Recently RY sat down with Angela Simson, the innovative wellness advocate behind The Gratitude Project, to chat all things beauty, self-care and much more. Keep reading to discover all you need to know about the beautiful Ange, including her rituals with her kids, travel skincare tips and winter must-haves.
RY Chats to Angela Simson of The Gratitude Project
RY: Hi Ange! Thank you so much for speaking with us today — we’re so excited to hear all about your journey in the wellness space. Could you tell us a bit about how The Gratitude Project originated and what it aims to do?
Angela Simson: I was in the car one day when my daughter Bo was only a few months old, driving to see the chiropractor because she had some problems with her neck. She was in the back of the car screaming, she hated the car! I could feel my stress levels rising and I pulled over the car for the fourth time to get her out and soothe her, frustrated as anything and wanting to cry.
I was running late, Bo hated the car and it was all getting on top of me. But, I had this moment when getting her out of the car and I realised that some people would give anything to be in my situation. I had a beautiful baby girl, I was in the car taking her to see a healthcare practitioner that I could afford, and that was my biggest stress of the day. Who on earth was I not to feel so incredibly blessed in that moment? But I was allowing all the things out of my control to overshadow how incredibly luck I really was!
So, I made a decision then and there to stop choosing to focus on the discomfort, and start focusing solely on gratitude. It changed everything for me. I became more present and happier within a week, and in the long run, I started to see big changes in my health, relationships and life. My aim is for as many of women as possible to experience these profound and life changing shifts and to help them connect with themselves, their vitality and their full potential.
RY: You’re an author, entrepreneur and super mum – do you make time in your busy schedule for self care? What practices do you use?
AS: Yes, life is busy but I try and be as mindful as possible to take care of myself. My favourite way to start my day is slowly, with cuddles in bed with my hubby and two girls. If all is calm at home I head out for a beach walk and some nights, I head to yoga.
I think that when you become a mother you really have to prioritise your happiness and health, because it does impact everyone in your home. I try not to caught up in ‘shoulds’ and instead, get obsessed with joy!
Life isn’t sunshine and rainbows at all time; when things are tough and the stress is creeping in, my self care practices bring me back to earth, ground me in what’s really happening and help me to keep a level head.
RY: If you weren’t a health and happiness coach, what would you be?
AS: Very unhealthy and unhappy! Just kidding, I think I would’ve probably ended up just embracing mum life and maybe gone back to working in fashion after a while. I don’t know how life would’ve turned out though, I think I would’ve found another way to be of service!
RY: You’ve got two gorgeous little girls, Bo and Harper. What do you love most about being a mum?
AS: I just love how loved you feel, with these little humans just wanting to gobble all your time and attention — it’s so beautiful!
RY: We’re deep in the midst of winter, and things are getting chilly! What changes do you make to prepare your skin and hair for winter?
AS: I love an all-purpose moisturiser; I get a little dry on my hands and this helps loads, and then I double dose on my plant based omegas so I’m moisturised from the inside out!
