This week, I said goodbye to the day job. I’ve avoided discussing my job before now; however, it has been a central aspect of my writing for some time. My job was initially supporting young people impacted by significant life trauma, and over time became managing people supporting those affected by trauma. The little bits about anxiety and how to manage it, the moments of people living through awful situations, the push to heal and find hope through others and sometimes romance were all inspired by what I learnt in my roles.

So let me leave you with something related to that. One of the things I’ve struggled with due to my neurodivergent condition is mindfulness, as my brain won’t stop. So, instead, what I do is go on mindful walks. Instead of shutting things out, I focus on them. I consider:

• What five things can I see?

• What four things can I hear?

• What three things can I feel?

• What two things can I smell?

• What one thing can I taste?

My challenge to you is to take a mindfulness walk and enjoy your senses.