Like many people, I was living on autopilot, keeping busy doing the things that I thought would bring me happiness – buying houses, going to the gym, driving new cars, running my own business and saving for holidays.

But I found myself completely overwhelmed with trying to keep up with all this and being a mum. I was easily distracted, very reactive and in constant physical pain. I kept even busier to ignore my underlying unhappiness and discontent.

One by one, I lost all of these things – my marriage, home, car, and business. I was on strong painkillers and the only time I felt at peace was when I was asleep. So I drank every night to achieve this state of bliss, which caused more health problems and a never-ending cycle of my happiness being at the whim of anything and everything going on around me and to me.

At 40 years of age, I was left with the choice between a path of antidepressants and surgery... or... finding something that wasn’t just a coping mechanism but prevented me from getting into this state in the first place.

And so I tried meditation. But guess what – I couldn’t stop thinking, couldn’t sit still long enough to count to 10 breaths, and there were so many different meditation apps I felt more overwhelmed! I thought meditation must only be for monks that didn’t have real-life challenges. Sound familiar?

But there was a spark in me that knew that this was going to help me, so I began studying mindfulness and meditation for the next couple of years. It was life-changing. I stopped feeling so overwhelmed, but there were also so many more pleasant side effects. I became physically, mentally and emotionally healthier. The pain went away, I was less reactive, more productive and creative, and above all, I knew I didn’t have to rely on external factors for my happiness – it was always there. It was my choice whether I wanted to be happy or not in any given situation.

I was working in my dream job, taking my kids on holidays, driving a new car, saving for my own home and surrounded by like-minded people I enjoyed spending time with. Then the pandemic struck, and again that was all taken away! But this time, I had the tools and the resilience to know that I would be okay.

Now I am sharing those tools and knowledge in an easy to read, simple and practical format that you can finish in a weekend and experience the benefits immediately.

I want to help other people who are looking for something, other than a coping mechanism, to help them manage the challenges of everyday life, and live more peacefully and harmoniously.

Whether you are experiencing work-related stress, feeling overwhelmed with family life, uncertain about retirement, going through a relationship break down or just feel like it’s time for you to start doing something for yourself, there are simple exercises that can help you process your emotions and stop worrying.

There are short simple techniques you can do anywhere anytime to help you calm down, refocus and enjoy life.

Stop being a slave to your thoughts and emotions and losing any more of your precious time being distracted by them. Stop missing out on enjoying the moment you are in because you will never get it back again!

Download this step by step guide to feeling calmer, less overwhelmed, less reactive and more focussed, written by a qualified and experienced mindfulness and meditation practitioner (without the woo woo).

I'm Michelle, owner of Meditation Sunshine Coast in Australia.

Mindfulness and meditation have had a major impact on my life.

I became curious about meditation during a challenging period of my life. I was feeling completely overwhelmed nearly every day and faced with a path of antidepressants. I knew I had to find something (other than drugs or alcohol) that not only reduced the feelings of overwhelm but stopped me from getting to that stage in the first place.

And so I tried meditation. And full disclosure – I couldn't sit still for more than five minutes or count to ten breaths! I found trying to learn through an app or on my own just wasn't working and so I began looking for teachers and studying and researching meditation and then mindfulness.

As a result, I completed:

• Advanced Certificate in Guiding and Teaching Meditation through the Australian Centre for Mindfulness and Meditation (ACMM)
• Mindfulness Meditation Teacher training (MBSM) at the Gawler Foundation
• Mindfulness for Wellbeing and Peak Performance (Monash University)
• Corporate Mindfulness (ACMM)

Realising the benefits mindfulness and meditation could have on younger people, I also went on to complete the following training:

• Meditation Capsules
• Meditation for Parents and Children
• Connected Kids
• Sensory Detective (Autism Spectrum)
• Inspired Kids Yoga
• Calm Coach
• Youth Psychology and Counselling

In my work life, practising mindfulness was essential to my success as an events manager for high profile speakers such as Brene Brown, Malala Yousafzai, Simon Sinek and the Obamas. It enabled me to remain calm, focussed and productive in this demanding role. It also gave me the resilience I needed when that career ended due to COVID.

In my private life, practising meditation has enabled me to be less reactive and more patient, healthier, kinder and compassionate to myself, as well as to those around me. This has become essential with two teens and a grandmother with dementia to care for.

For several years I ran my Mindfulness Meditation for Beginners program for kids, teens and adults, from my studio on the Sunshine Coast. I have now extended my teaching capacity to incorporate community classes, online courses, workplace workshops, programs, coaching and retreats. I also facilitate programs on behalf of Mindfulness Works Australia and am a registered provider for the Healthy Sunshine Coast Program and Career, Money, Life.

I am passionate about educating and demonstrating the benefits of practising mindfulness and meditation to help reduce feelings of overwhelm and stress, and increase feelings of calm, clarity and connection.

I am a member of the Meditation Association of Australia and mindful.org and a Veriditas trained and certified labyrinth facilitator.