With a change of mind, you can change your life

Sometimes people say things to be helpful but it doesn’t help. I expect there to be more. I ask them a question wanting, hoping, for words that can heal me, that can help these anxious thoughts subside.

But it never comes, and I realise I only want more from them because I am not finding it within myself.

It’s not up to them, it’s up to me.

It took me a long time to really understand this point ☝🏼☝🏼☝🏼. To fully take this in and make my next move takes courage and kindness. Still, even now, I have to remind myself that I have this power within me. We all do.

The concept which helps me get back to this inner belief started from building these tools internally through noticing what is happening in my thoughts and body.

Idea for this week:

A very simple but powerful tool I use to bring me back to the internal world is by taking a 5 minute mindful break with a cup of Golden milk.

The first time I was introduced to Golden milk was by my post-natal doula, Jaye, who is a healer and brilliant woman. After my second son was born, she fed me nutritious meals, made me baths with medicinal herbs and flowers and a steamer for my private bits, and gave me Golden Milk every night. It was transformational. She genuinely helped me through this huge transition into being a mother of two.

For those of you who have never heard of Golden milk, it is a traditional beverage that has its roots in Ayurvedic medicine, which is a system of natural healing that originated in India. The key ingredient is turmeric, which gives the drink its characteristic golden or yellow colour. Turmeric is known for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, and it contains a compound called curcumin, which studies have shown evidence it supports depressive symptoms.

Here are the health benefits of Golden milk:

1. Anti-Inflammatory Properties: Curcumin, the active compound in turmeric, is known for its anti-inflammatory properties, which may help alleviate symptoms of conditions like arthritis and inflammation.

2. Antioxidant Effects: Turmeric is a potent antioxidant, which means it can help protect the body from oxidative stress and damage caused by free radicals.

3. Immune System Support: Some people believe that turmeric may support the immune system and help the body fend off infections.

4. Digestive Health: Ingredients like ginger and cinnamon in golden milk may aid digestion and soothe gastrointestinal discomfort.

5. Better Sleep: Golden milk is often consumed before bedtime as a soothing and relaxing beverage that may promote better sleep.

The basic recipe involves mixing milk (often plant-based milk like almond or coconut milk) with turmeric, black pepper (which helps enhance the absorption of curcumin), and other spices like cinnamon, ginger, and sometimes honey or a sweetener for flavour. The mixture is then heated and simmered.

Simple recipe that I do almost every other night (also really good for PMS!):

• Heat up milk in microwave

• Add a few teaspoons of turmeric (until it looks gold)

• Squirt some honey in the cup

• Add a tiny bit of black pepper and cinnamon

and then I spend 5 mins drinking this on the sofa, not on my phone or watching TV, and just notice my thoughts or body sensations, hold in the present moment as much as possible and then let go.

This has helped me get back to my inner belief that I am good enough, and I am strong, and that nothing is impossible.

Sending you all much love,

Meagan

@hapehaven