Tribute to a true dream-maker

The universal laws of attraction never cease to amaze me. Today, I decided to focus on dreams and how we keep following them even when we are faced with obstacles. Personally, I had a bit of a wobbly this morning and became a little too consumed with the outcome of my goal rather than enjoying the process. And as much as I believe in the words I wrote in the previous blog, sometimes they are difficult to embody in real life.

Out of the blue, I received an email this afternoon (thanks Tam) about a friend from university, Kingsley Ward. Kingsley completed his training for the British army in 2008 and deployed for Afghanistan in 2009. One month before he was due to return from combat, he stood on an IED (Improvised Explosive Device) and as a result, lost both legs, his right arm and most of his left forearm.

One would have thought that this type of trauma would be enough to turn anyone from a fighter into a bed-ridden victim (goodness only knows I would have struggled to face every day if it was me). But Kingsley thought nothing of the sort. It was always his dream to be make his country proud and DAMN is he doing that! Not only does Kingsley partake in all sports on his prosthetic limbs, he has also managed to ski down some of the toughest slopes, swim in triathons and is currently trianing for Ironman next year.

I have a lump in my throat as I write this. I feel so weak and for almost giving up on my dream, when here is a young man whose life did a complete 360 in a matter of seconds, and still he gets up every day and lives his dream. I am humbled to the point of tears.

Kingsley Ward, thank you for reminding me of the sacrifices we have to make to follow our dreams - even if those sacrifices are something we never prepared for or even imagined. You have proved that anything can be accomplished if we continue to focus on the dream. You are a true hero.

For more information on Kingsley and his incredible accomplishments, have a look at the following:
http://www.mirror.co.uk/news/top-stories/2011/01/02/limbless-soldiers-take-to-the-ski-slopes-115875-22820623/

and

http://www.truespirit.org.uk/the%20team/wardkingsley.html

25 year old Kingsley, flying down the slopes in Colorado

Keeping your dream alive

Sometimes we just feel like giving up.

Even though our dreams might be grand and would make us happier than anything, the pressure of trying to attain them and the anxiety of having to wait for them to materialise is sometimes just unbearable. It seems as though we are stagnating or, even worse, moving backwards.

This is the time when most of us decide to just give up hope. I have actively thrown in the towel on a number of my dreams for fear of failure, lack of self-confidence or just plain exhaustion. However, after immersing myself in the autobiographies of the world's most successful people, I can boldly say: WHEN YOU FEEL LIKE THIS, DON'T GIVE UP!

Too often we let go of our dreams just as they are about to become a reality. When you feel as though the struggle is too much to bear, that is the EXACT moment when your dream is actually coming into being. Giving up will mean that you choose to let it slip through your fingers, even though it was right within your reach.

The greatest dreams are always followed by the biggest struggles. If they weren't, then the dream would not be a dream - it would simply be part of every day life. To set yourself a challenging goal is the most rewarding thing you can do for yourself, as you are openly affirming that you are capable of achieving the impossible.

Something we never stop to consider is the energetic shifts we make with one thought. What you don't realise is that if you have taken the time to think about your dream, to write it down and tell others about it, a process has been set in motion. This process is far beyond our imagination and is something that we will never see, but it is happening - every minute of every day. If you believe that your dream is important to you, then live it. Instead of thinking about how you aren't getting where you need to be fast enough, instead thank yourself for having the courage to dream big.

If you have set your intention, and you know in your heart that you are following your purpose, the mechanics of your dream will fall into place. You will never know how to make it all happen, but I can guarantee that if you stay focused on what you want and trust that you deserve it, everything you wish for will become real - when the time is right. For now, all you can do is stay determined and know that your dream is just around the corner.

Next time you wake up and feel like it's not worth it and you want to give up, ask yourself:

• How would this dream change my life?
• If I achieved this dream, how would I feel about myself?
• How could this dream help those I love?
• Why wouldn't I want to keep moving towards my dream?
• Are the obstacles I see really obstacles?
• Who can help me to get over these challenges?

And then close your eyes and see yourself making your dream happen. You will never want to part from it again! 

A sneak peek - The I Design book

I do not claim to be a guru of life, as I believe that everyone is the master of their own destiny.

In reading The I Design novel, I hope that every person is able to create a life that is right for them – whatever it may be. I do not preach the usual self-help tools and techniques, but rather I tell stories – about my life and the lives of others I have met in my profession as a life coach. These stories have taught me everything I know about life and love and I have used them to guide me towards conclusions. Throughout the book, I open up these opinions to the reader, encouraging them to form their own ideas of each element of life. That is what is most important to me – assisting others to design their life, their way.

No matter who you are or what you do, you long to wake up every morning knowing you are going to make a difference to those around you. You want to know that you are here for a reason and that you fulfil a purpose. But, for many of us, we are unsure of what that purpose is. Or, even worse, we know what it is, but we are too afraid to make it happen. Having the courage and confidence to control your life is the first step to attaining your goals and finding personal direction.

In order to get to a space where you have set your goals and are determined to make them happen, you need to conquer the fears that hold you back. Beliefs are the foundation of fear. If you have allowed the beliefs of your family, friends and society to rule you, you are bound to fail. But when you are ready to create new beliefs for yourself, success is inevitable.

Once your new beliefs are cemented, you have the personal power to attain your goals. So, the next step is to identify your short, medium and long term goals, ensuring that you only choose aspirations that truly reflect who you are.

To make these goals a reality, it is imperative to take the time for yourself. Taking time out allows you to focus on your goals and find ways to make them happen. Without these moments of personal space, your direction will be skewed, as you are the only one who can design the life you want. Consequently, your physical being becomes sick and plagued with illness as you refuse to give your body and mind the relaxation they deserve.

Often, physical ailments manifest as a result of emotional turmoil. By keeping your emotions to yourself, you end up poisoning your body. But, if you can learn to express yourself in real time, your body will be healthy and your relationships will soar. Self-expression is one of the most basic actions, yet so many people have no idea how to speak their truth. If you can identify your truth, you can speak it too.

Living your truth is the foundation for living a life of purpose, but you are guaranteed even more success if you learn to have fun while doing it. Spontaneous acts of kindness towards yourself and others is just one way to be playful with life. As Richard Branson says, ‘The minute I stop having fun, I stop doing it!’ And look at the good fortune he has attracted to himself!

Ultimately this book is not about preaching life philosophies. Instead, it provides readers with the opportunity to work through elements of life in order to find their own personal direction. Exercises, questionnaires and opinion polls allow every reader to create their own story and guide themselves towards personal transformation.

The I Design: How to live, laugh and let go

- out January 2012 

Know your value, find your way

So often we find ourselves in situations that do not honour us. We agree to do something that doesn’t sit well with us, or we get involved in a gossipy conversation just to fit in. When we find ourselves feeling uncomfortable, it is generally as a result of going directly against our morals.

Knowing your values gives you the strength to be who you really are. By simply living a life that contains people and environments that agree with your values, you will find your happiness factor rising considerably.

The reason for most arguments in relationships, friendships and work situations is the clashing of values. You know that if your top value is truth and someone lies to you, you will find it very difficult to ever trust that person again. The same goes if your top value is achievement and you happen to be dating someone with a lack of drive and ambition. You are most likely to fight a lot and will probably end up separating.

The truth is, there is probably nobody else out there with the exact same value sequence as you, so life is not about finding someone who has identical values to you. It is, however, important to know your values and the values of those around you – particularly your partner. By knowing your partner’s values, you create an atmosphere of understanding AND you are able to please your partner with ease.

I know that if I come into contact with someone whose top value is self-confidence and mine is love, it will be easy for me to lovingly give them a compliment. I am then using my value to speak directly to theirs by saying something that will boost their confidence and make them feel good. We are then likely to create a lasting relationship. But if I went up to that same person and lovingly insisted that they could do with a session at gym, I would still be in alignment with my values, but not theirs. This would definitely be a catalyst for a fight – or at the very least, a negative emotional response.

My suggestion is that you decipher your values and then try to get the people around you to do the same. There are hundreds of values to choose from, but here is a list to get you started:

• Wealth
• Success
• Peace
• Balance
• Love
• Happiness
• Honesty
• Loyalty
• Integrity
• Achievement
• Truth
• Trust
• Optimism
• Self-worth
• Generosity
• Kindness
• Empathy
• Compassion
• Openness
• Respect

Once you have chosen your top 5 values, rank them in order of importance. Then consider how you may use them or not use them daily. These 5 values can (if you would like them to) become your blueprint for life – guiding you along your path, helping you to find your true purpose.

For example, if compassion is your top value, but you feel like your life is full of selfish means with no show of compassion, it might be an opportunity for you to show your compassionate side. Perhaps a career in community work or welfare is what you really need to make yourself happy?

By using your values as your compass, you will always find happiness, fulfillment and success.

Bring yourself back to life

Today’s blog is dedicated to a force beyond many – a woman by the name of Jessica Webster.

If you were listening to Highveld this morning, you would have heard about Jess and her plight - thanks to her sister Bryony.

Jess was in an armed robbery when she was in her early 20s and a gunshot wound left her paralysed. But she refused to give up. She made it clear to herself and the world that she was not going to live her life in a wheelchair. Her sheer determination and belief in herself ensured that she is now able to walk today.

I haven’t seen Jess for a while, but today’s broadcast reminded me of her infinite power. Imagine if we all had the ability and confidence to stare life boldly in the eye and summon the courage to say NO! Every morsel of Jess’ make-up believes that she will walk again and so far, she has proved that she knows best! By standing up for what she believes in, she has made it happen.

Instead of accepting her fate as forecasted by doctors, she stopped listening to everyone else and tuned into her little voice inside. The voice that whispered to her every day that she COULD get out of bed, that she COULD face the world and that she WOULD walk.

We all have those times where the universe feels like it’s closing in on us, where every day feels like a battle and happiness seems like this intangible star, floating further and further away from our grasp. It’s times like that when we need to learn to be like Jess – to stand up, tune in to our inner wisdom and gallantly shout NO.

The next time you find yourself being led by the opinions of others or doing something you would rather not do, take a deep breath and simply say no. Saying no does not mean that you are unwilling to compromise or give to others, it simply means you are allowing yourself to be free to choose the life you want for yourself.

Jess did not choose what happened to her, but she did choose HOW she would let it affect her life. She chose to be positive, she chose to be brave, she chose to fight. And her fight was all about taking control of her circumstances – being the survivor, not the victim and not allowing anyone else to tell her otherwise.

So, if you feel like life is running you as opposed to you being in the driving seat, stop complaining and start taking charge. Only you can stop you from becoming what you want to be. Nobody can take away your power. Nobody can stop you from being a champion. You are the one who decides. You are the one who can turn your life around. And you can do it right now.

To Jess – thank you for making me believe that anything is possible. Hearing you on the radio this morning has brought me back to life – a life that I am going to take charge of!

FYI - Not only is Jess a motivational force, she is also an astounding artist. To see some of her work, have a look at http://www.jessicawebster.co.za/

Everyone, let's go forth and conquer. The world is ours for the taking!

The Art of Surrender

There is something to be said about those who follow their heart’s true desires – people who can see their goal in bright, shiny letters and never take their eye off the prize. Those are the people who get what they want, when they want it. Those are the people I envy!

To master this art of goal achievement, you need to be able to live in a state of trust (so these successful people tell me). You need to learn how to surrender. In direct opposition to my understanding, surrender doesn’t actually mean giving up, it simply means letting go. Your goals are there, in the back of your mind, but you are willing to let go and trust that whatever is meant to be, wherever you are supposed to be going, you will get there – but only when you are good and ready.

Society struggles with the virtue of patience. We want everything to be as it should be right here and now. We have forgotten how to enjoy the moment we have been blessed with and instead focus all our energy onto the future – or even worse, the past. We know that the great author, Eckhart Tolle, specifically told us to live in the power of now and to focus on every second, but sometimes (let’s be honest) it’s damn hard – especially if our present situation is not exactly what we hoped for!

There’s no shame in wishing that your life were otherwise, but there’s something to be said about dwelling on what you don’t have. Some things are simply out of our control. To feel truly happy, it is imperative to learn to surrender. That is not to say that your goals become null and void, it just means that you are willing to trust that everything will work out for you when all the necessary elements are in place.

If you can move peacefully towards your aspirations, while remaining completely present in your current situation, you will find that doors will open up for you. And because you are paying attention to the moment, and not the future, you will be able to see the doors and you’ll walk through them with pride. But, if your head is constantly down, pushing to make your dreams a reality, you will miss everything else that is going on around you. You need to grant yourself the permission to stop trying.

That’s right, STOP TRYING SO HARD!

Have you ever felt so burnt out that you can’t even drag yourself out of bed in the morning? That is a sign that you are trying too hard – you are pushing directly AGAINST the order of your life, meaning you are actually battling your own soul. This is bound to tire you out – it’s like going into a boxing ring with yourself!

Instead, be gentle with yourself. Be kind to yourself. When you accomplish something – no matter how small – reward yourself for listening and doing something you love. Next time you make it to the gym or you take yourself to watch a movie on your own, pat yourself on the back and say well done for doing something you wanted to do. This is the start – from here, you can have a whole life of things you dream of, but you must learn to let the universe play its role as your mentor.

Move towards your goals with peace in your heart and be determined, not desperate. Desperation will shift your goals further away from you, instead of bringing them closer. If something that you long for is not happening, learn to accept it and know it will happen when the time is right and you are ready for it.

Know in your heart what you want, and in your head, let go. Release and surrender. And every day, you will move even closer to your dreams without you even knowing it!

Creatively inspired

We've forgotten about him (that darn awesome guy)

Who used to make school time simply fly by

His name's Dr Seuss and I wrote this for him

To say thanks for making me a kid again:

You might just be (some may say)

A little bit crazy (in a very nice way)

But lucky for you I’m partly nuts too

So let’s fly away on a kite to the zoo

Let’s visit green rabbits and pink cockatoos

Then we’ll have ice cream and sit in our shoes

Until the time comes when the moon starts to shine

And all the ponds glisten with swamp guts and slime

Oh wouldn’t it be wonderful to live in a dream

Where everything laughed and no one was mean

A place where people hugged trees and the grass

And nobody ever got spanked on the ass

One day it’ll be mine for all eternity

But for now, I’ll just wish and I'll hope and we’ll see

Cos I know that a place like that would be smart

Where children (and adults) could follow their heart

Becoming unstuck

A fresh start they say. That's what they call it. But I call it something else - I call it the courage to become unstuck.

It’s been an uphill battle and I’m not even close to where I want to be, but the bedazzled lining on those fluffy balls in the sky is slowly starting to show – thank everyone and everything that is holy!

For the past few months, I have felt that yukky sticky black stuff creeping into my life again. It seems to rear its ugly head every time I start to feel stuck. It’s like this toxic waste fills up my body – my emotions become dull, my mind chatters non-stop and my body, well let’s just call it ‘average to poor’ on a good day.

So, in an attempt to cheer myself up, I took to the couch with a slab of Cadbury’s finest and  my favourite chick flick - Eat, Pray, Love. About 30 minutes into the movie, I realized I was far from cheery - the tears were streaming, the heart was longing and the mind was completely overwhelmed. No, no, no that wasn’t right dammit!

I pressed pause (PVR of pure joy) dragged my sorry ass outside onto my balcony (because it was the only place I felt like I could actually breathe) and just as Liz had done 15 minutes earlier, I looked up at the sky and asked (OK more like wailed) ‘WHYYYYY?’ (in my head of course – I live in a complex, waling would definitely ruin my street cred!)

I don’t quite know what I was hoping for – maybe a bolt of lighting would beat down and strike some sense into me or a delicate and vivid vision would appear detailing the path I needed to take to get me out of this mess. Or I would hear an angel whisper some beautiful calming advice that would lead to a life epiphany?

Nope. None of that.

Instead my tears suddenly stopped. I felt like I could breathe a little easier. And the only thing I could think about was the bookshop (my favourite place on earth). Now THAT made me smile! But before I could move, it started again – the incessant chatter from my mind:

But you wanted a day off, maybe it would be better to just get back on the couch?

Perhaps I should call my friend, I know she loves this bookshop, she might be able to talk some sense into me!

And then the best one (the one that rears its ugly head the most when the black sticky stuff is around)…

Wouldn’t it be easier to just eat?

It was at the point that I wanted to punch my own mind out of my very own head, because the thought of having no thoughts at all was far more appealing than listening to all that CRAP! And so I did what I had always been too scared to do – I told them to SHUT UP. I trusted my little voice, the very first one that entered my mind and made me smile. And I listened to it. It led me to the most fantastic afternoon in the travel section of the bookshop – so much so, that I have now found the answers I had been searching for.

The black stuff hasn’t completely gone yet, but I can tell you that the estimated time of disappearance is T minus 5 days or so. After that day on my balcony, I exercised when my little voice told me to and I did whatever I felt like doing – running some days, dancing around the house on others, even meditating when my energy was really low. When my little voice told me to eat some fruit, I made a smoothie – because I hate fruit, but I refused to turn to the dark side and reach for the chocolate again. I discovered a love for things of my past by buying a French vocab book for my trip to France next year. I even managed to smile. 

And that smile now lasts for almost an entire day at a time. All because I listened to the real voice - the one that spoke first. That’s the only one that really matters.

What now?

So we get the job, the house, the car. We have the friends, the family, the partner. We plan the wedding and the babies. We have the wedding and the babies. We save for their education. We keep working, making money, paying bills, saving, getting through life. We have done it all - so they say.

AND THEN?

We have no idea who we really are or what we want from life. We are trapped in supposed ‘societal bliss’, but it feels more like a jail cell. We long for more but we are locked into a contract for life.

AND SO?

We go mad. We eat more and exercise less. We battle fatigue and struggle to concentrate. We fight with our family and stop communicating with our partner. We cannot see the light no matter what.

AND WHY?

Not because we did all the things that society programmed us to do. Because we did it all against our own will. Before we were ready. When we were only half of who we really are.

AND?

The moral of the story is: stop listening to everyone else around you and start hearing yourself.

There is no need to follow in the footsteps of everyone around you if you truly aren’t ready. There is a beautiful journey waiting for you and only YOU have the map. Committing to anything that seems too big for you is like burying yourself alive – a lifetime of suffocation and claustrophobia.

Instead, be patient.

WAIT until you are a whole entity before giving yourself to someone or something completely. And if you aren’t whole yet, go and find the other pieces of your soul – they’re out there somewhere, waiting just as patiently. And only you know where they're hiding.

Itchy Feet

For those of you who have travelled the globe (either literally or in your mind) you will have experienced moments of indescribable happiness - those profound times when your entire perception of life changes due to something you discovered. You will also know how difficult it is to stay put after that. Once you have had the opportunity to take in new places, people and cultures, you get hooked on the euphoria of endless discovery.

Unfortunately society does not agree with spontaneity like this. It urges us to stay put by implying that success comes from creating a set foundation and cultivating it. Success at work means being a loyal employee and giving your life to one job, success in relationships means staying still long enough to get married and have children, success in life means money and making lots of it – BUT, what does it mean for you?

If your version of success does not that comply with the rules set by society, perhaps it’s time to reassess what the word truly means for you.

For those of you who suffer from itchy feet and long to travel to exotic locations or simply take the time out to learn new things, what is stopping you from doing it? There is no need to become a cog in a machine at a job you dislike or the second dead half of a relationship that’s stale. If you feel as though your pulse is fading and the life inside you is getting harder to find, you need to start making those itchy feet walk. There is an endless world of possibility out there, ready to coat you in happiness and colour you with fulfilment.

One thing to remember on your adventures is that if you are exploring in the hope of discovering yourself, you may need to stop for a moment. The real you is not out there somewhere, it is within. The discoveries you make on your explorations may help you to free yourself, but if you want answers to questions about soul mates and your soul purpose, everything you wish to know is right under your nose.

I am a strong believer in taking time out to reconnect with the cosmos and give yourself the soul food you need. Adventures are the best type of soul food as they send bolts of electricity that shock you back to life. Whether it’s travelling, taking yourself on a date or starting a hobby, do something today that satisfies your need for more.

The itch is there as your warning signal that life wants you to find a solution to your current situation - the only thing left to do is scratch it!

Coming Back to Life

Year 2011 has been a tough one for most of us – big life changes are happening and we start to realise that perhaps everything in our little bubble isn’t as perfect as we once thought it was. Everything is not, in fact, as it should be – and so, we find ourselves trapped in the endless search for meaning.

Whilst chatting to a friend about this constant search, she said something quite profound: ‘This year is all about learning our life lessons. 2012 is the year of rebirth, so if we don’t learn the lessons we are meant to learn, our soul cannot break free and find true fulfilment next year.’

I have definitely felt a universal shift of energy this year – not just in myself, but in the constant motion around me. People are rocking, swaying, bouncing; some are even running around in circles – their internal pendulum swinging rather than finding enough balance to remain still.

Stillness is something we feel when we are in complete alignment with our soul purpose – when we are doing something that evokes such happiness that we feel like we are lost in time and space. I have recently felt this stillness during a painting class, where my soul took over and FOR ONCE (in a looooong time) my mental chatter halted.

Suddenly, I connected with the life lessons the universe was trying to teach me - only because I switched off and let my soul do the talking. In one moment, I learnt more about myself than I have in years of study and self-exploration. I now know why my soul has been nagging to me to get myself to art classes –not only did I find internal peace, I also had an epiphany that led me to realise my true calling in life.

I encourage you to do the same. If you have the urge to do something or go somewhere, then DO IT – it’s your heart screaming out for love and your soul yearning to have the real you back. Your inner voice is trying to connect with you so that the right doors can be opened, allowing you to fulfil your true purpose.

For some, it may be horse riding, taking a run, reading a book. For others, it may be cooking, baking, painting, drawing, sculpting or even connecting with nature or playing with animals. You might even have a destination in mind, somwehere that has been calling you from afar for some unknown reason. Whatever it is that makes you feel like you want to dance around in glee, even just thinking about, go and make it happen. This is your still place - the space where all your questions will be answered. If you are ready to find solutions, to re-energise and revitalise, go and find your place of peace. Listen to the messages you have been receiving and take action. And dont forget: brace yourself as you are about to shock yourself back to life!

Make it Happen

Creative ventures, travel, relocation, new hobbies – we all have those dreams that consume our thoughts. But why do we struggle so much to make them a reality?

‘If only I had more time / money / creativity / talent / confidence, then I would be able to do everything I have always wanted to do.’ This mental block is the one obstacle that stands in the way of making these hopes become real. And funnily enough, you are the one creating it.

We like being the victim of our own destiny – never able to achieve what we yearn for as a result of a poor childhood or not enough support from our parents or those around us. This ensures that we are kept safe from success – never subjected to the spotlight and the opinions of others. In the same way, it allows us the freedom to continue complaining – if we can’t get what we really want, then we have a reason to be negative, grumpy and moody.

Imagine what would happen if we sold that painting, published that book, travelled to that place, took that course or made that change? We would have nothing left to complain about, we would actually have reached a point of satisfaction. And we all know what that means…

Happiness, fulfillment and joy of course! But, then again, we humans don’t like to be happy. Complaining and moaning are far more pleasing than smiling and taking some time out to actually ENJOY life!

In our painful quest to make something of our lives, we become so consumed with the outcome that we rarely enjoy the process. We worry if our book will sell, if anyone will like our painting, if we will make friends in our new location, if we will be any good at our new hobby – and in our dire attempt to be successful, we end up destroying our passion and all the many sparks that set us on this destiny path to begin with.

In those times, it is imperative that we take the time to breathe. Stop writing, painting, making travel arrangements, searching for the right course for a while and instead take some time out for you. Turn your phone off, disconnect yourself from your social life, leave work early, forget about being perfect and looking after everyone else. Take the time to nurture yourself and your soul. Free your mind and do the things you LOVE to do – watch your favourite movie, take yourself shopping, go for a walk in nature, have a picnic in your garden, buy yourself a pet. Whatever you do, make sure it is just for you.

Because, in finding yourself again, you will have the strength and the confidence to move forwards and make your dreams a reality.

Too busy, too bogged down

Unless someone like you cares a whole awful lot, nothing is going to get better. It's not.

- Dr Seuss


Why do we wait around for the 'right' time to make a difference? There will never be a right time, there will never be a perfect cause, there will never be a possibility of helping everyone we encounter in our lives. But there is the option of caring a whole lot for one person, or even a handful of people.

If every person took the time out to truly care for another on a daily basis, there would be a million more smiles and infinite amounts of good energy around the world. If you question this theory, just think about how you feel when someone shows you that they care a whole awful lot - whether it's your partner, colleague, boss, friend, sibling or even the kind shop assistant - that simple expression of mindfulness towards you is enough to change your entire mood into something bright and warm.

Now imagine you could do this for those around you and then imagine you could do that for those who can't even remember the last time they were hugged. And imagine we all started doing our little bit to care that small ounce more - to tell those we love that we love them, to smile at the person next to us, to anonomously pay for the car behind us in the parking queue, to give sandwiches to the homeless, to spoil our partners to a romantic dinner, to buy a gift for a friend in need.

It doesn't take a lot, it just takes a thought. A thought that extends beyond ourselves.

If someone like you cares that little bit more, things will get better. Of that, I'm sure.

-The World

The Gift of Insight

I am guilty of it, just as I am sure many of you are - always looking for more. As much as we achieve and succeed, we have a tendency to be greedy for more. Recently, this has been pointed out to me quite evidently - looking back at my journal entries at the beginning of the year, I have achieved everything I set out to and yet I still find myself feeling discontent and wanting more.

I have no idea what has caused it and to be very honest, I have no solution to this feeling of longing, but I do know that savouring the moment, living mindfully and embracing the present is a gift that I would love to learn (but have not yet conquered). Meditation has always been the answer when I have asked the universe how to connect with the present moment, but unfortunately I happen to have an extremely active mind and no matter how much I try to still it, its playful nature keeps my mind on its toes!

So, I set out to work out how to love life and every moment. I don't know if I have yet succeeded, but I am certainly trying. Instead of simply looking at the sun, I now try to really feel it - the warmth on my skin and the way it lights up patches on my bed, creating little pools of heat where I can lie and read my favourite book. Instead of regarding cooking as a chore, I see it as an opportunity to be creative and try out something new and exciting. And, the biggest one for me - instead of feeling like work is a waste of my precious time, I use it to learn - gaining knowledge from others and perfecting the art of something I am passionate about.

I am no expert in 'being present', but I know that if I can see through the mandatories of every day and regard them all as little pieces of insight, then life will be a lot more bearable. Heck, it might even feel fulfilling!

If it's meant to be...

...It will be easy. Seriously. It won't take hours of effort and weeks of planning. It will fall into your lap when you least expect it and it will flow beautifully from start to finish. Yes, there will be a few speed humps along the way, but this is life after all - we can't expect everything to run smoothly all the time!

Relationships
The tougher it is, the less it is meant to be. The most beautiful, honest, working relationships are those that simply happen and both partners make it work, without it being a HUGE effort. The minute a relationship is more hard work than pleasure, it is just not meant to be I'm afraid.

Career
If you are in a job where you feel that every day is like running UP a treadmill on a 100 degree incline, it is not meant to be. Get out and go and do something that feels a little easier. I am not saying that success comes from sitting on your butt all day, but I feel it's important to mention that if you are barking up the wrong tree, you will know it! No matter how hard you try for that promotion, for some reason, it will always seem out of your reach.

Life
People tire themselves out trying to be someone else's version of perfect. If you are not meant to be skinny, you never will be. If you are not meant to be CEO of a company, you won't be. So try to be YOUR version of perfect - decide what makes you tick and then let it happen. The universe will hear you the first time, so picture your dream life and then get on with reality. Chances are that if you are meant to have what you wish for, you will.

Perfect Imperfections

It is in the imperfect that we find true beauty.

We are all searching for our own measure of perfection - to lose those extra kilos in order to flaunt a 'perfect' body, to refrain from saying how we really feel in order to maintain the 'perfect' relationship, to dye our hair the 'perfect' colour in at attempt to hide our true roots, to have the 'perfect' career so that we can have the 'perfect' life with the 'perfect' car and the 'perfect' family.

In nature, it is the imperfections that make us stop and stare - the rugged rocks alongside the picturesque lake, the lone daisy in amongst a field of daffodils, the vulnerable tree with half its leaves missing - revealing how even inanimate things seem to have feelings.

And isn't it strange how we are drawn to the runts of the litter - the puppy with the crooked ear and toothy grin, the kitten with the oddly shaped tail, lost in her own world. These beautiful, imperfect creatures are the ones that bring us the most joy, whose spirit shines through and whose character far outshines their beautifully manicured, perfect brothers and sisters.

We have all been blessed with our own imperfections - big ears, freckles, some extra curves, a shapely butt, short legs, a long torso, nose hair, moles, dark eyebrows, mis-shapen teeth. All of these beautiful imperfections are what make us even more lovable and what set us aside from everyone else.

Next time you are about to judge yourself or someone else on what you have been told by society is an 'imperfection', stop and think twice - could it actually be something beautiful, something that makes that person sparkle with individuality? I'm sure you could think of a few aspects of yourself that make you the person you are, rather than make you less perfect.

Start today - look for the perfect imperfections everywhere you go and in everyone you meet. I guarantee your life will become more magical by the minute.

Did I hear someone say perfect?

We all need different things. Physically, we trust our bodies to tell us what we need to eat to remain healthy. Mentally, we trust our minds and the knowledge around us to keep us wise and in tune. Emotionally, we try as much as we can to listen to our hearts and be honest with ourselves and others.

Sometimes, however, we are not completely sure of how we feel and we struggle to express it. This is when we need those around us to read our emotions and figure out what will propel us into a positive space. When we are feeling low, we may struggle to see the light - we cannot tell anyone what we need, as we ourselves, are completely unsure and confused. As a result, we feel inadequate and this causes a chain reaction of negative emotions.

How many of you have heard yourself shout this phrase when someone has tried to lend a helping hand: 'You just don't understand!' Next time, stop and think twice before you respond. That person probably does understand - in fact, they may have experienced exactly what you are going through. The only difference is that their band aid is different to ours.

Gary Chapman wrote an extremely insightful book into the various languages we each speak when it comes to love and affection. What we need from those around us to feel optimistic and loved is completely different to what our partner / friend or family member may need. Here's how Chapman differentiates our languages:

1. Acts of Service – When our spouse / friend / family member helps with daily activities such as cooking, cleaning, feeding the children, mowing the lawn, washing up.
2. Receiving Gifts – When our spouse / friend / family member gives us tangible contributions such as love notes, presents from a business trip abroad, perfume, flowers, rugby tickets.
3. Quality Time – When our spouse / friend / family member wants to spend time with us, doing something together or simply chatting and listening.
4. Physical Touch – When our spouse / friend / family member willingly gives us hugs, kisses, and wants to hold hands or be intimate.
5. Words of Affirmation – When our spouse / friend / family member gives us a constant supply of positive comments congratulating us on a job well done or simply saying how wonderful we are.

In order to really feel noticed, we need those around us to speak our language. Just as those we care about need us to understand which dialect they may be speaking. Do yourself a favour and figure out what languages you and those around you speak - it will make life a whole lot easier and will help you to create long-lasting, beautiful relationships.

Cosmic Intervention

The universe is a lot closer to us than we think. In fact, the universe is what leads us to a better existence - it is our mentor, our friend, our companion and our constant guide. If you have ever asked a question and received the answer you wanted, you have encountered a cosmic intervention.

When in doubt or struggling to find an answer that is just not there, try to stop analysing, hypothesising and formalising and instead ask the universe. Write down your question or think about it once or twice before you go to bed and then STOP thinking about it. Set your intention and let it happen.You will soon find the answer comes to you in a way that you never expected: a book that contains the guidance you need will end up in your hands, a messenger will bring you news to guide you to where you need to be, your dreams will suddenly start speaking to you.

No matter how you receive the information, the universe will provide you with the signs you need to take you down the right path. You play the part of the receiver - keep your mind and heart open, listen to the signals you are given and you will not go wrong.

This process can be used for absolutely anything that is going on in your life:

• You want a new job, but you are not sure of what you want to do
• You need to move house, but you don't have the money
• You want to take a brerak from your relationship, but you don't know if you should
• You want to travel, but are worried about your career

If you simply set the intention - ask the universe for an answer or a solution to something that is bothering you - you will be amazed at how much guidance the universe provides. However, if you dwell on your problems and try to force a solution, you will be unable to hear the wise words of the cosmic guide and will end up back in the same place you started.

Keep your heart open, go with what is presented to you and listen well. If you are able to do that, you will always have someone to rely on and will always manage to tailor-make your life in exact accordance with your true needs and desires.

Sofas and Headboards

There are some things in life that just make you feel like jumping out of your skin - that sense of happiness that bubbles through your veins and explodes into a smile that plants itself on your face and refuses to budge.I get that feeling when I see toddlers trying to walk and when friends laugh so much that they cry. It's like a whirlpool of warmth swirls in my gut and makes me feel fuzzy all over.

Luckily enough, this weekend was one of those full of warm fuzzies. Despite the cold that crept through Jozi on  Saturday morning, the warmth of all things beautiful made every day feel like rainbows and sunflowers. A wine-induced family dance off, romance in the rain, laughing until my tummy hurt, pub grub with friends, the success of London marathon-ers and of course sofas and headboards.

Shopping for a new home can become an arduous task, especially when living in a concrete jungle. You end up spending more time in your car than you do in the shops and with so many options, your brain goes into  overdrive as you try to find the best deal. However, undertaking this mammoth task was anything but arduous thanks to a very special person in my life. Whoever knew lying on a hundred different beds (in public) could be so much fun!

Anyway, to the point of today's blog: Make the most of eveything you see and everything you do. Enjoy every minute. Savour every second. Laugh with your whole heart, love with your whole soul, be spontaneous, dance in the rain, eat popcorn for breakfast, go shopping for something you don't need! Every task that is presented to you can be the most fulfilling of your life if you let it, so smile through it and make memories worth remembering.

For the Love of My Country

Today I learnt, once again, about the tragic effects of misused power.

A man who had the courage to stand up for his country, to protest against acts of violence and oppression, to ensure that others would not have to endure what he had to - this man was seen in the eyes of those in power as the bad guy. And what these people do to bad guys is truly appalling.

Abducted with his wife and son-in-law, this man was tortured and beaten to the point of death. Suffering from severe head injuries, brain damage, broken ribs and extensive trauma, he managed to survive for 2 years after the vile attack, but this week he could hold on no longer and passed away.

My blog today is dedicated to this man and all others who have fought for what they believe in, in spite of the horrendous circumstances. Thank you for being so brave.


For the whole story, go to: 
http://www.thezimbabwean.co.uk/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=38742%3Azim-farmer-who-took-mugabe-to-court-dies-of-his-injuries&catid=69%3Asunday-top-stories&Itemid=30

To Mike Campbell, age 78.

Curiosity and the Cat

Curiosity. It didn't actually kill the cat. And if it did, so what? The cat had another 8 lives ahead of him anyway!

Being curious is an essential aspect to living an interesting and fulfilling life. Being curious allows us to seek adventure, to learn more about the world around us and to understand the intricacies of the human psyche.

My curiosity has led me on a multitude of adventures - I have explored places, learnt languages, tried and failed, picked myself back up again and made connections with people that I never knew were possible. Curiosity is no detrimental trait, in essence it is the key that opens the door to opportunity.

When meeting someone for the first time, be curious - ask questions about them, listen and respond, don't just nod your head and let your mind wander. Be fully engaged and let your curiosity take you down a path of human connection. Watch how your relationships explode with love and laughter as you become more and more curious.

This doesn't only apply to those you have just met, it applies to all relationships in your life - when your partner comes home to tell you a story about their day, stop what you are doing, sit down, look them in the eye and allow your curiosity to uncover the little nuances of what they are saying.

Become curious in your job - if you are bored with what you do every day, ask your boss how you can expand what you are doing. Ask questions, do some research, be proactive. Make every day that little bit more exciting by using the inquisitive part of your mind.

Curiosity can take you on travels all over the country and the world. Get curious about your surroundings - take road trips, book lunch at a new place in town, go on a hike, take photos of interesting landscapes, jump into your car and drive until you find somewhere you would like to explore.

The fear of the unknown is often the hurdle that stops us from being curious. Knock it over, get curious and start living.

Open Your Heart

The recent catastrophic events in Japan have left us, as a world, devastated. The fact that so many of our fellow humans are suffering and there is nothing we can do about it, is heartbreaking. As much as we would like to be involved in sending aid or even jumping on a plane and being there in person, for the majority of us, this is not a reality.

Instead of feeling ashamed of what you cannot do on a tangible level, think of how you can help those who are suffering by using your internal energy and spirit. Natural disasters present us with the opportunity to open our hearts in compassion, to empathise with those who have lost people they love, who have had their homes destroyed and their entire livelihood taken away from them.

Simply by sparing a few minutes each day to think about what it would feel like to be in that position, to send love to those who are suffering and to be grateful for what you do have, you are helping Japan and its inhabitants more than you know. It is astonishing what a little heart opening can achieve, even though you may not be able to witness its positive effects directly.

Recently, one of my best friends, Jess Bonin, opened her heart to the fight against Cancer and shaved off her beautiful long brown locks for the cause. The vibrations of energy that she has released by committing to something so positive and selfless will no doubt be felt by all those around her and will one day reach a cancer patient, filling them with hope and providing them with a new head of hair.

Giving of your love and energy will have a profound impact, not only on those in need, but on you too. The more you can open your heart to others, the more love will be returned to you and what you receive will be ten times more powerful than what you give out.

So, take some time out today to spare a thought for someone else, we could all do with a little more love in our lives!

A Virtue Greater Than Patience

Whoever suggested that patience was a virtue was severely misinformed. It is certainly NOT a virtue. It is a challenge, a mounumentally enormous challenge that we, in our new-age fast-paced society, have grand difficulty in understanding, let alone conquering.

 

The quarter-life crisis can speak for itself here - those of us at the age of 26 to 30 want everything and we want it now! And why shouldn't we? We have the education, motivation and brain power to get there - we have been exposed to travel, tertiary studies and a plethora of mind expanding fixations (Google, Wikipedia, Facebook, Twitter, Xbox, Amazon, Kindle) allowing us to think above and beyond the dimensions of 1980's ambitions. We now have the power to become anything we want, and we know it.

 

So I need to challenge this virtue called patience, ask it to step aside and replace it with something I like to call Trust. This again is one of those words that we use, abuse and misuse all the time for fear of sounding too emotional, personal or out of line.

 

For many women, 'I love you' actually means 'I trust that you are never going to cheat on me or break my heart'. For many men, 'Just trust me', means I really do want to be with you and if you keep believing that I am going to run away with the next hot blonde that walks into this bar then I might just have to leave you.

 

The connotation of trust that aligns itself most perfectly with my lack of patience is Trust in the Process. When I first heard this, I thought it was a piece of esoteric enlightenment that someone had come up with in order to make us all feel better, however the more I thought about it, the more I realised how true this was and how it had actually worked in my favour throughout my life.

 

SET THE INTENTION AND LET IT HAPPEN.

 

That is the best way I can describe the feeling of trust in this context. Rather than obsessing over something, wishing, hoping, praying every day that it is going to happen, strategically placing reminders everywhere to visualise and meditate on what you want, just let it go. Decide on what you want and then trust in the process of your life that whatever is meant to come to you will come when the time is right. Not only will this allow the universe to work its magic without the constant interference of your thoughts, it will also take a hell of a lot of pressure off your shoulders. Trust that the process of your life will unfold as it is supposed to, whether you like it or not:

 

• If he/she breaks up with you, stop trying to fight it, it's just not meant to be!
• If the job interview goes badly, suck it up, there will be something better around the corner.
• If she really won't forgive you, another friend will take her place who will love you even more.
• If you don't have the money, sorry to say but it is just not your time for a flat screen TV!

Stay trusting and you never know, patience might eventually become a virtue!

Natural Living

Here are some wonderful remedies for ailments that you may be suffering from at this time of the year. You can generally get them from all health shops and I find DisChem is great as they stock tinctures, tissue salts and combination tablets - depending on your preference. Alternatively use what you have in your cupboard, but be careful not to go too overboard - especially on the spices!

Aching in the legs - Cayenne Pepper
Nausea or digestion - Cinnamon
Constipation - Fennel
Period pains - Feverfew
To aid circulation or as an antibiotic - Garlic
Bad breath - Mustard
Headache or IBS - Peppermint
Sore throat -Sage
Relaxant - Chamomile
Hangover - Hops
Insomnia - Valerian Root
Lack of energy - Ginseng

The next blog will be about Bach Flower Remedies and the various ailments that can be elimanted through these wondrous drops, so keep reading!

Have a beautiful weekend and don't forget to take some time out for yourself.

The Truth

How many of us can say openly and honestly that we live our truth every day? If you are someone who does, I take my hat off to you and ask you whole heartedly to share those musings with us mere mortals.

So many times I find myself feeling fake: smiling when I want to cry, saying yes when I mean no, burying my anger with clenched fists, eating fruit when all I want is cake. Why do we torture ourselves by being so untrue to who we are, how we feel and what we want? It seems so archaic. Our society breeds free will and liberalism, and yet we still find ourselves feeling trapped by what other people think.

We don't shout when we are angry as we may upset someone, so instead we bury the anger, only to find that it erupts in more destructive ways such as manipulation and belittling, or even worse, a full on screaming match.

We don't cry for fear of being laughed at, so instead we bottle up all our tears and swallow them down with alcohol until one day the tears become so crippling that we need to seek 'professional' advice.

We say yes to things we think we 'should' be doing in an atempt to please others, however we don't realise that our lack of personality is actually more detrimental to our reputation than if we had just turned down the offer and admitted that we were too tired and needed some time out.

I don't want to feel fake anymore - I am on a mission to speak and live my truth and I know that those who really love and understand me will support this. I encourage you to set yourself free too - say what you need to say, be honest with yourself and with others and let your true self shine through.

And for goodness sake, eat that damn piece of cake!! We only live once, is it really imperative to look like a supermodel?

The Little Things

Waking in a sombre mood this morning, it was difficult to pull myself out of bed and make my usual visit to the gym. I had a turbulent weekend to say the least and was feeling sad, demotivated and confused - just perfect for a busy Monday and even better for Valentine's Day - UGH!

Despite my pessimism, I managed to surface and made my way to the trusty Virgin Active. On arrival, I still felt morbid and forlorn but as I walked into my class, my spirits lifted as I saw Ron. Over four weeks ago, I met this incredible man, but had not seen him since that first meeting.

That day, he told me that his reason for visiting the gym was to improve his fitness for a trek through the Himalayas that he was doing in the next few months. I stared at him in awe as this 70-something man glowed with pride at his future endeavours. He explained to me that the reason for the trek was to honour himself and his belated wife who had died just months earlier. That was the day I learnt about true inspiration.

Today was no different. Just as he had done weeks ago, Ron managed to change my mood in an instant. My soul felt as though it was going to burst with pride - my heart danced and my eyes glistened with tears of happiness as he told me about the preparations for his brave adventure. Not once did he ever stop smiling and his infectious energy seemed to fill up the whole room.

I lifted a brow of thanks for bringing this light of a human being into my life for the second time. I felt lighter, more invigorated and thankful to be alive. Those little things - it makes every day worth while.

Cultivate Creativity

It is true that creativity frees us. It is not true that we are either born with it or not.

Everyone has a creative essence to them - without it, we would not be able to tell that little white lie when we are late for work due to a heavy night, nor would we be able to write birthday cards, choose outfits, cook a meal or read a book. You see all of these things that are part of our daily lives make use of our creativity. Which means that you are, in fact, A CREATIVE! Time to celebrate...

It has been proved by many scientists, psychotherapists, psychologists, psycho-whatevers that when we are creating, it is one of the only times we feel truly free. We become so engrossed in creating something that our mind becomes centred, our emotions become balanced as we express them through our creative work and our bodies relax as we allow our hands to actually feel alive. We are combining all 3 elements of what makes up our anatomy and allowing it, for once, to be at peace.

So, when you are feeling off-balance, as though your mind is everywhere but here and your emotions are like a rollercoaster, take some time out to be creative. Here are some easy ways to get you started:

• Cook something new
• Write in a journal
• Cut out your favourite pictures from a magazine and stick them on your cupboard
• Go shopping for a new outfit
• Scribble down some shapes
• Take photos
• Re-arrange your clothes in your cupboard in colour order
• Write a letter to a friend overseas
• Make a birthday card for someone special
• Paint your nails in different colours
• Read a book
• Dye your hair
• Make some beaded jewellery
• Start a scrapbook
• Write a dream journal - fill it with pictures and words that describe your 'dream' life
• Cut your jeans to make shorts and then BEDAZZLE them (oh yes!)
• Go to a seminar on something that interests you
• Join a writing class
• Paint a picture or paint your walls!!

Creativity a day, keeps the doctors (and psychologists and therapists and medication) away!

Books to Blow Your Mind

The truth is I have a problem. I am completely and utterly addicted. I cannot give up.

Books - they make my heart leap and my head spin. I could sit for hours and hours in bookshops paging through one diamond after the next. 'Diamonds are a girl's best friend' - PLUGH I say to that! There is no gemstone that could replace my shelves of books and the feeling I get from finishing something that shifts my consciousness ever so slightly.

Buying new books - now that is enough to make my brain explode! Before I can even walk out of Exclusive Books, I have the first page open and am trying to stuff as many lyrical sentences down my throat as possible. In the car, the book sits eagerly on my lap and at every red robot, my hands cannot move fast enough to pick up my little love and gobble down some more facts and fiction.

Bed is just a whole different world when I have a new book. It is no longer the place I go to sleep, but rather my own mystical haven of enchantment and wonder. I spend hours on it: late at night, just before lunch, just after lunch and my favourite time to read - first thing in the morning before the sun smiles and the birds laugh. Me and my book - spooning has never felt so magnificent!

Today I hope to inspire more of you to join me in my world of splendour by listing a few that have made feel all warm and fuzzy inside.

WARNING: To those of you who don't know me - I am a self-confessed self-helpaholic, so most of these are 'those' type of reads:

• The Journey - Brandon Bays
• The Power of Inner Peace - Diana Cooper
• The Game of Life and How to Play It - Florence Scovell Shinn
• The Power of One - Bryce Courtenay
• The Book of Secrets - Deepak Chopra
• Steering by Starlight - Martha Beck
• 29 Gifts - Cami Walker
• Wired for Joy - Laurel Mellin
• Blink - Malcolm Gladwell
• Eat, Pray, Love - Elizabeth Gilbert
• The 4 Agreements - Don Miguel Ruiz
• The Emotional Healing Strategy - Geal Lindenfeld
• Natural Highs - Patrick Holford
• Women Who Love Too Much - Robin Norwood
• In the Meantime - Iyanla Vanzant
• Bounce - Gill Hasson and Sue Hadfield
• Opening Your Heart - Anne Jones
• Healing Negative Energies - Anne Jones
• Making a Difference by Being Yourself - Gregory Huscczo
• Count Your Blessings - John Demartini
• The Power of Intention - Wayne Dyer

To all my lovely friends and family who have heard me quote from one or more of these treasures before - thank you for being so patient. I am working on my very own at the moment, so hopefully all my talking will be put to good use when I get published one day :-) I hope one of these tickles your fancy in the meantime!

What Women Want

To all the women out there - I understand.

All we really want is to feel desired, loved and good enough. We want to know that there is someone out there who loves us despite our flaws, who understands that we will have days when we feel awful and will have no idea why, that we always need a hug, that we appreciate the little things in life much more than grandiosity, that a note saying 'I love you' left under our pillow will make us smile all day.

Women love to feel loved and we love to be heard. Instead of talking about what happened at work, we would rather talk about how we FELT during the day - what made us FEEL good and what made us FEEL bad. And when we talk about this kind of thing, all we ask is that someone listens and cares enough to ask about us and that someone will remember what we say.

We want to feel good enough - for our men, for our parents, for our children. We want to know we are doing a good job and we would like someone to say so. We would never expect thanks, but getting it makes everything we do feel that much more worth while. We are soft, gentle and emotional people who strive to make those around us feel good, even to the detriment of ourselves. We are selfless and open hearted.

As women, we want very little and are willing to give so much, so to all the women out there - well done, you are too perfect and wonderful.

And to all the men out there - thank you for being there for us, thank you for the hugs and the flowers, thank you for taking time out to listen - you make us want to be better people.

How To Deal With 'A Bad Day'

We all have those days when we feel like vanishing off the face of the planet - those days when you wonder what your purpose is, when you feel as though life is just somewhere you go to pass the time and you honestly contemplate quitting everything and moving to the South Pole. Believe it or not, those days are the ones we need to be grateful for - those are the days that signal an end to something old and the beginning of something new. If we didn't have those days, we would never have grand epiphanes that change our lives.

 

I have learnt the hard way that days like those should be embraced, not neglected. Instead of waking up negative, feeling grumpy all day and going to bed feeling utterly miserable, embrace the fact that you feel a little otherwise and then keep an eye out for possibility - a previously blocked door might suddenly swing open and offer you the solution you have been looking for.

 

The universe works in mysterious ways and it is up to us to listen to what it has to say. A bad day is not the end of the world, it is a loudly ringing siren that signals a personal discontentment that needs work. When you have a bad day, take 5 minutes to contemplate the following:

 

• I feel angry because.....
• I feel sad because.....
• I feel frustrated because.....
• I feel guilty because....

 

Once you have done that, think about this:

 

• What expectations do I have at the moment?

 

Carefully consider if these expectations are reasonable. If they are, feel them, write them down and find a way to express those expectations to the relavant people. If they suddenly seem a little unreasonable, thank yourself for being so honest and move them out of your head.

 

Now, think about the following:

• What do I want to change in my life?
• What have I been thinking about doing for ages, but haven't yet done?
• How are my emotions affecting my relationships and my job?
• What would I love to do more of?
• What would make me feel fantastic right now?

There should be at least one of these questions that resonates with you - allow it to sink in and create words and phrases in your mind. That is the answer. That is the reason for your bad day and if you listen to the solution and if that solution comes from your heart, you will know what needs to be done to make your days great from now on!