Earlier this week, I stumbled across a few Instagram posts extolling the virtues of self-care. Which was probably understandable given the fact that Mother’s Day is celebrated this month and we all know mothers need a little TLC.

In this last week before Advent, I always have mixed feelings. I’m torn between letting myself give in to the sheer and unadulterated excitement my children have about all the December merriment and climbing back under my duvet in fear and terror at the prospect of organising it all.

Recently I asked my youngest daughter if she was excited about starting back to school. Like most little children, she lives completely in the present and it took her a moment or two to even consider what it might be like following the routine of a school day again. Eventually she said “it’ll be nice to see my friends again.”

Looking back on it now, I don't think I really knew what to expect when I got married. The man I had chosen to spend the rest of my life with was my best friend, and a part of me believed that once we were married, life would be perfect.

Whether we realise it or not, the various parts of our lives can either be helped or hindered by the thoughts we allow ourselves to have. Take a moment just to ‘think’ of all the thoughts you might have in a day and then ask yourself…are they always helpful or do they sometimes hold me back?