Taking photos of ourselves can build our confidence. Photographer, Cat Parmenter, talked about this so inspiringly on my Big Juicy Winter series, I thought I'd attempt it myself. I have to be honest, it didn't go particularly well in terms of outcome but it was definitely fun!

A woman is spending a lot of time in lockdown on Zoom looking at her walls. She decides to funk them up. In pink,, orange and blues, with triangles. The woman is Jenny Sime, my colleague This Is Creativity In Action #creativityinaction #bigjuicycreativeliving

Skating at sunset at Loch Insh - making lines in the ice - made me marvel at how humans have created so many things that serve no purpose apart from joy... like shoes with knives on the bottom ⛸, planks of wood to attached to your feet ⛷🏂, I could go on, but you get the idea.

Alison Jones has a great sense of humour and dramatic timing. In this snippet, she's talking about the way the junior digital natives used to look at her! True to form, she doesn't take it personally but takes the positive: it gives you humility. 🎧 buff.ly/38XyzBG

At several points in this week's podcast, Alison makes me laugh at myself for noticing my tendency to be a bit airy-fairy, waiting for the muse when what I really need to do is just sit on my bum and get it done! ‍🎧 buff.ly/38XyzBG ⭐️ #bigjuicycreativelife

This week's guest is the endlessly enthusiastic, warm and generous Alison Jones. 💙💛💙 After gaining a wealth of experience in publishing she set up on her own outfit and today helps people write business books – not just any business books – extraordinary ones. @bookstothesky

🎧 Episode 40 is available now from all major podcast platforms. buff.ly/38XyzBG ⭐️ Make the Big Juicy Creative Podcast your podcast of choice this week... and if you like what you hear, please subscribe and leave a Big Juicy Review. ⭐️ #bigjuicycreativeliving

I do believe we human beans are creative souls but I do also acknowledge I can get a bit carried away with the soulful side. YES - sometimes you have to stop wanging on about your soul, and just - as Alison Jones says - do the damn work. 🎧buff.ly/38XyzBG @bookstothesky

I love this quote from Alison Jones this week. 💛💙 It was the reality check I needed to stop disappearing up my own bum (which sometimes I'm guilty of). 🎧 Episode 40 is available now from all major podcast platforms. buff.ly/38XyzBG #bigjuicycreative @bookstothesky

Alison Jones definitely can run. She has just run for 1000 consecutive days in order to raise money for a charity close to her heart: The Literacy Trust. 🏃📚‍♀️🏃🏻 Which reminds me... donate using this link..... buff.ly/2Om3Ru7 ⭐️ #bigjuicycreative @bookstothesky

What do you think? What is your favourite way to exercise? Or are you dominated by: 1️⃣ time, 2️⃣ not wanting to be potentially uncomfortable, 3️⃣ how many calories you'll burn? Listen to Episode 40 with Alison Jones - @bookstothesky - buff.ly/38XyzBG

"A lot of women exercise in regulated ways. In front of a DVD or in a gym... But there's something about being outdoors on your own that is actually really powerful. I don't think you get that benefit on a treadmill." - Alison Jones - @bookstothesky 🎧 buff.ly/38XyzBG

Amani explained that she's often not asking for anyone to do anything for her. She doesn't need to be fixed - we can't all fix each other's problems. Kindness itself can help fix the loneliness but the best thing that anyone can do is shut up, listen and empathise.

🎧 Episode 38 is out now! buff.ly/38XyzBG 🎧 ⭐️ Make the Big Juicy Creative Podcast your podcast of choice this week... and if you like what you hear, please subscribe and leave a Big Juicy Review. ⭐️ #bigjuicycreative #bigjuicycreativepodcast

I found this gem in my phone - a picture taken last week, looking south towards Loch Insh, when the River Spey was freezing over. #lovewhereyoulive #cairngormsnationalpark #riverspey

A woman is in severe pain. Yet because she's a chronic pain patient she is at home, in bed, alone. Lonely. She manages to open her computer and post on Instagram, sharing how she's feeling and her insights about her situation. The woman is Amani. 💻 This is #creativityinaction

How many taboos can you smash in one podcast?? Many. ➖ Amani: "It's just ridiculous that they're taboo subjects. I like challenging that." Invisible illness | Suicide | Estrangement | Therapy | Loneliness | Not having children | Judgement | Toxic positivity | Toxic capitalism

I'm a big fan of taboo busting, but I'm a total amateur at it compared to my latest podcast interviewee Amani - she is literally the go-to girl to smash those myths and taboos. 🎧 Episode 38 buff.ly/38XyzBG #bigjuicycreativepodcast #creativityinaction #randomactofliving

My latest podcast guest Amani, talks with searing honesty about what it's like to be single, without kids and suffering from severe chronic illness during a global pandemic. . 🎧 Episode 38 OUT NOW! buff.ly/38XyzBG 🎧 . #bigjuicycreativepodcast