Soulful Sunday #53: Be Your Vulnerable Self

Welcome to my fifty-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 dreams and intentions for the week ahead.

My hope is to extend some love outward and to share some simple pleasures with anyone who cares to receive them.

Soul Reflections

This week I’ve been sitting with my vulnerabilities and allowing myself to feel into what arises, trusting that it’s all there to teach me and to help me to grow.

How many of us automatically reply “I’m well thank you!” when asked how we are, when in actual fact – we are not ok? We feel we are burdensome or negative company if we actually share what’s really going on.

Today, I’d like you to consider what support may be available to you if you showed up in your authentic state and gave yourself permission to be vulnerable and open. Remember, in doing so you allow others to do the same.

Let us let go of the surface level interactions we’ve maintained as our shield of protection and be willing to dive deep.

Allow yourself to receive the support you need. You are worthy.

Soul Strolls

With 9 weeks of pregnancy left, I am still continuing my soul strolls around my neighbourhood. I’m finding it’s not long before I have to empty my bladder these days so I can’t stray too far from home. But even around the local area there is much beauty to be found.

‘If you truly love nature, you will find beauty everywhere.’ – Vincent Van Gogh

Soul Food

I am loving cashew cheese at the moment, but i’m not loving the price! Which is why I plan to have a go at making my own. I found this fermented cashew cheese recipe which I plan to try! If you haven’t tasted Cashew Cheese yet, I highly recommend it, especially on some toasted sourdough with a sprinkle of paprika! Yum! And the best news is, it’s super healthy for your gut – bonus 🙂

Soul Music

I’d love to share this beautiful song by India Arie titled I Am Light. A timely reminder that whatever we are going through, however we are feeling, at our very core we are love and light. Each day we get to reshape ourselves, to reinvent and recreate our experiences based on this recognition. I hope you tune in for a listen…

On this Soulful Sunday, I wish you a peaceful week ahead. Trust that you are safe and secure, even in your vulnerable self. Be open to receiving the support you need. And remember, your biggest Source of support lies within; connect with it, ask for what you need – and above all else, remember your own strength.

Soul Sisters

A fellow writer who I admire for always writing from the heart and saying it ‘how it is’, is Tanya from The Incurable Dreamer. She has the ability to make me laugh out loud whilst also bringing a heartfelt tear to my eye. One of my favourite posts Tanya has written is A Storm So Perfect , where she embodies her vulnerable self so well. Head on over for a valuable read!

Love Always,

Hayley xx

Feel the Feels

Some days you just want to hide under the duvet and stay there. That was me half an hour ago.

And instead of taking a shower and doing my morning yoga before my green juice, I scraped back my hair, walked straight into the kitchen and made two buttered crumpets and a cup of tea!

I’ve had my little moment of emotional comfort. But I’m not going to let that seep into the rest of my day.

I’m going to get my sorry butt into that shower, do my morning yoga and feel 98% better for doing so! Then I’m going to guzzle my sexy green juice and feel zero guilt about the crumpets I scoffed this morning.

Why? Because I’m human and everyone deserves a moment to feel all the feels before getting dressed and showing up to the world.

Peace ✌🏻

Love always,

Hayley xx

Write Your Story

Once we accept the truth, that we are the authors of our own life, suddenly our choices, responses, and the way we choose to show up in the world become essential to a happy, purposeful existence. We are no longer a victim of circumstances.

It’s far too easy to fall into auto pilot mode; complaining, focusing on lack, grumbling about others or our situation… But the more we focus on these things, the more we find cause for complaint.

Today, ask yourself what new story you’d like to create for yourself? What future chapters do you wish to become your present day reality?

More money? Love? Health? Abundance? Generosity? Laughter? Joy?

Embrace the energy of each desired essence and begin to live your story NOW.

‘It’s never too late to be what you might have been.’ – George Elliot

Love always,

Hayley xx

Soulful Sunday #47: Treasured Friendships

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 receive them.

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.

Love Always,

Hayley xx

To Live Is Choice

To live is a choice. The question is; How are YOU choosing to live? With grace, humility, gratitude, courage and reverence? Or with resistance, pride, constant complaining, fear and nonchalance?

Believe me, I know how easy it is to fall into a state of dissatisfaction. To find the light in each moment is a CHOICE we must make, and on some days that can take immense effort.  But choosing to look at what’s right, rather than what’s wrong is a choice that rewards deep dividends in emotional well-being and content.

Every day may not be good, but there is something good in every day.

Today, look to what’s good. Choose to live in ways that bring you simple joys of pleasure and peace, or better still – do something that makes your heart sing and your soul dance!

One of the best way to achieve peace and fulfilment is to live a life of authenticity, one that’s in complete alignment with your soul’s wishes. Too run down to go on that dinner date? Reschedule. Your real friends will understand. Run yourself a hot bath and relax instead. Love the colour red but always play it safe with black? Make a statement and purchase some killer red heals. Always wanted to to take up dancing but can never find the time or money to? Don’t delay and book a class today!

Whatever it is that makes YOUR soul happy, do it. That is how we must aim to live.

Love Always,

Hayley xx

 

Prisoners of the Past

The past has a funny way of creeping up on us. Just when we thought we were free from it’s constraints,  we suddenly find ourselves prisoners of the past once more.

So how do we free ourselves from this unwelcome visitor?  The key is to recognise the patterns in Past’s behaviour.

When does Past come knocking? When does Past knock the loudest? When is Past’s presence so insistent that he imposes on your present day peace and happiness?

You may not be able to prevent Past from visiting, but you CAN be prepared. You might start by politely requesting he move on. If he is insistent, tell him to fuck off and jog on! You have a right to close the door on Past, just as you have the freedom to open the door to Present and Future.

The truth is, Past will always come knocking, and often unexpectedly. But YOU have the power to choose what to do when he does.

Be not a prisoner of your own home. Free yourself.

‘Stand up and walk out of your history.’

Dr. Phil McGraw

Love Always,

Hayley xx

A New Year, A New Book

As we welcome 2018 and the first blank page of a new book, some of us are setting fresh intentions for the new year.

Even if you don’t believe in goal setting or resolutions, reflecting on the year gone by can help us to get clear on those aspects of our lives which no longer serve or nourish us.
As you envision the year ahead, you may want to ask yourself; What inspires me? Where do I see myself at the close of 2018? Who are the people I wish to surround myself with? What do I want less of? What do I want more of?

These simple questions can serve as a gentle guide to keep us aligned with a life of purpose and meaning. You may even want to review/change your intentions each month as you achieve, grow and evolve.

I’m a strong believer of progress not perfection. Try to remember this simple mantra as you move through the year: ‘Progress is far more important than perfection. I’m doing the best I can.’ Should you stumble with some of your personal commitments, remember to always be kind to yourself. With each new breath, we can begin again.

I wish nothing but the best for each and every one of you.

May 2018 and beyond bring you an abundance of joy, peace, laughter, fulfilment and love.

In love & light, 
Hayley xx 

6 Self-Care Tips

Rituals of self-nourishment are the invisible binds that hold our lives together, without them we begin to unravel and fall apart.

Self-care isn’t selfish – it is essential. 

Last week I took a step back from my demanding schedule to simply BE.

Afterwards, I felt compelled to share a post detailing my top 6 Self-care Tips you can begin to use today to nourish your soul.

You can find my post here!

Be sure to let me know how you like to ‘fill your cup’ to ensure you have more love and energy left over for others…

In love & light,

Hayley xx

Life’s Essentials

Whether a thought, a bad habit, a painful relationship or situation; ‘if it doesn’t nourish your soul – let it go.’ As part of September’s self-care, it’s important we take time to Spring clean our lives. For those of you in the Northern hemisphere, as the Autumn leaves begin to turn, you too, can turn over a new leaf.

Begin by asking a few simple questions; What am I lacking? What do I have ‘too much’ of? In what areas of my life do I feel an imbalance? Once we address our needs and the needs of those we love; we can begin to cultivate more peace, love, balance and joy in our lives.

I find it’s best to approach one aspect of our lives at a time. Whenever I’ve tried to overhaul my entire life in one go, I’ve become overwhelmed and created new imbalances as a result. A great place to start is through the process of letting go.

The wisdom of life consists in the elimination of non-essentials.

– Lin Yutang

Maybe you bring your work home with you? Or have a tendency to gossip too much? Do you drink or eat in excess when stressed? If it’s old, worn out beliefs, thought patterns and behaviours, or an accumulation of ‘things’ and relationships that no longer nourish your soul; as you say goodbye to the old and make space for the new, trust that in letting go, you can cultivate a loving, compassionate environment for all involved.

In love & light,

Hayley xx

 

 

Trust Yourself

Too often we dismiss our gut feelings. We keep quiet or fail to take action through fear of ‘rocking the boat’, getting it ‘wrong’ or looking ‘stupid’. But those still, small voices within are the whispering of our souls – our intuition. And we must learn to trust in it.

Whenever I have gone against my intuition, there have been consequences; I have missed out on an opportunity, a situation has escalated, or I haven’t felt at ease with myself and others. Each time we fail to take authentic action, we are doing ourselves and others a disservice – we have become misaligned from our truth.

We each have an inner guidance system that points the way toward right thought; right words, right deeds and right action. When we become attuned to our hearts whispers and our soul wishes, we will know how to live.

Today, listen to that still voice within, and trust it.

In love & light,

Hayley xx