Colouring pages!

So...whilst I should have been finishing off other blogs, working on my workbook/journal and generally writing chapters for my VIP (very important project!), I've been doing this instead!

I had a crazy idea to draw my own colouring pages for people to print off and colour in.  (I've talked about how being creative and colouring in can help reduce stress and promote well being and is almost a bit like mediataion in previous posts.) And the very same morning I got out my paper and pens and started sketching, before I knew it I had 4 beautiful pages which I loved, I scanned them, edited them and set up a page for people to download them. Late nights and early mornings were involved!

And they're here! For you!  I pretty much did nothing else until they were done, and I'd SO love you to get YOUR copy...

The link is here >>

http://bit.ly/1hx7dEW

I hope you love them! I hope you find some peace colouring them and I really hope you share your coloured ones with me!  

And please share this with anyone you think would like to get their hands on these colouring pages ;)

Post them on Instagram and tag me @kathrynpearson_eftandwellness 

Or post to my Facebook page www.facebook.com/kathrynpearsoneft 

Gratitude; are you giving yours and reaping the benefits?

Hello lovely people! Questions for you...

How do you end your day? 
Do you ever notice or praise yourself for your daily achievements? 

Do you ever sit down (like really sit down and actually think and write down) and give gratitude or thanks? 

Sometimes? No? Never?

Me neither, until about 6 months ago.

My mentor and trainer Sally Canning introduced me to gratitude at the start of 2014 and it was ace... I'd never even heard of the concept at that point and I found it facinating to learn about how the body reacts when we feel grateful and all the benefits which come from this emotion. I came accross am amazing transcript of a speach by R. L. Huntington which quotes:

"Dr. Emmons and his colleagues found scientific proof that people who practice gratitude through activities such as keeping a gratitude journal are more loving, forgiving, and optimistic about the future. They exercise more frequently, report fewer illnesses, and generally feel better about their lives."

You can read the full transcript here: https://speeches.byu.edu/talks/ray-l-huntington_a-grateful-heart/

So, because of those reasons and other influences in my life, and with a need to be more positive, (see why in this blog) I started a full gratitude journal at the start of the 2015. (Bit late on the uptake really! Before this I used to write them in my phone, or on scraps of paper, haphazardly and sporadically)

Dedicating a day to a page of my gorgous journal which I keep by my bed. It's been amazing, helping me keep positive, reminding me to notice and realise the little things in life that I'm grateful for ... EACH day!  (Even when I really don't feel like it!)

I even notice things during my day and make a mental note to write them down ... this makes me thankful in that moment, making me more mindful, more present in my life - there and then. Being thankful for the little things lifts your spirits and it's been proven to reduce stress, worry and anxiety. Please read the transcript I reference above! 

At this point, I have to share this quote which I adore from Kung Fu Panda. I was reminded of it when I completed my Art of Living Happiness Programme in January 2015. (Thank you Ravi!)

"You are too concerned about what was and what will be. The past is history, the future is a mystery, but today is a gift. That is why it is called the present."

 ~ Oogway, the wise old monkey.

I also recently worked with a lovely young lady who has been on a transformational journey of her own. After suffering massive panic attacks and coming close to serious depression following traumatic events beyond her control, she now stands on the edge of her future. She's needed a lot of support and help, however she seems to have embraced every possible suggestion and wholeheartedly committed to her own journey to get herself better.

One thing that she attributes to helping her is what she calls a mood diary. 

Each day she would reflect briefly her main challenges and how they made her feel. She notes any big shifts in behaviour and any problems. She also then makes a point of listing a (or a few) positives. Things that day that she achieved, that she was proud of. Similar to me; things she was grateful for. 

The young lady showed me her mood diary and it was amazing to see her development tracked out on paper. It's so inspiring.

Are you stuck in a crappy or negative place? Or starting to suffer with feelings of anxiety, worry, painic?

I challenge, encourage, ask you to:

~ Journal (just write out your thoughts) or keep a mood diary or simply just to write a list of 3-5 things you're grateful for each day.

~ Use "thank you" more in your vocabulary. Does someone mean a lot to you, but you don't often show it? Say it, tell them. Thank them. 

~ Can't face speaking face to face? Get some funky post it's (cos for me it's all about stationery!) And leave little thank you notes all round the house, around the office or even in the supermarket, for your loved ones or strangers to find.

Commit to doing just one thing differently for a month, 30 days, and see the effects....

I can't recommend it highly enough. Just spending 5 mins giving thanks or praising yourself each evening is transformational. (And of course... it's a perfect excuse to get new pens and a pretty pad!)

*Did I mention I LOVE stationery!?

Loads of love and light :)

Kathy

Walking the talk! Living my passions

Walking my talk....

I recently posted about following my passions. I never in a million years thought that by just doing more of the things I enjoyed, that I would be led to discover my purpose.

So here's the proof that I walk my talk!

Ive been attending a weekly art class. BLISS!! This means I've had to miss one of my other joys - yoga! I've had to time manage and slot it in elsewhere. There is always time. Even though I'm not the best at this, I know how important it is to keep ono top of your commitments. Even 10 mins of Yoga for me, makes massive difference.

I've started to create something which I hope will help a lot of people. After the success of my revision and subject planners I created, Ive decided to go a bit deeper and dream a bit bigger. I'm only at the very start but I'm excited about where it could go. I wish I could sit down and pour everything into it right now, LIKE NOW! But I can't with a job, a home to run, a 3 year old, a partner, friends... A LIFE! Im not using my perceived busy life as an excuse, for not showing up, but I have to be kind to my self and know that I WILL make time and it will get finished.

I will not let fear (even the subconscious ones) to turn into avoidance and procrastination, which may mean it never gets finished!

In true Leonie style, Ive taken a ride on the idea donkey, Ive had to get off but the crazy idea creative donkeys are grazing in my garden for now :)

Ive spent a lot of time outdoors connecting with nature. Sounds pretty hippyfied... and yeah it kind of is! But its where I relax and let go. Noticing nature and the life force around me, I let go and find peace. So needed in todays busy world. I always take my phone (OBVS!) but I put it on airplane mode ;) so I don't get disturbed! ..... see Im not just a pretty face!

I'm also playing with the idea of being a veggie. My body hates meat - indigestion and bloat. Not attractive. So I'm listening and being kind. I feel about a stone lighter. Vegetarianism isn't for everyone. And Im not advocating cutting out any food group from your diet!!

And OMG! Ive grown my own flowers! Happiness!!

Thorough all of this I'm happier, calmer and feel like I'm doing what I should be doing. Sometimes I have to do it alone cos no one will come with me - but thats cool. I don't need approval and constant company. But high fives to the crazy people who are lovely enough to love what I love!

Stuff has been flying into my life almost at lightening pace. Ive been a guest blogger and client opportunities are flourishing too. Im writing more and this is helping me connect with more people, enabling me to inspire and help them! Just what I wanted :)

Peace out beauts xx

Is there ever a bright side to depression? Link to my guest blog post.

http://www.stevenaitchison.co.uk/blog/ever-bright-side-depression/?utm_campaign=shareaholic&utm_medium=facebook&utm_source=socialnetwork

My Writing has been published on CYT blog! So pleased and chuffed - I made an aim of being a guest blogger, and it happened! Hope you like it x

Affirmations - Positive thinking - Positive Statements ....

Whatever you want to call them! Here's my story with them....

So during my early 20s I was in a bit of a bad place. I was just starting a career I didn't really like, that made me feel inadequate and I had collegues who prayed on that. I was living practically alone - away from family and friends and I had just lived through two disastrous relationships, which both chipped away at my integrity, confidence and self-worth.

I had little idea of who I was, what I wanted or loved or should be doing. I just had no idea. I was following everyone else's ideals and standards. I was trying to be what I thought other people would consider "successful". Im ashamed to say I even chose my career because I'd seen on facebook a number of "successful" people from school had started being teachers. (Yep, I chose my career based on other people!!) I was so desperate to be "successful" and fit in. I had no idea what I wanted. 

I was basically really lost and my inner voice, my intuition was screaming and shouting and jumping up and down! I knew it was all wrong. 

I somehow stumbled accross Susan Jeffers book "Feel the fear and do it anyway" I immediately clicked "Buy now".

It was one of those 'I'm meant to have this book and this is exactly what I need'kind of moments. It's probably the most defining moment of my adult life!! I owe so much to finding that book. 

So it came and I devoured it. It introduced me to affirmations. Positive thinking and a higher / lower self way of thinking. It changed me and my mindset. 

• I used to constantly be the victim. Everything happened to me. 
• I saw the bad or negative in everything.
• I never felt good enough.
• I though constantly about what others thought of me and would try extra hard to people please. 
• I had a negative, nagging inner critic who NEVER SHUT UP! 

I'm so thankful to say that all stopped. Because of affirmations.  Because of that book.  By all means it alone didn't get me to where I am now, but it was a start. It certainly didn't happen over night either. It was a long hard slog, constantly battling against my 'negative' mindset; but after a few weeks, things definitely got easier. 

So when I bang on about affirmations and a positive mindset I'm being totally honest and speaking from experience and the heart. I've never thought of sharing this experience before; but now seems the right time. :)

A perfect example of how affirmations helped me; I used to always be ill. I let illness run my life. I would hold back from doing things, miss out on events and get proper anxious if I was too busy; because for me, bring busy made me ill. Tiredness, sorethoats, colds, headaches. All pretty minor stuff but I was always ill, always negative and always missing out on life because of it too.

So whenever my inner critic would pipe up and tell me I was getting ill, I'd replace my thoughts with an affirmation:

"I'm strong and healthy and I fight off illness and infection."

And I can honesty say I've not been "ill" since. There's still days where I feel a bit under the weather, yes, and Ive probably replaced being ill with being tired (my fiends would argue! lol) but I no longer put life on hold, or cancel meetings with friends or limit my life in fear of getting ill!

They're powerful. Affirmations train your subconscious. (Susan's book has chapters on the logic and science behind it all). Your subconscious or your thoughts can rule your life. But the best thing is.... 

YOU can control your thoughts. You can train your subconscious or inner critic to think differently.  

I have a million more examples. .. I attribute meeting my partner to affirmations too!  

Some of my faves that I borrowed from the book or made up myself. ..

"I am powerful and loving and I have nothing to fear" 
"I am moving through my day with ease and clairty" 
"I am good at everything I do" 
"I am a good friend and people enjoy my company" 

Basically any bad or negative thought I had about myself I would use an affirmation to reverse it. I either used one of the affirmations from the book or I made my own up to suit my language. So it would be the total opposite of what I was thinking. Even if I didn't belive it at the time I kept with it - and you know what... things changed. So much so that I eventually believed it and would stop using it! 

All it takes is awareness and a bit of "thought training" and you can change your life. 

So I challenge you to listen and write down what YOUR inner critic says about you. What negative thought most rules your life? 

Reverse it! Put a totally positive spin on it. If its something like:

"Im no good at maths and Im going to fail",

reverse it to an "I AM"; so it may go something like:

"I AM a good mathematician and success is obvious" or "I AM successful and talented at Maths".

Even if you don't believe it right now, just keep with it. Every time the negative thought pops into your mind, reverse it, quieten it, silence it!

Let me know how you get on, and please get in touch if you have questions or a topic you'd like covering. This blog is A) For me to exercise my writing and helping people muscle (which I didn't know I loved so much!) and B) For you!

With Love

Kathy x

June Lovliness...

Hello lovely people! 

Wow it seems like such a long time since I've been here!!

It's been such a busy and up and downy kind of month for KP EFT

My last blog I spoke about affirmations and shared my favourite book Susan Jeffers "Feel the fear and do it anyway". It really did change so much for me and I highly recommend it for anyone stuck in a cycle or pattern of negative thinking. You can access it by clicking 'previous issues' a the top if you missed it.

From there I've been having lots of family time and nurturing my friendships and special relationships.  I feel that's so needed sometimes and it ranks high up in my 'priorities'. Loads of walks in nature has really helped ground and relax me too. (Another strategy strategy highly recommend for stress relief!) 

I've upped my meditation and yoga with my amazing friend Julie Christian, who runs an amazing yoga class each week. Check out Jules In Yoga on Facebook if you live local to the Worksop area, to find out more, or visit her website www.julesinyoga.com.

I've also been working quite a lot on increasing my own self worth and value. Comparison is something I have always seemed to do, even from a young age. And to be frank it's always held me back. So I've been pushed and pushed this month to face it head on and deal with it. I've been tapping myself A LOT! Meditating and Journaling on it and my EFT friends have even helped out too! Thank you to Melanie Jayne EFT and Julie Christian. 

I'm finally in a place where I'm owning my own talents and I'm ready (almost!) to share them with the world!

I've got two big directions/projects which I've been building up over the last month or so. They're taking a lot of guts and determination to get them out of my dreams and into reality, which also is part of the reason I've been so quiet. I can't wait for them to be fully in action and in the flow... they're coming and I'll share them here first x

I've been working with a small group of girls who suffer from anxiety too. I've been meeting with them each week and we do a tapping "borrowing benefits" circle, where they share their biggest fears and worries around exams and we tap on them as a group. 

Here just one person takes the lead and the others tap along. It was an idea suggested during my time with The Tapping Foundation's Pilot Programme 'Getting EFT into Schools", and its such a fab way of helping multiple people. Borrowing benefits (I. E. Tapping your own points, whilst one person focuses on their problem with the Practitioner) really works - and the feedback has been awesome. 

It's been pretty amazing getting to know them and helping them. The results have far exceeded my expectations of how much I'd helped them. I'm so grateful and thankful  for having the opportunity to work in this way with the people I want to help full time.

Here's what Joan (not her real name, she asked me to make up an awesome name for her!) had to say:

"Before I wasn't very confident or comfortable in myself, I was confused about how I was supposed to act around people. After the sessions I have been more confident in my own abilities, more accepting and less panicky. Ive let go of the anger towards the other people and become better being around them. Ive been calmer in everyday life, I've been eating actual real meals too! All this was consuming my thoughts when I should have been concentrating on revision and exams, so Im so glad to have been able to let go of this stuff - thank you!"

I also worked with Arizona (not a made up name...she just already has an awesome one). Her full feedback can be found here. 

And I've had my birthday to celebrate!  What a perfect day :) Breakfast with my gorgeous tribe, Go Ape with a close friend and then family gathering where I was given the most special cake ever!! See pics below! All in all, it was a super day where I felt showered in love and friendship. I'm so grateful for the wonderful friendships I have created, the special people in my life and getting one year older!!

My gift list had seriously changed this year too - more on that in future blogs! 

I'm bubbling with new stories and topics to discuss with you, so look out for them in your inbox :)

Remember if you're reading this after seeing it posted on social media you may miss future posts. The safest way to ensure you get them is to subscribe at the top of the page or via my website www.kathrynpearson.co.uk/newsletters

Love and hugs xx