Last post I shared about the breakdown and depression I’ve experienced. I truly believe that there are no mistakes, just learning opportunities. If you want to read the details read the previous post here.
So what did my breakdown or as my favourite author Brene Brown calls it, “spiritual awakening” teach me?
It taught me that I wasn’t living in alignment with my values. Depression, anxiety, headaches, back pain and overwhelming fatigue were symptoms of me moving into survival mode. My body started with whispers and I ignored them. It wasn’t until my body switched to screaming did I listen.
Maybe you can relate.
Knowing that you “should” feel grateful for all the wonderful things you have but instead you want to run away from your life. Swallow that with a heaping serving of GUILT.
Yuck! That is what living out of alignment with my values looked like.
First off, you don’t need to wait until you’ve gotten to the point of a breakdown to start looking for solution. If you wait that long, you often don’t have the energy to dig yourself out.
Start today.
Start in this very moment. Take 3 deeps breaths and let your body relax. Go ahead, I’ll wait.
Now repeat after me. “It’s time for me to take care of myself. My needs matter. I am committed to investing in my physical, mental and emotional health.
Okay, before we jump into what investing in your physical, mental and emotional health looks like we need to talk MINDSET.
Believing these statements requires a mindset shift. You must show yourself the kind of love, compassion and acceptance that you offer your kids, friends and family.
Yes, your “inner critic” or “Negative Nelly” will show up and tell you that you are being selfish and that you need to think of others first.
Depression is a liar and Negative Nelly is a liar too!
You don’t deserve the leftovers.
You are here to thrive and experience the ease, joy and freedom. This is the honest to God truth.
How do I know this?
I invite you to picture a newborn baby. A baby is born perfect and beautiful. Does a baby need to prove that it deserves to be loved?
Of course not! Neither do you.
You are not broken. You don’t need to be fixed.
You’ve forgotten who you are and why you are here. Its okay, I forget sometimes too.
You are a human-being. All human beings deserve love, compassion and acceptance.
You are not exempt.
Now for more good news! It’s possible to remember who you are and you’re here.
This is your important “work” and I’d be honored to walk along side you as your guide.
I believe that disconnection from meaningful values is the real reason so many of us experience depression and anxiety.
In the book, “Lost Connections” author Johann Hari, explains that we’ve been duped by what he calls “junk values”. We receive messaging everyday that tells us that we are not enough. We spend our days worrying that we aren’t young, thin, sexy, smart or rich enough. Consumerism and the Patriarchy keep women busy, distracted, anxious and exhausted.
People are getting rich off our insecurities and we are just getting sicker. I don’t think I need to quote any stats on how much the diet and weight loss industry is pulling in.
It’s absurd!
I refuse to watch you be duped by “junk values”. Distraction is everywhere!
Over the next few weeks I’m going to be sharing how to identify your values and deal with distractions so that you can move out of survival mode.
It’s time to focus on what really matters to you and let go of the rest.
You are here to thrive! I believe in you!
Wishing you love and light,
Anastasia
Life Design Coach and Enneagram Teacher
