I’m halfway through Denise Duffield-Thomas’ ridiculously inspiring book ‘Lucky Bitch: A Guide for Exceptional Women to Create Outrageous Success’ and one of the biggest messages I’m getting (loud and clear) is that it’s not only essential to build a razor sharp vision for what you want, it’s just as important to share those big, wild, exciting dreams of yours with the world.
Denise tells the story of how her and her husband won a six month, all-expenses-paid gig, where essentially they travelled around the globe reviewing the crème de la crème of honeymoon destinations and getting paid to write about the experience. A pretty spectacular job, no? (picking up on the ‘lucky bitch’ vibe yet?)
Actually, it’s the backstory of how they got to that point that’s the important bit, so listen up. On her own honeymoon in Indonesia, Denise stood on the deck of the gorgeous rustic cabin her and her new husband were staying in and declared to the Universe that this is what she wanted more of. Hand on heart, she asked to be shown a way to create a life where relaxing and travelling – yoga each morning, exploration, fresh exotic food – could be part of her day-to-day reality.
Months before, she’d written down her “ideal day” in vivid detail, and there she was, on her honeymoon, living it out word-for-word. That was step one.
The next step was visualising this incredible life she desired – not just over the 3 weeks of her honeymoon, as a daily reality – and sharing that big dream, which is essentially where the magic happened. A friend of Denise’s had heard about this ‘Ultimate Job in the World’ and passed it on to her, knowing it was her dream gig. And so started the process of manifesting that into being.
If Denise hadn’t shared her dream, do you think her friend would have just randomly passed that crucial information on? Not likely. Sharing her ‘ideal life’ was how Denise attracted it to her like a magnet – because ultimately, sitting around thinking about something is only half the equation when it comes to “manifesting.” The other half is putting it out there and taking action.
Along this same line of thinking, one of my delightful bloggy friends Tara from Such Different Skies wrote a brilliant post this week called Tell Us Your Dream and in it, she did just that – boldly declaring what she wants to do with her life. With specifics. Juicy, glorious details.
I’ve spoken about my own dreams quite a bit on this blog but I feel like the timing is perfect to clarify what my ‘ideal life’ entails and to open up the space to hear from you guys! Denise’s story is just one example of how potent it can be to DECLARE IT + SHARE IT, so let’s rummage around in those tucked away corners of ourselves that house The Stuff We Really Want to Do In This Lifetime – and make it happen, shall we?
Here goes:
THE LIFE OF MY DREAMS
As a multi-passionate, variety-is-the-spice-of-life kinda gal, I spend my days inspiring and empowering women across the globe through heart-stirring words and life-changing coaching. I also bring magic and creativity to breathtaking celebrations – all in the name of love and happiness.
My gorgeous husband and I have passports jam-packed with stamps, marking our arrivals in exotic locales and big, bustling cities. A huge chunk of my work – the pursuits that have me jumping out of bed with excitement and gratitude each morning – are done on a laptop from a place of our choosing, or from the spectacular retreat-like sanctuary we’ve built for ourselves.
I write best-selling books that shine a bright light on people’s truest desires and most importantly, change their lives.
My life’s mission is to add more love to the world and I’m supported by a constant flow of money that allows me to freely experience whatever I want, helping and championing others in the process. I am healthy, exuberant, madly in love, totally confident and deeply, deeply fulfilled.
Gosh that feels good.
Are you ready to give it a go too beautiful? Don’t worry about how your dream sounds, or if it’s not quite perfect (you always have the choice to change your mind, after all!) – simply start the process of defining and refining so the universe can whip the life you were PUT ON THIS EARTH TO LIVE into existence.
On your marks… get set… GO! I can’t wait to hear your dreams!
Ever felt that ego-fuelled desire to be acknowledged? The crippling fear of not being good enough?
But of course. We all have. And much to (what I presume is) our collective dismay, it turns out this paralysing pair are going to rear their heads every once in a while, so I thought it was about time we chatted a little about the ‘competition and comparison trap’ – the times when you lose sight of ‘you’ (glorious, brilliant, you!) because someone else’s glittering lights seem to be outshining and out-twinkling the ones lighting your own backyard.
The Seedy Underbelly of Comparison
When you’re pushing to run someone else’s race – and you’ll know when you’re pushing because there will be this booming echo that tells you you’re not even close – you stop believing in your own delicious worth.
You neutralise your power.
You spend so much time keeping up and trying to be seen that your energy is maxed out on what the competition is doing rather than what you want for yourself. Rather than igniting your greatness, you cede your creative energy focusing on the moves everyone else is making and forgetting that you have these gargantuan, outrageously beautiful qualities inside you that are literally begging to be released.
Confidence Zapping, Limited Living
If that’s not enough, another disastrous thing about using others as your yardstick is that it automatically places a limit on your success.
Think about it for a minute. When you’re hell-for-leather running someone else’s race, is it Obama or Madonna or Oprah you’re comparing yourself to? Not likely. Sure, you might draw inspiration from these (essentially) untouchable idols, but you’re rarely wedging your success right up against theirs by means of comparison.
What’s more likely is that you’re comparing yourself to the girl in the office that just got the promotion you were certain you had in the bag, or the blogger who has you sea-green with envy because they’re freakin’eve-ry-where, or the skinny girl at the gym that always gets the guy/ the friend that only buys designer/ the one who’s running an ultra-successful business while you’re stuck hammering it out in corporate cubicle hell.
Whatever the dilemma, every time you compare your life to someone else’s life or hinge your happiness on the approval of others, you’re giving away your authentic power to consciously create more splendour in that exquisite life of yours. And it’s a vicious cycle – the more you give it away, the more insecure you feel.
Enough is Enough!
I want you know that you, my darling, are a precious flower and your gifts are needed longed for in this world. PLEASE: never, ever forget that the world is gunning for you to succeed.
I have a little wish – well, actually, it’s more of a hope – and it is that, starting now, you will:
Be a leader, not a follower. Focus on your own self-improvement, show up and give it. Give them you – delightful quirks and all.
Focus on what is astounding, unique, revolutionary, downright awesome about you and the super special way YOU do it. Your own power is already there. That certain j’ne sais qoui you have? All yours. No one else can share this genius with the world. We’re all counting on you to innovate and unleash… so please – go do it.
In your saddest and most triggered moments, you might feel you have nothing to offer the world, but this ain’t true sista. Look at feelings as messages from your soul. Your feelings tell you where you need to make adjustments, to love yourself or to flip your perspective to uncover the lesson in the situation. Dig. And dig some more.
Celebrate other people’s “bigness.” William Hazlitt said: “Just as much as we see in others, we have in ourselves,” so tuck that thought in your pocket and remember that as you applaud the achievements of others, you’re inviting that same energy into your own life. This is a glimpse of what can be possible for you. From a place of gratitude, count your blessings that the world is filled with so many talented people that continually inspire you to rise up and S H I N E.
And above all, remember that the only real competitor you should ever have is yourself.
There’s room enough in this big, wide world for all of us to shine brightly and boldly. Take a deep breath and stand in your power. There’s only one YOU and let it be said – you are perfect just the way you are!
A couple of q’s (let’s get share-y!)
+ Have you ever come up against feelings of jealously/ resentment/ wishing your life was as perfect as (what you perceived) someone else’s to be? What triggered it, and what did you do to move past those feelings of ‘lack’ or ‘inadequacy?’
I’d love to hear your thoughts on all this. These feelings are universal, affecting every one of us, and as I said above, they often act as mirrors, reflecting back at us any changes we need to make. What advice would you give someone feeling the burn of comparison? Share the lessons you’ve learned and how you started running your own race again in the comments below!
Another week down, which means it’s 3 months and 16 days (to be precise) until I’m walking down the aisle. Oh my goodness. There’s so much to do, which probably explains why I’ve been having “wedd-mares” every damn night, where the theme is always the same: it’s the day of the wedding and I’ve forgotten to organise the whole thing. Not the best thing to wake up to, believe me (but very normal for brides-to-be, so I hear).
Last night’s wedd-mare was a beauty (an intersection of wedding madness and way-too-much-tech-time) – I dreamt that I had forgotten to decide on ‘readings’ for our ceremony and choose people to actually read them, and when I checked my Evernote app, where they were apparently saved, they had all disappeared. Now, clearly, my beloved Evernote would never let me down like that, which shows how ludicrous these dreams are, but coupled with the fact I’d found my wedding dress stuffed and crumpled in the dirty washing basket, it was quite the drama at the time. Ahem. Definitely looking forward to having my brain back in June!
Aside from bad dreams, I’m in what I lovingly refer to as my ‘Golden Week’ – a week that rolls around every month where my energy is off-the-charts, everything flows beautifully, nothing can rattle my sense of calm (like, for example, being told yesterday that I have to create the copy for our website at work by Friday – we’re talking thousands of words and a heap of research), and I go slower. I’m content. I do things mindfully, with purpose, rather than my usual whirlwind style. I eat better – craving nutritious, nourishing meals – and I feel like I can run forever when I’m exercising. Needless to say, Golden Week is my favourite space to be in!
Do you get this too? I think us women really notice a dramatic difference betwen our Overwhelmed and Overwrought (hormonal) Weeks and these Golden Weeks (I find the latter usually follows the former) so I’ve been thinking about ways we can bring that electric energy and sense of fulfillment into the weeks where life does get too crazy and we’re off-kilter and it’s all a bit “much.” Healthy eating thing is a no brainer – starting the day with a green juice or smoothie or adding more salad to your plate instead of carby foods that make us sluggish will improve our moods immeasurably – but there are a few other things that I’ve found work a treat that I wanted to share with you.
The first is letting ourselves off the hook a bit. You’re having a bad week – so what? Next week will be better. The fog will lift. The words will come to you. The muse will appear. The tension will ease. Step back – or do something else – until that happens. Don’t make any big decisions. Be aware of the shift and be thankful for it.
The second thing is indulging in self-care. In those overwhelmed weeks, exercise and looking after ourselves is usually the first thing to go – but that’s when we need it most. Instead of looking at the chipped nail polish on your toes thinking you must get a pedi soon when you have the time, paint them yourself. Peppermint oil foot soak and all. Time well spent. Instead of wondering how long it’s been since you went for a walk or ate something green, lace up your shoes and walk to the local farmers markets to stock up on energy-giving foods. Convincing yourself that eating more sugar, or downing another cup of coffee, will give you more “energy” has the reverse effect (but we all know that, right?)
Third thing, get out of your own head. Email someone you admire and tell them why they’re awesome. Ring a friend and tell them you’ve been dying to see them and you want to take them out for coffee for a chat (a chat about them, not a download of your bad mood). Ask your parents if you can cook them dinner. Surprise your lover with something you’ve made. Start each day asking “How can I serve?”
And finally, have fun. I called my Mum with a heavy heart last week because I was feeling a bit “off” and after giving me some beautifully inspiring advice, she asked me “How much fun have you been having lately? Like, real fun, silly stuff?” Heaps! I thought, I’m always having fun! And it dawned on me that most of my weekends were spent either on the computer or thinking I should be on the computer. There were lots of pockets of joy in and amongst the work, sure, but there certainly weren’t spontaneous moments of unbridled pleasure. In my head, there wasn’t time for all that. Work, work, work. Mum’s advice to seek out random pleasures – things that didn’t involve me achieving a result – really hit home, so I wanted to pass on that wisdom to you today in the hope that, if you need it, you’ll find ways to reel in more fun to your days as well.
That’s a lot of musing for a Wednesday morning and there’s still a big love list to come (wheeee!) so, gorgeous souls, here’s what’s made me happy over the past week!
Our New Canon 5D
We got ourselves a brand spankin’ new toy! So exciting. Time to learn to use this baby properly now – and to start shooting some video’s as well!
PS: Does anyone want to buy a Canon 30D? We’re selling ours, which is in great condition. Email me for the deets (I take a lot of my photos on here using it).
Green Juice
I’m on a green juice crusade at the moment – I’ve been drinking it like veggies are going out of fashion and my energy levels are seriously PEAKING. Ziiiing!
I was going to explain the whole process of making green juice but the ever-gorgeous, bursting-with-health Louise from Table Tonic has done the job for me with her post How to Make the Perfect Green Juice/ Smoothie, so I’ll let you be guided by her fab instructions instead.
Love the tip about adding lemon to green smoothies to cut through the grassy taste. Genius.
Bleach Festival
I haven’t been able to get along to check out The Village Markets since the end of last year because every time they’re on, I seem to be interstate or caught up with something, so over the weekend I trotted along to their ‘pop up’ event at the inagural Bleach Festival that’s been running on the Southern Gold Coast.
I scored the cool box below (made from pallets – going to try my hand at DIY’ing some of these!) from The Porcelain Tree and I’m so in love with it. We’ll somehow incoporate this little gem into our wedding but for now it makes a pretty cute storage box for some of my crystal decanters, don’t you think?
I also picked up this vibrant little tea towel – which I’ve turned into a wall hanging as you can see – from amazing illustrator and designer Leah Bartholemew from Beneath The Sun.
At $22 a pop, these babies would make a great housewarming gift, and I reckon they’d be perfect to frame for a newborn’s nursery.
Be sure to check out the rest of Leah’s stuff on the site too, it’s stunning (coincidentally, I just realised I’ve hung mine pretty much the same way as she has in her images).
Martha Beck
I’m slowly plodding through this book, taking in a few pages here and there when I have the time, and I’m already getting the feeling that it’s going to be one that will really change the way I approach the second half of my year, post-wedding madness.
Think I might even do the exercises in the book, which I never usually do (shock horror) (c’mon, I know you don’t either, ‘fess up!).
Fresh Flowers
Some pretty pink natives and lilies have been brightening my home – and my days – since last Saturday when I picked them up at the Farmers Markets. Simple pleasures. Ultimate bang for your buck.
New Cookbook
Does anyone else love Jamie Oliver’s show 30-Minute Meals? I think he’s amazing – I love how confident and competent he is in the kitchen, and his “throw-it-all-together” “bit-of-this-bit-of-that” style is a dream to watch, in my opinion. Far better than stuffy awkwardness.
You’re probably wondering how Jamie relates to our new Donna Hay ‘Simple Dinners’ cookbook, so let me tell you. Basically, after marvelling at Jamie, Ramai said wants to do more cooking but that convoluted meals that take too long to prepare always turn him off spending more time in the kitchen. We decided that Jamie’s book would be all the motivation and inspiration we both needed to create exciting meals – in manageable time periods – so I gleefully went on the hunt… but couldn’t find it anywhere. THIS IS WHY WE NEED PHYSICAL BOOKSTORES (I’m still not over this… and yes, I know my Book Depository habit is part of the reason).
Anyway, without digressing too much further, I bought Donna’s bright and beautiful book instead and love it. Until Jamie arrives in the mail, it’s simple DH dinners all the way.
Vintage Shopping
I love when other people share their “secret locations,” and I’m of the opinion that holding onto things (anything in life) impedes the flow of more good things into your life, so let’s get share-y shall we?
There’s a ridiculous warehouse jam-packed to the max with trinkets/ antiques/ vintage everything in Murwillumbah in Northern NSW called The Grainery (info here) and your head will probably fall off when you walk in the door it’s that good. I’m not exaggerating about the “jam-packed” bit. Wowsers.
A few things to remember if you can get there:
1 // The owner Michael will tell you that the place is closing down. He’s been saying that for five years apparently. Don’t feel rushed into a purchase.
2 // There are no price tags on the items. You have to ask, and Michael will pluck a number out of the air and give you a reason why that’s a “bargain.” Case in point: he told me the jug/ vase above (a present for a friend) was $100 (it’s solid brass and from the 60’s) and I told him I had $40 cash on me and that was all I could give him. He said no, I put it down and continued checking out the place and he hunted me out and said “For you, I’ll do it today but you’re getting an amazing deal.” Right-o, salesman!
3 // Only cash is accepted. Be ready.
4 // And finally, don’t go in blind expecting op-shop prices. You won’t find a 4-piece set of Blue Willow china for $10, nor will you find a decanter for $10 or $20. View each piece as antiques and make your decision from there. Enjoy!
Pearl Jam Twenty
Hands down one of the best docos I’ve ever watched.
I was a huuuuge Pearl Jam fan as a pre-teen/ teen (and still believe Ten is one of the greatest albums of all time) and I found this insight into the band – all the members, not just Eddie Vedder – truly fascinating.
It also features great interviews with Chris Cornell from Soundgarden, footage of Kurt Cobain talking about the band (including cool shots of Eddie and Kurt hugging backstage at MTV) and a bunch of other stuff that will have you reminscing about the good old days when music was as raw as all get out. Run.
Wise Words
“When you focus upon anything at all, it’s like a call goes out to every corner of the Universe, summoning ideas, strength, courage, insight, resources, and whatever else is needed to complete the laser beam of your concentration.
If it’s an answer you need, it will be forthcoming. If it’s a choice you have to make, your options are calculated and recalculated under each scenario. If circumstances need to be arranged then every soul on the planet is consulted.
+ So lovers, do tell: what’s lighting your fire this week? Have you taken a moment to appreciate that smile the stranger gave you on your morning walk, or the dinner your beloved cooked you? What about the fact your hair looks freaking awesome today or that you’re rocking red lips like nobody’s business? I want to hear it all so please share away in the comments below – let’s ignite the flames of gratitude today. Let’s go BIG!
I’ve just gotten home from a run beside the beach and I’m sitting here at the computer listening to old school Sia, marvelling over how truly blessed I am.
I have a blog that fills me up in a way that I can’t quite explain, a great job, an abundance of beautiful friends (both in “real life” and online), a loving family – and dream ‘in-laws’ – and a fiancé who has the most gigantic heart of anyone I’ve ever encountered. There’s no denying this life is a good one, and today I’m blowing big, grateful kisses to the universe for always having my back. It’s the best feeling.
On my travels around the web, I recently stumbled across this quote from Anne Frank that I thought I’d share with you:
“How wonderful it is that nobody need wait a single moment before starting to improve the world.”
To me, this quote has a double meaning. One meaning actually loops around to meet the other, in fact. Of course we needn’t wait a single moment to improve the world, but before we do that, let’s look at ways to improve ourselves and our own lives in this moment. It might be changing a limiting belief or letting go of an old story, or just making a minor adjustment to the ways we go about our days. When we start making changes ‘at home’ the whole world becomes a better place.
Remember that what you focus on increases.
TODAY: Open your eyes to a new dawn. Give thanks. Seize the moment. Choose joy. Expect miracles. You’re being lifted up and carried, and you might not even know it.
Sydney
My amazing man and I are off to Sydney on Friday for a romantic weekend of exploring, dining, vintage shopping and simply loving each other’s company.
As you can imagine, I spend A LOT of time on the computer these days, so Ramai is often left watching TV or doing his own thing at night or on the weekend, so it will be really nice to be offline for few days to spend some quality time together.
We’re hiring a car and we’re going to go to the Northern Beaches and see where else the open road takes us (of all the times I’ve been to Sydney, I’ve only ever seen the city and around Bondi – what’s with that?)
Do you have any must-see, need-to-go places you can recommend? Restaurants/ cafes/ cute boutiques/ op shops where I can buy awesome wedding stuff? Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated, Sydneysiders!
Wondrous Wedding Bits & Bobs
Speaking of op shops and weddings, I picked up a a bunch of different sized doilies this week that I’m going to make a garland out of, which will look kind of like this, but not.
Other wedding-related news: We now have a DJ and a videographer, our wedding website is complete – and has made all my bridesmaids bawl their eyes out, and maybe even one of the groomsmen (ha!) – and our invites should be ready to send next week. THINGS. ARE. COMING. TOGETHER.
Today marks exactly four months until I’m walking down the aisle and marrying my dream man! Waaaahoooo!
This Mind-Blowing Video
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jj-RJ4k9c04
This incredible documentary had me in tears over the weekend and I urge everyone to take the time to watch it. Bookmark it and come back to it tonight if you can’t watch it immediately – it’s seriously worth it, I guarantee it will rouse something deep in your heart.
The interviewer in the video is self-help guru Anthony Robbins, but the real star is his beautiful 108 year old subject and Holocaust survivor, who is the personification of gratitude and positivity. I love a good “enduring spirit against all odds” story and this is one of the best I’ve seen. Just gorgeous.
Huge thanks to Marianne for sharing this one with me!
Stocking Up on Health Foods
We hit our local haven of health, Flannerys, over the weekend and stocked up on some new goodies – most good, one not-so-amazing.
The Good
Sun Warrior Raw Vegan Protein: I have to thank Connie from A Life Of Perfect Days for recommending this one to me, I love it! I wanted a protein powder that I could add to smoothies in the morning because I do a fair bit of exercise and find it helps with energy levels and muscle recovery, and wasn’t keen on one that wasn’t overloaded with synthetic junk. Enter Sun Warrior – this one is made from brown rice and doesn’t give me the horrible queasy stomach that I get when I have whey-based protein powders that are full of artificial sweeteners. The flavour is pretty subtle as well which is great.
Natural Celtic Sea Salt: Unrefined. Full of trace minerals. Immune system strengthening. A bunch of other awesome things. Get amongst it.
Nettle tea: This one isn’t for me because I don’t drink tea but Ramai bought it because his boss told him it enhances immunity, increases energy and is full of vitamins. Winner.
Sesame squares: Love these things! I’m sure the honey that binds the nuts/ sesame seeds/ seeds together isn’t altogether healthy but it’s better than chocolate… right?
The Not-So-Good
Our new ‘super greens.’ Note to self: stick to the MOR Life brand. This one seriously tastes like you’ve fallen in a stinky swamp and accidentally opened your mouth. Gag-worthy.
Fresh Fruit
It’s the little things. I realised the other day that I hadn’t been eating much fruit lately (which is very strange for me) so I went to the supermarket on my lunch break yesterday and stocked up on a bunch of fruity treats for afternoon tea every day at work.
I find if I know I have something healthy and tasty in the fridge, I’ll eat it. It’s only when I’m unprepared and have to wander over to Woolies to hunt out something to fill the gap that I find myself reaching for the bad stuff.
It’s really a no-brainer, isn’t it? Why do we complicate things so much?
Rad Reminders
So excited to see someone else do this too!
Remember me talking about putting affirmations in your phone to go off at random times? Look how good it is! Imagine waking up to that every morning?
Seriously, do it, do it!
This Grand Advice
That’s what I’m talkin’ about, people!
In Spaces Between Sponsors!
Have you checked out In Spaces Between’s new sponsors yet?
To wind up the joy-o-meter, visit dream.delight.inspire, and find out how to do just that. You can also hire Kim for writing gigs or social media projects (or to sing at your wedding/ next event, girl is goooood!)
To hire a fabulous designer, or to lap up loads of juicy inspiration, be sure to head over to As Ink Remains. This visually stunning site has become one of my new favourite places to hang out on the web.
For all your web hosting needs, and fantastic customer service to boot, visit 123host.
And finally, if – like me – you’re in the midst of wedding planning (or need vintage furniture and props for photo shoots/ baby showers/ engagement do’s and so on) you’re going to love Little Gray Station. I was thrilled to hear LGS got a booking within the first few hours of their ad being live on In Spaces Between. Hooray!
Stupendous Snippets
+ Planning exercise reviews for you read about (PowerPlate, Hypoxi and Pilates Barre, which I’m trying tonight) + interviews (I’m totally open to doing these if you want to get in touch!) + impending Melbourne trips for my wedding dress fittings + baby showers and first birthdays (“We totally forgot to BYO baby!”) + making the realisation that I know SO MANY talented women and feeling really proud of them + likewise, hearing about friend’s businesses/ careers flourishing + funny photos of dogs running and being hilarious in general (like this, and this) + also, Zoe Foster’s cat being the most outrageous creature on the planet + listening to Gabrielle Bernstein’s ‘White Light’ meditation in the bath, with my iPod plugged into our speakers, and literally leaping out of the bath when the track changed from the meditation to Gotye’s ‘Easy Way Out’ (bye, bye relaxation) + you, you and YOU, fabulous friends!
+ Let’s not beat around the bush: what are you grateful for today? Tell us in the comments below!
We’re nearing the end of Week Two of the Life Reset (time flies when you’re having fun, hey!) and looking towards the final week, I really want to hone in on two things: happiness and gratitude.
It goes without saying that happiness and gratitude are inextricably linked. The nuts and bolts of it is this: happiness is about how you interpret your circumstances. Whether you choose to be grateful for the opportunity to learn when times are tough or whether you choose to shout from the rooftops that you hate the world and everything in it is entirely up to you. True happiness cascades its way to you when you practice gratitude (like we do here every Wednesday in the Making Me Happy posts!) and regardless of external circumstances, choose to love your life. What you think about you bring about, after all.
Even when it feels like everything is an absolute disaster and life has turned completely on its head, opportunities exists to find something that’s going right. No matter how small that something is, if you can find it, and draw your attention to it, things will shift. Like Tolstoy said: “If you want to be happy, be.”
So with all that in mind, let’s crank up the joy because it’s Friday (!!) and we all need a little reminder sometimes!
Your life is extraordinary because…
1. You are YOU – unique, glorious you and your being alive makes the world a better place. 2. You are generous and generous people always have more to give. Pour it out freely and know there’s always more where that came from. 3. There is no right or wrong way. Your interpretations = your experience = your development. 4. You have everything you need to succeed. 5. You make a difference. 6. Every day brings a chance to breathe in deeply, turn the page, strip off your fears and receive the day in all its glory. 7. You have access to music and you can dance! 8. You know what laughter feels like deep in your belly. 9. People are cheering you on. Most of the time, you don’t even know they’re doing it. 10. People admire you and strive to be more like you. Most of the the time, you don’t even know they are. 11. Chocolate, cupcakes, macarons, pizza and wine exist. 12. You made it through that bad break-up/divorce/messy work situation/dicey time of your life and came out the other side stronger, wiser and astonishingly more in tune. 13. Opportunities to learn are everywhere! 14. Doors are opening where you can’t even see them opening. 15. If you’re single – dating, discovery and the anticipation of that first kiss are yours to cherish. 16. If you’re coupled up – you’re have love, you have contentment, you have companionship. 17. You are trusted. 18. You know that communication + courage = connection. 19. You’ve been touched by love. 20. You live with integrity, you have principles. 21. All you need to do to live your passion is discover what lights you up – the work you’d be willing to do even if you weren’t getting paid – and take steps towards that dream every day until it’s yours. 22. Travelling the world has never been easier. 23. You are evolving. 24. You are healthy. When you nurture your body, it reciprocates. 25. You are good enough. More than good enough. 26. Everything is as it should be. 27. Genius is within us all. Remind yourself not to be so dazzled by the talents of others than you fail to express your own magnificent gifts. 28. You know how to charm the pants off someone. 29. You have the ability to smile in any moment. 30. You are the one you are waiting for. 31. The Internet exists and it’s bridging gaps and binding hearts every second. 32. You’ve been encouraged. 33. You’ve failed… and gotten back up again, because you know failure is a sign to try something different. 34. Someone is willing to stop what their doing to listen to you right now. 35. You were brave. You are brave. 36. You’ve experienced the pure joy of a baby’s giggle. 37. You’ve tickled a puppy. 38. You’ve swam in a big expanse of water. 39. You’ve let go. 40. You’ve stuck it out. 41. You’ve bounced back. 42. You’ve basked in sunrises and sunsets. 43. You breathe in fresh air daily. 44. You have dreams. Small dreams, big dreams, in between dreams. They’re all beautiful! 45. Some of these dreams have already come true and some are simmering away, ready to come to fruition. 46. A stranger has said hello to you. 47. A friend/ lover/ parent has said the words you needed to hear… right when you needed to hear them. 48. Someone “gets” you. 49. There’s something huge, exciting, beyond your wildest dreams out there waiting for you. 50. You have a job. 51. You don’t have a job… and you’re happy about that. 52. You had enough money for your morning coffee. 53. You have money to eat today. And tomorrow. And the day after that. 54. You have clean drinking water. 55. You have a house to live in, a pillow to rest your head on each night. 56. You are safe. 57. You have instincts – an internal compass that guides you when you think you’re lost. 58. You’ve had good hair days, high-octane energy days, power days where everything works out just the way you want it to. 59. Someone has hugged you tight and you’ve melted into their embrace. 60. There are seasons, each one abundant, full of possibility. 61. You can smell. 62. You can taste. 63. You can hear. 64. You can touch. 65. Words like Nying je exist – a Tibetan word that connotes love, affection, kindness, gentleness, generosity of spirit, and warm-heartedness. 66. You have choices. 67. Even if you can’t see it right now, you know happiness is an inside job. 68. And more importantly, happiness comes from the simplest things. 69. You are independent. 70. You have friends. “Each friend represents a world in us, a world not born until they arrive, and it is only by this meeting that a new world is born.” — Anaïs Nin 71. You are humble and powerful. 72. You are creative. 73. What you put out comes back, every time, no matter what, without question. 74. Magic exists. Miracles are happening all around us. 75. Leonard Cohen says things like this: “Ring the bells that still can ring, forget your perfect offering, there’s a crack in everything, that’s how the light gets in.” 76. You are freeer than you think you are. 77. Trouble is temporary. 78. You can bow out, take the day off, erase your energy leaks… and the world will still keep spinning. 79. Light trumps darkness. 80. People are waiting for you to add your voice to the conversation. 81. The Universe speaks to you on a regular basis. Seredipity, coincidence, freakish luck, closure – they’re all signs to open up a little wider. 82. Exercise eradicates downer days. 83. You have forgiven. 84. Answers are born when you get still. Stillness unhinges stuck-ness. 85. You can cry when it all gets too much. 86. You have a purpose. 87. You can let go of limiting beliefs. 88. You can give your time. 89. You can make someone’s day… today. 90. You can forgive and make peace. 91. You can chip away at your debt, starting whenever. 92. You know, deep down, that being jealous of others is a sign to make a change in your own life. 93. Tomorrow is a new day. 94. People are changing the world. You are one of them. 95. You can read in the park with the sun shining on your face. 96. Things aren’t always as they seem. 97. You’ve surprised someone or been surprised. 98. By accepting what is, you find peace. 99. People with amazing energy who inspire and delight you exist. You are that person. 100. Magnificence is your birthright. You were born to shine.
+ I’d love for you to add to the list in the comments below! Why are you happy right now? What do you love about your life?
+ Also, if you enjoyed this list, please share on Facebook by clicking… you guessed it… ‘Share on Facebook’ below! Huge thanks! x
We kicked off Ramai’s birthday celebrations on Saturday morning at The Beach Shack – check out that view! – where we indulged in corn fritters and banana smoothies and I whipped up a makeshift “HB” (Happy Birthday) sign made from sugar packets. Ramai’s phone was going off all morning with lots of birthday messages as you can see!
That night, I took my b’day boy for drinks at the new Stingray Lounge (terrible name, great bar) and afterwards we dined upstairs at Bazaar. The cocktails rocked, the food was delightful and the night was, all in all, thoroughly enjoyable for Team R & R!
2. Chia seeds
Chia, chia, chia! Healthy as anything and packed full of nutrients, these little seeds sure do pack a punch – they’re nature’s highest plant-based source of complete protein and an awesome source of Omega-3. Sarah Wilson has more detail here. I add them to my raw bliss balls, and have them in a glass of water each day and have definitely noticed a difference in my skin (on my face) since I started including them in my diet again. More smooth/ glowy, less dry and wintery and ugh. Are you on the chia train?
3. Thrown together meals
There’s something super satisfying about pulling out all the unused vegetables you have in the fridge the night before your next grocery shop and throwing them together with whatever else you you dig out of the pantry. We do this often, and on the menu this week was a lentil and sweet potato “lasagne” with a bunch of veggies, tomato pasta sauce and a sprinkling of cheese on top. Yum!
4. Getting Off My Own Back
Seriously. Who ordered the gigantic Pressure Pie with a generous helping of Pressure on top?
Oh. Me? Right.
Seems full-time blogging, full-time jobbing, full-time trying to have a life-ness and part-time wedding planning has taken over the controls in my brain a little lately and despite me knowing better, I’ve convinced myself that I need to fill every waking moment with doing more, more, MORE! Problem is, squeezing more into an overscheduled life leads to imbalances and inconsistencies and it means the output is often not at the desired level. Energy gets scattered, tasks take 10 times longer than they should and the liquid gold doesn’t flow smoothly from that mental tap – it comes out in spurts and bursts. And then it drips dry.
So this week – considering all this pressure has been completely self-created – I got off my own back and I felt relieved and really, really happy.
In truth, it took me about five days to do this properly. I planted the seed by talking to Ramai and a few friends about my overflowing cup. There were a few totally convincing (* cough *) and utterly vague things said (by me) like “Yep, definitely taking some time on the weekend where I just do nothing.” Sure, could see that happening. Never. It took me a couple more half-hearted pep talks with my inside peeps before I decided to get serious, thinking about ways I could tackle the Pressure Pie bit by bit, rather than diving in and smooshing it all over my face, then complaining that I felt overwhelmed. Of course I did. I had pie all over my face.
Here’s what happened:
1. I decided that if there were weeks where I was exceptionally busy (like the last month has been) I’d allow myself to post less than I have been posting. And I wouldn’t beat myself up about it, because you’re all awesome and understanding, and hey, I’d probably find the time to do the article I thought I couldn’t fit in anyway. But I wouldn’t have to. That’s the key.
2. I decided that weeknight catch up’s with friends just don’t work for me, as much as I want them to. Dayum. We’ve been averaging three nights a week out at the moment, on top of socialising on the weekend, and I end up feeling guilty that I’m distracted (thinking about the “make up” work I’ll have to do) or just plain tired. I want to be 100% there for the amazing people in my life, and plus, being a 5:30am riser I really need to be asleep by 9:30pm. I had an awesome sleep one night last week and the difference it made to my energy and motivation the next day was extraordinary.
3. Finally, I decided that it all had to begin with me changing my story and changing the words that have been tumbling out of my mouth lately. My two targets: “I’m so busy” and “I’m overwhelmed.” Gosh, how easily do these words roll off the tongue? “How have you been?” “Busy, busy.” ENOUGH IS ENOUGH, sista!
Which leads me to…
5. Magical Reminders
On Sunday night, I filled up the calendar on my phone with a bunch of positive reinforcements that I knew would make me smile during the week. I set alarms for each day (at random times, so that the reminders would be unexpected) and alternated these two affirmations:
“I am the luckiest girl in the Universe” and “I am relaxed and at ease.”
I should explain my thoughts on luck. I believe luck is self-created. Pure and simple. Being ‘lucky’ is a state of mind – believe you are blessed and you are. It’s about being open to the possibility of luck, or good fortune, and appreciating it when it arrives (and where better to count your blessings than in the comments on this post!)
Anyway, after my first reminder went off on Monday and I read the words “I’m the luckiest girl in the Universe,” I got a call from Ramai who told me that I’d be getting back $1500 more than I expected in my tax return. Hip hip hooray!
5 More Magical Morsels:
1. Feeling super grateful that this blog allows me to document/ bring my attention to the lessons I’m learning as I cruise the path of life 2. Sydney this weekend – which could mean less posts next week, will see how I go! 3. Outdoor pilates with the sun beaming through the trees (read: bliss) 4. The support and unbelievably kind words about In Spaces Between from old friends and new friends (plus all my new readers – HI!) 5. Reaching a target we’d set for ourselves for our savings… well before we thought we would.
+ And that’s me, sweet thangs! What about you, what’s on your gratitude list today?
Be thankful that you don’t already have everything you desire,
If you did, what would there be to look forward to?
Be thankful when you don’t know something
For it gives you the opportunity to learn.
Be thankful for the difficult times.
During those times you grow.
Be thankful for your limitations
Because they give you opportunities for improvement.
Be thankful for each new challenge
Because it will build your strength and character.
Be thankful for your mistakes
They will teach you valuable lessons.
Be thankful when you’re tired and weary
Because it means you’ve made a difference.
It is easy to be thankful for the good things.
A life of rich fulfillment comes to those who are
also thankful for the setbacks.
Gratitude can turn a negative into a positive.
Find a way to be thankful for your troubles
and they can become your blessings.
~ Author Unknown
What are you thankful for at the moment?
There’s this great a quote by William A. Ward that says “God gave you a gift of 86,400 seconds a day, have you used one to say ‘Thank you?”
Regardless of what your version of God is (or isn’t), this message is such a goodie. It’s so easy to waste half an hour bitching and whingeing, but we often forget to take 2 minutes, or 5 minutes out to get high on the positives.
Glaringly obvious or simple and subtle – it doesn’t matter. What does matter is recognising them as contributing to your joy.
Here are the things that made me stupidly happy this week. Manifesting magic daily!
1. My first published interview for In Spaces Between!
Can I get a woot-woot! I’ve already posted the link so I won’t go on about it again but I’m truly grateful to Nikki from bellaMUMMA for putting my mug up on her site, along with my bestest beauty tips. I hope this is the start of many, many more opportunities like this. Universe, I am ready!
2. Baking
I went a bit baking mad on the weekend and whipped up the beetroot relish from my Bohemian Dreams dinner post (FYI, if you want to make it into more of a dip than a relish, blend with Philadelphia cream cheese). Sooo tasty! I also made a batch of sugar-free oat cookies and a baked egg for breakfast – and although it doesn’t really count in the baking stakes, it’s worth mentioning that I had my first ‘green smoothie’ evah (banana, passionfruit, pear, water, ice and a big handful of spinach) on the weekend and it kinda rocked my pants off. Massive energy hit!
Sidenote: In case you hadn’t noticed, I’m all about food at the moment. It happens like this, I get all into cooking and then… I move onto something else to be really into for a while. Like fashion. I just roll with it. Exhilaration galore over here lovers, hold on tight!
3. Documentaries
Confession: I love docos. History, biographies, nature, travel, world issues… you name it, I’ll check it out. So I was thrilled to discover Top Documentary Films, and spent my Sunday afternoon watching Afghan Heroin: The Lost War (mega depressing, not for the faint-hearted), Exploring Einstein and The Death of Yugoslavia. Enthralling stuff. Can’t wait to check out a few more when I get a chance, the Bermuda Triangle vid sounds epic.
4. Rain and lunch breaks
I’m someone who says ‘HOW AMAZING IS THIS DAY?!’ a lot when the weather is nice. Bad weather brings me down. More specifically, grey skies bring me down. Cold weather is cool (haha, KA-ching!) as long as I’m rugged up and the sky is blue, but dreary, overcast skies make me feel slighty ‘off.’ Usually. Which is why I was surprised this week to find that a few days of rainy weather actually brought with it a big helping of happiness. What a little trickster my mind is!
On Sunday, that meant being able to embrace a day of blogging, reading in bed, documentary watching and cooking – without feeling that guilty tug that I should be outside soaking up the sunshine or doing ‘stuff.’
On Monday, it meant making a beeline to the beach (in my car) on my lunch break, winding my windows down half way for a bit of fresh air, reading my beautiful new Food, Fashion and Friends book and scrawling notes in my Moleskine. Rainy days = rampant reflection.
5. Finishing books
Books deserve a post of their own – and they shall get one soon – but as a headstart on that post, I can wholeheartedly recommend The Gifts of Imperfection by Brene Brown (amazing) and Writing Down the Bones by Natalie Goldberg (also amazing). Finally finished them both on the weekend which was a relief because having them sitting on my bedside table three-quarters finished was starting to get to me.
When I say get to me, I’m referrring to the fact that unfinished things and loose ends irk me. With books, I always feel like I have to ‘conquer’ them quickly so that I can get onto the next one – almost as if I want the information and words of wisdom inserted into my brain as quickly as possible.
Okay, I’m going to stop now. I’m starting to sound like a weirdo. {:O
6. Dinner with my bro, rediscovering UNO
I was home alone on Saturday night as Ramai was at a bucks party, so my brother and I decided to go out and grab a bite to eat at a cool restaurant run by some friends of ours called Black Coffee Lyrics. The place is rad, with mismatched retro furniture, awesome art adorning the walls, books everywhere, great music and best of all – boardgames and stacks of UNO all over the place to entertain the patrons.
We couldn’t remember how to play so, of course, I did what any normal person would do and consulted my Twitter friends (thanks Emma, Jasmine and Liss for your input!)
Random but fun little night. And by the way, I won. 3 times. Yep.
7. YOU!
Hola to all my new readers, bonjour to all the lovelies that send me sweet emails each week, and konnichiwa to all of you that join the conversation here or on Facebook and Twitter. I’ve cyber-met so many cool ladies of late and you’re all lighting me up so much with your collective fire. Keep glowing girls – and keep those emails and chats coming, I treasure those moments in my day more than you can imagine!
+ Doneski’s! You know what I’m going to ask, don’t you? I’m keen to know: what are you thankful for? Make today the day you take a few minutes (out of the 86,400 seconds in your day) to send a big bubble of gratitude out into the ether, starting… NOW!
