The giving and receiving of life... where are you today?

Do you need a hug?

I’ve been hearing so many stories of suffering in my circles of late: illness, grief, heartbreak, indecision, overwhelm, job loss, home instability… Chances are there are people in my wider network and readers of this newsletter in similar positions.

If you’re reading this and feeling low today, I invite you to take the next minute to sit and give yourself a the biggest hug.

60 seconds. FOR YOU.

If that feels weird, you could also make yourself a tea, sit with a pet, lie down on the floor, look at the sky, get under the covers…

If you don’t know what you need right now; if the decision to work that out adds to the overwhelm, then I would suggest googling ‘baby animals’ or ‘baby + [animal of your choice]’ and basking in the cuteness.

And if you’re reading this and feeling a bit more resourced at the moment, take a minute to send a virtual hug or message to someone you know who needs it. Or an offer of help. Or a bunch of flowers. Can you cook for someone? Give someone a call? Babysit?

This world works on us knowing when to give and when to receive.

When to ask for help and when to offer it.

It’s okay to notice the days when we are in our energy overdraft and need some topping up.

It’s okay to not always be the ones snapping into action to be there for others all the time.

And if you’re noticing that life’s feeling pretty good right now, that you’re in a sunnier space than usual, that you have a little more energy than those around you, can you give YOURSELF a hug, knowing that these moments of feeling on the up are important to bank?

Wherever you’re at today I’m sending you a virtual squeeze of recognition.

The human experience is hard and we’re all doing the best we can, even when we think we’re not.

Sarah x

ps. On Saturday I went to see the incredible Martha Tilston in Lewes. Her new album is absolutely exquisite and I urge you to listen to it.