Another Way

Hosted by Selina Barker

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May 2026

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Join Career and Life Design Coach, Selina Barker as she explores the collective limiting beliefs that seem to be keeping so many of us trapped on a treadmill of daily grind and exhaustion and stopping us from living the lives we really want to be living. Listen in as she dives into conversation with special guests who show us that there is another way and the practical steps we can each take to break free and create lives and careers that have us thriving. selinabarker.com anotherwaywithselinabarker.substack.com

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May 22, 20261 hr 2 min

The 1000 self-help books that shaped my life - with Toni Jones

Oh my goodness, this was such a rich and inspiring conversation and I now cannot WAIT to go through Toni’s debut book ‘You (A Beginner’s Guide)’ - with Toni’s Shelf-Help community.In fact before I say anything more, order your copy of ‘You’ BEFORE 26th MAY - it is a limited edition and you won’t get a chance to get on your hands on it after that!If you haven’t come across Toni Jones before, she is a former journalist turned bibliotherapist and the founder of the Shelf Help Club - the world’s first dedicated self-help book club, which has been running for almost a decade.And over the past ten years she’s read 1,000+ self-help books (yes. ONE THOUSAND), interviewed hundreds of authors and wellbeing experts, and built a global community inspiring 25,000+ to read, reflect, and apply self-development. And now she has written a book - published by the brilliant The Pound Project - called YOU (The Beginner’s Guide), which distils the most important lessons from that decade immersed in the world of self-help. But not only that, she herself has developed a three-step framework designed to help people get to know themselves better and design lives they get to really enjoy - and hearing her talk about this three-step framework got me so excited to read and DO the book.So dive in and join us for this juicy conversation - my first Substack Live! There are a few moments where the internet glitches a little - but I guess that is the nature of LIVE recordings and it doesn’t take away from the power of the conversation. Thank you Eva Lydon 🌿, Claire Venus ✨, Ruth, Sharon Bernard and many others for tuning into the live video.Let’s all go and order Toni’s book and do it together!x Selina This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit anotherwaywithselinabarker.substack.com/subscribe

April 25, 202654 min

Exploring your wild self through spiritual practices in nature - with Emma Pruen

Hi lovelies, I have such a gorgeous conversation for you today - I’m joined by the wonderful, magnetic Emma Pruen - a speaker, author and alchemist whose new book ‘Wild Self: 400 Transformational Nature Experiences in Britain’ is out on 1st May.It was such a joy to dive into conversation with Emma about Britain’s spiritual and shamanic traditions that so many of us don’t know about - and why, despite living in a place rich with ancient wisdom, so many of us have completely lost touch with it.We talk about:* Why spirituality doesn’t have to look a certain way* How to reconnect with it in a way that actually feels real to you* And how to access it even in the middle of a busy city I learnt so much from this conversation and Emma gave me a tip at the end about how I can tap into that spiritual energy and connection - even when I’m living in a concrete city - that has really stuck with me.So dive into this conversation with us - and come and let me know in the comments what you do to tap into spiritual energy and connection. I’d love to know!And treat yourself to a copy of Wild Self and check out all the wonderful work you can do with Emma - from Family Systemic Constellations, to Shamanic Healing to Wellbeing Retreats.x Selina This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit anotherwaywithselinabarker.substack.com/subscribe

February 9, 202658 min

How to take care of yourself when life is full on

Following on from last week’s topic of rest and recovery (which it seems a lot of you are craving too) I have an interview that I think you are going to love - all about how to take care of yourself when life is going at full speed.My guest is Dr Jillian Bybee, MD a busy paediatric ICU physician (with a seriously hardcore schedule, dealing with life and death every day), as well as being a mother, transformational speaker, leader, and mindset coach who is dedicated to helping others live the lives they desire.I have been a huge fan of Dr Jillian and her Substack Humans Leading ever since I came across her a few years ago. She is such a wise, warm and incredibly smart human, with so much to teach us about how to live a full on life without burning out.And so I was delighted to finally get the chance to sit down with her and dive deep into the topic of how to take care of yourself when life is full on.In this conversation we talk about:* Why Jillian was drawn to the Goodbye Hello Journal as an anchor - not because her life is quiet, but because it’s full (hospital shifts, leadership, parenting, and everything in between) - and so the journal helps her return to the question ‘how can I take care of myself?’* What it looks like to recover from burnout without giving up ambition (and without making yourself ‘selfish’)* Grief, and the way loss can completely reorder your definition of success * The micro-tools that make a big difference: the ‘check your pulse’ practice, five-minute resets, why ice cold water can calm your stress response, and why eating lunch with a knife and fork can be a surprisingly powerful tool to help you slow down* How medical training encourages people to become “brains in jars”… and why Jillian is actively helping to change that culture from the inside* Jillian’s tips on switching off after an intense day (and why she has a Spotify playlist called Songs to Cry To that her colleagues now request 😭)I left this conversation feeling so inspired, nourished and fired up. There is so much that needs to change about the way we work - especially in the care industries - and it’s so. heartening to hear from someone who’s not just talking about it, but actively helping to shift the culture and leading by example.If you’re someone with a lot on your plate, who wants to live a full life, without burning out, then this conversation is for you.Put it on while you’re getting ready in the morning or cooking your dinner. And try out some of the tips that Dr Jillian shares with us. I can guarantee that they will make a difference.And if you want to follow Dr Jillian (and I strongly recommend you do), » you’ll find her over on her brilliant Substack publication Humans Leading» and she’s also on Instagram at @lifeandpicux Selina This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit anotherwaywithselinabarker.substack.com/subscribe

February 2, 202620 min

Why I’m Switching My Brain Off This February - Do You Need To Too?

Welcome to February!I like to think of this month as the one where we start laying the foundations for the dreams we want to bring to life over the next 11 months. Just as the seeds are still underground, but starting to stir, I like to think of our dreams and intentions doing the same - quietly moving from imagination into possibility, from dreaming into doing.It’s a month for planning and starting to take gentle action, but it’s still not a month for pushing, particularly if you are in the Northern hemisphere and deep in winter.And if, like me, you’ve been non-stop since before Christmas (small product businesses - I see you!), this could be an important month for recharging your batteries before stepping fully into your next chapter.Which is why this Pep-Talk is dedicated to the essential — and still wildly underestimated — art of rest and recovery:* why we’re so bad at it* why we consistently underestimate its power* and what it actually looks like to do it properly (not just collapsing on the sofa while mentally running through your to-do list)Because while we’re brilliant at pushing through - even when we’re running on empty, even when our bodies and minds are quietly waving red flags - we rarely bring that same level of dedication to rest. And if we want to truly thrive, that has to change.Which is why this February, I’m doing something that feels genuinely radical to me: I am dedicating myself to rest and recovery and letting my mind go fallow. No brainstorming. No planning what’s next. No creative pushing. Just deliberate, unapologetic rest. In fact I already started doing it last week and I have been loving it.So in this episode, I’m sharing how I’m doing it and how you can do it too - whether you do it now in February or save this for the next time you find yourself in need of recharging your batteries.But before we dive in - there’s a favour I want to ask:If you love the Goodbye, Hello journal then I’d be so so so grateful if you could leave a review.Those reviews make an enormous difference to small businesses like mine - and I’ve got a little thank-you prize draw happening this week for anyone who does.Here are the links to make it super easy for you:>> projectyoushop.com >> Amazon.com >> Amazon.co.ukThis week in the Project You Club (TODAY IS THE LAST DAY YOU CAN JOIN!)Here is what we have coming up in Feb (click on the links to find out more):Monday 2nd Feb 1-2pm GMT: ✍️MONTHLY REFLECT & PLAN +Monday 2nd Feb 2-2.30pm GMT: BONUS PLANNING SESSION - take all the commitments from the Reflect and Plan session and schedule them into your calendar (Light and Full Membership) 📺 REPLAY AVAILABLEWednesday 4th Feb - all day: ✅ BONUS FINALLY GET IT DONE DAY A whole day dedicated to clearing the clutter of boring life admin so you can feel lighter, clearer, and proud of yourself for finally ticking them off. (Full Membership)I hope to see you there!Not a member? There is still time to join, but be quick - doors close today!JOIN THE CLUB!x Selina This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit anotherwaywithselinabarker.substack.com/subscribe

January 26, 202614 min

The anchors that stop life from sweeping you away - why we need them and how to create them

Hello lovelies, In this week’s Pep-Talk, I’m exploring the importance of having anchors in your life that connect you to your dreams, goals and desires on a regular basis. And how, without them, we can find ourselves permanently lost in a swirl of to-do lists, house admin, work responsibilities and other people’s needs - with our dreams getting further and further away.What I mean by anchor points is intentional pause points in our lives – moments where we step out of the rush of life and ask ourselves:How am I doing - really?What do I need right now to help me to thrive?What dreams do I most want to go after - and what steps can I take?What do I need to schedule into my calendar to help me design the life I want to be living?And they make a HUGE difference. I have realised that anchor points are the key when it comes to going after your dreams, staying on track with your goals and designing a life you love.When you get anchor points scheduled firmly into your life - on a quarterly, monthly or week basis - you will see a significant increase in how many of your dreams come true and how much of your life starts to fill up with the ingredients that bring you joy. And so, in today’s Pep-Talk, I talk about:* Why anchors are SO important in keeping ourselves connected to what really matters to us* Why creative, busy or neurodivergent minds especially benefit from them* The many different forms anchors can take and how to find the right ones for you and your life* And why structure, rhythm and (for many of us) accountability are essential for those anchors to work🤩 Come and try the Project You Club for a month!If you want to come and try the monthly anchor (the Project You Club Reflect and Plan Session) that has made a HUGE difference to my life and a 100+ members in the Project You Club, then now is your chance to try it!🗓️ The next February Reflect & Plan Session is on MONDAY, 2ND FEBRUARY, 1-2pm GMT You can sign up for as little as £9.95/month and unsubscribe at any time. I hope to see you in there!x SelinaP.S. Doors to the Project You Club close NEXT WEEK - so if you want to give it a try, subscribe today! This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit anotherwaywithselinabarker.substack.com/subscribe

January 19, 202621 min

Don't let your dreams get left behind in the pages of your journal

Today I want to talk about an important topic - one that we can forget about when we’re swept up in the dreaming, vision boarding and intention setting at the start of the year. And that is how we’re going to make sure those dreams and desires don’t just remain stuck in the pages of our journals, but actually become a reality.And no, this is not about manifesting. This is about the very practical art of life design. A topic I’ve been dedicated to learning and teaching for the past two decades.In particular I’ve always been interested in how you take the steps you need, to go after your dreams and design the life you really want to be living - when you have a hell of a lot of other stuff going on and a deeply rooted belief that to be a good person you should be looking after the needs of others - and not your own. And so in today’s Pep-Talk I am talking you through the key ingredients that I have found make the biggest difference when it comes to designing your life and turning your dreams into reality. And I also tell you all about the Project You Club - the online membership that is dedicated to helping you turn your dreams into reality. The Project You Club is on its way!The doors open tomorrow night after the Goodbye 2025, Hello 2026 Big Online Share and I’ve added a new Project You Club Light membership option for those of you that are short on time, but want that regular monthly Reflect and Plan Session to help you return to what is important to you at the start of every month and create a plan of how you’re going to take steps towards your dreams and fill your life with the ingredients that help you to thrive. It’s a total game changer.So hit play today to hear what the key ingredients are that will help you take the dreams from the pages of your journal and turn them into reality. And how the Project You Club could help you this year in getting the support, structure and accountability you need to stay on track and designing a life you love 🥰x SelinaP.S. Doors to the Project You Club are opening after the Big Online Share on 20th Jan - if you want to be first to hear and you’re NOT on my newsletter list, you can sign up hereIf you’re reading this and it’s already the 22nd Jan or later, then you can check out the Club and join right away over on projectyoushop.com This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit anotherwaywithselinabarker.substack.com/subscribe

January 12, 202612 min

✍️Try my 'WORK: Reflect and Plan - 2025-2026' exercise that I do every year

Hello lovelies, I have your first Monday Pep-Talk of 2026 for you! And this one is accompanied by a WORK: Reflect and Plan 2025-2026 exercise that I’ve been doing for the past three years.I write it into the notes pages at the back of my Goodbye, Hello journal and I love to do it. While I always explore my dreams for my work and business in my Goodbye, Hello journal, I really enjoy dedicating an entire exercise to my work, to really get clear on my dreams and goals for my business each year.And so I wanted to share this exercise with you this week, so that you can try it too!👇 Download the worksheet here:And then tune in to today’s Pep-Talk where I walk you through the exercise, as well as exploring:* The difference it makes when you treat January as the warm-up month of the year and how my Slowanuary movement has become a ‘cultural concept’ according to Google!* How, even if you have a lot going on in January, you can still create pockets of time to go s l o w * The power of starting the year from stillness rather than leaping into action* Why I am really taking me time before I commit to my intention for 2026* And what the Goodbye, Hello Big Online Share is all about - and why I think you should come! It’s next Tuesday 20th January - and it’s free!Oh and if you didn’t see my email on Friday, the last of the Goodbye 2025, Hello 2026 journals is now on sale at 40% off - so if you or someone know have been thinking about trying out the journal, now is your chance!And whatever you have going on this week, I hope that you find pockets of time to take it slow and ease in gently. And I’ll see you back here next week!x Selina This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit anotherwaywithselinabarker.substack.com/subscribe

December 22, 202549 min

How she designed her life over 10 years - one 'Goodbye, Hello' journal at a time

Hello lovelies, Before I dive into today’s gorgeous episode - a quick reminder that you CAN still get the Goodbye 2025, Hello 2026 journal in time for Christmas! 🎄* If you’re in the UK Choose the ‘Tracked 24’ option when you order over at the projectyoushop.com - you can still get the 3 for the price of 2 bundle for those last minute Christmas gifts!* Order on Amazon Prime over on Amazon.co.uk and Amazon.com * Buy from Oliver Bonas in store if you’re in the UK* Order the digital version from anywhere in the world!And now…onto today’s episode to get you inspired as we head into Christmas…I wanted to share with you one last gorgeous episode from the Write it. Create it. Live it series before we all head into Christmas.Write It. Create It. Live It. is the series where I talk to people who’ve been using my journal for the past year - or many years - and explore how, step by step, they’ve turned what they wrote on the page into real lives that actually work for them.And in this episode my guest is Ellen Rowland - a true OG when it comes to the Goodbye, Hello journals. She’s been doing them since 2016, back when it was still just a PDF.And her story is such a powerful reminder that designing a life you love doesn’t happen overnight. It happens slowly, often unexpectedly, and usually without a grand plan - by coming back to the same questions year after year, noticing what isn’t working, and gently following what pulls you forward.Ellen shares how, over the past ten years, she’s gone from feeling overwhelmed, unrooted, stuck in toxic work and struggling with her mental health, to having a life and relationship she loves and a deeply fulfilling career as a medical herbalist, specialising in supporting people who are neurodivergent and/or living with mental health challenges to feel well and thrive.Oh and along the way, she accidentally found herself writing a book: The Healing Power of Scent.Ellen is such a wise owl, and she shares so many beautiful insights about what it really takes to create a life that works for you.We also dive into her fascinating work as a medical herbalist, how herbal medicine first supported her own mental health and ADHD, and how she now uses it to help others who are neurodivergent and/or struggling with their mental health.This really is such an inspiring conversation to curl up with - the perfect listen if you’re feeling reflective as the year draws to a close or to keep you company while you wrap Christmas presents 🎁Enjoy!x SelinaP.S. You can get in touch with Ellen and find out all about her work at www.amberluna.co.uk This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit anotherwaywithselinabarker.substack.com/subscribe

December 15, 202517 min

Tiny ways to hibernate in a season that won't slow down

Hey lovelies, How are you getting on in this festive season? This can be a challenging time to keep your energy topped up and flowing - on one hand, winter is calling us to go slow and be still. On the other hand we can find ourselves on a treadmill of non-stop Christmas prep and festive activities.And so I wanted to dedicate today’s Pep-Talk to the art of what I’ve been calling ‘hibernation pockets’ - creating pockets of time in amongst the Christmas chaos to rest, be still and get seriously snuggly.Even a couple of minutes dedicated to hibernating can make a big difference.I also talk about the guilt that can creep in when we dare to put ourselves first at this time of year - and why it’s so important to notice it, name it, and not let it run the show.So if you’re feeling tired, overwhelmed, or quietly craving a bit more stillness and space this December, this one’s for you.x SelinaComing up in December and January…1. ✍️ LIVE online Goodbye 2025, Hello 2026 journalling events in December and January with Marianne PowerJoin LIVE Goodbye, Hello journal-alongs with the amazing best-selling author Marianne Power in December and January. Watch the video below to hear all about it!2. Come to my London Workshop: Get Ready To Turn Your Dreams Into Reality In 2026On Saturday 17th January, 2–4.30pm I’m running a workshop in London, designed to help you step into 2026 clear on what you want to make it all about and ready to bring those dreams and desires to life.We’ll be taking everything you’ve been dreaming about and scribbling into your Goodbye 2025, Hello 2026 journal… and turning it into a plan to actually make it HAPPEN. Finishing with a powerful sound bath with Sami Fitz.3. Join the BIG ONLINE SHARE - 20th January @7.30pm GMT (for free)Join me for the annual Goodbye Hello BIG ONLINE SHARE - where people who have done the Goodbye, Hello journal join me online to go through the journal sharing our answers from the key questions in the journal and at the end declaring what our intentions for 2026 are going to be.This is such a gorgeous community event - and everyone is invited to join - it’s completely free. And you are guaranteed to walk away from it feeling uplifted and inspired and with a big grin on your face! This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit anotherwaywithselinabarker.substack.com/subscribe

December 1, 202522 min

The simple tools that help us go after our dreams and design our lives

Hello lovelies,Welcome to December! I love the Christmas season - the mince pies, the sparkling lights, the music, the crafting, the gingerbread house making, the wintery films, all the snuggling under blankets and having an actual real-life tree in the house dripping with lights and homemade decorations. I also love this month, of course, because it is THE Goodbye, Hello season - the season of collectively reflecting and dreaming. This is the month where many of us will crack open our brand new Goodbye 2025, Hello 2026 journals for the first time to start the journey of reflecting back on the year we’ve each been through and watch our dreams and desires for the year ahead emerge on the pages of our journals. Getting to do that process at the same time as thousands of people all over the world, feels utterly magical to me! And so in today’s Pep-Talk… I’m sharing a juicy slice of a conversation I had recently with the wonderful Claire Venus ✨ over on Sparkle on Substack, where we talked about the journal, the power of reflecting and dreaming and the different ways we can help turn those dreams into reality. Claire - who has been doing the journal herself this year - shares how it has acted like an anchor for her through a turbulent year - keeping her grounded, reminding her to pause, helping her find the joy threaded through the hard bits, and nudging her back toward the things that fill up her cup.And we went deep into:* Why reflecting back is just as important as dreaming forward* How quarterly and monthly check-ins help to keep you anchored to what is most important to you* Why even the toughest years hold beauty and wisdom when you slow down enough to look* How turning a five-year vision into something visible (big paper, felt tips, wall!) is a really power way to actually help it come alive* The magic that happens when you keep your dreams in front of you, not hidden in a closed journal* The power of doing these check-ins and reflections together - both for the accountability and the inspiration it offersThis conversation left me feeling so filled up and inspired. I’ve included a juicy slice of it in today’s Pep-Talk - and you can watch the whole conversation, over here 🤩The Big Online Share - Goodbye 2025, Hello 202 Since this conversation I have now set a date for the Big Online Share - the 20th January, 2026! Save your spot here!x Selina This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit anotherwaywithselinabarker.substack.com/subscribe