Hiya, Reclaimers,

If I had my time over, there are obviously certain things I wouldn't be up for doing again. That said, I'm also aware that these "certain things", and plenty else I've forgotten, helped me gradually grow into who I am.

Whereas I would have kicked myself back in the day for 'wasting my time' or 'screwing up', I'm more inclined to acknowledge the truth. These experiences were not a waste, especially given that I let myself move forward, but not everything in life has to or is supposed to work out.

Sometimes it feels like we humans expect every last iota of our life to be accounted for and tangibly 'productive'.

Something can't be a hobby, an interest, something we take pleasure in. Nope, it's got to be a side hustle or turn into a startup. We have to become The Best at it.

We can't date someone, see how it goes, and walk away if and when it becomes clear that it's not a fit. Nope, it's got to be The One. We must try to prove that we're 'enough' or try and make the other person change.

Apparently, we have to use the qualification we got for exactly what it says, what we envisioned long ago before gaining experience, or what teachers said we should use it for. The job has to last for life until we get our gold watch and VCR.

If anything's going to be a waste, it's not learning. It's not using the data from our experiences to discern what we need to be, do and have to become more of who we really are.

If like so many of us, you sometimes get stuck in the It-Was-Such-a-Waste feeling, my latest blog is for you.

READ THE BLOG

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WORDS TO LIVE BY

Anxiety is often your body's way of seeking reassurance that you have your own back.

- Nat Lue

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ON THE PODCAST: Choosing Desire Over Obligation

Sometimes, even though we sense or know that we need or want to do something, we second-guess and delay on making the decision. In episode #268, I share what I learned from making a recent decision and the importance of doing things from a place of desire instead of obligation.

LISTEN TO THE EPISODE

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DON'T FORGET! Enjoy 40% off my audio sessions

If you enjoy listening to the podcast, check out my sessions. These are my 45-90 minute audio series that coach you through changing your relationship with something that currently impacts your self-esteem and your ability to know and take care of yourself. The latest addition is The Self-Soothing Sessions, ideal if stress tends to trigger you into frustrating and painful patterns. Check it and my other sessions out, and enjoy an exclusive 40% off.

GET 40% OFF SESSIONS with the code NEWSLETTER

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MAKING MY AUSTRALIAN TV DEBUT TOMORROW

Are you in Australia? Catch me on the Today Extra morning show at around 9.20 am Sydney time tomorrow, July 12th, where I'll be talking about people-pleasing.

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THIS WEEK'S READS & LISTENS

Instead of a book, I've got a few interesting links that feature great advice.

​How Do I Know When I’m Being Authentic? “With the word ’identity,’ we speak of a mask and costume that a person unconsciously wears because they put it on so long ago that they can’t even remember if it's their own or not.”

​I Didn’t Buy Anything for One Hundred Days. Here’s What I Learned.“Always the best, always more. It was exhausting.”

​The real WFH issue: When will we trust each other more, and trust we know what we’re doing? “…we don’t need to ‘get back to the office’ because we’re unproductive at home. If anything, we can be too productive at home. We get too much done and we burn out.”

Until next time, take care of you,

Natalie x