The Happiness Hunter Podcast

Most of the time we completely overcomplicate things because we either don't have a clear vision or mission, or we have lost our connection with it. This lack of focus creates a state of overwhelm, doubt and uncertainty as we stumble around in the weeds trying to figure out our next move, trying to make sense of all of the options and choices we feel like we have, trying to make sense of the chaos. This idea of keeping things simple, by remembering our why, remembering our purpose, remembering why we started in the first place. It opens things up. It creates the space for clarity, confidence and certainty, trusting that whatever move we make is the right one, because all of our decisions and actions are connected to a bigger aim. It keeps it simple. Keeping things simple does not mean that things are not challenging or hard. Keeping things simple means that we don't get stuck in the obstacles and challenges, if we even create them in the first place. In this episode, I'm sharing the back story of The Happiness Hunter, and how when I'm focused on my mission, everything becomes simple.

Napoleon Hill said that every misfortune has within it the seed of an equal or greater opportunity. Opportunities don't always look like we might expect them to, and sometimes when we don't get what we think we want, we are really getting what we need. This can sometimes feel very painful. But really, who gets to say that something is good, and who gets to say that something is bad? We are never in the position of being able to judge something, because we actually never have the full and complete picture. In this episode of the podcast, I'm sharing a story about more than one opportunity ending up on the cutting room floor, which at the time was brutal. But what that experience opened up for me instead. And spoiler alert - it's the reason why I was able to finally get out of my own way and launch this podcast.

A brand is like an identity - an intangible marketing or business concept that characterises a company, product, or individual. A brand is not a logo, slogan or colour palette. These are the tools that help promote the brand. YOU are your brand, and a strong brand is very clear on it's mission and values. There is not much of a gap between a personal and professional brand, but it's helpful to think about you as a brand from both perspectives, especially as it is almost impossible to distinguish between your personal and professional brand in your digital footprint. In this episode of the podcast, we explore the concept of "you as a brand" aligned with your personal and professional goals, as well as your core values. Knowing who you are and the value you bring to the tableFinding your voice and platformEstablishing your expertiseCreating your brand image and how you show up

Have you ever felt powerless in a situation, or like you are giving away your power? Or perhaps you may have felt like you were exerting too much power, causing someone else to feel uncomfortable? I think it’s fair to say that we all want to become more aware of the impacts of our behaviour, to have better relationships, to communicate more effectively and to understand without assuming. In this episode of the podcast, you'll gain: - a clear picture of the passive - assertive - aggressive spectrum- understanding the different communication styles, and where you sit- a greater understanding of your role - within any communication setting- insight into the positive and negative character traits of masculine and feminine energy (which has nothing to do with gender)- some tools and strategies to present yourself, to "read" the communication style and communicate and respond effectively You'll have an opportunity to reflect on where you sit on the passive-assertive-aggressive spectrum, and what you can do to become more empowered in your behaviour.

 Today's episode is about jealousy, and how when we are honest with ourselves about feeling jealous, we can harness this emotion as a motivational force. Our emotions are always speaking to us, trying to tell us something. Unfortunately, we often deny them. Squash them down. Or, we let them take over. We get negatively consumed by them without the positive benefit of understanding what they are showing us about who we are, who we would like to be, what we would live to do, what we would like to have. When we become aware of our emotional state, we can try and understand what our emotions are saying. When we can name them and feel them without getting stuck in them and being controlled by them - we will discover things about ourselves that we did not know before. If you have ever felt jealous about someone or something (I know I have!) then have a listen to this episode and discover what your jealousy might be trying to tell you.

The term Imposter Syndrome was first coined in the 1970's by a University psychology professor called Pauline Rose Clance who noticed something was going on with the women in her class. For the most part, the women she was observing had what she considered everything going for them - they had come from well educated and successful families, grew up in nice neighbourhoods, were healthy, financially secure and had access to every opportunity, and had a proven track record of success and academic achievement. The Imposter Syndrome refers to high achieving individuals who are marked by an inability to internalise their accomplishments and a persistent fear of being exposed as a fraud, and it is very, very common - and not just with women. In this episode you'll discover: what it ishow it presents itselfthe five different types of imposterhow to address and overcome it 

To become a goal getter, you need to learn how to set and achieve goals.The brilliant thing about becoming a goal getter is not ultimately what you get at the end - although that is a wonderful bonus. The real prize to becoming a person who achieves their goals, is meeting the person you become along the way.In this episode of the podcast, you'll learn the five reasons why goals die a death on the boulevard of broken dreams, and what you can do to make sure your dreams become your reality.Enjoy this episode.

When we are waiting for perfection, or expecting perfection - for us to be perfect, for things to be perfect, for conditions to be perfect - we are going to be waiting for a very long time, because "perfect" in that sense, it doesn't really exist. The best place to start, is here. The best time to start, is now. The best time to pick yourself up and dust yourself off, and to take the lesson - is now. And if you've had an idea planted in your heart, then you are the person to be doing it. Whether you feel like you are ready or perfect, or not. Because an idea, without execution, it is nothing. It is just an idea. And how will you become the person who can do it, if you don't start doing it? How will you know it was the right or wrong thing to do if you don't get out of your head and into the field of play?Accepting that within the very messy progress, lies the true perfection.The way we learn and grow in life is through our experiences, through our mistakes, through what we perceive as our failures.What if the the only real failure lies in never starting, or in giving up before it's done - because of a fear of imperfection?If done is better than perfect (because what is perfect anyway, who says, who gets to determine that??) what can you let yourself off the perfection hook about, and give yourself permission to dive in and simply give it your best? 

Why am I using a red pen? Wouldn't a green pen be nicer? Writing a book - indeed any creative pursuit or the making of something that didn't exist before - is about doing, creating, building, action. But to come to its full glory, it also needs nurturing and gentleness and love. If we have made something, created something, if we have planted a seed, then we need to love it and care for it and look after it. We don't want to destroy it, especially when it is little. It needs time to grow. It needs space to evolve. It needs lifting up. All things need balance to become.In this episode of the podcast, I'm sharing a very powerful question you can ask yourself when you are in the process of creation. To question (not doubt, or second guess) the energy behind your action, and to think about the balance you are bringing to your work. And to have a new reference point for yourself - should I be using a red pen here, or would a green pen be better?It Is Possible was published in 2023. You can get a paperback copy through Amazon or listen as an audio on Audible here

Busy. How often do you use this word to describe your day? Overwhelmed. Frazzled. Drowning. Chasing your tail. No time to breathe. Trying to do all the things and be everything to everyone, and not necessarily feeling like you are accomplishing things. The crazy thing about this state, is that we think the only way through it is to just keep going and hope that things will get better and improve. But the problem with this strategy is that we get ourselves completely stuck in the weeds. And when we are down in the weeds, all we can see is weeds. When we get like this, it's very important that we use it as an opportunity to reflect what is going on. Why are we thinking, feeling, behaving in this way? What is driving it? What do we need to do differently to change the outcome we are (continually) experiencing? As the creators of our own life experience, it's our responsibility to become aware so that we can change it. In this episode of the podcast, we are talking about The Power of The Pause. Stopping creates a circuit breaker to get us out of the weeds and into the eagle eye present moment. It helps us to rebalance and regain focus. We can breathe again. From this higher perspective, we can gain a greater understanding of why we are where we are, experiencing what we are experiencing, and map out a pathway forward.

When you are feeling overwhelmed it can cause big problems…for you, your family, and your work…it seeps into every corner of your life. When you eliminate overwhelm from your life, you have: Clarity on your priorities, and the ability to easily adapt to the natural ebbs and flows of life Feelings of inner peace and calm More confidence in your skills and abilities Higher self-esteem Less conflict in your relationships A greater sense of control A better relationship with time The ability to get more done, with much less drama ... and so much more... In this episode of The Happiness Hunter podcast, I'm sharing the most common trigger points for overwhelm and the key strategies to put in place to help you: Greatly reduce the chance of getting overwhelmed in the first place Become more aware of your red flags so you can spot them and deal with them, simply and easily Get back on track when the wheels fall off - immediately and for the longer term. These are the same strategies I’ve taught hundreds of clients over the last decade, to help them successfully overcome overwhelm. Fiona

Creating the right environment and doing the right things at the right time. For us to succeed in our endeavours in life, we need to be practiced and we need to be prepared. Often, we do things thinking we are doing the right thing, preparing ourselves for what is coming up - and in a sense we are. The action is right, but the timing is not. We often miss this nuance. We do things, which are the right things to do, but it is not at the best time to maximise the outcomes. In this episode of the podcast, I'm sharing a really simple example of how thinking we are doing the right thing, but not being fully across the conditions for which we are doing that thing, can sabotage our success.

There’s a scene in the rockumentary ‘This is Spinal Tap’ where they have an amp. And because they are such a hardcore rock band, they have an amp that goes to eleven. But to get to eleven, you still need to start at one. If we don’t start, if we don’t just pick up the guitar, metaphorically speaking, and have a go, then the amp is never, ever going to get to eleven. In this episode of the podcast, I'm sharing about how we self sabotage, how we stop ourselves from ever getting to eleven - either by never starting in the first place or putting the brakes on before we can get there. Once we start anything, we begin to collect data. And we can review this data which provides a glimpse into ourselves - our patterns and our behaviour. And it is this awareness which gives us an opportunity to do things differently. Let's allow ourselves to get to eleven, whatever that means, and wherever that will take us.

There are two versions in which we show up. At our best, we are patient, loving, kind, courageous, forgiving, curious, and empathetic to the needs of others. We have an attitude of learning and growth. In our highest and best version of being, we value the self, know our worth, and contribute to life and others. This is referred to as the higher self. Showing up as your highest self means operating and living life in communication with a higher level of consciousness, without the restraints of limiting beliefs. And then there is the other side of the coin. In this state, we are emotionally reactive, stagnated, closed off to any new information, argumentative and operating in victim mode. This is a contracted and closed off energy space. This is referred to as the lower self. We also have free will. In this episode of the podcast. you'll have an opportunity to reflect on which self you are choosing to spend most of your time operating from.

What other people think about you, is none of your business. But what you think about you. That is your business. How you feel about yourself should not be determined by whether other people like you or not. If you like yourself then it doesn’t matter what other people think about you - positively, negatively, good, bad, indifferent. If you like yourself then you are friends with yourself. And if you are friends with yourself then you like and accept yourself, just as you are. In this episode of the podcast (it's super short, and super sweet) you'll have an opportunity to reflect on the relationship you have with yourself, and how much you may be impacted by what you think the outside world thinks and feels about you.

Despite what we know, let's face it, moments happen in which we become emotionally reactive – slaves to our thoughts and feelings. Some ways you may experience this: You are about to lose it, you are losing it, you've lost it Yelling or screaming back at another in an argument A stream of verbal insults Thoughts, intention and action to physically lash out Uncontrollable crying In this episode of the podcast, you'll learn about the Subjective Units of Disturbance Scale (SUDS). This is a framework used to measure the subjective intensity of distress or disturbance experienced by an individual. SUDS is a self-measuring assessment developed by Joseph Wolpe using a scale of zero to 10 to rate the level of emotional disturbance. The benefits of becoming familiar with this scale (you don't need to know it verbatim) is that it provides an instant self-assessment reference to where you are at, in the present moment. Because the thing with emotions is that if you can name it, you can change it – this is acknowledgement and awareness. Using the scale and knowing where you are will allow you to pause and take action to process and ease the level of distress. This may help prevent your emotional distress from escalating, and will help you help others when they are not control of their emotions.

The problem and the solution are two sides of the same coin. When we can understand our problem, we can understand the solution. Our problem with other people is nothing to do with them. It is 100% our problem. We may know this. But are we really living it? Are we embodying what we know? Are we honestly implementing it in our lives? Truly, knowledge and awareness are nothing without understanding and action. In this episode of the podcast, I am exploring this idea from another perspective, and I really encourage you to listen in. If you are the problem, and if you can completely accept that, then equally, you are also the solution.

When we try to control things around us, like other people or our environment, this is a safety mechanism. Our primal instinct is that when we feel under threat or feel let down, we immediately try and want to control the situation. We do this when: • We feel unsafe • Fearful that things are not going our way • The need to be right and get the last word in or prove someone wrong • We have assumed without complete understanding or discussion In this episode of the podcast, I'm sharing some examples of how this behaviour shows up, and the impact it has on other people. You'll have an opportunity to reflect on where you might be trying to control other people and situations, and what you can do instead.

​As Marcus Aurelius put it: “The impediment to action advances action. What stands in the way becomes the way.” Too often we don't take action, because we are scared it will be messy. We don't start, because we are worried that the action we are going to take is not perfect. But what we want to do instead is begin to embrace the mess and the imperfection, understanding that whatever we do is perfect in its imperfection, and it is in our messy, imperfect action that we learn to overcome the obstacles standing in our way. In fact, it is the only way. It’s messy at the beginning and in the middle and sometimes at the end, and that is perfectly okay.

If you think about an area of your life you are struggling with at the moment - chances are you are struggling because your behaviour in relation to that area does not reflect your values. The challenge we mostly face with this is that we are either: a) not clear on our values or b) are not living our values (consistently) through our behaviour (eg do as I say, not as I do- in other words our actions do not reflect what we say is important) Following on from the recent episode with Dr John Demartini on Honouring Your Core Values, in this episode of the podcast we are going to be talking about how you can get clear on your values and understand the behaviours that align with them, to help you see your way through your struggle. Get clear on your values (what you have determined is important). And understand what that means in terms of your action (in actually living your values). And from that place of alignment, you can begin to turn the ship around.

One of the most challenging concepts for people to accept (including those deep into the practice of self improvement and personal development) is that the world around us reflects our inner world. The relationships, the bank balance, the number on the scales, the environment (be it toxic or healthy), the experiences – is a reflection and mirror of what is happening within. This is big, and at times, quite an uncomfortable truth to be reminded of. Yet, it is liberating in the sense of recognising what it reveals about ourselves. Even better is that the solution to changing all of it for the better is within us. In this episode of the podcast, we are talking about our ability to change our view of the outside world by turning the lens inwards, and I'm sharing with you some questions to help guide your reflection.

The way we speak to ourselves about ourselves says a lot about the relationship we have with ourselves. When you speak to yourself - are you kind or are you mean? Do you lift yourself up, encourage yourself, motivate yourself, challenge yourself (in a positive way), show yourself grace, forgiveness and compassion? Or do you beat yourself up, berate yourself, talk down to yourself, take yourself down at every single opportunity you get?  Imagine if we were talking about a friend or a person outside of you. Which one would you want to be friends with? The question for today is this - how kind are you to yourself... and how can you be kinder and nicer friend to your very own self?

If you weren't your story, who would you be? Who are we, if we are not the story? How is that story relevant to today and the life we want to be experiencing? How does telling that story match up with the new story we are writing for our life? Pretty much, I can guarantee it doesn't. But it's an old, familiar story, and we are comfortable telling it. When we hold on to that story, constantly identifying with the self of old... breathing life into that story every time we remember it, every time we tell it, every time we emotionally connect with it. How that keeps us stuck in the old story. Even as we are trying to move forward. We need to let go of the story. We need to let go of all the stories we have around the story. It's time to start telling the new story, and only telling that one. With a nod and a wave to the story of old, but that's it. Sure, the old story is what got us to here. But when we keep telling it? We keep the story alive here. Let's start telling all the new stories. Being willing to let go. To become. Make sure you listen to this week's episode and see what comes up for you!

Most of our stress and overwhelm comes from too much busy in our head, too many choices, too many decisions- and lots of flapping, huffing and puffing (shallow breathing, not enough oxygen to our brain) and spinning our wheels with all the stuff we have to do RIGHT NOW. In this episode of the podcast, you'll discover a simple strategy to help you get out of overwhelm and trying to do all the things (and probably not doing any of them well - if at all). We get things done best when we are present and focusing on one thing at a time. Focusing solely on the task at hand, before moving on to the next thing. What is the thing that will move the needle for you right now in the most meaningful way? Work out what that is. And then go do it.

Gratitude helps us become aware in the present moment, and to help us see and appreciate things in our life from another, more positive perspective. When we are focused on the negative or the lack within a situation, this is what we are focusing on. We don't get to see the good. This then causes us to feel bad, and to continue to experience more of the same. When we can look for the good, the blessing, the lesson within the situation, and as the question - what is going on here right now, that I can be grateful for? How can I think differently, how can I see differently, how can I feel differently about this? When we choose to focus on the positive, it immediately helps you to have a different experience.

All action yields results. Making sure we are taking the right action to yield the right results is very important. Sometimes when we are operating outside of our comfort zone, in a place we have never been before, the only way we can learn if the action is the right action is by trying new things. Sometimes we learn that we are totally on the right track, and to do more of that. And sometimes the feedback from that action is going to cause us to question the action. At this point, it is very important to not just continue on with that action, but to take a big pause, a big deep breath, create the space for a big reset. For an absolute check in on all of everything. I like to think of this as slowing down to speed up. This process is both brutal and enlightening. Yes, you will slow down. But only to speed up in a way that is in complete alignment, knowing that the action you take is the best action for you - not for money, not for appreciation, not for applause - but the best most truest action serving the greatest good.

When your focus and energy and attention are scattered, your results will reflect that. When you decide to go all in on one course of action, when you narrow your focus, when you decide that failure is not an option and you remove any opportunity for back tracking or escape, and you force yourself into one very narrow, focused course of action, then that is when you can achieve success, and success beyond your wildest dreams. It takes real courage to go all in, to cut the cords on all alternatives, to burn the boats, to remove all other options, to close down all escape routes. When you go all in, you step up into your life and into your power in the most extraordinary of ways. When you are all in, boots and all, and you know that you will stop at nothing until you win - when you bring that kind of commitment and certainty to what you are doing, you will be able to change your beliefs and take massive action in a way that you have never been able to do before. You will begin to attract to you the most incredible opportunities. Opportunities beyond just what you are focusing on, but that can come in because you are focused: building an energy and momentum that cannot be achieved when you are scattered and keeping your options open. Where and how are you going to GO ALL IN? Today, you can reflect on that question as you listen to this episode of the podcast.

Our minds think in images, not in words. And our mind is always thinking. And when we think, we attach emotions and feelings to our thoughts. This is how we create our reality. Creative visualisation is about taking charge, taking responsibility, taking ownership of what images we see in our mind, and being much more discerning about the emotions and feelings - the sense of desire - that we place on those images in our mind. The process of creative visualisation means that we get to direct the images that play across the movie of our mind, which helps direct our goal setting, planning and actions, and helps us to look for and appreciate the opportunities and experiences which are here for us right now in the present moment. The process of creative visualisation also starts to flush out all of the reasons why what we are visualising will not manifest, and exposes our weaknesses in our belief systems, giving us the clues we need to know what we need to work on to change things, for us to become the person for whom this is our reality. Learning to harness the infinite power of our mind through a conscious creative visualisation process will start to completely transform the experience of your life, and utilising the process - whether through creating a vision board, guided meditation, watching inspiring videos, reading magazines - is a great place to start. For it to become real, we need to have seen it first, feel it, and to believe that we can have it.

What we believe and the way we think and feel is mirrored back to us by what we perceive in the people, circumstances and experiences in the world around us. When we can become aware of our beliefs and the way what we believe is determining how we experience the world, then we have an opportunity to start to change our belief systems and the way we think, to create a different experience. Change happens when belief becomes action.

Life is a wonderful dance of giving and receiving. But often, we block ourselves from receiving through a lack of belief, feelings of unworthiness, stories around rejection. At a level, we are much more comfortable to receive nothing, than we are to let things in. We might not like the experience of the lack, or the not having, but we don't know how to not experience it. It is just so much of who we are, deeply ingrained as to our identity and how we interact with life. But both giving and receiving are equally important. The flow. The waves come in, the waves go out. They don't just go one way. So when we block ourselves from receiving, we are blocking the flow. We want to give freely, abundantly, generously. And also, we want to allow ourselves to receive. In this episode of the podcast, I'm sharing a little story about letting go of a story that stand in the way of allowing, and the process I went through for it to happen.

​ When we are working towards something - when we have a clear vision, direction, mission, purpose. We need to trust that what we are going through is exactly what we need to go through to get us to where we want to be. That we need to clear the clutter that is blocking our progress, to open up new channels of thinking, expand our knowledge and awareness. It’s in the challenge or the struggle - otherwise known as The Dip or The Valley of Despair - that we learn stuff, we gain greater insight into ourselves, we get to know ourselves better and understand more. The darkness is the contrast for the light and it gives us greater appreciation. It’s very rarely easy. It often comes with pain. But if we can hold the course, and not give up, not retreat but keep facing forward whatever the cost, then we will always come through the other side. In this episode of the podcast, you'll gain a deeper insight into the process of change, and you'll know that you are not on your own.

We live in a very busy and noisy world, with a lot of distractions, noise and interruptions. From the sound of traffic outside, to the jackhammer down the road on the building site, to the ping of a notification or people talking to us. Our ears are always picking up sound, even when we are asleep. Our brain receives the electrical signal and has to do something with it, it has to decide how to respond – even when the noise is not directly related to us. Always being “on” means that we don’t have the ability to go “in”. Experiencing silence is very important to our wellbeing. We need peace and quiet, just like we need exercise, water and to eat well to nourish our bodies. In this episode of the podcast, you’ll discover just how beneficial a low sensory environment is to your wellbeing, and have some time to reflect on how you can create the space for more silence in your life.

When we are looking at making change, creating goals, achieving goals, moving from where we are. Whenever we want to create something new, there needs to be space for it. We need to clear the decks and create the room for the new to come in. When there is stagnated or blocked energy, or clutter, or all the space is filled with things that don't support the new vision and the change, then there is a block. To create space, we need to let go and remove the clutter. What is blocking the new from coming in for you? Mentally, emotionally, physically? In this episode of the podcast, I'm sharing an example and a process to help you create the space - to create the vision, take the action and let go of what does not support your goal. You'll learn the simple, highly impactful techniques to help you create space in all of the areas of your life, so that things can shift for the new to flow in.

​Sometimes we need to go where we don't want to go, to get to where we want to be. One of Joseph Campbell's most famous quotes is this; "The cave you fear to enter holds the treasure you seek". In this episode of the podcast, I'm sharing a struggle that I went through, speaking to you as I was right in the thick of it. Change can be really challenging and deeply uncomfortable, as we are forced to deal with emotions that which we have avoided dealing with for most of our lives. But eventually, if we want to move, if we want to change, if we want to grow - we have to face it. Our darkness is nothing to be feared. Denying, suppressing and avoiding dealing with our painful emotions does not make them go away. Being honest with ourselves and facing up to what we fear is the only way through. We want to learn to embrace the struggle - even as we are up to our neck in it - and to recognise that it is through properly owning our problems that we always find our solution.

Doing a Mind Dump is a great place to start when you know something needs to change, but you've got no idea where to start. This is a journal activity designed to do exactly what the title says - a mind dump. It is a great place to start to help transform any area of life. The objective of this exercise is to create a free-flowing, declutter of the mind. The mere act of answering the questions and writing down your thoughts, will start to clean, clear and organise your mind. The rule - write freely. no filtering, no self-editing, just write. No matter how ridiculous the words, simply get it out of your head and onto paper. Make sure you've got a notepad and pen, and then work your way through and answer each question. Enjoy this episode. To find out more about working with Fiona, check out the website here https://www.thehappinesshunter.com

We often talk about balance as in work life balance, or down time, or time for me, time for the kids, time for the partner, time for work - and it feels like something that we have to strive for to attain, and that it is always going to be slightly out of reach or unattainable. If we can start to think about balance as simply our relationship with ourselves - with our inner world, or our inner self, and then the corresponding action that we take in the outer, or physical world - then it becomes a lot more simple to understand and to allow ourselves to find balance. Finding true balance is 100% within our control at any time, and the balance we need to be focusing on is not in the external world, but finding connecting with our inner world and allowing that to become manifested as our outer world. When we focus on our inner world first, this will build a bridge almost if you like between the inner and the outer, and guide our actions in the external world, which will help create balance within our lives. Step 1 is to focus on the inner self Step 2 is to pause and connect yourself to the outer world - to create your plan Step 3 is to then take the action Enjoy this episode! Love, Fiona Find out more about working with me here https://www.thehappinesshunter.com        

Our identity is a self-fulfilling prophecy - what we think and believe to be true about who we are, what is possible for us in our lives, will be true for us. Are you happy in your life, are you experiencing life as you would like to be experiencing it? Or are you struggling, and really not enjoying the way things are going? The truth is that we do get to create the life we want to be living - we have created the life we are living - and so if we want to change it, then we need to get clear and understand what success looks and feels like for us - in every area of our life. We need to upgrade our identity to one of success - whatever that looks like for you. It's a great time of year to be reflecting on this, and in this episode of the podcast you'll discover: - the role of identity in shaping your life experience (and how your identity is a self-fulfilling prophecy) - understanding what your current identity is - developing the identity of success - aligning your thoughts and behaviour to your new identity - the importance of building a powerful circle of friendship, influence and accountability; choosing your friends wisely and finding the right mentor or coach - owning your next steps to your success (whatever that looks or feels like for you) And if you'd like my support on this path - please get in touch. https://www.thehappinesshunter.com

Over the years, there has been a phrase that has helped me a lot, when the storm is storming in life. When it feels so overwhelming and bleak and the way through has not yet shown itself. And this too shall pass. Life is constantly moving, it is constantly shifting and changing, it is never final. Life is impermanence. There is nothing solid. It's just moving. And we are here moving through it all, as humans have been throughout the course of human history. Remembering that this too shall pass, can help us to make peace with where we are. Because when we know that it will pass, we can know that there are different times ahead, and we can learn to be with what is right now. https://www.thehappinesshunter.com

It is so important that we take (read: make) the time for some quiet, healthy, honest self-reflection. Otherwise we just meander through life, the years pass by... and then we wonder where all that time went, and nothing much has really changed. Taking (making) the time to reflect can be deeply uncomfortable, and very challenging. But if we don't, then we deny ourselves the opportunity for something more; we deprive ourselves of the opportunity to grow. And, by they way, this time doesn't magically appear. We have to create the space for it. Some questions for you to consider: Do you know what you want? Do you know why it is important to you? Do you know how to make it happen? Do you understand why it isn't yet?  And if you are struggling to answer any of these - send me a message. Fiona xxx https://www.thehappinesshunter.com

Being resourceful is having the ability to find quick and clever ways to overcome difficulties. We live in a loving, benevolent, kind, generous, supportive and caring universe that wants to give us what we are asking for. Our job is to take the first step and to decide - to get very clear on what we want, and then to trust in the universe to provide the how. When we believe that we are resourceful, and that we can have what we ask for - and we allow ourselves to ask for it, believe we can have it and allow ourselves to receive - then we are going to be shown the quickest and cleverest way to make it happen. When we believe that we live in a universe of unlimited resources, then the universe is going to knock itself out proving to us that we are right. So your job right now, is to get clear on what you want to be, do or have, and trust that you have the resources available to you to make and/or allow it happen. And then, simply follow your gut, your intuition, be aware of the synchronicities and follow the nudges.​ Fiona x You can grab a copy of the book I refer to writing in this episode - it's now published! You can grab a copy through my website (Australian residents only), or internationally through all of the online book retailers (search It Is Possible by Fiona Redding) and it is also available as an audio book through all the book streaming platforms, click here for Audible or Spotify.

In The Happiness Hunter, we focus on being mentally, emotionally, physically and spiritually balanced to live our best, happiest, most meaningful lives. Our prayer life is a deeply personal thing. For me, it is most often a private and personal act of communion, it is the focusing on, and leaning into that relationship with a higher level of consciousness. Yet, there is also much to be said for intentionally sharing this with others too. Prayer has a big place in my life, but it is not something I share a lot in my work. However, I share many tools - like walking, gratitude, journalling and EFT, amongst many others. Prayer is simply another tool in this tool kit. When I first decided to stop drinking, I looked into AA and I realised that it was not for me as I was completely stumped by the God factor, the giving up to a higher power. It was like I thought that I needed to do this all by myself, and that I could do it all by myself. Very early on in in my business journey, and to help me connect with others, keep fit and to navigate my own life, I started what were to become The Happiness Hunter walks. It always felt to me that these walks had come from something much bigger than me, almost that they were nothing to do with me, but that I was somehow just the person at that time and in that place to make them happen. Being in business is a great gift. It’s an opportunity for us to shine our light in the most wonderful, poetic and profound of ways. Over the last 10 years, the years of my life that have been shaped through my desire for change, for a deep yearning to live a meaningful and purposeful life, aspiring to realise my fullest potential, my life has been full of many miracles, wonderful synchronicities, many challenges and obstacles to be overcome… and something completely unexpected. There were many things I was seeking. Happiness, health, joy, peace, abundance, love, freedom, the ability to create my own destiny, to help others, to do something useful with my life, to make up for my past transgressions. But what I have found, at the heart of it all, at the core of everything, at the beginning, in the middle, and at the end - is God. What we focus on expands. Where attention flows, energy goes. Our attention and intention play a significant role in shaping our experiences and reality. Prayer is simply an act of communication. The word pray comes from the Old French preier, "to pray," with its Latin root word, precari, "ask earnestly, beg, or entreat." In this episode I'm sharing what faith is for me, what it means to me and the impact it has had on my life. I invite you to listen in on this episode and have some space and time to reflect on what your faith means to you. Fiona x

Unconditional self acceptance is about accepting yourself just as you are, right where you are, exactly how you are. Without feeling like there is something wrong with you. Without feeling uncomfortable when you look in the mirror, or hear your voice as a recording, or becoming aware of something you said, or did or whatever, and then giving yourself a hard time. Without feeling the need to judge, justify, defend, criticise or blame. Acceptance is about accepting things as they are, not wishing that they were different, but simply learning to appreciate what is. Acceptance is the space from which we can learn to think, feel and act differently about ourselves and towards ourselves - when we can accept ourselves, unconditionally, right now in this moment - then we can learn to be and do and experience ourselves more kindly, more compassionately, more lovingly in all the future moments.

Let’s be honest. No-one really likes getting out of bed in the morning. But getting up early, intentionally, with the right attitude, sets your day up on the right trajectory. Pressing snooze for half an hour in the morning is not going to make you less tired, in fact, it is probably going to make you feel even worse. There is a space in the morning that does not appear at any other point in the day. There is a level of self-discipline that is involved in getting out of bed in the morning, earlier than what you are now. But this self-discipline creates space, and time and freedom. It also builds something within you. Taking charge of your mornings – in the first decision of the day – is how you take charge of your life.

What if the whole point of our existence was learning how to communicate properly? Not for others to learn how to get on with us, or to understand us, or to communicate with us in a way that we liked. But for us to learn how to get on with others, to understand them. For us to learn how to adapt to the environment we are in, and to speak and listen not for our own gain, or to prove a point, or to be right, but for the other person's benefit.  Imagine how different our relationships would be. Imagine how differently conflict would be handled. Imagine how much nicer we would be to each other, how much more patient, how much more open, understanding and forgiving. When people know that they will be listened to, without fear of judgement, but able to express honestly about how they are feeling. That is when relationships transform. In this episode of the podcast, I am sharing a really simple technique to help facilitate highly effective and honest communication - both for the person expressing and for the person listening. Love, Fiona xxx

Sometimes it can be really challenging to find motivation, or to stay motivated with things you are doing, or the way things are going, or the results you are seeing. Motivation is not something you one day just wake up with. So what do we do, when we just can't see the point of it all, not sure how to go on, wondering why we bother? It's always helpful to go back to basics. To remember why we want to start, or why we started in the first place. In this episode of the podcast, you'll learn about the four major factors that are going to determine your success, and to help you find and maintain motivation. And, to turn that motivation into inspired action. Each of these factors on their own can be powerful motivational forces, but combined, pack a far more solid punch. You'll also learn which one of these four is most likely to create lasting transformation (my tip - focus on this one first). Ultimately, results are what creates motivation. Learn how to generate your own motivation and inspiration. You've got this.  Fiona xxx  

Facing the things we don’t want to face, and dealing with them properly. AND Loving and accepting ourselves unconditionally just as we are. There is a really important message in this episode about facing and dealing with the things we don't want to. Because these things don't disappear if we avoid them, as much as we wish they might. The things we need to face have something to tell us. And it is only through the facing of them, that we can come out transformed on the other side - if we are open to it. I n this episode of the podcast, I'm sharing my experience of avoiding dealing with something that was literally right in the middle of my face. And what it taught me, and the wonderful gift that came through (literally) facing it. We don't always get what we want in life, but we do always get what we need. I hope you enjoy this episode.

In Buddhist tradition, the middle way, or the middle path, is the way of moderations between the two extremes of indulgence and self denial. It is said that this is the way to peace and liberation. The middle way gives vison and knowledge and leads to calm, to insight, to enlightenment and to nirvana. So, what does this mean for us in our day to day lives? And, most importantly, what does it mean for you? Are there areas of your life where there are extremes in your thinking, your attitude, your emotions, your behaviour? Do you go so hard core into one thing or one area, that you neglect other areas or responsibilities? Do you let your emotions take over without thinking? What is the cost to seeing things as "this or that", rather than "and & and"? For example, what would the middle way look like for you in your life if you could: - know your priorities & non-negotiables AND be selfless - be disciplined AND flexible - can eat what you like AND choose not to - be rational in your thinking AND in tune with your emotions - follow your dreams AND stay grounded   Listen in to this episode to reflect on what the middle way means for you in your life.

What you do at the start of the day matters. Being intentional at the start of the day.  It really matters. This is about focusing on the things that are within our direct control. Three questions you can ask yourself: How do I want to show up today? What would I like for the experience of my life today? What would make today a really great day? And then reflect: Are my morning habits helping me or hindering me? By taking some time and focusing at the very beginning of the day, being intentional, and doing the things that help create a sense of calm, wellbeing and balance within yourself, you can set yourself up on the right trajectory. Putting yourself in the strongest position to deal with the challenges of the day.

When we turn the light on in a room, it eradicates the darkness, and we can see.  When we have the light on, and we can see in the light, then we can see things much more clearly. Imagine that your body is a room, and that there is a button or a light switch in your mind, and that you have the power to turn that switch on at any time. Would you choose to live in the darkness, or would you choose to live in the light? In this episode of the podcast, you'll visualise turning on the light switch in your mind and feeling what it is to live in the light.

How aware are you of the words that you speak? What comes out of our mouth, often tells us a lot about what is going on inside. What comes out of our mouth will also let us know a lot about what we can expect to happen. What comes out of our mouth has the power to shape the future. We need to learn how to use our words wisely. Learning to tune in to the words we say, as we are speaking them, will help us to become more aware of what we think and believe, and when we are really tuned in, we will come to understand when what we say no longer serves us - and we can learn to think and then speak things differently. In this episode, I'm sharing a few examples of how words become an instruction, and how we we can speak differently to create a better outcome.