Merry Christmas Everyone! Hope you’ve all had the kind of day that suits you 🥳here’s some BTS shots of #yourchristmasormine 1. Dressing gown gang (with fans for me and @theangelagriffin because – fleecy dressing gowns in July🥵) 2. Kaye’s boots that you never saw in shot but I LIVED for 3. Nails that I thought looked good that long when I went to the salon but I couldn’t do DAMN THING WITH (I’m not a nails person) 4. UK JULY SNOW! 🤩 5. End of shoot applause for the incredible #JuneWatson 6. Fabulous makeup and hair designer @emilybilverstone1 making me pretty 7. Bonus shot of the ice cream van in my stories😜 @primevideouk
Merry Christmas Everyone! Hope you’ve all had the kind of day that suits you 🥳here’s some BTS shots of #yourchristmasormine 1. Dressing gown gang (with fans for me and @theangelagriffin because – fleecy dressing gowns in July🥵) 2. Kaye’s boots that you never saw in shot but I LIVED for 3. Nails that I thought looked good that long when I went to the salon but I couldn’t do DAMN THING WITH (I’m not a nails person) 4. UK JULY SNOW! 🤩 5. End of shoot applause for the incredible #JuneWatson 6. Fabulous makeup and hair designer @emilybilverstone1 making me pretty 7. Bonus shot of the ice cream van in my stories😜 @primevideouk
Merry Christmas Everyone! Hope you’ve all had the kind of day that suits you 🥳here’s some BTS shots of #yourchristmasormine 1. Dressing gown gang (with fans for me and @theangelagriffin because – fleecy dressing gowns in July🥵) 2. Kaye’s boots that you never saw in shot but I LIVED for 3. Nails that I thought looked good that long when I went to the salon but I couldn’t do DAMN THING WITH (I’m not a nails person) 4. UK JULY SNOW! 🤩 5. End of shoot applause for the incredible #JuneWatson 6. Fabulous makeup and hair designer @emilybilverstone1 making me pretty 7. Bonus shot of the ice cream van in my stories😜 @primevideouk
Merry Christmas Everyone! Hope you’ve all had the kind of day that suits you 🥳here’s some BTS shots of #yourchristmasormine 1. Dressing gown gang (with fans for me and @theangelagriffin because – fleecy dressing gowns in July🥵) 2. Kaye’s boots that you never saw in shot but I LIVED for 3. Nails that I thought looked good that long when I went to the salon but I couldn’t do DAMN THING WITH (I’m not a nails person) 4. UK JULY SNOW! 🤩 5. End of shoot applause for the incredible #JuneWatson 6. Fabulous makeup and hair designer @emilybilverstone1 making me pretty 7. Bonus shot of the ice cream van in my stories😜 @primevideouk
Merry Christmas Everyone! Hope you’ve all had the kind of day that suits you 🥳here’s some BTS shots of #yourchristmasormine 1. Dressing gown gang (with fans for me and @theangelagriffin because – fleecy dressing gowns in July🥵) 2. Kaye’s boots that you never saw in shot but I LIVED for 3. Nails that I thought looked good that long when I went to the salon but I couldn’t do DAMN THING WITH (I’m not a nails person) 4. UK JULY SNOW! 🤩 5. End of shoot applause for the incredible #JuneWatson 6. Fabulous makeup and hair designer @emilybilverstone1 making me pretty 7. Bonus shot of the ice cream van in my stories😜 @primevideouk
Merry Christmas Everyone! Hope you’ve all had the kind of day that suits you 🥳here’s some BTS shots of #yourchristmasormine 1. Dressing gown gang (with fans for me and @theangelagriffin because – fleecy dressing gowns in July🥵) 2. Kaye’s boots that you never saw in shot but I LIVED for 3. Nails that I thought looked good that long when I went to the salon but I couldn’t do DAMN THING WITH (I’m not a nails person) 4. UK JULY SNOW! 🤩 5. End of shoot applause for the incredible #JuneWatson 6. Fabulous makeup and hair designer @emilybilverstone1 making me pretty 7. Bonus shot of the ice cream van in my stories😜 @primevideouk
What sad news to hear today…Len Goodman was one of the people who defined my time on Strictly ten years ago. OLD SKOOL – he was a stickler for technique, and because of that, he was the only judge I really wanted to impress every week. He sometimes clashed professionally with my dance partner over choreography, but that really spoke to Len’s passion for the traditions of ballroom dance – he knew more than any of us could dream of learning. The feedback I got from Len was sometimes mixed, but he championed me towards the end, and I deeply respected him. This (admittedly grainy) photo was taken backstage at the live tour, after he collared me to discuss one of my dances from early on in the competition. He told me he had been suspicious of me throughout the TV show because of a step I had executed in my rumba – too well for week four, in his opinion. I shared how I had been drilled on that single step for four hours one Sunday afternoon, and realising the work I had put in, he nodded, smiled, winked at me and squeezed my arm – that small acknowledgment meant so much after what had been a challenging experience on the show. His elegance elevated every room he entered, and his presence will be sorely missed. Now he gets to dance with the real stars….⭐️ #lengoodman
HEALING HEARTACHE: Years ago, I was involved in a high drama, long distance, fantasy fuelled situationship. When it ended, as things high in drama so often do 😏, yes there was heartbreak, but eventually there was massive relief at finally returning to myself. I still use that experience as a barometer of how I feel around people – if my internal waters start to feel choppy I know I need to quietly step away and take care of myself. So much of my poetry has always contained water or sea metaphors. No wonder this lil’ Pisces now lives by the beach! 🐠 🐠 🐠 #spokenword #spokenwordpoetry #healingpoetry #lovepoem #heartbreakpoem #inspirationalpoetry #nataliegumede #nataliegumedepoetry
So much is happening right now to remind us of the impermanence of literally everything. In the past I have been someone who has hidden away, stayed silent (two really weird things to do as an actor!) or not done something I would have loved to have tried for fear of what others might think. I can tell you from experience that that kind of behaviour only leads to frustration. Speak the truth that is in your heart, share your gifts, keep being silly, and keep trying something new. Who knows for sure, but we might well only get one shot at this life, and we all need each other’s light to guide the way 💡💡#hovehuts #instapoetry #inspirationalpoetry #selfhelppoetry #therapeuticpoetry #poetry #poetsofinstagram #nataliegumede #nataliegumedepoetry
When your best friend is your hype girl, your partner in crime and your cheerleader, you know together you’ll always have a great time! Thank you @victoriagoddard1 for this fantastic memento of a great night 🥰🥰 (no-one does reels better), celebrating the premiere earlier this week of ‘Your Christmas or Mine’ released TODAY on @primevideouk. If you’re inclined to watch a Christmas film this season, please consider watching this one! It was made with so much heart, and with a fantastic cast and crew; we’d love the chance to do another 🎅🏿🎅🏾🎅🏽🎅🏼🎅🏻 #yourchristmasormine #primevideouk
If you’re someone who can’t wait for Christmas, then you’ve not much longer to wait for the perfect film to get you in the festive spirit. ‘Your Christmas or Mine’ stars the BRILLIANT @corajkirk and @asabopp, and features @danielmays9 @theangelagriffin @its_lucien #davidbradley #dameharrietwalter #alexjennings #junewatson #ramjohnholder – and me 🥰 #Yourchristmasormine is released December 2nd on @primevideouk 🎄🎄🎄
I was walking in the rain last night; I could see clear skies and a beautiful sunset on the horizon (slide 2), but no matter how long I walked, that bloody cloud followed me, and the sun hung in the sky like a carrot dangled in the distance. Life can feel a bit like that sometimes. We know that the sun will come after the rain, but it doesn’t make the length of time we get drenched for any more fun! I figure it’s better to keep walking through the storm than to stay still – the weather always changes eventually, then when the skies do clear, you can look back and honour yourself for what you made it through, and look forward to find yourself closer to where you want to be 💛🌧️🌦️☀️#poetry #poetryofinstagram #inspirationalpoetry #nataliegumedepoetry #nataliegumede #selfhelppoetry #therapypoetry #selfcare #inspirationalthoughts
I was walking in the rain last night; I could see clear skies and a beautiful sunset on the horizon (slide 2), but no matter how long I walked, that bloody cloud followed me, and the sun hung in the sky like a carrot dangled in the distance. Life can feel a bit like that sometimes. We know that the sun will come after the rain, but it doesn’t make the length of time we get drenched for any more fun! I figure it’s better to keep walking through the storm than to stay still – the weather always changes eventually, then when the skies do clear, you can look back and honour yourself for what you made it through, and look forward to find yourself closer to where you want to be 💛🌧️🌦️☀️#poetry #poetryofinstagram #inspirationalpoetry #nataliegumedepoetry #nataliegumede #selfhelppoetry #therapypoetry #selfcare #inspirationalthoughts
As a single gal, it has always felt important to see the world where possible, even if it meant travelling solo. I only flew for the first time aged 21, so I’ve never lost my sense of wonder and gratitude at visiting other cities, cultures and climates. Sometimes along the way though, I wished I had someone to share the experiences with. So when I was approached by @flashpack to be one of their ambassadors, I of course jumped at the chance. @Flashpack is a travel company designed for solo travellers in their 30s and 40s, and offers destinations across the globe, whilst introducing you to exciting itineraries and like-minded communities. I chose to go to the Philippines this December to chase the sun in winter, for the chance to slow down from a busy lifestyle, and to get a taste of (private) island paradise. I can’t wait to explore some of the beautiful islands, to try out some of the activities, and to make memories with new friends. I’m also hoping to start a new tradition of travelling over Christmas, so I can ring in the new year with a fresh horizon. I’ll be posting throughout the year about it, but in the meantime, if you fancy joining me, you can click the link in my bio 🇵🇭❤️💙🤍💛 (📸: @ccracken) #flashpackambassador #lifebeginsat40 #solotravel #soulfultravel
As a single gal, it has always felt important to see the world where possible, even if it meant travelling solo. I only flew for the first time aged 21, so I’ve never lost my sense of wonder and gratitude at visiting other cities, cultures and climates. Sometimes along the way though, I wished I had someone to share the experiences with. So when I was approached by @flashpack to be one of their ambassadors, I of course jumped at the chance. @Flashpack is a travel company designed for solo travellers in their 30s and 40s, and offers destinations across the globe, whilst introducing you to exciting itineraries and like-minded communities. I chose to go to the Philippines this December to chase the sun in winter, for the chance to slow down from a busy lifestyle, and to get a taste of (private) island paradise. I can’t wait to explore some of the beautiful islands, to try out some of the activities, and to make memories with new friends. I’m also hoping to start a new tradition of travelling over Christmas, so I can ring in the new year with a fresh horizon. I’ll be posting throughout the year about it, but in the meantime, if you fancy joining me, you can click the link in my bio 🇵🇭❤️💙🤍💛 (📸: @ccracken) #flashpackambassador #lifebeginsat40 #solotravel #soulfultravel
As a single gal, it has always felt important to see the world where possible, even if it meant travelling solo. I only flew for the first time aged 21, so I’ve never lost my sense of wonder and gratitude at visiting other cities, cultures and climates. Sometimes along the way though, I wished I had someone to share the experiences with. So when I was approached by @flashpack to be one of their ambassadors, I of course jumped at the chance. @Flashpack is a travel company designed for solo travellers in their 30s and 40s, and offers destinations across the globe, whilst introducing you to exciting itineraries and like-minded communities. I chose to go to the Philippines this December to chase the sun in winter, for the chance to slow down from a busy lifestyle, and to get a taste of (private) island paradise. I can’t wait to explore some of the beautiful islands, to try out some of the activities, and to make memories with new friends. I’m also hoping to start a new tradition of travelling over Christmas, so I can ring in the new year with a fresh horizon. I’ll be posting throughout the year about it, but in the meantime, if you fancy joining me, you can click the link in my bio 🇵🇭❤️💙🤍💛 (📸: @ccracken) #flashpackambassador #lifebeginsat40 #solotravel #soulfultravel
As a single gal, it has always felt important to see the world where possible, even if it meant travelling solo. I only flew for the first time aged 21, so I’ve never lost my sense of wonder and gratitude at visiting other cities, cultures and climates. Sometimes along the way though, I wished I had someone to share the experiences with. So when I was approached by @flashpack to be one of their ambassadors, I of course jumped at the chance. @Flashpack is a travel company designed for solo travellers in their 30s and 40s, and offers destinations across the globe, whilst introducing you to exciting itineraries and like-minded communities. I chose to go to the Philippines this December to chase the sun in winter, for the chance to slow down from a busy lifestyle, and to get a taste of (private) island paradise. I can’t wait to explore some of the beautiful islands, to try out some of the activities, and to make memories with new friends. I’m also hoping to start a new tradition of travelling over Christmas, so I can ring in the new year with a fresh horizon. I’ll be posting throughout the year about it, but in the meantime, if you fancy joining me, you can click the link in my bio 🇵🇭❤️💙🤍💛 (📸: @ccracken) #flashpackambassador #lifebeginsat40 #solotravel #soulfultravel
As a single gal, it has always felt important to see the world where possible, even if it meant travelling solo. I only flew for the first time aged 21, so I’ve never lost my sense of wonder and gratitude at visiting other cities, cultures and climates. Sometimes along the way though, I wished I had someone to share the experiences with. So when I was approached by @flashpack to be one of their ambassadors, I of course jumped at the chance. @Flashpack is a travel company designed for solo travellers in their 30s and 40s, and offers destinations across the globe, whilst introducing you to exciting itineraries and like-minded communities. I chose to go to the Philippines this December to chase the sun in winter, for the chance to slow down from a busy lifestyle, and to get a taste of (private) island paradise. I can’t wait to explore some of the beautiful islands, to try out some of the activities, and to make memories with new friends. I’m also hoping to start a new tradition of travelling over Christmas, so I can ring in the new year with a fresh horizon. I’ll be posting throughout the year about it, but in the meantime, if you fancy joining me, you can click the link in my bio 🇵🇭❤️💙🤍💛 (📸: @ccracken) #flashpackambassador #lifebeginsat40 #solotravel #soulfultravel
As a single gal, it has always felt important to see the world where possible, even if it meant travelling solo. I only flew for the first time aged 21, so I’ve never lost my sense of wonder and gratitude at visiting other cities, cultures and climates. Sometimes along the way though, I wished I had someone to share the experiences with. So when I was approached by @flashpack to be one of their ambassadors, I of course jumped at the chance. @Flashpack is a travel company designed for solo travellers in their 30s and 40s, and offers destinations across the globe, whilst introducing you to exciting itineraries and like-minded communities. I chose to go to the Philippines this December to chase the sun in winter, for the chance to slow down from a busy lifestyle, and to get a taste of (private) island paradise. I can’t wait to explore some of the beautiful islands, to try out some of the activities, and to make memories with new friends. I’m also hoping to start a new tradition of travelling over Christmas, so I can ring in the new year with a fresh horizon. I’ll be posting throughout the year about it, but in the meantime, if you fancy joining me, you can click the link in my bio 🇵🇭❤️💙🤍💛 (📸: @ccracken) #flashpackambassador #lifebeginsat40 #solotravel #soulfultravel
At so many junctures in my life, I have felt like I have reached the end. Of options, opportunities, sometimes even hope. This has been an ongoing theme in my mental health journey, and one that has resurfaced this year. Being an actor can highlight this feeling (we endure A LOT of nos!) but there is greater work for me to explore on this subject than just to lay it at the door of my job. Much of the time that I have spent in this state has really been about reaching the end of energy reserves, or tolerance towards an unhealthy situation. Recovery and new perspectives usually begin with rest, sleep, and stillness. Sometimes a change of scenery. Always in receiving love, and knowing that I’m not alone. Breaking down the bigger problem into a series of smaller ones. And remembering that each ending heralds a new beginning ❤️ #inspirationalquotes #poemsofinstagram #therapeuticpoetry #selfhelppoetry #nataliegumede #nataliegumedepoetry #inspiringpoetry #inspiringquotes #therapypoetry
Christmas can be an exhausting time for lots of people, and through trying to please everyone we can often feel depleted. Santa can’t always deliver, so give yourself the gift of setting boundaries this season, and see what opens up for you ❤️ #poemsofinstagram #inspirationalquotes #nataliegumede #nataliegumedepoetry #selfhelppoetry #therapypoetry #therapeuticpoetry
Traditionally, I have always been a ‘yes’ person. Desperate not to let anyone down, keen for everyone else to feel happy; setting myself almost impossible goals and inevitably therefore feeling disappointed in myself almost constantly when I didn’t achieve them. I still have have to work hard to catch my ‘yes’ before it leaves my mouth 😂, but I’m learning to check in with how my body feels before I respond. If that yes doesn’t feel good? It’s a no! Of all the tasks, goals, and requests that come our way, a huge percentage of them can wait. And we disrespect both ourselves and others when we don’t say yes wholeheartedly – an honest no leaves everyone clear on where they stand. We are in charge of our own destinies, and saying no more often creates the space to say yes to what feels good. Don’t we all deserve to feel good? ❤️🙏🏽 #priorities #poetry #poetsofinstagram #selfcarepoetry #therapypoetry #therapeuticpoetry #nataliegumedepoetry #nataliegumede #inspirationalpoetry
I pretend to be really good at this one. ‘I’m an actor, I’m used to living in the unknown.’ I said this a lot during the pandemic, trying to reassure myself that I was fine with the world turning on its head. Instead, over the years, I have been guilty of being hypervigilant, constantly dreaming up numerous different outcomes to situations in the hope of being able to control my response to them. It’s much more fun to be able to stay in the present, showing up in the world without attachment to outcomes, and letting the future surprise you. Easier said than done of course, but as always, I’m working on it! #selfhelppoetry #therapeuticpoetry #inspirationalpoetry #poemsofinstagram #nataliegumede #nataliegumedepoetry
Discipline being a form of self love used to be such an abstract concept for me – I was a much bigger fan of the ‘cake, hot bath, glass of wine’ method. Honestly I still am 😂and there’s a time and place everything. But I know I feel the benefit when the alarm is set earlier, I go to my work-out class, I delete the social media apps for a few days, 👀and I stay on task with my projects. It’s not just a feeling of achievement because I’ve done more with my day; it’s that little voice inside that whispers ‘you’re worth it. You deserve to feel healthy. You deserve to be happy. You deserve to follow your dreams.’ I can be quite an absent minded person, so it takes constant CONSTANT work not to slide back into scattered habits, but I know which path is better aligned for me. Now where did I put that cake 🧁❤️ #poetry #poetrycommunity #poetsofinstagram #selfhelppoetry #therapypoems #therapypoetry #selflove #selflovepoetry #selflovejourney
