Words, Wobbles, and Wisdom: A New Beginning
Hello there, and welcome to Words, Wobbles, and Wisdom! My name’s Annmarie Miles, and I’m so delighted you’ve stopped by. Let me take a moment to introduce myself and share what inspired this venture.
A Little About Me – Annmarie Miles
I’m an Irish writer, musician, and social media enthusiast. Born and raised in Dublin, I now call Pontypool, South Wales, home. I grew up as the youngest of eight in a big, close-knit family filled with music, laughter, and celebrations. With 27 nieces and nephews—and over 40 grand-nieces and nephews—I’ve been blessed with the joy of a lively, ever-growing family.
Despite being surrounded by love, my journey hasn’t been without its challenges. As a child, I struggled with secret eating and began battling with my weight and mental health early on. I distinctly remember, at just 8 or 10 years old, telling my mother I thought I was depressed. In 1980s Dublin, such a confession from a child wasn’t common, and it caught her off guard. But even in the warmth of family life, I knew sadness and loneliness.
Fast forward to adulthood, and life’s challenges continued. I married my wonderful husband, Richard, in 2000, and he’s been my greatest encourager. But in 2002, just before our second wedding anniversary, I underwent surgery that meant I couldn’t have children. It was a turning point that deepened my struggles with depression and emotional eating.
Why Words, Wobbles, and Wisdom?
This podcast (and now blog) is my way of connecting with others who might be navigating similar struggles. Here’s what it’s all about:
- Words: Writing has always been my outlet. I’ve written about the issues I’ve faced, and I hope to share some of those reflections here. Whether it’s fiction or personal stories, writing helps me process life, and I hope it resonates with you.
- Wobbles: These are both the physical and emotional wobbles we all face. At my heaviest, I weighed nearly 24 stone (330 lbs). Losing weight and staying active has been a battle. For me, it’s about finding joy in what I call “enthusiastic walking” rather than running. On the mental health side, I’ve fought depression and anxiety for years, and while I’m not fully “there” yet, I’m learning to be kinder to myself.
- Wisdom: As a Christian, my faith provides the wisdom and encouragement I need. God’s word is central to my life, and while I won’t preach, I’ll share how faith has helped me navigate tough times.