A Fresh Perspective

I have woken up to the sounds of birds… they have returned from the south… The sun is shining through my light filled living room and there is warmth to be felt. The large tree just outside my window is blossoming with light green buds and squirrels scurry along the branches. Spring is here and I have never been so grateful to greet this season with such open arms!

At the last full moon, which was also the equinox, I took some time to journal. (I journal often but on this particular occasion I felt my manifestations began to take almost an immediate effect.) I have consciously chosen a more accepting view, with peaceful thoughts, peaceful actions and eyes of appreciation… the results have been a transformation in my own happiness as well as new opportunities arising, such as an increase in my income and further study!

Breaking free

The equinox supported me to realise that I had to break free from the negative frame of mind that had engulfed my world over the last few months…

…Moving to a new place can be an extremely exciting and refreshing endeavour but it also offers challenges. I have begun a fresh life in different places a few times before, so I approached this new chapter with an experienced mind, motivation and determination. Unfortunately, this time, progress was extremely slow, the bureaucratic system was complicated, but most of all finding a home was ridiculous! It took five months of patience and perseverance, plus the help from my very supportive Fairy Godmother with her local connections, to finally find and succeed in getting a space. (The rental market and competition here was insane.) During the flat searching months I was just focused on working. I was working two jobs, full time at a bilingual kindergarten, Kita, and a ten hour shift every Saturday at a bar. I became stressed, the pressure of finding a home was pulling me down since I was constantly spending every free minute searching and applying for places, plus arranging temporary living solutions. My health began to decline and every bug and virus at the kindergarten seemed to find its way to me.

Winter arrived… it had been thirteen years since I had spent a winter in Northern Europe and I had forgotten (perhaps by choice) how dark, wet and grey the days became.

I found myself feeling very uncertain, ungrounded, out of touch with my intuition, with no strength to do the things that I loved. I felt like I was constantly just ‘recovering’ enough to get through work, which left me with no energy for anything else. Even when I did do something that would usually make me happy, I just did not feel happy.

Just at that moment when I was contemplating leaving this place (I had given it my all and still it just felt like I was not meant to be here) I got the flat! …Finally a space to call my own and a place for me to find my feet… All I felt was overwhelming RELIEF.

Creating Space

A couple of weeks later, after setting up the basics in the new flat, I ventured to the Austrian Alps for a proper wintery recharge; snow, fresh mountain air, pure water, the sweet company of a dear friend and skiing! It was pure bliss and this reset was just what my mind, body and soul needed to create space for my perspective to shift.

When I returned to my comfortable, new home I began to look at my work differently. I had stopped working at the bar before moving into the flat, which had gifted me my weekends back. This release had given me the space to be able to be more focused and present with my group of kids at the Kita. It had also allowed me to have the time to take a Children’s Yoga Teacher Training Course through Kidding Around Yoga, and being able to incorporate these new lessons into my days with the kiddies has been fun for everyone. My eyes have been opened up again, and through my journaling I have reminded myself of all the things I have to be grateful for. This new cycle (the shift into spring) offers fresh opportunities.

As I reached the end of my six month trial period I had a meeting with my centre manager. We had a great talk, and I received very positive reviews from her about my work style and the relationships I have formed with the children and families. She has offered me a language course opportunity to improve my German as a part of professional development and I also have the chance to get my qualifications translated into the German system, which will raise my income. I left the meeting feeling supported and appreciated. I fully believe that it is important to feel rewarded with whatever the work is that I do since so much energy goes into it. (Love what you do and do what you love.)

Recognizing and Releasing

Releasing the negative thought patterns has not been the easiest of tasks… occasionally self doubt sneaks back into my mind and starts to very subtly discourage. In that moment when I realise that a downward spiral is beginning to happen I try to snap myself out of it by changing my thoughts…

A few amazing techniques/tools I use are: think about something positive, listen to uplifting music, journal about my thoughts to acknowledge and release the doubts, practice yoga, meditate, drink tea, go for a walk – nature nourishes, meet/chat with a friend or cook a nice meal. If I am at work I will do an art project with the kids.

It is completely life changing when realising that I can take back control my thought patterns. The shift of seasons, the return of the sunshine and the life that comes with it has brought me back into myself. We are a product of our environment and nature nourishes the soul and gifts us fresh perspectives and inspiration. I am grateful and excited to have this sweet base in Europe from which I can explore not only this area but also travel to different destinations.

Namaste!