LOOKING FOR INNER PEACE? TAKE THIS MANTRA

 There are 8.1 billion people on the planet.

That's a lot of personalities AND a lot of opinions!

Even in the most well-meaning relationships, some of these opinions can feel off-putting, judgmental, hurtful and disappointing. It can make you wonder if they know you at all.

If you've had experiences like this, I want to offer a perspective to help you remain detached, to let them roll off your back and keep you in your lane.

"I'll place the criticism and compliments on the shelf,

then turn back toward the mirror"

Like all new habits, this can seem challenging at first, but hear me out. 

1. Like gym for your muscles, showers for your hygiene and conversations to nurture your relationships, INTENTIONALLY choosing supportive thoughts is essential to grow your mindset and emotional capacity.

2. This quote, or belief, is designed to keep you in your truth, instead of being swayed by the opinions of others. Remember the 8.1 billion others I mentioned earlier?! The opinions of some of them😉

You're human, I'm human - let's agree it's nice to be complimented! That's not a bad thing, but it gets distracting when our choices become influenced by the thoughts of others, rather than our own desires. No-one is living your life, with your personality, your situation, your heart's desires or your challenges, so how can they truly know your WHY? This matters, because the WHY is everything when you're designing a life you love, guiding your children's behaviour, making financial decisions or any other of the zillion choices YOU get to make.

Sometimes we're faced with really tough decisions. 

- consequences for children

- staying or leaving a relationship

- making a big purchase

- taking a financial risk

And some decisions are just for fun! Those matter too 🥰

Sometimes you'll get it right and sometimes it'll be a lesson learned, but to know you made the call based on your values, your knowledge of the situation, and your intention for the future, that's the best way to feel at peace with your decision-making process. And that peace comes from within, not an external source.

So, when you next receive criticism or compliments, put them on a shelf and turn back toward the mirror. You are the person you need to trust in, be guided by, live with and stand behind for the rest of your life. Do it with purpose and passion, because your children are quietly watching. Heck, do it because this is YOUR ONE, PRECIOUS LIFE and you deserve to feel connection with yourself. It's a freeing.

Until next time, stay wonderful and enjoy.

Catherine