Finding stillness and my journey to intentional living

Turning 30 in London felt like standing at a crossroads. For most of my twenties, my sense of worth was deeply tied to my job, the title on my LinkedIn profile, the hours I clocked in, the next big promotion. Work wasn’t just a part of life. It was life. And in the rush to prove my value, I neglected my health, my peace, and ultimately, myself.

Then, like many, I reached a breaking point. Realising I had spent years running on empty, I redirected all that energy into my physical health. I signed up for the best gyms, tried every new wellness trend, and chased an ideal version of health that, in hindsight, was just another rat race. Only this time, with expensive smoothies and boutique gym memberships. Third Space, Barry’s, reformer Pilates... each class, each session, felt like another way to measure up, another way to prove something. And while I was undoubtedly fitter, I wasn’t necessarily happier.

That’s when I started exploring intentional living as a way of being. I realised I didn’t need to constantly strive for the next thing... I could simply exist, fully and presently, in my current life. Intentional living meant slowing down, appreciating the little things, and making choices that align with what truly brings me joy and not what looks good on paper (or Instagram).

Tea became a huge part of this shift. Unlike the fast-paced, grab-and-go coffee culture, tea demands patience. It asks you to slow down, to wait, to be present. Brewing a cup of tea became a ritual, a reminder that life isn’t a race but a series of moments meant to be savoured.

This is what led me to create The Lost Card Teahouse. I wanted a space that celebrates slowness, mindfulness, and connection. A place where people can pause, breathe, and appreciate the richness of their lives as they are, without the pressure to perform or keep up.

Intentional living, for me, isn’t about rejecting ambition or growth but it’s about redefining what success looks like. It’s about making space for joy, for stillness, for moments that don’t need to be optimised or monetised. It’s about appreciating the present rather than constantly chasing an elusive future.

If you’re feeling the weight of the hustle, I invite you to take a breath, pour yourself a cup of tea, and ask: What would life look like if I allowed myself to just be?