Welcome to my thirty-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
The first day of October, a chance to begin again. For me, the first day of a new month offers opportunity for fresh intentions. In September, my focus was SELF CARE. I felt I made some great progress here; increasing my yoga practice, spending more time in nature and walking daily, setting healthier boundaries and saying ‘no’ to demands on my time, saying ‘yes’ to life. Yet, I noticed there were still parts of my life that remained imbalanced, that no longer supported my self care regime. One of those was the presence of alcohol.
I don’t drink often, but when I do, I wake the next morning feeling drained, depleted and even somewhat depressed. Which is why my focus for October is ABSTINENCE. I will be having a sober October with the hope to remain sober thereafter. At the age of 32, I realise that alcohol no longer serves me. Therefore, I am choosing to end my rocky eighteen year relationship with it. I wish to let go of this old habit of mine that simply does not support me, my health or the health of my relationships.
What are your intentions for this new month? Remember, you can do anything you tune your heart and soul into.
Soul Strolls
The weather has been warming up here in Melbourne, which means more opportunity to get outside! I captured these pretty white flowers whilst out walking with my man last week in Gardeners Creek. I feel blessed that my partner has taken to joining me on my walks, a shared experience I do not take for granted.
Soul Music
I’d love to share Angel by The Wings by Sia – a beautiful, uplifting track that comes as a timely reminder that ‘you can do anything.’
Soul Food
I have shared this recipe before, but I will share it again as it really has become a staple in my morning routine. One of the best ways our body can feel energised and healthy is through the consumption of more greens, particularly leafy greens such as spinach and kale. My Kiwi and Kale Green Juice has the perfect balance of citrus and greens to leave you feeling vibrant and fresh. Give it a try, it really is delicious.
Soul Sisters
On this Soulful Sunday, I would like to share Michelle’s post Sunrise Sermon: New Life. Michelle’s post reminds us that if we take care of our vessel, anything is possible. And should we wish to feel more fulfilled, we must nurture our dreams and our souls. Michelle also invites you to join her Community of Trailblazers to empower and support your journey!
Wishing you all an intentional Sunday and first of the month.
Empaths are highly sensitive beings who can sense another’s pain and feel it as their own. You’ll know if you are an empath because you tend to see the best in others and their hidden potential. You are trusting and optimistic which can sometimes lead to others taking advantage of your kindness for their own gain. Empath’s struggle to see anyone suffer and will go above and beyond to ease the pain of others. Your optimism and desire to heal often exposes you to a number of harsh, toxic energies in your bid to make others feel better. The problem with this is it can leave you feeling depleted and drained.
Yes, it is ok to be giving, gentle and kind. But it is not ok to be taken advantage of. How is anyone supposed to take responsibility for their lives if you continue to make excuses for their behavior? And how are you to ever feel vibrant and healthy if you are allowing others to continue to draw from your energy reserves without reciprocation?
If you have found yourself in a situation where you are constantly giving with very little in return, if you are often placing another’s happiness before you own – then it is very possible that you have found yourself in a toxic situation and are experiencing energy imbalance.
Be wise and know that you cannot help everyone. Become attuned to those who take without giving in return. Be willing to set healthy boundaries and strong enough to walk away from those who do not have your best interest at heart.
Welcome to my twenty-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 receive them.
Soul Reflections
Many of us fall into ‘people pleasing’ mode. We keep quiet when something upsets us, or we decide it’s not worth the hassle to speak up. But voicing how we feel is an honest form of communication. Without boundaries, we risk trying to please everyone at the expense of our own happiness.
So why do so many of us fear voicing the truth? Being honest is often confused with being aggressive, harsh or outspoken. But communicating our truth can be done in a way that is both assertive and loving. It is possible to voice how we feel whilst still respecting others differences and opinions . We each value different things. This doesn’t make us any better or worse than one another. People either respect our wishes or they don’t. Yet through honest, open communication we can begin to surround ourselves with like-minded people and build healthy relationships based upon mutual trust. We can’t please everyone. Nor must we try. The right people will move in and out of our lives when we stay true to ourselves and others.
Today, speak from the heart. Remember that ‘boundaries are a part of self-care. They are healthy, normal and necessary.’
Soul Strolls
This week I have been a little over my head with moving house and working the holiday club with 90 children! Fun, yet exhausting. And without my walks to keep me sane, I may have buckled under the chaos. Finding a little moment of peace in your day, even if only for 5 minutes, is often the only thing that’s required to keep you afloat and above choppy waters. I captured these little pretties whilst walking this week. So delicate,
Soul Food
It’s a cold and rainy day here today in Melbourne. Weather likes this makes me crave comfort food! Which is why I am sharing these guilt-free Chewy, Fudgey, Vegan-Double-Choc Brownie’s. Now please! Yum.
Soul Music
I had the pleasure of watching Sacred Earth live this week in a beautiful chapel. The crystal clear sounds filled the convent and I was lost in 90 minutes of healing, soulful vibes. Such a mesmerising experience. Here I share one of their tracks, Divine Mother.
Soul Sisters I haven’t had the chance to share much recently as I have barely Today I am sharing New Beginnings by Spiritual Journey 17. A beautiful reminder for us to stay optimistic in the face of adversity.
Those who respect your boundaries are true blessings indeed. Treasure them, for they are the ones whose unwavering presence and unconditional love will provide the wind under your wings when you most need to fly. They are the ones who will brace your fall when the struggles weigh heavy on your heart. They are the ones whose patience, compassion and gentleness allows you the freedom to choose. Their demands are minimal, their expectations few, they are life’s true blessings indeed.
In contrast, be wary of those who place unnecessary demands on your time. The ones who, when you tell them you are under the pump, or are attending to someone or something dear, or just need to take care of yourself – proceed to guilt trip or black mail you. The ones who remind you of the time they ‘did this’, or the time they ‘did that’, and speak of how you ‘owe’ them in return. They are the ones who prioritise their needs above your own, above your health, above your dreams and above your sanity. The gift that gives with the expectation of a hefty return, is no gift at all – but an investment. Yes. Be wary of those people indeed, for they are a true test of our boundaries and a drain on our health and resources.
Cherish those who allow you the gift of choice. Set boundaries for those who see you as a mere form of exchange.
Dear Dad 