As I journey through this lifetime, an ancient teaching becomes clearer with each passing day; we really only ever have two choices – love, or fear.
All of our choosing, all of our doing, our thinking, our responses, our actions, our REactions and our beliefs are born out of these two choices; love, or fear.
Whenever I’m feeling misaligned from my true self, I can guarantee there’s an underlying fear present; fear of failure, fear of abandonment, fear of loss, fear of not being ’enough’… fear of being ‘too much’, fear of offending, fear of rocking the boat and yes, even fear of succeeding. We can be fearful of our own greatness and our unique gifts and talents too.
Today, notice any fears bubbling beneath the surface. How do they inform your words, thoughts, deeds and actions? See if you can choose again. What happens when you greet your fears with faith and love?
In my experience, the simple choice to choose love over fear has the power to change the entire trajectory of our experience.
Welcome to my fifty-sixth 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 receivethem.
Soul Reflections
Fear is debilitating. It can literally leave us paralysed with anxiety.
There is a famous quote (and book for that matter) by Susan Jeffers who reminds us:
Feel the fear and do it anyway.
My biggest work over the last few months has been to face my fears around labour, particularly around the ‘normal’ practice of hospitals whose medical interventions often result in unnecessary trauma for both Mum and baby. Don’t get me wrong, in a medical emergency these procedures can save lives; but in a normal, safe, healthy pregnancy and birth, such interventions often cause more harm than good. Is it any wonder then, that we hear so many horror stories about birth?
Once my fears were acknowledged, I could then begin to dissolve them. I turned to natural birthing books and absorbed myself in the thousands of positive birth stories (yes – they exist!!!) each contained. The more I read, the more I began to meet women who had birthed naturally, and with less complications (if any) than those who had birthed at the hands of doctors and drugs.
We also decided on Hypno-birthing classes to prepare ourselves for a calm birth using breath work, relaxations, visualisations, strengthening affirmations and natures own pain relief; oxytocin – all of which helped to deepen our confidence and trust in a natural birth.
Whilst our preparations do not guarantee us a smooth, uninterrupted birth with little to no complication or medical intervention; what they do provide us with are the innate tools to birth in love and trust, rather than shrouded in fear.
Of course, there are always some residue fears of the unknown and lingering What if’s? But since the only way out of my birth is through, I must ‘feel the fear and do it anyway.’
The only way out is through.
– Robert Frost
And through we shall go, in love and trust.
Soul Strolls
With three weeks to go until we meet our baby, strolling has become somewhat of a waddle! The pelvic pressure is real haha And so, after finishing my last week of work last Friday, I decided to put my feet up and rest this pregnant body.
I booked in for a pregnancy massage at Endota Spa (which was the best massage I’ve ever had, and I’ve had a lot!) and soaked up the healing vibes. I plan to spend the next three weeks resting and nourishing myself and our baby, and enjoying our last few weeks as a ‘two.’
‘Let us be grateful to people who make us happy, they are the charming gardeners who make our souls blossom.’ – Marcel Proust
Soul Recipes
This recipe is an oldy but a goody of mine. I love using my slow cooker, and this dish lends itself perfectly to one. It’s hearty, it’s comforting, it’s delicious and it’s even healthy My Hearty Lentil Curry gets a thumbs up every time. Let me know what you think!
Yummy lentil curry!
Soul Music
On the other side of fear lies freedom and peace. So today I would love to share this delightfully peaceful track by Ashana titled Deep Peace. Put you feet up, take a deep breath in and receive the deep peace flowing to you. Now sigh and release. You are free. You are safe. You are secure and loved.
Soul Sisters
Today I would love to share this beautifully nourishing poem titled Bliss by Aroused. A timely reminder for us to connect with our intuition within and to trust.
Wrapping you all in a warm loving hug on this soulful Sunday.
Welcome to my fifty-fourth 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 receivethem.
Soul Reflections
I’ve heard it time and time again, yet this past week I’ve really come to know this as true: There are really only ever two choices; love or fear.
Last week I came close to having a panic attack I was so overwhelmed with the unknown outcomes of following a natural birthing journey in a medical hospital setting. Fear encompassed every ounce of my being and I was deeply emerged in my shadow. Yet this week, I’ve worked to dissolve those fears, to seek the truth within. And sure enough, the Universe delivered the love and support required to pull me back into the light.
Harmony, peace, love and joy surround and indwell me. I am safe and secure.
– Louise Hay
I am my own pillar of safety and strength. I have a voice. And when I trust in myself and the Universe, my world reflects back to me the safety and security I desire.
Soul Strolls
Last week we took our soul strolling to the local parks to have some photos taken by a friend of ours. This was her first pregnancy shoot, and we think she did a great job! Here’s a couple of sneaky photos. We had lots of fun goofing around in nature with my baby bump in tow.
Soul Food
I have been a little slack with creating and uploading my own recipes as I used to. But this week, I served a delicious Dhal to my guests which went down a treat. Since I haven’t written down what I used, I will share this delicious Dhal recipe which is not dissimilar to my own. I used pumpkin instead of sweet potato and added garam masala, chilli flakes and coriander to the mix. Enjoy!
Soul Music
This week I would love to share this stunning track by Karen Drucker titled, There Is Only Love. Such a simple message, yet one which resonates so deeply and infuses my being with peace and love. Have a listen. I hope it brings you as much comfort as it does for me.
Soul Sisters
Yesterday I had my Mothers Blessing and truly felt the power of ‘Soul Sisters.’ So much love and energy in one room, how could I not feel loved and supported? I am a very lucky lady to have so many incredible and inspiring women in my life, each gifting me with their words of wisdom, and loving gifts of the heart.
Many of you may recognise our beautiful writer and fellow blogger Miriam from Out An About in these photos. Such a Divine soul who never fails to lift my energy to one of spirited grace and unity.
I have the energy of so many Divine women supporting me on my natural birthing journey. All fears aside, there really is ‘only love.’
And on that note, it’s Fathers Day in the UK and I’d like to acknowledge two of the most incredible men in my life; my angel Dad, and this gorgeous Daddy to be 💙💙
I’m proud to have walked beside both of you in this lifetime, you are strong men of honour, yet neither afraid to wear your heart on your sleeve.
I only hope that more women and children have the opportunity to know and experience a good man in their lives, whether paternal, teacher, lover or friend.
Here’s to all the men and Dad’s who rock our world 🙌🏻
Here’s wishing you a soulful Sunday permeated with love, trust, harmony and peace.
Welcome to my forty-eighth 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
Too often we dismiss our ideas as ‘silly’ or ‘absurd’. We keep quiet and fail to take action through fear of ‘getting it wrong’ or looking stupid. But as T. Harv Eker reminds us:
One step in the right direction is better than one hundred years thinking about it.
I am your typical procrastinator. Yet I have come to realise that procrastination is one of either two things: perfectionism or fear. The truth is, that there is never a perfect time to begin and there is no time like the present. As for a perfect outcome? That too, is never guaranteed. So make a start and don’t delay. Fear of beginning, failing or even succeeding are some of the biggest roadblocks to living the life we intended to live.
So my advice to you is to simply begin. You don’t need to know how to do it, you just need to know why you are doing it. And it is your WHY that will keep you moving forward, especially when you are faced with setbacks and adversity.
Create for joy. There need be no other reason.
– Kate. M. Foster
Whatever your intuition is urging you to do, trust in that small voice within. Your dreams are real. So go after them.
Soul Strolls
My partner and I are currently looking for a place to live. The rental competition is tough here in Melbourne, and many people arrive at the viewings all with the hope of being chosen. After a number of underwhelming viewings and one uncertain and tentative application which was (thankfully) declined, one property just ‘felt right.’
And that’s when my intuition began to nudge a little louder!
My partner and I noticed two gentlemen fixing the roof in the garage. We stopped to say ‘hello.’ It turned out that one of the gentlemen happened to be the landlord. The landlords make the final decision based on tenant application, yet it’s very rare that they are present at the property during inspection.
We had two more back to back viewings to race to, but knew even as we looked around the other houses that our hearts were still set on the first. Following our gut instincts, we returned to the first property, where we introduced ourselves again to the landlord.
We explained we’d fallen in love with his home and asked what he was looking for in a tenant and to our surprise, he said: “To be honest, I said to my friend that I’d give you both the property as you were both pleasant enough to say ‘hello’ as you looked through.’
Sometimes you just have to trust your instincts, and go that extra mile. After the landlord thanked us for returning to enquire further, we said our goodbye’s. We submitted our application that same evening. I will let you know next week if the stars align!
For now – I will visualise my partner and I walking hand in hand through the door to our new home… Wish us luck!
0ur new home 😉
Soul Food
My friend made a delicious vegan lasagna which tasted incredible. Although, she used pasta sheets, which I love! Although pasta does NOT love me! (Think BLOAT and GAS!) Not pretty. So I discovered this delicious grain free, gluten free, dairy free lasagna from one of my favourite Health and Wellness pals, Alice Nicholls. You could even make this meat free if desired! I will definitely be giving this one a try. Yum!
Soul Music
Today I’d like to share this beautiful meditative track titled Sacred Alignment, by Dean Evenson. It’s gentle melody is the perfect reminder to go ‘inward.’ The answer lies within. I hope you enjoy this one as much as I do.
Soul Sisters
I would like to share this stunning post by Deb at Once Upon A Hot Flash. I first met Debs here on WordPress, and we quickly connected and became friends. Deb is a beautiful soul, who connected me with other beautiful souls whilst walking along this WordPress journey. I am so grateful for her presence here.
I am sharing this post as, after an incredible daily run, Debs has decided to share her last Daily Gratitude post. Head on over and share your gratitude, as I truly believe that the best way to become aligned is to be grateful.
Trusting each and every one of you are feeling aligned on this peaceful Sunday, and if you are not – get still and listen. Trust that your heart is whispering guidance to you.
Whether we choose fear or we choose love – both are just that; a choice. ‘I believe that every single event in life happens in an opportunity to choose love over fear.’ – Oprah Winfrey
When we live in our shadow; fear, worry, anxiety, disappointment, anger, blame, doubt, resistance and resentment reign. Such reactions to discomfort are a result of social conditioning, past traumas, learned behaviours and the false perceptions of our ego. But in any moment, we can choose to live in our light.
Acceptance, understanding, joy, awareness, trust, surrender and forgiveness are all acts of love. Love has the power to dissolve even the greatest of fears – to illuminate even the darkest recesses of our minds.
Whatever fears are holding you back – choose love. Everything in life has it’s opposite. Even fear serves a purpose – without fear, we could not recognise our ability to emerge from the darkness into the brightness of our very essence.
Today, acknowledge your fears. Make peace with them. And watch how they melt in the light of your love.
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.
Whether we choose fear or we choose love – both are just that; a choice.
I believe that every single event in life happens in an opportunity to choose love over fear.
– Oprah Winfrey
When we live in our shadow; fear, worry, anxiety, disappointment, anger, blame, doubt, resistance and resentment reign. These preconditioned reactions to discomfort are a result of social conditioning, past traumas, learned behaviours and the false perceptions of our ego. But in any moment, we can choose to live in our light.
Acceptance, understanding, joy, awareness, trust, surrender and forgiveness are all acts of love. Love has the power to dissolve even the greatest of fears – to illuminate even the darkest recesses of our minds.
Whatever fears are holding you back – choose love. Everything in life has it’s opposite. Even fear serves its purpose – without fear, we could not recognise our ability to emerge from the darkness into the brightness of our very essence.
Today, acknowledge your fears. Make peace with them. And watch how they melt in the light of your love.
I can’t think of anything worse than a life not lived. Arriving at the end with a heart full of ‘if only’s’, ‘what if’s’ and ‘I should have’s’ seems somewhat tragic to me… I’d like to think we can all arrive feeling that we have lived life to the fullest, that we experienced the joy and beauty of a life free from fear and regret.
To live life is to be present and open; to be fearless and free; to think, speak and act from the heart. It is not always possible to be and do all of these things all of the time – but we must certainly try.
As Katherine Mansfield beautifully states; ‘Warm, eager, living life – to be rooted in life – to learn, to desire, to know, to feel, to think, to act. This is what I want. And nothing less. That is what I must try for.’ …And so must we.
What in life is holding you back? Fear of failure? Fear of getting hurt? Fear of looking foolish? Fear of succeeding? The change and responsibility that comes with all of that? It makes sense to go forth with the flow, to do what feels right for you at a pace that feels sustainable, but we wont get very far if we have one foot on the gas pedal and one foot on the breaks. Yes, tread gently, but let us also be unafraid to throw caution to the wind.
For in the end, isn’t our wish to say that we have truly loved and lived?
Welcome to my sixteenth 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
I can’t think of anything worse than a life not lived. Arriving at the end with a heart full of ‘if only’s’, ‘what if’s’ and ‘I should have’s’ seems somewhat tragic to me… I’d like to think we can all arrive feeling that we have lived life to the fullest, that we experienced the joy and beauty of a life free from fears and regrets.
To live life is to be present and open. To be fearless and free. To think, speak and act from the heart. It is not always possible to be and do all of these things all of the time – but we must certainly try. As Katherine Mansfield beautifully states; ‘Warm, eager, living life – to be rooted in life – to learn, to desire, to know, to feel, to think, to act. This is what I want. And nothing less. That is what I must try for…’ And so must we.
What in life is holding you back? Fear of failure? Fear of getting hurt? Fear of looking foolish? Fear of succeeding? The change and responsibility that comes with all of that? Whilst it is true that we must go forth with the flow, we wont get very far if we have one foot on the gas pedal and one foot on the breaks. Yes, tread gently, but let us also be unafraid to throw caution to the wind.
For in the end, isn’t our wish to say that we have truly loved and lived?
Soul Strolls
Blue is my favourite colour, so I couldn’t resist stopping to take a photo of these vibrant blue beauties whilst taking a soulful stroll recently. I hope you too have found the time to get out in nature this week!
Soul Food
It’s still very warm weather here in Melbourne and smoothies are my go-to easy meal fix at the moment. Today I am sharing my favourite Kiwi & Kale Green Juice. It’s fresh, citrusy and super good for you, especially if you had one too many the night before!
Soul Sounds
I just love this song ‘Fading’ by Vallis Alps at the moment. It makes me feel free and happy, I hope you like it too.
Soul Sisters
I recently had an emotional reaction to a comment that was said, it awakened an old hurt of mine and I took what was said out of context. Thankfully, I promptly apologised and there was peace regained and a shared understanding between myself and the other person, which is why I am sharing this lovely post called True Power by Bernice. Bernice blogs at Spiritualjourney17 and regularly shares inspirational posts which resonate. Head over and check out her blog!
There are many of us stunted by fear – fear of the unknown; fear of failure; fear of succeeding; fear of fear itself! The overwhelming ‘What if’s?’ leave us paralysed, unfulfilled and miserable. We even try to convince ourselves that ‘now is not the time’, or ‘that ship has already sailed’, or ‘somebody else has already sung it, wrote it, created, pioneered or mastered it.’ And maybe they have! But nobody has ever done it quite like you…
It doesn’t matter how many greats have come before us; or how long we have to imitate before we innovate; because whatever it is we are trying to achieve – we will be adding our own unique flavour and special spark. If you have a calling to do something, yet are allowing fear to stand between you and your dreams – then you risk a lifetime of discontent. For the risks of ignoring the whispers of your heart far outweigh any embarrassment of failure that may come your way.
Honour your dreams. Honour your soul. Don’t allow fear to hold you back any longer. Because yes – ‘there are hazards in anything one does, but there are greater hazards in doing nothing.’
Today, may we take a leap of faith. Let us remember that taking risks is fun, that FAIL simply stands for First Attempt In Learning, and that nobody does it quite like we do!
pasta sheets, which I love! Although pasta does NOT love me! (Think BLOAT and GAS!) Not pretty. So I discovered this delicious grain free, gluten free, dairy free 
Dear Dad 