Disclaimer: I am not a licensed medical professional, and the information provided here is for educational purposes only. Please consult with your healthcare practitioner before making any changes to your medical routine.

Over 15 years ago, I was 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 boutique design store, and also beginning to study upholstery. I was in a season of transition, feeling unsettled and unsure of what was next… On the outside, it looked like I had it together. On the inside? I was lost. Overwhelmed. Anxious. Some days, I felt like I was barely hanging on.

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 out there. 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 training develops your capacity to consciously act and respond with awareness and clarity rather than react out of habitual pattern. It helps you bring greater concentration and focus to all your daily activities. It helps monitor levels of stress and distress, and take effective steps to address them. It helps you positively take action to renew your energy- physically, emotionally and mentally. This kind of practice, means giving yourself time and space to really know yourself, to calm down and reflect, so that your actions can be more in line with what is beneficial and helpful to yourself and those around you. Dive into onto this post to learn more about how you can get started with mindfulness.

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.

I caught my mum’s eye and smiled. She smiled back and exhaled a breath she seemed to have been holding for a 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 a 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.

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, brush your hair, brush your teeth 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 presence of mindfulness woven throughout, that helped me remain calm, focused, and anchored 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 you’re ready to explore mindfulness as a way to support your wellbeing—whether mentally, emotionally, physically, or spiritually—this post will help you take the first step. What began as a simple daily habit has become a purpose-led practice that now supports not only my own life, but also how I show up for my family and clients. It’s never too late to begin. Start where you are.

A Deeper Dive into My Journey Transforming Anxiety

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, 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.

Always remember, you’re not alone. Your path toward healing is unique—and absolutely worth it. Surround yourself with a trusted team—practitioners, loved ones, mentors—who can support you on the journey.

Disclaimer: I am not a licensed medical professional, and the information provided here is for educational purposes only. Please consult with your healthcare practitioner before making any changes to your medical routine.