My Life, Your Life

                                            MY LIFE, your life. We are all in the same boat!

    Sometimes I feel very 'alone', as if I'm the only one going through whatever is happening in my life. I know in essence that this is never true, but it is a disturbing feeling of isolation - that it's not worth discussing with anyone else, because it's just ME!



    This raises two issues:

    Firstly, that it is always a good idea to discuss your worries and emotions with others. Did you know that all emotions we experience are universal, and any thought you ever have, has been thought by others as well?

    The sense of community when you know someone cares - when they are prepared to listen, or offer a shoulder to cry on, is uplifting and invaluable to our self worth. We can feel quite vulnerable when we reach out and show our true self to others, but it is always worthwhile, and we often find that they have felt this way too. They may not have solutions, but they understand what you are going through, and they do not judge you - even though you thought that they might see you as weak, or your issues trivial!

    Being able to voice your concerns, even write them down if you don't have someone to confide in, will remove that heavy energy that you have been carrying around inside you. 'Thinking out loud' can make you feel lighter and happier.

                                                                          

    Secondly, the most important relationship we have, is the one with ourselves. So if we are feeling lost, overwhelmed or stuck, we need to get out of our heads - quiet the mind and the ego thoughts, and connect with our true self, that resides in the heart, our wise old soul.

    To facilitate this, I like to be in nature or play soothing music, close my eyes, breathe deeply and feel the connection. Just allowing myself to BE. Letting go for a short while, of any busyness. No doing or trying, just stillness.

    Often insights will come forth. Answers to unspoken questions, that help me to move forward. Sometimes I sense colours, that I allow myself to absorb and enjoy. At times like this, I can feel like I am ONE with my soul - the inner me who does not judge, and loves unconditionally.

    And if I am lucky, I may also feel my team in spirit around me, supporting and guiding. Ancestors, angels and spirit guides - I have deep love and gratitude for them all.

                                                 

    Today's message/mantra is this:

    Today I tune in to the flow of life. I surrender and allow myself to step into what is needed. I release any urge to  push or force, I let go of 'shoulds' and 'musts' and move forward with hope in my heart. I am patient with myself and trust that healing will occur on all levels.

Getting Back to Good Habits

Today I am starting a reset! For the past few weeks I have been feeling frustrated with myself, as my usual commitment to looking after myself and leading by example had taken a big hit.

It was all very logical really - for many months my own life was largely taken over by caring for my elderly parents. And I didn't mind, but my own needs slid well down the list of priorities and it eventually took it's toll.

There were many aspects to this. Food was a big one. I was having to stay away from home a lot, so I no longer had such tight control of what went on my plate. There were lots of cafe stops while visiting dad in hospital, and eating on the run. I thought I was making the best choices I could, but the menus weren't  always geared to healthy choices.

The mental strain was also exhausting. So even when I had the time and means to choose well, I didn't always have the energy or resolve.

While dad was in hospital, and fighting so hard to stay with us, nothing actually felt too difficult. I surprised myself with how well I coped with the grueling schedule and emotional roller coaster. I was grateful for the skills I had acquired, that served me so well, and I just kept putting one foot in front of the other.

But when dad passed away, it was a big game changer, and suddenly everything felt too hard. I held it together long enough to honour him with a fitting farewell, but after the funeral I felt completely adrift. I was unable to tackle my every day tasks - in fact, I didn't even want to!

I knew what I needed in order to get back on track - meditation, walks on the beach and clean eating. But I know that grieving doesn't wait for anyone, so I have tried to just allow it to unfold. It's only been 6 weeks after all.

However I have been beating myself up about what wasn't getting done. And of course that was making me feel worse! So I have let all of that go now, and started to be more kind to myself. And with the support of wonderful family and friends, I am gradually regaining the strength to embrace again the life that I want for myself.

Having recently witnessed a lot of hospital procedures and medical interventions, has made me even more determined to spread the word about taking responsibility for our own health, and getting back to basics. And today feels like a new start for me :)

I have been out for an early walk, and started the day with a delicious green juice. I need to restock the fridge but this one is just what I had - spinach, parsley and mint from our garden, with an apple, cucumber and small piece of young ginger. I was craving a juice and it really hit the spot.

I have also been aware how caffeinated tea has crept right back into my repertoire. Often this was all that was available during our long stints at the hospital, but now I intend to get back to mostly herbal teas, which luckily, I do enjoy . . .

Fortunately, I have kept up my nutritional supplements, so I have been able to remain well, but I have certainly lost my equilibrium. So now I will endeavor to put all of the pieces back together. I will carry raw nuts and vegetable sticks with me everywhere, so that I am not tempted by gluten or sugar filled snacks. And I will continue to drink adequate clean (spring) water every day, between meals. I will nourish my body and soul with what I know that I need, and not what my head may be telling me is an 'easier' option. It is of course not worth it, if it makes you feel poorly.

LIFE is GOOD

I LOVE my life! I haven't always been able to say this but it is certainly true now.

Life is never dull. Change is inevitable and welcome. There is so much to experience, to learn and grow from. Relationships teach us a lot about ourselves. How you react to people is always about what is going on inside of YOU! What a fascinating concept.

It is very empowering to know that we have complete control over ourselves (and of course NONE over anyone else!). I don't mean control in any manipulative, OCD/control freak sort of way. I mean that we are responsible for our own thoughts, words and actions. There is no-one else to blame, it is all up to you.

If that sounds scary, don't let it be. It is actually a very good thing. Once you realize that your health and happiness is not in anyone else's hands, you begin to step into your authentic life. There is no point in judgement or blame or excuses. There is only you and your CHOICES. You choose what to think, what to say and how to behave.

There may be deep seated beliefs and patterns of behaviour that you have inherited or absorbed, but it is still your choice whether you activate them. How cool is that? You really are the creator of your own destiny, a master manifester! You can choose to steer your life in a more positive direction, by focusing on what you truly desire, and using your emotions as a barometer.

Now, there are many and varied emotions of course, but they really fall into one of two categories. Either they make you feel GOOD or they make you feel BAD. Choose to engage with 'good feeling' thoughts as often as possible.

There are interesting similarities with Epigenetics - a topic within the field of health that intrigues me. People with health challenges are often diagnosed with 'damaged genes' and told that this predisposes them to a myriad of symptoms and disease. But most modern day disease is metabolic - related to our diet and lifestyle choices, so this is very good news.

Research has shown that our diet and lifestyle choices actually regulate our genes ie activate (switch on) or de-activate (switch off). So, it is possible to have 'damaged genes' but choose not to switch them on! You have the power to be well.

Similarly,we don't have to erase old memories or beliefs. We can simply learn how to not have them active. Try to remember the best of things from your life, and not give too much attention to things that may not be going well. This takes practice but is worth the effort, as it aligns your energy in a very beneficial way.

Keep track of how you are feeling and trust your emotions to guide you. Work at feeling GOOD about the things that really matter to you, as much as you possibly can, and watch as your dreams unfold and you step into the life that YOU love.