Life

Transformation, strength & renewal

By Posted on 0 2 m read
phoenix

 

A dear friend of mine sent me this quote by Viktor Frankl:

“When the situation is good, enjoy it.

When the situation is bad, transform it.

When the situation cannot be transformed,

transform yourself.”

She said it reminded her of me.

❤️

It is accurate. Whenever I encounter difficult situations in life, I try to figure out a way to work through it. I like to solve problems and puzzles. But some people and situations, like impossible puzzles, cannot be worked out.

When situations become untenable, I have the capacity to walk away, brush off the dust and transform my life into an even better version.

I value, above all else, peace of mind.

To me it is the most valuable commodity I have.

My life, at this point in time, is the most peaceful and tranquil it has ever been.

I surround myself with kindred souls, people who do not bring stress or drama into my (or their own) life.

That’s not to say I am not supportive when someone is struggling with an aspect of their life. I’m always there for them. I’m there with a listening ear, a cup of tea or coffee and occasionally some useful advice. And if they do not seek my counsel, I can listen without judgement or censure and just let them talk themselves out.

However, I do not allow people to take advantage of me and I keep my boundaries strong and secure.

The peace and serenity in my life is beautiful and glorious and I could not be happier.

It has been hard won. There have been times in my life with some relationships and friendships whereby toxic people have tried to break down my boundaries and drain my energy with their negative, drama filled nonsense.

I have the capacity, even when dragged into the cesspit of someone’s chaos, of being able to maintain a level of distance – like a protective self-shield, that allows me to bear witness to the chaos and understand that it is not of my making.

I can and I will step away.

If someone is trying to destroy your peace of mind or make you feel less than, know that you are worth more than that.

You are a beautiful being full of light and joy. Surround yourself with people who value and cherish you.

Never let anyone pull you down into their vortex of negativity. Rise above it, remove the talons of despair that threaten to rip your skin. And rise, rise like the Phoenix from the ashes. The Phoenix represents transformation, strength, and renewal. You are all of that! I see you❤️

imagecredit:laura

Share this article

Life

Healing from Childhood Trauma: A Journey to Emotional Well-being

By Posted on 0 4 m read
Black background with blue butterflies and the words "you can"

Someone dear to me confided in me about their traumatic childhood. They re-live the trauma over and over again, and their life has been one of great unhappiness and pain.

He is literally the most unhappy person I have ever met, he is filled with negativity, repressed anger and sadness. It has been a sorrow to me watching this lovely person struggle with life and relationships and knowing that there is nothing I can do to help without being sucked into the vortex of negativity.

He did not and does not realise that he carries this trauma like a weighted rock on his back and that the impact of unhealed trauma negatively impacted every aspect of his life.

I am dedicating today’s blog post to this friend of mine and I hope that one day he can find true peace of mind.

Today, we’ll explore how these unresolved issues can manifest in adulthood, and we’ll outline steps to recovery and a blueprint for building a more fulfilling life.

Childhood is meant to be a time of innocence and wonder, a period where memories are formed, and dreams take shape. However, for many individuals, childhood can also be marked by experiences of trauma, pain, and emotional distress.

Unresolved childhood trauma, internalized pain, and repressed anger can cast long shadows over our lives, shaping our relationships, our perceptions, and our emotional well-being.

Understanding the Impact of Childhood Trauma

Childhood trauma can take many forms—physical abuse, emotional neglect, parental divorce, bullying, and more.

These experiences can leave deep emotional scars that linger long into adulthood. Individuals who have experienced childhood trauma may find themselves grappling with a host of issues, including low self-esteem, trust issues, difficulty forming healthy relationships, and a pervasive sense of shame and unworthiness.

Moreover, the pain and anger associated with childhood trauma can become internalized, leading to a cycle of self-destructive behaviour and emotional distress.

The Manifestations of Unresolved Trauma

The effects of unresolved childhood trauma can ripple through every aspect of our lives, from our personal relationships to our professional endeavours.

In relationships, unresolved trauma can breed insecurity, jealousy, and a fear of intimacy, leading to a pattern of broken relationships and emotional turmoil.

In the workplace, it can manifest as chronic stress, difficulty concentrating, and a sense of inadequacy that undermines our professional success.

Left unaddressed, these issues can perpetuate a cycle of negativity and emotional distress, robbing us of the joy and fulfillment we deserve.

Steps to Recovery and Emotional Healing

Recovering from childhood trauma requires courage, patience, and a commitment to self-discovery. Here are some steps to help you on your journey to healing:

  1. Acknowledge the Pain:

The first step towards healing is acknowledging the pain and trauma you experienced in childhood.

Allow yourself to feel the full range of emotions that accompany these experiences, without judgment or self-criticism.

  1. Seek Professional Help:

Healing from childhood trauma often requires the guidance of a trained therapist or counsellor who can provide support, validation, and tools for coping with difficult emotions.

Therapy can help you process past traumas, challenge negative thought patterns, and develop healthier coping mechanisms.

  1. Practice Self-Compassion:

Be gentle with yourself as you navigate the healing process.

Practice self-care activities that nourish your mind, body, and spirit, whether it’s mindfulness meditation, journaling, spending time in nature, or engaging in creative expression.

  1. Cultivate Healthy Relationships:

Surround yourself with supportive friends and loved ones who validate your experiences and uplift you on your journey to healing.

Healthy relationships built on trust, respect, and empathy can provide a source of comfort and strength as you work towards emotional well-being.

  1. Release Repressed Emotions:

Explore healthy outlets for releasing repressed anger and pent-up emotions, such as physical exercise, expressive arts therapy, or engaging in activities that bring you joy and fulfillment.

A Blueprint for a Fulfilling Life

As you embark on your journey to healing, envision the life you desire—one characterized by resilience, authenticity, and emotional well-being.

Cultivate practices that nourish your soul and align with your values, whether it’s pursuing meaningful hobbies, setting boundaries to protect your emotional health, or embracing opportunities for personal growth and self-discovery.

Remember that healing is not a linear process, and it’s okay to seek support and guidance along the way.

With time, patience, and a commitment to self-care, you can break free from the chains of childhood trauma and embrace a life filled with positivity, resilience, and inner peace.

Childhood trauma casts a long shadow, but it does not have to define your future.

By acknowledging the pain, seeking support, and embracing practices that foster healing and emotional well-being, you can break free from the cycle of negativity and create a life that is rich in fulfillment, joy, and authenticity.

Remember, you are worthy of love, healing, and happiness—today and always.

imagecredit:PeetalyStudio

Share this article

Life

p.s. I’ve retired!

By Posted on 0 3 m read
blue image with words "just keep laughing"

Throughout our lives, we encounter a myriad of individuals—some enriching, some challenging, and then there are those who fit into a category all their own: pests. They’re the ones who seem to derive joy from making our lives a tad more complicated, injecting unnecessary drama and stress into otherwise peaceful waters.

Today, I find myself reflecting on one such pest—a character who once inhabited the periphery of my existence and recently decided to resurface in a most peculiar manner. This individual, who shall remain nameless, took it upon themselves to lodge an anonymous complaint about my blog to my former workplace. Yes, you read that correctly: anonymous complaint, former workplace. Allow me to unpack this curious tale.

In the annals of my blog, I’ve occasionally touched upon anecdotes and experiences from my professional life. Always done so with discretion, mind you, and never in a manner that would compromise confidentiality or professionalism. Yet, like a hawk circling its prey, this pest scoured through my digital musings, seeking to unearth anything that could be twisted into a tool for their own amusement.

Their complaint? A trifling matter, to say the least. A few passing mentions of workplace incidents, all carefully anonymized, mind you, and certainly nothing that could incite a maelstrom of controversy. Nevertheless, the pest persisted, hoping, perhaps, to stir up trouble where there was none to be found.

What this pest failed to grasp, however, is that their efforts were as futile as shouting into the void. For you see, I have long since bid adieu to the realm of office politics and water cooler gossip. Retirement beckoned, and I heeded its call with open arms. My days are now spent basking in the glow of newfound freedom, far removed from the machinations of corporate life.

Imagine my bemusement, then, when a friend in HR kindly brought the anonymous complaint to my attention—a feeble attempt at sabotage, destined for the dustbin of irrelevance. Oh, the irony! To think that someone would expend such energy on a venture so utterly devoid of consequence.

But here’s the thing about pests: they thrive on attention, on the notion that they hold sway over our emotions and actions. And so, rather than succumb to indignation or frustration, I choose instead to laugh—to revel in the absurdity of it all. For what greater victory is there than to greet adversity with a hearty chuckle and a dismissive wave?

To the pest who sought to darken my doorstep with their petty grievances, I offer a simple message: cheers! Your efforts may have been in vain, but your persistence is nothing if not admirable. Keep trying, by all means, and I shall continue to find solace in the knowledge that your antics serve only to reaffirm my resilience.

In life we will find that pests will come and go, their presence but a fleeting nuisance in the grand scheme of things. And so, with that thought in mind, I raise a toast to the resilience of the human spirit—to the indomitable resolve that allows us to weather even the most trivial of storms.

Here’s to laughing in the face of adversity, to embracing life’s quirks with a smile and a shrug. For in the end, it is not the pests that define us, but our unwavering determination to rise above them, unscathed and undeterred.

Cheers to that, my friends. And may we never lose sight of the joy that comes from turning life’s lemons into the sweetest of lemonades.❤️

imagecredit:ray’sdaily

 

Share this article

all about the cat

Embracing the Charm of Calico Cats: Sweet, Snuggly, and Full of Feisty Delight

By Posted on 0 3 m read
photo of a Calico cat

I recently adopted a rescue cat and she a gorgeous Calico. She’s 1.5 years old and super smoochie and cuddly. She’s really pretty, with gorgeous eyes! My dog was slightly taken aback at the new addition to our home, but they are getting used to each other and being quite playful!

Owning a Calico cat is like inviting a ray of sunshine into your home—a constant source of joy, warmth, and companionship. And I really feel I’ve got a lovely addition to my home!

With her distinctive tri-color coat and spirited disposition, this little Calico has captured our hearts, enchanting us with her sweet nature and endearing quirks.

From her affectionate cuddles to her mischievous antics, my Calico has a way of brightening even the dreariest of days with her infectious energy and boundless enthusiasm for life.

One of the most delightful aspects of owning a Calico cat is that they have an innate sweetness and affectionate nature. Unlike some cats who prefer to keep their distance, Calicos thrive on human interaction, eagerly seeking out opportunities for snuggles, cuddles, and lap time. And for sure, my lap is her favourite destination!

There’s nothing quite like the feeling of a soft, purring Calico nestled in your arms, her gentle demeanor a soothing balm for the soul.

But beneath that little. sweet exterior lies a touch of feistiness that adds an extra layer of charm to her personality. Calicos are known for their spirited nature and independent streak, making them a joy to watch as they explore their surroundings with curiosity and determination. And I have been enjoying watching her make my home her domain!

Perhaps it’s her vibrant coat that reflects her lively spirit—a kaleidoscope of colors that mirrors the kaleidoscope of emotions that she has brought into our lives.

With shades of orange, black, and white intertwining in a mesmerizing tapestry, Calicos are a visual delight, a living work of art that never fails to captivate our hearts and imaginations.

But it’s not just her outer beauty that makes this Calico so special—it’s her inner beauty, her gentle soul, and her unwavering loyalty that endears her to us in ways words cannot express.

Whether she’s curling up beside me on the couch, batting at a dangling toy with playful abandon, or simply gazing up at me with those soulful eyes, Calicos have a way of making us feel loved, cherished, and utterly adored.

Owning a Calico cat is a privilege, a blessing, and a constant reminder of the simple joys that enrich our lives each and every day.

They teach us patience, kindness, and the importance of living in the moment, embracing each new experience with an open heart and a curious mind.

So here’s to Calico cats—our sweet, snuggly, and delightfully feisty companions who bring so much love and laughter into our lives.

May we cherish them, adore them, and treasure each precious moment we share together, knowing that the bond we share with our Calicos is a gift beyond measure—one that will continue to enrich our lives for years to come.

 

Share this article

Life

Elevating Your Vibration: The Power of Surrounding Yourself with Positivity

By Posted on 0 3 m read
image with the words "positive vibes" and smiley faces

In the intricate dance of life, our energy intertwines with the energies of those around us, shaping our experiences, influencing our emotions, and sculpting our reality.

It’s a delicate balance, a harmonious symphony of vibrations that can either uplift our spirits or weigh us down like anchors in a stormy sea.

For many of us, the importance of surrounding ourselves with high vibrational people cannot be overstated. These individuals radiate positivity, exude light, and inspire us to reach higher, dream bigger, and live more authentically.

They are the kindred spirits who lift us up when we falter, who celebrate our successes as if they were their own, and who infuse our lives with joy, laughter, and boundless love.

Yet, amidst the beauty of connection and the warmth of friendship, there exists a darker reality—one that often goes unnoticed, yet leaves a profound impact on our physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being.

It is the reality of negative energy, of toxic relationships, and of souls adrift in a sea of despair.

For those who find themselves lost and mired within their own negativity, my heart goes out to you. I understand the depths of despair, the suffocating weight of pessimism, and the relentless cycle of self-doubt and fear.

You are stuck there, tangled in the web of negativity, struggling to find your way back to the light.

But here’s the truth: we owe it to ourselves to prioritize our physical and emotional well-being above all else.

We owe it to ourselves to surround ourselves with people who nourish our souls, uplift our spirits, and ignite our passion for life.

And sometimes, that means letting go of those who drag us down with their negative energy.

I know it’s not easy. I know the guilt, the doubt, and the heartache that comes with setting boundaries and walking away from toxic relationships.

But here’s the thing: when we have strong boundaries, negative people will push and try to break through those boundaries. They do not like it when they cannot, and it infuriates them.

But stay strong, lovely people, for you’ve got this, and I’m here for you. Surround yourself with those who see your worth, who celebrate your light, and who honor the beauty of your soul.

Surround yourself with high vibrational people who challenge you to grow, who inspire you to shine, and who remind you of the limitless potential that resides within you.

And for those who are struggling, who feel trapped in the shadows of their own despair, know that you are not alone.

Know that there is hope, there is light, and there is a way out of the darkness. Reach out, seek support, and surround yourself with love, for you deserve nothing less than the radiant warmth of a soul set free.

In the end, it’s not about cutting ties or burning bridges; it’s about honoring your truth, honoring your worth, and honoring the sacred journey of self-discovery and self-love.

It’s about embracing the beauty of authenticity, the power of vulnerability, and the transformative magic of connection.

So let us rise together, hand in hand, heart in heart, as we journey towards a brighter tomorrow—a tomorrow filled with love, laughter, and the unshakeable certainty that no matter where life may lead us, we are always surrounded by the gentle embrace of those who believe in us, who uplift us, and who remind us of the extraordinary power of the human spirit.

Stay strong, stay true, and remember: the light within you shines brighter than any darkness that may try to dim its glow. You’ve got this, and I’m here for you, every step of the way.

imagecredit:FreyaSaad

Share this article