Leading From Within: The Story Behind Mindful Moves

Some of the most important changes we make in life start from the inside. In this blog, I share the story behind Mindful Moves — how self-doubt, burnout, and a search for purpose led me to build a life and business rooted in wellbeing, compassion, and growth. If you’ve ever felt stuck or unsure of your next step, I hope this reminds you that change is possible — and that you don’t have to do it perfectly, or go through it alone.

Hi, I’m Cerrie Baines — founder of Mindful Moves.

This is my story — shaped by challenge, growth, and a growing desire to live with purpose, compassion, and a deeper sense of self-love. I created Mindful Moves as a space to support others on their own paths — not from perfection, but from lived experience, insight, and care.

My Early Years On Reflection — Struggling to Find My Way

School was an unsettling time for me. While my friends were more focused and disciplined, I struggled to stay engaged. I could be disruptive, attention-seeking, and often used humour to mask what was really going on underneath. Eventually I was put on report as my grades slipped.

Back in the 90s, schools focused more on discipline and results than on helping young people explore their interests or understand their behaviours. I often struggled to fit into a system that didn’t allow much space for emotional needs, different learning styles, or freedom of expression — especially when that meant questioning authority, thinking differently, or speaking out about things that didn’t feel right.

I didn’t get great exam results and wasn’t allowed to stay on for sixth form — not because I lacked potential, but because I didn’t behave the way that was expected.

My parents loved me deeply and did the best they could with what they knew — for that, I’m forever grateful. They gave me a strong foundation in life skills and values. At the time, none of us fully understood just how much I was struggling to find my path, especially when it came to learning and feeling confident in myself.

With the benefit of hindsight, I can see how helpful it would have been to have more support in figuring out how I learned best, and in nurturing the things that really lit me up.

Looking back, I see how much of my behaviour was a response to feeling out of place — not just at school, but in other parts of life too. Complex dynamics at home and in relationships left me uncertain about my place in the world.

These early years didn’t spark a fire in me — they deepened my self-doubt. But somewhere inside, there was a quiet resilience. A part of me believed there must be more — even if I didn’t yet know what that “more” was.

Breaking Through Barriers

Although I’ve always been driven and committed to making a difference, I didn’t always feel capable in the workplace. I often placed myself in supporting roles — not because I lacked ability, but because I lacked belief in myself.

That lack of self-belief meant others didn’t always see my true potential. I wasn’t given the chance to step up, and that reinforced my own doubts.

It wasn’t until I left traditional employment and volunteered abroad — working in developing countries — that I stepped into a leadership role. I supported people who hadn’t had access to the kind of learning I’d been fortunate to receive, helping to make better use of local resources and build structure where it was needed.

When I returned to the UK, I began working on more local projects — closer to communities and the kind of change I wanted to be part of. It wasn’t an overnight shift, but over time I began to back myself more — stepping into work that felt aligned and meaningful.

Freelancing gave me the freedom to grow, to show up fully, and to build a career on my own terms — grounded in compassion, creativity, and purpose.

In recent years, I’ve stepped more fully into leadership — taking on roles that support community-focused projects around health and wellbeing, with a strong focus on clear communication, engagement, and making sure people feel informed and supported.

I was no longer waiting for permission. I was creating my own seat at the table.

But I Also Know What It Feels Like to Burn Out

Around thirteen years ago, I hit a wall. Years of internalised pressure, anxiety, and self-doubt had taken their toll. I didn’t feel capable. I questioned my worth. I needed time out from work to recover from stress and anxiety — a chapter that was both painful and pivotal.

During that time, I reached out for support — including therapy — which helped me understand myself more deeply and work through challenges I hadn’t fully faced.

I came to realise that healing isn’t just about resting. It’s about rewriting the stories we’ve been told — and the ones we tell ourselves — and learning to live in a way that honours our wellbeing, not just our productivity.

A Turning Point – and the Birth of Mindful Moves

Over time, I began to shift. I asked myself: What do I truly value? What kind of life do I want to live?

That reflection led me to retrain — first in Yoga, then as a Wellbeing and Lifestyle Coach and Pilates instructor. Not to change careers for the sake of it, but to step further into work that felt aligned with what matters most: people’s health and wellbeing, and the power of support and encouragement.

Volunteering abroad and working in developing countries deepened my perspective. I saw how health isn’t just shaped by personal choices, but by our environments — and our access (or lack of access) to support. That reinforced my belief that everyone deserves the tools, space, and community to live well.

Where I Am Now – and Why I Care

Today, I support individuals, organisations, and communities through Mindful Moves — blending movement, mindfulness, and self-development in ways that feel accessible, grounded, and real. I help people develop personal and group strategies that lead to lasting change.

I create spaces where people can reconnect with themselves, find their own answers, and move through life with more clarity, ease, and confidence.

I’m still learning every day — but I’ve come a long way from the girl who felt out of place at school, or the woman who doubted her worth. If my story can help even one person realise it’s never too late to reset, reflect, and choose differently — then it’s worth sharing.

An Invitation

If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed, disconnected, or unsure of your next move — know that you’re not alone. Mindful Moves isn’t about doing life perfectly. It’s about living more consciously, step by step.

I invite you to join me — to explore, reconnect, and make your own Mindful Moves.