💥 Covid or not, in 12 months my fluffy friend, Sunny & I’ve visited 12 countries and learnt 12 valuable lessons along the way

One year can pack in a lifetime's worth of experiences if you're open to them. 2022 was one of the most challenging and rewarding years for me, helping me to grow more than anything before.

1. Despite leaving behind everything I knew and loved in New Zealand - my friends, clients, and home - to travel around Europe and live a nomadic lifestyle for a bit, was the best decision I ever made, even though it can be difficult at times.

✅ I’ve learnt that it's possible to make significant changes in our lives, even if it means leaving behind familiar things and stepping out of our comfort zone. Sometimes taking a risk and making a bold decision can lead to great rewards and personal growth. And that it's okay to experience difficult times or challenges while making changes in our lives, and that these challenges can ultimately make us #stronger.

2. Listening to my soul and making the decision to change my life has been the most freeing and fulfilling adventure that no one should deny themselves.

✅ Following our hearts and pursuing our dreams can lead to a fulfilling and meaningful life. When we align our actions with our #passions and #goals, we are more likely to feel a sense of purpose and satisfaction. This can be especially true when we make difficult or unconventional choices, as they often require us to take risks and step outside of our comfort zone. By listening to our heart and following our dreams, we can embrace new challenges and opportunities for personal growth and fulfillment. It also helps us to be true to ourselves and cultivate a sense of authenticity, which is crucial for our overall #wellbeing.

3. By immersing myself in a foreign, Muslim culture for 5 months, I was able to make amazing friendships and have unique experiences.

✅ I learned that we can fit in and make friends anywhere, it's simply a choice. We all have the ability to adapt and thrive in new environments, and that cultural differences can be a source of learning and growth, and it's important to be open-minded and respectful of other cultures.

4. When I was robbed and had my personal items taken, (clearly targeting the ‘female aspect’), it shook up my world but also taught me the #power of #resilience by practicing what I preach. I went from feeling #anxious to being resilient within just 2 days.

✅ This showed me once again that it's possible to bounce back and find resilience in the face of difficult or traumatic experiences and it's also possible to shift our mindset and emotions quickly, and that it can be helpful to focus on the things that we can control and let go of the things we can't.

5. Having the opportunity to ‘officiate’ my beloved sister’s wedding Aliz Meixner MCIOB , that she made so simple yet so beautiful (Huge Congrats To Her ❤️), it reminded me that ✅ the most important part of a wedding is the marriage, not the event itself. 

6. Reconnecting with old friends and family after many years, while also experiencing the pain of a break up of a friendship, reminded me that ✅ everything in life has an expiration date. It's important to let go of pain and replace it with love by remembering the good times.

7. Working at/ serving a 2-week Vipassana meditation retreat taught me the true power of meditation and mindfulness by sleeping just 6 hours a night, working and meditating 18 hours a day, and still feeling energized and able to smile from 4am in the morning.

✅ But since don’t live in temples,still worth remembering that even a short daily practice of meditation can help to reduce stress and improve #mentalclarity and #focus, overall well-being, including physical health and emotional balance. #meditation can be a powerful tool for #personalgrowth and #selfimprovement too, and can help to develop a sense of inner peace and contentment.

8. While traveling non-stop slowed down my efforts to grow my online business, it also gave me the time to reflect on my habits.

✅ That’s why it’s important to periodically assess and reflect on our habits and behaviors, and to make changes as needed in order to achieve our goals. By stepping back from our usual routine can provide valuable perspective and allow us to see things from a new angle.

9. This year, I completed my Master Trainer in #mindfulness qualification and advanced my Ericksonian #hypnotherapy studies and some other related studies. This has made me question the balance between studying and putting my knowledge into practice.

✅ I've realized that it's a constant process of learning and applying, and that it's important to continue learning and growing in order to stay current and relevant in our field of expertise. Studying can challenge our own assumptions and beliefs, but applying the knowledge we have gained is essential in order to see tangible results and make a positive impact in the world.

10. One of the biggest challenges I faced this year was falling into a dark headspace and feeling like my life was a mess and that I was a total failure. Despite feeling lost, lonely, and even shamed for my decision to live outside of societal norms and craving something I didn't have, I had to motivate myself and keep going. My soul tribe was far away in New Zealand and my friends and family in Europe didn't fully understand me, but I knew I had to pick myself up and continue on my journey. It was a difficult time, but I was able to find the motivation and strength to move forward.

✅ It's normal to face challenges and setbacks in life, but it's important to find the strength and motivation within yourself to keep going and overcome them. Even when we feel lost, lonely, or misunderstood, we have the power to pick ourself up and continue on our journey. It's not always easy, but it's necessary in order to grow and improve our lives.

11. I learned that the power to change and improve my life always lies within, and it's up to me to take control and make the necessary changes. By realizing this and applying it, I can excitedly say I’m now invited to speak LIVE at #NIRSA National Conference 2023 on “How to bring research-based mindfulness to university recreation centers with ease”, I’ll be also speaking LIVE at #PrincetonUniversity & I’m one of organizers of a wonderful International Mindfulness Conference, thanks to Karl Nielsen .

✅ If I was able to achieve my goals by shifting my mindset and making necessary changes in my life, anyone can do the same. It's important to believe in yourself and your abilities. Stay focused and motivated, even when faced with difficult or uncertain circumstances and never be afraid to ask for help!

12. Traveling to 12 different countries in 12 months has shown me the beauty and diversity of the world, and the importance of being open to new cultures and experiences. It's helped me to realize that ✅ we are all connected and that it's possible to find joy and #purpose in any situation.

Here is my take away for 2023: 

Embrace the beauty and diversity of our world by being open to new cultures and new experiences. By stepping out of your comfort zone and trying new things, you can learn valuable lessons and grow as a person. Remember that we are all connected and that it's possible to find joy and purpose in any situation. Don't be afraid to take risks and make the most of every opportunity that comes your way. Whether it's traveling to new places, trying new hobbies, or simply meeting new people, be open to the possibilities that life has to offer.

Merry Christmas 🎄, where you be 🎁 and a Joyous, Mindful 2023!