The Freedom in Devotion

devote

When you look back at experiences from your childhood, you can glean a pretty clear understanding of what makes up who you are – the way you naturally lean, the undercurrent of desire that pulls you. And also: the opportunities to grow.

On a crusty old home video buried * somewhere * at one of my parent’s places, there’s footage of me as a 3 year old, standing in the loungeroom as my mother tries in vain to dress me in my pajamas. The only problem is I won’t have bar of it – I’m twirling around the loungeroom singing (whining) ‘I’ll do it, I’ll do it!’ until finally mum swings the clothes my way with a sigh and I proceed to try and dress myself.

It’s a funny little scene because it ends with me running around the lounge Beavis and Butthead-style with my PJ top stuck halfway over my head and the arms flailing. What you see very clearly is the burning desire for independence and freedom. I’m 3 but don’t contain me. Please.

That’s just one occurrence.

There were the (many, many) times in my early teens when I’d zoom off into the morning sun on my bike and ride as far away as I could with friends, returning at dusk with a sunburnt glow, weary legs and a stack of crazy adventures tucked in my backpack.

There was the time I went on a trip to the U.S and Ireland at age 14 – by myself. (I met relatives in each city, but there was plenty of transport-customs-connecting-flight navigation in between…. and I loved every second of it.).

As a tried-and-true Sagittarian I have never seen a description of my sign that hasn’t contained the words ‘freedom-loving’ peppered in somewhere. It’s always been a big life theme and I have no doubt, always will be.

But I’ve come to a realisation over the past little while, while exploring and experimenting and figuring out what works best in this entrepreneurial, self-managed life o’ mine, and it’s this:

Discipline, dedication and devotion ARE freedom.  

Yep. A bit of structure is a mighty fine thing, and rather than taking away from those deliciously fulfilling ‘footloose and fancy free’ times, I find it actually paves the way for more of them.

Ever experienced true time expansion?

When commitment leads the way, you can say a big hello to more of that because your schedule becomes one that you actually have control over. I find that when I don’t create any parameters around my work, for example, it’s really easy to get swept up in a spur-of-the-moment YES that might be fun but inevitably leaves me lagging a day behind. When I do allocate my time, however, I find myself in a beautiful state of flow and I finish the day wondering how I fit so much in. That’s the kind of day that has you saying ‘Yep, more of that.’

We have to power to choose the meaning the words we speak – whether positive, negative or neither here nor there – and while the usual definition of ‘discipline’ seems a touch restrictive, let’s layer it with a load of loving intention and choose to see it as something powerful and meaningful.

Let’s declare, that by drawing a perimeter around a dedicated block of time for our craft/ our spiritual practice/ our work/ exercise/ the things that truly bring us alive – and then showing up consistently – we encourage soul growth at a rocked-out rate and the kind of fulfillment that seems just out of reach when there are no guides in place.

I’ve found that the opposite of focused intention is unfocused attention and while I’m still definitely learning, it’s becoming clear to me that when I set down times to write, exercise, create and meditate, the ideas, the form, the energy and life itself rise up to meet me.


What’s your relationship to discipline, dedication and devotion? Like me, do you find having a bit of structure gives you freedom outside of that structure?

Can’t wait to hear from you below!

Image: Sophia Kim


A Manifesto for Spirited Souls

Spirited_Manifestosmall

pline

Popping in with a little freebie for you today to say a heartfelt ‘Thanks a million!’ for the love, support and enthusiastic pom-pom waving you’ve all been partaking in since the release of Spirited: Soulful Lessons on Clarity, Connection + Coming Home (to You). Blessed. Yes, we are.

The manifesto above is sitting pretty inside the book (which you can read up on here).

Below are a few ideas for what you can do with it:

pline

// Pin it to Pinterest (handy button under the post).

// Share it around on Facebook with glee. Sharing is caring!

// Tweet it out (button below. Too easy).

// Take a snap and post it on Instagram – tag @rachelmagahy @tara_bliss #Spirited so we can connect.

// Print it, plaster it on your wall and let it set your heart alight every day.

And if you want a larger version, simply click here.

THANK YOU. SO, SO MUCH. x

pline

Design credits to our stellar designer Sian Richardson.


Spirited Love Around the Web

loveyou

Thank you, thank you, thank you – and a very deep bow – to all of you for your love-soaked feedback on Spirited!

We’ve been blown away by your words. Filled up, toe to crown, and felt the effects of many arms scooping us up in a giant, collective group hug. It’s been beyond what we could have imagined, and as we keep saying, with a glint in our eyes, this is just the beginning (oh yep, you KNOW we got plans).

Freelance Photographer - Hannah Millerick

Some funny behind-the-scenes-y type things I want to share about the last five days:

Every time a notification of pops up that tells us Spirited has found another home, we say “Thank you (your name)!” Hope you can feel that love being beamed your way. 

This book has it’s own energy that can’t quite be explained. Magic ‘n’ miracles ‘n’ angel wings. No doubt about it. 

We talk about this book like she’s a human (or mystical creature). It’s fun that way.

Men are buying too! How awesome is that?! Conscious men are hot. 

Below are some expressions of love from Spirited sistas, and one cool dude, around the globe, and in paying it forward and with sisterhood (misterhood?) in mind, you can connect with these likeminded souls by clicking the links. We think they’re pretty amazing and reckon you will too.

pline

twitter0

“Speechless. Mind-blowing. Magical. Goosebumps. Flawless. These are just some words that spring to mind when reading Spirited.” – Lorna Jane

“The universe always hands u the perfect tools/books/friends/mentors and offerings at the perfect moment. #Spirited has just landed in my inbox and at first glance, holy shiz balls. You can feel the love, inspiration and beautiful humility these 2 inspiring babes have offered and shared. So excited to be a snuggling up and reading this before I sleep every night this week. Keep sharing your light, authenticity and hearts wellness sisters.” – Tula Living

“There are no words to describe the love and intention and power that leap from each individual page of this book. It softens my heart, makes me feel calm and centred and OH-SO fired up with intentions at the same time!  Everyone needs this.” – @kirstinsalmon

“So much good-spirited, soul-seeking, earth-vibrating goodness out last week in eBook form. I’ve been following #inspacesbetween for some time, and with #Spirited I saw what happens when not one, but two soul-sparking soul sisters combine: the explosion of positive energy is blinding, the Universe ablaze with passion and creativity. To say the way they touch souls around the world is inspiring can’t even put their powerful energy into perspective. Absolutely love the energy coming from these ladies.” – Savannah Wishart

pline

spirited1

Melissa AmbrosiniLife, Love and Positivity

IMG_0004

“Quote from #Spirited – these girls have blown me away with what they have produced. This book is such a feel-good work of art.” – @amy_alyce_

twitter

pline

“#Spirited has me in goosebumps, glued to every word. I’m feeling pulled to read it all at once. The ‘Soul Sesh’s’ get you scribbling down your thoughts and looking within I love LOVE the eBook and if you’re anything like me, you will too.”  – @christiefischer

“I LOVE this eBook so much! The design, the words, the photos… everything about it is magical! Everyday I am grateful for the guidance these beautiful souls have given me.” – @aneudae

“So much beautiful inspiration from these lovely ladies @rachelmagahy and @tara_bliss in their eBook #Spirited.” – @smalltalk_kids

“Wow. Just wow… What was meant to be an afternoon of house chores ended up with me nose deep in this soulful little gem. If you’ve been hearing the Universe saying ‘Hey baby, listen up, I’ve got something for you…’ and you need some guidance, than this is it. This beautifully written and visually STUNNING book will help you own the fact that you really are worth it. Beautiful girls, just beautiful.”  – @sheisnourished

pline

vegiehead

Vegie Head Adele

twitter2

pline

“So effing inspired.”Alana Wimmer

“Such a beautifully written book ~ soaked with love and inspiration, and created by two friends with passions that shine through the pages.” – @nikki_louise_taylor

“What an amazing study break! Green smoothie and the most amazing, stunning and beautifully written eBook, #Spirited. If you’re after something amazing to read, here ’tis. So grateful for this. Just perfect!” – Natural Harry

“I’m at Officeworks now, printing and binding, can’t wait for the weekend to just soak it all in. Thank you x.”– @dreamcreatelive

Having a ‘Coming Home’ party with two of my favourite bloggers @rachelmagahy + @tara_bliss + their INCREDIBLE new e-Book #Spirited. Journalling like crazy today – @jenniferckennedy

“I’ve got it! This ebook by @rachelmagahy and @tara_bliss is something you need to get your hands on. It’s bloody brilliant. Full of lil nuggets of inspiration, empowering info and gorgeous pics. Trust me, if you need a little push to achieve what your soul desires, then get this. Do it now!” – @skully23

pline

twitter3

keri

Ancient Wisdom for Modern Wellness

“#Spirited makes my heart sing. What a gorgeous, sincere and ultimately empowering read. These girls combine their personal learnings with a deep understanding and connection to what life is all about, while bringing it back to YOU; wonderful you who has the ability to create the life you want to live. A dreamers playground littered with practical tips to bust fears and let yourself radiate big!” – @leahskyhigh

“I’m in for a real treat this cold and rainy afternoon! Just about to tuck into @tara_bliss and @rachelmagahy’s brand new book #Spirited.” – Sarah Greasley

pline

Sales Page 5

buybutton

line35

Again – thank you SO much. Your support means the world. x


SPIRITED is here!

Sales Page 5

Sales Page 1

You’re a seeker.

A go-getter. A fanner of inner flames.

And you’ve felt the pull.

Seen the spark.

Witnessed your cells explode with possibility.

You’ve come alive with that vision of a holy-mama-this-is-good kinda life and you know you’ve got a wellspring of wisdom inside.

But then there’s the self-defeating thoughts. The confusion. Stuckness. Full-blown fear. The disconnection from what’s real and true.

A whole lotta swirling chaos and a touch of head-against-the-wall madness. 

Yep. We feel you.

We’ve bitten the dust. We’ve operated under house arrest thanks to persistent doubts and insecurities. We’ve been bowled over by our conniving and merciless inner saboteurs. Comparison coma? Guilty as charged.

But we’re here to shake things up a little. To break the pattern. And we’re going to use our friendship, our experience, and twelve soulful lessons on clarity, connection and coming home (to yourself) as our launchpad for change.   

pline

“Let Tara and Rach’s wise, soulful words guide you to the life of your dreams. This book is EPIC!” – Jess Ainscough

“HOLY WOW! Spirited just blew my socks off. Seriously – everyone needs this eBook in their life.”Melissa Ambrosini

“Spirited will crack you open in more ways than you can imagine and change the way you do life, for the better.”Susana Frioni 

pline

Sales Page 2

Sales Page 4

Freelance Photographer - Hannah Millerick

download

buybutton

 

Your investment: $29

Part memoir-style storytelling, part workbook and part ultimate guide to YOU, we’re not afraid to go there with the Big Stuff. We muse on dreams and visions, fear, self-sabotage, comparison, the Ego, the inner critic, stillness, balance, joy, creativity and self-expression – and more.

pline

“The words literally vibrate off the page.”– Alana Wimmer 

“Spirited has left me with goosebumps on my skin and a fire in my belly. It’s powerful.” – Amelia Williams

“Just exquisite.” – Katie Manning

pline

 

Freelance Photographer - Hannah Millerick

As life coaches, we’ve guided and championed scores of women as they’ve busted through the fears that kept them hostage, let go of old stories, identities and limiting beliefs, and honoured that (sometimes tiny) voice that finally speaks up loudly enough to say ‘Enough.’

We’ve watched on with pure delight as they’ve emerged from behind the self created shields erected in front of them, as they’ve played bigger, owned their inherent worth and allowed their light to shine.

Spirited is where we share everything that working with these women has taught us. And stories that have shaped us.  

Freelance Photographer - Hannah Millerick

pline

“Strong, stunning and soulful – the most beautiful book I’ve ever seen.” – Yvette Luciano

pline 

SPIRITED:

// Packs a purposeful, intentional punch. It will guide you back to where the REAL gold is – your heart.

// Is an unlearning of the ‘I need to improve’ epidemic. You already know the answers, and you’re about to dive deep to unearth ‘em.

// Serves as a rich testament to love, truth, friendship, self-expression, vulnerability, creative sovereignty and profound happiness.

And it’s a freaking beautiful assault on the senses!

Inside, we lovingly guide you through: 

+ Overcoming meditation resistance.

+ Honouring your wildest, most thrilling and potent dreams.

+ Giving fear the heave-ho and swinging the door wide open to electrifying courage.

+ Creating balance from the inside out; using natural rhythms and the chakras as your arsenal (instead of your To Do list).

+ Joy-inducing rituals to set your heart alight.

+ Your relationship with your Inner Critic and your Wisest Self.

With personal (and intimate) insights from us, actionable wisdom and rockin’ soul sesh’s.

We made this for you, Spirited sister.

pline

“Oh-so-pretty and totally love-soaked.”- Tahlee Rouillon

“Seriously BLOWN AWAY. Girls, this is just beautiful magic.” – Rhiannon Griffiths

“I love the design and the beautiful words. I can feel the energy you have both put into it. You guys really nurtured this – love is radiating from the words on the screen.”- Kristen Graham

Read what many others have said here.

pline

Let it go on the record that this eBook – and the whole process of creating it – has been backed by a very special, very mysterious and wildly magical energy.

Spirited carried us, not the other way around. It became a living, breathing expression of both Tara and I, and without a doubt, took on its own soul. This is what they mean when they talk about ‘birthing’ projects. It even gestated for nearly nine months! 

From the breathtaking design, to synchronicities and cosmic nudges a-plenty – ‘11:11 again!’ ‘I woke up at 4:44am’ ‘OMG, we’ve been on the phone for 1:11:11!’ , the essence of this book – and everyone who has played a role in helping us bring it to life – has rocked us with its presence.

You’ve been warned. This ain’t any ol’ eBook. 147 pages. Out-of-this-world aesthetics. Our very Spirits woven through the pages. 

Join us.

Get Spirited.

 

Freelance Photographer - Hannah Millerick

buybutton

line35

Images: Hannah Millerick


How I Do It: An Interview with Susannah Conway (+ a Giveaway!)

SusannahConway_600px

I remember curling up one Saturday morning with Susannah Conway’s (at the time) brand new book This I Know: Notes on Unraveling the Heart in my hands – and in what felt like a sneeze in time – I found myself on the final page, my soul soothed by her searing honesty and tender way of ‘getting to the heart of it all.’

Susannah has this way of drawing you in. If you’ve read her work before – and I hazard a guess you’ve probably discovered this radiant woman before now – you’ll find yourself nodding along in agreement when I say that she’s a nurturer. There’s this swirling, gracious, soul mama vibe about her that is both soft and fierce, and vulnerable yet potent (in fact, she’s my favourite kind of contradiction).

Susannah is a photographer, author and teacher (her classes enjoyed by thousands of people from over 40 countries around the world), and when you combine that signature ‘authentic ‘n’ thoughtful’ approach with her ethereal photos, you land in a place where sharing means healing, together, and creativity rules.

Find yourself in her words.

Introducing, Susannah Conway

line35

Let’s kick off with a biggie. Why do you do what you do? 

I didn’t know I was going to do what I do – none of this was planned! The path I am on now began in 2005 when the man I loved died very suddenly — everything I thought I knew about life changed in that instant. Now I look back and see that my life has unfolded in two acts: in the first 32 years I was disconnected from myself and acting out so many patterns from the past. In the last eight years I’ve been on my own and truly healed my hurts and stepped into who I really am.

I found my way back to myself through my cameras and journals — in the second year of my bereavement I discovered blogging and it opened up this whole new creative world to me. Being able to share my thoughts and feelings online was incredibly empowering — it was my way of ‘getting back out there’ from the safety of my living room.

So now I share what I’ve learned with the world. I teach creative courses online to help others get in touch with who they really are.  I’ve written a book sharing my story and path to wholeness (a continuous work in progress, obviously!). And I write my blog, sharing my heart the only way I know how – frankly :)

What are three of the biggest lessons you’ve learnt along the way?

1 // Don’t take anything personally, in business and in life.

2 // The importance of healing our own hurts so we don’t pass them on to anybody else. Being responsible for the energy we put out into the world.

3 // Love never dies.

conway1

What’s been absolutely key for you in building your community?

Being honest. Often vulnerable. Just me. I see so much hyped up marketing online and it makes me cringe.  I try to infuse integrity through everything I do and that’s especially important when it comes to letting people know about my work.

I know that there’s rarely a ‘typical’ day in the life of an entrepreneur/ lady of the interwebs, but can you talk a bit about how you approach your work? What does a week in your life usually entail?

I’d like to tell you I have a work schedule I stick to throughout the day but that just doesn’t work for me.

I wake up when I wake up (no alarm unless I have to be somewhere early – I actually try to avoid that as I’m a night owl) and lie in bed coming down from the morning’s dream.

Breakfast is usually scrambled eggs and smoked salmon and a decaf coffee made with freshly ground beans. I jump on the computer and deal with any urgent emails, check Twitter/Facebook/Pinterest (my fave) and then begin the struggle to stay focussed and get shit done. I am a terrible procrastinator but am starting to accept that this is just how my creative process works. There’s a lot of composting that has to happen – reading books, blogs, looking at art and photography, listening to music, journalling and fluffing around on Instagram. I always manage to get my essentials done – checking in with my course peeps if an ecourse is in session, making videos for Unravelling, dealing with the seemingly endless emails and answering Q&As like this one.

When I’m working on a big project I go deep into the creation cave, as Jonathan Fields likes to call it, and disappear off the radar for a while.

In the last few months I’ve started building a fitness habit, which is kind of amazing considering for the last 40 years I have loathed all forms of physical activity. So three times a week I either go to the gym to do a session with my trainer or work out at home.

I also have a weekly appointment with my psychotherapist – keeping my brain healthy is as important to me as working on my body. Interestingly both my personal trainer and therapist are also qualified life coaches, so I like to think I’m supported from every possible angle.

Being self-employed means I can fit in lunches and photo safaris with friends during the week and often work through the weekend instead. I try to get off the computer by 9pm but some days it’s later. If the muse is with me I run with it.

conway2

Describe your creative process.

I blog when I feel inspired to share something – I very rarely schedule out my posts. If I don’t have anything to say I stay quiet – whenever I post something because I think I ‘should’ it always feels flat and forced. I don’t like to dial it in if I can help it.

When creating a new course I spend a few months composting the idea, as described above. There’s LOTS of research and note making – everything gets sketched out in various Moleskines. Once I have a handle on the topic I start to flesh out the content for each week of the course and begin to write in earnest. I have the first two weeks ready when we start but like to create the rest as we go. I know the way the content will develop but like to be able to respond to participants’ journeys through the material. To my mind this makes a more powerful course because it’s tested in real time rather than something written months ago that I hoped might work. Every time I run a course I tweak and develop it. To me they are living breathing entities.

Writing the book was an altogether more intense experience that lasted six months. I wrote about it over here.

Routines and rituals for the soul: can you tell us about the little – or big – things that keep you feeling grounded, joyful, connected, inspired?

My journal rarely leaves my side – I started journaling when I was 11, and the simple act of writing words into a notebook has saved my sanity so many times over the years. I’ve always felt compelled to record my world in words and images.

Pinterest and Instagram are my happy places to hang out virtually. I also adore Evernote and collect tons of inspiration to refer back to as and when I need it.

Checking in with my family and mates is another big one for me.  I don’t need to see them every day as I’m an introvert who likes her space, but regular calls and emails keep us connected. I need regular check-ins with my sister, especially. And as much time with my nephew as I can get – he makes my world 1000 times better.

conway4

The not-so-hot days. We all have them. How do you make peace with overwhelm and self-doubt?

Stupidly I usually try to power through and then wonder why I get nothing done. So when I’m on the verge of another day of the crazies I throw myself out the door to get AWAY from the computer and back into the real world. Working from home can be challenging and even after a decade of varying degrees of self-employment, I still fall into the overwhelm hole. So walking the streets of London helps me get out of my head – a date with my journal in a café helps too. I always return home feeling rebooted.

pline

RAPID FIRE

I feel empowered, electric, alive, the most ME when… I’m some place new taking photographs

I feel restricted when… I’m drowning in hormones

I’m inspired by… the energy of my city

My current mantra/ affirmation is… I surrender

pline

To wrap up, imagine you’re sitting in conversation with yourself in 10 years time. What are you doing? What does your life look – and feel – like?

First of all I will be FIFTY, which is quite a scary thought, so obviously I hope I will be fantastically fit and healthy :)

I’ll be living between the city and countryside, ideally with a flat in London and a rambling house in the Cotswolds. I’ll be married to the man I can’t stop kissing, there may be a mini-me running around, and a couple of dogs. I’ll be a well-established author with at least another six books under my belt. My days will consist of writing, canoodling, being a mum/aunt, inspiring people, figuring out life. I’ve no doubt my biz will have several full-time employees by then. If we’re going to really explode this dream, I’d love to see a home in NYC too – there’ll definitely be plenty of trips to the USA for work and to see my friends.

Life feels expansive, sensual, nourishing, fulfilling, challenging, calm, blessed, worth it.*

line35

CREATIVE MAVENS: WE HAVE A GIVEAWAY FOR YOU! 

Susannah has generously offered a spot for one lucky In Spaces Between reader in her 6-week Journal Your Life eCourse (kicking off Monday 2 Sept; winner will be randomly selected and announced on Sunday 1 Sept on Facebook).

All you need to do to be in the running is leave a comment below and then, why dontcha pop over to follow Susannah on Instagram or Twitter. Best of luck. x

* Ahh. I absolutely love this. 

UPDATE: Huge congrats to Jacqueline – Upon Wild Stars! Your comment – number 27 – was randomly selected via random.org. Enjoy!

winner


Oh, hey there

abstract

Sometimes you sit down to write a post and the thought that dragged your butt to the chair has vanished, or the blank screen sitting ominously in front of you seems too big, too much to contain the words you’re trying to massage out of your brain. Or, maybe, your head is simply elsewhere. I know the feeling. I’ve been there a few (many, many) times this year.

It’s time to catch you up… and I have a feeling this one is going to flow.

Not long after I scooted out of the corporate world and launched my much-adored, flipping brilliantly supportive business early this year, I noticed that as my biz gained momentum, my mindset started shifting towards my blog (never fear, keep reading – this story has a happy ending).

Truth be told, this year my mindset has shifted towards a helluva a lot in my life. A reading with Tali from AstroStyle confirmed something I’d been intuitively feeling all year as well.

2013, cosmically-speaking, has been all about retreating for me.

Going in… and deeper. Conserving energy. Dabbling with the magical, philosophising and questioning everything – mostly The Way I Do Life.

I’m conscious it may not look like that on the outside with a business, lots of travel, speaking, product creation and all the rest, but I have definitely noticed subtle and sometimes not-so-subtle changes in my energy this year and have found that, where the old me would have pushed through even if I was beyond exhausted, these days, feeling energised and supported MUST sit at the top of the list (I don’t always get this right but I’ve been practicing and I’m thrilled to have taken quantum leaps forward). (win!)

The difference in how I live day to day is that I spent last year majorly adrenally fatigued; this year, I get up from the computer and walk over to the beach of an afternoon and soak it all in. I don’t beat myself up if it takes me days to reply to emails, and I reshuffle mid-week catch ups with friends guilt-free if my schedule is getting out of control. I call in more support, clear my chakras and get off social media when I’m maxed. Occasionally, I say no to opportunities with an ‘I’d love to but I’m at capacity this month. Next month okay with you?’

I’ve never done that before. And I feel amazing for it. There’s a marked difference between the kind of self-love/ self-care that happens daily (the preventative, cup-filling, nourishing variety) and the kind that happens when you’re burnt out and HAVE to take time out. Learning to make the first type the baseline for everything I do has improved my life immeasurably.

(Also related: every health practitioner/ psychic/ energy healer I’ve ever gone to has given me a talking to about ‘boundaries’… and I’m sick of being the naughty client, so after years of ‘yeah-yeah-ing’ I’ve finally made the change!)

pline

Before I go on, I want you to know this:

If you’re just starting a business: 

It’s ok to let something else slide so you can give your livelihood your all – and you should, especially if it’s been a big dream of yours forever (this also applies to having children, big life moments, writing your book etc).

Accept that you’ll be called up to expand/ recalibrate/ switch gears temporarily. Things will reshuffle again. Trust me when I say they always do. After 8 or so months of working out this entrepreneur life, I’m ready and raring to get back in the blogging saddle with gusto (more on that below).

Rather than looking at what’s changed as a negative  – “But I’m less available for XYZ!” – look at, instead, what you’ve gained. Soul growth, more wisdom, more self-knowledge, greater confidence. Make a note of the positives somewhere and refer back to your list when you need reassurance. Makes it all worth it, huh?

Think long-term. Allow yourself to dive into your business/ creative/ whatever bubble in the short term so you can lay the foundations for greater success and fulfillment in the long-term.

pline

Now, let’s get back to the blog.

First, there was the busyness of business, and to be frank, there have been many times this year where my brain would have been stretched to spell my own name at the end of the day. I won’t sugar-coat it – it’s been hard to keep up with all of it. Juggle-juggle.

Bigger than that though was this question: “Now that my blog goes hand-in-hand with my business and isn’t just a side thing anymore, what does that MEAN?”

And also…

How do I want to write now?

I’ve grown and stretched – shouldn’t my writing should be Pulitzer prize-like in its brilliance every time I put fingertip to keyboard? (note the inner critic chirping in here)

Should it all be ‘teachable moments’ now that I’m a coach?

What about the personal stuff – is it worth writing about that thing I’ve been working through when I’m not a ‘dweller’ and I’ve normally moved through the emotion an hour later/ by the next day?

I started ‘shoulding’ all over myself. I lost sight of what this space has always been about – sharing honestly, empowering change and – y’know – life in all its glory – and put an expectation on the site needing to be a ‘certain way’ now that I was running a business (and one where all my clients come via here and my social channels).

HAVE YOU EVER FELT LIKE THIS?

 

pline

Here’s where I’ve ended up.

I have an eBook launching with my beautiful friend Tara in two weeks. This is just the start for this project – we have a few other ideas up our sleeves, and all of it is aimed at inspiring you to come back home to yourself (because – you know what? You are so damn wise).

Writing collaboratively every day has been the most rewarding, divine experience and has reminded me how much I love to create. In fact, the experience has been one of the absolute highlights of my year. There’s something about the depth of the writing, the design, the distillation of knowledge and the dedication to it the process when it comes to to product creation that I ADORE. More from me on this front for sure (my eCourse is next and I’ve got BIG ideas!)

I’ll be back here regularly after the eBook launches, with a few posts beforehand. I wanna know what you wanna know. Would LOVE to you leave your feedback in the comments if you have any requests for topics to be covered/ fears to be busted/ challenges to be contemplated. 

I wrote this post by means of explanation and to catch you up, but now, let’s move this ship forward. How’s about it? As I said, I’m not a dweller, but I do think it would have felt weird and disingenuous to show up back here again with a helpful how-to or a random story without giving you an insight into the transitions that have been happening over here.

The future is bright, beautiful, and I’m excited. Let’s do this. x

Abstract painting (because life is like that sometimes) by Lola Donoghue


Books Worthy of a Spot on Your Bookshelf

While I was honeymooning overseas, I took the opportunity to plant my nose in several (12, in fact) good books, a few of which I want to share here to help you out next time you’re on the hunt for something juicy, intelligent or captivating (or all three).

Let’s dive straight in… 

books

line35

Love with a Chance of Drowning

‘Ripped through it like a woman possessed’ is a pretty apt description of what happened when I started reading this brave and brilliant memoir by the talent behind The Fearful Adventurer, Torre DeRoche. Holy moly, girl can write. 

Torre’s genius storytelling had me in a headlock from page one, and I honestly didn’t move from the bed until that night when I landed, with great regret, on the final sentence. (my husband knows that when I’m in the Incredible Book Vortex, it’s best not to even bother trying to pull me out. Simply. Not. Going. To. Happen. Even on our honeymoon).

I won’t spoil it too much because I highly recommend you get your hands on a copy of your own, but essentially this is the tale of a city girl – one who happens to be petrified of water – who falls for a man with a big dream to explore the world. By sea. Which of course is a recipe for hilarity, plenty of hairy moments and a damn good story.

Embracing adventure became my mantra for the rest of the trip after reading Love with a Chance of Drowning (I wrote about that here) and if I were the star-rating type, I’d give this one five, all the way.

line35

Where’d You Go Bernadette?

A departure from my usual reading preferences (although this may have rekindled something with Fiction and I), this eccentric and witty page-turner kept me well and truly entertained on a rainy day in Santa Margherita.

The story centres around the volatile, whip-smart and ‘slightly troubled’ Bernadette Fox, a renowned architect, who is mother to 15 year old Bee and married to Elgie, a Microsoft exec. The plot is completely nuts – to explain, the author was previously a writer for TV show Arrested Development – and lands up, of all places, in Antarctica, where Bernadette has the opportunity to vanish entirely into the white.

Bizarrely thrilling; you can check out the reviews here for more.

line35

Brain on Fire: My Month of Madness

Amazon says: “When twenty-four-year-old Susannah Cahalan woke up alone in a hospital room, strapped to her bed and unable to move or speak, she had no memory of how she’d gotten there. Days earlier, she had been on the threshold of a new, adult life: at the beginning of her first serious relationship and a promising career at a major New York newspaper. Now she was labeled violent, psychotic, a flight risk. What happened? An award-winning memoir and instant New York Times bestseller that goes far beyond its riveting medical mystery, Brain on Fire is the powerful account of one woman’s struggle to recapture her identity.”

I say: This one will blow your mind. The true story of a young journalist’s descent into madness, this book is at times disturbing, but undeniably gripping throughout – it’s the kind of story that hangs around in your psyche for a while as you think: “Is it possible that others out there labelled schizophrenic or mentally ill are in fact, suffering the same disease?”

Love books that leave you pondering.

line35

Choose Yourself

James Altucher is a total badass. I wish I could high TEN him in person for his no-BS tome, Choose Yourself. 

With unconventional tales of fortune and misfortune and nuggets of pure gold served straight up, this book dives into entrepreneurship and writing and life, serving as an emphatic and fast-paced sermon on self-responsibility. We gotta continue choosing ourselves, James preaches.

On every page you’ll hear whispers of ‘Fail more’ and ‘Take a godamn risk!’ and if you’re a fan of writers like Steven Pressfield (all hail), I know this one will speak to you like it did me.

line35

Have you devoured anything wonderful lately?

Post your favourite reads in the comments below and if you enjoyed this post, I’d love you to share the love using the handy buttons.

BONUS: Your mega summer reading list: 200 books recommended by TEDsters. Oh, YES.