As a happiness coach, I often remind my clients that life is a rollercoaster of ups and downs. And let me tell you, sometimes it's a wild ride that leaves your hair a mess and your heart racing! It's not always easy to practice what I preach, but I make it a point to be there for my clients, friends, and family, even when I feel like I'm holding on by a thread. This past month has been a whirlwind of drama and stress, and I had to confront the very lessons I teach.
The Drama-Filled Month
The last four weeks have been nothing short of dramatic. It seems like every corner I turned, there was some new chaos waiting to greet me. But this time, it followed me like a persistent mosquito. It felt like I was stuck in a soap opera rerun, dealing with the same old issues, unable to escape the clutches of frustration and anger. Who needs reality TV when your life is this eventful?
Juggling Multiple Roles
During this period, I found myself juggling two jobs and several henna events. My schedule was bursting at the seams, leaving me with no downtime to relax or recharge. I was overwhelmed, stressed, and not in a good place. Everything 
seemed topsy-turvy, and it felt like life had thrown a bomb right in the middle of my plans, scattering my sense of control and peace.
The Need for Gratitude
In the midst of this chaos, I realised that I needed to take a step back and breathe. Gratitude has always been a cornerstone of my happiness teachings, and I knew it was time to practice it more diligently than ever. I started writing in my gratitude journal daily, reminding myself of the many blessings I have: a place to live, food to eat, a loving family, supportive friends, and my loyal pets who love me unconditionally. A little gratitude can turn you from a stressed-out mess into a zen-master!
Inner Work and Meditation
With my plate overflowing, it became clear that I needed to do some serious inner work. I prioritised breathing exercises and made extra time for meditation in my daily routine. These practices helped me create a sense of calm amidst the storm, allowing me to center myself and regain my footing. If meditation was a sport, I'd be aiming for gold right now!
Embracing Self-Care
Self-care is essential, especially when life gets hectic. I began incorporating small acts of self-care into my daily routine. Whether it was taking a long shower, reading, or simply enjoying a cup of tea in silence, these moments of tranquility became my sanctuary. They reminded me that it's okay to take a break and prioritise my well-being. I also took a break from streaming shows and social media! Yep, sometimes you've got to put down the remote and pick up a good book.
Finding Joy in Simple Things
Amidst the chaos, I rediscovered the joy in simple things. A walk in the park, playing with my pup and cat, or even a quiet evening listening to music became sources of immense happiness. These moments reminded me that happiness doesn't always come from grand achievements or big events; often, it's found in the little things we tend to overlook. Plus, who needs a fancy vacation when you can have a dance party in your living room?
Leaning on Support Networks
During tough times, it's crucial to lean on our support networks. I reached out to friends and family, sharing my struggles and seeking their advice and encouragement. Their love and support were invaluable, reminding me that I am not alone in this journey. We all have our battles, and sometimes, sharing them with others lightens the load. Think of it as a therapeutic gossip session with the added benefit of actual solutions.
Re-evaluating Priorities
The chaos of the past month forced me to re-evaluate my priorities. I realised that I was spreading myself too thin, trying to do too much at once. It was time to focus on what truly mattered and let go of the unnecessary burdens. This meant saying no to additional commitments and being okay with not doing everything perfectly.
Learning to Say No
I often preach the importance of setting boundaries and learning to say no. However, putting this into practice can be challenging. This past month taught me that it's okay to say no to things that don't serve my well-being. It's not a sign of weakness but a necessary step towards maintaining balance and inner peace. Saying No is so liberating!
The Power of Positive Thinking
Throughout this challenging period, I reminded myself of the power of positive thinking. It's easy to get bogged down by negativity, but shifting my mindset made a significant difference. I focused on the good things in my life and envisioned a positive outcome, which helped me navigate through the difficulties with a sense of hope and resilience. Call it my superpower!
Moving Forward with Renewed Strength
As I emerge from this tumultuous month, I feel stronger and more resilient. The challenges I faced have taught me valuable lessons about balance, self-care, and the importance of gratitude. Life will always have its ups and downs, but it's how we respond to these moments that define our happiness. Bring on the next adventure, life—I’m ready (in a few weeks – lol)!
In the Back of My Mind
In the back of my mind, I knew I hadn't posted anything on social media or sent out my weekly newsletter. I knew these were important as some rely on these to get through their own chaos, but I also knew I would burn myself out if I took this on amidst the complete absurdity of chaos surrounding me. I also had rowing practice. I love rowing, but I got to a point where I had a complete meltdown because I was overwhelmed and stressed. Instead of taking part in one of my favourite activities, I stayed home because I needed to be alone. I had cried most of that day, and everything just caught up with me—physically and mentally. I was a mess.
A Message to My Clients
To my clients, I want to say that I understand the struggles you face. Life can be overwhelming, and it's okay to feel stressed or lost at times. Remember that you are not alone, and there is always a way to find balance and happiness. Prioritise self-care, lean on your support networks, and never underestimate the power of gratitude and positive thinking. And remember, even your happiness coach has her dramatic moments!
To conclude, the past month has been a rollercoaster of emotions and challenges. As a coach, I have had to practice what I preach and navigate through the chaos with grace and resilience. By embracing gratitude, prioritising self-care, and leaning on my support networks, I am finding my balance and moving forward with renewed strength. I still have a lot to do but I am putting one foot in front of the other and taking each day as it comes. If you can’t get everything completed or even started, that’s okay.
Remember, happiness is not about a perfect life, but about finding joy and peace amidst the imperfections. And sometimes, it’s about laughing at the craziness and dancing through the mess!
