Hello,

Happy Monday! How was your weekend? Are you ready to seize the week ahead?

Remember: You are magic today, tomorrow and every day✨

This month, I’m sharing a moment that reminded me that our bodies and our minds are much more connected than we care to admit. When we don’t pay attention to our feelings, our bodies will react in a way that makes us listen.

Key Takeaways

• Sometimes we need to pause and remove ourselves from an environment to refocus our energy

• Our feelings guide us, and if we don’t pay attention to them, they have a way of showing up in other ways until we do.

• Putting yourself first and taking care of your mind and body is always the right decision.

• Nothing is worth your mental and physical health.

I’ve heard it often: “Look good, feel good." The cycle continues. But I don’t think I appreciated the power of this until I was in a position where I wasn’t in a good place.

Last year, I experienced a stressful period at work. I was living through a moment of uncertainty and doubt, and I most definitely did not feel good.

At the time, I didn’t consider my appearance because, frankly; I didn’t care.

One day a friend told me with a look of concern in their eyes.

“Nadia, I’m worried about you; you don’t seem your usual self; you seem turned off.”

I stopped to consider how the way I was feeling internally was impacting me externally. It wasn’t until that moment that I realised I needed external help, and I needed to pause.

My feelings were quickly spilling over to all aspects of my life and affecting me physically, not just mentally.

I wasn’t sleeping well. I wasn’t eating well. I was getting spots (something I’ve never suffered with before). I was getting painfully bloated. My hair was falling out. I was questioning my decisions. I was unhappy. I was stressed. I was lost.

After much consideration and many moments of profound doubt, I decided to leave that job and remove myself from the environment that was harming me on many levels.

I took time to pause and consider all the things that bring me joy in life, and I refocused my energy.

I dedicated my time to learning and developing myself. I enrolled in courses that enrich what I believe is my purpose; I read several books; I worked out regularly; I took the time to cook at home; I set the foundations to achieve my goals; I danced; and I laughed with loved ones.

I did things—small things—that brought a smile to my face and a warm feeling to my body. I did things that made me feel alive.

And guess what? I felt good!

What still amazes me to this day is when I see people and they tell me genuinely, “Nadia, you look amazing, you’re eyes are bright, and you are shining.”

When I hear this, I shine brighter because I'm reminded in real time that I've made the right decision.

Putting yourself first and taking care of your mind and body is always the right decision.

Nothing is worth your mental and physical health.

Remember, our feelings guide us, and if we don’t pay attention to them, they have a way of showing up in other ways until we do.

My monthly challengeis to consider what makes you feel good and what doesn’t. Are you listening to your feelings? Is your body screaming at you to listen to your mind? What’s in your control to ensure you have more of the good-feeling things?

Hit reply and let me know if you can relate to this story.

Shine bright.

This month’s quote:

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