Loud and clear

Good morning everyone! It is another beautiful Monday, the beginning of another busy week and the chance for another fresh start. My utter pleasure at the fresh start element of today makes me feel like I am beating my post natal depression and possibly getting back to my old self...YAY! Part of this battle has involved reading many self-help books (some great, some utter rubbish) and so today I wanted to share part of that journey with you...

I called my Mum a few weeks back to praise her and thank her. I was doing an exercise from one book that involved writing down the messages (spoken or otherwise) that you received from your parents and other influential people in your life about what you should do with your life when you grow up. You all know the messages like study hard and get a good job or make lots of money and buy a house to secure your future. The whole idea of the exercise is to identify the difference between what you think you should be doing with your life based on those messages, and what your heart really desires out of life. My two biggest influencers were undoubtedly my Mum and Dad but their messages were vastly different:

Dad's message was loud and clear: life is all about money. Growing up involved getting your education, getting a good secure job, making a very decent income and living happily ever after.

Mum's message was more subtle and it wasn't until I did this exercise that I realised it even existed. From Mum's perspective, growing up was all about finding what makes you happy. It sounds so cliché, but Mum really did want my brothers and I to grow up and be happy :)

Neither message was right or wrong and both have contributed to the person I am today. I've taken on board what I need from Dad's message that money is important, but for me, it is not the be-all-end-all measure of success like he sees it as. As for Mum's message, I have taken that on board fully. Happiness is where it's at! Happiness just seems to make everything easier and life seems a whole lot more rosy...including getting a good job and making money just like Dad said.It's win win I guess.   

Has this little story got you thinking? Sometime this week (even today if you can) have a think about the messages you received growing up telling you what you are "supposed" to be doing with your life. You can extend this activity to consider the messages you are currently receiving from friends, family and even your hubby or wife. Everyone else thinks they are experts on our lives and while it is important to listen respectfully, only you can determine what you are genuinely "supposed" to be doing. Only you know what is right for you, what makes your heart sing, what makes you want to jump out of bed every day and grab life with both hands. Have a think about it and you may be surprised with what you find. 

Happy Monday xox