Sunday Newsletter - Finding Strength in Surrender: Your Sunday Reflection

Hello,

Happy September and Happy Sunday!

I hope this message finds you well and that you’ve been able to carve out a little time for yourself this weekend.

Grab yourself a cuppa and something nice to go with it and let’s catch up. I have a strong coffee and a caramel wafer to keep me going – my sugary treat!

A week of change and transformation

First of all I am celebrating! This is the 40th issue of my Newsletter!

If you find this a worthwhile read, please do share it for me and help me grow my readership.
The all new look and feel is coming soon!

We’re approaching the Fall or Autumn in the UK. I use the ‘Fall’ deliberately.

As the seasons shift and the kids are getting ready to go back to school it’s a perfect time to ponder how we want to close out 2024 and how to prepare to thrive through Winter.

My lesson of the week may help a little.

What Has been My Lesson of the Week?

Surrender!

Have you ever thought you understood something only to discover you were completely mistaken?

Have you ever had to do a U turn on a point of view you held close?

Have you ever had to expand your perspective to realise there’s more than you first thought to a situation?

I know I have done nothing else for the past four years. Though I thought I had a handle on the meaning of ‘Surrender’.

Well that that assumption changed this week when I discovered two aspects of surrender I had not explored deeply enough.

I do hope they will help you navigate the next few months.

1 – Life Lesson – Surrender and Personal Power

2 – Business Boost – Applying the Art of Surrender in Business

"Surrender to what is. Let go of what was. Have faith in what will be."
– Sonia Ricotti

1 – Life Lesson:

Surrender!

The More Common View of Surrender

We’re living in a world that often feels like it’s spinning out of control. Whether it’s global events, personal challenges, or just the everyday hustle, it’s easy to get caught up in trying to manage everything ourselves. We plan, we strategize, we push forward—all in an effort to keep things under control. But when life throws us curveballs, as it so often does, this need for control can become a source of stress and anxiety.

This is where surrender comes in. But let me be clear—surrender isn’t about giving up or admitting defeat. It’s about letting go of the illusion that we have to have everything figured out, that we alone are responsible for how things unfold. It’s about recognising that, in the grand scheme of things, there’s a much larger force at play.

You may have heard the phrase ‘Let go, Let God’. I know I’ve used it enough myself when I find myself in an everyday situation that I decide I just can’t fix, or it’s not my ‘monkey’ to carry.

This week, in my first deeper understanding of surrender, I was introduced to a concept I had heard before, but not in the same context. I found this explanation more useful and empowering, and I hope you do to.

1. Self-sabotage and repeating patterns

I don’t know about you and whether you have a destructive pattern in your life that you somehow just don’t seem to be able to conquer, but I do/did.

It’s been a lifetime pattern that seems to be so unconscious it’s been a real challenge to work through.

I am a trainer of NLP, Time Line and coaching, so you’d think I had it all sorted and the tools to breakthrough anything.

From a spiritual perspective, I am a graduate of a number of William Whitecloud’s programs and I took on board William’s assertion that there are some beliefs from childhood that we can never change so that we have to use awareness and decisions in the moment to choose a different outcome. This is a surrender of sorts, because we at last have permission to stop trying to fix things. In trying to fix something we hold onto it.
Accepting we cannot fix it allows us to choose differently about how we respond in the moment. It’s all about awareness.

This week I heard this from a different angle.

If you can’t fix it and it’s bringing you to your knees surrender it to God.

As per the Serenity Prayer which is so powerful.

Have you considered that this ‘problem’ is God's process to help you to grow, strengthen, learn, move through and emerge out of the other side an improved version of you?

And that the lesson is more importantly about letting go of believing we are the ones in control and returning to the guidance and knowing of Source and the truth of who we are?

So, it's about really reconnecting with the divine, with God, with source, and trusting that all is well, that you are perfectly looked after, that there is a plan and life is for us. It’s about getting to the place of knowing that once you let go of trying to control the situation and hand it over, all will work out.

Remembering that sometimes the best action is no action at all, and allowing things to unfold naturally, and then following your intuition and your guidance and your spirit guides on what the next action step is.

I am in no way saying that the practice of this is easy when life is so ‘in your face’. Yet that’s maybe the call to hand it over, to return to our essence, to remember the source and power from which we came.

Here is the text of the prayer:

Serenity Prayer:

God, grant me the serenity
to accept the things I cannot change,
courage to change the things I can,
and wisdom to know the difference.

2. Surrendering to Uncertainty

While speaking with a friend in the past few days, I realised that there is an increasing awareness in the population of the unpredictability and uncertainty of life.

My friend said ‘it’s the not knowing that’s tough to handle’.

That really resonates for me.

The state of not knowing can be a state of confusion, overwhelm and anxietyor it can be a state of complete peace.

Yet, another lesson I learned from my apprenticeship with life - get comfortable not knowing, and expect the unexpected.

We are indeed in extraordinary times of accelerated change, where the unexpected is almost normal.

How then can we plan anything?

By surrendering the need to know, spending as much time in the present as possible and living and loving every moment of it.

It’s kind of a gift to be forced to enjoy this very moment.

It’s also a practice that we repeat moment to moment to moment.

In these chaotic times, surrender can be a balm for the soul. It allows us to release our anxieties and rest in the knowledge that we don’t have to carry the weight of the world on our shoulders. It’s a reminder that there’s a greater wisdom at work, and that sometimes, the best thing we can do is step back and let that wisdom guide us.

A Process for Surrender and Letting Go

But how do we actually practice surrender? How do we let go of the need to control and drop our attachments to the need to know and to specific outcomes?

Here’s a simple process to help you get started:

1. Acknowledge Your Need for Control: The first step is to recognize when and where you’re trying to control things. This could be in your personal life, your work, or even in your thoughts and emotions. Notice where you’re holding on too tightly.

2. Reflect on Your Attachments: Take a moment to identify what you’re attached to. Is it a specific outcome? A certain way of doing things? The belief that you alone must make everything happen? Recognizing these attachments is crucial to the process of letting go.

3. Invite Faith and Trust: Whether it’s through prayer, meditation, or simply quiet reflection, take time to connect with that greater force—God, the universe, or whatever resonates with you. Express your willingness to surrender and place your trust in this higher power. This is a powerful act of releasing control and inviting guidance.

4. Release the Outcome: Consciously decide to let go of your attachment to how things should turn out. This doesn’t mean you stop caring or stop working toward your goals—it means you’re open to things unfolding in ways you might not expect. Trust that whatever happens, it’s for your highest good.

5. Practice Presence: One of the best ways to surrender is to stay present. When we’re focused on the here and now, we’re less likely to get caught up in worries about the future or regrets about the past. Try to stay grounded in the present moment, and let life unfold as it will.

6. Observe and Adapt: Pay attention to how things start to shift when you practice surrender. You might notice a new sense of peace or unexpected opportunities arising. Be open to these changes and adapt as needed, trusting that you’re being guided every step of the way.

7. Cultivate Gratitude: Lastly, make a habit of gratitude. Be thankful for the guidance you receive, for the lessons learned, and for the unfolding of life in its own perfect timing. Gratitude reinforces your trust and helps you stay aligned with the flow of life.

Surrendering doesn’t mean losing control—it means gaining a new kind of strength, one that comes from faith, trust, and a deep sense of peace.

In a world that feels increasingly chaotic, surrender is not a sign of weakness but of profound wisdom and resilience. It’s a reminder that we are never truly alone and that, by letting go, we can find a deeper connection to ourselves and to the divine.

When I let go of what I am, I become what I might be."
– Lao Tzu

I hope this adds value and gives you something to ponder this week.
I would love your thoughts and perspective on this.

 

This Weeks Business Boost

2. Applying the Art of Surrender in Business

Alright, now let’s dive into how this concept of surrender can actually help us in the business world.

At first glance, "surrender" might sound like the last thing you’d want to do in business. But hear me out!

In a business context, surrender isn’t about giving up control; it’s about being adaptable, open to new ideas, and willing to pivot when necessary. It’s recognising that, sometimes, the best opportunities come when you stop trying to force things and start allowing them to happen naturally.

Here’s a step-by-step process on how to incorporate surrender into your business strategy:

1. Identify the Areas of Resistance: Take a moment to reflect on where you’ve been experiencing tension or resistance in your business. Is there a project that’s just not coming together? A client relationship that feels strained? Pinpoint where you’re feeling stuck.

2. Evaluate Your Approach: Ask yourself if you’ve been trying to force a specific outcome or if you’re too attached to a particular way of doing things. Sometimes, our insistence on control can blind us to other, potentially better options.

3. Let Go of the Need to Control: This doesn’t mean abandoning your goals or giving up on hard work. It means loosening your grip on the exact way things must happen. Be open to alternative methods, suggestions from others, or even new directions that you hadn’t considered before.

4. Trust the Process: Have confidence that by letting go, you’re allowing space for innovation and creativity to flourish. Trust that the right opportunities and solutions will present themselves, often in unexpected ways.

5. Observe and Adapt: Pay attention to what happens after you let go a little. Are new ideas flowing? Is the project moving forward more smoothly? Use this feedback to adjust your approach and continue to embrace flexibility.

6. Practice Gratitude: Lastly, acknowledge and be grateful for whatever progress is made, even if it’s different from what you originally envisioned. Gratitude reinforces a positive mindset, which is key to successfully applying surrender in business.

Incorporating surrender into your business doesn’t mean you’re giving up control—it means you’re gaining a new kind of control, one that’s more about steering your business with flexibility and openness. This is a valuable skill in the current climate of uncertainty and change.
Who knows, you might find that surrendering to the flow leads to breakthroughs you never expected!

I hope these thoughts resonate with you and give you a fresh perspective on both life and business this week

"Surrender is the simple but profound wisdom of yielding to rather than opposing the flow of life."
– Eckhart Tolle

Choosing Happy Podcast Update

It’s the 80th Episode of the Choosing Happy Podcast this week, and you can access it on Thursday 5th September 2024 – as our ‘Spiritual Woo’ month continues.

I have some exclusive interviews coming up and am extending the Woo into September. I have been blessed with amazing people to interview and can’t wait to share our powerful and transformative discussions with you.

All previous episodes are available…
You can listen on your favourite podcast App or on the website at www.choosinghappypodcast.com

 

Supporting You Through The Nonsense!

If you feel you would like to chat, explore, make more sense of what’s occurring, create a plan or are looking for support reach out and let’s chat.

I feel my purpose at this time is to help folks through the challenging times, especially in this time of transformation around the planet.

New communities are being built, new opportunities are being born, new paradigms are emerging, new technologies are taking shape.

Whether it is on a personal level, in business, spiritually or a combination, I am designing a path of support to help us all navigate these strange and unusual times.

Humanity is at a tipping point and if you understand that you will understand the increasing need for a support platform.

I am launching a one-year support plan for Choosing Happy, at minimal investment and maximum value to help navigate the woo, with a focus on self-care, mental wellbeing, resilience, community and business growth during chaotic times.

If any of this sounds of interest, hit return and let me know.

Creative Writing Tips Next Level!

My Creative Writing Tips free Facebook Group has passed 9200 members and I am at the mid-point of the 2^nd 30 Day writing challenge.
The challenge has been so well received that I am offering a 12 month program of 52 weekly mini-modules to help aspiring writers to hone their craft, overcome blocks, build their confidence and take their writing to that Next Level for them.
It includes a community of passionate fellow writers, includes monthly challenges, monthly live calls, ongoing support and a book club!

I am launching it today at the special Founders launch investment of £97 for the year (12 months). As a founding member this price never increases.

The founding Offer ends at midnight (PST) on the 5^th September when the investment will be £147 for the year, without the founding 'price holding' guarantee.

If you want to find out more head over to:
https://www.creativewritingtips.club/next-level-club

That's it for this week!

I wish you good health, increased resilience, happiness and joy.

I wish you magical memories, laugh out loud moments, courage, and protection during these uncertain days.
May love, and healing surround you.
May your family and friends be safe and well.

As always, the coffee and chat offer is available, I am only an email away.

I hope you have a week blessed with wisdom, support, understanding, connection, companionship, prosperity, grace and ease!

Heather

Heather V Masters

Chief Coach, Writer, Trainer and Facilitator of Magic

Email: [email protected] or [email protected]

P.S. Whenever you're ready, there are 3 ways I can help you:

#1: Check our my Coffee and Coaching Live on my YouTube and Rumble Channels (Monday, Wednesday and Friday morning – 11 am – live). I'm putting a ton of energy into creating heaps of valuable live content that I think you'll like. It’s my aim to create a healthy habit of live content that serves you. Come check out my channel, and give me a like and subscribe.

#2: Strategy Calls

As entrepreneurs, sometimes we just need an hour with another like-minded person to figure out what to focus on next. And to keep it simple. And to identify our next, impactful, action steps.

Sometimes you’re too close to figure that out for yourself.

How often do you take time out to move away from the doing in your business, and focus on the big picture, reviewing the dream and getting to the nitty gritty stuff that niggles you every day?

In the 1-1 strategy sessions I help you cut through the fog and get crystal clear on your next steps toward next level results - more clients, more sales, more effective marketing, tech clarity and simplicity – whatever it is for you.

If you are interested, drop me a message and I will send you full details and how to apply.

#3: Follow me on LinkedIn for more Tech, strategy, systems, marketing tips, and happiness-building.

P.P.S.

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Email: [email protected]