Angela May

24/12/2025

Christmas Eve has arrived, and the pace has finally slowed.
A borrowed home, a shared table, family gathered, and the quiet nearness of Emmanuel — God with us.
Wishing you a gentle and blessed Christmas, wherever you are tonight.

To read my full blog, click on the link below.

Christmas Eve has arrived. And after a frantic end to the year, I love the way the pace finally slows. There is food being prepared, conversations wandering, and the simple delight of family s…

02/11/2025

What if the truest transformation doesn’t happen through force but through gentleness?

For most of my life, I prayed for strength; now I find myself praying for gentleness.
I used to believe that if I just tried harder, life would finally work — and maybe I’d finally be thinner.
But sooner or later, effort becomes its own kind of exhaustion.

This reflection explores how our bodies respond to constant striving, what cortisol and stress are really trying to tell us, and how compassion can become a form of healing.

https://angelamay.online/2025/11/02/from-striving-to-self-compassion/

📸: Gerd Altmann via Pixabay

12/10/2025

https://angelamay.online/subscribe/
Hello friends and followers.
A little update from me; I’ve recently changed website providers and, in the process, lost my list of subscribers (the joys of technology!).

You haven’t missed much while I’ve been quiet; just the occasional blog post and a few gentle musings. But as I settle back into a rhythm of writing and sharing again, I’d love to keep you in the loop.

If you’d like to receive my reflections by email, you can click on the above link and subscribe.

Thank you for walking alongside my words. It’s always a joy to know you’re reading.

(Image created with Canva)

08/04/2025

Have been thinking a lot lately about ageism, retirement - or not, and thought I'd form my thoughts into a blog. Love to hear your thoughts.
angelamay.online/2025/04/08/vintage-not-expired/

When did I become old? And, who says I must retire, just because I turn 60 next year?  I do not dispute the tally of birthdays, the development of wrinkles and grey hairs, but I do take except…

24/11/2024

It has been awhile since I've written a post, let alone blogged.
Here's a few thoughts around where I am in my life and that includes this space.

What if transitional spaces (also known as liminal spaces and thresholds) are a gift and not wasted time holding us up from what’s next ? 

02/11/2023

Playing without the pressure of being perfect is essential for enjoying leisure activities and reducing stress. Here are some tips to help you play without striving for perfection:
🤸Set Realistic Expectations: Remind yourself that play is not about being flawless; it's about having fun and enjoying the process.
🤸Embrace Imperfection: Embrace them as opportunities to learn and grow.
🤸Focus on Enjoyment: Shift your focus from achieving a perfect outcome to simply enjoying the experience.
🤸Experiment and Explore: Try new activities or variations of familiar ones.
🤸Let Go of Comparisons: Avoid comparing your play to others' performances.
🤸Ditch the Inner Critic: Silence your inner critic when it starts nitpicking. Give yourself permission to make mistakes and have imperfect moments during play.
🤸Surround Yourself with Supportive People: Play with friends or family members who encourage and support your efforts. Play should be a social and enjoyable experience.

02/11/2023

Playing a musical instrument can be a form of play. Providing your mindset is to value progress over perfection. Remember it is about enjoying the journey of improvement, rather than fixating on achieving an unattainable standard. It's not meant to add stress but rather alleviate it!
Play is an opportunity to relax, unwind, and experience joy. By letting go of the need for perfection, you can truly enjoy the benefits of play and reduce the stress associated with high expectations.

01/11/2023

I love this lady's writing. A great read on ageing.

Getting older is almost like changing species, from cute middle-aged, white-tailed deer, to yak.

01/11/2023

Struggling to know what to do to play? How about creating a 'play list'; a bit like a bucket list really. Write a list of activities you enjoy and can easily do in your free time. Keep it handy, and keep adding to it. So, whenever you're feeling stressed or in need of a break, consult your play list for ideas. Choose one, and then just do!

30/10/2023

Board Games are an excellent way to involve others in your play.
Our family have a stash of games we've collected over the years; and love bringing them out when we're altogether.

30/10/2023

Are you too busy adulting that you have forgotten to play?
Play is an important part of a balanced and healthy life, and is an important aspect of mental and emotional well-being. Play helps reduce stress and increases creativity.
If play isn't a habit of yours, then why not develop one. Just 15-20 minutes a day can make all the difference. If you can't manage it daily, then set aside time once a week to play.
Now the question is, what do you consider play?

27/10/2023

In matters of life and faith, how do you find the balance between these two? Some say it is a matter of what you prioritise and value.
In spite of a busy schedule, do you carve out time for time for prayer, worship, and reading the Bible?
Do you include a day of rest and reflection for renewal?
While serving others can be fulfilling, we can often become so busy with that we neglect our own personal spiritual growth and family. Busyness of any kind - even the other serving kind can lead to stress and anxiety.

In Christianity, as in many other faiths, it's important to reflect on how busyness affects one's spiritual journey and personal well-being, and to seek a balance that allows for a meaningful connection with God while still engaging with the demands of daily life.