Season 1 reflections

Sitting here reflecting on Season 1, I have goosebumps and a warm heart. It’s a clear sign that I’ve reached a milestone I’m truly proud of. Honestly, it’s a bit surreal to think I’ve made it to 20 episodes in under a year, and I’m already gearing up for Season 2, which has so much in store—not just for Mindset Kitchen, but for my own personal journey.?

In the podcast world, 20 episodes might not seem like a lot, especially when some people reach hundreds much quicker than me. But for Mindset Kitchen, 20 episodes is a huge milestone. I don’t compare myself to others because comparison can kill your progress—more on that later.

I don’t underestimate the hard work that goes into making a podcast—it’s definitely tough. But I don’t even think of Mindset Kitchen as just a podcast. It’s a show. Producing the podcast itself doesn’t take much time for me, but everything behind the scenes requires a lot of hard work and passion. I practice my recipes, connect with my guests, source ingredients, and constantly push myself. And then there’s the social media aspect, which I really don’t enjoy.

There are parts of the process I love, and parts I don’t, but they’re all necessary for the show’s success. I could take the easy route, but I always push myself out of my comfort zone. Why? Because I want to show my guests I care, put in the effort, and make them feel special. And along the way, I grow. It’s all part of the plan.

Starting something from scratch is no easy feat. It’s intimidating, and doubts can easily creep in and mess with your focus. I’ve had my share of unfocused days, and that’s something I’ve had to work through and still do!?

Filming Mindset Kitchen may seem like a smooth journey, but behind the scenes, I had a very different experience. I've never been a big fan of networking, but with a shift in my mindset, I turned it into something I actually enjoy! There are still days when I have an event and wish I hadn’t booked it, but I push myself to go, and in the end, I’m always so glad I did because I always meet wonderful people and some of them made it to Mindset Kitchen.?

In the beginning, I worried about inviting people to my home—what would they think of me and the house? Some of the guests were people I’d never met or even spoken to in real life. It was uncomfortable, and sometimes it still is, but I’ve learned to reframe those thoughts and turn them into a positive experience. I create thoughts that I want people to also have when they see me for the first time, and those are always positive, kind, friendly. At the end, each filming has been such a joyful experience.?

There were moments when I filmed while battling a horrible migraine or on very little sleep. I took risks with recipes that didn’t work out the night before and made last-minute changes on the morning of filming, hoping they'd turn out okay. The challenges were endless—just like my growth, which is continuous and IT’S something I’m really excited about.

So, what is the most important lesson for me to reflect on Season 1? The most important lessons I’ve learned is to believe in myself. Or as one of my early guests’ mindset messages - “Have conviction in what you’re doing.” That’s an essential ingredient to keep this project going.

Have a conviction in what you are doing

This message brings me to the Episode 3 with Stuart Wade, Clinical Hypnotherapist/Performance Coach . I could honestly mention all the powerful mindset messages shared by my guests, as I’ve felt connected to each of them in one way or another. (Maybe there’s a book idea in that, hint hint.) But for now, I want to highlight some of the key messages that have really resonated with me on my current journey.

As far as my own mindset goes, believing in myself has always been something I focus on. But after Stuart’s episode, I shifted my perspective to “Have conviction in what you’re doing,” because that’s even bigger than self-belief. For me, conviction is when your thoughts and attitude are completely aligned and working together, shielding you from doubts—whether they come from within or from outside influences.

It’s like having a hunger for what you’re doing and being so sure of your path that nothing can shake you. Conviction in what I’m doing has now become one of the most important guiding thoughts on this journey, and I’m excited to see where it leads.

I invite you to think about this with me and keep an open mind. Being so sure of what you're doing doesn’t mean you’re blind to potential challenges or setbacks. It simply means that your thoughts and any external influences aren’t threats—they're just obstacles you’re confident you can handle.

It’s tough to have this kind of conviction at the beginning of a project. There aren’t many followers, there are constant hurdles—whether it's getting the videos right, managing all the behind-the-scenes work like networking and social media, or staying creative and focused. It can feel overwhelming, and doubt can sneak in. But this belief, this conviction in what I’m doing, has supported me through all of it.?

I would love to hear from you if you can recall a scenario where you had a conviction and it has really paid off??

And now, I find myself smiling. Not because it’s been easy, but because I’ve realised how much I’ve grown in the process. Conviction has carried me through the difficult moments, helping me stay grounded when things felt shaky. It’s given me the strength to push forward, even when it felt like the odds were stacked against me. And honestly, that’s a victory in itself.

There is more to life than meets the eye, question everything

This was Tony Courtney Brown Courtney Brown’s powerful message in Episode 4, and it still gives me goosebumps every time I think about it. That feeling is a clear sign of how deeply I connect with it. It stirs something in me, something that makes me want to shout it from the rooftops and give endless examples until everyone else feels it too. It’s like this energy is about to burst out of my chest every time I reflect on it.

This message can be interpreted in so many ways based on your experience, but I’d like to share what it means to me. Yes, there is so much more to life than what we see on the surface. And the key to experiencing that is curiosity and an open mind. Without these, you’ll remain stuck in your limited view of the world, unable to see beyond your immediate surroundings. The only way to break out of this "human shelf" and understand the bigger picture is to question everything—to allow yourself to explore what lies beyond your sight.

Tony had his own unique perspective on this, and his experiences shaped his view beautifully. But for me, I relate this message to a deeply personal moment in my life—the time when my dear husband passed away. If you’ve been following me or watched some episodes, you know I talk about this chapter of my life often. His death, as painful as it was, marked the beginning of a profound period of growth and self-awareness for me.

I remember sitting on the floor a month after his passing, with my one-year-old son beside me, who was completely unaware of the gravity of what had happened. I was lost in thought, asking myself why this had happened to me, to us. I wondered what else was out there—beyond the pain, beyond the confusion—that could help me heal, grow, and honour his memory. It was a turning point, one where I started to look beyond what I could see with my eyes and instead, sought answers from a deeper place, my heart and my soul.?

The invisible aspect I’m referring to is our spirit and our thoughts. Three weeks after my dear husband, Trevor, passed away, something incredible happened. He woke me up at 3 a.m. by calling me by the nickname he had given me. It was loud and clear, right in my left ear. I shot up and said, “Oh my God, you’re here!” I couldn’t see him, but I heard him. That moment sparked an adventurous journey for my soul, one that opened my eyes to things I had always had but just hadn’t noticed. It involved meditations, many of them every single day.

Reading and studying quantum physics, neuroscience and connecting with the man himself my dear husband. My son was not to see my pain, not because I was hiding it, but because it did not exist and now it had a different meaning. A meaning of appreciation, gratitude and happiness.

I feel the pain of loss, to this day, but I use it as a fuel for my growth and every time it comes back to my heart, I reframe it to gratitude and joy.?

Your energy, your thoughts, your feelings, your heart, your soul—everything you can’t physically see—is what shapes your life. It can either make your life as wonderful as you want it to be, or as difficult as you allow it to become. The choice is yours. It’s up to you to decide whether you want to search for what can’t be seen, to go beyond the surface and explore the unseen aspects of your existence.

So, I want to ask you—have you ever had a moment in your life that felt like it opened your eyes to something bigger? A moment when your curiosity grew so strong that you couldn’t ignore it or go back to the way things were? When you knew you were on the brink of something life-changing? Often, that’s how personal growth begins—when you start seeing the world, and yourself, in a new light.

I truly believe that if you tap into all that you are—all your inner resources—you can see so much more than you ever thought possible. Life becomes richer, more meaningful, and more aligned with your true self. So, I encourage you to explore that invisible side and see where it takes you.

Keep an eye on the big picture, but focus on the next steps you need to take

Episode 6 with George Anderson . This message really resonates with me because it’s how I live and breathe. Since this is a reflection, I also want to thank George, whom I met almost a year ago. He shares a very similar mindset to mine, and I’m grateful for the time he’s given me to share ideas, as he truly helped me grow on this journey. I hope I did the same.?

Who would have thought, a year ago, that we’d be speaking together at the Mindset Unlimited Festival? When people with similar energy, values, and beliefs come together, amazing things can happen. That’s why focusing on who you meet and building your network is such a vital part of personal growth.

Can you think of someone you met, maybe even by chance, who’s now part of your life and your growth journey? Mentors? Friends? Cherish those relationships and strengthen them by offering your help and creative input in return. Appreciate those relationships as they could last a lifetime.?

Coming back to the mindset message, I felt that George and I could have discussed it at length, but I had a chicken Katsu curry to cook and only an hour to film! When I launched Mindset Kitchen, I already had a vision of what I wanted it to be. But I also knew that as growth happens, things can take unexpected turns, so I stayed open-minded and excited about what the future might hold. Having a big picture in mind while adjusting it as you go is key to this message. It’s like you wouldn’t take a flight unless you knew where it was headed, or drive a car without knowing the destination—unless, of course, you're just driving your baby around to help them fall asleep!

Focusing on the big picture keeps you on track, and building thoughts around your vision attracts the right people and puts you in the right places. However, there’s a downside: when the big picture seems too distant or impossible, it can become overwhelming, and you might start doubting whether it will ever work.

That’s why it’s so important to focus on the next step. We often skip ahead and worry about steps 4 or 5, but how can we get there without taking the first one? The first step opens the door to the second, the second to the third, and so on. Keep taking those small steps, and you’ll get there—no matter how big your vision is. In fact, the bigger the vision, the better! I always say this cute quote to my son and even friends, "How do you eat an elephant? Piece by piece.”?

This is such a powerful mindset message to come back to whenever you feel overwhelmed or lost. Simply ask yourself, “What can I do next?” Even if it’s a small and seemingly obvious step that feels insignificant, it will still open a new door. Taking small actions is always better than taking none, because progress happens no matter how small or difficult the action is. It might take 3 or 4 steps before you start seeing results, but progress is inevitable.

Can you relate to this message? How has it helped you, or how could it help you on your journey? For me, it’s something I rely on almost every day!

Have a go, you never know what might happen

This message speaks to me loud and clear! Thank you Andrew Jameson for bringing this mindset and filling my Episode 8 with so much charisma and positive energy. I knew Andy from my banking days, and I knew he would deliver just that.

Andy asked me to cook something Lithuanian, and while he might not know this, it wasn’t the best version of koldunai (Lithuanian dumplings with meat and bacon sour cream sauce) I’ve ever made. I remember preparing the dough before his arrival, and it just wasn’t coming together—it was hard and not very flexible. I threw it out and tried again, but even the second batch wasn’t great. I had to go with it, and unless Andy was just being polite, he seemed to enjoy the meal!

I hope he gives me another chance to make koldunai or another Lithuanian dish—this time much better. The reason I say this is because sometimes things don’t work out perfectly, but your attitude is what really matters. Just go for it and take risks. I definitely learned a few things from that experience!

When Andy was leaving, I asked him, "What advice would you give me now that you've experienced Mindset Kitchen filming?" His response was simple yet powerful: "Keep on going." Coming from someone with such a tremendous career, those words speak volumes to me. So thank you, Andy—I’ll definitely take your advice.

“Have a go, you never know what might happen” can be applied to so many situations in life. Try snowboarding—you might discover a new passion. Go to that event alone—you might meet someone who becomes instrumental in your life. Whether you fail or succeed isn’t the point. Life is about taking chances and giving as many things a go as you can. That, to me, is truly living. Opportunities keep coming when you keep taking them.

I had a similar mindset when I launched Mindset Kitchen. While I had a big vision, I didn’t fully know what might happen. But I’m so glad I took the chance and had a go.

Even more so, take a step forward when you feel hesitant or uncertain. Challenge your fears and insecurities, and you may be surprised by the miracles that unfold.

Who can relate to this message? I’d love to hear your stories about times when you took a chance on something that ended up transforming your life. Or maybe you tried something that didn’t turn out as planned, but the lessons you learned were invaluable. Please feel free to share your experiences!

You have to leave the ground to learn to fly?

This beautiful message, delivered by the inspiring Emily Thorner in Episode 11, resonates deeply with me. While this thought may have crossed my mind before, I hadn’t yet defined my adventures and risks in this way. Now, it carries a new meaning. I've grown throughout the process—I’ve learned, reflected, and deepened my mindset. It’s not just about understanding the message; it’s about seeing how it applies to your life and using it when you need it most.

You might wonder, why fly? In this sense, flying is living fully—embracing life with an open mind and heart, and reaching out to touch the lives of others beyond the safety of our comfort zones.

Maybe you’re thinking of starting something new, something unknown and full of risk. To learn to fly, you have to leave the ground—how else can we grow if we don’t take those leaps? How many times have you held back because of fear—fear of failing, of being misunderstood, or even laughed at? How many times did you not apply for that job because you doubted yourself? More often than not, the bigger loss is not trying at all.

Even opening up and sharing your story is a leap—and it’s a way to grow. Growth, flying, and living are all connected.

When I started Mindset Kitchen, I had to step out of my comfort zone and take a risk. If you’ve followed my previous blogs and reflections, you know it wasn’t easy. Inviting guests to the kitchen before a single episode had even been recorded was a leap of faith—I needed my guests to believe in me too! I smiled with enthusiasm, fuelled by a big vision.

I wanted them to feel my energy, my passion, to feel special. And yes, at times a voice inside whispered, “I don’t know how this will turn out, but at least make the food taste good!” I didn’t dwell on the "what ifs" or the unknowns—there’s no point in worrying about things that haven’t happened. Instead, I focus on what I want to happen, projecting my intentions and energy outward.

I’ve taken risks at every step of the way with this project. For example, I’m no Gordon Ramsay, and when something goes wrong during filming, I share that moment right then—“Oh no, this didn’t turn out as planned!” Why do I do that? My mission is to inspire. By sharing my failures and lessons, I hope to show that nothing is ever perfect or completely smooth. I don’t want my audience to see a polished, scripted, and rehearsed version of my episodes. They are real and honest.

Cooking under pressure is challenging enough, but balancing everything—cooking, chatting with my guest, asking the right questions, holding the right filming angles, keeping noise down, staying on time—it’s a lot to juggle. But that’s how you learn to fly.

Now, I don’t even think about half of those things—they come naturally. So what’s changed? I’ve learned to fly. But there’s always more flying to do!

So leave the ground! Take that leap… or you may already had? I would love to know.?

If I was a guest on Mindset Kitchen, my message would be: Think greater than you feel

Your thoughts have the power to both hurt you and heal you. As I write this, my mind is racing faster than my typing can keep up, because this message feels deeper than what we can explain with logic alone. But I'll begin with the logical side and then move into an example from the science prospective, which reveals the true nature and incredible power of our minds.

So what do I mean by think greater than you feel?

It means rising above your immediate emotions and making decisions based on a broader, more empowering perspective. While feelings like fear, doubt, or frustration are valid, they can sometimes hold us back. This mindset invites you to recognise those emotions but not let them dictate your actions. Instead, you choose to think from a place of vision, purpose, and possibility, leading to growth and transformation.

For example, imagine you're starting a new business. At first, you might feel overwhelmed, uncertain, or even scared of failing. If you let those feelings dominate, you might hesitate to take the necessary steps to move forward, or you might give up before you've even really tried.?

But if you think greater than you feel, you can acknowledge the fear without letting it control your decisions. Instead, you focus on the bigger picture—your long-term vision for success, the impact you want to make, and the growth you’ll experience along the way. This shift in mindset allows you to keep taking bold steps, even when your emotions try to hold you back.

Another example could be in personal relationships. Let’s say you’ve had a disagreement with a close friend. In the heat of the moment, you might feel anger or hurt, and your emotions could push you to say things you’ll regret or even distance yourself from that person. But thinking greater than you feel means pausing to reflect on what really matters—the strength of your friendship, your shared history, and the possibility of growth through honest communication. By acting from that higher perspective, you choose a more thoughtful response, one that nurtures the relationship instead of letting it be torn apart by temporary feelings.

This approach can also apply to personal growth. Let’s say you want to get in shape, but after a long day of work, you feel tired and unmotivated. If you only act based on your feelings, you might skip your workout and convince yourself you’ll do it "tomorrow." But if you think greater than you feel, you remember your long-term goal of better health and fitness. You think about how good you’ll feel afterward, how much closer you’ll be to your goal, and the sense of accomplishment you’ll gain. By focusing on those greater thoughts, you’re more likely to push through the momentary discomfort and stick to your plan.?

So, when you find yourself in a moment controlled by negative emotions, ask yourself, "What is the bigger thought I should be thinking here instead?" I do this all the time.

It’s about shifting your focus away from the emotions that are dragging you down and choosing thoughts that align with what you truly want to experience.

Think about how often you’ve felt anxious or fearful about something before it even happened. Maybe you were worried about a difficult conversation or a big presentation. Then, when the moment came, it unfolded exactly as you feared—it felt like your emotions had predicted the outcome. In reality, what happened was that those emotions primed you to act and react in ways that led to the very outcome you didn’t want. Your negative emotions took control, and as a result, you "lost it," falling deeper into the exact situation you were trying to avoid.

This brings me to the science behind emotions. I won't go into too much detail, but emotion is not just a feeling—it’s also a chemical reaction in our bodies. When you repeatedly feed yourself with emotions like fear, anxiety, or doubt, you create chemical imprints in your brain.

Over time, these emotions form new neural pathways, reinforcing those reactions. Essentially, your brain becomes wired to expect and experience the same emotions over and over again. It becomes a habit, or even an addiction, to those feelings. Breaking free from this emotional cycle can be incredibly difficult because your body has become accustomed to this pattern of thinking and feeling.

The tricky part is, by holding on to these emotions, you start attracting more of the same. If you constantly dwell on fear or anxiety, you’re more likely to encounter situations that reinforce those emotions. It’s like a feedback loop—your thoughts create your emotions, your emotions create your reality, and that reality confirms your original thoughts.

This is why it’s so important to be mindful of your thoughts. Whatever you want to achieve in life, you need to ensure that your thoughts align with the reality you want to create, not the one you fear. If you’re always thinking about what could go wrong, you’re subconsciously preparing yourself for failure. Instead, focus on what could go right. Visualise success, confidence, and growth. By doing this, you’re rewiring your brain to attract positive outcomes, rather than being controlled by negative emotions.

If you're intrigued by this topic, I highly recommend reading some of Bruce Lipton's books. I had the chance to meet him recently during a full-day lecture on this very subject. While some may be skeptical of this science, for me, it’s a no-brainer.

The power of thinking greater than you feel is about taking control of your thoughts before they take control of you. It’s about breaking the cycle of negative emotion by choosing a bigger, better, and more empowering thought in its place. When you do this consistently, you start to see real shifts in your life, as your thoughts and emotions begin to align with the reality you actually want to create.

This mindset can help you overcome obstacles, take risks, and grow in ways you might not have thought possible when you were solely guided by your feelings.

Ultimately, thinking greater than you feel empowers you to live with purpose, act with clarity, and create the life you truly want, regardless of the emotional ups and downs along the way.

To do all of the above, start by learning to catch your emotion in the moment, before it progresses any further. Practise everyday and soon this will be the new you.