Find yourself

Exercises designed to help you nail who you really are.

What is beauty?

~ Nicky M ~ 2 Comments

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Define beauty.

The dictionary states it as something “…that pleases the aesthetic senses, especially the sight:”

For me, beauty is more than pleasing, it’s something that takes my breath away. I feel beauty in a way I can’t always put into words. For me it’s overwhelming. It’s a sight so mesmerising that I can’t look away; a piece of music that brings tears to my eyes; an act of love that makes my insides tingle and my heart swell.

Here is a handful of things that I find truly beautiful…

~ genuine smiles ~ vintage crockery ~ spontaneous gift giving ~ laughter ~ wrapped presents, particularly homemade ones ~ a random text enquiringly after my wellbeing ~ a sunset on the beach ~ movie soundtracks ~ handmade chocolates ~ glass chandeliers ~ fields of wild flowers ~ handwritten notes ~ children’s paintings ~ proper hugs ~ the perfect quote ~

So I ask you, what would you put on your list?

If you’re in a place at the moment, where you feel it’s just too difficult to see anything beautiful – hang in there. Challenge yourself daily, to find one thing that you would call beautiful. It could be as simple as the mug you drink your morning coffee from, a bird flying across your garden or the sun shining through your window.

Beauty is as individual as we are.

What is your idea of beautiful? How can you incorporate more of this in your life?

Have a beautiful day , you beautiful creature.

xoxo

 

3 things flowers have taught me about living an authentic life

~ Nicky M ~ Leave a comment

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My love of flowers is well documented on my Instagram account.

There’s something so beautiful about a flower when I look at it through a camera lens that I can’t help but smile.

“Bloom, in your own space and at your own pace”

I said that

Flowers don’t concern themselves with what every other plant in the garden is doing. They do what they do best and bloom where planted.

Starting to live a more authentic life can be daunting. It’s about assessing which elements of your life no longer serve you or fit in with who you are becoming. You can feel lonely, even misunderstood or struggle to fit in where you once belonged. You may even encounter resistance from people who don’t want you to change.

If you’re wondering if it’s all worth it, here are 3 thoughts to keep you motivated and reassure you that any path that takes you closer towards the best version of yourself is one that’s worth walking down.

Bloom

Be who you are. Stand out, grow tall, bloom. Be there as the truest version of yourself, not pretending or trying to be like anyone else. Be extraordinary, whatever your role – be great at it. Put effort into all you do, even if no one is watching. Commend yourself on a job well done and remember to love yourself in all your uniqueness.

In your own space

Wherever you are – be amazing. Claim your space. Your home, your work, your ideas. Don’t be concerned with what others are doing alongside of you. Focus on you and your little piece of the world. Make it work for you. Make it beautiful, fill it with things that inspire you, make you smile. Surround yourself with like minded people. Find your tribe, people who have great energy, who are great to be around.

At your own pace

Keep growing, always moving closer to your goals. Your journey is unique to you. Don’t be concerned with what anyone else is doing or how they’re doing it. Don’t compare yourself to someone else. Don’t run before you can walk but also don’t focus on the finish line. The learning is in the journey. The path may not be straight and have boulders in the way, but it will be worth it. Change happens slowly and one step at a time. Keep going.

One last point, do it. Do it now. Nothing lasts forever.

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March challenge: selfies

~ Nicky M ~ Leave a comment

In a bid to step outside of my comfort zone, this months challenge was to see if I could (read would) photograph myself every day for a week and post the pictures on Instagram.

Now, I’m not camera shy however I’m not particularly au fait with selfies!

Selfie day1       selfie day2       selfie day4

After my first day I thought about throwing in the towel. It was harder than I thought it would be and I realised a few things about myself.

I’m uncomfortable with being the centre of attention – I didn’t like being the only object in the picture (although, see if you can spot the photo of my brother sneaking in there!)

I’m a little vain – I only took one picture of myself with no make up and I had to force myself to post it!

 selfie day 4a     selfie day7     selfie day6

Taking selfies is harder than it looks – Some days I took many, many photos before I was happy – who knew natural light was so important!

I’m uncomfortable letting the world in – showing parts of my home left me feeling vulnerable.

I experience a plethora of emotions each morning – I really do!

Completing a project is great for your self esteem – I was really chuffed with myself for finishing it.

A challenge is only scary the first time you do it – I actually feel okay about selfies now.

selfie ig

Some of the photographs are blurry, off centre slightly, and the lighting is a bit hit and miss. But they’re all me. Real and in the flesh. Authentic, unaltered and original. This experience was good for me. It challenged me, taught me and helped me.

What will take you outside your comfort zone? 

You may be surprised at what you learn – about your fears, your limits, about yourself.

Go for it!

Follow me on Instagram (@shimmerwithin)

Do you have anything nice to say?

~ Nicky M ~ 3 Comments

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 “If you don’t have anything nice to say…don’t say anything at all”

I overheard someone berating a child on how to speak to others recently.

It is quite true actually. We shouldn’t speak unless it’s kind, ‘all things with love’ and all that.

But lately, I’m wondering about this.

I wonder what percentage of our thoughts and words about ourselves are positive?

I wonder how often we gravitate towards the ‘this will never happen’ thought rather than the ‘why would it not’?

I wonder how often we reprimand ourselves for something we didn’t do well instead of praising ourselves for a job well done?

I wonder how often we compare ourselves to someone prettier, cleverer, taller, slimmer rather than celebrating our uniqueness?

I wonder how much of our time is spent wishful thinking instead of practising gratitude for what we have?

I wonder when people pay us compliments, how often do we brush them off instead of a simple smile and ‘thank you’?

A clever lady once said, “You become your thoughts”.

If this is true – what are you becoming?

Start to notice your thoughts and whether they are mostly positive or negative.

Catch yourself speaking negatively about yourself (out loud or in your mind) and tell yourself ‘STOP’ then re-frame it into something positive.

You don’t have to think every thought that pops into your head.

 

What stories will they tell?

~ Nicky M ~ Leave a comment
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Photo via freeimages

Life…such a short word to describes the enormity of everything you are and have experienced.

None of us really know how long we have left; what stories still to tell, actions not yet accomplished, memories not made.

I was reminded of this recently with the sudden death of a neighbour. Sobering thought how your life can change in an instant. The only thing we can be sure of is this moment, right now. It’s the age old saying of enjoy every day as if it’s your last – because it just may well be.

But do you enjoy your days?

Do you stroll through the sunshine noticing the magic, delighting in the detail, savouring the sights and sounds as you make memories?

Or do you move through the fog unseeing, experiencing the days as one long chore, the mundane day to day getting you down – believing life would be so much easier if everyone just left you alone?

Your attitude towards life greatly influences your experiences and that of the people close by. It’s only when you are reminded of how short it really is that you pause and take stock of what’s important.

So take a moment, right now and wonder where and what are your priorities? Don’t wait for a tragedy to enforce changes. Don’t leave things left unsaid. Don’t have regrets.

Make one change today – just a small one that might influence someone else’s day, make you smile or have a positive impact on your four letter word.

One day people will be reminiscing and sharing stories about you and your life.

Make them good ones.

Written in memory of my lovely neighbour, June.