Phi Dang

Clarity and Confidence Life Coach known as 'The Positivity Queen'. I help you go from stuck and self critical to courageous and empowered by overcoming your negative self talk so you can conquer anything.

  • It’s okay to wobble

    It’s okay, even though it doesn’t seem or appear to be. 

    It’s okay to wobble, to fall, to stumble, to trip. It happens when you’re doing your best outside your comfort zone. It happens when you are pushing beyond the edges of your fears to expand. 

    This is the space, the void, where growth truly occurs, where you discover strengths you never knew you had. 

    It’s in these moments of uncertainty, instability and challenge that you build resilience and character. 

    Every step taken beyond your familiar is a stride towards a more courageous, confident, and capable version of yourself. Embracing discomfort is not easy, but you’re doing it beautiful soul because you’re unlocking your full potential and that’s a beautiful, brave thing. Keep going.

    The wobbles and stumbling are perceived as a sign of weakness or perhaps failing and not doing something right… so you beat yourself up, you hear the negative self talk — criticism, disapproval and you feel awful 😣

    Here’s the thing, if you’re wobbling and stumbling it’s because you’re doing something! You’re not staying still, you’re moving and that is progress.

    Embracing the discomfort that comes with taking action, leaning into growth isn’t easy but a necessary part of growth.

    Growth often starts with a moment, a decision to try!

    Be proud of the wobbles and stumbles, don’t let it deter you but strengthen you 🌱

    Should you need support and guidance I offer 1:1 coaching in all areas of life including relationships, career, dating, business, spiritual growth, personal development and mindset + 1:1 coaching. Get in touch for more information 🧡

    love & positivity ✨ phi

    P.S. if you like my writing you’ll love my book 📖 The Great Unlearning

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  • 77: Embracing Ageing and Life-ing (The Gift of Years)

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    This episode is a deep dive on ageing. It will provide you with powerful perspective shifts on what it means to age and get older. How to embrace ageing and why it is such a gift to do so. Expect a thought provoking podcast that will make you think. 

    Resources from today's episode

    Work with Phi

    Intuitive message on ageing

    Hi Beautiful Souls, how is your heart and soul today? I’ve been doing some wonderful 1:1 coaching calls and human design readings and a theme that has come through strongly of lately is ageing. Now ageing isn’t unique to some people, it’s a universal passage and journey that we will all experience. 

    It inspired a recent Instagram post I wrote: 

    “And suddenly you’re older. Fear hits you like a truck as does the anxiety and panic. Here’s the the thing, what a privilege it is to age. You are also wiser. You are also stronger. You are also more resilient. Age has made you more agile and adaptable. You’ll never be as young as you are right now. Your spirit is eternal. Your spirit is endless. The sum of who you are in this moment is every age that you’ve been. Think of who you’ve been before, who you are now and who you are becoming. That is oh so very beautiful.”

    Phi Dang

    Astrological energetic transits ageing

    I’ve been doing Saturn Return readings for those currently in the lead up to and their transit 27-30 which is the spiritual equivalent of turning 21, your coming of age. Many of which this week happened to be karmic in nature.

    I also did a reading for a projector who’s in her 30’s and trying to understand the purpose of why she went through what she did and the current phase after her life (because to have your Saturn Return is one thing, Saturn is about discipline after all so it’s about maintaining the lessons and growth from your Saturn Return) until you hit your 40’s whereby it’s all about your Uranus Opposition, the spiritual mid life point or for some mid life crisis vibes. 

    I’ve also been coaching clients this week particularly aged 20-24 and talking about how each year of your 20’s is so different. 

    At any given point in time there’s astrological transits to help you expand and grow more, to become more aligned with yourself – that’s an episode for another day but essentially if you’re feeling a curiosity around how you’re feeling in relation to a certain age, chances are you’re in a transit. You can find out more in 1:1 coaching or a human design reading with me!

    Oracle card ageing

    I also pulled a collective oracle card for anyone listening to this podcast and no surprises the ‘aging’ one came out with this mantra: I am one with unlimited love, beyond all seeming restrictions of age. I am filled with joy, energy and beauty – a vessel for the divine.

    Redefining ageing

    Society often portrays aging, especially for women, as something to be feared or avoided. But aging is a natural, inevitable part of life that brings wisdom, experience, and new opportunities.

    “It is commonly thought that time is the particular enemy of women. Because we supposedly have so much to lose: our ‘looks’, our fertility, our cultural capital… But there are other ways of looking at it. That women have timepieces built into their bodies – ‘primarily biological clocks’ and the menopause – signs that must eventually be heeded, signs that are, finally, impossible to ignore, seems to me as much a gift as a curse…It strikes me that one consequence of this bodily awareness of time is that adulthood – with all its complex responsibilities and demands – often seems to come as less of a surprise to women than it does to men (there’s a reason our folk tales are full of ‘wise old women’).”

    Dianne Keaton

    Further to that, as a life coach I will say that our thoughts create our reality through what we believe and Marilyn Ferguson rightly says

    "Of all the self-fulfilling prophecies in our culture the assumption that aging means decline and poor health is probably the deadliest.”

    Marilyn Ferguson

    Growing up and being in a Western Culture, it’s definitely more youth-orientated where youth, beauty and vitality are the focuses. Aging is seen as a decline in desirability and relevance. This is compounded by a mammoth anti-aging industry.

    Though things are changing, and I share the examples of women in the media. JLo is worshipped for her age defying appearance as is Anne Hathaway who seems to be “ageing backwards.”

    Celebrity culture on ageing

    Though things are changing, and I share the examples of women in the media. JLo is worshipped for her age defying appearance as is Anne Hathaway who seems to be “ageing backwards.”

    Pamela Anderson was the epitome of bombshell with her surgically enhanced body and heavy make up in her younger years and as of late has been deemed “unrecognisable,” going make up free. She’s come out saying that “anti-ageing” is a lie,” that  “we’re getting older no matter what,” and that she calls it ‘life-ing, not aging.”

    She penned the following poem on her Instagram “Life humbles you. As you grow old…you stop chasing the big things and start valuing the little things…alone time, enough sleep, a good diet, long walks, and quality time with loved ones,” she wrote in the caption. “Simplicity becomes the ultimate goal…

    With this all threads through gender and more culture; the sensuality, sexuality of being a woman. The erotic gaze, being desired or feeling liberated from desire. The framing that men have a body where as women are a body. 

    Ultimately it boils down to a pro-aging revolution, whether you embrace grey hairs or cover them up, go make up-free or not, it’s about embracing the life you’ve lived so far and who you are at every age.

    Different cultures on ageing

    With regards to other cultures; in different cultures including Asian, South Asian and African there is respect for elders and in particular women are the matriarchs of the family, making key decisions and guiding younger generations. Getting older is seen as something to look forward to.

    Within indigenous cultures, elders are seen as wisdom keepers and spiritual guides who play a crucial role in preserving and passing down traditions, stories, and cultural knowledge.

    With age, yes we lose certain things but we also gain so much…

    With ageing comes experience

    One of the greatest gifts of aging are the experiences we accumulate which hopefully is turned into wisdom.

    “In the end, it’s not the years in your life that count. It’s the life in your years.”

    Abraham Lincoln

    It’s the core reason why many of us may wish to be younger but only if we can have with us the insights we’ve accumulated.

    These experiences broaden how we see the world and give us different perspectives on how to navigate life, what matters and what we give meaning to.

    With what we’ve gained we can also share with others, taking on a mentorship or teacher role whether formally or not.

    At 18, there would be so much you would share with your 13 year old self. In your 20’s there’s so much you would share with the version of you navigating high school. What you’d tell yourself in your early 20’s by the time you reach the end of it. What you know at 30 vs 40 vs 50 vs 60 vs 70 and so fourth. Huge shifts. Different remarks.

    Whilst time isn’t a guarantee, often in life it’s realising it’s never too late so long as you are breathing and alive, anything is possible!

    In my book,  The Great Unlearning: Awakening to Living an Aligned and Authentic Life, I write:

    Maybe you’re worried about going back to university and starting a new course aged twenty-nine that takes three years. By the time you finish, you’ll be thirty-two. Whether or not you do the course, in three years, you’ll still be thirty-two. You’re nervous about never meeting ‘the one’ and you meet them aged thirty-seven. Are you upset you’re aged thirty-seven or are you happily in love aged thirty- seven? The only thing that’s keeping you behind is being fixed on a specific timeline. You can’t be falling behind because who set the pace and tone anyway? You’re allowed to move at your own pace. You’re allowed to take your time. Life isn’t linear but an open and organic canvas.

    Phi Dang

    "Aging is not ‘lost youth’ but a new stage of opportunity and strength.”

    Betty Friedan Tweet

    All in all don’t forget you don’t lose every age you’ve been as you get older, you accumulate it. You are all the ages up until this point 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18… you get my point! You are all the ages you’ve ever been.

    Let your mind ponder this layered quote from William Wordsworth, “The wiser mind mourns less for what age takes away than what it leaves behind.” 

    New beginnings and opportunities

    Aging is not the end of new opportunities. Many women find new passions, hobbies, and even careers later in life.

    In my book, The Great Unlearning, I write:

    “Lawyer Amal Clooney (née Alamuddin) met actor George Clooney when she was thirty-five, went on to marry him and have twins. Vera Wang entered the fashion industry at age forty and is now a household name. It’s now even possible for women to have children at the age of fifty with the help of medical advancements. “

    Phi Dang

    Quotes on the new beginnings and opportunities that ageing brings:

    “When you’re young, there’s so much now that you can’t take it in. It’s pouring over you like a waterfall. When you’re older, it’s less intense, but you’re able to reach out and drink it. I love being older.”

    Sigourney Weaver

    "You are as young as your faith, as old as your doubt; as young as your self-confidence, as old as your fear, as young as your hope, as old as your despair.”


    Samuel Ullman

    Know that gender plays a huge role in this, men are revered for getting older, becoming “legendary” and “aging like fine wine”  yet it doesn’t necessarily translate to women in society fully yet. 

    "When it comes to aging, we’re held to a different standard than men. Some guy said to me: ‘Don’t you think you’re too old to sing rock n’ roll?’ I said: ‘You’d better check with Mick Jagger.’"

    Cher

    Self acceptance and growth

    Why do people tend to become more self-accepting as they age?

    Resilience. As time goes on those moments you thought the world would end or you wouldn’t be okay… you realise well hey I’m still here and I’ve overcome a lot. Not only that you are more true to yourself as opposed to caring so much about what other people think and what’s happening in the mainstream. To be your true and authentic self. You develop the courage to speak your truth and do what you really want to.

    "Aging is an extraordinary process where you become the person you always should have been"

    David Bowie

    "It’s good to have a sense of self and to be able to be your own best friend."

    Pamela Anderson

    “I’m tired of trying to be young. I don’t want to be young. I’ve been young.”

    Andie MacDowell

    What also becomes apparent is that comparison dwindles down as you get older and isn’t as alert in your life as say when you’re a teenager or in your 20’s and 30’s. 

    “At age 20, we worry about what others think of us. At age 40, we don't care what they think of us. At age 60, we discover they haven't been thinking of us at all." 

    Ann Landers

    It becomes more natural to be at peace with yourself than not.

    “Aging is as natural as a baby’s softness and scent. Aging is human evolution in its pure form.”

    Jamie Lee Curtis

    “The great thing about getting older is that you become more mellow. Things aren’t as black and white, and you become much more tolerant. You can see the good in things much more easily rather than getting enraged as you used to do when you were young.”

    Maeve Binchy

    “Growing old with someone else is beautiful, but growing old while being true to yourself is divine.”

    Dodinsky

    Physically ageing

    Physical changes are a natural part of aging, and they tell the story of our lives. It’s time to embrace these changes and see them as badges of honor rather than something to hide.

    I’m going to read out some quotes from various women on their perspective of physical changes to the body as life goes on.

    An interesting perspective to consider is one from Eleanor Roosevelt,

    “Beautiful young people are accidents of nature, but beautiful old people are works of art.”

    Eleanor Roosevelt

    “There is a saying that with age, you look outside what you are inside. If you are someone who never smiles your face gets saggy. If you’re a person who smiles a lot, you will have more smile lines. Your wrinkles reflect the roads you have taken; they form the map of your life. My face reflects the wind and sun and rain and dust from the trips I’ve taken. My face carries all my memories. Why should I erase them?”

    Diane Von Fursternberg

    “In interviews, the first question I get in America is always: ‘What do you do to stay young?’ I do nothing. I don’t think aging is a problem...Yes, my face has wrinkles. But I don’t find it monstrous. I’m so surprised that the emphasis on aging here is on physical decay when aging brings such incredible freedom. Now what I want most is laughs. I don’t want to hurt anybody by laughing — there is no meanness to it. I just want to laugh.”

    Isabella Rosselini

    “I don’t relate to a 26-year-old model. I don’t want her life. I don’t want her face. I don’t want her experience. I’ve earned my life. I’ve earned my wrinkles. I have been through so many highs and lows, and there’s a sweetness that starts to emerge from that, from having lived, from being wise, from being humble, from loving and losing and all of this stuff.”

    Gwyneth Paltrow

    “Listen, the best advice on aging is this: What’s the alternative? The alternative, of course, is death. And that’s a lot of shit to deal with. So I’m happy to deal with menopause. I’ll take it.”

    Jodie Foster

    The zinger?

    When it comes to staying young, a mind-lift beats a face-lift any day. 


    Marty Buccella

    In the end it’s your perspective on the physical changes that occur with age and Eva Longoria reminds us that we do not lose beauty but gain a deeper appreciation for it.

    What is ageless about ageing?

    What is at the core within the fear of ageing comes many universal experiences we have as humans: a fear of change, a fear of losing, a fear of life (mortality itself).

    There is no right way to age.

    Ultimately what is ageless about ageing, is your spirit and soul. Time passes for the home of our soul, the body, the physical vehicle, however your soul is ageless in the sense that it is timeless, eternal and the core essence of you are whether in this lifetime, a past or a future one. It’s why speak of ‘young’ or ‘old’ souls it’s not about the age but the characteristic of someone’s spirit no matter their physical age.

    “I’m happy to report that my inner child is still ageless.

    James Broughton

    “Growing old is mandatory, but growing up is optional.” 

    Walt Disney

    "Aging not just adding years to our total on earth. It is a process of humanisation, of becoming more spiritually and culturally complex. It allows us to get down to business and make life worthwhile. Over the years it is also a blending of valuable experiences.”

    Thomas Moore

    “There is a fountain of youth: it is your mind, your talents, the creativity you bring to your life and the lives of people you love. When you learn to tap this source, you will truly have defeated age.”

    Sophia Loren

    When I really think about it, I feel the same inside as I did 18 or in my 20’s or now 30. It’s the same consciousness within me with added experience and wisdom. Regardless of the age I am physically. It wasn’t like when I suddenly turned 30 inside completely changed, it’s been shifting and progressing the whole time since birth whether I recognise it or not, whether I am conscious of it or not.

    Phi's personal take on ageing

    “Today is the oldest you've ever been, and the youngest you'll ever be again.”

    Eleanor Roosevelt

    Something that has really hit home for me and many clients I share this with is a hypothetical, that this age that you are right now, in 10 years time, if I said to you hey, if you give me everything you own, all your money and possessions, I’ll let you be 10 years younger again … you’d do it in a heartbeat.

    We spend the first part of life wishing to be older and with that also comes different sets of life responsibilities and things we become aware of about life – it’s precious, fleeting nature, how quickly it can start to go… that really ultimately all you wish for is to be fully present and savour right here and right now whatever age you are.

    When I was younger worrying about my school marks and now I am running my own business which isn’t directly related to my university degree yet I remember being 17 and 18 really stressed and studying to make sure I had high enough marks. I mean I got into law school but then ended up dropping out anyway because it wasn’t really in alignment with what I wanted to do in this life.

    Ageing in your twenties into thirty

    I’m now 30 and looking back at my 20’s I was stressing how to figure out my life when really life figured it out for me, this grander plan. My purpose came to me when I was 26 unexpectedly, out of no where yet made sense all at the same time. I enjoyed my 20’s because I lived life to the fullest and I’ve always maintained that I want more life but should it be my time I wouldn’t have regrets, that I would be really proud of myself and how I have lived my life and what I’ve achieved so far. I’m living my purpose and making a difference to this world in my own way: helping others be happier and live their best lives. That is a huge privilege. Even when I wasn’t a life coach, I was making the world a better place by doing my best to be kind and care for the important people and causes in my life.

    What truly matters as you age

    All of that wouldn’t matter if it weren’t for the important people in my life, my friends and family. They, connection, community is what makes life worth living for in addition to the incredible experiences we get to have whether it be as simple as seeing the vivid colours of sunrise or travelling the world being immersed in different cultures. Consciousness is so special I mean I don’t know if animals register the full sensory experience of witnessing a sunrise – the colours, that sensation of awe, of feeling small, of feeling part of something bigger, of feeling magical and divine because what makes a sunset makes us human too.

    I don’t know if anyone ever really does truly have it all and everything figured out no matter what age nor would we want to. That would make life really boring and dull. Life is a dynamic storyline continually changing and shifting to ensure we continue to evolve in this lifetime. It’s not easy, it’s quite the ride. Sometimes sweetness brings the greatest lessons and healing, and other times challenging times are required for that.

    “Every year should teach you something valuable; whether you get the lesson is up to you. Every year brings you closer to expressing your whole and healed self.”

    Oprah Winfrey

    The core of ageing?

    I think it’s natural to look back when you were younger and think you were happier, but I think it’s different types of happiness and what we really yearn for is the feeling and sense of ease and carefree which is also achievable now whatever age you are.

    Ultimately, what if it isn’t time that ages you? Time is constant, time is something we feel and relate to with regards to our awareness. That maybe it could be something else, “aging” you… your thoughts, your emotions and how you feel, that question in itself may it get you to reflect and explore your internal world to answer that question for yourself…

    Consider yourself in reference to your biological age, chronological age, spiritual age, emotional age, mental age… 

    “How old would you be if you didn’t know old you are?”

    Ageing is a beautiful journey

    Aging is a beautiful, complex journey. To end this podcast in the words of Louise Hay;

    “Know that you are the perfect age. Each year is special and precious, for you shall only live it once. Be comfortable with growing older.”

    Louise Hay Tweet

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  • 76: Sagittarius Full Moon May 2024

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    All about the Sagittarius full moon taking place during Gemini season of May 2024. Found out themes related to the Sagittarius full moon such as abundance, perspective and foundations. This episode includes journaling prompts for the Sagittarius full moon in May 2024 too.

    Resources from today's episode

    Work with Phi

    Collective energy leading up to Sagittarius full moon

    Hi beautiful soul, how are you? It’s been a little break since the last podcast episode however this morning I woke up with a strong, clear message to do a podcast on the full moon that is taking place in Sagittarius on the 23rd of May. The portal will be open over the next few days and will likely ease next week.

    It’s a beautiful one nicknamed the flower moon. Know that if you’ve been feeling heavier, denser, more tired and emotional that you aren’t alone, the collective energies have been definitely feeling that way so this is a powerful time to reset and let go. It’s also really interesting I feel like there’s been a lot of karmic healing, growth and lessons taking place, it’s something that’s been really strong in the human design readings I’ve done this week and I’m really feeling a call to do more karmic work with clients and within readings which on a side note if you are interested, I do have availability so if you’re feeling the call, I invite you to book into a human design reading with me!

    Challenges and blessings of this Sagittarius full moon

    It makes a lot of sense given Sagittarius is the sign of the centaur and as many of you will know of which is the symbol for Chiron, the wounded healer. This is amplified given Pluto in the sky whilst the full moon is taking place too (all about the subconscious and spiritual rebirth energy), heightening emotions, relationships and situations at this time. 

    We are always rewarded for doing the work including delving into our deepest wounds and shadow work, this moon very much has a lucky, auspicious and optimistic energy that accompanies it too for the blessed planets of Venus and Jupiter are meeting in the sign of Taurus which won’t happen again for another 12 years! Something of note should you have Taurus placements within your chart. 

    In contrast to other episodes I’ve done where I typically share journaling questions all at the end, for this one I’ll be sprinkling them throughout with the themes that arise so it’s one of those podcasts you may like to listen fully once, go back and go through or as you go pause, reflect or journal.

    Let’s divine into the Sagittarius full moon taking place on May 23 2024 this year.

    Perspective and acceptance

    What I’m feeling called to share is that this is a full moon of perspective, it’s abundant and invites us to dissolve the seriousness and heaviness into a feeling of lightness. A key to a part of this is acceptance, where are you perhaps resisting accepting something because when we can accept something, whilst we may not like it, it removes a sense of burden. Maybe you’re frustrated at doing things recently and you can’t see any progress yet. This full moon assures you that everything is adding up and culminating into the bigger picture. The littlest of things do count.

    Is there anything in your life that calls for acceptance right now? Perhaps something you’ve been resistant, why? Can you find a way to accept what it is?

    Reconnect with the new moon in Sagittarius

    This particular full moon links to the Sagittarius New Moon that took place around the 12th/13th of December last year in 2023. It’s a full circle moment so things you may have manifested then may come to fruition now.

    What was going on in your life back then and how have things changed? 

    What were the little niggly things back then and how have the evolved now? Do they still matter? Did they get resolved?

    Letting go to bloom

    This full moon is nicknamed as the flower moon based on Native American Tribes in North America based on the arrival of Spring and with that comes plenty of flowers hence also abundance vibes. The old english name for this moon was the “milk moon” because it was a plentiful time where cows would be milked up to three times a day too! 

    What are you ready to release to make way for more and new beginnings in your life?

    What are all the possibilities available to you in your life right now and in the future?

    Reflect on areas of your life where you’ve experienced growth. How has this growth contributed to a feeling of abundance?

    As the seasons change, nature lets go of the old and embraces new growth. How can you apply this natural cycle to your own life to foster abundance and growth?

    It was such a game changer for me learning that I am meant to be what can be labeled as emotional, sensitive or moody (many of which are likely people with an open solar plexus in human design or those who themselves are not comfortable with feeling). 

    Foundations of the Sagittarius Full Moon

    The two star signs associated with this full moon Sagittarius and Gemini (the season of which we are in) can be linked to metaphorical foundations. Sagittarius for exploration and growth (in particular spiritual and philosophically). Gemini for ideas and communication.

    What foundations do you have in place for growth and change in your life right now? How have they evolved over time such as your attitude towards adventure and change as well as communication with others?  Reflect on the core beliefs and philosophies that guide your life. How have your experiences and knowledge you’ve sought shaped these beliefs? How do they serve as the foundation for your decisions and actions?

    It was such a game changer for me learning that I am meant to be what can be labeled as emotional, sensitive or moody (many of which are likely people with an open solar plexus in human design or those who themselves are not comfortable with feeling). 

    Letting go practice for the flower moon

    A letting go practice given all the themes discussed in this episode would be to involve flowers! It would be so beautiful to get some flowers, and with each petal imagine putting into it the energy of something you would like to let go of then plucking it off. With the petals you could either have a nice bath with it or place in a bowl of water under the full moon (and pour into the garden the next day).

    Play with the flower moon

    The final piece to this all is Sagittarius is know to be fun and playful so this episode concludes on a question? How can you make space to bring more joy into your life right now?

    Sagittarians love to travel to expand their horizons too so it might be fun to also think about upcoming travel you have or plan a trip (even if you don’t follow through allow yourself to dream and be in the energy of it!).

    Loved speaking to you about the Sagittarius full moon beautiful soul. Should you feel a calling to change, shift and pivot in your life or need support and guidance, I got you. I have spaces available in 1:1 coaching and human design readings so get in touch if you’re feeling the pull. Until next time beautiful soul, love and positivity. 

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  • Yearning for the Past

    Yearning for the past

    Maybe sometimes you yearn for the past. For simpler times. To escape the pain and suffering of today. To relive moments where you felt so happy, free and alive. What a beautiful time it may have been. Don’t lose sight of the now and what’s to come. Perhaps you’re yet to create some of the best memories you’ll remember for a lifetime. Perhaps the universe has only given you a taste of more to come. Visit memory lane but be here now; it’s the now creating your future.

    Getting caught up in the past

    It can be easy to get caught up in yesterday that we forget about here and now.

    Better days are always coming, especially when you’re all in on life as it happens.

    Are you all in?

    love & positivity ✨ phi

    Ready to move forward in your life? Let’s work together through 1:1 coaching or a human design reading 🧡

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  • May 2024

    May 2024 Affirmations

    may you manifest all you desire
    may you be filled with miracles
    may you experience magic and wonder
    may you have a strong and positive mindset
    may you multiply your money abundantly
    may you be mindful of all the blessings
    may you be filled with a sense of wonder
    may you become the most best version of yourself

    May 2024 journaling prompts

    1. Create “m” themed manifestations for the month such as mindset, money, motivation

    2. We are almost half way through the year! How are you feeling and how are you going in terms of your intentions you set?

    3. Journal about what a “miracle” in May for you would entail? What does it look like, how do you feel, why would it be incredible to happen for you?

    Looking for guidance and support in May? I would love to help you! I offer 1:1 coaching and human design readings. 

    love & positivity ✨ phi

    If you like my writing, you’ll love my book 📖 The Great Unlearning (available as a physical, audio or e book)

    Click here to read more

  • 75: Your Feelings are Always Valid

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    Let’s delve into the layered intricate world of your emotions. In this episode, we’re exploring a fundamental truth: Your feelings are always valid. In a world that often dismisses or invalidates emotions, this episode serves as a reminder that what you experience holds weight and significance. We’ll navigate the nuances of your feelings are always valid and go deeper together.

    Resources from today's episode

    Work with Phi

    Feelings and emotions: astrology and human design

    This episode is all about the feels… and you know I feel deeply with all the Scorpio in my chart (a water sign) and being an emotional authority in human design, I’m designed to deeply feel (in fact 50% of the world are emotional authorities too!).

    It was such a game changer for me learning that I am meant to be what can be labeled as emotional, sensitive or moody (many of which are likely people with an open solar plexus in human design or those who themselves are not comfortable with feeling). 

    Cultural conditioning and emotions

    Growing up with an Asian heritage as Vietnamese and Chinese, I was conditioned to keep my feelings to myself.  Emotions were reinforced as private matters, to be dealt with internally rather than expressed outwardly. This cultural upbringing instills a sense of stoicism and self-reliance, where showing vulnerability was equated with weakness. It was all about saving face, not rocking the boat, maintaining harmony even at the expense of our own emotional well-being.

    Societal conditioning, women and emotions

    It’s not just cultural conditioning either it’s also societal, the stigma surrounding women and emotions often stems from outdated societal beliefs and gender stereotypes. Women have historically been portrayed as overly emotional or irrational, undermining women’s credibility and perpetuating harmful gender norms. It’s judged upon and easily dismissed being attributed to hormonal fluctuations or back to the classic irrational it doesn’t make sense (hello emotions aren’t rational!).

    It’s hard to get it right because if you don’t display your emotions as a woman particularly warmth, you may be labelled as cold, unfeeling or lacking femininity. This double bind creates a challenging dynamic for women, as we feel pressure to navigate a narrow range of acceptable emotional expression.

    The reality is that we we live a world that sometimes dismisses or invalidates our feelings. However I truly believe this is getting better especially post pandemic with the rising awareness, interest and social recognition on the importance of mental health now more than ever. As a coach one are in particular I work on a lot with clients is to support and guide my clients into feeling their feelings. Whilst you don’t have to understand them to feel them, a lot of clients feel better when there can be an understanding of what’s going on beneath the surface which is where  I can come in with subconscious work, intuition and human design to support and assist. 

    Your feelings are always valid

    Accordingly today’s episode centres around the perspective that your feelings are always valid. You always have a right to feel what you feel. The nature of emotions is subjective. It’s the acknowledgement of hello, yes as I’m existing right now, I am feeling this, right here and now in this moment. Your feelings are valid because you feel them. 

    It’s important to remember that validating our feelings doesn’t mean we always understand them or agree with them. Emotions can be complex and nuanced, influenced by a multitude of factors such as past experiences, societal norms, and personal beliefs. However, regardless of whether others understand or validate our feelings, we have the right to honor and respect them.

    Feelings aren't logical or rational

    Whilst feelings aren’t based on logic or facts. That doesn’t take away from the importance and value of them. How we feel isn’t rational, but what we feel is very real as we experience them through our own consciousness. They stem from the depths of our subconscious. They are an integral part of what makes you human. Emotions serve as signals from your inner self, offering information and insights into your needs, desires, and experiences. Your emotions are a reflection of your unique perspective and life journey, and denying their validity can lead to repression and emotional distress.

    Your feelings are always valid but how you act upon them may not be

    It’s essential to recognise that while our emotions are valid, they are not excuses for harmful or destructive behavior. It’s not a permission slip to suddenly act however we want based on how we feel. We have to be conscious and considerate of their impact. Our feelings shouldn’t enable our actions to be unchecked. Instead, we ought to be responsible with how we approach them,
    as signals to inform our choices rather than allowing them to control us. 

    This requires a level of self-awareness and self-regulation, acknowledging our feelings without letting them overpower our sense of reason and consideration of self and others around us. To simply put, it may be helpful to see it from the perspective internally how we feel is always valid but what we do with it externally may not warrant that same validation in proportion to the feeling. 

    It’s helpful to check in with yourself, do you have the power to be mindful of your emotions or have your emotions got power over you? Who is the driving force behind the wheel?

    Taking responsibility for what you do with how you feel

    Taking responsibility for our actions means acknowledging the impact they may have on ourselves and others, even when they stem from valid emotions. Instead of allowing our feelings to dictate our behavior without question, we can cultivate mindfulness and self-awareness to respond to our emotions in a way that aligns with our values and principles. 

    This involves pausing and reflecting before acting impulsively, considering the consequences of our actions, and choosing responses in alignment with our best selves. By taking ownership of our behaviours and actions, even in the face of challenging emotions, we empower ourselves to navigate life with integrity, awareness and authenticity. This is how we use our emotions to cultivate emotional intelligence. It is also a responsibility and empowerment that your feelings belong to you. However they are.

    Visceral reactions to feelings

    It gets more challenging when we have raw feelings that lead to visceral reactions that are hard to manage. It’s like being caught in a whirlwind, where every thought and sensation swirls around us magnitude and force. In those moments, it feels like you’ve lost control. Yet, even in the midst of such turmoil, it’s essential to recognise that you aren’t your emotions or feelings. They are transient states that pass through us, like clouds drifting across the sky. Understanding this can help us weather the storm with greater resilience and clarity.

    Having such feelings can be scary and lead to suppression but it’s got that pressure cooker effect, they will build up until they inevitably explode, causing even more turmoil and distress. As they say the body keeps score too, and it may lead to physical symptoms within the body such as constipation and repression of feelings. In these moments it’s a call to get grounded and to regulate our nervous system such as through breathing.

    Your feelings are always valid but not always true

    More over your feelings are always valid but they’re not always true. Our feelings often arise with thoughts and the creation of emotional narratives. It’s our mind taking liberty and reign to create our conditioning and programming. For example, you feel extremely anxious about an upcoming presentation at work. Your heart is racing, your palms are sweaty, and you can’t shake the feeling of impending doom. These feelings are undoubtedly real to you, but that doesn’t necessarily mean your presentation will be as dire as your emotions suggest.

    In reality, you’ve they’ve prepared thoroughly for the presentation for weeks in advance and have received positive feedback from multiple people. The anxiety might stem from past experiences or a fear of failure rather than any actual indication that you will present poorly.

    How to validate your feelings

    Given all this what are some practices you can introduce to validate your own feelings? At the core of it is listening. So many of us can be scared as to what arises or live in the mindset ignorance is bliss. Meditation is a beautiful way to allow yourself to observe thoughts and feelings within your own body. We shift more into the body with a conscious scan to notice physical sensations whereas journaling is a conscious scan of the mind. From there it can be helpful to express your feelings to process them whether it’s labelling your emotions to figure out the nuances or a creative means like art or dance.

    Ultimately validating your feelings doesn’t mean you have to agree with them or act on them. It simply means acknowledging and accepting them as valid aspects of your experience. This paves the way for greater self awareness and consciousness in your growth journey. If you’re looking to work on feeling your feelings, deepening your emotional intelligence and strengthening your connection to your heart and emotions, I’d love to help! 

    I offer 1:1 coaching session and human design readings to help you. More information available on my website phidang.com or my Instagram @thephidang, please reach out I would love to hear from you. Until next time beautiful soul, love and positivity. 

    Let’s work together through 1:1 coaching and/or a human design reading. 

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  • Let change in with hope

    So how do you have faith to hold on?

    Well faith isn’t easy because it’s about leaning into and embracing the unseen, especially when everything is unclear.

    As a coach, I provide spiritual guidance combined with practical perspective shifts, below are 3 ways to start this process and trust in your journey 💫

    1. Find evidence in your past

    🖊️ When have things been unclear and difficult previously yet all worked out in the end even though at the time it didn’t feel like it. E.g. a relationship, a job opportunity?

    2. Embrace uncertainty

    We are under the illusion we have full control… even if we have a plan with meticulous detail, thought and crafted with so much care and intention… it may still not go to plan! We cannot control circumstances, this is in the hands of the universe. Uncertainty is ironically one of the only certainties in life. How can you open your heart to it? Even more so how do you open your mind? 🫀🤝🏽🧠

    3. Best case scenario

    3. You’re more likely to think of all the worst case scenarios that could happen (this is natural, you’re human and this is evolutionary)… it’s only fair and logical that you also think out the best case scenarios because they are also possible. To even do so stretches your current belief system.

    Human design and faith

    Looking to go deeper?

    Your human design (you can do a reading with me!)

    Your personal human design chart reveals life themes we are meant to experience! Think of it as your souls contract with the universe in this lifetime or even a blueprint, manual or guide. Your human design chart holds the keys to understanding — it changes daily, weekly and yearly. You may be going through a transit such as your Saturn Return 🪐 or Solar for everyone, the new year brings new challenges to continue your soul growth and expansion.

    Keep going! I believe in you 🫶🏽

    If you’re looking for support and guidance when it comes to change and the next chapter in your life — I’d love to help you 🧡 let’s work together through 1:1 coaching and/or a human design reading. 

    love & positivity ✨ phi

    If you enjoy reading my writing, you’ll love my book 📖 The Great Unlearning: Awakening to Living an Aligned and Authentic Life by Phi Dang. Available worldwide via Amazon or your local bookstore (you can get it ordered in!) ☺️

    Click here to read more

  • Deep rest

    Rest is important

    The importance of rest cannot be understated.

    It isn’t just about sleeping or taking a break.

    It’s also about nourishment — true restoration.

    We get so caught up in hustle culture or believing busyness = worthiness.

    These linguistic perspectives share insights of wisdom.

    Depressed means deep rest

    Depression as deep rest — rest isn’t a luxury it’s a vital need and component to our overall health, wellbeing and vitality. Deep rest can also allow us for moments of deep introspection. Deep rest can call for us to unburden ourselves, the weight of the pressures and expectations placed on us and to truly reevaluate what is important and to recalibrate to being your true and authentic self.

    Forest means for rest

    Forest as for rest 🌳 nature holds a special magic and soulful medicine, it’s for us. A place of tranquility, a sanctuary, a place that reminds us of the inherent qualities of life: rhythms, patterns, cycles. An invitation to rejuvenate be reconnecting with our inner peace and having clarity to be listen to your heart and soul.

    Healthy self means heal thy self

    Healthy self as healthy thy self — to prioritise self care and step into your personal power. Assessing what gives you energy and what drains it. What can you control and what can’t you?

    Rest is powerful

    Rest isn’t weakness or slowing down, it’s a powerful practice of self care, self love and self preservation. May you make time for true, deep and healing rest for yourself as we often do for others but forget ourselves. This is your sign.

    Support your heart and soul

    If you’re looking for support and guidance navigating life including powerful perspective shifts such as these — I’d love to help you 🧡 let’s work together through 1:1 coaching and/or a human design reading. 

    love & positivity ✨ phi

    If you enjoy reading my writing, you’ll love my book 📖 The Great Unlearning: Awakening to Living an Aligned and Authentic Life by Phi Dang. Available worldwide via Amazon or your local bookstore (you can get it ordered in!) ☺️

    Click here to read more

  • 74: Show up for yourself

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    In this empowering episode, we delve into the art of showing up for yourself every single day and why it is so important. Discover practical strategies and mindset shifts that will help you cultivate a strong sense of self-advocacy and resilience. It’s time to step into your power and strengthen your self love and self care through showing up for yourself.

    Resources from today's episode

    Work with Phi

    The inspiration behind showing up for yourself

    Hello beautiful soul,

    This episode is inspired by a post I shared on Instagram this week about showing up: Show up when things get difficult. When things get out of hand. When things feel dark. Show up, not for the world. Show up, not for anybody else. Show up for you, in whatever way you need to. It’s not about being perfect, it’s about honouring your heart and soul. Be kind to yourself. Be loving in the way that you need. Take care of yourself and watch as you bloom, watch as life and the universe show up for you too.

    The message of showing up really came through as a strong clear message as I channeled earlier this week because collectively it’s been energetically dense lately, there’s been a lot of with eclipse energy, Scorpio full moon and Mercury retrograde. It can feel heavy and so I wanted to share something practical that anyone can do, right now, no matter what is going in your life and that is: showing up. 

    Before I begin, I wanted to show up for you listening to let you know I am here if you need support and guidance. I have availability for 1:1 coaching as well as human design readings so if you’ve been thinking about it or feeling the pull, this is your sign to get in touch and let’s chat to figure out how I can best help you with everything going on in your life and within yourself right now. 

    What does showing up for yourself mean?

    Showing up is so personal to everyone, it changes and is subject to different circumstances yet ultimately showing up is honouring yourself, making yourself a priority and taking care of yourself. Showing up is to live intentionally and to be an active participant inside of your own life daily.

    You can thinking of showing up as being the captain of your own ship, navigating the waters of life. Showing up for yourself means taking control of the helm, by making intentional choices, and steering your life in the direction you want to go. Now do note, just because you’re in charge doesn’t mean you have full control: there are still circumstances you can’t such as the wind direction, temperature and the sea in which you are in. So as captain you have to stay attentive and mindful of the changing currents and conditions. Showing up requires your conscious awareness, adaptability and resilience in the face of the dynamic nature of life and potential challenges. 

    Showing up for others is easier

    In most cases and this may apply to you, it’s much easier to show up for someone or something else. Showing up at work out of a sense of duty, obligation and work ethic. Showing up for a family member or friend because you really love them and want to help. 

    What about yourself? Who is showing up for you? Are you showing up for yourself? If you get on that spiral of but if I choose myself first how can I show for others well it’s a win win because when you show up for yourself first, your capacity and bandwidth expand so that you can show up for others. It’s not about being selfish or not wanting to help others, it’s about making sure you’re also taking care and loving yourself to as the beautiful, kind, generous and loving soul that you are.

    Showing up in contrast to self abandonment

    You may be unconscious that showing up for others is a habit giving away as opposed to conscious and intentional decision. On Autopilot. When it comes to personal development and growth, abandonment often surfaces in relation to others but a blindspot I’ve noticed working with clients is what can happen is you may unintentionally abandon yourself automatically putting others needs and wants first, without consideration of your own.

    This quote by Howard Thurman summarises it nicely: “Don’t ask what the world needs. Ask what makes you come alive and go do it, because what the world needs is people who have come alive.”

    Real life examples of showing up

    An example of how I have been showing up for myself daily is going for walks after eating, it helps me to step away from the laptop (as most of my work is done there) as well as helps with digestion. Creatively showing up for myself has been writing more and committing to writing everyday! Writing my book The Great Unlearning was a huge journey, it’s over 110,000 words and it was released almost a year ago. Recently my creative juices has been flowing from just starting to write for fun and then writing to share on my Instagram and share messages I think that will help the community.

    Working with clients, I’ve seen one client who has previously had limiting self beliefs around being creative, show up for herself by realising creativity doesn’t need to be art as an example and in turn she’s creatively reworked her resume for a new industry as she seeks to change careers.

    For several clients, showing up has meant returning home to visit family and friends (expats who have moved overseas) as their most authentic selves. There can be a fear of fully shining and making others feel perhaps their lives aren’t as exciting or they haven’t had as much growth but for these clients showing up for themselves means honouring their full experience, the challenges yes but also the highs and the wins unapologetically. 

    For other clients, showing up has meant confronting and facing past memories that have been painful in order to feel them and move forward whether that be grieving a breakup or death of a loved one. For another client showing up always happened for her work but not herself, and so showing up this month meant setting time aside for herself to plan and reflect things for her on a personal level.

    Showing up is important

    Showing up is committing to yourself now in the present moment as well as committing to your future. Showing up is important because you are important and you matter. Showing up creates momentum. When you show up regularly for yourself whether it’s practicing a new skill or pursuing a passion, you create a momentum that propels you forward. This momentum makes it easier to stay motivated and inspired, leading to greater progress and achievement over time.

    Now remember showing up isn’t always striving forwards in terms of your actions, for example at times showing up for yourself requires honouring the need to rest and slow down. Whilst you may perceive this to be a backwards step or failing to show up, ultimately you are. Taking care of yourself prevents further pain, stress and burnout so essentially you slow down, in order to speed up.

    Showing up: Accountability and resilience

    Showing up also cultivates accountability to yourself (your integrity: your commitment to yourself) as well as resilience. We can show up for ourselves no matter what, because showing up is unique to that day and moment. 

    You are facing the world in whatever way you need to instead of hiding away and leaking your power. Setbacks may and lets be real will happen but when you continually show up, it doesn’t feel like it chips away because you know that no matter what happens you will honour yourself and that attitude in itself allows you to bounce back quicker, one of my favourite Chinese proverbs “fall down seven times, get back up eight,”

    Showing up is stepping into your power and strengthens your self esteem

    Showing up leads to a fulfilling life because you are an active participant. You’re not just at the mercy of the universe and circumstances. You aren’t a victim. You are choosing to do what you can. You are choosing the mindset of being empowered. This ties in with episode 70 where I spoke about the butterfly effect. Showing up can feel small and you can question it’s significance but as we know with the butterfly effect it creates ripples and greater impact and influence beyond what you can perceive in the moment. 

    Ultimately what matters is showing up influences what is important: what you think of yourself. Being proactive and actually caring. When you are someone who shows up for themselves no matter what, that’s going to cultivate self love, self care and self commitment. 

    To show up is to be present

    Showing up for yourself starts by being in the present moment and acknowledging your present state internally. Be in the state of observation and noticing. Take the framework of checking in with mind, body and soul. Can you pause, lay down judgement and allow it?

    How are you feeling? What is going on in your life? What is the state of your physicality? How are you mentally? How does your soul feel? How does your heart? 

    To show up is to be self aware

    Check in with yourself to see what you need and desire for yourself based on your assessment. This is going to change one day showing up might mean taking a break for yourself where as another time is may require discipline such as setting time aside to exercise because your health is one of your biggest priorities right now. When life feels draining and happiness is dry, showing up may mean doing something fun and pleasurable. 

    Show up for yourself by doing what you need to do to get into full alignment before taking on the demands of the world and other people’s energy. Know that when you are being your most authentic and aligned self, that everyone gets to this best version of you too.

    Some form of journaling is a beautiful practice because being able to get your thoughts out from your head onto paper, can help in expressing yourself leading to self validation as well as the opportunity to understand yourself better for example you may see thought patterns emerging or consistent emotions arising to the surface to reveal something.

    Showing up is a commitment

    Showing up for yourself means being all in on you. Understanding that you are priority, in fact the #1 priority. Self-commitment that lays the foundation for personal growth, fulfillment, and well-being. The one person that is there from the moment you are born until the moment you pass, will only be and always you. You are important, have your own back!

    When you consistently show up for yourself and your vision, you demonstrate a commitment to your personal growth and development. You embody what it means to love yourself, to take care of yourself and step in to your power. 

    Think of this scenario, your dream is to become a pro footballer. Do you show up only when you’re winning in matches and feeling good? Do you show up even when there’s setbacks like not making the cut for the next level team? In winter, if you are healthy and well, do you continue to practice even though it’s cold and miserable outside? 

    A quote attributed to Tanner Christensen states: “Even on the days you don’t feel like it, showing up can make all the difference. If you show up and start the work – even though it feels so heavy to do so – what you end up making could be all you need to keep moving, to keep creating.”

    To back yourself is to show up

    Showing up is knowing what you want and allowing yourself to be in positions, opportunities and environments to make that happen. For example if showing up for yourself means advancing your career, it’s about honouring what is in your control to make that happen such as you having a discussion with your boss about opportunities to progress in your company or proactively asking for more training and development. It may involve uncomfortable scary conversations like asking for a pay raise in honour of you recognising how much work you do and your needs for more money (such as to save for something you really want like a house, car or course). It could mean stepping into leadership positions and putting your hand up for projects you desire.

    You could have the best idea in the world but it’s nothing if you don’t show up for it and make it an actual reality. 

    Showing up is be to an advocate for yourself

    This threads through with my next point on how to back yourself which is to advocate for yourself. To speak up for yourself. Often we don’t out of perhaps fear, confrontation, being too loud or annoying or even thinking that it’s silly to. 

    How you feel is never wrong because how you feel is always valid (that’s a podcast episode for the future) but can you adopt the perspective that a feeling is neither “right” nor “wrong” but simply is? What we do with how feel is up to us and that can lead to decisions and choices that we fully own whatever the outcome is. 

    How to advocate for yourself again changes based on the circumstances and context for example it may be inappropriate to blow up at someone for something going wrong in the workplace, but it it may be appropriate to have a private conversation afterwards once you’ve cooled down. 

    I’ve led the discussion on how to show up for yourself in terms of practical actions and I also wanted to share 3 key mindset perspective shifts that are also important. 

    Showing up isn’t about perfection it’s an energy and attitude

    It’s saying, I’m here. To wrap your head around this one, an example is in relation to other people. Say you have an important event coming up, you’ve been working on this project for years and the big moment is here. Imagine someone you loved didn’t show up because they were worried about how they looked. Ultimately you don’t care because it’s more important the fact that they showed up, even if they were late, even if they could only be there for five minutes. 

    What about when you’re feeling down and someone reaches out to you. They are currently overseas so they can’t be with you physically but they want to show up virtually through an online meeting or call. Imagine they didn’t do it in the first place because they couldn’t do it in person and thought why bother?

    It’s that feeling as a kid, doing a school play and looking out into the audience with the confidence of hey my parents are going to be there no matter what. That security. That comfort. That reliability. Whether your parents could or did is another matter but ultimately you can give that to yourself right here and now, for the rest of your life, showing up as that for you. Being the parent or partner or friend you always wanted or needed. You are capable of doing that.

    You never know where showing up will take you

    You’re wildly passionate about yoga and so you’ve taken teacher training and you’ve now you’re ready to share the power and magic of yoga with the world. You’re nervous about putting on a paid class for the first time. Will anyone come? What if no one does?

    Show up. Even if no one is there, you get to embody your practice and new found skills. How deeply do you care and love yourself to do that? Plus if no one else shows up how would anyone else actually know but you. Whilst many feelings may arise to the surface, they can be great teachers. Feeling rejected yet showing up despite no one coming, you didn’t reject yourself. Feeling not good enough, taking a moment to assess the circumstances: did people know about your class, what was the pricing in relation to the industry, did you try different avenues to get people to come to the class? 

    Let’s say you show up but you feel disheartened because there’s only one person there. You could change that one person’s day or even life. They showed up because they are struggling but your class came at the right time happened to be intimate and private to help them through a season of difficulty and darkness in their life. You became the light because you showed up. You focused on your mission: to share the magic and power of yoga, you delivered! Perhaps a few weeks later, this person reaches back out because they happen to work in the HR department of a massive tech company and would love to pay you to run weekly yoga sessions in their office.

    You’re listening to me on my podcast because of this very sentiment and the journey on how I became a life coach. I showed up online consistently everyday posting even when I had 0 followers, likes and comments. I showed up anonymously at first because the fear of people I knew in real life seeing what I was doing scared me. I was scared to be seen. Posting about my passion of mental health. Fear of judgement. I didn’t let that be an excuse so I found a solution to be anonymous. I showed up even though I didn’t started trained as life coach, I showed up because of my passion and genuine desire to help people. All of this led to where I am now, in my third year full time in my own business doing what I love. My soul is fulfilled. My soul is free. My soul is abundant.

    Showing up is a significant step towards success, if not really success in itself

    What comes to mind is the 2002 Winter Olympics in Salt Lake City. Steven Bradbury, an Australian athlete was competing in short track speed skating which is chaotic in itself, people are jostling and bumping into each other, they are required to wear helmets.

    Steven Bradbury getting into the final was an amazing feat itself given he was an underdog, the official Olympics website even states “he had never excelled at any major competition, other than in relay events, prior to the Salt Lake City Games. Before 2002, the Australian’s highest finish in an individual Olympic competition was the eighth place he achieved in the 500m race in 1994.” In the lead up to the Olympics, Bradbury faced multiple setbacks in his journey including a thigh injury where he lost litres of blood, required 111 stitches (cheeky angel number wink there hey) and took 18 months to fully recover. 

    His journey to the finals were no easy feat, in the quarter finals everything was against him, the favourites to win and he did not technically finish in the top two to advance however he ending up doing so as another racer was disqualified. Ultimately in the final, after consulting with his coach the strategy was to stay back as he acknowledged he could not match the pace of the top competitors. What ended up happening was a huge collision taking out the majority of the race except Bradbury skating on through to win the gold medal, coming first and securing his place in history as the first Australian to win a Winter Olympics gold medal.

    On the decision to accept the gold medal, Bradbury said I’ll accept this gold medal. But not for the 90 seconds of the race – I’m going to take it for the 14 years of hard work.” Bradbury’s win resonates with the importance of showing up (as well as luck and strategy). The other competitors may have been faster, more athletic but ultimately it didn’t matter in the end for that particular race. Bradbury’s win serves as a reminder that perseverance and dedication are important and often rewarded (though it may take time!).

    Showing up beyond traditional success

    In essence, Stephen Bradbury’s gold medal win is more than just a sporting achievement; it’s an inspiring embodiment to the power of showing up, persevering in the face of adversity, defying the odds and seizing opportunities when they arise. All of which stemmed from showing up and not discounting himself out of the race beforehand.

    A beautiful insight I wanted to share by Robert Holden is “To be successful in life, work, and relationships, you have to do one thing first—you have to show up. In other words, you have to be willing to show the world who you are and what you believe in. And you have to keep showing up in spite of the setbacks and the heartbreaks. The temptation to edit yourself and to hide will only leave you feeling dead inside. Yet the more authentic you are, the more true success you will enjoy and the more alive you will feel.”

    You can't afford to not show up for yourself

    His insight came about from the Zulu people of South Africa, how they powerfully greet people in two parts: one part says: “I am here to be seen” and the other part is “I see you.”

    Ultimately bringing this episode on showing up to an end, perhaps it’s the perspective that you can’t afford not to show up, because showing up represents so much with many benefits as I’ve shared throughout this episode. To not show up is to deny your value and existence. As Tanner Christensen puts it “Your brush or pen strokes are uniquely yours, nobody else can make them for you. The same goes for the words you write, the songs you sing, the pictures you take, the moves you dance, or the floor plans you draw-up. Your ideas and the way you execute them are strictly your own. They are a great part of the value you provide. To not show up is to deny your work and your ideas existence. So we have to show up, whenever physically able. At least for a moment, for a few key presses or a few flicks of the brush.”

    To end this episode, what is one actionable thing you can do right now to show up for yourself?

    I’ll leave you on that question beautiful soul and know that showing up for yourself may also mean getting, receiving and having support. We all need support in life, it isn’t something we are meant to do alone nor is it enjoyable, it can be a lonely and difficult journey.

    Should you want or need support, guidance in your life whether it be showing up for yourself, your dreams, desires, career, relationships, happiness, abundance — I’m here for you! I’ve got your back as someone to speak to and bounce thoughts and ideas with. 

    I offer 1:1 coaching session and human design readings to help you. More information available on my website phidang.com or my Instagram @thephidang, please reach out I would love to hear from you. Until next time beautiful soul, love and positivity. 

    Let’s work together through 1:1 coaching and/or a human design reading. 

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  • 73: Scorpio Full Moon April 2024

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    Find out information on the Scorpio Full Moon taking place in April 2024 and what it means for you. This episode covers the Scorpio Full Moon energies and themes such as transformation and diving deeper into your inner world. There are also channeled intuitive messages as well as journaling questions for the Scorpio Full Moon.

    Resources from today's episode

    Work with Phi

    Scorpio Full Moon April 2024 Summary

    We have the full moon in Scorpio on the 23rd or 24th of April pending where you are. It’s been a big time of emotions and fluctuations given the recent eclipse season and now Scorpio’s energy enters the picture. When you have scorpio in the air, especially in a full moon, you know there’s going to be transformation and intensity. You know that it’s going to dive into your inner workings, your subconscious, your emotions and your shadows. It embodies the cycles of life, death and rebirth. 

    The dynamic nature of life

    To be alive is to be constantly in the process of change and transformation because life is dynamic not static. It is simply the nature of life. 

    We see this everywhere around us: in nature – the environment around us whether it’s trees shedding leaves or flowers blooming to animals adapting to the changing world (a recent example I saw was the incredible footage captured of emperor chicks bravely jumping off 15 metre/50 feet ice cliffs in Antarctica in to swim for the first time because of depleting sea levels, the leap is greater than ever than what it used to be). 

    Yet we as humans resist it because we fear change and the uncomfortable feelings and thus the energy of the Scorpio full moon plays its hand to encourage us to face this truth whether we are willing to or not.

    The tension and discomfort of the Scorpio Full Moon

    I remember reading somewhere describing when Scorpio enters the picture with the influence of Pluto (the biggest planetary influence in conjunction with this full moon) is also in the air it’s like the awkward family reunion you’ve been avoiding but knowing you have to face and confront, it can be awkward and uncomfortable but ultimately so rewarding and rich in growth. Taurus the backdrop to everything is a fixed sign and change adverse, as is Scorpio so there will be tension, maybe that sensation or feeling of the universe dragging you by your feet. 

    Channeled messages for the Scorpio Full Moon April 2024

    A really interesting channeled message that came for anyone listening to this podcast was that there’s freedom in everything that falls apart. Surrender is that willingness to let what is happening to happen. We think freedom is peace, and it is but it is also the absence of resistance to give way to flow. I also wanted to shout out the word that kept coming through was “dissolve.” 

    Let life do what it wants. Have faith in the process of why things are unfolding the way that they are. How can you reflect and reassess on being attached vs unattached? How does the ego or non/false sense play into what is going on in life for you? What can become less of a struggle with awareness that may dissolve the intensity and pressure of what you are experiencing?

    Scorpio Energy and Taylor Swift - The Tortured Poets Department (TTPD)

    The scorpio full moon is a powerful and raw time to go deeper. A time for realisations and reflections. A time for letting go. A time for liberation. Relating this to what is unfolding real time, I think Taylor Swift’s new album ‘The Tortured Poets Department’ really embodies the energy of the Scorpio full moon. She pleas temporary insanity and reflects upon getting out of the slammer into the tidal way in her summary poem that accompanies the album speaking to the spectrum and amounts of feelings she’s been through in the past year and beyond. 

    We gain insight to the full spectrum of emotions she has been through and the contrast of it all from “I’m trying to stifle my sights, cause I feel so high school every time I look at you” to “You hung me on your wall, stabbed me with your push pins. In public, showed me off. Then sank in stoned oblivion.”

    High expression and alchemy of Scorpio

    Truly Taylor Swift leans in and embraces the high expression of Scorpio which is the alchemy of turning emotions that can be perceived as dark and negative such as heartbreak, grief, anger, sadness and disappointment into raw powerful songs that so many can relate to and ultimately for her hit songs, greater recognition as an artist and abundance (I mean a huge aspect of her success stems from being inspired by her emotions and experiences greatly heartbreak and she’s now a billionaire!). She even acknowledges and recognises her own power, “You know you’re good when you can do it even with a broken heart.”

    Closure with the Scorpio Full Moon in April 2024

    In conclusion the Tortured Poets Department album and anthology serve as her closure, “This period of the author’s life is now over, the chapter closed and boarded up. There is nothing to avenge, no scores to settle once wounds have healed.” This speaks to another theme of the Scorpio Full Moon: closure. 

    Closure provides one part to a framework for letting go to occur particularly within yourself: acknowledgement of what is coming to an end or perhaps even a ritual to indicate so. 

    Without a form of closure it can be challenging to let go because of this sense of unfinished business or something is unresolved. It is closure that sets the stage to letting go. Perhaps take a moment as you listen to this to reflect on perhaps if there’s anything in your life that you feel needs closure? If there’s been closure for you, what is the next step for you in consciously letting go?

    Journaling questions Scorpio Full Moon April 2024

    As we delve into the realm of the Scorpio full moon the advice that I can share is tune into your intuition and deeper knowing, it isn’t about logic, it’s about your truth. This is a time of getting really intimate with yourself, in many ways.

    Journaling questions for the Scorpio Full Moon in April 2024 here we go:

    Take a moment to check in with yourself. How have you been feeling? Check in moments of time being the lunar eclipse around the end of March this year, the solar eclipse at the beginning of this month in April and last week leading up to this Scorpio Full Moon.

    Where do you fear change in your life right now? Is it holding you back? 

    What do you want to let go of and surrender with this Scorpio Full Moon?

    Does resistance currently show up in any area of your life right now, and if so why?

    What process of alchemy can you utilise in your life right now. Where or what is the coal that can be transformed into gold?

    Reflect in your life the cycles of birth, death and rebirth and where your current life experiences and emotions fall under each category.

    The new moon to this full moon was around November 13/14 2023, reflect on what has changed since then within yourself and life? What did you manifest with this new moon and how is it unfolding now? 

    Scorpio Full Moon April 2024 Practices

    Other practices to consider: how to unleash any pent up energy with this Scorpio full moon through your emotions, expression and even sensuality and sexuality (after all Scorpio governs the genitals and is the sign most associated with sex). 

    I get channeled images of setting a timer to do unfiltered writing or putting on a playlist and letting your body move the way it wants to and feels called to. 

    Our emotions are known to be stored in our hips so if you’re moving, sway those hips or do yoga poses or practices to open your hips. Run a bath to physically and metaphorically sit with yourself including the ick and dirty then cleanse and let it wash away. 

    Create a practice of meeting your shadows, writing down familiar patterns that seem to have you stuck, things you seem to routinely do that don’t serve you and brainstorm ways to move through them, get help and break free (we can’t change what we don’t know!). Perhaps it’s the need to bring back pleasure into your life, because life can get heavy and serious, injecting moments of feel good or getting out of your head (which is what pleasure can do!). 

    May you harness the power of the Scorpio full moon to go beneath the surface of your inner world, to shed what no longer serves you and kickstart a new cycle of life and rebirth. If you need or would like help, support and guidance I have 1:1 coaching sessions and spots available as well as human design readings. If you’re not sure which would best help, feel free to do DM me on Instagram @thephidang or email me and together we can figure it out! 

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