One question to ask yourself

What do I really want?

I know this sounds v basic and you're thinking, 'gosh Emilia is usually far more entertaining and thoughtful than this, she has slipped', but bear with me. At the risk of being more cliche than a man with a podcast giving dating advice, the following advice came from James Clear. Write this question at the top of your journal / notebook every day this week - watch how much more precise your answer becomes over time. Of course, knowing is only step one, the second step being the action you take in response to the answer. But it's sure as hell enlightening when you look at the answer and compare it to the habits and behaviours you're currently choosing.

Something to consider

No one owes you their attention.

It's a privilege, that someone takes the time to read your instagram post, to listen to your problems, to disagree with you. We take it for granted, that people will always be there, to debate with, hold space for our troubles, compliment us, challenge us. But one day, they won't be there, and you'll sure as hell wish they were. How lucky we are that people want to give us even an ounce of their time. Remember to acknowledge that, and let go of the stuff that really doesn't matter. Learning to roll your eyes internally is a life changing skill.

One thing I'd tell my younger self.

"Your willingness to fail is proportionate to your potential to gain and grow" - Brianna West

If I encourage you to take risks one more time I fear you'll unsubscribe (yes, I lose sleep over the size of my email list because size matters (except for people with penises and actually also for people with boobs)). But honestly, it's v uncool to play it safe these days didn't you know?

One thing to try this week

Create pockets of time for yourself through the day.

Parents, helping professions - this one is especially for you. One of the reasons you stay up way later than you planned, you overeat at night, you lack a general feeling of peace, is because that small pocket of time at the end of the day its the only time you give yourself, so you do whatever you can do 'enjoy' and reclaim the day - comfort food; alcohol; tinder swiping, instead of just going to bed. Instead, create little moments through the day for yourself. These can be just 60 seconds long if needs be, spread throughout the day where you take some silence, check in with yourself, step outside, dance to your favourite song, get off your phone. Reclaim those moments through the day, and look at how your evening habits change.

A few things to tell you...

Have a slow metabolism? Want to start taking collagen? Listen to this before you do anything. 

Trying to build a business whilst in full time work? Want to turn your passion into a job? Listen to this.

Overeat at night? Want to learn how to be more intentional with your choices? Listen to this. 

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.