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Breakdancing or Just Getting Old? Taking a Tumble on a Night Out in Blyth

It all happened so quickly. One moment I was walking to the car after a meal out with friends. The next I was lying face down in the dirt. It took a few seconds for me to realise what had happened. My life didn’t pass before my eyes — no Chicken Run “it was really boring” revelation — but as I lay there my priorities were surprisingly clear. I was most concerned for my (rather expensive) glasses. Then my beloved tweed jacket. Then whether I’d dropped anything out of my pockets. Then that I must be covered in mud. It was a while before I realised my left hand was hurting quite badly where I’d extended it to break my fall. As I got slowly to my feet I figured I probably hadn’t broken anything but I had no clear idea how I’d ended up on the floor. My friends were no less bemused. Jack and Aimee had been on the opposite side of the car and saw nothing. Walking behind me, Spencer had seen everything. Except there’d been nothing to see. A stumble, then me flat on my face. They were all ...
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Don't Forget What Time to Talk Day Is All About

TW: Mention of suicidality and self-harm
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Our Top Posts of the Month (January 2026)

Check out our top blog posts for the past month. Posts are listed by the number of page views they attracted during the month, most popular first.
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This Is How Change Happens: Ten Creators I'd Love You to Follow

This is how change happens. One gesture. One person. One moment at a time. — Libba Bray I love to share content I find interesting and relevant. In a recent post about coffee shop conversations I mentioned two friends whose craft and creativity deserve a wider audience. I’ve previously shared ten content creators who make me happy . This time I’m sharing ten artists and creators who inspire, motivate, and challenge me in different ways. Their areas of interest and engagement vary widely. Topics include physical and mental health, suicide awareness, women’s autonomy, gender identity, trans rights, animal welfare, and body positivism. More than anything they explore and express what it means to be human. What it means to be unique. What it means to be alive. In no particular order they are: Marisa Ramirez Fraser Morgan Riona O Connor Mali and Joe Emily Kimelman Mark Hogben Man Who Has It All Rocky Kanaka Closer To Truth Andrea Gibson Marisa Ramirez (Kimmel) ...
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A Fresh Look for Gum on My Shoe

If you’re a regular visitor to Gum on My Shoe you might notice things look rather different today. We’ve given our website a new look which we believe is fresh, clean, and easier to find your way around. We hope you agree. Rest assured, our mission, values, and goals haven’t changed. We’re still focused on sharing honest conversations about mental health and the power of supportive friendships. Those moments of showing up, listening, and reminding each other we’re not alone. What’s Changed? All our main pages have been reviewed and updated. The contact page has information for guest bloggers. Get in touch if you’d like to write for us. We’d love to hear from you. The old News and Appearances page has been renamed Portfolio to better reflect its contents. The old keyword cloud has been moved to a dedicated Topics section in the side menu. There’s a new disclaimer page. Where Is Everything? Top of the Page You’ll find links to the main pages (Home, About, Res...
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A Storm of Murk: Thoughts Inspired by William Styron's "Darkness Visible: A Memoir of Madness"

TW: Mention of suicide and suicidality
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How Do You Start Your Day?

When you arise in the morning, think of what a precious privilege it is to be alive — to breathe, to think, to enjoy, to love. — Marcus Aurelius, Meditations A few weeks ago I was on one of my regular video calls with Fran. It was seven o’clock in the morning for her. Midday for me, three thousand miles away on the opposite side of the Atlantic. Fran described her morning routine. Afterwards, I captured a few notes, knowing I’d want to explore the idea further. Blog post: How I Start My Day. Inspired by Fran describing her early morning activities. Her start is gentle, flowing, all quiet movement. Plumping her pillows and making her bed when she gets up. Putting her coffee machine on. Turning on her fairy lights. A twenty second pause as she turns on her artificial fish tank and watches their dance. Collecting her coffee. Moving to the couch for our first call of the day. Mine is nowhere near as relaxed or contemplative. I smile at that final line in my notes. I’d hesita...
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