Be Your Own Best Friend

Life... it's one hell of a roller coaster. The highs are epic, and the lows remind you to hold on to the highs. It's good, it's bad and it's everything in between. But you only get one life, one ride on the roller coaster. So do what you can to enjoy the journey, be flexible as you go through each loop-de-loop as you know it won't last forever.

My self-love has been challenged lately, I am needing to show up with so much love and kindness to my inner child. When faced with challenges all of my insecurities raise their ugly head and I find myself not coming from a place of love, not charging through life with a smile on my face and not feeling in flow with the universe.

One thing I have realised is the need for creating space for a grounding morning routine. This helps me to re-connect with myself. A feeling of calm, strong and clear mind for the day. Life is hectic, and I don't think it is ever going to change, we need to ensure we are finding calm within the crazy.

I know I am not alone when it comes to challenging situations or trying to find some "me" time. So I wanted to share with you my morning habits I have created. Don't just do something because everyone else is doing it, try new things and find out what works for you.

• First 60 seconds - As soon as I wake up there are a few sentences I like to say. This can range from "I am going to have a great day" , "Something amazing will happen today" , "Today is an amazing day". It's so powerful to choose your first thoughts. This can set up your day and with one positive thought, another positive thought or action can follow. Either you run the day or the day runs you.
• Morning Meditation - Sitting still, long deep breaths, I close my eyes and focus on stillness. Thoughts are just thoughts, they will come and go, detach yourself from them. You can not stop thoughts, but you can take a step back from them and not connect to them. To quieten my mind I sometimes do mantras as well. Either a word or sentence and say it over and over again. This word or sentence is normally the intention I set for the day. 
• Affirmations & Gratitude -  After meditation I journal for a few minutes.  Most of my affirmations start with "I am xxx" . I am are the most powerful two words put together to help you own the sentence, believe the sentence and also talk in present form. "I am happy" ... " I am loved" ... "I am not alone" ... "I am speaking from a place of kindness and love". 
• Stretch - This is something new I have been exploring. It's a mix of Yin Yoga and stretching. Sitting in a position for a few minutes while doing long deep breath work really wakes up your body. Doing this practice also helps you look within to scan your body. Where is there resistance? What are you needing to let go of to find more space?

Find a practice that works for you. Create space in your life to connect with your inner child. Slow down and understand whats going on in your mind and body. Choose to love yourself unconditionally and be your own best friend.