Any full time Mummy will agree it can be challenging sneaking a moment to yourself, especially when your family live overseas and your hardworking man works long hours. There’s barely time to eat, poop and shower, let alone build a business.
Whilst time for inspired action and ‘doing’ is somewhat limited, there is plenty of time for dreaming; especially when trapped beneath a tiny Prince for his third nap of the day.
‘Dreaming, after all, is a form of planning.’
– Gloria Steinem
I have surrendered to less DOING and more BEING during these precious early months of caring for our son, Kole. As a once immaculate neat freak, this transition hasn’t been easy. But I can now safely say ‘Fuck it!’ if the dishes aren’t done, the house is a shambles and my hair looks like a birds nest.
Being present to Kole’s needs first and foremost feels so much better than striving frantically to live up to Superwoman standards in order to get it all done.
As I dream myself into alignment with my desires, I feel the magic of the unknown rising up in my chest. It feels warm. It feels bold and it feels ALIVE.
This Mummy is not going backwards into the security of her old life, but forward with courage and commitment.
What dreams of yours are stirring within you? Let them brew long enough that they absorb the richness and fullness of Divine flavour, but not so long that they become cold and forgotten…
Today, dream a little longer and trust that your time will come.
Are you up on the dance floor yet? Or are you sitting on the sidelines watching everyone else have all the fun, too scared of making a wrong move or looking the fool?
Maybe you’ve convinced yourself you’re too tired to dance, and that you’ll dance another day? So instead of seizing the opportunity, you remain in your safe zone of comfort and watch as yet another opportunity passes you by.
Oh I know how this feels alright. I’ve been that bystander quietly wishing it was me shaking my tush all over the dance floor.
So today, I invite you to dance! To be seen. To be heard. To be witnessed in all your glory.
No longer will we remain dormant in our dream state. This moment is for inspired action. And it starts by getting your sweet derrière up on that dance floor to dance dance DANCE!!! 💃🏻🙌🏻💃🏻
I am lucky enough to have experienced work that I love. Teaching mindfulness and yoga to children encourages them to build better relationships with themselves, their friends and family, and the world around them. I can’t think of anything more rewarding than that.
But it wasn’t always that way. I’ve worked many a long hour in jobs I disliked just to earn some money and because it’s what ‘everyone else did.’
Maybe you love cooking, music or design? Maybe you’re passionate about the environment or making a difference in the lives of others, but feel you can’t make money following your passions?
We are so conditioned to work ‘for the other man’ in order to get ahead, often working long hours for very little in return. Worse still, we dislike the work we do.
Today, I encourage you to consider a different paradigm.
What would your life look like if you were getting paid to do what you love? What steps can you take to make your vision a reality?
Is it going to take grit, determination and perseverance? Yes. Do you have what it takes? Yes!!! Believe you can.
Work is love made visible.
– Kahlil Gibran
This photos was snapped spontaneously by one of the students from school as the kids played with my hair and goofed around 🤪
I think she’s captured perfectly the joy I receive from working with children and being in their company…
🌼 They remind me not to take life too seriously
🌼 I love the way they are in complete awe and wonder of the magic of life
🌼 Children are full of enthusiasm, even about the smallest of things
🌼 They say what’s on their mind! Zero filter 🙈 ..this can be scary, but it can also be so beautiful and pure that my heart melts every time 😌
And that folks, are just a few of the reasons I friggen love my work ❤️🌈
Do you love what you do? If yes, or if no, why? I’d love to know if your work aligns with your heart’s values…
Welcome to my forty-ninth instalment of ‘Soulful Sundays’. A weekly share where I post a
roundup of soulful reflections, each including recipes, songs, quotes, blogs I have read and/or any other inspirational discoveries to sooth the soul.
For me, Sunday’s have become a day of quiet contemplation and simple pleasures. A time to reflect on the week gone by and to consider my hopes and dreams for the week ahead.
My hope is to extend some love outward and to share some simple pleasures with anyone who cares to receivethem.
Soul Reflections
On this soulful Sunday I would like to share the news of our little miracle within. For the last 5 months I have been growing a little baby in my tummy! Eeeek! And what a journey it has been so far. Being pregnant with the miracle of life has caused me to become fertile with a myriad of magical possibilities.
“To be pregnant is to be vitally alive, thoroughly woman, and distressingly inhabited. Soul and spirit are stretched – along with body – making pregnancy a time of transition, growth, and profound beginnings.”
– Anne Christian Buchanan
I have journeyed through resistance, doubt and fear only to emerge on the other side feeling a profound sense of connection and a deep level of trust in the ‘unseen force behind all of life.’ To be part of life’s creation is to fully surrender to life’s dance; trusting that you will intuitively rise to the challenges and changes each new step presents. Pregnancy is not a time for control, but a time to let go, to trust and to flow with the rhythm of life.
Soul Strolls
Whilst I have been walking a lot during my pregnancy, most of our strolling has been to house inspections to house our growing family. A fortnight ago I shared with you a home we were sure was ours. Somehow, between talking with the landlord, submitting our application and the rental agency presenting applicants, our application was lost and we missed out. It’s still a mystery to this day what happened, as we never took the landlords number. And whilst it was a little disheartening at first, I was sure there must be a reason why things turned out the way they did. And of course, there was.
One of my wishes has been to have a little woodland themed nursery for our baby. But I knew that may not be possible with a rental. Often repainting requires clearance from landlords and not many wish for their neutral homes to be tampered with.
Well. Just last week we came across a rental that already had a woodland themed nursery! Talk about the Law of Attraction! After being declined for four rental’s, this was the one that finally pulled through. I now know that this is the home for us.
Our little nursery ❤
Soul Food
This week we treated ourselves to some Indian food. Yum! Not only was the food scrumptious and heart warming, but we also revealed whether we were having a boy or a girl over dinner.
I’d enlisted the help of one of my students to create some beaded love hearts; one in pink and one in blue. Rather than have the lady reveal what we were expecting at the scan, we asked if she would secretly place the correct coloured heart into the box so we could reveal it to ourselves over dinner! Here’s the result:
What will it be?
Ooo the suspense!
Ta Daaaaaa!
Our Baby Boy ❤
Soul Music
Our baby is very responsive to music. Last weekend we saw Incubus live as well as Ed Sheeran. At both concerts baby was wriggling and kicking with content. I was too in the moment to capture any videos, but I’d like to share two of my favourite songs, one from Incubus, Wish You Were Here and Ed Sheeran’s Thinking Out Loud. The lyrics to both are beautifully timeless.
Soul Sisters
Today I’d love to share Kate’s poem, Incubation. Since i’m incubating a little baby right now, who I can’t wait to share with the world, Kate’s poem resonated with me deeply! I know you’ll enjoy this fun, insightful poem as much as I did!
Wishing each and every one of you a miracle Sunday.
Whether you are birthing new ideas, experiences and dreams or birthing new life – may you have full trust in your abilities and in the dance of life itself.
Welcome to my forty-seventh instalment of ‘Soulful Sundays’. A weekly share where I post a
roundup of soulful reflections, each including recipes, songs, quotes, blogs I have read and/or any other inspirational discoveries to sooth the soul.
For me, Sunday’s have become a day of quiet contemplation and simple pleasures. A time to reflect on the week gone by and to consider my hopes and dreams for the week ahead.
My hope is to extend some love outward and to share some simple pleasures with anyone who cares to receivethem.
Soul Reflections
As an introvert with a Scorpio sun-sign born in the year of the Rat, I fiercely value family, loyalty and authentic connection. I rarely surround myself with large numbers of frivolous friendships, choosing instead to keep a close circle of faithful friends, my chosen family, near to my heart.
When one discovers deep connection, then one has found a faithful friend. It doesn’t matter how often you meet, what matters is the love, trust and acceptance you share.
If you can place your heart in another’s hands and trust it is safe, held, and protected – when you’re at your best and when you’re at your worst – then you are blessed with an unbreakable bond that will survive all kinds of weather.
Such kindred spirits can be found in a parent, child, sibling, partner, teacher, friend or pet. It’s that instant recognition, that feeling of coming home, that moment when you know you can be completely yourself, free from fear or judgement.
Cherish those connections as you walk along this journey – because they are the true treasures in life.
Soul Strolls
Soul strolling this weekend took place in Warburton. This quaint country town is just an hours drive from Melbourne and a true treasure to visit. We enjoyed lazing by the river, getting our feet wet and exploring local walks and forestry.
On our way home we stopped for lunch with a treasured friend and fellow blogger, Miriam from Out an About and her husband, Doug. The food was scrumptious and the company was deliciously nourishing! I feel so blessed to have such a beautiful connection here in Melbourne, and what’s even more special is that our friendship was first formed whilst connecting here on WordPress.
If you know local bloggers that you resonate with, I encourage you to reach out and connect! You may just discover a kindred spirit like I did.
Kindred Spirits
Soul Music
Keeping with the theme of treasured friendships, I would like to share this stunning meditative track, Kindred Spirit by Deuter. Go on, I dare you to have a listen and become lost in its peaceful, healing vibes.
Soul Sisters
I would like to share Miriam’s stunning post, Planting Dreams. When Miriam told me of her serendipitous moment over lunch, I literally had goosebumps. The miracles that appear when we open our hearts to the Universe is beyond magic, and that’s what Miriam is tapping into, the magical creative force that emerges when we are in the flow of creativity, abundance and trust.
I hope your Sunday is filled with faith, deep connection and many many miracles.
Beliefs are powerful. What we believe, we become. There is a famous quote by Henry Ford who stated:
Whether you think you can or think you can’t, you’re right.
The difference between those who can and those who can’t is self-belief.
‘I don’t have time to meditate.’ ‘Losing weight is hard.’ ‘This is just the way I am.’ ‘Money is hard to come by.’ ‘I’m not clever enough.’
Such self-defeating beliefs often stem from social conditioning. They can also be passed down by our ancestors who were sometimes taught: ‘Life is an uphill struggle.’
Next time you notice fear and doubt creep in, ask yourself: ‘Whose beliefs are these?’ If they are not your own, dismiss them. If you genuinely believe it’s not possible, ask yourself – why? Who or what has led you to believe that you cannot achieve the life of your dreams?
Napoleon Hill once said:
Whatever the mind can conceive and believe, it can achieve.
Today, believe in your dreams. Believe in your abilities. Believe in YOU. You are only ever one thought away from living the life you intended to live.
I often amaze at the way society has shaped us into a nation addicted to doing.
The chronic doer is often commended for their ‘productivity’ and applauded for their ability to get things done. But at what cost? Their health? Their sanity? Their loved ones? People addicted to doing often feel a sense of adrenaline each time they tick something off their ‘to do list’ and rarely feel at ease when simply resting. But as Lin Yutang reminds us:
Besides the noble art of getting things done, there is the noble art of leaving things undone. The wisdom of life consists in the elimination of the non-essentials.
Now I’m not suggesting we all go on strike and neglect our daily duties in favour of Netflix. But what I am suggesting is that we allow moments in our day to simply be. To be still, to enjoy moments of solitude, to give our undivided attention to our loved ones without the distraction of electronics and phones, to make time for laughter, play and creativity each day.
Your body, mind and heart need not wait until an unfortunate event, loss or illness forces you to stop and pay attention. Healing can begin now. Living can begin today. Today, silence your phone. Leave the chores for a few hours. Trust that what’s important will be taken care of. And the rest? Well that can simply wait.
Soul Strolls
This week I have been enjoying some gentle strolls around my local park. I also enjoyed a lovely catch up with friends at Cantani Gardens in St Kilda. The same spot where I enjoyed festival fun and music at The Pleasure Gardens last weekend. This week, the festival friendlies were nowhere in sight, and we enjoyed a peaceful picnic among the trees. What are you doing this weekend? Remember, if resting and recovery is on your agenda – however that looks to you, then I applaud you.
Soul Food
I am loving chia seed puddings at the moment and I also LOVE LOVE LOVE DoTerra essential Oils. I’ve been using them for over a year now with amazing benefits on an emotional and physical level. Today I am sharing Alice Nicholl’s recipe which combines my two favourite things in this delicious Citrus Parfait.
Soul Music
Today, I’d love to share a track called Breathe by Delilah. So often we get in our own way and we feel we can no longer breathe. This song reminds me to be free from myself.
Soul Sisters
Today I am sharing Bernice’s post The Book Of Awakening. A beautiful reminder of our blessings to be here enjoying this human experience. Let us not waste that opportunity in worrying, and embrace this moment, here, today.
Wrapping you all in a restful, warm hug. May your Sunday be gloriously restful and refreshing.
Welcome to my forty-third instalment of ‘Soulful Sundays’. A weekly share where I post a roundup of soulful reflections, each including recipes, songs, quotes, blogs I have read and/or any other inspirational discoveries to sooth the soul.
For me, Sunday’s have become a day of quiet contemplation and simple pleasures. A time to reflect on the week gone by and to consider my hopes and dreams for the week ahead.
My hope is to extend some love outward and to share some simple pleasures with anyone who cares to receivethem.
Soul Reflections
Five days ago I submitted my book proposal to Hay House Australia, the worthy winner will be announced on March 2nd 2018 (My Mum’s birthday!) Happy birthday Mum?! 😉
There were many moments during my writing process where I became stuck. Mostly, when I began comparing my book to other books in the same category, or when I compared myself to other people with better credentials, more social media followers and bigger profiles then mine.
Comparison is the thief of joy.
– Theodore Roosevelt
True creation comes from a place of joy, it emerges from the heart. That’s when our creativity begins to flow.
When I stopped comparing myself to others and trusted in my own unique individuality, my words became infused with the love for what I do.
Our creative ideas may not be for everyone, for some it just wont resonate. And that’s ok. Don’t let that stop you. Remember your ‘why’ and trust that someone, somewhere is waiting for that perfect photo, painting, book, dress, interior design, song or melody.
Stop comparing yourself to others and dance to the rhythm of your own drum. Remember to take joy in the dance itself.
When you dance, your purpose is not to get to a certain place on the floor. It’s to enjoy each step along the way.
– Wayne Dyer
Soul Strolls
This week we’ve been soul ‘dancing’ rather than strolling, and have shaken our hips to the sounds of Alt J, Warpaint, Fat Freddy’s Drop and more! On Thursday, at our first musical event – it bucketed down with rain. But we didn’t let that stop us. There was something refreshing about dancing in the squelching mud as the heavens opened, drenching us with the cleansing waters of Mother Earth.
The sun made her appearance again for The Pleasure Gardens in St Kilda, where we enjoyed the incredible performers, artists and unique individuals who attended this family friendly event. It was the perfect way to let our hair down after exam studies and proposal deadlines.
Soul Food
I looooooove coconut and I love fruit (I still believe I’m made for Hawaii!) So today I am sharing this delicious Quick Coconut Chia Seed Pudding. I bought all of the ingredients today and plan to try out a few different fruit combinations! I’m loving fresh mango at the moment, and can’t wait to try a mango version. What fruit would you add to your Coconut Chia Pudding?
Soul Music
With so much magical music in the air, it’s so hard to choose just one song to share! So today I am sharing two of my favourite songs from this weeks events, Fat Freddy’s Drop’s Roady to get you in the feel goods, and the more deeper sounds of Warpaint’s Love Is To Die.
Soul Sisters
Today I am sharing Tanya’s post A Storm So Perfect. Tanya wears her heart on her sleeve and in today’s raw, heartfelt peace – through her experiences she reminds us to step beyond our fears and into the life we were meant to live. Head over and say hello, Tanya is a beautiful soul.
Wishing you all a magical melodic Sunday filled with fresh hopes, dreams and wishes for the week ahead ❤
Today, love, dance, create from your heart – and enjoy each step along the way.
Welcome to my forty-second instalment of ‘Soulful Sundays’. A weekly share where I post a roundup of soulful reflections, each including recipes, songs, quotes, blogs I have read and/or any other inspirational discoveries to sooth the soul.
For me, Sunday’s have become a day of quiet contemplation and simple pleasures. A time to reflect on the week gone by and to consider my hopes and dreams for the week ahead.
My hope is to extend some love outward and to share some simple pleasures with anyone who cares to receivethem.
Soul Reflections
This week I have been like a little hedgehog in hibernation. I am working on my book proposal for the Hay House Writers Workshop Competition and at one point, I became so overwhelmed with the realisation that I’d over commitment myself to friends and family, that I had a little anxious cry. I took a deep breathe and reached out to explain my intentions to complete my submission on time. Sure enough, I was met with nothing but compassion and understanding – and that is exactly why I can safely call my friends ‘friends’. Real friends understand.
Just as time spent with friends and loved ones is crucial for a happy existence, so is time spent alone.
Honouring our alone time is essential for balance and renewal. During these stolen moments of solitude we reconnect with ourselves; our deepest dreams, wishes, hopes and desires.
Taking a break from the world doesn’t mean that we care any less for our friends and family, it simply means that we love them enough to take care of ourselves first. We cannot give away what we don’t have. If we are depleted, out of touch with ourselves, tired and run down – how can we give the best of ourselves to others?
Today, take a guilt free moment of peace.
‘Compassion is not complete if it does not include oneself.’
– Allan Lokos.
Know that in serving YOU first, you can better serve the world. When you take the time to connect with who you are; your truest, essential nature – the love and compassion you show for yourself will ultimately bless those you come into contact with.
Soul Strolls
Last weekend it was my birthday, and what better way to turn 33 than to spend it out in nature with my man. We loaded the car and off we drove to Warburton – a peaceful pocket of peace just 90 minutes from home.
We stayed on a lovely rustic farm surrounded by green acres. It was bliss. And we even made a little friend!
We explored rain-forests and revelled in the tranquil outdoors. I loved these luscious green ferns and the way they slowly unravel into their full expansiveness over time… A beautiful unfolding of life right there.
The sound of the rushing waterfalls and the smell of the forest ferns was intoxicating. As Mother Nature enveloped us in her tranquil hug, I couldn’t help but feel at peace.
Soul Food
Last weekend I decided to treat myself since it was my birthday! I enjoyed two puddings because I couldn’t decide between the Coconut Chia and Rasberry pudding and the Peanut Butter and Almond Milk Oats – so I bought both! Yum! I plan to replicate both of these and will share the recipe once I perfect them 🙂
Soul Music & Soul Sisters
On our way back from Warburton, we stopped in to visit my good friend and fellow blogger, Miriam Blaker from Out & About. I had the pleasure of being serenaded buy this sweet soul who’s voice is just simply Divine. What made the moment even more special, was the song that Miriam sang for us was written by another soul sister and fellow blogger of ours, Deb from Once Upon A Hot Flash.
You can hear Miriam singing Deb’s song on Miriam’s latest post here!
Co-creation at it’s best!
Birthday wishes really do come true. For my birthday, I had wished for a magical weekend of balance and calm, and to be surrounded by nature and those who are nearest and dearest to me – especially since my family live on the other side of the world…
I can honestly say, all of my wishes came true ❤
Here’s to finding balance, to following our dreams, and to heartfelt wishes fulfilled.
Welcome to my forty-first instalment of ‘Soulful Sundays’. A weekly share where I post a roundup of soulful reflections, each including recipes, songs, quotes, blogs I have read and/or any other inspirational discoveries to sooth the soul.
For me, Sunday’s have become a day of quiet contemplation and simple pleasures. A time to reflect on the week gone by and to consider my hopes and dreams for the week ahead.
My hope is to extend some love outward and to share some simple pleasures with anyone who cares to receivethem.
Soul Reflections
If you could paint a picture and step into it, what would you paint? A beautiful garden with wild flowers abloom? A country cottage by the lake? A family portrait of loved ones past and present? Maybe your painting isn’t a place or person, but a feeling; a depiction of love, sorrow or joy.
Whatever colours and hues suit your mood, don’t hold back. Trust that whatever you’re calling forth in your heart will take form on this glorious canvas of life. The universe is your palette, so what are you waiting for?
Soul Strolls
Yesterday, we enjoyed a stroll along Warrandyte River. Ever since I enjoyed a delicious morning in Warrandyte with two fellow bloggers and friends, I’d wanted to return here with my partner. Warrandyte is such a beautiful place. Surrounded by nature, we managed to secure the last table in the sunshine where we enjoyed some yummy tea and scones! Mmm.
Soul Food
I just love the look of this delicious Super Simple Vegan Lemon Cheesecake by Alice Nicholls infused with DoTerra’s Lemon Essential Oils. I love these pure essential oils, which I have been using for a year with incredible results. Not only do they heal on an emotional and physical level, but they taste amazing too. If you’d like to get your hands on some oils, I am happy to share the oily lurrve!
Soul Music
I am loving these Indian infused electronic beats. I have been craving dance lately, a beloved pastime which I have long neglected. So today, I’d like to invite you to move to Dao by Soham.
Soul Brothers
It’s Bonfire Night at home in England, yet I have come to realise that bonfires are not a traditional custom here in Australia. Therefore, I thought I’d share Roger Bussey’s post Guy Fawkes: 5th November which explains the history behind why we light bonfires in England on the 5th of November.
Wishing you all a creative Sunday, may your visions burn bright!
Dear Dad 