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Today, I would like to have a heartfelt chat about the power of being present.
It's a message that deeply resonates with me, and I believe it's a crucial aspect of living a fulfilling life.
So, grab a cuppa, get comfortable, and let's explore this empowering topic together.
You will remember, In my very first blog post, I wrote about the profound loss my family and I experienced.
At just 16 weeks pregnant, we tragically lost our little angel, Ruben, due to a rare condition called intramural pregnancy.
( Intramural pregnancy occurs when the gestational sac is entirely within the myometrium, separate from the endometrial cavity and fallopian tubes; intramural pregnancy is unsustainable and potentially life-threatening)
This devastating event turned our world upside down, but amidst the pain and grief, I truly believe that everything life has presented me since losing Ruben has happened for a higher purpose.
Recently, I had the extraordinary opportunity to go live on the Sparkle and Thrive podcast, with the incredible Joy Foster, founder of TechPixies.
We had a candid chat about my loss and how I found solace and strength in using Ruben's memory as a driving force to strive for better things in life.
It was an enlightening experience, and it reinforced the idea that we all have the ability to be our best selves in everything we do.
We harness this motivation as a means to propel ourselves forward, inching closer to our dreams.
There's no right or wrong way to embrace this journey; what matters most is that every step we take is a step towards progress.
During our conversation, we explored a powerful exercise called the time machine, which TechPixies practices.
It involves envisioning ourselves three years into the future and fully immersing ourselves in that vision.
We close our eyes and feel it, see it, hear it, and live it as if it were our reality.
It's an exercise that ignites hope and propels us to manifest our dreams.
However, I must confess, initially, I was hesitant about fully engaging in this exercise. I couldn't allow myself to live within the vision I truly desired because of a lingering fear—it felt as though it could be taken away from me at any moment.
As a result, I unintentionally let others shape my future for me, unknowingly giving away my power.
Perhaps you can relate to a moment in your life where you've shared your dreams with someone, only to be met with laughter or dismissive remarks. They questioned your audacity to dream big, as if your desires were out of reach. These naysayers tried to diminish your aspirations, asserting that people like us don't deserve a life of luxury and peace because we haven't achieved enough. But let me tell you this: They are absolutely mistaken!
I want you to understand, with unwavering conviction, that any vision or dream that enters your mind is meant for you. If you can picture yourself within that dream, if you can feel the excitement and possibility coursing through your veins, then it is absolutely within your reach. Your past does not dictate what your future holds. The challenges and setbacks you've faced do not define your worth or determine the incredible possibilities awaiting you.
In the aftermath of losing Ruben, my family and I dedicated ourselves to fundraising for Sands, an organisation providing support to those affected by stillbirth and neonatal death. Utilising my knowledge of social media, I sought to raise awareness about our fundraising efforts and the incredible work Sands does.
Looking back, we accomplished something truly remarkable—raising a substantial £3,165.
We are eternally grateful to everyone who supported us on this journey.
However, as I reflect on that experience, I must admit that if I had confronted my fears head-on, if I had fully embraced my vision, we could have achieved so much more.
You see, deep within me, there was a burning desire to go live and share my story. But fear held me captive—the fear of ridicule and the fear of being questioned by others who thought they knew better.
The negative thoughts in my mind grew so loud that I imagined hearing their voices: "Look at her, exploiting her loss for sympathy."
"Oh, it's Claire again, always dwelling on her problems."
"Doesn't she realise that many others have suffered the same pain?"
"She thinks her life is so tough."
Those voices, despite being figments of my imagination, haunted me, and as a result, I made a conscious choice to remain silent, hiding behind Social media posts.
Yet, here's the remarkable truth: Not once did I hear anyone utter those hurtful words. In fact, all I received were words of support, compassion, and love from those who genuinely cared.
People were eager to hear my story because it gave them a voice; it provided solace in their own struggles.
Throughout the fundraising journey, I engaged in numerous conversations where individuals expressed their admiration:
"You're so brave."
"You are an inspiration."
"You possess incredible strength."
However, amidst those uplifting sentiments, I couldn't fully embrace them. The negative thoughts in my mind formed an impenetrable barrier, drowning out the empowering words that surrounded me.
As I mentioned at the start of this, this week I had the privilege of joining Joy on the Sparkle and Thrive podcast, and that, for me, was a huge personal breakthrough.
I had summoned the courage to be present despite the persistent negative thoughts.
It was a moment of immense growth and empowerment for me. I showed up unapologetically, sharing my story with the world. And you know what? The overwhelming feeling that washed over me when it concluded was nothing short of awe-inspiring!
At that moment, I had a profound realisation: I am deserving of telling my story, and it is a story that deserves to be heard.
If my unwavering commitment to speaking openly about my family's loss and our ongoing battle with our thoughts and emotions can give voice to just one person, then every vulnerable moment has been worthwhile.
There was a time when I used to envy the remarkable and inspiring women within my community. Their courage, accomplishments, and unwavering determination felt unattainable as if they were in a league of their own.
But here's the beautiful revelation—I am no longer envious of them, for I now realise that I, too, am one of them in my own right. I, too, possess the power to create extraordinary things and pursue my dreams with unwavering passion. I am worthy, and so are you.
As I gaze into the future, I see it shining brightly, brimming with remarkable opportunities and collaborations with exceptional businesses.
With utmost dedication, experience, and qualifications, I offer not only my professional expertise but also my heart, my soul, and an unwavering promise to go above and beyond for anyone who seeks my support.
As a social media manager, rest assured that you will receive nothing short of my complete commitment and so much more.
However, despite recognising my own worth, I will forever cherish the privilege of being chosen by a client.
By welcoming me into their social media realm, they are also embracing me as an essential partner in their future success.
And to me, that is the most extraordinary gift one can receive.
Before we conclude, I wanted to extend a heartfelt invitation to all of you who are interested.
If you'd like to delve deeper into my journey and listen to the Sparkle and Thrive podcast, you can find it at https://techpixies.com/podcast/ and then search for episode 190. (It will be published Wednesday 7th June) Although there are so many more inspirational guests that you could listen to whilst you are waiting.
If you cannot wait till then, head on over to https://fb.watch/kUnpsyuAXU/ and watch the live stream.
It's an opportunity to connect with me on a more personal level and gain further insights into my experiences and aspirations.
In conclusion, my dear friends, remember this above all else:
Being present is not just an act of bravery; it's an affirmation of your unwavering belief in yourself and your dreams.
Embrace the power of being present, even when fear and self-doubt loom large.
Let your voice resonate,
let your dreams soar,
and never forget that you are deserving of the extraordinary life you envision. Your past does not define you,
and your future holds limitless possibilities.
Together, let us continue to be present, inspire one another, and create a world where dreams know no bounds.
Enjoyed this blog? Let me know your thoughts in the comments below.
Take care
Claire Louise
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