Amanda Lloyd

So, on our final night in Abu Dhabi, Steve books a gorgeous restaurant and it turns out we are seated next to THE George Russell and his GORGEOUS girlfriend Carmen ❤️❤️❤️. They were beyond polite and amazing and let Steve take a picture! So grateful and just speechless # # #

For anyone feeling low and unable to shift that negative mindset. I totally hear you. It’s how you are feeling right now. All I can say is that it won’t last. It never does. Give yourself time. I’ve been there myself (I still go through it from time to time). The below photo of me looks happy. Under the surface I was battling demons. Life doesn’t always appear what it seems, which it’s why it’s so important not to assume you know what someone is going through. Devote your time to you right now because you are the most important person 💛

💜 Officially signed up for my professional coaching qualification today! 💜

Give yourself a break. Too many times we compare ourselves to others, try to make ourselves/our lives seem “perfect”. Focus on the things/the people/the experiences that make you happy. We tend to put a huge amount of pressure on ourselves and we just don’t need to. You are amazing just as you are, so don’t forget that. Just be yourself. You are unique and that is fabulous 💛

I’ve decided to go back to therapy. It’s nothing to feel ashamed of, seeking help when you need it. I’ve had a lot of change in my life recently and more pending. My mind is fogged with to-dos and the depression is casting a dark cloud so it’s time to get a few sessions booked in. There is always a good few weeks (sometimes months) wait to get an appointment but just by starting the process has already lifted a weight off my shoulders. In the meantime I’m going to work on balancing out my day, making sure I get some down time to recharge in there. In the busy rush of life, we forget to slow down and be mindful. I hope you are all able to do the same 💚

💜Hey. A long radio silence for me recently. Sometimes life gets in the way and by the time you know it, the weeks pass you by. Steve and I moved into our new home last week, which has been quite an upheaval. All very positive though and we are incredibly privileged. It feels like a lot of things are on the back burner at the moment, but it’s an important reminder to anyone who is going through a period of change in their lives, whatever it may be, to reserve some time for yourselves. It’s all too easy to push our health and wellbeing to the bottom of the pile and allow overwhelm to set in. Some things can wait, so do what’s truly right for you and don’t feel guilty for having a well deserved break 💜

This is my office.

We are about to move house this Friday and I wanted to capture a picture of it in all its glory before it all gets dismantled, boxed up and taken away.

This was the same office that I was working in when the impact of burnout and depression came to head.

Whilst I was on sick leave, just walking past this room filled me with sadness, dread and bad memories. I felt like it was filled with negative energy.

I had to change the way I felt about it and take action. It wasn’t just about physically de-cluttering the mess I’d filled it with but I had to rid my mind of the past.

I couldn’t let this room haunt me anymore or avoid stepping in it any longer. I had to take back control.

It sounds silly writing all of this. It’s just a room right? Well to me, it was preventing me from moving on. I was stuck with the same mindset for weeks on end. It was unhealthy and it wasn’t going to get me anywhere.

Fast forward a few months, I now see it as my sanctuary, a place where I can be creative, where I can read and learn new things.

I had to set those horrible memories free. I removed anything that was a distraction and I filled in with positive, visual reminders to trigger happy thoughts and inspiration.

I’m privileged to be able to set up another office in our new home.

It’s almost time to say goodbye, beautiful office.

I’ll look back on this with fond memories. I’m no longer tormented by the past and I’m looking forward to continuing the progress I’ve started to make.

I’m excited about my new business venture, all of the amazing people I’ve met and all of those i’m still to meet in the future.

Keep moving forward, one step at a time 👣

We always talk about the importance in celebrating your wins. Some personal news to share, Steve proposed to me on Saturday night (I said YES), so my big win today is being engaged to the man I love 💍❤️

I used to dread Sunday evenings not long ago. My Monday mornings would start before 6am more often than not. I would wake up and would instantly feel anxious, waiting for that first text message or that first email to come through.

I used to love the job that I was doing but I quickly grew to despise it. It took over my life and made me feel miserable. I doubted myself and questioned everything that I did. My confidence was shot to pieces. I felt trapped and desperate to get out.

I would anticipate a tough week ahead before it had even started. Getting out of bed was a constant struggle. My mental health was in a dire position and I spiralled further and further into depression.

Had I have stayed in the same situation without allowing my partner to encourage me to take time out of work in order to get myself well again, I’m not sure if I’d still be here right now.

I am no longer in the same job. I am starting my own business and I have a new direction in life.

I’m so pleased I made the transition when I did. I am vocal about my experience as I don’t ever want anyone to feel like I did.

You are not trapped. You may feel like you are but you have the control to change direction. To take a more positive path. To seek help.

My aim is to help people that are in the same situation that I was. There is a way forward. It’s not to say that there is a quick fix but having the right amount of support and a new sense of direction will make all the difference.

Don’t feel like you have to do it all alone. Reach out ❤️

There is always hope. It’s been a rollercoaster couple of weeks but it just goes to show that time is a big healer. I’m no longer experiencing withdrawal symptoms from finishing my antidepressants and whilst my brain is not fully back on form after burnout, it’s definitely getting there. I’m still making a conscious effort to build on my confidence and even delivered a presentation on Thursday to a lovely new team that I’ve recently joined, which was a huge step for me. Getting out of your comfort zone is good for us all. I’ve met so many inspirational people over the last few months, I’m blown away. I’m more motivated than ever to not only enjoy the present moment but also to build something incredible for the future. I have so much to be grateful for 🧡

Sometimes people in your life come along and not only inspire you but genuinely care and want you to succeed. I was meant to meet you Bec and I’m so grateful I did. You’ve opened my eyes to a number of possibilities and I am so pleased that I have you there to keep me in check and as a guiding light 💡

I always had in my mind that success was only financially related.

I realise now that success to me is finding (and doing) something that I love. Something that sparks a flame in my belly.

Success is finding that partner who is beyond anything you could have ever dreamed of and finally being able to move into our new home together.

Success is being surrounded by supportive friends, colleagues and family who are there through the good and the bad.

Success is having your health. Both mental and physical health are equally important. They go hand in hand.

We all have different versions of what success looks like.

Find what makes you happy - and there is your success ❤️

This year I’ve taken back control of my health and I’ve made it my priority. If I’m unwell, I can’t take care of this little one! I made a promise to myself and my family to maintain positive boundaries between my work and personal life. I’ve kept that promise and I have no intention of breaking it.
I put time aside for the people and the things that I love. I’m not willing to make sacrifices or choices that no longer serve me. I am in a better place for it. The ultimate goal is to help other people to do the same. Your life is worth living ❤️