Nair’s decision to self-publish Unravelling marks yet another bold move in a career defined by innovation and resilience. Turning down a fourth book deal with HarperCollins, she chose to independently bring her novel to readers, reinforcing her reputation as a trailblazer in the literary world.

Born from a stage play that Nair boldly performed in London’s West End, Unravelling showcases her remarkable versatility as she masterfully brings her story to life across multiple mediums. Despite never having acted before, she took on all 22 roles in the production, captivating audiences with her performance. The story’s impact has extended beyond the stage, with Unravelling now optioned for television, further cementing Nair’s influence across multiple creative industries.

“I wanted to explore the gap between what we present to the world in order to be accepted and what is really going on,” said Nair. “Bhanu’s story in Unravelling is a universal one of love, regret, and the search for happiness. Turning down HarperCollins was a difficult decision, but I felt strongly about maintaining creative control. It was also important for me to give a voice to an older woman and show that it’s never too late to begin again.”

Nair is a trailblazer in self-publishing. She made waves with her debut novel, Gypsy Masala, by ingeniously crafting a blonde alter ego, ‘Pru,’ to promote it—a bold move that saw Pru shortlisted for Publicist of the Year. The stunt didn’t just disrupt the industry; it landed Nair a coveted three-book deal with HarperCollins. With Unravelling, she once again proves that independent authors can break through and achieve mainstream success entirely on their own terms.

Nair isn’t just an acclaimed author—she’s a powerhouse speaker and a distinguished visiting professor at top business schools, where she teaches the art of storytelling as a tool for personal leadership. A trusted voice in the corporate world, she has delivered over 100 high-impact keynotes for global giants, inspiring audiences with her sharp insights on resilience, creativity, and turning obstacles into opportunities. Her ability to captivate and motivate makes her one of the most sought-after thought leaders in her field.

With the Selfies Award announcement on the horizon, Preethi Nair is an inspiring example of artistic courage, integrity and determination, proving that independent authors can achieve mainstream success on their own terms.

The post From Blonde Alter-Ego to Book Deals: Preethi Nair Shortlisted for Best Independent Novel Award appeared first on Wellbeing Magazine.

According to research by Allergy UK, 40% of children in the UK have been diagnosed with an allergy. Children with allergies and their parents often experience heightened levels of anxiety due to the constant vigilance required to avoid potential triggers. Recognising these unique challenges early on is essential to reduce both the risks and the fears faced by children and their caregivers. For Davina Steel, knowledge is at the heart of this approach.

To help children with allergies grow up confident, curious and empowered with knowledge, former research scientist Steel has written the much-needed book Have You Ever Seen a Bee With Hives?. Designed for children aged 8+, this engaging read is a fun and informative way to give young readers the tools to confidently make safe decisions in the absence of a knowledgeable adult.

Steel’s combination of scientific expertise and the personal impact of allergies fuels her passion for passing this knowledge on to young people. Drawing from her impressive career as a research scientist and experience explaining science for children’s magazines and websites, as well as her personal experiences developing severe gluten intolerance following cancer treatment, Have You Ever Seen a Bee with Hives? helps children rethink their allergies into their superpower.

Have You Ever Seen a Bee with Hives? is split into five parts – Food Factory, Eat Your Body Happy, Allergies and Ailments, Swapping Foods and Telling Others – designed to help children learn how to FEAST safely. To further simplify complicated allergy statistics, terminology and taboo topics, Steel incorporates humorous illustrations with easily digestible language tailored for 8-year-olds and beyond.

Woven throughout Have You Ever Seen a Bee with Hives? are simple methods developed by health specialists, such as the 4R method to help heal a leaky gut. The guide also sensitively helps children with suspected food allergies understand the differences between allergies, sensitivities and intolerances. Steel carefully explains what these terms mean and the symptoms the body might receive when reacting to food. By using this guide, children can better identify and understand their body’s reactions, helping them feel more in control and confident in managing their allergies. Additionally, the book addresses the sensitive issue of bullying, offering helpful acronyms and guidance to navigate situations where allergies might make a child feel isolated.

Not only does the book educate readers about understanding allergies, but it also highlights the broader impact of these issues on individual health and the environment. Through exclusive extras, Have You Ever Seen a Bee with Hives? shares additional guidance on food packaging, nutritional information and cross-contamination. Speaking in accessible language, Steel teaches children how to interpret labels, and how to play detective when ordering food – both of which are vital components in empowering youngsters to explore the world with their friends, without being held back by allergy fears.

Have You Ever Seen a Bee with Hives? demystifies allergies and sensitivities for young readers, providing practical tools to make informed decisions independently. Presenting complex information accessibly, the book is an empowering call to action for children, parents, carers, and clinicians – anyone who is looking to close the gap in awareness surrounding food allergies and their impact on daily life.

Have You Ever Seen a Bee with Hives? is available to buy on Amazon and in all good bookshops. 

The post Have You Ever Seen a Bee With Hives? appeared first on Wellbeing Magazine.

Grubby, the pioneering plant-based recipe kit start-up, has released its first-ever cookbook, taking a major step forward in its mission to make plant-based cooking accessible, fun, and delicious.

The highly anticipated cookbook, Grubby Recipes, is now available on the Grubby website, Amazon, Waterstones, and Foyles. Packed with over 60 mouthwatering recipes, the book is designed to inspire home cooks to create flavorful and nutritious vegan meals from scratch.

A Treasure Trove of Plant-Based Goodness

The cookbook features an impressive array of dishes, offering plant-based twists on beloved comfort food classics. Highlights include:

• Aubergine, Lentil & Courgette Moussaka
• Butternut Squash Risotto
• Gochujang Mac and ‘Cheese’

For those seeking lighter fare, recipes such as Mexican Black Bean Stew, Sticky Tofu Rice Noodle Salad, and Thai Quinoa Rainbow Salad provide wholesome, nutrient-packed options.

Craving a Friday night treat? The book includes indulgent ‘fakeaway’ favourites like Sweet and Sour Tofu, Black Bean Enchiladas, Nduja and Tenderstem Pizza Flatbreads, and the irresistible Crispy Tofu Burger.

Grubby: A Leader in Plant-Based Innovation

Grubby has established itself as a trailblazer in plant-based meal delivery, earning rave reviews as one of Trustpilot’s highest-rated online meal kit providers. It’s also the world’s first exclusively plant-based recipe kit service.

Founded by Martin Holden-White, Grubby champions sustainability by using British produce, partnering with local suppliers, and delivering meals in London via zero-emission couriers. The brand has amassed a loyal following of over 56,000 consumers nationwide. Grubby has also collaborated with notable partners like restaurant chain LEON and vegan influencers BOSH!

A Mission to Make Plant-Based Easy and Enjoyable

Martin Holden-White expressed his excitement about the cookbook’s launch:

“We are delighted to launch our first cookbook after countless requests from our customers over the years. Many people think going plant-based means sacrificing some of life’s pleasures, but Grubby exists to prove otherwise. This book is packed with recipes that show how easy, quick, and delicious plant-based eating can be.”

Grubby’s focus isn’t just on vegans—80% of its customers are flexitarians, individuals looking to reduce their meat consumption and incorporate more plants into their diet for both personal health and environmental benefits.

Where to Buy

Grubby Recipes by Grubby

• Published: January 2025 by Ebury Press
• Price: £20 (Hardback)
• ISBN: 9781529949735

Available now on:

• Grubby.co.uk
• Amazon
• Waterstones
• Foyles

For more information, visit Grubby’s website or follow them on Instagram: @grubbymealkits.

Conclusion

Grubby’s new cookbook is more than just a collection of recipes—it’s a call to embrace plant-based cooking as a sustainable, healthy, and flavorful lifestyle choice. Whether you’re vegan, vegetarian, or simply curious about incorporating more plants into your diet, Grubby Recipes is your ultimate guide to making plant-based meals a delight.

The post Grubby Launches First Cookbook to Inspire Plant-Based Eating appeared first on Wellbeing Magazine.

In this article, we’ll guide you through the process of writing an autobiography, offering tips and insights on structuring your narrative, enhancing your content, and leveraging AI tools to craft a compelling manuscript.

1. Understanding What Makes an Autobiography Successful

Before diving into the writing process, it’s essential to understand what sets a successful autobiography apart.

Key Elements of a Great Autobiography:

• Authenticity: Readers are drawn to genuine, relatable stories. Write honestly about your experiences and emotions.
• Structure: An autobiography isn’t just a collection of events; it needs a clear beginning, middle, and end.
• Purpose: Identify the core message or theme of your life story. Are you sharing lessons learned, overcoming adversity, or inspiring others?
• Engagement: Use vivid descriptions, anecdotes, and reflections to keep your readers invested.

With these elements in mind, let’s explore how to write an autobiography step by step.

2. Step-by-Step Guide to Writing an Autobiography

Step 1: Define Your Purpose

Before you start writing, ask yourself why you’re writing your autobiography. Understanding your purpose will guide the tone, content, and structure of your book.

• Are you sharing your story to inspire others?
• Do you want to document your legacy for family and friends?
• Are you aiming to reach a broader audience for self-publishing success?

Knowing your purpose will keep your writing focused and impactful.

Step 2: Outline Your Story

Creating an outline is crucial for organizing your thoughts and ensuring your story flows smoothly. Divide your life into chapters or sections based on significant phases or themes, such as:

• Childhood and early influences
• Career milestones
• Personal challenges and triumphs
• Key relationships and their impact on your journey

Using a free AI content generator can help you brainstorm and refine your outline. For instance, you can input prompts like:

• “Generate an outline for an autobiography about overcoming challenges in the tech industry.”
  The AI will provide a framework you can build upon, saving time and sparking ideas.

Step 3: Start with a Compelling Introduction

Your introduction sets the tone for your autobiography and hooks the reader. Begin with a memorable anecdote, a pivotal moment, or a question that intrigues your audience.

Example:
“I never thought a single decision could change the course of my life. But as I stood at the crossroads of opportunity and fear, I knew this choice would define me forever.”

AI tools can assist in crafting impactful opening lines. Input prompts like:

• “Write an engaging introduction for an autobiography about a single mother who became a successful entrepreneur.”

Step 4: Write Your Story with Detail and Emotion

When detailing your life experiences, focus on:

• Specific Events: Describe key moments that shaped your life.
• Sensory Details: Engage the reader with vivid imagery of sights, sounds, and emotions.
• Reflection: Share your thoughts and feelings about these events to give readers a deeper connection to your story.

A free AI content generator can enhance your storytelling by providing suggestions for descriptive language or helping you expand on certain scenes.

Step 5: Develop a Clear Narrative Arc

Even though an autobiography is a true account, it should still have a narrative structure. Think of your life as a story with:

• Conflict: What challenges did you face?
• Climax: What was the turning point in your journey?
• Resolution: How did you overcome obstacles and what lessons did you learn?

Using AI tools, you can input prompts like:

• “Create a narrative arc for an autobiography about surviving and thriving after a major health crisis.”

Step 6: Edit and Revise

Editing is a vital part of the writing process. Once your manuscript is complete:

• Take a Break: Step away for a few days to gain perspective before revising.
• Read Aloud: This helps identify awkward phrasing or inconsistencies.
• Seek Feedback: Share your draft with trusted friends, family, or a writing group for constructive criticism.

AI-powered editing tools, such as Grammarly or ProWritingAid, can analyze your manuscript for grammar, clarity, and style. Additionally, a free AI content generator can rephrase sentences or suggest improvements for better readability.

3. Leveraging AI for Self-Publishing Success

AI tools can play a transformative role in helping you craft and polish your autobiography, particularly for self-publishing.

a) Generating Ideas and Content

A free AI content generator can assist in brainstorming ideas, drafting sections, or even writing summaries for your autobiography. For example:

• “Generate a 300-word section about growing up in a small town and its impact on my career choices.“

b) Enhancing Descriptions

AI can help you enrich your writing with vivid details. Input prompts like:

• “Describe a bustling market in 1960s India where the protagonist finds inspiration.“

c) Formatting and Editing

Self-publishing platforms often require specific formatting standards. AI tools can guide you in preparing your manuscript for publication, ensuring it meets technical requirements while maintaining readability.

4. Publishing Your Autobiography

Once your manuscript is complete, it’s time to publish your autobiography. Self-publishing platforms like Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP) make it easy to reach a global audience.

Steps for Self-Publishing:

1. Finalize Your Manuscript: Use AI tools to proofread and polish your work.
2. Design a Cover: A compelling cover is essential for attracting readers. Consider using tools like Canva or hiring a designer.
3. Format Your Book: Ensure your manuscript is formatted correctly for e-books and print.
4. Upload to a Platform: Publish your book on platforms like Amazon, Smashwords, or Draft2Digital.
5. Market Your Autobiography: Use social media, blogs, and email campaigns to promote your book to potential readers.

5. Why Use a Free AI Content Generator for Your Autobiography?

A free AI content generator is an invaluable resource for writers at any stage of their journey. Here’s why:

• Saves Time: Quickly generate ideas, outlines, or sections of your autobiography.
• Enhances Creativity: Provides fresh perspectives and suggestions to enrich your storytelling.
• Improves Quality: Assists with grammar, style, and consistency to ensure a polished final product.
• Accessible: Many AI tools are free or affordable, making them ideal for first-time authors.

6. Common Challenges and How AI Can Help

a) Overcoming Writer’s Block

If you’re stuck on a particular section, AI can suggest new angles or expand on existing ideas.

b) Maintaining Momentum

By generating prompts or drafts, AI keeps you writing even when inspiration wanes.

c) Ensuring Professional Quality

From editing to formatting, AI tools streamline the process, ensuring your autobiography is ready for publication.

Final Thoughts

Writing an autobiography for self-publishing success is both a creative and rewarding journey. By understanding how to write an autobiography and leveraging modern tools like a free AI content generator, you can craft a story that resonates with readers and stands out in the self-publishing market.

Whether you’re sharing lessons learned, overcoming adversity, or simply preserving your legacy, your story has the power to inspire and connect. Embrace the tools and strategies outlined here, and take the first step toward turning your life story into a published masterpiece.

Photo by Nathana Rebouças on Unsplash

The post How to Write an Autobiography for Self-Publishing Success appeared first on Wellbeing Magazine.

For whatever reason, life on earth developed around carbon. It could have been some other element, such as silicon, but such life would need different bodily structures. Carbon suits us because we breathe in oxygen, and our cells produce glucose. (You don’t have to eat sugar to produce glucose because your body does that anyway, for energy.) Carbon combines easily with other atoms and biomolecules, such as our DNA. Glucose is C6H12O6. As we breathe in oxygen, glucose and oxygen combine in our cells and later get broken down into carbon dioxide and water, which are then excreted by our lungs and kidneys. This chemical process can be expressed as C6H12O6+6O2→6CO2+6H2O+energy. 

While this one-carbon metabolism is the basis for life, folate (or vitamin B9) is the vitamin that ensures these blocks are properly assembled. Folate is the most efficient carbon donor. For example, folate can carry three hydrogen atoms and be a methyl (CH3-) donor. This 5-MTHF (5-methyltetrahydrofolate) helps break down homocysteine into methionine. If this conversion doesn’t happen because of low folate levels, a person can develop high homocysteine levels. 

Recently a study from the Harvard T.H. Chan school of Public Health showed high homocysteine leads to worsening calcium deposits in arteries, which lead to plaques that can cause heart attacks and strokes. The study looked at 30 randomized controlled trials of more than 80,000 people and concluded that taking folate supplements reduced heart disease by 4 percent and strokes by 10 percent — particularly in people who had no preexisting heart disease. 

The findings show that high homocysteine levels increase heart disease and taking folate supplements helps reduce this risk in healthy people, but not for those that already have heart disease. However, when it comes to strokes, whether or not someone had a previous history of strokes didn’t matter. Folate helps anyway. 

We know that taking 0.4mg-5mg of folate reduces homocysteine levels by about 25 percent. We also know that folate is recommended for women when they’re thinking of having a baby. The US Preventive Services Task Force — a rather serious sounding name for a health promotion agency, I must say — recommends a daily supplement containing 0.4 to 0.8 mg of folic acid for anyone planning to become pregnant. This has been common practice in medicine for decades and has been shown to reduce spina bifida and neural tube defects in which the baby’s backbone doesn’t form properly. 

Folate is literally the backbone of life and longevity. It’s not only useful at the beginning of life, but for life extension, especially in females. Telomeres are the protein bits that stick out at the end of our chromosomes. Each time cells divide these telomeres shorten. Men have shorter telomeres than women, which is why men don’t live as long as women overall. Low folate levels have been shown to shorten telomeres. One study in 2018 showed that dietary supplementation slowed the aging clock in females. 

But what’s good for the goose isn’t necessarily good for the gander when it comes to longevity. In regards to folate as a longevity supplement for men, the scientific jury is still out.  

What are natural sources for folate? The very name “folate” stems from the Latin word folium, which means leaf, as in foliage. Green leafy vegetables are the main source. But increased consumption of processed foods means people may not eat enough folate. And, by the way, there’s no risk of eating too much folate from food sources. However, some people end up with low folate levels due to genetic variations. And this is where “biohacking your genes” — understanding your gene type — helps.  

The MTHFR gene produces the MTHFR enzyme that converts both folate and homocysteine obtained from the diet to an active form of the nutrient that can be used by the body at the cellular level. Variations in the MTHFR gene determine the way people’s bodies process dietary folate. Those people who have the CT or TT variant of the gene have reduced MTHFR enzyme activity and are at a higher risk of folate deficiency — especially when folate intake is low — compared to those with the CC variant. And we just discussed how low folate increases risks of heart disease and strokes. Therefore, for these people, supplementation is important.  

Some populations generally have a natural advantage. For example, inhabitants of Toulouse in France have some of the lowest levels of homocysteine in the world due to favourable MTFHR genes. Maybe that’s why — as the adage goes — French women don’t get fat. Some of the oldest women in France have lived to ages beyond 110 according to news reports. Research continues to suggest that the folate cycle and methionine restriction regulate longevity through many metabolic pathways. Folate ends up a one-carbon choreographer with multiple metabolic moves.

You can find out if you are at risk for folate deficiency at biohackingyourgenes.com.

Written by: By Sharad P. Paul, MD

*    *    *

Sharad P. Paul, MD, is a skin cancer specialist, family physician, evolutionary biologist, storyteller, social entrepreneur, and an adjunct professor at Auckland University of Technology. Born in England, with a childhood in India, he’s a global citizen and noted polymath. He received the Ko Awatea International Excellence Award for “leading health Improvement on a global scale.” Paul has authored works of fiction, non-fiction, poetry, and medical textbooks. His new book is Biohacking Your Genes: 25 Laws for a Smarter, Healthier, and Longer Life (Beyond Words Publishing, Oct. 14, 2024). Learn more at www.BiohackingYourGenes.com. 

The post Folate: The Backbone of Life and Longevity  appeared first on Wellbeing Magazine.

In a recent interview for our magazine, Fields shared her hard-won wisdom about transitioning from law to literature, healing from professional burnout, and cultivating mental wellbeing. Her reflections provide invaluable guidance to anyone striving for balance, fulfilment, and personal transformation.

The Journey from Courtroom to Creative Life

Fields’ experience as a criminal barrister provided a unique foundation for her later career as a crime novelist. In the courtroom, she was constantly confronted with the darkest aspects of human nature and the justice system. “You’re not prepared for the toll it takes,” she recalls, “dealing with genuinely horrific cases and absorbing people’s pain day after day. I didn’t see the toll at first—it was my husband who eventually pointed it out. I was emotionally unavailable, a ‘shadow of myself.’”

As a barrister, she became accustomed to putting her emotions aside. The legal field, especially criminal law, demands toughness, mental resilience, and sometimes emotional detachment. Fields explains, “It’s not a career where you’re offered much support. There’s an assumption that you’re ‘superhuman’ and that the cases won’t affect you, but they do.”

Lessons on Self-Awareness and Balance

For Fields, the demands of her career began clashing with her personal life after the birth of her children. Despite her love for the courtroom, she realised that her work was taking too much out of her emotionally and physically. This realisation led to her first pivotal decision: leaving the Bar to work with her husband’s media company. She found that her legal skills transferred seamlessly, giving her confidence in a new domain while allowing more time for family.

This step back opened space for self-reflection. Fields stresses the importance of taking stock of your mental wellbeing, especially in high-stress careers. “So much of myself was wrapped up in work and achievement, but when I stopped, I had to re-evaluate what truly made me happy,” she says. Writing was a way to rediscover that happiness. She describes her early novels as “other people’s yoga,” a personal escape and a way to reconnect with her creative side.

Writing as Therapy and Transformation

Writing became not only a career but also a therapeutic outlet. Through writing, she channeled years of suppressed emotions and unresolved anger. While she did not draw directly from specific cases, she infused her characters with the “sense of frustration” she experienced from the systemic issues she encountered in law. “Writing let me express and explore these feelings constructively, and it was deeply healing,” she explains.

Fields encourages others to find their own “therapeutic practices.” Whether it’s journaling, creating art, or something physical, having an activity that allows self-expression can be a lifeline. “Do something you enjoy, not because it has to lead anywhere but because it fulfils you,” she advises. For Fields, the unexpected success of her novels was a bonus; her initial goal was simply to reconnect with her joy in storytelling.

Finding Healing through Physical and Emotional Resilience

Beyond writing, Fields discovered the value of physical strength and resilience. After leaving the Bar, she took up karate at age forty, a move that surprised her. “I’d never done anything like that before,” she laughs. “But karate taught me to stand firm and absorb a hit—both literally and figuratively. There’s something incredibly therapeutic about physical endurance and knowing that you can handle it.”

This sense of resilience became even more pronounced when her children inspired her to try other activities, like wind tunnel flying. “Learning to control your body and just letting go in the wind tunnel was a different kind of freedom,” she says. “Physical activities force you to focus, which can be incredibly grounding.”

The Power of Nature as Therapy

Relocating to California for several years also allowed Fields to reconnect with nature in profound ways. Fields describes her solitary walks along the Californian coast as deeply healing. “Walking on a beach, hearing nothing but the waves, feeling the sun rising—that brought me peace like nothing else,” she shares. Today, she emphasises nature as a “cheap, accessible therapy,” especially for busy people who may not have time for lengthy self-care routines.

“Even now, back in the UK, walking with my kids is one of the best ways to connect. Nature has a way of opening people up. I find that if you walk with them, they’ll talk about things they wouldn’t at home.”

Paying It Forward: Advocating for Well-Being and the Arts

Today, Fields advocates for the criminal bar community, junior barristers, and writers alike, reminding them of the importance of support and balance. She is an active member of the Society of Authors, a union representing over 12,500 self-employed professionals in the creative arts, including writers, translators, and graphic artists. The organisation provides invaluable resources for those working in often financially precarious and isolated roles.

“It’s essential in any industry, but especially in the arts, to turn around and extend a hand to those behind you on the ladder,” Fields emphasises. She describes the Society of Authors as “a community, a support network, and a safety net” for professionals facing challenges such as contract disputes, financial hardship, or disability.

Her advice is straightforward: “If you’ve managed to build a career, look around and offer support to someone who might be struggling. For me, it’s about making sure artists and creators have the resources they need. I love being a part of it because I’ve been on both sides of that need.”

Tips for Embracing Passion, Finding Balance, and Letting Go of Self-Doubt

Throughout her journey, Fields has developed a set of guiding principles for those considering a career change or looking to follow their passion:

1. Reclaim Your Joy: “Do things that bring you happiness, even if they don’t have a clear ‘goal’ attached,” she says. Fields’ journey into writing was driven by a love for storytelling, not by ambition or a need for external validation. Following what truly excites you, she suggests, can lead to unexpected fulfilment.
2. Nurture Your Resilience: Fields underscores the value of finding ways to boost both mental and physical resilience. Whether it’s karate or flying in a wind tunnel, physical activities that challenge you can foster a sense of control, grounding, and confidence.
3. Engage with Nature: The natural world has restorative powers that shouldn’t be overlooked. Fields encourages finding time for walks, beach visits, or even a moment of stillness outside. “Nature has a way of putting things into perspective,” she says.
4. Seek Community and Support: Community, especially in solitary professions, is crucial. “Find your tribe,” Fields suggests. Whether it’s a writing group, a book club, or an online forum, having people who share your interests and challenges makes a huge difference.
5. Pay It Forward: For Fields, giving back is essential. “Mentorship, advice, or even a little encouragement can change someone’s life,” she notes. In creative industries, where many people work alone or are self-employed, Fields believes that building a supportive network is key to survival.

Helen Fields’ journey is one of resilience, transformation, and a profound commitment to wellbeing. Her story demonstrates that it’s possible to turn professional struggles into personal growth, and that by following our passions, we can find joy and purpose in unexpected places. As Fields navigates life as an author, a mentor, and an advocate, she reminds us that healing and happiness lie not in escaping the past but in learning from it and giving back. Whether in the courtroom, on the page, or in nature, Fields shows us that a life of fulfilment is one where we continuously seek to uplift ourselves and those around us.

The post From the Bar to Bestseller: How Helen Fields Found Healing, Creativity, and Purpose Beyond the Courtroom appeared first on Wellbeing Magazine.

Astrology is far more than daily horoscopes or simplified sun sign summaries. It offers a profound portal to self-discovery, a way for the universe to speak to us directly through the language of the stars. This ancient art stretches back to the priests of ancient Mesopotamia, who once reserved its wisdom for kings, believing that the planets carried divine messages. Today, however, astrology has evolved into something deeply personal, offering each of us a map to explore the layers of who we truly are.

If you’ve ever felt a quiet longing to understand yourself more deeply, then delving into your natal chart may open doors to a world of meaning you didn’t know was waiting.

What Is a Natal Chart?

A natal chart is a snapshot of the sky at the exact moment you were born, capturing the positions of the sun, moon and planets. It’s a symbolic portrait of your inner landscape, revealing your potentials, longings and unique challenges. Each element in this map – the planets, the zodiac signs and twelve sections known as “houses” – forms a symbolic language that reflects back to you a deeper understanding of yourself.

The Planets as Archetypes: Your Inner Characters

In the natal chart, each planet represents a facet of the human psyche, a cast of characters within your inner world. These planets, placed in specific signs, bring energy, colour and life to your personal mythology. Each one has its own role:

• The Sun is the core of who you are, your life force and purpose.
• The Moon reflects your emotional depths, your memories and what nourishes your soul.
• Mercury governs the mind—how you think, communicate and process ideas.
• Venus embodies love, beauty, and what you hold dear, shaping how you connect and find pleasure.
• Mars represents your drive, courage and passion  – the fire that propels you forward.
• Jupiter is the planet of expansion, growth and the search for meaning.
• Saturn embodies structure, discipline and the life lessons that build resilience.
• Uranus brings originality and innovation, stirring the need for change and independence.
• Neptune represents dreams, intuition and the longing for spiritual connection.
• Pluto reveals transformation, power and the soul’s journey through intense growth.

Consider each planet as a distinct archetype within you, like mythic figures in a rich, unfolding story. Imagine Mars, the warrior, placed in Scorpio: here, Mars might manifest as a will that is intense, resilient and passionate. Or envision Venus in Cancer, shaping a love that is deeply nurturing and loyal. Each planet, when seen through the signs, adds another dimension to your personal story, creating a symbolic map that guides you through life’s intricacies.

The Houses: The Stages of Your Life’s Story

If the planets represent energies within you, the twelve houses show where in your life these energies are most likely to unfold. Each house in astrology represents a different area of human experience that includes identity, relationships and career. You could think of the houses as rooms in a grand mansion, each one inviting you to explore a unique part of your journey.

For instance:

• The First House represents your identity, self-image and how you approach life.
• The Seventh House rules relationships and partnerships, revealing themes in how you connect deeply with others.
• The Tenth House is the house of career and legacy, illuminating your ambitions, public life and what you aspire to achieve.

Imagine the Moon, your emotional world, sitting in the tenth house of career. This placement could suggest that your sense of security is closely tied to recognition in your work, that your calling in life fulfils not just professional ambitions but feeds your soul. The houses bring the planets’ energies into specific contexts, adding nuance to your journey and a glimpse into how each part of your life is woven together.

Your Natal Chart: A Lifelong Companion

A natal chart is more than a collection of symbols; it’s a lifelong companion that grows with you, reflecting the cycles of change and transformation that shape your life. Certain milestones bring the chart into sharper focus, such as the Saturn Return, which occurs around the age 29. 

Known as the Great Teacher, Saturn returns to the place it occupied at your birth, often marking a period of maturity and self-reflection. This cycle can feel like a call to define your purpose, align with your truth and release what no longer serves you.

In ancient astrology, Saturn was revered as the wise elder, guiding you toward self-knowledge and resilience. By understanding Saturn’s placement in your chart, you gain insight into the deeper lessons life presents to you, offering a chance to embrace your purpose.

By contrast, Jupiter, the planet of growth, joy, and abundance, illuminates areas of life where you may find meaning and fulfilment. Observing these cycles helps you recognise the rhythm of your own life’s unfolding, like stepping into a dance with the cosmos.

The Gift of Self-Understanding

In a world that often encourages us to look outward for validation, astrology invites us inward, toward a more intimate understanding of ourselves. Each placement, each aspect in your chart, holds a piece of ancient wisdom, reflecting qualities that make you unique. What you might view as a flaw or limitation is, in fact, part of your soul’s journey, a point of growth and an invitation to self-acceptance.

Imagine someone who struggles to feel truly seen in relationships, often feeling “different” or misunderstood. By exploring their chart, we might find a Venus placement that values deep, soulful connection over superficial interactions. With this insight, they can approach relationships with greater honesty, understanding that they are drawn to authentic, lasting bonds rather than simply “fitting in.” Astrology helps them to see that their needs are not faults to be corrected but qualities to honour, guiding them toward connections that feel more genuine.

Getting Started with Your Natal Chart

If you feel drawn to explore your own story in the stars, here’s a simple guide to get started:

1. Create Your Chart: With your birth date, time and location, you can generate your chart online. Each planet, sign and house symbol reveals another layer of you.
2. Begin with the Big Three: Start with your Sun, Moon, and Rising Sign. These three placements offer a foundation to understand your core energies and life themes.
3. Look at the Houses: Notice where the planets gather in your chart. The houses show where important themes or lessons might emerge.
4. Observe Transits: As planets continue moving, they interact with your natal placements, creating cycles of growth, challenge, or opportunity. Observing these transits helps you navigate life’s natural rhythms with greater awareness.

Embracing the Mystical Art of Self-Discovery

Astrology is not simply a map but a mystical portal, inviting you to embrace all that you are. It does not ask you to “fix” yourself but to understand, honour, and reveal your unique soul. Each element of your natal chart whispers secrets of your path and purpose, illuminating hidden strengths and casting familiar struggles in a more compassionate light.

In this journey, astrology connects you to something ancient and timeless, yet it speaks profoundly to our modern yearning for meaning. As you explore, may you feel a renewed awe for the journey you’re on and the life unfolding within you. The stars hold the stories of who we are, waiting for us to hear them. Are you ready to listen?

Stars Aligned by Prue Nichols is out now with Inner Work Project (RRP £14.99). 

Written by: By Prue Nichols – Astrologer, Author of Stars Aligned

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Committed to providing accessible knowledge and support to children with food allergies, award-winning former gluten-free bakery owner and scientist, Davina Steel has today launched a month-long Kickstarter to raise funds for the much-needed new book Have You Ever Seen a Bee with Hives?

Around 8% of children in the UK, US and Australia suffer from food allergies. That equates to nearly eight million children in these countries alone and roughly two children in every class. When this issue is so prevalent across the lives of children, it is essential there are resources available to help them better understand their condition, particularly for those aged 8-12 who are beginning to want to explore the world with their friends, but are held back by allergy fears. 

To plug this gap and ensure children with allergies grow up confident and empowered with knowledge, Davina Steel is launching a Kickstarter campaign to support the launch of her new book Have You Ever Seen a Bee with Hives? 

Running for one month and aiming to raise £5900 to fund the cost of the professional editing and design team at expert publisher Rethink Press, the Kickstarter will be live from the 12th November. Supporters will be amongst the first to receive fully illustrated paperbacks and will be actively showing support and commitment to improving the lived experience of children with food allergies. 

This cause is close to Steel’s heart as she became severely intolerant to gluten following cancer treatment. She founded her own gluten-free bread company, winning over 30 medals and prizes, before selling the company in 2023. Steel’s background also includes a first-class degree in Biochemistry and Applied Microbiology, an impressive career as a research scientist and experience explaining science for children’s magazines and websites. Therefore, she has a unique understanding of the scientific background and personal impact of allergies that she is keen to pass on to young people.  

Have You Ever Seen a Bee with Hives? is set to be a positive, fact-filled and humorous guide to a subject that can be daunting and anything but funny. It has received fantastic feedback from its first round of beta readers, both parents of and children with food allergies, plus clinicians and consultants in paediatric allergy and gastroenterology. Gastroenterology Consultant Dr Truitt Friedrich Akselsen, who is providing the foreword for the book, called the guide: “A fascinating and thoughtful guide for young allergy sufferers. Davina puts her readers at ease on a very emotive and complicated subject.”

“When aged 8-12 children are beginning to expand their horizons and assess more risk independently. It is essential that those with food allergies feel equally as empowered as their peers so they too can explore the world around them. With resources like “Have You Ever Seen a Bee with Hives?” children with food allergies can be armed with the wisdom and confidence to make safe decisions in the absence of a knowledgeable adult. This kickstarter will help to bring an essential book into the hands of the children, and parents, that need it,” Steel comments. 

“Food allergies should not hold children back. Parents, teachers and those who care for young folk, this Kickstarter and book is your chance to make a real difference to the lives of children with food allergies,” says Steel. 

The Kickstarter will be live for one month from the 12th November. Those interested in supporting the Kickstarter can donate here: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/beewithhives/have-you-ever-seen-a-bee-with-hives 

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Vedic astrology, a system from ancient India, that is deeply integrated with the personalized medicine systems of Ayurveda and the spiritual system of Yoga gives us that deep insight into our innate nature. Through Vedic astrology, using actual star and planet positions related to your birth (popular Western astrology does not use actual astronomical positions), we can determine our true personality type and then better assess the right daily practices to suit our soul.

Often our imbalances in life are rooted in a deviation from our deeper soul nature. We all know about the mind-body connection in well-being, but Vedic Astrology asks us to consider the soul-mind connection as primary. By understanding the key planetary energy in your Vedic astrology chart, determined by the planet that rules your “rising sign”, you can learn about your deeper soul level personality. A rising sign is basically the Zodiac star constellation that appeared on the Eastern horizon at the moment of your birth, at that specific geographic location on Earth. Each of those twelve zodiac signs that could have been due East at your birth, has a planet that “lords” or rules over it. That planet is critical to activate in your life, because as a ruler of your rising sign, it gains the status of the being the ruler of your whole birth chart. By determining that ruling planet, and leaning into the energy of that planet, you can find more mental peace and well-being. Strengthening that planet’s energy, is like a rising tide that lifts all part of your chart – and life.

As a first step, look up your Vedic (accurately calculated to the sky) birth horoscope online from sites such as astrology-decoded.com. (Note if you use a Western astrology chart calculator, it will not indicate the actual astronomical Zodiac sign that was rising in the East when you were born.) Determine your rising sign, and then note the planet that rules it. 

If the Sun is your rising sign planet, it is a planet of self-confidence, willpower, overall health & vitality and enables you to take charge of life and people. If these are areas of life you are struggling with, and you are a Leo rising, then you are misaligned to your deeper soul personality. Start to lean in to social situations, practice introducing yourself to strangers, and start sharing more of your bold thoughts and ideas to others. Also begin to live more aligned to circadian rhythms of the Sun, getting up close to sunrise, eating your biggest meal at noon, when the Sun is brightest, and winding down in the evening as the Sun goes down. Of course, make sure to get out and bathe in the sunlight on a regular basis. If area a Leo rising, and you have too much Sun energy, evidenced by being overconfident, and self-oriented, check your ego, give other people a chance to speak, and share the spotlight – and watch out for Sun overexposure! Surya Namaskar, a sequence in yoga of salutations to the Sun, can be a powerful balancing of Sun energy when practiced daily. 

If the Moon is your rising sign planet, it is a planet of emotions, intuition, nurturing and caring. If you struggle with these traits, and are a Cancer rising sign, take the time to connect with people at a heart level. Get beyond the superficial and start to observe interactions both from a logical level and from an emotional level. Begin to manage your own emotions. Also start to track the cycles of the Moon, and on full Moon nights, make sure to stare at the Moon for a while, and then close your eyes and meditate on that image formed in your mind’s eye. This exercise is especially good if you have runaway emotions. Also make time to care for and nurture people in your life through conversation, cooking and eating together and hosting them in your home. All of these Moon “remedies” balance both a strong or weak Moon.

Mars, is a planet of aggression, boldness, courage and ambition. If you have too much anger and aggression, then this Mars energy needs to be dissipated through exercise where you sweat. Also spending time in cooling water and eating foods that are cooling to your digestive system is important. If you are Aries or Scorpio rising, and struggle to stand up for yourself, then lean into Mars energy by taking on more responsibility at work and life, and relentlessly execute on tasks. You can also take up competitive sports or martial arts to help increase your soul planet energy.

Mercury is about intellect, information, technology and communication. If you are a Gemini or Virgo rising, and have struggles with these things, then lean into learning new languages, reading books and taking courses on technology skills. Playing games that stimulate the intellect or doing crosswords and puzzles is also good. Meanwhile if your Mercury is overactive, i.e. you are thinking too much, and drowning in information, make sure to take regular breaks from technology and from overthinking and overanalyzing. Rather than scrolling through social media and trivial online sites (which aggravate Mercury), spend time in nature to soothe your senses. Being surrounded by the greenery of nature, soothes Mercury color in your consciousness. As a planet of writing and communication, Mercury is also balanced through a regular journaling practice. Mercury-ruled people also respond very well to a meditation practice that enables their intuition to balance the analytical approach. Also note, that since Mercury rules technology, be sure to back up your computer prior to Mercury going Retrograde in the sky!

Jupiter is a planet of higher learning, philosophy, religion, spirituality and wisdom. If you are a Sagittarius or Pisces rising, studying philosophy, practicing some form of religion or spiritualty becomes important. Too strong a Jupiter and you become dogmatic, so find ways to accept other philosophical and religious frameworks to your own. Too weak a Jupiter and you will not find grounding in your belief system. Jupiter is connected to expansion and good fortune, so by indulging in the religious and spiritual practices, you will not only become wiser as Jupiter intends for you, but also come into better fortune!

Venus represents love, comfort, prosperity, harmony and happiness. As a Libra or Taurus rising, indulging in what makes you happy becomes important. If you struggle with money or love or happiness, then Venus could be weak for you. Venus is accentuated through art (painting, drawing, sculpting etc.), dance and music, so indulge in these pursuits to activate the energy. (Have you noticed how wealthy people tend to invest in the arts? This is a subconscious awareness of the impact of Venus on financial prosperity). Since Venus is also connected to women, help women in need, donate to women’s causes or just make regular time to help out a female friend. If you have too much desire, from an overactive Venus, then indulgence in art, music and dance can also calm that energy. Venus energy also explains the “ladies first” concept; being kind, polite and respectful to women activates good Venus energy in your which connects to happiness. 

Saturn is a tough planet and rules hardship, obstacles and challenging karma but is very pleased when he sees discipline, organization and focus. If you are Capricorn or Aquarius rising, watch out that your discipline and logic do not end up making you cruel. Rather than only focusing on the problem at hand, also have compassion for the people involved. Find the heart and meaning in your work. If you struggle with too much work or too many obstacles and challenges, then Saturn needs to be pleased with a more organized approach to work, along with solid routines and schedules. Honoring time by showing up to meetings and appointments on time, and through wearing a wristwatch (which lets Saturn, the planet of time, know that you care about time) are simple ways to calm down Saturn’s challenging energy.  Since Saturn is also the slowest-moving planet in the Vedic sky, walking (our slowest mode of transport) is healthy to propitiate Saturn. A daily walking routine is a simple way to keep Saturn balanced.

Note that though you have a rising sign, all signs of the Zodiac show up somewhere in your chart. If you notice some imbalance in your life, based on the above planetary descriptions, you should be able to figure out which planetary energy is at the root of it, and adopt the appropriate “remedy” into your daily routine.  My newly released book, Astrology Decoded; The Secret Science of India’s Sages, goes deeper into understanding the nature of these planet energies, and provides a deeper look into the process of identifying and improving those energies. Vedic Astrology, as with all the Vedic Sciences of ancient India, asks us to go deeper into our own self-understanding, but then also asks us to take an active role in managing the karmas and energies we all face in life.

Written By: Vish Chatterji

Vish Chatterji is an east-meets-west Executive Coach and Vedic Wisdom Teacher. He helps people find light through the wisdom of his ancestors, leveraging Yoga, Meditation, Ayurveda, Vedic Philosophy and Jyotish (Vedic Astrology). His coaching practice, Head & Heart Insights serves clients across the globe, and he serves as a Faculty Coach and Educator for the Berkeley Executive Coaching Institute at UC Berkeley.

Vish holds a BS in mechanical engineering from Northwestern University, an MBA from the University of Michigan and an executive coaching certificate from UC Berkeley. Vish has studied in traditional Himalayan ashrams and at the Chopra Center for Wellbeing. Vish is the author of The Business Casual Yogi: Take Charge of Your Body, Mind, and Career, and the newly released Astrology Decoded: The Secret Science of India’s Sages published by Mandala.

About the Book: Astrology Decoded: The Secret Science of India’s Sages by Vish Chatterji
Mandala Publishing, Hardbound, ISBN:9798887621029, 176 pages Trim 5.75 x 8.25, $22.99

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This very question—“Who am I?”—is one that many women are asking as they navigate new chapters in their lives, fuelled by self-discovery, reinvention, and bold choices. Over the past few months, I’ve met some extraordinary women, each with their own story of transformation, and one in particular—author Preethi Nair—stands out as someone who has consistently redefined herself, unapologetically stepping outside her comfort zone to embrace new possibilities.

As Nair prepares to release her fourth novel, Unravelling, I had the pleasure of sitting down with her to explore the personal journey that inspired her latest work. Her personal story is one of resilience, creativity, and the audacity to ask the “what if” questions that so many of us shy away from.

Redefining the Rules: A Journey of Self-Discovery

Born into an immigrant family with rigid ideas about career and success, Nair’s path was anything but traditional. She began her career as a management consultant, navigating the corporate world while secretly harbouring a desire to write. Like many women, she felt the weight of family expectations, the belief that success was defined by stability and conventional achievement. “Writing was never in the list of things I was supposed to do,” she recalls. So, she lived a double life—pursuing her passion in secret while maintaining a corporate facade.

Her first novel was met with rejection by every publisher, and as fate would have it, she was also made redundant from her job. Unable to admit this failure to her family, she pretended to go to work each day while secretly plotting a bold new chapter. Armed with an unshakeable belief in her dream, Nair made the decision to self-publish her first book and promote it herself—going so far as to create an alter ego, a fictional publicist who helped her break into the literary world. Eventually, her determination paid off, leading to a three-book deal with HarperCollins.

Yet even after achieving this dream, Nair found herself back in familiar territory—feeling safe, successful, but disconnected from her true self. “I had a great career, I got married, we bought a house—all in the same year. But I felt like I’d left my wild side behind,” she explains. She was thriving by external standards, but something inside her was missing: that willingness to take risks, to dive into the unknown.

The Courage to Step Outside the Box

Nair’s next breakthrough came through a series of conversations with women in their 50s—women who, by all appearances, had “perfect” lives. They had curated everything to appear successful: families, careers, homes. But as Nair delved deeper, she realised that if you pulled at the thread of these perfect lives, their stories began to unravel.

Inspired by these encounters, Nair wrote a one-woman play about women in their 50s confronting their deepest desires and untold regrets. But in a world that often devalues women as they age, she was met with resistance. There was no appetite for a play about a middle-aged woman, she was told.

So, in true Nair fashion, she decided to produce the show herself. Having never acted before, she booked a West End theatre 18 months in advance and trained intensely to prepare. “I didn’t have a goal beyond stepping outside my comfort zone and overcoming my own self-limiting beliefs,” she recalls. It was terrifying, exhilarating, and ultimately life-changing, and proving once again that if you push beyond your limits, anything is possible.

Finding the Wildness Within

What’s striking about Nair’s journey is how deeply it resonates with the broader experience of so many women. At some point, we all reach a crossroads, where safety and stability collide with a desire to reclaim the wild, creative spirit that fuels our joy. For Nair, creativity is her way of staying alive, of reconnecting with that essential part of herself. For others, it might be something entirely different—whether that’s traveling, starting a business, or simply trying something new. But the message is the same: “We must all find our thing that makes us feel alive.”

It’s easy to stay in the comfort zone, especially as we get older. We have responsibilities, families, and the pressure to maintain the lives we’ve built. But Nair’s story challenges us to ask: What are we sacrificing in exchange for that comfort? What might happen if we took a chance on ourselves again?

Unravelling: A Story of Love, Identity, and What Could Have Been

Nair’s latest novel, Unravelling, builds on these very themes. The protagonist, Bhanu, appears to have it all: a loving family, a beautiful home, and a life that is, on the surface, perfect. But on the eve of her 40th wedding anniversary, her first love re-enters her life, offering her the chance to leave everything behind and start over.

It’s a powerful exploration of identity, the choices we make, and the haunting question of “what if?”—a question that lingers at the edge of every life, no matter how curated or seemingly perfect it may be.

“I wanted to explore the gap between what we present to the world and what’s really going on inside,” Nair says. “Bhanu’s story is universal—it’s about love, regret, and the search for happiness. I wanted to give a voice to an older woman and show that it’s never too late to begin again.”

Nair turned down a book deal from HarperCollins to maintain creative control over Unravelling, choosing once again to self-publish. It was a bold decision, one rooted in the same independence and fearlessness that have defined her career from the start.

Embracing the Journey

As we conclude our conversation, I find myself deeply inspired by Nair’s story—a reminder that, whatever our age, we have the power to redefine our lives, to take risks, and to rediscover who we truly are. Nair’s journey isn’t just about writing or career success; it’s about embracing life’s uncertainties and finding joy in the unknown.

As women, we are constantly evolving, and with each milestone comes new clarity. Nair encourages us to be brave enough to ask the hard questions, to pull at the threads of our own carefully curated lives, and to dare to imagine something different. Because the truth is, it’s never too late to unravel the life you have and weave something new.

Unravelling will be available in paperback (£10.99) at all good bookshops and online retailers on 27th September 2024.

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