How to overcome diving anxiety

I love being in the ocean but I am absolutely NOT a natural scuba diver. Actually let's be really honest, I had a very tough time learning to scuba dive because putting my face underwater without a mask sometimes resulted in panic attacks. Having overcome that anxiety with a lot of work, persistence and some awesome techniques, I like to share my experiences and knowledge with others who find diving wonderful but also a little bit anxiety-inducing.Here are my top tips for coping with anxiety, which can be applied to just about any situation in life: http://nz.thescubanews.com/2016/11/18/overcoming-diving-anxiety/

Diving the Poor Knights

I had no idea the marine life of New Zealand could be so diverse and colourful until I saw these photographs from Nicholas's recent day of diving the Poor Knights marine reserve. They left me speechless! This is one of the world's top dive sites and Nicholas's experiences there with Dive! Tutukaka certainly did that title justice. This site is one for the bucket list and it also demonstrates the importance of marine reserves for the health of our oceans and fish stocks. Read on to find out more:http://www.friendsforsharks.com/02/09/2015/blog/diving-the-poor-knights/

To the top of New Zealand

We made it to the top of New Zealand! After almost six months of travel in our Wendekreisen Travel Ltd campervan and 66 shark conservation events we reached the very top of the North Island. It was an epic moment when we realised just how far we have come; both literally and with Friends for Sharks. I hope you enjoy the stunning photography of Nicholas's, which really demonstrates how beautiful the sub-tropical Northlands are. Onwards we go into our final week in Auckland and then Australia.http://www.friendsforsharks.com/01/09/2015/blog/hello-from-the-top-of-new-zealand/

West Coast Wanderings

Back online after a busy and fun-filled few weeks traveling the West Coast and Northland of New Zealand whilst providing our Friends for Sharks conservation events. It was wonderful exploring the rugged scenery of surf hotspot Raglan and we stayed at an eco-retreat called Solscape. It was a unique and inspiring place to recharge our batteries and that of our campervan home! We have been traveling New Zealand for almost six months now with our marine conservation cause and trusty Wendekreisen Travel Ltd campervan Bertha. We also took time out to visit Hamilton Gardens and Nicholas's photography of the themed gardens in this blog are stunning:http://www.friendsforsharks.com/31/08/2015/blog/west-coast-wanderings      

Poms Away!

I have been featured in 'Poms Away! A British Immigrant's View of New Zealand' this week, with a guest blog post. Read on to find out what it is about living in New Zealand that has left a lasting impression with me. It won't be the things you'd expect!

~https://pomsawaydownunder.wordpress.com/2015/07/28/another-british-immigrants-view-of-new-zealand-a-guest-post-by-kathryn-hodgson/

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Follow your heart to create the life you want

In my latest interview, this time with The Writers’ Lens, I talk about finding inspiration, writing whilst travelling the world and following your heart to create the life you want. I had a great time answering these questions and hope you enjoy it as much as I did! http://www.thewriterslens.com/2015/06/hodgsons-no-damage-follow-your-heart-to.html

How to survive a runaway groom (or two...)

When I found myself with two runaway grooms to my name (who knew that was even possible), I searched for a book that would bring me comfort, laughter and inspiration when I needed it most. I scanned book covers, authors, websites and more but nothing quite fit my palm or helped me find all that I longed for.Because of that I wrote the book I needed, in the hope that it would uplift and inspire people going through difficult times of their own.I scribbled my story to help dispel the taboos of runaway grooms, abuse, cancer and more. To help others recognise the good in their lives, laugh often and find their will to survive.My own laughter and outright refusal to give up when life could not get much worse (but did) pulled me through every day! I created the life I truly dreamed of from the ashes and I found ways to laugh that I never knew existed – even now I recall the day I attempted to return my wedding underwear to an exquisite bridal boutique with a smile upon my face.That was a tough moment trying to explain why on earth I would return wedding underwear….http://www.amazon.com/No-Damage-survive-everyt…/…/B00R2ZF14Q