The weekly perspective
One question to ask yourself
Are you holding on to something you need to let go of?
Journal on this - what's causing you suffering, predominantly in your own mind? What are you overthinking, ruminating on or worry about? Is that helping you in any way? What's the reason you're choosing to hold on to it?
Something to consider
"Focusing on how others might respond is one way we ruminate, which impacts our ability to act" - Nedra Glover Tawwab
Gosh so many of you need to read this multiple times, screenshot it and save it as your screesavers. I wonder how much action you're not taking simply because of this one thing - overthinking how others might respond. Most of the time, they won't respond at all - no one is thinking of you as much as you are thinking about you. If they do, is their response more important than your action?
One thing I'd tell my younger self.
Time you enjoy wasting is not wasted time
I spent HOURS reading my books this weekend, one fiction one creating positive vibes for a hopefully positive birth. On Saturday I think I spent 4 hours with snacks, hot chocolate and my book. I spend subsequent hours finishing a Harlan Coben series I was dead into (pun intended). There was no purpose other than my joy. In fact, I didn't open my laptop all weekend (the first in a while), not because I was burnt out or in need, but simply, I wanted my joy in other things. Get better at (not) wasting time - it's always running out, and you'll never get this day again, this opportunity to do things for you, that bring you joy.
One thing to try this week
Make a list of the ordinary things that spark joy for you
I had a moment of happiness clarity yesterday, where I felt this surge in joy whilst driving home singing to Girls Aloud, mindfully enjoying one of the best brownies I've ever had (blueberry brownie - sounds odd, is extremely moist), after seeing one of my best friends, going home to an afternoon of guilt free rotting without the sunday scaries before work. None of these things are new or novel, they are to some degree, pretty ordinary. Much like the daily smell of the blossom on the corner of my street, these ordinary moments spark most joy in me - more than the momentary joy of those big moments. Make a list this week, what are your daily ordinary moments that bring you joy?
A few things to tell you...
Hear about our biggest failures in life (oh and how to manage your stress better) here
If you're pregnant and struggling to 'eat well' or exercise, you need to listen to this episode because we know sometimes you'd rather eat glass
Why do you crave sugar during PMS? And why are tinned peas so horrendous? Find out here
If you're self employed for freedom and flexibility yet feel you don't have any, or feel embarassed because you can't calculate your hourly rate, you're not alone - find out how to change these things here
One more thing...
Please share your favourite stuff.
Thank you all for continuing to share your favourite Monday email quotes. I see them all. I know how much I love seeing impactful quotes from strangers, so it means a lot that you allow me to hopefully be that person for someone else. f there's something you really relate to or know someone who'd benefit from something in this email, please share it and pay it forward. Words are magical, and if I've learned anything from writing these emails to you for years, you never know when someone needs to hear the exact thing you've got to say.
