In this powerful episode, Consumerism to Mindful Activism (Part 1), Patricia explores the deep connection between our inner world and the outer choices we make. Patricia shares her personal journey from external pursuit of happiness to inner reconnection, explaining how shifting mindset, healing the gut, and making conscious, sustainable lifestyle changes transformed her health, energy, and sense of purpose. This episode dives into consumerism, self-awareness, gut health, emotional wellbeing, and practical tools to help you begin your own journey toward intentional, mindful living, one small step at a time. Key Themes Moving from external validation to inner fulfilment Understanding how consumerism and overconsumption affect mental and physical health Reconnecting with the “Wise Sage” self through mindfulness and self-compassion The link between gut health, energy, and emotional wellbeing Making sustainable, toxin-free lifestyle choices without overwhelm Building mental fitness through awareness, curiosity, and self-love Powerful Quotes “Change the way you look at things and the things you look at change.” – Wayne Dyer “We are all wounded healers.” – Gabor Maté “People are fed by the Food Industry, which pays no attention to health, and treated by a Health Industry that pays no attention to food.” – Wendell Berry “It’s easier to fool people than to convince them that they are being fooled.” – Mark Twain “The reasonable man adapts himself to the world; the unreasonable one persists in trying to adapt the world to himself.” – George Bernard Shaw “Every view is the wrong view if it is held as the only view.” – Thich Nhat Hanh “The very reason I write is so that I might not sleepwalk through my entire life.” – Zadie Smith “I can’t see a way through,” said the boy. “Can you see your next step?” asked the horse. “Yes.” “Then just take that.” – Charles Mackesy The Boy, The Mole, The Fox and The Horse   Recommendations & Resources Apps: YUKA App – Scan food and cosmetic barcodes to check for health impact and hidden additives. Documentaries: The Gut: Our Second Brain (2013/2014); How our gut microbiome influences mood, energy, and immunity. Fed Up (2014) – The truth about sugar, processed foods, and how the food industry shapes our health. Books: Activate Your Vagus Nerve by Navaz Habib; Learn how to restore calm, resilience, and optimal health through vagal tone. Other Mentions: Dirty Dozen List; Environmental Working Group’s (EWG) guide to fruits and vegetables with the highest pesticide residues. https://www.ewg.org/foodnews/dirty-dozen.php Eco-conscious brands like SEEP, Who Gives a Crap, and homemade natural cleaning solutions. https://theseepcompany.com/collections/all https://uk.whogivesacrap.org/pages/about-us Complimentary Therapist https://maresawalsh.ie/   Key Takeaways Awareness is the first step to move from unconscious living to mindful action. Small, consistent changes in what we eat, buy, and consume create long-term wellbeing. Happier people make healthy choices, and healthier choices make happier people Gut health is central to both physical energy and emotional balance. Mindful activism starts with understanding, self-love, curiosity, and compassion. You don’t need to overhaul your life overnight, simply “take one step at a time.” Call to Action If today’s episode resonated with you, take one small conscious action, whether it’s scanning your food labels, switching to natural products, or simply pausing before your next purchase. Subscribe for Part 2 of “From Consumerism to Mindful Activism”, where Patricia explores the hidden costs of overconsumption and shares more inspiring resources for sustainable, conscious living. Want to go deeper? Book a free discovery coaching call to explore how mindful awareness and mental fitness can help you reconnect with your true self.   www.pacoaching.co.uk or email hello@pacoaching.co.uk