Five Rubies, Nottingham (2026)

14/09/2023

Do you enjoy the start of a new season?

In our part of the world, schools have been back for almost a full week and the weather is finally shifting into the new season. The small signs are here; spider’s webs appearing overnight, dew on the grass, daddy longlegs bouncing around the windows and a fresh, damp edge to the early morning air.

Autumn is my favourite time of the year. There’s a sense of newness and potential. I’m delighted to discover the first shiny conker. I love watching nature change from one rich colour to the next. And there’s a slowing and nurturing as we head towards winter.

This autumn, I’m also heading into a new season of focus. I’ve been writing a novel for a long time, and I’ve realised (with a little help from a coach and friend) I need to give myself more time to focus on the book so I can finally finish it. Creating this space means making some changes for the rest of the year.

I won’t be creating any new content for Five Rubies, although I may repost content I think you might find helpful or inspiring. I’ll be around on social media as I enjoy the connections and community.

Other than existing clients, I’m not taking on any new work until January. I’m always happy to chat, so do get in touch if you’d like to explore working with me in 2024.

Creating space feels a little scary but mostly exciting! I’ll be sharing some of my journey on my personal social media accounts, so follow me there if you’re interested. I’ll pop the links below.

Onwards to 4th drafts, editing, new (and old) characters, adventures and magic. And, of course, lots of coffee and notebooks.

Find me on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/claire_louise_tomkins/

Connect with me on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/claire-tomkins/

25/07/2023

This month I’ve been exploring the concept of creative flow. It’s been a while since I’ve given myself permission to go down a research rabbit hole and I’ve enjoyed it so much, I’ve written a longer than usual blog post all about it.

I’ve LOVED exploring this topic. Creative flow has wonderful benefits for creativity, business, work, movement, and many other aspects of life. It’s something worth investing in.

So, I hope you enjoy my rabbit hole of creative flow. I’d love to hear your comments. Link below.

https://www.fiverubies.co.uk/blog/the-power-of-creative-flow

21/07/2023

Psychologist Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi defined creative flow as, ‘the mental state of being completely present and fully immersed in a task’.

I’ve enjoyed exploring this concept for this month’s blog post (look out for that next week!). It's struck me that everyone’s experience of creative flow is different.

I’d love to hear about your experience - how do you feel when you’re in creative flow? Let me know in the comments 👇

19/07/2023

What does the phrase ‘showing up’ conjure up for you?

I think it can sometimes have a negative connotation, e.g., ‘at least they showed up,’ as if it was the minimum effort a person could muster, so perhaps they shouldn't have bothered at all.

I disagree. Sometimes the act of showing up requires maximum effort. Sometimes showing up is the hardest part.

For me, showing up is at the beginning. It requires stepping into the place where I allow myself to be seen. Perhaps by others, perhaps by myself, or perhaps by something or someone bigger than me.

And being seen can be hard. Sometimes, it feels easier and safer not to. Yesterday, I was reminded of this:

When we show up, not only have we achieved something that’s often hard, but whoever we are allowing to see us is glad we’re there.

* When you show up for your writing, the blank page says, it’s lovely to see you.

* When you show up for your clients, you exchange energy and do good work together.

* When you show up for your mind and body, your sacred space welcomes you without judgement.

* When you show up in your content, there's at least one person who feels seen themselves.

Yesterday, I showed up at a zoom writing hour and allowed myself to be seen by others, by my writing and by me. I feel content, grateful and quietly proud that I showed up and this piece of writing is the result.

Where will you show up and allow yourself to be seen today?

12/07/2023

A few weeks ago, someone gave me four tomato plants. Green fingers run in my family, but all the evidence so far suggests that gene didn’t pass to me. My superpower is not keeping plants alive.

Fortunately, my fledgling tomato plants appear to be pretty sturdy and need little attention. They’ve been bravely growing in their pots, and as if by magic, the yellow flowers are turning into tiny green tomatoes. All they needed was a bit of water every day and a shady spot on the garden wall. I’m feeling cautiously optimistic and quietly proud that I’ve kept them alive for this long.

Why am I talking about tomatoes? I’ve been working on a blog post about creative flow and considering what we need in our environments in order to create the work we want.

My ideal work environment is calm and without too much clutter. There must be natural light. I don’t mind some background noise (I like to work in local cafes) as long as it doesn’t become too loud or overwhelming. I’ll often have a hot drink and sometimes I’ll light a candle. I find it helpful to work with other people around for accountability, as long as I’m not distracted!

I’d love to hear your thoughts.

What’s the best environment for your work?

04/07/2023

I love to write with a good pen. The sort that glides across the page with the effortless fluidity of a pro ice dancer. A good pen connects my mind and body to the page, so it has an important job to do. Of course, any pen (or pencil) will do, but some are created better than others.

My dad also believed in the power of a good pen, so when I started my exam years at school, he bought me a fountain pen. It wasn’t anything fancy, but that pen was my trusted companion through hundreds of words in the years ahead. It left an inky bump on the side of my finger, which is still there now.

Sadly, I don’t know where that pen is now, but my brother bought me a pair of good pens and a notebook for my last birthday (both of which I’m using in the first draft of this post). This one is called ‘Jetstream’ which I feel is a good name for a pen.

A really good pen says, ‘Your words matter and I’m here to help you form them on the page.' That’s why I love to write with a good pen.

What do you love to do?

29/06/2023

Last week I had a great time recording a podcast episode with the lovely Anna Woolliscroft about nature, movement and writing. Anna sent me some fab questions to prepare, so I thought I’d share one of my favourites.

‘How has nature supported you in life?’

I loved reflecting on the impact of being in nature and how important it is for my creativity and wellbeing.

Here’s what I jotted down in my notebook:

Nature is a refuge; it soothes, nurtures and restores me.

Nature gives my mind and imagination space to breathe.

Nature is a constant source of inspiration.

Nature helps me to slow down and appreciate what’s around me.

Nature is where I run and process my thoughts.

Nature gives me perspective.

Nature is wild and unhindered, and I have to take it as it is.

Nature is the best teacher.

Nature is always pleased to see me.

How does nature support you in your life?

23/06/2023

How confident do you feel about creating and sharing content?

I was talking to a friend this week about how she and her colleagues feel about writing content. She commented that her biggest challenge was confidence. She wasn’t always sure whether her writing sounded ‘right’ or if the topics were interesting enough.

If you resonate with this, here are 5 tips that may help give your content a confidence boost:

1. Try not to overthink it. Your content doesn’t have to be word perfect. The important thing is you're showing up with a willingness to serve your audience and share your message.

2. Get your message straight. If you’re clear on what you want to say, who to and why, it makes writing content a whole lot easier AND you’ll feel great about it.

3. Embrace your uniqueness. You don’t need to talk to everyone and not everyone will agree with you or *deep breath* perhaps even like you. Embrace it! We are all unique and there’s space for us all in this vast online world.

4. Practice. This applies to most things in life. The more we practice something, the more effortless it becomes. Practice writing content and practice how you want to feel about it. It can make a real difference.

5. Your voice matters. Everyone has a valuable and interesting story to share which someone out there needs to hear.

Which tip resonates with you the most?

20/06/2023

‘Have you had a good day, Mum?’

My 12 year old asked me this question when she got in from school today. I paused to consider and decided it had been a good day. She asked what I’d enjoyed doing.

I enjoyed working at the table in our recently finished kitchen listening to the rain hammering on the roof windows.

I enjoyed reading the opening chapters to a friend’s book and offering some feedback.

I enjoyed doing the first session with two new clients and seeing a few beautiful light bulb moments.

I enjoyed a run along the muddy riverside path listening to one of my favourite podcasts about writing.

I’m currently enjoying the background sounds of the cricket (with commentary from the hubby and teenager) on the TV in the other room and the reassuring smell of jacket potatoes in the oven.

Why am I sharing these things with you? Well, first to encourage you to reflect on what you’ve enjoyed today. It’s given me a boost (along with the endorphins) and it also reminds me of the benefits of practicing gratitude. Bonus.

And second, showing you what I’ve enjoyed helps you to get to know me.

So here’s this week’s challenge:

Share with your audience 5 things you’ve enjoyed today. I’d love to hear them so I can get to know you, too🫶

09/06/2023

Do you enjoy creating content? Is it something that sparks joy (to quote a well-known organizing expert) or is it a chore?

This week on LinkedIn, I share 5 tips to help you find more ease and joy in your content creation. Click on the link below to read the post.

https://www.linkedin.com/posts/claire-tomkins_smallbusinessowners-creativeentrepreneurs-activity-7072598672445730816-Q8Tu?utm_source=share&utm_medium=member_desktop

06/06/2023

I’ve been listening to a podcast this week, where the discussion included practices. One speaker described practices as ‘regular, life-giving activities that are in line with my values.’ For him, these kinds of practices included going to the gym, meditation and cycling in the forest.

Over recent years, I’m come to realise the importance of practices in my life. One key benefit (among many) is they nourish my soul. That might sound a bit out there, but I find when I miss out on my life-giving practices, it has a negative effect in other areas of my life.

My favourite practices include journaling (and coffee), time alone and running.

Do you have any life-giving practices?

Five Rubies

14/09/2023

25/07/2023

21/07/2023

19/07/2023

12/07/2023

04/07/2023

29/06/2023

23/06/2023

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09/06/2023

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