Inspiring Souls - The Biophilia Edition

Today's Inspiring Soul is the most beautiful breath of fresh air and an absolute lover of life. Lola Berry is one of Australia's leading nutritionists, a recently qualified yoga instructor, a health blogger, a presenter and a self confessed health and nature nerd. This girl is so unapologetically herself that it's just so dang contagious and she is in fact one of my greatest sources of inspiration in fostering self love and acceptance. She is delightful. And I just know that you will adore her. So brew a fresh chai and enjoy this week's incredible and inspiring soul - Lola Berry.

1. Describe your lifestyle approach in three words.

To simply “be the best that I can be” in all areas of my life.

2. How did you gain your ‘health nut’ status?

Hmm… I guess that one’s something I almost coined myself, I am so proud of being a health nerd! Haha. I’ve filmed whacky segments all over the world – have even been dumpster diving in New York and eaten from one, filmed with food heroes in London at the Borough markets so I guess you could say I’ve always been a bit of a health food nerd.

My mum even says that as a kiddlet when she’s take me to parties I would be the last one sitting eating at the table and not be interested in the party games, just the food!

3. What is the most over used ingredient in your kitchen?

Coconut oil and chillies – I use them both in nearly any dish and believe it or not you can get away with both in sweet and savoury creations!

4. What have been the greatest challenges for you in your quest for health/wellness/peace of mind?

Opening up and having honest conversations with myself when I’m not being real. I’ve worked in TV for 9 years now and there was a point where I was in it for the wrong reasons so realizing that was a tipping point for me, and I took myself out of the environment and just did some serious work on myself an my values. Now authenticity is something I value above more things in myself and the people I spend most of my time with, life’s too short for anything less.

5. Who are your greatest influences and inspirations?

Steve Irwin; he’s amazing, his passion and enthusiasm for wildlife conservation changed the way the world viewed and respected wildlife. It’s his energy that’s magical.

-    The other is my dad, he’s always supported me but also pushed me. He has encouraged me to really focus on kicking my goals. Don’t get me wrong we drive each other nuts sometimes - our personalities clash quite a bit - but he’s like the quiet hero in my life and I’ll always be so grateful for everything he has done for me. I feel really blessed that he’s my dad.

6. What has been your most radical change?

Yoga has been a big one for me, it is the best gift that I can give myself and on top of that because I teach it too – it is a gift that I can share. That said I feel like I’m going through changes all the time and learning so much about myself, feels like a pretty ace journey to be on. 

7. Recipe for success? 

These are honestly the things that I need to work on the most - but when I do everything seems to fall into place and that is simply honouring myself. This might mean 
+ Taking time out
+ Putting myself first
+ Saying no and not feeling guilty about it but instead feeling empowered.
+  Getting out into nature 
+ Smiling 
+ Dreaming
+  Writing
+ Swimming in the ocean
All these actions are little gifts that I can give back to myself. 

8. Describe your perfect day.

To simply be living my dream; to do anything I love; Yoga; Nature; to live from my heart and to inspire people to live this same way in any way that I can!

9. What are your words to live by?

"Dream so big it scares you" & "When you come from the heart, anything you create from that space is limitless".

10. What is something (an issue or concept or campaign) that is on your mind at the moment?

I love that mental health issues are getting more exposure, so I’m involved with a charity called One Wave is All it Takes and these guys go out surfing in fluro every Friday to raise awareness for all mental health issues – I think that’s pretty ace!

11. Message for the wannabe wellies? 

Be true to you. You are the only person who can get you to where you need to go and you are the only person stopping you. 

    Blessings and oodles of love for this forest fairy x

INSPIRING SOULS - The Screaming Edition

Found here

It's definitely a first here at Bless this Mess for this week's Inspiring Soul - that's right ladies and gents, a Y chromosome has finally graced the virtual pages of BTM. And what a fella to kick it off. I started this blog with the hopes of reaching women of all ages and encouraging them, through all sorts of posts and articles, to live their most inspired lives. But I've noticed over the past few months, just how much my attention is turning to a specific little niche that absolutely lights my fire. Call it a 'pull' or an 'attraction' or what have you - but little by little something in me is calling me to broaden my tribe and work with my generation of dudes and dudettes - encouraging us to live enlightened, kind and compassionate lives. Sounds sick, right? Well, I know it's a move in the right direction when I come across dapper young men like Joel Birch who is inspiringly, quietly passionate about ethical eating, political issues and kind living. Joel, more famously known as the 'screaming guy' in Amity is a wonderful role model for our generation and a very welcomed addition to the alumni of the Inspiring Souls series.

Found here

1. Describe your lifestyle approach in three words.

Take it easy.

2. How did you gain your ‘health nut’ status? 

Hahaha I don’t know about health nut status, but my decision to go vegan was initially an ethical one. I have come and gone from veganism and vegetarianism over the years, but now that I have taken health into account, I can’t see myself ever eating animal products again. I guess once I looked in the ethical aspect of my diet I was dismayed, and it is so easy to address, that I just made the choice to do so.

3. What is the most over used ingredient in your kitchen?

Chili or cayenne pepper.

4. What have been the greatest challenges for you in your quest for health/wellness/peace of mind?

I tour the world in a band, so the hardest part for me would have to have been making the choice to stop drinking. I would ‘tour binge’ and drink extremely heavily whilst on the road, and then come home and recover in time to hit the road again, and that’s something that’s had an adverse effect on my body over the years. Once I decided to sort that aspect of my life out, the rest has fallen into place a lot easier. Drinking is such an ingrained part of music culture that it was a tough decision at first, but the positive results far outweigh the now seemingly paltry ‘benefits’ of partying.

5. Who are your greatest influences and inspirations?

This will sound so cheesy, but my girlfriend is a massive influence one me, and is hugely inspirational. We’ve known each other since we were kids, I still remember her being upset when I’d eat McDonald’s as a teenager hahaha so she’s always had my back in the health department. As far as inspirations go, I can’t say with any certainty just who I would consider to be a direct inspiration, to be honest. That’s not to say I’m not inspired by many people, but that there are probably too many to list, and the associations would be somewhat vague.

6. What has been your most radical change? 

Drinking. That was a radical change. I’ve been in Amity now for almost ten years, this being my tenth, and I’ve been wasted for nine of them, so the last seven months have been the first time I’ve remained sober whilst in the band.

7. Recipe for success? 

You know when you’re a kid, and you’re at school, and they have past students come in and say ‘I really wish I had tried harder at school’ well that’s me, hahaha. I totally blew that off when I was a kid, so I had to find another way to succeed, and for me it has just been perseverance. I was determined to make a living from art in some form, and now I’ve managed to figure out how to make money from art in two forms, so I’m very lucky.

8. Describe your perfect day.

Perfect surf. All day. Family around at dinner time, and bed. Pretty simple.

9. What are your words to live by? 

I’ve never thought about that, maybe I need to find a mantra to live by.

10. What is something (an issue or concept or campaign) that is on your mind at the moment?

Oh boy, there are too many to mention. I would say, currently, that anything Tony Abbott is doing that has anything to do with our environment is getting a lot of time in my mind though, he is the most backwards PM I think we’ve ever had. I can’t stand him, and I also can’t stand the fact that the current government came into power via a sexist smear campaign with no merit that lasted a full three years, AND that he was helped by Murdoch to do it. I am really dumbfounded by our current political situation, I just don’t understand how the Australian public were convinced this government was going to do anything good at all.

11. Message for the wannabe wellies? 

Give it a crack, and open your mind, there is so much to learn from the simplicity of healthy living. Not only that, but it’s such an easy way to feel good and overcome a lot of illnesses instead of turning to medication all the time. I am an advocate of medical science, but I think there is also a place for self-healing, and that comes from assessing your diet, first of all. The more ethically you eat the better.

Blessings and a bucket load of gratitude for this testosterone fuelled edition of Inspiring Souls x

INSPIRING SOULS - The 'Fit as a Fiddle' Edition.

Today another inspiring soul joins the ranks. This lady is the real deal. She talks the talk, walks the walk, and practices what she preaches. Jennifer Birkhead is a mama of two beautiful girls, owner and founder of 'Vivid Health and Fitness'. She is a personal trainer with a heart the size of Texas. She is on a mission to change the world and, by gosh, will she ever! Let's meet Jen.

1. Describe your health approach in three words.

Consistent. authentic. achievable.

2. How did you gain your ‘health nut’ status? 

I've been a fitness freak for a long time but my health journey evolved a lot with the birth of my two daughters. I wanted to be the best role model I could, I wanted to impart as much knowledge as I could. I wanted to empower them with this information so that being "healthy" was a very natural state for them. I am very much about walking the walk so I had to embrace this life to share it with them, and all those I meet. The way I see it is you don't know what you don't know. Don't use this as an excuse, use this as a reason to get curious. I love to learn and to share knowledge.

3. What is the most over used ingredient in your kitchen?

Used: probably coconut oil…. consumed: probably bananas - the happy fruit!

4. What have been the greatest challenges for you in your quest for total health?

As a reformed sugar freak I could say cutting out the lollies and chocolate but to be honest once I was on this path that was an easy choice as it is now all about what foods nourish me from a cellular level. 

I think probably the most challenging this has been the wanting to 'change/heal' the world NOW but having to be patient and have faith in the Compound Effect ;)

5. Who are your greatest influences and inspirations?

Influences: As a group fitness instructor I hold the Les Mills program creators in high esteem, for their energy and passion to fight globesity.

Inspiration for me comes from everything around me rather than 'celebrity'. Inspiration comes from being able to see into someone's life and what they have accomplished, what the stand for, what they do. There are MANY people I work with who inspire me daily.

As a mother my own Mum is a HUGE inspiration to me. She is so much more than a Mum, she is my best friend and my rock.

My children inspire me to be everything I possibly can in this life.

6. What has been your most radical change? 

Thos who knew me before this journey would agree that the turn around when it comes to sugar - lollies and chocolate - has been a huge one!!! 

7. Recipe for success? 

Know your 'why'. Don't do something because it's cool or because someone else told you to. Get curious ask questions and know why YOU want to do something. When you know 'why' you are doing something you will do it even when it seems hard.

Surround yourself with likeminded souls, who lift you up, not tear you down.

Live in Gratitude, everyday.

8. Describe your perfect day. 

Waking at my leisure (a novelty when you have kids! - I am a night owl…) with a view of the ocean, sun shining.

A beach walk followed by breakfast of fruit, nuts and seeds with natural yoghurt cinnamon and raw honey with my three loves - hubby and two girls.

Cuddles and giggles with the kids.

A HIIT workout.

Beach with the family to build sandcastles and play in the waves.

Healthy lunch of a green smoothie or some sort of veggie delight.

Reading.

Boardgames and bedtime stories.

Scrummy dinner (that I don't have to prepare!) a wine and great conversation with my man.

9. What are your words to live by?

Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness that most frightens us. We ask ourselves, Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, fabulous? Actually, who are you not to be? You are a child of God. Your playing small does not serve the world. There is nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won't feel insecure around you. We are all meant to shine, as children do. We were born to make manifest the glory of God that is within us. It's not just in some of us; it's in everyone. And as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others.

10. Message for the wannabe wellies? 

Health is the natural state of being for the human body. It is only what we do or do not do that alters that. Nourish your body, inspire your mind, embrace your life. Live like you mean it.

Blessings and abundant gratitude for today's Inspiring Soul x

INSPIRING SOULS - The Badass Yogi Edition

I am SO excited to open the first post in the 'Inspiring Souls' series for 2014 - and what a way to kick it off! Today I introduce to you a beautiful, free spirited, Melbournian with a passion for hip hop beats and savasannah's. Sammy Veall is a 23 year old entrepreneur with such incredible and inspiring vision - after studying under Steve Ross in the US, Sammy brought her new found knowledge to Australian shores and launched the first ever hip hop yoga studio*. I'm sure you will be just as impressed and blown away by the kindness and passion in this lovely little pocket rocket.

1. Describe your health approach in three words. 

Alkaline, fresh and yoga.

2. How did you gain your ‘health nut’ status? 

Yoga. Once I started practicing yoga every day my body didn’t want unhealthy food or alcohol. I craved fresh fruit and vegetables and had joy in being healthy and active every day.

3. What is the most over used ingredient in your kitchen? 

Coconut oil or kale

4. What have been the greatest challenges for you in your quest for total health? 

At the moment it’s trying to balance owning two businesses and teaching yoga every day and then being a 23 year old at the same time! I still drink alcohol and go out and have a good time. But it’s very hard for me at times because a part of me doesn’t enjoy that at all anymore. I would rather wake up at 5:30 and start my day from here healthy rather than wake up hung over and try to juggle all your jobs you have to do. I’m managing though… I will find the balance.

5. Who are your greatest influences and inspirations? 

My grandfather, Poppy. He died nearly a year ago now. He was my biggest fan and I was his. He would call a spade a spade, no bullshit, enjoy life and don’t fool yourself. The rules I now live by.

6. What has been your most radical change? 

I did acting for 5 years after school, I was completely set on it. Then in LA, where I actually went to pursue acting again, I met Steve and did my first Hip Hop yoga class and that was a real turning point for me. I knew that was it for me, I quit acting the next day and did 1 if not 2 yoga classes a day with Steve until my visa ran out.

7. Recipe for success? 

Believe in your self, don’t take anything personally, don’t be afraid to fail but know that it can happen and LOVE what you do otherwise no one else will.

8. Describe your perfect day. 

Wake up early, teach yoga, go to the market buy lots of fresh fruit and smoothie ingredients, go home eat them all, have a sleep, walk my dog Tilly, do some work, take a yoga class, go out for dinner. I love going out for dinner and dressing up! I am forever in yoga pants :)

9. What are your words to live by? 

Everything happens, whether for a reason or not. YOU can only make yourself happy. Everything is going to be okay, maybe not today but eventually.

10. Message for the wannabe wellies? 

Everything in moderation, if you like chocolate eat chocolate! The guilt of eating chocolate is way worse for you than the actual chocolate its self. So don’t worry so much about everything. Keep your diet fresh, do yoga every day if you can. I believe starting out with Yoga before diet, then everything will naturally follow. 

Blessings and gold chains with dollar signs x

*Want to learn more about Hip Hop Yoga and Yoga 213 studio? Click here for a mini vid.

My Year as a Blogger - lessons learnt + proudest moments.

Found here.

January marks the first birthday of my little blog baby and, as I am yet to share the exact experiences that having a child brings, I'm sure this botchy analogy will possess a few generalisations - just bare with me. 

The first few weeks/months were fun and exciting as I learnt the ins and outs of blogging and 'found my feet' as I got back into my writing. There were some times I thought I had overcommited and was a big ole fraud - cue my tears as I sobbed to David 'I don't even know what I'm talking about' and 'No one even cares if I write so why should I?'. Then there were the proud as punch 'mama moments' that set my heart alight. My blog was growing, being appreciated, changing and encouraging change in myself and being recognised by my peers and mentors. I've had days and, on occasion, weeks where I didn't feel like writing and wondered if I would ever get the spark back. I did and it always does, but it waivers from time to time and I know that these cycles are just a part of life and who am I to ruffle those divine feathers?

Over the past 12 months I have learnt a tonne of lessons - about myself, blogging, my community, my friends and family, the planet and all sorts of fun shiz. I have also had a few moments that has inspired so much pride and feelings of accomplishment as I potter along defining my own path and establishing my work in the blogosphere. So, without further ado, here are my lessons learn and proudest moments for my first year as a blogger -

1// It takes time. I am a busy girl, who loves to be busy, who loves productivity and who loves getting a lot of shiz done. As I am sure those of you who are regular BTM visitors have realised - I sometimes go MIA for a while. Time management and efficiency are must and some days I am a little sloppy. But s'all good - I'm still learning.

2// It takes passion and inspires passion. In a similar vein to time - if I'm not feeling it, the words just won't come. It takes passion to get me to the computer or my journal and get writing. After a writing sesh though - it inspires passion and leaves me with a sort of writer's high. Endorphins a go go.

3// It encourages self actualisation and authenticity. I think that writing almost everyday is a really incredible tool for uncovering more about yourself and tapping into your true potential and divine self. Without getting to fru fru - I honestly believe that writing unlocks your unconscious and encourages true self expression. What can be more powerful than uncovering that?!

4// It has attracted incredible people into my life. The networks that has arisen from my interactions with other bloggers, foodies, health coaches and life lovers is just incredible (I'm looking at you Soulpreneurs) and I have developed such beautiful friendships along the way. The support, mentoring and love shown to me by my incredible inspirations such as my blog coach Rachel Macdonald (of In Spaces Between), my gorgeous friend and transformation leader Jessica Ainscough (of the Wellness Warrior) and the incredibly inspiring Tara Bliss (of Such Different Skies) to name a few - is so profound and something I truly treasure. Special mention to Emily Ehlers, Claire Baker and the beautiful Anna Oglvie who have also been my little posse of inspiration and positivity.

and

5// It has strengthened my relationships with the amazing people who were already in my life. Through my blogging and over my journey - I have learnt so much about my own values, priorities and practicing extreme gratitude for all the blessings in my life. My friends and family will always, and have always been, my greatest blessing and my number one priority. I didn't know it was possible to love people as much and as wholly as I do now but hooley dooley it's an incredible thing to experience. I am hand-over-heart the luckiest girl to have the support network that I have and such incredible humans in my life. Mush over, tears wiped, but you guys are awesome.

 6// If it doesn't feel right - don't force it baby. This little nugget o' wisdom is true about love, bowel movements and blogging. If you're not feeling it - don't make it something it's not and don't force it. I have days when blogging is the last thing on my mind and just the thought of tapping away at the keys stresses me and makes me uneasy. I never want writing to feel anything less than joyful so if my heart says no, my laptop stays shut. Except for when I want to YouTube Channing Tatum dances - then the lid pops right up again.

7// Being featured on the Wellness Warrior. This was the proudest moment for me as a blogger. Being recognised for my writing and being shared by someone who has been a pinacle source of inspiration and kindness was just incredible. I will never forget the smile on my face the morning I logged on and saw my post on Jess's website. For those of you who never caught it - click here to see. Eeee!

8// My incredible interviews and Inspiring Souls for 2013. This was by far my favourite segment on the blog and allowed me to connect with all sorts of amazing and inspiring women in the community (this year I'm wanting to continue with this segment but boost the male input so come on fellas - get around it!). Interviewees have included - Georgia Hurst, Billi Ingram, Jessica Ainscough & Laura Campbell. Keep your eyes peeled for a few more over the coming weeks.

So my little love monkeys - that's it. Heart on sleeve, pearls of wisdom and gratitude aplenty for this seniorita.

I can't wait to disclose a little more about what's in store for BTM in 2014. Expect a post in the next few days.

I can't finish this post without acknowledging however just how grateful I am for YOU. My readers, friends, supporters and followers who allow me to write and share things that I am passionate about. Thank you for celebrating my first year with me and cheers to many more together. You're amazing.

Blessings and buckets of gratitude coming out my ears x

LIFE LESSONS FROM ISABELLA - My 20 month old Rottweiler.

These are things that I have observed and learned from my giant puppy. She didn't exactly 'tell' me all this but she shows me everyday. Hope you enjoy the wisdom of my yoda like pooch.

+ Exercise everyday, otherwise you'll get grumpy.
+ Be happy ('lose your shiz' kind of happy) when you see the people you love.
+ Appreciate and get excited over every meal.
+ Do what makes you happy.
+ Unless it gets you in trouble and tied to a pole. Then don't do it so much.
+ Always stop and smell the roses.
+ If the sun is out, lay on the grass and stretch your body out as long as it can go.
+ Say hello to everyone and everything you meet.
+ As soon as you feel like you need the toilet, go. (But as a human, walk to the loo first. Then go).
+ Bark if someone threatens your loved ones. But don't hurt them. Just let them know how tough you are.
+ If someone wants to cuddle you, let them.
+ When outside, follow the path of a butterfly, snail or ant, inquisitively but not to disturb them.
+ Tilt your head and let people know if something confuses you or you don't understand.
+ Be happy with the simple things in life. Like a long walk and a belly rub.
+ Be in the now. Every day is a brand new day and you never need dwell on issues of the past or future.
+ Look longingly at loved ones when they leave. To show you care.
+ Be cute 24/7 by just being you. No make up. No fancy clothes. Just a big ole smile and happy soul.
+ Love with all your heart.
+ Play everyday.

Blessings and sloppy rottweiler kisses from Iz and I x

MESOTHELIOMA AWARENESS DAY - A Story of True Healing and Advocacy

A few weeks ago I was contacted by a lady called Heather who shared her story with me in hopes to raise awareness of the disease that has challenged her and her family over the past few years. I was happy to help out in whatever way possible and promised her that I would share her cause with you all. Then I sat down and read her story, start to end, watched her story, and got to know this health and life crusador a little better. What an incredible woman. You too can learn more about Heather, about her battle with Mesothelioma and about how she has overcome these hardships to become a 'voice for the victims' and dedicate her life to fight for those suffering in silence. 

It only takes a few moments of your time - please click here to read Heather's story and please help to spread the message by sharing this post with everyone you know. Together we can support Heather and the incredible survivors, fighters and sufferers and, hopefully, raise awareness of this life threatening disease.

Blessings, love and hope x

SHARE THE LOVE

You know when you are introduced to someone and you instantly connect with them and you feel like you share near identical views, attitudes and goals for ev-er-y-thing. Well that's what happened when I was connected with Anna Oglvie, a Perth blogger and self proclaimed life enthusiast who has journaled, blogged and chronicled her life for the past three years on her incredible blog Life's Shiny Pretty Things. Anna has some BIG projects on the horizon, and is set to launch these babies very shortly. So keep yo' eyes peeled. During her recent trip to Vegas and in light of her absence on the blog scene for those few weeks, Anna asked me to feature as a guest blogger on her site. I tried to play it cool and responded with a casual 'oh yeah, that would be nice' but inside I was doing a little Gangnam dance. I was so honoured that she would choose to share my words, thoughts and knowledge on her humble little space and I am even more honoured to share this post with you and direct you to her gorgeous site. 

This post is so important to me. It came to be rather spontaneously and unexpectedly, as all great inspirations do, and the words simply poured out. The most important part of this post is my dedication - for my beautiful mother - to chase her dreams, celebrate her talents and above all believe in herself and the incredible things she is capable of.

Blessings from my overwhelmed, grateful and humble self x

INSPIRING SOULS SERIES - The Wellness Warrior

Jessica Ainscough...The woman needs no introduction. She is considered a pioneer and goddess within the wellness world and has arguably been one of the biggest advocates for natural healing that our generation has ever seen. She is the head lady of the incredible space over at the Wellness Warrior; the creator of the incredible Lifestyle Transformation Guide (that served as the real 'kick up the bum' in my health and wellness journey) and has her first published book (Make Peace With Your Plate) coming out soon. And above all, she is an incredible human being with a huge heart, massive vision and bright-as-the-sun future. Please welcome and enjoy the wise-beyond-her-years words of beautiful Jess. 

1. Describe your health approach in three words.

Clean. Kind.  Natural.

2. How did you gain your ‘health nut’ status?

I wanted to save my life. I was diagnosed with rare, incurable cancer when I was 22 years old and not given many conventional treatment options apart from a full arm amputation. Everything in me screamed out that this was wrong, so I became obsessed with researching natural healing modalities. I chose to heal with a systemic detox and complete diet overhaul, plus lots of meditation. I did two years of full on Gerson Therapy (13 juices per day, multiple daily coffee enemas), and now I still live mostly by these foundations.

3. What is the most over used ingredient in your kitchen?

Kale! I use it in juices, smoothies, salads, cooked meals.

4. What have been the greatest challenges for you in your quest for total health?

The greatest challenge for me was my first year of Gerson Therapy. I was seriously mourning my old life and lifestyle, and hated that all of my friends could still go out and party while I was at home attached to my juicer and enema bucket. I just wanted my time on the Therapy to fly past so that life could go back to normal. By the second year though, things had changed. I was a different person with different priorities and my reason for doing everything I was doing switched from fear of dying to a love for life. Any time transformation occurs, there is always a period of discomfort as we grow out of our former shells. Now I look back on that time as beautifully sacred.

5. Who are your greatest influences and inspirations?

 Kris Carr, Charlotte Gerson, Louise Hay, Reverend Michael Beckwith, Wayne Dyer.

6. What has been your most radical change? 

There are so many to pinpoint just one! Every element of my life is different as a result of my health opportunity, but the biggest changes are probably what I put in my body and how I treat my temple. I used to be a big drinker and take drugs frequently – now I’m sober. I used to eat a diet of meat, dairy, white bread and pasta, and processed foods – now I eat only organic plant-based whole foods.

7. Recipe for success? 

+ Complete acceptance of who I am, what I look like, the messages my body sends me, and the circumstances I find myself in.

+ Radical self-kindness.

+ Being of service.

+ Feeding my body the best-quality clean foods. 

8. Describe your perfect day.

I can’t think of one perfect day, but I know my best days always precede an elegant morning routine of movement, meditation and nourishment with an awesome breakfast and juices. They’re also always made up of time spent with people I love, plus a sufficient amount of alone time. Oh, and my little pug girl Edie is by my side.

9. What are your words to live by? 

Be kind. Be brave. Be well.

10. Message for the wannabe wellies? 

Being healthy is not about deprivation, counting calories, weighing your food, or anything else that hurts your head. Being healthy is about being kind to yourself – raising your vibration by feeding your body the foods it wants, thinking thoughts that reflect the infinite power you posses, moving your body in some way every day, and having a tonne of fun in everything that you do.

Blessings and invigorated wellness momentum x 

Inspiring Souls Series - The Beauty of the 'Beast Training'

This is by far my favourite little segment of the blog. I find this series so freakin' motivational and transformative and I have absolutely loved having getting to know these 'Inspiring Souls' a little more. 

Today I'd like to introduce you to Billi. This lady is an absolute inspiration and soul-spiration. She has done a complete 180 and overhaul of her health and lifestyle and has the rig to prove it! Her instagram account is overflowing with gorgeous images that perfectly encapsulate this healthy girl's approach to life and her incredible mission to spread the health and wellness message far and wide. It is an absolute pleasure to share with you all the incredible Billi Jane...

1. Describe your health approach in three words.

Patient, consistent & open-minded.

2. How did you gain your ‘health nut’ status? (What led to your decision to choose this lifestyle?).

My trip to Europe in June 2012 put things into perspective for me. When I returned I didn’t want to continue getting drunk every weekend It was time to grow up and treat my body right. I was unhappy in my job and looking for a passion. I did some meditation at the time, the universe was encouraging me to experience new beginnings, and I strongly believe this guided me into the right direction. I had always worked hard in the gym but was sick and tired of feeling sick and tired and I just couldn’t figure out why I wasn’t seeing results mentally and physically. I woke up one morning and it was like I had an epiphany and knew what I had to do with regards to diet and I just did it, I went to the shop and bought clean food. I personally believe the ultimate goal in life is to be happy and accepting of oneself and when I had finally found that there was no way I was keeping it a secret! Instagram definitely helped gain the health nut status, I have such a wonderful network of people who inspire me every day! 

3. What is the most over used ingredient in your kitchen?

 I would go through chicken and oats the most. I would also eat dates all day every day if I could! 

4. What have been the greatest challenges for you in your quest for total health?

I think the greatest challenge has been family being concerned and not understanding why I have changed. Also friends not supporting me and talking behind my back and not accepting that this is what I want to do and that I have changed my life for the better. But at the end of the day you can’t please everyone, you have to follow your dreams and the people who matter will support you.

5. Who are your greatest influences and inspirations?

My boyfriend inspires me a lot. He is very passionate and dedicated to his hobbies and he was the one that said if you want something it’s not going to appear, you have to go and get it and make it happen. Lorna Jane inspires me, not just for her gym clothes but her approach to health and wellbeing through her Move Nourish Believe Philosophy and her health advocates  such as Laura Rixon and Essena O’Neill. Also my friends on instagram inspire me, I see people achieving their goals every single day and it’s puts a smile on my face to be a part of their journey.

6. What has been your most radical change? 

 I feel like my most radical change was losing the hair extensions, fake nails and tan. I thought I could never live without them now I can’t even imagine having them. A full head of 22 inch extensions are heavy to run with and takes about 2 hours to wash blow dry and straighten there is no way I have time for that now haha. Now my hair and nails and skin are better than they have ever been!

7. What would be your 'recipe for success'? 

My recipe for success would be - 1. To research everything yourself. There are so many debatable statements made with regards to fitness and nutrition and I think it comes down to the fact that everyone is different. We have different body types and dietary requirements and we process foods differently. It important to do your own research and find what fits you. Understand why you are doing something and how it will show results rather than doing something because someone says you will lose weight. 2. Find a way of exercising which you enjoy so it doesn’t feel like a chore. Have fun and try new things, routine is the enemy. 3. Surround yourself with a network of positive people on the same journey as you. You will have bad days and you will get discouraged at some point, these people will help you more than you know. This is why I love instagram :)

8. Describe your perfect day.

My perfect day would include working out first thing (weights!), no matter how tired and unmotivated I feel when I get up, after splashing my face with cold water and sweating it out for 45 minutes I feel 100% positive and happy! Food shopping is also enjoyable for me, I love being in control of what I am going to eat for the next week and choosing fresh clean ingredients to cook new and favourite recipes with, its therapeutic and filling the fridge is so satisfying to me :) Ultimately the perfect day is to remain positive no matter what life throws at me. I have days where I get rained on and people are rude on the train but with a positive mind, no amount of negative circumstances can upset me. The way fitness develops your mental strength is the biggest reward. Clarity is the best way to describe it!

9. What are your words to live by? 

I could write a whole list but I think one that I have learnt that is most important in living a happy fulfilling life is – "To be beautiful means to be yourself. You don’t need to be accepted by others. You need to accept yourself"  Thich Nhat Hanh, Vietnamese Buddhist Monk. Any Buddhist quotes fill me with joy.

10. Message for the wannabe wellies?

KEEP GOING! No matter how many times you slip up, eat chocolate or miss a workout. It is the journey more than the destination. Have fun and don’t be too hard on yourself. Try new things, variety is the spice of life JDon’t focus on skinny, focus on healthy and block all negativity from others. Remember why you started and do it for yourself. 

Blessings and gratitude for this week's inspiring soul x