“If someone throws you the ball, you don’t have to catch it”
Such wise words from Richard Carlson, a concept that has stayed with me for years.
In today’s blog, I’m revisiting this idea through a 2025 lens, because if there’s one thing modern life has taught us, it’s this: we are surrounded by flying balls every single day. Expectations. Notifications. Opinions. Urgent messages. Other people’s emotions, dramas, dilemmas and deadlines. And somehow, without meaning to, we end up believing that we must catch every one.
We don’t.
And life feels so much lighter when we stop trying.
Why Do We Keep Trying To Catch Balls that Aren’t Ours?
Often our inner struggles or stresses come from our tendency to jump on board someone else’s problem. A friend calls in a panic “My job / mother / cat is driving me crazy. What should I do?”
Before we’ve even taken a breath, we’re problem-solving, reassuring, rearranging our day and absorbing the emotional weight of a situation that isn’t ours to carry.
Hours later we feel behind, overwhelmed, resentful or exhausted…
but we forget that we chose to catch the ball.
Sound familiar?
It’s okay to say No..
Repeat that out loud!!
As Carson reminds us learning not to catch every ball is a powerful way to protect your peace.
“Remembering you don’t have to catch the ball is a very effective way to reduce the stress in your life. When your friend calls, you can drop the ball, meaning you don’t have to participate simply because he or she is attempting to lure you in.
This doesn’t mean we stop caring about our friends. it means we honour our own limits.
As Brene Brown beautifully says:
“Courage starts with showing up and letting ourselves be seen.” Brené Brown
And sometimes showing up looks like saying:
“I’m really sorry, I don’t have the capacity or space for this right now.”
Not unkind. Not selfish. Just honest.
Every Notification Is A Ball.
We all get balls thrown at us constantly, at work, from friends, from our children, even from strangers online. And yes, those little red dots on our phones? Also balls.
If I caught every single one, I’d go mad, and I suspect you would too.
One question I return to often is this:
“Will this matter a year from now?”
It’s not about dismissing real problems, but about gaining perspective.
A Little Story About Our Wedding.
A few weeks before our wedding, the vicar realised she’d double-booked our ceremony. Invitations had been sent. Guests had organised their travel. Everything was arranged and suddenly our time slot didn’t exist anymore.
She checked the date again.
And yes… she was meant to marry two couples at the same time.
We laughed (eventually!), moved the ceremony back a little and carried on.
We celebrated our 24rd wedding anniversary this year and we can’t remember the exact time we said “I do”.
But we can remember the comedy of the best man and ushers racing into the church with the flowers just as the other bridal party drove away!
And the answer to “Will this matter in a year?” was a very clear:
No. Not at all.
Choosing Which balls To Catch.
The key isn’t to avoid catching every ball, it’s noticing when you’re about to catch one unconsciously.
Answering the phone when you know you’re too busy?
That’s catching a ball.
Reading a message when you know you don’t have the energy to respond?
Also catching the ball.
Absorbing criticism that wasn’t meant for you?
Definitely catching the ball!
You can choose to drop it. You can choose not to engage. You can choose peace.
As Brené Brown says:
Vulnerability is not about winning or losing. It’s having the courage to show up even when you can’t control the outcome.
Brene Brown.
And sometimes the bravest thing we can do is say:
“Not today.”
We all need a smile.. A gentle reminder that even the smallest shifts; in clothing, in boundaries, in energy and mindset can create the biggest sense of relief!
“It’s outstanding how much ones stress level goes down with the simple switching of skinny jeans to yoga pants”
Unknown
So, How Many Balls Will You Catch This Week?
I know I’ve caught a few already!
But awareness is everything isn’t it and once you start noticing, you can begin dropping the ones that drain you, distract you or simply don’t belong to you.
Use today and the week ahead, to look after yourself.
Hello and welcome! I’m Claire, founder of Woman on a Mission, a place designed to help women feel calm, confident and energised every day. Here on the Woman on a Mission blog, I share practical tips, inspiration and small, meaningful missions to support you in your home, lifestyle and wellbeing.
I’m so pleased you’re here. Grab a comfy seat, a cup of something lovely, and let’s dive in.
My Story.
I’ve always loved helping people feel their best. My first career was in Oncology Nursing, where I learned the true meaning of compassion, resilience and balance. After becoming a mum, I retrained as a Personal Trainer and Wellness Coach, creating Devon Fit Camp and later wellbeing retreats across the UK and Europe. Those years taught me that true wellness isn’t just about fitness, it’s about creating calm and confidence in every part of life.
My journey has also been shaped by my experiences with cancer, both personally and professionally. At the time of writing, I’ve completed the London Marathon four consecutive years, raising funds for Coppafeel! and Cancer Research UK and a couple more since for DKMS, the Blood Cancer Charity, of which I’m a proud ambassador. These causes are incredibly close to my heart, and you’ll find more about my fundraising and advocacy work here.
I love seeing my friends and family happy, being by the sea, interiors, candles, white flowers, a good Sauvignon (although I’ve been pretty tee-total over the last year or so) and sunny days, whatever the season.
Why Woman on a Mission Matters ?
Woman on a Mission began as a way to support the women I coached who wanted to feel more in control of their lives. It’s now a lifestyle brand that blends wellbeing, organisation, interiors and mindset. My mission is to help women feel calm, confident and energised, one small mission at a time.
Life is full of missions, big and small. Whether it’s creating healthier routines, tackling a home project, or simply taking a moment for yourself, each mission is a step toward a more balanced and fulfilling life. Your mission might be big or small, from tackling a renovation to simply leaving the house on time. Whatever it is, doing it well starts with looking after yourself first.
These mini missions are small but effective. One a week adds up to 52 in a year, 52 ways to bring positive, motivating habits into your life. Here on the blog and my Instagram, I share “mini missions” and Power Hours, small actions that can make a surprisingly big difference.
A Little About Me.
You’ll usually find me hiking along the Devon lanes (especially as the sun comes up) or out on the South West Coast Path, one of my favourite places to reset and refocus.
I can also be found at the gym or at the pilates studio, at my desk, pottering in the garden or decorating! I love being outside, feeling fit, and making our home a calm, happy space. With my children all grown up and at university, life has taken on a new rhythm, but I still love being an active and involved mum. they still swim competitively and we love to support them.
You’ll also hear me talk about my favourite “F words” — Fun, Food, Fitness, Faith (self-belief), Friendship, Family, Finance, and Focus, the foundations of a happy, fulfilled life. And of course, there are a few “f**k it” moments too, because we’re all human!
Your Mission, One Step at a Time
Whatever your mission in life, work, home, or garden, it’s good to know someone is there to support you. Our house is our home, our castle, the place we feel safe and special, and as we spend our downtime there, let’s focus on how to feel amazing while at home.
I live my life one mission at a time, hence the name, but my passion is to share my nuggets with as many people as I can. On this blog, I’ll be sharing insights on home and living, lifestyle, wellbeingandorganisation.
Join Me.
If you’re ready to create a calmer, more confident life you love, you’re in the right place. Join my Woman on a Mission community to get inspiration, practical tips and a sprinkle of motivation straight to your inbox.
I’m delighted to welcome you to the Woman on a Mission Blog. Let’s make this next chapter your happiest, most balanced one yet. This is a place where I hope to help you create boundaries around what matters most, so you feel in control and able to live guilt-free while accomplishing what’s important to you.
I’d also love to know more about you, how you found the blog, what brought you here and what you’d love to see more of. I always read the comments and truly enjoy getting to know this wonderful community, so please do say hello below. I can’t wait to hear from you.
Ever feel like the day slips away before you’ve even had a chance to catch up? You’re not alone. Life can feel like a constant race, and sometimes it seems there just aren’t enough hours to get it all done.
But what if the key isn’t doing more, but doing what matters most — in a way that actually fits your life?
In this post, I’m sharing practical ways to reclaim your time and find focus, even when hours are scarce. You’ll see how small, intentional actions can make a huge difference.
Focus On What Truly Matters.
When your to-do list feels endless, the trick is not to tackle everything at once. Instead, identify your top priorities.
Ask yourself:
What absolutely needs to get done today?
Which task, if completed, would make everything else feel lighter?
This helps you stop spinning your wheels on low-impact tasks and instead channel your energy where it counts.
Top Tip:
I love to write my list the night before so I have a clear Mission of what I need to prioritise first in the mornings. Itclears my brain ready for a good nights sleep.
Don’t worry, take a breathe. Let’s remove the overwhelm.
Nothing is particularly hard if you divide it into small jobs”
Henry Ford
I’m a firm believer that if we look after the small things, then bigger things, which might seem impossible, take care of themselves…
Mini Power Hours: When You Don’t Have An Hour
Sometimes a full hour isn’t possible. That’s okay! Even 20–30 minutes of focused effort can move mountains.
Set a timer for a mini session.
Eliminate distractions — no phone, no notifications.
Focus on just one small but meaningful task.
You’ll be surprised how much you can accomplish in short, intentional bursts.
Turn Mundane Missions Into LittleWins:
Even chores or routine tasks can become productive “Power Moments”:
Fold laundry while listening to a favourite podcast.
Prep ingredients for meals while catching up on news or messages.
Tidy one zone of your home at a time instead of the whole house.
Breaking larger tasks into bite-sized pieces keeps overwhelm at bay and gives a sense of progress.
Prioritise Yourself Too
Your Power of an Hour isn’t just for productivity — it can also be for self-care.
Enjoy a quiet coffee and a few pages of a book.
Go for a brisk 20-minute walk outside.
Try a short meditation to reset your mind.
Even small breaks refresh your focus and make the rest of your day more manageable.
Your Next Step.
Start small. Pick one task, block 20–60 minutes, and see what you can achieve.
The Power of an Hour isn’t magic. it’s simply making the most of the time you have, with focus, intention, and a little planning.
I’d love to know how it works for you! Tag me on Instagram or Facebook with your #powerofanhour stories, and let’s celebrate the small wins together.
A walk along the coast in the fresh can be super powerful.
What You Can Achieve In An Hour
Even a single hour can make a big difference when it’s focused with intention. Whether it’s boosting your wellbeing, shifting your mindset, or tackling a small but meaningful task, an hour is more powerful than it seems.
Below are five ideas and posts to inspire how you can make the most of just 60 minutes, simple, practical, and life-changing ways to use your time wisely.
The Power of an Hour is a great way to inject intention into your day or evening. I’ve shared free daily planner (and more) in the Organisation tools.
It really helps keep me focused and find it invaluable for my Power of an Hour.
What will you do with your next Power of an Hour? I’d love to know, join in the conversation on my Instagram or comment below. Feel free to tag me into your #powerofanhour and use the hashtag!
Here’s to feeling more in control and less overwhelmed!
It’s Pumpkin Season! Here’s a little mission for you to try this week: three heartwarming pumpkin recipes to tickle your tastebuds and they’ll solve your dilemma of what to do with your pumpkin flesh once you’ve carved your pumpkins.
As the evenings draw in and we crave warmer foods, these recipes are perfect for family meals, Sunday treats, or a comforting midweek dinner. From Pumpkin Soup to Roasted Pumpkin Wedges and Pumpkin Pie Muffins, these dishes are seasonal, simple, and delicious.
Love foods in season? Butternut squash works just as well too!
Pumpkin Soup Recipe
This velvety, naturally creamy soup adapted from Good Housekeeping, keeps well for a day or two in the fridge.
Ingredients
850g pumpkin or squash, peeled and cut into 2-3cm chunks
200g banana shallots, skin on, halved lengthways
1 small head garlic, skin on top cm sliced off
3 sprigs rosemary
2 teaspoons dried chilli flakes (optional)
4 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper
750ml good chicken or vegetable stock, plus extra if needed
For the Garnish: 3 tablespoons pumpkin seeds and 1 teaspoon extra virgin olive oil.
To Serve: 100g crumbly goats, fresh rosemary, toasted pumpkin seed oil (optional) with chucks of granary bread.
Method
Heat the oven to 180˚C/fan oven 160˚C/mark 4. Scatter the pumpkin in a large roasting tin with the shallots, garlic-cut-side down – rosemary, chilli (if using), olive oil and seasoning to toss to coat in the oil.
Roast for 45 minutes until mostly tender and golden in places, but not too browned – if it starts to brown, cover with foil. For the garnish, toss the pumpkin seeds on a baking tray with the olive oil and toast in the oven for 5 minutes.
When the pumpkin is ready, remove the rosemary – reserve for a garnish unless blackened – and squeeze the softened garlic shallots from their skins into the roasting tray, discarding the skins.
Heat the stock in a saucepan large enough to fit the pumpkin, then add the contents of the roasting tray and simmer for 15-20 minutes.
Blend to a smooth purée using a stick blender, thinning with more hot stock if necessary. Alternatively, cool slightly and blend in batches in a jug blender or food processor (a processor won’t give as smooth a result).
Reheat gently to serve, season and ladle into warm bowls. Crumble over the goats’ cheese and scatter with pumpkin seeds. If using, break over the crisp rosemary needles and drizzle with a little pumpkin-seed oil.
Food can bring people together in a way nothing else could.
Yotam Ottolenghi
Roasted Pumpkin Wedges Recipe with Chestnut, Cinnamon and Fresh Bay Leaves.
A simple and gratifying dish from Ottolenghi looks fabulous and is very easy to make.
Lay out on a flat serving dish and bring to the table. It doesn’t get much more Autumnal than this (and would be perfect at Christmas too!) A super addition to almost any main course.
Ingredients (serves 4-6)
1 medium pumpkin, about 1.3kg
6 tbsp olive oil
4 cinnamon sticks
4 tbsp maple syrup
3 garlic cloves, crushed
20 fresh sage leaves
10 fresh bay leaves
Salt and black pepper
150g cooked chestnuts
Method
Preheat the oven to 200C/400F/ gas mark 6. Cut the unpeeled pumpkin into wedges (1-2cm at the thick end) and discard the seeds; leave the skin on.
In a large bowl, toss the pumpkin pieces with four tablespoons of olive oil, the cinnamon, three tablespoons of maple syrup, the garlic, sage, half the bay leaves, and salt and pepper.
Lay out in a single layer in a large roasting tray and roast for 20-25 minutes, until the pumpkin is soft and golden. Add the chestnuts five minutes before the end.
Arrange the tray’s contents on a serving platter and scatter the remaining bay leaves over the top. Stir together the remaining syrup and oil, and drizzle on top. Serve warm.
Let food be thy medicine and medicine be thy food.
Hippocrates
Pumpkin Pie Muffins Recipe
Pumpkin Pie Muffins
These muffins are easy to make and will fill your kitchen with the wonderful smell of autumn. Moist, fragrant, gluten-free muffins. Perfect for family snacks or after activities.
Ingredients
¼ teaspoon sea salt
½ teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
1 cup fresh baked pumpkin (or winter squash), well packed
¼ teaspoon ground ginger
1 pinch ground cloves
2 tablespoons rapeseed oil
½ cup agave nectar
2 large eggs
Method
In a large bowl combine almond flour, salt, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger and cloves
In a food processor, puree the oil, agave, eggs and pumpkin until smooth. Add the remaining ingredients and stir well.
Spoon the mixture into muffin cases Place paper liners in muffin pan and bake at 350° for 40-45 minutes
Cool for 2-3 hours (if you can wait that long!) and serve.
These treats are perfect after a training run or after the children’s football or rugby training or even as a little snack whilst relaxing over the papers on Sunday.
Super, simple family recipes make life so much easier and so I hope you enjoy these. Let me know in the comments or join the conversation on Instagram!
What is your favourite meal or treat to make during Pumpkin Season? Please do let me know in the comments. I’d love to hear your ideas and tips, please leave a comment below and join the conversation.
Wherever or however you enjoy this warming bites, hope you’ll be able to relax and take a moment for you.
I was first invited to Nkuku Totnes Totnes in 2022 to explore their newly extended barn and refurbished café, a space that perfectly reflects the brand’s ethos of thoughtful craftsmanship, calm design, and conscious living. Visiting Nkuku Totnes again, I was struck by the seamless blend of sustainability and style, from the hand-thrown ceramics to the seasonal dishes served with quiet elegance.
Since that visit, Nkuku has continued to grow, most recently opening a beautiful new venue in Redbrick, Leeds. Revisiting this inspiring destination feels like the perfect way to celebrate timeless design, sustainable style, and the spaces that make us feel truly at home.
From the Totnes barn to the new Leeds venue, Nkuku’s journey reflects a beautiful balance of evolution and ethos , staying true to its roots while expanding its reach.
Nkuku based just outside Totnes in the glorious South Hams countryside in Devon. Originally a farmyard of barns housing cattle and was derelict for over 20 years before Nkuku discovered them and worked their magic. There is free parking, wifi and well behaved dogs are very welcome. There’s even a little treat waiting for them by the door. I might have to make this my new place to sit and write, it’s so lovely.
The barns are filled with collections styled so beautifully, it’s impossible not to imagine these serene, curated corners in your own home
Inspired Collections From Nkuku Totnes For Every Home
I’ve created three mood boards showcasing my favourite pieces from Nkuku’s latest collection. The designs span a variety of styles and price points, making them easy to adapt to your own home. With their light, tactile and natural materials, each piece adds effortless warmth, texture, and character to any living space, whatever its size or location. I hope these boards spark ideas to bring a touch of Nkuku’s timeless style into your own home!
The Garden Room
Inspired by nature and natural surroundings, the garden room or conservatory is a perfect place for relaxing, reading and entertaining. I love candles and the braided hemp designs to bring the outside in and all the pieces together.
The Ondal Round Braided Hemp Side Table
Adds a sturdy, neutral layer to living rooms or garden rooms. (top left)
The appealing braided pattern is expertly crafted by hand using the warm, golden fibres of hemp. This attractive side table feels solid and sturdy and works well as a neutral layer in a living room, garden room or snug area.. This table would also work well as a footstool or an occasional seat.
Planters
Bring greenery indoors for a refreshing touch.
Planters (centre) are a fabulous way to add green and a refresh to your garden or garden room, complementing other textured, tactile pieces.
Sia Lantern
Elegant lanterns to create a warm and striking ambience.
These lanterns are enhanced with an antique black metal finish, holding tall glass panels for the perfect silhouette for a church candle or tealight. Easily transported from home to the garden, creating a beautiful setting wherever they are. (top right and bottom centre )
Halali Fire Pit
Halali Fire Pit Kadai with Surround
A statement piece to anchor your outdoor living space.
Generously proportioned and crafted from solid iron, this traditional fire bowl is surrounded by a practical table edge, perfect for warming plates or drinks. (bottom right)
Alwar Outdoor Wall Light
Adds grace and a soft warm glow to any outdoor setting.
The antique brass patina of the stylish swan neck and lamp head pairs elegantly with the clear glass shade. This iconic design works well in traditional and contemporary homes alike. (bottom left of the mood board)
The Sitting Room
Inspired by shades of white, neutrals, wood, touches of greenery and of course, living by the Devon coast a touch of blue. Cosy, comfortable and light is the feel of our room; perfect for cosying up in front of the fire and a good book in the winter and light and airy in the summer months too.
Muturi Glass Floor Lamp – Antique Brass
Adds warmth and elegance to neutral or bold interiors.
I love the combination of warm antique brass and elegant clear glass. The striking mix of materials makes this a standout piece in any home.
The Deni Collection
Generous, comfortable seating in timeless design.
The Grand combines soft contours, luxurious comfort, and timeless design, in a stylish UK-crafted solid wood framework with pure Brera Linen upholstery and solid wood legs. Available in six muted shades, you can order a free swatch pack to see the fabric choices. (middle centre and bottom left)
Braided Hemp Rug
Adds tactile, understated style to any room.
Hand-braided from hemp in a traditional pattern, the warm gold hues make it perfect for any living space, conservatory, or family room. (bottom right of the above mood board)
Chara Hammered Bottles
Simple yet elegant styling for your home.
These bottles are decorated with a hammered glass finish and etched detail, skilfully created by blowing glass through a brass ring. Perfect styled alone or with fairy lights. (above right)
Kajala Cotton Cushion Cover
Soft, versatile cushions with subtle geometric design.
Crafted in monochrome with black thread running through the fabric in a softly broken line, these covers are calming and adaptable to a variety of interiors. (above left and top centre of the mood board)
The Kitchen
The heart of the home. The busiest space of the house. With two teens, this room needs to be practical, effective and with Nkuku’s styling storage jars and accessories, the new collection ticks many boxes. A place for everything and everything in it’s place! See my pantry makeover for more inspiration.
Kamtha Water Hyacinth Tray
Adds texture and warmth to side tables or kitchen counters.
These round trays are woven from water hyacinth, a plant that grows in abundance in the waterways of Vietnam. The warm, golden tones and attractive braiding work make them a great accessory to add texture and a natural touch to your interior. I keep mine on a side table in the garden room/conservatory. (Above centre)
Recycled Glass Dome Cake Stand
Stylish display for cakes, cheeses, and other treats.
These elegant recycled glass domes slot neatly into a mango wood base, providing a polished yet practical way to store culinary delights.
Charal Storage Jars
Keep ingredients fresh while adding natural elegance to your kitchen.
The simple clear glass body and mango wood top of this Charai storage jar makes it the perfect everyday organisational accessory. Finished with a silicone seal to ensure that its contents remain fresh. Perfect for pulses, grains, herbs, and spices.
The Dura White Marble Wine Cooler
A tactile, luxury accessory for entertaining.
With striking variegated tones and a smooth finish, this marble cooler looks stunning on any kitchen island or table. (above left)
The Nkuku Café, Totnes was fully refurbished and extended in 2022 and is a haven of calm, perfectly complementing the curated collections. Opening out onto the courtyard, there’s a serene space to enjoy a coffee, iced tea, or a light meal.
There is plenty of room both inside and outside for dining, relaxing, or simply soaking in the peaceful atmosphere.
The menu celebrates the very best of local and seasonal produce, working closely with artisan bakers, farmers, and cheesemakers throughout the South West of England. Nkuku’s suppliers are carefully handpicked to ensure they share the brand’s commitment to sustainability and supporting independent producers.
I can confirm lunch was indeed delicious! I did manage to refrain from the scrumptious looking bakes though!Full range of delicious homemade treats available in the new Lifestyle CafeChara Hammered bottle in my Laundry Room.
Whether you’re local or visiting Devon, you’ll be greeted with a truly warm welcome. A heartfelt thank you to Helen and the entire Nkuku team for a wonderful visit, it’s always such a delight to see you and experience your beautiful spaces. I could happily spend the entire day here!
I hope this post has given you a glimpse into the beauty and charm of Nkuku Totnes, a truly inspiring lifestyle store right on my doorstep, and that the mood boards have sparked ideas to bring a touch of its timeless style into your own home.
I’d love to hear your thoughts and any inspiration you’ve taken from it in the comments below.
Love
* This post was originally published in 2022 and has been updated in 2025 to include the latest collection and insights.
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
Heat the oven to 180˚C/fan oven 160˚C/mark 4. Scatter the pumpkin in a large roasting tin with the shallots, garlic-cut-side down – rosemary, chilli (if using), olive oil and seasoning to toss to coat in the oil. 
