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.
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.
Welcome to my thirty-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
“Quit daydreaming…” “Get your head out of the clouds…” “Those things don’t happen to people like us…”
From a very early age we have been led to believe that dreaming is for the absent minded, for those who live in a world of make believe. I once knew someone who was so proud of their ability to think logically, they believed logic equated to truth and anything else was complete fantasy. But even Albert Einstein knew that:
Logic will get you from A to B. Imagination will take you everywhere.
– Albert Einstein
Never stop dreaming. The world needs more dreamers. Dreams are Divine whispers of the soul guiding us toward inspired action – so get still and listen. When we follow our bliss we live a life on purpose. Aligned with our hearts truest wishes, we give others permission to follow their dreams, to spread their joy with the world.
Today, be unafraid to dream. Remember that you are a limitless being with the ability to create the life you intended to live. If you can dream it, then you can do it.
Soul Strolls
I have been very lucky lately with plenty of house sitting opportunities arriving just in time to see me with a place to stay. I feel blessed to have friends with pets who need a pet sitter whilst they are away on their travels. This has worked out perfectly since I am currently in search of fixed accommodation. The Universe really does have ways of taking care of everything… So long as we surrender and trust the in process of life. My most recent house sitting opportunity is located close to a beautiful park in Box Hill, Victoria. Wattle Park is the perfect sanctuary for dreamers like me.
Soul Food
I have been very under the weather lately and have been loading up on fruits and veggies to flood my body with some well needed Vitamins and Minerals. Today I am re-sharing my favourite Kiwi & Kale green juice recipe just in case you too need a delicious boost of goodness!
Soul Music
Since today is for dreaming, I am sharing Gabrielle’s Dreams. This track takes me back to my teenage years when I lost sight of my dreams for some time. Let’s remind ourselves that ‘dreams can come true.’
Soul Sisters
I would love to share this simple yet powerful poem by Chole about the importance of listening beyond the voice to reach our hearts, our souls. Head on over for an inspirational poem.
May you keep your heads in the clouds and your dreams close to your hearts. This Sunday is for dreaming. Dream big.
Self-belief vs. self-doubt. We have each experienced the ongoing battle between our authentic self and our ego.
Our authentic self nurtures, inspires and champions our deepest dreams and wishes. She speaks to us in gentle tones, igniting our soul with a deep sense of faith and optimism. Everyone is united on this sacred path towards healing and joy. Love and abundance really is available to all.
And then, there’s our ego.
Our ego sees the world as separate. She’s the Boss Bitch of the Itty Bitty Shitty Committee whose greatest strength lies in comparison and competition. She’ll do anything in her power to have us believe in a fearful existence where scarcity is rife. Life is an uphill struggle, and one must be ruthless to get ahead.
Which voice we listen to is a matter of choice.
Whether you think you can or you think you can’t – you’re right.
– Henry Ford
This weekend I attended the Hay House Writers Workshop in Sydney, Australia. As I sat in the audience with five hundred people, all who shared the same dream as I – that familiar battle between my inner champion and my inner saboteur ensued: ‘…I stand just as good a chance as anyone else in this room of becoming a published Author…’ “Pfh. Who are you kidding? What makes you think you’ve got what it takes? You may as well stick to what you know and avoid looking foolish…’ ‘When the time is right, we will all fulfil our purpose, Divine Timing is at work in each of our lives. Persevere…and trust.’ ‘Yeah right! This is your last chance dreamer. How many more times are you going to try before you realise this dream is just that – a dream?’
And that’s when I dropped kicked that Boss Bitch in the head. (Ok – so my recent Wonder Woman fix may have aroused my inner Amazonian warrior) – but if it takes multiple death defying roundhouse kicks to defeat that dreaded Ego – then I am definitely in with a grin! Skimpy body armour suit and all.
Today, silence that inner saboteur and drop kick that bitch in the head. Remember, self-belief is the most potent antidote for old worn-out, limiting beliefs.
In the pursuit of my dreams I was once challenged with; “What if you fail, Hayley?” My response was the same truth I tell the children I teach; “There are no failures. Only lessons. FAIL stands for First Attempt In Learning.”
If things don’t work out, we can grow from the experience and apply the lessons moving forward. Failure is simply an opportunity for growth and expansion.
On your path to freedom and fulfilment, don’t let small minds convince you that your dreams are too big. There have been moments in my life when the stars have not aligned, but I truly believe that if circumstances don’t work out it’s because a far greater opportunity awaits us or there is more wisdom to be gained. Divine timing is at work in each our lives, so trust in the process of life itself. Believe in the beauty of your dreams and never lose sight of them in the face of adversity.
As some of you may know, I was recently on a mission to obtain votes to attend the Hay House Sydney Writers Workshop event. Whilst I didn’t quite receive enough, one entrant managed to obtain 750 votes, and I extend my heartfelt congratulations to the very worthy winner! You rock lady!
I knew it would be a big effort with my small, (yet growing) following. And whilst some may be left feeling despondent, I can’t help but smile and say ‘Thank you!’
Here’s why:
I faced my fears and uploaded my first ever video to social media platforms promoting my book and message. This is a huge step for me. I feel much more comfortable communicating in the written form. Despite cringing at my attempts, I did it. Yey!
My wish was to spread more love and connection, and I received nothing but that in response to my video. Thanks to friends sharing and spreading the word, I have formed beautiful new connections across my writing platforms.
My faith in a loving Universe was proven. I was both amazed and humbled by the love and support offered from friends and strangers alike. I am still so very grateful for each and every one of you who took the time to vote.
I believe in Divine timing. The stars may not have aligned this time, but I have every faith that something wonderful is waiting just around the corner. And the same goes for you!
Here’s to facing our fears, following our dreams and counting our blessings! Life is far too magical and wonderful to be anything but grateful.
Nothing is promised. Not even time. The only thing we ever really have is Now – this moment. This may account for all of the grasping and scrambling and frantic worrying we do in our lives. We fear we have no time. But that never serves to get us ahead. Quite the opposite. It only robs us of the only time we’ll ever have – the present.
When we try to do or have it all at once, we soon lose momentum. So take your time and breathe. It is what we do Now that counts. How fully immersed are we in this moment? When out having coffee with friend, are we delighting in the exchange or thinking of the lawns that need mowing at home? When we are mowing the lawns, are we savouring the scent of the freshly cut grass or wishing we were out having a coffee with a friend? Too often we are distracted from what we are doing and wishing our time away on thoughts of next next next.
Slow down. Know that you have time. Trust that it is alright to advance towards your dreams at a gentler pace, that supportive doors will open for you when you surrender control to what is. Let go. Refrain from trying to control outcomes or attempting to do everything at once. Instead, choose one thing to do and do it well. Yes – it is important we dedicate time to working on our dreams, yet we must also balance this with time for play and laughter, alone time, as well as time spent with loved ones and friends.
Today, breathe and enjoy the moment. Have faith that there is ‘a time to every purpose under the heaven.’
Stop for a moment. Are you living the life you imagined? Or do you daydream of the things you just ‘never got around to doing’?
Maybe you always wanted to learn the piano? Or to dance the Tango? Have you always wanted to travel to Paris or learn to speak French? Maybe you admire women who dare to cut their hair short, yet wear yours long and say “I’d never pull it off anyway…” Have you dreamt of owning a pair of red stiletto heals, yet play it safe with ‘practical’ comfy loafers instead? How many of us look in the mirror and no longer recognise the person staring back at us?
Whatever our wishes and dreams may be, let us not ignore the whispers of our authentic selves any longer. Throw caution to the wind. We may have neglected who we are up until now, but ‘it’s never too late to be who you might have been.’
Vision is a gift we all have yet seldom use. Too often we are stunted by ‘logic’ and the expectation to conform with society’s predetermined regiments: go to school, then college, afterwards, enrol at a recognised University and once graduated, acquire a job with a respectable company, one that offers security and preferably contributes towards a pension. If we are lucky, we may be granted four weeks of holiday each year to pursue our personal passions. Except, rarely do we use this time for ourselves. Instead, logic takes precedence once more as we dedicate our free time to the endless list of ‘To Do’s’ that require our attention: “I must repair that leaky tap; clear out the garage; tend to the garden; get on top of my paperwork; paint the fence; visit my mother-in-law…” Logic tells us we must complete these errands before we are summoned back to the office. Is this life? And if so, according to whose standards?
I am not suggesting we should quit our day job, nor am I discouraging anyone from study – if this is what kindles fulfillment and joy. However, we must ask ourselves this – “Does this path align with the vision I hold for my future? Or is this simply the next logical step?” Yes, it is possible that logic will take us from A to B – allow us to obtain that Master’s degree and secure us a comfortable lifestyle – but let us not forget, that imagination can take us anywhere.
It seems that as we move through the system, the creative vision we once held as children gradually becomes lost: “Yes – it would be great to be an Astronaut, Dear… But what about a real job?” When I was a child, whenever asked what I wanted to be when I grew up, I responded confidently; “An Author and an Illustrator!” I adored Roald Dahl and Quentin Blake and wanted to spend my days immersed in the world of fantasy and books. As it goes, my vision of becoming an Author was soon replaced by ‘logic’, the need to get my grades and find a ‘real job’ – just like everyone else. Like many, my dreams soon lay dormant in favour of following the status quo. It wasn’t until my thirties that I allowed myself to tap into that realm of creativity and imagination again. Coincidently, that’s when life, for me, began to flow.
What dreams have you resigned to the logic box? Today I invite you to lift the lid on logic and allow your imagination to run wild and free.
With each New Year, opportunities for change and renewal arise; a time when fresh ideas, hopes and wishes are born. It is true that we can ignite change at any moment in our lives – that we needn’t wait until the first of the month, or Monday, or for the elusive ‘perfect moment’ to begin – but there is something wondrous and welcoming about the start of a New Year; a blank canvas for which our dreams and creativity await form and application.
But when faced with a blank canvas, what should we paint? What hues should we select and what if we run out of colour halfway through? Worse still – what if we stare woefully at the blank page before us, a sense of rising dread as we consider our forgotten finesse for creativity?
In answer to these very real and experienced questions, I invite you to cast your mind back to when you were a child. Rarely, as children, did we ever stop to ponder our ability to create when faced with fresh pots of paint and paper. Instead, with little hesitation, we’d dive in, barely stopping to roll up our sleeves as we repeatedly dipped our brushes, in and out. It didn’t matter if the colours became mixed or the paper became saturated and soaked. Nor did we care if our brush strokes were sloppy and without direction. After splashing a myriad of colour in every which way, we’d pause – and then confidently state our masterpiece, even if it looked nothing of the sort: “Look – a house! A sun! A crocodile!”
Children don’t analyse their visions and dreams, they simply create according to their own unique perspective.
So don’t fret if, as you pen down your wish to lose fifteen pounds or more, you are nibbling away at the left over Christmas chocolates, or dousing your front with fallen crumbs of turkey and cranberry sandwiches.
Today is for creative dreaming, the doing will surely follow.
Dear Dad 