The Happy Map

16/10/2024

Hello pals! I wanted to share this with you to give you all a clearer understanding of what I am aiming to achieve with the Happy Map! Yo can follow us over on instagram for more info and to join the Pep Post mailing list which you can find a link in my bio there.

Seek your joy & share it!

11/05/2024

‘Ello my cherubs! Am soaking up this gorgeous day while walking Dudey. And truth be told...it’s my birthday! I love celebrating anyone’s birthday but my own. The first to faceplant into cakes or blow up balloons for others, but when it comes to my day, I get immensely uncomfortable. That lingering little girl fear of “what if I throw a party and no one shows?” is VERY real. Maybe it is the fear of feeling selfish or entitled that makes my tummy turn… whatever it is.. I hide. Birthdays are weird that way - they are such specific milestones that resurface all the “where I thought I’d be” memories year after year.
At 41, I can’t say I’m where I pictured. Is anyone, really? When I was younger, I assumed kids, a partner, a more stable life path. But my journey has zigzagged. And I find myself in this total rebirth phase - rediscovering myself after career swings and still seeking that forever support. I’m scared this new direction might not work out, but sitting with regrets sounds worse. This child-free life gives me a chance to explore and spread joy, even if not with my own brood. It can get lonely, but something inside insists I keep going, keep trying to make a positive impact wherever I can.
I was cleaning my kitchen this morning (rock n roll baby!) maybe shedding a few tears into them soapy suds, when the bing b**g of the doorbell went. Someone dear sent a beautiful bouquet. An instant reminder not to dilly dally - to ask for what I need. That wise friend was right: “If you don’t ask, you don’t get.” So no more wallflowering for me! I’m going to start inviting myself in. I’ve got good things to offer, and who doesn’t need more joy? No one can do that alone.
Continues in comments:
(It’s a proper birthday wangathon!)

15/04/2024

Join me tomorrow TUESDAY 16th APRIL when I will be deep diving into a debilitating disorder called Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder.
Over the past two years I have been coming to terms with a long standing issue I have had with my monthly cycle. It has taken a hella lot of research and fighting to be heard by the powers that be to diagnose and understand why I struggle so immensely each month.
Like many of us, my education around the menstrual cycle was very little when I was growing up and it has taken me this long to really get answers and help. There is so little known about this condition, and it affects 1in20 of us! Having eluded to my struggles on my stories over the years I have had many of you reach out for more information and understanding of your own cycle. I am no expert but tomorrow I will be joined by Dr Sneha Chennai PHD, the Research Engagement and Advocacy IC for
IAPMD the International Association for Premenstrual Disorders. It is vital we get more understanding of this life scuppering disorder to best support it and during PMDD Awareness month I am making it my mission to help inform those that wish to know more (myself included)
So whether you struggle yourself or have a child trying to navigate it all, please join us tomorrow live here on Instagram for an in depth chat about it.
Please spread the words as far and wide as you can as it is a lot more prevalent than you think with so many of us dealing with this on a monthly basis.

11/04/2024

Happy National Pet Day everyone! 🐶
To celebrate Dudey and I wanna do a lil giveaway and make a surprise pet loving package up for one lucky winner.
Head over to my insta grid and comment on the latest post and pop a pic up on your stories there tagging us so we can see your cute companions!

Have recently found the courage to get back to it on insta so your support is greatly appreciated x

https://www.instagram.com/reel/C5nzuAVMxCT/?igsh=MWJrNG81a2V3NjFqNg==

20/10/2023

Morning cherubs!
So as many of you know I am about to embark on my Joyage of Discovery in the new year. Plans are coming together and one major part of it is connecting communities. Whilst living here in Margate I have noticed (especially post-pandemic) how much harder people are finding it to socialise & find their ‘crew’. It was a huge part of having the shop was linking people up with like minded souls or events & groups I thought they would relish… I loved it dearly! So my plan is that whilst I travel about the country I wish to host ‘Buddy Clubs’ which will be kind & cute gatherings for people to make new pals & connect them to their community!
The premise is that people will come & essentially ‘speed-date’ new faces without pressure, just pleasure! There will be zero judgement or awkwardness as I intend to make each space incredible fun & friendly, with games, conversation cards & all in relaxed & joyful surroundings.

Having suffered with social anxiety myself for years, I reallllllly get it. I get how awkward & clunky we can feel in a social setting or how stifled it can be to converse when you feel all wriggly awkward in the pit of your tummy… I usually need a task or a job to distract from the talky talky part… so with this in mind I dearly hope that my silly little night can alleviate that wibbly shocker & help you find some new pals for future pizzas & play dates!

I am doing a tester one in Margate in November to a) see what the demand is like for such a thing b) help me find my feet with what format it all takes
This first one is free and you’re all invited! If it is miles from where you live then have no fear for I’ll be moving them around the country in the new year! But if you have ideas of venues in your neighbourhood then please do pop them in the comments below. Your help finding the best spots is much needed!
But for those more local, do come along to the inaugural Margate Buddy Club on 29th November then grab a ticket from the link in my bio!

I am nervous and excited all at once! Holding happy events like this has been a dream for so long so here’s hoping it’s the start of many!

Sending so much loving,
Pol & Dude 🌈💖