This will be my first Mother’s Day since my mom passed, and it has me thinking about how I carry forward the positive attributes of my Mom. Everyone’s Mom, yours included, did the best she was able to do at any given point in time – however no one can meet another’s needs completely. Maybe your Mom did a terrific job of meeting your needs, maybe she wasn’t aware of what your needs were – or maybe she just wasn’t capable.

What did your Mom do? If the first thing that comes to mind is something that makes you smile, why not do that for yourself? You may find yourself reading a story aloud, baking cookies or tucking yourself into bed early. If what comes to mind is painful or upsetting, think of what you wish your Mom had been able to do, and then do THAT for yourself. You may find yourself listening more compassionately to yourself, believing in yourself more deeply or taking yourself to the park.

Think of someone you know who is a terrific mom – how is she with others?…and then try BE-ing that way with yourself.

• I forgive myself for believing I don’t need mothering.
• I give myself permission to mother myself in ways that are supportive, loving and healing for me.
• I choose to strengthen my relationships with others by “mothering” myself in supportive ways.
• I am free to mother myself this weekend by…
• I know what it feels like to be supported in a motherly way – it happened when…
• I am deepening my relationship with myself, and others by mothering myself.

And then pay it forward – someone you know needs a big hug, or freshly baked cookies, or a walk to the park. Let’s all celebrate our own ability to “mother” ourselves and others this weekend, as we honour the women who gave us life!

Namaste,

Suze

Earthquake news continues, with the after shocks, avalanches, and mudslides contributing to the continually climbing numbers of confirmed deaths. Challenges such as the lack of clean water and non-sanitary conditions will continue to plague Nepal for a long time.

Countries around the world are mounting rescue, relief and humanitarian efforts.

Many of us are asking, “What can I do?”

May I suggest ask yourself instead “Given this situation, how do I want to BE?”

• I forgive myself for believing my being upset helps.
• I give myself permission to acknowledge what has happened and move forward with hope and belief in my heart.
• I choose to send love and support – in my thoughts and in my actions.
• I am free to send positive energy – they really need it!
• I know what it feels like to be supportive in a positive and uplifting way.
• I am increasing positive energy in my own circle, and then sending that to those who need to be uplifted wherever they may be.

Some ideas…

If you choose to give, rather than giving from feelings of pity, make your donation with hope, belief and love.

Make today count. Hug someone. Acknowledge someone.

Be as kind as you can be to everyone you meet – you don’t know how they may have been affected.

Do something of significance – in your own family, community, or on the national or international scene – every Humanitarian act makes a difference.

Send prayers of support.

Hold a vision of good health, strength and courage for those who are helping and those who are in need of their assistance.

As we each become lighter, the world becomes brighter.

Namaste,

Suze

This week we are dismantling a family home. Major transition for my partner’s mother who within a month buried her husband, moved into assisted care and is set for hip replacement surgery today. Her courage and acceptance inspires me.

As her daughter, son and I move from room to room, through the garage and shed we sort through decades of books read, Christmases shared and trips experienced. “Mum” has chosen to have us visit her in her new surroundings. She chooses to look forward, not back – something I imagine she learned as a teenager transported from her home in Palestine to Australia as a civilian prisoner of war. She’s done it before, and knows that home is where you choose it to be.

She walked out the front door, and locked it one last time. She closed the door on a lifetime of collections and material goods. She has moved forward travelling lightly with many wonderful memories.

While we transform what was her home it into a house readying it for the next family who will call it home I reflect on how easily any of us can make a transition – simply by looking forward.

• I forgive myself for believing I need to feel stuck.
• I give myself permission to move forward with ease.
• I choose to stop hanging onto the old ways, and step into the new space with grace.
• I am free to take one step toward what I really want.
• I appreciate ______________ who has moved forward with a grace and ease I aspire to!
• I am learning to move forward and step courageously into what I truly want.

Namaste,

Suze

What does it mean to live from your heart? How do you “find” your passion? The word “heart” in French is coeur – where we get the English word “courage” Living authentically takes courage – courage to step outside of the box.

Sixteen years ago this month I was feeling “beside myself”. I loved my career, all was good with my family…but something was missing. I did what I know how to do: went for a swim and asked my higher power for guidance.

• I forgive myself for believing I need to protect my heart.
• I give myself permission to open up my heart to life.
•  I can keep my heart hidden, or I can step into my true self and choose to live from my heart. I choose to open up my heart to life.
• I am free to live from my heart today by …. (specific action or activity that will take less than 10 minutes and only relies on you!)
• I am grateful to _______ for modeling what it is to live from the heart (a specific person you know or are aware of who does this in a way you admire)
• I am open to expanding my ability to live from my heart.

If you are at a crossroads (a re-patterning term for “feeling stuck”, or in a time of transition (a re-patterning term for  “afraid of the change”), do whatever feels good to you (like go for a swim does for me!) and ask for support…

You are welcome to take my Dad’s terrific advice…Follow your Heart.

Find and then follow your own heart’s calling.

Namaste,

Suze

“If you spoke to your friends the way you speak to yourself, how many friends would you have?”