I moved to a different country ??

Welcome to Pep Talks From Me, To Me - a cathartic newsletter where I talk about my journey as a fashion entrepreneur and openly share my reflections with you

Recently I've developed an allergy to self-development content, particularly 'how to find your purpose' material i.e. the idea that one can simply follow a formula and find that sweet spot where you know what you're good at, what you love doing, what the world needs and what you can be paid for, then live by it.

This is coming from someone who has read more self-development books than one can count, you name it - I find it all irritating now. I think it often sounds like a capitalistic view on something that has to do with your soul.

I do believe we are all unique and there's only one of each of us for a reason. I think the things which drive us and attract us relate to us in a way that has to do with our genetic makeup, our past experiences, how we view the world and process information.

My therapist once asked me what I think my purpose is. My response was "to be happy" - and I left it at that. She was confused by my answer and I could see it in her face. My definition of happiness is to just be, just live and go with the flow. It's to live life in your own terms, to know the rules but to do what's right for you. She wanted me to say something like "I am a natural born leader, my purpose is to lead, connect people and inspire them" - that could be true but I don't know what that looks like as it would change depending on my circumstances at that time and the environment I am in. It's not defined as a job.

I'm here to be me and experience the abundance of life, I am not my labour. The type of work I do can and will change as I evolve as a person. Some people are happy doing the same thing over and over again for the rest of their lives and it works for them. I know what I am good at, what I enjoy doing, what the world needs and what I can be paid for. ?Yet I also acknowledge that it can me manifested in many different forms and professions.

If you read my previous newsletter, you'll know I am committed to constantly reinventing myself. As I evolve, I want to keep finding myself over and over again. I am my biggest project, my biggest investment and my best discovery.

I used to constantly experience the typical intrusive questions: "Is this what I am meant to do? Is it going to take me to where I want to be? Can the life I imagine for myself ever be real or is it an endless chase?" and so on...

The world is too chaotic and life can change at any minute so there's no point in spending too long overanalysing things and overthinking. There's a reason why they say "when we make plans, God laughs". I get it.

But yes, the title! I've temporarily moved abroad to spend some time on my own, self-caring and working remotely on THE FASHION BLUEPRINT - this is my definition of work/life balance. My main motivation was that I wanted to wake up with the sun, work from home and then go to the beach at the end of the day. There's something about the sea that really clears you mind and gives you a renewed sense of *you know what I'm going to say* purpose.

This reflection came to me after a long and somewhat stressful day but the good news is I am not in the UK! I am a summer baby and I grew up in Lisbon so the lack of sunshine, constant sirens and large crowds often make me feel overwhelmed. I'm used to living in London now but a change of scenery every now and again really helps with my mental health. When I'm abroad my problems seem a lot smaller.

I look forward to making time to really look after myself, get all of my thoughts and emotions out (whilst still being productive and getting shxt done).

Before I sign out, here are some cool things I want to share with you:

• An article I recently wrote: Fashion has a mental health problem and we need to talk about it
• Founders Brunch: TFB are partnering with Lethally Her for a panel talk and networking with food and drinks. Saturday 01 July. RSVP
• Calling all female fashion entrepreneurs! I started a community in The Stack World Join the club now!
• Are you a winner or a whiner? Take a Stoic coffee break

Do you ever feel like the word purpose is overused and misunderstood? Do you sometimes feel so overwhelmed you just want to run away somewhere else? Talk to me! I’d love to hear your thoughts on all of this.?

Until next time!

Gigi x?