How do you feel when you say or just read this affirmation from the legendary and so inspirational Louise Hay, “ As I say yes to life, life says yes to me! ”?

Does it feel true for you? I know with all the stuff that goes on in life and everything going on around us, life doesn’t feel like it’s saying yes to us. I mean, did you read my last blog (link is here)?!!!! But then, are we always saying yes to life? 🤔

Wouldn’t it be nice to live in a place of complete surrender, a place where you profoundly trust that you’re being taken care of by a Universal power at every moment?

To live with certainty that the Universe is really out to support you. That it’s on your side and has your back.

I know that seems like a big stretch to believe 24hours a day / 7 days a week / 365 or even 366 days a year. But let’s lean into it just for the moment.

We often try so hard to control everything in our lives that we forget the power of putting our faith in the Universe, and in letting go.

But once you get into the habit of doing all that you can from your human experience and trusting when you get that intuitive message “it’s time to let go and surrender to a Higher Power that is also a part of us” and you actually do it, you’ll begin experiencing a deep sense of peace and of well-being.

Our highest good can come from surrender.

I don’t mean the kind of surrender as in losing a battle surrender, but as in letting go of our own personal limitations and aligning totally with an intelligence and an energy that’s greater than ourselves and yet, that is also part of us.

If we can do this, we can be in a state of saying yes to the Universe.

When we say yes to the Universe, we enter into a state of trust that whatever our situation is, we can work with it. We express confidence in ourselves, and the Universe, and we also express a willingness to learn from whatever comes our way, rather than running and hiding when we don’t like what we see.

Basically, instead of saying no and resisting everything that’s happening, simply say “yes”.

When you say yes, it’s like being a trapeze artist – you’re able to let go of the trapeze you’re holding on to, and sail through the air towards the next one. Without letting go and trusting the next one is there, forward motion just isn’t impossible.

It’s surrender and trust that creates a feeling of flow in every moment.

Now, I know that sometimes things happen that are NOT the way we want them, and believe me, that happens to me too. It’s as if we have to let go a bit before the hands of the other trapeze artist are there to catch us, but I also know that there’s an intelligence in the Universe that’s bigger than us and yet part of us.

An intelligence that can see things in ways that we can’t.

An intelligence that just wants you to hear it when it’s telling you, “Don’t worry, I’ve got this one.”

I now invite you to try this exercise.

It’s an exercise of acting from saying yes to what the Universe brings you and being led by your soul surrendering throughout the day.

This is an exercise that has been adapted from A Course in Miracles, and here’s what you do:

At the beginning of your day, close your eyes for just a moment, and take a few deep breaths, and offer these three questions to the Universe:

What would spirit have me do today?

Where would spirit have me go today?

What would spirit have me say and to whom?

And then, as you move through your day, use the answers that come to you as your inspiration from spirit, and simply say yes to whatever those answers are, trusting life’s unfolding.

And if you get stuck, ask the questions again.

When you act on the intuitive answers that show up and follow them trusting that spirit is guiding you and has your back, you’ll find yourself living more and more in a state of flow.

I’m reminding myself that it’s safe for me to say “yes” to the Universe more and more in my life and well, it has been miraculous sometimes. I’m not saying I always manage it. After all, I am human!

If you haven’t come across Louise Hay before, why not have a look at this video?

Let me know when you have said yes to the Universe and just surrendered, and how the Universe had your back. Email me via my contact page, I would love to hear about the beautiful synchronicities that have happened when you used Louise Hay‘s affirmation; “ As I say yes to life, life says yes to me! ”.

It’s 1st February today and although it might not be the new year, it’s still a fresh start. It’s a clean slate, a chance to create real change — inside and out.

That is such an exciting opportunity! 

So, if you haven’t yet, give yourself permission to release 2022 — any false starts or so called “failures”. We’ve all had a load of teaching moments in the last year, haven’t we?

Forgive yourself for the half-finished projects… – I have!!!

… and start dreaming about what could be!

Set yourself some new light-filled intentions and start taking action towards a bigger, brighter future — use this boost of energy, enthusiasm, and motivation to your advantage.

One of the ways you can do just that is by working with me in one of 3 ways….

#1 Intentions Setting – making positive changes in 2023

During this 2 hour session, we will look at what we have learnt and are moving on from, from 2022 and setting our intentions (not resolutions) for 2023.

It is NEVER too late to draw a line in the sand and start again. 2022 was another interesting(!) year and the best way to welcome in a new year is to be thankful and accept where we are. We can then bring ourselves into the energetic flow for an abundant 2023.

#2 Letting Go Of The Weight Online Course

On this very special course, you will become more and more aware of what you need to let go of to LET GO of the weight. 

Are you sick of the emotional eating and sabotaging all your efforts? 

Maybe you lack self-confidence and have no energy? Or do you feel totally alone with your battle with your weight? You are NOT alone.

#3 Love Yourself Private 1 to 1 Online Coaching Package

Using different awareness exercises, I will help you to start to identify where certain patterns in life have come from. The sessions will help you to explore your thoughts and feelings, and to express them in a totally safe environment.

Each of these powerful 6 sessions takes approximately 90 minutes to 2 hours as I want you to feel that you can take your time to allow everything to surface and share anything you want. 

These sessions will assist you to continue your life with more positive and exciting expectations for the future and with a deeper sense of self worth and self love. In the words of my clients, this package is “life-changing”.

Whether you work with me or not, step into this year with acceptance of what’s been so you can let it go and then into a place of allowing of what you truly deserve. ♥️

Did you make any New Year’s intentions?

For your job, business, relationships or maybe for your health and fitness?

Don’t worry if you haven’t sorted out everything yet – it’s never too late to make those positive changes 😊♥️

Maybe you have set some goals or intentions for the coming year but you’d like to revisit them so you can ignite some magic behind them! 

By working with me you will:

💎 Create space just for you and connect with your vision and inner wisdom. 

💎 Let go of being reactive and in survival mode and open up to receive abundance in your life

💎 Tune in with your higher self, co-create your ideal life.

Afterwards you will:

💎 Have a crystal clear vision for the coming year

💎 Feel energised and refreshed so you can let go of being in survival mode and step more fully into your power.

This work is so transformative BUT the truth is, it’s transformative for me every time I share any aspect of Louise Hay’s teachings. How blessed am I?!

I’m so honoured to hold space for the women I work with and to witness the growth that they experience.

I want to lovingly hold the door open and invite you to experience life changing work.

Are you saying YES to having the year you really truly want?

Because it’s here for you.

If you feel in your soul that this is the next right step on your path of transformation, then just reach out.

No one will prioritise your personal growth…except for you. If not now…then when?

This work may be calling your name, but it’s a big decision! I get that.

So, why not meet me on a private Zoom call and I’ll answer any questions you have about how you can work with me.

No matter what’s on your mind, I would love to meet with you face to face and help you decide if this is your next right step.

There will be no pressure, no pitching, just connecting with you to figure out what’s right for YOU.

If you want to make those positive changes in 2023, this link will give you access to my diary. And to find out more about me, the person behind this blog, then follow this link.

I’m a big believer in listening to my intuition or my inner wisdom so what a wonderful affirmation to close with, from the inspirational Louise Hay:

“I trust my intuition. I am willing to listen to that still, small voice within.”

#settingintentions#thisisyouryear#louisehay#personaldevelopment

The Importance of Being Held

The average length of a hug between two people is 3 seconds. But I’m sure you’ve read or heard that researchers have discovered that when a hug lasts 20 seconds, there is a therapeutic effect on the body and mind. The reason is that a heartfelt embrace produces the hormone “oxytocin”, aka the love hormone. This has lots of benefits with our physical and mental health. It helps us to relax, to feel safe and calm our fears and anxiety. 

So every time you hold a person in your arms, cuddle your child, give your dog or cat (if he/she will let you!) a hug, dance with your partner, or just put your arm around the shoulders of a friend, you are doing both of you a whole lot of good.

Here are some more reasons, according to scientific research, why we should hug more:

1. Hugging stimulates oxytocin (as I already mentioned)

Oxytocin is a neurotransmitter that acts on the brain’s emotional centre, promoting feelings of contentment, reducing anxiety and stress. It is the hormone responsible for us being here today! Oxytocin is released during childbirth, making our mothers forget about all of the terrible pain and trauma they endured bringing us into the world and making them want to still love and spend time with us (that does explain a lot after I gave birth). When we hug someone, oxytocin is released into our bodies by our pituitary gland, lowering both our heart rates and our cortisol levels. Cortisol is the hormone responsible for stress, high blood pressure, and heart disease so, of course, it is always good to lower cortisol.

2. Hugging Could Help Avoid Disease

Affection in the form of a cuddle has a direct affect on reducing stress which prevents many diseases. The Touch Research Institute at the University of Miami School of Medicine carried out more than 100 studies into touch and found evidence of significant effects, including faster growth in premature babies, reduced pain, decreased autoimmune disease symptoms, lowered glucose levels in children with diabetes, and improved immune systems in people with cancer.

3. A Cuddle Promotes Patience

Connections are fostered when people take the time to appreciate and acknowledge one another. A hug is one of the easiest ways to show appreciation for another person. We’re constantly rushing around or so it seems sometimes. By slowing down and taking a moment to offer sincere hugs throughout the day, we’re benefiting ourselves, others, and cultivating better patience within ourselves.

4. Activates the Thymus Gland

Hugs strengthen the immune system. The gentle pressure on the sternum and the emotional charge this creates activates the Solar Plexus Chakra. This stimulates the thymus gland, which regulates and balances the body’s production of white blood cells, which keep you healthy. I also practise a Thymus Gland activation process, I learned from the amazing energy healer, Deborah King – check out this link

5. Promotes Self-Esteem and Self-Love

Having a cuddle boosts self-esteem, especially in children according to research. The tactile sense is all-important in babies, of course. A baby recognises its parents by touch at first. From the moment we’re born, our family’s touch shows us that we’re loved and special. The associations of self-worth and tactile sensations from our early years are still imbedded in our nervous system as adults. The cuddles we received from our parents or other care givers while growing up remain imprinted at a cellular level, and hugs remind us at a somatic level of that. Cuddles, therefore, connect us to our ability to love ourselves. Pretty profound eh?!

6. Non Verbal Communication

About 70% of communication is nonverbal. How we interpret someone’s body language can be based on just one gesture and hugging is an excellent method of expressing yourself nonverbally to another human being or animal. What a wonderful way to share the love and care you have for them by your embrace.

7. Cuddles Help Parasympathetic Balance

Hugs balance out the nervous system. The skin can sense the touch from a cuddle which connects with the brain through the vagus nerve. The effect in moisture and electricity in the skin suggests a more balanced state in the nervous system – parasympathetic.

8. Stimulates Serotonin

Reaching out and hugging releases endorphins and serotonin into the blood vessels and this causes pleasure, takes away pain and sadness. It can decrease the chances of getting heart problems as well as help to maintain a healthy weight. Even the cuddling of pets has a soothing effect that reduces stress levels.

9. Hugs Stimulate Dopamine Flow

Everything we do involves protecting and triggering dopamine flow, the pleasure and reward hormone. Apparently, low dopamine levels play a role in the disease Parkinson’s as well as depression. Dopamine is responsible for giving us that feel-good feeling, and it’s also responsible for motivation! Hugs stimulate the brain to release dopamine. Dopamine sensors are the areas that many stimulating drugs such as cocaine and alcohol target. So we can get the same release by cuddling our dog or even ourselves if nobody else is around.

So get hugging and cuddling from your heart with someone you care for, an animal you love and above all, yourself. Yes, stretch those arms around yourself and give yourself a big, heartfelt hug.

And if that wasn’t enough, to receive my latest love letter with the health benefits of smiling, get in contact here.

I would also love to hear from you with your thoughts on this blog. It’s always good to hear if you find it interesting and possibly inspiring.