What to do in a difficult time (and the key to being happier in life)

Too often we worry too much about what others think of us.

Too often we don’t take time out for ourselves.

Too often we shove our negative feelings under the carpet and pretend everything’s “hunky-dory”.

Tonight I decided to take my own advice. I’ve taken a few leaves out of my own book, quite literally. 😁

Leaf #1:

In my chapter in “Elevate Your Life”, I’d written that in a difficult time, something you could do to help is to..

“Ask for help, and talk to someone you trust about your difficulties, whether it’s a coach or a friend. Sometimes you can get stuck in a certain way of thinking and have trouble finding solutions or have an unhelpful attitude about the situation. This person can provide support and encouragement, as well as help guide you towards clarity and a way to move forward.”

I’ve been doing that these past couple of nights. Reaching out to some friends whom I knew would understand what I’ve become aware of, that’s been holding me back from moving forward. Asking for help.

And they held a safe space for me to express myself. What I was struggling with, how I was hurting. Without judgment and criticism (which I’d been dishing plenty of, towards myself).

They reminded me of the beauty and strength they see in me. They were present and loving towards me. Gentle and kind. Compassionate. And offered help, which I graciously and appreciatively accepted and welcomed.

Leaf #2:

“The key to being happier in life is focusing on yourself and tuning into your inner wisdom, as I like to call it. So often, people seek happiness in all of the wrong places and give their power, the responsibility for their own happiness, to other people. They want someone else to make them happy, be it a friend, lover or family member…”

Number 7 out of the 11 ways I’d suggested to be happier in life, on page 89:

“Spend time alone. Take yourself on a date. Watch a movie by yourself….”

That’s exactly what I’ve done tonight.

Earlier tonight I’d sat in a packed cinema by myself 😄 watching a most beautiful, uplifting, loving movie inspired by true events.

(And now I’m enjoying some cake and chai tea on my own, feeling inspired to share this!)

Instead of this movie experience being a “zone out and numbing” exercise, I truly went along and took it all in, immersing myself totally. (That wasn’t hard for me to do, it was such a great movie!)

I was so moved so many times during the film. The music, the singing, the story, the humanity, the realness, the imperfections, the strength shown by the characters..

Silly me, I didn’t have any tissues. So there I was, wiping away at my face with my bare hands so many times. I was running out of dry skin to wipe my tears with.

I had my own epiphanies and empowering realisations during various parts of the film.

These moments of insight, these moments of being moved to tears – these are powerful moments.

In these moments, I feel my “coming home to myself”.

In these moments, I feel my connection to my inner wisdom.

In these moments, I feel love, gentleness and strength within me.

If you’re still reading this, thank you for choosing to share in my imperfectly perfect love story.

You are the reason I share moments like this.

Because I’m here to remind you, that:

* You ARE Beautiful.
* You DO Matter.
* You ARE Loved.
* You ARE Important.
* You ARE Powerful.

When in your day can you craft out some time to get quiet and go within?

What is it that’s truly bothering you, deep down?

Ask yourself, “What do I need in this moment?”

Know that you can do this. You’ve got it. Be gentle and honest with yourself. When you can name it, you can claim it.

It’s all right. Allow yourself to feel into it.

Allow yourself to heal.

You ARE Safe.

Then if you need to, reach out to someone whom you trust and know can and will hold a safe space for you to express yourself, to help you and support you.

Again, thank you🙏 for choosing to be with me on this journey.

Much ❤
Summer 😘😘