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.

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Blessings and healing vibes out to the collective consciousness x

Destination Fixation.

In one week, I will be poolside (or beachside - wherever the wind blows me), sippin' on a coconut with the amazing Hawaiian sun beaming down on me... Yes my friends, I am holiday bound. 

For oh-so long I have promised myself a holiday and have been planning trip after trip, year after year, with something always getting in the way. That's 'Emily' code speak for making bullshit excuses like 'I'm too busy', 'I have too much on', 'I have no money' or 'I have nothing to wear'. Ok, the last one has only snuck in once, but the rest are essentially on repeat in my internal 'you're stuck in WA forever' playlist. And, regular readers will be well aware that I am a huge believer in 'serendipitous' behaviour and divine timing, this trip could not have come at a better time for me in every way. Thank you universe!

So what is on the agenda?
+ A few cheeky nights at a Waikiki lush hotel
+ A retreat on Hilo (think daily yoga, phones off, books out and soulful reconnection)
+ A handful of days at a surf hostel
+ A few nights in the jungles of Kuaui
+ A visit to the Wanderlust festival on Oahu
+ Capping it all off with a few restful nights at a Hawaiian B&B

Doesn't that sound magical? Typing it out has gotten me even more excited. I'm going to switch off and get my relaxation on like never before. The pressures I put on myself for being and staying 'busy' are ridiculous, and so dang nasty for my health! So to combat this I'm trying out a new little affirmation ...

i give myself permission to release 'busyness' and embrace stillness.

My only to do list will be along the lines of:
+ Learn to surf
+ Yoga erryday
+ Meditate erryday
+ Laze around in my bathers
+ Hike up Volcanoes
+ Dive with the turtles
+ Read in a hammock
+ Meet people and strike up conversations with errybody!
+ Try new foods
+ Drink fresh coconuts
+ Try an acai bowl on North Shore (I've heard they are to die for)
+ Bask in the sun, sans makeup
+ Push myself out of my comfort zone a little bit more each day

Any recommendations or must sees or must dos? Help a sister out! I'd also love to hear how YOU plan to rest and rejuvenate in 2014? Comment below!

The blog may get a little quiet around these parts, I'm sorry! Keep popping in though because I have some fabulous guest bloggers who will be helping me out and sharing themselves and their incredible message with you all.

Blessings and lei adorned cuddles x

I'M JUMPING ON THE POLITICAL BANDWAGON ...

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Remember when I told you that there has been a change in the waters around these parts? And therefore a change to the content that will be shared, promoted, discussed, encouraged and celebrated over the coming year here at Bless this Mess. Well my babies it kicks off right now. 

Call it an 'enlightening', a 'coming of age' or even just post the process of removing my freakin' blinkers but something has changed in me. The girl who used to accept whatever was presented to her, gullible and naiive, who would gobble up any bullshit she was fed (sorry for the cuss words mama) is long gone. I am thirsty for knowledge. I am questioning everything (much to David's annoyance - sorry darling). I am learning more and more about the world I live in every single dang day. I have recently discussed all this with a friend and told her quite emphatically that it's 'impossible to unlearn what I have learnt'. Being in my current position, of which I am entirely and completely grateful so please do not get me wrong, I have only been exposed to a fairly 'idealistic' world that has led me to be shockingly sheltered and ignorant. And I don't believe it's anyone's 'fault' so I'm not pointing fingers or playing the blame game but something's gotta give. We are all equal and rightful inhabitants of this planet and we deserve equality, freedom and happiness. It's taken me 25 years to realise just how incredibly wrong I was in my perception of the world and how profound the disparity amongst our global community truly is. I'm not just talking moolah here either, although today's post is kind of geared that way, but rather I'm acknowledging the complete polar worlds that fellow humans can exist within. 

It's not all doom and gloom. I know I have done a brain dump and outright 'poo poo' towards our current social and economic climate - that's just how my monkey mind processes big stuff. But, it's with absolute sincerity, a fire in my belly and blinding optimism that I tell you

it's going to get better.

Individually, we are rather voiceless. As a community, as a tribe, as a movement, we are freakin' unstoppable. We have more power within us and between us than we could ever possibly begin to understand. 

Tap into your power. Find your voice. Find your passion.  

I have big hopes, big plans and big dreams. And guess what sunshine, they all include you. My missions and hopes for this year are all boiling down to one common factor - creating a community of peaceful, kind and passionate individuals who are seeking more. More knowledge, more change, more activism, more equality, more enlightenment. If this is appeals to you, stick around, we are about to get our hands dirty.

Blessings and a rumbling in my belly that no food can possibly avail x

PS. Want to know what sparked this brain vomit? An incredibly powerful 6min clip on the reality of the US' distribution of wealth - click here to have your mind blown. Oh and on another note - I have lost approximately a gazillion hours of my life since I discovered Upworthy. It's news and trends worth sharing my friends. Spread the love.

NUGGETS O' WISDOM FROM ROBERT HOLDEN'S "AUTHENTIC SUCCESS" - The Visionary Edition

You know those books that, once you read them, you’re left transformed? Whether it has modified a certain way of thinking, it’s inspired you to pursue a dream or interest, has made you laugh out loud and has changed your energy and demeanour for the next x amount of weeks or in whatever way, big or small. Well, that happened. I unknowingly picked up a book, at my gorgeous little local store, merely thinking ‘that looks interesting’ and off I went. Over the next few weeks, errynight, I immersed myself in the incredible words of Mr Holden.

Title: Authentic Success

Author: Robert Holden (Director of Success Intelligence and Happiness Project).

In a Nutshell: Redefining what we consider to be ‘successful’ living. Infused with soulful and inspiring tidbits, incredible case studies and nuggets of wisdom.

Because this book is oh-so-incredible and wise, I am breaking it down into bite sized chunks so as to ensure you read, reflect and remember the beautiful pieces of soulful wisdom. As I read, I highlighted those quotes and pieces of information that leapt of the page, and I inadvertently created a perfect, transformative little collection o' words. Each chapter brought with in a whole new bombardment of insightful thoughts into 'success' and how we perceive and achieve it. So, without further ado, I'm going to kick off our successful journey and dive right into the first chapter of 'Vision'...

Vision

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+ Stopping is a way to connect again to your vision, wisdom and purpose

+ It is an age old habit of human beings to run faster when we have lost our way

+ Heal the culture of death by overwork; death of creativity; death of talent; death of fresh ideas

+ More heart in your business/work/life

+ Your goal is not to maximise productivity, it's to be more valuable

+ A model of success is need - a model that knows that success is primarily a way of being, not just a shopping list.

+ At school, I was taught lots of facts and how to pass a test, but not how to create vision, discover a purpose and lead a successful life

+ Permanent busyness blocks vision. Leaders are not meant to be permanently busy. Leaders are the custodians of vision

+ It is only when we let go of our busyness that vision returns, inspiration appears and a new level of true success is available

+ Busyness is what you give your time to, a purpose is what you give your heart to

"Where there is no vision, people perish" 

Proverbs 29:18

Blessings from my eclectic and overlapping vision board x

WARM FUZZY FRIDAY - The Prelude to a Post ...

I wanted to share this post with you, initially designed and intended to be a short introduction to my typical pictorial posts that I serve you guys on a Friday. But this morning, the words came hot and heavy, and who was I to stop them and stand in the way? They wanted to be shared. So here they are, infused with a little Emily essense, and yours for the readin'. Peace x

This morning I want to share with you an eclectic mix of everything that is inspiring, fuelling, driving and propelling me forwards right now. I have enjoyed such an incredible week and such simple reasons are behind the magic of it all. Surely I should feel better after a week in Bali of shopping, drinking and laughing (and please don't get me wrong - I absolutely adore being surrounded by friends/family exploring, enjoying and experiencing together) but the sense of utter peace, joy and an inner 'glowing' that I feel right this second is indescribable. 

I feel like, over the past few months, slowly but surely and for whatever reason my spark died a little. It would come back sporadically and maybe even hang about for a few days, but these feelings were always more so invoked by my brain telling me my 'shoulds'. I didn't really allow myself to simply let go, be and feel. And I knew, as all of us do as wise little souls, exactly what I needed to do to get to where I wanted to be. Inspiration struck and I knew the steps involved. I started by reading. Simply reading. A book that I had put down about a month ago, two thirds of the way in, and I discarded it to the side because life got busy and I had 'shit to do'. I curled up on Sunday, tea in hand, and read for about 4 hours. Highlighting the passages and words that practically peeled themselves off the page, climbed up my oversized jumper and slapped me in the face.  I finished the book and felt, for lack of a better word, transformed. I feel like the girl who picked up the book was a far cry from the girl who put it back down. After that I knew my next step was to create my new vision board, to collate images and words and concepts that would perfectly capture how I want to feel and the reality that I want to create for myself (yep, this is a fru fru post!). 

Don't think that I've hippied out and spent the weekend smelling flowers and laying in the grass, although I occasionally did do this, but I still had an agenda, work to do, people to see, responsibilities etc. In truth, this week has also been one of my most productive in a long time! But as I was coming from a place of happiness, purpose, passion and peace - these trivial jobs and responsibilities came to pass so easily. My mind is sharp and clear, and my work has reflected this. I have made time each and every day for moving my body and somehow connecting to nature (enjoying the Spring sun while it's out); I have made time for daily reading whether its a chapter here and there or a good old hour lost in the words of others; I have cooked and experimented with incredible new and nutritious foods; I have connected with family and friends and 'shown up' for my loved ones around me; I have educated myself and pursued new passions; I have been silly; I have meditated; I have smiled and laughed and felt so ding-dong-dang happy that I felt I was going to BURST!

I had planned to do a simple, short and sweet, introduction to this post but these words have poured out of me as I have tapped away at the keys. So apologies for the early morning essay mi amigos, but I just wanted to share my week and my experiences with you. 

Oh and also, during my midweek shenanigans and soul searching, I found it. That big idea, that big concept and big calling that I have been mulling over and looking for, for what feels like forever. It came to me. Clear as day. So I'm-a sit quietly with my chai latte, my notebooks and my little soul and flesh this baby out. I might do another post, if I'm feeling cheeky, that better encapsulates what the frick I am going on about. My purpose and mission is so white-hot, razor sharp and incredibly clear right now that I do NOT know how it didn't find me sooner. Or, perhaps I should rephrase, how it didn't appear to me sooner. It was always there lurkin and getting its creep on in the background but, until I was ready, the universe chose not for it to reveal itself. 

Sending all the blessings, white light and other fru fru jazz to you now and always x

WARM FUZZY FRIDAY - Birthday Styles

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I woke up this morning, to a beautifully whispered 'Happy birthday beautiful' from my darling, in a warm bed, with 25 years behind me and a hell of a full heart. Grateful doesn't come close. Blessed doesn't cut it either. Complete and utter overwhelm and the world's biggest smile...

The past year has been massive. Absolutely gargantuous. I have laughed, cried, smiled, hugged, stumbled, succeeded, been fearful, been brave, soul searched, green smoothied; I have been supported and loved by the world's greatest and most sparkling souls in my family and friends; I have worked my little butt off; I have trusted and loved and given thanks wholeheartedly. There is so much dang good in my life that I can't imagine how it gets much better, but then I wake up the next day and I am blessed with something else to be grateful for. Every single day I find things to say 'thank you' for, and as if by magic, more and more things pop up in my life that I am ever so grateful for.

It was exactly 12 months ago that I invested in myself and purchased the Lifestyle Transformation Guide - as a promise to myself to banish the self hate and clean up my thoughts, my health and my life. This program was an incredible turning point for me. It opened my eyes to the world around me, allowed me to step back and appreciate just how much magic was around, it encouraged me to honour my mind, body and soul and treat them accordingly and most importantly (or what I, at least, value the most) is that it set me on the path to my truest and most authentic self. 

I wake up every morning grateful for having another day to learn, grow, discover, share, inspire and be inspired; when I look at pictures of myself I see the story behind the smile or the laughter - I don't scrutinise over my appearance; I have the most incredible friends who make me so proud and feel oh so loved; my family are my rock and despite the distance now between us - they are embedded in my heart and are with me every day; I have a business that I love and I am determined to grow and fulfil my vision of service and support; I have interests and hobbies that make me 'me' and they have lit a fire in my belly that seems to grow in its power and strength every single day.

I am 25 years old and have been truly truly truly blessed. I will never stop being grateful, will never stop being positive, will never stop loving, will never stop caring, will never stop trusting, will never stop laughing, will never stop aspiring, will never stop dreaming, will never stop learning, will never stop saying 'thank you'.

So to all of you - friends, family, beautiful readers and supporters - thank you. Today YOU top my gratitude list. Thank you for making my life glisten and beam and shine and be sprinkled with magic erryday.

Blessings, gratitude, smiles, hugs and a big ol' piece of raw birthday cake for good measure 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

I WANT YOU - The Life Changing Hump Day Edition

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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!

WARM FUZZY FRIDAY - A Dedication.

Today's post is lovingly dedicated to someone very very special who, today, embarks on an exciting little journey. To all of you who are venturing into the unknown - who need a comforting cuddle and to be told that the pursuit of their dreams is the right thing to do - consider this mine, and the universe's, way of reassuring you that everything will be fabulous! Only positive things surround you, only good things lay ahead and only YOU control how incredible your life will be. 

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Blessings and pom-pom waving from your number one cheerleader x

WARM FUZZY FRIDAY - Alignment, Happiness and Vision

Welcome to your inspiration board and a visual collection of my thoughts at the moment. This week is all about alignment, happiness and vision - things that feel that they have effortlessly but significantly clicked with me over the past week. In just five short days I feel clearer, more determined and more aligned than ever before. BOOM!

PS. If I was around in ole Albert's time - I totally would have gone there. Jus' saying.

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Blessings from my aligned, calm and (of course) ambitious soul x

SOMETIMES A GIRL JUST NEEDS TO SAY 'THANKS' CHA KNOW?

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Dear Universe,

Life is good. So dang good. And I thank you for making that happen. I would like to give you the biggest cuddle and express my sincere thanks for the following blessings in my life:

• Giggles and highschool style infatuation in a relationship that's approaching it's 6th birthday. Seriously, I have butterflies again.
• My recent discovery of healthy chocolate icecream (my ass and I both thank you).
• My beautiful friends and their constant love and support. Seriously undeserving of having such angels in my life.
• Ditto, my family. I miss them but I thank you for keeping us ever so close despite the distance.
• Connecting with inspiring souls and gaining instantaneous new friends. 
• Helping me this week to define my 'why' and set some BAGs (Big Ass Goals).
• Isadelights and green tea. And tea in general. Thank you, thank you, thank you.
• The excitement of planning a very unique style of celebration for my big 2 5.
• Pushing myself out of my comfort zone and working harder and smarter than ever before.
• The INCREDIBLE progress of some of my clients in the clinic. 
• And for my job in general. I am so fortunate to be doing what I love day in, day out. AND especially when my private practice allows me to build up my other pursuits on the side!
• THIS article on female empowerment and supporting the sisterhood. Hells Yes.
• Books. Upon books. Upon BOOKS that are currently adorning my bedside table.
• My sister's incredible achievement of landing her first job.
• Energy and inspiration in abundance.

So that just about sums it up. But in case you couldn't tell, Universe, I'm really freakin' grateful for the incredible blessings that have been bestowed upon me. It keeps getting better. My smile, keeps getting bigger. And, my heart, keeps overflowin'. 

Blessings, thanks, praise and complete adoration x

WARM FUZZY FRIDAY

Keepin' it simple this Friday and am sharing with you a few images to inspire, encourage, motivate and add 'sparkle' to your friday. Enjoy my darlings.

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Blessings from my inspired, bright, colourful Friday 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

THE BEST NIGHT EVER.

I have a new crush. And he is crazy haired, tie dye wearin', hippy to the nth degree and he is such a wise ole incredible soul. David Wolfe. When my friend and I decided to purchase tickets to his lecture to hear him speak, we didn't know exactly what it would involve or what he was all about. David Wolfe is a BIG name in the wholefood nutrition world and he primarily advocates for a raw food diet but his message about food and nutrition goes beyond that. He is so in touch with the spirituality of health and food and acknowledges that a clean mind and clean eating are synonymous with a healthy spirit and body. I wish o' wish that I could have attended his previous lectures because there are a million and one things that I didn't get a chance to ask him or learn about - but I am so so grateful for the opportunity that I did get in listening to him speak AND it has definitely provided me with ample food for thought and inspired the patooties out of me. His message in a nutshell? Live in the moment, make it the 'best ever' and watch these moments amalgamate into the 'best life ever'; eat foods that are rich in enzymes, minerals and as close to their natural state as possible; laugh and find the humour in everything; ignore the 'shoulds' and focus on your own journey. Sigh, simple and poetic. I love him.

AND my night was made even more exciting when I was announced as winner of the RAWffle (hahahhahaha - raw food and word puns make me happy) and won a little kit of exciting bits and pieces and got to give David a big ole squeezy hug!

David's Pearls o' Wisdom (from Emily's scribbly notebook!)

+ Everyday purify yourself with 'air; earth; fire and water'
+ Warm salt water is the household cure for almost all ailments and illnesses (hello cold and flu season!)
+ Let food be thy medicine; and medicine be thy food
+ Never 'force' your dietary changes; let flow guide you
+ Eat chocolate - studies have shown that chocolate eaters have HALF the risk of heart disease of non-chocolate eaters
+ Levitational forces are actually stronger than gravitational forces. This is how we grow taller and stronger and elevate.
+ "Whatever the problem is, there is a solution"
+ Epigenetic foods - life force; healing foods
+ Take off your shoes and be 'earthed' at least once a day

Blessings from my David Wolfe ever lovin' heart x