NOURISH
My values lie in this one word.
If I break this down, it symbolizes all of my core values. Values that align with how I teach and mentor students, how I endeavour to bring up my children and how I cultivate meaningful personal and work relationships in my life.
N – Notice Nature
Walking my dog regularly keeps me calm and acutely aware of the beauty around me. I’m so grateful to live in Australia with breathtaking native landscapes. Walking can be a form of meditation and relaxation which can have a profound effect on the ability to manage your stress. Gratefulness opens your heart to opportunities around you.
O – Observe your Breath
Recently I received an Apple Watch for my birthday – I’m not a huge fan of gadgets however this has reminded me over and over again to just breathe! Breathing alone has the unique ability to slow down your heart rate, boost your feel good hormones and radiate positive energy. For this alone Shavasana (Deep breathing and relaxation pose at the end of yoga) is so well received by the body to reset/rebalance and reduce muscle tension.
U – Unite with Others
I come from NZ and have lived overseas for a good portion of my life so friends are like family to me! It’s so important to cultivate friends as they fill up your support bank. In your career and throughout life, there are many challenges to overcome and having a wonderful group of friends who are on your team and say ‘I’ve got your back’ is invaluable.
R – Replenish with Good Food
Food has a way of bringing balance into your life. It nourishes you, fuels you, can be celebrated with others and has the ability to nutritiously keep you in the zone. In a world of fad diets – keeping the balance of healthy versus processed foods can be summed up in one saying “When you go supermarket shopping – purchase from the perimeter of the store and avoid the middle” The premise being that all the fresh produce is on the perimeter while all the processed foods are throughout the middle of the store.
Home cooking is where it’s at. It’s basic, cheap, good for the soul and every weekend you will find me food prepping healthy meals for the week ahead.
I – Initiate Movement
Take the stairs! Move it or lose it! You only have one body and you want longevity in your life and tenacity in your career – as beauty therapists we are so active and physically challenged. Moving your body is not just for the Insta shot but also insurance that you can make it to your 50’s and still have the energy of a 20 year old. It encourages natural feel good hormones, keeps your skin clear and moves that metabolism (think cell turnover baby).
S – Sit in Stillness
Journaling has been a way of life for me since I was young. I use it to work out issues, set goals, document fun times/hard times and as a coping mechanism. Sometimes I have no idea what I am going to write but just sitting down in the quietness of my room and opening a fresh page has my thoughts tumbling out onto paper with all of my worries/hopes and dreams on it.
It’s the cheapest form of therapy and I highly recommend it.
H – Harness Your Creativity
Creativity can come in many forms. Makeup, Nails, Eyebrows. Whatever flights of fancy are ‘your thing’ let it shine. Doing what makes you happy is the sure fire way to feeling good. I love to rearrange my home, adding decorative touches, creating happy spaces and I just adore it. Being in my cozy home with all my favourite pieces around me makes me feel safe and loved. Find your creative outlet and go for it!
In short, you want to focus on creating a meaningful life. One that resonates with you. When you create values that you care about this will naturally flow into your career and you can have both.
Trudie
