Slowing Down, Looking Back & Living for the Now

Today is my last working day until 5th January, and I am really looking forward to stepping into a much-needed Christmas break.

To say that this year has been unexpectedly challenging would be a huge understatement.

At the start of 2025, I proudly rebranded from Verulam Reflexology to Anna Standing – Wellbeing Coach and Reflexologist. I was excited to be expanding my business, broadening the ways I could support and champion women, and stepping fully into the next chapter of my work.

Little did I know that all of the mindset and identity work I had been developing to share with others would soon be tested — and applied — in my own life in the most monumental way.

In May, I was shocked to be diagnosed with bowel cancer. What followed was a gruelling summer of surgery, recovery, and adjusting to life with a permanent stoma. At the time, there is no space to stop and process the enormity of it all. You simply keep going. You do what needs to be done. Survival mode takes over.

It has only been in the last few months that I’ve really begun to understand and absorb the magnitude of what I’ve been through.

Last night, I watched Sir Chris Hoy speak on the BBC about his cancer journey. Although I am now cancer-free and cannot begin to compare my experience to his, so much of what he said resonated deeply with me. His focus on what he can control, on living fully in the moment, not sweating the small stuff, and not putting off until tomorrow what can be lived today — it all rang so true.

And perhaps because of this year, Christmas feels very different for me.

In the past, I’ve often felt overwhelmed by it all — the busyness, the social events, the outfits, the presents, the food. This year, I feel calmer. More grounded. More focused on what I can control and deeply appreciative of the things I truly love about Christmas.

I am slowing down.

I am living in the moment.

I am not worrying about the little things.

I am reminding myself that my best is good enough.

I’m allowing myself to show up as I choose, without the pressure to meet other people’s expectations.

I am a big believer that things happen for a reason. And while I would, of course, have chosen a life without cancer, I cannot ignore the lessons it has taught me or the person it has shaped me into. I truly believe I am better for it.

And because of that, I can now go on to help others through my coaching and wellbeing work in the way I always intended — but now with far greater depth, compassion, and understanding of what it really means to cultivate a positive mindset, be present, and grab life by the horns.

So as I step away to rest, recharge, and enjoy this precious time, I want to thank you for being here — for reading, supporting, and walking alongside me this year.

I wish you a peaceful, joyful Christmas and a New Year rooted in presence, self-compassion, and living fully in the now.

Anna xx