How breaking the habit of biting my nails improved my life and helped my career!
At at a time when I was really low I picked up a random book sitting on the shelf at a friend’s house. It was one of those self-help jobs with a hideous cover (you know the ones)
It said something to the effect of “if you carry on doing things the way you always have, expect to receive the same as you always have”
This moved me.
A lot.
You see I was over tired, over worked, depressed, irritable, and nothing that I did ever felt good enough. I was working the most ridiculous hours and probably not in a very constructive way. I love my work in fact I am a workaholic of note but at that stage I just didn’t like me very much.
Not long later I collapsed and Ianded up in hospital.
This was a turning point.
I discovered I was suffering from burn out. But I was also just plain depressed. (directly related to the burnout)
I am really lucky to have a great family and fiancé (yippee) who have helped me so much.
I decided there and then to change my life and I put into place a whole load of different things to get my head and my body right.
One of these was to stop biting my nails.
This has been a lifetime habit for me. As far back as I can remember I have bitten my nails.
I listened to that self-help book sleeve and thought to myself that if I carried on doing things the way I always had I would continue to feel the way that I was.
Not biting my nails has become symbolic for me. Changing the way that we do things, especially those self- destructive habits that have been there for extended periods of time, can only provide the space for renewal. I believe that shifting negative behavioral patterns provides the conscious and sub conscious a kick start to think new things, move in new ways and to grow. New positive energy moves into the place of the old stagnant energy. And suddenly we have more time to play with.
Seeing my long nails also reminds me on a daily basis that I can do anything I put my mind to. This has really helped my self-confidence particularly in my work. Instead of that “I am not good enough, I will never get there feeling.” I now know that if I want to do something badly enough, I will.
So many many good things have happened this year in both my work and my personal life. I have received some pretty cool accolades, we have booked 2 weddings abroad next year, I feel that my work is improving, we had an awesome adventure in Madagascar and Stu and I just got engaged. I feel really very blessed.
So you see making changes brings amazing things.
I challenge you to change your bad habits and see what happens in your life.
PS I also stopped smoking and have given myself a year off alcohol …. It’s been 8 months now …. I am that excessive I am afraid …. And it’s going well although I will be having some champagne at our engagement party!!
PPS In case you are wondering Stu has wisely left the ring choice up to me … Still don’t know what I want but I am sure it will come to me
Thanks to Tyrone Bradley for the pic.
August 17th, 2011 at 9:11 am
I can relate so strongly to this. Good to hear that you have come through the other side stronger and happier. Thanks for sharing.
August 17th, 2011 at 9:18 am
You go girl!! Loved reading this Jax and I will definitely be taking you up on your challenge (starting with the nails too). I too am a strong believer that you can always get what you want if you really put your mind to it!! Oh and just by the way your work IS amazing and this fab year was clearly well deserved! xxx
August 17th, 2011 at 9:39 am
Wow, thanks for sharing. Very encouraging!
August 17th, 2011 at 9:46 am
Wow Jacki! Thank you for your honesty. I can’t believe that somebody who appears as talented and capable as you do can possibly have feelings of self doubt and inadequacy. Thank you for sharing. I think you’re amazing. Salute!
August 17th, 2011 at 9:53 am
I’m very, very happy for You my great friend.
Always thinking of You
xxx
August 17th, 2011 at 9:54 am
Thanks for sharing this ! Inspiring and honest and I am obviously a huge huge fan of your beautiful work
love and light,
Keep inspiring !
August 17th, 2011 at 10:03 am
I have never commented here before – but this blog post was so inspirational, so I decided to thank you for it. Just over a year ago I had the same problem, burnt out and in hospital. I’m so thankful that my husband told me to quit my job and do something I liked. I hope that one day, I will be as successful as you – or close to it:) Ps. I also stopped biting my nails:)
August 17th, 2011 at 10:09 am
Well done! I still remember at school you and I biting our nails. It definately impacts your self confidence- you use your hands for everything and they are always on display. It has also for me been one of the most difficult habbits to break. It is great that you are doing so well.
August 17th, 2011 at 10:17 am
thanks for this Jax…very honest and inspiring! The sky is truly the limit
xox
August 17th, 2011 at 10:22 am
Incredible – just what I needed to hear today. Straight to the heart! Thank you thank you x
August 17th, 2011 at 11:04 am
Awesome inspiration Jackie and well done!! Has definitely made me think of a few my self-destructive behaviours, like smoking and not getting enough exercise…now all I need to do is prepare myself mentally.
August 17th, 2011 at 12:30 pm
awesome. just want i needed to hear. challange on!
August 17th, 2011 at 12:35 pm
honey, your hands look great….and will look even better with a lovely ring! beautiful story.xxx
August 17th, 2011 at 12:46 pm
jax, you are such an inspiration.
August 17th, 2011 at 2:09 pm
Lovely story – isn’t it amazing how hitting rock bottom picks you up. I was down and out and ended up in hospital for 7 days under sedation. The rest made me see my life in a whole new way, my photography business has grown and my creativity is jumping up and hitting me and I am excited to be working and enjoying myself again. Thanks for sharing, although I do not think I will ever stop biting my nails.
August 17th, 2011 at 3:03 pm
Well done Jax. I am proud of you. What you didn’t mention was how well you surfed in Madagascar! Keep it up!!
August 17th, 2011 at 3:23 pm
I’m so proud of you and all you have achieved!
August 17th, 2011 at 6:26 pm
We have to get you on Ted.com with reflections like this Jax
I have noticed the progression daily. You are an inspiring presence and a great influence I am lucky to have around. Keep it up!
August 17th, 2011 at 7:29 pm
Food for thought indeed
August 18th, 2011 at 10:46 am
Jackie you have always been and always be such a winner! You inspire me all the time with your wit and fantastic imagery! At least we all know that you are in fact human! Keep well!
August 18th, 2011 at 4:15 pm
Awesome, your honesty is so inspiring and I’m sure you’ll help others with your story, me included
Exciting designing your own ring..enjoy! Congrats on your achievements & on your engagement!
From a fellow nailbiter..I think I’ll go file and polish them today, this sometimes helps the non-nailbiting!
Btw. Yours look greatttt!
August 19th, 2011 at 9:39 am
<3
August 19th, 2011 at 12:14 pm
thanks for sharing this very personal journey. I think your work is amazing and so are you
August 19th, 2011 at 1:53 pm
Great post Jax! I have also been biting my nails since i can remember and it is always something i have been ashamed of because my nails look dreadful (sure you can remember from Alexa and Paul’s wedding how i mentioned them when i was doing up her dress)… i have managed to stop biting 4 of them
really struggling with the rest but you and your lovely nails are a great inspiration.. Thank you!
August 19th, 2011 at 9:53 pm
inspirational and honest……thanks for sharing:)
August 20th, 2011 at 9:00 am
hey Jax – great blog post to inspire peeps – so positive. I love your work – I think of all the togs in the country – yours I admire the most – true artistry.
Hope to have my own photo web up and running Jan 2012 – its been my passion for over 20 years ….
jacks
December 29th, 2011 at 12:12 pm
[...] how ridiculously fast this year has gone??? It’s been a huge year for me on so many levels. I broke down with burn out at the beginning of the year, picked myself back up again. I stopped drinking alcohol [...]