love your life

Julia Matheson

what do you want?

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What do you want?

A better question, first of all.

Sometimes this question can be too vague to produce a meaningful and actionable answer. To take the confusion and guesswork out of it, we need to rephrase the question, to get specific about what we want in our life.

Most people focus on the things they don’t want in life, and it comes in the form of complaint – about jobs, relationships or health/appearance. But when you ask people what they do want often all we receive is a blank stare or a vague response. We have become so used to thinking about all the things we don’t want, that it’s clouding our ability to envision what we do want.

“Life pretty much gives you what you ask from it. Most people want to feel better, have more energy or live with greater satisfaction. Yet, when you ask them to tell you precisely what it is they want, they have no answer. You change your life the moment you set your goals and start to seek out your Dharma.” – Robin Sharma

If you aren’t clear on what you want, how do you know where to start, or when you have achieved it? Without setting the goal posts, scoring is near impossible.

Focus on where you want to go in life and success will follow.

One of my favourite teachers is Susanne Conrad. She created an exercise based on the law of attraction, and it’s designed to get you clear on what you want in your life. It has been a valuable exercise for me personally, and one that I continue to use in my coaching.

It’s a great starting point before beginning to create your Vision and Goals. A way to get you clear on whats authentically important to you. I want to share it with you here so you can complete it in the comfort of your own home.

So put the kettle on, grab a notebook and get comfy. Let’s get started on creating your dream life!

The Power Of Knowing What You Want

Prep:

  • Put away all distractions.
  • Sit comfortably, close your eyes and take a couple of slow deep breaths down into your belly.
  • I want you to think ahead to the future.
  • Anything is possible.
  • There are no constraints of time, money or knowledge.
  • You can be, do and have anything your heart desires.

Try that for me. Really try to free your mind from the restraints of past experiences, failures, judgement. Clear any self-limiting beliefs you are holding onto. Let your imagination grow with the power of possibility. . .

Method:

  • Draw a big circle on a blank page
  • Inside the circle write the word ‘WANT’, outside the circle write the words ‘DON’T WANT’
  • Inside the circle write everything you want in your life, and outside the circle you write everything you don’t want.
  • They can be tangible things like –  ‘a house in the mountains’ or ‘CEO of a company’, but also things that are intrinsic such as –  how you want to feel, your character, your peace of mind. They can be big things such as ‘to cure cancer’, or as small as ‘to have my own veggie patch’. Include all of the things you want, leave nothing out.
  • Brainstorm as many words as you can, just let them flow out onto the page.
  • *Note – be weary of writing the word ‘happy’. We all want to be happy, but what brings you happiness? Focus on the specific activities, people, actions etc that are the cause of your happiness.

loa

“Anyone who wishes to improve the quality of their inner as well as their outer worlds would do well to take out a piece of paper and start writing out their life aims. At the very moment that this is done, natural forces will come into play that start to transform these dreams into reality.” – Robin Sharma

  • Acknowledge the words outside of the circle, and then let them slowly melt away. Feel their grip over you lessen. Feel the weight lifted and freedom created by letting go of your fears and worries.
  • Now focus all your attention inside the circle.
  • These are the things, feelings, activities and relationships you need to focus on now.

Keep your bubble of goodness somewhere you can see daily.

Look at it first thing when you wake up to remind yourself of what you’re committed to.

What can you do today to bring something inside your bubble to life?

clarity

“By writing out your desires and goals on a pice of paper, you send a red flag to your subconscious mind that these thoughts are far more important than the remaining 59,999 other ones. Your mind will then start to seek out all opportunities to realise your destiny like a guided missile. It is really a very scientific process. Most of us are simply not aware of it.” – Robin Sharma

eat good. feel good. do good.

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I think I have enough health food to get us all through the apocalypse.

It’s one of my goals this year to learn a new healthy recipe every week. My interest lies in gluten free, sugar free and raw food. Que recipe researching via my favourite healthy chefs and nutritionists and a looong shopping list to boot!

I spent the afternoon at Fruit Peddlers in High St Northcote, Melbourne. Stocking up on super foods, organic produce, raw treats, and weird and wonderful powders from South America.

This isn’t just any old health food shop. Wandering through the narrow little wooden aisles here is an experience in itself. Shelves packed to the ceiling full of unusual and wonderful goodies. Hipsters, kids, mums and dads, hippies, all negotiating their pathway through the organic goodness carrying big cane baskets (provided by the store). Let me tell you, the line up was nearly out the front door!

I know I feel a big shift in myself when I take care of my body, and eat natural nourishing foods.

This triggers a positive cycle for me, as when I eat well – I feel better, I have more energy, I want to exercise more, and in turn I feel great. And when you start feeling that vitality, only good actions can come from it. When I’m conscious about what I’m putting into my body, it makes me more conscious about what also comes out  – meaning my attitude, my actions, my energy. We live better when we eat well. I guess it comes down to mindfulness. It’s not rocket science, fuel your body with goodness, and goodness you will exude.

EAT GOOD     –     FEEL GOOD     –    DO GOOD.

eatgoodfeelgood

Remember what they told us when we were in primary school? ‘You are what you eat’. Well, they were onto something. . .

What the heck is a superfood anyway? Not all foods are created equal – some are so packed with vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, essential fatty acids and other beneficial substances that they’ve been deemed ‘superfoods’.

Superfoods are considered the most powerful nutrient sources on the planet. How amazing that mother nature produces such potently rich goodness for our health? Not surprisingly, most, if not all of the super foods come from South America – the Amazon rainforest, Peruvian Andes, Chilaen Patagonia – most being the staple diets of the ancient Incas.

“Superfoods have incredible health benefits, packing a powerful nutritional punch that helps protect against cancer and heart disease, lower cholesterol, protect the organs from toxins and improve digestive health. Some nutritionists even say superfoods can help you live longer.” – Sydney Morning Herald

My wicker basket was full of raw cocao, activated buckwheat, un-hulled tahini, raw almonds and cashews, an enormous bunch of fresh organic green kale, super greens powder (for my smoothies – chlorella, spiralina, wheat grass & barley), maca powder, goji berries, black chia seeds, quinoa, agave syrup and cold pressed coconut oil. Oh and the most delicious raw organic chocolate I’ve ever wrapped my lips around. All items are organic and Australian made. I would have got more had I been able to carry it! (Now I know why people bring their little ones, I’m sure it’s just so they can carry more baskets! ** Note to self, must borrow child for next visit).

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Most of these foods I’ve used before, but am really keen to get into the Maca powder, and to start cooking some sugar free goodies with the raw cacao and agave syrup. Once I try new recipes or ingredients, they easily become part of my cooking repertoire. The great thing about superfoods is that you can add them to everything – smoothies, salads, muesli, juices – they are really versatile.

I’m feeling pumped, and ready to start cooking some new and exciting (and super healthy) recipes!

What are you fuelling your life with?

Choose foods that are aligned with how you want to feel.

“Most people have no idea how good their body is designed to feel.”   – Kevin Trudeau

good vibes only

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I like to fix things. To have everything flowing.

To solve any problems to maintain equilibrium. My world feels out of balance when something or someone is out of sorts.

But I’m learning that to save my own sanity, sometimes you just need to step away.

You know what they say, time heals all wounds. Well I’m the one with my finger on the fast forward button – repeatedly! I’m leaning more and more, that I can only control myself – my mind, my emotions, my actions. I can’t, and never will be able to control anything outside of myself. This is one of the most valuable lessons I’ve learnt to date.

What situations or people kill your vibe? Have you removed yourself? If not, why do you keep subjecting yourself to these vibe killers? Is it a false sense of responsibility, fear of judgement, or perhaps it’s simply just become a habit? Know that you can step away at any moment. We always have a choice in life. Freedom is one footstep away.

This has been hard for me, I have to consciously make myself stop, breathe and let go. It’s been tough at times, but what’s even harder is swimming upstream. Constantly trying to force situations that maybe should just be left alone. Sometimes we need to push against the current, and sometimes we just need to let the stream gently guide us along. Deciphering between the two is the challenge.

“Grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, 

The courage to change the things I can, 

And wisdom to know the difference.”

I’m learning that choosing to step away, and allowing distance to form is sometimes the only thing I can do. Actually, its the best thing I can do. And it’s a choice I have in every moment.

And perhaps it’s in this distance that the solution will come. I don’t know. Only time will tell.

In the meantime I’m putting up my ‘Bad-Vibe Protection’ Shield.

Surround yourself with love, support and kindness – you deserve nothing less.

vibe

** GOOD  VIBES  ONLY **

stop selling yourself short

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I was very surprised when one of my clients told me today “You should charge people more”.

Have you ever had a paying customer tell you they want to pay more for your services?

Wow talk about truth bomb. I love the honesty and realness about that conversation. Thank you, thank you, thank you.

Why do we sell ourselves short?

The more I think about it, the more it’s evident – someone compliments my outfit, I straightaway down play it – ‘oh this old thing, it’s nothing special!’. I receive praise for something, and I immediately shift the attention on to other people instead. I receive a compliment – and I start rattling off the reasons why it’s not really true. Seriously! Why do I do this?

Money in particular is a tough cookie. We seem to have a hard time asking for it – putting a monetary value on what we’re worth. When was the last time you walked into your boss’s office to successfully gain a pay rise? When was the last job interview that you negotiated your salary before accepting? And if you are doing it – then more power to ya!

I noticed this pattern when I was younger and new to the workforce. I didn’t fight for myself. But now I’m aware that if I don’t back myself, then who will? I have gained confidence when it comes to salary negotiation, and what I deem to be acceptable remuneration. But enter the sole trader (that’s me), and somehow all that confidence goes out the window. I’m no longer asking my manager for pay, I’m directly asking my clients for money out of their own pockets – that’s a big difference, and a change I need to get used to.

But in life we need to back ourselves. Put money on for the win.

“Sell yourself high, put a high value on yourself. Others will take notice, and may even raise your value even higher. You’ll find that you’re standing straighter, your head is higher, you’re getting a lot more respect and you’re a much happier and more successful person.”

What I have to offer is special. The work I do is important. And I am dam good at it.

I am worthy.

I am worthy.

I am worthy.

Yes, I am going to become best of friends with this little mantra. And next time someone pays me a compliment? I will smile, and say ‘thank  you’.

Where in your life do you need to stand a little taller? Be a little louder?

Play to your strengths. This is your time to be LOUD & PROUD!

Hundred dolla bills y’all. Cha-ching!!

bling

“Show me the money!” – Jerry Maguire

$   $   $   $   $   $   $   $   $   $   $ 

’tis the season to celebrate goals!

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As another year draws to an end, it naturally becomes a time in our lives for reflection.

Is it just me, or do the years actually speed up every year? I’m sure they do, there must be some logical explanation, like the earth must rotate at increasing speed or something. . . how is it less than 5 days till Christmas already?!

And because the time goes by so quickly, and we lead our lives at such a fast pace, I’m a big fan of taking time out. I put time aside for me, for solitude and some down time. Where I can have peace and quiet, alone, with no distractions, and can sit peacefully with my thoughts for personal reflection.

I mostly do this in my morning meditation, but I also love setting time aside regularly to journal, to think, to dream and to tap back into myself. Today was one of those days. I took my goal book and a pen to the beach, and reflected on the year that was. I now feel proud of what I’ve achieved, and invigorated by the possibilities for the year to come!

So cast your mind back to this time last year.  .  . How were you feeling? Where were you? What were your goals for 2013?

Reflect on the last 12 months, how has the year been for you?

Ask yourself –

  • what did I achieve, both personally and professionally?
  • What were my biggest successes?
  • my hardest failures?
  • What’s the most important lesson I learned?
  • What are you most grateful for in 2013?

Take some time now to write down your answers.

“Take pride in how far you’ve come, and have faith in how far you can go.”

As I think back over the year that’s been, I realise how massive it was for me personally. There have been big highs and lows. But as I sit here today, back home after a long whirl-wind journey across the globe, I am so happy for where I have landed. I feel as though I am exactly where I need to be. That is a wonderful feeling.

I ticked some big goals off my list this past year. But it’s only on reflection that I realise that. Once I achieve a goal, I’m always so eager to get started on the next one! I don’t often take the time to really acknowledge myself, and give myself a pat on the back.

Celebrating our successes is such an integral ingredient to goal setting. Yet one that we often skimp out on (me included).

Well enough of that. Achieving our goals is pretty dam fantastic, and I’m going to celebrate them here with you! Here’s what’s getting a BIG TICK on my goal list:

2013 Goal Crushes 

Personal:

  • travelled south america; trekked to Machu Piccu, adventured through the amazon jungle, and sailed the Galapagos Islands
  • lived overseas in Canada
  • saw three more natural wonders – Iguazu Falls, Niagara Falls & the Grand Canyon
  • celebrated my 30th birthday with my twin sister in North America
  • did my first U.S.A road trip!

Career:

  • began my first blog
  • started my own business
  • lead Vision & Goal workshops at primary and secondary schools

Health:

  • attended my first yoga retreat
  • conquered crow pose (yay!)
  • started my own meditation & yoga practice
  • learnt how to snowboard

Wow – it has been a big year! And the best bit? I like who I’m becoming in the pursuit of my goals.

The goals I set for myself this year really pushed me to grow, to develop, and to expand myself.

Reviewing and reflecting (and of course – CELEBRATING!) our goals is an important step in goal setting. It get’s us connected to where we have been, where we are now, and also get’s us clear on where we want to go.

So what are you celebrating for 2013?

Let the confetti reign, and that champagne POP!

You are freakin awesome!

celebrate

Celebrate your victories, you fought hard to get here. 

 

visualise your best life

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What does your life look like ten years from now?

It’s a pretty scary thought for some of us.

Most people tend to have a vague idea of what their life will look like down the road, but there is a HUGE difference between living a life that’s probable, to creating a life that’s possible. When we stand in a place of possibility, we let go of constraints that have held us back, and the world truly becomes our oyster.

“To liberate the potential of your mind, body and soul, you must first expand your imagination. You see, things are always created twice; first in the workshop of the mind and then, and only then, in reality. Anything that you create in your outer world began as a simple blueprint in your inner world, on the lush picture screen of your mind.” – Robin Sharma

I remember the first time I did a vision meditation. I closed my eyes and thought about my life in ten years time – where I was living, what I was doing, who I was with. I envisaged every detail of my perfect life. I let my imagination go wild, and saw colourful images of my future life flash before my eyes. My best life literally appeared before my eyes, and it was so beautiful and exciting. I felt empowered and inspired by my own imagination, as Einstein once said “Your imagination is your preview to life’s coming attractions.”

What an amazing experience. All of a sudden I went from having never thought about my life in ten years, to being able to see it in clear, specific detail. For the first time I had a picture in my mind of my best life. I got excited about creating this dream life that lay ahead of me. This exercise helped me switch from a mind frame of ‘life happening to me’, to one of control and empowerment. I realised I can create my world. It’s all up to me.

You get to design your life.

You are the author of your own story.

My vision became the basis for all my goal-setting. Over the years, some of my goals have changed, but my vision has remained constant. It’s still a grounding force in my life that keeps me inspired and gives me direction.

I love to write, so for me writing my vision is really powerful – but it’s only one half of the recipe. When we transfer our words into images, the process means that our whole brains are being utilised, not just half of them. Vision boards work really powerfully to activate the right-brain hemisphere and activate creativity, imagination and visualisation. Collate all the pictures, words and images that speak to you. They will help you affirm your intention and mobilise your energies towards achieving your goals.

“The mind works through pictures. Pictures affect your self-image and your self-image affects the way you feel, act and achieve. When you run inpsiring, imaginative pictures through the movie screen of your mind, wonderful things start to happen in your life.” – Robin Sharma

Having a vision board also means that we can see our ideal future at a glance – a picture really does tell a thousand words! Put your vision board somewhere prominent- on your fridge, above your desk at work, on your bedroom wall – anywhere you will see it numerous times a day. It helps you stay focused on your goals through visual cues in your environment that remind you of what’s meaningful to you.

The most important thing is to make your vision board YOURS, and no one else’s. “The problem is that these boards can reflect an unrealistic, commercially motivated vision of what people think their life ‘should’ look like. Not only is this unproductive, but it can have a negative effect on our future.” – Shawn Achor. This exercise is for you, and for you alone. Your vision board should represent your own unique values, wants and desires – not what society, friends, family or partners expect of you.

Creating a vision for your life draws it into existence through the law of attraction. “What we focus on becomes our reality, which is why it’s so important for our brains to focus on real, meaningful, and positive goals. No matter what your goal is, visualising what success would look like will help you steer you the the beach instead of the rocks.” Shawn Achor

“It is quite amazing what a powerful effect the simple act of positive visualisation can have on our reality. . . Of course, visualisation doesn’t take the place of action. Visualisation is not the means to your goals. It is the accelerant that gets you on the right trajectory towards those goals.” – Shawn Achor

The next step is to visualise yourself living your dream life, and experiencing the good feelings associated with your success. Start to believe that you have already achieved your goals. This is a marvellous trick on our sub-conscious minds, and makes our brain believe it’s achievable. “I want to be clear here. It’s not some magical process where the universe sprinkles fairy dust on you because you think pretty thoughts. Im talking about the power you mobilise within yourself, consciously and subconsciously, when you make the effort to clarify your goals and visualise them as being achieved, while doing the required legwork.” – Christine Comaford-Lynch. So start envisioning your dream life, building it until it’s real and vivid.

 “When you learn to take control of your thoughts and vividly imagine all that you desire from this worldly existence in a state of total expectancy, dormant forces will awaken inside you. You will begin to unlock the true potential of your mind to create the kind of magical life that you deserve. From tonight onwards, forget about the past. Dare to dream that you are more than the sum of your current circumstances. Expect the best. You will be astonished at the results.” – Robin Sharma

dreamboard

“Imagination is more important than knowledge.”

– Albert Einstein.

WISH IT.   DREAM IT.   DO IT.

PSSSTT!!  Love Your Life is hosting a vision board workshop this Friday 29th November – the Vision Creation Station!

Check out the event page, or facebook for more details.

We look forward to seeing you there!

fear of being left behind?

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Today I realised that I can count all my single friends on one hand.

Talk about a wake-up call. Wow, when did that happen?

Slowly but surely, my circle of friends has partnered off, one by one, and are now either engaged or married.

That’s to be expected as you enter your thirties, that’s the way life goes doesn’t it?

It’s been such a beautiful thing to witness and be part of these celebrations. Sharing these special experiences with my friends has been wonderful. I truly am so happy for them. (And I don’t say that with a forced smile, deep down resenting my friends for finding happiness. Not at all, I am genuinely happy for them).

But this has also been a time where fomo (fear of missing out) rears its ugly little head.

This is me being real and vulnerable with you. . .

The worry creeps in now and then, that I am somehow ‘behind’ all of my friends, and that I am missing out. That my life has been put on hold until I find ‘the one’. Sometimes I feel like the person that no one picked for their team, standing alone, looking at everyone else together, and happy.

Even though these thoughts are fleeting, and don’t by any means consume me – they still appear. Yup, fomo can be a real bit*ch!

“Comparison is the thief of joy” – Theodore Roosevelt

Why do I feel like I’m missing out anyway? Like there’s only a certain number of soul-mates, and that when other’s find their partner, that some how, my own chances are diminished? Ridiculous.

I hear people talk about their ‘time running out’, and unfortunately for women of a certain age this is a real fact. We do hear the loud ticking of our biological clocks – as it means either not being able to conceive, or running the risk of pregnancy complications, birth defects and more. Luckily I’m not at that point, but this is real stuff for some women. You can’t chant that away, or positive-phsyc yourself out of that situation. No amount of crystals, or incense is going to change the fact that yes, our eggs do have an expiry date.

Plus there’s the old chestnut of “I don’t want to be 65 years old at my child’s 21st birthday!”. Yup, I can relate to that one. I’ve always wanted to be a young-mum, so that I can relate to my kids, and have the energy to keep up with them! Plus, how cool would it be to be a great-grandma one day? If you had of asked me ten years ago, I would have said by now I would have already have popped out two kids!

It seems like adding insult to injury when you start to see ex-boyfriends get engaged and tie the knot – even the ones that spoke about fear of commitment, and not wanting marriage in their lives. It’s easy to feel like we’re prepping our partners for marriage, doing all the ground-work – only to have someone else reap all the benefits of our hard work! haha yes, I’m LAUGHING as a type this! It’s so ridiculous.

These thoughts are definitely not my beliefs, yet they still pop up – the preverbal devil on my shoulder – to test my strength and faith.  Why do we do this to ourselves? Our minds work in mysterious ways.

We don’t have a say over how many of these things in life will pan out, but here’s what YOU CAN DO –

You can CHOOSE the perspective you take, and the attitude you hold.

I could sit here and whine about “when is it my turn?”, or lament about the fact that I don’t have a big bunch of single girlfriends to go out with anymore – but what good would that do? How would that make me feel? It’s not going to change my situation, not only that, it’s actually going to make me feel worse for it.

I know that my time hasn’t come yet. I have no angst or worry about if, and when, it will come either.

I have my health, a great circle of friends, a loving family – and most importantly, the relationship I have with myself is stellar! Now those are things to be thankful for. Gratitude has an incredible way of tipping the scales in our favour.

I love my life, my independence, and I wouldn’t change one thing about the choices I’ve made. My experiences have made me who I am, and I am forever grateful for having such a rich and full life.

The most important relationship we will ever have, is the one with ourself.

loveyourself

Love begins with us. How pure is the love between two people that barely even love themselves? To stay with someone because your scared of being alone, or to think you won’t find a better partner – these are not reasons to stay in a relationship. Personally, I would rather be alone and happy, than in a relationship and unhappy. Hands down. I have experienced the latter, and will never allow myself to be in that situation again. But that’s just me, and we all choose our own path.

I love myself today far more than I ever have. I am clear about who I am as a person. I have had the time to grow and expand alone, without letting myself be defined by another. I know what I want from a relationship, and what I have to contribute. I know what I deserve, and what I will, and will not compromise on.

I am so clear on what I want to create for my life, and look forward to meeting someone to share it all with. Someone to give love to, to support, to encourage. I want a relationship that makes us better people, that lifts us both up and brings out our best qualities – otherwise, what’s the point?

In the meantime, instead of waiting for my prince charming – I’m going to treasure myself, prioritise my happiness, make time for me – and tell myself ‘I love you’ every day.

Yup I’m starting a love-affair with myself, and it’s going to be hot and steamy!

Mills & Boon, eat your heart out.

“To love oneself is the beginning of a life-long romance.”

– Oscar Wilde

trust your gut

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I made a pretty big decision last week.

One that popped up unexpectedly – it snuck in through the back door like a stealth ninja.

I have decided to stay here in Australia.

This came as a big surprise to me. I wasn’t even home-sick living in Canada! Of course, I missed my friends and family – but I never had those heart-wrenching moments of despair that made me want to pack my bags and leave. It is an amazing place, and I had a fantastic time there. I created friends and memories that will last me a lifetime.

But being home has slowly stolen my heart.

With the whirl-wind that has been my visit home, I didn’t stop and think about what I actually wanted. I just thought I was here for a visit, temporarily – before I was to get back on a plane to Canada. My calendar was jam-packed with coffee dates, dinners, lunches, sweat dates – quality time catch up’s left right and centre! And with the hype leading up to my best friends wedding, I never took the time out to connect back with myself, and check-in with how I was actually feeling.

What do I want?   Where do I want to be?   What do I want to do?

These were the questions that starting spinning through my mind just three days before my scheduled departure date. Along side these thoughts was an anxiety that took hold of my gut. I didn’t have the luxury of time, which meant I couldn’t afford to hesitate. I had to make a decision quick smart!

Enter the FREAK OUT! Why was I thinking these thoughts? What does all this mean? Am I scared about going back to the unknown, a new city, no job, no home? But I’ve done all that before when I moved overseas, so surely I’m not ‘scared’, I know I can do it. Then I started to question where the anxiety was coming from – maybe I actually just don’t want to go?

I let these thoughts settle, and I sat with them for a day. That was a very uncomfortable 24 hours let me tell you! Not knowing the answer was a hard thing for me.

There were signs popping up all over the place, but it took me a little while to notice them. My living arrangements for Canada fell through, then so did the job I was hoping for. Obviously a huge factor was my Auntie’s health, with the recent news of her diagnosis. All these things caused me to question my motivation for returning.

I could go on an on about the many factors in my decision – but you know the most liberating thing? I didn’t even need to justify my choice. Not to myself, nor to anyone else.

I felt it in my gut.

I knew something didn’t feel right about me leaving. And it was as simple as that. So within 24 hours I had made up my mind about where I wanted to be. I wanted to be here. To be home.

“Always, always trust your first gut instincts. If you feel in your heart and soul that something is wrong, it probably is.”

The moment I made my choice, I felt the anxiety and angst lift. The knot in my stomach and the furrow in my brow just melted away. A HUGE weight had been lifted off my shoulders. It felt right in my body.

I am very much a “let’s weigh up the pro’s and con’s” type girl, someone that writes lists, analyses all the options, and makes decisions based on logic, fact, and what’s “right” for me. This was honestly the first time that I let my own intuition guide me on such a big decision. I can’t express how good that feels!

The biggest take away from all of this?

I GET TO CREATE MY LIFE.

So it’s not so much about where I choose to live geographically. I know I will love my life wherever I am. It’s that I have the power to create whatever I choose. Because I am in control of my own destiny.

I am excited about building my life here, and being surrounded by my loved ones again.

Thank you oh holy gut, you know all the answers.

You are far wiser than I’ll ever be.

I look forward to using you more often.

trustyourgut

the paradox of our time

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I find travelling the perfect time for reflection.

With travel comes time away from my every-day life, time to just be. No commitments, no appointments, nowhere to rush to, or work to get done. It’s a golden time that we don’t often get in our busy daily lives.

You may have already read the piece below floating around in cyber-space, but I encourage you to re-read it. See what fresh new perspectives come to you today. I have been thinking about many of these aspects since being away, and wanted to share it with you . . .

“The paradox of our time in history is that
We have taller buildings, but shorter tempers; wider freeways but narrower viewpoints.
We spend more, but have less. We buy more, but enjoy it less.
We have bigger houses and smaller families; more conveniences, but less time;
We have more degrees, but less sense; more knowledge, but less judgment;
more experts, but more problems; more medicine, but less wellness.

We drink too much, smoke too much, spend too recklessly, laugh too little,
drive too fast, get too angry too quickly, stay up too late, get up too tired,
read too seldom, watch TV too much, and pray too seldom.

We have multiplied our possessions, but reduced our values.
We talk too much, love too seldom, and hate too often.
We’ve learned how to make a living, but not a life.
We’ve added years to life, not life to years.
We’ve been all the way to the moon and back,
but have trouble crossing the street to meet the new neighbor.

We’ve conquered outer space, but not inner space.
We’ve done larger things, but not better things.
We’ve cleaned up the air, but polluted the soul.
We’ve split the atom, but not our prejudice.
We’ve learned to rush, but not to wait.
We plan more, but accomplish less.
We write more, but learn less.
We build more computers
to hold more information
to produce more copies than ever,
but have less communication.

These are the times of fast foods and slow digestion;
tall men, and short character; steep profits, and shallow relationships.
These are the times of world peace, but domestic warfare;
more leisure, but less fun; more kinds of food, but less nutrition.
These are days of two incomes, but more divorce;
of fancier houses, but broken homes.
These are days of quick trips, disposable diapers, throw-away morality,
one-night stands, overweight bodies, and pills that do
everything from cheer to quiet, to kill.”

Every time I read this, it causes me to stop and think about my lifestyle, and the way our society has evolved.

We have greater progression, more information and faster technology – all designed to improve our lives. Yet while we receive many benefits, what are the hidden costs we pay?

I certainly identify some of my personal demons in this piece, and as I read it, I am reminded to slow down and take note of the important things in my life – my values, the person I choose to be, time in nature, my health (both physical and mental), and my relationships with others.

I am also reminded of my purpose behind the work that I do – by this line in particular: ‘We’ve learned how to make a living, but not a life.’

What do these words highlight for you?

What are some of the high costs you pay for the way you choose to live? Think about areas of your life you are neglecting, or things you are currently missing out on.

Perhaps from this, you realise there is a shift you need to make in your current lifestyle.  What are you committed to changing?

And from this shift, what are the benefits you look forward to reaping?

What do you have to gain by letting something go?

slowdownlife

your legacy

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What is your legacy?

What are you leaving behind in your wake?

“Legacy is the story of one person’s spirit inscribed on another person’s soul.”

I am leaving my beautiful lululemon team here in Whistler to pursue my next career goals. It’s been a bittersweet time of late. This team has supported and nurtured my growth and development, and is no doubt the reason I am now pursuing bigger, loftier goals. But more than that, since being away from home, this team has become like a true family to me.

Last night in our staff meeting, I received the most beautiful parting gift – A bound copy of everyone’s goal sheets that I helped contribute to through my coaching. The note on the front page read –

“Thank you for always taking the time to make sure we are living in a life we LOVE. We will miss you so much. You truly elevate the world of each and every person you touch. You have left a beautiful legacy. We love you.”

My heart felt like it would burst.

Up until this point I had spent some time thinking about what I wanted my legacy to be – but this was the first time I witnessed it in action. The power of acknowledgement is amazing. What an absolutely flooring experience.

Every single one of us leaves a legacy.

Your very existence has an impact on the world – whether you intend it or not. So, how do you want to be remembered?

Often we don’t realise our legacy, as it’s the impact we have on people when we leave the room, or when we’re away from people, and too often than not,  when we’re gone from this world for good.

It’s clear to see the impact we have on people while we are still there, in the moment  – but what are the lingering effects that we leave behind?

Eulogies are all about legacies – summing up your life’s beliefs, actions, connections and contributions. They are always magical, inspirational messages – but I’m sure many people never actually sit down and think about their legacy. Yet we get to choose, every second of every day, what legacy we want to create.

It’s our responsibility to make sure we are living this legacy.

responsibleenergy

Ask yourself, “If I died today . . .”

  • What would I want people to say about me?
  • How have I helped other people?
  • Have I done my best, given my all?
  • Did my life have meaning and purpose?

You want to make sure your responses to these questions are authentic to you. Not what you think you should say, or what other’s expect you to say – but what truly resonates within your own body.

Be true to yourself. Use your intuition, it will guide you.

“Our days are numbered. One of the primary goals in our lives should be to prepare for our last day. The legacy we leave is not just in our possessions, but in the quality of our lives. What preparations should we be making now? The greatest waste in all of our earth, which cannot be recycled or reclaimed, is our waste of the time that God has given us each day.”  – Bill Graham

After some thought, I think I have settled on the definition for my legacy:

My legacy is to leave others more in love with their life for having known me. Put simply – my legacy is to elevate people’s lives.

Working towards a legacy keeps us motivated and performing at our best. It gives us access to our very best selves, giving a higher purpose to our life and work.

Above all, it helps you share the fullest of what you are.

How do you want to be remembered?

legacy