Go for it......you can do it

What are you stopping yourself from achieving?

Last weekend I took part in a 10k run, it was a gorgeous sunny day although extremely cold with temperatures of -1.

I woke up at 6am and was at the venue by 7.30am, a slight shock to the system but it was worth it. I couldn’t wait to get started, the adrenalin kicked in from the moment I arrived. It was mixed together with nerves, anticipation and excitement.

I felt elated once I crossed the finish line. I had done it in 59 minutes, a personal best. I was proud of what I had achieved, even on the cold winter mornings when I could have stayed in bed, I got up determined to push myself. The sacrifice of leaving my cosy bed had paid off.

That same day, it got me thinking about my school days. I never perceived myself good at any type of sport, especially running. I would always put myself at the back of the cross country runs, never pushing myself to do well. So of course I didn’t. I always felt it was the teacher’s fault for not encouraging me but really I had already decided in my mind that this wasn't going to be something I was good at. So I concentrated on other subjects.

Twenty years later, it's a different story. Running has become one of my great passions. I get such a buzz from it. I feel clear headed afterwards, my creativity starts to flow and I feel on top of the world. And most importantly of all, it doesn’t cost a thing.

The difference between then and now is the belief I have changed about myself. Once I saw it as a natural ability of mine, I have never looked back and keep exceeding my own expectations.

So, what beliefs do you have about yourself? Where did they come from? Perhaps from your childhood or school days. What are you stopping yourself from achieving?

Here’s an exercise for you, observe your language over the coming days. Catch yourself saying ‘I am no good at..... I can’t do....I am rubbish at’. Explore where this belief has come from and change it immediately into a positive one.

Once you have a new positive belief about yourself, truly believe it. Think of lots of examples to back up that belief. Don't let the old thought patterns come creeping back.

And who knows... you might even exceed your own expectations!

Community spirit

How connected do you feel?

Last weekend my adventures took me to a lovely little village just outside Cardiff.

During the weekend I met a wonderful group of people, all there to experience one of my ‘Pampering events’. It was a great success. Above all, it was heart warming to see family and friends gathered together, laughing, relaxing, sharing their news and supporting each other.

It got me thinking about how often we get these moments in our busy lives and feel part of the local community.

When Col and I lived in Paris, I felt a real sense of community spirit. We knew our neighbours, spoke regularly to local shop owners, had good friends living around the corner and bumped into familiar faces when out and about. When we moved back to London, it was important for us to create something similar again.

So, how connected do you feel? Do you know your neighbours and local businesses? What support networks do you have around you? What events are going on in your local area? When was the last time you caught up with a good friend?

If you are finding it’s all work and no play. Perhaps think about joining a local group or evening class, combine a hobby or passion with meeting local people. Ask your neighbour around for coffee, get to know them. Find out what events are going on in your town, how could you get involved.

Alternatively why not meet up with a good friend for a glass of wine or coffee. Something so simple can help us to remember what's important in life and feel connected again.

If you fancy gathering a group of friends or family together, why not be pampered at the same time. Have a look at my website for details of my pampering events www.l1febalance.com or contact Rebecca@l1febalance.com for more details.