gratitude – Page 2 – Rachel MacDonald

Making Me Happy

6 February, 2013

Good morning gorgeous!

I’m sitting here listening to a melodic mash up of Fiona Apple, Alicia Keys and Fleetwood Mac, the balcony door wide open and the sun shining. Today is going to be a magnificent day, and as it turns out, this Making Me Happy is also kinda magnificent (it’s a biggie), so grab yourself a cup of tea and get comfortable.

We’re going in.

Here’s what has been lighting my fire of late…

Letting Go

For some * unknown * reason (we’re leaving that up to the Universe), despite the fact that Ramai and I have wanted to move to a bigger house for quite some time, it just hasn’t been happening. We’ve searched and searched to no avail and although an office and extra bedroom would be lovely, we’ve always brought it back to the fact that (a) we really are blessed to live where we do, by the beach in Burleigh and (b) it will all happen in good time. Frustrating at times, yes, but for a bigger reason we’re sure.

After chatting to Helen Thomas – details below – last week, it became clear that we’ll be where we are for another six months or so. Hearing that was the catalyst for some creative thinking, which lead us to renting a storage shed, moving some of the furniture and “stuff” out that was taking up valuable space and having a big old throw-out. A spot of re-decorating (does anyone else re-decorate every few months, or is that just me and my ever-changing tastes?) and the house is like a completely new space. Expanded. Comfortable. Ours… for now.

The moral of the story that I wanted to pass on is that if something’s not working as you planned, seek out an alternative to make the situation bearable/ liveable in the mean time. There’s always a reason and I truly believe that this space clearing exercise will set the wheels in motion for our perfect home to come along. If you’re in the same boat and something in your life is feeling “stuck,” get creative. Taking action is the surest way I know to attract what you need into your life!

I’m Going to Be a Bridesmaid!

My best friend Megan is getting married and I’m so honoured that I’ll be standing beside her as she marries her beloved.

It’s definitely the year for it – 3 of my closest friends are getting married which means engagement parties, hen’s parties and of course, the Big Day… times three. YES!

Seeing My Clients Kicking Ass

One of my clients has written an eBook in the past fortnight. Another has already smashed her goals for her mailing list, Facebook page and a few other things we’re working on – three weeks after our first chat. Another busted through a big fear the day after our call and life is unfolding magically around her. There’s that and so much more. Progression is beautiful and it’s an honour to travel this path with amazing women who are ready and willing to create the lives/ blogs/ businesses of their dreams.

Somebody, pinch me!

(graphic from the awesome Amanda Genther)

Lorna Jane

Imagine going to the Post Office to pick up what you think is (another) order of books and finding these beauties waiting there instead!

Lorna Jane kindly sent me the goodies above last week – a brand spankin’ new Tropics Bra (we’re a match made in exercise heaven) along with their Chloe Excel Tank (the perfect blend of sexiness and functionality) and a neon glass drink bottle to make downing h20 just that little bit cooler.

I’m in love.

Speaking of Lorna Jane, in case you missed it, I’m also stoked to be guest blogging for LJ on their Move Nourish Believe blog, which is both a delight for the eyes and brimming with awesome health and wellness inspiration. Read my first post on setting yourself up for an incredible 2013 here and have a poke around the site. It’s well worth a look.

A Sparkly New Discovery

It baffles me how I haven’t come across Earth Crystals yet given it’s 10 minutes from where I live, but never mind – we’re WELL acquainted now.

Close your eyes and picture a big showroom full of every crystal under the sun. My head just about fell off! Ever since I dug up a little rose quartz in my garden when I was six (thinking back that is a very strange experience, but at the time it was like finding a gold nugget) I’ve been fascinated with crystals and geology, and I remember constantly begging my parents to take me to the crystal shop so I could play with them all. Walking into Earth Crystals took me back there.

My new amethyst and citrine. Aren’t they amazing?

Below – natural sodalite below. Super powerful!

Gratitude Journalling

I’ve been doing lots of this lately, both when I’ve been feeling vibrant and on top of things, but also on the days where the head takes over and the not-so-awesome feelings – overwhelm, self-doubt and all their mates – pop up. Instant perspective-flipper.

A Spot On Intuitive Reading

One of the most exciting things I’ve done in the past week was an intuitive reading with Helen Thomas from The Little Sage. One word: incredible. SERIOUSLY incredible.

Our session kicked off with an angel card reading and Helen’s bang-on insights on where I’m at and where I’m going, and then progressed to the point where I asked a range of questions (around things like my business, moving house and so on).

I have to confess that I’ve never had a reading before because I’ve always been slightly concerned about hearing something negative and then “creating” that in my life, but the whole experience with Helen was wonderful and positive and I was buzzing for hours afterwards (and yep, I may have listened to the recording again that night).

If you’re looking for clarity and loving guidance served up generously, get in touch with Helen here for a reading or head along to one of her workshops in Brisbane. Huge thumbs up from me.

Big love, little love – it’s all love!:

Setting a giant savings goal for 2013 + that tight tummy feeling you get after a good pilates class + honing in on my Core Desired Feelings (via Danielle LaPorte’s Desire Map – I think I’ve almost got them nailed) + inner peace + feeling the creative juices pump again after dreaming up decor for our house + double date nights with my besty and her husband-to-be + having my babe Tara living two minutes up the road as of yesterday!

OVER TO YOU: Throw out some love grenades. What’s making you happy this week? Share in the comments below.

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Making Me Happy

23 January, 2013

Sometimes messages sneak in the back door quietly, slipping their shoes off with nary a whisper before curling up next to you on the couch and stroking your arm. Others, they’ll smash the door down, knock over a few pot plants, kick their boots off and MAKE REALLY LOUD NOISES in case you somehow miss the fact that Hello, They Have Arrived.

I’ve heard “Get out of your head and into your heart” at least 2965 times in the past week. It’s been one of those messages that’s been showing up e-ver-y-where – offered up to me as advice, written in the pages of the books I’ve picked up off the nightstand. I heard it in a tele-seminar. My consulting gig “employer” said it this morning. It’s rolled off my tongue in coaching sessions.

Get out of your head, and into your heart.

It’s a goodie.

The head is about doing more. It gets off on over-thinking and overanalysing, perfecting and procrastinating. It makes us a slave to fear, “shoulds” and “what if’s.” It worries about what our neighbour’s doing in their grassy backyard and tricks us into believing we’ll never be enough.

The heart, on the other hand, says “You already know the answer, beautiful,” (even when the head tries to convince you otherwise). It’s intuition. Gratitude. Presence. A smouldering fire of inner confidence. Hope. Excitement. Peace. Contentment.

As my wise husband remarked when we were chatting the other day: “Really, we feel decisions.” Love that. You can think your way around the universe and back, but the honey is always in the heart.

I’ve had a few intimate tete-a-tetes with my own heart this week (we chatted about how I’d like 2013 to unfold, and it was a gooood convo, believe me) and if you take one message away from today’s post, it’s that I encourage you to pull up a chair with yourself sometime soon and find out what you really want out of this year. Create a mind-free zone.

One more time before we dive into this week’s love list:

Get out of your head and into your heart.

Dinner Dates

On Monday night I zoomed up the highway to Brisbane to have dinner at Wagaya with Claire Plush before her and her man head off on an extended overseas adventure to France, Indonesia and beyond.

Claire and I “met” online back in the early days of In Spaces Between and we’ve kept in touch on email along the way – two Sagittarian ladies looking at the world through similar eyes – and meeting her in person was seriously so beautiful. Such a gentle, gorgeous soul.

The night was all about free-flowing conversation, great food and good times and I’m thrilled we made it happen!

Site Updates + Inspired Ideas

I’ve decided to hold off on a full redesign of this lil ol’ blog until later in the year (when I might have some time to think it through properly) but my friend Jo from The Darling Tree is currently working on a little refresh for me, adding in some new pages and fixing a few of the things that have driven me nuts over the past year or so.

On the inspiration front, after a huge day at the computer yesterday, we ventured outside for a quick dinner and – as often happens when you step away from the very thing that’s holding all your attention – an inspired idea landed in my lap.

I’ve written this random brain “spark” on a bright yellow Post It and stuck it on the wall behind my computer and I’m looking forward to seeing how things take shape. You’ll be the first to know, promise!

The Secrets of the Sea

I’ll never stem my steady flow of Burleigh love. So grateful for this place. I often stop and stare at the ocean when I’m about to start (or finish up) a run, and it never ceases to amaze me how different it looks day on day – the colours, the intensity of the waves, the surfers either floating effortlessly or hooting and hollering if they’re riding a biggie.

“The voice of the sea speaks to the soul” — Kate Chopin

FUNC

Totally crazy about this new group training method created by my friend Rowena and her biz partners-in-crime!

The first time I did FUNC two weeks ago I could barely move the next day (my quads were so sore that my attempts to sit down sounded something like “Ooh, ooh, ooh, OW!”) but now that my muscles have somewhat adapted, I’m absolutely loving it. A good pain. A killer workout. Huge fan over here.

Skype

I can’t tell you how grateful I am for Skype. In fact, without it, my business would be nothing like it currently is, considering I spend most of my days conducting coaching sessions over the airwaves.

Another reason I love Skype so much? It’s the perfect way to keep in touch with all my bloggy beauties because, y’know, it’s nice to see their gorgeous faces too. In the past week I’ve chatted with Kim, Jo and Jenn and the lovely Connie and I have a date for next week (oh and Tara and I chat daily via all sorts of channels!)

Can everybody please give it up for our good friend Skype?

Lots of love:

The tennis – I’ve been half-watching while I work with my computer on my lap. The power! The fitness! The grunting! Phwoar! + meditatin’ and appreciatin’ + Joe Cocker singing (screaming) With a Little Help from My Friends at Woodstock – such an incredible performance + seeing my clients kick ass (their excitement gets me high!) + being called a “blog doula” – “You’re helping me birth my blog baby!” + acknowledging what is “enough” and what is “too much” work-wise. I do plenty of Goddess Guidance card readings for myself but I pulled two at the end of last year just before I resigned from my job that always stick in my mind: BRIGHT FUTURE and BOUNDARIES. Boom! + you guys for being your wonderful, supportive, all-round excellent selves. Humbled.

Over to you: what’s making YOU happy this week? Share in the comments below beautiful!

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Making Me Happy: Kicking 2013 off With a Bang!

9 January, 2013

Super pumped to be bringing you the first Making Me Happy post for 2013!

I’m not quite sure I can sum up the past few weeks – some of the most thrilling of my life – in this post, but some of the highlights are here and you can bet you’ll hear more about my transition from a full-time employee to an entrepreneur (!!) in subsequent posts.

For a visual walk through the Life of Rach (of late), let’s kick off with some Instagram shots (click to follow) shall we?

The Details

// Cooking up a storm with Donna Hay’s brilliant new cookbook Fresh and Light.

// Driving to Byron to have dinner at The Italian with Mel Ambrosini (the most divine creature ever) and her man Jamie “in real life.” Such an amazing couple. *Random sidenote here is that I always have “Oh-my-god-it-feels-like-we’ve-known-each-other-forever” moments with other Fire signs, and with a Leo, an Aries and a Saggo at the table, let’s just say the convo flowed like fine organic wine (with no alcohol involved at all). Brilliant.

// Green juicing like crazy. I try and keep things pretty healthy but I’m cranking things up a notch or 10 this year, as is Ramai. Maximum energy for making the big stuff happen.

// Date night with my gorgeous man – a “Hooray, you’re a business lady now!” celebratory dinner at one of our fave spots.

// Hydration. A must in this hot summer weather.

// Lots of running. I ran every day on the holidays – shorter runs, higher intensity, hills a-plenty. Loving it.

// Quinoa, chia and pea patties (adapted from Donna Hay’s book). Will definitely be making these again.

// Downing edamame beans like they’re going out of fashion (which would obviously never happen).

// Red lips. I’m loving the Kit Cosmetics lip gloss at the moment.

// New books. Always.

// Sneaky love notes written on heart-shaped Post It’s on my computer screen.

And I couldn’t possibly leave out the only shot I took on our SLR on the holidays… Homemade buckwheat pancakes. Drooling yet?

My Coaching Business!

Of course, this one takes the cake. It’s been all systems go since last Wednesday and let me tell you, I’m still in awe of the fact that I get to work with incredible women daily, supporting them with the right tools as they amplify their presence online (and their lives on the whole). Did anyone say ‘best job in the world?’

To give you an indication of how rad my clients are, I’ve been getting things like this:

“Dude, this is day ONE after working with YOU? Pretty sure I’ll barely recognise myself in a month!”

and this:

“I’m sitting outside in the sun and can’t wipe the smile off my face. Signing up for this month has been the best thing I’ve ever done for myself. I’m so freaken excited. And so so grateful and thankful to have found you. You make me feel like I can achieve my wildest dreams with this blog and being able to help people at a profound level! I can’t wait for your email and the worksheets and I’m thinking I’ll have to book you in and have you with me throughout the whole year (somehow!!). You are amazing!!”

and this:

“This morning I had the best session with this women @rachelmagahy. She is amazing and so freaking kick-ass at what she does…<3 <3 <3 her…”

…which brings one simple word to my mind: BLESSED.

I dropped in to my old work today to catch up with a friend for lunch and it felt like I hadn’t been there for years (not a mere 3 weeks). So much has happened since I finished at the end of December – epiphanies, inspiring conversations and revelations about the unlimited potential of All of This Stuff – and I left feeling enormously grateful for the ways in which I’m being supported/ expanded/ soulfully embraced by the Universe right now. When the work comes naturally and you’re the happiest you’ve ever been, harnessing that universal love and supporting sweet souls as they rock it out is a no brainer. Again, blessings.

I’m going to dive in to some of the nuts and bolts of “how” I’m running my biz soon (and will be doing some ‘lifestyle experiments’ to see what works best for me schedule-wise), but for now I wanted to mention that I’ve got a few spots available on my calendar for the last week of Jan, and will then be taking more bookings for Feb.

My introductory prices will be increasing in Feb as well so if you’ve been thinking about teaming up with me, jump in quick to secure your place at the current price! Email me rachel (at) inspacesbetween (dot) com for more.

Dreaming… slowly

If you’ve wondered why I haven’t posted anything on 2013 intentions or vision-boarding or my words for the year, I’ll let you in on a little secret – it’s because I haven’t gone through the process yet. Hey, what’s the date again?

I actually can’t remember the last time I started a new year without an action plan and giant dreams, but with my business taking off in whambamkazam fashion as mentioned above and my focus solely on my clients and helping them achieve their goals for the year, the time simply hasn’t been there to really get down ‘n’ dirty with it all. And, you know, doing this big work requires a whole lotta creativity and a generous helping of “white space.”

Until the weekend rolls around and I throw myself into 2013 dreamin’ mode with a few key workbooks (will tell you more about this), I think I’ll continue adding to the collection of Post It’s stuck on the wall behind my computer, the doodles in my Moleskine and the inspiration files in Evernote.

What about you? Have you set your intentions for the year? Tell me about ’em.

Bush Flower Essences

I can’t quite explain it but these work. Just trust me on that one. A heads up that they also taste terrible (unless you enjoy the strong taste of brandy first thing in the morning).

Brand Spankin’ Stationery

Is there anything better than cracking a crisp new notebook and adorning those first few pages with your neatest handwriting?

Unfortunately, the neat handwriting is something that never lasts for me – I very quickly start to scrawl when the floodgates open and the inspiration starts flowing from my fingertips – but with my trusty connector pens at the ready this time, at least those scrawls will be vibrant.

I’ll admit here to feeling pretty gangsta with my custom-stamped ‘In Spaces Between’ Moleskines. They just feel a bit special, you know… and I have a very good feeling I can create a bit of magic in those there pages.

Mo’ love:

Long phone chats with my soul sistas + male energy – I love hanging out with guys and look forward to nurturing more dude friendships this year (along with even more wonderful female connections) + sunshine and ocean swims + inspiring Instagram accounts (check out ‘Loni Jane’ – her food shots and her bod are to die for!) + flow + Satori + pulling out just the right Oracle cards + pale grey nail polish + dreaming about our honeymoon (any Italy tips for us?) + grand changes.

And now, you, gorgeous one: tell me in the comments below what’s been lighting up your first week of 2013?

Images: Fieldguided | IOBAD

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Making Me Happy

5 December, 2012

I don’t really know where to start with recapping the last two weeks of my life. Revolutionary. Monumental. Heart-starting. Freaking wild (in the best way).

Mostly, I feel like in the last fortnight – since our trip away, turning 30, working with a kinesiologist and a beautiful coach, resigning from my job and starting a business (this all needs a separate post, I know) – I’ve circled back to me. I feel blazingly alive and more sure about All of It than I’ve been for a long time and let me tell you, it’s a heady, exhilarating, feeling. I could get seriously hooked on this gear – ’tis a potent mix!

Everything has been moving so quickly that I’m finding it hard to ground the hyper energy whipping up dust around me, but at my core sits this deep calm and I just know – with every inch of my being – that this is the right time.

There’s nothing more fulfilling than doing the thing you know you’re meant to do.

Once I anchor my energy I promise I’ll give you the full run down (we’ve got lots to catch up on!) but for now, check out the other bits and bobs that have put stars in my eyes of late and most importantly, tell me all about the wonders of your world in the comments.

Gorgeous Gifts

I’m sharing these for two reasons:

1 // To publicly acknowledge the gifters because I’m insanely grateful for their thoughtfulness (not shown is a 5 hour Gaia Retreat & Spa package, a Harpers Bazaar subscription, frames containing our wedding photos and a kayaking tour. Just… wow, I seriously don’t need b’day presents for the next 50 years after all that spoiling!)

2 // Considering all these presents absolutely rule, I thought they might make handy Xmas gift inspiration. An unofficial gift guide, with added half-dying Baby’s Breath (I swear it looks better in real life).

Interweb Love

My best friend Megan wrote a recap of her child-free adventures at my birthday on The Cub Club, while Caz from Mojito Mother/ yTravel Blog was kind enough to interview me recently.

I also wrote a guest post about celebrating the person you’ve become over on The Wellness Warrior that you might not have seen as yet.

* Fun fact: I smiled the whole way through writing that post, imagining hordes of big-hearted souls just like you celebrating victories and wins and the special moments of 2012. Writing with a smile on your face makes the words dance. Do you ever do it?

iPhone 5

Oh hai Ramai! Whatcha doin’?

Alright, so I’m nerding out with this one but I have to confess that I’m totally enamoured with my new iPhone. My old iPhone had seen better days – the menu button was stuck, the camera was scratched (soft-focus lens, anyone?), Safari crashed constantly, the back was shattered – so in contrast, you could say this fancy new version is absolutely rocking my world.

Apple, I adore you.

The Beginning of Xmas Festivities

Last Friday – also known as The Day My Business Was Born – was my work Comms team ‘end of year’ celebration, organised by myself and my friend Alana (a job we undertook with glee).

For the styling, we went for a neon take on the traditional Christmas green and red theme. We were working in a space with really terrible views as you can see (ha!) and because I’m a massive fan of succulents as you know, everyone left with a little friend for their desk. Good times.

Must say though, the night was definitely bittersweet for me, as it’s the last team catch up I’ll be involved in after 4.5 years with the same company (on that note, I hope you guys will join me for a virtual end of year celebration next year!)

Love + Support

(a snapshot of support from my personal Facebook page)

If I thought my heart was full before, it’s now positively flooded.

Starting In Spaces Between has honestly changed my life and I’m wrapping up 2012 with the knowledge that alongside my husband, family and the friendships I’ve enjoyed for years, there’s a whole army of glorious women that have come into my life via the blogosphere that I am truly blessed to know. These are solid, beautiful friendships of the highest order – the type that make your heart sing on a daily basis.

Thankyouthankyouthankyou Universe.

Gizoogle.net

The most hilarious thing I’ve seen on the Internet in… ever. Don’t walk – run.

More glitterbombs:

Mini neon Post It’s + irrepressible joy (“Super Energiser Rach is back!”) + manifesting like a wild woman + Tara Bliss, Julie Parker + Chantelle Ellem (get amongst these women ASAP if you haven’t already) + KINESIOLOGY (total life-changer) + Abundance flower essence + the kindest of words from work colleagues + fun chats with my Mum about Jane Fonda videos, obsessive house cleaning, the Scarsdale Diet (“I can still remember exactly what we had to eat”) in the crazy 80’s + air con on scorching hot Queensland days + sending out the prize to my birthday giveaway winner and knowing how much she is going to LOVE it + excitement to work with my new clients – seriously can’t wait to start + somebody stop me, I could go on for days!

YOUR TURN, BEAUTY:

Leave your comment below – what’s lighting up your life (like a fabulously over-decorated Xmas tree?)

Poster: Striking Truths

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Making Me Happy

21 November, 2012

We’re heading off to ‘Spirit Retreat’ it up in Byron shortly, but before I go, I want to put it to you that you carve out some time of your own over the next little while to think about what you really, really want and what you’re going to invite into your life. Think of it as your Xmas wishlist – soul-style.

If you haven’t done this little exercise for a while, the answers may surprise you. See what comes up and remember that it can be just as satisfying letting go of things you * thought * you wanted, as it can be manifesting those juicy optimal experiences that align with your highest self.

We spend so much time looking towards (what we imagine are) greener pastures, but the super powerful thing about present moment self-enquiry is that it shines a light on what you already have manifested (and this is where the gratitude part comes in).

On a personal level:

+ Since last year, I’ve been manifesting a soul-tribe of like-minded ladies. There they are below. I am blessed.

+ I set an intention to work with a company I adore and – after being approached by them recently – we’re teaming up to do some awesome work. I am grateful.

+ I declared I was ready to embrace coaching in a way that fits with my current full-time workload and I’m working with a beautiful soul who is definitely my ‘ideal client.’ I am open.

What about you? Take a moment to acknowledge what has already arrived in your life. If you’re thinking “I’ll be happy when….” or “I’ll relax when…,” ask: why not now? You don’t need to wait until X lines up with Z so you can feel like your life is ‘sorted’ or like you’re living your purpose. Your purpose in this lifetime is to live gloriously as yourself. As you already are.

Soulful Women

On Sunday I met the incredible women pictured above – Nadine Lee, Maria Golding, Susana Frioni, Jess Ainscough, Yvette Luciano and Tara Bliss – at one of my fave restaurants on the Gold Coast, Cardamom Pod for four hours of amazing food, giggles galore and heart-centred conversation around where we’ve been, where we’re at and where we’re going.

Buzzing the whole way home, I woke up on Monday feeling so grateful for these kindred spirits and the way they’ve come into my life this year. If I could sum up the collective vibe/ mood/ mantra of the group, it would be:

Watch this space gorgeous, next year is going to be off the richter.

Are you feeling that big energy in your own life too?

Gypsy Juice

A joy-full email bounced into my inbox from Sommer, the creator of Gypsy Juice a little while ago and I’ve since received the exquisite hand blended products pictured above, which I’m loving.

I’ve been spritzing the rose mist (made from certified organic hand-picked rose petals from the Bulgarian “Valley of the Roses”- wow!) a couple of times a day and dabbing the oil on the fine lines under my eyes. Yum.

If Xmas shopping is on your mind and you’re looking for well-packaged, natural skincare goodies, definitely check Gypsy Juice out.

Feathers! Magazines! Awesomery!

Two rad things: Real Living’s beautiful Xmas edition (in fact, any edition – I adore this publication) and secondly, these gorgeous lovers arrows by Britt Bass.

Beautiful Babes

We celebrated the first birthday of little angel Mabel (my best friend Megan’s daughter) over the weekend. Seriously, could she be any cuter? GAH!

Shiny snippets:

Audiobooks (I get them from Audible.com) + giant green juices with coconut water + sunshine after the rain + receiving gorgeous goodies in the mail + throwing away my to-do list over the past couple of weekends in favour of CONNECTING (with real, live people!) + being spoilt at work yesterday for my birthday.

What’s on your gratitude list? (bonus points for declaring what you really want!)

Image: Gabbyb.tv

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Making Me Happy

14 November, 2012

I’ve just finished a group training exercise session by the beach, the sun radiating overhead on this incredibly special solar eclipse day, and driving home I suddenly felt tears well up in my eyes (and not because I’ve been doing sneaky peeks straight at the sun all morning).

Life, nature, this spectacular world we live in – it’s all astonishing. Mind-blowing, rich, breathtaking, laden with possibility and miracles and magic. Seriously guys, we are so, SO blessed.

Us just being here is a triumph, and with the sun burning up blue skies early this morning (I didn’t see the darkness,* just bright, bright, WOW), all I could think was don’t we owe it to the world to shine on like the crazy diamonds we are?

The time is now, light beam. Blaze.

*Seriously I wish I had the amazing goggles or was in Far North Queensland – are you up there? Did you see it?

And now, ze list! This week I be lovin’…

Diego Pedro Alejandro Gonzales

Is this guy not the coolest thing you’ve ever laid eyes on?! My awesome friend Alana whipped up this gorgeous son of a gun for me as an early birthday present… and I’m totally smitten.

Look at him being all chilled with his colourful compadres. What a dude.

Crafting

As I mentioned in my last post, I’m all about making stuff at the moment. I have a little “creation station” set up on the balcony – towel on the ground, paint and paintbrushes out – and I love that I can take five before or after work and just, you know, craft. In the zone. Ramai calls me “Construction Babe” (haha) when I get the drill or the saw out and put my hardhat on (kidding, I don’t have a hardhat. I do however enjoy power tools).

Anyway, over the weekend I made the above wall hanging for my besty’s daughter who is turning one and it was such a joy to immerse myself in the project and infuse my gift with love. Nothing says I love you like handmade.

Cheryl Strayed x Anne Lamott = YES!

Two of my favourite writers, shooting the shiz.

Awesome eBooks!

Gorgeous Julie Parker from Beautiful You has released an eBook that’s a stunning blend of encouragement and blog/ biz know-how and I hiiiiighly recommend you get your hands on a copy today if you’re looking to (lovingly) stick up rocket up your offering!

Jam-packed with insights from contributors like Jess Ainscough, Alexandra Franzen, Tara Gentile and Rachel Cole (and many more), this beauty is 95 pages of pure wisdom and the best part is, Julie’s offering it on a “Pay What You Want” basis.

Click here to grab your copy (you’ll also be able to read my official testimonial over there).

Bed Chats

How awesome are deep and meaningful chats in bed with your beloved, faces right up against each other, excited thoughts swirling like dust particles?

I adore my husband and his wise, thoughtful approach to life. Uh huh.

Shoulder Taps from the Universe

It never ceases to amaze me how many random occurrences happen each day and how many “signs” are sent our way when we’re open to them. It’s like a little “Hey girl, I’m here for you” from the Universe (said in a Ryan Gosling voice – of course).

On the miraculous spectrum, these can vary, but for me they can be things like seeing sequences of 1111’s (I see 11:11 and 1:11 every day, and at least once a day a 1 sequence will show up somewhere – on an invoice, on my speedometer, all over the place really) – which I take as a reminder I’m on the right track – to a series of very clear signs that make sense of something I’m pondering.

Do you tune in to these messages too?

Now over to you!

Sink into your gratitude today – let it rise up and wash over you. I’d LOVE to hear what’s making you happy in the comments below!

Images: Gretchen Jones

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Making Me Happy

10 October, 2012

Good morning hot stuff! I couldn’t agree more with the above – what do you think?

Read on for a list of the things that have rocked my world this week – simple soul-warmers that have softened the edges of what has been another full-o-action week in the life of Rach!

Farmers Market Goodies

Oh how I love a good jaunt around the Farmers Markets! Amongst bags of fresher than fresh veggies, on Saturday we picked up some to-die-for pineapple and this raw chocolate fudge slice from Raw Ecstasy (ecstasy – ain’t that the truth!) which ended up being my breakfast. Oops.

(In case you were wondering, I promise it wasn’t as huge as it looks in the pic. If only.)

* For some awesome raw/ vegan dessert recipes to whip up at home, check out this section on Vegie Head.

Dinner With My Bro

My brother Andy has been working in North Queensland for the past 6 weeks so it was awesome to catch up with him (after making this quick video, of course).

We ate Thai food, laughed a lot, mused on the ways Andy and my other brother Ryan (26 and almost 25, respectively) had changed in the past year. We all hit that point – and if I had to pluck some numbers out of the air, I’d say 25 and then again around 30 years of age are just of those two “milestones” – where change is bright and bold and obvious, rather than beige and slow and under-the-radar.

I feel like the three of us are all at that point in our lives right now. Transitioning. Wiggling around. Stepping into new skin. Uh huh.

Melbourne

I’m off to Melbourne tomorrow and I thought I’d give you a sneaky-peek into What I’ve Packed to Wear to the Problogger Conference.

Sass & Bide silk pants, floral shirts, boots, some basic tees and my sequin jacket (for Friday night) all made the cut.

(Please excuse the shocking photo, I’m racing out the door!)

This Quote

I remember listening to a Pearl Jam live concert around 1997 or so and before playing “Daughter,” Eddie Vedder mumbled in his gorgeous, husky voice: “This one’s for whoever wants it.” The crowd went crazy.

In borrowing from my good friend Eddie here, I’ve shared a quote below on purposefully straying from “The Path”… and it goes out to whoever wants it (or whoever needs the comfort of those words today).

A poignant reminder that we’re never lost when we veer off the path, we’re simply wandering new trails that lead us to exactly where we need to go.

“Sometimes, following unknown paths, we find ourselves in a maze of growth, in failing light, unsure where we are, flailing through jungles of stiff, impenetrable shrubs and sharp briars in deceptively benign-looking woods. All at once we realise we are lost, unable to retrace our steps. Then, suddenly, we come out onto a paved highway, far from where we thought we were, feeling a gratefulness and a relief we are ashamed to acknowledge.” | Robert Finch

Creative Inspiration, Every Day

I hazard a guess that you’ve heard of Julia Cameron’s celebrated book The Artist’s Way – a ground-breaking and spiritual tome on the creative process. The book shown above serves a follow on from The Artist’s Way, with daily creative reminders laid out for all 365 days of the year. It’s pretty darn brilliant.

Never one to follow suit completely, instead of reading consecutive pages, I love leaving things up to the Universe and flicking to a random page to see what words of wisdom lie before me.

Freakishly, I landed on the pages below (the correct date for today). WHAAAAAT?! Seriously! Guess the Universe likes order and sequence after all!

Other bits + bobs:

Lovely gifts in the mail (and a bottle of Moet from my boss!) + holiday scheming + that summer feeling + Burleigh on the weekends – I love seeing people milling around, sipping coffee in cafes, lazing at the beach, riding their bikes, holding hands, LIVING + Super Soul Sunday + emails from readers that bring tears to my eyes and warm me from the inside out. Thank you. x

+ What’s on your love list this week, superstar? You know sharing positive experiences gives them wings so go ahead, make EVERYONE’S day by unleashing your joy right here in the comments!

PS: In the past 5 weeks, just short of 2000 people have downloaded my eBook More Magic, All the Time (which kinda blows my mind). To ensure you don’t miss out on the action, simply fill in the deets below and hightail it to your inbox to get your hands on your free treat!

Images: Fellow Fellow | Yellow Bird Yellow Beard

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