Some days working towards empowerment can seem nearly impossible.

How can you work toward anything when you are in pain, or don’t know exactly what sort of dream you want to live?

I know, you are busy. You have a house to run, loved ones to feed, maybe a job too. Perhaps running your home is your full time job. You may be creating a different career altogether. The animals, the children, the garden…. I mean really, how does anyone do it all?

We have all sat there listening/watching/reading how someone does life, life changes or wellness so well. And we have all, at some time or another, come away feeling more inadequate and confused than inspired.

Today I’m sharing the tips, techniques and wellness practices that allow me to write, work, keep well and have a life too. Ready?

Dive in!

Remember: No One’s Perfect. (And That Is Great!)

First of all, bear in mind that often, no matter who you are, life isn’t always easy and everyone tends to put their best face on. No one likes the world to know they are frazzled, out of control or not on their game. There is a natural tendency to put on a mask of sorts, and this is natural. I do my best to be real here without dragging my fellow trail blazers into every personal problem I face. But it’s a fine line. And everyone – writers, life coaches, wellness gurus and yogis alike – all walk it. People, generally, do their best to put their best good faces on – sometimes as much for the outside world, as much as themselves.

There isn’t a soul on earth who doesn’t have difficult moments and struggles. Think that person who’s got it all perfectly together doesn’t have moments of breaking down? Think again. Imperfection is part of the (beautiful!) human experience. Convincing ourselves that if we just do x,y and z, then we too will be perfect and never cry over the washing up is a sure fire to set yourself up for failure. People are far more likely to read, trust and listen to someone who acknowledges their unique quirks and insecurities than a seemingly “flawless” – and very often, inauthentic – model. It’s the things that help us relate to one another that, inevitably bond us more deeply.

Now, moving onto the juicy stuff! These are some of the things I find helpful, many of which have made it possible for me to be here today:

Homeopathy

Find a good homeopath – or alternative, complementary practitioner – that you love. It’ll make all the difference in the world, trust me. Interview. Investigate. Check case studies, insurance, qualifications, and registration, always, to make things easier for yourself in the long run.

Osteopathy and Massage 

Bodywork helps me immensely. This sort of support is an essential for me to be at my best. If you can’t afford regular osteopathy or massage, try looking for someone who is in training and has lower rates. Call a local college and ask if the students need someone to practice on. Inquire about sliding scale rates and always request exercises and homework to do in between sessions; this allows you to draw the most out of every treatment and keep them well spaced out to keep things more affordable.

A Doctor…That You Like

Take the time to really search out a doctor that works well with you, one you get on with and who will work with your other practitioners. (Check out my posts on speaking to your doctor here).

Equipment and Adaptions

This is a topic unto itself! I am immeasurably grateful for all of my specialised – and often cleverly adapted – equipment. From my wheelchair to my iPad, I’ve found that making things truly yours, with purely aesthetic or functional customisations, can make all the difference in the world . Want stylish equipment? Read my take on it here.

Help

I have a career, a personal assistant, a care worker/cleaner, a virtual assistant, a veg box, library books and dry whole foods delivery, gardeners, and family support. They make all this possible. Do I pay for this out of my vast trust fund? Nope (no trust fund here!) I do it all on a small budget. I live on UK benefits for people with disabilities and my earnings. My husband and I are working towards financial freedom, but there is no substitute for reaching out – and receiving – the right kind of help. (More information on our behind-the- scenes and how to most efficiently organize help is coming soon. Want in? Be sure to get on our list now by subscribing HERE.

Biomat

I love my biomat and live on it. (Really.) It allows me to be out of bed on cold winter days, and contributes to my overall well being year round. It’s one of my essentials that I recommend without hesitation. If you’d like one, head here.

Part 2 of this series will look at the impact of our diet, pacing, rest, working smart not long, Feldenkrais and yoga. Stay tuned!

And if you’d like to begin building your own wellness team and healing blue print today, sign up for the Trail Blazing Times  (below) for your free mini-course on How To Turn Trail Blazer.