Hello, I’m Shonagh, FINDRA’s eCommerce Marketing Manager. I’ve been part of the FINDRA team for over 18 months now, and outside of work, I’m also a full-time single mum to my 11-year-old son.
Like many parents, I'm right in the middle of the whirlwind that is the summer holidays, and have just returned to work after my two week’s leave. Holidays are often painted as a time of rest, fun, and reconnection. And while there were glimmers of all those things, I want to share something more honest: this summer felt less like a break, and more like something I got through.
As I sit at my desk, coffee in hand and the hum of routine finally returning, I feel something unexpected: relief. Not just because I’m back at work, but because my son is back at the holiday club and the two weeks of no routine, which I was longing for, are now over.
This summer didn’t feel restful. It felt full. Full of movement, mess, meals, and moments. Too many of them, in fact. There was no rhythm, no routine. As a single mum, that structure is something I cling to - not just for my son’s sake, but for my own sanity. The absence of it left me feeling anxious, scattered, and constantly on the back foot.
There were beautiful moments, of course. Days out to the forest, paddling in the river, to the beach, watching my son laugh and squeal as we jumped waves or cycling to the park to play. We went on rainy walks and came home dripping, laughing, and ready to be dry and rested at home. We took a trip to Ireland and experienced new things. But in between these pockets of joy, I felt lost. Unproductive. Like I was constantly spinning plates and never quite managing to keep them all from crashing down.
And somewhere along the way, I forgot to be kind to myself.
I forgot how vital it is - not just helpful, but necessary - to carve out small moments of quiet. Time to think, or breathe, or simply enjoy the silence. Time where no one is asking for snacks or needing another towel or wondering where their socks are.
The truth is, I didn’t enjoy this holiday. I got through it. And now, with the return of packed lunches and pick-ups, I’m only just starting to unpack what that means.
But nature, as ever, remains a lifeline.
Throughout these chaotic weeks, the outdoors continued to anchor us. When tensions rose, we headed to the beach. When energy peaked, we jumped on bikes. When we needed space or calm or connection, we went walking - often aimlessly, but always together.
And just last night, even though I was tired and wanted nothing more than to collapse on the sofa, we went for a walk. Down to the shore again. We collected more shells (we always do), we built a fire, and we chatted. Just the two of us (and the dog happily sniffing around us). The light was soft, the sea gentle and calm, and for the first time in a while, so was I.
It reminded me that no matter how fast life feels, no matter how chaotic the season, getting outdoors slows things down. It softens the edges. It brings us back to ourselves.
This year is flying. Summer already feels like a blur. But I don’t want to race through the rest of it. I want to find small ways - through walks, beach trips, rainy-day wanders - to pause. To reconnect. To breathe.
Because I’m not just surviving. I’m learning. And getting outdoors, as always, is helping me along
Sunday Inspiration
Favourite Book
Where the Crawdads Sing by Delia Owens
I love a good mystery and this books combines crime thriller and pure escapism with beautiful imagery. My friend gifted me this - she has a knack for knowing what I would like and sometimes just what I need!
Favourite Quote
Favourite Song
Standing in the Way of Control - The Gossip
I was a very different person when this song was released, but I loved the chaos of it - I loved to dance/thrash around my flat singing it! I still do - less thrashing, and maybe more housework, but it still hits hard!
