In this gentle and reflective episode, we explore the often-misunderstood power of solitude. While the world pushes us to stay connected, stimulated, and endlessly busy, there is quiet wisdom in learning how to be alone… with intention.

You’ll be guided through a mindful tea ritual that helps turn silence into sanctuary, and discover how just a few minutes of solitude each day can calm your nervous system, spark creativity, and deepen your self-awareness.

Whether you're an introvert seeking deeper connection or someone afraid of stillness, this episode offers a comforting invitation: to sip, breathe, and return to yourself.

What We’ll Cover:

* The difference between loneliness and solitude

* How solitude can become a daily act of self-care

* Simple steps to create your own tea-and-silence ritual

* Why being alone can spark creativity and clarity

* How solitude strengthens emotional resilience

* The healing power of doing absolutely nothing

* A guided reflection for tuning in to your inner voice

Try This Practice:Take five minutes today to:

* Brew your tea with intention

* Sit without distractions

* Breathe and sip in silence

* Reflect on what you need right now

* End with a quiet moment of gratitude

“Solitude isn’t the absence of life. It’s where we breathe, reflect, and remember who we are.”

Resources:

Callanish Cuppa

How to make a tea latte

Ways to connect with me 💬

DM me, jump in the subscriber chat, or connect via my website, LinkedIn or Instagram 😁 I offer tea supply, tea training, tea for wellbeing courses and mindset coaching. Find out more about my tea business, eteaket, here: https://www.eteaket.co.uk/

Thanks for joining me on our pause for tea to rebalance and thrive. 🍵 If you enjoyed this post, it would make my day if you’d comment, hit the heart button or share it. Your actions will help me reach more people. 💖 Thanks for your support! ✨ Erica x

The Tea Mind is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.

What happens when you mix youthful ambition, French inspiration, and a sprinkle of resilience? You get Rachel Hanretty, the powerhouse behind Mademoiselle Macaron -an award-winning business that started at her kitchen table and now produces thousands of exquisite French macarons every week.

In this episode of The Tea Mind Podcast, Rachel shares her unexpected journey into entrepreneurship, the hard decisions behind scaling a business, and how she navigated the highs and lows of running both a bakery and a bricks-and-mortar shop. From closing a retail space to boost profitability to seeing her macarons make a surprise appearance in the Barbie movie, Rachel opens up about the realities of business ownership, resilience, and redefining success on her own terms.

But it’s not all about macarons… Rachel also dives into balancing business with motherhood, the importance of mental wellbeing, and the power of mindful moments (yes, even over a cup of tea).

Grab your favourite drink, settle in, and listen in as we explore how Rachel turned a moment of naivety into a thriving business… and what she’s got planned next.

Connect with Rachel 💬

Website: https://mademoisellemacaron.co.uk/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rachelhanretty/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mademoiselle__rachel/

Ways to connect with me 💬

DM me, jump in the subscriber chat, or connect via my website, LinkedIn or Instagram 😁 I offer tea supply, tea training, tea for wellbeing courses and mindset coaching. Find out more about my tea business, eteaket, here: https://www.eteaket.co.uk/

Thanks for joining me on our pause for tea to rebalance and thrive. 🍵 If you enjoyed this post, it would make my day if you’d comment, hit the heart button or share it. Your actions will help me reach more people. 💖 Thanks for your support! ✨ Erica x

The Tea Mind is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.

For years, I only looked in the mirror to fix my hair or find flaws. I never really saw myself.

Then I tried mirror gazing. At first, it felt awkward - like I was staring at a stranger. But as I kept going, something shifted. I started to see me - not just my reflection, but the person behind it. The one who’s been through so much. The one who’s still standing.

Then I took it a step further… I gave myself a high five.

It felt ridiculous at first. But Mel Robbins’ High 5 Habit is built on science: A high-five is a neurological trigger for encouragement. Your brain can’t tell the difference between giving one and receiving one. It just registers: “I’m proud of you.”

So, here’s my challenge: Tomorrow morning, look at yourself. Really see yourself. Say something kind. And give yourself a high five.

Sounds small, but trust me - it changes everything.

Try it and tell me how you feel. Are you in?

Resources:

Mel Robbins The High 5 Habit: Take Control of Your Life with One Simple Habit

Ways to connect with me 💬

DM me, jump in the subscriber chat, or connect via my website, LinkedIn or Instagram 😁 I offer tea supply, tea training, tea for wellbeing courses and mindset coaching. Find out more about my tea business, eteaket, here: https://www.eteaket.co.uk/

Thanks for joining me on our pause for tea to rebalance and thrive. 🍵 If you enjoyed this post, it would make my day if you’d comment, hit the heart button or share it. Your actions will help me reach more people. 💖 Thanks for your support! ✨ Erica x

The Tea Mind is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.