A Sailor’s Life For Me

Becoming a mother shook me to my core. I resonated with Mayim Bialik when she said: “I came to parenting the way most of us do — knowing nothing and trying to learn everything.” I soon discovered there was so much conflicting information ‘out there’ that I began to doubt what I instinctively felt was right.

I was, and still am, learning; but the biggest lesson I’ve learnt is that there are no rules to parenting. No one way fits all.

As soon as I began to tune out to the world and tune into my baby; everything just sort of fell into place.

The stress and anxiety and self-doubt subsided and I finally feel like I’m not such a rookie at this parenting business after all. The joyful moments now outweigh the ‘oh f*ck!’ moments and I can safely say “I love being a Mum.” It’s the most natural instinctive feeling in the world. Heart explosions occur as often as poop explosions (and believe me, that’s a lot!) As cliche as it sounds, the love and protection you feel for your child is overwhelmingly profound and no other feeling comes close.

Motherhood is by far the most challenging, magical and wonky journey I have ever voyaged; but if I am to remain cast away at sea without a sail amidst the turbulent adventure that is parenting, then a sailors life is for me.

Love always,

Hayley xx

Timeless

3 months… 12 weeks… 84 days… 288 hours… 17280 minutes… 1036800 seconds… However this precious time spent with you is to be counted, I choose to see it as eternal and forever imprinted in our hearts… 👣❤️

Here’s to sleepless nights and poonami explosions, milky voms and ‘stinky ear’ cuddles, cherished memories and forgotten dishes, endless rocking and dribbly kisses, tantrums, tears and toothless grins and a whole bunch of love, weirdness and belly laughter in between 💝

I’d do it all again for you in a heartbeat baby Kole 💙

Love always xx

Good Times Hard Times

Nobody wants a fair weathered friend who only shows up when your life is flowing with ease and grace.

We can’t all ride the limo of success and happiness all of the time, but if you have a handful of loyal souls who walk beside you through thick or thin, then consider yourself blessed, for those are the truest of connections worth treasuring.

Be grateful for those willing to ride with you aboard that rickety broken down bus; even when it’s hitting all the pot holes, coming up against roadblock after roadblock and struggling to get over the hill.

Today, express your love and gratitude for the people in your life who remind you that you’re not alone.

Who rides with you through the good times and the bad..?

Love always,

Hayley xx

Believe You Can

You can do all of the preparation in the world to ensure you achieve your end result; you can cover all your bases with prevention methods and tools for success – but if you are lacking that one vital element, all of your carefully laid out plans may well be in vain.

So what is the vital ingredient? SELF-BELIEF.

Belief in oneself, your capabilities and your worth is key for the success of any personal venture. If you have lingering self-doubts or lack trust in your abilities then you are already setting yourself up for failure. That’s not a bad thing. No doubt you will gain some wisdom for the next time…

But if you’d like to avoid there having to be a next time, begin with your mindset today.

Believe YOU CAN. Believe YOU ARE WORTHY and TRUST in yourself.

As I near closer to my birthing and my intentions for a natural, instinctive birth – my mindset matters now more than ever. Because whether I believe I can, or believe I can’t – I am right.

Today, believe you can.

Love Always,
Hayley xx

Beautiful Pulsating Life

This week my partner flew to New Zealand to be by his Uncles side as he transitioned from this lifetime.

Losing loved ones is never easy, and being so close to death certainly gives cause for reflection of the important things in life; family, relationships, connection…

Today, take a moment to give thanks for those simple blessings we often take for granted – those things that money can’t buy; air in your lungs to breathe, limbs to move freely, laughter in your heart, the earth beneath your feet, someone to love and to hold…LIFE beautiful pulsating life.

Life can be ever so fleeting. Let us not waste it longing for what we do not have, when we can give thanks for all that is already ours.

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

Magic

For some, the magic of Christmas is still very much alive, and for others, Christmas can be a tough time of the year.

At times, I struggle living on the other side of the world away from family and friends. I also reminisce of loved ones lost, memories of times when our family was complete… Maybe you feel the same?

In the absence of those we hold dear, we must work a little harder to embrace the joys of Christmas. Over the years, there are a few things that have helped me to remain open to the magic of Christmas, and I’d like to share them with you:

1. Take the focus off yourself. The act of giving naturally places you into a position of receiving. When you give your time, love, patience and gifts to others, this simple act of service ignites a sense of peace and fulfilment within. Make somebody smile this Christmas with your words or actions and feel the warmth it brings to your heart.
2. Spend time with children. If you wish to feel more of the magic of Christmas, be in the company of children. Whether they are your nieces, nephews, or your own offspring, spending time with children at Christmas is the surest way to connect with your own inner child. If you don’t have young ones in your family, consider taking gifts to a children’s hospital. Share the joy of Christmas with those who need it most.
3. Slow Down. It’s so easy to get caught up in the mayhem of Christmas that it’s no wonder the magic can often feel lost. We over spend, over eat and over ‘do’ to the point we become stressed, burnt out and blue. This Christmas, slow down. Take your time and be present. Simplify simplify simplify. Remember what the true magic of Christmas is about – connection. Take time to connect with strangers and loved ones, but most important, take time to connect with yourself. Take a stroll, a warm bubble bath or play your favourite Christmas jingles as you prepare a meal. Give yourself the gift of self-love.

I hope you received some little gems of magic in these simple, yet powerful tips. Embracing you all in a warm, loving hug. May your time be filled with magical, loving connections this Christmas and beyond.

In love & light,

Hayley xx

 

Soulful Sunday #42: Birthday Wishes

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 receive them.

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.

In love & light,

Hayley xx

Soulful Sunday # 37: Love The Moment

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 receive them.

Soul Reflections

Today, I’m reminded to love the moment I’m in. So often we are pulled this way and that. We race from one thing to another, rarely immersed in the present; already thinking of ‘next.’ To live consciously takes practice – a dedication to catch oneself whenever tempted to drift.

Here I am enjoying my drum lesson with my man, who took a sneaky shot whilst I was playing. We both love music. I love this photo as it captured a moment I was loving, with a person I love with all my heart. How sweet when we love the moment we are in?

Soul Strolls

Later, we took a soul stroll. Following our noses, we came across this beautiful park with a flowing river. Curious, we decided to go off the beaten track and cross the river. As we crossed, we paused for a moment on the rocks to listen to the rhythm and flow of nature.

The river served as a reminder to go with the flow; to trust the direction of life.

Soul Music

I am loving listening to Deuter at the moment. I find his music beautifully enchanting and soulful, full of emotive rifts and melodies. In keeping with the theme of flowing with life, I’d like to share a track called Sound of Invisible Waters. It really is quite stunning. Sometimes the magic of life flows by – invisible, unnoticed. Yet if we tune in to ourselves and our surroundings – we tap into that invisible flow. That is where the magic happens.

Soul Food

I made this delicious chocolate mousse at the weekend, except, I decided to infuse mine with DoTerra’s Wild Orange essential oil instead of peppermint. It went down a treat with my guests, who all agreed it tasty divine.  I love that this recipe combines two of my favourite things; essential oils and chocolate, to pack a punch of yummy goodness into my tum. Health is wealth – you really can have your cake and eat it.

Here’s my chocolate orange version!

Soul Sisters

I’d love to share this post by Girly Christian who shares 10 Ways To Show Kindness. One way we can begin to enter the flow of life is to live mindfully and purposefully. We can do this by spreading love and kindness.

Today, on this soulful Sunday – may we spread seeds of joy, accept life as it is, and love the moment we are in.

In love & light,

Hayley xx

 

 

 

 

 

 

As I Began To Love Myself

AS I BEGAN TO LOVE MYSELF by Charlie Chaplin

As I began to love myself I found that anguish and emotional suffering are only warning signs that I was living against my own truth. 

Today, I know this is “AUTHENTICITY”. 

As I began to love myself I understood how much it can offend somebody. As I try to force my desires on this person, even though I knew the time was not right and the person was not ready for it, and even though this person was me. 

Today I call it “RESPECT”. 

As I began to love myself I stopped craving for a different life and I could see that everything that surrounded me was inviting me to grow. 

Today I call it “MATURITY”. 

As I began to love myself I understood that at any circumstance, I am in the right place at the right time, and everything happens at exactly the right moment. So I could be calm. 

Today I call it “SELF-CONFIDENCE”. 

As I began to love myself I quit steeling my own time and stopped designing huge projects for the future. 

Today, I only do what brings me joy and happiness, things I love to do and that make my heart cheer, and I do them in my own way and in my own rhythm. 

Today I call it “SIMPLICITY”. 

As I began to love myself I freed myself of anything that is no good for my health – food, people, things, situations, and everything that drew me down and away from myself. At first I called this attitude a healthy egoism. 

Today I know it is “LOVE OF ONESELF”. 

As I began to love myself I quit trying to always be right, and ever since, I was wrong less of the time. 

Today I discovered that is “MODESTY”. 

As I began to love myself I refused to go on living in the past and worrying about the future. Now, I only live for the moment, where EVERYTHING is happening. 

Today I live each day, day by day, and I call it “FULFILLMENT”. 

As I began to love myself I recognized that my mind can disturb me and it can make me sick. But as I connected it to my heart, my mind became a valuable ally. 

Today I call this connection “WISDOM OF THE HEART”. 

We no longer need to fear arguments, confrontations or any kind of problems with ourselves or others. Even stars collide, and out of their crashing, new worlds are born. Today I know that is “LIFE”!
Wise words by Mr Chaplin…

In love & light,

Hayley xx