Brave Spirit

Why do we often feel guilty about wanting to have fun as adults? 🤔 Many of us grapple with this question, often without realising the deep-rooted reasons behind it.

Society places immense value on productivity and responsibility, leading us to believe that having fun is frivolous or irresponsible. As parents, especially primary carers, the pressure to be constantly available can make taking time for ourselves seem selfish. We internalise the belief that our worth is tied to our achievements and roles, making joy feel like an indulgence we can't afford.

But here’s the truth: fun and relaxation are not luxuries—they are necessities for our mental and emotional well-being. 🌟

To overcome this guilt, we need to reframe our mindset and understand that prioritising fun makes us happier and healthier. Communicate your needs and set boundaries to ensure you have time for yourself. Challenge those negative thoughts and replace them with affirmations like, “I deserve to have fun.”

Incorporate fun into your daily life through small, manageable activities that bring you joy☺️. Practice self-compassion and be kind to yourself. And most importantly, celebrate your joyful moments without guilt. Go find your inner child and learn from the best fun makers around – our own children!

Let’s open up this conversation—why do you think we feel guilty about wanting to have fun? How have you overcome it? Share your thoughts below!

I have talked about this a little bit before but you know what reminders are great!!!!

In a world where FOMO (Fear of Missing Out) is everywhere, it's time to celebrate JOMO (Joy of Missing Out)! 🌟

Taking time for yourself isn't selfish—it's necessary. I hear you all shouting ‘But I just don’t have the time!’ I used to feel that way too. We have to MAKE the time, even if it’s a few minutes in the week to start with. I’m also not going to tell you to get up an hour earlier to find this time as to be completely honest I don’t do that – I am NOT a morning person and need my sleep! You have to find what will work for you and your current commitments.

What I am pointing to here is to look at your weeks, look at where there may be some pockets of time or some things you could perhaps stop doing/spread out more to allow yourself to have a breather. Take a chance and say NO to something to claim your own time back.

When we embrace JOMO, we give ourselves permission to slow down and truly appreciate the present moment. Imagine sitting quietly with a cup of tea, reading a chapter in a book (when not on a holiday), or simply standing in the sunshine for 5 minutes (with your SPF on of course). These moments of stillness allow us to recharge and reconnect with our inner selves. It doesn’t have to be a long time – start small and then you can start to add in more time.

Putting yourself first can feel challenging, especially when society often praises busyness and self-sacrifice. But remember, you can't pour from an empty cup. By prioritizing your own joy and well-being, you become better equipped to handle life's demands and support those around you. Once you start it does get easier and remember little eyes are learning from us every day. I know I’m excited by the prospect of Emily understanding the importance of rest/doing what recharges her/calling a pj day and feeling secure in saying NO to something that won’t bring her joy without feeling guilty or that she’s missing out somehow.

So how do I embrace JOMO and what do I do for me:
Here’s one I do Mon-Fri after school drop off I come home listen to my favourite segment on the radio with a nice hot cup of tea 🫖 and just take 30 mins to settle into the day before I get into work etc.
If the sun is shining I take my breaks and stand outside🌞.
Also as someone who loves music 🔊 I make sure I have some good songs on during the day to keep me moving and my mood boosted – this is also done on the weekends too.
On a personal note I also like to find time to pray✝️, it doesn’t happen every day and can be very adhoc as things pop into my head but I find peace in that.
Finally I’ve got better at just saying No🚫 to things when I see life is starting to get hectic, I guard our time and do my best to not over-schedule/over commit and don’t let guilt creep in if we spend a day on the weekend in our pjs watching movies or right now the Olympics 🏊‍♀️🤸‍♀️🥇and leaving the housework for another time 😉

So how about you? Share your favourite JOMO moments or your little JOY breaks in your day! How do you take time for yourself and find joy in the little things? You never know who you might inspire with your own habits here.

Where are my perfectionists at????

In our quest to do it all and be the best for our families, we often set impossibly high standards for ourselves. In the social media world we can get caught in the trap of comparing what others are doing and try to do the same. We see all these amazing images and think we are failing. But here's the truth: perfection is an illusion. Embracing our imperfections and letting go of the need to be perfect can be incredibly freeing and leaves room for joy in your life.

I am a perfectionist, however I have worked on this aspect of myself for many years now and I no longer drive myself nuts with trying to live up to the impossible standards society and I set for myself. I know who I am, I know my abilities, I know where my strengths are, and I know my limits. I have a t-shirt that says “Perfectly Imperfect” and I love that message.

Another mantra I really like to use is Progress NOT Perfection day to day when I find myself overthinking or procrastinating on things I have the opportunity to complete.

So, Hi I’m Nicki, I’m not perfect and I’m totally ok with that. Some days I have it all together, others not so much. How about you?

Let me encourage you to embrace imperfection in your life with some benefits of doing so:
😌Reduced Stress: Letting go of perfectionism reduces the constant pressure and stress we place on ourselves.
😄Authenticity: Embracing imperfections allows us to be our true selves, teaching our children the value of authenticity.
🥰Better Relationships: Being imperfect and vulnerable can strengthen our connections with others, fostering deeper relationships.
😝More Joy: Accepting that it's okay to make mistakes opens the door to more joy and contentment in our lives.
😘Self-Compassion: Treating ourselves with kindness and understanding helps us cultivate a more positive self-image.

Remember, it's okay to have a messy house, to say 'no' to another activity, and to take a break when you need it. You're doing an amazing job, and it's the love and care you give that truly matter to those around you!

✨ If you're ready to embrace imperfections and find more joy in your life, reach out to me! Let's work together to create a more balanced and fulfilling lifestyle. ✨

Happy Monday Everyone 🌼

After the rainy Sydney weather this weekend how good is it to see such lovely sunshine today.🌞

We had a great weekend, not completely full but busier than our previous one doing enjoyable things and catching up with dear friends. Building on my post from last week about our busy culture and learning how to rest without the guilt I thought I’d keep going on a similar theme this week.

Does it ever feel like your to-do list is never-ending and you're constantly juggling a million things? Over-scheduling ourselves and our families can leave us feeling drained and disconnected. I know I live by my to-do lists as they really help me stay organised and on track for not just my own things but everyone else’s as well. Some weeks are definitely easier and with the school holidays in sight now I am looking forward to a break of school runs and activities.

As parents, we often want to give our families the best opportunities and let them try everything. But this desire can lead us into a cycle of exhaustion and burnout. I totally get it, I’ve had to work very hard on myself to not over commit and also learn to say No especially after the long lockdowns when you just wanted to see people and get things back to ‘normal’

It's really important to remember that cutting back isn't a bad thing—in fact, it's a gift to everyone in your life. By having less on our plates, we can enjoy more meaningful moments and reduce stress for ourselves and our families.

Here are some benefits of having less on your schedule:
1. Quality Time🕚: More opportunities to spend quality time with your loved ones, creating lasting memories.
2. Reduced Stress 📉: Less rushing around means a calmer, more peaceful home environment.
3. Self-Care 📶: More time for you to relax, recharge, and pursue activities that bring you joy.
4. Mindful Living 🩷: The ability to be present in the moment, appreciating the little things in life.
5. Healthy Boundaries 🚧: Teaching your family the importance of saying 'no' and prioritizing well-being.

It's okay to say 'no' to things, and it's crucial to teach our kids the value of downtime. Over-scheduling doesn't equate to success or happiness. In fact, allowing ourselves and our families to have downtime can lead to greater joy and fulfillment.

Take a step back and evaluate your schedule. What can you cut out to create more space for joy and connection?

✨ If you're ready to simplify your life and find balance, reach out to me! Let's work together to create a happier, more fulfilling lifestyle for you and your family. ✨"

All right STOP……..🛑

I’ve been having some interesting conversations lately with parents about how hard it is for many of us to actually stop and be still or rest without feeling guilty. Society has created this ‘busy’ culture and it’s actually doing us all a disservice.

Have you ever felt guilty for just sitting down and doing nothing? 🤔
It's time to flip the script.
You deserve to rest and recharge without the weight of guilt. It’s so important to our mental health and physical health.

Setting boundaries and saying 'no' can be the most empowering steps towards reclaiming your joy. Remember, every time you say 'no' to something that drains you or you just don't want to do, you're saying 'yes' to yourself and your well-being!

Rediscovering joy starts with giving yourself permission to relax and breathe. You're not just a parent; you're a person who deserves care and compassion too. When you take care of yourself, you set the foundation for a happier, more joyful life.

It’s something I’ve worked hard on myself, learning to say No to things and setting my own boundaries so I can recharge and it’s something I’m very conscious of for our family too. We like our downtime and pyjama days. We try to balance things as best we can and look forward to those evenings or weekends with nothing on and embrace it!

Here are some starter tips to help you rest and cut out distractions:

⏰Schedule Downtime: Set aside specific times in your day just for you and the on weekends for your family too. Treat this time as non-negotiable.

🌅Create a Relaxing Space: Find a corner in your home that you can dedicate to relaxation. Make it cosy and free from distractions.

❎Practice Saying No: Start with small things. Gradually build up to setting boundaries with bigger commitments. Remember No is a complete sentence and you don’t have to justify why you are saying it.

🧘‍♀️Mindful Breathing: Take a few minutes each day to focus on your breath. It helps in grounding and calming your mind.

📵Digital Detox: Turn off notifications or set your phone to 'Do Not Disturb' mode during your downtime, and even better leave it in another room.

How will you say 'yes' to yourself and rediscover joy today?

✨ If you're ready to dive deeper and reclaim your joy, reach out to me! Let's work together to create a life filled with happiness and balance. ✨"

Monday reminder!

Feeling like life's lost its spark? ✨ It's time to reignite your joy and live life to the fullest! 💃

As a Joy Coach I'm here to help you rediscover that zest for life. Joy isn't just a fleeting feeling—it's the foundation for a fulfilling life. Here’s why joy is so important:

🌼 Boosts Your Health: Joy can improve your immune system, reduce stress, and increase overall well-being.

🌼 Strengthens Relationships: When you're joyful, it radiates to those around you, creating stronger, more positive connections.

🌼 Enhances Creativity: Joy opens up your mind to new ideas and possibilities, making life more exciting and full of potential.

🌼 Improves Resilience: A joyful mindset helps you bounce back from life's challenges with grace and strength.

Ready to bring joy back to the centre of your life? Let's do this together! 💖

I've got some spaces open in my calendar for those ready to change things up so DM me or book a call with me (link in the comments) and let's reignite that spark for you!

Transform Your Life with a "To Be List" 🌟

I stumbled across this idea the other day when I was social scrolling and I’m sorry I don’t know where I saw it so if anyone does know please message me so I can give the proper credit.

Do you ever feel overwhelmed by your never-ending to-do list? We often measure our worth by how much we accomplish, leaving us either satisfied or disappointed based on our productivity. While to-do lists are essential for staying organized, they can sometimes overshadow our sense of self-worth.

Let's shift our focus from what we need to DO to how we want to BE. Introducing the "To Be List" – a list that prioritizes your personal growth and emotional well-being.

Instead of just checking off tasks, let's cultivate qualities that bring us joy and fulfillment. Imagine waking up each day with a commitment to be more patient, joyful, or mindful. Your worth isn't tied to your productivity but to the person you aspire to be.

Start your own "To Be List" today and see how it transforms your life. What qualities do you want to cultivate? Share your thoughts below! 👇

Tag a friend who needs to hear this and let's create a community of positive change together! 🌈✨

🌟 Exciting News! 🌟

Today, I’m thrilled to share something very close to my heart with all of you—my very first ebook, "Rediscovering Joy." This guide is born from my personal journey and my experiences as a joy coach, and it's packed with practical activities and insights designed to help anyone rediscover the joy in their everyday lives. 📚✨

Whether you’re feeling a bit lost or just looking to add more joy to your daily routine, this book is here to guide and inspire you. It’s about finding joy in the small things as well as the big and reconnecting with what makes life truly meaningful.

🎁 And guess what? I’m offering it for FREE because I believe everyone deserves to live a life filled with joy.

👉 Below is a a sneak peek from the book, and don’t hesitate to reach out to me directly to get your own copy!

Let’s spread joy together! ❤️

Happy Monday! 😆

How was everyones weekend? Mine was pretty good, had a wonderful evening out last night seeing some friends perform so I'm feeling a little bit sleepy today so focusing in on things to bring my joy and boost my energy. 🪷

I started some Joy focused posting last year and then life took over but I am resetting myself and have decided to get back to it for you. Hopefully this can be super helpful and perhaps build up some joy in your day to day lives too.

So let's begin, I'm going to begin with the roots of joy and discovering why it's absolutely essential to our lives.

🌈✨ Why is Joy Non-Negotiable in Your Life? ✨🌈

Joy isn't just a fleeting feeling; it's the foundation of our well-being, resilience, and connection to others and the world around us. 🌍💞

Imagine your life as a garden 🌻—joy is the sunlight that nourishes your soul, enabling you to grow, thrive, and bloom in full colour. Without it, we merely exist; with it, we truly live.

🎉💬 I'd love to know what brings you the most joy? How do you make room for joy every day, even in the smallest moments?

I'll start:
I find joy in my morning cuppa after the school run listening to a fav segment on the radio.
I also find joy in the blue sky and listening to the wind rustle through the trees.
Hearing Emily read her home readers fills me with joy as I love her voice and how she's developing fluency and expression as she reads, plus her side commentary on what she is reading is super cute.
I find joy in being silly and having fun doing things with those I love.