Tuesday 19 August 2025

Adored Soul,

My grandmother, Lottie, was 90 when she saw snow for the first time in her life. She was visiting in the Karoo with my parents on the farm. She looked in wonderment at the bright white flakes floating from the sky and covering the cold hard ground with a mantle of white grace, and smiled like a child that had just opened a room full of Christmas presents. What she did next has stayed with me and always brought tears. She just lay down there and then, out in the veld, and made snow angels! And laughed with pure joy!

She was dynamite in a small package and had more courage than most people I know. She farmed on horseback by herself for 5 years while my grandfather was interred in a prisoner of war camp during the Second World War. She didn’t fear death and lived life as though every day was an adventure. At 90 she had the flexibility, strength and fortitude to lie down on the ground and get back up again. No shuffling, no aids, no chronic medication. She ate real food, meat, eggs, some veg and pudding on Sundays, a glass of whiskey in the evening and she stayed mobile. She loved nothing better than meeting new people and being social, and she had a tremendously positive attitude, humility and naughty sense of humour. She also believed deeply and talked to God every day.

The Opposite of Stress is Joy!

“Energy flows where attention goes”, is one of the mantra’s I have lived by for more than 20 years. It always helps me focus. That, and bringing to mind my Lottie and how she lived her life. She certainly focused on what brought her joy each day.

When distractions pop up or I lose track of my gratitude practice or life gets too busy for meditation and mindfulness, I remind myself that where my attention goes, the energy flows. If I put my attention on gratitude, there is more to be grateful for. If I put my attention on my loving relationships, they become more loving. If I put my attention on my cross-country training programme, my fitness improves. And the converse is also true. If I focus on how tired or drained, I feel after a poor night’s sleep, I feel even more tired and drained and get even less done.

I have an interest in the aspect of quantum energetics, and certainly the horses I live and work with show me that everything is energy. And it is the simplest shifts done repeatedly over time that have the most profound outcomes. One very special spunky 90+ year old showed me that joy and longevity is a daily choice. Let's choose wisely.

Make a Heart Connection: Step outside into the sunlight for a pause. Take some clarifying breaths and allow your senses to settle for a moment on what you can see, smell, hear and taste. Now notice a human or an animal in your vicinity and imagine you are breathing through your heart. As you do, imagine connecting with theirs. Now send some loving wishes, anything, heartfelt wishes of peace and prosperity. Then notice the warmth that grows.

Socialize with others who are positive: Find settings and people who see the bright side of life. Surround yourself with people who celebrate blessings, who recognize gifts, who easily laugh. Joy is amplified when shared. Remind yourself daily of what you are grateful for and tell others, so you also inspire them to see what is beautiful and encouraging. Hang out with friends who see the humour in things and express your thankfulness.

Activities that promote wellness: Time in the outdoors doing things that remind us of our beautiful breath, our awesome surroundings, our magnificent environment, promotes wellness and health. A walk in nature, reading a book under a tree, a walk on the beach, hanging out with beloved animals, listening to the birds in a garden, looking up at the brilliant sky, watching the sunrise and sunset, increases all the feel-good chemicals our bodies need to be well and supports our immune system.

I love receiving your feedback! It fills me with enthusiasm and positivity. How are you going to give yourself some much-deserved calm, connection and joy over this next week?

Renew You, our Online Women's Group Health Coaching programme starts in October! Together with my fabulous co-coach and collaborator Bontlefeela Kau, we are overjoyed to offer busy professional women in their 40's & 50's a transformative 7-session group health coaching programme. Feel at home in your body again - renew your energy, confidence and purpose. Discover a clear path to confidence and vitality - even if you're busy and tired of trying things that don't work. Ready to join us? E-mail me and I'll send you the details.

Mearas Whisper Health & Wellness

I guide busy professional women in their 40's & 50's from feeling stuck and disconnected to vibrant purpose. Ready to transform your health with ease? Book Your Complimentary Stress & Energy Breakthrough Coaching Session to get started NOW. 45-Minutes to be truly seen, deeply heard, heartfully felt and feel empowered, encouraged and energized. You deserve to shine your light brightly.

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