Being weighed down by the past and pressured to get things done, we can easily lose sight of who we are. Growth begins with being open, to accept failures and celebrate victories, to find the strength within to overcome the war within ourselves. In this monologue, I reflect upon this journey in believing that I can make it.

Heather, a regular contributor to the Living Expressions publication, shares her experience in tough moments to listen and trust yourself. She reflects on a beautiful bird song metaphor with real birds chirping in the background. We hope you find a space to empty your mind through the stressors and challenges this time of year.

Have you ever felt stuck? I decided in this moment that I want to find my way out to freedom. I have been here too long! I imagine myself in a metaphor to help externalise what I am feeling inside. Seeing and naming objects around me helped to identify why I am stuck and move towards healing.

Anchal Singh, 17 year old writer and poet, reflects upon the importance of positivity to promote healthy living. Anchal has a heart to express her feelings through words in order to empower change. Not only in her own home in Northern India, but also across the world. Anchal has been a regular contributor to the Living Expressions publication over the last 2 years.

Being stuck at home for a few days, I needed to get out of the house. Walking outside with the birds and fresh air was just what I needed, until I got overwhelmed by the noise from a protest. I soon learned how to turn this stressful panic attack moment around.

It's never nice to be on the receiving end of belittling and intimidating behaviour. Totally disrespectful to human life. If you have, the first few minutes may be hard to hear; but stay with me as I work through my trigger. We can transform these moments and find strength.

In this monologue, I to stop reflect about life itself from dusk to dawn, from new life to growth, from moment to moment. A mixture of inspirational thoughts that went from one to another without any pre conceived ideas. It came naturally.

Have you ever felt like you've lost yourself or feel stuck and broken? I have. In this moment, I am internally fragile after receiving some bad news. I found it is possible in the moment, to find myself, to feel less stuck, broken and lost, towards action.

Featuring part of our song 'A two-way street' by Ben McKinnon and Mel Baker (https://youtu.be/ZNhnB_fuls4).