Hiya, <<First Name>>!
Good morning!
Since we last spoke there have been some updates to our current living situation, and here are four things I'm very pleased about:
- We can hug our grandparents
- TK Maxx is open
- Gardens have replaced Zoom chats (which can now be set on fire - the chats not the hydrangeas)
- Leggings are out and denim is off the bench
|
|
So, with certain delights returning, I've been meaning to ask...
How many times have the words ‘I want to go back to normal’ rolled off your tongue in the last three months?
If you want to know my last count, I’d say around 20,000-ish.
And as we edge ever closer to freedom with the Govt loosening the reins (hoorah) it got me thinking: do I really want things to go back to normal?
See, I’m not sure I do. Obviously, there’s a whole bunch of wonderful stuff I can’t wait for: pub burgers! Group hugs! The buzzy atmosphere of a bloody great festival! But before the apocalypse descended, I was burnt out, juggling too much and sticking a plaster over my self care with a glass of wine and a facemask.
And that’s why this week, my friends, I want chat about the importance of embracing change.
To resist change is natural - it’s innate is us. We’re programmed to remain in our lovely routines and stick to the status quo, regardless of whether our habits are good or bad.
Because change = unknown = fear = a primal reaction to steer clear of it.
If you’ve experienced a difficult change in circumstances, one that rocked your boat and caused you pain, your brain is twice as likely to remember that event than any positive one.
Darn subconscious programming.
But what if change isn’t always a bad thing?
What if, with a touch of awareness, we can flip the switch on what change actually means?
See it from a new perspective? Learn to embrace it? Get excited by it?
Pandemic life has revealed a lot for many of us. Stripping normality down to the bare minimum and giving us space to breathe.
It’s handed us an opportunity to go inwards and really evaluate how we are: what we’re enjoying, what we miss, what we need to create a better quality of life for ourselves.
Giving us a pause button to step away from the autopilot that sees us repeating old stories over and over.
So, why not use this chance to get clear on the things you’ve been hiding from, the situations you accepted because you were too unconsciously frantic (running for the train, balancing children on your head, trying to remain hydrated) to address?
And then - along with your anti-change mindset -...ditch them. Because those old stories and unhelpful habits aren’t welcome in the ‘new normal’.
Why not begin to tailor your life with positive action and create change for yourself instead?
Because it nothing changes, nothing changes.
And as Michael Josephson (author, speaker and ethics lecturer) famously said:
‘You are the captain of your ship. Don’t let anyone else take the wheel.’
2020 has been a catalyst for transformation. We’ve been given an opportunity to act and exercise choice rather than see ourselves tossed around in the waves.
And positive change is happening all around us. The heart-breaking murder of George Floyd has initiated an uprising in the collective agreement that systematic racism is unwelcome and unacceptable. Black voices are speaking and allies are listening and learning.
The Covid-19 pandemic has made clear how irrefutably important the NHS and ALL its workers are, and it’s changed how society respects and treats keyworkers – those troopers who keep the world turning.
And the fashion industry has embraced change too. With many designers leaning towards an attitude of sustainability over the usual fast-paced fashion trends and over production. Even Georgio Armani is moving to a season-less collection next year.
To move forward, change is vital. It’s approaching it with direction, an open mind, and our best (obviously seasonless) foot forward that counts.
So, here’s to a very warm welcome to Newsletter 5! Enjoy a spotlight interview with my incredibly talented friend and head honcho at Leo & Luna, tips on nailing a growth mindset, helpful Black Lives Matter resources, and of course, handpicked good news stories from across the globe.
Lots of love,
Lizzie Xx
|
|
Tip Time
Growth vs Fixed Mindset
Are you stuck in a rut? Scared to leave your comfort zone?
It's time to sort that out, hun...
Having a fixed mindset is the belief that your talents, abilities, and intelligence are static; you can't improve on them because you are who you are. Whereas, having a growth mindset is the belief you can evolve. You push yourself out of your comfort zone in order to build on your skills and thrive.
So, it's pretty obvs a fixed mindset is ideal, but how do we nail one?
1. Become aware of your inner critic and recognise when it turns up to sabotage your efforts. It'll sound like: 'I can't do this' or 'I'm not talented enough.'
2. Combat the inner critic with empowering thoughts. I'm a huge advocate for affirmations...well, because they work. Try repeating 'failure is only a lesson.' and 'I am capable of achieving my goals' instead.
3. See challenges and obstacles as opportunities. Don't give up when things get difficult, approach situations with an open mind, and keep at it.
4. Take action! Step out of your comfort zone, start a new challenge, or adjust your strategy. You've got this!
|
|
|
Woman on the radar
If you follow me on Instagram (If not, wait what. Find me here 🌞) you’ll know I am a mega girls’ girl. So much so, in homage to my fellow ladies, each newsletter will feature an inspirational, awesome af female. It’s scientifically proven that powerful women inspire power in women, so here we go...
|
|
Lauren Blundell
Copywriter + Owner of Leo & Luna
This week it's my pleasure to introduce Lauren, copywriter by day and creative celestial extraordinaire by night. Not only is she a dab hand at words but she owns a flourishing business of hand painted prints and embroidery ready to fill your home with astronomical goodness.
Lauren has creativity running through her veins.
Check out her spotlight below....
|
|
You're super creative - writer by trade and painter and embroiderer by moonlight - tell us, how did Leo and Luna come about?
I would love to say it came after years and years of honing a craft I’ve been passionate about since birth, but honestly? I ordered a Leo constellation print from a big retailer and was really disappointed when it arrived. It didn’t look anything like how I imagined; the quality was super bad, and I remember thinking “I have such a strong mental image of how I wanted it to look, I should just do it myself.” So, I bought some nice paints and brushes and created it. I really enjoyed it, so figured I’d carry on making all 12 star signs as a little side project. But then, what was I going to do with them all? So, I tried selling them and voila! The ideas snowballed after that and I couldn’t stop.
Have you always been interested in the cosmos?
Oh, always. We get so caught up in our little bubbles down here that we forget about the hundreds of other worlds above us – ones we simply cannot dream of comprehending. The science behind it all is incredible. There’s also so many myths, legends and stories that we have been associating with the stars and their coordinates for thousands of years – I find it so magical and utterly mind-blowing.
Your gorgeous work has been super-successful so far! What's your dream for Leo and Luna?
I think I just want it to keep growing, I want to keep connecting with people and creating artwork that makes me proud. I have no idea what the future holds, but I kind of enjoy the mystery of that.
Who are your biggest inspirations in life?
It’s mostly people around me who are actively being brave – those people that feel the fear and do it anyway. We spend a lot of time looking at celebs as role models, but really, we should be looking up to the friend who finally managed to cut out a toxic person or behaviour from their life. The friend who started a new venture even though it terrified them. The friend who actively stood up and fought for us or others.
How do you feel about change?
I used to be terrified of it, but now I’m really trying to embrace and be excited by it.
When do you feel at your most powerful?
Probably at 2am when I can’t sleep because I have an idea that just won’t quit, and I absolutely must bring it to life right that second. It’s the most exciting feeling.
And how do you recharge when you need to?
Always a bath. Fancy bubbles, essential oils, candles, a good book. Phone in the other room. There’s few stresses that can’t be defeated by a good ol’ soak.
What was your biggest 'sliding doors' moment in life?
Without a doubt, has to be how I met my best friend. Walking back from a uni night out about 10 years ago and this random girl comes up to me and asks if I live nearby as she desperately needed a wee. We quickly bonded over a mutual love of Doctor Who and Chinese food on the walk and as a thank you she invited me over the next day to watch the latest episode with a takeaway. We’ve been pretty much inseparable ever since and lived together in London for a few years. She could so easily have asked someone else or I could have turned her away and our paths would never have crossed again. I can confidently say I would not be where I am today (and I wouldn’t even know you! Imagine that!) if it weren’t for that chance encounter on a rainy Southampton street at 1am.
Tell me, what's your favourite thing about living in London?
The people I’ve met here. 100%.
How do you stay motivated working from home?
Realising that I cannot do 9-5. It just doesn’t work for me and it never has really. Taking time to figure out my own routine and listen to what I actually need rather than what I think I should be doing has done me the world of good. We are not robots, we all work differently, and that is okay.
What is the best thing that's come out of lockdown for you?
It forced me to take a serious look at my copywriting business after I had to furlough myself. I realised I hate the corporate world and needed things to shift. Now, I’m focusing on working with small businesses and start ups and feel so much more at home.
We're educating ourselves on the incredibly important Black Lives Matter movement. What's been a helpful resource for you?
Social media. Actively paying attention and listening to the personal stories that have come out of America and the UK over the last few weeks have been invaluable. A lot of people have a lot to say and I am going to continue to listen and learn from them.
Quickfire
Guilty pleasure?
Reruns from the 2000’s (specifically Top Chef and Desperate Housewives)
Best advice you've received?
“If you always do what you’ve always done, you’ll always get what you’ve always got.” Works for so many scenarios.
Currently reading?
Just started Outlander by Diana Gabaldon (late to the party but want to see what all the fuss was about.)
Favourite beverage?
Cold pint of cider on a sunny day
What’s your star sign?
Leo
Describe yourself in 3 words...
Creative, introvert, empathetic
Give your favourite small biz a shout out
@peggyandsam on Instagram
Why them?
They sell the most BEAUTIFUL stationery and phone cases. I am constantly fantasising over their notebooks.
What is your spirit animal?
A bird
Who would play you in a film?
Emma Stone, please!
Click here to visit Leo & Luna on Instagram and peruse the celestial treasures for yourself...
|
|
|
☀️ Day Brighteners ☀️
Posi news stories to perk you up...
|
|
|
Much needed good news from the US of A! 🌈
The Supreme Court bans LGBT employment discrimination - employers who fire those for being part of the LGBT community are now breaking the countries civil rights.
New Zealand says see ya to period poverty 👋🏻
The NZ government will foot the bill for high-school students after it was revealed over 90,000 stay away from school due to lack of period products.
Hold onto your berets...Farming just got super-chic 💁🏼♀️
The world's largest urban farm is coming to Paris - with the city growing fresh fruit and veg on high-rise rooftops. Tres Yum!
UK citizens dig deep to support #BlackLivesMatter 🖤
Donations to projects combatting the causes and consequences of racism in the UK top 1Million (and counting!)
|
|
|
Affirmations for the days ahead
✨
What you think, you become. So, say it with me:
- I am the captain of my ship. I choose how my days and life unfold
- I bring my best to all I do
- This change comes right on time and is exactly what I needed
- I release old habits that are limiting my potential
|
|
|
Thanks for joining us this week, babes. It's been a pleasure. Remember to hit reply and let me know what you think!
Keep being the queen you are and see you next time ✨
|
|
|
|
