January 29, 2014

The Simple Life: Easier Than You Think

“I’ll be happy when I get to go overseas again”, or “I’ll be happier when I can buy a bigger home with a nice backyard,” or even “I’ll be happy when I can retire.” 

It is so easy to get swept up in the things we perceive will make us happy, and miss the fact that we actually need very little to enjoy life.

We often over-complicate life, trying to jam pack too much in, confusing 'wants' with 'needs.'

My beautiful 93 year old nan, who passed away last year, taught me that a simple life is a happy life. We only need the basics to feel content, happy and loved.

Click here to read my article at Make the World Move, on why we should listen up to those who have gone before us.

 nan3

January 28, 2014

2014: Same Same or Different?

Do you want to make this year count like no other? Are you sick of seeing your dreams confined to paper, or maybe they are still camping out in your mind?

Are you afraid or daunted by what might need to happen to get your life to a point where you can happily say, “Yep, this is it. I’m where I want to be and I love my life”?

Don’t wait till you are ‘ready,’ or all your ducks are lined up. Start now.

Fuelled or Flat? Don’t Let Fear Leave You in Neutral

Do you remember the exhilarating feeling of adrenalin moving through your body after deciding to do something exciting yet scary? Or has this become an unfamiliar feeling to you? Maybe, like me, it’s been too long since you’ve felt that surge of energy.

Stepping out of your comfort zone, while also stepping into a life which truly inspires and excites you, is a sure way to stop feeling flat.    

Most of you know that for the past five years I’ve been living with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome. This illness has led me down a path that is far more hopeful, compassionate, enjoyable and balanced, yet my ability to set goals and to dream is not like it used to be.

A common by-product of living with illness is low self-esteem. A compromised self-esteem, coupled with low energy, has meant I’ve struggled to know if I’m capable of pulling things off like I used to.  

This was never a problem for me in the past. 

Challenging the Boundaries

Growing up I was into everything. I tried every new venture that sparked my interest. I loved the excitement of pushing myself beyond the things I knew. I took up public speaking, joined the Army Cadets, learnt an instrument, auditioned for school musicals.

I loved exploring those areas which were on the other side of what I knew I could do. The possibility of failure kept me on my toes and keenly engaged in life. I discovered that my capacity to achieve was great, so long as I didn’t let fear hold me back.   

Moving into 2014 I knew I had a strong desire to achieve more than I had been, but I also felt like something was missing.

Tunnel Vision

It was a conversation with my mum about a man who built a tunnel through a mountain in New Zealand that made me realise I was missing the ‘old me.’ I was missing the ‘me’ that would respond to life with more courage, self-belief and vision.

Over the past week I’ve asked myself what I want to achieve this year, and for the first time in years I haven’t discounted the dreams that seemed ‘too big.’

Dreaming big this year isn’t about throwing myself into huge projects that would leave me exhausted and sick. If illness has taught me nothing else, it’s taught me to respect my body, protect my health and live a balanced life.

forest of creative ideas

 

 

For me, ‘dreaming big’ is about letting my mind wander into those enchanted forests of creative ideas and consciously deciding not to let fear be the reason I say no and turn back.

 

 

 

  

 

 

I’m still finessing the shape these creative ideas are going to take this year. I look forward to sharing them with you once they are finalised.

What would you like to achieve this year if you ignored your fear or self-doubt?  

I have friends doing some wonderful things this year - it seems I’m not alone in feeling a need to expand my thinking. I look forward to hearing how 2014 can be the year that stands out for you.

Stay on track, motivated and inspired. Make 2014 the year you live your best life. Click here to receive my fortnightly update or ‘follow by email’ above.  

xxx Jess xxx