I have believed for as long as I can remember in karma, that if I keep doing good that it will eventually come back to me in one form or another. There are times, however throughout my life when I have felt frustrated or badly done too because someone or something has created a situation that has felt unfair or unjust. I have then questioned my karma and wondered what I have done to deserve this…

Throughout time, learning and personal development I have come to the conclusion that everything is a gift. Sometimes the challenges that life throws us and those situations when we feel life is unfair or unkind can actually be teaching us something very profound and very meaningful and when we TRUST and take a step back we can actually see the gem in the middle of the steaming pile of excrement life has dealt us!

Over recent years my finances have been tested greatly and more recently I was in a financial crisis…

A house I had bought years ago and moved out of due to a sudden drop in finances has been rented out. Over the years tenants have caused damage and underpaid me rent, this is not uncommon I know.. but as I ran into debt it became apparent that it needed a damp course before I could either sell it or rent it out again.. Where would I find the money to do this big and expensive job when I had all the expenses of the mortgage etc going out on top of my regular rent and bills?

Then my car passed it’s M.O.T but I was told ‘it needs a new clutch soon and that will cost £500’ which I did not have. What could I do, I did not want to drive a car that could brake down at any monent expecially with my son inside…

Aswell as being practical and considering my options, I also surrendered to what is and trusted and kept energising abundance. I also looked for the gift/lesson in what was happening. The more I accepted and trusted the more things started to happen…

1. An angel stepped in, when I told my friend what was happening she kindly offered to lend me the money needed to do the damp course without a second thought. At first I felt a little uncomfortable about this but my friend assured me and I insisted we set up an agreed payment plan which helped me to feel more comfortable.
2. The agent I was advertising my house with suddenly found a tenant ready to move in the day the work was to be completed.
3. I got a small reduction on the work that was lined up to happen due to some administrational changes.

The next thing I did was give up my car! I had been planning on using the train station near my house more and getting my bike on the road for some time but with a car parked outside with tax and insurance paid on it, it was cheaper and easier to just use the car. This news about the clutch gave me the nudge I needed to do what I had been intending too. I was scared at first, having a four year old and being dependant on a car for so many years but I took the leap. I got rid of the car, let go of how much I wanted for it and just went for it.

What happened next was extraodinary..

1. My friend offered me their old bike, one that was of much greater quality than mine and once fixed up made riding around much easier.
2. People started offering to lend me their car, give me lifts and pick stuff up for me. People are bending over backwards to help and support me and this is the greatest gift I could ask for a sense of community, faith in humanity and to be surrounded by such generous and heart centred people, I feel so rich and truly blessed.
3. The wonderful folk at BikeStop in Darlington have done my bike up for me given me new cables, brake pads and much more for very little expense
4. I have even been gifted a quality set of panniers worth about £100 for FREE by the lovely man who works in Bikestop and he refused to take any money for them himself. Thanks to him I can now get my groceries on my bike!
5. The same day I got rid of the car and let go of my expectations of value, I had an unexpected call from a company who said they owe ME money.

I can now feel the abundance flowing in and I recognise how truly rich I am. I am so grateful for good friends, family, community and the kindness of humanity!

So I emplore you to sit back and feel into what the lesson could be in your challenge?

If your health, money or relationsips are being challenged you are being given the opportunity to assess your lifestyle and make some positive changes. It could be scary to think outside of your usual parameters but be brave and if you need support give me a shout. I’d be happy to help

It is very much a time of balance. A time between the old and the new, the void full of potential. A time to let go, be quiet and listen to our own inner voice. Before we take the appropriate action in response to our own findings. Action that will lead us into a new way of being, a happier more fulfilled life. Coming into alignment with our soul’s true purpose!

This is a powerful year of purification, letting go and focusing on your own personal health and development as well as your part in the big picture. I have been feeling this on a deep and personal level myself recently as well as recognising it going on in the world around me. This has brought me back around to exploring astrology to cross reference what I am feeling intuitevly. On this journey I have discovered New Paradigm Astrology and everything here is confirming this shift, this feeling of being in the chasm. We are feeling more closely this transition to the need for a new way of being, a new way of living. Often the darkest night precedes the brightest dawn!

We are all co-creators and we are all going through some very powerful shifts right now. This can be be both very challenging and/or very exciting. We are being challenged to look at our beliefs about the world we live in, our ethics and principles as well as the bigger picture and how the way we live inpacts the world around us. This can be very uncomfortable and exhausting and the more we resist our own intuitive development the more it feels as though we are clinging onto the cliff edge afraid to let go and exhausted from clinging on for dear life!

Let go and your wings will grow!

Do not go into guilt about the way you have done things or beat yourself or anyone else up as this is waisted energy. Instead use your energy to focus on the positive, on the small things you CAN do, on the things that bring you joy and that will inspire those around you. I am finding more and more that my role right now as well as being a mother, daughter and friend is to be me and take responsibility for my part in universe. To not be afraid of shining, sharing my feelings of inspiration and empathy and compassion. Being a positive vibration unafraid of ridicule or others opinions..

Be true to who you are. Do not be afraid of shining your light wherever you are!

So I am slowing down, letting go and surrendering to the flow of the river and the laws of nature. Taking the pressure off and focusing on my own development. I intend to participate more than facilitate this year. However I will also be learning and training in a working sense as well as a personal one and when the time is right will be introducing the world to new courses and services that are currently in development.

I will be doing much less in the way of marketing for now, however I am still available for one: one’s and group work as well as chats over the phone. So please don’t feel like you can’t get in touch or organise a session with me.

One thing I am finding more and more is that the more I surrender to the flow of the river and trust in the abundance of the universe the more I am naturally provided for. I have stepped out of poverty consciousness and welcome abundance in money and time.

I love to share positive affirmations, here is one for you to use if it resonates – “With a renewed and developed approach to my work I connect more deeply with my soul purpose.” These things can not be rushed, this is once again finding the balance between self nurture and creative action.

Blessed be your journey wherever it leads.

In love and gratitude, Victoria x

This New Year heralds change for many of us. I have started this blog to share empowering techniques for living a healthy and happy life! This first blog shares some of my journey as a holistic therapist and how lifes challenges can be enriching and positive experiences when we are equiped with the tools and self belief we need to get the most out of life.

My journey as a Holistic Therapist has been an enriching one, though this last few years have been very challenging for me in many ways both professionally and personally I am still able to face life with a positive outlook and an unwavering desire to live a fulfilled and joyful life with purpose!

It has been an interesting and enjoyable journey from starting out as a Holistic Therapist at The Civic Clinic in Melland Street back in 2003 to go on to becoming the manager of the Civic Clinic – Natural Health Centre. During this time I have had the pleasure of working with a great bunch of people both colleagues and clients alike. I have also made a great many friends along the way.

I am very grateful to Philip Hambly, the Osteopath who ran the Civic Clinic for giving me that intial break to get into my practice professionally. I am also so very grateful for all of the many teachers in all their guises that I have met along the way.

Throughout this time I have had a some wonderful opportunities including work with the NHS and the chance to work with a broad range of adults and young people in the field of mental health and natural wellbeing.

Seeing the great benefits of Holistic Therapy drove my passion for the work I do and love.

In May of 2014 I was involved in a car accident, I developed problems with my hands and had to give up the physical part of the work I do, including Massage and Reflexology.  Although I grieved being able to offer this valuable service to others I chose to look at what I did have and found a way of moving forward.

I chose to re-birth the practice at Melland Street as Darlington Wellbeing Centre – with a new vision and goal, to bring together like minded local therapists and provide a broader remit of services to the community. This became too demanding on me financially and energetically and in December 2015 it was very clear that it was time to take a different route and say farewell to the practice at Melland Street.

Rather than go into all of the other emotional and finacial demands I have faced over the last few years I want to share with you the things that get me through these challenging times..

Love, rather than fear. There are two polar energies that our emotions are controlled by. If we can chose to look at every situation from our heart it can shift our whole perspective.

Gratitude – for the lessons I have learnt for the experiences I have had and for the many wonderful people in my life.

Empathy – for those that have treating me unkind and unfair, I recognise thier suffering and am grateful for the lessons they teach me about boundaries and compassion. I have learnt to be more assertive and still be compassionate.

Community – by intentionally connecting with like minded people around me I have friends and loved ones that I can rely on for a listening ear and sound advice.

Meditation – and time for me is so important to clear my head and help me feel connected. When I am meditating regularly I am so much happier!

Nature –  is my temple, I love to be amongst the elements and like the ancients have a great affinity with the cycles of nature. From a roaring fire under a full moon to the gentle babble of a sunkissed brook.

Trust and faith – in God, Great Spirit, The Universe or simply Yourself. Whatever your belief system to trust and have faith in somethingis a great ally.

Exercise, Good Food, Relaxation, Healthy thoughts/Affirmations

The mind, the body and the spirit are so closely connected so supporting yourself more in one area inevitably helps support your whole self.

Despite the challenges, this last year has been a rewarding and educational experience. I move forward with fond memories, lessons learnt and good friends.

My vision for 2016 is to develop my work with young people and children in the fields of mindfulness and personal empowerment. I am still offering one to one sessions as before   and will also be bringing back the seasonal gatherings, workshops and courses I deliver which have proved so popular in the past.

Wishing you all a Happy, Healthy and Prosperous New Year  x