What happens if I tell you an awful truth about me?

d like you to find this message moving, valuable, inspiring...

• Because I want you to look after yourself more, and this will make a positive difference in the world, and
• Also because I want you to like me and/or at least respect me, and
• Because I'd like you take part in or tell others about my programs.

There, I've said it. Even though it makes me squirm, I have to admit the second and third points. I've pledged to share more vulnerability. : )Allowing myself to show insecurities and weaknesses goes against my instinct to always show  you my best side. But each time I read a book, do a workshop or listen to a thought-provoking TEDTalk, I get a similar message; be your authentic self.

Including the parts where you stuff up, avoid things or have 'unsociable' responses. I was listening to Brene Brown's talk on the Power of Vulnerability again the other day after a friend had told me she had rewatched it. The crux of it comes down to the fact that there are happy, wholehearted people, and people who aren't. And those who are happy and wholehearted are that way because they feel loved. And the reason that they feel loved is because they believe they are worthy of being loved.

How do you convince yourself that you are worthy? Live it?

The theme of all my work is caring for yourself. So that then you can connect and care for yourself, your community and your environment. I choose to work with young people and their families. It's an ongoing learning for me, and I can only hope to help others on their journey, too.

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I read Amy Cuddy's Presence: Bringing your boldest self to your biggest challenges. Her message was 'fake it until you become it'. That you don't need to learn a certain way of behaving/speaking; it's being true to yourself that allows others to connect with you.

She wrote it after she did a TED Talk on Your body language shapes who you are.  So I've been using her power poses in our Puberty and Wellbeing program at Thornbury Primary School, getting the students to practice their Wonderwoman or Superman pose, because it releases confidence-boosting testoserone and reduces your stress hormone (cortisol), which allows you to simply be more of who you are, trusting that others will value you for you who are. In short, so that you will feel worthy of being loved.

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So there's my little theme for this message: look after yourself by admitting your mistakes to others. And reap the benefits of being vulnerable and kind to yourself! Speaking of benefits, I came across a lovely little article on Forest Bathing: how just being amongst trees is now scientifically proven to improve your health. Heh-heh, good work, scientists. You've caught on.

So welcome to summer. May it be a time of watching your grains of self-care ripen and bear fruit.

Warmly
Janoel xo

Step into Womanhood Mother Daughter Retreat in Bali
For mothers and 11-13 year old girls
I've just uploaded some video testimonials about the retreat - yay!
Join us to create an inspiring adventure with your daughter...

July 2017 retreat now booked out. Taking expressions of interest for July 2018.
Venue: Melati Cottages, Ubud, Bali
Enquire/express interest: Janoel
Ph: 0408 664 919 or email: [email protected]
See our website for more: www.stepintowomanhood.com