Busy but steady: July Reflections
☀️ Rest and Reflection
I’m in the final couple of weeks before my summer break, and, like many people at this time of year, my mind is juggling a lot.
In my recent post, The Inner Monologue of a Bloody Snowflake, I explored how we often layer everyday to-do list items: laundry, groceries, replying to emails, with the far heavier mental load of war, injustice, and grief. It’s a lot to carry while also brushing your teeth.
This summer, I’m planning a pause. Not just time off work, but a break from noticing, from counsellor vigilance, from the hyperawareness primed by the news. Rest is not just sleep; it comes in different forms. I will find mine by taking time in nature, both in trees and by the sea, by reading, immersing myself in someone else’s world, and ice cream... mango and salted caramel.
📘 Writing update:
My fiction project is still in the editing process, shhh, I’ll get there.
In my recent busyness, I haven’t been able to give as much time to writing, and I have realised that writing, especially fiction, is a form of rest for me, and I miss it. To keep my head in the game, I took the prompt ‘Air’ from the lovely people at Lemon Jelly Press and enjoyed the challenge.
📖 Substacks I’ve Loved Recently
Some standout reads from brilliant minds:
The 7 Types of Rest – Chloe Markham
The Truth about Working with Trans Youth - Ordinary Therapist
This Article is more Powerful than the Human Brain – Dean Burnett
📚 Recent reads:
I haven’t spent time on one book or resource, instead snacking on articles, research, Substacks and LinkedIn articles, grazing on information. Part of this has been about finding voices I trust in amongst some polarising words.
🌀 Tools to Try: Reframing
Ever have one of those lightbulb moments that feels like it should have been obvious? Mine came while discussing ADHD: some people with ADHD struggle to retain names and dates and information that isn’t contextually dependent.
This makes total sense when you consider that contextual memory often overrides rote learning, a challenge in schools that often reward memorisation over meaning. Here’s a supporting study.
This realisation also links back to rest. A huge amount of energy goes into self-judgment when we try to meet societal standards that don’t suit our brains. Can I remember the name of my client from a few years ago - absolutely not, but I can tell you when their favourite pet dog died, that their favourite auntie cooked them fishfinger sandwiches every Tuesday, and their partner thinks they breathe too loudly. So should I judge myself for not remembering their name - no, my skills lie elsewhere - arguably more important knowledge. Letting that pressure go offers me the ease I struggled with for years.
So, what expectations are you holding that no longer serve you? What could you release to feel more at ease?
💡 Ideas to Consider: Navigating the Media Minefield
It’s heavy out there. From the manosphere to the demonisation of trans people, to increasing political tension around abortion rights, it’s a lot. And much of it plays out online, constantly.
Helping young people navigate this landscape means more than offering facts. It means teaching them how to find trustworthy sources, check bias, reflect critically, and prioritise compassion. We’re still learning this ourselves, and that’s okay.
🖥️ Online Resource Highlight
Whether you’re a frontline practitioner or just someone wanting to learn, Safe Newcastle’s Domestic Violence and Abuse Multi-Agency Training is excellent. They’ve also shared free "Lunch & Learn" recordings for anyone working with survivors of domestic abuse.
🎥 Watch the series here
💭 Closing Thought
If you haven’t read The 7 Types of Rest by Chloe Markham yet, do. Then ask yourself:
What kind of rest do I need?
Not just sleep. Maybe sensory rest, creative rest, emotional rest. Rest can be active. It can be quiet. It can be a slow walk under trees.
It’s lovely to share a few quiet moments with you today.
Until next time,
💛🌿 Helen
If you would like to support me further or are interested in working therapeutically with young people, consider buying my book:
🌿 If you’ve ever found something useful, moving, or thought-provoking here, and you’d like to support my work, you can buy me a virtual toasted teacake or cuppa here Ko-fi page 💛