This week I speak to Sunday Times Bestselling poet and author of new book Wild Hope, Donna Ashworth. Donna’s work has been described as a ‘warm hug’, and I think that’s what this episode feels like - Donna shares with us:

* Why we shouldn’t dim our light at Christmas when there are dark things happening around the world

* How to use hope to face tough times in our personal lives at Christmas

* Why you don’t have to be an eternal optimist to use hope to change your life…

Re:Becoming You by Ali Roff Farrar is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber on Substack.

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Join me for a quick meditation (great for bedtime!) to help you plan a meaningful and intentional Christmas, so that you can make special memories and embrace joy, instead of living it on autopilot!

*Meditation starts at 9m 25s*

This episode I speak to the brilliant Suzy Reading. Suzy is a Psychologist and author of many brilliant books including The Self-Care Revolution and Self-care for Tough Times. We’re talking all things Christmas overwhelm, especially for Christmas hosts, or if you are the person who finds themselves with the ‘invisible load’ of Christmas jobs on their shoulders! We discuss how to delegate some of the Christmas load, how to deal with the ‘Christmas Creep’ and how we can intentionally use the time between Christmas and new year to reset and recover.

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As Black Friday (week? month?) bombards us with offers, we talk to Financial Coach Ellie Austin-Williams, author of new book Money Talks, dubbed as ‘a feminist guide to financial wellbeing’, about the dark secrets of Black Friday 'deals', and why we don't need to feel the pressure they bestow upon us! Plus we come at Christmas gifting ideas from a clever perspective you might not have thought of before (and don’t cost a tonne of money!), and get advice on how to avoid financial worries at Christmas, when we should be feeling the joy! You can find and pre-order Ellie’s book here, and follow her in instagram here.

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Welcome! Grab a mug of something warm or put your cosiest jacket on, your scarf and your headphones and step outside for a walk while I keep you company with the first episode of Have Yourself a Mindful Little Christmas, with a little research, wisdom and a few tips from me on managing stress at Christmas, keeping a holistic balance with all the Christmas goodies, and why nostalgia can be a wonderful tool for our relationships! Plus, James Farrar keeps me company today, and shares his tips on small talk and toxic conversations at the work Christmas party…

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This podcast is brought to you in partnership with Tiny Forest. This holiday season, give a gift that truly grows love and ‘leafs’ a lasting impact. Tiny Forest is an urban tree planting initiative by environmental charity Earthwatch Europe, and they’ve got a wonderful mindful Christmas gift idea for any nature lover! For just £18, you can choose your loved one's favourite tree species and sponsor it in its own Tiny Forest! Choose a meaningful location, receive a personalised certificate, and watch the forest flourish. From a mighty Oak, to the valuable Hazel which is a food source for birds, small mammals, and even deer, the graceful Elm, or the beautiful Rowan, which in folklore has mythical properties, often planted near homes to ward off evil spirits, or even the very Christmassy looking Silver Birch, you can sponsor as many trees as you like - maybe even grow your own Tiny Forest! Why champion a tree? Over 6 million people in the UK lack access to green space close to home. Your sponsorship supports Earthwatch in creating 500 Tiny Forests by 2030, fostering nature in cities and combatting the decline in wildlife highlighted by the 2023 State of Nature Report. Join us in bringing nature back into our urban landscapes. Visit Earthwatch.org.uk to make a difference today.