Personal Post: My Story With Mindfulnes
Over 15 years ago, I was first introduced to mindfulness by my mum and a distant family friend.
At the time, I was living in England — freshly qualified in interior design, working in a beautiful boutique store, and studying upholstery on the side. From the outside, everything looked like it was falling into place. But inside, I was in a season of transition that left me feeling unsettled, unsure, and disconnected from myself.
It wasn’t until I stopped trying to mentally solve everything, and instead focused on one simple, grounding practice: mindfulness—that things began to shift. The change didn’t happen overnight or all at once. But with consistency, it brought a steady sense of clarity, calm, and connection back into my life.
Here’s what I want you to know: change is possible. Support is here. And you don’t need to figure it all out before you take the first step.
“Healing takes time, and asking for help is a courageous step.” — Mariska Hargitay.
What is mindfulness?
Lets understand the basics:
Mindfulness is the practice of intentionally paying attention to your present experience, your thoughts, emotions, body, and surroundings, with openness and curiosity, rather than judgment or resistance. It helps you step out of autopilot and into conscious awareness, so you can respond to life with greater clarity, rather than react out of habitual pattern. This kind of daily practice, whether it’s pausing to breathe, noticing sensations in your body, or bringing awareness to everyday tasks, helps regulate your nervous system. Through this, you begin to build your capacity for focus, self-regulation, and emotional resilience. Mindfulness also helps you recognise stress and overwhelm early, so you can take grounded, intentional steps to renew your energy physically, emotionally, mentally, and spiritually. At its heart, it’s about creating space to centre and come home to yourself, so your choices, behaviours, and pace align with what’s truly supportive for you and those around you.
Where it all began.
On a quiet Wednesday morning in the English countryside, my mum drove me to visit a family friend who wanted to introduce me to a practice called mindfulness.
As we drove, she explained, “It’s sort of like meditation, but slightly different. It’s very you; I think you’ll love it.” I nodded quietly, unsure of what to expect. Filling the silence, she added, “Also, you’ll adore her home. It’s 17th century, filled with antiques. Oh Maddy, it’s divine. I know you’ll feel inspired. I mentioned your interior design studies, and she said she'd give you a house tour afterwards if you’d like. And Maddy,” she glanced over at me, “she’s just lovely.”
I nodded again, gazing out the window as butterflies stirred in my stomach.
When we arrived, the welcome was warm and genuine. Our friend led us into what she called her office, though it didn’t feel like one. It felt like stepping into a storybook—calm, enchanting, safe. The walls were painted a soft duck egg blue, with a petite 17th-century fireplace tucked in the corner. A charming window framed with whimsical curtains let in a golden stream of light. Beneath it stood a Queen Anne desk, piled with books and notes. Two skirted chairs upholstered in botanical Laura Ashley fabric sat at the centre of the room, vintage textiles draped casually over their arms.
It was part Beatrix Potter, part Alice in Wonderland, and I was instantly captivated and at ease!
I caught my mum’s eye and smiled. She smiled back and exhaled a breath she seemed to have been holding for a long, long time.
I settled onto an ottoman, a shawl over my shoulders and a blanket on my lap, as our friend gently explained the practice of mindfulness. Then, she invited me to close my eyes.
A stillness washed over me. Light, calm, and ease—like floating in soft, white clouds. When I opened my eyes, I was smiling without even realising. My cheeks were lifted in a grin I couldn’t contain. I was beaming like the Cheshire cat.
The rest, as they say, is history. And yes, I did get that house tour and built a beautiful connection with our friend in the months that followed. I'm forever grateful for that moment and for the door it opened into the world of mindfulness. Also, one day, I will have a darling duck egg blue room filled with books and textiles too.
Where it led me:
For years, I practiced mindfulness here and there, but it wasn’t until 2016 that I felt a strong pull to deepen my understanding—to truly lean into mindfulness as a tool to support myself in everyday living. At that time, I was navigating one of life’s tougher seasons, facing overwhelming daily anxiety. I had recently relocated to a new country, leaving my family behind to marry the man I love. Though we were happily married for ten months and had just bought our first home, anxiety and overwhelm found their way back into my life.
But this time, things were different. I had mindfulness tools—practical techniques I could reach for to pull myself back from the edge before darkness set in. The challenge was no longer just knowing these tools existed, but committing to using them consistently and intentionally.
With the encouragement and support of my family, I enrolled in an MBSR (Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction) training. It was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. This course didn’t just teach me mindfulness; it equipped me with lifelong skills that continue to serve me—and that I share with thousands of others —every day.
Just two weeks into the training, I discovered I was three weeks pregnant with my daughter. Suddenly, the course took on a profound new meaning.
As many of you know, her arrival was marked by challenges. She was diagnosed with intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR), meaning she was not growing as expected in the womb. At first, I didn’t fully understand what that meant—I simply followed my obstetrician’s advice and avoided diving too deeply into research that might overwhelm me. I knew, however, that I had to learn to be present, listen to my body, and trust the process.
Mindfulness became not just a practice, but a lifeline during that uncertain and tender time. It taught me to stay grounded amid fear and to meet each moment with openness and courage.
You can read more about IUGR here- Article.
During the challenging period when I was advised to go on hospital bedrest for several months leading up to the gestation date, mindfulness became an integral part of my daily routine. A family friend's advice during a bout of depression proved invaluable: "just get up, make your bed, wash your face and put your clothes on." This simple routine, combined with mindfulness practice three times a day, became my anchor throughout my time in the hospital.
“If you want to change the world, start off by making your bed.”
Admiral William H. McRaven
Each day followed a structured rhythm—waking, nourishing my body, showering, dressing, walking, engaging in mindfulness practices, journaling, drawing, resting, and repeating cycles of mindful activity and stillness until I closed the day with one final moment of presence before sleep. In hindsight, I now recognise I was operating in survival mode. Yet it was the consistency of this routine, and the grounding practice of mindfulness woven throughout, that helped me remain calm, focused, and in the present moment.
Today, as I reflect on those challenging times, I am grateful for the role mindfulness played in helping me navigate through the difficult chapters in my life.
I’ve experienced anxiety firsthand. Genetically, I’m wired to be more prone to heightened anxiety and inflammation, it’s part of how my nervous system responds to the world. But through intentional, purpose-led living and daily integrative practices, I no longer feel consumed or overwhelmed by it. These tools have helped me regulate my nervous system, calm my mind, stay connected to what matters, and support alignment across every area of my wellbeing.
When I learnt this, it stuck… “you can either react or respond, but you get to choose.”
If any part of this story resonates with you—if you’re in a season that feels heavy, stretched, or a little disconnected—I want you to know this:
You don’t have to figure it all out before you begin.
Mindfulness isn’t a fix-all. It’s a way to come back to yourself—moment by moment—with more clarity, calm, and connection. And it can start with something really small.
That’s exactly why I created the Mindfulness Starter Kit. It’s a free, practical resource filled with simple prompts, grounding exercises, and real-life tools I use personally (and share with the women I coach) to support whole-person wellbeing.
Just one gentle step toward more peace, purpose, and alignment.
Download the Mindfulness Starter Kit here
Because how you live your days is how you live your life. And you deserve to feel at home, with less chaos and more calm in yours.
A Deeper Dive into My Journey Transforming Anxiety & Quick Links
I value a holistic, whole-body approach that focuses on addressing root causes.
Mindfulness, alongside complementary practices such as journaling, Neurological Emotional Technique (NET), regular exercise, gut health support, low-tox living, meaningful connection, prayer, and friendship, has played a significant role in my journey toward healing and restoring inner peace. I commit to this practice consistently, knowing that—as I often say—there is no quick fix. Healing is a process, there is no timeline, and it unfolds over time for a reason.
Articles on gut health and Anxiety-
You can learn more about my experience with chronic inflammation and a genetic mutation associated with anxiety on this post.
Chemicals linked to Anxiety-The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health studied 2,983 ingredients in our products at home and found 884 toxic ingredients. 314 caused biological mutations, 218 caused reproductive problems, 146 (they knew) caused cancerous tumors, but were allowed in the United States, even though they were banned in other countries around the world. Twenty-six seconds after exposure, chemicals are found in measurable amounts in the human body. The average woman applies 300 chemicals a day to her body (80 before breakfast! )
What happens to your body when it is chemically overloaded?
Most of us feel it as lethargy, inability to focus, sleep trouble, chronic inflammation, unexplained pain, fibromyalgia, skin issues, adult acne, hormone imbalance, hot flashes, stress, anxiety, and fear. If you face any of these issues, it’s time to kick chemicals out of your life. For me I have seen a significant positive change in my mental health, energy and skin! Thankfully I kicked chemicals to the curb 3 years ago and replaced cleaners with Thieves, and 90% of everything else with essential oils.
“If you take care of each moment, you will take care of all time. There is only one time when it is essential to awaken. That time is now.” Jack Kornfield.
If you’re ready to explore how integrative coaching can support your growth and wellbeing, you can learn more and work with me here. Please remember—you don’t have to walk this path alone. Your journey toward healing and alignment is deeply personal and profoundly valuable. Surround yourself with the right support—trusted practitioners, mentors, and loved ones—who can walk alongside you as you grow.
Disclaimer: As an integrative coach, I draw on years of experience in mindfulness, neuroscience, and whole-person wellbeing to support clients in cultivating peace, purpose and alignment. While I am not a licensed medical professional, everything I share is grounded in research-informed practices and designed for educational and personal development. Please consult your healthcare provider before making changes to any medical or mental health routines.
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