Charlotte's Thoughts On Life & Business

As someone living with a BRCA1 mutation, there is a certain weight that comes before each screening. Next month, it’s time for my ovarian cancer check, and no matter how many times I do it, the feelings never really settle. It’s a quiet kind of fear, one that creeps into your chest when you least expect it. The scan is routine, yet the thoughts are anything but. At 35, deciding to remove my breasts felt like a clear choice. It was hard, yes, but it was also something I could act on. I had control; I could do something. But this, this is different. Ovarian cancer screening is less precise, less certain, and the preventative option, surgery, means losing something I am still holding out hope for: motherhood. I’m in my early 40s now. People often ask if I want children, and the answer is yes, I still do. But it is a complicated yes. Every year I delay risk-reducing surgery, I carry the knowledge that my risk remains. And every year I think, maybe just a little more time. Maybe one more ch...

If you're stepping into a new role, trying to find your feet, and also dealing with the uncertainty of upcoming health scans, it’s completely understandable to feel a little stretched. You’re balancing a lot and doing your best, and that’s something to be proud of. In the middle of all the lists, expectations and unknowns, I just want to gently remind you that it’s okay to pause. Taking care of yourself isn’t something extra to squeeze in when you have time; it’s something that will carry you through everything else. Here are a few simple ways to bring a bit of calm into your day, even when things feel overwhelming: Five-minute pauses : A quick cup of tea without your phone, or a few slow breaths by an open window, can help ground you. You don’t need an hour to reset; just a moment can help. Create a soft space : Light a candle, pop on some music you love, or open a favourite book. Let your surroundings support you in winding down. Body first : A gentle stretch when you wak...

Stress is part of life; there’s no avoiding it. But how we handle it makes all the difference. Whether it's job redundancy, personal setbacks or work pressure, stress can feel overwhelming. The good news? You don’t have to let it take over. By balancing stress with positive actions, you can build resilience and feel more in control. Here are some practical steps to help you navigate tough times. Acknowledge and Manage Your Emotions Bottling up stress won’t make it disappear; in fact, it often makes things worse. Recognise how you're feeling and allow yourself to process those emotions. If you're worried about an uncertain future, write it down and separate what you can control from what you can't. For example, if redundancy has knocked your confidence, focus on what you can do next; update your CV, practise interview skills and look at potential career options, rather than dwelling on what’s gone wrong. Facing your emotions head-on puts you in the driver’s seat rath...