Learning How To Live

Episode four is an interview with Phil Watson. A conversation about finding the words to talk about how we are feeling and the limits of language when it comes to discussing mental health.

I have known Phil for over 20 years. He is a husband and Dad to his two birth children and adopted son. He is a secondary school German teacher and foster carer recruiter, and eight years ago found himself in the midst of a period of extreme anxiety.

In this episode Phil talks candidly about his experiences of anxiety and what he did about it.

A warm hearted chat between two friends about the things that really matter. Hope you enjoy it!

Why is it important to have a creative practice? What might stop you developing one?

During my early 30s when I was suffering with post natal depression and anxiety I stopped thinking of myself as a creative being. This was not good. I discovered creativity was essential to maintaining my mental health and wellbeing.

Hear my story of how I have learnt to incorporate creativity into my life on a daily basis. Encouragement and practical tips for getting the creative juices flowing. And if you think this episode is not for you because you 'are not a creative person' - I want to challenge that idea. Listen to find out more.

Does the idea of self-care make you feel icky or entitled or indulgent? Me too.

And yet I have needed to learn to care for myself. Self-care isn't a nice optional extra, it is essential. But I have learnt taking a bubbly bath or booking a massage, while being lovely, isn't the place to start. If you want to learn to care for yourself and to do it consistently, you have to begin with curiosity.

I am a beginner. This is my first episode. It isn't easy to be a beginner and there seem to be so many reasons not to start. What if I fail? What if I don't know how? What if it feels too difficult? But if you don't start, you will never do anything. Here I discuss why and how to start when you aren't sure how. Covering ideas including imposter syndrome, living with a scarcity mentality, and how to be okay with being a bit crap to begin with.