LOVE VERSE NEED

I was recently watching a Brene Brown clip where she spoke about how compassionate people are those who set clear boundaries (can say NO). I so resonated with this because I have always been a ‘yes’ person and would end up doing things I didn’t really want to do. I had a story that it would be selfish or unkind to say no and that if I was going to be seen as a generous person then I would, of course always give. I would then feel frustrated and resentful that I was spending my time giving to someone else, when I really wanted to give to myself. I really believe that the more we can operate from a space, where we can clearly say ‘No’ then we will find that when we do say ‘Yes’ it is from a place of love rather than obligation or a thought that the other person/people need us. To say ‘No’ also requires you to hold that belief that if you are unable to give/help them, they are supported and there would be many others who could be of service. One of the greatest gifts we can give family members is the belief that they can trust themselves to create the support they need and that there is a whole universe out there who can help/love/support/give to them. Sending you so much love and joy xx

CREATING IN PARTNERSHIP

My first post for 2016 and here it is!!! My word for 2016 is JOY!! It is plastered in capital letters in my dream book for the year!! I am excited to experience more of this feeling than ever before!! So I was eager to see the film, ‘Joy’ at the cinema, hoping to discover enlightened ideas on my 2016 exploration of this theme. While I was inspired by the female character’s resilience to follow through with her dream, I felt quite perplexed with two of the messages that appear to be in many a modern day film. Firstly, the idea that creating is a real struggle and results in a great deal of financial burden when following one’s dreams. Secondly, the idea that there is very little joy to be experienced in family and overwhelming regret about what could’ve been. We all at some point experience these different feelings (I definitely have with with past health issues), however, I wholeheartedly believe that each and every one of us can create joy today in our everyday lives. Not just when we are on holidays, or on long service leave, or when there is a special celebration, or on the weekends. In this very moment, we can consciously create the feeling of joy! One way that my husband and I feel joy and connection is in dedicating a few hours a week to actively sharing what we want to individually create. We love discussing how we can individually support each other to follow our highest joys and creations, but more importantly, I feel the joy is in giving to each other’s independent visions, whether that be through encouragement, belief or ideas. May we all support each other to follow our greatest joys and value our own individual creations!! Sending you all much love and joy in 2016 xx

TRUTH

I know that the path to joy is authenticity, truth and accountability and I am choosing to share with you something, which definitely makes me feel uncomfortable and vulnerable. I have for many years had an expectation on my husband to make me happy. I have compared him to my father, brother, other men and I wonder how he has not buckled under the weight of my expectation. I have also felt that I was responsible for his happiness. I really believe that we all can place a tremendous amount of expectation on our partners, children, friends, careers and businesses to make us feel loved and happy. I have wanted my dream house, a luxurious holiday, expensive nights out and much more and wondered when I received these things, why I didn’t suddenly feel joy!!?? My joy has now come in the following: close connections with family and friends, affection (cuddles), watching my son play, help in the home from my husband, colouring in mandalas, nature walks on my own, sitting in our hammock on the veranda, time together as a family etc. One can never put a price on love: this is the value and quality that fills me up!! I would encourage everyone to voice to all of your loved ones, “I free you from my expectations… I am responsible for my own happiness. You do not need to do or be anything other than who you are. You are enough and I am enough”. Feel free to also share in the comments below where you may have placed expectation on someone or something. Sending you all so much love and joy xx

HOLIDAYS

Fiji = JOY ❤❤ Every time I have visited Fiji I have experienced a profound shift in my thinking!! This last trip wasn't any different!! It is a country that really lives by the idea that "it takes a village to raise a child" and children are so celebrated!! Our 16 month old son was showered in love by every Fijian that we came across: his cheeks were squeezed and kissed, he was constantly cuddled, so much joy was derived from the Fijians who could win a smile from him, men from building sites were yelling out 'Bula' and all Fijians we passed on the streets shared their beautiful smiles with him. What would it take for us all to bestow such an abundance of love on ALL of our children: our future?? Now when I walk in the mornings, my intention is to offer a smile, a kind word, encouragement or to send all children/babies the thought that they are loved by one and all. May our children know and feel the depth of our love, may they receive and acknowledge all of their innate gifts, may they always know their value, may they always feel a deep sense of inner peace, happiness and joy in WHO they are. May they realise that they are never alone ❤❤❤ Sending you all so much love and joy xx

ORGANISATION

Who would've thought being organised could give me such a feeling of joy??!! To be honest, I've been a 'fly by the seat of my pants' kind of girl for quite some time but I have to admit that this way of living hadn't been serving me/us since the arrival of our son!! So when my husband had quietly made a comment about my organisational skills (lack of) my ego took over!! In a loud, loud, loud voice in my head it told me to quickly defend and protect myself at all costs!! However, I cast the ego aside, took a deep breath and said, "Okay hunni, I am really willing to hear what it is you're seeing, but more importantly I'm open (deep breath) to receive your ideas on creating a solution. Our home is now organised, which means so much more time for this fiercely independent soul!! I am so grateful that I received the gift of my husband's amazing organisational skills, rather than protect out of fear of criticism!! Sending you all so much love and joy xx