We give kindness to others without thinking.But when it comes to ourselves? The words often stick.

In today’s solo episode, Erica invites you to pause with a cup of tea and reflect on a deceptively simple question: When was the last time you told yourself you were proud of you?

Not for what you’ve done.But for who you are.

This episode explores how to soften your inner voice, build emotional resilience through self-kindness, and start a powerful monthly Tea Routine - writing a love letter to yourself.

It might feel awkward.But it's quietly transformational.

What You’ll Hear In This Episode:

* Why we’re so good at encouraging others and so harsh on ourselves

* The real cost of normalising self-criticism

* Erica’s personal journey with writing self-love letters

* A simple but powerful Tea Routine to reconnect with your worth

* How to start your own “Kindness Archive”

* A story from a day rave that sparked a shift in self-talk

* The science behind self-compassion and how it rewires your brain

* Why Brené Brown’s work on worthiness is a must-read

This Week’s Tea Routine: While your tea brews, take three minutes to write yourself a love letter.

Start with:“Dear me, I’m proud of you because…”Write without editing. Save it. Re-read it when your inner critic gets loud.

Even once a month, this tiny act can shift something inside you.

Resources Mentioned:

* The Gifts of Imperfection by Brené Brown

* Read more on Psychology Today

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 if your phone isn’t just a tool but a tether? In this episode of The Tea Mind Podcast, Erica explores the invisible cost of constant connectivity. From the first scroll in the morning to the last swipe at night, our attention is being drained, along with our peace of mind. This episode is an invitation to pause, to unplug, and to reconnect with what really matters.

What You’ll Learn

• Why attention is your most precious life asset• The emotional and mental cost of constant connection• How digital distraction fuels anxiety, burnout and disconnection• The science behind short, screen-free breaks• How a simple tea routine can restore clarity, calm and presence

Tea Routine Challenge

This week, try a simple three-minute Tea Pause.Step away from your phone. Brew your tea.Sit quietly and ask yourself:What am I feeling?What do I need right now?Write down three specific things you’re grateful for from the past 24 hours.Repeat daily. Notice what shifts.

Tea Truth from the Episode

You don’t need to be available to everyone all the time. But you do need to be available to yourself some of the time.

Key Insight

Our devices offer connection. But too often they disconnect us from our own lives. When you reclaim your attention, you start to reclaim your joy, your presence, and your peace of mind.

Gratitude makes sense of our past, brings peace for today, and creates a vision for tomorrow.– Melody Beattie

Links & Resources

* Impacts of digital social media detox for mental health: National Library of Medicine

* How to Raise a Healthy Gamer, Dr Alok Kanojia - tonnes of useful lessons and tools for everyone

* Follow The Tea Mind on Apple Podcasts, Spotify and Amazon Music

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.