A Thought I Kept

In this episode of A Thought I Kept host Claire Fitzsimmons talks to Eleanor Tweddell, a writer, speaker, and change consultant. Eleanor discusses what it was like to write and publish her new book, Another Door Opens: Five Steps for Navigating Change in Life and Work. 

The discussion ranges from the importance of pausing, the reassuring nature of messiness, and holding space for magic during transitions. Eleanor shares her experiences with the fluctuating nature of work and personal projects, emphasizing that meaningful change requires asking rather than rushing to answer questions and being intentional when we’re rea...

We talk about love, family, friendship and even boundaries — but we rarely talk about this: the relationship we have with ourselves.

In this episode, Claire Fitzsimmons is joined by therapist Sarah Rees to explore the quiet power of self-compassion and why it’s the most overlooked relationship of all. Sarah shares how her work evolved from cognitive behavioural therapy and nursing to compassion-focused therapy, and why that shift changed everything — for her clients and for herself.

They explore practical ways to check in with ourselves (especially when it feels uncomfortable), the difference between thinking your emotio...

In this episode of 'A Thought I Kept,' host Claire Fitzsimmons welcomes Emma Lightfoot, a pet grief expert and animal behaviorist, who shares an impactful epiphany from a wise friend. Emma discusses her tendency to immerse herself in learning and preparation to avoid the discomfort of starting and the fear of failure. She reveals her 2025 pledge to stop spending on self-help books and courses, focusing instead on trusting her own knowledge and abilities. Through engaging storytelling, Emma explains how she maintains this thought with visual reminders and mini zines. The conversation explores the balance between seeking comfort in...

In this episode of A Thought I Kept, host Claire Fitzsimmons interviews Lindsay Kaldor about the impactful teachings from a yoga class fifteen years ago that taught her the importance of seasonality and rest. 

Lindsay shares her journey from living a nonstop 'summer existence' in her twenties, to embracing the cyclical nature of life inspired by the wisdom that 'flowers don't bloom all year round.' 

They discuss the pressures of constant productivity, the significance of winter as a period of inward growth and rest, and how Lindsay's transition into motherhood and the pandemic has de...

In this episode of A Thought I Kept, Sarah Philp discusses the profound impact of Nancy Klein's quote, 'The quality of everything human beings do depends on the quality of the thinking that we do first.' 

She reflects on the relationship between thinking and action, the importance of creating thinking spaces, and how these concepts have shaped her work as an educational psychologist and coach. 

Sarah also shares personal practices like cold water swimming and visiting the Isle of Skye that help her maintain clarity and presence. 

The conversation delves into the sub...

In this episode of 'A Thought I Kept,' host Claire Fitzsimmons talks with her friend  Irena Meštrović Štajduhar about redefining the concept of strengths. 

Irena, based in Croatia, is a life observer who shares insights on how traditional metrics of success often lead to burnout and disconnection. They delve into Marcus Buckingham's idea that true strengths are activities that bring joy, and discuss how personality tests can sometimes limit us. 

This conversation emphasizes the importance of recognizing and nurturing personal passions, even if they are not conventionally acknowledged as strengths, and the idea of 'in...

In this episode of 'A Thought I Kept' hosted by Claire Fitzsimmons, brand designer and creative mentor Sarah Robertson discusses the lasting impact of a saying from her Scottish grandmother. Sarah shares how this phrase has been an anchor throughout various personal and professional challenges, offering comfort and encouragement. She reflects on the insights gained from creating and launching her design studio, balancing creative pursuits with client work, and the importance of both stretching oneself and returning to zones of comfort. The conversation emphasizes trust, resilience, and the delicate balance between striving and acceptance in creative endeavors.

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In this episode of A Thought I Kept, host Claire Fitzsimmons talks with Emily Charlotte Powell about the one idea that has guided her creative journey. Emily shares her realisation that prioritizing joy and personal fulfillment in her creative pursuits over external validation and algorithm-driven demands is everything. They discuss the importance of staying true to one's own interests, the therapeutic nature of creating, and the balance between sharing work and internal satisfaction. This episode invites listeners to reconsider what truly motivates their creativity and to find joy in the act of creating itself.

Emily Powell<...