We all have moments in our day that knock us off balance. Maybe it's a tense situation at work, a difficult conversation with a partner or friend, or something in life that leaves you feeling stuck and unsure how to move forward. In this post, I want to share how to deal with emotional triggers in a way that is kind, curious and empowering. You'll learn four simple questions to ask yourself when you feel triggered, why self-compassion matters more than self-criticism, and how to support yourself first so you can move through challenging moments more smoothly. What does feeling stuck really mean? Feeling stuck often starts with an emotional response we can't quite unpick. Someone says or does something, and it touches on an experience from our past that we haven't fully worked through or understood. That's what an emotional trigger is: a present-day moment that echoes an older pattern. When it happens, it's worth asking one simple question. Does this response help me, or does it keep me stuck for longer than I need to be? Taking a step back to understand your reaction is the first step towards moving through difficult situations with more ease. How to deal with emotional triggers: 4 questions to ask yourself When clients tell me they feel stuck, I invite them to explore four areas. Together, they help you see the whole picture of what's happening inside you. What am I thinking? Notice the thoughts running through your head about this situation. What am I feeling? Name the emotions coming up for you. Where do I feel it in my body? Tune in to physical sensations, such as a tight chest, a knot in your stomach or tension in your shoulders. What does this remind me of? Ask whether you've had this same response before. It doesn't need to be a similar situation. Often there's a familiar thread underneath that explains why you're reacting the way you are. Once you can see your thoughts, feelings, physical sensations and past connections side by side, the overwhelm and overthinking start to make more sense.

Within the Celtic seasonal cycle, Lammas marks the beginning of the harvest—a time to gather what has grown, give thanks for what has sustained us and recognise the effort that brought us here. Although we are now moving beyond Lammas and towards the deeper reflection of Samhain, the invitation to notice our personal harvest remains relevant. Growth is not always dramatic or immediately visible. Sometimes it appears as a boundary we have learned to hold, a difficult choice we have made, a habit we are beginning to change or a kinder relationship with ourselves. This week, take a little time to pause and acknowledge what has been growing within you. Rather than immediately focusing on what still needs to be done, honour what has already taken root. You may wish to reflect on these journal prompts: 🌾 What have I nurtured within myself during recent months? 🌾 What progress, change or personal strength am I ready to acknowledge? 🌾 What has reached completion—or is now ready to be released? 🌾 What would I like to carry with me into the quieter months ahead? A simple seasonal practice Choose one small symbol of the season—a leaf, seed, piece of fruit or candle—and place it somewhere you will notice it. Let it remind you that growth has its own rhythm and that every season of effort deserves a moment of recognition. May this be a week of recognising how far you have come, gathering the wisdom of your experiences and making space for the season ahead. 🍁 Marie Louise

Hi everyone, So I wanted to check in with you and encourage you to take a few quiet moments to pause and check in with yourself today. And this isn’t about judging how productive you have been, but instead simply gently notice how you are feeling, what has supported you and what you may need as you go through the rest of the week. Here are a few journaling prompts to help with that too: Journaling prompts: 1. What am I doing well this week, and what has helped me to do this? 2. What thoughts, feelings or experiences have been taking up most of my energy? 3. What small, supportive intention would I like to carry into the remainder of the week? As always with journaling, take your time, write openly and honestly and remember that small moments of awareness can lead to meaningful change.

I’m so pleased you’re here. This community has been created as a calm, supportive space where you can slow things down, reflect, reconnect with yourself and begin making small, meaningful changes that support your overall wellbeing. There is no pressure to have everything figured out before you begin. In fact, one of the purposes of this space is to help you explore where you are right now, notice what may need more attention, and gradually identify the next steps that feel right for you. Through the community, you’ll find journal prompts, guided reflections, meditation and visualisation practices, wellbeing resources and opportunities to explore different aspects of your emotional, psychological and personal wellbeing. A helpful place to start If you’re unsure where to begin, you may find it helpful to complete the Cedar Willow Wellbeing Assessment. The assessment is designed to give you a clearer picture of how you are currently feeling across different areas of wellbeing. Rather than telling you what you “should” be doing, it can help highlight the areas that may benefit from a little more attention, reflection or support. You can then use your results to guide your first steps within the community — perhaps choosing journal prompts, meditations or wellbeing practices that relate to the areas you would most like to strengthen. If you haven't already complete your Wellbeing Assessment here. You’re also welcome to reach out. Know that you don’t have to navigate everything on your own. If something comes up through your journaling, assessment or reflections and you would like to talk it through, please feel free to reach out to me. Sometimes a short conversation can help bring clarity to what you are noticing and help you decide where to focus next. You can message me here in the community, and I’m very happy to have a conversation about what might support you. Most importantly, allow this space to be somewhere you can return to regularly, and remember its not another thing you have to “get right.”

The Reflections & Wellbeing Workbook & Journal is a guided space to pause, reflect and develop a deeper understanding of yourself and your wellbeing. Based around six key areas of psychological wellbeing—self-acceptance, autonomy, environmental mastery, positive relationships, purpose in life and personal growth—it combines thoughtful journaling prompts, reflection exercises and practical wellbeing practices. Rather than asking you to change everything at once, the workbook encourages you to notice where you are now, recognise what may need more attention, and identify small, intentional steps that can support meaningful and sustainable change.