What would you tell yourself? What would you do now? How can you make a difference for someone else? Who do you need to be now? Who can you encourage and stand alongside? x
Be who you needed / who you wish you had, right now for yourself and for those around you.
That is why I am so passionate about what I do - I didn't have someone when I was a teen (outside my family) to reach down and help lift me up, to constantly speak worth and value over my life, to remind me of who I really am, to encourage me, to tell me this won't last forever, to bring truth to all the lies I was believing, to know that I belonged, that I was loved and more than enough. To journey with me.
How different life could have been back then, but I don't regret and wouldn't change a thing, because my experiences have given me the empathy, compassion and drive to make a difference for others. To take a stand for them. To speak words of life everyday. To empower them to know and be content and confident in who they really are. To be brave. Be you. Be free. For girls and women everywhere, and for myself. I am still on the journey, but reminding myself everyday of who I really am, being my own encourager and cheer squad. And you can too. We don't need to rely on others to make us feel good. We can choose right now in this moment. We're all in this together. So grateful to journey with you x
💜Ruth
You Are You
Love this. Be careful what you are speaking over your life. Labels aren't helpful. They don't give you freedom to move and change. They don't speak truth. Don't box yourself in.
Speak truth. Speak life. Speak freedom.
You are NOT your past. You have a past, we all do. You are NOT your struggles. You have struggles, we all do. You are NOT your fears. You have fears, we all do. You are NOT your mistakes, you make mistakes, we all do. You are NOT your weakness. You have weaknesses, we all do. You are NOT your experiences, you have experiences, we all do.
You are you. Don't let these things define you. Allow them to teach you, grow you, inspire you.
Start afresh this week, knowing you can be whoever you choose to be - labels free x
Adventuring Upstream
So, I've been struggling with exhaustion, busyness and being overwhelmed, and constantly speaking this over my life - "I am so exhausted, I am so busy, everything is so hard and overwhelming" etc.
I know how powerful our words and mindset are. And yet, I kept speaking this over my life. If this is what I'm proclaiming and focusing on, then that is exactly what I am going to experience. How can I experience anything else?
But enough is enough. I don't want to experience that anymore. And I'm sure you don't either.
The words we speak over our lives are so powerful. Often we need to re-word & re-frame how we say things.
So I have decided to RE-WORD and RE-FRAME these challenges.
Instead of "I'm so tired / exhausted"... I
I am being STRETCHED to GROW.
I am being REFILLED and STRENGTHENED.
Instead of "I'm so busy"... I
I am PURPOSEFUL and ALERT and ACTIVE.
I am HIGHLY ENGAGED and ACTIVE.
Instead of "It's too too hard / overwhelming"... I
This is a REFINING CHALLENGE.
I am ADVENTURING UPSTREAM.
I am BRAVING ENDLESS POSSIBILITIES.
I hope this encourages you wherever you're at.
If you find you keep speaking words over your life that don't help, that hold you back, make you feel trapped and discouraged... Try re-wording and re-framing them too. If these ones speak to you, feel free to use them or find words that would empower you in the challenges.
Maybe you want to reword the way you see yourself? Or how you handle challenges? Or your constant complaints?
This is an opportunity to learn something and grow.
I am strong enough to get through this.
I am more than enough, just as I am.
I am so worth loving.
This might seem impossible, but there's always a way.
Speak life. You've got this.
Her Success Doesn't Change Yours
Her success is NOT your failure. In fact it could be your success too.
If we are truly in this journey together (which is the best way to be), then we will be intentionally building each other up, encouraging, supporting, sharing steps, challenges, AND celebrating success.
Their success is your success, because when one of us gets it, we all benefit.
Just because they are achieving, getting results, being noticed, succeeding... Doesn't mean you are of any less value.
Let's really get this! Our worth and value can never be taken away - it is who we are. WE ARE VALUABLE. It's not something we earn but intrinsically how we are created.
So no matter what successes someone else might be achieving, it doesn't ever devalue who you are or what you're doing / achieving.
Let's be generous in celebrating others' successes - a win for them can be a win for us... It's all in your PERSPECTIVE! If we're really on their 'team' we should be cheering, knowing it's their win, not our loss. And any win for the team is the best!
Have you ever felt threatened by someone else's success? It's totally normal, but we don't wanna live ordinary lives. We've definitely been there, but everyday we get the chance to choose our reactions and actions again.
Today, let's choose to see their wins as our wins... And celebrate with them (words / actions). It's surprising how amazing it feels when we genuinely celebrate someone.
Who might you reach out to today? Who's been inspiring you? Achieving great things? Growing in strength of character? Going for their dreams? Being consistent? Who can you celebrate today? x
You are Stronger Than You Think
What lies behind us and what lies before us are tiny matters compared to what lies WITHIN US - Ralph Waldo Emerson
Your past does not define you and is only a limitation if you allow it to be. You are stronger than what happened. You are still here.
What you see in front of you - the circumstances around you also don't define you.
You can define them (your current and past situations). Give them a new name, a new story, a new perspective. One that empowers you.
You are stronger than you think. You are capable. You are significant. You matter. You have purpose. You can do this.
No matter what you're facing or what you've been through - YOU define it, and you are always more than enough.
If you're struggling and can't seem to break through (been there), reach out and ask for help (this shows strength!). Ask someone you trust to help you see what lies within.
We're standing with you.
SHARE - what have you discovered lies within you? x
Perfectly Imperfect
“Stop trying to 'fix' yourself; you're NOT broken! You are perfectly imperfect and powerful beyond measure.” ― Steve Maraboli
Yes you.
Our imperfections make us unique and gifted. Not disqualified. Not lacking. Not broken.
We all have them. But they are all so beautifully different.
Let’s start seeing our imperfections and differences as the rare treasures they are.
Instead of trying to hide them or wish them away, let’s embrace them and celebrate what makes us unique - perfectly imperfect x
Shifting Your Focus
What will you choose to focus on today? The sweet or sour? Keep a lookout for all the blessings and gifts around you. Stay thankful. This will really shift your perspective and outlook.
It's not about denying all the challenges and sour patches you may feel stuck in, or saying they don't matter.
But instead, shifting your focus so even in the middle of pain, confusion, challenge - you experience all that's wonderful and good around you. There is always things to be thankful for.
Ruth - I know yesterday, I focused too much on all the challenges I was facing, on all the set backs, the disappointments... And as a result, I felt drained and down and very overwhelmed. All those things are still the same, but this morning I'm CHOOSING to focus on the sweet instead. See challenges as opportunities, see set-backs as waiting for something better, turning my mind to remember and search for all the blessings and gifts around me. "Whatever you focus on is what you get, to the exclusion of everything else" - Brett White.
So today, we want to focus on what gives us life, joy, meaning, purpose, peace - and that is what we will experience.
What will you choose to focus on today? x
Are You Going to Believe the Truth
Are you going to believe the truth or the facts? The facts might be saying, you missed the mark, they rejected you, you weren't qualified to do that, you don't have this, you didn't make that, that was a bad result, they didn't include you, the thing you really want hasn't happened yet, that thing you really didn't want did happen... BUT no matter what the facts, you are always enough. More than enough. Just as you are.
Where do you find yourself today? What facts are you staring at? The facts might not be great, but you are. Your worth and value doesn't change. No matter what the facts are.
Remind yourself today. I. AM. ENOUGH. Yes I am.
We're with you x
Choosing to be Thankful
You get to choose what you get out of every situation and how you react.
Choose what empowers you. There's always something to be thankful for - and searching for it literally changes your outlook and brain structure for the better.
When things are good - celebrate and savour the moments.
When things are hard, challenging and unknown - know you are more than enough, be on the lookout for the everyday blessings, and grow through the experience.
You get to be in charge of your reaction and journey through this situation... Try not to let the situation rule you. You choose.
Being thankful is a great step towards you owning the situation. If you can change something to make things better, do that. If you can't, accept it for what it is (not the stories we create around things, but the facts) and learn as you go.
Where are you at right now? Sweet or bitter? What could you be thankful for? How can you celebrate or grow? x
No matter what, you are more than enough. We believe in you x
Fearless
"To me, Fearless is not the absence of fear. It's not being completely unafraid. To me, Fearless is having fears. Fearless is having doubts. Lots of them. To me, Fearless is living in spite of those things that scare you to death." Taylor Swift
We all have fears and worries, but don't let them stop you from going after your dreams and being all you can be. Face them. Step forward anyway. Keep moving. You've got what it takes.
Our fears and worries aren't usually our reality but our perceived view / perspective. Our thoughts about what could be. But we have a choice whether we want to let them define us or define them by our words and actions.
Be fearless and step out anyway. We're with you.
What are you facing right now, that you need a little bravery for? Let's encourage each other.
I Am....
Fill in the blank. "The words "I am" are potent words; be careful what you hitch them to. The thing you're claiming has a way of reaching back and claiming you" - A.L. Kitselman
So claim your worth. Claim your REAL identity. Claim your purpose and potential. Claim your strength. Claim your dreams. Claim your progress. You are more than enough, just as you are.
Words are powerful. Comment "I'm [your name] and I'm more than enough" below. There is so much power is acknowledging your own worth and accepting yourself first. So let's be courageous together. You are amongst a squad cheering you on.
Who you can you P A S S I O N to? Tag them, share/repost, encourage those around you to claim their worth too?
Let's create a ripple effect together, changing our culture to one of COMPLETE ACCEPTANCE - of ourselves and others.
Yes we can. But it all starts with you first! x
Treasure Within
We all have beautiful treasures within. Rare, unlike anyone else. The best way to discover and develop them is by sharing with others.
Your treasure complements mine! And mine complements yours.
It's not a competition but a collaborative masterpiece... When we bring all our treasures together, my goodness, the world sparkles brightly.
Let's be treasure finders. Not treasure hoarders. Let's be treasure celebrators. Not treasure critics. Let's be treasure sowers, treasure growers, treasure extractors.
We all have many, sometimes we just have to do a little digging to find out what we're really made of. And look past some of the rocks that may be holding people back from revealing their treasures.
Challenges have a way of bringing treasures to the surface / but they can also quench them. Let's use them as opportunities to discover our strengths, perseverance, courage, bravery, vulnerabilities, unique gifts and talents, characteristics, power, dreams, innate worth and value, inner beauty.
Discover and celebrate the treasures in others this week. Share your treasures too.
Image by @micigirls
Our Influence
Loved being amongst thousands of young leaders discovering what it means to MASTER THE LITTLE at the National Young Leaders Day thanks to @halogenaus
Everyone is a leader and influences those around them. Will we influence for the better?
It's all about mastering the little. Small steps, day by day. Practice. Again and again. Things don't usually happen overnight, but overtime.
Little things add up to create BIG things.
Some top tips from the day to master the little: Start where you are. Just choose one little thing to move one step closer to your goal... Not 100 leaps. But one first step. Then another.
Its about daily, consistent choices and actions.
Stay the course. It can get tough, but keep going. Each step counts.
Your daily choices matter.
Be known for integrity - honest and trustworthy character, doing what you say, saying what you mean, doing the right thing.
Know that you are more than you think you are - sometimes we limit ourselves because of how we see or think about ourselves. There's so much more potential and ability in all of us. Sometimes it has to be awakened... Usually discovered in challenges or through continual practice.
Stay brave. Keep trying. Don't give up. Fall down and get back up.
Believe in yourself - you've got this.
What little thing are you wanting to master at the moment? What's your next little step?
Love is an Action
Yes, you. Love is action. Self-love is not how you feel about yourself. It’s what you do for yourself. You can only fully love yourself by DOING, not by just simply thinking.
Loving and accepting yourself is a journey and a daily choice, followed by daily actions.
It's not always easy, and we certainly don't always "feel" like loving and accepting ourselves... Especially when our reflection disappoints us, or we don't do well in an exam or let our friends down, get ourselves into a dangerous situation, or fall short of our goal, don't get that job we wanted, break up, mess up, stuff up, feel guilt and shame... It can be hard to "feel" love and acceptance in these moments/seasons.
But loving and accepting ourselves is more than a feeling, it's an action - even when we don't necessarily feel it.
It's about making DAILY CHOICES to love and accept yourself.
Choosing daily to nurture your health - eating well, sleeping, exercising, resting.
Choosing daily to refill and refresh - doing something that energizes you, that gives you joy and peace, time out, time to relax, rejuvenate.
Choosing daily to grow your mind - learn, discover, try something new, practice mindfulness, create solutions.
Choosing daily to be kind to yourself - forgive yourself, allow yourself to learn from mistakes, to take positive risks, to stop, to enjoy good things.
Choosing daily to allow your REAL self to be seen, being honest with where you're at, letting others in, expressing your passions, interests, opinions, talents, skills, loves. -
What can you DO today to show yourself love and acceptance? -
Start wherever you're at. Even one small action. You, just as much as anyone in the entire universe deserves your love and affection.
The more actions you take towards loving and accepting yourself >> the easier it gets >> you start to break down mindset barriers >> you start to FEEL loved and accepted >> life seems lighter >> you're able to better love and accept others... Let's take this journey together.
Let's share and encourage each other x
Mindset
"One terrible truth I've discovered is that sometimes we don't just have a bad day or a bad month, sometimes we have a a bad year. Sometimes we feel like we have no control over the endless waves of bad luck we seem to be experiencing. But one thing you do have control over is your outlook. Your mindset is yours to control and as hard as it is to step back from the situation and have blind faith that things will change for the better, it's our only option other than ending up in a downward spiral." - Taylor Swift
Yeah girl! It's time for a MINDSET CHECK. You get to choose your outlook. Even if it seems like you're stuck in the mud, you get to choose how you view it! Maybe it's a great opportunity for a rejuvenating mud bath, or a messy slip 'n' slide, or bringing back childhood mud pies! YOU get to label your situation. You get to choose how you see it. You get to choose how you will react.
Quick Tip - Step back from your situation and imagine you were giving advice to a dear friend who was in your same situation. What would you tell them? What would you encourage them to do? Listen to those wise words.
If you feel so stuck in your situation, that's when it's great to call out for help. We all need help at times and this journey is so much better when we travel along with others. So reach out to someone and take some steps together.
You get to CHOOSE... #ChooseREAL.
What Refreshes You
What refreshes you? What energizes you? What brings you joy and satisfaction? Rest and rejuvenation?
We know how easy it is to get caught up in the busyness of life, and forget about ourselves while trying to get through that never ending to-do list, or forgetting our own needs to meet the needs of others, or so focused on the challenges in life that we're left drained and exhausted.
How often to we sit back and relax and prioritize time of refreshment? And see it as just as essential as work?
Here's our CHALLENGE to ourselves and to you:
1. Write a list of all the things that you love doing and that refreshes you / re-energizes you (it could be going for walks, baking, reading, watching the sunset, getting creative, listening to music, playing sport, having tea with friends, journaling, etc)... Find whatever it is for you. If you only know of a few things, that's great, start there and try out new ways to be refreshed that you could add to your list. Remember no comparing, we all find our refreshment in different ways.
2. Do at least one everyday. Yep that's right! Even if it's just 10 minutes or however long you want. Make sure you schedule in time for refreshment everyday - it is so essential to help us keep moving forward from a healthy place. Yes, we know it can be really hard, but let's add it to our appointments like its a meeting with the Queen - we wouldn't be asking to change the times or missing it or being late. Let's make this a priority in our lives. And see how they start to lighten.
What are you going to do today to be refreshed? Share with us x
Background by @nicijoyceministry
Which Habit Will You Give Up
Which one can you give up today?
Write down the action you want to take and remind yourself daily.
For example. 1. Give up doubting myself. You could write down = I will trust myself. Put it somewhere you constantly see.
Or 2. Give up negative thinking. You could write down some positive thoughts to repeat = I am strong. I am capable. I am loved. I can get through this. I am more than enough.
Or 3. Give up fear of failure. What is that thing you’ve been wanting to do but too scared to mess up or don’t think you can do it. Write it down and just give it a go. It doesn’t matter if you don’t get it write. Learn from it and try again.
Or 6. Give up procrastination. What is something you keep putting off? Write it down and do it now or write down when you’ll do it and just do it!
Share your journey and tips with us. We know it will encourage others too. You are not alone! x
Your Story Counts
Today is a new day, a fresh start, a chance to begin again. You don't need to be trapped by yesterday or last week or last year. You can re-write your story at any moment.
Decide to put the past in the past - behind you, instead of letting it rule your future and blocking your view of what's possible.
Take a moment to reflect on that experience that seems to linger on. What can you learn from it? What good has come out of it? How have you changed because of it?
And now move on. It does not define you, you define it - so give it a chapter title that empowers you, and turn to a fresh, new page.
You can rewrite your story at any moment. You decide what perspective you'll have, what attitudes you'll bring, what actions you'll take. And even when we mess up, we can turn to a fresh page any time, and try again.
So breathe, and choose what you want your story to say today. It's up to you. Don't let others write your story for you. Be the author.
Your story counts.
Belonging Starts With Self-Acceptance
“The truth is: Belonging starts with self-acceptance. Your level of belonging, in fact, can never be greater than your level of self-acceptance, because believing that you’re enough is what gives you the courage to be authentic, vulnerable and imperfect.” -Brene Brown
It all starts with how you see yourself. If we don’t accept ourselves, how can we expect others to? It starts with believing that we are enough.
Take this first step today and whisper to yourself, “I am enough”. Repeat and repeat again. Sing it, write it, draw it, shout it, create it... However works best for you. The more you repeat, the more your brain creates new thought patterns, so keep this truth in your pocket all day long.
We’d love to share in your journey - tag us in your expression of “I am enough” so we can celebrate the steps with you.
What are You Speaking Over Your Life
"Let's speak to ourselves the way we speak to our loved ones" - Brene Brown. What words are you speaking over your life and others? Are you building up or tearing down? Are you imparting confidence or stealing it? Are you speaking truth or lies? Are you helping or hindering? Are you rejoicing or rejecting? Are you encouraging or criticizing? Are you speaking life or death/destruction? x
Your words and thoughts have such power. Let's make a conscious effort to speak worth, value, strength, understanding, kindness, encouragement, hope over our own lives and those around us.
What we say to ourselves affects how we connect with others, and what we say to others affects how we relate to ourselves.
So let's use our words to empower ourselves and those around us.
Repeat with us:
I am / you are loved and valued.
I am / you are wanted and belong.
I am / you are strong.
I am / you are capable of amazing things - and capable to face the little constant things too.
I have / you have infinite worth.
I am / you are smart and able to make decisions that empower me.
I am / you are brave.
I have / you have purpose.
I am / you are MORE THAN ENOUGH.
Repeat. Repeat. Repeat. Everyday as you will be rewiring your thought patterns / brain.
You can also write your own list! Share with us to encourage others and take a stand for yourself. We are standing with you x
