Have you ever asked yourself these questions?:
How do I listen to my intuition?
How do I know the difference between my ego and my intuition?
How do I truly know that it's my intuition?
I so remember the first time I asked one of my mentors about my intuition. 'I think I'm wishful thinking' is what I told her. And she chuckled at me and said, what's wrong with that? Wouldn’t you rather wishful think knowing you are connecting to your intuition or doubt it every step of the way?
I didn't quite understand until years later! Now that I have completely immersed myself in the learning of intuition and how it speaks to us, I can honestly say that the wishful thinking is part of intuition.
When we wishful think we are activating our vision and our manifesting powers which are in direct connection with our intuition.
HERE ARE 5 SIMPLE WAYS TO START LISTENING TO YOUR INTUITION:
#1 - STOP
Stop for just a few minutes and breathe. Intuition comes through in between the chaos, the chatter, the thoughts, the running around, the to do list, etc. If you can take a few minutes to breathe, quiet your mind, that is the moment you will hear it.
#2 - CONNECT
Get out into nature, connect with people that fill your cup, breathe into your heart. Intuition grows when you can connect with other living things. We are part of an energetic world and when positive beings meets positivity, the frequency rises and your connection to your guidance increases as well.
#3 - LOVE
Intuition always comes through in a loving way. If you feel yourself doubting, analyzing, judging, criticizing. IT IS NOT YOUR INTUITION. If you have a random thought and you think, hm.. was that my intuition, first check in, did it come through in love and calmness? If yes, then yes it was! As soon as your ego takes over, it'll start questioning it, just push it aside and believe your first impression.
#4 - TRUST
This is probably the biggest challenge we all face. TRUST that your knowing is guiding you. When you get a thought, an idea, a guidance, know that it is coming from deep within. It might feel like you are imagining it because that is how it feels at first, go with it. The more you surrender and you humour your imagination, the more your intuition grows.
#5 - SURRENDER
Completely give in to the guidance. Make it a game and make it fun! When you get a nudge, follow it. If it feels good inside, if it feels peaceful then that is your intuition. Feel into your body and listen for the guidance. It might come as a whisper, a feeling, a vision, a song just start being aware and surrender to that. (You might experience this with reoccurring numbers, a song that you just can't get out of your head, or a nagging feeling)
Our biggest CHALLENGE when it comes to our intuition is our ego! It's our logic mind. It will jump in very quickly! Notice how fast the questioning and the doubts start. That is a clear sign that your ego has taken over. You are no longer in your heart, you are back in your head.
When that happens, take a nice deep breath, bring your awareness from your head to your heart, feel into it and ask yourself, was that my intuition? Then, listen to your body. It will give you a soul yes or a soul no. TRUST this answer.
HERE IS YOUR SOUL MISSION:
Take some time tune in. Notice how your intuition comes through and challenge yourself to honour its guidance. Go against the ego and try following your nudges. See what happens and what inspires you from this.
Your intuition will only grow if you listen and action its wisdom.
Much love,
Rachel xo
Rachel Benton is a Licensed Life & Embodiment Coach and a ThetaHealing Energy Practitioner. She helps women build their business in complete alignment with their truth and intuition and guides them to create a soulful life that FUELS and IGNITES them!
Rachel is also the branch director for Happy Healthy Women - Cambridge - Join the Facebook Group
Connect with her today:
Website
Instagram: @rachelbentonlifecoach
When was the last time you thought to yourself: “I’d like to start a new habit”?
Perhaps it was on New Years Eve, or maybe it was just yesterday.
If you successfully implemented something new and it has become a habit, great work! Creating new positive habits is no easy feat.
If you procrastinated, fell off the wagon, or didn't start at all, have you thought about why?
Perhaps you thought you’d miss out on something fun, told yourself you don’t have the willpower or that there is no way you can keep this up long term, so why bother trying now.
If you were left feeling puzzled or defeated, you’re not alone.
As humans we naturally fall into patterns that make our everyday lives easier, more efficient, or more enjoyable. By doing the same things over and over each day, our body’s memorize behaviours, thoughts and emotions– which become our habits.Our habits play an important role in making us feel safe and comfortable becayse we know what to expect.
Given that they dictate 45-85% of what we do, think, and feel each day, habits carry a lot of weight in the outcomes we see in our lives. So, if we want to see a specific result, we need to think, act and feel with intention. This is where positive habits come into play.
The next time you think about starting something new, try these 5 tips:
1. Start with something that’s important to you right now. Trying to start something new because it’s the latest fad, or because someone else thinks it’s important is not enough ammunition to get a healthy habit going. It has to be something that you value and that is important to you now. It must rank a minimum of 8 out of 10 in significance. If you can’t get yourself to do something, ask yourself honestly, is this important to me right now? Why or why not?
2. Give yourself options. When you have a specific goal in mind, for example, lowering your blood pressure, rather than doing the first thing that comes to mind, make a list of several things that could contribute to your desired outcome. Give yourself some variety. With the blood pressure example, this might look like: eat one additional serving of vegetables daily, meditate for 5 minutes daily, drink 1 additional glass of water daily, use calming essential oils before bed etc. From there, choose the option that you can easily get yourself to do. You can always add more later.
3. Start small. Several books have come out in the last decade that drill down the fact that in order to be successful with a new habit, you must start with something small and doable. The moment our brain feels overwhelmed is the moment that counterproductive thought train starts, leaving us questioning whether we should do this new thing at all. But what exactly is small? Well, rather than starting with a 20 minute daily meditation or reading an entire chapter of your textbook before bed, you might start with 5 minutes of meditation or 5 pages of your book. Pick something that you will inevitably DO. Once you get the initial momentum going and begin to feel confident in your new habit, you can up the ante.
4. Piggyback on something you already do. Habit science tells us that habits are triggered by something else.This means that a habit is essentially a chain reaction. For example: After I brush my teeth I turn on the coffee pot. After I turn on the coffee pot I throw 2 pieces of toast in the toaster, and so on. By attaching your new habit onto something you already reliably do, it has the potential to fit seamlessly into your day.
5. Give yourself credit. All too often we focus on the things we did wrong or failed to do. What if we actually gave ourselves some praise for the things we did do? What if we became more focused on our accomplishments than our failures. How might we think about ourselves then?
Ultimately, we would create a new self-concept. One where we are confident, capable, and reliable. If you truly thought this way about yourself, how might your life be different?
The next time you go to start a new habit, what will you do differently?
Whitney Coupland is a Certified Health and Life Coach. In her coaching practice, Whitney works with those who want to improve their health while still enjoying their life. You can connect with Whitney by visiting her website WhitneyCoupland.com, booking a free consultation or finding her on Instagram @WhitneyCoupland_
I hear a lot of people say they aren't sure who they are, they're unclear on what's important to them, they can't remember what they love doing, and that they just don't have time to figure it out -- even though they know it's important. I believe a lot of this has to do with not making room to listen to our inner wisdom.
Notice I used the phrase "making room". Not taking time, not making time, but making room – meaning allowing your inner-self to expand into your inner wisdom – to literally take up space within your body, your thoughts, and your mind. Take a few minutes and think about that. Close your eyes. What would allowing your inner wisdom to expand within you feel like? What would giving room for your inner thoughts do for you?
Listening (and hearing) your inner wisdom is the truth. It's your truth. It's what will guide you and help you answer all those questions you have about your place in life, your values, what to do next, what's important to you, what you need to thrive and be well, how to create your best life, how to be truly and genuinely you.
The question then becomes how do you make room for your inner wisdom with your busy life, your endless to-do lists, deadlines, responsibilities, children, team members, spouse, exercise, doing laundry and getting the groceries, etc. (the proverbial lack of time)?
Here are 10 ideas to get you started:
1.Sit still (and in silence) for 5 minutes a day. If that feels too long, start with 2 minutes. You can also just stare out the window for a few minutes too and let your mind wander. Or, when you're driving to places, turn off the radio. Just drive in silence observing what you see around you.
2. Read an inspiring or motivational book for 10 minutes before bed.
3. Disconnect from social media for one day per week or reduce the amount of time you spend scrolling each day. Did you know that Canadians spend an average of 1 hour and 46 minutes per day on social media? Social media can be particularly toxic to making room for our thoughts, because often it's a mindless activity.
4. Instead of watching a show, go for a walk. Canadians watch an average of 24 hours of tv per week – that’s over 3 hours per day! Try walking without listening to music or a podcast and see what happens. Better yet, grab a friend and go for a walk date!
5. Spend time in nature – even sitting in your backyard or going to your neighbourhood park and observing the trees and flowers will do wonders.
6. Journal – there are many journaling techniques you can learn about online, but you can start with simply writing down three things you're grateful for each day. This is a simple practice that is extremely powerful.
7. Try meditating, even for just a few short minutes a day. First thing in the morning or right before bed are great times to meditate. The benefits are numerous and very powerful! The most successful people in the world have meditation practices that they do every day. If you’re not comfortable sitting in quiet for a few minutes, try a guided meditation – there are lots of free apps out there – here a few to check out:
8. Do something creative with your hands like colouring, knitting, gardening or baking (again, try doing this without the tv or radio on).
9. Check in on your values. If you're not sure what your core values are, you can get my free worksheet when you sign up for my newsletter that will help you define and clarify your values.
10. Most importantly of all, breathe, and allow your inner wisdom to expand within you. Breathing is the simplest thing that helps in any situation. Breathing calms the central nervous system, it centres us, and brings us into the present moment. Breathing slows down our heart rate. Being intentional with breathing allows us to draw in healing oxygen into our bodies. When we’re stressed our breathing gets shallow and quick so taking a few intentional long slow breaths allows our bodies and minds and hearts to calm. This doesn’t need to take long. Something that works for me is putting my hands over my heart, closing my eyes and taking 3 deep breaths any time I’m feeling a bit stressed, before meetings, or when I want to feel calmer.
I totally get that listening to yourself can be scary, because we've been so conditioned to question ourselves. Doubt can be debilitating. I have felt this doubt many times in my life and this has caused me to spiral into negative thoughts, questioning myself, comparing myself to others, and feeling like I'm not good enough. But, when I make room to really listen to myself, I always get an answer.
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I know that sometimes we need help with learning to listen to ourselves. As a coach this is what I do. I provide space, guidance, and techniques to help women make room for their inner wisdom. Because when they do, they're able to get clear on what they desire, how they want to feel and be, where they want to go, and how to get there. Book a Discovery Call to find out how I can help you make room to listen to your inner wisdom so that you can create the life you want to live.
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Vera Ilnyckyj is a certified Life Coach whose mission is to help women shine their light more brightly. She’s passionate about helping women find clarity about what's important to them, connect with their purpose, and create healthy habits for a genuine and purposeful life.
Vera hosts a podcast, Practical Wisdom from a Life Coach, which can be found on all podcast platforms.
She is also a Trailblazer with Happy Healthy Women.
Connect with Vera on Facebook or Instagram and learn more about her at her website.
Frustrated with me, my family resorts to name-calling. Begrudgingly, I admit one adjective may fit: rigid. I prefer routine-dedicated. Irked, I validate myself by bonding with two groups of people. Writers who share hysterical family members spouting guilt-tripping statements like, “I can’t succumb to my deathbed before 2 PM if I want my writer daughter in attendance.”
My second kindred spirits commiserate the challenges in training non-exercising siblings, spouses, and parents about sacred workout times. Explaining my routine behaviour is futile to family members who change habits like sand dunes in perpetual windy seasons.
Cursed or blessed, I prioritize my two passions ahead of family and all other obligations. I’ve discovered that exercise and writing only appear different in balancing the two. They are the same beast, and I befriend both every day, beginning at 4:30 AM in exercise clothes. Wearing workout attire guarantees daily exercise for me. During twenty minutes of yoga, I enter a somnambulistic state, indifferent to everything on earth except my current project. Solutions arise for yesterday’s writing difficulties, and I jot my ideas on a nearby notepad.
After stretching, my ink-captured thoughts accompany me to my desk, often working for three hours that zip by. I'm in the zone. I confess I lack consistent obedience to the twenty-minute break rule, but my cell phone timer function reminds me to stretch. (No cell phone? Try your stove timer.) I can sit for hours typing, writing, and researching. Before exercising regularly, I’d struggle to rise from my desk chair, painfully unbending joints. Seven years of daily stretching keeps me supple. Weight-training 4-5 times a week incorporates upper and lower body strength moves. Upper body strength allows me to sit comfortably in an upright position without slouching. Flexibility exercises pay for their time investment in comfort as they stretch out muscles in my wrists, arms, shoulders, neck and upper back.
If you have a yoga mat or carpet runner, place it over your desk chair. This will remind you to do a few stretches before work. Then position it between you and the bathroom. Do a few stretches each break. After exercise becomes familiar, your mind will easily slip into a creative zone.
Back at your desk, become aware if your typing slows or stalls, and learn to allow your mind to wander while you do Tai Chi to alleviate wrist fatigue without even rising from your chair. (Look up some exercises online to help prevent carpal tunnel injuries and various moves that provide keyboarding breaks.)
For a complete body break, at 9:00, I pause most days for a meditative walk to the river. I’m not the first to use walking to clear out brain space and invite creative solutions. Falling into a walking rhythm, physical activity and geographical distance combine to facilitate seeing and feeling my abandoned project more clearly. In her book on walking, writer/artist Julia Cameron refers to an altered state of consciousness achievable within 20 minutes. Start slow, aiming for daily 20-minute strolls. Consider physiological responses to exercise begin almost immediately for seasoned athletes and an average of 12 minutes for non-exercisers to experience similar results. Once meditative/writing/walking becomes a habit, writing solutions and ideas evolve as quickly as the elite athlete’s body reacts to exercise. The line for a troublesome poem just popped into my consciousness one day before I reached the sidewalk. Find your stride in any body movement, and once you’re moving on automatic pilot, free-flowing thoughts and an exercised body will make your desk so inviting.
After a walk or bouncing on my trampoline, I transcribe ideas and solutions that materialized out of my body’s rhythm. I used to ride a stationary bicycle or walk a treadmill for 30 minutes. GMCC writer-in-residence E. D. Blodgett once advised me to take a tape recorder on the treadmill. When I’m working on tricky dialogue pieces, characters often chatter away in staccato conversations speeding up their dialogue the faster I walk or run.
My early morning commitment to writing/exercise evolved from setting a schedule and sticking to it. The wee morning hours offer me the only time nobody calls or comes visiting. Daily writing and movement balance and elate me. I feel off if I miss workouts. Walking 25 kilometres a week for errands invites a different form of creating. I find destination or location irrelevant. Establish the time commitment, and when you sit down, you’ll write because movement keeps ideas flowing.
Now, if someone could teach my family to call in the afternoons, life would be just about perfect.
***
Update: Having had a cell phone for the last decade or so, it takes real discipline not to look at it for the first two hours of the day or the last hour at night. If you know the importance of a morning routine, it is negligible without an evening power-down hour, which I still haven’t mastered. Stay tuned for tips on that!
Learn more about Rusti:
Rusti L Lehay, a global editor and book and writing coach, created over 40 articles guiding writers to authordom. Witnessing writers find and speak in their own voice to serve the real boss, the audience, not the editor, is one of Rusti’s greatest joys. She offers bi-monthly online writing STAY-Treats and monthly lounges and teaches weekly creative writing classes. Her primary mission is to inspire, provide value and make writing fun and easy.
Links: https://linktr.ee/rustilehay
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When was the last time you took a moment to praise, admire, celebrate & thank your body for being the extraordinary vessel to carry you through this lifetime?
I truly believe it is imperative for your personal growth and self-mastery to honor your body consistently, which I perceive to be the temple for my Soul. How you choose to do so is entirely up to you & there's no right or wrong way to do it, it's all about doing it.
Here are a couple of my favorite ways to honor & praise my body.
#1. Move your body, get into a physical flow of movement & have fun while doing so. Go for a hike, a brisk walk, dance anytime anywhere, train whatever sport or activity that interests you. Being active has so many health benefits and the more active you are the more you will love, accept and appreciate the incredible body that you have. Don't take your body or your mobility for granted, instead make the conscious effort to admire what your body is capable of.
(Photo by @ninauhlikova (Nina Uhlíková) on Pexels)
#2. Hydrate & nourish your body. Although this seems so basic, it also can be easy to forget to drink water or replace water for other beverages however, drinking lots of water (alkaline water if possible) each day is the key to staying healthy, youthful, vibrate & improve your overall health. Remember the average human body is up to 60% water, so make sure to drink up, beautiful.
(Photo by @catscoming on Pexels)
#3. Treat yourself to the spa or create your own spa experience at home. It doesn't have to be fancy to be effective so if it means keeping it simple like drawing yourself a hot bubble bath with Epson salt once a week, do it.
(Photo by @cottonbro on Pexels)
What does it mean to you to have a human experience in your precious body? I challenge you to ponder that question and to implement new ways to celebrate your body in all its glory.
Thể Oanh pronounced like Tey'One or Oanh 'ONE' for short, is an Oracle who serves as a Spiritual Guide, Image Consultant & Multidimensional Transformation Coach. She helps her clients gain unwavering confidence to consciously create a balanced life they love by becoming Spiritually aligned, looking sophisticated & feeling sexy. Do you feel inclined to get one on one guidance to help you take your life to the next level? Book your laser coaching session today: https://theonecoachsolutions.com/clarity-and-confidence-blueprint/
Oanh is Vancouver's new HHW Branch Director.
Connect with her today:
Like so many people, I have a voice inside my head that tells me all the things I can’t do, it points out my failures consistently and it seems to take great pleasure in pointing out all the ways that I am not capable.
It can be so easy to either simply believe that voice or to hustle and spend all my time trying to prove that voice wrong.
But that is an exhausting way to live, isn’t it?
To always feel like you’re running behind, to always assume something is wrong with you or the way you are doing things and like you are doing everything you can but still falling short.
I have to reflect on why so many of us live that way…why so many of us will endure massive amounts of discomfort and pain and blame and shame instead of simply stepping into our power!
Because the truth is we are all more powerful than we could ever imagine - we just happen to bury that knowledge so deeply that we don’t feel like it’s true.
It reminds me of the beautiful Marianne Williamson quote:
“Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate.
Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness that most frightens us.”
So why are we afraid of our own power? Of our own light?
We are so attracted to the light of others but hide our own away.
The truth is: I don’t know why we live this way, and my guess is that for each one of us the answer is a little bit different.
I also know that answering the why is not as important as simply focusing on the work of accepting our own light, our own power and even our own connection to the divine.
So this month I refuse to be distracted by the question “Why do I do that?”
And instead, I choose to focus on what embodied power looks like, feels like, sounds like and on the impact I can make on others as I live in my own power.
Because the truth is:
“As we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same.
As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others.”
So let’s spend our time on liberation, our own and others - until living in our power and in our light becomes the natural state of the world!
Download your May Affirmation here:
Meg is a Life Coach, Hypnotherapist, and Podcast Host (The Art Of Being H(YOU)man) that is passionate about walking with people who want more out of life than just the status quo!
She believes that life doesn’t have to work out exactly the way we think it “should” in order to be enjoyed and that people don’t have to be perfect in order to be loved.
She believes that we all have the voice of truth inside of us but sometimes it can be hard to hear. And most importantly that we must live between the tension of accepting the things we cannot change and taking massive action on the things we can!
Meg creates spaces where women can slow down and process all the things that are influencing and controlling their lives - their everyday thoughts, emotions, and the stories they have been telling themselves.
Spaces where they can look at their inner world, gain valuable insight and then reclaim their personal authority, and make conscious decisions that transform the way they experience their lives!
Through one on one coaching, group coaching and workshops Meg helps women show up in the world with more love, and less ego, more compassion, and less judgment, more vulnerability, and less shame, more emotional agility and less fear!
Meg lives in BC with her husband of 22 years, two teenage boys and their little dog Charlie.
To learn more about Meg visit her website www.megheppner.com
Hooray! Life is getting back to the (somewhat) way we once knew. We can go out again, see people, make plans!
If you're like me, while this is all good news, it also means a little re-learning how to do life again.
Life with a limited social calendar, although not fun at all, meant the focus on business was through the roof for many.
So how do we invite all things joyful back into our lives while we aim to maintain our focus on our passions, purpose and the empires we are creating?
We need to get re-aligned with our center. Our heart's desire. Our motivated, productive, force of a woman within.
She's in there, in fact, I myself just found her again a couple of weeks ago. Here's how to do it - 3 great ways!
1. Drop the Victim Mindset. "I can't because", "It's hard because", "they did this and now...". If you find yourself going down the rabbit hole of blaming something or someone else for why you have lost you focus - time to put an end to that now.
Although being in the Victim Mindset may FEEL like it's helping you and teaching someone else a "lesson", it’s actually holding you back. I talk all about it here!
It's time to take full responsibility and SHRUG off anything that doesn't feel aligned with you. Someone's words, an unexpected bill, unnecessary bickering - literally and physically shrug it off and see a more empowered you replace the victim you.
2. Get ready to go out, even if you're not. Alright, so some people may not be jumping back into seeing all the people and doing all the things just yet.
Even still, if you're working from home and wanting to move to the next level of your business - get your VIBE on the next level by getting ready. It's tough to level-up in the same clothes you got cozy and slept in last night.
Doing your hair, your makeup, getting dressed and even putting shoes on makes a MAGICAL difference - even in how you read/respond to email. I encourage you to try it out for a week and notice the difference.
3. Put yourself into the joy zone & get to work!
I find that sitting myself down and remembering why I started doing what I do in the first place helps me really re-align with my truth and passion around what I'm doing.
What brings you joy about the work that you do? Find THAT again.
Tidy up your space, put your favourite working music on, open up the blinds and sit down in your space with focus and intention. Also, leave that phone in another room. Anything important that can be done on your phone, can likely be done on your computer - minus the distraction and urge to check Instagram 18 times a minute.
At the end of the day - good feelings, bring about good energy, and more good feelings. Productivity is a great feeling that will come when you've created space for it and set the tone. When you show up as the next version of you, the universe hears you and responds with more goodness all around.
Feeling aligned but need a little help on the business side of things? Our June cohort of the Beautiful Business Program is open for applicants! It may be a fit for what you're looking to accomplish.
In Happiness & Health,
Natalie Colalillo
Founder & CEO Happy Healthy Women
Instagram: @happy_healthy_nat
Every day as I go out to explore my neighbourhood I am bombarded with the sounds, scents, and evidence of spring. Mother Earth is waking up and it truly is a beautiful thing to observe!
In its beauty, there is so much opportunity, creativity and chaos. During winter while the world was asleep and resting there was peace and quiet. But now all has changed!
As much as I love the changes - as much as I have longed for them, I find a part of me is resisting it too!
A part of me is longing to go back to sleep, a part of me is saying the peace and quiet were perfect and a part of me resents them being pulled away from me...
...and it’s made me reflect on how I handle change.
I would love to tell you that I am amazing at handling change - that I always go with the flow, ready to face the uncertainty of the future with grace and style.
But that won’t be the truth. The truth is I love consistency, I love routine and sameness and I love the idea of knowing what each day will look like! If I am totally honest, I really adore the feeling of being in control!
And so even though I long for adventure and even though I value growth, a part of me always hesitates when it’s at my door!
And in that hesitation I find myself telling so many unhelpful stories!
I tell myself that the change and the growth will be harmful, and painful.
I tell myself that nothing will be the same now - as if that’s a bad thing!
And I begin to look for danger: What might not go “right?” What am I going to lose?
What might be uncomfortable?
And so every day I remind myself of this month's affirmation:
“I trust the new things that life is bringing me are gifts for my benefit.”
Albert Einstein famously said that each person must make an important decision in their lives. They must decide whether the universe is friendly or unfriendly.
For so many of us, our natural tendency is to believe the universe is unfriendly - thanks to our ancestors and their need to run from the sabre tooth tiger we are always looking around at what can harm us, what might put us in danger. That’s normal and natural.
But it is not the most beneficial!!
It doesn’t allow us to be our highest self.
It doesn’t allow us to live out the more beautiful world we know is possible!
If we can make the shift from seeing what the world brings us as dangerous, to seeing everything as a gift for our benefit the way that we experience our lives can be completely different!
We can begin to anticipate and look forward to the changes, we can lean into the opportunities, and we can rest in the comfort of an abundance mindset!
So if you are tentatively looking forward to the gifts of spring - the newness, the creativity and the chaos - use this month's affirmation to embrace the experience!
Download your printable affirmation here:
Meg is a Life Coach, Hypnotherapist, and Podcast Host (The Art Of Being H(YOU)man) that is passionate about walking with people who want more out of life than just the status quo!
She believes that life doesn’t have to work out exactly the way we think it “should” in order to be enjoyed and that people don’t have to be perfect in order to be loved.
She believes that we all have the voice of truth inside of us but sometimes it can be hard to hear. And most importantly that we must live between the tension of accepting the things we cannot change and taking massive action on the things we can!
Meg creates spaces where women can slow down and process all the things that are influencing and controlling their lives - their everyday thoughts, emotions, and the stories they have been telling themselves.
Spaces where they can look at their inner world, gain valuable insight and then reclaim their personal authority, and make conscious decisions that transform the way they experience their lives!
Through one on one coaching, group coaching and workshops Meg helps women show up in the world with more love, and less ego, more compassion, and less judgment, more vulnerability, and less shame, more emotional agility and less fear!
Meg lives in BC with her husband of 22 years, two teenage boys and their little dog Charlie.
To learn more about Meg visit her website www.megheppner.com
I saw this quote by the awesome Brendon Burchard on Instagram today that I LOVED, really resonated with, and felt called to share:
"When you are standing in your full power, you are not a complainer."
Ohhhhh Friend! This sparked so much for me as I thought back to the days where I used to BATHE myself in a Victim Mentality. Ever been there? Maybe you're like: "I'm there right now and everything sucks". If so, you're not alone - but you should definitely read on!
A victim mentality refers to a state of mind in which a person feels helpless and as though the world is against them.
I was DEEP in this. So deep, that I would sit at my little pity party for one blaming this, that and all the things for why my life wasn't going as planned. As you can imagine - the only things that ever came of those days were more friction and frustration. Then - I got coaching, did some personal work, and learned how to shift that mindset into one that empowers me. That's when things opened up and everything started working IN my favor.
Here are 6 big things I learned that helped me make the shift...and a little further down, a resource that you'll love if you're feeling the need to step into a more empowered state as well.
1. Being a victim is a LEARNED HABIT that most of us grow up with.
2. There are many ways to be a victim, and if we do it in one area of our lives, chances are we do it in others.
3. To break free of the Victim Mentality takes work, and requires an attitude shift - but it's certainly possible.
4. Being a victim is not our natural way of being. It is not abundant, life-giving or free.
5. Victim Mentality is something we accept for ourselves and we can decide to live by a higher standard.
6. As long as we accept it, there will be those out there accepting that we are the victim as well, and strengthening our victim mindset right along with us.
The thing is, if we are comfortable in the Victim Mentality, we will use it so many ways when it comes to our physical, mental and emotional well-being. It becomes a crutch that actually hinders our growth.
The good news is - overcoming it and stepping into an empowered state will serve you, your relationships, your health and your business SO much more.
Oh, and that resource I promised you: One of my favorite pieces from Dr. Wayne Dyer that gives a simple way to start de-victimizing yourself. Take 5 minutes to listen to this and feel instant freedom - The Art of the Shrug.
In Happiness & Health,
Natalie Colalillo
Founder & CEO Happy Healthy Women
Instagram: @happy_healthy_nat
Making decisions is one of the most empowering things we can do for ourselves. In fact, feeling truly satisfied with our life starts with making intentional decisions.
When we operate on autopilot we are living based on decisions that we have made in the past. From simple things such as the way we like our coffee, to more complex things like who we spend our time with–once we repeat these things several times, they start to become “our usual”.
This is really great when it comes to healthy habit formation because removing the decision making actually keeps us on track. We decide once and then begin to repeat the same thing intentionally each day until the action becomes automatic.
What we need to be cognisant of is the fact that living based on decisions we made in the past might not be conducive to the life we want to live now.
The things we started out doing on purpose can become unintentional over time and then we start to see unintentional results in our lives.
When you think about changing something in your life (which involves making a decision), what comes up for you?
Do you have thoughts like:
Take a moment to consider if these thoughts are true. They may feel true. Especially if they have become ingrained in your belief system by thinking them repeatedly for several months or years.
When we are young, our parents, teachers and other trusted adults make most of our decisions for us. In this way we are conditioned by the people around us and by society. We take on values and ideologies and start living from a place of “shoulds”. The result is that we begin to perceive our options as limited, almost like living in a bubble.
Everything starts being filtered through our worldview and if we don’t take a moment to stop and see the bigger picture, then we miss the opportunity to see a world of limitless possibilities.
Taking a step back gives us the space to think consciously about our lives and our decisions, so that we can start living with intention.
Are you open to taking your power back?
To start making decisions with thought and deliberation?
If the answers is yes, here are some power thoughts to get you started:
I challenge you to do a life audit. To look at each area of life and ask yourself, “would I choose this again”.
You may be surprised at how satisfied you are with your life just the way it is.
Whitney Coupland is a Certified Health and Life Coach. In her coaching practice, Whitney works with those who want to improve their health while still enjoying their life. You can connect with Whitney by visiting her website WhitneyCoupland.com, booking a free consultation or finding her on Instagram @WhitneyCoupland_
Photo By: Brigitte Tohm
What do you think about when March rolls around and Spring is in the air?
When I hear the birds singing, & see the flowers begin to bloom, when the days become longer and I know the animals start to come out of hibernation, I feel a sense of wonder that inspires me to dive deeper within. And by doing so, I've been inspired to write this blog.
Photo By: Ray Hennessy
Why is it important to listen to your heart?
Let's answer this question by analyzing the alternative choice.
We live in an era of high technology & instant gratification, giving us the ability to access the world wide web at our finger tips, so we can retrieve all the answers to our burning questions. When in doubt, ask Google, right?! This seems to be the trend & at times can be useful, however, does this trend serve us on a deeper level? Or do we inadvertently give away our power by taking the easy route and googling anything and everything.
The evidence is clear when you begin to type out your search to find the most popular questions being asked, such as, "What is the meaning of life" or "What is my life purpose?" Although, it can be helpful for some people to get hints from google with these deeper questions, I do feel like this also takes away peoples opportunity to do their own soul-searching or critical thinking. By relying more on technology or an outside source to answer our deep questions, we end up losing touch with our heart and our inner being, which is where your wisdom is accessed.
Photo By: Tim Marshall
Remembering to tune into your heart, & listening attentively, could mean the difference between learning your own lessons or making someone else's mistake. All because you didn't take the time to listen to where your heart was guiding you towards.
At the end of the day, we all have choices to make, and each choice leads us down a different path, a different timeline of your life. Do you want to walk down a path led by the beat of your heart? Or do you want to walk down a path led by the opinions of others?
And, so I ask you, why is it important to listen to your heart?
Blessed Be.
Thể Oanh pronounced like Tey'One or Oanh 'ONE' for short, is an Oracle who serves as a Spiritual Guide, Image Consultant & Multidimensional Transformation Coach. She helps her clients gain unwavering confidence to consciously create a balanced life they love by becoming Spiritually aligned, looking sophisticated & feeling sexy. Do you feel inclined to get one on one guidance to help you take your life to the next level? Book your laser coaching session today: https://theonecoachsolutions.com/clarity-and-confidence-blueprint/
Oanh is Vancouver's new HHW Branch Director.
Connect with her today:
Let me provoke deeper thinking amongst the masses.
Every single Soul who enters this Earth, has been blessed with a gift, the gift of giving.
It's up to each Soul to rediscover what their here to offer the world more of because what you have to give, matters. You matter, what you think matters, what you say matters, what you do and do not do matters.
Don't dim down your light or hold back your love, receive love & give your love freely because the world needs more love.
With Love & Light.
Thể Oanh Oracle
I talk about this often - in our masterminds, on coaching calls, on LIVES - The importance of building a BRAND and not just a business if you're wanting to grow and scale a company. I know - sounds a little obvious! However, when you really dig into the mindset piece around this, it makes a huge difference in so many ways, but especially to your bottom line.
Here are 4 reasons why business owners need to focus on building a brand, not just a business:
1. The WHY of the organization. When operating as a business, you're operating as an organization that markets a product, service or opportunity. When operating as a BRAND, your business has a deeper reason to keep moving forward and create an impact. The WHY of your business shines through, and gives customers something to connect to. It also allows your business to make an impact.
2. Your brand is the reason people buy - or don't. A brand builds connection and a reason for people to agree or disagree. Yes - color, logos, and websites all have a role to play in this, but more importantly, its about people connecting to your messaging, your mission and your values. A brand gives your business personality, heart and a reason for people to connect. It's a little like online dating. A profile may look great - but if on a first date there's no commonality, no connection, no spark...there likely won't be a second!
3. Brands get noticed, businesses get ignored. Have you ever followed a business or someone IN business that posted offer, after offer, after offer? Chances are your following didn't last long and you got bored of being sold to.
Brands are about connection, connection, connection. The more a brand focuses on connecting, the less they have to make "offers". There's a different vibe when a company is focused on the best for their clients versus when they are simply looking to make more sales. When a brand goes above and beyond to care about the customer experience, they build loyalty and that goes much further than promotional content.
4. Brands allow businesses to pivot. You and your business are ever changing, and a brand builds a foundation so that you're able to shift products and services while still maintaining a consistent message and feel. When you DO pivot in your business after you've built a solid brand, fans will continue to buy what you produce. These are your Super Fans.
There's definitely way more to consider around building a brand, and it's why we have an entire session set aside for this in The Beautiful Business Program. It's essential for the growth and scalability of an organization.
If you've been feeling a little like "I can't find clients", or "we need to make more sales"...it may be an indication that your business could use a shift in focus toward building a brand, connection and customer loyalty.
And yes, I'm always here to help those wanting to take their business to the next level. Let's connect!
In Happiness & Health,
Natalie Colalillo
Founder & CEO Happy Healthy Women
Instagram: @happy_healthy_nat
