Happiness, A Direction

I was saddened to hear an old school friend recently passed, leaving behind his family and son. I later learned he’d battled with depression. My heart felt heavy.

So many who feel burdened, or that they are a burden on others, feel their only answer is to take matters into their own hands. So many lives lost, so many hurting families are left to pick up the broken pieces. It’s times like this I remember how important my mindfulness and emotional awareness work with children really is. Could depression really be prevented by teaching children self awareness and emotional regulation? I believe so.

How often have you heard, or even repeated this line: “I’ll be happy when… *insert perceived doorway to happiness here*

This is part of the problem we face; feeling powerless and placing our happiness on external events, but happiness is not OUT THERE. Happiness is not a place in the future we have yet to arrive at. It’s in here 👉🏻❤️

Happiness is an inside job, it’s a feeling, a choice, a direction of focus, a decision to be grateful regardless of our circumstances. It’s also an act of self love, a recognition of our own self worth.

Once we realise that possessions and people are not the primary source of our happiness, we can begin to take control of our own peace and joy.

“But my husband makes me happy? My children are a great source of joy…My home brings me peace…” All very true and valid statements, to which I relate to every one. I adore our home for the sanctuary it brings and I love my family unconditionally. They stimulate my joy and happiness all the time. (Notice how I said MY joy.) They awaken the happiness that ALREADY EXISTS within me by their sheer existence and presence in my life. And whilst that means my joy would be severely depleted if ever they were to leave, ultimately, my happiness would still remain, even if a little more dormant. It would be up to me to choose (or not choose) to reawaken my joy.

‘Where our attention goes, energy flows.’

And it’s precisely this flow of energy that drives our experiences and ultimately, our sense of happiness. Some days it’s harder than others, some days we just need to feel all the feels and that’s ok too. Just remember, if those days turn into weeks, months and even years, it’s ALWAYS ok to reach out and ask for help.

Today, may you feel the deep sense of peace within you. May all the people and circumstances you meet stir the infinite well of joy in your soul.

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

New Beginnings

First day back in Melbourne after a 3 week trip to New Zealand. Whilst the holiday may have come to an end and I’m reminiscing of long days in Mother Nature, it’s no use wishing I was back in NZ countryside instead of returning to work tomorrow.

There is so much to embrace NOW.

There are no endings really, only new beginnings. This journey we’re on is full of the unexpected. It’s unpredictable, exciting, wonky, weird, wonderful, scary and magical all at the same time. Why waste it wishing you were somewhere other than here? Why wallow in the past or fret over the future when there is so much to be grateful for now?

Today, smile and breathe. Trust that you are precisely where you’re supposed to be at this point in time on your path.

Who knows what beauty and magic awaits you? Have faith that any endings you are experiencing are simply a transition into something beautiful and new.

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

 

The Little Things

When I look back over my life and the moments I cherish most, it’s often the little things which have had the biggest impact…

…when Dad told me he was proud of me (I worked in retail at the time, nothing extravagant – but he was proud all the same); Mum’s sentimental gifts (a handmade family scrapbook, a bracelet with Dad’s handwriting on it, a locket containing a cutting of his hair – all of which I will cherish always); being asked to be bridesmaid at my best friends wedding; the letters, gifts and ‘thank you’s’ I’ve received from the children I’ve taught over the years; each day I get to ‘do life’ with my deliciously thoughtful man; walking hand in hand, a warm embrace, heartfelt words of love, laughing until my cheeks ache; simple moments of peace and pleasure…

All of these ‘little things’ are the true meaning of a rich and fulfilling life.

Today, take note of the ‘little things’, because they really are the big things.

In love & light,

Hayley xx

Soulful Sunday #32: In Difficult Times

Welcome to my thirty-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

In times of difficulty, we may wonder; ‘Why me? What have I done to deserve this?’ We have been conditioned to believe in a God who judges and condemns; the man upstairs who watches over our every move, waiting for the moment we step out of line so He can send His Angels of Punishment down to teach us a lesson or two! Is it any wonder, then, that when the shit hits the fan, we immediately blame ourselves?

The truth is, we live in a loving Universe who knows no difference between good and evil. There are no discrimination’s or favouritism’s when deciding between luck and adversity. Circumstances befall us, not to reward or punish ‘good and bad’ behaviour; but to strengthen us.

We are each strengthened at various stages in our lives. Without life’s contrasts, life would remain static. Life’s joys teach us peace, love and appreciation. Life’s adversities teach us resilience; acceptance and forgiveness. In times of difficulty, it pays to keep faith. Know that life loves you and all is well.

Soul Strolls

I am currently house sitting for friends, who I used to live with before they welcomed their beautiful new arrival; baby Yvey. I have missed my daily walks to the local park since moving away. So sure enough, as soon as I woke I indulged in one of my favourite little soul strolls. I spotted this vibrant Lavender soaking up the early morning sunrise, and smiled. Isn’t nature one of life’s true treasures?

Lavender at sunrise

Baby Yvey

Soul Food

I recently stayed with a good friend of mine who came to my rescue when I needed a place to stay. It was the perfect relief needed for rest and recovery. We woke most mornings to yoga followed by a delicious and nutritious smoothie. I have shared my smoothie recipes before, but today I’d like to re-share my Choco Berry Smoothie recipe in honour of my good friend Sal. This was a winner for her! She loved it, and I hope you love it too!

Soul Music

Since today’s post is about resilience in the face of adversity, I’d like to share James Arthur’s version of Stronger; a reminder that what doesn’t kill us makes us stronger. James Arthur has released two albums since winning the UK X Factor in 2012. If you have yet to hear his music, check him out! His voice is raw and emotive. A true gift.

Soul Sisters

I’d love to share Di’s post What Is Love, Mummy? I found it beautifully vulnerable and one we can all relate to. Head over to Di’s blog, Matters For The Heart to discover more heart warming reads like this one.  I know Di will welcome you with open arms.

Wishing you all strength and peace on the blustery Melbourne Sunday!

 

In love & light,

Hayley xx

Eternal Bond

Forever Young you shall be. Forever in our hearts you shall remain. I wrote this song for you a few years ago and my good friends Samuel Jones, Ben Jones, and Christopher Roach breathed eternal life into it… And for that I am forever grateful.

Happy 60th birthday Dad xx

 

So short lived were my chocolate raisin days

The only thing I have now are the memories of your ways

No more bear hugs, no more Match Box cars today

I’m holding on tight cause this doesn’t feel right

Don’t let this slip away

 

Cause I will never forget you

Your with me in everything I do

My smiles a reflection of you

I live my life through you because it’s all I can do

Your my parachute

 

Your brief time here, it was rocky it was rough

Never said you were giving up, my gentle giant was too tough

No need for fast cars, brief cases or expensive suits

Your love was just enough and your love was all for us

Don’t let this slip away

 

Your descent upon this material world

It was oh so brief, I was left in disbelief

I had to stop being Daddy’s girl

Your courage was reborn deep in my heart

The realisation that from you I shall never part

I’m letting go because I know I must grow

But you’ll always remain forever young

 

Cause I will never forget you

Your with me in everything I do

My smiles a reflection of you

I live my life through you because it’s all I can do

Your my parachute

 

My king of hearts has flown

But I’m willing to take the thrown

To your legacy I live

And I’ll give as you’d give

 

My parachute. My strength. My breath, my parachute. The reason I’m living so free…

 

The Gift of Sight

When I said goodbye to Dad for the last time, there’s one lesson I learnt – life is fleeting.

With the recent terrorist attacks in Manchester and London, along with the many other lives lost each day around the globe, we are reminded to hug our loved ones.

Forgive quickly, love passionately, and don’t sweat the small stuff. Life is too precious, too fragile, too fleeting to hold grudges, to love cautiously and to squander our days dreaming instead of doing.

Be willing to let go. Don’t be afraid to say “I love you…” you never know when it will be your last. See life for what it is, a gift. Live courageously. Laugh often (and loudly!) Spread joy. Be the untethered force of light that you are. There’s no need to live every day like it is your last… Choose instead, to live every day like it is your first… With a sense of childlike wonder, rapture and appreciation. Give thanks for the two gifts that you opened today – your eyes.

For today is another day you get to live.

In love & light,

Hayley xx

Soulful Sunday #28: Love Is Stronger Than Hate

Welcome to my twenty-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 receive them.

Soul Reflections

Heaven knows we need love now more than ever. In a world pervasive in deep depression and anxiety; stress and disease, separation, hostility and confusion – it is time we listened to our hearts, time for us to acknowledge the deeper yearnings and whisperings of our soul. It is time we became whole again.

With the recent terror attack claiming 22 lives in my home city of Manchester, I can’t help but feel our world can, at times, feel so fragmented. So senseless an act which claimed those innocent lives. So much sorrow those family’s affected will surely endure. Yet in spite of this, I refuse to believe we live in a hostile Universe. Manchester has shown much love during hostile times. And this is what I choose to focus on – the love, not the hate.

I believe that, if we all discovered authentic love and connection that the world would not only survive, but thrive.

‘The universities of the future will do one thing we do not do today. They will teach the art of self-discovery. There is nothing more fundamental in life.’

– Ben Okri

As a Teacher of Mindfulness and Yoga for children, I visit multiple schools each term across Victoria, Melbourne. Throughout my teaching career, I have recognized the student’s parents and teachers crave simplicity and stability as much as their young ones, often (apologetically) participating in my sessions to surrender their busy lives to a moment of pure peace.

‘If every eight year old in the world is taught meditation, we will eliminate violence from the world within one generation.’

– Dalai Lama

Only with full hearts, can we bestow our loving gifts upon the world and shine our light upon those we love. I wish to bring more love and light to the world. Please support my journey towards spreading more love and connection; heaven knows we need it during these times of upheaval.

It is my wish to give something positive back to Manchester.

There is an opportunity to learn from the pioneers of spiritual healing by attending the Hay House Writers workshop in Sydney, where I’d have the incredible opportunity to submit a book proposal – a beautiful meditative Daybook of soul connection and hope in times of struggle. It teaches women to live by their own light, and by extension, their young ones and families. However, I cannot do this alone. I need YOUR help.

I have three days to try and push my votes above 565. I am currently sitting at 35 votes… So please VOTE, share, and spread the light. Thank you to those who have already supported me on this journey. My heart is so full of gratitude for each and every one of you. I am completely overwhelmed by the kindness shown from friends old and new and the connections I have made here in our online community of like-minded individuals and writers.

Your support means the world to me.

Let’s do this for Manchester. Let’s do this for my beautiful city. Let’s do this because the world needs more hope, more connection and more LOVE. You can vote here! Just click on ‘vote’, find my video (Hayley) and click on the love heart underneath! Thank you in advance ❤

Soul Strolls

Nature heals. This weekend I felt I needed just that, some time spent in Mother Nature and some energy healing. So we drove two hours out of Melbourne to join up friends who were camping at Cathedral Ranges. We enjoyed a beautiful climb up the mountain and some yummy food around the camp fire. 

The view from a rock we stopped to perch on halfway up

Soul Food

It’s a rather cold and wet day here in Melbourne, so I thought I’d share my Chunky Chickpea & Sweet Potato Soup for those who may have missed it. It will warm your tum on a chilly day like today. Enjoy!

Soul Music

I am sharing Don’t Look Back In Anger by Manchester’s legendary rock and rollers, Oasis. Crowds sung this song recently for those lives that were taken too soon, and so I’d like to share the song here today as a reminder for us to avoid looking back in anger; love is stronger than hate.

Soul Sisters

Today, I’d like to share a post titled Releasing The Little Person Within by Di over at Matters For The Heart. A beautiful, poignant reminder for us to make peace with our inner child. I urge you to head over for a read of Di’s blog where she shares beautiful matters of the heart which resonate at a soul level.

I wish you all a peaceful Sunday.

In love and light,

Hayley xx

I Love You Because…

It’s been 12 years today since my bear hugs were taken away… There aren’t enough words in the dictionary to capture how greatly you are missed. But on this day I’d like to remind you of how much you are loved…

Dad, I love you because…

…you would walk us around on your feet as little girls.

…you would shine a spotlight on us as we danced around the living room.

…you never complained about your stroke or your epilepsy, even though the seizures frightened you.

…you made us smile and laugh daily with your unpredictable humour.

…you were the most selfless human being I’ve ever met and would spend your last £5 on chocolate raisins, Beano magazines and Matchbox cars for us.

…you lived with 3 feisty females and never lashed out physically or verbally once – you’d always walk away when angry.

…you gave the best bear hugs ever.

…you cared and worried about our safety.

…you surprised us with cups of teas and Garfield The Cat inspired butties in the mornings and always made them with a smile.

…you weren’t afraid to show your emotions.

Because of a million other reasons I never had the chance to say to you – but mostly, because you’re my Dad…

My love for you is infinitely endless. I love and miss you so so much. Thank you for being my guide.

Loving you always – forgetting you never 💙 xx