13. When you reach the END of your ROPE tie a KNOT in it and HANG ON – American Proverb.

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The first thing that came to my mind when I read the proverb for today was a saying from the movie Marigold Hotel – “Everything will be alright in the end and if it’s not it’s not the end”. Human spirit and resilience is profound. Finding it is the freedom to recognise the drama and stories that we play out in our lives.  For the last few weeks I have been putting some serious efforts into writing “my story”. A story that has allowed me to find the freedom to be me, ALL of me and not just parts that I thought were OK for the rest of the world to see. The authenticity in allowing ourselves to feel and stand in our truth is one of justice and responsibility. We all have a story, mine isn’t special or rocket science but it is unique to me.

What I found most poignant in the proverb is that the end is only death. Every day and every minute is an opportunity to grow and truly live the life that we were meant to live. I am no acclaimed guru nor do I want to be I am just like you. You see our world is simply a reflection, so when shit is going down it is time to take a deeper look inside and check in to see if the life you are living is where you are meant to be.  It sounds so fricken simple yet we get caught up in the daily grind of shit and expect it to be different. I certainly haven’t got it all worked out and I quite possibly won’t till the day I leave this earth. But what I do know is that each time I learn I shed some more and become more of who I need to be. I can choose to be in my story or I can dig deep, find the lessons and move to the next step of alignment in my life.

I am so grateful for the lessons of resilience for they have given me the strength to understand who I am. Without them I would quite possibly be living a life without integrity and authenticity. Trust me I have known that life and to live in a world where you are trapped by your own limiting beliefs, tortured self-esteem and lack of love is one that is crippling. Every now and then a lesson will pop up, perhaps the planets have aligned or there is a new moon, to be perfectly honest it doesn’t even matter. Rather what I do know is the life that I live is one that I am able to find strength, hope, resilience and love for all that I do. When I am not it is time to check and go deeper to uncover the gifts that deserve to be received. So if there is a point where you have reached the end of the rope, hang on a little tighter, tie the knot and if you can’t tie it for yourself reach out and ask someone to do it for you. It will be the greatest gift for both of you. Blessed be and so it is. So it is done. Namaste.

With a sprinkle of fairy dust and may magic follow your day

HUGE LOVE

Sonia

xx

12. You can’t stop the waves but you can learn to surf.

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This affirmation presented to me today feels pertinent to what is happening for me right now. The end of my contract at work is coming to an end in just a few short weeks. I am currently looking for a new and exciting opportunity but one hasn’t come my way just yet. I am trusting that it will. My friend called me earlier she had almost been in an accident where a truck could have potentially wiped her off. Clearly and ever so f*KN thankful it didn’t. She was a little shaken and of course as we do spoke about life and what it means. I mean do we ever really know? Does it even matter? What was most profound for me was a lesson I like to remind myself of. If today was my last day did I spend it doing what I love doing? Did I spend it with people that I love being with?

I have been sick with a cold for a few days so today I rested. I had loving conversations with a few friends and had a friend pop in to see me. Sure if today was my last day I spent it doing what I love doing. Can I say that for every other day? For most of the time I can honestly say yes but there are certainly times when I am trying to stop the waves and forgetting that I can learn to surf. Pardon the pun because I have an unrealistic fear of deep ocean water but hey I will get there.

Today I was reminded even more so to be in my heart, to follow where I am guided, rather than what is expected or the right thing to do. It’s amazing how many people have opinions in what they think you “should” be doing. As far as I am concerned as soon as you “should” you may as well shit on yourself.  I can’t help that my work contract can potentially come to an end in a few weeks. It is really none of my business if it does or doesn’t.  What I do know is how involved in the drama of it do I wish to be involved in?

My current work situation has served me and had taught me the most unexpected and transformative lessons.  Learning about boundaries and self-worth have been the most pertinent of challenges.  They haven’t been fun nor have been easy but you know what I wouldn’t have it any other way. I know that we are taught exactly what we need at the perfect time. I have had no option but learn to surf. Our reactions to situations measure deeply from the way we choose to respond to them.  Are you stopping the waves or learning to surf? I know in the midst of what we are experiencing at time it can be ever so easy to react, however learning to respond gives me so much more freedom. You can’t stop the waves but you can learn to surf. Blessed be and so it is. So it is done. Namaste.

With a sprinkle of fairy dust and may magic follow your day.

HUGE LOVE

Sonia

xoxox

 

 

11. Welcome to another glorious day.

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I can’t help but feel for all the homeless people on Melbourne streets tonight. Today truly feels like winter and as I whinged and moaned about the cold I stopped. First world problems, walking a few 100 metres to get to a warm car, warm house, warm office. Outside right now is freezing. There is sadness for those who are spending tonight and many other countless nights on the streets not only in Melbourne but in so many parts of the world.

It would be easy to write about welcoming another glorious day. I wake up in a warm bed, switch my heater on, have a hot shower, fill my belly with nutritious food and start my day. How does someone who sleeps on the streets welcome another glorious day? The amount of resilience, strength and courage that is demonstrated for those “sleeping rough” is absolutely heroic.  I have heard myself whinge when my ears slightly ache in the cold if I have forgotten to wear a beanie. I have been so blessed in my life with shelter, food and ALWAYS having somewhere to live. For so many others it is not the same.

It is not about feeling guilty or not deserving of what we do have, it is more about awareness of social justice, equality and freedom for all. We live in a country where homelessness should not exist. I don’t generally listen to the news but I have been intrigued by people’s comments, viewpoints about the recently reported “homelessness” issue.  There is a notion that people who are “homeless” should take what they can get. When sleeping on the street is a safer option that a “rooming house” that is offered by the government, surely as a collective we can feel compassion.

There has been a lot of coverage of late in regards to the issue and of course the perception of solutions seems appropriate. I work in mental health and the housing system is in crisis overload. The housing that is offered is at times depressing and dangerous. I don’t feel it is fair to blame any one person or political party but perhaps more of an awareness of what responsibility I can have in creating change. I am involved in some local projects. The Period Project supports women with sanitary items and dignity. There are so many projects that can be supported, so many ways to create change.

I don’t have a definitive answer for homelessness in Melbourne yet alone the rest of the world. What I do know is awareness and personal responsibility that we have to each other. Over 6,000 young people are forced to either ‘couch surf’ or ‘sleep rough’ every night in Victoria. These figures only include young people, not to mention the countless others. So how do you welcome each and every day?

With a sprinkle of fairy dust and may magic follow your day.

 

HUGE LOVE

Sonia

xx

10. A mind at peace, a mind focused on not harming other, is stronger than any physical force in the universe.

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Funny or not that this affirmation is presented to me today. It has been a bit of a theme in the last couple of days. A dear friend actually reminded me yesterday about this very subject. As much as it may make an interesting read about who did what I am not really concerned in the drama of it.  What has come to fruition for me in the last few months has been a mixed bag of lessons that to say the least I haven’t enjoyed. To be perfectly honest I can’t wait to F&*k them right off! What I do know and am very much at peace with is that I also have the power to recreate any story that I choose.

So in true Mercury Retrograde style the area has been revisited and reviewed. I can’t help but have wanted sing a “in your face” song followed by a big fat “I told you so!” I did neither.  I just thank god for precious friends that remind me exactly how it is. The fact of the matter is that I am passionate about justice, truth, responsibility and equality. So when these areas of my life are personally affected there is a shadow that has wanted to lash out. Those close to me would have heard various profanities coming whilst wearing my angry pants and  I am sure I was a delight to be around.

What I love most about the beautiful souls I choose to share my life with is that they hold a space, but also give me the news pretty quickly. So when I read the affirmation about today I had a giggle and was reminded about the snippets of advice that have been gently offered throughout the course of the last few days. What was really profound was listening to the beloved Dr Wayne Dyer. I listen to him in the car especially when I am in traffic and rather than be frustrated, I choose it to be a time to listen to some words of wisdom. There is always something that I am meant to hear and yesterday was no exception. He quoted “when you seek revenge, you may as well dig two graves”.  It jolted me right out of my head and into my heart of forgiveness and compassion.

Whilst there is still some searching for peace, I can at least acknowledge that this is certainly the path that I strongly desire. It doesn’t make the actions of another justified or accepted it simply is acknowledging that you are not allowing them to take any more of your energy. Forgiveness for self is equally as important and is first and foremost. What I recognise are the lessons of boundaries that have been presented. So whilst this has been an area of my life that has required some much needed attention, the universe certainly delivered. So with grace and ease I give thanks. A mind at peace, a mind focused on not harming others, is stronger than any physical force in the universe. Blessed be and so it is, so it is done. Namaste

With a sprinkle of fairy dust and may magic follow your day.

 

HUGE LOVE

Sonia

xxxoxo

9. What is a weed? A plant whose virtues have not yet been discovered – Ralph Waldo Emerson

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A dandelion would have to be one of the prettiest weeds I know. I particularly love the analogy of the weed because just like the dandelion there are so many discoveries. We often look at weeds as something that we have to dig and get rid of. In life it is the same, without the weeds there are no discoveries. I particularly love the dandelion because for me it reminds me of fairies and all things magical, a chance to make a wish and start afresh.

For the last few months there have been quite a few weeds that I have been digging at and they have felt like crap. They have been murky, heavy and emotionally draining. I was yet to discover the virtues of the lessons presented. I don’t want to get into the story as that would simply be adding drama. We all might like a bit of drama at times but does that really ever get us anywhere? We may have self-satisfaction for a short time but it does nothing for our growth and soul. Sometimes it takes a while to process. I’ve been sitting in this story for a few months now and it’s far from being fun or conducive to anything. My creativity has been blocked in the process, life has not been in flow and there have been times of anxiousness and a rise in feeling overwhelmed.

The gifts of these “weeds” are the absolute beauty of finding the lessons that have allowed me to feel into what is actually going on. Sure it is easy to sit and feel sorry for myself and for a day or two that feels pretty cool. Combined with trashy TV and chocolate, it is a successful recipe for a downward spiral. Our light can become dim and we begin to wonder where the flicker has gone. The flicker never disappears it is always there, we may just have to dig a little deeper to switch it back on and discover a new awesome way to shine once again.

Having worked in Mental Health now for the last 6 months I tend to see so much of how easy it is to “not deal” with our stuff. It is easy to be consumed by the “story” and there are so many layers of self-discovery. What I do know is that I am no better than any other. We are all simply a mirror of what we are to learn. Possibly one of the hardest lessons to digest but one with so many treasures if we are willing to have the courage to feel vulnerable and exposed. There is a beautiful chant meditation that I did whilst in Cambodia that presented as “Humee Hum, Tumee Tum, Wahe Guru; I am Thine, in Mine, Myelf, Wahe Guru” – translating that we are own guru. [i]We are our own teacher and our infinite self knows all the answers.  Blessed be and so it is. So it is done. Namaste.

With a sprinkle of fairy dust and may magic follow your day.

HUGE LOVE

Sonia

xoxox

 

 

[i] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BWdXplY87LA

8. When you judge others, you do not define them, you define yourself.

11891009_741451075966461_8994629356509500673_n   Last night my family and I celebrated our cousin Cathy who took her own life over 12 months ago. It was a bitter sweet evening that saw over 100 people attend a fundraising event to support suicide awareness. Suicide prevention and awareness is something that I am very passionate about. It is not only because of my cousin, nonno and the countless others that have taken their lives, but also because I know all too well about my own struggle with suicidal ideation in the past. I was afraid of judgement and there was so much shame and stigma attached. The harsh reality is that judgement has existed in one way or another. For me I am proud of this part of my journey it has truly allowed me to know and understand life to a level that I never knew. I have heard so many comments about suicide and as the affirmation presents it is not about judgment on any part. Nobody will ever know what it feels to live in another person’s mind or body and therefore we do not have the right to judge. Yes the effects are devastating but for me personally what I find more excruciating is that another human has had to suffer so much that they feel that this is the only way to end their pain. I can understand this feeling as I know how very close I came to it. The thought of dying felt so much more peaceful than living.  So although it may be easy to “judge” another because they have left their family and friends with so much heartbreak and sadness, it is also important to remember that by judgement we are only defining who we are. To an extent there is free will in suicide but there is also a mind that is distorted beyond a realm of comprehension. I could write about this topic endlessly, there is so much to say and so much to do. The statistics are ridiculously high and in a world where we live with so much technological connection our connectedness to humanity and each other seems to be diminishing. There is so much judgement that is associated around the topic of suicide and this is something that needs to change. The stigma needs to be removed and the topic of how we feel should be open for discussion. Why is it that we find it so easy to celebrate and discuss our perceived successes yet there is difficulty to find strength in our vulnerability? We certainly can’t change about what could have been and this is possibly one of the toughest lessons to endure. Judgement for self creeps in but has no avail. Our past can only teach us the beauty of lessons that take us into the present moment of life and all that it has to offer.  As much as the lessons are painful and filled with so many unanswered questions what we do know is that we can create the path and peace if we choose. We can connect to create change. When you judge others, you do not define them, you define yourself. Namaste. With a sprinkle of fairy dust and may magic follow your day, HUGE LOVE Sonia xoxoxoxo

7.Once you have learned how to enter your own kingdom, you have a special retreat within that is always available to you.

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Awareness and personal responsibility are high on my agenda. They have allowed me to grow in ways I did not even know were humanly possible. The freedom that you are able to experience through awareness and having a conscious understanding that you create your own story is by far the most self-fulfilling prophecy that I will ever learn. Men and relationships would have to be the greatest gifts in which I have been able to grow and surrender.  Let’s make no mistake it has been a f**&^N tough one to learn and one that I still learn and emerge from. Just when I think I have got it, BAM the universe shows me something else to learn. What is actually evolving is self-growth and honouring me enough to know my boundaries of unconditional love for myself.

The most precious relationship that you can have is the one you have with self. If you don’t love and support yourself then you truly cannot expect another person to do the same for. Lessons come in many ways shapes or forms and sometimes it is men that will teach you. (well for me it has been) I would love to go into a man hating rave right now but pffft who wants to waste any more energy that is required on what is no longer. I haven’t met “the one” yet.  I would not even know what it feels like to be truly adored and supported because I simply haven’t been able to do that for myself. From the first boy I ever dated at the age of 16 who had another girlfriend the whole time, to the disrespectful behaviour I have been witness to from men in my life is simply because I have allowed it to happen. The relationship that existed within my self was one that did not have boundaries, did not know how to support and did not love without conditions.

At the time it is not necessarily something that I am entirely conscious or aware of but when I delve into what it is for me the message and lesson transpires and it is really cool. What is different for me now is that I do have love for self, I have enough compassion and understanding that as much as it is easy to blame, I appreciate that it is a total waste of precious time. What I would rather be putting my energy into is learning, being of service to humanity and loving from a space that is pure and unconditional.

So when life throws you a curveball and one that came out of nowhere you have a choice to either feel it and learn from it or turn the other way. I don’t know about you but at the age of 41 I am over shoving stuff down, it makes you sick, literally! Cliché or not we are not here for a long time but far out I want to make it a fun and happy ride. I want to feel all of it and know that no matter what comes up for me I can create whatever I choose it to be. Once you have learned how to enter your kingdom, you have a special retreat that is always available to you. Blessed be and so it is. Namaste.

 

With a sprinkle of fairy dust and may magic follow your day.

 

HUGE LOVE

Sonia

xoxoxo

6. The essence of greatness is the ability to choose personal fulfilment in circumstances where others choose madness.

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I caught the train into the city this morning for a work meeting. I had a book in my back pack and was looking forward to a change of scenery. As I got comfortable I realised that the guy sitting next to me was talking on his telephone. At this point it was the occasional yes\no and before long I knew that he played soccer, what he had done on the weekend and his mum had also been to Tasmania. I was only half way through my trip when another guy stood next to me. His phone rang and before long I knew he had the flu, was in bed all weekend and would love to catch up with whoever he was talking to on the phone. My head was screaming “Faaaaaaaaark! Really do you have to talk on the train and so loud?” I was tired grumpy. Instead of being in the moment of personal fulfilment I choose madness and I easily could have told either of them to just shut up!

I am generally pretty in touch with where I am at and personal fulfilment is pretty much the most logical and peaceful choice. Yet time and time again we tend to get involved in the story and drama of situations. This is something that I especially notice when there has been an injustice served. Yes it is appalling, yes it isn’t fair but what intrigues me about humans is the amount of energy that is consumed in creating more harm. I often scroll right down at people’s comments about the way that they see the world. Only if there was a deeper understanding that the world we see is simply a reflection.  The amount of effort that it takes to write a status\word, whatever it may be about how crappy the world is just adding to the rest of the disservice that is already there.  Once upon a time I would challenge these notions now I have a much more solid understanding that it is not my job to do so. If another chooses to learn then the teacher will appear.

It is far easier to choose madness and jump on the drama train rather than to actually do something about it.  It doesn’t mean that the act that had been served is one that is justified but adding to the madness does not heal nor does it create a better universe for us to live in. It only exacerbates and more shitty energy is transmitted. It doesn’t mean we have to be happy clappy and walk around with a daisy chain. Be mindful of your thoughts, take note of your actions and notice if they are coming from  a place of love?

I am not here to preach to let you know that this is what I do ALL the time, instead far from it. What I do know is that there is an awareness of where I am at and I make a decision to show up and be me every single day. Some days you will get a shinier version than others but it will always be authentic. I choose personal fulfilment. Blessed be and so it is. Namaste.

With a sprinkle of fairy dust and may magic follow your day

HUGE love

 

Sonia xoxox

5. Let the beauty of what you love be what you do

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At the moment I am sitting at Gold Coast airport waiting for a bus to pick me up to see my soul sister. I am sure there is no coincidence that the time I have chosen to write this blog is the same day I am visiting an amazing soul is who is very near and dear to me. A soul that shines my light when I can’t see the path and who sings my song when I have forgotten the words. A love that I know is recognised and felt beyond this lifetime.

One of my most passionate times of my life is visiting and working in Cambodia. I met Emma almost three years ago after a 7 year relationship ended. I was lost, confused, shattered and really didn’t know where I was heading or what I was doing. It was day by day. We began to email as I started to make queries about a Head Heart and Hand Holiday that she was facilitating. Making the decision to go was the one of the greatest leaps I made and far out I am eternally grateful. Over 2 years later and I have travelled to Cambodia 4 times. I now co-facilitate the holidays with her and am part of the Head Heart and Hand Holiday family. We bring over groups of individuals who have a desire to be of service, follow their passion and truly connect with their heart space and what they love to do. To write what Cambodia means to be in one word would be magic.

The beauty of doing what you love for me is to be of service, especially in Cambodia. Sure I can jump on a plane a few times a year and work on local projects, build wash stations, playgrounds etc. That is the easy part! It is being of service and doing what I love each and every other day which is what matters most.  Having travelled and worked in Cambodia for the last few years has been one of the most inspiring aspects of my life. There is always more to learn, more to give and so much more to receive.

We can sometimes get caught up in grandiose plans, goals and ambitions. We forget to be still, quieten our minds and listen to our hearts. We get caught up in our minds and ego and life starts to defy us and we wonder why. Things don’t go the way we anticipate, we get caught up in drama and stories. We become distracted from who we really are and what we love.

So use this as a reminder to you, to your heart, your soul, your higher self. Are you doing what you love? Are you being the difference that you want to see in the world each and every day? Are you living with a grateful heart? These prods and pokes are not judgements rather a time of reflection and nurturing. We all swing off course from time to time; it is part of the learning. A time to dig deep, identify our shadows and embrace the wilder beast. I know mine has emerged a little of late and that is cool just for now.

For now I will be in the moment enjoy my soy latte and appreciate the treasures of goodness that surround me now (thanks universe for the eye candy) Be in gratitude for the freedom that I am so fortunate to have me and thank source for the timely reminder from Rumi. Let the beauty of what you love be what you do. Blessed be and so it is. So it is done. Namaste.

With a sprinkle of fairy dust and may magic follow your day.

HUGE LOVE

Sonia

xxxo

4. SHOW LOVE

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The perfection affirmation for not only today Valentine’s Day but every day!  Today for me is a day of celebrating love regardless of what your relationships status is. It is also a reminder for me to be love and light in all circumstances of life. I am reading a phenomenal book at the moment called Light is the New Black by Rebecca Campbell. It is about shining your light and being the most authentic version of you and to shine your awesome light in the world.

As I have been reading the book there are lessons that I have already examined and stopped by to have a look. What the difference is this time is that I am not the same person I may have been when I first unravelled the lesson. Life is about learning and loving. To love all the parts of self even when you may feel that there is no reason to. To stand up and show up no matter what they may feel like, for this is truly love.

Today as I sit and write my blog for the day, I also wait for some of my single mates to pick me so we can celebrate love. We are excited to celebrate, to be alive and all that we are. To celebrate each other and to know the love that we have is to witness the most authentic versions of ourselves.  The relationship that we have with ourselves is the most important relationship that we will ever have. I learn more about this each and every day. The way I feel about myself is ultimately that way the universe will respond to me and this is such a valuable lesson to learn.

Whether or not today is about celebrating with a significant other, friends, whoever or whatever it is a timely reminder to show love and be love. It is not just about today but every day. To be love and to live in your light and to come home to your true authentic self for this is when we truly shine.

For me it is the perfect reminder about the relationship that I have with myself especially when the flow of life has its ebbs and flows. We are ALL deserving of unconditional love for ourselves and each other. To be present and light in all that I do and all that I am. To know and feel that – “Whatever the question, love is the answer” [i]  Blessed be and so it is. So it is done. Namaste.

With a sprinkle of fairy dust and may magic follow your day.

HUGE LOVE

Sonia

xoxoxo

 

 

[i] Quote – Dr Wayne Dyer