Origin Story

From Disconnect to Discovery: Anna's Writing with Purpose Journey

The Woman Behind the Words

I've always been a hard worker. Two jobs at once? I'd do it. Another qualification to add to my CV? Sign me up. Growing my marketing communications business from scratch to a team of six? I managed that too. But despite ticking all these boxes of ‘success,’ something was missing. I felt... inadequate. Like I was constantly running but never quite reaching the destination.

Does that sound familiar to you?

For most of my life, I put others first. I was the ultimate people-pleaser, with boundaries so thin they might as well have been invisible. I teetered on the burnout scale, twice. My inner critic had a megaphone, and I listened to every word.

When Life Turns a Page

In 2019, my 13-year relationship ended. At 40, I found myself starting over, living alone for the first time. Another failure to add to my mental list – or so I thought.

"What did I do wrong?" "Why me?" "Why again?" "Why aren't I winning at life like everyone else seems to be?"

These questions circled my mind like persistent birds. I'd fallen into the comparison trap, measuring my worth against everyone else's highlight reels. And in doing so, I'd lost sight of what truly mattered – my own journey.

Finding Myself Between the Lines

It was during this challenging time that I rediscovered journalling. I'd kept diaries sporadically throughout my life – dream journals, travel logs from my time working on Disney Cruise Line – but this was different. This was intentional.

I started simply, with gratitude. Three to five things each day that brought me joy:

Not the house, the car, or the bank balance. But the warm conversation with Mum. The perfect latte enjoyed under a soft blanket. The sunset painting the sky in colours that seemed just for me. The morning birds that sang regardless of human troubles.

These small moments became my anchors. And something beautiful began to happen – I started to see myself and my place in the world differently.

Nature: My Greatest Teacher

Alongside journalling, I discovered trail running and nature connection. There's something magical about being among trees. The way time seems to slow down just enough for you to catch your breath – both literally and figuratively.

Nature became my sanctuary. The place where negative emotions dissolved and creativity flourished. Walking through dew-kissed fields or climbing rocky paths, I found a connection that nourished my soul in ways I hadn't experienced before. As an introvert, this was my refuge.

The natural world taught me that I was part of something bigger. That my worries, while valid, were temporary. Like seasons, they would pass. This perspective was both humbling and liberating.

The Trail to Transformation

Since that turning point in 2019, I've transformed from someone who felt disconnected and ‘not enough’ to an adventure enthusiast with strong boundaries and a heart full of purpose.

I've climbed Mount Kilimanjaro. I've swum the Hudson River (in a pool, mind you). I've hiked countless islands and routes across the UK.

Through trail running and nature exploration, I've made wonderful friendships and collected experiences that fill my heart. I've found a soulmate who loves me exactly as I am – imperfections, peculiarities, and all.

Do I still battle limiting beliefs about not being good enough or worthy? About wanting to remain invisible to stay safe? Of course. But now I recognise them for what they are – mere thoughts. Not truths. And I have the resilience and confidence to rise above them.

The Power of Putting Pen to Paper

Looking back over these six years, what stands out most is how much self awareness I've gained through journalling. Those blank pages became mirrors, reflecting back what I couldn't see on my own. I noticed when victim mode held me captive. When I let others abuse my generosity. How I turned a. blind eye because I didn’t want to upset partners, friends and colleagues.

My journal offered me:

Unwavering support when I felt alone
A non-judgemental space to vent, dream, and plan
Clarity when everything seemed foggy
Evidence of my growth when I couldn't see it myself

Most importantly, journalling helped me
understand that I have a choice in most situations. I can choose to stay small
and put myself last, or I can choose to progress, seize opportunities, and
embrace new ideas.

The natural world taught me that I was part of something bigger. That my worries, while valid, were temporary. Like seasons, they would pass. This perspective was both humbling and liberating.

A New Chapter: Writing with Purpose

Today, I'm on a mission to share the transformative power of writing with 100,000 people over the next decade. Through Writing with Purpose, I offer a unique blend of nature connection and personal development through words.

I've created spaces where women like you – perhaps feeling disconnected, overwhelmed by perimenopause or menopause, managing empty nests or caring for both children and parents – can reclaim what matters.

Whether you're seeking emotional clarity, creative expression, or a deeper connection with the natural world, I'm here to show you how putting pen to paper can change everything.

Begin Your Journey

If you recognise yourself in my story – if you've spent years working hard, putting others first, and feeling somehow not quite enough – I'd love to connect with you.

Together, we can explore how journalling and nature connection can help you move from feeling disconnected to rekindling joy and finding renewed purpose.

Because that blank page? It's not just paper. It's possibility.

Journalling for Beginners
Rediscover yourself through the power of the written word. Join this on-demand, online 6-stage journey to clarity, connection and purpose. Access videos, workbooks and community support.
Mindfulness Walks
Step away from the noise and discover how to be present. Choose from mindfulness six walks across Cheshire and Staffordshire Moorlands each month. Walks include writing prompts, sharing opportunities and refreshments.
Start Writing
Build a positive relationship with your mind and connect with your true Self through exploratory writing. Play with creative activities, ponder expressive prompts, and create a future Self you love.

Let's Connect

Ready to discover the benefits of journalling and nature connection?

Reach out today to learn more about my Journal to the Self six-week programme, mindfulness walks in Cheshire and Staffordshire Moorlands, or my on-demand journalling course for beginners.

You can start today by downloading my free 14 page journal planner or browsing my wellbeing creations: journals, notebooks, dairies and t-shirts.