opportunity. This will be the very last opportunity for anyone to volunteer on the farm. The farm is now for sale as I'm sure you all know, so fingers crossed this preparation supports the sale and John and I can continue with our next adventure.

Thank you for reading, sharing etc. Please tag friends that might be interested also! As much interaction as possible with this post will ensure that we find the best person.

Phew. I think that's everything. I'm really sad that it will be the last time we can offer this opportunity in the Portuguese mountains, but, I also can't help wonder what our next opportunities might look like, if we have them. I'm full of emotions. Curiosity and wonder.
Topped with an overflowing bucket of gratitude of course! Thank you all.

Have a gentle day, I definitely am needing one after a very full week. As always, please...

Mind Yersel' ❤️

09/05/2026

Yesterday was rough. Really rough.
My nemisis, apparently, is MRIs.
The only thing worse than an MRI (for me) is TWO in a row, which is what I had yesterday.

I realised during it, whilst I couldn't breathe, couldn't move and all I wanted to do was run, literally run out the place, was that I think it sends me into complete physical meltdown because it is SO like that day. The day I broke my back.

The position causes severe pain. So intense.
I cannot move. Not 1mm.
Every breath feels like a mountain climb.
I am literally trapped.
It feels never ending, just like that day.

I wasn't nervous before it. Which is new and I thought was a good sign. My stomach wasn't turning or churning. There were no tears. No panic. Yet, when they pushed that button to slide me in, it all came. All at once.
My body caved, my mind tried to breathe through it.

I'm not telling you this for sympathy. I'm simply being honest. I'm also letting you know that just because you have a meltdown doesn't mean the next day can't be amazing. This is why this post is a photo of me smiling. Because, today has been amazing. After a 14 hr (maybe my longest ever!) sleep, we had a gorgeous wee day playing pool with friends and listening to tunes we love. Today I am smiling.

The pain isn't intense.
I can move as much as I want.
The breaths come and go with ease.
I am not trapped.
It ended.

Yesterday, I survived, of course I did. I was never actually in any risk. Anxiety isn't logical. Our brains don't know that memories aren't happening in the present. Our body reacts because the brain tells us to. But, here's the thing, this information is a gift. Why?
Because it tells me there's still trauma related to that day trapped in my body. Now I know, I can focus on getting it out.

Yesterday I told John I can't face another MRI. All the while knowing my back operation makes that impossible. The truth is I will have to, but I'm determined that by the next time that trauma will be oot my body. How? Unsure as of yet. But I will be still, I will listen to every cell, and I will do all it takes.

And I will fu***ng smile. Because none of this s**t can beat me.

Today I've needed to be very gentle with myself. I'm allowed.

You are too.

Mind Yersel' ❤️

Ps, the testimonials we've received deserve a post of their own. I need to find the words first because all I have right now are happy tears. Honestly. Wow. ❤️

07/05/2026

Greeting as I post this... Help please 🙏
Nothing has happened don't worry!
This MUST be shared or it will "fail"

My tears are of pure gratitude. I've just been going through all the messages sent to us after MOVING MOUNTAINS, watching all the videos we've been sent, and looking again at all your gorgeous photos from the day (please send us everything you have if you haven't already!) and it's literally just sinking in what actually takes place during these days. It's absolutely astounding and I've came to a decision based on your response, your words, your truths. But I need your help please!!

I've been sent a funding application from one of our hardcore Mind Yersel' community. At first I was intimidated by it. Then I thought we won't get it anyway. Then I thought, well maybe we'd have a chance, but then I felt guilty about potentially taking away from others. Here's the thing though, we're just as worthy as every other group out there! I need to let the idea that we're not, GO! Let it go. Ironic eh, given that was this events theme.
No more being small. Be seen.

For 5 whole years this has been my whole life, I can assure you I barely get a "wage" from all that we do. Everything about Mind Yersel' promotes financial accessibility and so, as a result, it's really fu***ng hard to make it our whole life and in turn keep these events going. But, I know in my heart we have to. So, I'm applying. Because in the words of some s**tey TV advert, we're worth it.

This is where your help comes in. I need testimonials to support our application. Does this sound fancy? Maybe. Is it? Naw. All I need you to do, is tell me exactly how Mind Yersel' has supported you. It can be through this page alone. Stick the Kettle On. It might have been here in the mountains at a holiday stay or a retreat. Or it might have been right there in the scheme, at a wee MOVING MOUNTAINS day. You might be a guest, or a facilitator. I need your story. Your truth. It can be anonymous, but with a name is more powerful. It can be a sentence, it can be a page. Without it we're unlikely to be successful, so I'm asking from the bottom of my heart for as many of these as possible.
Over our time we've had 70 people in the mountains. 10 people on Mountains of Grief course. I've supported about 30 clients in 1:1s (ongoing) and around 200 people have attended our 4 MOVING MOUNTAINS days. SO many fully funded and part funded spaces and ALL of these things on our PAY WHAT YOU CAN ethos!!!
I know we've enough testimonials to support us!! ❤️

Help us level up. Please. We're ready!!

Mind Yersel' ❤️

05/05/2026

In the whirlwind of what has been this visit, I've barely had a moment to just stop, breath, acknowledge everything that's happened while we've been here, and in doing that, I need to let you all know how incredibly lucky I feel as a human being.

Look at my gorgeous wee family, that alone is pure wealth. There have been times in my life when I could never have envisaged being alive today, never mind alive & kicking and this fu***ng happy. Is my life perfect? Absolutely not! I have been living in severe daily pain for 3 years, but, I'm ok. I have my family. I have a bendy roof over my head and I've learned how to breathe properly. I've learned my worth. I've learned I am lovable. I'm unlearning every single day to let go of all the s**te I held on to for a lifetime, and let go of everything that got in between me and truly living life.

I'm proud of me. Of us, the 3 of us. We've faced a lot. We're doing it together and with a smile. Most of the time we're doing it as we hold space for others as well. We've created pure magic, in the shire, and that is priceless.

I was terrified of having to let go of the farm, at first. All my learning, and my unlearning has taught me that nothing is actually forever though. We had a job to do there, it's been done, extremely well. Each story, testimony, review and recommendation from all those who have visited is literal testimony to that. If I'm honest on a level that hurts a bit, there was a whisper of who am I without the farm? Who are we? What is Mind Yersel'? That's old patterns and beliefs raising their ugly heads. It's ok, they just needed to be heard, met with gentleness, and let go. That's what I've done.

Thank you for drowning out they whispers with me. With nothing but love. Your messages of support, love, offers of help and promise to continue right beside us, wherever we go, has honestly given me the strength I need for this last wee stage.

Today we return to the mountains, it might be one of the last times we go back home to the farm. Half of me is devastated, but the other half knows this is right. Knows it's best for me. For my wee family. Look at us.
We deserve it all.
Our contract in the Portuguese mountains is complete. What a life.

We might have a plan for where we go next btw, just maybe 😜 but tell me, would it matter to you? Scotland, Ireland, Poland? (Not Poland btw 😂) I'd love to know your thoughts, not so we can make a decision based on them tbh, I'm just curious.
If ye share this I will get more answers to these questions, I'd really appreciate that.

Tell me what the next stage of Mind Yersel' looks like for you? What do you need? What would you like?

As you go through today, take a second to stop, breathe and ask yourself what you're lucky for.

We will see you when we're back in the mountains, ready to really let go.

Love you all.

Mind Yersel' ❤️

03/05/2026

This video shows just a wee bit of the magic that's created when community comes together intentionally, Moving Mountains.

It's actual surreal that in less that one year, but almost exactly to the day we managed to host 4 of these incredible days! Even more so when you think that for that year we've lived 1500km away! I am so proud of this "daft wee idea" and everything that it's become. Genuinely, even yesterday, I had a wee flutter of worry in ma belly that people might no actually come. Yet, already you're asking when the next one is. There are no words for what that does to my whole being. I wish I could find them, but words fail me. The best way to describe it is that it's filling the holes in my soul!

From the bottom of my healing heart, thank you all for showing up, being vulnerable, and meeting everyone in that room with nothing but love.

Moving Mountains forever more.

Mind Yersel' ❤️

03/05/2026

‼️‼️‼️ IMPORTANT ‼️‼️‼️
😭 LOST PROPERTY 😭

Has anyone lifted one of these bags by accident?? The bag doesn't matter really, but there's a MacBook charger in it and I need it for work!!

🌟🌟🌟 Could everyone check just incase!!

We would really appreciate that and share of this post please, just in the hope it's gotten mixed up by accident!!

Huge love!

Mind Yersel' ❤️

Mind Yersel'

21/05/2026

20/05/2026

17/05/2026

17/05/2026

15/05/2026

09/05/2026

07/05/2026

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03/05/2026

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