A Grown Up’s Gap Year – ISSUE #5 – Feel Better

Hello Lovely Readers and Hello March!

With summer holidays now a distant memory and New Year’s resolutions likely forgotten, lets check in, with ourselves…March seems like the perfect time to focus on the theme of ‘Feel Better’.

Take a moment to ponder;

• What shape do I want for my life now?
• When did I forget to take care of my wellbeing?
• What steps can I take to feel better?
• When did fun disappear?
• What do I value?
• Where is my creativity?
• How did everything get so complicated?

As therapist Esther Perel wisely says,

“Identity isn’t a fixed state but a dynamic interplay between who we are and who others expect us to be.”

This month a link to my FIVE DAYS, FEEL BETTER kickstart regime. Practical, nothing new, just a reminder.

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LIFESTYLE

Now that my book has launched, I’m thrilled to reintroduce THE CLINIC – a space for personalised guidance to help you feel like yourself again – designed to take steps toward wellbeing without the long commitments of traditional programs. Navigating everything from food choices to lifestyle planning.

• Wellbeing with a Personal Touch
  45 mins One-on-one sessions, whether you’re in Australia (in person Sydney, if you prefer) or joining from oseas. We’ll dive into what’s working in your life, and tweak what needs some love. Think of it as a planning date for your next chapter – A Grown Up’s Gap Year full of wellbeing ideas.

Each session is application-only to ensure we’re a good fit to work together (you must have read A Grown Up’s Gap Year as it offers a strong foundation).

Our discussions are tailored to your needs, and current lifestyle. Whether you want to dive into how to reset nutrition, cooking classes, lifestyle planning, solo travel, or just some good old-fashioned mindset shifts – a guiding hand if you are ready to make some changes.

PRICING: just a bit more than your weekly spend on a daily takeaway coffee (if you go for a GIANT specialty milk latte in a capital city, LOL).. $79* per individual session.

• DIY – Solo or Collective Reset
  Additionally, I’m offering a pre-recorded series of four topics. A positive ‘put pep in your step’. Work through the ideas from A Grown Up’s Gap Year by yourself (or together, maybe your book club) – supporting you to explore the best ways to rejuvenate your wellbeing.

PRICING: $79 for full course.

Both affordable because when I felt stuck I wish I’d been able to chat to someone who’d actually been there, done that.

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I recently returned from my annual lengthy stay in Japan. Exploring and discovering new destinations for my forthcoming Wellbeing Japan Guidebook.

Two experiences stood out;

ADVENTURE

1 a serene, snow blanketed destination in Regional Japan. Time alone as the kidults and hubby flew back Australia – allowing freedom to book somewhere ‘just for me’. I choose Hakujukan, (a temple HOTEL, instead of the full ‘Shukubo’ experience where guests sleep in monk-style temple accommodation) – sub zero temperatures made this seem a sensible plan!

A Grown Up’s Gap Year is not ALL travel, however adding a sense of freshness to life is illuminating. I encourage you to take a moment to ponder where in your life you mind find space to sit with yourself (when I couldn’t move far from home – younger kids etc – even a morning at the beach SOLO with a good book and coffee did the trick).

WELLBEING

2 Whilst in Kyoto I met with a friend, Ayako Fukuda (Director of Wellness Six Senses Kyoto and a contributor to my book A Grown Up’s Gap Year). I asked if she could give me a sentence that summed up what is it that makes Japanese wellbeing practices unique, she pondered for a moment.

Suitably she settled on, “…it is, what it is”.

For what may seem simple on the surface (healthy diet, lots of daily movement, a sense of community) – is deeply nuanced. From neighbourhood shrines giving pause for thought (accessible to all), to an emphasis on seasons (food, clothing, rituals), a sense of collective duty – all delivering wellbeing ‘in layers’.

Keep an eye out for my review of Six Senses Kyoto in national travel publications.

CHIC

I’m loving; vintage kimono shopping. My fav Vintage Kimono boutiques in Kyoto

Harajuku Chicago Vintage Kyoto

Kimono B and Ai (no website. Sweet small boutique run by chic husband and wife. Around corner from Teramachi Dori)

Your Next Step To Action To Reclaim Your Space…

Here’s the deal – this isn’t a dress rehearsal. There is no perfect moment, no ideal scenario.
I discovered that reclaiming space for myself wasn’t selfish – it was essential. It gave me the energy to continue to care for everyone else, with more grace.

I’m here to offer tools, insight, and support that’s practical, no fluff – keep following along on Instagram for daily inspo and my website for wellbeing travel.

This isn’t about radical overhauls. It’s about being gently intentional with your choices, from food to mindset, to lifestyle. Make sure your next move is one that honours you.

I look forward to hearing from you – whether you’re ready for THE CLINIC session or just want to say hi – don’t hesitate to reach out.

All inquiries to travel@moniquevantulder.com or DM me @moniquevantulder

Remember, the best investment you can make is in time for yourself. Start small, but start now.
With love and a dash of adventure,

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LISTENING | READING | WATCHING | EAT