Yesterday I posted an emotional video on social media. I didn’t do this for sympathy as I was not sad or seeking solution. I was demonstrating that we all feel emotions. Emotions are our road maps. Anxiety, ill health, overwhelm are all road maps and keys to where we are out of alignment or have something to learn. It is so necessary to feel the pain. To listen to what our heart, mind and body are trying to tell us.

I’m not saying we spend our days wallowing in pain, but what we do is we look at our pain and discomfort with curiosity and...

Hello My Lovely’s,

I’ve created this guide to support you during this difficult period. We all endure periods through our lives of uncertainty and although this handbook has been created during this unprecedented times it is valuable at anytime.

A very brief intro to me. I’m Susi McWilliam, Author, Speaker, Anxiety Expert, Meditation and Mindfulness Coach, Advanced Reiki Healer, Essential Oil Enthusiast, Qualified Relax Kids Coach, Life and Spiritual Coach and Founder of the Be Free Coaching method for Anxiety, Stress and Depression. I own and run The Sanctuary a Wellbeing, Healing and Creative space in Belhelvie, North east Scotland. I personally had struggled with anxiety and panic attacks from the age of 15, suffered periods of depression and ill health for almost 2 decades. I now support others in these areas educating in support tools for mental, emotional, physical and spiritual health.

A little bit about uncertainty. As human beings we have...

I’ve always approached being ill with such conflict, frustration, sometimes anger but mostly emotion. As I teach classes this week on using meditation to support reduction in pain and anxiety I get hit with a tummy bug. Throughout this weeks class teachings we bring awareness and focus to the issue. We accept where we are currently at, we acknowledge and respect the associated pain and emotions. We certainly do not get really pissed at ourselves beat ourselves up for letting others down and then delve into a deep feeling of annoyance.

Hmmm you can guess where I was at. As a coach in both health and overcoming anxiety I still struggle myself with somehow feeling that because these are my roles, It is somehow some kind of failure or reflection on my part that I could ill or anxious. I fail to remember that I am also a human being. Human beings have emotions, feelings, immune systems and periods of discontent.

 As a huge supporter of others it is necessary for me to fully...

When I first started having panic attacks at the age of 15 it would nearly always be on a night out with my friends. When the doctor asked what would trigger me I really wouldn’t know. I didn’t understand why they would take place when I was doing something I loved? Fast forward 23 years and being in public places, Going for dinner, the movies, a concert, airports, train stations sometimes even food shopping would and still sometimes can send me in a spin. Anywhere, where there is lots going on really. But now I have the tools to cope better.

Have you ever felt so nervous and sick that you felt like you might pass out? Experience panic and hyper ventilation. This was my go to feeling, coupled with dizziness, chest pain and inability to focus properly and balance. Sounds pretty crap huh? Well yes it can be but I won’t let it beat me and control my life. I’ve learnt some coping skills along the way and thought I’d share them with you.

Here’s the...

It amazes me how as intelligent human beings we continue to push ourselves hard, through stress, worry and ill health to get things done. Fulfill our own needs and please others.

Selfcare for most is viewed as a luxury or as something that I’ll do that when I finish catching up on housework, putting the kids to bed, finish that assignment, get that tender in for work, tomorrow etc etc the list goes on.

Our heads hurt with stress but rather than deal with stress we’ll take a tablet, we’re tired so we’ll have a caffeine laden drink, our skin breaks out so we’ll put make up on to hide it. Your beginning to get the picture. In the western world we’re very much about treating symptoms and quick fixes. We’re always so busy carving out a life, making a living that we fail to see the big picture.

If we do not have our health we have nothing. We can’t get to work, look after the kids, drive and care for loved ones.

This is how I came to...