Written by: Sarah-Jayne Juniper, Executive Contributor
Executive Contributors at Brainz Magazine are handpicked and invited to contribute because of their knowledge and valuable insight within their area of expertise.
As I sit and write this article to you, I sit with reflection, understanding, and filled with awareness that life offers an abundance of opportunities and love.
Growing up, I never felt I quite ‘fitted in’ but what does that even mean? I had amazing friends. I grew up in an environment where I felt safe, opportunities were plenty, and my family could not have been more supportive. Visiting new places, trying various cuisines, and meeting new people was a natural arena for me to learn and define myself.
Where do I belong?
This question has only occurred over the last year or so, a question that has challenged me to examine what it is I truly want out of life. If the world is truly our oyster, our abilities as humans are unlimited, then am I really living to my full potential?
It is incredibly easy to get caught up in a cycle, a system of Monday to Friday, 9-5, socialize on a Friday and Saturday, prepare for work on Sunday. I personally know I was trying to ‘escape’ this reality every time I booked a flight and traveled for months on end before stepping right back into this very routine the moment I landed. Travelling provided the allusion of freedom.
2020, the year of the pandemic, was my life-changing moment. It had been building. I had recently moved back from 9 months in Australia, determined to change my norm. However, back I went into my comfort zone, the environments that were familiar until... lockdown! I had signed up to become a certified Life Coach, which transformed my mindset, self-belief, and understanding of belonging.
I threw myself into the deep end in terms of personal wellbeing. How? Not only was I learning the skill of authentic, present moment communication and listening, I also chose to spend quality time in nature, journal daily, join fitness classes, read, do regular breathwork and meditation. I chose to take photos, complete puzzles, attempt knitting and painting; I took time to reconnect with myself.
The process of being vulnerable in a safe environment is what coaching allowed me to experience and understand. I came to realize how much I was resisting the idea of how I defined freedom and success. Serving others is my calling. Travelling and learning are my passions- I am and have learned that business is a process. This process doesn’t have to be achieved or managed from the same place or time. Enjoyment is key.
Where do I belong?
I belong in this world, the real world we are all from, the one that is flexible, accessible, and desirable to live in. The world that my passions and my calling are my driving force for every decision made. I belong because I choose to live in a way that excites me, challenges me, and encourages me always to follow my deepest desires.
My normal, my idea of our world is not the same as yours, yet the process of belonging is. Follow your passions and fall forward into your fears.
1. Go inwards - learn who you are by spending time with yourself and switching off from the craziness of technology. Do the things you love, and that challenge your beliefs!
2. Journal - capture all of your thoughts. This process enables you to reflect and gain awareness of what sits with your authentic self through imagery, keywords, phrases, etc.
3. Connect with your values - It is amazing how many of us do not know our values, but once you do, you will be able to practice them every day… The results are magical.
4. Get yourself an A-Team - surround yourself with inspiring, supportive and beautiful people who only encourage you to grow and be your best self. It is OK to step away from those who drain you.
5. Dream big - get creative and capture your vision. Once you know where you want to get to, the universe has a very clever way of guiding you on that journey, one you are aware of with a clear end goal.
Remember, dreams become your reality with hard work, focus, and determination. When things get sticky, check-in with the five points above- refocus and realign.
Sarah-Jayne Juniper, Executive Contributor Brainz Magazine
Sarah-Jayne Juniper is a leader in Transformational Life Coaching. After struggling to understand her position in the world and the boundaries placed in front of her regarding academic success, she set out to challenge barriers and the concept of societal norms. She has since accomplished a MSc Psychology, traveled the world and launched Sarah-Jayne Life Coach; a company fuelled with determination- reconnecting individuals with themselves, finding balance and encouraging personal growth and fulfillment. Her clients are those who are ready to take life to the next level, face mental health with a forward-thinking attitude and focus on their full potential.
