Power To Be Happy: Journey of Healing, Together

Do you remember the first time that you made a friend? You made memories together, and this friend, they made you feel right, like your true authentic yourself – recognised, not forgotten. For me, it’s Andriy and Yurchik my best mates from school in Ukraine. As founders of our very own Secret Mischief Society, we did fun, stupid, dangerous things, the way kids do when they are too young to know better. And one day we found ourselves at the back door of a bread factory… These were harsh times, when you standing in a queue for two hours to get sugar was a win, and the temptation was clear. I will never forget the taste of the steaming hot bread we ripped in pieces and devoured right there, on the spot… Stealing that bread was wrong, and we knew it, but there was a strange excitement that we felt in that moment. These experiences that we share as friends, they bring us together, they shape us, they make us FEEL a certain way. It’s not always perfect so it’s all the more important to ensure they aren’t just a relic of the past, an old habit that isn’t serving you now, but it’s supporting you in your own growth today. And this week on Happy YOU we dive into friendship and how to make it for you and your way of life: If you are looking for a pick me up, check out my brand new book on thriving in times of uncertainty:  

Trust – it seemingly comes out of nowhere, but it’s easy to lose, and you know when it’s gone. It’s a feeling, and you can always know if it’s there, or not… We could ever survive without trust: There can be no real friendship, no allies, no true love… Most important, it’s the trust in yourself to get things right. It’s the one thing throwing me off before doing a podcast, or speaking in front of others… It’s these worries that spring up and prong you – are you ready? What if you mess up and look stupid? And just who on earth are you to be speaking, you’ve no right to be on stage! I remember this one talk I did at the library, one of my first, oh, I was nervous… I was a wreck! I was thirsty in one moment, and sweating the next, fidgety, don’t know what to do with myself… But sitting down on the bench, a thought struck me: I’m only sharing something that might be helpful in their life, so… This is not about me, it’s about them! And that, my friend, made it incredibly liberating. I put aside the worries and concerns about self, what could go wrong, and focus on the people, and being super present, and giving real value… Because that’s the only thing that matters, and that takes the pressure right off. I can be me, and have fun, and deliver as best I can. And I trust myself to do this – not in my achievements, or commanding voice, or being uber confident, but in my aspirations: To be present, passionate, sharing my best. It’s easy to put trust in what you give away, isn’t it? For more on trust, check out this week’s episode of The Happy YOU: If you are looking for a pick me up, check out my brand new book on thriving in times of uncertainty:  

What’s the first thing that disappears from our life in the face of uncertainty? It’s our ability to make plans. Because it’s hard to focus, to predict how things might turn out, and have confidence about moving your life forward… This is why it is absolutely vital to counter this directly – to make bold decisions, to make greater plans, to live up to our best hopes and dreams… Because when you have something to look forward to, life is going to feel different, starting today. Now that most definitely isn’t easy, but: What is vital is to start making plans, immediately. Without that, it’s very hard to move forward, keep focus and stay positive. And it does not have to be grand plans – you start where you are. Make plans for tomorrow. Make plans for the weekend – something realistic, manageable that will make you feel good. Make plans for the holidays, for next year, for the time you can envisage. Imagine yourself putting those plans into action – how do you see yourself in that moment, what could you be doing then? What it would feel like in the moment? Is there anyone there with you? How are you getting on? Be unrealistic – you don’t need a guarantee that everything will turn out perfectly… It never does!! But when you hope for the best, when you look forward to the future you want today, more things will turn out for you because you will come at it with a completely different level of energy and creative expression!! If you look towards the future and you’re not sure what the best steps are on your way towards, I can guide you through the four step process and figure it out. Check out this week’s episode of The Happy YOU for more: If you are looking for a pick me up, check out my brand new book on thriving in times of uncertainty:  

When Olya and I started dating, I wasn’t sure what she’d think of my panic attacks. This isn’t a part of anyone’s wish list – and so I kept it to myself only to realise it was hurting me. This is what makes living with anxiety so exhausting – you are hard at work keeping up appearances, all of the time. Trying to be normal when you feel so wound up you’re ready to explode… What a drain!! So one day I decided it’s pointless – you cannot win by hiding who you are, and if this is the woman I want to share my life with, then she’ll be ok with it. And – she was! For which I’m grateful But what I love most of all is the freedom it’s given me to be myself, to stop apologising for who I am, and stop wasting energy on make belief which isn’t helpful, not in the least… So what might be the secret that’s holding you back? Find out more on this week’s episode of The Happy YOU: If you are looking for a pick me up, check out my brand new book on thriving in times of uncertainty:  

This – by far the most uncomfortable moment I had at work, ever. And a powerful lesson, of sorts… This was a time when the Y2K bubble burst and the job market for software went dead. And I mean dead, absolutely was nothing – only gig I could salvage in 18 months was a base wage at this startup. There were five of us in this basement coding away when the big boss started calling us in, one by one. It was tough, you could see it – each person came out with their head down, refusing to speak. But what is going on?! Are they firing us? But then why does everyone look?? And I am the last one to go in: There’s hardly any light, the shutters drawn in, and the big boss leans in towards me: “Things haven’t been going to plan. Turns out, I can only keep three of you on,” he says. “Ok”, I offer meekly. He’s staring me down. “And you guys know each other better than I do, so you must decide.” I have ask, “Decide what?” He counters, “Who will stay and who will go. I have a sense you know what’s going on, so tell me – who needs to go?” What does this man want?! “I can’t tell you that!” He counters, “You can, and you will, if you want to keep your job.” “But I’m not the boss, it’s your place, you decide!” “I’ll be direct. If you don’t tell me right now, two names, you’re gone. Right now. This is the last chance.” I sat there, frozen. So many things went through my mind… Would it be easier to just tell him? I knew the guys who weren’t much good, and it wouldn’t be my decision in the end, anyway. But… Somehow, this is just so wrong… These were only words that came out. “I can’t. Do whatever you like.” I got up and walked away, exhausted, as if from a fight. I don’t remember what happened next, but I ended up staying in that job for another two years when the job market got better. Why am I sharing this story with you? It’s that boundaries are EVERYTHING. Sometimes we find them the hard way, but it’s a lot less hassle to put them in place yourself to stop things you don’t want from trampling you over. Putting boundaries in place is absolutely necessary to bring that sense of balance into your life. It’s simple, even if not always easy – but I believe there’s a way without compromising on what’s right for you and your way of life. If this can help you in your life today, then tune in to the latest episode of The Happy YOU: If you are looking for a pick me up, check out my brand new book on thriving in times of uncertainty:  

If you find yourself lost and not sure what to do, it’s a tough place to be… You jump from one thing to another to get answers, and it gets frustrating because it doesn’t add up and the answers won’t fit. And I can tell you why: For the entirety of our lives, we are told that the answer exists outside of you. That’s right – it’s like you are broken, and someone needs to come fix it… Wrong!!! I am here to tell you there’s not one thing that is wrong with you, and you don’t need to “get over it”, or wait for things to get resolved on their own, or expect someone else to do it for you. No – because you, my friend, have been through it before, you have found your own way through trouble, you have many times made yourself navigate through the uncharted waters to win!! All the answers are already within you, and you have a process to make sense of life, whether you know it or not. It may be hidden, obscured from view, and you may stumble through life in order to work things there, but… This process lives on inside you – it’s just a matter of uncovering what it is that works for you, and putting into play for your life, today. What’s more, when you have this process, and it’s dialled in to work for you to get clarity in key parts of your life, then not only do you have a repeatable process to make sense of life again, to work around problems, to feel more connected with people around you, to get creative solutions, to make a greater impact than ever before, but to also do it in the shortest amount of time possible. How do you go about drawing out your clarity process? I walk you through it in this week’s episode of The Happy YOU: If you are looking for a pick me up, check out my brand new book on thriving in times of uncertainty:  

Every day I wake up and drive to this reserve out in the bush. It’s peaceful, it’s nature, I love it there, but on the way, I see people go to the post office, walking their dogs, rushing to work, chat as they go to school… The rush of life: We’re all different, at diverging points of our lives, we come from different walks of life, and yet… The struggles that we share are often the same. You want to be heard, to be recognised, to find your own through life, to be understood, to get on top of worry and problems you run into each day… It’s not easy – if it was, we’d all live happily ever after. It takes courage, commitment to make sense of what is going on, to keep going, to find your path forward. But it is easier when you know that you’re not alone. It may not always feel this way, and so I want to remind you: Know this – in the darkest times, you are not alone! We are here, for you, with you, because just like you, we struggle, in some way, today or tomorrow, and without one trace of doubt… We’re in this together!! We will get through the tough times by being there for each other because that is the only way. Especially if you are going through change and need strength to hold on – I am sharing five key ideas to help you do that on this week’s episode of The Happy YOU: If you are looking for a pick me up, check out my brand new book on thriving in times of uncertainty:  

She broke up with me over the phone. It’s easier – she said it’s not working, and we can still be friends. It didn’t seem real, not after five years, and yet, it was inevitable. Sometimes you don’t want to see what’s right in front of you, hoping that it will go away… It never does, only comes back to bite you. I don’t what stung more: Her leaving me for another man, or me being too scared to end it when I knew she cheated? We all this one moment of betrayal, this one foul twist of fate, one moment that trust was ruined for good, the one heinous deed that leaves a scar… Or maybe, it still hurts, but the worst part is… You lose trust in people. Not only in that person and what they did it to you, but somehow, drags the rest of the world down with it… And so we let the opportunity pass as by, we let good friends go without ever taking the chance to properly them, we let new experiences sail by unexplored, we dismiss the best of new ideas like scrap… All because of the one anomaly, the freak, one outlier destroy one hundred acts of beauty, of kindness, of true grit and selflessness… Because good deeds and great people and and true things, they are everywhere and they outnumber the rest – by a long shot! So why do we give them so much focus, attention they don’t deserve?! We must turn it around – for the sake of fairness and our own sense of deserving, to be happy, enough and belong. On how we can start trusting again, in people and the actions we take, check out this week’s episode of The Happy YOU: If you are looking for a pick me up, check out my brand new book on thriving in times of uncertainty:  

Clarity begins and ends with you, today! I know I’m going to get slammed for this, but: In every challenge you face, when the raft of life tips you over the side and you’re gasping for air, trying to stay afloat… It’s no use to think of what’s fair and what isn’t, and it is of no help to make plans for the future, but to make sense of this moment, today. To figure out what makes sense for you and your way of life because more clarity helps you put aside rumination and fee tense. More clarity gives you the headspace you want to be more creative and spontaneous. When you find a greater clarity in the this moment and time, you’re going to be more present, more engaged because your mind is not cluttered with worry. With clarity, you make time for the things you love, with people that you care about the most. And you feel like you have more to give, don’t you? When you have that sense of having things under control, you have more room to make an impact and hep others. But finding clarity can be hard – especially when you’re going through a challenging time and you’re trying your best to keep up and keep going… So if we don’t seek clarity, we feel stuck and end up waiting for the situation to resolve or stumble upon insight by chance! Trouble is, it can take a looong time, and when you do, then it’s already too late? No, we must seek clarity NOW, to get answers, and do it fast because you already have all the answers inside of you, and it’s only a matter of drawing them out. To help you do that, I want to take you through five ways to get clarity in your life today on this week’s episode of The Happy YOU: If you are looking for a pick me up, check out my brand new book on thriving in times of uncertainty:  

You’re supposed to feel excited before the date, but the strongest feeling that I ever was the urge to run away. Every time it was the same, especially when when I turned up at that speed dating night. You walk in and see the lights, you look at people around you, and feel like a fraud. They’re here for reason, they’re normal, and who am I? What am I doing here – only to make a fool of myself, again… Who am I, expecting something, anything, to go my way… And what is it that I want, really? To give love, and be loved in return: I want it, and I want to give, so how that can ever be wrong? Don’t we all deserve to be happy, to be loved, cherished and celebrated for who we are on the inside? So what if there are always those parts of you that worry, and question, and doubt? That’s ok, they are there for a reason – to remind you that you’re worth it, that your choices need to be deliberate, and that the only way to go is… Forward! That is the only way. And in that moment, at speed dating, I made the choice to stay, and show up at my best. It didn’t work out then, but it was but one turn in the chain of events where each time I made a choice to keep going, and it brought me to love. Feeling enough – it is crucial, in your work, with your loved ones, and in your hopes and your dreams, but… It’s not always easy – so let me go there with you this week on The Happy YOU! Our focus in this week’s episode is Living Proof You’re ENOUGH: If you are looking for a pick me up, check out my brand new book on thriving in times of uncertainty:  

What often hits you the most isn’t the change itself, but the impact you notice when you go back to your daily life. Because when it Is in the act of unfolding, you’re just doing your best to get through it, to survive… For me, it was when I got my first all clear: With relief, I went back to work, my family, the daily life. I could not settle in, and deep on the inside, I knew that something was missing. On the surface, nothing has changed – I kept doing the same things I’ve always done… So why does it feel so wrong?! I could not figure it out – until I saw myself from the outside: Cancer turns your life inside out, it changes your body, how you think about the future, even the way you feel on the inside… This change is dramatic, and doing the same things you have always done is never going to fit! If your sense of self has gone through a transformation, then you want to change what you do, right? Because when you do align what you do each day, it will support you in going through life’s inevitable struggles, and giving you the confidence and the support you need to fulfil your most sacred hopes and aspirations. I get it, my friend – more change is the last thing you want because you have suffered and you pushed yourself far beyond… But I want to share with you three ideas to help you feel more connected, reinvigorated, more alive! These will serve to bring you in line with the person that you are today so you can lead a happier, more fulfilled life that you truly deserve! Tune in to this week’s episode of The Happy YOU for more on how to move forward in life even when you’re exhausted: If you are looking for a pick me up, check out my brand new book on thriving in times of uncertainty:  

Why are some people better at coping with struggles they face through life? It’s true, isn’t… Some people just seem to handle it better, to keep going even when it all seems so hopeless, but – how?! What makes them special? Is this some kind of luck or circumstance? I don’t know about you, but when I look back at my own struggles, from losing my first job to the bout of depression to the time my cancer came back… They all seem so different, and there is only one thing they have in common: ME! Despite all the troubles, and no good reasons to hold on to hope, I found a way through, and I am still here. So are you, my friend – you kept going and survived despite the craziness that goes on around you, with no special gifts or powers or even luck. In some way, it’s liberating that in the face of life’s struggles, we are all equal. And even if each situation you face is unlike the other, you are the only constant – and everything else keeps changing and shifting like sand… And if you can’t change the situation you find yourself in, there is only one thing to do: Change the way that you look at it. Find your way to make peace with it, not because it is easy or because you’re ok with it, but because you want to let go. And even if it seems if there is no hope in sight, those struggles that you have survived have proven you this: You are strong, you are resilient, you can figure things out, and keep going!! And hold onto hope that no matter how crazy it gets, things can, and do, change. For the better! For more on living with hope, check out this week’s show: If you are looking for a pick me up, check out my brand new book on thriving in times of uncertainty:  

It’s what I saw in their faces – smiles, joy – that simply blew me away. That day at the hospital it was crazy: The waiting, the rush, the needle and we are on the emergency caesarean… Seeing our son come into the world = MIRACLE. You forget everything – but I couldn’t help notice the people working their magic: The smiles, the joy, the absolute reassurance we got from the doctors who got us through was nothing short of AMAZING. True, you could you say it’s their job, but… It’s a beautiful thing to bring life into this world! And so the same is true of ideas. Like life, these do not materialise into the world alone. Even the best ideas need guidance, support and a community in order to come to life. And when you have the desire, that dream, to make things happen… You – you become the catalyst. To fuse together the parts into one whole. It need not be epic, but it must be a CHANGE: It’s a beautiful feeling to bring new things to life, To bring people together, give them hope, help them thrive, You will take the world better, but you can’t go alone, And when we are united, we grow skillful and we are strong! First, you must have desire and the will to make change, Then, you bring home the vision so it doesn’t seem strange, Now, you rally the people, and make them run the show, So that they feel empowered to explore and to grow, To be there for each other and to make change as one, To make plans, to be hopeful, share the love and have fun, As you carry the hope and you keep dreams alive, You are making things happen – give yourself a high five! The catalyst – for without you, there is no room for change True change does not come from a place where something is lacking… This change comes from a place of being ENOUGH. Because no matter what you been through, you are enough to be loved, to have impact and respect you so richly deserve! But it doesn’t come easy – so how do you find the courage to pull it off? This is the subject of this week’s episode on my personal growth podcast called The Happy YOU where I take you through my four step process to make change in a sustainable way to make greater impact and connect with those who share your values: If you are looking for a pick me up, check out my brand new book on thriving in times of uncertainty:  

There is no getting away from it – finding courage is never easy. But find it we must! So we begin with this poem I wrote for you: Now: a pivotal moment, time when you need to act, To bring out the courage, to be calm and exact, It’s the choice to move forward, or to leave with regret, It is your path to greatness, but you must not forget: It will never easy, but you still make a stand, Stand for what you believe in, what you will and command, So you live through your values, how you want things to be, It’s your dream for the future, when you’re going to be free… From doubt and stay true… To you! And when you don’t find the courage you need, you end up with regret. As I was telling you on this week’s episode of The Happy YOU, these three things will help you bring out courage from the inside and into your life at a time when you need it most: By the way, if you are new to my world, The Happy YOU is my podcast in personal growth – in 15 minutes a week, we make a step forward towards leading a happier, more fulfilled life if you have lived through the struggle. This week, we talk about COURAGE. Because you don’t wake up in the morning wanting to be courageous: No, it is the last resort – and we need to know that because it’s all too see to put this pressure on yourself to have it all figured out and ready for anything… This is not how real life is! Especially when you have seen your fair share of trouble… So I want to ask you this: Where in your life do you need to be courageous today? Please take a moment to consider this because it matters – we all those situations that we must face and live through with courage. If you know what this is for you, then I am here to remind you: YOU ARE ENOUGH. You are strong, you are resourceful, you have prevailed and you can figure things out! Take care, my friend, you’ve got this! Do not forget: no matter how hard it gets, hold on to hope that things can, and do, CHANGE. For the better! ​ If you are looking for a pick me up, check out my brand new book on thriving in times of uncertainty:  

Do you sometimes feel out of time, out of place? It always happens when I get an idea for a project, and then pitch it, but it doesn’t take off, and I end up cross and resentful. The worst part about it is you blame yourself, and doubting the things you said or done… My friend, it’s not you, and there is not one thing wrong with you, quite the opposite – everything is RIGHT WITH YOU! The problem is, your best intentions and the hopes you have stay hidden, so out of sight even you might miss them at times with all the craziness that is around in our world today… But when you let your true self loose out in the world to seek a better life, a good life where you are not walled in with your worries, but out there doing what feels right for you and helps others, this is when things start to change. When you direct your focus away from worry towards a purposeful life, you feel like you BELONG. I guess what I’m trying to say is: When you look back on your life, what will you feel inside: Will you sulk, be regretful, or fill your heart with pride? We are born to take chances, lead a purposeful life, When you give, you make meaning and keep our dreams alive, It’s the journey you take to make sense of it all, When you’re no longer one, but one part of a whole, To create what you’re proud of, to bring courage and hope, Support someone in struggle, show them love, help them cope, There is nothing to lose when you’re on the right track, Because when you go forward you don’t need to look back, To find you BELONG And from Simplify Cancer Podcast to my latest book “Finding Hope in Times of Uncertainty: A Guide to Thriving in the Challenging World of Today” to my coaching work, I find it ever so humbling to shine a light on the person who seeks a better future. This is inspiring to me, my friend, your commitment to living the life you deserve! But where do you begin and how do you keep it up in a way that makes sense to you, and your way of life? I believe it comes down to three simple things that you can make work for you in a sustainable way – and I walk you right through it in the latest episode of The Happy YOU podcast: ​ If you are looking for a pick me up, check out my brand new book on thriving in times of uncertainty:  

This birthday I woke up expecting a busy day on the phone, but as the day went on, nobody called. A few times I checked to see if the phone was even on… It’s kind of sad and made me feel like a loser, but it did make me wonder: What’s going on? How did I lose touch with so many people without even realising it?! Not pointing the finger here – we all have so much that is going on, but it just goes to show: If you don’t put in the effort, they’re gone. But really, is it any wonder? If you want your career to shoot up, or your business to grow, that requires consistent effort. And if getting good at tennis or golf takes practice and lots of it, then why not apply the same to key relationships with people in your life? I’ve been trying to show up with my friends ever since, make sure to call and catch up even when there’s a lot going on, and you know what? It’s paying off – we’re the closest we’ve ever been, and it feels good to know there’s always someone who’s got your back… Because you know how life is, things get out of control and you need someone in your corner looking out for you! I put it in rhyme for you: Every person you bond with is your ally for life, But to keep the spark going we must keep it alive, It’s a skill that you practice when you listen and care, Or you risk losing touch – so it’s vital to share, What is honest and true, show your passion, direct, When you give full attention, you bring trust and respect, To accept or embrace: the lines have been blurred, For if you cannot listen, you will never be heard, If you can, find one reason – why should you stay in touch? Since we all get so busy and the past won’t mean much, Above all, we want kindness to be seen as we are, To be loved, to be cherished, to shine bright, like a star, Because no one is perfect and we all want a chance, To keep hold of each other, in this beautiful dance Of life, because no one should go through life alone… So light your spark today! If you never seen me read, check out the quick post right here, but honestly…So how do you keep that spark going? I have a few simple ideas that you probably know, but the question is – are you doing it? If you are serious about the key people in your life, then please take this moment to listen on how to light up the spark in five simple ideas to stay close with people that you care about the most: If you are looking for a pick me up, check out my brand new book on thriving in times of uncertainty:  

Do you ever feel that what’s going on right now is just too much to deal with? And no matter how hard you try, things just don’t seem to change… And there is no end to it so that sometimes it feels as if nothing is up to you, so you might as well not even try. It’s tough, my friend. We wish life was easy, but it keeps throwing up curveballs when you least expect it… So what do you do? Wait for things to change? We know that won’t happen – rarely does so, if ever…No, we must ACT NOW, to take back control: not of the world because it’s messy and complicated, not of other people because we know they don’t change, but of what is within our reach: Thoughts, feelings, what you do every day, the ideas you take on, how you think of yourself… This is putting YOU first, to make you feel in charge again, to feel like you belong, writing your story the way it is meant to be! It’s a very creative and fulfilling process – and the subject of this week’s show on The Happy YOU! Come on closer, my friend, get in here, get yourself comfortable and tune in to make more room in your life for the things you want: P.S. There is a poem to go with it – and a video of yours truly reading it: Life is full of surprises and they all seem so strange, There is so much to do and it’s hard to make change, You may feel lost and helpless – it’s no good for the soul, This is when it is crucial to take back your control, Take what’s rightfully yours – feelings, thoughts, what you do every day, And you make them work for you to keep you well away From worry and direct them towards hope That things can and do change If you are looking for a pick me up, check out my brand new book on thriving in times of uncertainty:  

It’s a godawful feeling! But why do we feel this way when it’s just no good way to feel at all?!? We worst part is you end up blaming yourself for being not enough, but it’s got nothing to do with some deep lying faults, but a bunch of annoyances that build up over time. Those times when you had too much on your plate, and you ran out of time to do the one thing you absolutely had to get done, and then someone was rude and it got to you… It all adds up, but if we want to do something about it, we’ve got to single out the main culprits: Fatigue + frustration = you feel like a failure Aha, we got them, guilty as charged! Let’s round them up one by one: Exhausted- what could you do then? You could rest, of course – and should, but there is more: You feel rejuvenated when you experience something new, to shake up the senses and send them off in a direction. This need not be some epic adventure, but trying new food, or class, or a new park nearby… Give it a go, you’ve nothing to lose and everything to gain! Next up – frustration. And it’s a big one because it builds up over time and it’s hard to know where you can even begin… Here is something you could try – to cut through this dark, heavy mood… MAKE SOMEONE FEEL GOOD!!! Sounds weird, but it’s impossible to feel like a failure when you’re cheering on your best friend or thanking your team mate for being there for you… Works like a charm! Let me know if it doesn’t? Hope it’s been helpful, but if you do know more, check out this week’s episode of The Happy YOU for more on how to stop feeling like a failure… Because you deserve to be happy!! Video version of the episode: And there is a poem to go with it – check the one minute rendition I got for you here: https://vm.tiktok.com/ZSefhSX1F/ If you are looking for a pick me up, check out my brand new book on thriving in times of uncertainty:  

if you don’t feel you deserve more from life, then you have been listening to the wrong people! These naysayers they rarely come out and tell it to you in plain terms… No, it’s the little gestures and frowns that call your innermost hopes and dreams into question. They plant doubts in your mind – and it’s hard to spot so you start believing these were your own thoughts in the first place! Today, please talk to one person who’s got your back and tell them how much they mean to you! Their support and their trust in you as a person you are today and the person they will be proud to know tomorrow… Because you deserve it! If you feel you deserve more from life, check out this week’s episode of The Happy YOU on how to get more love, recognition and respect from people around you: And there is a poem to go with it – check the one minute rendition I got for you here: https://vm.tiktok.com/ZSeUQESro/ If you are looking for a pick me up, check out my brand new book on thriving in times of uncertainty:  

It can be hard to make sense of what is going around you: Especially now, in this crazy world of today when you can’t make your plans, and the everyday normal has been turned inside out. Every time you are forced to change (and this might be TODAY), we must figure things out again to find the best way forward. Adaptation: the ONLY way to not only survive, but thrive so that you experience the fullness and joy of life despite the struggles you might be facing right now. Easier said than done because when you find yourself in a complex, high stake situation, it’s not easy to make a decision you’re happy with… This is what clarity gives us – a true perspective that is free from doubt, confusion and overwhelm. I look on life and I see the mistakes I made. Not proud of those, but…. I also see the undeniable likeness in good decisions I made, and choices that I look back on with calm and gratitude!In hindsight, it is simple. Isn’t it always?! Truly, it comes to narrowing down the focus to what truly matters THE MOST: And you can it in two steps – and I take you through them in this week’s episode of the Happy YOU podcast. This will help you find clarity so you can make decisions you won’t regret: ​Two minute rendition of today’s “To Find Clarity” poem for you: https://vm.tiktok.com/ZSeAScyUk/ If you are looking for a pick me up, check out my brand new book on thriving in times of uncertainty:  

What’s worse than uncertainty? It’s the opposite – let me explain what I mean by that: When I found that my cancer came back, it was in my abdominal, in the lymph nodes. It became clear, with great certainty, that unless we do something about it, and soon, that I’m going to die. From that point on, I was in hospital, with a drip in my vein. And I have my medical team and a bit of luck to thank for it, and I am forever grateful… Because that CERTAINTY followed me like a shadow. It’s often better to live with possibilities (such as they might be) that you can plan for, rather than having you be forced by desperate circumstances and fate. So how do you plan to tackle uncertainty? That, my friend, is the subject of this week’s discussion on The Happy YOU: ​One minute rendition of today’s “Away from Uncertainty” poem for you: https://vm.tiktok.com/ZSeBUXHD6/ If you are looking for a pick me up, check out my brand new book on thriving in times of uncertainty:  

If you regret things you’ve done (or missed out on), then I must remind you: These supposed mistakes, they no longer EXIST. They have already expired, no longer true or fitting in the life that you’re living today. Because you could change things, but you can’t change the past. But here is what we can influence and guide: Our thoughts and our actions, starting TODAY. When you decide to let the past be the past, and live for this day, doing the best you can, then you will never look back because you know that you have given it all you can to be happy! After everything that you’ve been through, my friend, you deserve a regret free life! It’s what we talk about this week on The Happy YOU: ​One minute rendition of today’s “No Regret” poem for you: https://vm.tiktok.com/ZSeMfWNjC/ If you are looking for a pick me up, check out my brand new book on thriving in times of uncertainty:  

This may not be your best day, but I want you to know: You don’t have to be perfect! It’s ok to let go To acknowledge the moment you find yourself in, It’s a part of your journey that’s where you begin! If you’re going to help others, then accept in return That they’ll be there for you; so we listen and learn What is right and what isn’t, for you and for your way of life, So that you carry on, find your own way through strife To get close to what matters most: You – being happy! If you are looking for a pick me up, check out my brand new book on thriving in times of uncertainty:  

Right now you may feel as if you’re not enough, And of course that can make life especially tough, When you go through transition, things invariably change: What was true and familiar now seems distant and strange… How you’re feeling right now and how you WANT to feel Will determine what you do in making it real: It’s a matter of finding how to bring it to life You deserve to be happy – give yourself the high five! If you are looking for a pick me up, check out my brand new book on thriving in times of uncertainty:

At school I always felt out of place. Not on purpose, but like I kept missing some vital detail that would’ve made it all make sense… I wanted to fit in, but never did anything about it, so I drifted along, feeling awkward and out of place. It was a struggle – I blamed the school, my classmates, the situation, but truth is, I was looking in the wrong place for answers. This sense of belonging, of feeling like you fit in and that you are enough has virtually NOTHING to do with the world around you. Because belonging is a feeling that comes from inside, and you can generate yourself without relying on what’s going on around you. You don’t need to rely on others to do the right thing, but you can rely on yourself to do what’s right for YOU. It’s true – you belong when do things with purpose. Your purpose is a choice about what you want to make true in the world. It’s the decision to follow your path, to do what’s fun, exciting or meaningful for you, no one else. Are you going to be judged? Absolutely – people see what they want to see, so you might as well do what’s right for you if you’re going to be judged regardless. But how do you go about finding your sense of purpose? It’s like finding a show you like – it has to feel right in first and… Make you want to watch it non stop!! Just have to find what’s right for you – for more check out this week’s show:   If you are looking for a pick me up, check out my brand new book on thriving in times of uncertainty:

There are days when you go through the motions, and nothing feels RIGHT. You might go from one thing to another, but that spark isn’t there, and so you wonder – just what is it that makes me feel this way? It may be that our troubles and worries they build up, and those frustrations do boil over… And you don’t even know why, because it’s not any one thing, but this one great big lump of hurt. It’s easy to get caught up in that, and beat yourself up about all those things you could have done (maybe) and now it’s guilt that is dragging you down… It calls for a reset – a quick, but firm reset to get yourself to a place where you’re going to feel better. It’s three steps to break the guilt cycle – and I will guide right through it in this week’s episode of The Happy YOU:   If you are looking for a pick me up, check out my brand new book on thriving in times of uncertainty:

Growing up, I have only been told off once, and that was for something I haven’t done. This is what I remember: I was in the lounge room playing with all my toys – the monkey, the toy soldiers and the big bear. We were talking when my grandma said to me sternly: “There will be none of that language in our house, please.” She was very upset, and I didn’t know why. There must be bad words I shouldn’t use?! This was new – and I learned plenty of those in my time, but in that moment, I was scared, helpless and lost. I was petrified at disappointing my grandma and there was no way to fix it, to make things right. This fear of disappointing others or worse still, yourself – this can do some serious damage. Not only to our self-esteem, but also to the vision we have for ourselves and what is possible. But how do you go about helping yourself through it? Here are my thoughts on the topic to set aside the guilt and blame that can often come with disappointment:     If you are looking for a pick me up, check out my brand new book on thriving in times of uncertainty:

I always feel like I’m running out of time – do you? It’s crazy, but I look at the calendar and can’t believe it’s the end of the month already… And I was meant to finish this course I started working on ages ago, and getting this presentation to where I need it to be, but… Where did the time go? So it’s this constant game of playing catch up where you’re not where you want to be… When you hear the phrase “making time”, it makes you think of reshuffling things around, but what if we took it literally? When you’re MAKING TIME it’s like carving out a new piece of reality out of nothing. It can be whatever you want it to be, a very creative process that I am exploring this week. To make time for things you love, join me on The Happy YOU by clicking the link below:   If you are looking for a pick me up, check out my brand new book on thriving in times of uncertainty:

This may not be your best day, and that’s ok. I find it often builds up for a little while – a rude conversation, some silly email, or what you saw on the news… And then there is this one thing, one thing that tips you over!! NOW you’re upset, and it’s all so annoying, and you wasted all this time and the energy you put into it… Maybe it’s just me, but sometimes the worst thing you can do is to not stop, and keep going. Because it just gets you more worked up, and exhausted, and by the end of it, you just feel like giving up… If that’s you, and you’re having a hard time switching off, let me guide you through my little meditation. Hope it helps you to clear the head and put some of those stresses aside:       If you are looking for a pick me up, check out my brand new book on thriving in times of uncertainty:

Do you know that feeling when you’re trying something new, and you ask yourself – am I ready? Like, REALLY ready?!? You’re not quite sure of yourself because you have not done it in ages (or ever), so there’s always some room for doubt… It is then that you KNOW you’re ready!! Because wanting something, having a dream, an ambition to live a more meaningful and fulfilled life – that is the ultimate qualifier. Like being single – I so wanted to give love, and be loved in return… I just wanted the one, that one person who really gets me, and loves me for who I am. But I had to go and get it! This was the part that scared me – being rejected for who I am, and who I want to be moving forward. But without dating, and all the joys and tribulations that go with it, you don’t get to find out what’s right for you and how to go about getting it. And starting somewhere is key. Because… IF YOU WANT IT, YOU ARE READY! This challenge that you set out for yourself may not always be easy, but it’s well worth it: It takes your mind away from worry and things you can’t control, in a place where you move forward in life with purpose. But how do you choose something that’s right for YOU? And where do you begin? This is the topic of this week’s show! It’s what we go dive into on The Happy YOU:     If you are looking for a pick me up, check out my brand new book on thriving in times of uncertainty:

From friends, family, and in your work? It sucks when you’re not appreciated: You put all this enormous effort, and it’s all for nothing… Only to feel invisible, worthless, and small… And you don’t need much – a smile, a simple thank you, a hug… Really, is that too much to ask?! You can’t help but wonder: Why, what have I done to deserve this? Can’t they SEE what I’m doing, and that I’m doing it for THEM? I had a friend once who was ready to walk away from his marriage. Every time we talked, he said – we always argue, and she never listens, it’s like we are strangers, so what am I to do? So we came up with plans, but it was always back to the same things that set my friend off… And he never seemed to try new things to see if it would help. So one day I just decided I’d listen and not give any advice and this funny thing happened: He said it was the best conversation he’s had in ages! Even though he asked me for advice, shat he really wanted was to be HEARD. Weird how it works sometimes – what someone really wants isn’t always in line with what you are doing! I call it the Value Intersection and how you get on the same page. It’s what I dive into this week on The Happy YOU:   If you are looking for a pick me up, check out my brand new book on thriving in times of uncertainty:

Don’t you just hate it sometimes when you look at that clock and think – JUST WHERE DID THE DAY GO?!? There is so much to be done, and it feels like a waste! And yes, sometimes it happens because you lose track of time, or get dragged into meetings, or sorting out problems that came out of nowhere… But often times, what we are told about being productive is misguided, or WRONG. Take the notion of “go with your strengths”: On the surface, it seems like a good idea – do what you good at, and it will you further… And yet, it presumes that you are already good in exactly what it is that you want to succeed in! And is that true?! Not for me – I am absolute king at taking things easy, going off on tangents, coming up with ideas and never getting them done… These are not STRENGTHS – for many of us, they are the default we stick with. In fact, they might even be taking you FURTHER OUT from where you want to be anyway. So I say – BUILD YOUR STRENGTHS, and you will go where you want to go! Build instead of hoping that where you arrived at (by chance) is enough. I’m busting more myths on productivity and how to make more impact with what you do on this week’s episode of The Happy YOU:   If you are looking for a pick me up, check out my brand new book on thriving in times of uncertainty:

There is nothing you could ever regret more than the things that you do in anger. It’s the one feeling you can’t control – it comes on, unasked, and takes over. And when you look back on it, you can’t help but think – was this really ME?! Was it I who said, or done, or even considered those stupid, useless things?!!? And if I have, I don’t want to do it AGAIN!! But the first thing you want to do is – how do I stop feeling angry? That is tough to pull off because the emotion is just strong, unless… You REPLACE anger with a more hopeful, uplifting emotion. And what’s the opposite of anger? To me this, above all else, is GRATITUDE. It brings back the good times, it puts a smile on your face, it forces you to look at the world in a different light!! You get this tingle in your body – or is it just me?!!? Gratitude can do a world of good – but how do you bring it on when you need to? The best way I find is to IMMEDIATELY think or acknowledge someone you care about in your life: Whether they’ve done something for you that means a lot, or you appreciate having them in your life, it all counts!! If you can tell them in person or over the phone, that is awesome! Not only because you get those good vibes rushing in, but you’ll be making them feel great too. Because how often does someone tell you they really appreciate having you in their life? For most of us, it’s a treat that you don’t get often enough! And if you can’t do it in person, send them a text, or email. It will help you switch from anger and into gratitude IN NO TIME AT ALL!! For more on what to do with anger, check out this brand new episode of The Happy YOU:     If you are looking for a pick me up, check out my brand new book on thriving in times of uncertainty:

For the longest time, I thought confidence is this unshakable belief in yourself, and nothing can throw you off… But it never felt REAL, like something I could achieve. Because it’s pressure, to be a certain way, and it’s never enough because there’s always something that goes off! Instead of being perfect, I choose to be myself, to be real and acknowledge that life isn’t always easy, and you can figure it out!! You already have been through enough, and you deserve MORE. Because you give your best, when you can, and that’s what matters!! So confidence then is not being afraid of all the things that could go wrong. Despite the worry, and the doubt, we still take that first step towards being more happy, more fulfilled in day to day life. And building that confidence up is a process and I believe you need three key ingredients to do just that – comfort, ambition and application. Check out this week’s episode of The Happy YOU for more:   If you are looking for a pick me up, check out my brand new book on thriving in times of uncertainty:

Just now I was coaching our seven year old Michael on what to do when things don’t go your way… And you know what? It’s HARD!! Because for every situation where you conjure up a bit of magic to get on top of it, there are ten that simply refuse to give in! So what is the difference between the times when you figure things out or keep banging your head against the wall? And what do those rare moments when you get a win, what do they have in common? Well it’s when I saw it coming and recognised that something that is not going right for me. A red flag – it’s given me a chance to if not always respond, but at least prepare for what is not going my way. So how do you go about catching it and figuring out what to do next? If this is something you want to get better at, then join me on this twelve minute special episode of The Happy YOU:   If you are looking for a pick me up, check out my brand new book on thriving in times of uncertainty:

You often hear about folks going through a difficult time, and they don’t seek help or support until it gets out of hand. Now this may even have happened to you… And it’s good to know why that happens so you might be able to do what’s right for you next time. If that happens – and I sure hope that it doesn’t, but life is strange and unpredictable, and we often learn it the hard way. Now one reason you know about is that of course you don’t want to be a burden and make life even more difficult for those who you care about the most… But that not the entire story and I believe there is a bigger reason: It’s that it never occurred to you to seek help in the first place. Because this is LIFE, it’s supposed to be hard!! And when we struggle to make sense or even acknowledge our own struggle, then how would you ever consider getting the help that you need from others? And having someone listen and be there for you can make all the difference in the world. Because no one, not me and not you, should ever go through the struggle alone! So this week let’s get it out, in the open so you can get your friends and your family and your workmates to get behind you in a difficult time: If you are looking for a pick me up, check out my brand new book on thriving in times of uncertainty:

Don’t you just hate that horrible feeling you get when you did something wrong?! It goes straight to your core, doesn’t it, and it you can’t help but feel tense and weird on the inside… But what makes what you’ve done a mistake? Maybe it’s the consequences you don’t want to face, or maybe it’s something that goes against you and your values… The one difference is this – you are the one who decides whether what you did is wrong, or it isn’t! Because it’s only a mistake when YOU feel it, right – not when somebody tells you off or makes you feel bad. I see it now with my son – he will only accept him being wrong when he believes that it is. Only then, he will decide what he could do about it. Only then, the apology (if we get there) will be real and sincere. Because no one can make you Whatever the circumstances, it’s the feeling that you have let yourself down. And it’s so vital to see it for what it is – not so you can blame yourself for what went wrong, but find a way to get past it. I screw up all the time, and I tend to beat myself up about it for some time to come… So I wanted to have a way to work through it so I can put it behind me and get on with my life. And that is what I want to share with you – I’d love for you to let me know what you think: If you are looking for a pick me up, check out my brand new book on thriving in times of uncertainty:

Do you sometimes find yourself fixing other people’s problems, wishing there was a simpler way to live life, where you don’t have to worry about what other people think, or want you to do, or what the future might hold? And you can’t even find time to stop and think – what is it that I even want, and where am I going? So how do you cut through the worry and circumstance to bring order and restore a bit of calm into your life? Especially when there are things beyond your control, those times when things are not up to you… I feel that when you know where the boundaries, when you can set those struggles aside to a place where they are not running your life, that is when you get a clear view at the world, and your place in it. This is when you get to live in this moment, today, It’s not that you become carefree, but careful about where you put your time, energy and attention. But that’s a skill, don’t you think? Because nobody tells you how to do it, so we are left to figure it out on our own. Being present and in this moment is something I honestly aspire to daily! It isn’t always easy when things don’t go to plan (do they ever?!), but I do try, and when I’m in the moment, I feel alive, connected, and everything flows. Here is how I put it into practice – and if I can do it, you can too: If you are looking for a pick me up, check out my brand new book on thriving in times of uncertainty:

Do you sometimes hate yourself for those ugly thoughts that just pop into your head sometimes? Don’t they feel rotten and wrong?! My instinct says – that’s not me, I don’t know you, go away and leave me alone! And what happens? It stays with you, circling, like a vulture, waiting to pounce when you can’t distract yourself any longer. Listen, it may not happen often, but it’s bad when it does… But what if you could sideline those crazy thoughts, stop them from eating away at you? Over the years of panic attacks and crippling anxiety, I found one way to separate those random thoughts from who I really am. It’s not a magic wand, but it helps me. A lot. And I share this simple idea inside fifteen minutes on The Happy YOU: If you are looking for a pick me up, check out my brand new book on thriving in times of uncertainty:

When you have something or someone that you care for deeply in your life, then you will also be petrified at the prospect of losing it. It may be because we know life to be fragile. It may be the memory of all that was lost, or the murky outcrops of the future that lies in wait… For all that you know and imagine, you cannot close yourself off from worry. It starts out as a what if, a distant noise that grows louder, and you can’t help but wonder what it might mean… So if you can’t shut it out, then how do you stop worry from taking over your life? Is there a way to set worries aside so they don’t end up highjacking your day to day? This is what I go into in today’s episode of The Happy YOU: If you are looking for a pick me up, check out my brand new book on thriving in times of uncertainty:

If you’re not JEALOUS by nature, but want things that other people have… And you don’t? Right or wrong, I just can’t help it… But isn’t it a natural way to feel, sometimes? And if that’s the case, maybe then you could even rid yourself from feeling weird or guilty? More so, I believe we can use our envy for good – to pull you forward instead of my holding you back: If you are looking for a pick me up, check out my brand new book on thriving in times of uncertainty:

Have you ever felt weird about wanting to make friends, and didn’t know how to go about it, or bring it up in a conversation? Maybe you moved to a new town, or life’s taken a turn… And now you’re on your own, and you want to meet people who get you and like you for who you really are. There is not one thing that could be wrong about that, is there? And yet, it can be so awkward to open up about it, to yourself and with people around you… So why is it easier to talk about death in the family or being cheated on than saying you want to make friends?! It’s the pressure – the expectation that this part of your life (making friends) is supposed to take care of itself. And if it hasn’t, then that must be a failure on your behalf, and if it is your fault, then deal with it. But why is it ok to go look for jobs when you’ve been let go from your company, but not to seek out the very people with whom you can share in the highs and the lows of life, to be there for each other and have fun along the way?! It’s hard when no one hands you the manual on how you can go about it – but I want to see it change! How to make new friends is what we are talking about on the Happy YOU:   If you are looking for a pick me up, check out my brand new book on thriving in times of uncertainty:

I don’t want the world to remind me how I’m coming up short. Short on living, short on dreams, short on expectation… Or am I? Maybe this is what boredom really is – afraid of being not enough so why keep trying. But I want to win. Grab life and shake it, just so the good things fall out. And there are no leftovers of what might’ve been. So how do you get out of bed when you’re not enough? Here is one idea that might help:   If you are looking for a pick me up, check out my brand new book on thriving in times of uncertainty:

It’s only two weeks, and I get called into the boss’s office. The blinds are shut, but I know they’re there, trying to catch a glimpse of what is really going on this stifling, dark room. I wasn’t the first. There were two or three of us who went into that office determined, only to come out mute, shielding their eyes from the rest of us. And so it was my turn. Let’s see what this is, I thought. What else is there? Kevin sits sprawling in the executive chair. He took over the room and I didn’t the smile flashing across his face. – You’ve been here, what, two weeks? – True, like the rest of us. – So you’ve had a chance to assess the situation. He taps on the table in expectation. – The situation? – This place, where we are, where we are going. Your workmates, and how they are. – Oh yes, I’m learning. A lot. Kevin leans in from across the table. – Joe, I’m going to be frank with you. When I got a bunch of you guys in, I knew there will those who go far and those who will get left behind. Because some of you are better than others. Do you understand? My hands are sweating. – I… I don’t think I do. – Out of the eight, the three must go. The natural selection is going to decide. And you will tell me. Now. What is going on?! Is he serious? – You want me… To tell you who you’ll get rid of? But I’m not in that position. I can’t decide… I just work here! Kevin stood up and leaned forward, towering over me. His voice is – And I thought you were the smart one! I thought you get it!! There is nothing for you to worry about, no one will ever know. – But… You’re the boss! He thunders his fist on the table with a bang. – Enough!! I will make it really simple for you: either you tell me the names right this instant, or it’s going to be you walking out of here without a job. I thought of how hard I worked to get here and how there is nothing out there right now, not for at least a year, until things would start to pick up again. I’d go home empty handed, with nothing to fall back on. And this isn’t even my decision to make, even if I tell him those names, the responsibility is on him, still. And a couple of the guys weren’t really up to scratch anyway… – I’m sorry, but I… I just can’t. I can’t do this. You decide. I walked out of the office and went back to my desk. Funny how the mind works – I couldn’t remember the way things turned out then, but I did stay there for three years. There was no one to cheer me on and no one would ever know. But something has changed for me on that day… I stood up for myself when it was so much easier to give in. But then again, when is it ever easy? When you are face to face with a person who is out to get you, what do you do? Is there a better way to deal with it that doesn’t sap you of energy and leave you true to yourself and your values? Let’s explore this in the this week’s episode of The Happy YOU:   If you are looking for a pick me up, check out my brand new book on thriving in times of uncertainty:

It’s the rush you get when your dream come alive, and you can see it so clearly, even before it happens. You’ve been waiting for it so long, and you worked hard for it… So of course it’s the big break you’ve been waiting for all time – and no doubt you deserve it! And all the signs are pointing in the right direction so it’s no wonder you’re excited and you’re making plans for how you’re going to enjoy whatever comes next. But the only trouble is, it hasn’t happened… Not yet. So you’re waiting, and waiting, and it’s ok at first – because good things take time – but then, it starts to get to you… You start to question everything, and what you’ve done, and where those signs were really pointing… And it’s so hard to admit that to yourself, isn’t it? Or at least, for me – my biiiig project with a biiiiig pharma has been on my mind for the last six months. We have gone through dozens of meetings, back and forth on the details, a verbal sign off, and… Nothing. I threw everything at it, all I had. This would have helped them, it would have helped me share my book and my message in a big way and, most of all, helped those struggling with cancer. And it was THIS CLOSE!!! So frustrating… Although this isn’t the first time and it won’t be the last. Our life is littered with struggles and obstacles, with moments when it all had been going to plan only to slip away at the last second. But it’s not what happens to you that matters, but how you respond to it. What you do when you’re at your most vulnerable, when you feel nothing, when you fall. What do you do then?! I’ve been obsessing over it, and if you’re in that place right now, this latest episode of the podcast I’m dedicating to you! Check out the video version of today’s episode for more on what to do when you want something so bad, but it seems further and further away: If you are looking for a pick me up, check out my brand new book on thriving in times of uncertainty:

So we go to the doctor today with Max, and what he say? You must watch out because it could be… MENINGITIS. Just like that, with a word, you are transported to our time with Michael. The seizure. The rush to the hospital. The face of the paramedic rushing us in through the white doors. The sedation. I could go on… We are so lucky because it was THIS close. But you never forget that choking feeling you had on the inside: The endless torture of waiting. Being completely, utterly helpless. To this doctor, it may be a word. And maybe, he just wants to be sure. Preemptive caution, constant vigilance and all that. I get it, and I hope we can look back on this later as one more scare that has but gone away! But in the meantime, you are left with just one thing… [except waiting] Doing what you can control and putting aside that which you can’t. It sounds so basic, doesn’t it? But often the basic part are the hardest. Check out the video version of today’s episode for more on getting on top of challenges in your daily life:   If you are looking for a pick me up, check out my brand new book on thriving in times of uncertainty:

When you don’t believe in yourself, believe in what you do. Believe in the work you put in because if your intentions are good, you’ve got the hope on your side. This hope may not seem like much… And you might not even see it as such – until later. When Max was one, we’d be going around the house each night and he’d point up at the ceiling or the lamps saying: “Light! Light!” Then he’d start saying it during the day, but I couldn’t make sense of it – why would he say that? And then I it hit me – he can’t see it, but he knows where the light SHOULD be. And so are we with hope and believing in what we aspire to be – it’s the light that is there for you even when you can’t see it. And so we keep showing up, even when things are falling apart, even when you can’t catch break, and no one cares or will give you their time of day… This is when real breakthroughs happen! Check out the video version of today’s episode for more: If you are looking for a pick me up, check out my brand new book on thriving in times of uncertainty:

Isn’t it weird how everyone talks about mindfulness, but no one seems to know how to put it to work it in everyday life? And how do you even know that you’re actually doing it? Many times I found myself staring into space in an attempt to find calm and relax, but no matter how hard I tried, my head swelled up with noise and random thoughts… Instead of enlightenment or clarity, I wound up feeling stupid and inadequate. Is this what mindfulness really is – another fad when every day we struggle with distraction and overwhelm? I tossed mindfulness out to the waste bin until… One fine day I stumbled upon the book by Dr Ronald Siegel and it was mindfulness as I’ve never seen it before – grounded in the challenges of daily life and practical approach to making it work for you and your way of living. Links Dr Ron Siegel Website If you are looking for a pick me up, check out my brand new book on thriving in times of uncertainty:

It’s two minutes before my library talk. Tonight I am sharing the three biggest lessons I got from cancer about tackling uncertainty in everyday life. The people waiting and it’s about to start. I run through the main talking points in my head. But what will they think, I wonder? What if they find it shallow? Or dull, which is even worse? I sat down on the bench, burying my face in my hands. Should I even bother – and will they get me and my message, or think it’s a waste of time? And who am I – just some guy who had cancer… Why would anyone listen to me? But then I looked up at the world and saw the trees all around me, majestic in their simplicity. I saw it clearly now – this is not about me, it’s about them. This is not a time for me to prove a point or show off, but to bring people up to their own struggle and to celebrate how far they’ve come on their journeys through life. This is why I’m here, to be there for them. For such a humbling experience it took away the pressure to perform, to act, and instead, it gave me freedom. Freedom to be myself, to express myself fully and without reserve and to put my audience first. And yet for this insight, I credit my doubts and insecurities who made me question myself, how I see the world and my place in it. Self doubt did the only thing that you can hope for – to grow and move forward on your terms, without looking back! Check out the video version of today’s episode for more:   If you are looking for a pick me up, check out my brand new book on thriving in times of uncertainty:

If you had a magic wand and you could make a wish to turn back time, which would you choose: Undo something bad that happened to you Follow through on something that you regret not doing or made the wrong decision It’s a tough choice, but I would choose to undo something that was outside of my control because even if I made plenty of mistakes, I hope I learned something that might help me next time. And there will be a next time – one thing we know for sure is that there will be plenty of obstacles that rise up in our way… This is what resilience is to me – what you do to get back up when you fall. Check out the video version of today’s episode for more:   If you are looking for a pick me up, check out my brand new book on thriving in times of uncertainty: