Shadow work & the patterns i couldn’t ignore anymore

I didn’t go looking for shadow work. It found me, in the quiet moments, the overreactions, and the patterns I kept calling “bad luck” or “just the way I am.” It showed up in the way I’d brace for rejection before I even opened my mouth. In the way I’d shut down over the tiniest […]

New York, Jet Lag, and the Pizza That Fixed Me

What’s the most delicious thing you’ve ever eaten? The writer in me was tempted to say the taste of success, keep it poetic, add a few metaphors, and sound like someone who drinks green tea and manifests positivity. But truthfully? Success never came with melted cheese or grease dripping down my arm. And I’m a […]

Wordless Wednesday

When Vintage Designer Meets Shame

If you were forced to wear one outfit over and over again, what would it be? Black leggings, because nothing screams functional adult woman who occasionally cries on her commute, like an elasticated waistband. Oversized hoodie? Absolutely essential. Preferably one that says “I’m totally fine” in Comic Sans. Trainers that carry the emotional weight of […]

Where The Moon Keeps Watch 🌒

How important is spirituality in your life? Spirituality isn’t something I talk about often, but it’s quietly woven into the fabric of my being and is something that offers me great comfort. To me, it’s not about grand rituals or declarations, it’s more like a soft presence that keeps me steady and holds me up […]

It’s Not All Candles and Calm, Is It?

How do you practice self-care? Well, that depends. Are we talking about the version that looks good on Instagram or the kind that actually helps? Because if it’s the polished kind, I whack on a face mask, light a candle that smells like lavender and false hope, and pretend a bubble bath has ever fixed […]

How Emotional Neglect Fuels a Lifetime of Overthinking

Earlier today, I answered the daily prompt question about “what I waste the most time on” (spoiler: it’s overthinking — and you can read that little brain spiral here), and I realised something bigger was brewing underneath it all. I don’t just overthink because I’m dramatic, anxious, or can’t make a bloody decision. I overthink because […]

Overthinking Like a Pro: My Daily Time Thief Exposed

How do you waste the most time every day? Overthinking. Not just the usual spirals, though trust me, I’ve done my fair share of “what did that text really mean?” and “did I sound weird in that voice note?” But it goes far deeper than that. I waste time on all the could have beens […]

Featured

No Structure, No Filters, No Clue

Welcome to “Thirty Something (Plus VAT)“ Before we dive in, let’s get one thing straight — this blog isn’t here to give you the secret formula to healing, 10 steps to a better life, or any other neatly packaged nonsense. I’m not your guru, there’s no life coach certificate framed on the wall, I’m just […]

The Secret Ingredient Is Always the Memories

Which food, when you eat it, instantly transports you to childhood? Fairy cakes. That first warm bite, still slightly soft in the middle, takes me straight back to my Nan’s kitchen during the summer holidays. I’d be up on a chair, sleeves rolled up, helping her measure flour and sugar like we were creating something […]