Deep Dive into Personal Growth: A Transformative Experience

Just a few days ago, I embarked on a profound journey of personal growth, immersing myself in Qi Gong, a Tony Robbins summit, and various Mindvalley quests. I had no idea how much transformation could unfold in such a short time, but the results have been nothing short of extraordinary. From feeling more energized to deepening my connections with both colleagues and children at work, I am in awe of the magic that personal development can bring into our lives.

A Surge of Energy and Confidence

One of the first and most striking changes I noticed was my energy levels. I feel more alive, more vibrant, and more in tune with myself than I have in a long time. This newfound energy has rippled into every aspect of my life, making my days more productive and fulfilling. I walk into my workplace with a sense of confidence and enthusiasm that I hadn’t tapped into before. I feel more grounded, present, and capable of handling challenges with grace and clarity.

Enhanced Communication and Workplace Harmony

Working in primary education, communication is at the heart of everything I do. After just one week of applying the techniques I’ve learned, I’ve observed a remarkable shift in how I interact with my colleagues. I find myself listening more attentively, responding with empathy, and articulating my thoughts more effectively. As a result, my co-workers have been more open and receptive, leading to deeper, more meaningful connections. I feel a stronger sense of belonging and a newfound ability to offer honest feedback and constructive suggestions without hesitation.

Helping Children Regulate Emotions with Ease

One of the most fulfilling aspects of this journey has been the impact on my interactions with the children I work with. I’ve started integrating small yet powerful techniques, such as breathing exercises, to help children who struggle with emotional regulation. The results have been incredible. I’ve witnessed children moving past their fears, opening up about their worries, and learning to let go of emotions that once held them back. These breakthroughs reaffirm my belief in the power of mindful practices and the potential for transformation at any age.

The Universe Has More in Store

I am beyond amazed by the progress I’ve seen in such a short amount of time, and I know this is only the beginning. The universe is full of possibilities, and I embrace this journey with open arms and great confidence. With each passing day, I feel more empowered to build the life of my dreams, filled with purpose, growth, and joy.

This is just the first chapter of my deep dive into personal growth, and I cannot wait to see what unfolds next. If this is what one week can do, I can only imagine the profound changes that await in the coming months. I am ready to step into my highest potential and continue discovering the limitless magic within me.

To those who are on their own journey of self-discovery, I encourage you to trust the process, stay open to new experiences, and believe in your own power to create the life you desire. The results may just surprise you.

An Opportunity to Begin Your Own Journey

If you’re feeling inspired and want to kickstart or continue your personal growth journey, I highly recommend checking out the upcoming Mindvalley Summit 2025 happening this weekend. This event is an incredible opportunity to learn from world-class speakers, explore new transformative practices, and connect with a global community of like-minded individuals. Take this chance to invest in yourself and unlock your fullest potential! (This summit is totally free, so you only invest your time!)

📅 Summit Date: Feb 8-9, 2025

📍 Where: Online – from the comfort of your home

Discovering Qi Gong: My First Experience and Why You Should Try It

Over the past few days, I have embarked on a journey into the world of Qi Gong, and I can genuinely say it has been one of the most peaceful and transformative experiences I’ve had in a long time. I find myself naturally flowing into the movements throughout the day, feeling a deep sense of relaxation and inner balance. If you’ve never tried Qi Gong before, let me take you through my first experience and share why this ancient practice might be just what you need in your life.

What is Qi Gong?

Qi Gong (pronounced “chee-gong”) is an ancient Chinese practice that combines gentle movements, controlled breathing, and meditation to cultivate and balance the body’s vital energy, known as “Qi.” It has been practiced for thousands of years to improve health, reduce stress, and enhance overall well-being. Often compared to Tai Chi, Qi Gong is typically simpler and more focused on breathwork and energy flow rather than martial applications.

My First Experience with Qi Gong

I had always been curious about Qi Gong but never made the time to explore it—until now. Over the past few days, I dedicated just a short period each morning to practicing simple Qi Gong movements and breath exercises. What surprised me the most was how effortless and natural it felt. Unlike high-intensity workouts that leave you exhausted, Qi Gong left me feeling both refreshed and deeply at peace.

One of the most profound things I noticed was how my breath slowed down and deepened. I became more aware of how tension subtly built up in my body and, through gentle movements, I could release it. I also found that the movements stayed with me throughout the day—I would catch myself spontaneously repeating them while taking a break from work or even while standing in the kitchen. It was as if my body had started to recognize Qi Gong as a natural rhythm of being rather than just an exercise.

The Benefits I Noticed

Though it has only been a few days, I already feel significant benefits from practicing Qi Gong:

  • Deep Relaxation – I feel much calmer and more at peace, even in moments that would typically stress me out.
  • Increased Awareness – I’m more in tune with my body and breath, which helps me stay present.
  • Gentle Energy Boost – Unlike coffee or stimulants, Qi Gong provides a natural and sustained feeling of vitality.
  • Better Posture and Movement – I’ve become more mindful of how I carry myself, reducing tension in my shoulders and back.

How to Get Started with Qi Gong

If you’re curious about trying Qi Gong, the great news is that it’s incredibly accessible. You don’t need any special equipment, and you can start with just a few minutes a day. Here are some great resources to help you begin:

  • YouTube Channels: There are many free Qi Gong tutorials online. A great starting point is Lee Holden’s Qi Gong or Spring Forest Qi Gong.
  • Books: “The Way of Qi Gong” by Kenneth Cohen is a fantastic read for understanding the philosophy and benefits of the practice.
  • Local Classes: Check to see if there are Qi Gong classes or workshops near you. Practicing with a group can be a wonderful experience.
  • Apps: Some mindfulness and meditation apps, such as Insight Timer, offer guided Qi Gong sessions.

    Personally I take my classes over at Mindvalley

Final Thoughts

My introduction to Qi Gong has been a beautiful and effortless way to cultivate more relaxation, presence, and well-being in my daily life. Whether you’re looking for a way to reduce stress, boost your energy, or simply connect with yourself on a deeper level, Qi Gong is a practice worth exploring.

Have you ever tried Qi Gong? I’d love to hear about your experiences in the comments!

Tony Robbins – Time to rise

As mentioned in my introduction post, I will be reflecting on inspiring courses, books and people. For the past 3 days I’ve been attending the online summit “Time to rise” by Tony Robbins.

Tony Robbins is one of the most well-known personal development coaches in the world. His teachings cover a wide range of topics, including mindset, success, wealth, relationships, health, and leadership. Below is a summary of his core principles:

1. Mindset & Psychology

  • State Management: Your emotional state determines your behavior and results. Use physical movement, breathing, and focus to control your state.
  • Beliefs & Identity: What you believe about yourself and the world shapes your destiny. Changing limiting beliefs can transform your life.
  • The Triad: Your emotional state is influenced by three factors—physiology (body), focus (what you concentrate on), and language (self-talk).
  • Neuro-Associative Conditioning (NAC): A method to rewire the brain by associating pain with bad habits and pleasure with positive behaviors.

2. Success & Achievement

  • Modeling Success: Learn from those who have already achieved what you want. Success leaves clues.
  • The Power of Massive Action: Take bold, consistent action toward your goals instead of waiting for the perfect moment.
  • The 2-Millimeter Rule: Small shifts in strategy, mindset, or effort can lead to massive improvements over time.
  • CANI (Constant And Never-Ending Improvement): Continuous learning and growth are key to long-term success.

3. Wealth & Financial Freedom

  • Money Mastery: Learn to earn, save, and invest wisely. Robbins teaches the importance of asset allocation and compound interest.
  • The 5 Steps to Wealth:
    1. Save a portion of your income.
    2. Invest wisely (diversify).
    3. Protect against risk.
    4. Stay disciplined in financial decisions.
    5. Give back and contribute.
  • Financial Independence: The goal is to create passive income that exceeds your living expenses.

4. Relationships & Communication

  • The Six Human Needs: Every person is driven by six core needs: certainty, variety, significance, connection/love, growth, and contribution.
  • The Love Tank: Successful relationships require both partners to feel valued, appreciated, and understood.
  • Effective Communication: Understand people’s needs and emotions to build deeper connections.

5. Health & Vitality

  • Peak Performance: Your body affects your mind. Eat nutrient-rich foods, stay hydrated, exercise, and manage stress for optimal energy.
  • Alkaline Diet Principles: Robbins emphasizes the importance of eating more plant-based foods to maintain high energy levels.
  • Breathing & Movement: Proper breathing (deep diaphragmatic breathing) and physical activity enhance mental clarity and well-being.

6. Leadership & Influence

  • Be a Leader, Not a Follower: Take ownership of your life and inspire others through your actions.
  • The Power of Influence: Understand what motivates people and communicate effectively to lead teams, businesses, and communities.
  • Decisions Shape Destiny: The quality of your life is determined by the quality of your decisions.

7. Contribution & Fulfillment

  • The Secret to Living is Giving: Fulfillment comes from contributing beyond yourself—helping others brings lasting happiness.
  • Success Without Fulfillment is the Ultimate Failure: Money and achievements alone don’t create happiness; purpose and meaning do.

Final Thought

Tony Robbins’ philosophy is about taking control of your life, developing the right mindset, taking massive action, and continuously growing to live a fulfilling and meaningful life. His teachings emphasize practical strategies that can help anyone create a life of success, wealth, health, love, and happiness. I will read more of his books and will definately be attending more of his summits. Tony is very inspiring and a lot of what he’s talked about the past 3 days has reasoned with me a lot and I will definately get into this deeper when I have more practise of all this new found inspiration.

The first step to living your dream life is believing you can.

Welcome to Building My Dream Life

Hello and welcome! I’m thrilled that you’re here. My name is Sylvia, and today marks the beginning of an incredible journey—one that I’ve decided to document, share, and hopefully inspire others along the way.

I am a single mother to an amazing 17-year-old son, and he is my greatest motivation. I work in primary education, and working with children is my passion. Helping young minds grow, explore, and believe in themselves has always been at the core of who I am. But as I guide children to dream big, I realized that I, too, need to take this journey myself—to step into my full potential so that I can help others do the same.

For as long as I can remember, I’ve felt a deep pull towards something more—a life filled with meaning, purpose, and growth. But like so many, I found myself caught up in the routine of everyday life, feeling like I was merely existing rather than truly living. That’s why I’ve made the decision to embark on a personal adventure to become the greatest version of myself.

This blog, Building My Dream Life, is my open journal—a space where I’ll share my experiences, insights, and the lessons I learn as I take this leap.

What You Can Expect

I’ll be diving deep into personal development, mindset shifts, and the practices that help unlock human potential. I’ll be exploring and reflecting on:

  • Mindvalley Quests – I’m immersing myself in transformative programs that challenge the way I think and live.
  • Books That Have Changed My Perspective – Reading has been a powerful tool in shaping my beliefs and expanding my understanding of life, success, and happiness.
  • The People I Meet Along the Way – From mentors to strangers with wisdom to share, I believe every interaction holds the potential for growth.
  • Moments of Inspiration – Whether it’s an idea, an experience, or a challenge, I’ll document the things that move me to become better.

Join Me on This Journey

I’m not just here to share my story—I want to connect with others who are also on their own path of self-discovery and transformation. If you’re someone who believes in personal growth, finding your purpose, and creating a life that truly excites you, I’d love for you to join me.

This journey is not just for me—it’s for my son, for the children I teach, and for anyone who dares to dream bigger. I want to live by example, showing that growth and transformation are possible at any stage of life.

This is just the beginning. I don’t know exactly where this journey will take me, but I do know one thing: I’m ready to embrace it fully.

Let’s grow together.

Stay tuned, and welcome to Building My Dream Life!