What a year, energetically and emotionally!

I’ve heard from many of you that it has been quite a year of self-reflection, growth, changes and challenges.
Life is in constant flux however, it is how we approach and overcome these difficulties, which speak attest our true characteristics.
I had often felt alone in my pain experienced over the years. I knew I had support of my family and friends however, I remind myself that we are all forging our way through dark times and one thing I have found to be truer than true, is the healing benefits of speaking to others.
Gain perspective, find support and solutions and importantly create connections. It takes courage to share our deepest, darkest fears and “put yourself out there” but I have found by doing so, the ability to cultivate and strengthen amazing friendships and relationship.
I often speak of the healing power of Nature. The health benefits of connecting within a community of like-minded people who are looking for a natural approach to health. This year I was fortunate to be supported by my husband to take my Nutrition & Coaching business to a new level.
Holistic Hikes was born from the idea that Nature can provide a plethora of health benefits that support healthy movement and nutrition, a truly holistic approach.
So as I wrap up before Christmas and pack for our camping trip, I take the time to reflect on the year that was. Incredibly dark and challenging times however, standing from the position of hindsight I can see this was part of the grander plan for me to do some deeper work introspectively.
I’ve delved deeper into the parts of my psyche that held deep shadows, shone the light and found the old stories and connections that had hooked themselves deep.
Lovingly I have detached many of these hooks and the pain is present to remind me that I am free.
Free to answer my souls calling and work my light so that others can see. To share my love of Nutrition, Health and Hiking!
Many of my beautiful lessons this year and the years before came in a number of ways. Some devastating and soul crushing, to rebuild through pain and know your strength is incredibly enlightening.
Books, the paper ones, and the ones I can fold, highlight, scribble notes and smell. I consume these with all my senses and they fuel my passion for learning.
These are the tools for change. I’ve listed below some of my top transformational reads this year and others I have packed into my bags for camping.
Women Kind. Unlocking the power of women supporting women Ferguson & Fox
Conversations with God Neale Donald Walsch
Discipline equals freedom Jocko Willink
The Mindful Leader Michael Bunting
Sapiens. A brief history of humankind Yuval Noah Harari
Women Who Run With The Wolves Clarissa Pinkola Estes
Own The Day- Own Your Life – Aubrey Marcus
The Tibetan book of Living and Dying- Sogyal Rinpoche
Advanced Autogenic Training & Primal Awareness- James Endredy
Good Night Stories for Rebel Girls- Inspiring true stories of empowering women throughout history. Re-writing fairy tales! (also a boys version available)
What has been your most insightful read? Leave a comment below.
I’m off soon for 2 weeks of yoga on the beach, running, reading and writing. Time camping with family and friends, enjoying good food and wine (OK mostly vodka)!
Fun times with my eldest daughter, reconnecting and strengthening our mother-daughter bond. What better place than by the sea, by the mountains and in Nature!!
Remember your presence is a present x
Happy holidays!
Amanda x

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