About me

Hi, I’m Abi , I’m twenty years old, a qualified early years practitioner, a new primary education student, and a proud dog mum to a gorgeous five year old cocker spaniel.

On paper, it looks like I’ve got it all sorted: I’ve finished my Level 3 apprenticeship, started my degree, and I’m building a career in something I’m passionate about. But the truth is a little messier... and that’s exactly what I want this blog to be about.

Anxiety has been a part of my life for as long as I can remember, but it became much harder to ignore during 2020. Like so many people, the pandemic turned my world upside down. The lockdowns made my social anxiety skyrocket, and I’ve been untangling the effects ever since.

Now, as I balance work, study, and my personal life, I’m learning that anxiety doesn’t just go away. Some days it feels heavy and all-consuming. Other days, it’s a quiet background hum. But every day, it’s something I navigate — and I know I’m not alone in this.

Working with children is something I love deeply, but it’s also demanding. Add studying for a degree on top of that, and the risk of burnout is very real. I’ve had to admit to myself that while I can do a lot, I can’t do everything, at least not all at once.

I’m slowly learning to listen to my body and my mind. Rest doesn’t make me lazy, and saying no doesn’t make me weak. These are hard lessons, but they’re necessary ones.

One of the biggest sources of calm in my life is Enzo, my cocker spaniel. He has this way of pulling me out of my head and into the present moment, whether it’s on a long walk, playing chase, or just snuggling up on the sofa. Dogs don’t care if you’re anxious, tired, or doubting yourself; they just love you. And I think that’s pretty powerful.

Another thing that grounds me is organising. I know it might sound silly, but tidying up, making lists, and creating order in my space brings me peace. It’s like a reset button for my mind when everything feels chaotic.

I’ve always loved fashion and beauty. They’re fun, creative, and a way to express myself. But at the same time, I’ve struggled with self-image for years. Loving clothes while sometimes not loving the way you look in them can feel complicated.

This is part of my journey too — learning to enjoy fashion and beauty without letting negative thoughts about my body or appearance steal that joy.

At the heart of all this, I’m on a journey of saying yes more often — to opportunities, to experiences, and to myself. Anxiety wants me to say no. It wants me to stay in my comfort zone. But I don’t want my twenties to pass me by in a blur of “what ifs.”

This blog is my way of holding myself accountable, sharing what helps me, and maybe encouraging someone else along the way.

If you’re reading this and nodding along, please know you’re not alone. Anxiety doesn’t define us, and burnout doesn’t mean failure. We’re all just learning as we go.

So here’s to messy growth, imperfect routines, and finding joy in small things. Here’s to saying yes more often, even when it’s scary. Grab yourself a cuppa and devle into this corner of the internet I call my blog.