Break Free Moment - 3 Things To Declare Over Your Destiny

Creating your own realism

Some of us have lived, or live, in environments in which things seem to work against us, where we are set up for disappointment, encouraged to be 'realistic'. I don't know how many people I have spoken to who were told not to pursue a dream because it was deemed 'unrealistic'.

Similarly, some people are 'marinated' in an environment of low expectations, low fulfilment and low satisfaction, since people around them are too afraid to raise their hopes up.

Breaking Free

What I want you to know is that it is possible to break free, and create your own reality. In your world, you decide what is realistic, what you are called to do and what feels right.

I have been called names, told that career plans were unrealistic, that I didn't have social skills.

Acknowledgement is the first step towards change. When you face the fact that certain people around you bring you down rather than lift you up, you are making your first move towards setting your own standards, your own goals and your own definition of yourself
.

3 Declarations

I want something better. I deserve better. I am willing to do better.

Want to increase your confidence? Join me on 25 Feb in lovely Luton. Special introductory offer: £3! www.herminehodson.com/motivational

How Weddings Reflect the Relationship between God and Us

If you asked me what my favourite type of traditional event is, I would say weddings. It may not come as a surprise. However, my fancy for weddings goes beyond the 7 layer cakes, amazing wedding dresses and white swans.

I like weddings because you get to see the true nature of two people, deciding that they will entrust someone with their heart and future, and to keep that bond for the rest of their lives.

Sounds familiar? That's exactly how I feel about my relationship with God. When I gave my life to Him, I decided that whatever I did was going to be for His glory, and that I wouldn't be afraid if it meant risking it all - or gaining it all.

It is not about being religious; it is simply acknowledging that there is a power greater than myself and that I am not here by accident.

One of my relatives got married yesterday. As the groom declared his promise to his wife of being there for her, I could tell that there was nervousness in the air; 100+ people watching him speak from his heart, and taking a new direction in his life.

Similarly, who wouldn't feel nervous declaring their commitment to God and say exactly what they felt in front of all those people? However, the bride and groom said the words, and so have I at church. After all, courage is doing something despite fear.

Next time you're at a wedding, consider that the couple up at the altar is actually God's reflection of your relationship with Him.

Faith, Hope and Love

At the moment there is a popular reality TV series being broadcasted in Sweden, 'Tro, hopp och kärlek' ('Faith, hope and love'). It centers on 4 vicars looking for love. Each person selects 7-8 people that they want to date and find out more about (based on applications to their profiles.) During each episode the pastors get closer to their decision who they are most interested in, and consequently say goodbye to those who showed to be less of a suitable partner.

 Participants on the show 'Tro, hopp och kärlek'. Copyright: SVT

Personally, I love this type of series about people looking for love and going on dates. What I particularly like about this show is that it proves that no matter your age, people still look for love in their 50's, 60's and so on,  and still feel like "a 14 year old" when on a date.

One thing that most participants have said once they have found their match, is that they can be themselves with that person, that they feel relaxed and at ease. In addition, a common reflection is that they can talk about anything with the other person, but also just be quiet.

In a country, where almost half of the homes are single households (mostly in big cities like Stockholm, Gothenburg and Malmö), TV series like the above are becoming increasingly popular (e.g. 'Love at first sight' about people meeting for the first time at the altar, broadcasted earlier this year).

Even when you have found yourself (and God), there is still the challenge and adventure of finding the other half. That search can take place at any age, but still creates the same excitement when the destiny seems near. It is watching people never giving up that hope, that makes me get excited about a new episode each week.

Blue space, green space

I am a big fan of Dr Sonal Minocha, former Executive Dean at the University of Bedfordshire Business School. She was the winner of 'Asian Academic of the Year' at the Asian Voice Political and Public Life Awards in 2013, and shortlisted for the award 'Woman of the Year' at the 2012 Asian Achievers Awards.

Not only does she have an impressive background, but also a greatly inspiring way of thinking.

A few years ago I attended a department meeting at the University. Dr Minocha was giving a talk, and it completely surprised me by the amount of vision and innovation that transcended her presentation.

One of the things Dr Minocha mentioned was the difference between "green space" and "blue space". The "green space" (grass, ground) is the area where a lot of people reside, with limiting beliefs, focusing on what is practical and realistic.

The "blue space" (sky) represents an 'out of the box' mentality, 'sky's the limit' thinking, persistence and hope. Focusing on the "blue space" requires courage and faith that can lift your wings. At the same time the area has no limits.

When I re-visited the Business School after working for the Faculty of Health and Social Sciences, I noticed that the previously white walls had been redecorated which inspirational quotes and photos of staff and students. My guess is Dr Minocha helped initiate the change. Near the entrance is one of my favourite quotes:

While I have attended several university seminars, Dr Minocha's speech was certainly one which stood out, and her admirable resume, shows that she believes in, and is an excellent example, of the success of the 'blue space' mentality.

The grass is perfectly green

Hi everyone. Sorry it has been a while. This week I want to focus on mindfulness. The other day I updated my Samsung. The whole system was revamped and after the transformation I decided to change my lock screen.

Turns out that you can now select "Travel" shuffle images with your favourite destinations based on Trip Advisor. So now, each time I tap my phone I get a new image of Marrakech, Toronto, Taj Mahal, you name it. Sounds great, and the photos are stunning.

However, it made me think that shouldn't I just focus on what I am blessed with right where I am? Perhaps those photos just make me want to escape and long for a different place? Maybe Trip Advisor's teasers only create a need that isn't there and confirm the saying 'The grass is always greener...'?

I have finally decided to keep the images shuffling for a while to see how it feels. They are beautiful after all. I also try to focus on the present each time I see them, and remember that I have everything I need to be happy. Right here. Right now. All those feelings are already inside us. You don't need the Saint Tropez trip as a trigger. Sure it would be nice, but the joy can be experienced right now.

21 June was the first ever International Yoga Day. There's a great way to find contentment and peace in the moment.

Dreams

As I walked around the Chemist's a few weeks ago, I thought about where I could get hold of some extra money to get some of the latest beauty products. I suddenly remembered an ad at the University where I work. A researcher was looking for participants for a dream study. The compensation for participating was a £20 shopping voucher which I simply couldn't resist. However, when the researcher at Department of Psychology first started advertising the study, I wasn't sure whether to participate or not. The study involved being woken up by an alarm four times per night for two nights and record your dreams on a dictaphone in the middle of the night.

I waited for months to decide, reflecting on what the effect would be at work due to lack of sleep, if I could ever find the "right" night to do it (maybe a Friday night?), the complications of analysing my dreams afterwards and the amount of time it would take.

Despite the worries about losing deep sleep for two nights, the desire for the shopping voucher grew stronger. I told my husband about the project and he decided to participate in the research project as well. Eventually we got the equipment and questionnaires. Let the research begin!

Waking up in the middle of the night was much easier than I thought. I was able to go to work, and was only slightly tired during the workday.

Also, the questionnaires turned out to be much easier to fill in than I expected. I just ticked the options that applied and wrote down ca. 10 things I had done during each day before going to bed.

Easy peasy!

The experience of taking part in the project taught me that while things may look hard on paper, they are probably much easier in reality. I have gained confidence and feel less hesitant about volunteering, using advanced recipes or taking on new tasks at work.

The biggest gain was not the boost I got from the new hair conditioner and make up I was able to buy, but the reminder that things often seem harder then they are. Trying won't hurt!

Do you have a similar story? Let me know!    

Love,

Hermine

Dare to reach high

Dr Hannah Fry recently appeared on the swedish talk show 'Skavlan'. Talking about dating, she said that it is always better to go out and meet people when you are single, because then you get the best person out of those you approached, rather than the best individual out of those who came to you.

I believe this is true for other areas. E.g. if you are looking for work it is often better to be active and try for those jobs you want, rather than accepting one that just 'came your way'. It might be scary to take the risk and apply for that dream position, but as they say, "all you can get is a no".

Some people end up feeling like victims simply because they feel they feel they "had" to take a certain job, rather than "wanted" to.

The more you dare reaching for the stars you want to get to, the more likely it is that  you will find that spot that fits you perfectly.