Discovering the Good Life: A Journey of Healing and Growth

Embracing the Journey

When I was a child growing up in London, one of my favourite television programmes was The Good Life. Starring Felicity Kendal and Penelope Keith, it painted a heartfelt picture in my imagination.

I can remember the women actors, but not the names of the male actors. Sorry, guys! 🙂 Answers on a postcard!

I wanted that life. I longed for the dungarees and wellies.

Back then, I had no understanding of money, logistics, mortgages, or responsibilities. I was blissfully unaware of how any of it worked.

But something deep inside me remembered the feeling of that life, and I knew it was meant for me.

A Love for Nature

Animals. Oh my goodness, my deep love of animals has taught me so much. They have brought me joy and love beyond measure.

I dreamt of growing my own vegetables and herbs. I wanted to make things with my hands, co-creating with Nature. Living close to the land was my vision of a good life.

What I didn't know then was how long and winding the journey would be.

The Rocky Path

Most people see where I am now but have no idea what it took to get here.

The path has not been easy. It has been rocky and cobbled, with many opportunities to trip up.

I stumbled multiple times.

There were experiences that could have broken me: kidnap, domestic violence, abuse, rape, homelessness, and addiction. There were times when I felt so deep in the abyss that I couldn't see a way forward.

I actively sought a way out.

Luckily, my attempts at taking my own life failed. Looking back, I believe I had work to do here on Mamma Earth.

Yet somehow, step by step, I kept going.

Finding Faith

When I had nothing, I had faith. I had an inner knowing. My guides were always by my side.

And now, here I am.

I live in the beautiful Peak District, surrounded by my family, animals, and plant allies. The ever-changing beauty of the natural world fills my days. The river flows nearby, and above me stretches a sky filled with sun, moon, and stars.

It has taken years to create this life.

Years of healing.

Years of raising a family.

Years of learning.

Years of getting back up when life knocked me down.

The Healing Journey

Reiki became part of my healing path. Herbalism and shadow work became other vital pieces. In truth, there has been a lot of shadow work, and if I'm honest, there is still more to do.

Healing isn't a destination we arrive at one day.

Waking up and finding everything is well is not a miracle.

Healing is a relationship we build with ourselves over a lifetime. It involves shedding other people's perceptions, our own self-doubt, and learned behaviours to please others.

We must recognise that we are Nature, and we have our cycles of growth, death, and rebirth.

Sharing the Journey

As I learned and grew, I wanted to help others grow too.

Like beautiful flowers, trees, and butterflies. My business, which I started back in 1997, was called “The Reiki Butterfly.” It has morphed and grown into a space I could have never imagined.

Disillusionment with the Spiritual World

Recently, though, I have found myself feeling a little disillusioned with parts of the spiritual world.

As I scroll through social media, much of what I see feels the same. The same language. The same imagery. The same advertisements for women's circles, cacao ceremonies, sound baths, and spiritual gatherings.

Much of it seems to carry the unmistakable flavour of AI-generated content.

It feels lacking in heart. Lacking in soul. Lacking in depth.

It all feels so shallow, and it makes my heart sad.

After almost thirty years of investing in my own healing, spending thousands of pounds on training, growth, and practice, I find it difficult to connect with the current trend of "I watched a few videos, and now I can teach it too." or "Chat GPT told me how to."

Perhaps that sounds harsh. I may seem like a grumpy old lady, but I know I am not the only therapist who feels this way.

A Shift in Focus

Of course, I am delighted that more people are finding natural ways to support their well-being. That can only be a good thing.

However, I have reached a point where I no longer wish to spend my energy trying to attract clients through social media algorithms. I still don’t get it! 🙃

Instead, I am choosing to trust.

I trust that the right people will find me.

And they are.

Thank you, thank you, thank you.

The people who arrive now are often those seeking something deeper.

They understand that real transformation takes time, commitment, and courage.

They are ready for life-changing work.

The Value of Experience

That is where nearly thirty years of experience matters.

That is where all the training, practice, mistakes, lessons, and lived experiences come together.

And I am here, sitting in gratitude with the beauty of life.

In the garden.

With the animals.

With the plants.

Making medicine.

Full of gratitude.

I am deepening my connection and meeting new spirit guides.

I am returning to my writing and my art (for myself).

I am enjoying the simple moments that remind me of what truly matters.

The Essence of the Good Life

I will say it again: We are not separate from Nature.

Perhaps this is what the good life really is.

It is not perfection.

It is not monetary wealth (although a bit more is always welcomed).

It is not how many followers or engagements I get.

It is not constantly recording things to prove who I am or showcase myself.

And therefore, I risk missing the precious moments.

It is the ability to sit in the life I have built and feel grateful for it.

To know where I came from.

To honour the journey.

To appreciate the people, places, and experiences that helped shape me.

A Message of Hope

If you are reading this from a difficult place in your life, please don't give up.

There is hope.

No matter where you are right now, your story is not over.

There are chapters yet to be written.

Keep putting one foot in front of the other.

Keep taking baby steps.

Life can change in ways you cannot yet imagine. I am living proof of that.

And when it does, don't forget to pause long enough to notice.

In fact, why wait?

Take a moment to breathe.

Look around.

Realise that perhaps, after all these years, you have found your own version of the good life.

For me, the message coming through loud and clear right now is simple: Slow down, be here now.

Brightest Blessings,

Jan Muse