Hey everyone! Today I want to chat about something that might seem really simple, but it’s actually a bit of a game changer when it comes to building resilience and stronger relationships: active listening. And no, it’s not just “nodding along” while someone talks! It’s about really tuning in to what they're saying (or maybe not saying). We dive into this in Day 4 of the Resilience Reboot course, but here’s the gist: - Listen for the full meaning - People often say one thing, but feel another. You’ve probably had someone say “I’m fine”, but you could tell they weren’t. Listening closely means paying attention to the emotion behind the words too. - Respond to how they feel - This one’s huge. When someone opens up, try to reflect back the feeling. Instead of jumping to fix things, just saying something like, “That sounds really tough” can go a long way. - Notice the non-verbal stuff: this is tone, body language, even silence... it all says something. Losing my voice has taught me that how we communicate often matters more than the actual words. The best part? When you start listening this way, it not only helps others feel seen and heard, it can help you feel more connected, calm, and grounded too. So if you're keen to practise this (and strengthen your emotional resilience while you're at it), check out the 7-Day Resilience Reboot in the Classroom tab. Also, let me know if you've had a moment recently where someone really listened to you? Or where you caught yourself showing up fully for someone else? Would love to hear about it.

Life throws challenges our way - some small and frustrating, others life-changing. And while we don’t always get to choose what happens, we do get to choose how we respond. Choice isn’t always about big, dramatic decisions. It's often the quieter, more personal ones: - Choosing to stay hopeful when things feel uncertain - Choosing to keep going when you’re tempted to give up - Choosing how you treat yourself in tough moments When you start to recognise your own choices (even the subtle, internal ones), something powerful happens. You shift from feeling stuck to feeling capable. From helpless to hopeful. That mindset is where true resilience begins. After being diagnosed with Motor Neurone Disease, I had to make a choice: give up, or keep going in a new way. I chose to live with purpose, to adapt, to connect, to speak up using technology, and to inspire others through my journey. And those choices, though difficult, created opportunities I never expected. You don’t have to be facing something huge to practise this. Everyday choices matter. And the more you practise noticing and owning your choices, the stronger your resilience becomes. Want to explore this further? You’ll find more information inside the FREE 7-Day Resilience Reboot course, available now in the Classroom tab above. What’s one small choice you made recently that helped you respond with more strength or calm?

I’m right in the middle of writing the Resilience Masterclass at the moment. It’s been exciting, challenging, and honestly, a little overwhelming at times. This week, I kept coming back to that old quote: “A goal without a plan is just a wish". It really hit home for me. I’ve always had the dream of creating a program that could guide people step by step through building resilience. But dreams on their own don’t get finished. Sitting down, mapping out modules, writing lessons - that’s the plan. And showing up consistently to do the work? That’s what will turn this goal into something real and powerful. It made me think... how often do we leave our own goals sitting in the “wish” basket because we haven’t built the plan to back them up? Do you have a goal right now that’s still more of a wish? What’s one small step you could take this week to start turning it into a plan?

According to recent research out of Oregon State University, embracing a playful mindset, what they've called “lemonading” (i.e., turning sour moments into playful ones), can significantly enhance resilience, especially during stressful periods, like the COVID-19 pandemic. Here's what the science shows: - Play boosts creativity and optimism. Engaging in light hearted, playful activities helps shift perspectives and opens doors to creative solutions - It builds adaptive coping skills. Being playful allows us to reframe challenges as opportunities for growth rather than sources of threat - It reinforces social connection. Playfulness often happens in groups and laughter or shared fun strengthens our social resilience This week, try to approach a challenging moment with a playful mindset. It could be: - Turning a daily chore into a silly dance break - Making a game out of a difficult conversation - Checking in with a friend and sharing a “silliness swap” - one of you tells a joke, the other responds with a funny story Let’s remind each other that resilience isn’t just about strength - it’s about flexibility, creativity, and finding unexpected joy along the way.

We often hear that if we feel physically well, we’ll feel emotionally better. But did you know it also works the other way around? Research shows that feeling happy, fulfilled, and socially connected doesn’t just improve mood — it can actually improve your immune system, lower blood pressure, reduce inflammation, and even support a longer life. It’s called the happiness–health loop. When you take care of your mental and emotional wellbeing, your body responds. And the best part? It doesn’t take a complete lifestyle overhaul. Simple practices make a big difference: - Laughing with a friend - Spending time in nature - Practising gratitude or kindness - Moving your body in a way that feels joyful - think dancing, hiking, playing - Doing something that gives you a sense of purpose These aren’t luxuries — they’re strategies for resilience. This week, ask yourself: What’s one small thing you can do that makes you feel lighter, more joyful, or more connected? Share it below — and if you’ve ever noticed a boost in your physical health after prioritising your happiness, we’d love to hear about it. Let’s build resilience from the inside out.