Letting Go of the Past in Warwick ‘My Flat’ and a little Video by Tiffany Belle Harper

When I moved to Leeds (2010) I didn’t fight to keep my house in Warwick. It was a case of survival – at the time all I wanted was a new life. It’s been a journey. I also owned a flat that was home to a friend and her partner. As the rent she paid covered the outgoings, I put it on a back burner as it ran itself. For a couple of years I blocked out Warwick and the tragedy that forced me to flee my business and family almost six years ago.

Here’s some photos taken in 2006 when I renovated it. Of course, style and taste has changed since this. Plus, between then it went bright red (courtesy of lodgers – not my taste.) I’ll show you the new pictures when it’s online and for sale …

So moving to Leeds, rock being my youngest son who at the time was a student. I turned his world upside down (and all of his friends …) I hope they can forgive me one day – although … my son has never once complained.

The happiest home I had was my flat. There’s something stable, airy and calming about the place. I’d quite forgotten how lovely it is. I spent all of Christmas there and got to grips with fragments of my elapsed past that had hidden itself in the darker alcoves of memory.

I admit when my lodgers left I felt a great sense of anticipation putting the keys back in the door.

I’ve spent the last couple of weeks giving it an icy white coating of paint. I’ve up cycled the existing furnishings. Cleaned sofa covers, painted pine, scrubbed lamp shades. I haven’t replaced the kitchen and bathroom as the new owners will want to put their own mark on it. The place goes on the market ‘officially’ at the weekend.

It’s taken me a lot of courage to let go of the final piece of my past. I feel liberated.

A couple of days later:-

Here’s a photo ‘after’ the red walls … It’s sold SSTC. Pay off mortgage then the retreat. I so want a place to help the vulnerable, the awake and the wise.

flatsold

Tiffany Belle Harper.

Express your Creative Passion by Tiffany Belle Harper

There is no elitism in the layer of creativity that embraces all of us. It’s our passion so allow yourself space to broaden what galvanises you most.

Social Media is a great way to find and share information, but how many of us actually donate to that platform? I’ve spoken to many people who say ‘they’d love to start their own blog.’ But then hit their own needless hurdles with statements like, ‘but I can’t spell.’ ‘I’ve not nothing that interesting to write about,’ or ‘I will get round to it but haven’t got time at the moment.’

We’ve all got life in us and life gives us so many topics or views to share. A blog about animal welfare, gardening, cooking, natural walks or handy crafts. Perhaps sharing your views on feelings such as relationships, parenting or coping with stress. Have you overcome a challenge that could inspire others to do similar?

There’s budding writers in ‘fact’ and ‘fiction’ who don’t share their work for fear of rejection or copyright. That’s rubbish, it’s not who reads it, it’s that you expressed your passion. Putting your words out there will remain long after you, so why not start networking with other bloggers sharing your interests. They’re out there now and not limited to location. There’s people blogging around the globe, the resources are limitless.

Searching for keywords, hashtags and groups that mentor or distribute like-minded subjects is a great way to make new friends, whilst learning and partaking with those in your zone of fervour.

It’s simple to set up a blog. Search Google and see what appeals. For instance WordPress and Blogger. The benefits being that blogs with popular blog platforms also robot your keywords and they can be found in web searches if used correctly. This way others can search and find your bullet points.

You can share your blog links across Social Media. A great tip is to also add an image or poster with a short description of what your blog is all about, thus catching the eye of your target audience with more definition.

Tips For New Bloggers:-

  • Start by making notes about what you’d like to say
  • Listen to your thoughts and research your passions
  • Take photographs or find posters that represent your blog.
  • Don’t be afraid to be controversial whilst being optimistic
  • Carry a notebook wherever you go
  • Find positive space to thrive with your imagination
  • Find groups and individuals who share your interests

I’m dyslexic in a way that my confidence affects my writing. If I feel under pressure I struggle but when I’m focused, I am convicted by what it is I want to say, then my dyslexia seems to diminish. Self-belief is paramount to expression. This is why we should surround our ‘self’ with positivity. Although it would be impossible to constantly be in ideal situations, we can make small steps to eradicate the circumstances that hold our creativity down. For instance those who seem to mock, frown upon or scorn your passions or stifle your motivation. Seeking such people around us is a form of self-harm. Leave them behind and walk on.

On reflection my blog about breasts was fabulous – I should have embraced the attention it received. Furthermore public places in my community became more open to breast feeding and created space for mummy and child. I am writing another feature about it soon, so stay tuned. (I think natural breasts are wonderful. Nature thrives on the milk of its origin.)

I recall many years I wrote a piece for a publication about the benefits of breast feeding. It was considered taboo and the article received a lash of criticism. I didn’t write for months after that. Words like nipple shields, breast pumps and sore boobies hit a few nerves. (Mainly by women who didn’t have or want babies.) But as I’ve grown older I’ve realised that debate is a healthy thing and when our words are under attack it’s not personal, it’s that you’ve created a reaction that others are entitled to comment upon. Freedom of speech is what many call it. I’ve been to events where people have become embarrassed at the word vagina. Many of those very same people now use this word more openly. As my pal ‘a sexual councillor’ says, ‘It’s not a dirty word, all women have a vagina. Without them, we’d not exist at all.’

It’s just about being able to bypass the boundaries of social expectations and exclusions. Don’t let mainstream society make the rules. Especially ‘not’ celebrity culture. We’re surrounded with ‘mostly’ rubbish that needs to shift. I have two grown up sons who don’t watch much television. They prefer YouTube. An online open place that if searched well can reveal topics on just about anything, ‘straight from the horse’s mouth.’ I’ve sourced so much information via this platform. I contribute too, I’m not very good. I just enjoy doing it.

We can create our own platforms. I’d love to see a society where there’s no taboo. I really don’t believe there’s any such thing and feel sad plenty do. Equally I believe no topic or passion is too small to discuss. Words should not offend nor harm us if used with heart and soul. Words are our democratic way of sharing our passions, goals and personal imprints. And words if used wisely can heal and mend the world.

Whilst hate, jealousy and bitterness are worthless ways to attack on any level. We can use these emotions to better use by turning them into positive ways, thus moving past our fears and inner demons. So don’t be afraid to express your open opinion about the subjects you hold and could share and REMEMBER Do it with Pride!

Then there’s blogs about the plus and minus of a subject that you could use to invite others to get involved with? People love to participate and it’s a great way to engage with new friends. For instance you could create a Q & A or better still a petition. If you feel so strongly about something why not write about it, whilst inviting others to support your cause or opinion.

There are some fabulous petition sites that are so quick and easy to use. I’ve known folk set one up in a matter of minutes.

For instance

Change.org

Look at how much time you are spending on sites like Twitter and Facebook. Could you reduce that time doing more to contribute? Step away from the hub and go into your own ‘mind of thought.’ Find things within your passions to share and demonstrate with others. This way the virtual library of life will become more abundant with your contribution.

What’s somewhat small to you may be life changing for another.

Life is a lesson, it’s about learning then sharing. It connects and unites mankind. Enhancing our passions, subsidising global love and love is everything. It starts with ‘self’ use your voice and be counted.

If this feature has inspired one other person I’ve made a change. So I do hope you’ll get started today and do the same – Inspire another. Start your creative journey by perhaps meditating or taking a long walk with nature. Getting on with expertise with a notebook by your side. Often my best thoughts come when I’m walking the dogs and many times I’ve had what I’ve considered to be a great idea. Reminding myself to jot it down on returning home, then forgetting. Now I ensure I’ve always got my journal with me.

Cameras are just as good, If not better. A building, situation or sky line can be captured then put into words. Or you could create your own digital posters with your quote over the image to share online. I used to become despondent when I’d post something online that nobody would share or comment towards. But then that same post would sometimes receive hundreds of page hits. Remember many who use Social Media do so to learn and not necessarily re-tweet or comment toward. It does not mean your passions go in vain. It’s the taking part that counts and if it makes you feel good, do it! Ask yourself, what have I to lose? Self-expression is one of our greatest healers and allies, aiding confidence, enthusiasm and concentration too.

Tiffany Belle Harper.

Meditation for Self and Inner Creativity plus #video

Here is a simple meditation technique to escape ‘for a while’ from mainstream expectations and social pressure in the comfort of your own mind. Reminding us we are all unique and have our own crafts and skills to cultivate for our own peace of mind and inner balance.

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Little Fishes hidden in Bark.

Whether this is writing, creating art, dancing, speaking in public or setting up groups in our communities. We can do whatever it is our soul so desires for ‘self.

Explore your crafts and leave your footprints. You are great!

We have more than we realise. We have nature and it’s waiting to teach us. So let’s stop killing and be awake. We can do this. We unite in so many ‘other’ ways. Love is timeless and our positive energy interacts with greater intensity than hate and ignorance.

We do not need permission to be ‘self.’

Tiffany Belle Harper.

Success is Obsolete – Be Love by Tiffany Belle Harper

I recently did my Angel Cards for a dear friend named Jacquie. She lives in Doncaster. I trained to do my reiki masters certificate there with her and Angie Ash. Two highly accomplished, wise and dedicated women who take the word ‘awake’ to higher levels for me.

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I met Angie and Gomde Hall, a Buddhist retreat, I enjoy, ‘also’ in Doncaster.  There’s a few of us girls who attend workshops over there too. It’s my sort of hub of collectivity.

Video of Me and Angie at Gomde Hall Buddhist Retreat.

During my reading with Jacquie she told me she was glad I was not urging her to push ahead with her career. You see, I feel that a lot of readers assume we are all looking for news that someday we are going to be spectacular. Jacquie had previously been told she should leave her teaching profession and become a full time reiki master/teacher.

I told Jacquie to stay in her job and continue helping children with special needs yet to pursue a holistic approach within the teachings that she would possibly bring in new curriculum’s within her sector. I saw this clearly in the cards.

It’s all about how we measure success. Success is certainly not fame. That is social power that often results in a lack of self-worth, where those who indulge often find themselves in a cycle of competition that can in turn cause a sense of inner disharmony. A dog eat dog situation where there’s no perimeter of common decency.

‘To be known for something should be a passion that is enjoyed. To not be known for something is still the same. It is about doing what our heart so desires without any fuss.’

Tiffany Belle Harper.

So when we conduct reading they should be to influence or dis-form the induction of success. But to deem the word ‘success’ obsolete and replace it with ‘self-fulfilment.’ To not fear originality and to be true to word without replication of the quieter voices. There’s no glory in finding inspiration from those who dig for pennies just to line pockets for the rich who are clad in gowns of ego driven cloth that will eventually become nothing more than dust.

That’s the lovely thing about nature; everything that is not material is reborn in one way or another. Yes nature can be cruel as it is undefined. Yet the wrong people around us can be devastating.

We should guard our connections with total selflessness, for the purest of love will become distorted by the ego maniac mainstream virus that is ‘indeed’ detrimental to life itself. A crime against the light and good of mankind. Be awake or lose your way.

Tiffany Belle Harper x