I'm Back! What Happened on Hiatus?

After a super long hiatus, I'm finally returning to blogging! My absence has largely been due to my maternity leave ending in September last year and finding it hard to juggle hobbies like blogging and reading alongside the demands of full-time work and looking after my daughter.

I have really missed sharing my book reviews and artwork on Creative Therapy and engaging with my book blogging family. The time now feels right to get back into regular posting again, so stay tuned for the announcement of a new blogging schedule!

So, what have I been up to all these months? Here's an update below:

#atozchallenge P is for Postnatal Depression

Today I'm continuing with the A-Z Blogging Challenge! The aim is to write a post for every day of the month except for Sundays, with each post representing a different letter of the alphabet. This year, since I've just become a mum for the first time, my theme is: 'an A-Z of Newborn Care'. I'll be talking about all the highs and lows of parenting, sharing things that have been useful for me and posting some cute pictures.

For the letter 'P' I have chosen to talk about Postnatal Depression. 

It's a common type of depression that one in ten mothers suffer from, but it can also affect dads too. Having a baby is such a big change that it's natural for both parents to feel some highs and lows of emotion. Sleep deprivation doesn't help and thanks to their changing hormones, women usually experience the 'baby blues' a few days after birth. But if these low moods persist for several weeks after birth, it could be postnatal depression. Read on to learn about the symptoms and what to do if you think you may be suffering from PND.

Self-Esteem Challenge: Final Post

Today is the final day of the Self-Esteem Challenge, originally from Better than Dark Chocolate. It's a series of questions and prompts to get you thinking about your good qualities and things that make you happy or proud. See my introductory post for more info.

Are you happy with yourself?

Yes. At this moment in time I'm pretty happy with myself. I still have some issues, but I've taken positive steps to work through them and I'm proud of who I am now and how far I've come.

Rate your self-esteem on a scale of 1-10. Has it improved?

I'd give my self-esteem a 7 at the moment, which is really good. I don't think doing the challenge has improved it dramatically, but focusing on my strengths and the good things in my life has definitely helped me to feel more positive.

Would you consider doing the self-esteem challenge?

Self-Esteem Challenge Day 29: Changing How you Feel About Yourself

Today is Day 29 of the Self-Esteem Challenge, originally from Better than Dark Chocolate. It's a series of questions and prompts to get you thinking about your good qualities and things that make you happy or proud. See my introductory post for more info.

When you don't feel good about yourself, what do you do to change that, if anything?

Sometimes when I'm wallowing in self-pity, I don't make an effort to change the way I feel. But that's just silly. When we're hungry we seek food, when we're tired we seek rest, so when we feel down about ourselves we should seek to cheer ourselves up. Here are some of the ways I can improve how I feel about myself:

Self-Esteem Challenge Day 28: Do you Feel Good About Yourself Today? What is Healthy Self-Esteem?

Today is Day 28 of the Self-Esteem Challenge, originally from Better than Dark Chocolate. It's a series of questions and prompts to get you thinking about your good qualities and things that make you happy or proud. See my introductory post for more info.

Do you feel good about yourself today? Why or why not?

Yes, I do feel good about myself today. I'd been worrying about going back to dancing after a three week break and was feeling tired and not really motivated. But I talked myself round and tried to go with a positive attitude and it was all fine. I hadn't missed too much and was able to pick up new material quite well and remember to write it all down so I can hopefully practise it again before next week. I've also managed to schedule a couple of blog posts in advance so I'm getting back on top of things after my holiday and I've received some nice comments about some of my recent posts. 

Self-Esteem Challenge Day 27: Accepting Compliments

Today is Day 27 of the Self-Esteem Challenge, originally from Better than Dark Chocolate. It's a series of questions and prompts to get you thinking about your good qualities and things that make you happy or proud. See my introductory post for more info.

Do you often accept compliments? If not, why? 

In the past I found it very difficult to accept compliments, for a number of reasons. Firstly, I never believed them. I thought that people were just trying to be nice when they complimented me but they didn't really mean it. Secondly, I thought that it might come across as vain or big-headed if I accepted a compliment-as if I was saying "Yes, I know I'm amazing!".

On the Link Between Depression, Comedy and Creativity

I don't normally feel the need to write about celebrity deaths, but Robin Williams' story has touched me and I feel compelled to do so. There's not much left to say that other bloggers haven't already covered, but I'd like to share my perspective as the issue of depression is close to my heart.

*Warning: Discussion of mental illness may be triggering for some.*

Like others, my initial reaction to the news was shock and disbelief. Surely it had to be a hoax? Williams was such a funny, larger-than-life character that it's so hard to imagine that he's gone. Then as the circumstances of his death emerged, I started to accept and understand it. I recognised the all-too-familiar pattern of a person seeming to live a happy and fulfilled life on the surface, but struggling with demons underneath. It's another sharp reminder that depression can affect anyone-even those who bring such joy to others.

Self-Esteem Challenge Day 26: Your Favourite Compliment

Today is Day 26 of the Self-Esteem Challenge, originally from Better than Dark Chocolate. It's a series of questions and prompts to get you thinking about your good qualities and things that make you happy or proud. See my introductory post for more info.

What is your favourite compliment to give and receive and why?

The compliments that mean most to me are comments about my personality or something I've achieved, rather than the way I look. I like it when someone compliments my integrity and tells me that I've done the right thing. That way I feel true to myself. I think my favourite compliment to give and receive is "you've inspired me". Those simple words make someone feel like they've made a difference and had a lasting impression on another human being. And isn't that what life is all about?

What's your favourite compliment?

Self-Esteem Challenge Day 25: Giving Compliments and Meeting Yourself

Today is Day 25 of the Self-Esteem Challenge, originally from Better than Dark Chocolate. It's a series of questions and prompts to get you thinking about your good qualities and things that make you happy or proud. See my introductory post for more info.

Do you often compliment other people?

I do compliment other people quite often, even if I feel shy about it sometimes. But my compliments are always genuine and not just for the sake of saying something nice. If I like something about a person or how they look I'll let them know. It feels nice to give compliments because you might have brightened someone else's day.

Self-Esteem Challenge Day 24: What is your Definition of Beautiful?

Today is Day 24 of the Self-Esteem Challenge, originally from Better than Dark Chocolate. It's a series of questions and prompts to get you thinking about your good qualities and things that make you happy or proud. See my introductory post for more info.

What is your definition of 'beautiful'?

To me, beauty is not confined to a single size, shape, colour or style. A fluffy bunny rabbit and a pouncing tiger are both beautiful. Beauty can appear in so many different forms, and really is in the eye of the beholder-what appeals to one person won't appeal to the next. For me, beauty is about about confidence and uniqueness rather than 'perfection'. A lot of it comes from within-if you a beautiful person inside it really does show on your face.

Self-Esteem Challenge Day 23: What Physical Feature do Others Find Most Attractive About you?

Today is Day 23 of the Self-Esteem Challenge, originally from Better than Dark Chocolate. It's a series of questions and prompts to get you thinking about your good qualities and things that make you happy or proud. See my introductory post for more info.

What physical feature do others seem to find most attractive about you?

I really had no clue about this one, so I cheated and asked my husband. He said "your pretty face". I frowned and said "well, do you think other people think that?" and he said that other people from his work etc. had commented that I was pretty. That was a nice uplifting compliment! 

Self-Esteem Challenge Day 22: Which of your Skills do you Pride Yourself On?

Today is Day 22 of the Self-Esteem Challenge, originally from Better than Dark Chocolate. It's a series of questions and prompts to get you thinking about your good qualities and things that make you happy or proud. See my introductory post for more info.

Which of your skills or abilities do you pride yourself on?

One of the skills I pride myself on most is my way of thinking analytically. I very often look at things objectively and weigh up the pros and cons of each option before making a decision. I'm good at analysing an argument and seeing its flaws and I can present logical arguments for my own beliefs and opinions. This has always been a great help when completing school essays, as I found them quite easy to structure. I approach things with an open-minded outlook and usually adopt a balanced approach. I think this makes me a fair person and a good mediator. It also means that I rarely fall out with people as I'm usually able to understand their position and come to a compromise with them.

What skills or abilities are you proud of?

Self-Esteem Challenge Day 21: 5 Things You are Good at

Today is Day 21 of the Self-Esteem Challenge, originally from Better than Dark Chocolate. It's a series of questions and prompts to get you thinking about your good qualities and things that make you happy or proud. See my introductory post for more info.

Name at least 5 things you are good at

This one will be tough as I hate bragging, but there are here are some things I am quite good at:

1) Writing- I wouldn't say I'm amazing at this, but I can usually get my thoughts out clearly on paper and I think I have a good vocabulary. I enjoy creative writing and I know others have enjoyed my poetry. I'm hoping to get better at this with more practice.

Self-Esteem Challenge Day 20: Current Progress

Today is Day 20 of the Self-Esteem Challenge, originally from Better than Dark Chocolate. It's a series of questions and prompts to get you thinking about your good qualities and things that make you happy or proud. See my introductory post for more info.

Has your self-esteem improved with doing this challenge? If so, how? Would you be willing to do it again?

Yes I think it has improved slightly. I'm sure building self-esteem is much like improving at anything-it takes regular practice. Thinking about things that you like about yourself daily is a good way to focus on the positive and put yourself in the right frame of mind. I would definitely be willing to do the challenge again when I feel like I'm in a bit of a rut and want a positive boost.

Self-Esteem Challenge Day 19: What Activity Makes you Feel Alive?

Today is Day 19 of the Self-Esteem Challenge, originally from Better than Dark Chocolate. It's a series of questions and prompts to get you thinking about your good qualities and things that make you happy or proud. See my introductory post for more info.

Do you have an activity that makes you feel alive and good within yourself?

I have quite a few hobbies, but the one that stands out as making me feel alive and good is Zumba. I urge anyone who wants to feel better about themselves and have some fun to give it a go, even if they don't think they can dance. I was worried I wouldn't be able to pick up the moves at first, but it was easier than I thought and even though I still get things wrong it really doesn't matter! I've found all that matters is that you keep moving and enjoy it.

Self-Esteem Challenge Day 18: Do you Like the Way you Talk?

Today is Day 18 of the Self-Esteem Challenge, originally from Better than Dark Chocolate. It's a series of questions and prompts to get you thinking about your good qualities and things that make you happy or proud. See my introductory post for more info.

Do you like the way you talk? If so, why? How can you view it more positively?

I hate my voice when I hear myself back on tape! It's a strange hybrid of an excited four year-old, a posh university student and a northern pensioner. How I achieve all that I'm not quite sure. But I find it really irritating, so I'm guessing other people do too.

Self-Esteem Challenge Day 17: Stress-Busters

Today is Day 17 of the Self-Esteem Challenge, originally from Better than Dark Chocolate. It's a series of questions and prompts to get you thinking about your good qualities and things that make you happy or proud. See my introductory post for more info.

What do you do to feel calmer when you're stressed?

When I feel stressed the first thing I do is try to breathe deeply and give myself a chance to clear my head. Sometimes this means leaving the room and getting some fresh air before I explode! Sometimes I even need a few tears and releasing it this way actually makes me feel better than bottling it up. I sometimes try to remember positive quotes and little mantras I've picked up. Then it helps to talk to someone about why I'm stressed and try to be proactive about changing the situation. For example, if I'm at work I might explain how I feel and ask for some more support with my workload. Taking proactive steps to find a solution to what's making me stressed or manage the tasks and get organised makes me feel much better.

Self-Esteem Challenge Day 16: The Last Thing you Did that Made you Smile

Today is Day 16 of the Self-Esteem Challenge, originally from Better than Dark Chocolate. It's a series of questions and prompts to get you thinking about your good qualities and things that make you happy or proud. See my introductory post for more info.

The last thing you did that made you smile

The last thing I did that made me smile was to cruise along in the car playing 'Mr Blue Sky' by ELO full blast with the windows down. Perfect track for this lovely weather and never fails to make me smile. Bliss!



What was the last thing you did that made you smile?

Self-Esteem Challenge Day 15: What Attracts People to You?

Today is Day 15 of the Self-Esteem Challenge, originally from Better than Dark Chocolate. It's a series of questions and prompts to get you thinking about your good qualities and things that make you happy or proud. See my introductory post for more info.

Why do you think people are attracted to you, either friend-wise or romantically?

Friend-wise, I'd like to think that people are drawn to me because I'm an open and friendly person. I'm honest, open-minded and I play fair. I try not to say anything negative about people, but instead give them the benefit of the doubt. I'm a good listener and I'll go out of my way to be there for people when they need it. I also think that I can be fun to be around, as I've got a good sense of humour and I'm always up for trying something new.

Self-Esteem Challenge Day 14: Who Makes you Feel Good About Yourself?

Today is Day 14 of the Self-Esteem Challenge, originally from Better than Dark Chocolate. It's a series of questions and prompts to get you thinking about your good qualities and things that make you happy or proud. See my introductory post for more info.

Is there someone in your life that makes you feel good about yourself? If so, why?

Luckily there are quite a few people in my life that make me feel good about myself-mostly my friends and family. But the person who makes me feel the best about myself is my husband, Matt. When he first met me my confidence issues were worse and he has helped tremendously in making me feel more content with myself.