By Karyn Sullivan-Jones
I am a military wife and mother of 4 boys and a bonus daughter, ranging from 8 years to 22 years. I am also a full-time Counsellor and have been running my own private practice, Balance and Wellbeing Counselling, for several years. The reason I became a Counsellor is to support people through grief and depression after my own experience of going into premature labour at 24 weeks with my twins. One twin was stillborn and the other survived being born at 24 weeks and weighing just over a pound. While in hospital for the first 6 months of his life, I discovered a lack of support for grieving mothers, and being the ‘instrumental griever’ that I am, went about my way and set up a support group for parents of premature babies. I then went on to study Counselling and had three more children.
Working as a Counsellor and Wellbeing Coach (and of course being a mum), I have learned many creative and practical strategies which help people facing challenges in their everyday lives. I love to inspire people to be the best version of themselves, so, during lockdown 2021, I wrote a book called Be Inspired! This book is filled with many inspiring techniques reminding readers that everyone has the ability within themselves to not only overcome challenges like depression or anxiety, but also to thrive and live a happy and inspiring life.
The book is arranged in three sections: Inspire Your Mind, Inspire Your Body and Inspire Your Soul. I have included many different examples in each section, as something which inspires one person may be quite different for another person. All of the sections are encouraging and uplifting and each topic is followed by an inspirational quote. I have also included beautiful poetry and art work of my heart values and affirmations throughout.
If you are ready to create some space in your life for personal growth and unwrap any layers of self doubt, negative self talk or if you are curious and willing to learn about your authentic self and genuine self care, then, I invite you to Be Inspired!
This book is the key to open the door to what inspires you deep down to your core. In these pages, you will discover the magic that ignites your mind, nurtures your body, and soothes your soul. Your relationship with yourself shapes your entire life. When you can be courageous enough to remove the invisible cloak and wear your own authenticity with honour and unconditional love, then you are able to intentionally create a purposeful, happy life – the life you were always meant to live!
Come on a journey with me. Learn affirmations that can change your perspective on how you see the world. Learn new ways to live a mindful and healthy life. Tend to your inner self like a flower needing to be nourished. Feed it with positive thoughts, compassion, gratitude and unconditional love, and watch your beauty grow.
Be Grateful
“A grateful and generous heart is like a magnet. When you take the time to acknowledge the abundance in your life and share the wealth, you attract even more blessings and reasons to feel grateful. In this way, receiving and giving creates a circle of energy that serves us all.” – Cheryl Richardson
Grateful is one of my favourite words in the English language. Being grateful is one of my top values. Being grateful makes me appreciate the little things and not sweat the small stuff. I began studying gratitude after my first son was born. I realised there were two distinct feelings I could have: I could be grateful he survived, or I could be depressed that he was so sick. I could be happy with every little milestone he achieved, or I could feel sad he was developing so slowly. Both were true statements, however I wanted to feel grateful and blessed and happy that he was here with us. So, instead of the negative thoughts always jumping to the front of my mind, I decided to develop my attitude of gratitude and only focus on the positive.
