💓 Just in case you need to hear it today:

Hello 💞I know it has been a minute.

As I slowly integrate back into this world, the world of being of service and shining my light to empower others, I just wanted to remind you of this fundamental fact,

YOU ARE BRAVE!

Every action you take or don't, every breath you breathe consciously or don't and every day you choose to keep going are all acts of being brave. In this world that demands so much of us, it is easy to give up and also a totally valid survival response! But you are still here. Still standing, or crawling, or limping or running! And I value and embrace all of you- just as you are.

🌿 Pause

Place a hand on your chest and one on your belly button.

Gently close your eyes and breathe in through your nose for a count of 4. Breathe out through your nose for a count of 6.

Breathe in 2, 3, 4, Breathe out 2, 3, 4, 5, 6.

Breathe in 2, 3, 4, Breathe out 2, 3, 4, 5, 6.

One more time, In 2, 3, 4, Out 2, 3, 4, 5, 6.

🌸 The Story behind the picture:

This picture was made by my beautiful, creative, wild, inspiring, brave daughter 💞 It is not my place to tell her story, that is hers to share, but needless to say, life has demanded a lot of bravery from her in her short 10 years. The world wasn't built for her- but by jeez she will change it for the better 🙏

Last year, as I transversed a lot of challenge and difficulty in my own life, I headed off for the night for a concert. Needless to say, it was exactly what I needed but also wasn't easy. You know when you need a break, but you wonder if it is actually worth it! I headed off with lots of tears (not just from my kids) and spent the 2-hour drive to Melbourne navigating phone call after phone call of a severely distressed young lady (and an equally distressed dad). So many moments of despair, heart break, pain and also anger, frustration and annoyance. The type that leaves you with the mum guilt and shame that says- do better!

Anyway, eventually things settled, I went to the concert and had a wonderful night and returned home the next day, already exhausted by what I would come home to!

I walked in the door (knowing everyone would be hiding, as is the custom in our house) and on the bench sat this beautiful piece of my daughter's heart 💓 I cried, tears of relief, joy, pain and gratitude and when I found her, she hugged me like I have never been hugged before and of course I returned that intensity. She spoke;

"I love you mum.

I'm sorry about yesterday.

This picture is for us all because we are all brave."

And all I could do was nod yes and hold her tighter as my son and husband joined the family hug.

We now have this beautiful reminder in our lounge room for everyone to see. And I have a copy in my office that I see even now as I type this for you. And my daughter has one in her room.

A constant reminder that we are all brave.

I look forward to re-connecting and re-engaging over the coming weeks but for now know, You are Brave!

If you feel called feel free to comment and tell me;

• Where in the little moments, do you feel brave?

• What support do you need to feel braver?