It's September and the world is talking about Mental Health Awareness - bringing this once taboo subject into the light.

In New Zealand, we have some of the highest self harm and suicide rates in the world. Most recently our beloved ex-TVNZ presenter, Greg Boyed, chose to end his life, just one of the 600 New Zealanders who decided to end their lives in the last 12 months.

It's a sobering thought that our annual suicide rate is twice our annual road death toll. You could well ask "Where are the suicide prevention sign posts, the check points, and the safety belts to make our mental health road trips safer?"

If suicide, attempted or merely contemplated, is the ultimate declaration of unhappiness, then surely it follows that it may have started with a much smaller level of mental dis-ease and discomfort.
Each and every one of us is privately engaged in an ever changing conversation with our inner voice(s), feelings, desires, and thoughts. In fact, formal studies suggest that we have 60,000 - 70,000 thoughts per day, and over 90% of these are similar to the thoughts we had the day before!

We each are constantly, both consciously and unconsciously, comparing our internal mental model to what we perceive to be the real world. When we each detect a discrepancy between what we want and what we have or expect to have, we make the mental choice to accept, deny, or do something about it - and we are each happy or unhappy as a consequence. Unchecked, thousands of discordant thoughts can lead to repeated, self-reinforcing and ultimately destructive feelings.

Fortunately, backed by numerous repeatable scientific studies, proven techniques and tools exist to establish and maintain a healthy, resilient mental state, in the face of the challenges, and the highs and lows that life brings. These approaches can be tailored by each of us, on the basis of what we experience and learn about ourselves, and allow us each to intervene if necessary to adjust the path of self-reinforcing behaviours.

When we each learn to acknowledge and our negative emotions and understand our beliefs around them, we can use proven techniques to build positive feelings and make more coherent and positive choices. We don't need to sacrifice honesty, vulnerability, or privacy to do so.

So, I would like to ask you - Are you or your co-workers experiencing:

• Emotional out bursts
  
• Lack of motivation
  
• A missing sense of purpose?
  
• Are high levels of stress affecting your workplace? 
• Do you work in a positive, inclusive environment?
  
• Is morale dropping and in need of a boost? 
• Is active engagement a challenge?
  
• Are personal challenges affecting your ability to achieve your dreams and commitments?

My expertise is in supporting people like you, on an individual or group basis, to achieve more and feel better doing so, in and outside of work.

I do so with proven tools and techniques, which you utilise to get to the next level in terms of self-confidence, happiness, and achievement, on a supportive, confidential basis.

Get in touch today for more information!
nicole@nicolewijngaarden.com call 044995732 or 02102625148
https://nicolewijngaarden.com

​What are your morning rituals? Are they the same every day? Do you start your day off in a state of stress or in a state of inner happiness and with an intention of gratitude and the decision that you are going to have an amazing day, each and every day?

It is incredible for me to think how many people, stumble out of bed, do the same thing every day, unaware that their inner dialogue has a profound impact on how they feel and how they go about their day. 
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So let me ask you, are you aware of your thoughts when you get up in the morning? Did you know that scientists have now discovered that we have between 60-70,000 thoughts a day, most of which we aren't even aware of at a conscious level, although they all have some impact on how we behave and interact with those around us.

More than likely the answer is NO. At least having this awareness, we have a choice. We can choose to continue to feel and behave the way we have done up until now, or we can choose a more positive, happier thought or belief.

Which would make you feel better?

How about today you tell yourself that it's going to be a good day.. Take a few moments and say it to yourself, say it with feeling, bring your awareness down to your heart and say it again, maybe even out loud. Say it LOUD, have a laugh. you may just surprise yourself.

Keep your eye on my page for more snippets of wisdom, I will start posting more regularly going forward. 
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I am a very lucky lady, I have been spoiled by being able to spend a few days with my family and friends over the festive period and have come back from holiday with fresh energy and determination.

My family and I spent some quality time with my mother-in-law and her husband in Wakefield, south of Nelson.
We also did the almost 8 hour drive to Waihi, in the Coromandel where we spent time cycling, walking, swimming and relaxing with our wonderful friends.

Coming home, and sleeping in our own beds is incredible, the small things mean so much sometimes. Taking the time and reflecting on just how lucky I am. I am very grateful!

It's incredible to think that a couple of years ago, I was feeling like a complete failure. I lacked confidence, felt lost and without purpose. I wanted more meaning in my life, and although I loved being a mother (it had for the longest time been my only goal) but now needing to grow, but not having found my new direction. Although I felt a calling in my soul, I knew that I too had a purpose bigger than motherhood but I did not know at that time, that it was all inside of me, that I could find what it was and make it happen for myself. What a transformation, when I look back such a short time, relative to my years.

What we can dream and believe, we can achieve!
Does it sound airy fairy / mumbo jumbo?
Maybe, but only for those who have yet to learn it's meaning.
My mission is to help guide and support those of you who want a happier and more fulfilled life. If you are ready to find meaning and purpose, let's talk.

I have been there - I have been lost, depressed, angry, lonely, stuck at home with 4 children and a husband who worked on average 80 hours a week and who was overseas half the year, doing the school runs, dealing with the screaming and the tantrums of my 4 young children, and wondering what else the world had to offer for me or rather what else could I offer?

I was worried that I had no place in the world. My daily thoughts included negative self talk such as "Was all the stress and drama worth it?"

I know that I have found my soul's purpose and it feels wonderful to be able to help others with their journey in life. It's an amazing feeling, because it was only a relatively short time ago when I was saying to myself "Who, me?"
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I am not saying that to toot my own horn, I am saying it to inspire you.  I have gone from having literally no idea what my purpose was, to knowing my purpose, to not being able to say who I am, to now being able to say who I am, to having more confidence and being able to do so much more in terms of my ability to help serve others and You can Too!

If you would like to find your happiness and you are ready to make the changes so that you don't end up with the same as you've always had, get in touch or follow me on Facebook for inspiration. ​https://www.facebook.com/MyGoals.co.nz/

​I look forward to seeing you on the other side.

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