Author: Bridget Zappa Hahn

I’ve posted weekly blogs every Monday for nearly a year now. At the start of this year, I took a turn in my healing journey. I went from talking about my loss, to focusing on my growth and strength. After all, after a loss, it’s all about what you learn about yourself and how you become a better you. That definitely happened for me. 

I think it’s important to take stock of yourself in lots of ways in your life, assess what’s going well and where you may need to make changes or double down. Looking back at Jan. 1, what advice would you give your prior self? As I do (because, well, it’s my blog!), I share my experiences. 

When I first had my major loss last year, I thought I couldn’t survive a month let alone a year. At the time, I remember reading about the difference a year can make – and how I really doubted it then. Now, looking back, not only did one year make a huge difference in who I am, but so far this year, six months has catapulted me into the clear in terms of my relationship healing. I’m so grateful that I stayed the course and happy about all the amazing things that have happened in my life so far this year. I wouldn’t have had these fantastic experiences without my healing, fully letting go and moving on.

Without the progress I’ve made over time, I wouldn’t be where I am today. I know that doesn’t sound profound, but for me it is. The overall awareness I have in my life now enables me to experience life more deeply because I see and understand more about the world around me. Weirdly, I don’t over think like I used to. I make plans more spur of the moment. I don’t lose things like I used to – my glasses, phone, keys. Being fully aware in your life gives you the chance to be there for others in more expansive ways – and to appreciate your life and being who you are in deeper, truer ways. 

Appreciate the progress you make day by day, week by week, month by month. Before you know it, you’ll look back in six to 12 months and you’ll be a new you – so much so that people from your past need to get to know you again. I know that’s true for me. 

Hello, I’m Bridget, and this is who I am now. 

It’s Memorial Day Weekend in the U.S. That means the weather is getting warmer and we’re spending more time outside. Depending on where you live, there may be new places to explore while you get some sun and fresh air – all things that can nurture you. Find what makes your soul sing and shine. 

I choose to enjoy time outside by being active. Whether I’m running or walking my dog. I enjoy these things. They give me joy. I like taking care of myself physically and challenging my fitness. My pooch is my little buddy and she loves to walk. 

There are so many options to increase physical activity. Choose one you enjoy. Maybe find a friend to join you. I like exploring local places with new people. I recently met a new friend at Minnehaha Falls. While I’d been to the falls before, I had never explored the park. I hiked with him and had a ball taking in a local place in a new way. He helped me see that. And the cool part – it’s less than 10 minutes from my house. 

Pools open this weekend, too. Siting in the sun is so relaxing that I can’t wait to soak it in. There is spirituality in being in water. I’m not saying every time I go in a pool I have a spiritual experience. I’m saying there is a calmness about it. That’s why baths are so good for your body and soul.

How can you enjoy the warmer weather as summer approaches? If you live in Minnesota like I do, you’ve gotta take advantage of every warm day. Soak it in. Find an activity that nurtures you and do it as often as possible!

I am a badass and I work on being a real badass day in and day out. How? By being the true Bridget and living my life as authentically as possible. I attribute this in no small part to my health – body, mind and spirit. My total health has become more and more important to me. Building my health and strength has been such a vital part of my healing that I can’t separate it from who I am now.

I work out every day – every day. Often I workout multiple times a day. I don’t take but maybe two rest days a month. That may sound obsessive but it works for me because I enjoy it. When my heart was weak, my body was getting stronger and stronger and leaner and leaner. Overtime, that strength and confidence spread to other areas of my life so much so that I’m happier than I think I’ve ever been. I’m proud AF about that. 

But health isn’t just about what I eat or how I exercise. It’s also about my mindset, my self-talk and the people I surround myself with. I believe that I am most influenced by the five people I hang out with – because they are who I share my energy and time with. These people make me comfortable to come as I am bcause I am fully accepted for me – flaws, scars and all. I love these people and I tell them that as often as I can. 

So who am I? I am beautiful. I have an amazing mind in an amazing body. I love myself. I am proud of who I am. I am unique. I am one of a kind. I am capable. I am strong. I am powerful. I am intuitive. I am creative. I am kind. I am loving. I have amazing qualities that I’m proud of. I am a fucking badass. I am a goddess. I am a woman – hear me roar!

“Talk to the broken ones. They will teach you what is real,  how to live alone. How to finish and how to start all over again.” Sahil Vera

Each of us deserves love that speaks clearly to our soul. I found these simple checklists help me navigate the intricacies of my heart as I’ve learned to love again. And note: I’m upgrading. An upgrade isn’t someone who looks better than your last, an upgrade is someone who treats, appreciates and values you more than your last. Fucking Boom.

WE

Should

• Never expect
• Never demand
• Never assume

Know

• Your limits
• Where you stand
• Your role

Don’t

• Get affected
• Get jealous
• Get paranoid

Just go with the flow and stay happy! That how love finds you!

“The woman who does not require validation from anyone is the most feared individual on the planet.” – Mohadesa Majumi

For most of us, our spiritual teacher is our suffering because eventually it brings about our awakening. It’s so empowering to say, “this is no longer serving me” and walk away in peace.

That sounds like such a tall order. Being awake and aware enough to know I am enough and respond to others with that perspective. Realizing I was enough was so much a part of my journey that I tattooed it on my arm. It’s something I need to constantly remind myself, albeit less and less. The difference? Knowing that I need nothing outside of me to validate me. Only I can validate me. That’s where I find the amazing place of peace and freedom.

After all, when you rely on others to validate you, you give them power over you.

You don’t find your worth in anyone else – especially a man. You find your worth within yourself and then you’ll find a man who is worthy of you. Remember that. 

With practice, I’ve been able to turn down the volume of the voice of my scared self and increase the tone of my most triumphant side. It’s taken strength, courage and confidence to choose to be happy most days.

Womanontopp.com  says, “I no longer need hardcore proof to validate what my intuition tells me. If something feels off about a person / place / thing, it’s because something is off. I’m not sticking around to discover what it is. My time and energy are way too valuable.”

Don’t apologize for any part of you. If someone truly loves you, they don’t see your flaws or your scars – they actually love that depth and those marks. There isn’t a single person on this planet who is entitled to treat you like shit.

Remember – blessings are always coming to you.

Spring means planting seeds and waiting and watching for sprouts to break through the soil. They start in the dirt and the dark only to come into the light. It’s about new life and the possibilities in every small seed and shoot. We are like seeds. We may sit in darkness or go through dark times in life. That doesn’t mean that something isn’t waiting to sprout and come into the light. Like plants, we root ourselves in big possibilities.

Seeds don’t grow on their own, however. Whether you plant them in the soil or your soul, both need to be watered. How do you water your soul? In life, just as in soil, what you water grows. For example, are you watering or taking care of the relationships in your life? When you don’t, relationships wither and die. Sometimes, you don’t realize it until it’s too late. Sometimes that’s what’s meant to be. Other times, it simply signifies neglect. It’s really important to understand the difference and water what truly matters.

Sometimes, choosing what seeds to plant and water enables you to clear away old, toxic energy and make space for the new. It’s a bit like pruning old, dead foliage from a plant. New can’t grow where you don’t remove the old. It’s knowing and trusting that beautiful blossoms and opportunities are on their way. It’s why rain is necessary in every stage of new life.

What seeds are you planting? What dreams are you growing right now that will bring beauty, love and happiness into your life? Those dreams represent possibility. Don’t let it wilt and die. Water it. Take care of it and watch it grow big and strong!

“Breathe darling. This is just a chapter. It’s not your whole story.”

Change is not easy. Change is the new norm. I’ve used variations of these sentiments in countless corporate communications I’ve written on behalf of executives trying to explain why they make certain decisions. When it comes to making changes in your life – whether you choose to make them  – it’s wholly different. 

It’s different because life changes depend on mindset. Is it an opportunity to transform? To grow? To break through limiting beliefs that have been part of an identity? To rediscover and love self? In sum, life change takes courage. It also takes a good dose of self-care and kindness. 

I’ve gone through deep transformation. There were times I wasn’t sure I’d make it through the coming days, let alone months. I had to spend time with myself, getting to know me again and what makes me magic and unique. It happened in fits and starts. The kind of physical, spiritual and emotional change I went through wasn’t linear at all and took time, a lot of time. Now that I’m on the other side of my initial major transformation, not only did I rediscover the goddess I am, but I’ve decided to own it and rock the fuck out of who I am. 

So, not only am I super comfortable in my own skin, I’ve got amped up energy and full-on excitement about life and all the possibilities that are mine for the taking. Oh, the difference a year makes! I now know what magic and happiness I’m calling into my life. That clarity is what’s enabling me to manifest so much abundance in every area of my life.

Remember there will be times when change and transformation takes all the courage you can muster. The key to all this? Life is too short to be someone you’re not. Be real. Be honest. Be You. And be proud AF about who you’ve emerged from the flames to become!

I’ve written often about the Law of Attraction and how the energy you put out comes back to you like a boomerang. Good things are attracted to positive energy. The more you can live in happiness, joy and with a positive mindset, you’ll be happier in nearly every area of your life. 

To get to that place, however, you need to let go, surrender to the Universe and trust in divine timing. My best friend has been manifesting a ton of good in her life right now, and her go-to phrase is “everything is working out for me!” For a woman who vibrates as high as she does as a matter of course, using this mantra has catapulted her into a totally new dimension of positivity. 

I love this quote I recently read on Instagram: “A wise girl once said, ‘Let that shit go.’ And she lived happily ever after.” This means letting go and living in your full power. Here’s my list for being powerful AF and living my best and happiest life. 

1. I have unlimited power
2. I am living to my full potential
3. I am happy and free because I am me
4. I am learning to trust the journey
5. I am a powerful creator
6. I acknowledge my own self-worth
7. I am willing to act and face my fears
8. I trust my intuition
9. I will celebrate each goal I accomplish
10. I am energetic and enthusiastic
11. Confidence is my second nature

Positivity and elevation like this may require separating from people in your life who aren’t helping you grow. As Spirit Daughter says, “Every struggle, every fall, every lesson, every heartbreak – is the universe expanding you.”

Life is too short not to live this way and keep these 11 things in mind. If you’re struggling in anyway, remember you are powerful, loved, worthy and free – just as you are! 

“Life gets very quiet before all the doors open. I’m learning that what can feel like loneliness is actually grace. Rest. Find your strength. It will all change soon.” – L. Lynn. 

Life takes patience. It isn’t about finding yourself – it’s about creating yourself. That means self-discovery and self reflection. That’s not typically an easy task, yet it’s been a vital step in my path to healing and believing in my abundance. 

I’ve had to empty myself and start over, trusting and knowing that wonderful things were on the horizon for me. I just had to be patient. After all, I am responsible for my thoughts and actions, my happiness and joy, and the mindset I bring to every challenge and situation. Taken in whole, it’s about the energy I send out into the world – it’s my power.

I’ve continued to grow and evolve every day and I’m proud AF about it. I’m sexual. I’m soulful. I’m emotional. I’m spiritual. I’m magic. I’m both light and dark. I’m human. I’m not denying any aspect of who I am. I know a healthy soul is a whole soul. I’m powerful.

One of my favorite spiritual gurus, Dr. Wayne Dyer, once said, “Being infinitely patient means having an absolute knowing that you’re in vibrational harmony with the all-creating force that intended you here. You know that everything will happen at just the right time, at just the right place with just the right people.”

I’ve been on one hell of a journey, and as Wayne Dyer says, it all happens at just the right time. Without my experiences, I wouldn’t be as strong as I am today. In fact, I’m stronger and more powerful body, mind and spirit than I’ve ever been. It really did take patience, commitment and belief in in myself. I’ve taken back my power – and I’ll NEVER let anyone take it from me again!

“We live on a blue planet that circles around a ball of fire next to a moon that moves the sea, and you don’t believe in miracles?” I’m not sure where I read that, but it’s so true. Nature and the Universe are miracles – and if we become more aware, we’ll see miracles every day in our lives. 

When I say “miracle,” I’m not referring to the religious sort of saints and popes. I’m referring to the simple ones that come from being grateful and feeling blessed every day. When you approach each day with that mindset, you’ll notice not only miracles but moments of synchronicity and serendipity. 

For example, I’m very grateful for where I am now – it’s exactly where I’m supposed to be. Just like the moon, my greatest magic has come from my times of darkness – when I had no choice but to trust my own power. That itself is a miracle!

I’m also quite excited about where I’m going – and who is in my life today. Dope Soul says, “You attract what you are strongly feeling and thinking and this is why a grateful heart is a magnet for miracles.” Those in my life now match my vibration – and actually help me vibe higher.

I’m grateful for letting go and moving on. This has become increasingly easy because I know I’ve fully outgrown certain people from my past. In essence, these individuals aren’t aligned with my energy now. I’m operating at such a high vibration and frequency they can’t keep up. They don’t know how. Miracle.

These are my miracle moments. I see them in my light and dark moments. They happen every day by just slowing down and living in gratitude.