love your life

Julia Matheson

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what do you want?

January 27, 2014 by Julia Leave a Comment

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

Filed Under: authenticity, choice, goals, law of attraction, lifestyle, possibility, vision Tagged With: clarity, destiny, Dharma, Goal setting, goals, law of attraction, purpose, vision

vision & vinyasa

January 27, 2014 by Julia Leave a Comment

A new Love Your Life workshop has been announced!

Come join Jenny Clark for a vision-focused yoga session, followed by a Vision & Goal setting workshop with me all in the beautiful Botanical gardens of Melbourne!

What: 

  • A vision-focused moving meditation/yoga sequence
  • Design an inspiring Vision for your life
  • Learn how to set powerful goals around your Vision
  • Leave empowered with the knowledge and tools to create lasting change in your life

When: Sunday 2nd February, 2014

Time: 4:00pm – 5:30pm

Where: Royal Botanical Gardens, Melbourne. Entrance GATE D (entrance on Birdwood Ave, off Domain Rd South Yarra).

Details: BYO yoga mat, or towel to practice on. Please bring a bottle of water as it will be a hot afternoon! We will be situated in the shade, but feel free to bring sun protection, hats etc.

RSVP: julia@love-your-life.com.au by 31/1/2014

Yoga mats can be provided for you if you email me by Friday!

Hope to see you there 🙂

vision&vinyasaimage

Filed Under: empowerment, goals, lifestyle, possibility, vision, yoga Tagged With: biophilia, botanical gardens, goalsetting, Meditation, vision and goals, workshop, Yoga

eat good. feel good. do good.

January 23, 2014 by Julia 2 Comments

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).

IMG_3173

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

Filed Under: choice, empowerment, goals, health, lifestyle Tagged With: Health, nutrition, superfoods

stop selling yourself short

January 10, 2014 by Julia 1 Comment

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

$   $   $   $   $   $   $   $   $   $   $ 

Filed Under: choice, empowerment, lifestyle, strengths Tagged With: confidence, money, remuneration, self-worth

the art of stillness

December 30, 2013 by Julia Leave a Comment

Meditation has been on my to-do list for ions. And yes – I DO realise how contradictory that is!

So, for the past 6-weeks I have been incorporating this goal into my life.

With the help of Eoinn Finn and his Blissology dvds, my Duncan Peak meditation cd, and also the nifty little Headspace app on my phone, I have meditated every single day.

Wow, 10 minutes of stillness can really have a profound effect! I must say, it really has become an integral element of my life. My mind and body are calmer, clearer and more focused.

Looking back I wonder why it took me so long to take up this practice? To be honest, I never made time for it, for myself. Yet I’m learning that it’s precisely when I feel I have no time to meditate, that’s when I need it the most.

breathe

I’ve heard lots of anecdotal praise for meditation from friends, and there’s also lots of science to back up all that positive talk. Research has found the following benefits of meditation  –

  • lowers high blood pressure
  • helps depression
  • relieves anxiety
  • reduces stress
  • fights heart disease
  • improves immunity
  • better fertility
  • improves focus

Just a few small benefits. Yes, this I must try. (For more info on the benefits of meditation, check out this article on the yoga blog).

“To the mind that is still, the whole universe surrenders.” – Lao Tzu

I have many active forms of meditation – for me it’s yoga, running and swimming. But I have never allowed myself the time and space for still meditation. To just sit, and breathe. To allow for that kind of stillness.

I think it stems from a long held belief that:    HEALTH   =   MOVEMENT.

I took up yoga later in life, because well, I really didn’t know much about it, and I was always focused on getting the best work out in the least amount of time. I clearly remember going to the gym, looking at the class timetable, and completely dismissing yoga – I wanted to workout, not stretch! I wanted to arrive, sweat, and leave. Efficiency was key. (This was clearly before I knew about power and hot yoga!).

I now look at health more holistically, as a body, mind and spirit connection – not just the body.

“The miracle is not to walk on water. The miracle is to walk on the green earth, dwelling deeply in the present moment and feeling truly alive.” – Thich Nhat Hanh

My meditation has been varied. Sometimes nestled on the sand overlooking the ocean, or sitting cross legged in-front of my tv, others I watched the sunset from my balcony, or floated in the sea looking up into the sky.

It has been a slow process. At first (and much to my frustration), I tried to silence my thoughts and the voice in my head, but then realised that simply being witness to my thoughts is meditation in and of itself. I still find myself getting distracted by thoughts, or noises happening around me – but I’m learning to become more detached. My meditation muscle is getting stronger every day.

I recently finished a book by the Dali Lama – “How To See Yourself As You Really Are”. In it, he talks a lot about meditation reflection. How to meditate on objects, things, philosophy, people, feelings – this opened up a whole new world for me!

What? I dont have to sit there and try to clear my mind, try to empty any thoughts, try to silence myself – instead I can use my thoughts FOR meditation? Now that’s a new concept. I always thought that meditation was trying to rid my mind of thoughts completely.

“Before I started meditating, I didn’t know how to be a non-judgmental observer of my thoughts – letting them float past me like helium balloons and picking the ones I want. I experienced my thoughts as happening to me and ‘real.’ Meditation helps me be aware of the thoughts I’m having without getting lost in the storyline of them.” – Stephanie StClaire

There has been a lot of change happening for me lately, new country, new job, and moving between houses every other day. The frantic pace of Christmas and the holidays only adding to this. I was starting to feel quite unsettled at times.  Normally this would send my mind into chaos, leading to stress and irritability. But my new meditation practice has allowed me to connect back to myself and reduce this considerably.

Coming to my mat every day to breathe has kept me balanced and clear headed.

Focusing on the breath brings me out of my head, and back into my body.

I find this still reflection a chance for me to block out all the busy noise, the parts of life that can drown out our pure intentions. The stillness allows the less important things to evaporate away.  It leaves me with a sharper focus, clarity around who I am, and how I want to show up in this world.

“The vast majority of my innovations, ideas, plans, and life insights have come from the clarity I get when I stop my barrage of thoughts. Intuition follows from paying attention. Learn to pay attention, and you’ll begin to hear the quiet voice within that will guide you.” -Christine Comaford-Lynch

Do you meditate? How has your experience been?

What is it that brings you stillness in life?

The secret is in the breathe.

meditate

“To make the right choices in life, you have to get in touch with your soul. To do this, you need to experience solitude, which most people are afraid of because in the silence you hear the truth and know the the solutions.” – Deepak Chopra

Filed Under: firsts, goals, health, intuition, lifestyle Tagged With: breathe, Eoin Finn, Meditation, stillness, time out

bush medicine

December 4, 2013 by Julia Leave a Comment

I have just returned home from a lovely little bush getaway. Just me, my best friend, her gorgeous little bubba and the countryside.

We packed the car and hit the road – venturing into Victoria’s beautiful Yarra Valley – full of rolling green hills, vineyards, orchards and fresh country air.

As soon as I left town, and the first glimpse of bush was in sight, I wound down my window and sucked in the eucalyptus filled air. The ultimate hit of refreshment! As the sky got bigger, and the landscape opened up, I felt stress just melt away, my shoulders seemed to soften, and a little smile crept up on the corners of my lips. Ahhh natural beauty, you just can’t beat it.

It was just what I needed.

“I go to nature to be soothed and healed. And to have my senses put in tune once more.” – John Burroughs

We spent the day winding down – treating ourselves to delicious local produce at lunch, wandering through the quaint little shops in the main street, and just slowing down the pace of life. There was nowhere we had to be, or agenda we needed to adhere to. We had complete freedom. Cider in the sun? Why not! Picnic in the park? Hell yes! Dip in the pool? I’m putting on my bikini!

Last night at our little log cabin we sat out on the deck under the night sky watching the stars. Oh so many stars! We spent the evening eating dinner and making our way through a nice bottle of red. I thought to myself – I am in absolute heaven right now. I was so relaxed and content just sitting outside enjoying the beautiful surrounds. More often than not, it’s the simple things that have the most profound impact. Gum trees, fresh air, my best friend and good conversation. Just fabulous, what more could I want?

As the sun set we listened to a symphony of sounds – I couldn’t believe how loud all the insects and creatures were! The cicadas were out in full force, and started so suddenly, like they were all on cue – talk about surround sound! The beautiful bird calls at dusk were glorious – kookaburras, wattle birds, rosellas, galahs, cockatoos and magpies. Then the frogs started croaking down in the dam below us. I put my feet up, closed my eyes, and just listened to all the wonderful sounds going on around us in nature. Not one man-made sound was heard that night (well, other than a crying baby inside our cabin!).

Spending time with a little person always highlights the power of simplicity. Everything is new and so exciting to them! A puddle – well that’s hours of splashing pleasure! A fork at the lunch table – best new toy ever! There are always new sights, sounds, tastes and things to touch. I know where the saying ‘simple pleasures’ comes from.

I took little Aurelia for a sunrise walk in the morning through the bush. We saw moorhens walking around the reeds on the dam, ducks swimming with their little ducklings, kangaroos bounding across the hillside, rabbits jumping around with their little white tails. She splashed in puddles, picked up sticks, squelched in the mud, pointed at different things and just had a ball. You know what, so did I. Watching her simple fascination really opened up my eyes to the magic that was all around us.

   “Never neglect to see the exquisite beauty in all living things.” Robin Sharma

While we were at the park yesterday we met another mother and her two gorgeous little girls – Cherry and Honey. I was roped into playing hide & seek, and competing in running races around the trees – so much fun. We discovered that they moved up from Melbourne recently as her husband works at the local food & wine hot spot. She said how she loved living here, and that they no longer needed two cars – she and the girls can walk everywhere in town. They don’t have to commute anywhere. As I watched the girls run around the park, wild white ibis birds walking around the place, giant old trees, a fresh water stream running by – I thought, what a lovely little life they have here in the country.

Me and my girlfriend fantasised about having a country house to escape to one day. It’s already on my vision board.

As I drove back home I vowed to venture into the country more often. To get away and explore new parts of the land.

A country getaway is now going on my monthly goals!

When was the last time you went on a little getaway?

forest

Filed Under: gratitude, health, lifestyle Tagged With: Beauty, getaway, nature, simplicity

take me to the ocean

November 17, 2013 by Julia 4 Comments

I love the beach.

It’s my refuge. The ocean has an intense healing effect on me.

Living up in the Canadian mountains for the past year has made me realise just how important the ocean is to me. I now have a deeper appreciation for all things sandy and salty.

Yesterday I walked along the beach for two hours, shoes in hand, feet in the shallows, strolling along in the sunshine. I love collecting beach treasures (see below!) and looking out over the endless water on the horizon. It’s one of my favourite things in the world.

seashells

I have always been a ‘water baby’. My sister and I grew up coming to the coast most weekends with my family, snorkelling, swimming and exploring the sea shore. I remember my Dad patting sting rays, and coaxing octopus out of their hiding holes to show to us. Then, as soon as I was old enough I started scuba diving. Wow, what an incredible experience that is – to be part of the under water world. Diving needs a whole other post!

The fondest memories of my life revolve around something water based. For as long as I can remember, I have been drawn to water by something bigger than myself.

Life is good when my feet are in the sand and salt is in my hair.

I often feel land-locked when I’m away from water for long periods of time. A certain claustraphobia slowly takes its gripp on me – even in the vastest of open country sides. When I return back to the ocean, I feel like I can breathe again.

I have been told by spiritual healers that I have a strong connection with the ocean. They speak of past lives, dolphins, and mermaid energies. So perhaps at one point I was a mermaid, dancing under the ocean waves with the creatures of the sea. It sounds pretty cool to me. I don’t know if it’s true, but what I do know, is that I feel great when I’m at the ocean.

Close your eyes and think of how relaxed you feel surrounded by the ocean, walking barefoot on the sandy shore, the foamy waves lapping at your feet, hearing the rhythm of the crashing waves, and smelling the salty air. . . The stress of everyday life just seems to melt away.

It’s no wonder water has a soothing, calming effect on our bodies and minds: (1) We are made up of water, over two-thirds of our body is water, (2) Even our bones are composed of more than 20% water! (3) Every living thing has water, and we need water to survive. Yup, water is kind of a big deal.

“The beneficial qualities of seawater have been known to mankind for centuries and have been noted as having a great healing effect. Sea water contains many minerals needed by your body to help heal and detoxify.” – Aqua For Balance, water-based wellness.

Not convinced? Check out these natural healing properties of the ocean – 3 more reasons to get your butt to the beach:

  • sound of ocean waves – researchers have discovered that the sound of waves actually alters the wave patterns in the brain, soothing you into a deeply calm and relaxed state. Relaxing in this way can help revitalise your mind and your body.
  • salt water – sea water contains about 3.5% by weight of salt (sodium chloride). 83 elements of the periodic table, biologically available, are found in sea water. Ninety nine percent of the mineral salts in sea water are composed of five main elements: chlorine, sodium, sulphur, magnesium, calcium and potassium.
  • sea air – Sea air is full of healthy negative ions, charged particles which improve our ability to absorb oxygen by neutralising damaging free radicals (positive ions). Negative ions also help balance levels of serotonin, a body chemical associated with mood and stress. That is why a day at the beach leaves you feeling not only more alert and energised, but also deeply relaxed and able to sleep more soundly.

That’s some pretty amazing benefits just from a simple trip to the beach!

I know that when my life gets crazy, and I’m feeling disconnected – that a trip to the ocean is the only prescription I need.

Just me and the water. It’s my favourite form of meditation.

What is your natural healer?

It may be the mountains, the open country side, a peaceful park, or your own garden.

When did you last take the time to heal yourself in nature?

takemetotheocean

Filed Under: gratitude, health, lifestyle, love Tagged With: beach, Energy Healing, nature, Ocean, water, wellness

the paradox of our time

October 21, 2013 by Julia Leave a Comment

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

Filed Under: choice, lifestyle, Travel Tagged With: lifestyle, modern society, reflection, western culture

your legacy

September 27, 2013 by Julia 2 Comments

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

Filed Under: authenticity, choice, goals, intuition, lifestyle, love Tagged With: contribution, Legacy, personal responsibility

slow soulful sunday

September 22, 2013 by Julia 2 Comments

Its time for me to slow down.

It’s been a super busy summer, and now the change of seasons brings us time to reflect, to take stock, and to nurture ourselves.

I am spending today wearing my cozy jumper, listening to the rain on the roof, writing, sipping hot tea, listening to music, wearing my big wool socks and curling up with my book.

It’s a day of feeding my soul.

The only thing on my to-do list? A full body massage.

Wonderful.

hottea

How are you spending your day?

Ask yourself – Do you need to be energised, or maybe, it’s time to wind down and relax?

Slow down, happiness is trying to catch you.

If you’ve been rushing through life lately, here’s a beautiful little reminder to slow down . . .

SLOW DANCE ~ David L. Weatherford

Have you ever watched kids on a merry-go-round?

Or listened to the rain slapping on the ground?

Ever followed a butterfly’s erratic flight?

Or gazed at the sun into the fading night?

You better slow down. Don’t dance so fast.

Time is short. The music won’t last.

Do you run through each day on the fly?

When you ask: How are you? Do you hear the reply?

When the day is done, do you lie in your bed

With the next hundred chores running through your head?

You’d better slow down. Don’t dance so fast.

Time is short. The music won’t last.

Ever told your child, we’ll do it tomorrow?

And in your haste, not see his sorrow?

Ever lost touch, let a good friendship die

Cause you never had time to call and say, ‘Hi’?

You’d better slow down. Don’t dance so fast.

Time is short. The music won’t last.

When you run so fast to get somewhere

You miss half the fun of getting there.

When you worry and hurry through your day,

It is like an unopened gift thrown away.

Life is not a race. Do take it slower.

Hear the music

Before the song is over.

slowdown

Filed Under: lifestyle Tagged With: slow down, Soul

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