As a child, I often found myself gazing into the warmly lit windows of houses I passed on my way home from school. The scenes of seemingly perfect families and immaculate homes sparked a sense of longing and envy within me. I yearned to be part of those lives, to experience the love and warmth that seemed to radiate from within those walls.
However, my early home life was far from devoid of love. After my father’s passing, my mother, a young widow with two small children, made the monumental decision to purchase our little bungalow for four thousand pounds. This act of strength and resilience, amidst her grief, has always filled me with awe and admiration.
Finding Love in Unexpected Places
Our bungalow, situated at the end of a cul-de-sac, was perfect for our family, especially because it was opposite my grandfather’s house. This large, old Victorian house, with its three attic rooms and eerie cellar, was a significant part of our lives. My mother’s nightly ritual of waving to my grandfather at 6:00 pm was a testament to her love and concern for him. These moments, though sometimes frustrating, were filled with love and care.
Looking back, these snapshots of my past have shaped the person I am today. The anxious waits for our grandfather’s evening wave, the love and resilience of my mother, and the simple joys of our little bungalow have all contributed to my journey of self-discovery.
The Power of Self-Love and Gratitude
At 66, I have learned that home is not found in someone else’s perfect living room or in a perfect family. It is found within our hearts. Peace is not something we find when our lives are perfect, but something we cultivate as a practice, a thought, and a way of looking after ourselves.
These life lessons have shaped the woman I am today and the work I love to bring to the world. I feel blessed to teach and coach on topics that matter most to me, such as body confidenceself-lovejoyful ageing and my uplifting dance fitness classes. Looking back at those early days of longing, I now feel an overwhelming sense of gratitude for exactly where I am.
Five Joys to Share with You
1. Choosing to Stay Excited by Life I notice the smallest details and celebrate them. From the morning cup of tea to the golden evening light, every day brings some small joy. I remind myself to appreciate these moments as they won’t come again in quite the same way.
2. Awakening to What Makes Me Feel Alive I move towards what makes me feel more alive and surround myself in as much beauty as possible. These are the things that light me up and make me feel uplifted and hopeful. Aliveness is felt in the body as expansion, lightness, excitement, joy, and a positive anticipation of something to come.
3. Gratitude for My Body I say a daily thank you to my dear body. She has been through a lot and yet she is still here supporting and loving me. The relationship we have with our body is the longest one in our life—let’s make it kind and caring.
4. The Art of Living in the Now Every day, I remind myself to live in the moment as much as I can. To eat when I’m physically hungry and to savour each mouthful of food. To rest when I need to. I live a lot slower than I used to, intentionally, because I love to fully appreciate the moment that is unfolding.
5. The Daily Joy of Simply Showing Up Every day, I remind myself to get up, dress up, and show up. This is powerful for me. Every new day greets us with armfuls of new opportunities to be enjoyed. In return, I make sure that I meet the day with my arms stretched out wide, ready to embrace what’s there.
If you would love to walk alongside me as we travel this journey together, I would love your company. Join me on Instagram @romancingyourbody for more loving tips, coaching, inspiration, and gentle musings on what it is to show up each day as the most authentic and loving version of you.
Over to You: What are the most positive lessons that you have learned in your life? What brings you joy and peace?
