The weekly perspective
These are all things that I truly believe will help you live a more intentional, lighter, joy-filled life.
Please feel free to screenshot and share these thoughts on socials – let’s spread the joy.
One question to ask yourself
What part of me is being disturbed by this?
When a problem is disturbing you, don't ask, what should I do about it, but instead ask, what part of me is being disturbed by this? It was Michael Singer's original idea but I've adapted it for you. Because often when we're challenged by something, it's because of some inner narrative or belief system we have, expectations that aren't being met or need that's being tested. Whenever I feel uneasy about something, I look to my body to notice firstly where I feel it, secondly to acknowledge and name it and thirdly, to get curious as to why.
Something to consider
Life is supposed to be fun, too.
Shocking reminder really, that life is supposed to be fun. Yes there are hard things, yes healing can feel heavy, but hold space for the heavy and also for the light. Create pockets of peeing yourself laughing (may I recommend the recent replay of My Therapist Ghosted me and the Pwingies for the room story?) alongside pockets of stillness and self-reflection.
Whenever I used to be sarcastic on my stories, most people would take me seriously and reply taking offence at my (unrivalled) wit. Because I guess it was incomprehensible that I could talk about grief and binge eating and also make light of the disasters that I would create for myself and make juvenile sex references. Now I let more of my joy come through my education and thankfully, it's relaxed a little.
But my word, feel it all friends. Have the fun. This is your one life to laugh yourself into the best wrinkles.
Journal on this - where can I find fun today and am I making space for it?
One thing I'd tell my younger self.
It's not that you can't. You just can't, yet.
I can't do this. I can't stop binge eating. I can't take a rest day. I don't know enough to go for that opportunity. I can't stop falling into pools of red flags. Recently, I learned about the power of yet. It's this magical frame shift that takes you from 'can't' to 'learning'. I can't stop binge eating, yet. But I can use all the tools from ETPHD and focus on the process. I can't stop thinking about him, yet. But I can focus on bringing more joy into my life and not checking his instagram every 10 minutes. The use of “yet” is potent in encouraging a growth mindset (the mindset that supports success in any area of life).
Journal on this - what are your limiting beliefs? What happens when you utilise the power of yet?
One thing to try this week
Be more generous.
Say the nice thing you're thinking. Give to someone else - your time, your attention, a compliment, food. Don't add it to your to-do list. Whenever it comes up this week. Do it right away.
A few things to tell you...
Come to the first ever official ETPHD team meet up!
Saturday 27th May in Loughborough we're holding a day-retreat with meditation classes from me, yoga with Ros, guided journaling with Anna and education from the whole team around cultivating a more peaceful life with food and your body. There are loads of solo travellers from the coaching team already coming so you can come yourself. The venue is limited on space and I've kept the price just enough to cover the day only - it's truly just a day for connection and meeting likeminded people. Get your ticket before we run out here.
Today's ETPHD podcast is all about why you self-sabotage - on your diet, in your relationships or at work. It's a must-listen for 95% of you (and still decent listen for the other 5% of you that have at least one other person in your life because then you can help them. Not that we're fixers of course). Listen here on spotify or apple.
I guested on another podcast last week, the seeking insights podcast. Stu put in some incredible questions, taking an enlightened and novel approach making it different to many of the pods I guest on so I know you'll love that too. Listen here on spotify or apple.
One more thing...
Please share your favourite stuff.
I'm really trying to have a more positive impact this year (it's where this Monday email spawned from). If there's something you really relate to or know someone who'd benefit from something in this email, please share it and pay it forward. Words are magical, and if I've learned anything from writing these emails to you for years, you never know when someone needs to hear the exact thing you've got to say.
