WARM FUZZY FRIDAYS - The Lights of my Life Edition

Last week I attempted to assemble this post, write beautiful words, reference all the links and have it all click-ready for you by Friday afternoon - nek minut my computer crashed and I lost the beautiful post. So I will today keep it very short and sweet and leave you with a collection of images. And this simple notion - loved ones (family, friends, lovers/partners) make up our world, make the colours brighter, the tastes sweeter, the sounds more heavenly and our soul uplifted. This post is dedicated to MY support network - the incredible people that I have by my side and who I am never ever ever letting go.

Blessings and bucket loads of gratitude x

WHAT I'M READING and BOOKS I LOVE

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This post should be really be titled 'What am I NOT reading?'. Seriously. I have approximately 3-4 books on the go at any one time. I make sure that I read every night and I base my nightly read on how I'm feeling - sometimes I feel like soaking up some nutritional knowledge so I will read 'Crazy Sexy Diet' by Kris Carr or 'The Kind Diet' by Alicia Silverstone; other times I'm all about entrepreneurial shiz so I pick up 'Authentic Success' by Robert Holden, 'Go Pro' by Erik Worre or 'Think and Grow Rich' by Napoleon Hill; some nights it's more of a personal development kind of evening so I delve into my Louise Hay collection, 'Treasure Yourself' by Miranda Kerr or The Everything Book of Buddhism. 

I used to persistently judge and kick myself for not being a 'reader'. I have never been into fiction books, with the exception of the holy grail of fantasy books that are the Harry Potter series (just went to the top of my gratitude list thanks JK Rowls), and since I was younger and learning to read I always found myself picking up non fiction books, autobiographies or how-to books. I discounted this lack of fiction/fantasy and labeled myself a 'non reader'. Pfft. I am the biggest book worm I know!

Truth is, I love books that CHANGE me, in some way or another, small or big. I love putting down a book and knowing that it's shifted something within me or given me new perspective or knowledge. I love reading a book with a highlighter in my hand and outlining point after point that resonates with me and coming across those words that practically jump off the page.  

With my evolution of interests and pursuits, my choice of book has changed somewhat. I absolutely adore books on wisdom and cognitive retraining; I love books on business and inspiring entrepreneurs; I love cook books and books that delve into the how's and why's of nutrition; I love autobiographies that detail the perseverance and strength of the human spirit...

At the moment I have 5 books on the go but one that I am reading, and implementing, every day that has already been life changing and ridiculously eye opening, is E Squared by Pam Grout. This book talks, in a completely accessible, natural and frikkin funny way, about the universal energy fields and how much potential there is for incredible miracles in our life once we learn to give and receive to/from the field. The book claims to 'prove your thoughts create your reality' and provides you with the details of nine experiments that you can carry out to do so. Um, she had me at 'prove'. We all know I am a complete sucker for anything that mentions the links between our thoughts and our realities, but even my belief falters from time to time as I come across people who challenge or oppose this way of thinking.

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I'm planning on keeping you updated with my 'experiments' and findings as I go. Experiment one is simply about asking the universal energy field to make its presence known. To declare and announce itself in some way to me. I have given it 48 hours. So within the next 48 hours I am expecting either a sign, symbol, gift or blessing that is NOT able to be dismissed as coincidence that proves the field exists, is listening and can deliver. I am frikkin excited. I hope it has something to do with Ryan Gosling...

What do you love to read? Any favourite books or genres? Share in the comments below or via the Bless this Mess facebook page!

Blessings, bunsen burners and beakers from this mad scientist 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!

POINT TO PONDER - The Hump Day Edition

"The world does not change because business changes, society changes or our relationships change, it changes because we do. When we change our thinking, we change our experience of the world. When we show up differently, the world responds differently to us. When the world gives us another chance, our chances for success and happiness improve. Until we put our whole hearts into our lives, we will never know what is truly possible, nor will we reach the hearts of others" 

Robert Holden, Authentic Success.

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Hump day blessings and an ABUNDANCE of positive and powerful thoughts x

FEED ME MONDAY - Raw Chocolate Tarts

Can I preface this post with a big, fat "I'm sorry" and just get it out of the way? I know I promised a Monday afternoon post but a 'quick trip' to the beach with my love and my pup turned into a long extravaganza (said puppy may or may not have run off into the dunes and not responded when she was called). Anyway I am here now, with a brilliant recipe, so all is well in the world again.

I seldom push anyone to do anything. I use this blog to share and inspire. But today, my darlings, I am pushing. I am pushing BIG time. I recently purchased an incredible 'whole foods' app from the App Store and I absolutely adore everything about it. Belle Gibson, an incredible woman who is naturally healing and THRIVING from a brain tumour, has just released the first ever whole foods app. It honestly has it all - information; inspiration; resources galore and oh my Lordy the recipes are just incredible. So incredible that I'm-a share one with you today!! 'The Whole Pantry' is now available on apple and android and is only $2.99. Incredible value! And also, it's worth mentioning, that I have not been asked to feature this nor do I receive anyyyyy endorsements for doing so, I am genuinely sharing a ridic find with you all.

Raw.Chocolate.Tarts... I know. I had the same reaction when I first stumbled across this humble recipe within the Whole Pantry's dessert collection. I whipped this baby up for an afternoon tea that I would be sharing with some of the gorgeous ladies from the 'in-laws' side. They loved them. I loved them. I snuck a few and shared them with some other girlfriends. They loved them. Overall a healthy, nourishing, satisfying but above all decadent treat!

Raw Chocolate Tarts

Via The Whole Pantry App (available on Apple and Android)

Tart Cases

1 1/2 cup almond meal

1 cup pitted medjool dates

1 1/2 Tbspns melted coconut oil

1 Tbspn cacao powder

Pinch sea salt flakes

 

Chocolate Mousse

2 large, ripe bananas

1/2 ripe avocado (approx 3/4 cup)

1/4 cup cacao powder

1/2 tspn ground cinnamon

1 Tbspn Maple Syrup

1/2 Tbspn water

 

Combine all 'tart case' ingredients in a food processor and process the shiz out of them. You're aiming for a fine, crumbly texture. Next press 2 Tbspns of the mixture into tart cases, ensuring there are no holes and that the cases are evenly covered. Note - I actually self moulded them because I didn't have cases available, time consuming but just as effective. Place in freezer to set. Now onto the chocolate mousse filling. Add all 'mousse' ingredients to a blended and blend for approx 30 seconds or until well combined. Next is the ever important assembly! Pop tart shells out of their cases and place on plate, filling each with mousse. Top with cacao nibs (or my suggestion is also shredded coconut and/or bee pollen). Serve and enjoy!

 

Blessings and chocolate covered smiles x

 

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

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 

FEED ME MONDAY - The Raw Porridge Smoothie Edition

Monday, Monday, gonna get down on Mondayyyyy! I trust you all had a wonderful weekend, moved your butts, ate well and of course surrounded yourself with fabulous company.

Today's recipe is a breakfast inspired delicious treat - however it should be noted that I whipped this up last Friday night when our dinner plans suddenly fell through and my barren fridge bore nothing promising. It was incredible. Uber filling, nutritious, tasty as fug and easy as anything - being prepared in 5 minutes.

The original recipe can be found on the Healthy Bitch website - a website dedicated to encouraging health, wellness and kindness through its 'minimal living' daily articles.

Apple Peanut Butter Oatmeal Smoothie 

 

1 1/2 apples chopped

1/2 cup uncooked oats

1 1/2 cups milk of choice (I opted for soy but almond would have tasted incredible!)

2 Tbspns organic nut butter of choice (I used almond, brazil, cashew)

1/2 tspn cinnamon, or more as desired

 

No method needed baby. Just pop in a blending and whiz bang it up! I blended for approximately 2 minutes and it got rid of all lumps until a velvetty smoothie remained. Serve and enjoy!

 

Blessings from my nutty kitchen x



POINT TO PONDER - The Pioneer Edition

Points to Ponder (n.) - a new segment and feature on the Bless this Mess blog designed to get you thinking and to act as a weekly mantra of sorts.

Every Sunday I'll be stopping by and leaving you with a quote that I want us all to think about, really think about, and strive to implement or apply its principles to our everyday life. Meditate on it, have it on repeat in your mental sound system, use it as your screensaver, read and interpret and reflect upon the words before you.

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Blessings and a whole lot of love (to drive out that nasty ole hate) and light (to drive out the darkness) 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

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

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

FEED ME MONDAY - The Cold Rock Edition

Sticky date pudding. Chocolate torte. Cheese board. As my eyes glossed over the desert menu during date night at our 'local' - I suddenly realised that none of these options appealed to me. Don't get me wrong - had it been another night maybe or had my stomach been craving these foods then I would likely be salivating over the options even again as I type this. But a peculiar thing has happened over the past few months. My, always seemingly tortured, relationship with food has come to an end. I no longer am wracked with guilt when I eat something 'naughty'; I no longer turn to food when I am stressed, upset or excited and I no longer look at food as a reward or something that I work to deserve. Food is fuel. Food is freakin' amazing, enjoyable and delicious sustanance and energy. I have learnt to listen to my body and have learnt to differentiate between 'hunger' and 'boredom'. I have learnt which foods serve me well and which impede on my ability to see out the day the way that I truly want to. I make choices. I may choose to eat something not gluten free and full of dairy (two of my 'tummy triggers') and I will enjoy every single bite and will deal with the physical discomfort that may come as a result. Some times tummy cramps and nausea are worth a piece of rocky road - cha know man? Another thing I have learnt is how much food I truly need each day. I am a self confessed snacker and mindless nibbler. Always grazing on 'healthy' options but grazing none the less. During my cleanse days, and in giving my digestive system a much needed break, I become acutely aware of my 'habitual' eating. Despite consuming far less than I normally would on these days, my energy and mood improves (note - not always and not always immediately!). So I'm baffled - but shouldn't I have more energy on the days I eat lots? Nuh uh girlfriend. Our guts need a break and when we exceed our caloric/energy requirements it takes more effort to digest and process therefore we are actually left feeling more sluggish than normal. These days have honestly changed and repaired my relationship with food. I prepare my food with care and love, enjoy every mouthful and feel completely satiated upon finishing. I have days when my hunger rears up earlier than the day before, but I listen to and respect what my body is telling me, and respond accordingly.

So why am I harping on about all of this? Well after my restaurant epiphany, I went home and snuggled up in bed with David to watch the football. My mind drifted to something sweet, an extra space in my tummy seemed rather grumbly and was awaiting something decadent to completely satisfy and send me off to sleep. But I didn't want to put any nasties in my body, especially just before bed. No preservative 228 or colour 104. Nothing that my body couldn't recognise and therefore couldn't process/digest while I cheered on my boys (who won and kicked butt by the way). I wanted something completely natural, completely easy and completely delicious. Is that too much to ask? And so this decadent little creation was born. And hooley dooley was it good. I licked the bowl clean, like a dog. And loved every freakin' minute of it, and my body did too.

So next time that you feel like that something decadent but know that it might not serve your body as best it could, or the detrimental effects and post-ingestion sickness might not be worth that 5 minutes of eating pleasure - then have a go with this baby. Life is about balance. If you are sitting in that restaurant and you see the chocolate torte and your tummy grumbles and your eyes light up and you salivate and you know that's exactly what you and your body want, then you happily and whole heartedly choose that delicious treat. But just try this concoction the next night ;)

Life Changing Chocolate 'Icecream' with Sprinkles

 

2 frozen bananas (peeled prior to freezing to avoid pre-hypothermic fingers)

2 Tbspns raw cacao

1 tspn vanilla extract

4-5 iceblocks

Splash of water or milk of choice

 

Pretty simple. Blend away! Be sure to scrape down the sides to ensure that all the delicious flavours are evenly spread throughout the mix. Be prepared for some loud noises to come from your blended, those iceblocks pack a punch when they hit the blades. Serve immediately (or refreeze if you're a clever little chicken and are preparing ahead of time or better yet are sharing with your nearest and dearest loves). Top with shredded organic coconut and bee pollen. Or get your fancy on and decorate as you see fit. Fresh berries, rawnola, crushed nuts ... the world is your oyster you culinary master!

 

Blessings and chocolate covered smiles x



WARM FUZZY FRIDAY - Shine Bright

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This Fuzzy Friday, I'm not going to bombard you with images. I'm not going to chirp on and say the same thing in a slightly different way over and over. I'm simply loving and leaving you with this quote. I must have seen and read this quote a majillion times. When you read as many personal development, fru fru and motivational books as I do (and blogs, and documentaries, and articles...) you start to notice a few 'regular' sayings or teachings. But this week, something clicked. The words that I have read over and over again made so freakin' much sense that I wondered how I hadn't come to realise this before. This quote is all about basking in the wonder that is YOU. How trying to conform, trying to be someone else and consequently dissing on your fabulous self as a result, how playing it small, does nobody no good (threw in a double negative just to mess with y'all). Have you ever noticed how some people are absolutely stellar artists and creators, how they simply look at something conventional and see it in a completely different light and try to express it; while some people (cough cough, me!) can't seem to even colour within the lines of a dot to dot drawing! We were born with talents and skills that are unique to US. Some people are completely dependable to lift our spirits and make us laugh; others are straight shooters who we know we can count on when we want good, honest, cut-to-the-chase advice; others possess such a profound belief in us that they make us feel invincible and like we can do absolutely anything that our hearts' desire. Figure out who you are and let that person shine.

 

So this is my e-commitment to be unabashedly Emily, authentic to the core, and to no longer play it small, thinking that it will be better for others that way. I'm coming, balls blazing, and shining bright. Like a diamond, if you will.

 

A ship-load of blessings, love and light x

WARM FUZZY FRIDAY UNDER CONSTRUCTION

And coming to you this afternoon! Hold tight lovelies x

BEING AN AUTHOR

Everyone is an author. Whether they are creative, inspired to put pen to paper, or whether they are even literate - they are authors. Because, the truth is, every single day we write our future. We write our immediate future, we write our long term future and we write and choreograph every single moment that occurs within our lives. I know that this can often sound like a big load of hogswash but it ain't. I am an absolute advocate for setting intentions, writing my future and having the universe conspire in my favour to see my dreams actualised.

One of my recent favourite films is a little known one called Ruby Sparks. Go and rent it NOW. It's an enchanting little film about an insanely talented and lonely author who sets about writing his next great novel. An already aclaimed and praised writer, he is lacking inspiration when he is overcome by images and dreams of his soulmate and 'perfect girl' and decides to write about her, their adventures and their love. He tells his brother that he finds himself writing whenever and wherever he can because he loves spending time with her. His written connection is so powerful that he smiles with her, he laughs with her, he feels her and, to him, she is real. Then, faster than you can say boomshakalaka, she is in his apartment and he has manifested his soulmate. The film is 'kin brilliant and I strongly advise that you see it. An obvious fantasy but a poignant message. I may have turned a little hippy but not so much so that I believe we can materialise things simply by writing them (soy decaf cappucino on my desk please universe), but I DO believe that the film resonates so strongly with what I'm on about. Calvin knew what he wanted, he was specific about his 'perfect girl', he knew how she felt, how she smelt, the exact shade of her hair, her subtle nuances, he knew how he felt when he was around her, he knew how they would interact. Imagine if we had that same knowing, that same utter conviction in our dreams and goals that having it come to fruition was really the only option. Once we have that pristine clarity and absolute cement-set intention - magic happens.

I also want to share with you, my darlings, a book I read recently that has had a huge impact on the way I view my life and moreso my 'problems'. It's called Zero Limits and it's based around the teachings of ho'oponopono - a Hawaiin born practice of connecting with your 'zero', where you act without ego and from a purely natural state. Dr Hew Len talks about taking complete responsibility for the world around you. And all the shit that it might include. I rejected this idea for so so long, wondering how the frick I am responsible for some of the nasty things that happen in the world. But by taking responsibility and acknowleging that fear led to its existance and by correcting it with love, you can heal your life and those things around you that are make up your world. The most interesting and phenomenal aspect of the book were the anecdotal stories that Dr Hew Len and others shared. Dr Hew Len worked at a high security correctional facility for mentally ill criminals, and was asked to work with the inmates in the hope of reducing the frequency of violence and 'unlivable' environment of the building. In just a few short years, only a few inmates remained (and were moved to lower security areas), the gardens were better maintained, a huge number of inmates had been discharged and so many more little by little changes occured. Seems fair enough, a psychiatrist was hired to do his job and did it. An impressive result but by no means a miracle. Until you read that Dr Hew Len's practice actually invovled NO direct client contact. He instead took personal responsibility for his fellow mans' current state and worked on 'cleaning' his own energies and rewriting what he saw. A little fru fru for you or want to know more - check out an article here that describes his approach and consequent successes. 

So for now I'll leave you with that. I am going to delve into this a bit more next week and talk more the 'hows' of setting your intentions etc. But for now just be aware. Get thinking about what you want to manifest into your life, what you want to remove and how exactly you will actualise your most authentic life.

Blessings from my turban wearing, mantra chanting, hippy self x