Category: Dream life

  • My Winter Reads (winter 2020-2021)

    My Winter Reads (winter 2020-2021)

    This post is all about my winter reads. I have been aiming to read more and do more activities that get me away from screens for a while. My current employment role is mainly spent on my laptop. After work I watch tv shows and films. I know that needs to change. Especially now that, because of lockdown life, when I communicate with friends and family it is also via various screens.

    Multiple lock downs, more time at home to sit with my thoughts. I thought now was a good time to start my reading goals properly. With all the additional downtime I decided to go on a bit of a self-development journey.

    Therefore, most of the books I have been reading are to do with improving myself, my inner dialogue and my future. Sadly though as I work full time, have had far too much time in front of Netflix and got distracted by all things Christmas for most of December it has been a rather short list this season.

    I have plenty of books on my bookshelf still to read. Not all self help but those are my priority at the moment. Once I have learned a bit more about how to run my own business and improve my mental health I will go back to reading the occasional fiction books as well.

    Winter reads

    The book I’ve read over the winter are:

    • The Miracle Morning by Hal Elrod
    • You are incredible just as you are by Emily Coxhead
    • Be your own best friend by Chessie King
    • You are a badass by Jen Sincero
    • Do it scared by Ruth Soukup

    Miracle morning

    My winter reads - The Miracle Morning

    Hal Elrod’s story of what he has been through and how he got through it all is remarkable. This book alone has sold over a million copies. There are multiple other versions of this guide book, a movie and other projects in his authors arsenal.

    The Miracle morning has so many versions on offer nowadays but I decided to go for the original. The Miracle Morning is a book about how to improve your morning routines to make the most out of your day. I tried this for just a couple of weeks and I felt so much more energized, more positive and more motivated. I was exercising daily, eating better and was even more productive at work. It was such a positive change.

    However, I’m not very good at early mornings or changing my routine. I got out of the routine and have felt lethargic since. Getting up in the mornings is something I really struggle with, but knowing how much better I felt having the additional hour in the morning to complete my SAVERS I know I need to restart it.

    This was one of my favourite winter reads, purely for the fact I felt so much better when putting the advice into action. A lot of the other books provided more of a theoretical or mental progression rather than physical things to do.

    It’s 194 pages and I would definitely recommend reading it. I’m thinking of looking into some of the other versions of the book, and the other books from Hal Elrod, so may end up writing on those in later seasons.

    You are Incredible just as you are

    I have been a fan of Emily Coxhead, her quotes and artwork for a while and her Instagram posts always put a smile on my face. It gives me a positive version of the news unlike the actual news. I have also subscribed to her newspaper The Happy News, I love finding out about all the amazing things human have been doing around the world over the months covered in each issue.

    Knowing how much I love the content in the newspapers and on Instagram I thought I would buy the book as well. It is only a short read, 174 pages, but it is such a lovely little book. Colourful pages, quotes, activities to fill in along the way and is so uplifting. I think it would make a great gift for someone if you have anyone who needs a little cheering up.

    Be your own best friend

    Be your own best friend

    Chessie King is another individual I follow via Instagram for her positivity. Chessie’s positivity is focused more of body image and self-acceptance. She has also recently been posting about her pregnancy which is so lovely to see.

    Her book covers so many elements within 240 pages. Emotions and feelings. Our bodies. Periods. Contraception. Sisterhood. Friendship. Family. Relationships. Social media. Online trolls. Bullying and lots in between.

    The book goes through these topics and talks about how to become best friends with yourself and how/why to accept your body. As someone who has always struggled with self acceptance and body image, this book has genuinely helped me feel more accepting of my own lumps and bumps, stretch marks and wobbles.

    You are a badass

    You are a badass

    After seeing this book on my recommended lists on multiple occasions over the last few years I thought as part of my self-development journey it should one of my winter reads.

    It didn’t disappoint. Motivational, gave me lots to think about and the way she writes really engages me. I have some of her other books in my Amazon basket and wish lists.

    At 253 pages long, it is the longest of my winter reads but I managed to binge read it in a single weekend. It doesn’t have activities to complete but it does have lots of thought provoking chapters.

    Do it scared

    Do it scared

    I have been gradually catching up on the 100+ podcasts on Ruth Soukup’s Do It Scared podcast on and off over the last couple of years (I go through stages of wanting to listen to podcasts or not). She has some great advice and inspiring guests which all help to motivate me into launching into self-employment. As the podcast has helped me I thought purchasing the book would be a good idea too.

    I have completed their online fear assessment and purchased a few of the business start-up kits when they have been on sale. Ruth’s resources have been quite helpful in my journey recently. Thanks Ruth.

    The Do It Scared book goes through what she calls the 7 fear archetypes, 7 principles of courage. Then it goes through ways of putting your courage into action, all in 235 pages. Reading how my fear archetypes get in my head, and ways of re-framing my mindset to counteract it, has been really helpful in getting my motivation and optimism back. It was actually the thing that got me to search for a domain name and officially start this blog after years of just thinking about it.

    Before the podcasts and these books I had just been thinking of maybe starting a new blog and to work my way into self-employment. Now I’m determined to make it happen. You reading this blog proves that I have begun that journey.

    In conclusions

    5 books over 3 months. With all the distractions I have let myself succumb to it could have been an even shorter list. Hopefully the Spring list will be a bit more impressive. I am still on a self development journey so the spring reads will feature several more ‘self help’ books.

    Have you read any of these? What book recommendations do you have for me to read next?

  • Aspirations for my future

    Aspirations for my future

    Future aspirations – putting them out into the universe

    Several of the books and podcasts I’ve been reading/listening to recently have mentioned ways to help you achieve your future aspirations. How to live the life you want. I am always willing to have a look how a dream life becomes a reality. Something that was mentioned in most, is the notion of speaking your dreams out into the universe. To be specific in what you want out of life and why. However, you don’t need to know the full story of how, the universe will help you along the way.

    As a believer in faith I have always liked this idea. The idea that everything is possible you just have to find the right way of attracting it. A lot of authors and coaches have mentioned that ‘your vibe attracts your tribe’. It also seems to be true to find your life’s calling as well.

    Visualising your dreams/future aspirations isn’t going to be enough though. Sadly reading your paragraph about your ideal life every day isn’t going to make it happen.

    Can you imagine if that’s all it took? Not quite sure if that would be a good thing or not…

    According to the books you have to believe your dream life is already yours. You have to live as if you have already achieved it. Take active steps to get closer to it but keep asking the universe for added assistance as well. The universe may have a better route planned out for you. However, you won’t know unless you give it a try.

    Take time to work out what it is you really want out of life and why. Write it down. Tell people. Hold yourself accountable to achieve these dreams. Watch as they come into fruition. I doubt it will be a fast transition, but patience is a virtue after all. All good things come to those who wait (as long as you’re working towards it at the same time). Find your middle ground between wishing on a star and living just to work (think Princess and the Frog).

    With all of this in mind I thought I should put my dreams out there. Hold myself accountable. Speak it into the universe and post it to the world wide web. Here goes…

    Future employment aspirations

    I am a self-employed events planner. Working from home most of the time but networking and attending meetings where it needs to be in person. I have a small team of amazing people around me and a network of incredible businesses and individuals whom I work with regularly. My hours are flexible. I can support my family and take time off when needed. Travelling around the world is a keen hobby of mine. Due to this flexibility I can keep on top of my physical and mental health, this means I am in the best shape to be able to help others.

    working from home

    We mostly cater for weddings but we also plan other celebrations and both private and public events too. Wedding season we are super busy. In the quieter months I use the down time to meet up with new businesses trying to make their way in the world to add to my network. This gives my clients more options and it allows me to expand my network across the UK.

    Starting off with the connections I already had in South Wales and the London area, that’s where my initial events were based. As my business grew we were able to start planning events across England and Wales and eventually spread to parts of Scotland and Northern Ireland as well.

    My website attracts a high number of visitors every month. Our calendar is booked at least a year in advance in most cases. I have created several online courses, e-books and other products which have proven popular. I am making enough money to pay for home improvements, more holidays and save for my children’s futures. Having my own business has enabled me to support my extended family as well, I have helped them achieve their dreams too.

    Future housing aspirations

    We live in the country, in a very cosy, yet modern country home. Log cabin-esque on the outside but lots of character on the inside with all the mod cons. We have a huge open hearth in the living room, a shaggy rug and sofas you can lounge on for hours. Due to my kind of employment there is a study/work room in the house. Because of my love of music and to fuel my need to continue singing there is a soundproofed music room as well.

    future house aspirations from Pinterest
    How many of you dream of living somewhere like this?

    Outside there are several ‘zones’ of land. We have an allotment where we grow most of our own fruit, vegetables and herbs. A tranquillity garden with a water feature in the middle. There is a lake that runs along the back of our house, we use the water for the gardens and animals and can filter it for our own consumption if we want to. We have noticed a few fish swimming through on a few occasions so we could also catch our dinner too. It’s fun to paddle your feet in and we have had many river days in the summers.

    Wildflowers, foxgloves and a willow tree grow in our wildlife garden (among other things). There are bug houses, drinking areas, bird feeders and all sorts to encourage wildlife.

    Future family aspirations

    I have two children and a loving partner who supports me in my self-employment and constant need to improve my business. We have a dog, two cats and a few chickens. I am tempted to start rearing goats and pigs too but will see what happens there. For many years I have loved the idea of being self sufficient, our home has helped me start that journey.

    black and white image of two children hugging

    The children have been very hands on and curious about our allotment and wildlife areas. Both have been active in helping me maintain them since they were very little.

    We are able to go on at least two holidays a year and have managed to visit somewhere on every continent. Learning about how other people live and experiencing the different cultures around the world has been incredible. Showing the children first-hand the infinite possibilities they have access to, and seeing how far their imagination and ambition can go, is another wonderful feeling.

    My why

    After reading what I visualise, you may not see the true reasons behind it. Ultimately? Health and motherhood.

    I want to have a healthy relationship with my work, mind, body and my loved ones. Having the ambition to go after what I need out of life and to move forward despite hardships and daily mental battles, I think, would be a great example for my children as well as others around me. This in turn motivates me to make it a reality.

    For me to have a healthy relationship with work I need to be able to work flexibly. To have the ability to spend as much time with my family as possible. Take time for my mental health when needed. Be able to go on regular holidays. Creating a healthier work-life balance. Knowing when my own energy needs topping up and when I can help others with theirs.

    Having my own business will make this difficult initially due to the huge investments of time, money and energy, I know this. Further down the line it may be difficult as everything will be my responsibility, but that is why I have started my journey now. It gives me time to set up a fledgling business and for it to grow at its own pace. Then I can start hiring my team.

    I plan to be working remotely so will be at home with my family and be there when they need me. Hopefully I can have a fully developed business and a small team underneath me before my children grow up too much.

    Motherhood

    I have always wanted to be a mum. This has been what I’ve believed to be my main purpose in life for many years. Becoming a mum doesn’t necessarily mean the traditional route of getting pregnant and physically bringing new life into the world. There are many different ways a person can become a parent. The universe can decide the best method for me and when the time is right, but I know that it will happen.

    I have not written down what kind of parent I will be. In my opinion it will depend on when and how I become a parent, who is supporting me and what each child is like. Also, I see so many videos comparing what people thought they would be like as parents. It is often vastly different from what ended up happening, so I’m going to let that element decide for itself too.

    future family aspirations - baby feet and two sets of adults hands making a heart

    Wanderlust

    map. notebook. camera. photos. sunglasses. holiday planning

    The last part of my why is travel. I have always longed to explore the world and experience new cultures. Travelling opens your mind, helps your attitude of gratitude and is a great source of knowledge. I’ve always wanted to see as much of the world as possible and to experience that alongside my partner and our children would be an amazing feeling.

    My aspirations for the future and the goals I have, I believe, will help my mental health, my self belief and confidence. Plus the more cultures, life styles, people and ideas I can observe and learn about (and from), the more influences I can choose from in the events I create for my clients.

    Do you have goals set for your future? What do you visualise? What are your reasons why?