Author: Datin Eileen Unwin - “Intention is more than wishful thinking; it’s wilful direction”

“We are what we believe we are” C.S. Lewis

A simple and true quote that inspires us to be the best version of ourselves but sadly, in this generation, can be perceived more generally in the negative sense. With so many health and wellbeing enhancing options on the market, as well as being faced with heightened social media platforms, maintaining a true image and belief of ourselves is near impossible. At any given moment, there are mirages reflecting back of what others want us to be, often impacting our confidence levels and sense of self worth.

It can start unintentionally during the early years of our lives; false expectations equating to pressure that is so damaging so as to develop positive consciousness could take an immeasurable about of time later in life. A simpler solution may be to adhere to being beholden to a false image, succumbing to marketing, media and social pressure than to actually believe in yourself.

The Mental Health Organisation tells us “Research has found that higher body dissatisfaction is associated with a poorer quality of life, psychological distress and the risk of unhealthy eating behaviours and eating disorders”. It goes without saying that the mental image of ourselves is a reflection of our personality and when we are driven to look a certain way, adhere to parameters of what others expect of us in both behaviour and looks, our true perception of ourselves is lost. A rational mind can tell us that in no way does perfection, intelligence or success equate to happiness but more often that not, irrationality wins hands down and our self worth gets lost in the maze.

Tell me, on a scale of 1-10, how satisfied you feel with yourself right now. What if you were able to dismiss the notion of social and beauty trends but instead approached life in a way that ‘YOU’ could control your own version of wellbeing? The reason I ask you to reflect is because we are a world of sheep, being led from one theory of wellness to the next with the promise of looking and feeling a certain way. There is no system of what works for one should work for another... unless of course, you are behind the pressure or indeed the sales pitch, a product, a system, a belief ... preying on the insecurity of human nature. Every step we take towards a “health product or gimmick” is another step away from positive self image.

There are no secret ingredients to discovering a path that is not driven by social trends with false promises, but a contentment of living by your own rules. Actually the irony is that there should be only one ingredient and that is ‘being’. It is simply being; who you are and were intended to be, looking in the mirror and accepting that the individual looking back is the true you. If you are willing to take the job into your own hands and work towards goals of understanding and appreciation of your own gauge of health and happiness, THEN and only then will you become the fullest version of yourself.

What I urge you to see from the outside is what is happening on the inside. Only once you begin to understand the core of your being will you see the internal personality being portrayed on the outside with no focus on external beauty. Firstly, to believe that you are worthy of positive self esteem and confidence is a mission of sustainability and growth. Start slowly and with intention, reminding yourself every day that you own your own goals and success. Believing that you are in control of your own empowerment minus the buying into brands and products is a step worth taking. It is about finding the simple pleasures that light that fire inside you and not being drawn towards aesthetics and materialism to feel fulfilled. Fundamentally, it is your personal wisdom of living and acceptance of maturity that leads to success and the power of belief in yourself. Once you have built and secured the foundation of internal intentions, a positive reflection will develop externally. It shifts from the world telling you who and what you stand for in image and personality, to you telling the world. Keep these words close to your heart and always you will fly .... “A bird sitting on a tree is never afraid of the branch breaking, because her trust is not on the branch but on it’s wings. Always believe in yourself”.

Tea Bird Tea offers a range of organic, herbal teas that are blended with health and wellbeing in mind. Each unique combination is thoughtfully produced with individual taste in mind. Take time to find your favourite blends that help you feel the best version of yourself and support your daily intentions.

Cleanse - Lemongrass, dandelion 

Digest - Colon Cleanse, Liver Detox

Energise - Vanilla rooibos, Earl Grey

Boost Immune System - Ginger Snap, Hibiscus