Reflections in the Mirror – with Gillian Routledge

Episode Summary:

In this insightful episode of The Golden Threads Podcast, host Sue Williams speaks with contributor Gillian Routledge, who shares the story behind her deeply personal chapter Reflections in the Mirror. With honesty and gentle wisdom, Gillian reflects on how the challenges within her marriage became a mirror - revealing old patterns, buried truths and the opportunity to heal.

At the heart of this conversation is the realisation that our relationships often reflect who we are back to ourselves. Through this lens, Gillian shares how self-awareness, compassion and personal growth helped her shift out of reactive patterns and into a more conscious and loving way of being. She shares a powerful poem from her chapter, offering listeners a moving and thought-provoking look into how transformation begins with reflection.

From lived experience to professional calling, Gillian now guides others on their own path of healing as a relationship coach and creator of the Awaken to Love method.

In this episode, you’ll discover:

• How unconscious patterns can shape the way we relate to loved ones
• Why moments of friction in relationships are often invitations to grow
• How poetry became a mirror and a healing tool for Gillian
• The emotional turning points that led to her personal transformation
• Why reflection, self-responsibility and awareness are keys to deeper connection
• How Gillian now supports others through her Awaken to Love coaching approach.
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"The person in front of you is often your greatest teacher — and your clearest mirror."

If this episode gave you a moment of reflection…

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Want to read Gillian’s full chapter?

Order your copy of Golden Threads: Women’s Shared Wisdom from the Tapestry of Life at goldenthreadsbook.co.uk

#goldenthreads #womenofwisdom #relationships

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Sophia’s Golden Light: Donna Roberts on Healing, Ceremony & Spiritual Wisdom

Episode Summary:

In this deeply reflective episode of Golden Threads, collaborative author Donna Roberts shares the personal journey that inspired her chapter, The Golden Light - Sophia’s Journey. From a childhood in which she experienced sensitivity to unseen energies, to a transformative experience with shamans in the Amazon rainforest, Donna’s path has been one of healing, self-discovery, and spiritual awakening.

A single parent and long-time civil servant, Donna’s story weaves together practical resilience with profound inner exploration. Through vivid storytelling, she invites listeners to journey with Sophia - a symbolic figure in her chapter - offering a gateway into our own imagination, interconnectedness, and deeper truths.

In this episode, you’ll discover:

• How Donna’s heightened sensitivity to energy as a child shaped her perception of the world
• The variety of roles she has embraced - from checkout operator to Employment Coach and holistic therapist
• What led her to the Amazon Rainforest in December 2012 and the profound ceremonies she took part in with the Shipibo Shamans
• How her chapter was “birthed” and what it means to tell a story through symbolism, energy, and presence
• Why Sophia’s journey acts as a mirror for your own inner wisdom
• The importance of embracing synchronicity, imagination, and interconnectedness in your own healing
• How Donna sees life as a continual unfolding of spiritual teachings, always available to those who choose to listen

Donna invites you to listen with an open heart - and to enjoy the richness of your own journey.

Donna and her son collaborated to create a Mindfulness Meditation Colouring Book - Art Peace

She also offers Energy Healing Sessions on request - (Inner - Sense). Find out more about Donna at: www.goldenthreadsbook.co.uk

#goldenthreads #womenofwisdom #inner-sense #artpeace #energyhealing

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Episode summary:

In this episode of The Golden Threads Podcast Sue Williams speaks with Health & Wellness Coach Carole Donnelly, as she talks about becoming a very reluctant gardener to overcome burnout. She explores how we can nurture and look after ourselves better with a little bit of gardening and painting, and taking the time to really smell the roses. Carole takes us on a journey, focusing on why she wrote her chapter “The Reluctant Gardener” from the book Golden Threads.

Carole explains the backdrop to burn out - why she thought it was her job to save a City, to be there for numerous social entrepreneurs and support a taskforce, alongside a full-time job at the local university and running a community business. Busy doing things for others, Carole forgot about her own wellbeing. Eventually her body gave up on her and she was well and truly burnt out. She explains how simple tasks became too much for her - she couldn't even make a cup of tea at one stage. She wasn't sleeping well - on average 3 maybe 4 hours per night, if she was lucky. She recalls drinking too much wine, eating sugary snacks or ultra processed foods and how her body was broken. She wasn’t depressed; she was exhausted.

In this episode, you’ll discover:

· What burn out is, and how to recognise it earlier

· Why some of us have a habit of doing too much

· What you can do for yourself to avoid burning out

· How good nutrition, good sleeping habits, connection and exercise is the key to ageing well

· Why a Health Coach could help you overcome or avoid burn out

· How we can make more informed and better choices to age well

· The simple steps and benefits of working with a Health Coach or your GP

· The benefits of journaling, including 3 key questions. .Focusing on love, gratitude, her love of sparkly gel pens and a beautiful book to write in.

· How we can enjoy life more and valuing the simple things.

Carole says, “She may always be a reluctant gardener, but she will never again be a reluctant participant in her self-care and wellbeing.”

To discover more and how you can work with Carole at Golden Years Coaching or find out more about her wellbeing programmes for the over 50's visit www.gyc.org.uk

#goldenthreads #wisdom #burn out #self-care

Connect with Golden Threads authors at: www.goldenthreadsbook.co.uk

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