http://survivegrowinspire.com/, http://parisbartholomew.com/

Survive grow inspire, 29 orange tree Hill, Havering atte Bower (2026)

06/01/2026

Speechcraft 2026 journey.: Supporting others to improve their public speaking skills in a safe..friendly environment.

02/01/2026

Happy New Year, everyone!

As we welcome a new year, I'm reflecting on the things which were transformative lessons which I learnt from 2025 instead of setting resolutions I'll be working on these some more.

1️⃣ Gratitude: I list five things I'm grateful for daily, it shifts my mindset, helping me appreciate the abundance in my life, even during tough times.

2️⃣ Meditation: Making time for meditation has been crucial for grounding me and enhancing my focus. Just a few quiet moments bring clarity amidst the chaos of life.

3️⃣ Somatic practice Tai Chi, walking in the park and connection with trees or barefoot in the grass, somatic therapy & QiGong have been my go to's this year.

4️⃣ Continuous Learning: I dedicated 2025 to expanding my knowledge, focusing on British Sign Language & online courses aligned with my interests. Embracing lifelong learning has made me excited about the endless journey of growth.

5️⃣ Meaningful Connections At the start of 2025, I felt lonely due to a lack of familial support, a common experience for many care experieced. I focused on building new relationships & have since developed uplifting friendships that provide love & support.

6️⃣ Volunteering Engaging in charitable work transforms me. This year, I volunteered with Human Library, Inspiring the Future, & Remark, which supports the deaf community. My work with the over-50s deaf club allowed me to give back while improving my sign language skills.

7️⃣ Movement At the start of 2025, I struggled with chronic fatigue. I learned that physical activity boosts energy levels & established a morning routine focused on rejuvenation.

8️⃣ Minimizing Screen Time In a screen-saturated world, I prioritized reducing my device usage this year. I set boundaries, such as avoiding my phone on public transport, limiting laptop use to a few hours without breaks.

9️⃣ Mindfulness in Daily Life: As I move into 2026, I prioritized mindfulness in daily activities, whether throug mindful eating or appreciating my surroundings.

🔟 Sorry..max character limit..plesse see notes..thank you for reading! #ɴᴇᴡʏᴇᴀʀ2026

01/01/2026

Happy New Year, everyone!

As we welcome a new year, I'm reflecting on the things which were transformative lessons which I learnt from 2025 instead of setting resolutions. These insights have enriched my perspective and daily life:

1️⃣ **Gratitude:** Each night, I list five things I'm grateful for. This simple practice shifts my mindset, helping me appreciate the abundance in my life, even during tough times. True richness lies in valuing what we have.

2️⃣ **Meditation:** Making time for meditation has been crucial for grounding me and enhancing my focus. Just a few quiet moments bring clarity amidst the chaos of life.

3️⃣ **Somatic practice**Tai Chi, walking in the park and connection with trees or barefoot in the grass, somatic therapy & QiGong have been my go to's this year. Really feeling into my nody & being more mindful hss elivated my level of consciousness & healing journey.

4️⃣ **Continuous Learning:** I dedicated 2025 to expanding my knowledge, focusing on British Sign Language and online courses aligned with my interests. Embracing lifelong learning has made me excited about the endless journey of growth.

5️⃣ ***Meaningful Connections:** At the start of 2025, I felt lonely due to a lack of familial support, a common experience for many in care. I focused on building new relationships and have since developed uplifting friendships that provide the encouragement I've always sought. My gratitude list often highlights these connections, reminding me of the love and support I can create around me.

6️⃣ **Volunteering:** Engaging in charitable work has transformed me. This year, I volunteered with The Human Library, Inspiring the Future, and Remark, which supports the deaf community. My work with the over-50s deaf club allowed me to give back while improving my sign language skills, emphasizing the importance of connection.

7️⃣ **Movement:** At the start of 2025, I struggled with chronic fatigue. I learned that physical activity boosts energy levels and established a morning routine focused on rejuvenation. I embraced swimming, gym workouts, and regular walks, which have become a favorite way to reflect and enjoy nature.

8️⃣ **Minimizing Screen Time:** In a screen-saturated world, I prioritized reducing my device usage this year. I set boundaries, such as avoiding my phone on public transport and limiting laptop use to a few hours without breaks. These adjustments have made me more mindful and present in my life.

9️⃣ **Mindfulness in Daily Life:** As I moved into 2026, I prioritized mindfulness in daily activities, whether through mindful eating, engaging in conversations, or appreciating my surroundings. This awareness has enriched my everyday experiences.

🔟 **Embracing Self-Care:** This past year, I struggled with chronic fatigue due to the pressures of self-employment. It’s easy to think we must constantly work to avoid losing income, but this mindset can lead to burnout. I decided to take on only the work I wanted and ensured I had dedicated time for myself.

Thank you for reading! Here’s to growth and transformation in the coming year!

26/12/2025

After 29 rewarding years with Crisis at Christmas, I decided it was time for a well-deserved break. In 2024, I opted for a retreat over New Year, but this year, I chose to spend Christmas at home alone.

I fully believe that spending Christmas solo is often underrated. My day began with a restful lie-in, followed by coffee and a mince pie for breakfast. A lovely long walk in the park preceded my festive turkey dinner, and I found joy in the peace and solitude of my own company.

While many may not choose to be alone during the holidays, this year, my circumstances limited my options, including the lack of public transport. It was crucial for me to honor my needs and desires, allowing myself the rest and recuperation I needed.

Christmas is fundamentally about connection. This connection can be with others, but it can also mean connecting deeply with ourselves—recognizing what truly matters and fulfilling our personal needs. For me, this year was about rest and peace, and I found that through a simple walk in the park and a relaxing dinner on the sofa.

I understand that for others, Christmas looks different, and there are many who can't spend the holidays with their loved ones. It’s important to remember that not everyone chooses to be alone; some have limited options.

As we celebrate, let’s take a moment to reach out to those we know who might be spending Christmas alone. Compassion and connection are what truly matter, and while I have cherished my years with Crisis at Christmas, I also value the importance of self-care and doing what nurtures my soul.

So here’s to those who embrace solitude, to Christmas lovers and haters alike, who choose what is meaningful to them during the holidays. Life is short, and it’s essential to spend our time in ways that bring fulfillment.

Happy holidays to everyone. May we always remember the spirit of connection—both with ourselves and with others.

freedom HappyHolidays christmas2025

25/12/2025

After 29 rewarding years with Crisis at Christmas, I decided it was time for a well-deserved break. In 2024, I opted for a retreat over New Year, but this year, I chose to spend Christmas at home alone.

I fully believe that spending Christmas solo is often underrated. My day began with a restful lie-in, followed by coffee and a mince pie for breakfast. A lovely long walk in the park preceded my festive turkey dinner, and I found joy in the peace and solitude of my own company.

While many may not choose to be alone during the holidays, this year, my circumstances limited my options, including the lack of public transport. It was crucial for me to honor my needs and desires, allowing myself the rest and recuperation I needed.

Christmas is fundamentally about connection. This connection can be with others, but it can also mean connecting deeply with ourselves—recognizing what truly matters and fulfilling our personal needs. For me, this year was about rest and peace, and I found that through a simple walk in the park and a relaxing dinner on the sofa.

I understand that for others, Christmas looks different, and there are many who can't spend the holidays with their loved ones. It’s important to remember that not everyone chooses to be alone; some have limited options.

As we celebrate, let’s take a moment to reach out to those we know who might be spending Christmas alone. Compassion and connection are what truly matter, and while I have cherished my years with Crisis at Christmas, I also value the importance of self-care and doing what nurtures my soul.

So here’s to those who embrace solitude, to Christmas lovers and haters alike, who choose what is meaningful to them during the holidays. Life is short, and it’s essential to spend our time in ways that bring fulfillment.

Happy holidays to everyone. May we always remember the spirit of connection—both with ourselves and with others.

21/12/2025

My final post for this year is about shining a spotlight on the need for conscious self-care..as I've always felt guilty about taking time for ME but without it the repercussions are shocking and often irreversible.. here's why self care matters...

Self-care is crucial in maintaining our overall well-being, both mentally and physically. It’s essential to recognize that taking time for ourselves is not just a luxury...but a necessity.

Thank you to Anita for my relazing Indian head massage..reflexology & Swedish treatments.

Here are some key points to consider when articulating the importance of self-care and the need to prioritize one's own well-being:

✨️ Importance of Self-Care

1. **Mental Health Benefits**: Regular self-care practices can significantly reduce stress, anxiety, and depression. Engaging in activities that promote relaxation and joy can enhance our mood and outlook on life.

2. **Physical Health**: Self-care includes taking care of our bodies through exercise, nutrition, and rest. When we prioritize our physical health, we improve our immunity, energy levels, and overall longevity.

3. **Increased Productivity**: Working hard without breaks can lead to burnout. Taking time off to recharge can boost creativity, motivation, and productivity.

4. **Better Relationships**: When we are well-rested and fulfilled, we can engage more fully with others. It helps in developing healthier relationships as we can support others better when we are not running on empty.

5. **Setting Boundaries**: Emphasizing self-care can help us understand the importance of setting boundaries. It’s a value that encourages respecting our own needs and time, showing that it’s okay to prioritize ourselves.

# # # Overcoming Guilt about Self-Care

- **A Shift in Mindset**: Recognizing that self-care is an investment in your ability to function and contribute to others can help alleviate feelings of guilt. Just like a car needs fuel and maintenance, we, too, need to take care of ourselves to perform at our best.

- **Understanding Your Capacity**: You mentioned being a "container." This metaphor is powerful; if we do not fill ourselves up, we cannot help others. Taking time for self-care allows you to recharge and enhance your capacity to support those around you.

- **Creating a Self-Care Routine**: Schedule regular self-care activities, like your Indian head massage session. Consistency can help normalize the practice, making it a non-negotiable part of your lifestyle.

# # # Your Experience with Massage

Your recent experience with a two-hour massage is a fantastic example of self-care. Highlighting this experience can encourage others to see the value in such practices. Share how it made you feel more relaxed, centered, or energized, and how these benefits can ripple out to improve other aspects of your life.

In conclusion..encouraging the conversation around self-care is vital. It’s about modeling the behavior we want to see in ourselves and others. By prioritizing our well-being, we become better equipped to face challenges and support those we care about, creating a healthier and more balanced life. Remember, self-care is not selfish; it's a necessary part of a fulfilling life.

🙏

20/11/2025

If what I do in my professional life resonates with you & you would like to learn more about what I do in my personal life..if you haven't done so already..please feel free to add me!

https://www.facebook.com/share/16mWjK3PEx/

🙏✨️

14/11/2025

Last week, I had the privilege of delivering training on mental health and the adolescent brain to foster carers in Bromley on behalf of The Fostering Network. These topics are complex and deeply connected to attachment theory, adverse childhood experiences (ACEs), and the ways trauma shapes the developing brain. The discussions were rich and insightful, but what truly stood out was the feedback:

"Having training facilitated by someone with lived experience was the icing on the cake."

This speaks volumes. Lived experience brings authenticity, empathy, and a depth of understanding that theory alone cannot provide. It helps foster carers connect the dots between research and reality, making the learning practical and impactful. Local authorities should consider integrating facilitators with lived experience wherever possible because:

It builds trust and relatability in the training room.
It bridges the gap between theory and practice, offering real-world context.
It validates carers’ challenges, showing they’re not alone in navigating complex situations.
It inspires hope and resilience, demonstrating that positive outcomes are possible.

A huge thank you to The Fostering Network for recognizing how important this is and making it happen. And to all foster carers—thank you for your commitment to ongoing education and training. Your dedication changes lives every single day.🧠

10/11/2025

✨ I’m absolutely thrilled (and a little stunned!) to share that I’m finalist in the Women’s Business Club Awards for Inspirational Woman of the Year! ✨

To say I’m honoured is an understatement. This recognition means so much because it reflects a journey built on resilience, purpose, and the belief that adversity can be transformed into impact. I never imagined I’d be here, and I’m deeply grateful to everyone who has supported, encouraged, and believed in me along the way.

If my story has inspired you, I’d be so thankful for your vote—it would mean the world! 💙
👉 https://womensbusiness.club/u/ParisB

Thank you for helping me celebrate this moment and for continuing to champion women who lead with courage and authenticity.

Survive grow inspire

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