Hey lovely, how's your week been? Thinking of you x
Mines been a bit up and down with sickness, extreme exhaustion, feeling unproductive, at times overwhelmed, giving into some discouraging thoughts - yep even after I wrote that post!! So then feeling hard on myself and needing to stop, be kind and speak the truth over my life - still learning with you.
This week has also had some big wins, meeting amazing people who are generously supporting the vision of this movement and standing with us, hearing incredible stories, eating food (always a plus haha), having a wonderful team to help organize our beautiful merch and resources (their hearts inspire me), and last night I ran a workshop with some beautiful girls - all unique with so much gold to share with those around them.
THIS is what I love doing - investing into their potential, peeling back the layers of limiting beliefs and self-talk that have distorted their REAL identity and worth and empowering them to see what was always there - they are whole, complete, not lacking, worthy and more than enough, just as they are! Seeing their transformation gives me the fire to keep going, to kick those audacious goals I've set to give this freedom, hope and courage to ALL girls and women everywhere. Haha, got a little carried away with that last point - just so incredibly passionate about this and LOVE journeying alongside girls and women in this message.
So why did I tell you about my week? Because we're friends. Because I wanted you to feel comfortable to share about yours. Because we're all here for each other and our story is worth sharing - no matter what chapter.
So share away lovely friend. You never know the impact of simply sharing (for you and others). Love sharing this journey together.
💜Ruth x
📷 from the beautiful @floretflower
Progress Over Perfection
The illusion of perfection is that it will be everything you’ve ever wanted and more. Perfection says, that suddenly when you get there all will be right. However, what perfection doesn’t tell you is that it is not real. Nope not one thing about perfection is real. It's impossible. It can never be attained.
So what if today you strived for progress over perfection? What if you believed that first step was a big deal, that small change was actually huge? What if you believed that progress was even better than perfection? When progress becomes the goal over perfection you allow a whole more light and beauty to seep in to your life.
Instead of always feeling like you're constantly failing, you allow yourself to actually WIN - every step you make. Instead of being so focused on getting it right, you allow yourself to actually enjoy the journey - messes and all.
So let's aim for progress and celebrate each step. What's a step you can celebrate from last week with us? x
Your Passions
Working in schools, I met with Erin, a year 6 girl who told me the popular girls told her she had to change her hair, her clothes AND her personality if she wanted to fit in. This broke my heart, she had no idea how valuable she was and was willing to trade in her REAL identity for what she thought she HAD to be. The saddest part was that she thought this was the only answer. She was about to become a clone to please others, throwing away her own interests, values, talents, goals and dreams.
Unfortunately, this is not a rare story. But this story, fired me up. That is ENOUGH! Our girls have to know their worth and value – not based on how others see them, their past, or what the media says, but because they have always been MORE THAN ENOUGH.
This is how ChooseREAL Campaign was born. I wanted to create a platform to bring freedom around the onslaught of debilitating messages of NOT ENOUGH! Encouraging girls and women to embrace and celebrate their REAL identity and value, and live the life they CHOOSE. Living out the truth that no mater what, we are MORE THAN ENOUGH, just as we are.
I am so privilege to share this journey with you as we create a shift in our culture of true acceptance (of ourselves and each other). We love the empowering community we are all creating. Thank you for what you bring.
💜Ruth
What fires you up? What are you passionate about? x
Some Things To Do When You're Feeling Blue
Sometimes I'll wake up and just feel flat. Sometimes I'll get home after a great day and for no particular reason I feel down, without anything bad happening. Sometimes I feel sad because of certain events.
Emotions can come and go as quickly as a sneeze. There's nothing wrong with feeling. In fact, it's a good thing. But sometimes we feel stuck in that emotion, like we can't climb out. We need perspective. We need to acknowledge the feeling, the pain, the circumstance, find healing and move through that emotion.
These are just a few things we can do when feeling blue. Sometimes we just need a change of scene or shift our mind to something else or remember all the good.
However if you're continuing struggling, and nothing seems to work, please talk to a trusted person and seek help to work through the root of these feelings. You are not alone and there are many people out there that want to be a part of your journey. We all need help in life. It's normal.
What are some of the things you do when feeling blue? x
Your Story Is Worth Sharing Now
I've had so many people say, "I'll share my story when I get through this" or "when I fix that" or "when things change". But your story is ever-evolving.
Wherever you're at, NOW is the time to share your story. Crumpled pages and all.
Don't be afraid to reveal what connects us together - the real moments in life. The good, the bad, the rough, the smooth, the process. Don't hide what you're really facing from those who care.
Who can you share what's happening in this chapter of your story - sharing it helps you own it and create the themes and headings that empower you. We're all in this together.
Your story is not finished. And we can't wait to share together in the pages.
Just Breathe
Breathe, just breathe. Starting another week can be tough for some of us, feeling already so exhausted and even overwhelmed before we've even started. But remember, you made it through last week, and the week before, and the week before that. And you'll make it through this week too.
Let's reframe our perspective and focus, so we don't keep dwelling on the challenges but feel energized and inspired.
Here's a few things we can do, we'll be doing them with you:
• write down everything that's on your mind - all your to dos, your concerns, thoughts etc. Get them out of your mind and onto paper, where you can start to sort through them and find solutions, let go of things you can't change and do the things you can.
• prioritize - what are the top 3 things you need to get done today
• remind yourself and celebrate your wins - write down 3 things you've overcome or achieved last week - can be big or small... Like finished or started something, got through something, learnt something etc. • write down 3 different things you're thankful for everyday - really boosts your perspective
• do something you love everyday - even if it's just for 5 mins. Something that brings you joy and satisfaction, something you're passionate about, something for you
• keep your focus on your WHY not the challenge or task. When you start to feel overwhelmed, it's usually because you are so focused on the task or challenges. Step back, look up and remind yourself of why you're doing what you're doing, the passion, the meaning, the value behind it. Focus on that - let that be the motivator. You can even put it up somewhere you can see it regularly - words, statement, pictures, whatever inspires you and reminds you of your why.
• remind yourself of your worth and value. Your words create reality. So speak words of life over you and those around you. Repeat: I AM WORTHY. I BELONG. I AM STRONG. I AM... You fill in the blank. Remind yourself and continually repeat until you believe and live out what you're saying.
Breathe. You've got this. It's a brand new day and you are more than capable.
Share where you're at, how some of these points went, what are your tips to start the week x
You Are Not Alone
Been there for sure and actually feeling it right now... For no particular reason, I've just been feeling flat lately. Maybe because I've been sick for weeks. Maybe because sometimes progress is just really slow. Maybe because I've been waiting for some really big provisions and dreams that haven't happened yet. Maybe because I'm really exhausted. Maybe because I haven't made time to get out in nature. Maybe because some of my friends are facing huge challenges and I can't fix it for them. Maybe because I haven't been sleeping well. Maybe because everything feels cluttered. Maybe because this journey can be lonely at times. Maybe because of some disappointments. Maybe because of all these things together. Or maybe because it's just one of those days.
I'm not sure where you're at, but lovely one, know that wherever you're at right now is ok and you are not alone. We all struggle, we all face challenges and change. We all have emotions and feelings and thoughts and don't always know how to cope with them.
And even if we do, we don't always do what we know is best for us - yep me.
So let me encourage you in my struggle... No matter what you're facing or feeling, you are not alone. And this won't last forever. You CAN get through this. And we're standing with you.
Do something that will bring you rest, refresh you, put a smile on your face, re-energize you. When we are just focusing on the struggle, that's all we'll experience. So try and lift your gaze to search for all the blessings around you, be thankful, give to others, encourage someone else, remember the purpose, do things you love.
For me, I'm thinking a hot bubble bath, cooking delicious food, talk with a friend and get an early night. And I really need to clean haha.
We need to be kind to ourselves, especially when things are hard. What can you do to take care of yourself today? What is something you love doing? What is one practical thing you can do to take action in your struggle? What is something you are thankful for? Take time out for you x
💜Ruth
What Are You Choosing
What are you choosing today? It's totally up to you. You get to choose your attitude, your perspective, your words, your actions, your mindset, and who you will be today.
It's all up to you. You can choose the REAL you, not based on what you think others want, but who you really want to be.
You can choose to be thankful, to see past the challenges and into the opportunities, to be kind to everyone (including yourself), to look for the good in others, to get a fresh perspective. You've got the power x
So what do YOU CHOOSE? It can be helpful to say it out aloud. And yes, we stuff up and don't always get it right and forget what we choose. But that's ok, just keep choosing. Maybe write it down and put it somewhere to remind yourself. You've got this x
📷taken by the lovely @thepaperfox for us
How Are You Seeing Yourself
Don't let the opinions of others define you darling. They are opinions, ideas and judgements, not facts, not truth.
Is it even our business what they think? That's just their personal view. And we all have a million opinions about everything - so many uninformed.
We can never control how others see us but we can choose how we see ourselves.
So let's focus on what we can control and see ourselves as the beautifully amazing human beings we are, with so much to offer those around us and so much potential within us.
Make the switch. Who's opinions do you need to stop worrying about? It's not your business what they think anyways, it's just thoughts.
And how are you seeing yourself? What's one thing you admire about yourself? Embrace it lovely x
Fresh Start
New day. New week. Fresh start. Let go of whatever you didn't do last week or wish you hadn't done. That is the past. It's behind you. Walk into this week with a fresh attitude, a clean slate. Don't bring the disappointment with you. Acknowledge it, but now you have the chance to let it go and start over.
Don't start the week already thinking you're failing before you even give yourself the chance to make it. You are not a failure.
So let's dive into this week, forgiving ourselves for whatever we're holding onto, letting it go and really giving ourselves our best chance to flourish this week... It's all in the attitude. Be your own cheer squad. Be kind to yourself and celebrate each step. You've got this. And we're standing with you x
📷hellomondayblog
See Your Worth
"On the days you compare yourself to someone else. On the days you burst into tears several times because you are unhappy with your reflection in the mirror. On the days you wonder what is your purpose and on the days when someone isn't kind to you. On these days you need to remember that who you are comparing yourself to is making comparisons to someone else. On these days you need to remind yourself we all have these days. On these days you need to give yourself a break. On these days you need to know just how worthy you are and don't let anyone else tell you otherwise.” Love this from our sisters at @thegirlcampaign.
You are more than enough, just as you are.
If you need help seeing your own worth, you’re in good company and we’re here to journey with you through the process. Not an overnight pill, but daily choices to believe the truth about who you really are. You are worthy. We’re all in it together x
You Are Enough
Just as you are. You don't need anyone else to tell you or make you feel enough. You are enough and you can start living that right now. You choose.
Shift your view of your worth: ••• apologize to yourself for when you have been nasty and making you feel not enough. Any words you have spoken to yourself that hasn't been uplifting ••• forgive yourself ••• now speak worth and life over your life. Try speaking into the mirror (I know awkward, but powerful). You are enough. You have worth. You are loved. You are unique. You are significant. You matter. You are brave and smart and strong and capable.
The more we speak it, the more we believe it.
Let's become our own cheer squad. You go girl. You are so enough right now.
You've got this.
📷alwaysqueenb
Self Talk
I can be so hard on myself. Thinking I should do better, be further ahead, know more, not slip up, basically be perfect. But that's impossible! And every time I mess up or step backwards or simply have a hard day, instead of being kind to myself, being encouraging, uplifting and understanding... I can be so critical, unforgiving, harsh and have such unrealistic expectations. I would never treat my friends the way I sometimes treat myself. BUT I'm learning to speak to myself the way I speak to those I love. Listen to my own advice. Know that wherever I am right now is ok. That every step forward (even the smallest one) matters. That it's ok not to always be ok. And that I don't need to get it right all the time. I am more than enough, just as I am.
Let's talk to ourselves with love, kindness, grace and forgiveness. Sometimes we're doing the best we can with what we have and that's enough.
Don't be too hard on yourself lovely, we're all on a journey x 💜Ruth
Time to Stop People Pleasing
"Hey you, you sweet people pleaser, it's time to stop. I hate to say it, but you're not going to be everyone's cup of tea (I'm more of a coffee girl, anyway!) If you're out there trying to be everything to everyone, chances are you aren't the happiest princess in the land and that makes me sad!
The truth is, we don't need to show up for everyone. In fact, when we focus on showing up for our tribe well, and forget about the rest, they fade off, and we build this sweet community that does big things, GIANT things!
People will inspire you or drain you, so stop trying to make everyone happy and choose wisely! Surround yourself with the good ones, the dreamers, the kind souls, the people who reflect who you want to be and how you want to feel.
It's contagious (and when all else fails, eat a giant spoon of Nutella and call it good!)" Jenna Kutcher
Let's have a chocolatey kind of weekend chasing our own kind of happiness. Who's been inspiring you lately? Give them a shout out x
📷quote and pic by the amazing @jennakutcher
What Will You Choose This Week
You choose. Make this week count. Excuses are easy, common, feel safe and known... But what makes change requires strength and courage (sometimes to step into the unknown)... Qualities YOU posses. Progress requires action. Even just one step. But it's your choice.
What will you choose this week? What is an area in your life that you want to change, or improve or let go of? What's one small step you can take forward? Remember, you are not alone. And there's nothing wrong with you. We're all on a journey of progress and growth x
Choose Your Focus
So your week might not have worked out like you planned (mine certainly didn't). But that doesn't mean today can't be a brand new day. And even if those circumstances haven't changed or even get worse, there's still always a reason to say YAY.
You may feel flat and disappointed (like me), or even worse, but we still have something that can never be taken away - to CHOOSE OUR ATTITUDE / FOCUS / ACTIONS.
And really, I want to have a great day, so I'm letting go of what's happened and what didn't happen and choosing to find the good in what's right in front of me. Being thankful for where I am right now. Looking for moments to whisper YAY! Today, no matter what happens, I want to end it saying yay > even for the smallest of things.
What are you wanting to focus on today? What attitude are you choosing? x
Remember, no matter what's happened, you are MORE THAN ENOUGH! 💜Ruth x
P.S. If you feel you can't choose your attitude, there's no hope, why bother >> don't struggle alone, reach out, we're here for you, there's always a way, and it's ok not to be ok right now. Just don't do it alone. Your story is worth sharing and not over yet x
📷omghow
Own Your Worth
Approve of yourself. Accept yourself. Own your worth. Practice daily and you'll gradually come to realize that you never needed approval from anyone else to feel whole and happy. Only from yourself.
TRAIN THE BRAVE.
How would letting go of your concern of what others think free you to express yourself more authentically? What would you do differently if you didn't care what others may say or think?
Love this quote from our amazing advocate @margiewarrell in her new book BRAVE.
It's a New Day
Don't let yesterday ruin today. It's a new day. Let's start over. So yesterday was really hard and challenging for me, but that doesn't mean that today has to be. Even if I let my mind be filled with discouragement and didn't fight hard enough against it... Yesterday is over. Today is a fresh start. A chance to try again. To make progress. To shift my mindset. Life can be hard and it's ok not to be ok... But not to stay there. Acknowledge the challenges and make one tiny step forward.
Don't let yesterday ruin today. It is a new day. So breathe, let go of whatever happened or didn't happen and just be. Today, you get to choose - moment by moment.
Breathe in those warm rays and remind yourself you are enough, no matter what. 💜 Ruth x
Do Something You Love
Take time out to be refreshed today. Do something you LOVE - even if only for a few minutes.
You are worth it.
Not only will it benefit you, but it will benefit those around you.
When you are filled, you are better able to invest and overflow in others. Instead of overflowing stress, exhaustion, overwhelm, frustration, anxiety etc... You can stop and breathe and switch streams, so that you can overflow peace, joy, generosity, kindness, encouragement, hope... So really giving yourself time to be refreshed can really be a selfless act and better for everyone.
You're worth it. They're worth it x
What do you love? What makes you feel refreshed? What gives you energy? What helps bring release? What fills you with joy? What helps you rest. Do more of these things x
Image 📷 Kelsey Olivia
Let's Celebrate You
Pause. It's time to celebrate! Whatever step forward you have made this week - big or small. Whatever you got right. Whatever you pushed through. Whenever you didn't give up. Whatever goals you kicked. Whenever you made a difference for someone else. Whenever you were kind to yourself. Whatever you have achieved. Whatever you learnt - even through a mistake. Whenever you tried something new. Whenever you chose to be you - the real you - or even tried to discover who you really are.
Every step you take forward, let's celebrate.
Take a moment now to write down a few (or as many as you can) of the points above. Your steps to celebrate.
This will give you a boost and fresh perspective and remind you that even when it feels like you're not - you're still making progress, you're still in the game, you have worth and value. It inspires you to keep moving forward, wherever you're at.
You are winning everyday in all sorts of ways, take time to acknowledge your wins and celebrate.
Go you!!! 🎉💜🎉 Woo hoo x
