EXT. DAY: A PLAYGROUND

A SMALL GIRL is standing, baffled yet intrigued, by the behaviour of those around her.

Whether they’re happy. If strange unconscious forces are at play. What it all means.

Her curiosity is piqued… 

Everyone has an origins story at the heart of what  inspires them.

Ever since I was a kid, I’ve wondered why people do the things they do.

And so I did what lots of sensitive, self-contained, ‘weird’ kids do; I used my imagination.

I daydreamed. I spaced out. I had conversations in my head (look, I said I was a weird kid) and, by the age of ten, I started to write short stories.

(To be honest, I blame my English teacher Mr Jones for that one. There’s nothing like having a grown man crying with laughter whilst reading your story to the whole class to make a ten-year-old kid think, “Holy shit, this writing lark is amazing!”)

Through local theatre writing workshops and a return to education, I found myself writing (and occasionally directing) short videos. Still curious about why people do the things they do. Little investigation into the actual reasons for it (either with myself or with others).

And then, as so often happens in life, shit happened (AKA my life as I knew it was razed to the ground).

Screenwriters call it Act Two; when the protagonist enters the liminal space necessary for something new to arise.

When my second act hit it wouldn’t stop hitting; a collapse into ME/Chronic Fatigue, a free-fall into social isolation, and the loss of identity, love, friends, home, meaning and, frankly, my mind.

(I can still remember lying on my sofa one November afternoon, watching the sky slowly turn to dusk hour by hour. There, amidst the wreckage of my previous life, adrift with neither map nor compass, I knew that if my next breath were my last, no-one would find me. Fun times.)

On the plus side, being utterly incapacitated, socially isolated and physically unable to do anything to distract yourself is a really efficient way to ensure you sit with yourself.

Losing everything gave me the time and space (and the internet) to finally answer that life-long question directly: why DO people do the things they do? More urgently: Why do I do the things I do?

They say we change for two reasons; one we learn enough to want to, and two, it hurts too much NOT to.

Guess where I found myself.

Reluctantly, then resignedly, and now for the last decade enthusiastically, I became the gardener of my life. I reconnected with myself through self-compassion, self-reflection, and self-acceptance, and have built a new life which, while no rose garden, continues to blossom.

I am now intuitive adviser, coach, and hold an MSc in Applied Positive Psychology (MAPP): “the science of what makes life worth living”.

My journey continues to unfold, involving new friendships, rekindling old passions, owning what it means to be Highly Sensitive (HSP), and connection to my spiritual path.

I find joy in the little things, and nothing makes me happier than messing about and being creative – be it with words and making funnies (like I said, Mr Jones has a LOT to answer for), with my hands (designing and sewing clothes is a passion), or with ideas.

And I’m curious about where my story will take me next.

Anya x

  • Inspiration and studies

    Inspiration & Studies

    I have an MSc in Applied Positive Psychology, and draw from Acceptance and Commitment Training, Attachment Theory, Emotional Freedom Technique, Polyvagal Theory, Self-Compassion, and The Three Principles. I have also trained as an EFT practitioner, NLP in Business practitioner, and reiki master.

  • Writing & Production credits

    Initially a shortlisted script-writer and theatre critic, I moved to blogging and copywriting and was selected by Hay House for their inaugural Diverse Wisdom author development initiative in 2018.

    I was the Head of Positive Psychology, a co-facilitator for their HFT trainings, and wrote the newsletters for the Museum of Happiness for over 4 years reaching thousand of people per month.

“Oh my god. Where to begin?

You are a gift, as a human being. Exceptional at recalling relevant and helpful resources based on a few words. You seem to have boundless support for people in such an unselfish way as to put us all to shame.

You’re kind, funny, patient, sharp, unafraid to be vulnerable and yet with a knowledge of your own capacity.

You lead with empathy. You’re the kind of person with whom someone can share something shameful or painful, and be met with kindness and compassion, rather than judgement.

This is starting to read like an obituary. Shit.

Your smiley demeanour hides — I can only imagine — the beating heart of a warrior. You use your considerable powers for good, which I’m thankful for, although I don’t decide whether you’re Lawful Good or Chaotic Good. My gut says the latter.

I feel like we owe the universe something just for your existence. I’ll shout it a pint the next time I see it.”

— Mark Steadman, podcast producer for subject-matter experts