FRIDAY FUZZY ...

Just one today. Because it's bold, poignant and at the forefront of my mind. Oh and it has such a beautiful sentiment. Happy Friday my darling hearts.

Found here

Blessings and healing vibes out to the collective consciousness x

WHEN YOU FEEL A LITTLE LOST

Found here

It's been a slow few weeks. I have been telling myself - time and time again - that I need to just stop for a while and reboot. But I didn't listen. I went faster. Added more to my plate and kept chugging forwards. I wasn't being 'mean' to myself - I like being busy and seeing people and studying feverishly and learning lots and working with clients etc. It's not like I was hating life while I was so busy, I still was so happy and in love with my life, I was just tired. So after ignoring small signs that my body may have needed a break - no energy, trouble sleeping, anxiety - last Sunday I got a BAS (big ass sign). I woke up and literally felt like I had been hit by a truck. Everything hurt. EVERYTHING. Every muscle, joint and bone ached. Sleep was inevitable as it was all I could manage while I felt so terrible - so I hopped into bed and stayed there for the next 24hours in hopes that I would wake up spritely and with abunant energy ready for a busy Monday. Berm bermm. Long story short - last week was a complete write off. Normally, when I'm sick, I can still function. I can still write, work on reports, make phone calls etc. This was oh so different. I couldn't do anything. My body was screaming 'stop!' and all it wanted to do, and needed to do, was sleep. 

I was wracked with guilt. 'But I have SO much to do', 'How am I going to be able to pay the mortgage if I take time off work?' and of course 'But I feel so lazy'. This inner dialogue of guilt imposing meanness went on for days until the words from people I love finally sunk in - 'stop, rest and give yourself time to heal'. As soon as I gave myself permission to heal - wouldn't you know it - I healed so much faster. Even though my body went through all sorts of different illnesses in one week (I swear I've met my quota for the year in just 7 days!) - it actually became easier to deal with once I'd granted myself permission to just be. By Sunday I was pretty much back to my old self, more energy, less dizziness, no significant aches and pains. Just a little worse for wears, but very much 'Emily'.

This week it started again. The self bashing and the 'shouldas'. 'I should be working harder to make up for last week', 'I should have forced myself to study when I was in bed last week' or 'Now that I'm better I should go for a run since I didn't do anything last week'. I'm a blogger who hasn't been blogging, a runner who hasn't run in months, a positivity junkie who hasn't been all that positive, a food lover who hasn't been cooking, a passionate wordsmith who hasn't been reading, a student who has struggled with studying...

and that's all ok.

We so often punish ourselves for what we're not, or what we are 'failing' to do. But in any given moment, we need to trust ourselves that we are doing our very best. In every single moment, I believe we are exactly where we are meant to be. Sure, we can choose to try harder in certain areas or can dedicate ourselves to achieving x, y or z. But ultimately we are exactly who we need to be and where we need to be.

Instead of subscribing to this inner dialogue of what I 'should' be, I'm-a change channels. I am investing instead in raw, honest, divine, beautiful and complete trust in myself and the process. I trust that we will always get to where we need to be, we will always do what's right, we will always be heading in the right direction for ourselves. 

Momentary swaying off course is just that. Momentary. Come back to you and you will always be exactly where you need to be. 

Blessings and love soaked permission to be perfectly imperfect x

GETTING BACK TO NATURE - A Guest Post by Emily Ehlers

It gives me oodles of pleasure, pride and cheerleading pom poms to introduce Emily Ehler's to you all. Emily, besides having a freakin RAD name, is an absolute earth angel. She is a mama, blogger, health coach, friend, daughter, wife & dedicated lover of life. She oozes passion & vitality & is one of those people who lights you up just by BEING there. She has graciously shared her words of wisdom in today's blog as she discusses a prevalent & real problem in our community - our severe lack of connection to nature. So brew up a tea, put up your feet and soak up these inspired words from one of the world's most incredible women.

_________________________________________________________________________________

We have all heard of Attention Deficit Disorder but what about Nature-Deficit Disorder? Yep, it’s a real thing.

Nature-deficit disorder: a reduced awareness and diminished ability for adults and children to find meaning in the life around them, due to a reduced amount of interaction with the natural environment.

Us humans are not going outside enough and there is an ever-growing list of credible studies that show this is a huge factor in the rise of behavioral problems, mental illness and obesity. Oh and not to mention the degradation of our society’s happiness and health. No biggie.

We are constantly distracted by flashing screens, controlled environments and artificial lights and it goes against the universal law of nature. I – up until recently – was a shocker for retreating into a man-made existence. While I adore being outside there are some days where it just gets away and before I know it I am in bed without having felt fresh air on my skin. You know the days. You go from bed to car to office (where you eat at your desk) to car to bed. Or you get so caught up in menial housework or crazy children that before you know it the day is gone and the sun hasn’t kissed your cheeks.

Basically, going outside has become an option.

It is not an option.

It is a non-negotiable.

And beyond that, it’s fucking glorious!!!

Why should we go outside?

Need any extra persuasion…

Oxygen, glorious oxygen

We are made of cells and cells live off oxygen. If you stay in the same, closed off space all the time you are going to be breathing the same yucky air and depriving your body and brain of what it needs. Fresh air is full of negative ions (see below) and will invigorate you.

Negative Ions are Positive you oxymoron!

I am not scientifically wired so I am going to explain this in the crudest way that I am sure would disgust even a Year 8 science student. Negative Ions are good; they make us feel energized. Positive Ions are bastards; they make us feel dull.  Negatives ions are in their highest concentration near moving water – hence we feel amazing near the ocean. Positive ions are omitted from electronic equipment like TV’s and computer monitors or polluted air.  SO… get near those negative ions.

“Generally speaking, negative ions increase the flow of oxygen to the brain, resulting in higher alertness, decreased drowsiness, and more mental energy”

Pierce J. Howard, PhD, The Owners Manual for the Brain: Everyday Applications from Mind Brain Research. 

Vitamin D

Our bones are constantly growing and breaking down. However if you don’t have Vitamin D, you don’t have calcium absorption and you don’t have bone growth. So your bones are just breaking down. Vitamin D deficiency has also been linked to all sorts of nasties like depression, various cancers, heart disease, weight gain, autism and auto-immune disease.

Connection and Syncronicity

Since starting study with Institute of Integrative Nutrition I have been encourage to develop my spirituality and I have found it in nature and yoga. Those are the times when I feel connected and calm. Apparently when you are in tune with your spirituality  it can lead to synchronicity – i.e. the subtle interaction between an individual and a universal force (like nature). I wanted to share this quote from the principal of IIN because it is the most beautiful, poetic, heart-tickly note of encouragement to get outside that I have ever heard…

I believe that whatever force makes the day turn into night and night turn into day, and winter become spring and fall become winter; whatever keeps all the stars and planets going around perfectly in their orbits, creates new buds in the spring and moves old leaves to drop away in autumn, can surely look after this one little life of mine.

Joshua Rosenthal

But…

Even though there are some pretty compelling reasons there, in this modern, busy, convenient world it can still be bloody hard some days. So I’ve compiled some easy ways to integrate your inside with your outside.

Sit outside for 10 minutes a day

There are NO excuses unless you live here. Go outside and sit still for 10 minutes – preferably near or under a tree. If you want extra gold stars you could meditate during this time. But otherwise just go and let your mind watch and wander. If it has been a mad day your verandah/porch/balcony/door step will suffice.

Do not break universal laws

There is no surprise at all that we are a culture plagued with insomnia and kidney disease when we trick our bodies into thinking it is daytime with bright lights and flashing screens. Of course we make incorrect food choices – like eating hearty, grounding meals in summer – when we are tricking our body with air conditioners cranked to sub-zero.  Controlling our environment like this breaks universal laws.

Don’t fight nighttime – turn of the TV, use lamps instead of lights, have a technology-free space a few hours before bed. Feel real feelings. Winter is cold, your first option should be a jumper before you heat the house. (Within reason obviously – for all you Siberians that are reading this). Always have a window open in your home, office or car. Even in winter. Even if it’s just one and just a crack.

Earthing

Earthing (or grounding) is as simple as walking barefoot on the earth or (in fancy terms) connecting to the earth’s subtle electrical field. It’s all about those cheeky ions again. So if you are going for a walk and it’s safe to do so, try go barefoot to get an instant hit/re-connection with nature. Earthing has also been shown to reduce pain and inflammation and increase quality of sleep. If you can’t go barefoot though you can buy mats nowadays to have at your computer or under your mattress (seehere) to keep you grounded at all times.

Bring your outside in

Incorporate nature into your home. Get some plants, some fish, have curtains, windows and doors open. Surround yourself with natural fibers and materials. Reject chemicals.

Leave your car

If you can walk, do. Even though I never feel like it at the time, when I get home from the shops and I haven’t had to deal with bad drivers, cramped parking spots and getting my pram in and out of the car I always feel amazing.

Schedule catch ups around walks

Wine bars are so tempting. But for a fun change schedule dates and catch ups with friends around walks or activities. You can even pack up your own eco-cup with your own coffee or make the coffee shop or wine bar the end goal. Maybe don’t put the wine in your keep cup though.

Build it into your kids routine

Because I have a propensity to get stuck inside my house I have now built it into Lucy’s routine to ensure that I get outside – for her sake. We are out most mornings but I am now scheduling one hour every afternoon that is dedicated outside time. For older kids, maybe have a technology free hour. And get out there and play with them! Climb trees, get dirty, be a big kid.

Plant a garden

Whether it is in pots or in the ground get out there and get some plants growing. Then you are forced to go out and water them most days. Forced connection.

Eat outside

I saved the best for last. If you can, set up a little table outside and eat out there as much as possible. Obviously this is easiest in summer but if you can rug up and light a few candles and sit on a porch then do. For added romance try a picnic blanket.

I thought I would leave you with the lyrics to my favorite song (Green Garden by Laura Mvula). I play it ever morning because not only is it damn funky but if reminds me of everything I have spoken about above. You can see the video here, but for now here are the lyrics.

Take me outside, sit in the green garden
Nobody out there, but it’s okay now,
bathe in the sunlight, don’t mind if rain falls,
take me outside, sit in the green garden,
ooh ah, ooh ah oh,
ooh ah, ooh ah oh

And I’ll fly on the wings of a butterfly
high as a tree top and down down again
putting my bag down, taking my shoes off
walk in the carpet of green velvet

Dance in my garden like we used to,
ooh ah, ooh ah oh
Dance in my garden like we used to,
ooh ah, ooh ah oh

Take me outside, sit in the green garden
nobody out there, but it’s okay now,
bathe in the sunlight, don’t mind if rain falls,
take me outside in the green garden

I’ll go, wherever you go, wherever you take me, I’ll go
I’ll go, wherever you go, wherever you take me, I’ll go

Blessings and cuddles to the power of Emily squared x 

A CRYPTIC LOOK INTO WHAT'S GOIN' ON BEHIND THE SCENES.

So ... want a glimpse into what exactly is going on in the world of me? Without giving too much away because everything is in its infancy and I still twerking a few things (sans skin coloured underwear Miley...) BUT I can't quite contain all the images and thoughts and ideas that are floating through this giant head of mine.

Found here

Found here

Found here

Did you have fun hanging out in my mind? It's pretty fun all up in there isn't it?

I would LOVE to hear from you darling readers. Firstly, what do you think am I on about? Secondly, what would YOU love to see created? What do you think you, your fellow sistas and brosnefs and ultimately the world, really needs?

Love, blessings and a shiz-tonne of cuddles x

I WANT YOU - The Life Changing Hump Day Edition

Image found here

 

This image, in all it's glorious simplicity and modern tweaks, perfectly depicts where I am at right now. I'm looking at you, I'm strong and sure, I'm wearing a festive-as-fug hat and I sincerely want YOU to live your BEST life. Whatever that may mean for you. If that means a better job - I want that for you; better health - I want that for you; better relationships (friendship and romantic) - I want that for you; better income - I want that for you; better career - I want that for you; more energy - I want that for you; more gratitude and happiness - I want that for you. Believe it or not, the universe is abundant and infinite. If you get crystal clear on what you want, it delivers. But you need to get so dang clear on what it is that you want to come about, why you want it to come about and when you want it to come about. A beautiful friend of mine gave me the analogy of the universe being like the ocean, we can go to the ocean with a thimble and extract a tiny amount of water; we can go to it with a bucket and get a little more; we can go to it with a GIANT mother flippin' hose and likely won't even see a dent in water levels. The universe can't give us what we don't ask for and what we're not ready or prepared to receive. True story.

 

So what brings me to the blog today... Well I've been getting so clear on what it is I want, what goals and aspirations and scary big dreams I have ahead of me and where I want them to take me and why I want to get there. I have spent the past two weeks soul searching harder and further than I EVER have before. As a result, I am FEELING better than I ever have before. Physically, mentally, emotionally, spiritually - I am literally buzzing every day with anticipation and excitement and momentum when I think about what the future holds. But I needn't even think forward to the future because at the moment, my present is so dang good. Sure there are things that I would love to bring about, and I will, but my entire life right now is a direct result of how I have designed it and I take FULL responsibility for what's around me. And it's amazing. I have so many things to be grateful for that my gratitude lists are honestly getting ridiculous.

 

Part of my journey to get where I am today is by finding my 'tribe'. I am so so fortunate that my friends and family have ALWAYS supported me no end and they stand absolutely 110% behind everything that I do. But part of getting to where I am now is also through my connecting with people, all around the world, who have the same passions, values, direction, beliefs and energy as me. These women (I always seem to have incredibly strong women in my life and not so many fellas. Come at me boys!!*) have fanned the flames and kept my passion burning bright. Finding people that love and support you. Whether you, like me, were blessed with an army of angels around you from the time you were born (looking at you family and my girls) or whether you've discovered your tribe later in life OR whether you're yet to discover them. They're out there. Trust me they are. And they're the ones who will get you from where you are to where you want to be.

 

A HUGE and recent change in my life is the people I have met through Isagenix, the nutritional cleansing company that I connected with a few months back and have not let go of! The people I have met in my journey to 'wellness' - who share similar goals, values and overall enthusiasm for life and all its incredible possibilities - are the most powerful and instrumental people I have ever come across. They are changing lives, building a better tomorrow and smashing their goals, left right and centre.

 

I want YOU to have that. I want you to find your tribe and start your journey to your BEST life. I am looking for people to join my team - who are motivated, passionate and driven and who ultimately want to build a kind, well and FREE life for themselves. I want financial freedom and physical freedom to be the 'norm'. I want us to stop living our lives the way that we've been programmed to and instead break the mould and live life YOUR way.

 

I have told the universe that I will be living in a beautiful big old house on Yallingup hill with ocean views and a beautiful, inviting open floor plan by the time I am 30; I will create a life that allows me to travel and not be limited by financial or physical restraints; I will be perfectly aligned in mind, body and spirit so that everything I work for and achieve happens in perfect synchronicity with the universe. I will spend the rest of my life, til my dying days (and even then some) helping, serving and supporting others.

 

If ANY of this resonates with you and you want to become your healthiest self (and healthy in every single sense of the world - physical health; emotional health; spiritual health and financial health) then I want you to declare this the day that you start your new life and email me at blessthismess@hotmail.com.au and let's DO this. I promise you that I will put every ounce of myself and my heart into helping you achieve your goals.

 

Blessings and cuddles and excitement and every other positive emotion in between x

 

*In a completely platonic way of course ... I love you David!

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 

CH-CH-CHANGES.

I sincerely hope this post finds you all well and all 'chomping at the bit' (that sounds filthy, and I apologise, but I'm sticking with it) to get your weekend plans into full swing. Yes, I have a long weekend because I have a monthly Friday off for 'wellness reasons' and I plan on selfishly and unashamedly indulging tomorrow!

Just a quick stop by as the clinic is absolutely hectic today - but wanted to let you know of some changes that you can expect to see over the next few weeks here at Bless This Mess.

SUNDAY NIGHT - Point/s to Ponder

Oh how I love me an alliteration! But 'point/s to ponder' is so much more than just a repetitious and harmonious sounding string of 'p' sounds! It's your weekly 'white space' check in. Your e-reminder to block out the shit, centre yourself, and clear some much needed space in that busy and over productive head of yours! Each Sunday night a quote, image or mantra will pop up on the blog and prompt you to silently reflect and recharge. I'll splash things around a bit and will make sure there's a bit of variety. But get ready to get your Zen on. Think of it as a more direct, less wafty 'Fuzzy Friday' style of post but at the start of the week to ensure that injection of inspiration gets right to your core!

PRODUCT REVIEWS and RECOMMENDATIONS

I'm talking food stuffs, skin care, make up, house hold items, books, films and everything in between that we can utilise in our 'kind lives'. I will do a bit of a feature and break down of 'go to' items and things I'm loving. 

So how does that sound lovelies? Just a few of the changes that are a'comin this month. 

As always I still want to know and hear from YOU! What else would you like to see on the blog? 

Blessings and changes galore x

LAUNCHING 'OPERATION KIND'

Feeling a little 'off' the other day, I turned inwards and endeavoured to get to the crux of why I am the way that I am (a health and wellness nut and obsessive of epic proportions). Why did the 'wellness revolution' resonate with me so hard and why was I determined to embody and share all that I could from the 'wellness world'. And, call it an epiphany or whatever, I realised that it came down to one overarching virtue that I have harped on about my whole life - kindness. Every single 'health' and 'wellness' related change that I try to implement in my life comes back to kindness. 

+ Kindness to Myself - My new and daily priority. Showing myself love, respect and kindness. How I wish I could turn back the clock and undo those years of self hate and judgement. So much energy wasted on focussing on everything I wasn't rather than spent celebrating everything that I am and everything that I have! Bless This Mess has encouraged me to be accountable and cherish my mini victories, my daily blessings and the things that I would usually let pass me by. 
+ Kindness to Others - I hate seeing people upset and I hate seeing injustice, cruelty and mistreatment of people close to home and in our wider communities. I have always been someone who strives to 'keep the peace' and mediate situations to avoid conflict and to avoid anyone feeling sadness (but obviously I'm far from perfect and I have personally cocked up from time to time, having not always acted 'kindly'). This being said, I need to up the ante. I want to do more and I want to contribute more. Only speaking words of kindness and only showing love - my funky brand spankin' new mantra.
+ Kindness to the World - I think I have always been somewhat conscious of the environmental consequences of our daily little habits but only to the extent of what I knew. As my interest in the world 'outside my little bubble' grows, I have sought to learn more about our world, our universe and the environmental costs of our Westernised living. I am slowly, slowly, slowly making changes and am trying to reduce my carbon footprint, 'simplify' my living, reduce toxicity in my life and in my home and start to make decisions that take the 'greater good' into account. Sigh, challenging but oh so important to me.

So, in a moment of pristine clarity and epiphany driven euphoria, I decided to launch a little side project. And how fitting that it be the beginning of July - a fresh start and an opportunity to press 'reset' and re-evaluate where you are and where you'd like the rest of 2013 to take you. Operation Kindness is  my new life pursuit, in a nutshell. It encompasses kindness to myself (by nourishing my body with nutrient rich and high quality foods; moving and challenging my body; training my mind to think loving, kind and positive thoughts and drive away negativity); kindness to others (by sharing my learning with others; seeking opportunities to share my blessings; volunteering and 'making a difference') and kindness to the world (eliminating toxins and chemicals in our home; shopping with an 'eco-friendly' mindset; honouring and encouraging the humane treatment of animals; learning more about and advocating for human rights).

I'll be checking in, and staying accountable, on the blog and updating you on my kindness crusade as I strive to clean up my life and make it more simple, more loving and ultimately more kind.

I would LOVE to hear from you. Let's start a kindness ripple and watch the waves roll in darling! What aspect of kindness do you resolve to start practicing daily? Kindness to yourself? Kindness to your friends, neighbours, colleagues, strangers? Kindness to animals? Kindness to the earth and living more harmoniously and with minimal impact? 

Blessings from my kind, happy, healthy and strongly beating heart x