Unchain Your Inner Strength by Maria C. Krause

U N C H A I N your inner strength

Make up tips: The perfect summer glow by Queen expert Elise McDonald

Why you should start your own Business by Maria C. Krause

What is Mindfulness by Natasha Kemball

Essential Oils for the summer by Siobhan O'Keeffe

Business Tips: Writing a book by Luana Ribeira

Better Sleep = Better Entrepreneur by Johann Callagan

Traveling Blog, by Nadia Syapin

A N Z A

G O O D B A R E M B R A C I N G W O M A N H O O D & I N T I M A C Y

A U G U S T

2 0 1 9

I S S U E

N O .

and much more...

what's inside

Editor's Notes

Writing a Book: Supercharge your life and business

Make - up Tips and Tutorials

Why you should start your own Business

Steps to your Soul Business

Definition of Success

Travel Blog

Becoming a Spiritual Entrepreneur

The interview: ANZA GOODBAR, a woman of many talents and gifts

Boss Babes self-care Tips

Authenticity in Business

Life as an Entrepreneur

Healthy Living

Focusing on your Health while running a Business

Better Sleep = Better Entrepreneur

Essential Oils for the summer

The benefits of Mindfulness and how to

Crazy for juices

How I learn to love myself

our special guests and contributors

EDITOR'S NOTE Welcome strength"

"UNCHAIN

your

inner

This magazine’s full purpose is to reach out and help the souls who are looking to live a more meaningful and fulfilling life, learning to love who they are by unchaining their inner strength and full soul power.

Can we all agree that we have one life and one life only? So what not live it the best way we can by doing the things we love, spending time with the people we love and be as happy as we can be!

YOU CAN! You got what it takes to make it happen… You might just not know it yet, but trust me, if you’ve made it this far, you got what it takes to do what you want.

UNCHAIN your inner strength, wants to help you achieve that. We want to teach you what it takes to live your best life yet, to make everyday count, to help you get up every morning and be grateful of who you are and the choices you have made. You deserve to live a life filled of happiness and joy, doing what you love and loving who you are!

Maria C. Krause Mindset and Business Coach. Founder and Owner of UNCHAIN YOUR INNER STRENGTH

| 4 |

"I love helping women see the power they have inside of them. It's like watching a flower blossom"

r a b d o o g a z n a

UNCHAIN 20

r u o y n ! i n e e v e e u i l e B wer Q Po Just like most people, I once was living a life with no purpose and no meaning, I was lost, I didn’t know who I was anymore or what was I supposed to do with my life. I was working a job with the only purpose to pay my bills, and if I was lucky enough to have something left over, go on a one time holiday; I was living in autopilot, everyday the same thing, the same routine, the same “ol, same “ol… Thinking that it had to be more to life than this! Does that sound familiar?

Now, is my life passion, and the women who form part of this magazine, to teach others to do the same, embrace their own power and uniqueness. UNCHAIN your inner strength, is about finding your voice, finding who you are, finding your skills, your dreams, your desires… Live the life that you deserve to live! Each and everyone of our incredible experts share their most valuable tips and advice to help you on your journey to make your wildest dreams come true.

For a long time I thought it was impossible for me to do something different, mostly because I was afraid, I thought I wasn’t worth enough and I didn’t have what it takes to do something that actually made me happy and gave an income that could replace that job that I so much disliked.

They all have helped me make this dream come true; since the moment I started to read, I wanted to create my own magazine and thanks to their love and support, this is finally happening. I am 40 years young now, and life has just began once again! Let your inner child come and play, let it shine in its splendor and grace… Magical things happen when you start believing in yourself.

As I embarked in my journey to self development, I rediscover things about myself that I been hiding for a long time, talents and skills that I forgot I had; and through this discovery I learned that no matter what happened in my life until this day, I had the power to create the future that I wanted for myself, all I had to do was to get out of my own head and out of my comfort zone and start becoming the person I needed to be in order to achieve what I wanted to achieve.

Love, Light, BE Maria. XXX

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| 7 |

of Self y e n r u o J credible n I n a e k will B o o B r u Yo y, Discover ibeira Luana R

International bestselling author, Luana Ribeira, helps entrepreneurs to become the Rockstars of their industries using the power of books and media. | 8 |

Writing a Book Can Supercharge Your

Your Book Will Attract More of Your

Business and Your LIFE

Soul Clients

If you are a coach or an entrepreneur, your

Imagine your ideal client reading your

own book could be your ticket to opening

book and getting absorbed into your world.

drastically

You could be working on your business,

increasing your income and calling in more

sleeping or dancing like a chicken on one

of your soul tribe who are waiting for you

leg, while you are helping this person to

to show up and smack them in the ghoulies

create shifts in themselves and when they

with your message.

get to the end of your book, they will be

huge

opportunities,

hungry for more and you can give them the You've probably thought of writing your

opportunity

own

awesome, right?!

book

already.

You

may

have

visualized yourself at the number 1 spot with readers getting in touch to tell you how you impacted their life and with media opportunities knocking at your door. Most people have thought about it- very few people actually commit to writing a full length book about the thing that they claim to be so passionate about. Having a book will immediately set you apart from the crowd and will show people that you are the real deal!40,000-60,000 words can seem like a huge project and so it's understandable that, for most people, even though they are well aware that doing so could be life changing, it gets pushed to the bottom of the priority list.However, for those who do make it happen, either by blocking out regular time to write or by hiring a ghostwriter (very popular at the minute), they will see huge positive shifts. Not just in their businesses, but in their lives.

work

with

you.

Pretty

Your Book will Be an Incredible Journey

Your Book Will Open Up Opportunities

of Self Discovery Do you want to speak on stage in front of Most people find writing a book appealing

thousands of people?

because of the opportunities it will open

Can you see yourself on TV, the radio and

up, but have you considered the incredible

in your favorite magazine featured as a

journey it will take you on as you discover

guest expert on your topic?

yourself on a deeper level?

Your book will massively help you to open

Writing about your past experiences and

these doors.Think about it. The producers

what has had an impact on you is not

and editors only want to bring on guests

always an easy thing to do but it can be

who are credible, knowledgeable and real

incredibly healing for those who are willing

otherwise it could be disastrous for them.

Your book will ensure those boxes are

stronger

ticked, and that you will be in a position to

face

the

pain

level.Increased

reach

confidence,

their a

sense of self worth and a sense of inner

create

way

opportunities

peace are all bi-products of writing a book.

seen... and from there the possibilities are endless! Maybe you are reading this now thinking 'oh yes, I really should get started with my book BUT (insert latest excuse here)' or you might be thinking 'nah, it's not for me'. That's your choice.However, if you are one of those who knows that you have a book inside of you and truly believe that your own

book

could

supercharge

your

business and your lifeI want to encourage you to make that commitment today and to get started with writing your book. You weren't born to be ordinary... you were born to shine!

www.luanaribeira.com https://www.facebook.com/LuaRibeirA/ https://www.instagram.com/luaribeira/ https://twitter.com/Luana_Ribeira

ELISE'S MAKE UP UNIVERSE

enhance your natural beauty Hey Queens! In the summertime I like to switch up my make up a little bit – opting for a more dewy, natural, sun kissed look – because no one wants heavy foundation sliding off their face and smudged eyeliner in the heat, do they?! Instead, it’s all about enhancing your natural beauty and letting your glow shine through! So this month I thought I would share some of my top tips for getting the perfect, natural summer time look - and share some hacks on how to keep your make up in place, so that you stay fresh-faced and flawless all day long!

e v o l we

! r e m m u s you |

12 |

1. Exfoliate your skin twice a week.

3. It’s a crime not to prime

It is so important to use an exfoliating scrub

While it might feel like less is more when it

or face mask at least a couple of times a

comes

your

beauty

week in the summer months, regardless of

summertime,

your skin type. Because as we tend to apply

important as it will help keep your make up

more sun protection products to prevent skin

in place for longer. Apply your moisturizer

damage from the sun –over time, they can

first, then your SPF, and wait 5 minutes

cause a build-up on the skin that normal

before applying your primer for the perfect

cleansing

finish.

priming

regime

your

face

in is

the so

won’t completely remove - leaving your skin looking dull and even causing break outs. Exfoliating regularly will remove all traces of

4. Choose a lightweight base product

products, buff away dead skin cells – and will make the skincare products you use far more

If you feel you still need some sort of base

effective, as they will be treating the new skin

coverage in the summer, opt for a

layer. If you are tanned, it will also help that

lightweight liquid foundation or BB cream

glow last much longer!

(tinted moisturizer) instead, which will give you more of a sheer, dewy glow – while still letting your natural skintone shine through.

2. Always use a facial SPF It may seem wrong, but try applying your I can’t emphasize enough how important it is

base with your fingers instead of a brush or

to use a sun protection product on your face

sponge! It will actually give you a lovely,

-– all year round – but particularly in the

natural finish!

summer months. Choose one that has both UVA and UVB

Make sure your hands are clean, then put a

protection

drop of foundation/BB on the back of your

help

prevent

skin

sunburn and premature ageing.

cancer, You may

hand

and

dot

around

your

cheeks,

think that using a product with SPF like a

forehead, and nose with your finger. Now rub

moisturizer or foundation is enough, but in

your hands together and starting from the

the warmer months when the

centre of your face and moving outwards,

sun is shining – you need extra protection.

blend with the pads of your fingers - patting

Regular sun cream can feel heavy and sticky

and rubbing the product into your face. Keep

on your face and leave your foundation or

going until the foundation is invisible. If

base product looking cakey - so opt for one

that's not enough coverage for you, dot

that is specifically designed for facial use.

again and repeat the process.

I have been using the You-ology SPF 30 Beauty Fluid after my moisturizer as it is oil free, lightweight, non-shiny - and leaves the perfect base for your make up.

5. Apply bronzer to the high points of your face Imagine where the sun hits you when you are sunbathing

–

the

temples,

around

your

hairline, along your nose, cheekbones and jaw line - and apply bronzer

to these areas and

gently blend out with a powder brush. Use a matte bronzer for your forehead area, then finish with

shimmer/metallic

bronzer

your

cheekbones and nose for that perfect sunkissed glow.

6. Opt for shimmer or metallic eyeshadows Light metallic or shimmer eyeshadows are the perfect way to make your eyes pop in the summer months. Think champagnes, bronze,

golds and shimmery rose pinks. Simply apply them to your lids and gently blend out and upwards to your crease. For a bolder look, apply a matte peach or warm orange shade to your crease line (at the eye socket) for the perfect summer vibe! If you don’t have time for eyeshadow, simply swoosh your foundation brush over your lids to neutralise any pink/red tones –this will instantly brighten tired eyes and make you look more fresh-faced. Don’t forget to dab concealer in the inner corners of your under eyes too to cover any dark tones.

Make your own cream blush Powders can look heavy on your skin in the summer months, but you don’t need to buy more products! Simply grab your favourite powder blush and mix it with a bit of your foundation or BB cream to transform it into a DIY cream blush. Then dot it on the apples of your cheeks with your fingers and gently blend out. UNCHAIN 15

7. Choose a waterproof mascara Panda eyes are never a good look whatever the time of year! But in the summer months the heat and humidity can cause regular mascaras to run and smudge. And if you are on holiday and dipping in and out of the pool, you don’t want your lashes to disappear when you towel dry your face! I’ll be honest, I have never been a fan of waterproof mascara as I am a contact lens wearer and have very sensitive eyes, but we launched a waterproof version of our Epic mascara last year and it’s amazing! There is no budging this bad boy – but it comes off easily at the end of the day with our emollient-based cleansing stick – without excess rubbing or irritation!

8. Keep lips hydrated The sun can dry your lips, so it is important to use a lip balm and exfoliate your lips regularly to

ensure

the

perfect

Moodstruck

lip

exfoliator

pout! daily,

use which

the is

9. Use a setting product

enriched with shea butter and sugar crystals to buff away dry skin and moisturise. To

help

keep

everything

place

for

I love the tinted Lip Bon Bons – they are an

longer, finish with a setting product. If you

absolute make up must-have for me in the

have dry skin or prefer a dewy finish, opt

summer months as they are enriched with fruit

for a setting spray. Or if you have oilier

oils to keep your lips soft and supple all day

skin, choose a setting powder.

long while giving a lovely, subtle pop of colour. I love the Touch Behold SPF25 setting powder as it keeps shine at bay without a

If you want something a little bolder, opt for lip stains rather than lipsticks, as these glide on

heavy powder

and stay on – gradually fading over the day so

finish

you don’t have to keep reapplying.

protection boost as well. It’s also perfect

and

gives

you

extra

sun

for reapplying throughout the day to help keep you protected from the sun’s harmful rays.

Hope that helps ladies!

I’ll be back in the autumn with some more top tips, but in the meantime, you can catch me live on Facebook on Tuesdays and Fridays at: https://www.facebook.com/elisemcdonald2 4. For more tips, special offers and comedy shenanigans, join my VIP group https://www.facebook.com/groups/beyoutif ulbellesVIP/ or to book in a one-to-one consultation just drop me a

ELISE MCDONALD

Enjoy the summer!

business owner at BeYoutiful Belles where I use 100% which is not tested on animals.

beyoutifulbelles@outlook.com

www.youniqueproducts.com/EliseMcDonald Have an amazing month and remember – be happy, be you Belles as

they

endorses are

100%

Younique natural,

mineral-based, hypoallergenic and are not tested on animals. Many of our products are also gluten free and vegan – ask me for more info! The company was set up to support The Younique Foundation, a charity which supports survivors of sexual abuse from across world

through

retreats

| BeYoutiful Belles |

website:

BeYoutiful

Many of our

products are also gluten free and vegan – ask

All products featured are available on my

the

year-old, make up lover, poodle fancier and

natural, mineral-based make up and skincare

message

products

IHi there! I’m Elise, mummy to a gorgeous 5-

and

me for more info! My ethos is all about helping to empower and uplift women and make them feel good about themselves,

inside

and

out.

chose

represent Younique as the company was set up to support The Younique Foundation, a charity which supports survivors of sexual abuse from across

the

world

through

retreats

and

awareness raising. For

information

visit:

https://youniquefoundation.org/about-us/ You will mostly find me trying out the latest crazy make trends and hacks, product testing in unconventional ways, doing live tutorials while my little boy hares around in the background stealing my brushes, and sharing my musings

awareness raising. For more information

and outlook on life on my Facebook page.

visit: https://www.youniquefoundation.org

Feel free to join the fun and live action on my FB profile -www.facebook.com/elisemcdonald24 - and for more top tips and for all my special offers and flash sales visit: www.facebook.com/groups/beyoutifulbellesVIP

“Imagine if all the healers, kind hearted, spiritual women would start their own business...The difference they would make in this world for the better and greater.” J E N N A C O A C H

F A Y E . O N L I N E A N D

S T R A T E G Y .

T H E

B U S I N E S S

C O - F O U N D E R

S T R A T E G I S T , O F

S O U L

L E A D E R S H I P

M E E T S

why you should start your own business? By Maria C. Krause Mindset & Business Coach

ou have a superpower and a skill

that someone else needs Why

should

you

start

your

own

business?... I say, why shouldn’t you? What you got to lose if you tried? Give yourself

the

chance

your

dreams! To do something that makes you happy that will empower and encourage someone else to step up and believe in themselves

too!Imagine

becoming

someone else inspiration? Imagine you

someone

have

better

telling

helped

version

you

them

themselves

how

much

become and

a all

the things they were afraid of doing? Imagine if you could create a movement so

powerful

want

that

women

and

follow?Imagine

men you

will help

someone find their strengths to live the life they always dreamed of? Imagine at

ease,

the

confident

generation and

secure

will

feel

who

they are? How different the world would be! Don’t you agree?

E X P L O R I N G Y O U R P O T E N T I A L

A fellow coach of mine, Jenna Faye said while we

Business is not what it used to be anymore. We

were recording her podcast for UNCHAIN YOUR

no longer have to feel that we have to do

INNER STRENGTH, said to me:

something completely out of the ordinary, we just have to be extraordinary, and I know in my

“Imagine if all the healers, kind hearted,

heart that you do, we all do. Each and everyone

spiritual women would start their own

of us has a story, has lessons learned in life,

business...The difference they would make in

experiences lived; and all of it forms part of

this world for the better and greater.”

who you are and that’s your superpower Queen

That thought has stuck in my head ever since, it was

.For a long time when I started my business as a

so powerful … it still is!

Mindset and Business Coach, I thought I would

If we could all step up, as women and get over the

have to go to business school, do a course in

fact that the world wants us to be what they call

NLP, become a psychologist, so many things

“perfect” and just get on and be ourselves with

went through my head. What kept me going

everything we are and have to offer, because we all

without getting any of these qualifications, is

know we are great multi-tasker and when the time

my resiliency and determination to make a

comes to do what we have to do, we gather the

difference in this world. To inspire someone else

strength and power from within; no questions asked!

to be who they want to be and never sell themselves short, there’s something special and

How many times did you have to do something you

unique in each and every one of us.

never thought you would, because it was necessary, for yourself and/or your loved ones?

I stop comparing myself to others and instead I kept on my own lane, learning, growing, making the “uncomfortable” zone the only state I knew how to be… And I have to say, I freaking love it!

Take the actions every single day to challenge yourself, to discover who you really are and to understand that is important to fail and struggle too; is from our struggles that we discover more of who we truly are and what we are capable of.

"LET YOUR

The “perfect” moment to start, doesn’t exist Queen; is

SOUL GUIDE

the here and now that matters. Is the present moment that we must seek to live in full, every minute, every second of it; and why not doing

THE WAY,

something you absolutely love, with passion and love!

This month’s issue of Unchain Your Inner Strength is

TRUST AND

dedicated to those women who want to start their own business, feel empowered and happy. Each and

BELIEVE IN

every one of the contributors has gathered so much info, their best advice to help you on this amazing journey to self-discover and personal success.

YOURSELF.

I want you to know, that success is not on the figures

THERE IS

that you make; and if you read carefully, none of these amazing women mentions money… And trust me, not because they are not making it, is because

NO LIMIT

they want you to know that there’s much more than that when you start your own business. Is the impact that they want to make in the world, in at least one

ON WHAT

women’s life; for future generations to follow and know that there is always a way… And that you can

YOU CAN

choose what way you want to live your life.

My passion is to help women find what their true

ACHIEVE."

calling and lead them into developing those unique skills and superpowers to create a life and business that they love and cherish every day; to become confident and secure of who they are; to live life in their own terms.

If this resonates with you, don’t be afraid to reach out… I was once in your shoes and I know it can be scary and overwhelming; but you know what’s more scary, keep living a life where you’re not happy nor fulfilled.

Everything is possible, take the first step and amazing opportunities will start showing up in your life.

Love, Light, BE Maria C. Krause. Mindset & Business Coach.

Maria C. Krause Maria C. Krause is a Mindset and Business Coach who’s passionate about helping entrepreneurs discover and develop their unique skills and superpowers to become more confident on themselves and their business.

Maria is a passionate writer, reader and listener; her passion has guided her to start her own online magazine and podcast, Unchain Your Inner Strength and The Rising Soulpreneur. Through these platforms,

Maria’s passion to help others originated from her own experience in life and business; through her constant effort to better herself as a woman and female entrepreneur, she now helps new entrepreneurs to get more clarity, focus and direction on their business and lives.

Maria and her team of collaborators, encourage women from all around the world to start believing in themselves and create a life and business that they love. Maria’s mantra is “My inner strength is my Freedom” which is tattooed on her left arm, to remind herself everyday that she has the strength to do whatever she sets her mind and soul to… And YOU CAN TOO! |

4 Steps to Your SoulAligned Business by Amanda Herr, Intuitive Soul Guide

If you have what I call the entrepreneurial spirit, you’ve probably thought about starting a business thousands of times, but just haven’t done it yet! Whether it’s fear, or not really knowing what to do or where to start – my goal with the article is to help you get clear on your purpose, and get you started on the planning stages with a few spiritual and practical steps. While I understand that some people are more practical, and some are more spiritual than others, a balance of the two is what will create success in starting and sticking to your soul-aligned business! With that, let’s get started on the Step-by-Step Practical & Spiritual Guide on How to Build a Soul-aligned Business!

GAIN CLARITY ON YOUR LIFE PURPOSE/CALLING

The first step to creating your soul-aligned business is to get clear on what exactly you feel called to do.

RELEASE THE SHADOWS

The next step in creating your soul-aligned business is to address the shadows that are holding you back from starting or moving forward with parts of your business

ALLOW YOUR INTUITION TO GUIDE YOU

Intuition is one of my all-time favorite topics (besides stepping into your calling and the mysteries of the world).

CREATE A BUSINESS PLAN

You can’t start a business without some structure. Creating a business plan by setting up your ideal business goals is a must.

GAIN CLARITY ON YOUR LIFE PURPOSE/CALLING The first step to creating your soulaligned business is to get clear on what exactly you feel called to do. I don’t mean, what is everyone else doing that you may be able to turn into a business. I’m talking about, what do you find yourself dreaming of doing for a living time and time again? That is what I refer to as your calling.

W hat do you feel drawn to do time & time again? Skills without passion doesn’t get you far. To continue to have a desire to create for your business you have to have passion to back it all up, so dig deep to find what you actually feel pulled to do. Even if it seems a little impractical there’s almost always a way to make it work. You just have to get creative by allowing the ideas to flow and take some time to plan out your ideas.

A few questions you can ask yourself to gain some additional clarity include:

With a soul-aligned business you get to do what you love and serve others! Start with what you feel really pulled to do and then write down what it would take to present it to the world!

What passion do I have that can use to help someone else? Are you’re trained in certain techniques or have a unique take/solution on challenges people face? Maybe you’re passionate about the great outdoors, if you’re skilled in outdoor living you could be a guide for campers, create video tutorials & courses, or even write a book all about how to properly prepare for an authentic outdoor camping experience.

Before asking yourself, these questions do a brief meditation to allow yourself to release any tension and move into your subconscious mind. This is where your soul speaks from & will provide the answers that truly resonate with your inner being.Once you have taken time to gain clarity around what it is that you wish to start, it’s time to move to the next step .

These are just a few examples of what you can offer, but when you dig into what you are passionate about and what you can teach others you’ll get a great idea on where to start.

Action Step: Create a list of all your skills, passions, hobbies, and interests. Then narrow the list down to what you feel you would enjoy doing. Once you have narrowed down the list decide specifically what products or services you can offer for the soul-aligned business you wish to create.

RELEASE THE SHADOWS The next step in creating your soul-aligned business is to address the shadows that are holding you back from starting or moving forward with parts of your business. Your shadows refer your fears, doubts, or feelings of unworthiness. This is a very important step, because when we don’t address the fears, doubts, or lack of worth that we experience, we often allow them to hold us back. We will always have and experience shadows, aka limiting beliefs, but true power comes from acknowledging them & releasing them. By bringing awareness to the issues holding us back they no longer determine what steps we do or don’t take. I’ll give you an example from my own personal experience. As an introvert I have always struggled with visibility, from class presentations in school to doing Facebook live videos for my business. When I acknowledged that I had this fear, I was determined to do whatever I needed to do to create my business anyway. Meaning, I was not going to allow myself to be held back from something that would normally stop me dead in my tracks. It took me almost an entire year before I felt confident in doing a Facebook live. Yes, AN ENTIRE YEAR! That’s how determined I was and am. That’s the level you need to bring yourself to, to be able to create the business you envision.

Action Step: Make a list of everything you feel may be holding you back. What are your fears, what do you doubt about yourself, and what do you question you are worthy of doing. Plan to spend about 30-60 minutes in this exercise to really assess what is holding you back from your dreams, goals, and ultimately your dream life.

ALLOW YOUR INTUITION TO GUIDE YOU Intuition is one of my all-time favorite topics (besides stepping into your calling and the mysteries of the world). This may not seem like an important step, but it very much goes hand in hand with actually doing what calls to your soul (step 1). When you learn to follow your intuition, you don’t spend time second guessing what the right option for you is, because you already know! While it can take a little time to tune in (a few weeks to a few months), just know that allowing yourself to be guided by what feels right IS the right move. There may be situations that come up that make you think, “Damn, that felt like the right move, but things still aren’t quite right.” That’s because you are being ‘tested’ to be sure that this is what you want, or because you needed to learn a few things first. Trust me when I say that as long as you are doing what calls to you you are always moving in the right direction. Have faith in the process, surrender your control, and learn to co-create with the Universe. Check out Is that Your Intuition or Fear to gain a better understanding on this topic (https://coachalifeofdreams.com/intui tion-or-fear/).

Action Step: Take notice when things feel a bit out of the ordinary. Notice if your immediate thought is to take a specific action step with a decision you need to make, then take notice of what you decide to actually go through with. This will allow you to become more aware of whether or not you are taking your intuition into consideration at all. Hint: if you disregard your initial gut feeling all the time or most of the time, you are not listening to your intuition. While logic has its place, our intuition is a sixth sense that provides the insight we need for a quicker and easier path to the things our soul craves.

CREATE A BUSINESS PLAN You can’t start a business without some structure. Creating a business plan by setting up your ideal business goals is a must. Here’s a little break down on how to get started with your business plan: 1. Determine how you want to run your business (automated, passively, online, brick & mortar) & what services or products your would like to offer. 2. Start with the big idea/goal-Is this a 1 year, 5 year, or 10-year goal? 3. Break this goal down -Take your goal & break it into smaller more manageable pieces. Break it down into a 1-year plan, then what you need to do monthly, and finally what you will need to do weekly. You’ll decide what tasks to complete on a daily basis that will be most beneficial in getting you towards your goals. 4. Set up your social media accounts – It doesn’t matter what kind of business you have social media is REQUIRED. This will be one of the most effective tools for your business. 5. Learn the ins & outs of your particular business – Take time to study what others in your industry are doing to see what you may need to learn. 6. Determine your unique style – Explore your own internal ideas, because these are what will make you stand out in the long run. Four main steps, that’s what it takes to get started in creating your soul-aligned business. With a mixture of practical steps and spiritual/inner work you will create a business that not only comes from your soul, but actually is more likely to succeed. You are more likely to put in the work for the things in life that bring you purpose and fulfillment versus just making an income.

Action step: Write out your business plan.You are meant for more. You are meant to create a business that will catalyze you and those you help.If you are feeling the call to create your own business and would like to learn more on how to uncover your purpose. Join the Society of Soul-led Purpose Seekers https://coachalifeofdreams.com/

AMANDA HERR, INTUITIVE SOUL GUIDE

AMANDA IS AN INTUITIVE SOUL GUIDE. IT IS HER MISSION TO NOT ONLY HELP YOU UNDERSTAND YOUR LIFE AND SOUL PURPOSE, BUT TO UNLOCK AND UNLEASH YOUR INNER POTENTIAL. WITH HER GUIDANCE YOU CAN MOVE PAST ANYTHING THAT IS MAKING YOU FEEL STUCK WHICH WILL ALLOW YOU TO LIVE THE LIFE YOU’VE ALWAYS DREAMED OF! LINKS: WEBSITE: HTTPS://COACHALIFEOFDREAMS.COM INSTAGRAM: HTTPS://WWW.INSTAGRAM.COM/LIFEOFDREAMS333/ YOUTUBE: HTTPS://WWW.YOUTUBE.COM/CHANNEL/UCG2MHVRFXQCK4K15P5VYTDQ |

n w o y m f o n o i t i n i f de s s e c c Su B Y

W H O L E

J E N

G A G N O N

H O L I S I T I C H E A L T H M E N T O R , A D V A N C E D M A R C O N I C S P R A C T I T I O N E R … A K A T H E B L I S S A C T I V A T O R

My breakthrough came when I finally realized that I was in it for more than that and that money is just a number…my success would be determined by how much I could help women shift, but the impact I would be able to make in my client’s lives in order to get them to activate the bliss within them, release all that was no longer serving them and finally step into who they were always meant to be!

Hi! I’m Jen, Holisitic Whole Health Mentor, advanced Marconics practitioner…aka the Bliss Activator Never in my wildest dreams did I imagine I’d one day be putting “mentor” or “coach” at the end of my name, but the Universe had different plans for me!

In that moment IMPACT was the word at the forefront of what I do and that is what it has been ever since.

I began on my journey to self discovery about 8 years ago now. Starting with nutrition and fitness, I knew there was something more, something missing from the equation to finally living the life I deeply desired. In came personal development as well as my spiritual awakening and here I am! Ha!

II do what I do out of passion and out of a knowing…knowing that this work is needed and I am here to serve! I succeed every time a women tells me how much they’ve grown. I succeed every time a women tells me she is finally sticking to her new healthy habits and killing it. I succeed every time a client gets up from an energy session, energized and aligned more than ever. I succeed when a client tells me how grateful they are and that they are finally embodying all that they are.

Other women in here will be describing their success and I’m probably going to be the odd duck, but that’s OK…I wasn’t meant to fit in…I was meant to stand out ;)

I succeed when I see the leaps my clients make because of what THEY do!!!! Because let’s face it…a mentor and a coach will not and cannot do the work for you. I am here to cheer women on and help them step into the best, highest version of themselves every day and that’s what I do.

I’m not going to tell you I succeeded because I earned X amount of dollars in a month or a year! Kuddos to those women who are calling in the money, but, to me, that doesn’t define my success. I determine my success by the impact I get to make and I have to say I’m pretty pleased with my results and those of my clients.

I succeed when I hold a free training and one of my viewers has an "aha” moment! When they then put into practice my teachings and shift their lives from that one change.

You see, when I decided, or was guided I should say, to help other women, I was seeing coaches all around on Instagram and Facebook talking about the money they were raking in and feeling bad about where I was at on this journey.

I succeed when I look at my children and I see them being kind & generous little humans. I succeed when my kiddos are asking me for a fresh pressed juice rather than hawaiian punch!

You see, my success comes from everything but the material aspect. My success comes in the form of growth & expansion, whether it be mine or that of my clients. When I held my retreat this past June, I was brought to tears by the women in the room. Hearing them thank me for helping get to where they were in that moment of their lives, making shifts, making changes and truly stepping into their truths…I was moved and that emotion…that feeling…that right there is exactly why I do what I do. I told you my success wouldn’t look like anyone else! But that’s OK! I’m okay with being different and out there…because that’s how I do life! Success is in the eye of the beholder! Much love & light!

JEN GAGNON |Holistic Health Coach. Marconics Practitioner|

II recently spent time on the Oregon coast – at a volunteer work exchange – and had an epiphany, a breath of self knowledge. (I’d also like to preface this by saying that normally, the cabin would have been looked after by maintenance. Unfortunately, he’d never been informed that I was coming in.) Let me lay the scene: I was sitting in the cabin on a rainy evening, a few days into my time there, and a thought (okay, a whole series of thoughts) just randomly popped into my head. Since the place didn’t have a lick of wifi, I wrote it down, and have just pulled it out to add here because…why not? I want to, so I can and did. Wonderful how this works, ain’t it? |

And so it begins…

It was a moment of realization, another nugget of self knowledge… I never thought of myself as being particularly neat or fastidious, but apparently I am. Mise en place. Everything has its place, and everything in its place . This is the creed we lived by in culinary school, and it’s one I still follow. I say this because the cabin looked absolutely wretched when I got in, and the more I saw, the worse it looked. The walls are bare drywall, with the putty marks clearly visible. Most of the ceiling is insulated, at least. How do I know this? Because the ceiling hasn’t been covered, and I can see where the insulation is missing.

Self Knowledge at a Work Exchange

That’s not the bad bit, though. |

TRAVEL BLOG

BY NADYA SIAPIN

The bad bit is that the cabin has been empty for over a month, and there’s a rat infestation. I’m talking rat poop on every surface, including the dishes, there’s dirt and dust all over the floor, too.

I washed every shelf and wiped down all the appliances with a bleach solution next (this nearly eliminated the wet cat smell, too). That night, laying down to sleep inside my own sleeping bag with a blanket over me, I discovered that ALL the bedding reeked, and it wasn’t something that could be aired out. Next day, I did laundry, again with bleach.

I’ll admit, my first reaction was “Fuck! I’ve decided to stick with this for 2 fuckin’ weeks?!” I even found more dishes out back, 2 pots, both plates and all the silverware, food still on everything, full of water and moldy to boot.

Now, before some pea brain starts thinking “Wow, She’s a regular Snow White, what a great wife she’ll be!” (Trust me, I know people who think like this) let me just say that if Snow White did all that cleaning and it was frequently punctuated with expletives like “Fuck me!” “Shit!” “Son of a bitch, more?!” or “Dammit to hell, why did I agree to this?!” then yeah, you’re damn fuckin’ right I’m Snow While. Minus the cool, communicating with animals shit. Now, when I’m writing this, I’ve been here 3 nights, and I finally understand the saying of “Give a woman a house and she’ll turn it into a home.”

But what’s the point of crying? I’m already here, I’ve promised to do the work, so I might as well get shit done. So I swept the floors, shelves, and every other flat surface I found to clear out the rat poop. Emptied the water from the dishes, scraped off the mold, and washed everything as best I could without hot water. Then I stuck a pot on to boil (there was a hot plate with two burners, but only 1 worked), as that was the only way to get the last of the mold out. Did it twice with each pot, once to clean the pot, the second time to boil the dishes.

Previously, whenever I’ve lived somewhere, I’ve been limited to my room, as I rented just a room and I’ve never made an impact on the rest of the house. Instead, the house was kept how the homeowner or primary renter preferred.

TRAVEL BLOG

BY NADYA SIAPIN

Here, the floors are swept (roughly), and a bit of wet laundry (it’s Oregon, after all) is hanging from lines strung in the cabin to dry. I’ve got a scented candle lit, my bedding smells clean, and I’ve turned the queen sized bed back into a futon, where I’m currently curled up, wrapped in a blanket, listening to the rain on the window with a cup of tea at my elbow.

NEW ZEALAND

In a few minutes I’ll go back to my book. This place isn’t ‘neat as a pin,’ but it’s clean enough to suit me, and for another week and a half, it’s mine.

For context, we have to go back to my teenage years...

My other moment of self knowledge happened while I worked at a small farm on New Zealand’s North Island. I ended up meeting my hosts’ group of friends, the members of their horse trekking club.

I was a shy, awkward introvert who actively hid from people if given the slightest opportunity. More at home with animals and children (I often looked after my 6 younger siblings) I spent most of my days helping with housework and keeping the kids from murdering each other or committing accidental suicide.

Now, I’m really glad I stayed put. My host was fun to talk to and very informative. She’s an 80+ year old hippie who closely follows politics, wears a pussy hat when she goes into town, and has an organic garden that gets her some additional income. She sells excess produce at a local market, she works at reducing her waste as much as possible, and has half a dozen bins around because she composts.

If you’re thinking this sounds a little bit Little House on the Prairie, you’re not far off the mark. Once in a while we’d have folks over, but we lived a fair ways from most of our friends, so it didn’t happen too often growing up. When I was in my mid-teens, we started hosting people more often. Usually, it was families coming over, people who were part of our church group. So we’d gather, people would sit and chat, maybe sing a song or two, eat a LOT of food, and go home.

The moral of the story? Self improvement and self knowledge can, and often do, happen in the most unlikely places. You don’t have to be enrolled in a retreat to begin the journey. If you can be honest with yourself, and can look clearly at the the things you don’t like and need to change, any and every day becomes another step on the path to mental and emotional freedom. You find interesting people all over the place. Don’t be too quick to judge. |

Easy, right?

Yeah, except, remember the part where I don’t see people too much, I’m shy, and an introvert to boot? |

"The real voyage of discovery consists not in seeking new landscapes, but in having new eyes.” -marcel proust

TRAVEL BLOG

BY NADYA SIAPIN

I’d hover in the doorway, unable to come up with a reason to be elsewhere, and under threat if I completely disappeared, anyway. I only came out under duress. If left to myself, I’d have hidden entirely, probably with a book. Their attempts to cajole me out didn’t help either. Instead, it left me feeling more awkward and ashamed. I mean, come on! They’re trying to coax me out and telling me it’s okay to sit with them in my own home!! Like, I live here, people! But as I got older and started working, I found it easier to talk with my co-workers. It’d still take me roughly 3 months to actually volunteer any personal information, though.

We all went on two trail rides over two days, and in the evenings had dinner and snacks, more drinks, more talking. I can’t remember every bit, but the house and station had a bit of interesting history. The current owner is a 3rd generation farmer. His grandfather bought the and in the late 1800’s.

I eventually ended up in hospitality, both back and front of house, actually having to deal with people. Cut to last October, New Zealand. My hosts were going horse trekking with their club over a long weekend, and they’d be staying at a friend’s house. There were 10 to 20 people there, and I was barely acquainted with my hosts.

And later, after I was on the move again, I remembered my childhood and realized I’m nowhere near who I was back then. I can’t pinpoint the exact time the change occurred because it was so slow and gradual. Then it finally sunk in that those days of hiding were 20 years ago…Now I just feel old. I mean, c’mon! When the hell did that happen? Oh, well…Time to get on with the next 35 years of my life. Hope I grow and learn as much in the future as I have in the past.

And I sat down, had a few drinks, met some people, chatted, and shared little experiences with them. By this time, it’s something I’ve done more often than I could remember, even though I started late.They were warm, welcoming, and overall lovely folks.

MORAL OF THE STORY: Take a look back, every once in a while. Just to see how much you’ve grown. If you haven’t grown, start thinking seriously about why not. Nobody is or was perfect, we’ve all got room for growth, and yours might need to start with a little self knowledge. Kindness and acceptance aren’t limited to your small circle. There’s people around the world who might surprise you. Stepping out of your comfort zone is HARD. But when your comfort zone sucks, seriously, make the attempt. It’s worth it. Just take reasonable precautions, and ladies, if you have to, kick a man in the nuts. It gives you time to run away screaming ‘Fire!’ Just…keep it in mind, okay? Feeling ashamed for nothing is a heavy burden. It’s time to put that shit down. Try out a few counselors to find one who works for you. Personally, I had a great one based in Adelaide, Australia. I’ve also found a great hypnotherapist you can talk to. She’s available online, so no matter where you are, you can have a session as long as you have internet. Finally, Australian stock saddles are incredibly comfortable for long rides. What everyday situation have you looked back on as a learning experience?

NADYA SYAPIN, TRAVEL BLOGGER

Nadya was raised in Oregon, US, and Australia. She is an avid hiker and backpacker. It's her goal to walk the Canterbury to Rome pilgrimage trail, both for bragging rights and for the time to think. The blog started with a walking trail, and it continues because of what she learned with all that thinking space. Founder and Owner of : UNDER DIFFERENT STARS blog

5 TIPS TO BECOME A SPIRITUAL ENTREPRENEUR BY UMA ALEXANDRA BEEPAT

I have been in the spiritual business industry for ten years now and as a result, I have learned a lot along the way. Mostly good things but some not so good things as well. It is my intention to share this with you in the hopes that I can inspire someone thinking of joining this path and give them this little friendly push to do it. For seasoned spiritual entrepreneurs, I am hoping to revive the light in you if you feel downtrodden or lost your way. In any event, please remember this article is written from my viewpoint and all views expressed here are my own!

what IS a Spiritual Entrepreneur? A Spiritual Entrepreneur is someone who is self employed or owns a business in the spiritual field, where their “boss” is God, The Universe, Source or a Higher Power than themselves. This is an inclusive field so it can range from a pastor who opened his own church to a massage therapist incorporating energy healing to psychics and mediums. I myself am in this category as I own a metaphysical wellness center.

BEING IN BUSINESS FOR YOURSELF IS TOUGH ENOUGH BUT COUPLE THAT WITH BEING IN THE BUSINESS OF CARING? DOUBLE WHAMMY! IT IS SUCH A CHARGED ARENA! THERE ARE PEOPLE WHO BELIEVE YOU SHOULDN’T DO WHAT YOU DO, THERE ARE PEOPLE WHO BELIEVE YOU SHOULDN’T CHARGE FOR WHAT YOU DO (IT IS GOD’S GIFT SO IT NEEDS TO BE OFFERED FREELY) AND THEN THERE ARE PEOPLE WHO DO LIKE AND WANT WHAT YOU DO BUT FEEL YOU CHARGE TOO MUCH FOR WHAT YOU DO. WHAT DO YOU DO?

REMEMBER YOUR WHY! Relax. First of all, and yes this is my first tip to becoming a Spiritual Entrepreneur, you have to remember your WHY. I can bet that nowhere in your WHY, it is stated you are here to please people or conform to their desires. I am more than likely to believe that your WHY has to do with things like: -Wanting to serve God/Source and people -Wanting a career that helps people -Wanting to use your natural abilities in a career. When you hit the hard times in creating your spiritual business, it is recommended that you look back to your WHY and remind yourself the reasons you chose to do what you do. It will keep everything in perspective and diffuse the perspectives of other people.

KEEP YOUR DAY JOB! The one difference that is a HUGE difference between working a regular business and a spiritual one is that you can’t turn up sick, exhausted or half ready to work. You have to be ON all the time. This means that you cannot be stressed because it will affect the mood of your session and your client. The number one stressor for new businesses is money and having capital to take your dreams to the next level. Delay that by keeping your job! When I started Lotus Wellness Center, I worked two other jobs in addition to it. Was I tired? Everyday. Was I overworked? All the time. But did I get to show up to my client sessions relaxed and happy to be there? Always. |

FOLLOW THE ENERGY NOT THE $$$

SELF CARE IS VITAL

In traditional businesses, you have to follow the call of the dollar. In spiritual businesses, you have to respect your energy and work with Spirit in achieving dreams based on the information you receive.

Athletes have to stay in shape so they work out 3-6 hours a day. Models have to take care of their appearances so they get regular facials, work out and watch their diets. As a spiritual entrepreneur, you need to be spiritually nourished before your client sessions. If not, it shows and you can run into the problem of making the session more about you and less about the client.

For example, when I first started out, as I mentioned earlier, I worked two other jobs in addition to my own startup. Spirit wanted me to work my own place more and not take the third job. I went for it because it was at a private spa and the payout would be excellent. Who won this battle? Spirit of course. I spent many days sitting around idly because there were no customers for me. This is time I could have spent working on my business. If I had followed Spirit’s lead, I would not have wasted time that could have been spent building my business. I was following the money not the energy of the situation and paid for it.

I have a very strong self care game where I meditate and have spiritual practice every morning, I take off two days a week and one weekend a month and I take an annual solo trip once a year without my partner, kids or friends. I am up to date with staying spiritually balanced, emotionally and mentally fresh every day. If I have a day where I do not feel so well, I do not hesitate to contact my clients and reschedule them. I am not afraid to this because instead of focusing on how disappointed my client would feel, I focus on how appreciative they are for my integrity and wanting to give them the best session I can possibly give. This simple redirect in my mind has brought about a lot of positive experiences as mostly that is how my clients respond.

Following the energy means being able to change as your energy changes and being open to this process. In traditional businesses, we use phrases like “Fake it till you make it” and “No pain No gain” but this is not so in the spiritual field. You have to FEEL GOOD about what you are doing, that is your compass in this realm.

LIVE AUTHENTICALLY In this field, EVERYONE knows if you are not presenting what you are (maybe they are psychic? :), so be true to you and follow through with your vision, your dreams and your messages from Spirit …..not from other people.

Now when I see people copying me, I encourage them to sit with Spirit and ask for their own desires and dreams to manifest for them. There is no limitation on what a Spiritual entrepreneur can do, so let’s not limit it with our own limiting beliefs.

I use to have people come to my classes and copy what I was doing and in the beginning it bothered me a lot. But then, I noticed that they would not succeed. See the class that I taught came to ME via Spirit. It was meant for me to teach so it was unique and real. When someone copies your stuff, it can be good but it can never be great because it wasn’t meant for them to retake and reuse.back! ;)

Well I hope this helps! I would like to add that being a spiritual entrepreneur might have its hardships but these dissipate with time and experience. The joy you feel in doing what you do and helping as many people as you do, more than makes up for it. So jump in! Trust, believe, have faith and go for it. After all, in a spiritual business, Spirit has your back! ;)

U M A

A L E X A N D R A

U N L E A S H

Y O U R

M I N D ,

U N L E A S H

Uma Alexandra Beepat is a Spiritual Teacher, an Intuitive Consultant, Psychic Mediumship mentor and Author of The Awakened Life published by Balboa Press Publishing. Uma is the owner of Lotus Wellness Center in Northern Virginia where she provides classes in spiritual development and energy healing and private intuitive consultations.

B E E P A T Y O U R

W O R L D

She is the Creator of The Intuitive Mentorship program which is an eight-month program for spiritual and intuitive development. Uma’s belief is in the power of self-healing and analysis. She empowers people to seek the truth for themselves and mentors them to achieve freedom from fear and limiting beliefs to stand boldly in their authenticity.

Uma holds over 40+ certifications in metaphysical studies which include titles of Certified Hypnotist, Past Life Regression Therapist, Theta Healer, Access Bars Facilitator, Reiki Master Teacher, Aromatherapist, Hatha Yoga Teacher, Tuning Fork Practitioner, Bach Flower Consultant, doTerra Advocate, Certified Life Coach, Certified Angel Tarot Reader, Psychic Medium, Reflexologist and Licensed Massage Therapist among others.

Email: uma@lotuswellnesscenter.net Phone: (703) 369-6762 Website: www.umalotusflower.com www.lotuswellnesscenter.net YouTube: Lotus Inspiration1111 Instagram: umalotusflower78 Facebook: Uma Alexandra Beepat

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In a recent poll I took for a book project I'm working on, 67% of women polled said they felt, unseen, misunderstood and invisible in their primary relationships.

UNCHAIN: Anza, you are a woman of many talents: best-selling author, speaker, life coach... Tell us what is your biggest motivation for doing what you do?

Over the past twelve years, I have worked with women entrepreneurs and I discovered that the main reason they were not succeeding in business was they didn't have enough selflove or belief in themselves. Many didn't feel deserving of success or abundance in their lives.

ANZA: I love helping women see the power they have inside of them. It's like watching a flower blossom.

Many women that I work with don't have a strong sense of self-love or self-worth. I help them develop new mindsets and habits that promote confidence and value in themselves.

Then, the lightbulb went off for me. Women are struggling in all three areas of their lives. If I could help them connect better with themselves, they would be more equipped to connect with others.

When the lightbulb turns on it's like the finale at a fireworks show! When women see their innate, God-given gifts and talents and how that it's into how they show up for themselves it is a game changer.

If they could see progress in their primary relationship, they would have more confidence, be happier, be willing to take more risks, and as a byproduct, have a more successful business.

UNCHAIN: In the last year you've transition into a different style of coaching, helping people with their relationship and intimacy. Can you tell us more about it, what brought this shift into your coaching business?

That's why I say I help women feel empowered from the boardroom to the bedroom. The principles we work on are transferable to every aspect of a woman's life.

ANZA: As I have grown in my coaching business, I have discovered several things:

1. Women show up the same way in their personal life (friendships), their romantic life (spouse, life partner), and in their business (boss, employees, clients). 2. Women struggle equally in all three areas in their life. 3. Women want to have deep connections. They want to feel like they matter and belong. They want to be seen, heard, and understood.

UNCHAIN: Do you find that talking about sex, intimacy and relationship is still something taboo? A bit scary for some people?

We are all fearful of putting ourselves out there, but it is when we have the courage to be our most authentic self and state our wants, needs, and desires in a honest, nonaccusatory way that we gain respect and support from our mate.

ANZA: As we talk about intimacy, many people think we jump right to sex. That is a fallacy, I'd like to clear up. We really spend time talking about connection, wants, needs and desires.

Let's face it, none of us come with a user's guide. We have to take responsibility to train others how to love us and that begins by knowing what it is we want and need in our relationships.

Emotional intimacy is what women crave most. If they can have that the physical intimacy issues usually resolve themselves.

UNCHAIN: Do you believe that to make any relationship work, it's a team effort or one should work on themselves first?

Learning better communication tools helps open up conversations to fix the emotional void that exists in many relationships.

ANZA: It takes two, baby, it takes two! :-)

In the US and the UK, 50% of first marriages fail, 67% of second marriages and %76 of subsequent marriages fail, so starting over is not the answer to our problems.

The work really begins with each individual. We have to know ourselves on an intimate levels so we have clarity about what we want and need before we can have a truly intimate relationship with another human.

Sometimes medications or stage of life are culprits to sexual dysfunction. Those issues bring about embarrassment or shame. They can be awkward to talk about, but in a safe judgement-free environment it is possible.

There are many different ways to discover who you are and what you need to feel valued and secure with yourself and with others. If we don't first love and value ourselves, we will have a difficult time cultivating and nurturing a healthy relationship.

One of the biggest hurdles we have to overcome is making assumptions. We automatically think there is something wrong with us and our partner no longer finds us desirable. The majority of the time, that is not the case, it is a story we've made up in our heads.

At the same time, we need to be supportive of our partners on their self-discovery journey. We all start in a different place and grow at different paces. We need to acknowledge effort and keep the lines of communication open.Creating a safe space for open dialogue is key to couples growing together. People pleasing and fear of rejection are two of the biggest behaviors that hold us back from being open and honest about what we want or need.

So, creating better ways to communicate in our partner's love language or learning language can heal a myriad of old traumas and rebuild trust. There's where vulnerability is needed to build a bridge between the two parties.

461

UNCHAIN: You are an advocate for Mindset work which reflects in all your amazing work. In your own experience, what were the crucial mindset changes you had to personally work on for both your personal life and business? ANZA: I spent decades feeling less than for a variety of reasons: - sexually abused as a young woman - teen pregnancy - domestic violence survivor Until I was in my mid thirties, I believed I was expendable. People could just cast me aside if I didn't meet their expectations of who I thought they wanted me to be. So, I spend many years caught up in people pleasing behaviors. I have to tell you, I lost myself. One morning I woke up and didn't know who I was, what I liked or disliked or what I even wanted out of life. I had to make a change. When I realized the value I had, it turned my life and my business around. I learned that I had a voice and it was powerful. I accepted the fact that just because my life didn't follow the tradition course, that didn't make it less than or wrong. Once I allowed my voice to be the stronger voice in my head, I gained confidence. I took my power back after years of giving it away for the hope of being accepted and feeling like I belonged. I didn't ever really belong because I was too afraid to just be me. I never showed up as my authentic self because I thought I'd be rejected. I walked away from a 17 year marriage because it was all built on my trying to be someone I could never be. I was like a clean slate when I left. It was scary to be on my own with four kids to raise not having a clue where to begin and a group of people saying I could never make it on my own. Here we are 20 years later and I did do it on my own. I achieved more than I could have ever dreamed of 20 years ago because I had nothing to lose and everything to gain. I opened myself up to the possibility of saying "YES" to myself. I have experienced huge success and huge failure along the way. It has been a journey that has stretched me to my limits and then allowed me to push farther. I wouldn't trade it for anything! |

47 |

UNCHAIN: What are your favorite things about being an entrepreneur? ANZA: I love the freedom that being an entrepreneur offers me. I can work from anywhere in the world. I can set my own hours. I can reinvent my business to focus on the things that I am passionate about. I get to make all of the decisions. I get to be 100% responsible for my business. The thing, I love most, is that I don't have to fit into a mold. I can be who I am. I can use the business model that fits me. I don't have to be a one-size-fits-all kind of coach. I can be selective.

There is no shame in saying I can't do it all. It takes a lot of courage to build a team that can support you. It is a test in your commitment to love yourself and practice good self-care so you can show up and be the best version of yourself. Only then, can you service your clients at your highest level. UNCHAIN: If you could go back on time, is there anything you would have done different? If yes, what and why? If not, why? ANZA: When I started my coaching business. I started out as a leadership and business coach. I didn't do it because I was passionate about it, but because I thought it is what I should do since I had a ton of business experience. Just because you can do something doesn't mean it is what you should do. Doing what I should do made me hate what I was doing. So much that I became seriously ill and was unable to work for nearly six month. During that time I took a serious look at my life and where I was versus where I wanted to be. I retooled my business and rebranded my services. Once I made that choice, my health was miraculously restored. If I were to do it over, I'd listen to my heart and pursue the things that bring me pleasure and feed my passions. I would put less stock into doing what I thought I should do just to leverage my time better.

UNCHAIN: What are your least favorite things? ANZA: Sometimes it can be lonely. Working from a home office can be isolating. I have to work hard to find faceto-face opportunities to connect. Technology is great and I do much of my business remotely using teleconferencing, but that doesn't substitute for the need to connect with real humans in the real world. UNCHAIN: Can you share with us one of your biggest lessons learned as an entrepreneur that could help others who want to start their journey? ANZA: I don't have to do it alone. I can ask for help and support. It is better to work in my zone of genius rather than try to be chief chef and bottle washer. When I started my first online business, it was a new thing. I had to figure it all out on my own, there wasn't a support group to reach out to. It's always a good idea to take an inventory of what you're good at, what you love to do, and who you like to spend your time with. Then look at the things that need to be done and determine what can be delegated or outsourced.

UNCHAIN: What projects are you working on now that you'd like to share with us? You are planning on your first ever retreat, tell us all about it! ANZA: I have a lot going on in my business right now! My next project is a 30-Day Get Your Sexy Back challenge. It will start September 1st. It's going to be a fun challenge to guide women to deeper levels of selflove so they can feel confident strutting their stuff.

It will be hosted in a secret Facebook group so women can connect and find support from other women who feel like they've lost their sexappeal and want to amp up their game!

UNCHAIN: And last, I love asking all my guests: What does a life in your day looks like? From day to night as a successful entrepreneur. ANZA: I have to admit I life a pretty charmed life. Each morning I read at least one chapter in a book. Right now I'm reading PsychoCybernetics and Wild Feminine. I meditate for 20 minutes. I put on power music while I get ready. I dance naked in my bathroom to get my energy flowing before I get dress. I look at my calendar and rehearse any difficult conversations I need to have that day.

In October, I am hosting my first couples retreat in Barbados. It will be five fun days of immersion into building communication, confidence, connection and intimacy. It will be a time for couples to focus on their relationship without outside distractions at an amazing romantic resort. They will learn how to: - be more vulnerable - communicate more effectively - improve trust and intimacy - overcome fears and limiting beliefs and inhibitions - techniques for a more satisfying sex life It's going to be EPIC! It is limited to 5 couples so we have an intimate environment to share opening as a group during daily workshops, but there will be plenty of time for homework in their private bungalows. (Check page 50 for more details) One of the newest additions to my business is using yoni eggs and wands to provide energetic healing. The beautiful gems all have different healing properties to help women heal from past trauma. I can work with women one-on-one or in a group to work through issues from emotional and physical trauma this is holding them back from being their best self

I am helping raise my six-year-old granddaughter so my days start out by spending time with her, over the summer she is my little assistant. We have breakfast together and talk about our plan for the day. We spend time doing school so she will be prepared for the school year, we make videos, do science projects and go horseback riding. In the afternoons, I work in my business. I schedule coaching calls, I host mastermind groups, and I record podcasts. My favorite activity is creating content to share in programs, blogs or guest articles. In the evenings, I spend time with my family, go out dancing, but not day is complete without journaling and sharing gratitude for the multitudes of blessings in my life. I work my business around my family life so I spend my time how I want by investing in those most important to me. Summer is my downtime as I ramp up for fall activity. It gives me time to recharge my energy to be ready to close out each year strong.

An intimacy building retreat for couples who want to enhance their communication, confidence, connection, and sexuality... Open your heart to feel more connected to life, yourself, and your partner

CLICK HERE TO FIND OUT MORE!

Anza Goodbar Anza is a certified coach, trainer speaker

She works with individuals and couples who

and best-selling author. She has

feel disconnected from their partner

contributed chapters to two anthology

emotionally and/or physically and want to

books, Your Shift Matters: Resistance to

rediscover, rekindle and reignite the passion

Resilience and You’re Never Too Old To

they once felt in their relationship. She creates

which will release this month. Her newest

a safe environment to explore sensitive topics

book project, Activate your life will come

that lead to more meaningful and fulfilling

out in August, 2019.

relationships. She guides couples who are coping with the loss of libido, difficulty

Through private coaching, group coaching

achieving orgasm, infrequent intercourse, or

programs, retreats, and speaking, Anza

menopausal issues to be receptive to concepts

inspires and empowers couples to redefine

and techniques to bring healing and restoration

what they want in their relationships and

to their physical relationship.

create strategies to go after it. She is passionately committed to opening up

You can learn about Anza by connecting with

conversations about sexual empowerment

her on social media.

and supporting couples to conquer

Links:

incompatibility issues, communicate their

www.anzagoodbar.com/retreats/www.instagra

wants, needs, and desires; and increase

m.com/anzagoodbarwww.facebook.com/coach

intimacy and sexual satisfaction.

anzagoobar

Entrepreneurial women can do it all, right? Build a successful business, create an amazing nest and care for everyone in it – wait, what? Everyone? Hmmm... Especially in the beginning of building our businesses, we boss babes put our self-care LAST on the To Do list. When my coaching clients first come to me, many of them lament that, because they have “so many biz things” to do, there’s little time left for them.By the day’s end, they’re too tired to make a healthy meal, take a relaxing bath, or read the book that has sat on their nightstand for 2 years.

They promise themselves they’ll go to bed earlier that night, get a good night’s sleep, and start a self-care routine tomorrow. But this happens over and over, and they never get to the consistent self-care that would turn everything around in their biz and life. Sound familiar?

Only YOU can care for YOU! I’ll cut to the chase – you’re the only one who can take care of you. Duh, right? But if you know that, why aren’t you doing it?

They only get going in the morning after downing a vat of killer coffee, and then go through their day devoted to others and their business, leaving themselves once again out of the self-care equation.

3 Quick SelfCare Tips for Busy Boss Babes by Dr. Tristan Sophia

"Don’t wait for others to tell you to take time for yourself. That’s a decision you have to make. Daily."

Dr. Tristan Sophia. Mindset Coach and Impact Strategist Dr. Tristan Sophia helps female coaches and healers fearlessly share their story, so they stand out from the crowd, attract their soulmate clients, and make their lasting impact. Her clients learn how to use their own healing stories to create their purposedriven, successful business. One key to their success is becoming an observer of their ego and increasing their mindfulness.

Dr. Tristan Sophia was a clinical and forensic psychologist for 20 years before becoming a Board Certified Coach for entrepreneurial women. Her transformational journey of surviving

and

thriving

after

bullying,

depression, and alcoholism created her nonstop passion to inspire women to stop wasting time in self-doubt and fear and get into courageous action to achieve their soul’s desires. Her favorite activities are writing, speaking, yoga, and watching Christmas movies (all year-round!). She lives in the mountains of Montana, with her husband and three rescue pups.

fill your own cup first... Start setting boundaries with yourself. Most people aren’t gonna ask that you do less for them. It’s not that they don’t appreciate you, they’re simply preoccupied with their own lives.

Don’t wait for others to tell you to take time for yourself. That’s a decision you have to make. Daily. Does self-care mean you stop caring for others?Not at all! Just look for where you can reduce the amount of time devoted to others. Then create ways to make time for yourself. For example, if you make kiddos’ lunches, teach them how to do some of the packing themselves. Or, if you plan and make all the dinners, ask your spouse to make dinner (at least) once a week. Or is it time for you to hire a Virtual Assistant? Use your newly acquired time to do something for yourself.You don’t have to do every single thing on your To Do list, every single day. The world (and your biz) won’t stop if you take a few (or 90) minutes for yourself each day. When you don’t balance your business and personal life with self-care, it can lead to stress, health issues, and sleep problems.

simple solutions

WALK TWalk 3 minutes every hour. Up and down a hallway at home or on the

GIVE YOUR BRAIN AND EYES A REST ½

Stay off your phone and computer

job, or walk around the block. Fast

day per week. I recently stayed off

or slow, just do it. No excuses – we

my phone and social media one

all have 3 minutes.

entire day ~ and I experienced immediate benefits! I had a feeling

of grounding and peace within

BREATHE

myself.It also wasn’t as hard as I thought it would be. I found myself

Close your eyes and just breathe for

looking forward to my next

3 minutes every hour. Set an alarm

day off

social media.

for this. You’ll be amazed how long (and wonderful) 3 minutes is when you aren’t doing anything but breathing. And because you set a timer, you don’t have to keep

Put Your Attention on the Present Moment.

checking how long you’ve been

During

breathing…you can just enjoy the

check

peace.When thoughts come, gently

let

send them away, knowing you can

my my

the

social phone

media or

thought

break, at

one

least

ear

felt

the

once

and

out

urge

per

hour.

the

other.

Then re-focused on what I was doing.

deal with them later. You can add

When the thoughts to check my phone came again, I

this on after your walk.

observed present

them,

then

moment.

put

Over

and

attention

back

Over.Each

the

was

time

able to do that, my joy slowly increased. Like. Not. Even. Kidding. By the end of the day I felt exhilarated! The

most

important

aspect

this

was

the

time

limit – I knew I could check my electronics the next day. Make

your

goal

certain

time

frame

(e.g.,

hours). And don’t give in when your habit insists you check

your

phone

because

out...because it will.

you’re

totally

missing

Some of my clients worry that self-care is selfish. It’s actually selfish if you don’t take care of you. When you take care of you, you’re a much improved person to be around (read: less grumpy) and a better role model for your clients, employees, peers, family, and friends. The better you care for you, the more successful business owner you become. Guaranteed. It doesn’t have to be one or the other – you can learn to care for yourself, others, AND your business. Need more convincing? No one likes to hear people rattle off a list of what they do for others while neglecting themselves. Over-busy and codependent ain’t cool anymore! Learning self-care takes time and practice. As I always say – do these 3 steps for more days than not. You don’t have to say you’re gonna do all 3 every day for the rest of your life. Be reasonable. The more realistic you are, the better chance you’ll have at succeeding.

ARE YOU SELFISH FOR WANTING "ME TIME"?

When you find yourself saying you don’t have 3 minutes to sit and breathe, consider the Zen proverb that says, “You should sit in meditation for twenty minutes every day — unless you’re too busy. Then you should sit for an hour.” You get this, right? Now go breathe. And be the amazing boss babe you already are.

THE RISING SOULPRENEUR

THE RISING SOULPRENEUR A new podcast dedicated to women in business where I share my adventures, ups, downs, vulnerability, breaktroughs, wins, failures and everything in between

AUTHENTICITY IN BUSINESS

LET'S GET REAL...

Life is a journey filled with a thousand or even

Now, of course we all differ here, some follow

more stories, in which some of us pursuit the

people based on their financial success; others

same thing: to grow and become better and

on what they have personally accomplished as a

better every day.

human; others on how much of a difference they have made in the world.

We find people who inspires us every day. Someone and few that are doing what we want

I am however sure that this is something many

to do. People who have through their own

can relate to: We follow people because we can

struggles and lessons in life, have found a way to

relate to something specific that we want for

reinvent themselves and create a life that they

ourselves, would you agree?

love living. Maybe is financial freedom you are looking for; For entrepreneurs there’s no difference. We want

maybe is breaking a cycle, an old story, create a

to feel inspired. We want to believe in ourselves

new reality… But if there is something that we all

and trust that we can become as successful as

crave and seek is authenticity. We all want, in a

they are.If you’re someone who started their own

way or another, know that the person we look up

business already or is thinking about starting on

to, has gone through what we have gone

this journey...

through, that knows us (even if it’s from a far distance) and what we are feeling and going

Who do you follow on social media when it

through at the moment.

comes to great leaders in business and entrepreneurship? Who inspires you? Who is

The more authentic they are, the more human

your idol? The person you identify with because

they seem to us, and the easier it gets to relate

of what they represent or the message they

to them and their message. This ultimate makes

spread out into the world? What is it they

is so much easier to believe, that the success

provide you with that makes you identify with

they have reached is within reach for everyone of

them? Why do you feel that you can relate to

us too. Authenticity is such a great gift and a

their message, their way of running a business,

vital tool, that serves us for the greater good of

their way of doing things?

helping others in their own journeys.

So if you are thinking of starting your own business or have already and

Teen Magazine

wonder how you can reach out and be the best you can for your soul clients. Then make sure to connect with your them, get to know them better, ask them what they want, their opinions, their experiences; what are they looking to achieve. And open your heart too, tell them something personal about you that they can relate to, your own struggles, failures and fears; because let’s be honest, we are all humans and we all have them, no matter what we choose to do in this life… Be human and most importantly, BE YOU! In an area where people can show whatever they want online, a “perfect life”; a “perfect business”; a “perfect relationship”, be the person that becomes the outsider, the different one, your true and honest self. In an area where most people only want to show their wins and tend to omit what is behind it all, step up and do what others are scared of doing, even when you think that being vulnerable, scared, shy, or even sad, is not the way to attract your soul tribe… There is someone out there that needs that, raw, realness and truth; they’ll know they are not alone and that could change their lives forever.

"The more authentic they are, the more human they seem to us, and the easier it gets to relate to them and their message."

SILKE KRETZSCHMAR animal lover child of nature love books, music and all those arty things planet earth is my home, current station is Lisbon, Portugal currently writing my first self-help book theferalchild.home.blog or @theferalchildblog on Facebook |

“Good friends, good books, and a sleepy conscience: this is the ideal life.” ― MARK TWAIN

79 |

Life as an Entrepreneur,

At that point, I didn’t know what I wanted to do with my “career.” So I tried out a plethora of jobs eventually leading me back to entrepreneurial endeavors. As an adult, I’ve owned many six and seven-figure businesses ranging from brick and mortar to virtual online companies.

I grew up in an entrepreneurial family. My Dad owned a retail store and my Mom owned a video rental company. I began working in our family businesses at age 11. I thought everyone owned their own business when I was growing up.

As I look back at the lessons learned over the years, the biggest one is to love and believe in myself. Owning and building a successful business is hard work filled with failure after failure. Keeping my eye on the goal was often challenging and lonely. Little did I know in the early years that each failure was taking me one step closer to the success I was seeking.

by Anza Goodbar

It was such a valuable time in my life. Before high school, I knew how to schedule service calls, do payroll and basic business accounting and provide excellent customer service. I even worked on the sales floor selling televisions and kitchen appliances. My first stage for public speaking was teaching housewives how to cook in a microwave oven at the age of 12.

After operating a successful virtual business services consulting company, I decided to get a coaching certification so I could reach more people and leverage my time more effectively. It all looked so easy, but when I got started I quickly realized it took more effort to stand out in the competitive playing field.

As a teen mom, my first business was an inhome daycare. I wanted to stay at home and raise my kids and that was the first idea to pop into my mind. It was a successful venture for several years until my kids were all in school.

Since I had so much business experience, I naturally thought I “should” be a business coach. I assumed with all of my business acumens it would be a no brainer and I quickly learned just because you “can” do something it doesn’t mean you “should” do it. After consulting for more than a decade, I was no longer feeling passion for what I was doing and it showed up everywhere in my business.

start you r own business t oday! |

I was working with a life coach and the state of my new business kept coming up on our coaching calls. She challenged me to revamp my business and tap into the things I was passionate about. I took to the challenge with zest! I took twelve weeks and totally tuned my business upside down and it was the BEST decision I ever made.

If you said “no” to any of the above questions, it’s time to make a change in what you’re doing or who you’re doing it. Get a mentor or a coach to help you sort out your next steps. The investment you make in your personal growth will show up in your business and help you experience empowerment from the boardroom to the bedroom.

Instead of focusing on business strategy, I began to focus on the core of what holds women back in their business... self-love and confidence. As I began to focus on those key elements of a woman’s life, my own self-worth escalated and my business began to blossom. Building a business isn’t all about good products and processes, it also has to do with believing you deserve the wealth, the lifestyle, and the accolades. When women feel good about themselves they are more visible in their business. They are more willing to take risks and step out of their comfort zones. Even when no one else is cheering for them, they can achieve their dreams and create a thriving business.

If you have been struggling to grow your business, take a step back and ask yourself these three questions: Am I doing what I’m passionate about? Am I working in my genius zone? Do I believe that I’m worthy of success? |

Every day is a challenge, you’re constantly waiting for “the other shoe to drop.”

Are you unable to

One of our deepest human needs is to feel like

enjoy the basic things in life? Are you unable to feel happy?

we belong, but we never feel that way if we

Do you always feel like you’re being

are unable to be our authentic selves. There

attacked?

are many different types of abuse, physical, emotional, and spiritual. The scars abuse

Many years ago, I worked for a CFO at a prominent non-profit

organization.

had

leaves aren’t always visible on the outside but

imposing

can have a lasting effect on the inside.

demeanor that had a negative impact on his staff.

We feel contantly judged or ridiculed. Are

While he and I got along well, I saw the damaging conversations

that

happened

with

his

your ideas belittled? Is personal growth

direct

scoffed at?

reports. Many of them tried to please him, only to be chided about their ineffective performance.

When I was married, my husband always came up

They constantly walked on eggshells trying not to

with reasons why my ideas would fail or why I was

set off his tirade of insults.

inadequate to pursue a dream no matter how big or small. Any suggestion to improve our marriage

Toxic relationships can have a negative impact on

or me personally were shot down as they didn’t

those around you, even if you are not the target of

have value. Over time I began to feel like I was unworthy or undeserving of having a better life.

the toxicity, it bleeds into the atmosphere. The negative energy has a way of impacting everyone

We constantly evolve, that’s part of living. As we

in the vicinity. Just like a bad apple will spoil the

encounter new experiences, we grow and change.

whole bunch, a toxic relationship can ruin the

ability of a team to perform well together.

environment. Toxic relationships can make it feel

choose

shrink

expand

with

our

like we don’t have a choice. Fear of upsetting the

You’ve lost your identity. Do you feel like you have

toxic person can create a cycle of self-doubt and

to wear a mask to be accepted? Do you feel like

fear of taking action.

your opinions fall on deaf ears?

Do you feel

uncomfortable in your own skin?

If you can identify with any of these signs, chances are good that you’re a part of a toxic

If you can relate to people pleasing behaviors to be

relationship. Don’t dismay, there is hope for turning

accepted,

toxic

the tides and empowering yourself to create

relationship. My husband was abusive to my kids,

positive changes in your life that will impact your

his way of controlling me was to take it out on my

relationships.

you

may

involved

kids. I constantly second-guessed myself and how it would impact his moods and actions. I tried to be who he wanted/needed me to be to keep peace in our home, but I always came up short. I could never be that perfect person and inevitably he would explode. After years of living this way, I became a shadow of my former self.

Healthy and natural ways to nurture your soul |

When working on building our businesses it is easy for us to get so wrapped up in it that we neglect our own physical and mental health. This, oftentimes, leads to burnout as well as losing ourselves in the process. Business can be busy work.

FOCUSING ON

It can be stressful. It can be consuming. And more often than not, owning a business is much like having a baby.

HEALTH AND

It takes a lot of time, energy, patience, and work to grow. A lot of personal things get put on the back burner and this includes our health. But it doesn't have to be that way.

BUSINESS

5 simple tips to maintain your mental and physical health while running a business:

BY AMBER PEITZMEIER

GET UP AND MOVE 10 MINUTES EVERY HOUR

SCHEDULE A LUNCH BREAK

Sitting in a desk constantly can be hard on our health. We need movement to remain flexible and be able to move with ease. The recommended daily movement is set at 30 minutes per day but this doesn't need to be all at once if you are a busy business owner. By getting up and moving around for at least 10 minutes each hour, you are getting in your recommended exercise and feeling good in the process. Get up and walk around your office or home, get some fresh air, walk a flight of stairs, stretch, etc. There are many ways to get in daily movement while still being able to grow and care for your business.

Nutrition is essential to good health. Too often, we skip lunch or eat something that is unhealthy for convenience because we are busy with our work. Creating a specific time for a lunch break in our routines allow for us to keep on top of our health and have a few minutes to recharge for the rest of the day. Bring your lunch to your office to avoid the fast food run or make it the night before and put it in your fridge if you work from home. Treat it just as if you were working for someone else that required you take a lunch break.

KEEP A SNACK OF HEALTHY FATS IN A DRAWER

SHUT DOWN AT A DECENT TIME, CONSISTENTLY

Nuts and seeds are a perfect snack that are full of healthy fats and fuel. They are a brain food and extremely healthy. Keep a package of them in your drawer for when you have the munchies but are too busy at the moment to make something.

Routine is very important and it is also very important to take time out for ourselves, family, and friends every day. It is easy to get wrapped up in our businesses and want to work on it all the time, but eventually this leads to exhaustion and burnout. Having a set schedule every day, even if loose, can help avoid burnout. Choose times that will be designated working hours and stick to them. When it is time to shut down for the day, spend some much needed time with yourself, family, or friends so that you can regroup and recharge for the next day.

CHECK IN WITH YOUR MENTAL HEALTH

Every couple of hours, check in with yourself. Ask yourself if you are feeling stressed, tired, burnt out, slowed down, etc. If the answer is yes, try and find a few minutes to recharge. Writing in a journal, creating something, reading, meditation, listening to some relaxing music, etc can all be some good things to do to keep your mental health in order during the work day. Without our health, we have nothing. So, it is very important to maintain health - especially in business. We want to build a legacy but we can’t do that ill. So get up, move, eat nutritiously, and take a break!

amber peitzmeir mind, body and wellness practioner Amber Peitzmeier is a Certified Mind Body Wellness Practitioner, Hypnotherapist, and Holistic Nutritionist. She approaches healing on a holistic basis by clearing out the dead roots and making way for new. She believes that the mind space is the stepping stool to the heart space and is not the end of healing. Healing begins in the mind but takes place in both the mind and heart. When we let go of who we thing we are, we can become who we truly are and are meant to be. Through deep soul work, connection, and transformational healing, she guides people to unlock their truest selves so that they can live a more balanced life by developing healthy lifestyles, positive self and or body images, new belief systems, and better emotional and spiritual health so that they can take charge of their own health and wellness in a holistic manner without limitations.

BETTER SLEEP CAN MAKE YOU A BETTER ENTREPRENEUR BY JOHANN CALLAGHAN

As an entrepreneur it can be very tempting to burn the candle at both ends and late nights and early mornings are very familiar among most entrepreneurs. It is a common misconception that successful entrepreneurs need less sleep to get more done. All our time goes into getting as much done as we can, that we often overlook one of the most crucial elements of life, sleep. The saying ‘snooze, you loose is often heard and suggests a lost opportunity if you’re not paying attention or asleep. But sleep is crucial for your health and getting enough shuteye every night is also great for your business. If you’re tired, so is your brain. The neocortex is responsible for executive functioning and higher mental skills, including reasoning, judgement and decision making. It’s the area responsible for “getting things done”. Lack of sleep comprises this area of the brain and partially shuts it down because the brain needs to conserve energy. |

Research is showing us increasing evidence of the importance of a good night’s sleep. We know that poor sleep negatively impacts our productivity, performance and ability to make good decisions. The longer we work, the more tired we get and the more prone to accidents, mistakes, the busier we seem to become and procrastinate more.

Sleep deprivation makes you more emotionally reactive.

According to WebMD, losing sleep impairs our ability to logical determine whether the amount of sleep you are getting is adequate. The ability to self-assess and have self-control is impaired and often overreact to events. The amygdala, the emotional center of the brain, is amplified by up to 60% with deprived sleep. Sleep specialists say if you think you’re doing fine on less sleep, you’re probably wrong. Over time, people can adapt or cope with less sleep. However, their mental alertness and cognitive function will be negatively affected. Lack of sleep can also cause increased risk of serious health problems such as heart disease, heart attacks, strokes and high blood pressure. |

Research on more than 13,000 people by Laya Healthcare has revealed almost 80% of people are sleep deprived; half experience anxiety. Many people experience a busy mind at night just before nodding off to sleep. Many people do not acknowledge problems, plan or organise ‘to do’ lists during the day and therefore worry about them in the quiet of the night when there are no distractions. Entrepreneurs who work from home can have problems sleeping as they lack a routine. In this fast-paced world, entrepreneurs experience a lot of overwhelm and anxiety in a world of information overload and too many choices. Too often this is when the trap of busyness is experienced leaving the entrepreneur in a vicious cycle of overwhelm, no routine or discipline and playing constant catch-up. Arianna Huffington, author of Sleep Revolution, says that there is a new reframing of what a successful entrepreneur is, and it starts with sleep and its connection to productivity, powerful decision making and clarity of focus. Successful entrepreneurs are innovative, have inspiring creative ideas to solve problems and creating transformations. Lack of sleep affects this creativity of new possibilities. Being at your best will best serve others. When you understand the importance of sleep and the benefits, you will value sleep, you will respect it and you will prioritise it.

5 WAYS TO

get a better sleep at night 01

START YOUR DAY WELL

EXERCISE Exercise will not only help feel better during the day; it will also help you sleep better. Exercise speeds up your metabolism and stimulates hormones making your body very active and alert. What you do during the day affects how well you sleep at night. Physical activity reduces stress levels and it increases sleep drive.

Start you day on a high vibration. Have an attitude of gratitude. This will help increase your resilience to stress enabling an easier transition into your nighttime routine.

WIND DOWN BEFORE BED Try to finish vigorous workouts at least four hours before bedtime. Body temperature affects your sleep and requires a lower core body temperature to allow the onset of sleep. Too much exercise close to bedtime will leave you feeling wired and tired. Instead have a warm magnesium bath, read a book, meditate or do gentle stretching.

ROUTINE Whatever time you go to bed, make it consistent. Wake up and go to bed at the same time. This will help align your circadian rhythm and sync with your natural rhythms of the day.

LIGHT Avoid using electronic devices at least one hour before bed. The blue light blocks melatonin, the sleep hormone. It also activates dopamine making it difficult to put the device down and delaying bedtime. Also get sunshine first thing in the morning to reset your circadian clock and shut off melatonin.

JOHANN CALLAGHAN

Certified Sleep Science Coach, Johann Callaghan, is a bestselling Author, Speaker, Online Trainer, Entrepreneur & Mum. She has featured many times in the media on radio, TV, newspapers and magazines. Johann’s first book ‘How to get a good night’s sleep’ ,has been a major success in Ireland and across the world. Johann gives seminars, workshops and online training in sleep, health & wellness and is a go to sleep expert. Johann is an award-winning entrepreneur, MBA and Women in Business finalist. Johann believes that we can be our own health care advocate and anybody with the right attitude, knowledge and inspiration can sleep better and improve their quality of life. Johann Callaghan is passionate about empowering you to discover how you can take back control of your life with conscious awareness and healthy living. Johann will help to educate, empower and inspire you to optimize your life with better sleep so can stop struggling and get the sleep success you desire. JohannCallaghan.com

Essential Oils

TOP 6 ESSENTIAL OILS FOR WOMEN FOR SUMMERTIME, BY SIOBHAN O'KEEFFE SOMETIMES YOU DON’T KNOW WHAT’S GOOD FOR YOU AND HOW GOOD YOU CAN FEEL. THE ESSENTIAL OILS LISTED BELOW ARE AMAZING FOR YOUR WELLBEING AND SO VERSATILE ALL YEAR LONG. |

Frankincense Frankincense, sometimes called olibanum, is an earthy essential oil that can be amazing for grounding yourself and reducing stress and anxiety. Rub Frankincense on your hands after a long day of gardening for a warming and soothing effect. I love it for its anti-aging properties – it is simply amazing for skin care. You will see a difference – one drop in your moisturizer is all it takes. No need for expensive creams when you can “pimp” up! it really helps reduce the appearance of skin imperfections. Frankincense essential oil is also used to support your immune system and also for its anti-inflammatory properties. I use it in a blend for sore joints/muscles. This is an invaluable essential oil – a little goes a long way.

Geranium Geranium essential oil is great for adrenal health, which is essential for women who suffer from adrenal fatigue — which occurs when the adrenal glands are exhausted and unable to produce proper amounts of hormones due to chronic stress. This oil can help you hugely. This is also a skin care oil which smells great – add it to your skin care products. Geranium essential oil also relieves fluid retention and reduces breast tenderness, if they are side effects of PMS. Make a special massage oil – this is a heart chakra oil and is known as the “emotional healer” and smells great.

Balanced Blend Everybody loves the Balance blend – and with good reason. It grounds you really fast – great way to get centered and focused for the day ahead. The aroma is warm & woody due to Spruce, Ho Wood, Frankincense, Blue Tansy, and Blue Chamomile being in the mix. Spruce, one of the oils in dōTERRA Balance, was used by Native Americans for health and spiritual reasons and is still used today to bring harmony to the mind and body. Ho Wood, Blue Tansy, and Blue Chamomile can ease anxious feelings, while Frankincense provides a grounding, balancing effect on emotions. Start your morning with some Balance and your body, mind and spirit will thank you. A firm favourite. A few drops behind your ears is a wonderful midday relaxing experience. |

Basil Not one you probably think of, but Basil packs a serious punch. It is also a great oil for adrenal fatigue, and I layer it with wild orange over my adrenals every am after my shower. Basil essential oil is also amazing for when you feel a cold coming on because it’s anti-bacterial and anti-viral. It’s also an expectorant, which means it helps treat coughs and open your airways for easier breathing. I personally use it for muscle aches and pains. I also use it in my kitchen – a drop in my casseroles and in olive oil dressings – great in a kale salad.

Lavender Lavender – you cannot go wrong with this oil. Renowned for the relaxation properties but it has so much more to offer. This oil will sooth frazzled nerves and calms you down fast – a few drops onto your temples will help you relax fast. Lavender essential oil is also a great anti-inflammatory and helps calm the skin. Great for alleviating sun burn. Try adding a few drops to your moisturizer, potentially even in conjunction with melaleuca/tea tree oil – especially if you have skin irritation or acne or eczema.

Melaleuca (Tea Tree) Melaleuca or Tea Tree essential oil is simply amazing – good enough for a Princess good enough for us – Meghan Markle must have! It is the versatility of the oil that makes it stand out – skin issues, shaving cuts, insects’ bites, pimples and blemishes. Tea tree oil is also great for other skin infections, like athletes’ foot or fungal infections on your nails, as well as annoying dandruff and scalp irritation. For dandruff relief, just add a few drops to your shampoo! It has the highest anti-bacterial punch of any of the essential oils – it you use public pools or suffered from verruca this oil will really help. Melaluca is a powerful as a “cleaner” – body and home. Look at my other blogs re green cleaning. A powerhouse of an essential oil. |

SIOBHAN O'KEEFFE

I am a yoga teacher and a qualified aromatherapist based in Dublin. I am passionate about the amazing benefit of using natural products and essential oils. I love working in the holistic space and supporting people, yogi’s , yoga teachers and studio owners by showing them how to use these amazing wonders from Mother Nature. I support people by empowerment and education on adopting a doTERRA wellness lifestyle – support when making a lifestyle change by using natural solutions. doTERRA product suite is all based around essential oils and adopting a non-toxic green lifestyle – essential oils both single and blends, personal care, weight management, supplements, household and diffusers. I have chosen to partner with doTERRA – due to the quality and potency of the essential oils and the other products they produce.

MARIA C. KRAUSE

ONLY YOU HAVE THE STRENGTH, KNOWLEDGE AND POWER TO BE YOUR TRUE SELF.

Click on the picture below to access our podcast and get your weekly dose of inspiration and motivation

A PODCAST WHERE ENTREPRENEURS FROM DIFFERENT BACKGROUNDS AND NICHES, SHARE THEIR STORY AND MOST VALUABLE TIPS ON MINDSET, BUSINESS, BRANDING AND MUCH MORE. EMPOWERING, ENCOURAGING, INSPIRING AND HELPING WOMEN ALL OVER THE WORLD TO STEP UP AND START BUILDING A LIFE AND BUSINESS ALIGNED TO THEIR SOUL PURPOSE.

You can find us on: ITunes. Podbean. Spotify. YouTube. Anchor |

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MINDFULNESS AND HOW IT BENEFITS YOUR LIFE.

Mindfulness – a word so often thrown around these days that one can be forgiven for observing it but perhaps glossing over the deeper meaning behind it. Gurus, therapists, life coaches and yogis all talk about it. Successful, wealthy entrepreneurs and CEOs practize it and the truth is, we could all benefit from more of it in our lives. Most of us have likely heard about it having something to do with staying more present. Enjoying the moment. Indeed, this is a key component to mindfulness, but it goes deeper than that. So…what exactly is it?

By Natasha Alexa Kemball.

For me, mindfulness is maintaining a good sense of self awareness on a regular basis. To really start noticing a difference in your life, it needs to be implemented daily or as close to daily as you can manage. It doesn’t have to take long, but regularity is paramount. Mindfulness is being in touch with your mind, how it works, observing your thoughts, feelings and emotions and noticing which thoughts are not serving you. Through conscious effort, working on changing those thoughts.

Training your mindset rigorously as you would your body at the gym. Happiness on the outside starts on the inside. Yet so many of us put so much effort into looking good, trying to make our bodies fit, toned and healthy…but no time into the most crucial component to a balanced, healthy and happy life - our minds. Everything happening (or not happening) in your life right now is a direct reflection of your mindset. Yes, really. Take a moment to fully digest that. WE are the creators of our lives and most of it happens through the subconscious mind without us realising. We often have patterns ingrained so deep within the subconscious mind, that they are sadly left running on autopilot destined to repeat over and over throughout our lives until we make a shift and heal from within. The conscious mind may try everything, but we simply cannot heal these inner wounds or traumas. whether real or perceived) from a logical perspective. We’re unable to change our lives for the better unless we can learn to re-programme this somewhat mystical, lesser-known part of our minds that comes to the surface when we sleep or are under hypnosis.

WHAT CAN WE DO TO ABOUT IT? The question remains what can we do about it? How can we infiltrate and get a handle on this deep, dark, misunderstood corner of our minds?

The first step is through AWARENESS. Even simply realizing the reason you may be stuck is a great start. The acknowledgment. After all, you cannot heal something if you are in denial of the issue at hand. One of the most powerful ways to re-programme the subconscious, I believe, is through AFFIRMATIONS. Make a list of affirmations (positive statements) about where you would like to be but written in the present tense. i.e. I am beautiful, I am worthy, I am fulfilled, I am happy with my perfect partner (yes even if you don’t have one yet!) You need to speak your reality into existence and that starts with changing your deep-seated beliefs.

For example, if you have an ingrained belief in your subconscious that you are not worthy then guess what - you will keep attracting partners that make you feel unworthy.

We cannot meet anyone at a higher level of consciousness than the one we are on. It is universal law. If this scares you, please don’t let it. Instead, allow it to empower you! You have so much more control over your life than you can possibly imagine. It’s all a matter of learning to unleash it and trusting in yourself. Repeat these affirmations several times twice daily. There are also many videos on YouTube where you can access ‘SUBLIMINAL AFFIRMATIONS.’ These mostly play calming music but have affirmations playing at an inaudible level below the music. What this does is it bypasses our conscious mind and goes straight to the subconscious. I have often listened to these while falling asleep and found them very helpful. There are some for every topic/ailment imaginable in both mental and physical health. Simply type in what you’re looking to heal prefaced with the word ‘subliminal.’

JOURNALING -

SELF LOVE –

MEDITATION-

It doesn’t matter what you write, just write. As often as you can. Getting your thoughts out on paper can be immensely therapeutic. It can also make you realize so much about yourself and recognize unhelpful patterns of thought.

If you talk down to yourself or are constantly self-critical, then mindfulness is a must for you.

Contrary to popular belief, meditation is not ‘emptying’ the mind. Thinking of nothing is impossible.

Without self-love, we cannot fully love others the way they deserve to be loved.

Thoughts have a life of their own and happen at every moment of our waking lives whether we like it or not!

GRATITUDE –

Practice gratitude daily. We are often so accustomed to looking at what we don’t have in our lives that we forget how incredibly lucky we are for so much. Even the simplest of things like the food we eat, a roof over our heads, the fact that we are likely reading this on a smartphone or computer, our families’ health, our friends, our own good health and countless other blessings we often take for granted. ' Regular gratitude has been clinically proven to rewire our brains. If we do it enough, we start to think more positively by default, which also means attracting more of what we want into our lives. Hurrah! We will never attract our dreams and desires by focusing on what we DON’T have. Fact.

Additionally, we can only receive love to the level that we love ourselves. Just imagine the possibilities and depth of love that we could all attract and experience if we truly loved ourselves as we deserve? Observe your thoughts and come up with replacement statements when negative self-talk permeates. Keep a small notebook with you and write these down as they happen. Look in the mirror daily and notice something about your body that you like. Smile at yourself and even affirm your self-love out loud! You may feel silly at first but in time you will start to feel better about the person that you are – a unique being that is on this planet for a reason! There is only one of you and the world wouldn’t be the same without you. Remember that.

However, we can control WHAT we think and the quality of our thoughts. Meditation is, quite simply, concentrating on just one thought. Focusing on something positive and breathing deeply for even twenty minutes a day, can instill a tremendous sense of calm and tranquillity. Much as we would struggle to sail a boat through a stormy ocean, we cannot make sense of our thoughts when we are angry, frustrated and sad. But when the water is clear, calm, still, flat – it becomes easy and pleasurable to sail across the water. And so it is that when we can restore balance, stillness and order within our minds, everything in our chaotic lives suddenly seems more manageable. Even our worst problems.

STAY PRESENT As often as you can. There is no pain in the present (assuming you are not currently in labour or in A&E with a hernia.) Let that sink in. Think about it, look around you now. Are you on your phone? Sat in your living room? On the commute perhaps or on a park bench? Wherever you are reading this, if you become fully aware of your surroundings and for example look up at the clear blue sky and listen to the birds singing or the soft hum of people around you talking, you are present. You are not thinking about what’s for supper later or what your boss will think of your proposal next week or whether the guy you’ve just started dating is going to propose in six months and you can finally get off tinder. You’re not thinking of the past either. There’s no room to focus on how your ex shattered your heart into a million pieces and how you secretly wish you could key the side of his new BMW or that you didn’t get the promotion last year that would have meant you owning your dream house by now. You are just being. You’re here…in the now. And it is so peaceful! Appreciate each moment as you’re in it, for that exact moment will never come again. The moments you can remember will merely be memories and you will reminisce and, in many cases, wish to relive them. Even the ones you think you won’t! Some of us need only recall our happy and carefree younger years to realize that. Your children (if you have them) will never be as little as they are right now and you can never get those moments back. Embrace them and be present with them. I highly recommend Eckhart Tolle renowned book, ‘The Power of Now’ if you want to learn more about staying present.

NATASHA ALEXA KEMBALL

IF YOU PRACTISE THESE STEPS A LITTLE AND OFTEN, THEN YOU WILL BEGIN TO SEE POSITIVE LIFE CHANGES. That I can promise. It certainly doesn’t happen overnight and takes persistence and determination. I am still learning as all of us are. Procrastination and avoidance have been two of my biggest hurdles and it’s still an ongoing process! We all have our own journeys which include weaknesses, demons and crosses to bear. But every step that we take, regardless of the hiccups and setbacks along the way, is a small victory that can and should be celebrated. And one day I have absolutely no doubt that each one of those small victories, those tiny steps…will amount to us finally becoming the champions of our lives.

NATASHA ALEXA KEMBALL

Natasha Kemball is a British Musical Theatre performer and soprano who trained for three years at ArtsEd, London. She has performed all over the world in grand-scale concerts, musicals, aboard six star cruise ships and has sung for the UAE royal family. She has also been a guest soloist with The British Philharmonic Orchestra. She has worked steadily for some years as a vocal coach and drama teacher for children and teenagers when not performing. Natasha grew up primarily in Dubai as an expat and now resides in London so has experienced the best of both worlds in many respects and has had some truly incredible experiences. She has also, however, been previously challenged with some extremely difficult times, especially concerning her romantic relationships and lack of self belief/worth. In an industry that almost sets you up to compare yourself to others and where one can face rejection on a weekly basis, she's no stranger to the demon voices and negativity that can creep in and overtake the mind without due care and diligence. She hopes through writing about her experiences and the lessons learned on her continuing journey of healing and self discovery, to inspire and help others going through similar trials. Her father is an ex journalist and newspaper editor so her inspiration for writing has always been strong. She'd like to say a big thank you to Maria C. kRuse for the opportunity to share her thoughts

We All Scream for JUICES!

JUICING FOR YOUR HEALTH HEALTHY JUICES RECIPE BY JEN GAGNON; Holistic Health Coach and Marconics Practitioner.

Note: Please note that the following recipes will yield about 40 ounces

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GREEN DRAGON INGREDIENTS

Benefits of each ingredient: Apples: Packed with benefits of vitamins, calcium,

2 apples. 2 pears. 8 celery stalks. 4-5 large kale leaves. 4-5 large chard leaves 4-5 romaine lettuce leaves. 1 lemon peeled. 2” ginger nub

potassium and magnesium, the fruit and its juice give out adequate health punch. Full of pectin and fiber, Apple juice helps boost energy. Being the richest source of phenolic compounds, the juice of Apples when consumed regularly helps fight against common infections. Apple juice can help with constipation, asthma, heart health, bone protection, teeth and gum health amongst other things.

Kale: The superfood of this world ;). Kale is loaded with vitamins and minerals. • Vitamin A: 206% of the DV (from beta-carotene) Vitamin

Pears: Pear juice is packed with vitamins, minerals

K: 684% of the DV Vitamin C: 134% of the DV Vitamin B6:

and powerful components including vitamin C,

9% of the DV Manganese: 26% of the DV Calcium: 9% of

potassium, copper, vitamin K, various B vitamins,

the DV Copper: 10% of the DV Potassium: 9% of the DV

anthocyanins, flavonols, phosphorus, magnesium,

Magnesium: 6% of the DV It also contains 3% or more of

calcium, and iron, as well as various other polyphenolic compounds and antioxidants.The major benefits of pear juice include improving nutrient

the DV for vitamin B1 (thiamin), vitamin B2 (riboflavin), vitamin B3 (niacin), iron and phosphorus It also contains quercetin

uptake, strengthening the immune system, lowering

and

kamepferol

which

are

powerful

antioxidants. Antioxidants are substances that help

blood pressure, boosting circulation, increasing

counteract oxidative damage by free radicals in the body.

bone mineral density, supporting nervous system

It is a good plant-based source of calcium, a nutrient that

health, aiding cognition and eliminating

is very important for bone health and plays a role in all

inflammation, among others.

sorts of cellular functions. It is also a decent source of magnesium, an incredibly important mineral that most people don't get enough of. Eating plenty of magnesium may be protective against type 2 diabetes and heart disease. Ginger: Ginger has a very long history of use in various forms of traditional/alternative medicine. It has been used to help digestion, reduce nausea and help fight the flu and common cold, to name a few. Gingerol is the main bioactive compound in ginger, responsible for much of its medicinal properties. It has powerful anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects .In one study, consuming 2 grams of ginger per day, for 11 days, significantly reduced muscle pain in people performing elbow exercises. There is also some evidence that ginger can enhance brain function directly. In a study of 60 middle-aged women, ginger extract was shown to improve reaction time and working memory.

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LIQUID LOVE Benefits of each ingredient:

I NGREDI ENTS

Beets: The beet is a bulbous, sweet root vegetable that most people either love or hate. It’s not new on the block, but it’s risen to superfood status over the last decade or so. Research shows drinking beetroot juice may benefit your health. Beetroot juice may help lower your blood pressure. Researchers found that people who drank 8 ounces of beetroot juice daily lowered both systolic and diastolic blood pressure. Nitrates, compounds in beetroot juice that convert into nitric acid in the blood and help widen and relax blood vessels, are thought to be the cause. According to a small 2012 study, drinking beetroot juice increases plasma nitrate levels and boosts physical performance. Potassium is a mineral electrolyte that helps nerves and muscles function properly. If potassium levels get too low, fatigue, weakness, and muscle cramps can occur. Very low potassium may lead to life-threatening abnormal heart rhythms. Beet juice provides vitamin C, potassium, folate, supports your liver and may even help reduce cholesterol!

1 beet. 6 celery stalks. 4-5 large kale leaves. 1 large cucumber. 3 apples. 1 lemon peeled. 2” ginger nub

Lemon: Loaded with vitamin C, great for our immune system. Lemon helps our bodies absorb iron more efficiently reducing risks of anemia. Pectin found in lemons helps improve gut health and the digestion of sugars and starches.

Cucumber: Cucumber boosts your metabolism, relieves constipation, boosts our immunity system due it’s minerals, hormones and compounds. Cucumber is great at removing toxins. May help reduce stress and boost your energy.

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Juicing: There are many health benefits of drinking freshly juiced fruits and vegetables, and it’s a great way to add nutrients from the fruits or vegetables that you normally wouldn’t eat. Fruit and vegetable juices retain most of of the vitamins, minerals and plant chemicals (phytonutrients) that would be found in the whole versions of those foods. These nutrients can help protect against cardiovascular disease, cancer and various inflammatory diseases, like rheumatoid arthritis. Valuable compounds called flavonoids and anthocyanins are abundant in a variety of fruits and vegetables and guard against oxidative cellular damage, which comes from everyday cellular maintenance and is exacerbated by exposure to chemicals and pollution. Do beware of anyone who says that juicing is the only way to remain healthy. Juicing is a great way to add nutrition to your daily intake. Juicing typically requires using a machine or equipment in order to turn raw fruits and vegetables into a liquid. Home juicing machines may cost anywhere from $30 dollars to more than $300 dollars. By using special blades, most juicers chop up your fruits or vegetables into tiny pieces and spins them in a way to separate the juice from the pulp, which eliminates the majority of the fiber. You can ask around at local stores or consult Consumer Reports to find the juicer that’s best for you. Safely When making your own juice, try to make only as much as you can consume at one time. Juice that isn’t consumed right away can harbor bacteria and cause food poisoning. Exposure of the drink to air, bacteria and other pathogens can not only make you sick but threaten the nutritional value of the juice as well. Also, before using juicing your desired fruit, you should wash them thoroughly to remove any dirt, pesticides or bacteria. Make sure your cutting board and utensils are clean as well. E. coli is a very dangerous bacteria that can live on your fruits and make you sick. The problem is that it can only be killed with heat, which can also damage the nutritional content of the juice. If you don’t want to boil your juice on the stove, you’ll have to wash the fruit thoroughly before juicing. Learn more about the best ways to wash your fruit. If you decide to pursue a diet that predominantly consists of juice, like a juice cleanse, make sure you consume at least 2000 calories or more per day depending on your metabolic needs. Don’t starve yourself! It’s important that your body gets a sufficient amount of calories, vitamins, nutrients, protein, fat and carbohydrates. Also, make sure you eat fiber, to keep your digestive system working smoothly. You can add dissolvable fiber powder to your juices or supplement with a suitable number of fiber-rich solid foods (like prunes or pears) to compensate.

**Please note that these recipes are no way, shape or form considered as medical advice. You should always speak to your doctor in case of severe ailments.***

SR LE

L o v

s u r

F L SE

LOVING ME “I got blocked from my Facebook account for 3 days. Do you know what I can do about it?” I asked innocently of my husband. “You got locked out for three days? They should lock you out for good,” was the response.This was mild compared to his usual comments but it then occurred to me: what if I hadn’t spent the last half of my life being insulted and disrespected on a daily basis? What if I had spent the last 25 years pursuing my joy rather than acting as a buffer for someone else’s lack of self-worth? What if I hadn’t handed my power to another on a silver platter? How far ahead would I be in my life now? How much more joyful would I be!

I only recently realized that I was an empath. I used to wonder why my emotions went out of control so many times with no good reason – when around certain people for instance. I used to think that understanding and empathizing with others was a gift that kept me humble and compassionate. But when I look back at the pain and agony, the compromising of my own rights to ensure that others felt valued, I wonder if it’s a curse. I wonder if, by lashing out at me, my husband gained even a spot of peace and joy. I wonder if, by my suffering, even a little bit of the suffering of the world – of unity consciousness,

has

diminished.

worthwhile, wouldn’t it?

Then

would

feel

all

Seeing myself as a victim of circumstances is lonely business. I’s depressing business. It’s debilitating. If I had never gone through this experience, I could not have truly understood, in my heart, what others go through. I now make a choice – I choose to be happy – despite the circumstances. I went through too many years of unhappiness not to have learnt this by now. To understand that when someone is mean to me, it’s not because of me – it’s because they themselves are hurting. I try my best to help, but the old people have a saying, “You can’t take a tablet for someone else’s flu.” Lol, that’s so right! You can love and support them but they have to heal themselves. It makes no sense to empower their weakness anyway. If I was helping my daughter through this, I would know well how to advise her. So I take my own advice. No one can get into my heart unless I allow it. And when I allow them in – they must have read-only access, lol until they prove that they can care for it as much as I care for theirs. The only person that can take away the joy in my heart – is me. I must share it – but not give it away! Now that I understand this, I choose to love me as much as I love anyone else. After all, who else has the ultimate vested interest in my heart but me?! Everyone has their own things going on. I must love me. Only then will I better be able to love others and be fair to them. I make this undertaking now: I strive to be the best version of me – for me, and for all. Love and light to all souls!Gaiya

Gaiya Ananda Gaiya Ananda (Gaitrie) is a truth seeker on a journey to find meaning and purpose. She is a perpetual student. She believes that all life is inextricably connected and that when we learn from one another’s experiences, life is much easier and enjoyable. Gaiya is a wife, a mother of two handsome young men and a public sector audit director.

She is also a woman who has discovered her true passion by helping others reconnect with their true self and spirit. She is a avid writer who seeks to inspire other to become their best selves, through her passionate and inspirational writing. A critical motor vehicle accident put pause to her busy life and brought home to her the importance of self-care, self-love and self-worth. This pause provided the opportunity for her to refocus on her soul’s calling and to rediscover her awesome and magical nature.

Would you like to become part of the team, or a guest in our podcast; or simply share your message: Contact us at: contact@mariackrause.com or soulsistermariackrause@gmail.com Send us a short bio of yourself, picture, links, niche of expertise, and what topic would you like to contribute with that would bring value to our audience.

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unchain your inner strength