The hours blur into days, and the to-do list somehow grows longer. The truth is, we don’t always need a full day to make progress. Sometimes, an hour is all it takes to shift your mood, clear your space, or move something important forward.
I call this The Power of an Hour, a simple mindset shift to help you focus, reduce overwhelm, and create meaningful change in small, steady steps.
Charlie Mackesy has captured the nations hearts during the Pandemic, putting into words and images what many of us have felt..
Why An Hour Matters
When life feels busy or you’re stuck in that “all or nothing” mindset, it’s easy to put things off until you have more time. But waiting for perfect conditions often means doing nothing at all.
One focused hour can transform how you feel — mentally, physically, emotionally. It creates movement, momentum, and a little spark of calm in the chaos.
“Believe there is a great power silently working all things for good, behave yourself and never mind the rest.”
Beatrix Potter
How to Use Your Hour Wisely
You don’t need to plan it perfectly. Simply choose one small area of life that could benefit from your attention.
Here are a few gentle ideas to get started:
Tidy one space — a kitchen drawer, your desk, or the corner that’s been quietly bothering you.
Move your body — a walk by the sea, yoga in the living room, or a home workout that lifts your energy.
Prepare for the week ahead — plan meals, sort laundry, or lay out tomorrow’s clothes.
Connect — call someone you’ve been meaning to catch up with.
Reflect — journal, read a chapter of something inspiring, or simply sit with a cup of tea and breathe.
An hour spent intentionally can bring more peace than a whole day of rushing.
Make It A Habit
Try scheduling a “Power Hour” once or twice a week. Protect it like an appointment. Use it to do something that will make life feel lighter or more aligned.
The goal isn’t perfection, it’s progress, clarity, and calm.
A Little Inspiration
If you’d like to explore this idea further, I highly recommend The Power of Now by Eckhart Tolle — a beautiful reminder to slow down and live more consciously in the present moment. you’re thinking about which positive actions to do, break it down into little areas and ask;
Mark Twain that said, “Dance like nobody’s watching; love like you’ve never been hurt. Sing like nobody’s listening; live like it’s heaven on earth.
Mark Twain
Some Simple Ideas to Try
Turn up your favourite song and have a kitchen dance. Instant mood-lifter!
Plant some bulbs or herbs on your windowsill — nurturing growth reminds us of hope.
Go for a walk somewhere new — fresh air and change of scenery do wonders.
Try a #powerofanhour to tackle something you’ve been avoiding. You’ll be amazed what an hour of focus can do. (Read more about it here)
Move your body gently — yoga, stretching, or even a short walk can lift your spirits.
Write down three things you’re grateful for — it’s a proven way to shift perspective.
Remember: it’s not about doing it all. It’s about doing something.
There are hundreds of apps out there that can help you too including Headspace, Mind Detox and Gaia are all favourites of mine.
“Your now is not your forever”
I love this quote, it’s a gentle reminder that while we may feel overwhelmed at times, it won’t last forever. Simple, steady steps can help us find our calm again.
Continue Your Mission.
If you enjoyed exploring The Power of an Hour, you might also love these reads from the Woman on a Mission archive — each one designed to inspire calm, focus and a little everyday joy:
An hour might not sound like much, but used with intention, it can be truly powerful. You don’t need to overhaul your life, just start with one calm, focused hour.
Because one hour can change your day. And enough of those days can change your life.
I’d love to know, what’s one small positive action you’ll take today? Share your thoughts in the comments below or connect with me on Instagram — I always love hearing how you bring these ideas to life. Let’s inspire each other, one simple step at a time. 🌿
With Valentine’s Day just around the corner, I thought I’d share some thoughts and ideas about sharing the love – not just to those you love but to YOU too!
Valentine’s Day, also called Saint Valentine’s Day or the Feast of Saint Valentine and is celebrated annually on February 14. It originated as a Western Christian Feast Day, honouring one or two early Christian martyrs named Saint Valentine and is recognised as a significant cultural, religious, and commercial celebration of romance and love in many regions of the world.
What do you traditionally do on Valentines Day? Go all out, with chocolates, flowers and a meal? Or ignore the whole event?
As a couple (seeing as my Birthday is the day before Valentines Day) we don’t usually have a big celebration on the 14th February! The teasing he got whenever we went out for a meal on the 13th “Getting the brownie points in early Sir??” or “Don’t blame you, going out the night before, much cheaper!!” were usual questions! Not annoying in the slightest!
We often think that Valentines Day is for the young lovers and some possibly would think this day is even a commercial gimmick but this year, I believe we could all do with a little more love and a little less worry, judgement, no huge gestures required – the pandaemic has changed so much of our lives and we appreciated the little things so much more, don’t you think?
Valentine’s Day in Finland, called ystävänpäivä which translates into “Friend’s Day”. As the name indicates, this day is more about remembering friends, not significant others.
So with this in mind, here are some thoughts that you could treat yourself, your partner or even your best friend, to let them know you are thinking of them and that you care x x
You know I’m an absolute lover of sending Happy Post, I adore finding new brands and I’ve found The Toasted Crumpet and more recently Hip hip Hooray and am so pleased I have. Why not use this opportunity to send a card to someone you’ve not seen for a while or pop a card in the post to arrive in your home? I love the idea and traditions from Finland and might introduce that this year and beyond. What do you think?
The simpler things in life are MUCH more appreciated.
Home Spa Day
Bubble Baths or Spa Days aren’t for everyone – sometimes I struggle to sit still too! A relaxing bath, add candles, a good book, maybe even a glass of something lovely…! Lock the door and enjoy a few moments peace! Remember to leave your phone outside!
I currently loving the idea of a creating home spa. A gorgeous bath, comfy clothes, maybe even a DIY manicure, body scrub or mini facial! They won’t break the bank, leaving you feel a million dollars!
“All you need is love. But a little chocolate now and then doesn’t hurt”
Charles M Schulz
Enjoy the Great Outdoors
Fancy packing up a flask of hot chocolate and head out into the great outdoors for a romantic walk..? We are blessed with the coast and Dartmoor on our doorstep admittedly,
I love The Outdoor Guide, a free inspirational portal connecting all things outdoors.
The Outdoor Guide is “a place for people who love getting outdoors, lacing up a pair of muddy boots and discovering new walking routes in the great outdoors. We’re building a collection of the very best hill walks, mountain walks, woodland walks, lake walks, river walks, coastal walks, village walks, city walks and pub walks, taking take you right to the heart of the finest scenery in Britain.”
It’s a fabulous site to explore and plan your walks. I’m sure you’ll find some fabulous new ones you didn’t know were there!
If in doubt, treat yourself to a little Sparkle!
I’ve been a huge fan of Catherine D’Crovecoeur for quite some time and adore her new collection “Amour Toujours” (Love Always) launched just yesterday. £1 from each pair of earrings sold from the “Amour Toujours” collection will go to the Women’s Aid Charity, helping to keep women and children safe from domestic abuse.
A little message each day..
Esty have some fabulous gifts, supporting small business. Love this Mug I bought my husband last year, a funny little reminder each day!
I also love the idea of a Jar of Dates.. Scribble some ideas of dates where you and your nearest and dearest love to go and pop them in a jar.. WHEN Lockdown is finally over and we can head back into a little normality, take it it turns to pick a date from the jar and enjoy! A fun thing to do with the family too!
It goes without saying that may favourite gift of all time to give any day, let alone Valentine’s Day, would be the Gift of Life. As an Ambassador for the Blood Cancer Charity, DKMS, I’d love you to take a look at the various different ways you can get involved in supporting this fabulous Charity.
Registering as a Donor A blood cancer diagnosis is a shock and often marks the start of a race against time. For many patients, their only chance of survival is to find a matching blood stem cell donor, as fast as possible. That is why donor profiles with all the relevant information, along with the best possible processes, are so important. It costs DKMS £40 to register each new potential blood stem celldonor, but costs YOU nothing. Read more:
With Valentines Day in mind, how about ending a hand in the fight against blood cancer by hosting a virtual #LetsNailBloodCancer party!
The money you raise at your party will help DKMS register more donors who could be a match for a blood cancer patient in need. Host a virtual mani-pedicure party for family, friends and colleagues. Taking part is easy and fun! #LetsNailBloodcancer together.
I’m sure if we asked any parent who’s been home schooling, working at home or a key worker – (in fact anyone!) these last few months what they’d love most, I’m sure a lie-in, time to read their favourite book or watch their favourite episode without interruption would feature quite readily on the list! I know it’s on mine!
The Gift of Time is precious and cost nothing! The world doesn’t always have to turn at a million miles an hour, agreed it is hard to get off the treadmill of life at times! Use this day to treat yourself or those in your household, the 14th February is a Sunday after all!
So many ideas about how you might do things a little differently this year.. I’d love to know what little things you might do to show your loved ones you care this Valentines and especially the little things to love YOU?
Wishing you a Happy forthcoming Valentines Day or as they say in Finland ystävänpäivä (Friends Day)
When did you last have a proper Digital Detox..? I don’t mean time away from your phone, although it is good to reduce screen time, but I mean in the sense of decluttering the ‘stuff`’ that builds up on our laptops, phone, address books and so on..
During this difficult time of lockdown there is inevitably a lot of people feeling anxious, overwhelmed and ultimately perhaps even unhappy. In this series of blogs this month, I’m sharing my thoughts with you on how to remove the things in life that aren’t serving us, in order to move forwards and (In case you missed a previous blog asking what you’re letting go of in 2021, you’ll find it here.)
During Lockdown, many of us had a good old declutter of our homes and this week I’m sharing that it’s very therapeutic to do the same with our digital lives too. By doing so, we will spend less time searching for photos to use on our blogs or social media, less time looking for that password, and everything will work more efficiently.. even you!
“Almost everything will work again if you unplug it for a few minutes… even you”
Anne Lamott
I’m an old fashioned girl and those that know me will know that I’m a huge fan of stationary, planners and sending cards or happy post as I like to call it! It’s always so lovely to receive a card in the post rather than that ominous white envelope right?
When did you last update your address book?
Do you go to it like I did leading up to Christmas and find that several addresses have been changed, maybe not once, but two or three times! Or maybe even (also like me) several pieces of paper or an old Christmas card fell out with a new change of address notice… yes? Then time, to declutter that address book and renew.. everything will be fresh and clear, saving you time! A lovely thing to do on a Sunday afternoon.
When did you last do a health check on your computer or lap top?
It’s open of those jobs that used to terrify me as I’d think I’ll lose everything but it really is essential so that it works much more efficiently. If there is a problem with the health of your computer, it can be diagnosed and addressed it before a parts failure or more serious fault occurs. This includes checks for viruses or spyware, which can lead to data corruption, identity fraud, and theft. Scary huh??
I have started using Clean My Mac recently and love it.. It’s fast, super efficient and has freed up lots of space that was slowing things down. It also removes apps that you no longer use and so much more!
When was the last time you decluttered your Notes on your phone?
I love my the notes app on my phone, especially during the days we were allowed to leave the house! If a moment of inspiration hit me, out came my notes and I’d pop it down for when I got home or when I was next writing.
However, they can quickly mount up and spending just a few moments, whilst the kettle boils or your bath runs, to edit and delete the ones that are no longer required or serve you, will free up so much space both on your phone and head space too!
Use this time to create new folders so that the speed in which you find your wise words is quicker rather than endless scrolling.. One of those jobs that you think, “yep, I’ll do that” but it does make so much difference and guess what your screen time will be reduced too! Winning!
Decluttering your Digital life will allow you more time for things you really enjoy.
These are a few ideas to get you started on your Digital Detox. Here are a couple of others that I have planned through the coming months..
Messages; both on my phone, WhatsApp and various other platforms that I receive messages. I have several that I mean to delete that’s taking up space, how about you? now I’ve shared that little gem with you, I’m going to be popping that little task to do over the next week rather than scrolling. Will you be joining me?
Photographs.. hands up if you have zillions on your phone? I’m not even going to share how many I have! Many are duplicates I’m sure. Some need deleting, some need printing and for certain, there are many that need fitting in albums so they are easy to reach and at my finger tips should I need to find them.
One app that we have loved using this year is Photobooks and it’s sister FreePrints. The phonebooks make fabulous gifts and are really easy to organise (even easier when you know exactly which photos are where!) We’ve organised a few this year and not only is it lots of fun deciding which to choose but so lovely to have them in a book also. It’s like the modern day photo album!
The Freeprints are also fantastic, again very quick and easy to use. My daughter and I had lots of fun creating a photocell of all her favourite images during her room makeover in Lockdown 1.
If all this seems overwhelming, it’s okay. Bit by bit, little by little, day by day just attempt ONE thing.. You don’t have to do it all now! Pick one this week and see how you get on. You might be inspired to do more, you might even be inspired to schedule a Digital Detox in each month.
“Go for a walk outdoors.
Reconnect with the feeling of the wind blowing through your hair.
Listen to the birds that live in a tree in your yard.
Watch the sunset.
Take time to smell the flowers that bloom in the park during the summer.
The natural world is just as natural as it ever was, except there’s less of it than there was twenty-five years ago – and most of us don’t make a point of enjoying it often enough.”
Skye Alexander, Award-winning author
I really hope these tips for bringing a little positivity to the situation we find ourselves in help you.
I’ve created some planners which I find really useful in keeping me focused and organised which you can find on the Organisation page.
Weekly Planner Daily Planner Meal and Shopping Planner
I hope they will give you a little inspiration so that you can create a feeling of being more in control and less overwhelmed so that you can concentrate on the things that are most important to you. I’d love to know which one is your favourite and which ones you’ll be trying out.
Feel free to share in the comments your thoughts and also what has helped you during the last 12 months.
I was honoured to have been asked by my lovely friend Jay Unwin to feature on his Christmas Eve edition of his “Fit Body, Fit Mind” Podcast and I’m thrilled to be able to share it with you today. Jay is an experienced mental and physical fitness coach, speaker and author and it was a real pleasure to catch up with him.
You’ll be able to join our conversation as we reflect on the year and discuss the importance of self care, mindset and making changes as we move into 2021 You can listen in by clicking this link http://bit.ly/2KUQWxn
I really hope you’ll be able to tune in as perhaps you head outside for a run or peel the sprouts in the kitchen! Maybe you’d like to save it to listen in a quiet moment after the Christmas festivities.
Wherever you are, from my home to yours, I’m sending you love and light for a healthy and happy Christmas.
Candles are, in my opinion, a fabulous gift and what better time of year to think about not only ensuring your home smells amazing but to give the gift of a candle. I’ve included a few of my favourite candles in this Edit.
It’s absolutely no secret that I have a slight addiction when it comes to candles.
I love everything about them.
The design, the gift packaging, the scent and the newness of a brand new candle, so much so that I have been known to keep a candle for a few weeks before lighting. I struggle to actually light them that very first time – it’s as if I can’t bare to waste them.. oh my ALL the secrets are coming out now! Totally bonkers isn’t it?
I must admit this was a “pre-covid” thought patten.. candles are for lighting as much as life is for living right??
Bronte Candle, NeptuneAmber Candle Neptune Pyramid Candles, Salcombe Trading Company
My first memory of candles sparked (pardon the pun!) my Granny Ruby. She loved them and remember helping her light the candles on her dining table when she was having guests for Dinner Parties and especially at Christmas. I couldn’t wait to grow up and have as place of my own to be able to recreate a gorgeous table, obviously before the “tablescape” became a thing!
” I ‘m going to make everything around me beautiful…that will be my life” Elsie de Wolfe
I had to wait a while as we absolutely were NOT allowed to have candles in our nursing quarters in Paddington, London when I was training at St Mary’s Hospital. The fire brigade were called on far too many occasions due to tired student nurses burning toast let alone candles – so it was a big zero on that front!
Fast forward a couple more years and my first proper wages as a qualified nurse included a trip to the new and luxurious Jo Malone, London. The dream candle especially for one on so little wages.. the Lime, Basil and is still a favourite to this day… On a side note, if you love podcasts; Jo’s appearance on Desert Island Discs is a must listen – what an incredibly, inspiring woman.
The light from a candle at Christmas is so special. This has been captured beautifully by Neptune
Fresh Fig and Jasmine – Plum and Ashby
Plum and Ashby are one of my favourite brands, having discovered the Fresh Fig & Jasmine candle which was created to mark Baby Loss Awareness Week. They partnered with the best-selling author Elle Wright and wonderful charity Tommy’s to create this special edition charity candle. 100% of profits from every single candle going straight towards their lifesaving research and support services.
The limited edition candle features the carefully chosen scent of Fresh Fig & Jasmine, to create the feeling of a fresh breeze on a countryside walk. Each candle is beautifully packaged in a bespoke white box, with gold foil stars symbolising the wave of light and all the babies that have left us too early.
Fresh Fig and Jasmine Candle raising funds for Tommy’sTommy’s exists to support, care for and champion people, no matter where they may be on their pregnancy journey.
It’s my family’s absolute favourite, with my son noticing and loving the scent as soon as he walked through the door. (I’ve taught them well!) It’s beautiful, subtle and without doubt my favourite – call me sad but I ration how many times light it! I have my eye on the Christmas Votive Candle Gift set (hint hint Mr WOAM if you’re reading here!) Three candles, one for Christmas Eve, another for the big day itself and the third Boxing Day. Really special.
Christmas Votive Candle Collection
Christmas Wish – Hoof and Paw
I love everything about this candle, the stunning luxury rose gold gift box and matching ribbon, the ethos and of course the aroma of the incredible 15 ingredients that have been used for this very special artisan blend, which include Cassia Bark, Clove Bud, Frankincense and Sweet Orange.
The candle is embedded with Clear Quartz points combined with a hand blended Christmas scent which is rich, warm and sophisticated. Each candle is accompanied with a card describing how to use your candle and the energy of Clear Quartz.
It’s simply stunning. If you love candles and crystals, then this is perfect. Madeleine has put so much love and care into her brand and I feel sure you’ll love it too.
Spiced Orange, Feather and Field.
Feather and Field are a new brand launched in 2020, a family run business based in Kent, which was conceived and started to grow from the kitchen table. Their aim is to produce beautiful products that look and smell amazing. All candles are hand poured and try to use the most eco-friendly ingredients they can find, using a 90% blend of rapeseed and coconut wax, plus 10% soy. It is completely free from paraffin, palm, beeswax and synthetic additives.
The Spiced Orange really is Christmas in a candle! It smells amazing and makes the perfect stocking filler or gift for a friend this Christmas.
“With top notes of orange and eucalyptus, sitting on a warm and spicy base of cinnamon, nutmeg and clove”. It is absolutely gorgeous.
The White Company.
Winter – I couldn’t not mention this beautiful scent! Created over 21 years ago, (say what?!?) Winter is now loved all over the world and often described by their customers as ‘the scent of Christmas.’ A magical combination of spicy cinnamon, rich warming clove and fresh zesty orange, it just never fails to please. We buy one every single year, no word of a fib!
The Winter Collection by The White Company
CANDLE CARE:
Trim the wick to 5mm before lighting and light your candle in a well-ventilated room, away from drafts or fans, which can cause sooting (black marks on the vessel), or rapid, uneven burning.
The first light your candle, let it burn for one and a half to two hours at a time or until the wax has melted to the edges. Burning for less time can cause the candle to ‘tunnel’, which leaves a build-up of wax around the vessel’s sides and can reduce the maximum burn time.
Never leave a candle unattended
Top tip – if your candle has tunnelled before lighting, pop some tin foil around the sides of the glass and over the top of candle a maximum of 1.5cms. Light the candle as normal and the wax will melt and return your candle back to normal. It’s magic!
WICK CARE:
Long, or crooked wicks can create high flames, smoking, or sooting. Trimming the wick to 5mm (when the wax has set) following every burn is the easiest way to prevent this.
After extinguishing the flame with a snuffer, centre and straighten the wick. Burning for too long can cause the wick to move, or slant. If you see a flaming wick come close to the vessel wall, extinguish the flame and straighten the wick to prevent the vessel from cracking.
There’s nothing quite like an early night with a good book!
“Christmas is most truly Christmas when we celebrate it by giving the light of love to those who need it most.” ~ Ruth Carter Stapleton
I really hope this helps you when trying to decide what gift to buy your candle lover this Christmas or which scent you might choose to have in your home.
As always, my thoughts are wholly my own and I have not been paid or gifted to share my views in this blog, however. I have worked with Millie and Green in a previous collaboration.
I’m the creator of Woman on a Mission, a lifestyle space dedicated to helping women bring more calm, confidence and balance into everyday life. Born from my own journey to slow down and live with greater intention, it offers inspiration around wellbeing, organisation, home and mindset, one meaningful mission at a time
Home Spa Day 
