I was just reflecting over the past 2 years of my life and how far I have come since those angry, sad days where I had had enough of being a mum and just wanted to run away from it all. I still vividly remember the day where I lost the plot, bawling in my bedroom at my lowest when it suddenly dawned on me that no one was going to change this for me, that only I could make the changes that I needed to make in order to live a happier life. From the darkest, saddest, most heartbreaking period of my life, came the biggest lightbulb moment I have ever had and it has all been uphill from there.
It was as if an angel was talking to me that day and spurred inside of me inspiration and a burning desire beyond comprehension (it drives my husband crazy sometimes). From this moment of inspiration, came 12 months of writing, creating this website, then selling everything and travelling around Australia with my family, to finding the Australian Depression Institute and learning their fantastic new method that not only can I use to help others, but to help myself and really understand my true worth and why I am valuable in this world when the going is tough and when the going is great.
The events that have transpired into my life since that day in my bedroom with tears streaming down my cheeks have been truly inspiring to me.
So thinking about these events today has caused me to feel a tremendous amount of joy for my life. I finally feel as if I am at a point in my life where I have the tools that I need to handle all the ups and downs that life presents to me and that these tools give me the opportunity to learn and grow as a person. But just as importantly, these tools are helping me to help others to do the same, and that is the most gratifying and soul enriching part of why I feel happy.
Because of this, I really wanted to share with you what I believe is the perfect combination to living an inspired and happy life. So in summary, here they are:
1. Love yourself. You are worthy just the way that you are, because you exist. You contribute to the world just by being in it. If you took you out of the equation all of the dynamics around you change and people don't learn what they learn from you. We all have ups and downs and you are worthy throughout all of your experiences because you are learning about life and teaching others about their life, thus your value to this world and proof of your worthiness, lies in your very existence.
2. Give, give, give. Make it a part of your day, everyday to give something to someone or give them a part of yourself. This can be as simple as a smile, a compliment, a little thank you note, a present or something bigger. It doesn't take much, but you will be amazed at how good you feel for making a difference to someone else's life. That's another reason why I love my job so much, because I get to make a difference.
3. Gratitude. Learn to find the value in all of your experiences, because there always is. No matter how difficult the circumstances there is always something to be grateful for, or something that you have learnt or are learning from that situation. Try listing all of the things that you are grateful for and observe how differently you feel after writing this list.
4. Forgiveness. Let go of all the hatred or resentment you have towards other people. They don't know how to behave any differently for they are only operating out of their belief system, just like you are. Besides, you can't change what someone else does, you can only change what happens within you. Let go of the past and accept that how you are living is the reality now, regardless of how you got to that point. If you follow point 3, then it may make it a little easier to do step 4. Forgiveness is not about saying that someone's behaviour is okay, it's about releasing you from the ugliness you feel when you hold onto anger, hatred and resentment.
This is it for now, I have more to offer you but must get back to my beautiful children who are gracing me with half an hour to myself to write these words to you. Thanks kids.
Bye for now and take care of yourself, you are soo precious to so many around you!!!!