mariĂŤlle a mindstyle magazine
The idea for mariëlle origafternoon while brainstorming on what I to this moment I had experienced a lot on a spirto the US, and I was still trying to figure out who I was, always imagined. After a couple of failed projects, I decidask, share the information that I thought was very interestin though I have little experience in this field, I know that follow So here I am, 9 months later, birthing a magazine. This maga they are the evidence of the things that can happen when you that. When I started out, I never thought that I’d be able to co magazine. I’ve been able to interview the author that change can be anything that you want it to be, I’ve learned that my I’ve learned that passion and work go together like peanut moments, and I hope that you’ll experience the content o long ago: “Focus on the powerful, euphoric, magical, b them to you.” And it’s so true! Every time I feel overwh text, and it reminds me of why I’ve decided to start th sisters. A message that comes from a place of beau to see your inner and outer beauty, you are powe to provide articles and interviews that will cha your inner and outer beauty. My mission is happen! My advise is this: “Do a little m your ideal becomes what’s real. Spe ter your limits, release your fea change the world! Always b love yourself. Believe in Strive to be thankfu that you can le better th fou 2
inated on a random Saturday would do with myself . In the years prior itual and emotional level. My family had moved what I believed and how I would live the life that I had ed that I was going to ask the questions I always wanted to ng and help others on their way in a more personal way. Even wing my heart will always take me to where I’m supposed to be. azine is filled with articles that are dear to me. Simply because u believe in your vision. And there’s something magical about ome in contact with the amazing people that are featured in this ed my perspective on myself, I’ve learned how your business y perspective on life might change, but that I will be alright and t butter and jelly. This magazine is a series of serendipitous of this magazine as such. It’s like this quote I read not too beautiful parts of life, and the universe will keep giving helmed by the idea to launch this magazine, I read that his journey. Which is, to share a message with my fellow uty and power. I truly believe that when you are able erful beyond measure! You can expect mariëlle allenge, inspire and motivate you to acknowledge for you to truly know that you can make it more of what you want to do each day, until eak your truth, live your values, shatars. Dream big, start small and be confident! Stay eager and n the magic of a new day. ul and optimistic. So eave this world han you und it. 3
Mariëlle is a free online mindstyle magazine for women that are seekers and followers of the things that will lead them in a closer relationship with themselves, God and their community. Mariëlle connects women with each other and provides thoughts and ideas to live a fulfilling life. In this magazine I try to cover a broad range of topics that are linked to personal development and spirituality. This includes topics such as meditation, (mainstream) religion, prayer, parenting, health, business advice, personal development, beauty and fashion. ADVERTISE info@mariellemag.com. SUBMIT YOUR WORK & CONTRIBUTE This magazine is a platform for creative souls like you! If you’d like to see your work in Marielle, submit your work of genius by submitting it to info@mariellemag.com. COPYRIGHT No part of this magazine may be reproduced or distributed in any form without prior written consent of the editor. If you wish to request the use of and/or publish any portion of Mariëlle, please email me at info@mariellemagazine.com.
Your place to discover and reflect
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A Showp
Imagine‌ You're 27 years old, fun, gorgeous and the CEO of a million dollar online fashion house that you've built from the ground up. Pretty cool, huh? Well, that's what I thought! So when I heard that this was Jane Lu's story, I decided to contact her for an interview! Jane Lu is an Australian based funtrepreneur and CEO of online fashion house, Showpo.com. At only 27 years old, she's competing with Australia's largest retailers and is currently making plans to go global. I met up with her on Skype and asked her a thing or two about working social media to your advantage. . 8 Foto by: Zahrina Photography
pony’s tale to Facebook according to the amount of engagement you receive within the first three hours of posting. That’s why it’s so important to be creative with your content and to know who your customers are. If you know who your customers are, you know what they like. When I first started out, I was looking for a model. I used Facebook to find a model by launching a modelling contest. It worked great! The amount of page likes went up, people got to know who we were and we found a model! I am part of my target audience. So I share the things that I love. I don’t always get it right, but I keep trying.” As I listened to Jane’s advise, I started to realize that showpo’s success isn’t only based on the amazing clothes. When you combine, good product, creativity and authenticity, you will reap success! Jane is able to be successful because she’s able to target her audience in a way that speaks to them. After having processed my interview with Jane, I realize that showpo.com is much more than a fashion house that tickles your fashion senses and caresses your wallet. Showpo.com is a brand that inspires you to be authentic. Showpo shows you that you can be fun, wear on-trend fashion, make selfies and run a million dollar company! Pretty girls r˜ck!!
It is said that social media is the way to go if you want to grow your business. If you take a look on Facebook, Youtube, Twitter, and many other social media sites, you’ll find businesses - big and small - fighting for the consumer’s cash. And showpo.com is no exception. Using Facebook, Jane has been able to grow showpo beyond her wildest dreams. Jane started showpo.com in a little garage in 2010. Her dream was simple: provide fun and on-trend fashion at a very affordable price. In an effort to share showpo.com with the world, she started using Facebook. “I chose Facebook because it works for my line of business. My customers need to be able to see our products. And because Facebook is mainly about pictures, it works for showpo.” But she doesn’t just share pictures of her products, she shares silly days at the office, events that she’s attended, customers’ selfies in showpo’s clothing, and much more. Jane knows her audience and keeps the content creative by sharing the things that she knows they’ll like. And it works! Showpo doesn’t only have a lot of page likes on Facebook, there’s also a high engagement. And in the end, it’s all about engagement. “A lot of people think that Facebook is all about the amount of likes you have. But engagement is what will propel your business. When I started out in 2010, it was easier to grow your Facebook page. Now it’s much harder because Facebook shares your posts
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It’s not often that colored girls get to find their perfect match at the local Walmart, but it happened to me! While looking for a new foundation, I came across Maybeline’s Fit Me Foundation. All I can say is that they nailed it in the color department! The color matches This soap right here... It's my new BFF in
perfectly and it’s light and breezy on the skin!
skin care! This bar of soap cleared my acne prone skin within days of using it! It can be
I bought it at @ Walmart
a little harsh, so I use olive oil to add moisture to my skin.
Background info: African Black Soap is highly recommended for treating acne, eczema and psoriasis. It also helps releave your skin of dark spots and blemishes. The African Black Soap is made with roasted cocoa pods, plantain skin, palm leaves,
Looking for an allpurpose oil? Coconut oil is it!
kernel oil and palm oil. This mixture
Coconut oil can be used to moisturize your skin
nourishes skin with vitamin A, E and iron.
and hair. Personally, I like to use coconut oil directly after I take a shower, while my skin is still warm and soft. In my opinion it absorbs
I bought it @ Walmart
much better this way. For my hair, I like to use it as a hot oil treatment. It leaves my hair soft and it conditions my scalp.
I bought it @ an Indian convenience
If you’re on a budget, or just don’t wear
store
eyeshadow often, you’ll LOVE this palllette. With
or
without
a
base
color,
the
eyeshadow pops out beautifully and there are so many different shades of browns and golds, that you’ll be able to pull off many looks!
I bought it at @ Marshalls
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Maybeline FIT Me Foundation Feel: Light and silky Coverage: Good medium coverage Price: $5.49 @ Walmart
ELF 32 Piece Neutral Eye Pallet Pigmentation: 8/10 Price: $4.99 @ Marshalls 13
BASIC SKIN CARE ESSENTIALS Some people swear by regular bar soap, others believe in legions of products. But what is really necessary…? I’ve compiled a list of 4 basic skin care products that every woman should have in her collection.
1 Cleanser Recommended use: 2 x a day. Why you need it? A good cleanser, gently cleanses your skin . It doesn’t leave your skin overly sensitive or dry. In the morning you use it because it to rinse off the toxins that you sweated out during the night. Use in the evening to remove your makeup and the debris that has built up on your skin throughout the day.
2 Moisturizer Recommended use: After cleansing your face. Why you need it? A moisturizer is used to restore the moisture in the skin, locks it in and provides the necessary nutrients to keep your skin looking healthy and radiant.
4 Sun Screen Recommended use: This depends on the sunscreen's sun protection factor (SPF), the time of day you'll be out in the sun and the kind of activity you have planned. Your bottle will provide a basic estimate for how often you should apply your sunscreen.
3 Exfoliator Recommended use: 1-2 times a week. Why you need it? Exfoliating helps remove dead skin cells. When dead skin cells remain on our skin, they can cause dry patches, uneven skin tone and clogged pores. To avoid over exfoliating, it is recommended to exfoliate with fine textures. This will minimize damage occurring to your face tissue.
Why you need it? It protects from the harmful UV-rays, which can cause damage to your skin. Worst case scenario; it can even cause skin cancer! You should do your research to be sure that you’re using the right SPF factor for your skin type and skin tone.
Gladiator Wrap Sandals Flip flops, lightweight summer scarf and scissors
Source: Misskrissturner.com
1. Using your scissors, cut the scarf in half so that you have two long pieces of fabric. 2. Fold the scarf in half 3. Slide the scarf under the “v” of the flip flop 4. Place the loose ends (the straps) through the loop and pull tight. 5. Slide the knot to the bottom of the “V” and separate the two fabric straps. 6. Wrap the fabric straps around the “V” of the flip flops.
Beauty Q&A With Youtube Makeup Guru
HOLMIQUE a.k.a
mo TheFace
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Name two of your tried and true beauty rituals? I honestly, don’t really have a set beauty ritual unless I’m trying out some new products. But when I have a special event that my face has to be “spanked” or “beat” for, I kick in extra moisturization (nightly) and exfoliation(at least twice a week). What beauty product do you neglect due to laziness? I usually skip primer, mostly on my face. Though I usually try to prime eyes when I wear eye shadow because my eyelids are super greasy! What beauty product gives you the most confidence? I can only choose one? Lol! Well I’d have to say lipstick, the bolder the better, but blush is a very close second.
What beauty things do you suck at? I absolutely suck at lining my own eyes and applying falsies! I have crepey, hooded lids and it doesn’t help that my lashes are very curly. I have to get behind them super close to line, and kind of hold them down so they don’t push away my falsies...ugh! I’ve gotten much better though. What is your most expensive beauty item and what is your most inexpensive beauty item? My most expensive beauty product would probably have to be Guerlain’s Rouge G Lipsticks, these babies cost about $50 a piece(most expensive broken down by "per oz") But I love ‘em!
A beauty product you would always recommend? Hands down, MAC’s Mineralize SkinFinish Natural! I’ve repurchased this about half a dozen times! It’s a really good finishing powder, that has a natural finish, and color. It doesn’t leave my skin feeling tight either.
Current favorite nail polish? Revlon’s scented polish in Peach Nectar, it’s a bright, but pastel peach… so pretty! Favorite foundation? This is a VERY tough one! I have almost 25 bottles. Can I choose three? Low-end: Covergirl Outlast Stay All Day 3-n-1(Tawny), mid-end: MAC Prolong Wear(NC45+NC50), High-end: Chanel Pro Lumiere(94 Ambre). What items would you most like to receive as a gift? Lipstick and blushes! No matter what I can usually make these work. What spring trend are you most excited about this year? I’m not usually into pastel colors, unless it’s mint green, but I’m so loving pastels right now! From my lips to my shoes! What is your must-have lip color this spring? I’m loving soft, and bright pink and purples right now. I don’t have a particular pink I like from a brand...wait, maybe OCC’s LipTar in Mannequin. But for purple; I’m in love with It’s Your Face Cosmetics ‘Go Bold’ lipsticks in Twilight, and Gum Drop mixed together. What is your favorite body spray/perfume for spring? Bath & Body Works Japanese Cherry Blossom...mmmmmm yum-mee!
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JE T’AIME…
f fa s r a c S
hion Green
in Bold p 25
k lip
eyes
M
acElton Design Name: MacElton Mingeel Age: 19 Profession: Fashion Designer 26
MacElton and I met while we were both out fabric shopping. Being only 19 years old, he’s had quite the experience. He’s a young Muslim that believes in his craft and takes life as it comes. He was so inspiring that I decided to share his story. What made you start MacElton Design? A while ago I was heading in a totally different direction. I was planning on going into catering business. But after finding out some disturbing news concerning this venture, I pulled the plug on this and decided to continue designing and making clothes. I love fashion, it’s part of who I am. When I am making clothing, I really get into it. And that’s something that I didn’t have with my previous venture. What do you want to accomplish with MacElton Design? Besides wanting to become a global brand, I want to people provide people with clothing that inspires them to be themselves. That’s why I create clothing with interesting patterns and fabrics. It makes you stand out! What were your challenges when starting out? When I decided to start MacElton Design, I did not have a sewing machine nor a budget. What is your legacy to the world? I just want people to know that they should be themselves and follow what’s in their heart. Pleasing people will not get you far! 27
An openhearted interview with journalist, clinical psychologist and author of books such as 'Loving Yourself', 'How healing happens' and 'This is how I became to love myself'
Sabine Standenat In your book, Houden van Jezelf (Translation: Loving Yourself), you explain that you were overcome with a severe form of fear for many years. Because of this fear you were unable to leave your house for a long period of time. Looking back, what do you think triggered this fear? I think that my fear started from a young age growing up, with both parents living for themselves and their jobs. My mother was a dentist and my father was a medical doctor. They were made to be lovers, not parents. From their personality they were made for lovers, but not for parents. So my brother and I did not get the support and the attention we would have needed. For me, this led to the conviction that I could not feel safe in this world, and I became very fearful. This only got worse when I had a motorbike accident at age 17. From that point on I started to get panic attacks. Unfortunately for me, growing up in the seventies, nobody was able to diagnose it as such. Which made me become more fearful and insecure. I tried very hard to get on with my life, but no matter how hard I tried, I couldn’t. The panic attacks would occur every- and anywhere. I didn’t feel safe
anywhere! This is when the fear took control of my life and it did so for more than 30 years. I believe that every situation is designed to assist us in healing a hurt and/or promoting growth. What was the hurt that caused this severe form of fear? The hurt is called: „This universe does not love me – so I will never feel safe. Nobody loves me. Nobody cares. I am alone. So I will not survive.“ I think the lesson was to remember, who i really am: soul, part of God, invulnerable, existing forever. I think the biggest lesson was TO LOVE MYSELF! I suppose, nothing else could have taught me this lesson…. When and how did you come to the realization that you needed to confront your fears? On a conscious level it was not my decision. I was constantly in a state of fear. The feeling was so strong, it literally controlled my life. What did your journey to recovery look like? It was a matter of survival. Every day I tried to
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survive. Still, I never gave up on myself. On some days my legs wouldn’t carry me, I’d have a terrible pain in my back and neck and migraine headaches. Sometimes I would feel as though I was suffocating, I would even get eczema all over my skin, and the list goes on and on. I thought about ending my life many times. But I was just afraid to die as I was to live. I lived in a strange place between life and death. I took medication, went to psychologists, healers, doctors, anyone who I thought could get me out of this hell. But nobody one. Eventually I started to realize that I needed to begin to love myself. I decided to start exactly where I was, step by step. I still suffer from panic attacks, but it’s no longer a drama. I just tell myself „Okay, so you’re the kind of person who might get a panic attack. So what?“ Did writing it down help you to process this experience? If so, how did it help you? Not really, I was a journalist, before I became a psychologist….Even though I always had a passion for writing, it was also part of my work.
What are you grateful for? Even though my life has been quite a challenge, I have never become bitter. I am grateful for never losing my humor, not even in my worst days! I am grateful for my legs that carry me, for being able to see the the beauty of nature, to have my dog is at my side. I am grateful for knowing that when I really need help, it will be there. What should you give yourself more credit for? I would give myself credit for getting back up, time and time again. What do people thank you for most often? That telling my story helped them so much….that I listen and never judge them..and very often, that I am, who I amJ
What inspired you to write this book? There are several reasons for me writing this book. First of all, I am a psychologist, but also a patient. I wanted to share my story and let other people with similar symptoms know, that they can have their life back. Second, I wanted to end the big silence. In the beginning it was important that nobody knew that I was suffering. „Would I still get business? What would people say?“ Now ‚everybody‘ knows. In writing this book I was able to free myself. And last, but not least; I wanted to tell everyone that loving yourself is the key to your healing. You’re a woman of many trades. But what would you describe as your form of service to the world? I’d like to be recognized for being a warm person who is caring towards people and animals. When do you feel passionate, free and inspired? When I feel inner peace! And when, I’m not suffering from any physical symptoms.
What does your oasis look like and how do you create it? I lie in the grass with my dog, Gioia, looking up to the sky, and let my thoughts take me away. I do this whenever the weather permits.
How would you like to be remembered? I’d like to be remembered for being a warm person who is caring towards people and animals. Other books by Sabine Standenat Wie Heilung Geschieht ISBN-10: 3-426-87492-X ISBN-13: 978-3-426 87492-9 So Werde Ich Einr Gluchliche Frau ISBN-10: 3708803930 ISBN-13: 978-3708803937 So Lerne Ich Meine Angste Zu Besiegen ISBN-10: 3708804279 ISBN-13: 978-3708804279 Liebst Du Dich Schon Oder Qualst Du Dich Noch? ISBN-10: 3708805992 ISBN-13: 978-3708805993
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The
of
I would definitely label myself as being a dreamer. Ever since I was a little girl, I have been dreaming of two things: raising a family and being a strong business woman. At the tender age of 20 I accomplished the first. That is when I delivered my beautiful daughter. And even though I was still young, the impact was great and the years following my pregnancy were mainly filled with providing for my new family. And my dreams were put aside for the greater cause: Making sure that our little girl lacked nothing in life. And we were quite successful at that. However, about 3 years into working as a customer service representative, I realized that I was becoming more and more unhappy. I wanted more out of life. I wanted to be more than a friendly, knowledgeable and hardworking employee. I wanted to be appreciated for my creativity in aspects of life that I deeply cared about. And even though I was not sure what that exactly was, I knew that I wasn’t going to find it at this company. Every fibre of my being wanted to flee the scene. I wanted to run away from this environment, but I wasn’t sure what I was running towards. Years of tucking my dreams away had taken its toll. And all I knew for certain was that I was no longer the happy go-lucky girl with big dreams. I had matured and become the ‘let’s-behappy-while-living-comfortable’ young woman. And slowly I started to realize that I had no idea who I really was. I was 23 years old and feeling like I was going through a quarter life-crisis. I had no idea who I was, what I liked, nor what I wanted out of life. All I knew for certain, was that I didn’t want to be where I was!
ri
Being a major bookworm, I decided to pick up a book and see how I would be able to get out of this quarter life crisis. So I dashed off to the local bookstore to find a book on my issue. At the bookstore I found some interesting reads. One of which ‘Van Jezelf Houden’ (translation: Loving Yourself) by Sabine Standenat. I decided to buy this book as a pick-me-upper. I figured that I at least knew how to love myself. But I quickly came to the realization that I had not quite mastered that yet either! There was so much judgment, and harsh dialogue going on inside of me, that I was starting to understand where my unhappiness came from. “How could I love myself, but not be able to stand myself?” And it’s around this time that I came across an interview where the person spoke about writing your thoughts in a journal. When I first heard about it, I was not amused. Journals were books that teenagers and kids wrote in. I could not see how I, being 21+ and all, would be able to reap benefits from it. But boy, was I wrong! There is a big difference between a diary and a journal! Where you simply record your reactions to the daily happenings in your life, a journal includes that and much more. It is a storehouse for all of the things that interest and inspire me. It provides a safe environment to experiment and grow creatively. A journal is so much more than recording events, it’s a mirror of your soul. As Tulio Jarocki says: It is “A safe-haven that at the same time soothes you and saddens you; motivates you and makes you reflect; makes you hate yourself, makes you love yourself: a reflection on paper of yourself.”
g n iti
Being a major bookworm, I decided to pick up a book and see how I would be able to get out of this quarter life crisis. So I dashed off to the local bookstore to find a book on my issue. At the bookstore I found some interesting reads. One of which ‘Van Jezelf Houden’ (translation: Loving Yourself) by Sabine Stadenat. I decided to buy this book as a pick-meupper. I figured that I at least knew how to love myself. But I quickly came to the realization that I had not quite mastered that yet either! There was so much judgment, and harsh dialogue going on inside of me, that I was starting to understand where my unhappiness came from. “How could I love myself, but not be able to stand myself?” And it’s around this time that I came across an interview where the person spoke about writing your thoughts in a journal. When I first heard about it, I was not amused. Journals were books that teenagers and kids wrote in. I could not see how I, being 21+ and all, would be able to reap benefits from it. But boy, was I wrong! There is a big difference between a diary and a journal! Where you simply record your reactions to the daily happenings in your life, a journal includes that and much more. It is a storehouse for all of the things that interest and inspire me. It provides a safe environment to
experiment and grow creatively. A journal is so much more than recording events, it’s a mirror of your soul. As Tulio Jarocki says: It is “A safe-haven that at the same time soothes you and saddens you; motivates you and makes you reflect; makes you hate yourself, makes you love yourself: a reflection on paper of yourself.” After my first session with the journal, I started to realize what the hype was all about: Journaling actually works! And because it did, I started finding myself again. I started dreaming again. So much so, that I left my job. I had come to realize that I was heading in a direction that was not heading towards the realization of my dreams. And there is where my new journey began. After parting ways with the things I didn’t want, I was now to figure out what I did want, and how I was going to position myself to get what I wanted. When I started looking for what interested me, things started happening. I was paying better attention to things around me, and I was finding inspiration everywhere! That situation taught me to always have a journal in tow. Now, I take those bad boys with me everywhere!
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In case you’re still wondering if you should join the club, I’ve listed 11, in my opinion, solid reasons for journaling: 1. Journals help you have a better connection with your values, emotions, and goals; 2. Journals Improve mental clarity/help solve problems/improve overall focus; 3. Journals improve insight and understanding; 4. Journals track your overall development; 5. It’s a safe place for all your most private feelings and deal with them head on 6. The mental benefits are similar to those of a yoga session; 7. It’s great source material. (Especially when one decides to start a magazine); 8. A place to work through your struggles privately; 9. Quality time with your Creator; 10. Gaining a new sense of the power of words and becoming an active creator of your life story; 11. Extra retail time. Your words are as precious as gold, so why not entrust them to a beautiful book?;
useful life skill? Know the answer? Then it’s about time you reap the benefits of journal writing and start putting pen to paper. Enjoy! And there is where my new journey began. After parting ways with the things I didn’t want, I figured out, and embraced the things I do want. I am now in a posiition to get what I want.
How can journaling best be of use to you? To vent your emotions? To help achieve your goals? To help clear your mind? What do you think makes journaling such a
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Fire Up Your Life
With Danielle LaPorte’s boo ‘The Fire Starter Sessions’
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anielle LaPorte is the creator of The Desire Map, author of The Fire Starter Sessions and co-creator of Your Big Beautiful Book Plan. She is an inspirational speaker, former think tank executive and business strategist. She has spoken at Wanderlust, has been interviewed by people such as Gabrielle Bernstein, Jonathan Fields, Kate Northrup and Marie Forleo. And I fully understand why. Her message is sassy, fun, light and refreshing. In ‘The Fire Starter Sessions’ she shares her message with that same direct approach and I honestly love it! This book is a great read for if you’re on the verge of something big and need help developing the faith and motivation to make it happen. While reading ‘The Firestarter Sessions’, it’s as though she’s directly speaking to you! And she personalizes the content by providing a worksheet after each session. My advise: Always keep a notebook on hand. ‘Cause her message will spark many AHA-moments. In my opinion, everyone should have this book in their collection. It’s a recommended read!
“How do you want to feel when you look at your schedule for the week? When you get dressed in the morning? When you walk through the door of your studio or your office? When you pick up the phone? When you cash the check, accept the award, finish your masterpiece, make the sale, or fall in love?… How do you want to feel? Knowing how you actually want to feel is the most potent form of clarity that you can have. Generating those feelings is the most creative thing that you can do with your life.” ISBN-10: 9780307952103 ISBN-13: 978-0307952103
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Rich in 7 seconds? Setting financial goals and sticking to them is not easy. Our eyes wander on a daily basis and it seems like there is never enough money to go around. But there is a different way of looking at your finances. For this month’s edition, I’ve teamed up with Marine of marineselenee.com to provide a new perspective on personal finances that might just transform the way you interact with money!
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Build a strong foundation by being grateful for what you have and by clearing the (financial) clutter. Organize your papers and clear out your wallet. Money is energy, so you want it to be able to flow. The outward is a manifestation of what’s going on inside of you.
. You have to be grounded in this moment. Accept your life for what it is, go with the flow. It can be very overwhelming to continually think about the things that you do not have in life. Remind yourself of the things that you’ve done right. One thing that helps, is writing in a gratitude journal on a daily basis. It is a matter of being happy with what you have in this current moment. Living in the past or the future will not bring you any joy, it will just frustrate you.
It is said that it takes about 40 days to make a lasting shift in your behaviour. That’s why I believe it is important to create an environment that will help you stay on track. Create a new vibration in your life by making your own affirmations and placing them in different places throughout your house. Fill your surroundings with things that make you happy. Happiness attracts happiness. It takes 17 seconds for a negative thought to be imprinted in your mind. But it only takes 7 seconds for a positive thought! So as soon as you get a negative thought, replace it with a positive one. It only takes 7 seconds!
When handling finances, it’s important to remember the impact that it will have on generations to come. That’s why it’s so important to educate parents. When they feel responsible about money, their children will pick up on that. Don’t discuss your money problems with your kids, they will start to feel responsible for it. Instead, teach kids about money. Show them that money is fun by engaging them in the workings of money. Open a bank account for them and have them make their own money. Why not help them sell lemonade during summer? It’s a great teaching experience!
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Visionaries a person with original ideas about what the future will or could be like
TAINA JORDA-CID Pura Vida Holistic Life Coach
“I want people to wake up to their greatness and know that love conquers all!�
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had been listening to motivational speeches all weekend and had finally found the courage to make some new friends. After looking at several profiles, I decided to send Taina a message on Facebook. Within minutes we were having a conversation about our goals and dreams. Where I was just starting to get my toes wet, she seemed to be a seasoned veteran. She had already been working as a Zumba teacher and a health coach, travelling the world and helping her clients online. She seemed so happy and contented! And that’s exactly where I wanted to be! So when I came up with the brilliant idea to start a magazine, she was one of the first people I interviewed! I admire Taina for the simple reason that lives what she preaches. She keeps it simple and has had the courage to trade her steady paycheck for living the life of her dreams. And I hope that you’ll enjoy her story as much as I do What’s the story behind what you do? I was 14 when I lost my Dad. My Dad was only 41 when he passed away due to a massive heart attack (cholesterol). This experience taught me that life’s very short and that it is important to take care of your health. This made me want to find out what makes a happy, healthy human being.
that I had to change myself first. You know, it’s the internal work that we do, that starts a ripple effect to the world around us. I want people to wake up to their greatness. And I want them to know that love conquers all! What’s your definition of true health? True health is being healthy in body, mind and spirit. My body is a temple. And I give the God Source within me honor and respect by eating right, surrounding myself with positive people and removing myself from toxins as much as possible. By me being more loving to myself, I am becoming a clearer vessel for Divine Inspiration. What keeps you going? My why keeps me motivated! What I do, is not just about me. It’s all of the people that can benefit from this message. For me it’s about setting the example. Living your dream life is not always easy, it’s scary. But if I let fear stop me, I am not being an example. Everything I live is for the greater good. Where are you now and what does the future look like? When I decided to quit my job and make this my full time job, I saved. At this moment I finance my business at a really low budget, using free services such as Youtube and Skype to grow my business. As I grow (globally!) I’ll be able to hire a personal assistant, write books, organize retreats, seminars and workshops. I am looking forward to having tour dates and adventure dates!
What is Pura Vida? Pura Vida is a way that I could travel, give and love and contribute, be inspired, inspire and to continue to grow in a much bigger way. What quote or mantra keeps you going? Why did you become a life coach? “Progress not perfection!” I was a unhappy for a very long time, until I took ownership of my life. I decided that I wanted to thrive in life and change the world. This meant however,
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“BY ME BEING MORE LOVING TO MYSELF, I AM BECOMING A CLEARER VESSEL FOR DIVINE INSPIRATION”
Breathing Space
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with Crystal Mind Creations
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As with many things in life, there are many roads that lead to Rome. And in the life coaching business, this is no exception. On Good Friday I met with Carla and Paula to discuss their business and their life coaching methods. Their Facebook page explains that they use Tao Yin and the Dreamspell calendar to assist their clients in realizing their goals. But I’m curious to find out the ‘how’ behind this business endeavour! The idea behind Crystal Mind Creation is to help people connect to their core energy. Crystal Mind Creation’s focus is the ‘Crystalline Energy’. In order to tap into this energy and perform healing works with it, they use music, Tao Yin and the Dreamspell calendar. Carla explains how, during one of their first sessions, they were inspired to play the song ‘High Hopes’ by Bruce Springsteen. “The effect that it had on the group was incredible! We use music that is appropriate for what we are trying to achieve during a particular session.” Paula, who has had many years of experience and education concerning healing and massage therapy, uses Tao Yin to complement the workshop. It is one of the ways in which Crystal Mind Creation assists their clients in
getting in touch with themselves. She uses movements to create a balance in the flow of energy. Paula explains that “the idea behind Tao Yin, is to remain in poses for an extended amount of time. This stretches your meridians and it helps you become conscious of what really happens in your body when you remain in a certain pose.”
Paula (blue), Me (center), Carla (white)
When it comes down to ‘reading’, Carla is the woman for the job. She has had extensive experience and education in this field. While studying ‘Reading’, one of her teachers introduced her to the Dreamspell calendar. She got curious and has incorporated it in her work. This calendar believes, just as Western astrology, that the day you were born gives you certain personality traits. There are 260 different galactic signatures that give you insights into who you are. By using this galactic signature, Tao Yin and music, Paula 50
Paula (on the left) and Carla (on the right)
and Carla are able to help their uary 2014 and launched their clients connect to their unique en- business just 2 months later! Just ergy and purpose in life. several weeks after, I found their flyer hanging in the supermarket! While talking to Paula and Carla, Combining passion and business it is clear that they not only use can be a powerful thing. Walk in the Dreamspell calendar on their your truth, and you’ll see the most clients, they use it for themselves amazing things happen! as well! The road to starting this business has been nothing shy of a spiritual journey. They have been inspired, found answers and have had to revise their concepts numerous times. But by trusting their vision, they’ve been able to translate their core beliefs into a business that works for them and their clients. Crystal Mind Creation came up with the idea in JanPaula & Carla @ work
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AND
The Persians started out as a small group of
belief system called Zoroastrianism. After finding
nomads, but eventually became the largest
out that Zoroastrianism is still being practiced
empire the world had ever seen – in ancient
today, I set out to meet Shirin. Shirin is one of
times. They unified the whole of Central Asia
the founders of ‘Foundation of Zoroastrianists’ in
which consisted of many different cultures,
the Netherlands. And she has agreed to give me
kingdoms, empires and tribes and spanned three
a crash course in Zoroastrianism.
continents: Asia, Africa and Europe. Their empire
many religions, there is a man at the heart of this
spanned from Egypt in the west, to Turkey in the
belief system. His name is Ashoe Zarathushtra.
north and through Mesopotamia to the Indus
He was born around 1500 BC, possibly in an area
River in the east.
As with
The Persian’s unique policy
near the Aral Sea. In a time where the majority
on tolerance is one that is valued up to this day.
of the religions were polytheistic, Zarathushra
One of the Great Kings of Persia, Darius I, found
emerged with a radical new set of beliefs for the
that following a policy of tolerance towards the
time, one of a supreme God, Ahura Mazda.
customs and religions of his subject people,
According to Zarathushtra there are two powers
helped in maintaining stability in his empire. By
in the world: good and evil. He taught that the
allowing subject nations to live their own lives,
earthly world was torn by a constant struggle
the Persians ensured that a multi-ethnic, multi-
between good and evil. And humans would have
lingual empire flourished in relative peace for two
to choose between the two, believing that in the
decades. At the heart of this tolerance was a
end good would always triumph over evil.
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Zarathustra’s words still survive today in the form of religious hymns, known as the Gathas. Zarathustra establishes a very simple ethical creed that all Zoroastrians are required to follow, which is to live a life based on and committed to:
Good thoughts, good words and good deeds Zarathushtra teaches that each soul has the free will to choose between the forces of good and evil. But with free will and free choice comes responsibility and accountability. Therefore each soul is responsible for every thought, word and action in this life and in the after-life. However, unlike the Biblical concept of heaven and hell, the Zoroastrian heaven and hell are states of mental and spiritual existences, rather than actual
places.
Based
on
the
hymns
of
Zarathustra, a person’s quest for spiritual growth, enlightenment, and realization is an individual quest which can be reached through reason,
wisdom,
serenity,
meditation,
"With an open mind, seek and listen to all the highest ideals. Consider the most enlightened thoughts. Then choose your path, person by person, each for oneself."
observation of nature and an open mind. The Zoroastrians absorb all that life is and all that it has to offer. They see life lessons in every aspect of life. God is the Creator, the Ultimate Wisdom and all that is positive. And when we, as humans, choose positivity over negativity, we make the world a better place.
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Zarathushtra
BLESSE WORDS
MAY THE SUN BRING YOU
MAY THE MOON SOFTLY R
MAY THE RAIN WASH A
MAY THE BREEZE BLOW NEW S 54
ED S
U NEW ENERGY BY DAY;
RESTORE YOU BY NIGHT;
AWAY YOUR WORRIES;
STRENGTH INTO YOUR BEING. 55
THE LORD BLESS Y
THE LORD MAKE HIS FACE SHINE O
THE LORD 56 TURN HIS FACE TOWA
YOU AND KEEP YOU;
ON YOU AND BE GRACIOUS TO YOU;
ARD YOU AND GIVE YOU PEACE. 57
MAY YOUR CUP RUN OVER WITH TH
HE WONDERS AND BEAUTY OF LIFE.
MY CUP RUNNETH OVER Pastor Rich Scheenstra’s perspective on life, faith and our purpose in life
It means following Jesus and fitting into his vision for this world. I often avoid using the term "Christian," not because I have anything against the word, but because many people have the mistaken idea that Jesus came to establish a new religion. As the Son of God, he came to fulfill the purpose for all religion – restoration, healing, reconciliation and relationship. That begins with me, not because I'm the center of the universe, but because I can't expect to be an agent of healing and change, unless I myself am being transformed. Jesus invited people to follow him into a life of transformational learning. Most of what we learn is how to love. Jesus said, "I’ve come not to be served but to serve." One of the primary places this happens for me is in community, or what some call the church. The motley group of Jesus followers that I pastor and share life with helps me grow in love. Together we are able to demonstrate God's loving kingdom in a way that none of us could do on our own. So to follow Jesus, involves following him into community as well as into the world – wherever we live, work, play and learn.
During my senior year of college I was on track to become an elementary school teacher. I had already taken a couple of education classes and was awaiting approval to begin the 5th year teaching credential program during the second term of my senior year. On New Year’s morning, while my wife was at work, I found myself asking, “What if you aren’t accepted? What would you do?” It was an odd question, since I had good grades, and my acceptance really wasn’t an issue. But as soon as I asked the question, I knew I would go to seminary (theological school) and become a pastor. It was something I had never seriously thought about before. But when the idea came, I knew that’s what I had to do. So even though I received my acceptance to the credential program within a couple of days, I took New Testament Greek at my secular university instead, and started applying to seminary. I love Christ, as well as the New Testament concept of the church or Christian community. I love the gospel and the whole Christian story, including God’s vision for this world. All this has changed and continues to change my life. I sense that God has also given me the sort of gifts that fit with being a pastor. I really enjoy preaching and teaching. I think I’m a good counselor. Leading is pretty natural for me. I have a heart for the poor, wounded and addicted.
I think that it begins with myself, being willing to think outside the box. I try to give my staff and other leaders a lot of freedom, including the freedom to fail. I remind everyone that we all have the Holy Spirit, and that my role as a minister is to be a catalyst for their finding their spiritual gifts and ministries. And when an idea is floated, we try to honor it as something that could be from the Holy Spirit, whether or not it ends up in the form or shape that the person originally had in mind. (We remind each other that God often “draws straight with crooked lines.�)
I start with meditation, reading Psalms 43:10 and Psalms 3 and prayer. After this I have my daily lectionary and intercession for other people. Then I jot down thoughts for my upcoming service and write in my journal. After lunch, I read a Psalm and other passages from my Kindle, which I’ve memorized over the years. I end my day reading more scriptures for about 10-15 minutes. This helps me to stay the course in my spiritual journey as I finish the day.
What are you doing to ensure you continue to grow and develop as a leader? I read widely. I try to learn from other pastors and historical figures like Lincoln and Mandela. Our congregation is involved in a three-year process called Ridder Church Renewal that involves the leaders of our congregation meeting monthly and also attending retreats with other pastors and lay leaders.
I run and work out about every other day. Several months ago my wife and I began to practice sabbath (i.e. a day of rest) from 3:00pm on Sunday to 3:00pm on Monday. (Looking back, I’m not sure how I survived without that.) We also go on retreat periodically. A Christian camp in the Adirondacks has a couple of beautiful prayer cabins. We love hiking. We try to watch one movie week. In addition to my theological and spiritual reading, I’m usually reading a novel, often a good mystery.
My wife Sharon is very involved in our spiritual community and it is something we are continually talking about together. She and I have a strong spiritual connection, and our personalities and gifts
complement one another well. With our children grown and scattered throughout the country, we have few family obligations close to home.
Members of my current congregation often remark on how much things have changed since my wife and I arrived man here 11 years ago. Unlike when we started, the diversity of our church members reflects the diversity of our neighborhood. We often have a sign out front that says “No Perfect People Allowed.” Another thing is that we’re a mission minded church. In addition to supporting ministries outside our church, several of our members are mentors in a local school through a program called Kids Hope USA. We have a week-long day camp in the summer. We have a number of weekly programs for children and they play an active role in our weekly worship service. We host a basketball outreach to about 30 neighborhood teens and young adults. Most importantly, the people in the congregation welcome the diversity and the challenge. They really humble me in how they live out their Christian faith. Recently we bought a building a couple of doors up from the church. We’ve already opened a neighborhood thrift store there.
In a couple of months we’ll be opening a neighborhood coffeehouse. So far we’ve already been able to make some great connections with our neighbors. It’s exciting for me to see our congregation get excited, and to see what this has done for their faith.
What have you learned from them? That’s a tough question. Early in my ministry, I think that Gordon Cosby at the Church of the Savior in Washington DC had quite an impact on me. He really got me thinking about mission groups or missional communities within the congregation. He also emphasized the importance of the inward journey accompanying the outward journey. Beyond that, no single individual stands out. I try to learn from everyone – even from the people that I disagree with! I think every congregation is unique.
Real life and real people always challenge my theology. It feels like my theology and spirituality are, to some degree, always in a state of flux. There are certain
core truths that I hold onto pretty deeply, mainly around the person and work of Jesus and the Triune God. But even those truths become more nuanced over time. I also feel more humble today about what I think I know. It’s like the apostle Paul said: “Anyone who thinks they know something, does not yet have the necessary knowledge.�
SEE YOU NEXT MONTH!