She's back! In this episode Charis returns with a catch up of life at the moment and shares a thought surrounding the term "Just Start". Life is hectic and sometimes we can be full of excuses as to why we shouldn't do something, instead of just starting. Hit play to feel encouraged to try something new or bring back an old habit. It felt good to be back behind the mic. A chance to just chat, catch up and listen to some ramblings that might just help you along your own mental health journey. 

In this episode, I'll uncover my thoughts and feelings towards Imposter Syndrome. As a long-standing sufferer, it was about time I lifted the lid on this topic. Our brains can be our own worst enemy sometimes and I wanted it to be known that you aren't the only one feeling like you're in the wrong place or don't deserve to be somewhere or to experience something. I hope this episode brings comfort and solidarity in knowing that someone else out there feels a similar way. 

All my love,

Charis x

TW- pregnancy loss / miscarriage

Lydia is first and foremost an exceptionally good friend and a sister figure to me and has exemplified herself to be the kind of mum I hope to be one day. She has a gorgeous baby boy earth side, although her journey to motherhood has sadly not been quite so straightforward. In this episode, Lydia speaks honesty and from the heart to share her experiences of miscarriage and pregnancy loss. Prior to recording, we had a conversation about how as a society we can sometimes be naive to the difficulties that can be associated with conceiving, carrying a baby and giving birth. Perhaps we've watched too many movies with the "white picket fence" mentality; we think we'll get married, have a family and live happily ever after. Simple. This recording has  been so educational for me and has increased my admiration for women and their journeys to motherhood so much more. 

This episode is for people with a variety of experiences. The one who feels uneducated and wants to change that. The one who has babies in heaven. The one who has experienced pregnancy after loss. In every situation, I hope that you are encouraged or comforted by what Lydia shares. 

An episode dedicated to the eldest children of Lydia and Stuart - always remembered and always loved.

This episode features one of my favourite people of all time Olivia Watson (@oliviarachel). I met Olivia via instagram throughout the past year. We met for a coffee and honestly, the rest is history. She has become my best friend and I really feel like I've known her my whole life. Liv is so wise, so sensitive to mental wellbeing and so in tune with who she is; I knew she was the perfect guest for the podcast. In this episode, we explore a range of topics (hence the title of this episode) and spend some time reflecting on growing up surrounded by body shame culture. We had so much fun recording this ep while also bringing some really key issues to light. If you've grown up surrounded by pressures associated with how you look, what you wear and fitting in, then this is the episode for you.

This is a topic I've somewhat hidden from because I thought that being in a new, healthy relationship meant that I shouldn't talk about heartbreak from the past. But I've come to realise that my experiences have shaped who I am and that I can't run from the things I've been exposed to. Our previous experiences are what have moulded us into who we are now. Heartbreak is a nasty teacher, but a teacher nonetheless. In this episode, I dive into the learning curve heartbreak was and how it has benefitted me in my relationship today. 

Join me and my first ever guest (woo!) on the pod this week. My lovely boyfriend Ryan, is on this episode discussing elements of his journey with mental health so far. Life Unfiltered is all about giving people a voice and a platform to share their experiences in the hope that it can help both the individual and those listening. You are not alone. 

I am so proud of and thankful to Ryan for chatting on the podcast, particularly as men's mental health does not get the airtime it needs or deserves. Check out Ryan's story.

Episode 4 takes on an interesting stance. I recently felt inspired to look back to various points on this healing journey and in this episode, you can join me as I reflect on numerous posts uploaded to @_lifeunfiltered__ over the past two years. There are many examples of raw vulnerability, brutal honesty and complete transparency in how I feel and it was entirely refreshing and encouraging to look back on those moments. This is not a parade of success, but rather a celebration of progress. If you were to look back on your own journey, you would absolutely be sure to find elements of progression. I really encourage you to keep notes or journal because it is the best way to monitor the baby steps and over time join the dots to see the full picture forming. 

Progress is progress, no matter how small. Every small change adds up. Hit play to join the dots with me this far. 

This has to be my favourite episode yet! I am such a visual person and I think that really comes across in this episode. The mind can easily be compare to a battlefield for those experiencing mental health difficulties or illnesses. This episode explores this concept and may help those trying to gain an understanding of what goes on inside the mind of someone who struggles mentally or emotionally. Within this chat, we will discuss our team, the importance of being expectant and how we can prepare for battle. 

As always, let me know your thoughts over @_lifeunfiltered__ on Instagram. Thank you so much for choosing to listen in to some more of my ramblings! I hope it's helpful to someone. 

Love, Charis x

In this episode, I dig into what it means to trust that "the way is through". We'll talk about what it looks like to rely on this mantra in daily life and also the practical elements you can implement to support this thinking. As always, this episode will include personal reflection which I hope you find relatable. Be encouraged; the way is through no matter the circumstances you find yourself in. Every high and every low is shaping you into who you're meant to be and placing you where you need to be. Guys, the way is through. 🤍

All my love,

Charis x

Welcome to the first ever episode of Life Unfiltered: The Podcast. In this episode, I dive into the roots of Life Unfiltered on Instagram as we look at the birthplace of this community and what has brought us to this point. "Episode 1: Let's chat" is an opportunity to do just that, as I shares snippets of advice I have learned so far on this journey. I hope that you will gain a better understanding of who I am and what I'm about, as well as finding solidarity in the "me too" of mental health. You are never alone and I hope that as we open the conversation surrounding mental well-being, you will come to realise that. I really hope you enjoy episode 1. Let me know your thoughts over @_lifeunfiltered__ on instagram! Thank you so much for being here!

Love Charis x