positive thinking – Page 4 – Rachel MacDonald

Where Are You Stuck?

10 August, 2012

Is there something bothering you? Something challenging you, testing your mettle, whirling around in your head, not quite ‘gelling?’

I have a bit of confession to make: I’m stuck. More specifically, I’m stuck with where I want to take this blog. Hold the press – In Spaces Between is experiencing an identity crisis.

I started this blog a year ago as a place to combine all my interests – words on self empowerment, decor and wedding inspiration, healthy recipes and fitness, fashion, beauty, the whole shebang – and until recently, this “bit o’ everything” approach worked a treat.

I’m a multi-passionate, eclectic being, prone to changing my mind often, and I have to admit that the idea of a niche blog has always seemed like a total disconnect for me.

The stack of Real Living and Shop til You Drop mags in my bedroom are (only just) overshadowed in height only by the plethora of self-help books on the bedside table. I spend a huge chunk of my time online connecting with people traversing the rocky road of entrepreneurship, personal development and stepping into the life of their dreams – yet I still drool over visual inspiration blogs and get a thrill out of repinning something beautiful on Pinterest. I love green juices and meditation and vulnerable outpourings of the heart – but I also still love pulling together a hot outfit or jazzing up the decor at home. All this brings up the question: “Just because I love X, do I love it enough to blog about it? Just because I love it, SHOULD I blog about it?”

The past few months from me have been full of teachings about honing my ‘genius.’ A friend of mine told me this week she thinks my ‘thing’ or my ‘genius’ is living a magical life and inspiring others to do the same. I feel like I’m showing up and serving when I’m writing articles that make you think, or that leave you feeling electric, or like it’s all going to be OK. My sweet spot is positivity and delving into life and adding more joy to the world.

Taking that into account, these days, when it comes to posting visual inspiration on this blog – outfits or weddings or mood boards – I can’t get past the thought that someone else out there could be doing it better. Someone who happens to be a graphic designer or web wizard, someone whose ‘genius’ is communication through bangin’ graphics and gorgeous type.

As you can probably tell, something that has been hammered home to me lately is that the things that light us up are moving targets. Blogging is an evolution as much as life is a wide-eyed journey of discovery.

I’m still working through the stuck-ness of this challenge and a lot of it will come back to what you want because this space is as much yours as it is mine. I’m afraid of alienating lovers of this site that really loved coming for the wedding inspiration, for example. I know in my heart that I still need to celebrate and express the side of me that gets off on beautiful aesthetics but I’m yet to work out how that happens. Creation is the thing that really matters for me – and reposting images without a tie in or a story doesn’t feel like ‘creation’ for me anymore.

Writing does, however. I want to write more. I want to dive deeper. I want to go BIG, connect more, share more stories, support your journey. As I step into the life I’ve been working towards – a life that involves empowering and coaching women – I want you to join me for the ride… while still getting your fix of the things you’ve loved around here all along.

To wrap this all up, I want you to know that when it comes to tightening up the way I do things around here, it’s important to me that you feel like you’ve played your part, so just a heads up on that front – expect a (fun) survey (surveys are always fun, right?) or an informal “Throw Your Opinion Into the Ring” style post someday soon to see where we can steer this ship.

AND NOW TO TODAY. To you. In the spirit of voicing our challenges so we can start looking for a way to unstick, I ask you:

Consider this your safe haven where you can express what’s just. not. moving. forward. for you right now. Are you caught between ‘here’ and ‘there?’ Not sure if you’re making the right decision? Lost? Directionless? Let’s share and support each other in the comments below. I can’t wait to hear from you. x

Image: Bedlam of Beefy

Making Me Happy

8 August, 2012

I’m on the biggest high this morning! You know when you’ve been feeling a bit ‘meh’ (or in my case, super sore thanks to neck and shoulder dramas) and then you bounce back into life with vigour and verve and vitality?

That. It’s a rockin’ feeling.

As you’ll see below, I’ve switched up Making Me Happy this week and created a little video for something a bit different. It’s nice to spread your creative wings and explore new platforms sometimes, y’know?

Anyway, before you watch, a few things to note:

1. I am exceptionally silly. The first part was done in one take (in case that’s not glaringly obvious) (realism all the way, peeps!)

2. Most of this was edited this morning before work.

3. I learnt a new language overnight. This surprises me.

{best watched biiiiiigger, so click through to Vimeo to view}

The Notes:

+ New power crystals + fresh fruit from the farmers markets + beach hangs + beautiful sunsets, admired from a ‘secret perch’ set high up in Burleigh headland + finishing my eBook (so pumped!) + R & R + making videos!

Your turn: I’d love to know what you think in the comments. I’m all suped-up and ready to hear your juicy love lists and the things that have brought you untold joy over the past week, so unleash.

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Making Me Happy

25 July, 2012

{I was going to write a separate post for what I’m about to say but it feels right to weave it in here so I will. Note to self and universe and anyone else that has an open ear: do more of what feels right}.

If you’ve been hanging around here for a while, you’ve probably heard me say that I love to read.

I’ve always been a huge reader/ devourer-of-pages/ word nerd and for this I can thank my parents, who spent a tremendous amount of time reading to their first-born in the way that most parents read to kids – the same book, 50 times. In a row.

I quickly latched on to the whole reading biz and it became a sweet sanctuary for me – to the point where I used to tear through books so quickly as a young child that my parents stopped buying them for me after a while, instead taxiing me back and forth to the local library where I’d try and push the ’10 book limit’ and slide another copy of The Babysitter’s Club or whatever it was I was engrossed in through the beepers.

Fast forward to the weekend just gone… also known as, Remembering Why I Love to Read So Much.

I’m getting tired of the “It’s been a hectic week/ month/ year” story but it’s hard not to draw parallels in this instance because reading was the first thing to slide once my schedule really got out of hand earlier this year.

Sure, I’ve stuck my nose in some great books in the past 7 or so months, but it’s always felt like an after-thought. Something I knew I “should” do because I’m an insatiable knowledge-sponge and love to learn, but the thing is, it was always minus a certain vital component – doing it out sheer pleasure.

On the weekend, I got back to me. The computer was turned off, the task list was ignored, tracksuit pants were slipped on and I unfurled into the deliciousness of Cheryl Strayed’s story in her book ‘Wild.’

As I burned through almost all of that 311 page masterpiece on Saturday (it was promptly finished first thing Sunday morning), I realised that I read to think. Of course, I came to this conclusion this as I was reading, which exemplifies what I just said, but nonetheless, that aha! moment was a poignant one.

Reading gives me pause, which leads to me working stuff out in my head as I go. Inspiration emerges. Other people’s stories help me make sense of my own – or make me realise how different my own are (either way is A-OK).

Undoubtedly, this has to do with the fact that more creative stuff bubbles up when you make space for it and slow down, but also, I think when you hang out in your happy place, you connect back up to that beautiful power source that is YOU. It doesn’t matter whether it’s surfing, or riding a horse, or playing an instrument or painting – or anything else. All that matters is that you make time to “go there” (because the rewards are so, so worth it).

On the back of my little insight-filled endeavour, I have a question for you:

What have you stopped making time for? Is there anything you can let go of or let slide so that you can invite more of what really lights you up back into your life?

Let’s get a list going in the comments. I want to know what sets your soul on fire!

Dreamcasting in Le Magic Moleskine

A few years ago I christened one of my Moleskine diaries my “Magic Moleskine” after filling it to the brim with things I wanted to manifest by specific dates. The whole ‘magic’ thing was just a cute, throw-away line at first but after things started happening, even Ramai started saying “Write it in the Magic Moleskine!”

I’ve been a vision-boarder/ goalsetter/ big dreamer fo-evah and a day so it didn’t surprise me too much that the majority of the things I’d written in my diary came to fruition, but I’ve always treasured that unassuming black diary with pictures stuck everywhere and big, black words graffitied on the pages. I guess that’s where my love for this particular brand of stationery really took hold.

As part of the mid-year review/ shake-up I’m undergoing at the moment, I bought a brand spankin’ new Moleskine last week – an 18 month one that starts this month and finishes in December 2013 (perfect!) – and I’ve started to do the same as before, filling the pages with affirmations, dreams, ‘things I love’ lists and short journal entries. As you can see above, I also enlisted the help of my friends Tiger’s Eye (great for focusing and insight) and Quartz (for amplifying wishes and visualisations) to max the good juju.

Thank you in advance Magic Moleskine 2.0. I have a feeling you’re going to be even more powerful than your predecessor.

Outrageous Organisation

I’m having fun getting all my ducks in a row at the moment and went a bit bananas in kikki.K buying a big monthly planner and two to-do list notepads (one is super cute – it even has a space that says “What I’m Thankful For”).

I’ve also finally made time to clean out two email inboxes that desperately needed some deleting action, renewed a professional membership, paid a bunch of bills, got my tax info off to our accountant, finalised some web copy for a friend and cleaned out my bookshelves this week. Organisation station. Feels gooooooooooood, my friends.

Men’s Tees

I’m loving men’s tees and my husband’s big, chunky knit jumpers this winter. Picked up this pretty (ha, sorry boys) pink Silent Theory number the other day at David Jones and I may have to go back for a few more colours I think. Comfort… and then some.

Vistaprint

Does anyone out there use Vistaprint?

I seriously love ’em. Our Thank You cards arrived a few days ago and they look fab. This weekend’s job: writing them and posting them!

If you’re part of the crew over on the In Spaces Between Facebook page (and if you’re not, come join us – there’s lots of stuff over there that doesn’t appear on the blog), you’ll know I do something called One Word Wednesday, where I ask you to describe how you’re feeling in one word.

I’m going to follow that same line of thinking here today and ask you to think of One Thing you’re thankful for. Just one thing. Of course, if you’ve got a whole scroll to share with us, you know that is always encouraged, but I know you’re all busy little kittens so if you don’t have time for all the details, feel free to keep it simple.

What’s the best thing that’s happened to you over the past week?

*** As an ‘added extra,’ I’d love to hear about the passion you feel like you’ve stopped making time for and how you plan on “getting back there.”

Images: Jose Villa | 28 Media

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Making Me Happy

18 July, 2012

It’s been a bit of a wild week. When I say wild, I mean a bit unbalanced (that is, too much work and not enough play) but it’s thrilling the pants off me that the proverbial light at the end of the tunnel is now visibly twinkling up ahead.

I’ve been go-go-go since ~~I was born~~ the start of the year, and my body (brain) is definitely calling for a halt in pace, which means lessening my social commitments, checking and responding to emails less frequently and flexing my ‘no’ muscle more (eep!).

I’ve been thinking a lot about this “always on” existence we’ve created for ourselves online and how we tend to throw ourselves in so fully that the distinction between “enough” and “too much” becomes completely blurred. The marker is constantly moving and I’ve noticed that I’m very good at keeping commitments to other people (exceptional in fact, I rarely flake) but when it comes to myself, I often say one thing and do another.

Me to Ramai: “I’m not going to touch the computer tomorrow. Day off. Let’s get out and about, do something fun, yeah?”

The next day: “Oh wait, I can’t anymore actually – I have to do this and that and if I don’t get this done this morning it won’t get done and I’ll be behind and… GAH.”

Do you do that as well?

Look back over the last month of my life and taking stock, I’ve decided to declare the next few weeks No Additional Stuff weeks, and for me, that means just getting what I NEED to do done, and giving myself some time off in between. It’s so, so necessary. I always know when I’m veering off into “too much” territory because I dream of taking off on an adventure and getting away from it all constantly – which is sort of where I’m at now. I haven’t had a proper holiday since last April so I’m champing at the bit to get away and feel/ touch/ see/ do rather than work/ push/ think/ plan.

Complete immersion is most certainly calling my name. What about you?

Now onto brighter, shinier things, this week has had plenty of highs and I’m going to tell you about them all below. OH. YEAH. I. AM.

The Village Markets Bloggers Breakfast

On Sunday I joined a bunch of gorgeous Gold Coast bloggers (Lori from Eight. Ten. Ten; Jas from Fizzle Out; Liss from Daydream Lily; Ally from Unknown Pleasures; Jess from Konstantinos; Sammi from Chase Dakota; Sophie from Peppa Hart Bride; Carly from Mumma Electric) and our hosts, Marissa and Sarah from The Village Markets at Commune for a chilled out morning of eating, chatting, wandering and shopping.

It’s so lovely to get out from behind the computer screen sometimes and catch up in person with these talented – and HOT! – gals. We also got a cute little TVM tote filled with goodies (one can never have too many totes). Big thanks to TVM for hosting us!

Delightful Dinners

Indonesian cuisine. Wine. Flow. A rad group of friends. The perfect ingredients for a relaxed, stimulating Saturday night, really.

Lovely Words About Our Wedding

You guys. Seriously. You melt me with your shimmering, enthusiastic, heart-STEAMING words of kindness (because ‘warming’ just doesn’t do your generosity justice). Thank you x infinity for being amazing and for joining Ramai and I as we relieved the experience through the visuals. Muchas gratitude.

* Just on our wedding, I’m aiming to have my final post on all the fabulous details up tomorrow or Friday, so keep an eye out for it!

Health Reset

Dum, dum, dum, DUUUUM! It’s time. I’m embarking on a month-long complete reset/ overhaul/ whatever you’d like to call it and I cannot wait.

I’ll share more info on what I’m doing in a subsequent post, but let’s just say I hope the glow factory is primed to send some serious GLOW my way. I’ma ready!

Animal Encounters

I’ve decided I really need to get out of the office more. I used to spend a huge chunk of my time out and about with media when I was in PR, but changing to a digital role at work has resulted in me being chained to the computer a little more than I’d like of late (can you sense a recurring theme?!)

Yesterday I unshackled myself and met up with Aussie celebrity chef Matt Moran (ARIA owner/ Masterchef dude), who is travelling around the country visiting tourism businesses that have been given awarded a particular accreditation. In a nutshell. I won’t bore you with the details.

‘Twas a great day, playing with koalas and dingoes and getting swooped by FREAKING HUGE WEDGE TAIL EAGLES (oh wait, that was just me) at Currumbin Sanctuary. I’m pleased to report that Matt is an awesome guy – very down to earth and genuinely appreciative of the opportunity to get out and meet passionate people. Super refreshing.

New Books

We all know I’m a major book fiend, and I’ve been adding some more goodies to my collection over the past week. Hanging to dive in once life settles down a little (that time is coming, right?) I wonder if there’s such a thing as a ‘Reading Holiday?’

Little bits o’ loveliness:

+ A lovely tweet from Tara Sophia Mohr (someone I really admire) saying I have a gorgeous site (!!) + pulling together a guest post for one of my fave blogs + thoughtful gifts (thanks so much Steph!) + booking my tickets for the Problogger conference + money flowing in (as opposed to out, as it was for the first 6 months of this year thanks to the wedding) + that point where a friendship deepens, vulnerabilities are shared and it feels like your soul has been fed the best meal it’s had in… forever.

So lovers, it’s a bit rainy and kinda ugh outside today so let’s counteract that by sprinkling some sunshine around the web! Tell us all about the magic unfolding in your life right now – no matter how small, big or otherwise. What are you thankful for?

Images: Alkaline Sisters | Nike

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Making Me Happy

4 July, 2012

Hola! Are we good? Are we real good? Hope so!

This past week has had a bit of everything for me: the highest of highs (the kind you want to bottle and pour over yourself when you’re feeling less-than), aha-moments (the B-School Facebook Group is quite the rave party!), quiet observation, a night out on the town with my besty, lazy mooching, a stream of emails that have brought salty tears to the eyes of this incredibly humbled bloggette, goal-setting, sniffles + coughing (ugh, head cold begone!), cold mornings, the clearest blue skies you ever did see and the understanding that anything is possible. For real.

In more detail, I give you, The Highlights Reel:

A Night on the Town

Oh hello rogue baby hand…

It’s been ages.

Sure, we go to dinner every weekend and do fun things like GET MARRIED + HAVE BIG PARTIES but it’s been a while since I’ve dressed up and gone out on the town (here), besty in tow, with the simple objective of drinking cocktails and laughing til my sides hurt. I absolutely loved it.

Sometimes I feel like a bit of a Peter Pan – as in, there’s this huge part of me that fears completely growing up – and being a restless, energetic Sagittarian means I thrive off other people and “getting out and about.” I actually need it.

As I get older I’m more than happy staying home of a weekend (in fact, I love it just as much) but if I go too long without some sort of fun occasion (too long means more than one weekend, BTW) one of two things start to happen:

1. I lament that I miss the spontaneity of my early 20’s where my friends and I lived for the weekend (because that’s, like, totally sustainable)

2. I start frantically making mental lists of things I can do to bring a bit of old fashioned frivolity into our lives, whilst hassling Ramai with something that sounds like ‘WHY ISN’T EVERYONE KEEN TO DO FUN STUFF AT THE DROP OF A HAT ANYMORE?’ I’m always great to be around when I’m having one of those moments. Ahem.

Before I totally confuse you, this is definitely not about nightclubs or drinking. Oh, hell to the no. It’s more about the collective desire to be with good people laughing and forging bonds/ making memories that I start to miss when that side of things slows down and we all get super busy with other commitments. I remember fondly when having a birthday meant everyone was in, and then, over the years, it wasn’t.

Is anyone else with me here? Does this even make sense? I think I may have just confessed my deepest secret to you – that the thought of living an utterly boring life that doesn’t have a great mix of work and play scares the pants off me. Eek.

Heart-Warming Emails

I still pinch myself that people are thoughtful enough to take time out of their day to drop little old me a line, laden with delicious words of support that seriously make my heart sing.

This week has been a corker on the email front and I couldn’t be more grateful to the people that have reached out. You know who you are. Thank you, thank you (and just so you know, I file all the beauties I receive away in a folder and read them if I’m ever feeling flat. There’s nothing more effective to instantly brighten a gal’s mood!)

Strength Finding

I’m taking stock at the moment and conducting a bit of a mid-year review, which entails updating my vision boards, redefining my goals, setting up systems so I can work smarter, and finally, uncovering my ‘sweet spot’ – that awesome place where what I love and what I’m good at intersect.

I’m still plodding through all this slowly, but it’s definitely given me some food for thought on freelance projects that are well suited to my skill set, like whipping up web copy or social media consulting. I’m trained in Marketing/ Journalism/Public Relations and I get paid to write web copy and manage and develop campaigns for a range of social media channels by day (which I’m not sure if you know?) but it’s funny how I’ve almost glazed over those skills in the pursuit of other dreams.

I’ve got a web copy job on the go at the moment and may even take on a few more here and there soon, so watch this space, amigos.

Reliving Our Wedding

Last night we watched the low-res version of our wedding video (hip hip hooray!) and we’re soooo happy with it!

Apart from the bit where we’re saying our vows and we’re clearly emotional, both Ramai and I are grinning like Cheshire cats throughout the whole thing and watching the pure joy on both of our faces and remembering the various parts of the day together was really special.

Totally cracked up at last part where everyone is obviously rather ‘happy’ and busting some serious moves on the dance floor. We chose this track to lay over that piece of footage and it couldn’t have been more perfect. It actually looks like the dance moves were choreographed for the song, which is pretty rad!

Bring on the fully-jazzed up high res version, I can’t wait for a movie night – complete with popcorn and tissues – with our nearest and dearest.

(Oh and for those that asked, our wedding pics will be coming next week. Our girl is in high demand and off on jobs interstate so we’re waiting ~~impatiently~~ patiently to receive them this weekend).

Now, my dears, are you ready to claim your seat for the weekly In Spaces Between ‘love-in?’

Tell me: what are you grateful for right now? It could be something you did, somewhere you went, something you learned, or bought, or read. Share your happiness and take note of how you feel when you do (hint: blessed + filled with joy is a good place to be).

ONE MORE THING BEFORE I GO: have you entered the Rand Papele necklace giveaway? Today is the last day to enter so don’t miss out!

Images: Kavan & Co | Fellow Fellow | Ban.do

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What’s Your Dream?

29 June, 2012

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!

Images: via Swiss Miss | The Wheatfield on Etsy

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Making Me Happy

27 June, 2012

Good morning lovers!

I’m sitting here with a sniffly nose (which is a pain in the butt) but there’s no way I’m going to let a pesky head cold put a dampener on my week because there’s still plenty to celebrate.

Here are some of the highlights of the week that was:

Life Coaching + B-School

I’ve mentioned a few times on this blog and on Twitter that I was keen to find a life coach/conspirer and I always knew that the right person would come along at the right time (“When the student is ready, the teacher arrives.”)

The Right Now couldn’t be any more perfect as I feel like I’ve emerged from the haze of wedding madness and I’m swiftly getting all my ducks in a row and looking at ways to rock my personal growth, and in what I’ll call “not a coincidence at all” (see above – I truly believe this was manifested) I signed up for B-School via my friend Susana Frioni and was lucky enough to receive a bunch of one-on-one coaching sessions, aimed at keeping B-Schoolers like me accountable. That’s right, to ensure I follow through on all the great stuff we’re learning each week, not just tuck it away in the dark recesses of my mind, never to be utlised again!

Susana and I had our first Skype call last night (we’ll be chatting for half an hour each fortnight) and it was so helpful to bounce a few ideas off her and get her take on some little additions I’ll be making to the blog and my life in general.

I made the decision this morning that the remainder of 2012 is going to be about CONSISTENT GROWTH and to make that easier, I’ve committed whatever I receive in my tax return this year to pursuits that will support my dreams and bring them to fruition. I’m not saying the results will be immediate, or necessarily even aiming for that – all I’m looking for is some new insights in the realms of business, work and connection. Life done well is the aim!

Seeing People Follow Their Dreams

Speaking of all things growth, one of my friends is currently in the process of starting her own vintage furniture company. Another is looking to open a gorgeous cafe. Another is running her first marathon this weekend (mentioned above), and yet another is opening a shop with her soon-to-be husband.

And that’s just the start.

Fact is, it inspires the pants off me to see the people I love reaching out, grabbing their dreams with both hands and turning them into something that brings them unequivocal joy.

Isn’t that the point of life after all? What we’re all here to do – to add more happiness and love to the world? I know you’re all with me on that, and if you look around I’m sure there are people in your life that are stepping out of their comfort zones to make sh*t happen.

Are you one of them? Could you be? Let me know once you reach the comment section if you’ve got something brewing!

Sunday Rituals

Following our perfect Sunday in Byron last weekend, Ramai and I have decided to turn the Sunday roadtrip/ chill out sesh into a bit of a ritual. Just us, our trusty Mexican blanket, our camera, walking shoes (if needed) and for me, a notepad and pen.

This Sunday I’ll be up in Brisbane, then cheering on a friend who is running the Gold Coast Marathon so we probably won’t have time to go far, but next weekend we’re hoping to get down to Yamba in New South Wales – and who knows where else we’ll end up on subsequent trips!

I highly, highly recommend allocating one day on the weekend to chilling riiiiiight out or exploring new surrounds. It’s like a mini-holiday, every week.

Writing My eBook

I’m currently writing an eBook – which I’m excited to say is a gift to you all for being bombastically brilliant and hot and awesome! – and I’m loving the process of pulling it together, bit by bit.

Although it’s a freebie, there will be no compromising on quality (in fact, quite the opposite – I’m super determined to make this baby a high value, high density product) and to keep me on purpose I’ve implemented a new writing trick, which I’ll share with you below:

When writing, at the top of the page write a few words on how you want the reader to FEEL when they read your words.

It seriously changes everything. Give it a go.

Sweet Smells

I’m a self-confessed fragrance nut. At work, I have perfumes, a Victoria’s Secret Body Spray (delicious) and the oh-so-refreshing Sodashi Rejuvenating Face Mist sitting on my desk, and I’m constantly spritzing and spraying them for no particular reason other than it makes me stupidly happy.

Likewise, if I could burn Glasshouse candles all day without their sweet scents wafting into my boss/ CEO’s offices and upending the manliness of their spaces, I would do that too (I make up for this by lighting one as soon as I walk through the door at home each night).

Despite this little obsession though, I realised I didn’t have a perfume for my handbag that would last me more than two sprays, which is where the pretty little bottle of Marc Jacob’s Daisy above comes in. They’re limited edition ($35 a pop) so trot to your nearest fragrance counter if you feel like your handbag might need one too!

Comfort

I love throwing on my comfiest Bonds trackies and some big socks and lying around (as demonstrated) with a book after work. Simple pleasures!

R + R Necklace

I’ve been wearing this necklace from Rand Papele to death (which is why I’m adding it in late to this list – I forgot about it as it was hanging around my neck).

Look out for a giveaway with these guys soon, they make the coolest jewellery!

Small snippets:

+ Excitement for a weekend in Brisbane for my girl Ez’s birthday bash + early stages of honeymoon planning (drooling over photos of Italy) + mozzarella (umm, this is bad – I’m slightly obsessed at the moment!) + a new shiny silver skull + Lana Del Ray (whipped her tunes out again, still awesome) + wedding photo anticipation!

+ So who’s up for bringing a bit of sunshine to the day of this sniffin’, sneezin’ gal? Share your love lists below to do just that. Go buck wild!

Images: Dominique Falla | The Selby

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