How I learnt to listen to my heart in the chaos (my 9/11 story)

One of the greatest takeaways from last week’s The Grounded Family Event was that balance is an inside job.
That through your focus and inner story you can tune in and realize your truest path, you can align yourself to the best version of YOU.
And that’s who Shows Up.
Showing up Whole, with balance of mind, body, heart and spirit is my focus for the rest of the year.
(It's also the name of my upcoming podcast, so stay tuned for more about that.)
This has been a tumultuous year and because of that, it’s taking all of our energy and attention to create individual focus and intention... 
So, you can truly connect and hold space with the people in your life.
This time, 19 years ago, it was another crisis in our personal history.
The world shook on September 11th 2001 and nothing would ever be the same again.
I was on a soul journey at that time. 
3 weeks prior I had decided to invest all my money into listening to my spirit, jumping on a plane and going to the UK.
When the planes flew into the Twin Towers I was in a backpackers in Glastonbury England. Surrounded by travelers from all across the globe, we gathered together around the community room, situated in what’s known as the “heart chakra” of the United Kingdom.
Tears flowed, fears built. Tickets home booked, only to be rescheduled. The world stopped and human to human, spirit to spirit, we connected with everyone we saw. It was profound. Connecting with fellow humans on this level was unlike anything I'd even known.
As a Canadian, most people compassionately asked me where in America I was from, while I cared for other Americans who were staying in the same hostel as me.

The next day, with the news on repeat and the same travelers watching in hopes of some new development, I remember stopping in my tracks…
To make a choice.
Part of me wanted to sit with my new companions, to keep the connection of compassion, but it felt like they were reliving this pain. It felt life draining and unintentional.
But then, from deep within me I knew I had to get out. I felt I had to walk the magical streets, connect with the wise guided of the sacred town around me. (You need to google the town of Glastonbury to fully appreciate this magic. This isn’t about a music festival, this is the Isle of Avalon, resting place of King Arthur, a sacred site of the ancient druids and even where Jesus walked before his 3 years. Glastonbury energy flows deep.)
I listened to my heart. I followed that inner calling. I went to a yoga class in a castle and then to a lecture.
Where the man who would turn out to be my husband sat down beside me.
The world stopped when our eyes locked. We were engaged within 3 weeks. (This was a total law in attraction manifestation, that had been building for years, but that's another story.)
Why am I telling you this story?
Because, I believe when there’s traumatic circumstances there’s also powerful energy engaged and in order to ride the massive wave and not feel completely drowned in the sorrow or fear of it all, you have to make the decision to listen to your heart.
The world is loud. Louder than ever before.
But within you is the power to turn off the noise, even just for a few minutes.
Breathe deep, set a timer and give yourself permission to take 5 minutes to feel relief, to focus on something that gives you joy, to dream, to uplift, to connect to your soul and your inner guidance.
Because when you do, you bring all of yourself into the situation. You can FULLY SHOW UP, to all the people in your life and feel like yourself in all situations.
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Life becomes clearer, the path unfolds and your individual experience rises up before you.
There’s no time to waste.
This is a time of focus, clarity and decision making, just like when I stood there, bag in hand, wondering if I should just throw myself down on the sofa beside my fellow travelers and watch the news, which felt like I was giving myself up but instead forced myself to walk out the door and do something for my spirit instead.
Whenever I feel wishy-washy or ungrounded I remind myself of that moment.
I then look at my husband and my nearly adult kids… even our pets, my work and my community and I wonder:
Where would I be if I hadn’t listened and claimed myself in that moment? What other life would have unfolded?
Breathe deep and listen to your heart. Journal it out and trust the breath within you.
You are a unique spark of life, with a divine path unfolding, for you and your kids.
The universe has your back and will guide the way.
 Unlike 19 years ago when internet was still dial up and it was easy to feel disconnected, you don't have to do this alone.
I'm dedicating September to Showing Up Whole, and helping you align to your heart and centre. Come over to the Facebook Community where all month we're celebrating over 2000 members and you'll find lots of tools for inner connection so you can show up as your best self for your family and your kids. If Facebook isn't your thing, that's fine too. Why not book a connection chat to learn more about how I can support you?