Take the rough with the smooth, always.

This week’s blog is about taking the rough with the smooth… and I’ve had a fair share of both.

I kicked things off by accidentally discovering my car doesn’t have an MOT. Not exactly in this week’s budget. Instead of pulling money from the campervan renovation fund or bills, I made a call and got on my bike. That included the weekly Aldi shop. Turns out… best thing that could’ve happened. Quicker, easier, and I can actually fit everything in a bike bag and rucksack. Whole trip done in 30 minutes. Sounds boring, but it’s a win. Less fuel, less cost, less reliance on the car. Unless it’s pouring down, I’m sticking with it.

And it’s made me think about money in a different way. Money doesn’t define who you are… but it does give you choices. This week, I chose to live without the car until the MOT’s sorted. And in doing that, I’ve realised the bike isn’t just cheaper, it’s actually more time efficient and better for me. Funny how that works.

This has happened so many times in my business too. When money’s been tight, I’ve had to stop and actually look. Check material prices. Question suppliers. Compare. And more often than not, I’ve saved money just by paying attention. If cash flow had been flowing freely, I’d have probably carried on overspending without even clocking it.

So here’s the truth… act like you’re skint, even when you’re not.

Check your numbers.

Check your suppliers.

Check your habits.

Make sure you’re not just spending for the sake of it.

Cash is king. But cash flow is everything. And most people don’t even properly understand what a simple cash flow system can do for them, both personally and in business. It’s not complicated, but it is powerful.

Now, the campervan. Before last year’s plot twist it was meant to be a fun YouTube project, but it’s been sat there doing nothing… until now. Alfie came over and got stuck into the proper groundwork, sealing it, fixing it, making it watertight. It’s now ready for me to turn into my office and podcast space. And honestly, planning the inside has brought me so much joy. Think Downton Abbey meets Louis XVI. It’s also solving a real problem, giving me somewhere to work while the workshop ceiling gets sorted.

I also started something new this week that I know is going to stick. Sunday morning live accountability sessions over on the Pink Gorilla Collective. Nothing fancy… I just jump on live and get on with my work, and anyone in the Collective can join. We sit there together and just crack on. Smash out the tasks we’ve been putting off.

Because sometimes you don’t need another strategy. You just need someone in your corner. Someone there while you do the thing. A bit of accountability. A wingman, so to speak.

Even though Neil massively let me down this week… it’s still nice knowing someone’s there.

And that’s what these sessions are doing. They make you feel less alone, less overwhelmed, less in your head… and when that noise quietens, you actually get stuff done.

And then… a proper rough with the smooth moment. There’s a guy I see every morning in the park with his dog. Over the last few months we’ve built up that little routine… hellos, small talk, you know the vibe. This week my wingman Neil let me right down. He decides to take a shit right next to them. Never a cool moment, bending down to pick that up mid conversation. But it gets worse. His dog’s off lead, Neil’s on, they start running about, and suddenly Neil yanks the lead straight out of my hand… along with the bag of shit. It goes flying. Full slow motion moment. Thankfully still in the bag, but the embarrassment… unreal. Nothing humbles you quite like standing there, holding a bag of your dog’s shit while trying to keep your dignity intact.

But as I walked away, I spotted a four leaf clover on the ground. I used to collect them as a kid, kept them all in a photo album. And with everything that’s happened over the last year, I think I’d convinced myself my luck had run out. But maybe not. Maybe I’m back in the game. I picked it up and I’m starting that little ritual again. And not word of a lie… I found another one. Two four leaf clovers in one sitting. Mad.

Big reminder to myself this week… everything doesn’t need to be done today. Having loads of ideas is not the problem. Knowing which one actually moves your business forward is. That’s the difference.

I’m really proud of how I’ve handled this week. Normally this level of chaos would’ve fried my nervous system, but I’ve come out of it calm, focused, and actually quite chilled. Living on the edge for the last few years has taught me a lot. I’ve lived it, designed the t shirt, worn it and sold it. And now I’m seeing that come into its own with the Pink Gorilla Collective. I’m helping people who are exactly where I was, calm the noise, get clear, and move forward. And it’s working.

For the first time in a while, it feels like things are landing where they’re meant to. And when the Wellness Tavern opens… I already know I’m going to be an emotional mess. That one means everything.

Same person

New chapter x