# Abundance Tribe's bi-weekly question : 
### <center> *Given your talents, passions, and values. How could you use these resources to serve, to help, to contribute, to the environment, to other living beings, and /or to different causes?*</center>

<center>![20210318_203749.jpg](https://files.peakd.com/file/peakd-hive/holisticmom/48KZm2YNSArEz8JTAE54EWCTZXAfgVPmJRe1k2emurNeNw3PgHBhvB5YfBcMccuA2x.jpg)</center> <center> *A little doodle I drew while thinking about this question, filtered in negative.* </center>


I am passionate about all things that can make the world better. Not just better for humans but all life. Many causes are dear to my heart, and although I may not have all the answers to solving them there are a few things that I try to implement in the way I live. 

#### The importance of living as authentically as possible.

You know the saying, 'actions speak louder than words'. 
It's all well and good being able to say what we believe, how we think the world should change, and what we all should be doing. Yet, if we aren't living a life that tries to, at the very least, set that example of the things we are passionate about then how can the change manifest itself?

A few years ago my family and I moved offgrid, to live a simpler, less materialistic life. We aimed to live as close to nature, with as little impact on the earth as possible. 


I wanted to prove that it was possible to shun modern society in favor of a simpler life, casting aside the worries and cares of what that brought. Living on as little money as possible and protecting my children in a bubble that would keep them from the assimilation into a materialistic, t.v.-brainwashing culture that encourages competition and thrives on judgment, hatred, and poking fun at those less fortunate. 

A culture that tells us what to think, feel and how to behave.

As lovely as this was, and I would move back there in a heartbeat if it was possible, my circumstances left me returning on-grid and back to Babylon. 

At first, I questioned my decision and almost regretted it. I felt as though I had let myself down and that re-entering 'mainstream' life was the epitome of failure to my belief system.





 
It isn't easy coming back to that world. You are surrounded by people who make you constantly remind yourself not to be judgemental. After all, we are all living this human experience and everyone has the right to express themselves on their terms.
I wanted to protect my children from this world and keep them safe from it, and here I am back in the thick of it. They are no longer home educated and I feel a failure for that but as a single parent, it is difficult to do this when the other parent lives halfway across the world. But then I remind myself that it is ok for them to see what this world is like. I surround myself with positive role models who can help guide them, but ultimately their life is theirs and how they choose to evolve is down to them. All I can do is be a guide and teach them empathy, kindness and resilience. 

**So whilst I am here, in Babylon, I will still be me. I will not change to fit into a world that is crying for help. I honor the person I have grown into and hold firm on my beliefs so as not to get swallowed by the abyss.** 
 


<center>.![20210318_232919.jpg](https://files.peakd.com/file/peakd-hive/holisticmom/23x1QHVNjb3wKnSMCHwf9QG6WQPfBYrVvv1kwyTxePJEJ2XT8NzAupuVceHePzymaCyfa.jpg)</center> <center>*Some more random artwork I made.*</center> 


#### <center>Building Resilience</center> 
I believe building resilience is of the utmost importance. It is needed to preserve one's sanity. We live in a world where chaos runs riot and peace is considered to be a concept that your grandma talked about in the 1960s whilst popping mind-altering drugs. 


Most people are asleep, I don't really like to use that term but when it comes to self-awareness and thought for others, most people will only look out for number 1.

Why? 
Because the system is failing humanity and we are hitting self-preservation mode. The modern-day equivalent of survival of the fittest. Except in this current reality, it is the survival of whoever has the most money. No thought for how it's done, they will exploit and they will plunder the earth. They do this with little to no regard to the impact that has on Earth as a whole system. 

**So what can we do to maintain resilience in an otherwise reckless world?**

I recently read a book titled Cultivating Peace by James O'Dea. It delivers a wonderful message of how to be peaceful in times of conflict. What I like about this book is that it helps you self-analyze and opens your eyes to positive and calm ways to approach problems. Helping find solutions and moving forward. 

I see this book as good guidance and helps with mindfully approaching difficult situations. It's imperative to look beyond the trivia and dramas. People will look for ways to suck you into the venom. Avoid at all costs. Acknowledge it, accept it and move on, sans reaction. 

Let mindful practices allow you to make peace with the things that can overwhelm you so that you can rest your soul, and fuel your inner strength. After all, it's impossible to be whole if you are running on empty. 

To constantly check in with yourself from time to time is important. Inner work is the key to being able to help empower others. Maintaining this balance is essential, it is the master skillset of being that resilient person, acknowledging that we too are still learning. Checking in allows us to mindfully reconnect with our authenticity. 


*How else are we supposed to give out if we cannot recharge our own mana?*

#### <center> Educate and Empower With Kindness</center>

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![image.png](https://files.peakd.com/file/peakd-hive/holisticmom/23yd3nQvfeu8DudoRG7B5d7EmDS77PhAKoRGBTLYYpD6r6D6FT87vnvzz2SqNTLmJRuTa.png)
  </center>

#### You know the old proverb,
 > ##### "You can lead a horse to water, but you can't make him drink"

I believe forcefully imposing your views on people to invoke change in them is an act of violence. There are many better routes to empower and drive positive changes for humanity and the planet.  

Much of my own education has come from the gifts that creative arts bring. This is why I write my songs and have started creating art. I've seen many good films and read books. I believe the ability to create sends a powerful message. 

Up until recently though, I was too shy to perform them to anyone. I am learning to slowly let go of this fear and live my truth. Some of them are uplifting, some raise awareness about environmental issues, and others promote sustainable practices. I   feel that through song I may be able to effect positive changes. 

I  have in the past, used my knowledge of eco-friendly products to educate people on alternatives and the reason why I use them.
I have used my writing skills to fight for environmental causes when I lived in Sark and here in the UK. 
I live simply, buy pre-owned clothing and furniture, emulating as much sustainability as is possible when living in a town. If someone is unwell, I enjoy looking for a natural remedy to help heal them and will search out all info possible.  
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![image.png](https://files.peakd.com/file/peakd-hive/holisticmom/243WPomrrge1Z1u2TV8mMtcS6pRRExeapZThQDhykY8saFxTSLarBFwSxXfoQjgWMXAwN.png)
</center><center> *I often like to sit and reflect on this beach*</center>


**It is possible to hold space on your beliefs and still be kind and respectful.**

I approach everything I do with kindness and a whole heart. This is where the idea for the name *Holistic Mom* came from. I smile at strangers and I like to give back. I try to set a good example for my children and friends. I am vegan, I use non-toxic detergents, try to live with as little waste as possible.  

Moving forward, I would like to work with businesses to help them find environmentally friendly solutions and lower their carbon footprint. I'd like to offer my services to restaurants, teaching them how to source sustainable products, use biodegradable packaging in their takeout products and encourage them to buy local produce. To donate food that would go to waste to local foodbanks, or sign up for schemes like Too Good To Go, which sells off otherwise leftover food at discount prices. 



I used to think that living offgrid was the answer, but at this moment in time and in this present space, I feel I can promote a more sustainable and caring life from inside the center of the abyss. Running away isn't the answer. It is possible to stand and fight using peaceful means. 


I don't profess to have all the answers. Heck, I'm not even sure about most things, but if I can stay true to what I believe in, treat everyone with respect, kindness and compassion then I guess that has to count for something. I don't want a pat on the back for these things, I just want to know that I'm part of the solution. If I can help spread a little kindness, show empathy and raise a little awareness through music then my heart will be at ease. This is about setting good examples to the future generation. 

Never has there been a better opportunity to start building a new system. We can't return to normal because normal wasn't working. These periods of lockdown have been a great opportunity for us to heal, think of new solutions to problems, look at the system as a whole, and support those that are willing to lead by example.

Those people willing to commit to a better future without glory hunting to simply fill their ego. Our world as we know it is evolving and I hope that I can use my knowledge and experience to work alongside others, so that the future can be that little bit brighter. 

### <center> ~ONE LOVE~</center>


 




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