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 💙
In the event of loss, setbacks and adversity, it’s easy to lose site of the shore. It takes effort to remain mindful and present to joy when your head is spinning with ‘what if’s’ and ‘if only’s’.
If you’ve found yourself caught in the murky abyss, hold strong. Your first job is only to acknowledge you are there. Tire yourself not with thoughts of how you wound up there and how on Earth you’ll ever get out, simply BE in the abyss and feel all the feels. Honour exactly where you are in this moment.
Trust that you have the power to heal and like anything, this shall pass. Now hand it over to a Higher Power, and let go.
All will be revealed to you in good time if you simply keep faith.
Remember, you are an infinite, unlimited being of light and LOVE. And with love in your heart ANYTHING is possible – even the murkiest of waters can be transcended into crystal clear rivers.
You, my Dear one, are completely unhindered. Place your feet firmly on the earth, arms stretched wide, eyes tilted to the skies, and smile.
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
I have long held the opinion that arguments are unavoidable. Those who claim ‘Oh we never argue!’ I suspect to be dishonest or slightly delusional. Healthy relationships are not about NEVER disagreeing, but more about HOW we disagree.
How would we ever learn, grow and expand our world if we all just agreed? Besides, life would be very boring and monotonous.
The more we are able to engage in enthusiastic disagreement with each other, the more we will be able to uncover the best in ourselves and each other. – Karen Kimsey-House
Whilst disagreements aren’t avoidable, there ARE healthy and unhealthy ways to argue. I resonate with this quote by Dave Willis:
In marriage disagreements are inevitable but disrespect is a choice.
I believe this to be true in any relationship, be it with a partner, parent, sibling, friend or complete stranger. Maintaining respect for another during conflict eases our ability to heal and find harmony afterwards. On the other hand, disrespect, especially when repeated, often leads to irreparable suffering and resentment.
The key to finding unity is forgiveness, and it is far easier to forgive when a high degree of dignity is maintained during disagreements than if we say or do something we may later regret.
Next time you are triggered in the thick of conflict, before you hurl insults, or cause verbal or even physical harm to another, remember the severity of suffering this one senseless act can cause. Vow instead to view any disagreement as an opportunity to grow, to learn more about yourself, your strengths, your weaknesses, and those of another.
This is how we stand united in our division.
Soul Strolls
My partner and I finally managed to get away camping this weekend. We visited Yanakee near Wilson’s Prom, a beautiful campsite close to the waters edge.
Like with any relationship, there were moments of discord coupled with moments of pure surrender and softness. I wouldn’t trade any of the more challenging moments during our trip, because they each taught me something about myself and my man. And, yes! whilst there were moments we wanted to tear each other’s hair out, at the end of our trip we stood united, smiling and holding one another in earnest.
In my life, I have experienced deep levels of disrespect. I have felt firsthand suffering and pain as a result. Today, I stand tall in forgiveness. I am grateful for every experience so far, for they each taught me new levels of being and living in this world.
Yanakee, Melbourne
Like this colourful ocean before me, there are moments of unrest and moments of calm – but deep down at it’s very core, all is perfect, pure and still.
Soul Food
Soul food this weekend was camp food! I created these little Parma Cups based on an Aussie fave, Parmigiana. All the yumminess of a traditional Parmi placed into little puff pastry cups. Perfect for an Aussie camping trip.
Soul Music
Waking up surrounded by nature certainly created for a ‘dreamy Sunday morning’. So I am sharing Clouds by Hugo Kant so that you too may experience dreaminess, wherever you may be.
Soul Sisters
Today I am sharing Bernice’s post, Your Eyes Are The Mirror To Your Soul. A beautiful reminder that respect includes oneself. Head on over for some beautiful affirmative statements that embody all that you are through the power of mirror work and self-love!
To live is a choice. The question is; How are YOU choosing to live? With grace, humility, gratitude, courage and reverence? Or with resistance, pride, constant complaining, fear and nonchalance?
Believe me, I know how easy it is to fall into a state of dissatisfaction. To find the light in each moment is a CHOICE we must make, and on some days that can take immense effort. But choosing to look at what’s right, rather than what’s wrong is a choice that rewards deep dividends in emotional well-being and content.
Every day may not be good, but there is something good in every day.
Today, look to what’s good. Choose to live in ways that bring you simple joys of pleasure and peace, or better still – do something that makes your heart sing and your soul dance!
One of the best way to achieve peace and fulfilment is to live a life of authenticity, one that’s in complete alignment with your soul’s wishes. Too run down to go on that dinner date? Reschedule. Your real friends will understand. Run yourself a hot bath and relax instead. Love the colour red but always play it safe with black? Make a statement and purchase some killer red heals. Always wanted to to take up dancing but can never find the time or money to? Don’t delay and book a class today!
Whatever it is that makes YOUR soul happy, do it. That is how we must aim to live.
As we welcome 2018 and the first blank page of a new book, some of us are setting fresh intentions for the new year.
Even if you don’t believe in goal setting or resolutions, reflecting on the year gone by can help us to get clear on those aspects of our lives which no longer serve or nourish us.
As you envision the year ahead, you may want to ask yourself; What inspires me? Where do I see myself at the close of 2018? Who are the people I wish to surround myself with? What do I want less of? What do I want more of?
These simple questions can serve as a gentle guide to keep us aligned with a life of purpose and meaning. You may even want to review/change your intentions each month as you achieve, grow and evolve.
I’m a strong believer of progress not perfection. Try to remember this simple mantra as you move through the year: ‘Progress is far more important than perfection. I’m doing the best I can.’ Should you stumble with some of your personal commitments, remember to always be kind to yourself. With each new breath, we can begin again.
I wish nothing but the best for each and every one of you.
May 2018 and beyond bring you an abundance of joy, peace, laughter, fulfilment and love.
I often amaze at the way society has shaped us into a nation addicted to doing.
The chronic doer is often commended for their ‘productivity’ and applauded for their ability to get things done. But at what cost? Their health? Their sanity? Their loved ones? People addicted to doing often feel a sense of adrenaline each time they tick something off their ‘to do list’ and rarely feel at ease when simply resting. But as Lin Yutang reminds us:
Besides the noble art of getting things done, there is the noble art of leaving things undone. The wisdom of life consists in the elimination of the non-essentials.
Now I’m not suggesting we all go on strike and neglect our daily duties in favour of Netflix. But what I am suggesting is that we allow moments in our day to simply be. To be still, to enjoy moments of solitude, to give our undivided attention to our loved ones without the distraction of electronics and phones, to make time for laughter, play and creativity each day.
Your body, mind and heart need not wait until an unfortunate event, loss or illness forces you to stop and pay attention. Healing can begin now. Living can begin today. Today, silence your phone. Leave the chores for a few hours. Trust that what’s important will be taken care of. And the rest? Well that can simply wait.
Soul Strolls
This week I have been enjoying some gentle strolls around my local park. I also enjoyed a lovely catch up with friends at Cantani Gardens in St Kilda. The same spot where I enjoyed festival fun and music at The Pleasure Gardens last weekend. This week, the festival friendlies were nowhere in sight, and we enjoyed a peaceful picnic among the trees. What are you doing this weekend? Remember, if resting and recovery is on your agenda – however that looks to you, then I applaud you.
Soul Food
I am loving chia seed puddings at the moment and I also LOVE LOVE LOVE DoTerra essential Oils. I’ve been using them for over a year now with amazing benefits on an emotional and physical level. Today I am sharing Alice Nicholl’s recipe which combines my two favourite things in this delicious Citrus Parfait.
Soul Music
Today, I’d love to share a track called Breathe by Delilah. So often we get in our own way and we feel we can no longer breathe. This song reminds me to be free from myself.
Soul Sisters
Today I am sharing Bernice’s post The Book Of Awakening. A beautiful reminder of our blessings to be here enjoying this human experience. Let us not waste that opportunity in worrying, and embrace this moment, here, today.
Wrapping you all in a restful, warm hug. May your Sunday be gloriously restful and refreshing.
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.
Whether you are standing in line at the check out, or reading your favourite novel; curled on the sofa with a loved one, or cleaning the dirty dishes – pause… Smile. And love the moment you are in.
Nothing is more powerful than gratitude – nothing far greater than love. When we embrace each moment with joy and appreciation, we breathe energy and life into the present. This stimulates higher frequencies of pure peace to move into our field of energy. Mindfulness is an art, and one we must practice each day if we are to become good at it.
Bless, love and accept each moment, regardless of your circumstances. In doing so, you will surpass all boundaries and limitations.
Today, breathe and smile. Love the moment you are in and trust that all is precisely how it is supposed to be.
Just as time spent with friends and loved ones is essential 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 your show for yourself will ultimately bless those you come into contact with.
Welcome to my twenty-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
I just handed an apology card to someone special that, upon reflection, could have contained one simple word in order to bring peace – ‘sorry.’
At times the urge to explain causes our message to become lost in translation. We appear to justify, defend, over-analyse, or excuse – when in actual fact, our attempts to shed light on the situation are genuine, heartfelt and true. But quite often, one simple word that brings peace is all that’s required.
There are too many adjectives in the dictionary to describe how things are; too many verbs to explain how and why we do the things we do; too many nouns to identify the world in which we live – so today, keep it simple. Think of one word that brings you peace. Forgiveness? Love? Gratitude? Relax? Surrender? Sorry? Acceptance? Kindness? Hugs? Tea?! Whatever that word may be, feel the peace that comes with it. Invite peace in, because life is rarely perfect. And neither are we. But we CAN feel at peace with our perfectly imperfect selves. We CAN embrace life’s flaws and the teachings they bring.
Soul Strolls
I haven’t been taking my daily walks lately, and have really noticed the difference. I simply haven’t been myself. This week I will make a conscious effort to walk each day again, as it really does bring balance to my life. I did manage to get out mid week however, and took a photo of these pretty pink flowers along the way.
Soul Food
I’m trying to add 9 cups of veggies a day into my diet, and am looking for tasty ways to incorporate them. Green juice and smoothies help, as well as simple dishes like this Crispy No Fuss Cauliflower. How do you add more veggies to your diet? Do you have any favorite recipes to ensure you get a healthy dose of the good stuff?
Soul Music
Hawaii has been on my bucket list for a long time. And since I am contemplating peace, I thought I’d share this track by Ziggy Marley. I’d love to be on a beach in Hawaii…bliss.
It’s getting late here in Melbourne, and I have much catching up on reading others posts to do. I shall do so tomorrow and the come back to add a recommended read to this Sunday feature. This week, the word I will focus on that will bring me peace is, balance.
Dear Dad 