Welcome to the launch of Self-LoveFest 2014! I am delighted to welcome our first guest, the lovely Susannah Conway — gifted author and photographer, inspiring and authentic blogger, and talented instructor who has motivated thousands of people worldwide. Susannah shares her insights on how to live a positive, optimistic life — the perfect kick-off post for our fest!…
What are ways you invite positivity into your life?
I can tell you one of the biggest things I’ve done: a few years ago I made the decision to stop watching or reading the news. I gave away my TV and stopped buying newspapers and I can honestly say this has been one of the most positive things I have ever done. I hate the white noise of advertising and the news just depresses me, so even though I’m not as up-to-date on world events as most people, I’m much calmer and have more space for my own creativity. Plus if there’s a TV show or film I want to watch I can rent or download it. I get to choose what goes into my head! I’ve never once regretted not having a TV.
Do you have a special self-care ritual that allows you to unwind, relax, breathe, clear your mind, and center yourself?
If I’ve had a tiring or stressful day, or am in need of some TLC, I take myself off to bed, cosying under the covers with a herb tea (or snifter of whiskey if it’s been a REALLY bad day) and watch a DVD on my laptop while dipping into a book or two. It’s not particularly special, but it is tried and tested.
Do you have any strategies for quelling negative self-talk and pointing yourself in a positive direction?
I deal with negative self-talk by journaling it out. Often the very act of getting my thoughts down on paper helps to take the power out of them, allowing me to figure out what’s going on behind the scenes. I tend to lean towards pessimism (which is probably why the news used to affect me so much), so I use my journal to help me diffuse negativity and get clear on what I want rather than what I don’t want. It doesn’t always work, of course, but it definitely doesn’t hurt.:)
Does creativity play a part in living an optimistic and positive life?
Absolutely! Creating something — and it doesn’t matter what it is — is infinitely more satisfying than doing nothing. Books, art, photography, cooking, knitting, gardening… making something out of nothing. Creating for the sheer pleasure of making something beautiful or practical or nourishing makes life so much more meaningful.
Have you found that people in your life effect the energy that surrounds you?
Yes. I’m a confident, non-shy introvert who needs plenty of alone time to recharge and get back to my centre, so yes, this is a big one for me. Being self-employed also really helps as my years working in an office environment nearly killed me. I’ve reached the ripe old age of 41 with a handful of friends I consider my sisters, and no longer have the energy for people who drain me. People come and go in your life, but the ones I relate to best are on a journey to wholeness that mirrors my own. Reading Elaine Aron’s book, The Highly Sensitive Person, was a lightbulb moment for me — I’ve always been over sensitive, both physically and emotionally, so discovering it’s an actual THING, and not just me being neurotic, was life changing. Now I know why the energy of a room full of people affects me so dramatically. Why light, sounds and smells bother me in ways that no one else seems to feel.
We all “fail” sometimes. What’s your take on “failure?”
I don’t think failure really exists. I prefer to think of life as one big experiment, and anything we do (or don’t do) is part of the process. When things don’t work out, we learn something from the experience. Things can only be considered a failure when we attach an expectation to the outcome — I think it’s better to dial back on the expectations and remind yourself that it’s all an experiment. There are surely no ‘failures’ in experiments — just more data to learn from.
About Susannah:
Susannah Conway is the author of This I Know: Notes on Unraveling the Heart (Skirt! Books). A photographer, writer and teacher, her classes have been enjoyed by thousands of people from over 50 countries around the world. Co-author of Instant Love: How to Make Magic and Memories with Polaroids (Chronicle Books), Susannah helps others reconnect to their true selves, using creativity as the key to open the door. You can read more about her shenanigans on her blog at SusannahConway.com.
More to come…
Join us tomorrow for the second day of SLF, where I welcome our next guest, the beloved Vivienne McMaster! I’ll be doing double posts most days of the fest, since we have so much LOVE to share. After getting inspired by Viv, I invite you to become a chocolatier for the day. Think chocolate, caramel and sea salt — oh yes, it’s delish!
Thanks for joining us Lovely You! See you tomorrow. XO