Ichi-go Ichi-e

Ichi-go Ichi-e

Ichi-go Ichi-e: Being Present in Your Neurodiverse Way

Life isn’t always easy to stay present for.

Especially if you’re neurodiverse.

Sometimes everything is too much — the noise, the smells, the people, the expectations.
Sometimes it’s the opposite — we get so focused on one task, one idea, one world inside us, that we lose all track of time.

I was reading Salvatore Battaglia’s latest book, The Kotodama of Scent, when I came across a phrase that caused me to pause: Ichi-go ichi-e.


It’s a Japanese concept that literally translates to “one time, one meeting.”

A reminder that this moment, this experience — will never happen again in exactly the same way.

The phrase comes from the world of Japanese tea ceremonies, but it carries a message that ripples far beyond that:

Every moment is fleeting, and because of that, it’s precious.

Why Ichi-go Ichi-e Resonates for Neurodiverse People

I’ve spoken with so many beautiful, thoughtful, sensitive humans — many of whom are neurodiverse — who feel like they can’t stay present.

There’s too much stimulation. Or they disappear into hyperfocus. Or their brains are just… always moving.

And I want to say: You’re not doing it wrong.
Ichi-go ichi-e isn’t about forcing stillness. It’s about noticing what’s already here.

Even if your mind is racing, your environment loud, or your day disjointed — you can still pause, even for a second, to say:
“This moment is happening now. And I’m here.”

A Moment I’ll Never Forget

When I first read the phrase, I looked up.

The light hit the page in a soft, warm way. I could smell the last traces of essential oils in the room.

And I realised: this will never happen again quite like this.

That doesn’t make it tragic — it makes it beautiful.

And it made me want to bring this idea to you.

Not as a pressure to “be present,” but as an invitation.

An offering.

A quiet reminder that now matters.

Want a Gentle Way to Reconnect?

If you’re looking for gentle tools to help you come back to the moment, I’ve created a new playlist on YouTube called Soothing Sounds.

They’re just 10-minute tracks — soft, quiet, calming — designed for when you need to pause, recover, or just breathe.

You can also watch the video version of this blog here:

Over to You…

Have you had a moment where you suddenly realised how precious it was?

Or does the idea of ichi-go ichi-e help shift something in how you approach your day?

Leave a comment below — I’d love to hear what this stirs in you.
And if you’d like more support and encouragement like this, you can subscribe to Different… and Loving It! or join our kind, off-social community.

Until next time,
Lucinda 💙

You’re Not Too Sensitive

You’re Not Too Sensitive

You’re Not Too Sensitive — You’re Wired for Deep Awareness

“You’re just too sensitive.”

Heard that before?

For many neurodiverse people—and anyone who feels deeply—this phrase lands like a judgment. It’s often said with frustration, dismissal, or even pity. 

But here’s the truth:

You’re not too sensitive.
You’re precisely sensitive enough.

Your nervous system isn’t faulty. It’s finely tuned. 

You’re wired to notice details, energy shifts, subtle sounds, tiny injustices, unexpected beauty. 

Where others might rush by, you pause. You feel. You see. And that is a profound gift.

🌿 Sensitivity ≠ Weakness

Let’s clear this up: being sensitive doesn’t mean being fragile. It means being deeply aware.

You might:

  • Sense tension in a room before anyone says a word

  • Feel overwhelmed by bright lights, strong smells, or background noise

  • Cry during music, movies, or at the sight of something beautiful

  • Need time alone to reset after socialising

  • Notice patterns, inconsistencies, or small acts of kindness that others miss

None of this means you’re broken. It means you’re in tune. In a world that rewards speed and surface-level interaction, your deep awareness is a quiet kind of power.

🌀 The Link Between Sensitivity and Neurodiversity

Many neurodiverse people—especially those with autism, ADHD, or traits linked to sensory processing—experience heightened sensitivity. 

This can show up physically (like noticing every flicker of fluorescent lighting) or emotionally (like feeling the mood of a friend before they even speak).

We’ve been taught to hide this. To mask. To “toughen up.”

But what if the world needs more feeling, not less?

🔍 What Your Sensitivity Tells You

Think of it like this: your sensitivity is feedback. It’s information. It tells you when something is off, when a space feels safe, when someone needs support. It also tells you what brings you joy, peace, comfort, and connection.

Instead of ignoring it, you can learn to listen. To trust it.

And to build a life that honours it.

💖 You Deserve Environments That Feel Kind

You don’t need to be less sensitive.

You need environments that are more aligned with how you function best.

That might mean:

  • Choosing quieter cafés

  • Wearing soft clothes in calming colours

  • Surrounding yourself with people who respect your pacing

  • Saying no to things that leave you overstimulated or emotionally drained

These choices aren’t indulgent—they’re necessary. For your nervous system, your creativity, your wellbeing.

🌸 You’re Allowed to Be Fully You

You were never meant to fit into a world that silences sensitivity.

You were meant to help shape a world that honours it.

So the next time someone says you’re too sensitive, you might pause… and smile.

Because now you know:

  • You’re not too sensitive.
  • You’re deeply aware.
  • And that’s your strength.

🎤 Share Your Thoughts

What will you say next time someone says you’re “too sensitive”? Share in the comments below – let’s inspire each other!

And if you feel inspired, come and start chatting in our Different… And Loving It! community.

What Does Coaching Impact Really Feel Like?

What Does Coaching Impact Really Feel Like?

The Lasting Impact of Coaching: How Radiance Coaching Creates Real Change

What Does Coaching Impact Really Feel Like?

Imagine standing at the edge of a dense forest, unsure of the path ahead. The trees whisper possibilities, but the way forward feels tangled, overwhelming. 

Coaching is like a lantern lighting the way – not forcing a route, but revealing choices, opening space, making the next step clear.

The impact of coaching isn’t just a single moment of insight. 

It’s the feeling of breathing easier, of moving through life with a sense of direction. 

It’s the confidence to trust yourself, the freedom to unmask, the deep exhale of realising you no longer have to fit into someone else’s mould.

The Power of Radiance Coaching for Neurodiverse People

Radiance Coaching is a sanctuary for those who experience the world intensely. 

If you process life deeply, feel things profoundly, or navigate a brain that doesn’t fit the so-called ‘norm,’ this is for you. 

Radiance Coaching isn’t about fixing – it’s about aligning with who you already are and uncovering what makes you thrive.

The impact of Radiance Coaching shows up in:

🌿 Moments of clarity that feel like fresh air – the sudden realisation that you do know what you need, and always have.

🎶 Expressing yourself in ways that finally feel right – no more struggling to fit into uncomfortable conversations or expectations.

🔥 Energy shifts that transform daily life – recognising what drains you, what fuels you, and how to balance both.

🌊 Finding your natural rhythm – honouring how you move through the world, instead of forcing yourself into someone else’s pace.

🌟 Success on your terms – defining progress by how you feel, not by arbitrary checklists or comparisons.

How Do You Know Coaching is Working?

The effects of Radiance Coaching don’t come with a scorecard – they show up in the little things, the ripples that turn into waves:

  • Noticing more ease in your days – decisions feel smoother, self-doubt loosens its grip, your energy flows where it’s needed.
  • Recognising and celebrating small wins – setting boundaries without guilt, speaking up with confidence, feeling seen in your own story.
  • Feeling at home in yourself – not needing to shrink, mask, or explain away your natural ways of being.

The Ripple Effect of Coaching

Transformation isn’t just personal – it extends outward. 

When you shift, so do your relationships, your environment, your way of engaging with the world. 

You move with more presence, more authenticity, creating spaces where others can do the same.

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Ready to Experience the Shift?

If you’re ready to move from stuck to flowing, Radiance Coaching is here to support you. 

I’ve got a couple of places opening up – let’s chat about how coaching can help you step into your fullest self.

Learn more and book your sessions here.

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Your Uniqueness Is Your Superpower

Your Uniqueness Is Your Superpower

Is Your Uniqueness Actually Holding You Back?

Do you ever feel like you’re just… different? That your uniqueness is not really okay?

Maybe you’ve felt like you don’t quite belong or that fitting in takes more effort than it should. Perhaps you’ve even wondered if there’s something wrong with being the way you are.

Let me tell you something that took me decades to learn that — 

Your Uniqueness is Your Superpower.

I get it.

For years, I felt out of place. I struggled to understand how to navigate a world that didn’t seem to have space for someone like me. 

But here’s what I’ve discovered: the very things that make you feel different are the same things that make you extraordinary.

When you embrace your quirks, your passions, and your true self, you step into a light that only you can shine. 

It’s liberating, powerful, and transformative.

Why Being Different Matters

Being different allows you to see the world through your own unique lens. 

It gives you insights, ideas, and perspectives that others might miss. 

I have to tell you – the world needs your creativity, your sensitivity, your courage, and your individuality.

In fact, embracing your uniqueness can be a gift to yourself and those around you.

How to Start Embracing Your Uniqueness, Your Superpower

  1. Recognise Your Gifts
    Think about what makes you feel alive, inspired, and true to yourself. These are your gifts. Honour them.
  2. Release the Pressure to Conform
    You don’t have to fit into anyone else’s box. In fact, the world is more exciting when we colour outside the lines!
  3. Find Your People
    Surround yourself with people who celebrate your uniqueness. If you’re still searching, we’d love to welcome you into the Different… and Loving It! community.

Ready to Embrace Being Different?

It’s time to step into your light and shine because you’re different.

Join the conversation in our Different… and Loving It! community, where we celebrate what makes us unique.

Reach out if you want to explore working together! I tailor my packages to suit my clients.

Managing Your Energy

Managing Your Energy

Managing Your Energy – Making Intentional Choices About Where to Spend It

In today’s fast-paced world, it’s easy to forget that our energy is a finite resource. Unlike time, which ticks on regardless, our energy ebbs and flows. 

Life can throw us all over the place, like being onboard a ship in rough seas. But, when we’re intentional about where we spend it, we feel more balanced, fulfilled, and focused on what truly matters. 

But for many, especially those of us who are neurodiverse, this process is more complex. We’re constantly picking up on extra information around us, which can be both enriching and exhausting.

Recognising Your Energy “Bank”

Think of your energy like a bank account. Just as you might budget your finances, it’s essential to budget your energy. 

Each interaction, task, and even environment has an “energy cost,” which can differ for everyone. 

When we become aware of what drains us and what replenishes us, we can make intentional choices about where to invest our energy.

Here are some helpful questions to start with – you might like to journal on these.

  • What activities or people make me feel energised? Whether it’s engaging in a hobby, talking with certain friends, or spending time outdoors, recognising these energisers can help you build them more consistently into your routine.
  • What drains my energy most? Pay attention to situations or interactions that leave you feeling depleted, and consider if you can minimise or balance them.
  • How does my energy feel throughout the day? Noticing when your energy rises and dips can help you to structure your day in a way that makes the best use of your natural rhythms.

Tips for Managing Your Energy

Once you know what affects your energy levels, you can make small adjustments so that you are intentionally protecting and managing it. 

Here are a few techniques that work especially well for neurodiverse individuals:

  1. Set Boundaries to Avoid Information Overload
    News, social media, and even the everyday bustle of public spaces can be overwhelming. Give yourself permission to step back from sources of overstimulation and create small “retreats” of quiet whenever possible.
  2. Practice Grounding Techniques
    Grounding exercises like deep breathing, short meditations, or even sound healing can help recalibrate your mind and body. These moments bring you back to the present and help you recharge quickly.
  3. Embrace a ‘Less is More’ Mentality
    Instead of filling your day with endless to-dos, focus on two or three things that are most important to you. By reducing decision fatigue and honing in on priorities, you’ll conserve mental and emotional energy.
  4. Recharge with Nature
    Spending time outdoors or even just taking a few minutes to breathe fresh air can help clear your mind and replenish your reserves. Whether it’s a walk in the garden or a full day in nature, connecting with the Earth is an incredibly restorative experience.
  5. Use Intentional Rest Periods
    Rather than waiting until you’re exhausted to take a break, try planning intentional rest periods throughout your day. Even five minutes to stretch or close your eyes can make a world of difference.
managing your energy @ LucindaCurran.com

Energy is precious, and learning to manage it wisely allows us to live with greater joy, intention, and connection.

By prioritising your own wellbeing, you’ll not only feel more grounded but also have more to give to the things and people that matter most.

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Building Joy In Your Life

Building Joy In Your Life

Hey there, lovely souls! Let’s talk about joy!

For me, joy is essential, more important than good health – as from my experience, it overrides everything.

Picture this…

It’s a bright, sunny day, and you’re strolling through a meadow, surrounded by the vibrant colours of blooming flowers. 

Suddenly, a warm sensation fills your chest, spreading through your body like a gentle wave. Your heart feels full and overflowing, a smile spread across your face, you can feel your eyes twinkling as they take in all the beauty around you.

That, my friends, is joy – the pure, unadulterated bliss that lights up our lives and makes every moment sparkle with possibility.

So, what exactly is joy? 

It’s more than just a fleeting emotion; it’s a state of being, a profound sense of happiness that resonates deep within us. 

Joy is more than that, it comes from deep within – your soul, your true self.

It isn’t just about external circumstances – although they can trigger your awareness of it.

Joy gloriously brings peace and contentment, guiding your heart, mind and hand in all you do.

 

Close your eyes for a moment and tune into your body. Can you feel it? That bubbling sense of excitement in your chest, the tingle of anticipation running down your spine – that’s joy, my friends, and it’s a feeling worth chasing.

How is it different from happiness?

Before we delve deeper into the essence of joy, let’s take a moment to distinguish it from happiness. While the words “joy” and “happiness” are often used interchangeably, they hold distinct meanings that merit exploration. 

Let’s have a look at the differences.

Joy —

  • Is a profound sense of happiness that resonates deep within us
  • Is a state of being, not just a fleeting emotion
  • Comes from deep within – from your soul, your true self
  • Is more about internal contentment and peace rather than external circumstances
  • Is often associated with a sense of fulfilment and purpose

Happiness —

  • Is generally a transient emotion based on external factors
  • Tends to be more fleeting and dependent on specific events or experiences
  • Can be influenced by external circumstances, such as achieving a goal or receiving positive feedback
  • Is often linked to pleasure, satisfaction, or gratification in the moment
  • May fluctuate depending on changes in external conditions

As you can see, while happiness may be fleeting and dependent on external circumstances, joy emerges as a steadfast companion, rooted deeply within the soul. 

Understanding this distinction allows us to embrace the full spectrum of human emotion, paving the way for a more profound sense of contentment and fulfilment in our lives.

Now, you might be wondering, why is joy so important? 

In my opinion, joy is like fuel for the soul. 

It energises us, uplifts us, and infuses every aspect of our lives with positivity. 

When we’re in a state of joy, we’re more creative, more resilient, and more open to the beauty of the world around us.

Joy can help us get through tough times, even health challenges. In fact, I attribute my recovery from my very serious health challenges to having a strong sense of joy.

It can keep us strong, centred and focused ahead, regardless of what’s happening around us.

 

And let’s face it, life isn’t always sunshine and rainbows, is it? 

We all have our moments of darkness, times when joy seems like a distant memory.

So how do we find our way back to that place of bliss when the clouds roll in?

Firstly, it’s essential to recognise when joy is missing from our lives. 

Pay attention to how you feel – are you constantly tired, irritable, or uninspired? 

These could be signs that joy is in short supply. 

Once you’ve identified the problem, it’s time to take action.

Here are some powerful tools…

Sounds for Joy

Whether it’s through a sound healing session, chanting, or simply listening to the sounds of nature, sound has a profound impact on our emotional well-being. 

Find somewhere to lie down or sit quietly and comfortably. Close your eyes. Focus on hearing all the sounds you can hear from far away – as far as you can hear. Listen for a few minutes, then tune into what is a bit closer. Again, listen for a few minutes, then shift your awareness even closer. Keep going until you are listening to your breathing. Then take it inside you – what can you hear inside your own body?

As you bring your focus back to your surroundings, jot down the sounds that you found pleasant.

In this way, you can experiment with different sounds and vibrations until you find what resonates with you and lifts your spirits.

Practise Gratitude

Take a moment each day to reflect on the things you’re thankful for – no matter how small. 

I believe in the power of writing things down. 

And writing down what you are grateful for can also be something uplifting to read when you are feeling down in the dumps. Bonus!

Once you have written what you are grateful for, the next step is to read them one at a time, pause and feel gratitude and joy for each of them. Truly stop and feel the gratitude and notice how it spreads into joy. 

Gratitude has a magical way of shifting our perspective and opening our hearts to the abundance of joy that surrounds us.

Regularly exploring healing sounds and practising gratitude can reveal their tangible impact on our emotional state, offering actionable pathways to reignite joy in our lives.

And finally, don’t be afraid to seek support. 

Sometimes there’s a cap on what we can do by ourselves – and that is when it is great to reach out to get the support that you need, whether it’s a sound healing session, booking in for a life coaching series, getting therapy, or simply talking to a trusted friend.

Reaching out for help is a sign of strength, not weakness. Remember, you don’t have to navigate this journey alone.

 

So, my dear friends, I invite you to embrace joy with open arms. 

Let it fill your heart, nourish your soul, and light up your world with its radiant glow. Because when we choose joy, we choose life – in all its beautiful, messy, glorious splendour.

 

Until next time, shine bright and keep spreading those rays of joy wherever you go!

Warmest wishes,

Lucinda

Joyful Journey Advent - LucindaCurran.com

I created the Joyful Journey Advent to help you break through the daily struggles, by offering simple, joyful practices to make inner peace achievable every day.

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