Remembering who you are...

I must admit I've felt a bit lost the last week or so.

My nature is to be hopeful, light-hearted and optimistic, but I have really felt the heaviness of the world lately, to the point where it has made me question what I believe.

I know that this uncertainty and discomfort is a necessary part of life, and in order to grow and develop as a person this is part of the cycle we have to walk through. In fact, it's essential - we can't enjoy the light until we have walked through the dark. We have to experience it all.

I have been reading, listening, learning, protesting, having difficult conversations that have woken me up to the ugliest side of humanity. I feel ashamed that I was so ignorant to what people of colour have endured for so long. At times it has felt overwhelming to recognise my privileges as a white person, to see that I have been part of the problem. AND I know that going into my 'shame pit' helps nobody, it keeps me silent, afraid to say the wrong thing, and disconnects me from people. By recognising my position in this and leaving shame (and my ego) at the door, I am recognising that I am part of the solution. If I have these privileges, how can I use them for good?

This is has led me back to remembering my values, what I believe in and who I am. I have reminded myself of my gifts that I bring to the world....

Creating experience that wake people up and bring them to life.

Bringing the joy - an antidote to stress, anxiety and loneliness.

Reminding people that rest and play is not a luxury, it's the kindest thing we can give ourselves and everyone else around us.

Being vulnerable - embracing the good, the bad and the ugly and sharing our stories to connect with other humans.

Listening with the desire to understand and empathise.

I don't have any fully formed answers or plans, I am putting one foot in front of the other, keeping my eyes, ears and heart open to learning. I do know that reminding myself of my values, gifts and who I am is the best way for me to play my role in making this world a kinder, fairer and more equal place.

I believe we all have our own unique values and gifts to bring to the world. Our own unique role to play. I would encourage you to have a think about what matters to you, what do you value and what gifts you bring to the world.....

Here is a worksheet of values to help you

• Read through them and circle the top 10 that jump out at you

• Don't overthink it and don't circle ones you think 'should' be important. Go with your instinct

• Then go through the 10, and explore how you bring those into your day to day life..

• How could you be more of that value? Where is it missing?

• This helps remind you of who you really are, it gives you a north star to follow....

Remember - This is not a character assassination! Be light and curious with it. Let me know what you learn from it....