As you may have noticed, I've changed the name of my blog from Sarah Talks Money (sarahtalksmoney.com) to Sarah Blyth (sarahblyth.com). Why? I've decided to use my blog to talk about my own experiences and my journey to increase my well-being, as well as money matters. I hope that by sharing my own experiences I may help others out there who feel stuck, like they're just existing or living out of line with their values.
Lat Monday I came back from a retreat in Jersey. It was the first time I had been away by myself since I had my twin boys, which is 8 years ago. I wasn't going to go due to some personal issues but I'm so glad I did. It was an early 40th birthday present to myself and it was well worth it. I think it's important to take time out for yourself, away from your normal environment. I was in the company of amazing women and it was a very safe and supportive space where I could reflect, re-energise and grow. I learned how to protect my boundaries and my energy and got super clear on my values, both my overarching values and my values for the next month.
That's me in an ice bath, praying for it to end. I spent 2 minutes in there. I also did yoga for the first time and experienced the power of breathwork. I know this may sound odd, but the breathwork was amazing and I can see how it can help reduce stress and help release trauma and emotional blocks. It's something that I'm going to explore further now I'm back home. The ice bath was colder than I thought (I'm not sure why I thought it wasn't going to be that bad!) Interestingly, when you've been in cold water or ice, you shouldn't instantly wrap a towel or blanket around yourself to get warm. There's this exercise we did where you move your legs and arms to get warm, and you need to do it for at least twice the time you've been in the ice bath or cold water. You warm up quite quickly and then you can grab your towel to cover up! I haven't quite managed to turn my shower to cold at the end but I do think it will make me feel more energised. I may wait until the summer to try that!
Having that space to myself and the ability to listen to my body, my mind and my feelings, I am now ready for the next part of my journey. I am still setting up a financial advice company and I still wish to provide financial education in a simple and affordable way. I am still passionate about helping women reduce financial stress, feel safe with money and become financially empowered and free to live their best life. But I'm going to use my blog to also discuss my own journey of setting up my companies whilst looking after my family. The difficulties I face as well as how I overcome challenges. My own personal journey to increase my own well-being and that of my family. That's why I've renamed my blog as I'm not only going to be talking about money.
This past year has brought about some big changes and both some amazing and some difficult experiences. I have learned the importance of spaciousness and taking time to really get to know your beliefs and values and your body and mind. I came away from the retreat feeling strong and ready to deal with some major news we have recently received. I also came away with a long list of books to read. I have nearly finished 'Period Power' by Maisie Hill (thoroughly recommend it!) and next will be 'Breath' by James Nestor.
I just want to finish by saying that I wouldn't have got through this year without the support of some amazing women which I feel so lucky to have met. When women support women, amazing things happen and I am very grateful for the chance to meet these amazing and inspirational women at the retreat.💛
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