

Zenspiration

### The ultimate health and wellbeing project. A light-hearted and practical guidebook for finding health and happiness.

Dedicated to all the women (and men) who are seeking a little something more in their life.

This book was written for you, from my heart to yours.

# Written By Claire-Maree Charters

### CONTENTS

Chapter 1....................................................... Inhale

Introduction.........................................................................................................................

How to use this book................................................................................................................

Zenosophy...............................................................................................................................

Chapter 2........................................................ Exhale

Living Intuitively & Authentically: Life... Purpose... The Gift of Today...Thank You...Awareness... Beauty... Acceptance...Truth...Compassion... Savour... Perception... Patience... Opportunities... Play...Holistic... Mistakes... Lessons... Kindness... Destiny... Happiness,.. Finding Peace... Inner Worth... Forgiveness... Grief... Energy... Fear... Enlightenment... Healing... Emotions... Curiosity... Your Inner Guidance... Things I Know For Sure... Buddha and Bullies... Change the World... The Secret of Life.

Chapter 3.........................................................Inhale

Your Authentic Self: Authenticity... Starting Over... Surviving... Settling... Stumbling... The Art of Conversation... The Aha Moment... Wisdom Within... Woman... Work... Shine... Smile... Morning Ritual... Imperfectly Perfect... Modern Zen Girl Style... Personal Style... Money... Never Giving up... Mirror Mirror...Get Radiant Skin...Glossy Hair...Great Make-up... Anti-aging Secrets...Laugh... Healing... Spiritual Entrepreneur... Good Enough... Intuitive Warrior... Grace... Character... Charisma... Comparison.

Chapter 4.........................................................Exhale

A Charmed Life: Simple Luxuries... Spa Days... Nature... Music... Gratitude... City Rooftops and Other Things... Books... Choose Quality over Quantity... Perfect Gifts...Chantilly Lace, Pearls and Cashmere... Winter Warmers... Summer Days... Springtime Love... Autumn Comforts... Christmas... Mornings... Snow... Rain... Flea Markets... The Ocean... Everyday Comforts... Recycled Jars... Romancing The Ordinary...Enchanting Picnics... Tea Party for One...Casual Charm... Secret Gardens... Paris Is Always a Good Idea...Handwritten Notes.

Chapter 5..........................................................Inhale

A Mindful Home: Light... Organisation... Natural Home Products... Colour Therapy... Aroma... Heart of the Home...Tattered Treasures... The Zen of Home Caring. ..DE Clutter... Sacred Space... The Language of Flowers... Dinner Time Rhapsody...Wabi-Sabi... Soulful Cooking.

Chapter 6...........................................................Exhale

Health and Wellness: Aromatherapy... Ayurveda... Chakras... Detox Diaries... Be Still... Mindful Eating... Super Foods... Healthy Alternatives... Food Cravings... Green Power... Protein Buzz... Glow with Health... Nourish... Sleep... Sleep Rituals... Rest and Relaxation... Meditation... Move... Affirmations... Nutrition 101... Clean Recipes... Kitchen Is Your Ashram... The Soul Of Food... Heart thoughts on Health and Wellness... Mindful Breathing... Healing Water... Gratitude Journal... Fertility... Tea Tonics... Body Brushing... Natural Skincare... Beauty Rituals... Enchanted Baths... Shopping List.

Chapter 7................................................................... Inhale

Loving Intuitively & Authentically: Ready for Love... Feminine Mystique... Survival through Love...The Alchemy of Sexuality... The Art of Sensuality... Being single and Fabulous... Finding Love... Unity... Jealousy... Breaking Up... Tainted Love... Broken Hearts... Marriage or Not...Children or Not... Passion or Friendship... The Language of Love... Keep Your Heart Open... Friends... Family... Choose your Words Wisely... Healing after Divorce...Some Heart Thoughts.

Chapter 8........................................................... Exhale

Happily Ever After...........................................................................................................................

Thanks and Appreciation.....................................................................................................................

Zen Glossary...................................................................................................................................

About Claire Charters........................................................................................................................

A Letter from my Mum.................................................................................................................

Chapter One

...Inhale...

### Beginnings

Introduction

"Learn from yesterday, live for today, hope for tomorrow." - Albert Einstein

My name is Claire Charters and I live in Sydney, Australia. I am a writer, speaker and holistic lifestyle coach. I grew up in a poor, single parent home; where the book shelf was always filled with self-help books, the cupboard filled with health food and my soul overflowed with a mothers love.

If you pass me on the sidewalk, you may not look twice as I'm quite an ordinary girl with an obsession for books. I love flea markets, genuine people and really old horses that are only nice to you half the time. I spent my early twenties travelling, snowboarding, stumbling and learning my lessons well. I now know for certain that happiness is a choice, opportunities are actively seeked and dreams are mindfully manifested.

Over my lifetime I have seen so many women (including myself) lose themself to the demands of an outside world, leaving them with the overwhelming feeling of 'not being good enough'. Since finding myself again, my dream has always been to inspire other women to develop a strong sense of self and regain their feminine power by finding their own authentic style.

Zenspiration is a collection of all the things I have learnt in my life, a chronicle of lessons, moments and all the spaces in between. It's about all the things I now know – learn to love who you are, live life with purpose, savour every moment and learn your lessons well. This beautiful book is filled with short notes of inspiration, simple luxuries and life lessons, intertwined with practical advice, inspiring quotes, wisdom and beautiful ideas that will inspire you to live an elevated and charmed life.

If you have unanswered questions, unlived dreams or the sense of "is there more" whispering inside of you, then this book is for you!

No matter who you are or how wise you have become it is with certainty that you will have lessons to come and lessons to learn. Some lessons come easy in life and others are earned through tears, sleepless nights and endless questions. No matter how hard or easy the lesson was to learn, they are all equally important.

Zenspiration is a guide-book for living; it will open your heart and ease your ride. It is filled with wisdom and thoughts, things I wish I had known and taken to heart much earlier in my life. However such is the nature of life, and if I hadn't experienced all the things I have to date, I wouldn't be here writing this today.

The heart of this book is to enable you to find your own truth, the authentic real you. Some things in this book will resonate with you and other things you will forget, but that is ok because there is no right or wrong, for there is only "what is", which is different for everyone. All I ask from you is to seek your own truth and do what feels right in your heart.

The world is overselling beauty and empty promises, and as women we feel like we have to fit some pre-made mould, we get lost amongst the noise and pressure and over time forget who we truly are. The end result is that we end up becoming some bad carbon copy of what we think we should be, losing all that we truly are. It's time to step up, speak out and let yourself shine, become beautiful in spirit and let the world see your beauty from the inside out.

In the future I look forward to women (and men) coming home to who they really are. I want women to find their potential and ignite their inner truth. You have something authentic to offer the world so please don't hide it any longer.

Today say to the universe: "Dear Destiny, I am ready now." With knowing in your mind and love in your heart you will receive your best authentic life.

Know this....With the rising of every new sun is the rising of new opportunities. Every moment of every day is a chance for you to learn and discover more about who you really are. There is a rhyme and reason behind everything, and just because you can't see it, trust that there is a purpose. Trust that everything will be alright and know that the pain and suffering you feel today will one day become a beautiful memory and a powerful lesson.

The priority in your life should always be YOU. Focus on your own healing, nurturing and balance first. Take the time to nourish your mind and body. Learn to see again, only this time a little more clearly. Know that beauty cannot be purchased, it must be felt. Allow yourself to see the beauty that surrounds you today.

Believe in happiness, for it is always within you. Express your creativity, your truth and your authenticity. Know that the Universe has a much higher plan for you; work with it, not against it. Learn to forgive others, for we are all here to learn life's lessons. Always know that you make your own luck, success and opportunity. Trust your intuition and learn to connect with your inner guidance. You must love yourself first, so that you can love others even more. You are deserving, so ask for what you want. The sooner you release the need to impress or be accepted, the sooner you will live from a place of love instead of fear. Never forget that there is no obstacle outside of yourself. Make each moment count and always say what you mean. Your life is your message to the world so make it inspiring.

Reading books have the power to change your life, so does writing books. I wish you great success because I know it's possible. Have patience and don't be too hard on yourself, learn your lessons well, and walk with grace. I have put my heart and soul into every word behind this book, so please know that through this book I will be with you through every step.

Claire xx

How to make this book work for you

Often it takes a huge hurdle in life like a health scare, new baby, divorce, career problems, depression or a broken heart before we take a step back and assess how we look and feel and whether or not we are getting the best out of our life. If you are at a hurdle in your life, take some comfort because this book hopes to make you feel good about yourself again.

The hardest part of any journey is deciding where to go and committing to it, so well done for having taken the first and hardest step. From now on in it will be a beautiful journey of self-discovery.

Zenspiration will gently guide you and teach you the importance of:

  * Putting your happiness and health first.

  * Awakening your true authentic self.

  * Nurturing yourself so that you have the energy to keep giving to the people you love.

  * Finding your passion and enthusiasm.

  * Blessing the world with your unique gifts.

  * Finding yourself again through self-love and self-care.

What is Self-care about? It's all about putting yourself first, and not putting other people before you at the expense of your own health and wellbeing. It is about setting yourself boundaries and sticking to them whether other people agree or not. Self-care is all about being able to say no, taking some time out for yourself, loving and honouring your mind-body-soul, speaking and living your truth, and doing the things you love most. It's all about nurturing yourself so that you have the energy and love to give back to others and live your life with purpose.

We all need to take some time to take care of ourselves once in a while. I know - you're very busy, however you need to make time to nurture yourself. Most of us tend to get feelings of guilt when we put ourselves first, but if you don't take care of you, you won't be able to take care of your loved ones.

Zenspiration is an interactive modern day bible that will coach and inspire you on your new found journey to holistic happiness and health. The how-to tips and advice show you that it really is simple to add self-caring rituals into your daily routine, which in-turn will support you in establishing the healthier and happier changes that you're seeking in life.

All the tips and tricks in this book will help make you look and feel like new. You will learn how to take years off your skin, eat for more energy, live with less stress, have more purpose and become the most radiant version of you. The book is jam packed full of information from nutrition, body care, relationships, meditations, spirituality, finding happiness and loads more. These all work together to make you look and feel like new.

Take what information resonates with your own heart and leave the rest for now. Make the rituals your own and tailor them to suit your own goals and time demands. Revisit this book every six months and see if there is any more information that you are ready to absorb.

The information within this book is a general guideline only. The principles, practices, tools and tips I talk about in this book have been inspired by the various disciplines that I have studied, experienced, practiced and been exposed to throughout my own life. It is always advised that professional medical advice is obtained on all personal health matters, especially if you have a medical condition or disease. Any changes to your diet or health regime should be done so under the supervision of a health care professional.

Please remember to be gentle and kind to yourself throughout your new found journey of holistic health and happiness. Be patient and let the lessons and clarity unfold in their own rhythm and nature.

Zenspiration: It's your life – master it!

The essence of Zenspiration is to fall into Sacred Samadhi so that you can become enlightened.

Firstly what exactly does Zenspiration mean?

Zen: Seeking enlightenment through the practice of meditation.

Inspiration: The driving force behind all change and clarity, for when we are inspired we are motivated and our vision is clear.

Zenspiration: Live each day as if it is a meaningful meditation, being present in the moment and taking each step with self- awareness. Whilst on this path of awareness, one seeks out inspiration to keep their focus and perspective clear. What one will then discover is that they will calm their soul and fall into complete stillness. This beautiful place is called Samadhi. It is within this sacred Samadhi that one finds clarity, happiness, inner-peace and enlightenment within.

Samadhi: A state of intense concentration obtained through meditation.

Sacred Samadhi: Being able to quieten ones thoughts and be in stillness while still feeling the connection of oneness all around. In the clarity of Samadhi, one feels full of love, gratitude, purpose and knowingness. One no longer searches for their answers and happiness externally, because one has taken the journey within to connect with their moving spirit. They have become their true essence.

Zenspiration is not a religion or a belief; it is simply just a way of living. No matter what your religion is or what beliefs you hold about the meaning of life, you can still add a little Zenspiration into your everyday life without changing your current beliefs.

The Practice of Zenspiration.

The secret to finding happiness and contentment is being able to quieten your busy monkey mind and learn the truth of "what actually is" instead of "what you perceive is". You need to know that:

  * Zenspiration is more of an attitude than a belief.

  * Zenspiration inspires peace within through connecting with everything around you.

  * Zenspiration is knowing that less is more and quality is better than quantity.

  * Zenspiration will allow you to experience the beauty and miracle of life by living in the moment.

  * Zenspiration connects and co-creates with the universe.

  * Zenspiration is to simply know yourself better.

  * Zenspiration is not a religion or philosophy.

  * Zenspiration is about finding peace through living your truth.

  * Zenspiration seeks out the everyday simple luxuries.

  * Zenspiration is about learning your lessons well.

  * Zenspiration knows not to cling to painful experiences, but to first feel them, accept them, heal from them and then release them.

  * Zenspiration is to live from a place of love rather than fear.

  * Zenspiration lives with an open mind, and does not judge others.

  * Zenspiration is about seeking enlightenment and wisdom through savouring all the moments and lessons of life.

  * Zenspiration is meditation. Live your life as an endless meditation.

  * The essence of Zenspiration is about achieving enlightenment through seeing your own truth and nature, without being distracted by intellect, ego or logic.

  * Zenspiration connects with the intuitive understanding, on just 'getting it' or "letting it be", rather than overthinking it and over analysing it.

  * Zenspiration is being connected with "what actually is" rather than what you think or feel about "what is".

  * Zenspiration is about accepting things as they are, without trying to interpret or change them.

  * Zenspiration is simply self-awareness.

  * Zenspiration is simply enjoying the journey of life.

  * Zenspiration is about seeking inner enlightenment.

Live your life in an aware meditation (Zen), be quiet enough so that you can truly see what surrounds you. Within time you will reach a state of peace and stillness (Samadhi) and it is within that exact moment that you will..... exhale....and be able to see all the beauty and wisdom that surrounds you.

The Zen Wheel...

"Where your focus goes your energy flows"

Life is short so you want to make sure that you are making the most of it by living intuitively. You were born to do something amazing in this life, it's time to connect with your divine purpose and start becoming who you dream of becoming. If you can dream it you can become...The secret to getting the most out of life is to do a regular Zen check and make sure all the elements on the Zen wheel are in balance and harmony. Do a Zen check now, are you:

  * Loving yourself just as you and not comparing yourself to others.

  * Living with intent and speaking kindly to yourself and others.

  * Clear about your values and priorities, whilst always seeking quality over quantity.

  * Living with an open mind, clear perspective and point of view.

  * Loving and nurturing yourself through nourishing foods, affirmations, meditation and self-love.

  * Surrounding yourself with healthy relationships that are positive and uplifting.

  * Coming home to a sacred space, a safe sanctum for you to heal, repair and rejuvenate.

  * Living with a grateful heart and seeing all the beauty that surrounds you.

  * Feeling completely content knowing that you're living your best possible life with intuition and authenticity.

  * Surrounding yourself with simple things of splendour that inspire and uplift you.

  * Living with enthusiasm, embracing your lessons and savouring every moment.

Are you in control of everything on this list? Or is there something you could do more of or understand better? Chances are there is something you're neglecting, and therefore your Zen wheel is off balance. So let's get to work and bring that wheel back in balance.

Chapter Two

...Exhale...

The Art of Living Intuitively and Authentically

The Gift of Today

Each new day that you are blessed to wake up to, you are given another chance to experience life. It is an opportunity to start over and learn something new. You are given the gift to see another sunrise, to hear the birds sing to you, to feel the fresh air in your lungs, to make new friends and to forgive past hurts, to enjoy the smell of your morning coffee, to play in the ocean, to jump in a puddle, to grow older and wiser, to brighten someone else's day, to love and to be hurt, to laugh and to experience, to do the things you love, to risk it all and to just simply live.

Make the conscience choice to start living for today; each morning start the day with a grateful heart. Open your eyes, kiss the new day with a smile, then breathe in the morning air and say a huge "thank you." Start being thankful for what you do have, choose to see the beauty in ordinary moments, find inspiration around you – the world is full of everyday miracles. Get curious about life, take a chance, embrace risks, walk the unknown path, and add a little spark to your day by doing something you would not normally do. Take notice of everything around you – the people, the smells, the sounds – for there is inspiration to be found everywhere.

Quit worrying about the past or the future. You can't do anything about yesterday because it's gone, and tomorrow is never guaranteed – no matter who you are.

Choose to only take care of today by embracing and savouring the moment. Choose to embrace the rawness and honesty of life - the pain, the laughter, the successes and the failures. Choose to see the beauty and miracle in everyday things and moments.

Here are just a few of my everyday moments that give me great pleasure, maybe they will do the same for you:

  * I savour the first sip of my morning chai tea.

  * I love opening up all the windows in my home to fill my space and heart with fresh air.

  * I get a buzz when my favourite song is played on the radio.

  * I feel humbled when receiving an encouraging email about my blog.

  * I find beauty in listening to the birds sing to me outside my window.

  * I savour the smell of my winter soup simmering on the stove top.

  * I feel fortunate enough to be inspired by everyday people.

  * I appreciate the feeling of bliss and harmony after my morning yoga class.

  * I embrace receiving a compliment.

  * I am truly grateful for the fresh water that spills out of my tap.

  * I embrace the sensuality of a hot shower.

  * I embrace the wisdom I have gained throughout the good and bad in my life.

  * I feel honoured to witness a kind act.

  * I admire sincere and honest people.

  * I am grateful for getting text messages from my friends and family - just to say hello.

  * I embrace and own my laugh lines.

  * I am astounded by the miracles of Mother Nature, such as an opening of a daisy first thing in the morning.

  * I am amazed at the knowledge and wisdom that my horse teaches me.

  * I am truly grateful that I have woken up to greet a new day.

Every day is filled with extraordinary moments. Stop trying to chase the superficial things of the world, and embrace what is all around you today. You truly have the gift of living; there are miracles everywhere. Choose to see them and enjoy them, with each new day brings new experiences filled with endless possibilities.

You don't hold this gift forever, so from today forward, go out and embrace life and all its simple luxuries.

Thank You

"If the only prayer you ever say in your entire life is thank you, it will be enough."- Meister Eckhart

Thank you CLARITY for suddenly allowing everything to make perfect sense.

Thank you FEAR for all the times when somebody has said "yes" when I expected to hear "No"

Thank you PAIN for making me stronger.

Thank you LONELINESS for allowing me to appreciate the people who matter most.

Thank you SELF-BELIEF for all the times I succeeded in doing something that I never thought I was capable of doing.

Thank you SELF-WORTH for all times that I have looked in the mirror and liked what I saw.

Thank you BEAUTY for allowing me to witness an act of kindness between two people.

Thank you KINDNESS for all the times that I accidentally overheard someone say something nice about me.

Thank you CONSEQUENCE for teaching me about being aware of my actions.

Thank you LOVE for the rush I get when I see the person who makes my heart beat fast, even if it's just for a few seconds in the hallway.

Thank you ADVERSITY for opening my mind and teaching me a lesson.

Thank you TIME for the wisdom I have grown.

Thank you LOYALITY to all the honest relationships I have had...where there have been no secrets or lies.

Thank you FRIENDSHIP for all the people who make me smile just by thinking of them.

Thank you FORGIVENESS for all the people who have given me a second chance.

Thank you SOULMATE for the opportunity to experience true love, even if it didn't last forever.

Thank you LAUGHTER for all the times my cheeks ached from laughing too much.

Thank you ETERNAL LIFE for the good memories of Grandma Jessie, who has passed away, but still manages to make me smile.

Thank you HUSBAND for all the times I have been upset and you have made me smile.

Thank you CHRISTMAS for the soft glow of fairy lights.

Thank you SUNSHINE for your warm embrace.

Thank you SPONTANEITY for random experiences, they're always exhilarating.

Thank you WINTER for the crackling sound of a fireplace on a chilly night.

Thank you VULNERABILITY for reinforcing that I'm not alone and that others are experiencing the same problems I am experiencing.

Thank you LOVER for kissing in the rain.

Thank you MUM for knowing just the right thing to say.

Thank you CONSCIENCE for knowing I did the right thing.

Thank you RESPONSIBILITY for allowing me not to blame everyone for everything.

Thank you YOGA for reminding me of my divinity.

Thank you NOTHINGNESS for teaching me not to take anything for granted.

Thank you LIFE for all the beauty you give to me.

Find Your Inner Zen

"Peace comes from within. Do not seek it from without" – Buddha

Do you ever get that feeling that something is missing or there is more to life? When your inner Zen (otherwise known as inner peace) is lost a sense of 'something is missing' begins to grow. Often this sense feels frustrating because you just don't know where to begin, you know you need something more to complete you, but you are not sure what. Many people try to fill the void by embarking on a journey to "find themselves". This journey often involves travelling, study, changing jobs or seeking out a soul mate. This journey will fill the incompleteness for a short while, however over time the missing feeling will return.

When you connect with your inner Zen, peace will guide you along the path, you need nothing outside of yourself as all the happiness and wisdom you need reside within you.

To find your inner Zen is to find your peace and tranquillity. It is your inner calm, a place where your inner guidance lives and can be heard. What does it look like to find your inner Zen? Inner Zen is a feeling of self-worth, contentment and inner peace, it frees your mind and enables you to speak and live your truth. There is a deep sense of worth and purpose that ignites within you. You have the courage and strength to love who you are and not hide behind a mask of who you think you should be. You always feel good enough and validated no matter what people say. You no longer search for things outside of yourself to fill that "missing thing". You will feel connected and whole.

How did you lose your inner Zen? Over the years, chances are that life and people have hurt you. You reacted by building big walls around yourself, protecting yourself from the world. These walls build limitations within yourself, disconnecting you from your true authentic self. The higher the walls went, the further you got from your true authentic self. The more you lose sight of your true authentic essence the more we disconnect from our inner Zen. This then creates the feeling of "something is missing"

You built those walls for what seemed like valid reasons, it was the only way you knew how to protect yourself. But it doesn't mean they should stay. Break down those barriers and start living with vulnerability. Next time someone or something hurts you rebuild those barriers with peace; love and compassion, for these are the only walls that will truly protect you.

Reclaim your inner Zen! It can be found with commitment and practice; it is not as elusive as many would think it to be. Firstly you have to want to change and then commit to doing what it takes. You need to be honest and vulnerable about your truth and don't let the outside world and opinion from other people distract you.

The key to achieving inner Zen is in being able to quieten your busy monkey mind and learn the truth of "what actually is" instead of "what you perceive is". Your busy monkey mind is all your negative and self-limiting beliefs and memories. Every thought you have creates your perception and which in turn creates your reality. One of the most effective ways to quieten your thoughts and control them is through mantras, meditation, self-awareness, journaling and being still.

To find the Zen within you takes self-mastery and awareness, it is a journey that is never complete, as there are always more lessons to learn. With time, practice and patience you will be taken on a journey of enlightenment. With enlightenment comes composure, contentment and tranquillity of your mind.

Through reading this book and embarking on the path of self-discovery you will reconnect with your inner Zen which will build your self-worth and strength, allowing you to reclaim your own power and live the life you want.

Find your self-worth

"The other day I got to thinking about life and the relationships that we have. There are those experiences and relationships that open you up to something new and exciting, those that are old and familiar, those that bring up lots of questions, those that bring you somewhere unexpected, those that bring you far from where you started, and those that bring you back. But the most exciting, challenging and significant relationship is the one you have with yourself." \- Carrie Bradshaw

The most important relationship that you are going to have in this lifetime is the one you have with yourself. How you treat yourself is how the world will treat you in return. You need to love, nurture and embrace every inch of your existence. You need to have self-worth.

Contrary to what many people think, self-worth is different to confidence. The difference being that we are born with self-worth, whilst self-confidence is something we must learn with experience and time. Unfortunately over time and individual circumstances, self-worth is often something that is tumbled, lost and forgotten. Sadly this results in losing touch with our inner essence and uniqueness as we try to hide behind the so called "normal".

"Ordinary riches can be stolen, real riches cannot. In your soul are infinitely precious things that cannot be taken away from you." - Oscar Wilde

Self-worth can be found again, as it has always lived and still does live within you. The hardest step is believing that it can be found. Once you commit to the beautiful journey of finding your self-worth, you will discover that over time your purpose, your passion, you're your love will be revealed to you. Finding the heart of your self-worth is only where your most fulfilling life can only really begin.

Over time many of us have let the outside world shape and define us, we search for our value and self-worth in things outside of ourselves. Things like relationships, careers, designer clothes and social status. Many of these things provide us with comfort at the time, however the feeling is fleeting. The paradox of this situation is that no matter how much validation we get from the outside world, if we have no self-worth we will never think we are good enough.

There is nothing outside of yourself that can make you feel worthy and accepted, you must work from the inside out. It's the thoughts and beliefs that you give yourself that truly matter. The truth is, at any given moment someone somewhere may leave you, may not love you anymore, or you may lose your money, health or career. Don't wait to be saved by a person, a material possession or a credential – because the truth is that you will be waiting for eternity, it's time to nurture yourself and seek your self-worth.

From today forward take back your life, find ways to reconnect with your inner guidance, get in touch with your authentic self, live with awareness, stand strong and embrace the lessons that come your way. The journey will be hard at times, you will have moments of clarity and moments of disillusionment, there will be times that inspire you and other times that you will just want to give up. Throughout your journey remember this, believe and know that what you go looking for you will always find, it may not come along as you expect but it will always come along as you need.

Use this book as one of your many guidebooks to life, as everything within these pages will help and inspire you to build a strong sense of self-worth.

"Never be bullied into silence. Never allow yourself to be made a victim. Accept no one's definition of your life, but define yourself." - Harvey Fierstein

Finding Opportunities

"It is amazing how often the universe says yes, you just have to ask first" - Unknown

It is so easy to look at others and think that they got a lucky break. The truth behind the matter is that you just have not seen the hard work that has gone on behind the scenes. It is often said that people spend ten years to become an overnight success.

Opportunities don't just fall in your lap, no matter what some may say. You have to go out and work hard for what you want, you have to earn it. You have to fight hard, and let me advise you, it's not for the faint hearted because battles will be lost. However I promise you this, amongst all the struggles and stumbling, opportunities will appear. It's not a matter of if, it's a matter of when.

So how do you find opportunities?

  1. Firstly get clear about what you want, hold a mental vision of your dream, know every inch of the dream, being very careful not to miss one tiny detail. Believe that you will achieve your dream, back it up with positive visualisations and meditations. Become the dream, feel the success, connect with the energy, and sense its manifestation.

  2. Stay focused and don't let anything distract you. Intuitively know that you must face hurdles, for it is all part of the journey, never lose sight of your dream and never allow yourself to become distracted by all the noise that surrounds you.

  3. Never give up, even when the odds are against you. Often people give up too early, they walk away just before opportunity knocks.

  4. Be strong and be willing to take the risks and chances that no one else will. Be bold and ask for what you want, seek out your own opportunities. Yes it may leave you flat on your face, but learn from your mistakes and find a better way to do it. Success is a game of trial and error. Eventually you will get it right.

  5. Create the karmic merit and give to others without any expectation. Give to people that need you, make somebody else's ride easier. Do it from a place of love, not from a place of "what is in it for me". True character is shown by what you do for people who cannot do anything for you in return.

  6. You always get more of what you focus on, so show gratitude for what you currently have and choose to see the small opportunities that are presented to you. The universe rewards you over time, starting with small and sometimes forgettable opportunities. You must be able to see and appreciate the smaller opportunities before you will be given the big opportunities.

  7. Drop all fear. Drop the fear of rejection because if you never ask, you will never know. Drop the fear of competition because there is enough love, abundance and opportunity for everyone in this world. Drop the fear of not being good enough, because self-belief will get you everywhere. And never compare yourself to anyone else because you are on your own journey and have your own lessons to learn. When you compare yourself to others you lose your focus. Remember, where your focus goes your energy flows.

Opportunities appear amongst the chaos. Opportunities occur when you refuse to give up. Opportunities occur when you have tried every other possibility. Opportunities occur when you are willing to take a detour in order to make the impossible possible. Fight for what you want, you may not get what you expect, but you will certainly always get what you need.

25 Things I Know For Sure

  * Make an effort to sincerely compliment at least one person every day.

  * Watch a sunrise at least once a month.

  * Always say "thank you". Always say "please".

  * Have and care for at least one plant.

  * Pick fresh flowers for your home.

  * Forgive yourself and forgive others.

  * Give people a second chance.

  * Be the first to say "Hello".

  * Learn to live with less.

  * Read often.

  * Floss your teeth.

  * Become the kind of person you would like to meet.

  * Ask for what you want.

  * Keep other peoples secrets.

  * Never gossip.

  * Live with a grateful heart.

  * Read Louise Hay.

  * Take lots of photos.

  * Write handwritten notes to other people.

  * Write handwritten notes to yourself.

  * Donate blood.

  * Believe in miracles.

  * Take responsibility for how you feel.

  * Put things away when you are finished with them.

  * Admit when you are wrong.

Take time to play in the world

"In every real man a child is hidden that wants to play" - Friedrich Nietzsche

So what is play? Play is fun and fun involves laughter and spontaneity, it is the element of letting loose, yet being in control. Having fun is living for the now.

As we grow older, we get more responsibilities and stresses, and our worries take over and we jump off the fun bus to a life of rigid schedules and deadlines. When you stop having fun in your life, you start creating stress, which then leads to health consequences like high blood pressure, heart disease and maybe even a dependence on stimulants. With overbooked schedules and over scheduled lives it adds extra pressure in our lives to find the time for play and fun. This simple act of having fun should never be forgotten, and your body and soul will thank you by providing you with optimum health and wellbeing. Here are some simple ways to ignite fun and play in your life.

1. Schedule fun time. To begin your fun journey start scheduling time in your diary for fun and then as time goes on, having fun will become a natural habit in everyday life. An example of what your schedule may look like

Monday – On your commute to work as you get off the train, stop and listen to the music of a street performer. Let the music fill your soul, every word and note that they sing. Appreciate their art; see the beauty in this moment.

Tuesday – Take a dance class. Try a class that you have always wanted to, but never dared. Drop all limiting beliefs and just let loose and go for it.

Wednesday – Spend thirty minutes drawing. Grab a piece of paper and pen and just draw. Don't think about it, don't judge your drawing, just draw what you feel. Drawing is very therapeutic and will calm your soul.

Thursday – Try and finish a crossword puzzle. This will spark your knowledge and exercise your brain, leaving you feeling a little more energised.

Friday – Watch a kid's movie. There is no better way to end a busy week than to relax with a DVD. Get lost in the fantasy of a kids movie for a couple of hours, it will ignite a little magic within your own heart.

Saturday – Swing on a swing. Go to your local park and just rock gently back and forth. Notice how free you feel.

Sunday – Go for a bike ride. Spend some time in nature and ride along a beautiful park or nature reserve. As you pedal, take note of everything around you – the smell in the air, the noise, the people, the landscape and the beating of your own heart.

2. Play with the heart of a seven year old. Take the time to play, truly drop all preconceived ideas and play in the world with a heart of a seven year old. Through reconnecting with things that brought you fun and excitement as a child will fill you with inspiration, energy and confidence. Thinking back now on when you were seven, wasn't it one of the most magical times in your life. You lived for the moment and were true to your own heart, did what you loved and believed in miracles. With the stress and demands of adult life, it is easy to forget to play when worry consumes your mind. Make an effort to bring yourself back to that beautiful old feeling of being seven. Here are just a few of my memories of being seven.

  * When I was seven my biggest problem was what kind of dress to put on my Barbie doll or whether or not I had enough Lego's to build a fort.

  * When I was seven I still believed in the tooth fairy, Santa Claus and Easter bunny.

  * My favourite holiday was Christmas and I would stay up extra late to see if I could catch a glimpse of Santa Claus and his reindeers.

  * When I was seven I would sing as I walked down the street and when it rained I would run outside and jump in the puddles.

  * When I was seven I believed my toys could talk, I loved teddy bear picnics and I would get my mum to push me super high on the swing, believing that my feet could touch the clouds.

  * When I was seven and I was upset I would give my snoopy doll a big hug and the world suddenly seemed better.

  * Electricity plugs use to fascinate me and I found it ridiculously hilarious to run around the house with underwear on my head.

  * When I was seven I never knew what trends were and being cool to me was eating cupcakes for breakfast, wearing a dandelion necklace and being able to roller skate.

  * When I was seven my biggest wish was that it would rain skittles and I would see a fairy in my garden.

  * Being seven reminds me of laughter, cupcakes, dreams and magic.

Never wish to be all grown up because being grown up and all wise isn't half as fun as growing up and making mistakes. Keep the heart of a seven year old but embrace the wisdom you learn along the way, and eventually you'll finally get it right. Find your inner child and take 30 minutes to think back when you were seven, write down what comes to mind.

Some heart thoughts on how to bring some play into your day.

  * Playing old-school board games, like Monopoly or Snakes and Ladders, with friends and family.

  * Walking with bare feet through rain puddles.

  * Blowing a dandelion flower and making a wish.

  * Letting loose and acting like a child every now and then.

  * Drawing on a steamy bathroom mirror with your fingers after taking a hot shower.

  * Trying to talk under water.

  * Wearing a vibrant shade of lipstick or shoes just because you like it.

  * The excitement of swinging on a swing as high as you possibly can.

  * High fiving a little kid.

  * Depicting animal shapes from clouds.

  * Successfully blowing a huge bubble-gum bubble without popping it.

  * Playing Rock-Paper-Scissors to settle a decision with one of your friends.

  * That split second when you almost lean too far back in your chair and your heart skips a beat as you glide forward into a stable sitting position.

  * Peeling layers of dried school glue off your hands.

  * Reminiscing over old family photos.

  * Flying a kite.

  * Having a free day and being completely free to do whatever you want.

  * Accidentally saying something that rhymes.

  * Popping bubble wrap.

  * Making up a word and using it in your sentences for a day.

Understanding your Emotional Self

"Maybe the past is an anchor holding us back. Maybe, you have to let go of who you are to become who you will be." Carrie Bradshaw, Sex and the City.

Are you a shopaholic or a workaholic? Do you have a sugar addiction or find comfort in food? Are you your own worst critic? Chances are you have some deeply buried emotions that you need to resolve. For some of us we can pinpoint where our pain comes from, but for others it may not be so obvious, in fact up until now you may have thought you had no unresolved issues.

It is time to get curious about your feelings. Most of us carry inside of us a big bag of buried feelings; it's a bag that has been built up over the years as a result of all of our painful experiences. No matter who you are, you have had at least one painful experience in your life so far. To you your painful experience may seem so small and irrelevant compared to what some other people have had to painfully endure. But no matter what your experience is, whether you think it is irrelevant or not – pain is pain, it doesn't discriminate, it all needs healing and if it is not dealt with it will bury itself deep within your body.

Chances are that you have learned to mask your feelings of pain so that you can function on a daily basis with "so called" balance. You want to appear strong, healthy, capable, independent and so forth, so the easy solution is to quickly shut down those feelings of pain, telling yourself that you are just over-reacting or that you just need to get over it and move on.

In order to heal your pain, you need to invite it up to your conscience awareness, you need to feel it and then you need to surrender it.

Ok so why search for these emotions that you have gone to all the trouble to bury and hide, why revisit that painful story that you have taken so long to get over. Why unlock those troublesome feelings again to cause havoc within your mind. Because by not dealing with them, they wreak havoc with your life. They are already ruling your life whether you know it or not – they show up in your unloving opinions about yourself, they show up in your credit card bills, they show up in what you choose to eat, they show up in your habits and in so many other ways. To face these buried feelings head on and fearlessly will kill them once and for all, which in turn will help to put an end to your negative and self-limiting beliefs and habits.

Firstly the biggest step towards healing these buried emotions is that you "have to want to". It can't be stressed enough that with every fibre of your body you "have to want to be healed". Then you need to care about yourself enough to be able to spend time with yourself to get to know the real you.

Great news! As you are reading this today you already care enough about yourself to heal yourself. It takes courage to turn inward and get curious about your feelings. You are here reading this today because there is something that you want to change. You have acknowledged that you are not the best version of you and have decided that you have suffered enough. I greet you warmly with love, light and understanding. I acknowledge and celebrate your courage – the part of you that has said "enough suffering. I'm ready to heal now."

What are emotions? -Emotions are how you feel about yourself and the world around you. Emotions are your own truth.

How do emotions affect you?

Emotions create your belief system, and your belief system affects your perception or how you interpret what you see, hear and feel. Every decision, action and thought you have comes from an emotion. Emotions guide you in everything you do.

What is the problem with emotions?

Your emotions are created through your experiences. They are deep rooted belief systems and unfortunately when you have faced a negative experience that you have not healed from, you create negative emotions. This is how you develop those nagging negative and self-limiting thoughts, and then these thoughts become your reality. Your perception of the truth becomes distorted, and with each new self-limiting belief you became less connected to your inner self and inner light. Your ego and the outside world now creates your reality. You no longer live your truth, instead you live with less love and more fear.

There are two emotions in life.

Even though you may stumble in an array of mixed emotions from hate, jealousy, anger, greed and revenge there are only two basic emotions that we all experience, and that is love and fear. All other emotions are variations of these two emotions. All your thoughts and actions come from either a place of love or a place of fear. Anxiety, anger, control, sadness, depression, inadequacy, confusion, hurt, loneliness, guilt and shame are all fear-based emotions. Emotions such as joy, happiness, caring, trust, compassion, truth, contentment and satisfaction are love-based emotions.

Your Body and the emotions.

Not only are emotions released through all your negative self-talk and destructive behaviour patterns, they also affect your physical body. It's a modern term called Mind/Body medicine, and it's all about how you create your body through your thinking/beliefs and emotions. I highly recommend reading Deepak Chopra's book Ageless Body, Timeless Mind. How you think truly does affect your body. Toxic thoughts create toxins within your body only to show up in distresses ranging from fatigue, premature aging, cancer and pretty much any form of illness or pain. Positive emotions and thoughts regenerate your cells and body, creating a beautiful and healthy temple for your soul to reside in. Negative emotions degenerate your cells causing illness and disease within your body.

Buried Emotions.

Whenever you have an experience that you find painful or difficult there are two ways you can deal with it. You can face it head on and heal from it or you can hide from it, which is the most common response. When you hide from the emotions of a negative experience it doesn't just go away. It gets deeply buried within your body somewhere. Yes, you may have thought that you dealt with it by dismissing it, keeping busy, exercising more, drinking or eating a bit more, shopping more or just pretending it didn't happen. These emotions remain buried within you until you decide to bring them up, face them, feel them and then release them. Emotions that are buried on the long-term are the emotions that normally cause physical illness.

Here are just a few ways that you may repress your emotions:

  * Ignoring your feelings.

  * Pretending something hasn't happened.

  * Overeating.

  * Finding comfort in eating foods loaded with sugar and fat.

  * Excessive drinking of alcohol.

  * Excessive use of recreational drugs.

  * Being a shopaholic.

  * Exercising compulsively.

  * Any type of compulsive behaviour.

  * Addicted to sex or toxic relationships.

  * Always keeping busy so you can't feel.

  * Constant intellectualizing and analysing.

  * Excessive reading or TV.

  * Being a workaholic.

  * Indulging in gossip.

  * Keeping conversations superficial.

  * Burying angry emotions under the mask of peace and love

The emotions and feelings you have today are all thanks to your life history so far. What can you do to heal negative emotions? I call it the Find, Feel and Surrender Equation.

  1. Firstly you need to find out what it is that you are feeling and what is it caused from. It is important that you find it, acknowledge it and accept it. Meditation is a great way to uncover these buried feelings.

  2. Secondly you need to feel it. Feeling this raw emotion is the hardest bit. By feeling the full intensity of your pain will make it grow weaker until eventually it fades into insignificance.

  3. Lastly you need to surrender. You need to embrace the lesson learnt and if this means you have to forgive yourself or forgive others, then so be it. Only then can you move confidently forward knowing that you have positive experiences awaiting you. Surrendering is about freeing yourself by letting all the pain wash over you. Imagine the pain going down the drain of your shower or bath tub, leaving you emotionally cleansed. After you have surrendered the pain, you will find that you step outside of fear and walk right into love. And it is only in this place of love that you can become your truth.

Find, feel and rethink emotions

Just like life and emotions.... "New York is definitely haunted. Old lovers, ex-boyfriends, anyone you have unresolved issues with, you are bound to run into again and again until you resolve them."~ Carrie Bradshaw

FIND THE EMOTION

You need to find the wound. For some of you it may be obvious, however for others it may be deeply buried within your body. When we have a negative experience society has a funny way of teaching us to suppress this negative feeling. Do you recognise comments such as "you are too sensitive", "get over it", "you're too needy", "did it really happen as you imagined?", and so it goes on and on.

We are afraid to address our true feelings. As a defence we bury our feelings and emotions so deep that it is going to take a lot of digging to find them again. You may have hidden them so deep that you can't feel them anymore. Out of sight, out of mind you think. You can run, but you can't hide, and in this case your ego always has a way of finding and exposing your unhealed pain. Your ego, like some spoiled child, greedily clings on to all that negative energy of unresolved pain residing deep within your body. Then when you least expect it, usually when you are at a job interview, your ego comes out of hiding and fires all that negative energy right back at you. Like lethal ammo it destroys your soul and your true authentic self. It fires back at you through your negative fear based thoughts such as "I'm not good enough" "I'm not pretty enough" "Nobody ever notices me" "I'm not smart enough for that job" Or it expresses itself through your actions such as overeating, being a shopaholic, workaholic, addicted to relationships or compliments and so forth. To address this can be tricky because you may not know what has caused the hurt and pain, and for some of you, you may have thought that you had no hurt or pain up until now.

Together we are going to work towards exposing those feelings and finding the source, so that you can heal. Sometimes it may be impossible to actually find the source but don't stress about that. You will come to understand that just the simple act of dedicating yourself to self-love and loving thoughts will be enough to heal those fear-based emotions.

"Have patience with everything unresolved in your heart. Love the questions themselves as if they were locked rooms or books written in a very foreign language. The point is, to live everything. Live the questions now. Perhaps, someday, you will gradually, without even noticing it, live your way into the answer." Rilke, from Letters to a Young Poet

When you hold pain within your body, it needs to be released, and it is usually released in the form of self-limiting and negative thoughts about yourself. In order to start finding some buried emotions it's time to ask yourself some questions and find those self-limiting beliefs which are the key to unlocking your freedom. Find a quiet space, breathe slowly, close your eyes and invite love into your circle. Ask the questions below and listen for the answers through the voice within your head. Write down your answers.

Do I feel terrible at something in my life? What am I not good at? How do I feel about myself? What am I feeling inside? Why am I angry / upset / sad? Why am I feeling the need to defend myself? What am I afraid of? What do I feel guilty about? Why do I not feel good enough? Why have I denied what I feel? What have I not been willing to see?

The answers may not become clear to you. If they don't, then open yourself and invite the answers by saying to yourself "I am willing to feel this, so that I can heal this". Now ask the questions again and feel the responses to the questions.

Look for the tiniest sensation of discomfort in your body as you ask the questions. Give the feeling of discomfort permission to be there. Make no judgement. As you stay with the feeling it may develop into a sharper pain or tighter constriction. Keeping with the feeling, calmly breathe through the pain of it. Now ask yourself, "what am I feeling?". What is your voice telling you? No matter what arises, allow and encourage it to come forth. As best you can, stay with the feelings and not with the story of what happened in the past. The story will only divert your focus; the real healing is done through experiencing your feelings. Gently bring your attention back from the story of how or why to being at one with your feelings.

The acknowledgement and then the releasing of these painful feelings is the key to unlocking your past hurt. These are the negative self-beliefs that you have formed about yourself and right now they are not serving any purpose other than holding you back from becoming the best you. I want you to hear those answers, accept those answers and now know that those answers are not your truth. They are only your perception. They were created over the years through recycling over and over in your head, your painful experiences and emotions. It's finally time to start healing them and getting rid of them once and for good.

FEEL AND RETHINK THE EMOTION

Many of us are afraid to feel the feelings. We may be able to talk about them, but we fail to really feel them. We are afraid of losing control and becoming unbalanced or worried about what other people will think. Learning to feel the pain is the first step towards healing it. It's the fear of feeling that has kept you from healing. It's time to get curious with your feelings. It's time to pour some peroxide into those old wounds. Yes it is going to hurt, but be fearless, relentless and just feel fearlessly. Because to feel your emotion is to own your emotion.

It's time to feel and understand those feelings that came up earlier for you. Now reflect back on what came up when you asked those questions earlier in finding your emotions exercise. Focus back on those thoughts/feelings/sensations. Close your eyes and ask to be protected by love. Imagine love as a pink bubble surrounding you and protecting you from anything that may hurt you. Breathe slowly, breathe deeply and centre yourself.

Now ask:

How can I describe this feeling? Where do I feel this in my body? What does it feel like in my body? Does it have a colour? What shape is it? Is it tight and constricting? Is it like a flood of overwhelm? What is underneath it? Is there a word associated with it? A person? A time? An event? Ask yourself any other question that will help you understand the raw emotion better.

Accept the feelings, don't push them away. By choosing to connect with your emotion, you are reconnecting with how it developed.

Now it's time to take those negative thoughts about yourself and rethink them and rewrite your story. It's time to create your own personal affirmations. Sit down in your quiet sacred space and close your eyes. Breathe slowly. Breathe in through your nose and out through your mouth taking a moment to be at one with your breath. Now ask yourself "What is holding me back?" Listen to what comes to your mind first and write it down. Now it is time to change those negative thoughts. Rewrite those thoughts and turn them into positive statements. So for example if you wrote down "I will not be happy until I find a loving partner" try turning it into "I am happy as I am, because I am enough." If you wrote down "I am not good enough" rewrite it as "I am a wonderful person who offers my own unique and special gifts to everyone I meet."

If you would like to focus on releasing a particular pain in your life, you could use the affirmation " I release...................................... and allow myself to feel my true feelings." Say your new affirmation daily for at least thirty days. When those old familiar self-limiting thoughts come back, recognise and welcome them. Then banish them by breathing calmly while repeating your affirmation.

After finding and feeling the emotion you may realise that a little forgiveness is needed , whether it's to forgive yourself or to forgive others. Make sure you don't skip over the surrender and forgive section of this book.

25 More Things I Know For Sure

  * Take risks.

  * Tell the truth.

  * Spend the morning at a flea market.

  * Paint.

  * Happiness is a choice.

  * Read Dr Wayne Dyer.

  * Eat to nourish.

  * Play with children.

  * Eat mindfully.

  * De-clutter your home.

  * Recycle.

  * Be vulnerable.

  * Have a personal mantra.

  * Enjoy the simple things in life.

  * Smile.

  * Relax.

  * Drop all expectation.

  * Live for the moment.

  * Invent a word and use it for the day.

  * Seek out your opportunities.

  * Use natural and non-toxic products.

  * Learn how to change a tyre.

  * Write.

  * Be charismic.

  * Choose quality over quantity.

Change the world

"Set out to change the world, one step at a time and what you will discover is that you change your own world at the same time" - Claire Charters

Do you think you're too small and unimportant to change the world? You want to contribute but you feel powerless and insignificant? Or maybe you feel that your one voice will be unheard in the grand scheme of things? Or just maybe you are afraid of putting yourself out there and failing? Here's the thing, here and now is the time to change that thought:

  1. To support and be of service to something outside of yourself will bring you closer to your true authentic self, giving your life purpose and meaning. "Both scientists and sages have told us what we already know to be true in our hearts: everything is connected. Therefore as we change, the world cannot help but change with us." – Marie Forleo

  2. When you sincerely want to help and serve others you are creating a beautiful energy, an energy that will be naturally followed by others and one that will manifest a beautiful life for you. When you give more you will receive more to give.

  3. We all want to achieve great things in our own life. You can't have achievement without fulfilment and fulfilment only comes when you give something of yourself to something outside of yourself.

  4. And finally, Margaret Mead took the words right out of my mouth with "Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed, citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has."

So stop standing still, stop waiting for your time to make a difference. There's no better time than today. You don't need more money, you don't need more knowledge and you don't need more time in your day. You are powerful as you stand, right now, here, today. You have all the resources and everything you need inside of you.

So how do you make a difference and do something bigger than yourself if you don't have much time, money or knowledge?

Focus on you. Take advantage of the opportunities you do have available to you. If you have access to education, the internet, a warm and safe home, food, family, friends and the freedom of choice, then you have opportunities that others don't. These everyday luxuries are things that others fight and die for. Think about how you can use what you have available to you to make a difference in the world today.

Be the change and others will follow. As beautiful soul Mahatma Gandhi quotes "Be the change that you wish to see in the world." That is right. You will inspire other people to change and follow when you start living with passion and shining light on all the possibilities.

Use your voice to spread the word. Just tell one person. Jump on the phone and call your mother, sister, friend or grandmother and tell them about what you are supporting. If you like social media jump on Facebook and twitter. Design inspiring posters and hang them up in your local shopping centre. Email companies and organisations for support. Get creative on how you can spread your message. You have a voice and the freedom to use it and share it.

Take action. Find an organisation that you want to support and get engaged. Donate money, your time or just spread the awareness. You CAN make a difference as it only takes one person to connect with your message, and then it is like a ripple effect. They will tell someone who will tell someone else. Imagine if thousands of people in the world decided to take one small action? All those little actions will result in one big change.

The world needs you. You have the power to change the world. Be the change today.

"Here's to the crazy ones. The misfits. The rebels. The troublemakers. The round pegs in the square holes. The ones who see things differently. They're not fond of rules. And they have no respect for the status quo. You can quote them, disagree with them, glorify or vilify them. About the only thing you can't do is ignore them. Because they change things. They push the human race forward. And while some may see them as the crazy ones, we see genius. Because the people, who are crazy enough to think they can change the world, are the ones who do." ― Apple Inc.

30 heart thoughts on how you can change the world today.

  * Smile and say hello.

  * Give your money or time to an organisation close to your heart.

  * Lead by example and show others the beauty in ordinary moments.

  * Donate your old books to a library, kindergarten or school.

  * Believe in yourself with all of your heart. The universe will notice.

  * Share your message and spread the awareness via Facebook, tweets, conversations and emails.

  * Teach your grandparents how to text.

  * Look closer at everything with enthusiasm and love.

  * Stand up for someone. Lend your voice. Sometimes people just need someone to speak up for them.

  * Make it a habit to give out a compliment every day.

  * Donate an inspiring book that changed your life to a woman's or men's shelter.

  * Stop to help next time you see someone in need.

  * Adopt a pet.

  * Accept people as they are.

  * Become a mentor. Listen to someone's inspiring dreams and give them encouragement.

  * Sponsor a child.

  * Offer to be the designated driver for the night.

  * Donate blood.

  * Donate your old blankets and tins of pet food to animal shelters.

  * Take care of yourself.

  * Respect others.

  * Live with compassion.

  * Buy ethical products.

  * Live with patience.

  * Live green and recycle.

  * Say thank you.

  * Speak your truth and say what you mean.

  * Be grateful and aware of the opportunities in your life today.

  * Ask someone who loves cooking for one of their recipes.

  * Wave at the child in the car next to you.

Chapter Three

...Inhale...

Your Authentic Self

Shine Brightly

"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. We ask ourselves, 'Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, and fabulous?' Actually, who are you not to be? You are a child of God. You're playing small does not serve the world. There is nothing enlightened about shrinking so that people won't feel insecure around you. We are all meant to shine, as children do. We were born to make manifest the glory of God that is within us. It's not just in some of us; it's in everyone. And 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." Marianne Williamson.

You deserve to sparkle and shine, so stop hiding behind the normal, stop fearing being great and start embracing your strengths so that you can share your gifts with the world. Trust me the world needs you, it needs you to be great.

  * Believe in yourself and your abilities. You are a shining star and are destined for great things.

  * Take care of your mind and body. When you look and feel good you develop confidence and embrace all that you are.

  * Show the world your strengths. You have both strengths and weaknesses; embrace them both for no one is perfect. Instead of wasting time and wishing for things to be different, focus on what you do have, thinking about what your good at and show the world what a stellar being you are.

  * Walk with fire. When you encounter things or people standing in your way, use all your positivity and creativity to move on past them. Hold your head up high walk on and know that those who don't support you or treat you like a star must be left in the dust.

  * Show your vulnerabilities. There is nothing more graceful and beautiful than a woman who embraces her vulnerabilities with strength. Break down your barriers and do the things that scare you and let other people into your heart. Have trust that everything will turn out alright, and if for some reason it doesn't, at least you know you showed some grace and gave everything and everyone a chance. When you have built walls to protect you, the world just passes you by. You deserve to shine so don't let the walls you built around you block you from your awesomeness, knock them down and don't let the thought "I am afraid" stand in your way.

  * Be YOU and no one else. There is only one you, and nobody does you better than you. Don't try to be someone else or live up to someone else. You only have to be you and you deserve to be the best you can be. Consider what you want from life, what you need and what you don't. Make your needs and desires clear to the world and, above all else, stay true to yourself.

  * Accept and give praise graciously. The most rewarding thing about being a star is the praise that you get from others. Never take this praise for granted, or never shy away from it. Simply accept the praise humbly and with grace. Say a quick thank you and walk on with a smile in your heart. Being a star is not only about how well you accept praise; it is also about how well you deal with not receiving praise when you know that you deserve it. And remember always give praise where it is due. It is amazing how strong and beautiful you become when at times you can allow the light to shine off you and onto someone else.

  * Go get what you want. Listen to the whispers of your heart and claim what is waiting for you. When you get an idea, do not shoot it down. Believe you can do it, be your greatest fan, encourage yourself and fill your mind with the thoughts "I can". When you hold the belief that you can do anything, you will always find that your dreams come true for you. When you hear your ego whispering that you are 'not good enough' or 'you could never do that', silence it immediately with the words "I can". Listen to the real you, the you that knows what you want, that believes in you and knows that you can do anything.

No one does you better than you, it is time to let the flower bloom within your own heart so that you can radiate your beauty and love into the world. You need to become the authentic you that you were born to become and grace the world with your gifts. The world needs you, and it is waiting for you to become the most radiant version of YOU.

"Always be a first rate version of yourself and not a second rate version of someone else."

― Judy Garland

Speak kindly and live with intent

"The positive thinker sees the invisible, feels the intangible, and achieves the impossible."- Unknown

Live your life with intent by being aware of the words you use in your everyday life. This means learning to be conscience of how you speak to people, how you speak to yourself, what thoughts you let loose in your mind and how you let situations affect you.

Words are the blood of your soul. What you think creates how you feel, and how you feel determines how you act, and how you act ultimately attracts and creates your experiences. Words are your power, and no matter where you are in your life right now, I can guarantee if you start speaking with more love and positivity your life will change for the good....you will truly start experiencing miracles.

What you think and speak, you attract. When you speak negative, you attract negativity, and when you speak positively, you attract positivity. Simply choose to replace all your negative thoughts and words with positive words and thoughts. It is as simple as that!

A few years ago I tried this test which was from the book, The Have It All Woman, by Susan Sly. Read the following words, and take note on how they feel in your body: anger, jealousy, hate, frustration, fear, shame, stress, sadness, guilt, desperation, failure. So, what happened? Did you notice a familiar feeling? How did it feel in your body? Was your energy a little drained?

Now, read this list slowly, and take note on how you feel: happiness, joy, laughter, peace, love, abundance, smile, gratitude, health, wellness. How do you feel? Do you feel a little lighter and energized? Okay, say the word "good" out loud. Now, say the word "fabulous" with a big smile. What happened?

Imagine if you went about your day thinking and saying words of positively. You would feel better, you would act better, and you would create more positive opportunities.

Take the time to be aware of how you are negative in your life. Someone who is completely happy and successful in life is aware of their language – they don't have negative self-talk. They don't judge or criticize others; and they live their life with a trust and knowing that the universe will provide for them. Successful people radiate positive energy.

To become aware of your language takes commitment and hard work – you are reprogramming your mind to no longer function on autopilot and by doing so you are gaining control of your reality. Becoming aware is watching every thought, word and emotion. It can be as simple as picking yourself up for not accepting a compliment. For example, next time someone says to you, "You look fabulous in that dress," don't turn around and say something like, "Oh, but I still need to lose five kilos." Instead, embrace the compliment, smile and say thank-you.

From today forward, be committed to making the change, become aware of your words and thoughts and start co-creating with the universe. Never forget that words are your power. Now, here are five ways that you can start turning those negative words into more positive words. Remember to be kind to yourself as you develop and reprogram your new pattern. Over time it will become easier and more natural.

1. Next time Mr Negativity crowds your head space, decline his invitation and start writing or thinking about positive words. Make your list as long as possible; joy, love, hope, happiness, kindness, forgiveness, openness, light, abundance, inspiration, free-spirit, and feel how your energy shifts. Your perspective can't help but begin to change. The slightest change in your thoughts and words is enough to make a small change in your energy, which will bring you back into awareness and into a more positive perspective. Just keep repeating and writing as many words as you can think of. Feel the energy shift around you.

2. When you feel some negativity come up, choose to own it, but detach from it. To do this, simply view the negative thoughts or emotions from an outside perspective as if you're just a viewer, a photographer or a movie director. You see the scene, but you're not part of it. By taking the time to step outside of yourself and view your life and thoughts like a movie, you are reminding your ego that you are not attached to these thoughts – they have no effect on you. Be present and aware of what you are thinking, and get curious. Try to understand why they are there. But, whatever you do, never take part in believing them. Just view them, accept them, and immediately release them. Only ever allow happy and uplifting thoughts to live permanently in your head space.

3. Stop, breathe, and connect. Ask your inner guidance to take away the negative feelings and replace them with positive feelings.

4. Take a journey within. Choose to raise yourself to the level of energy where you are the light you seek, where you are the happiness you desire, where you are the love you feel is missing, where you are the unlimited abundance you crave. By being it, you attract it to you. By condemning its absence, you ensure that condemnation and discord will continue to flow into your life. (Taken from the book, The Power of Intention, by Dr. Wayne Dyer.)

5. When you feel that surge of negativity, think about something that you are grateful for. This will immediately distract your ego, and for a moment, the negative thought will be lost and forgotten.

"A man is but the product of his thoughts what he thinks, he becomes." - Mahatma Gandhi

Another 25 Things I know for Sure

  * Listen to somebody else's dreams.

  * Talk to a stranger.

  * Detox.

  * Don't spend too much time with negative people.

  * Admit when you made a mistake.

  * Be original.

  * Be kinder than expected.

  * Choose your destiny.

  * Become the most positive person you know.

  * Be curious.

  * Move daily.

  * Love all creatures great and small.

  * Always say what you mean.

  * Keep your promises.

  * Drink at least two litres of water a day.

  * Listen to the birds sing.

  * Marry only for love.

  * Call your mother.

  * Get outdoors.

  * Enjoy the sun.

  * Never complain.

  * Remember that overnight success usually takes about ten years.

  * Choose your words wisely.

  * Deliver more than you promise.

  * Learn to say no.

Stop comparing yourself to others

"When you are content to be simply yourself and don't compare or compete, everybody will respect you." - Lao Tzu

Never make the mistake of measuring your life against what other people have achieved. Maybe you don't have a college degree like your friends, maybe you don't make as much money as your sister, maybe most of your friends are married and you are still single.

When you measure and compare your life based on what other people around you have achieved, you become disappointed, feel undervalued and lose your focus. You were born to live your own unique life, everybody is on their own journey, and it is going to be different for everybody, sometimes what is right for one, is not right for another. ,

Comparison is pointless, it gets you nowhere. You are on your own journey and by choosing to waste precious moments on comparing yourself to others is to waste precious moments where you could mindfully be building your perfect destiny. You aren't supposed to replicate another person's life, because you have your own unique role to fulfil in this world that no one else can.

What will be will be, the universe has your back, it has its own grand plans for you and if you live with trust and positivity you will get exactly what is meant for you. Just release, surrender and trust the universe a little more. Ask for what you want, because you will be surprised at how often the universe says yes – you just have to ask first.

Create your own universe, live by your own rules and know that there is enough abundance for everyone in this world. Just because somebody has something that you want, it does not mean that there is any less for you. The world is full of abundance and opportunity. You just have to work out how to find it and sometimes this takes a lot of trial and error. After each failure, pick yourself up and find a better way to get it. Eventually opportunities will come your way. Anything worth having never comes easily.

Here are some tips to stop comparison in its tracks.

  * Reprogram your thinking and headspace. Next time you start comparing yourself to others, you need to make a conscience effort to reprogram your thinking. For example if your ego creeps up and you start thinking "I'm not as smart, or pretty, or talented", choose to shoot it down with a little positive ammo. Do this by using affirming self-talk. The power of the "I AM" statement should never be undermined. Dr Wayne Dyer tells us that with the "I AM" statement you create your reality, and this theory has been proven over and over again – so you must now try it. Next time you start judging, comparing and feeling not good enough, shout over your ego and say "I AM"... make sure what follows is something you want. For example "I AM successful and smart". Trust me even though you may not believe it straight away, after a few times you will start believing it, and eventually it will become your truth.

  * Refocus. Next time you catch yourself comparing yourself to another, stop for a moment and re-direct your thoughts. Instead of succumbing to the temptation of comparing yourself to someone else, ask yourself a few questions. What are you doing today that you couldn't have done 10, 5 or even 1 year ago? What have you learnt over your years? How have you improved? What have you achieved recently that you never thought you could? What are you most proud of? How have you become wiser over the years? This is the stuff that truly matters. Comparing yourself to somebody else is an inaccurate and irrelevant measuring stick.

  * Get a sense of your own value - You are unique in your knowledge, life experiences, talents, and special gifts. There is no one else like you on the planet. Get in touch with this so you gain a sense of your own value. What do you have to offer others? How do you uniquely help them? What is unique about you?

  * Create a continuous self-improvement plan . Life is about improving, getting wiser and evolving. You never reach a final destination, it's all about the journey and what you learned and discovered along the way. Choose to empower yourself by always trying to better yourself. Do this by making a top ten list of what you want to achieve and then go about setting some goals. Ask yourself how are you going to achieve these things? When setting the goals put a time limit on them. When do you want to achieve them by? If you don't reach your goal, don't give up; find another way to achieve it.

  * The compare list. Make a list of areas where you've been comparing yourself to others and decide to stop playing the comparison game. By taking ownership of your thoughts, you become aware of them – hence it becomes easier to control them. Write down your top five, then work through stopping these first. Then move on to your next top five, and continue until you run out of comparisons. .

A final note on comparison.... Know that you have unique gifts and qualities, unlike anyone else. You are special and have something to contribute, so drop all the comparisons and embrace the true you.

"Why compare yourself with others? No one in the entire world can do a better job of being you than you." – Unknown

Get the most out of your day and create a morning ritual

"Welcome every morning with a smile. Look on the new day as another special gift from your Creator, another golden opportunity to complete what you were unable to finish yesterday. Be a self-starter. Let your first hour set the theme of success and positive action that is certain to echo through your entire day. Today will never happen again. Don't waste it with a false start or no start at all. "- Og Mandino

Waking up to a new sun and a new day, is a gift and luxury that you should never take for granted. Each new day that you are fortunate enough to experience, is a chance for you to see new things, experience new places, meet new people and learn new things.

How you start your day, sets the tone for the rest of your day. You have the choice to keep hitting the snooze button, over and over as you moan and groan about the start of a new day. Or you can jump out of bed with excitement, knowing that it's a fresh morning and a new chance.

Choose to wake up and greet the morning with a big smile, breathe a huge intake of air, and say "thank you". When you decide to show up for the day, full of enthusiasm, passion and excitement, you grace the world with beauty, and that is when miracles and opportunities present themselves to you.

So how do you do this? It's early, it's cold, and sometimes it's dark. Well you need to create time for a little self-indulgence – you need to create a morning ritual that you are excited about. A morning ritual is a self-healing and self-honouring ritual, it gets you excited about getting up. How you create a morning ritual is purely up to you. A morning ritual will be different for everyone; it is designed by you based on your passions, beliefs and priorities. I will share with you mine and then I will give you some points on how to create your own.

My Morning Song

I wake up early, the morning sun kisses my skin and I think "oh beautiful a new morning and a fresh start". Before I step out of bed, I sit up, give a big smile to the day and then think of three things that I am grateful for. I then get up out of my bed, open the windows in my bedroom, listen to the birds sing, and let the morning breeze fill my home and my heart. There is a different light, smell and presence about an early morning. Maybe it's the thought of new opportunities.

I then slowly make my way down the stairs, and make myself a hot lemon water. I sip on my lemon water with morning mindfulness while looking out the window at my garden. I just love it when my garden seems to grow overnight.

As Thich Nhat Hanh (my favourite Zen Master) reminds us, "Drink your tea slowly and reverently, as if it is the axis on which the world earth revolves - slowly, evenly, without rushing toward the future. Live the actual moment. Only this moment is life."

I then roll out my yoga mat and greet the new day with the sun salutation poses, I do six sets. After my blissful twenty minutes of yoga I head to my bathroom and the first thing I see on my mirror is my morning affirmation "Today is going to be a fabulous day". As I brush my body with my body brush I think about the affirmation. I then jump in the shower for a spiritual cleanse.

After my shower, I sit down with my green smoothie, diary and iPod. I drink mindfully visualising the nutrients of the smoothie feeding and energising every cell in my body, while I listen to some affirmations and write in my diary.

Time permitting I then go for a walk in nature where I can think, imagine, and brainstorm ideas for my art, my soul, my products, my marketing ideas and business strategies.

I start the day off just perfect for me and I know my morning ritual is complete because I feel inspired to get started on the new day!

How to create your morning ritual

•Decide on a Wake-Up Time and stick to it. Give yourself 30-60 minutes for your morning ritual.

•Get Moving. The hardest part of waking up is getting over the sleepiness; it's all too easy to drift back off to dreamland. So get up and get moving. This is a great time to do a little exercise. If that doesn't fit in with your schedule then just do a few stretches or walk up and down some stairs a couple of times.

•Choose something that you want to luxuriate in. It may be reading, swimming, yoga, gardening, creative projects, or study. Choose whatever you find enjoyable. Now dedicate a little time to this in the morning.

•Do it for thirty days. To change a habit you need to do it for thirty days, so stick to your ritual and don't miss a day, and before you know it, it well become second nature for you.

•Write up your morning ritual; make it a piece of art for your home. Type it up with trendy computer texts and graphics. And then frame it and keep it by your bed.

"Whether one is twenty, forty, sixty, or eighty; whether one has succeeded, failed or just muddled along - life begins each morning! The greatest fact in life is that it is never too late to start again." \- L.M. Hodges

Some heart thoughts on a luxurious morning start.

  * Mindfully sip a cup of tea in the sun.

  * Sit and reflect for a moment in your sacred space or secret garden.

  * Wake up and feel the warmth in your heart as you look over and see your cat or dog in their bed asleep next to you.

  * Greet the morning sun with the yoga sun salutations.

  * Express yourself and write. Write in your diary or maybe write a letter, a book or even a blog.

  * Wake up early, go for a walk and watch the world slowly wake up.

  * Wake up early and go to the beach or a park and enjoy the moment of being the only one there.

Want less and have more. Being open to appreciating the smaller and seemingly insignificant things in life attracts more meaning within your own life. Designing a morning ritual that is filled with a few of your own simple pleasures will add a little luxury and purpose to your morning.

Another 25 things I know for Sure

  * Learn your lessons with grace.

  * Use affirmations.

  * Read Deepak Chopra.

  * Don't expect life to be fair.

  * Be still. Daydream.

  * Take a nap on weekends.

  * Never give up. Say sorry.

  * Listen more and speak less.

  * Never leave something unsaid.

  * Let people have their own opinions.

  * Speak up for someone who can't.

  * Be loyal.

  * Never own just one horse, for everyone and thing needs company.

  * Buy ethical products.

  * Be humble.

  * Write a bucket list.

  * Know your priorities.

  * Know your boundaries.

  * Everyone you meet knows something you don't – learn something new from them.

  * Love fearlessly.

  * Listen to your heart.

  * Do yoga.

  * Give to a charity

Chapter Four

...Exhale...

A Charmed Life

Simple Luxuries

Along with the five senses sight, sound, scent, taste and touch, women have two other senses. They are her intuitive sense 'knowing' and her sense of rapture and reverence 'wonder'" – From the book Romancing the Ordinary by Sarah Ban Breathnach

Living a life embracing simple luxuries is a celebration of your senses while falling passionately in love with life despite all its complexities, compromises and contradictions. It is about finding beauty and sensual delight in life, recipes, nature, chores, rituals, decorating, people and fashion. It is about seducing the most important person in your life – YOU.

Simple luxuries bring beauty and grace no matter what your income, location or situation. The simple luxurious life is something that we can all achieve. Choose to seek quality rather than quantity, personal style instead of trendy fashion, truth instead of expectation, knowledge instead of resentment, happiness instead of suffering and homemade comforts rather than commercially mass produced goods.

70 ways to add simple luxuries in your day

1. Start the day with fresh berries

2. Keep a journal – it can be a dream journal, gratitude journal or maybe a journal full of inspiring quotes.

3. Use a few drops of essential oils in your washing machine so that your clothes come out smelling heavenly

4. Pack a thermos and fresh homemade cookies and go for a walk in nature and stop off and have a picnic.

5. Wear cashmere socks.

6. Make a beautiful bed – with freshly laundered crisp sheets that smell like flowers.

7. Connect with Mother Nature and dig in the dirt – wear an oversized man's blouse, some shorts, a big hat and sip on some homemade lemonade.

8. Bring fresh flowers into your home – place one singular flower in a recycled glass bottle next to your bed and one as you walk in your front door.

9. Use cloth napkins for every meal.

10. Savour the smoothness of a dark chocolate truffle.

11. Get a beautiful cushion and lie on the floor and listen to some recorded affirmations and mantras.

12. Get a make-over at your local department store.

13. Always use your favourite dinner set, tea cups and silverware.

14. Sip red wine on a cold winter's night in front of the fire.

15. Buy and wear often a pair of glamorous high heels.

16. Set your dinner table nice before every meal.

17. Make yourself a green smoothie and pour and drink it from a martini glass. Savour the nourishment – imagine the nutrients feeding every cell in your body.

18. Put on some Italian music, sip some red wine, slip on your favourite apron and make your favourite home cooked meal.

19. Give yourself a DIY holistic facial.

20. Have a tea bath, put on your freshly washed robe and slippers, order take-in, pour a glass of wine and watch sex and the city re-runs.

21. Let your creative inspiration roam free – write, draw, paint, dance – and allow yourself to get lost in the moment.

22. Rediscover books you loved as a child.

23. Always wear nice underwear, and your signature perfume.

24. Plant a window box of lavender, rosemary, thyme or sage.

25. Buy some Chantilly lace, cashmere and pearls.

26. Simmer cinnamon sticks on the stove – they make for a warm and welcoming aroma in your home.

27. Have a hot shower, lather your body in some sweet almond oil and then snuggle in your favourite blanket.

28. Visit your local farmer's market and smell the earthy aroma of the fruits and veggies.

29. Go to a local café alone and mindfully sip your chai latte while people watching and savouring the ambience.

30. Go shopping for treasures at your local charity store; finding old vintage chests is always a treat.

31. Wear a silk scarf.

32. Gather up some magazines and cut out all your favourite pictures – then make a vision board.

33. Have a date with the sunshine. Go for a walk in nature, feel the warmth of the sun soak into your skin.

34. Go to bed early and put a few drops of lavender oil in your oil burner for some shut eye bliss.

35. Greet each morning with a sacred morning ritual.

36. Go for an ocean swim, let the rhythm of the waves rock you and feel the gentle salt sea breeze kiss your skin.

37. Practice yoga every day.

38. Keep fruit infused water in your fridge – simply chop up oranges, lemons, berries and put them in your water jug.

39. Visit a local arts and craft market.

40. Make your own jam, preserves and oils.

41. Burn some oils, put on your favourite guided meditation and drop to your butt and meditate.

42. Drink herbal tea out of the prettiest china cup you can find in your home.

43. Make some herbal potpourri pouches to hang in your closet – so each time you open your wardrobe you are seduced by thy aroma.

44. Turn off the television, turn on a lamp and read.

45. Make a batch of old fashioned chocolate fudge.

46. Dress up in your favourite outfit, put on some lip-gloss and your favourite shoes – embrace your feminine power and make your date with destiny.

47. Treat yourself and put some flowers on your desk.

48. Create a sacred space in your home.

49. Enliven your body with a gentle morning run.

50. Drink some hot apple cider in front of your fireplace.

51. Give away half your clothes and actually have space in your closet.

52. Walk on soft grass in bare feet.

53. Watch the sunset.

54. Organise and de-clutter one junk draw.

55. Buy a record player and then go hunt out some records to play...a great vintage treat.

56. Cook an apple pie.

57. Hang fairy lights outside in a tree or on your balcony and turn them on at night – it looks ever so enchanting.

58. If you live by the ocean, collect some seashells.

59. Let your home breath, open up the windows in your house and let the breeze kiss your skin.

60. Grow some ivy around your front door.

61. Organise your linen cupboard

62. Wear red lipstick or gloss.

63. Relax and unwind with olives and red wine.

64. Give yourself a manicure and pedicure.

65. Sit in a park and people watch.

66. Make a nutritious homemade soup.

67. Buy some hessian grocery bags – the smell is so earthy and you're doing your bit by not using plastic bags.

68. Wear your favourite earrings to clean your house.

69. Pamper yourself with a home body scrub.

70. Hang a hammock and lie in it.

A detox day of Clarity and Bliss

"Your body is your temple...a sacred place where your soul resides...worship it and give it the best care possible"

Every so often spend an entire day alone pampering and detoxing your body and soul. This detox day of clarity and bliss will leave you feeling inspired, motivated and refreshed. This one day detox is designed to empower you, so make sure you turn off your phone, cancel your lunch date and make some time for the most important person in your world – YOU.

  * Greet the new morning with a big smile and a heartfelt thank you as you have been blessed with the gift of another day, another chance and some new opportunities.

  * Start your morning with some mindful breathing. Not only will this increase your energy levels, but it will nourish your cells, relax your mind and reconnect you with your inner guidance. Sit or lay comfortably on your bed or on the floor. Now breath in through your nose, as you inhale imagine the breath flowing down your body and renewing and nourishing all your cells. Really focus on your breath as it floats down your body. Now exhale out through your mouth, imagine all the toxins leaving your body, and ensure that you are focused on your breathing. Repeat this cycle for five minutes.

  * Now get up out of bed, open up a window and let the fresh air fill your home and your heart....take a deep breath in.

  * To help eliminate toxins and give your skin a healthy glow start your day by squeezing half a lemon into a mug of hot water, sip this mindfully, savouring every sip

  * Now either roll out your yoga mat, take a walk in nature or go for an invigorating ocean swim, this is your moment to connect with your mind, breath and inner wisdom. Spend 45 minutes connecting with the rhythm of your body, feel the energised flow of your circulation, bringing a radiant glow to your complexion.

  * After your morning exercise make yourself a smoothie, I personally like green smoothie's (my favourite is kale, banana, chia seeds, coconut water and mango all blended together with love) however any smoothie will do. If you are still hungry make yourself a bowl of hot oats, made with almond milk, chia seeds, cinnamon, honey and berries.

  * Eat cleansing foods for the day. Avoid meat, dairy products, sugar, refined and processed foods, pasta, bread, rice, alcohol and coffee for the entire day. Increase your intake of fresh fruits, vegetables, juices and water.

  * Drink at least two litres of water

  * Take 1000mg of antioxidant rich vitamin C to help cleanse and revitalise your system.

  * Juice it...On your detox day, be sure to incorporate plenty of fresh vegetable and fruit juices, Not only are they an excellent source of vitamins, minerals and fibre, they are also fabulous detoxifiers. Some of my favourite juice mixes are 1. Apple, celery and fresh ginger, 2. Carrot and pear, 3. Carrot, orange, apple and lemon, or 4. Beetroot, apple and carrot.

  * After breakfast relax with a good book, meditate, write a personal affirmation, daydream or spend some time in nature. Whatever it is that you decide to do, make sure you enjoy the simple pleasure of just being in the moment.

  * Lunch time make yourself a nourishing salad that will feed your mind, body and soul. My personal favourite is spinach leaves; sautéed avocado, baby tomatoes and grilled asparagus drizzled in olive oil and freshly cracked pepper.

  * After lunch it is time to remove some more toxins by body brushing. Use either a natural body brush or hemp mit. Starting at your feet gently brush your body, using an upward stroke towards the heart, gradually making your way up your whole body and don't forget your arms, always remembering to brush towards the heart. Body brushing stimulates the lymphatic system, gets your blood flowing and helps remove toxins. It is important to remember that while you are brushing your body, you must love and honour your body, and refrain from any judgement or critism. Focus on how wonderful your body is and what it does for you.

  * Time to reinvigorate and jump in the shower, washing off any dry skin. As you shower imagine that the water flowing from your shower head is cleansing you, taking away all your negative and self-sabotaging beliefs and washing them down the drain. Now replace those thoughts with loving thoughts such as "I am beautiful, healthy and loved"

  * Dry yourself off and rub in your favourite non-toxic body cream or sweet almond oil.

  * Now it is time to connect with nature and yourself. Dress in some comfortable clothes and plan a leisurely walk in the park, by the beach or at a nature reserve near your home. Today you are going to nurture yourself by taking a walk with a different point of view. Walk in awareness with soft eyes, feeling your connection to the Earth Mother. Look around and if something catches your eye like a bird, cloud or flower, take a moment to observe it more closely. See its simple beauty. Life surrounds you everywhere, it truly is a miracle. Now listen with soft ears. What is calling you? Is it the whispers of the wind, the chattering of the birds or the laughter of children? What do you hear? Now as you walk along, open up your heart and feel your feelings – hug a tree, skip, dance or sing if you dare. Be fully present in each moment of this walk – feel the universal connectedness.

  * For dinner make yourself a nourishing meal. Maybe a hot hearty soup to warm your soul. My favourite is lentil, onions, veggie stock, carrot, broccoli and pumpkin. Savour every bite of your meal, imagine your body being nourished with each spoonful as the vitamins flow into your body and feed your cells.

  * Spend the evening in self-love – burn your favourite essential oils and set your creative inspiration free. Create a vision board, a diary of possibilities or de-clutter a room to create space for new things to enter your life.

  * Time to prepare for sweet dreams – Unwind with a cup of holistic delight – blend together cacao, stevia, coconut water and coconut milk; drink this cacao delight either cold or hot. If you prefer brew yourself a peppermint or camomile tea.

  * Light some candles put on some soothing music and soak in a lavender bath until your heart's content. When you have had enough, dry yourself off, rub in your favourite natural body balm and put on some clean pyjamas.

  * Before retiring for the day make sure you write down in your gratitude journal three things that you are grateful for. Close your eyes, take a mindful breath and get lost in your dreams.

Choose Quality over Quantity

Often people attempt to live their lives backwards: they try to have more things, or more money, in order to do more of what they want so that they will be happier. The way it actually works is the reverse. You must first be who you really are, do what you need to do, in order to have everything you want. – Margaret Young

In a life that is full of options, it is easy to become overwhelmed and forget what truly matters to you in your own life. After all, we live in a culture where we supposedly get our comfort from an abundance of stuff. With this culture it is therefore extremely challenging to simplify our life.

I want to inspire you to transform an "ordinary" lifestyle into a living state of grace by choosing quality over quantity so that you are only left with the things you find useful, purposeful and beautiful. Something that I have learnt over the years is that the simpler we make our lives the more abundant they become. By making the effort to truly focus on what's important through choosing quality over quantity results in less stress and paradoxically, a sense of a fuller life. You will find richness and abundance in your life by choosing things, relationships, and experiences that are fulfilling and special, rather than opting for simply more of everything.

Take the time to re-evaluate what really matters to you so that when you are choosing how to spend your moments, money or time you can fill them with quality as opposed to quantity. Here are some heartfelt thoughts on how to bring the "less is more philosophy" into the realm of your own life.

  * Eliminate and reduce all processed foods and refined sugars and feed your body wholesome foods straight from the earth.

  * Remove toxic people and choose to surround yourself with people who are positive, happy, sincere and uplifting. Remember to never make somebody else your priority if you are only an option to them.

  * Purchase well-made clothes that suit your figure and embrace your signature style. Invest in a few high quality items as opposed to a trunk full of cheap seasonal trends.

  * Create a mindful home that is filled with love and heart. Create a safe sanctum that welcomes friends and family. A small and cosy home that is filled with laughter, fresh flowers and the smell of simmering soup is better than a big sterile mansion that is empty and filled with pizza takeout boxes.

  * Take the time to relax and recharge so that you can give people your quality attention and best self.

  * Take the time to reconnect with your kitchen and mindfully cook meals that nourish both the mind and the body.

  * Be original and authentic, and follow your own interests, likes, tastes or beliefs.

  * Say less, and listen more. Speak only when you have something worthwhile to say, be sincere and show that you care.

  * Savour the moment, for that is all you have. "Mindfulness is simply being aware of what is happening right now without wishing it were different; enjoying the pleasant without holding on when it changes (which it will); being with the unpleasant without fearing it will always be this way (which it won't)." – James Baraz

  * When it comes to friends, less is more, choose friends who have your best interest at heart and will be there for you throughout the tough times.

  * Become grateful for everything you have in your life, remind yourself daily how blessed your life truly is.

  * Entrepreneur's look beyond the numbers and statistics. It's far better to have one loyal customer who is engaged in what you are doing as opposed to 100 customers who really don't care what you have to say.

Choose the "less is more" philosophy, for when you focus on quality over quantity, your less overwhelmed, more deliberate, less stressed, and more present. You have had years of living with excess stuff, don't expect to be able to minimise and refine your life immediately, as with all good lessons let the nature of this lesson unfold naturally with grace.

Restore your weary feminine soul by indulging in quality over quantity....find the things that ignite your spirit, cause your heart to skip a beat and make your soul sigh...

Chapter Five

...Inhale...

A Mindful Home

Create a welcoming home

Home is where the heart is

Your home should be a safe sanctuary for you to retreat to, it should nurture you and it should exuberate love. How many times have you walked into the perfect home, with designer couches, wallpaper and perfect finishing's, and even though it looked perfect, you found it cold, sterile and not welcoming? Then there are the homes that you walk into and they feel like you have just stepped into a space of warmth, comfort and love. It may have cracks in the furniture and the upholstery doesn't match, but there is something about it that seems so raw and imperfectly perfect.

Creating a warm and welcoming home is a sacred art. It is the ability to be able to listen to your soul and when done with authenticity and love it then becomes a spiritual experience.

So how do you create a home, and a space that is full of love, warmth, character and laughter?

1. Enjoy being home, it's your sanctuary. Fill your home with love and energy by spending time in it. Invite friends and family over; fill the rooms with love, laughter and life.

2. Burn oils and candles, aromas awaken the senses, and they awaken your home. They are one of life's simple luxuries, which can help heal the mind, body and spirit. Aromas linger in your home, they create an ambience giving your home its own unique character. In winter I love to burn cinnamon, nutmeg, orange, coffee or lavender scented essential oils. In summer I love tangerine, peppermint, clary sage or rose.

3. Speak kindly, for words, action and intent all create energy. Make sure you are creating positive energy.

4. Show gratitude as you walk the hallways and rooms of your home. Show it some love by thanking it for the roof that protects you from the rain, the walls that keep you safe and the room it gives you for personal space. You are lucky to have a home; so many people are not so blessed.

5. Open your home and heart to people. Invite friends and family over for high tea or summertime lemonade, hold a monthly book club meeting or invite your girlfriends over for a pyjama party with wine, chocolate and Sex and the City re-runs. By opening your heart and home to people, their energy will fill you and inspire you. If you're up to it, why not open your home to the community? Adopt an abandoned animal, take on an exchange student or foster an abandoned child.

6. Play music – aahh how I love this one....music soothes the soul and it soothes your home. Ever noticed whenever you play music in your home your house seems to sing along with the tunes? Your home doesn't discriminate between jazz, rock, opera or punk.....it just wants to feel the rhythm. So get in sync and hit the play button today.

7. Let your things tell a story. This is why I love second hand stuff. It has history and a story to unearth or imagine. But things don't have to be second hand to have a story. If you buy something new, buy it because you love it and not because you think that is what everyone else is buying. When you buy something for the fact that you love it, it immediately has a story. Its energy and beauty resonates with you. Other people may not see it, however you do, hence there is a story. When you buy things brand new, try and know where they came from and if it was made using ethical practices. Think about the woman who sewed the beautiful cushion you purchased for your bed or the working hands of the carpenter who built your kitchen table.

8. De-Clutter your space and don't hold on to things. There is a time, place and purpose for things. Everything is energy, so don't just let things sit around creating stale energy; give them to someone who needs them. Create some space in your home to allow space for abundance and newness to flow in.

9. Surround yourself in beauty. This doesn't have to be expensive things of grandeur, just about bringing things into your home that you love. For instance maybe some fresh flowers, a handmade cushion from the local market or that aged and tattered trunk that you found at the treasure market which is etched in scratches and history. I love to bring in shells and drift wood from the beach as their presence seems to bring me a little closer to nature.

10. Nourish your home with home cooked meals, as there is nothing better than walking in the front door and smelling a home-cooked meal. It creates a warm and inviting atmosphere. Before you dial the number of that old trusty Thai takeaway place, take a look in your fridge and see what you can cook up. Your home and health with thank you for it.

11. Let your home breathe. Fresh air and natural light must flow freely through your home, energising your home and all that is in it.

Money can buy expensive furnishings however it cannot buy the charm and style that will reside within. Creating a house is simply just a matter of buying the latest trends, however creating a home is a sacred work of art. Let your house become an expression of who you are. Your self-worth is reflected in the clean crisp pillows that adorn your bed, your hospitality shows in a well-stocked pantry and your happiness permeating the air together with laughter and sun light is what makes your house your home, your sanctuary.

A little home therapy – Remove your clutter to create space for the new.

Do you have a space in your home that makes you feel a little overwhelmed? It may be that drawer that is overflowing with old bills and takeaway menus, or is it your wardrobe that is jam packed full of clothes. For some of you it may be the makeup drawer that is lined with patches of loose bronzing powder and filled with old and used-by cosmetics, and lipsticks that are missing lids.

Now this may all seem insignificant to you, because the rest of your home is clean and organised. Well the truth is that it is affecting your reality today. Why? Because every time you go to that drawer or wardrobe you get a negative feeling, it may only be small, yet it is still negative. And negative feelings create negative energy.

When you DE Clutter your home and get organized, you will feel calmer and less overwhelmed while creating a positive space for new things to be able to live and breathe.

You need to create a home that nurtures, inspires and empowers you, a space that is so filled of positivity that it attracts love, abundance and opportunity. When you choose to get rid of your stuff and DE clutter your home you will find that:

1. You open yourself up to more positive energy and therefore feel more inspired, connected and whole.

2. You feel less overwhelmed as you don't have that constant nagging thought "I must fix that" or "why did I let it get like this" every time you try and open your wardrobe door.

3. You can achieve your dreams and goals. Because your home is organised you now have more time to focus on the things that truly matter.

4. By reducing quantity you manifest quality.

5. By having less you appreciate more. You look for the simple luxuries in life.

6. By removing what you no longer need, you make space for what you do want.

7. When you have spare space you create more room for positive energy, which in turn means that abundance will flow your way.

8. When you DE clutter and downsize, your sensitivity to beauty and style increases and you become aware of what surrounds you. Your home begins to inspire you and allows you to see the beauty and miracles of everyday life.

9. An organised home empowers you because it makes you feel in control which then flows over to every other aspect of your life

10. And the best part....it attracts abundance and love into your life. When you downsize you treasure and honour what you own. You develop gratitude for everything and everyone in your life. You feel uplifted and supported by the positive environment that you live in and this then vibrates out into everything you do. Positivity and gratitude attract abundance and opportunity.

So now I hope you are inspired to DE clutter and create the space for your dreams to flow into. Take some deep breaths, muster up some courage and follow my following DE cluttering tips.

How to clear the clutter

  * Start small. The thought of DE cluttering your entire home probably brings with it overwhelming feelings, so instead of focusing on the finished project focus on working on just one drawer/cupboard or room at any one time. Start with the area that annoys you the most. After you have DE cluttered it, move on to the next area or room until you have completely de cluttered your home. If you do a little here and a little there it won't seem so overwhelming.

  * Start the clearing by grabbing some big garbage bags and empty boxes and spend an afternoon purging your stuff. Decide whether to throw it or donate it. The rule for donating is to make sure that it is in good condition, washed and neatly folded. When you prepare to give, give with love and make the box of donations a nice gift for someone in need to receive.

  * Now is the time to be ruthless and honest. Start going through your stuff and ask yourself a few questions. "Why am I holding on to this?" "Why am I hesitant to let it go?" "How does this item serve me or not serve me?" "How can this item benefit somebody else better?"

  * Your stuff does not define you who you are. It's your character, experiences and values that define you. Release all attachment to your stuff and get back to the heart of what truly matters.

  * What do you do with your stuff? Give your stuff to charity or friends because why hoard things for a rainy day when someone else can be making use of them today. Everything is energy and therefore interconnected. If your stuff is in good order give it to someone who needs it more than you do. I personally do not sell my stuff but give it away because I believe that when you give, you are doing your small bit in the world to make a difference. If you find that something is hard to let go of, think about how it could drastically change somebody else's life. For example that designer suit that you have never worn could be donated to a women's shelter. More than likely there will be a woman staying at the shelter in need of a second chance. She will wear that suit you donated to an interview and score a job that will become her second chance. Ideally it won't be the suit that secures her the job, but the confidence she displays when wearing her much needed suit.

  * Employ the sacred ten per cent rule. When DE cluttering your kitchen drawers, shoebox, underwear drawer and cosmetic bag only keep the things you truly love. Don't overfill the drawers, cupboards or shelves. Be disciplined and keep at least ten per cent empty space for attracting abundance, opportunities and newness into your life.

  * Take the time to detach. Chances are that when you start on your DE cluttering mission, you will come across items that you cannot get rid of, usually for one or two reasons. Either you feel that it is too expensive to get rid of or you have an emotional attachment to it. Deep inside you know that you don't need it, but somehow you cannot loosen your grip. What you need to do is find a dedicated clearing space and put these objects in there. Be ruthless and put anything that screams or whispers "get rid of" in your clearing space. Remember that you can always put it back in your home at a later time. It doesn't mean that it is gone forever. Once you have put all your things in the clearing space let them sit there for at least one week, and what you will find is that your attachment to the item will lessen and it will not seem so needed. After at least one week revisit your clearing space and see if you can now let go of any of the stuff in it.

  * Create a clearing space. A clearing space is an area in your home that you can allow to get messy and chaotic for a short while. It could be a closet, spare bedroom or basement. The purpose of the clearing space is to help you detach from your possessions, by separating you from them first and getting rid of them later.

  * Energise and cleanse your home. After you have DE cluttered your stuff, go through and clean your home with natural products. I personally love using eucalyptus oil for its sharp freshness or lavender oil for its soothing effect. When your home is DE cluttered and clean, you naturally feel inspired, creative and have a renewed love of life.

Now that you have done the hard yards of clearing out your clutter, you now have to stop your clutter from magically reappearing. To ensure that no more stuff overloads that beautifully created space, I suggest that you keep your clutter in check by:

  * Every week throw out at least five items. They don't have to be huge items. The items can be as simple as the shopping receipts in your wallet, the empty shampoo bottle, an old bill, the shopping catalogue etc.

  * Every time you buy a new item, make sure you get rid of something in its place. For example when you buy those beautiful new heels get rid of those old ballet flats that you never wear, and are taking up precious clearing space.

  * Remember that if you haven't worn something for a year then get rid of it. Storing unused items holds onto old energy and does not give room for the new to live and breathe.

DE cluttering is healing and therapeutic. By DE cluttering your home you are getting rid of overwhelming and negative thoughts as well as just stuff. This then allows room for new positive thoughts. When you remove out-dated and unnecessary stuff, whether it is in your living space or in your mind, you are creating space for abundance and creativity to flow. DE cluttering your home will nurture your mind, body and soul.

Chapter Six

...Exhale...

Health and Wellness

Be Still

It is only when we silent the blaring sounds of our daily existence that we can finally hear the whispers of truth that life reveals to us, as it stands knocking on the doorsteps of our hearts." - K.T. Jong

Spending time alone in stillness will bring tranquillity to your soul; it is a non-negotiable if you want to maintain your health and wellness. So with that in mind, make a date with yourself and get to know yourself better, spend some alone time in complete stillness, you will be amazed at what you discover. Pack a picnic lunch and escape to the beach, lie on the grass in a beautiful park or spend some mindful time in your sacred space. You will quickly discover that stillness will:

_"_ _I restore myself when I'm alone." – Marilyn Monroe_

Rejuvenate your spirit. Sitting in stillness allows you to connect with your inner guidance and not be distracted from the noise and chatter of the outside world. The stillness draws in new, fresh and positive energy, recharging you and leaving you with a glow of radiance and peace from the inside out.

Excavate your authentic self. Quality time alone is the foundation for building a healthy relationship with yourself. It feeds your soul and nourishes self-love. It is a chance for you to have a conversation with yourself and truly get to know the authentic you. This is the time to ask questions, reflect and embrace all that you are.

Build strength and independence. The more time you spend with yourself, the less you rely on other people to meet your needs. By spending time alone you build a strong relationship with yourself and learn how to provide for yourself. You no longer need people to love you, accept you, affirm you or make you happy.

Help you co-create with the universe. Alone time provides a clear canvas for dreaming big. Communicate with the universe by taking the time to daydream and visualise about your dreams. Start co-creating with the universe by getting clear about what you want, feel what it is like to have it, know that it will be yours and claim it.

Tap into your inner wisdom. All the answers you seek already reside within you; you just need to learn how to hear your inner voice. Sitting in stillness paves the path to intuition and perception, the more you make the time to ask the questions and then listen, the easier it will be to hear the chants of you inner wisdom. Yes it is great to hear other peoples advice as it opens up your perspective, however the answers that truly serve you are living within you. Sit with a pen and paper, ask the questions in meditation and then write down what comes to mind.

"Spend a few moments in stillness, let the flower bloom within your own heart, and find your passion, your destiny, your purpose, your truth and your answers. Connect with your inner guidance, as everything you seek lives within you as you." – Claire.

The Benefits of Sleep

"Sleep is the golden chain that ties health and our bodies together." - Thomas Dekker

Sleep is not a luxury it is a necessity to keep your body healthy, your energy bouncing and your beauty glowing. How many hours of sleep do you get at night? I hope your answer is between 7-8 hours per night.

Unfortunately many people underestimate the importance of sleep. If you are that person, drop that thought now and schedule in more sleep time. Sleep should be a non-negotiable commitment in your holistic wellness plan if you want to be healthy, have energy, keep a stable weight, emit a radiant health glow and keep a motivated and positive mind frame.

If you are still not convinced then let me take you through the benefits of a good night's sleep.

Sleep repairs your body. While you sleep your body produces extra protein molecules which help build and repair your cells. After a good night's sleep your cells are restored and strengthened, giving them the ability to fight disease, infection and damage.

Sleep controls your weight. Have you ever craved sweet treats or fast foods when you have been sleep deprived? Yes? That is because your hormones are sending crazy and mixed up messages to your body. Sleep helps regulate your hormones which control your appetite and metabolism. The more sleep you get the more efficient your metabolism will be and you will be less likely to snack on junk food.

Sleep will make you happy. Because you have woken up feeling rested, you will be more inspired to make the most out of your day. Because of your restful good mood you will find it easier to savour the moment and enjoy life. Being full of energy helps you keep a positive mind frame, you have the energy to choose positive words and stay focused on what words and thoughts you are using throughout your day. Lack of sleep will make you feel flat, uninspired, irritable and moody. Studies have proven that long-term sleep deprivation can lead to depression or anxiety.

Sleep reduces stress. A good night's sleep will reduce your stress hormones (cortisol) and lower your blood pressure. As you sleep you breathe calmly and slowly, promoting wellbeing and relaxation. High blood pressure or high levels of cortisol can lead to serious health concerns such as heart disease and cancer.

Sleep will bring out your beauty. Just like Sleeping Beauty, after a restful eight hours of sleep you will wake up with a more radiating glow. Sleep will bring out your inner and outer beauty. Overnight your puffy eyes and dark circles will reduce. Your skin will glow, your eyes will illuminate with life and you will vibrate at a higher frequency. This is all due to the simple fact that your cells have had an undisrupted eight hours to repair your cells, rebalance your hormones and recharge your energy. Between the hours of 11pm and 4am your body is doing the most repairing.

Get in the habit of preparing yourself for bedtime by following a nurturing sleep time ritual. This will help you unwind from the day, giving you a more peaceful night's sleep. Creating a bedtime ritual can be made up of hot baths, relaxing teas, meditations, yoga, reading, writing, essential oils and anything else that you may find relaxing. The key to a good night's sleep is to stop all work an hour before bed and choose to do something that relaxes you.

Create a sleep ritual for a tranquil night's sleep

"It seemed to be a necessary ritual that he should prepare himself for sleep by meditating under the solemnity of the night sky... a mysterious transaction between the infinity of the soul and the infinity of the universe." Victor Hugo.

Create a conversation between your soul and the universe by creating a sacred sleep ritual. This could include meditation, deep breathing, using essential oils or reading. The essence of a healing sleep ritual is to find something that makes you feel relaxed, then repeat it each night to help you release the stress and worries from the day.

If you struggle to get to bed at a decent hour, try these tips for a more tranquil night's sleep:

Create a sleep sanctuary. Design your bedroom to be peaceful, clean, and clutter free. Have an oil burner, journal and good book on your bedside table. Make sure you get plenty of fresh air in your bedroom and set the mood by ensuring your room is dark. Create a soothing space by blocking outside noise, light and temperature extremes (an ideal temperature is 18 degrees).

Make a beautiful bed. You spend a third of your life in bed, so why not give it a little more focus and turn it into a welcoming sanctum, a place of peace, tranquillity and sweet dreams. A beautifully made bed will make you smile at the end of a day – it will soon become your own personal luxury, a safe haven that you look forward to every day. To start with make sure you have clean, crisp sheets. For a little added indulgence try adding lavender oil to your washing machine. Choose sheets and duvet covers that you find beautiful to look at. To make a beautiful and beckoning bed try using 2 Euro pillows, 2-4 standard pillows, 2 accent pillows, a soft duvet, a beautiful soft blanket, and sheets in your favourite colour.

Light your oil burner an hour before bed. The aroma of essential oils promote wellness and serenity, they are one of nature's best healers. Get in the habit of diffusing your air with some healing aromas. Some sleep inducing oils include lavender, rose, sweet orange, sandalwood or you may want to purchase a tranquillity blend.

Pamper yourself with a sacred beauty ritual. Relax and detox by soaking in a warm bath infused with lavender oil and Epsom salts. After your bath lather your body in a natural oil to hydrate and nourish your skin while you sleep. Some of my favourite oils are coconut, sweet almond, jojoba and rosehip.

Mindfully sip on a sleep inducing drink. Brew a small pot of herbal tea such as Chamomile, Passionflower, Lavender, Lemon Balm or Ginseng. Make yourself a chai tea with warm almond milk and a sprinkle of cinnamon on top. One of my favourite unwind drinks is to blend up coconut water, coconut milk, cacao with a dash of honey to sweeten – this raw coconut cacao bliss smoothie can be drunk cold or hot.

Listen to some relaxation music. Put on some music that you find relaxing, it can be rainforest sounds, ocean sounds, Celtic sounds, classical music or anything else that you find relaxing. Lay, breath and let the sounds soothe your soul.

Meditation practice. Practice mindful breathing and meditation before bed. Lie in your bed and breathe in through your nose, imagining the fresh oxygen flooding your body and nourishing your cells. Then take a big exhale out through your mouth and imagine all the toxins of the day leaving your body. Some common toxins include unhealthy foods, smoke, cigarettes, alcohol, negative thoughts, negative people, pollution and past regrets. Fill your body with positive and healing energy. Do this for about 5-10 minutes.

Keep a Journal. Writing is therapeutic and nourishes you soul. Buy a beautifully bound blank notebook and let the words pour from your heart to the pages of the paper. It doesn't have to be a diary of what happened in your day, it can be a list of things you are grateful for, some inspiring quotes, new ideas you have, a list of things you want to or just your thoughts about the day, a person or you. If you are having trouble sleeping because your thoughts are racing at a million miles an hour, take a moment to write it all done. Writing is a great way to block the outside noise and connect with your inner guidance – the answers you seek may just be written out in your notebook.

Avoid. Don't consume any alcohol, coffee or sugar before bed – these will usually wake you up at about 2am in the morning and keep you awake. Make sure you eat dinner at least 2 hours before bed as your digestion slows down at night and any foods that need to be digested will give you discomfort and disrupt your sleep.

Don't exercise too close to bedtime. Exercise releases a hormone called cortisol which keeps you awake. Make sure you have at least a three hour gap from the time you exercise to lights out.

"Through sleep we become silent and through silence we become wiser"

Some heart thoughts on sleep...I love

  * Crawling into a beautiful bed after a long and exhausting day.

  * Feeling the sensual pleasure of bare skin when you can slip on your summer pyjamas for the first time since winter.

  * Feeling cosy and relaxed wrapped in your clean bathrobe after an invigorating and warm shower.

  * The feeling of freedom and no responsibility when you can stay up late and wake up late on long weekends and holidays

  * Being wrapped up in a warm and soft blanket on a chilly night.

  * Reading something positive and inspirational before you go to bed and as soon as you awake in the morning. These inspiring thoughts will support your throughout your day.

  * Lighting a scented candle next to your bed and spending an hour unwinding with a good book.

  * Waking in the middle of the night to the sound of rain outside and feeling warm and cosy in your bed, knowing that you still have at least four hours before you have to get up.

  * Returning to the exact same warm spot in your bed after you get up to get a glass of water in the middle of the night.

  * A hot shower or warm bath after a long day and then climbing into a bed made with fresh clean sheets.

  * Being so tired that you fall asleep as soon as you lay down.

  * The moment you get into bed on a Friday night and realise with joy that you don't have to set the alarm because the next morning is the start of the weekend.

  * On a warm summer night feeling the cold side of a pillow.

  * Taking a mid-afternoon nap.

  * When you wake up before your alarm goes off and you have enough time to sleep a little longer.

  * On a hot summer night, feeling the early morning breeze on your skin as you sleep.

  * After a good night's sleep waking up full of energy and bounce.

"A well-spent day brings happy sleep." - Leonardo da Vinci

Some heart thoughts on Balance and Wellness

  * Sleep More. You need 7-8 hours of sleep, as this is when your body repairs and renews. If you are not getting enough sleep try going to bed one hour earlier for 21 days and soon it will develop into a healing habit.

  * Rest and Relax. Take a moment in your busy day, even if it is just five minutes to breathe rest and relax. Rest and relaxation is considered to be indulgent, the truth is that your body needs it, rest charges up your batteries and gives you life. Your body works hard for you throughout the day, so make sure you give it a break to replenish.

  * Seek Wellness. To be able to enjoy a happy and purposeful life you need to nurture and nourish your mind, body and soul.

  * Centre your Chi. Chi is the life force energy that circulates within your body. Balance your chi and find your natural calm by taking a deep breath in and then draw your breath down to your belly, visualize calming and centering your chi.

  * Stay in balance. Happiness and wellness is achieved through practicing balance and moderation in your daily life. To obsess over or do things to extreme disrupts the harmonious flow of chi.

  * Create healthy habits. Make sure you have healthy habits 80% of the time. "Habits are what you repeatedly do; excellence then, is not an act but a habit." – Aristotle.

  * Stress less. Stay as calm as a monk and spend less time stressing and more time breathing. Stress wreaks havoc with your health, your hormones, your weight, your relationships, your work and your everyday life.

  * Spend time outdoors. Nature connects you to the treasures of the earth and the seasons of your life.

  * Detox Often. Try fasting one day every week. Give your body a break and allow it to break down all the toxins absorbed throughout the week.

  * Laugh. Laughter therapy is one of the quickest paths to wellness. Revitalize the habit of laughter; it will give you more joy and purpose in your day.

  * Supplements. Due to depleted soils and busy lives it is extremely hard to get all your nutrients. Find out what your low in and use a daily supplement.

  * Natural Skincare. Everything you put on your skin absorbs into your bloodstream, make sure what you use on your skin is pure enough to eat.

  * Body Brush. Every morning before your shower spend five minutes detoxifying through dry body brushing. This will increase your circulation which will remove toxins and fight cellulite.

  * Read Louise Hay. Be motivated and inspired to become the best version of you. Louise will evoke hope and stir your soul as she gently reminds you that it is never too late to change.

  * Eat to Nourish. Think of your kitchen as your ashram, and food as your medicine. Your body is your temple – look after it.

  * Meditate. Drop to your butt and get your Om on. Learn to meditate effectively for 20 minutes every day. Stop your busy monkey mind chatter and find all the answers you seek.

  * Live with a grateful heart. What you focus on you attract, therefore choose to only focus on what is good in your life. Each night write down three things you are grateful for.

  * Drink Water. Water is the elixir of life, its natures secret to wellness, health, energy and beauty. Drink three litres a day to purify, nourish and revitalise your body.

  * Read Dr Wayne Dyer. The words will awaken your inner guidance and the wisdom will be left in scripted on your heart forever.

  * Sunshine. Spend some time outdoors and let the sunshine kiss your skin and your soul, whilst infusing your body with vitamin D.

  * Practice Mindful Breathing. To breathe properly is to live properly. When your breath is calm and strong, so is your mind.

  * Master your thoughts. Only think positive and uplifting thoughts. Where your focus goes your energy flows. The sooner you can master your thoughts, the sooner you can master your life.

  * Read Deepak Chopra. Connect with Deepak Chopra and your mind, body and soul will be taken on a beautiful journey. A journey where you will discover, learn and grow.

  * Herbs. Add a few herbs into your daily diet, for they are nature's natural medicine.

  * The mind-body connection. Think positive and healing thoughts because your energy follows your thoughts. What you create in your mind you also create in your body.

  * Play. Revitalise your spirit, learn to play and live with the heart of a seven year old.

  * Work. No matter what your job title, find meaning and service behind what you do. Make your job a platform for you to serve others.

  * Spirituality. Connect with your spirit and inner guidance, and your life will be filled with purpose and love.

  * Natural Healing Remedies. Get curious and discover new therapies from acupuncture, reiki to Bach flower remedies.

  * Yoga. Yoga is a creative expression of your body and soul, bringing you closer to your own truth.

  * Move Daily. Through movement you not only awaken your muscles but you awaken your soul. Choose an exercise that you enjoy so that you can keep fit, stay motivated and be passionate about life.

  * Master the art of a daily walk. Breathe in the fresh air and the beauty of your surroundings. 30 minutes a day will keep you young in mind, body and heart.

  * Clean living. Make your home, life and body a green oasis. Remove all toxins and replace with 100% natural products – just as nature intended.

  * Aromatherapy. Use essential oils daily to revitalize your body, calm your mind and nourish your spirit.

  * The sacred healing of Ayurveda. Try this sacred healing practice that enhances life and wellbeing, through restoring balance within the body and mind by focusing on the flow of prana (known as vital energy).

Your kitchen is an Ashram and Food is your Healer

You can find an ashram in your own kitchen as you prepare healthy meals to nourish your body.

You can find your own wisdom if you sit long and quiet enough to listen to your own heart.

You can find foods that make your soul sing through healthy recipes that are made with super foods.

You can find love within your own heart, through yoga and meditation.

And most importantly you can find your authentic inner truth through living a holistic life based on Self-love and nurture.

It's time for a little sacred self-healing. Come take your body and soul on a journey, a journey which will leave you feeling invigorated, a journey which will bless you with radiant glowing skin and a journey where you can find your own inner bliss. The journey I am talking about is honouring your body through healthy eating.

A couple of carrot sticks to repair collagen.

A couple of apples to strengthen thy heart.

A beet or two to nourish your blood.

A cup of spinach to get radiant glowing skin.

Imagine how much space you would have in your mind if you stopped obsessing about your body image and food. You would gain more time to focus on other things such as doing things that you love. When it comes to food many of us are caught up in the destructive cycle of deprivation and guilt. What if I were to tell you that there is a way to escape the guilt, silence the cravings and stop the calorie counting?

Eating should be about nourishing your body with wholefoods so that you can live a long, healthy and authentic life. You are what you eat. It's not about whether you eat meat or not, follow a raw diet, a vegan diet or a totally sugar free diet. It is about getting back to nature, and start listening to what your body wants, by feeding it foods that are not full of chemicals.

You just have to read about all the success stories of optimum health, to notice that there is not one common diet, the only thing that they all have in common is that they are jam packed full of fresh foods and have little or no chemicals.

Get intuitive and find out what works best for your body, everybody is built different and requires different diets to fuel their body. Read the latest health craze that you come across with an open mind, and then do your own research and design your own plan – one that you believe in.

When you make decisions that you believe in, you gain self-empowerment, and you will end your torture and guilt with food forever. Your body will shine, you will naturally fall into your ideal weight and you will learn to love and respect your body.

Take the approach that food is your medicine, it has the capacity to heal and repair, or it has the capacity to damage and bruise. Think of the inside of your body and your organs as wheels. Wheels that spin in order for you to function. The spinning wheels repair and renew cells. Visualise the wheels spinning fluently and effortlessly, your body is moving and functioning without a problem.

Ok now turn your thoughts around and visualise the wheels full of sludge, the wheels are now heavy and have trouble spinning. Your body is now getting tired, run down and ill because it's having trouble spinning the wheels. It has no energy to repair or build new cells.

Translation! Healthy body has wheels that spin effortlessly, not being weighed down with sludge. Unhealthy body has wheels full of sludge, making the body work overtime. The sludge in the wheels is the toxins we put in our bodies via junk food.

A body that is full of toxins spends all its energy trying to remove and breakdown the toxins, which leaves it no time to repair cells. When cells don't get repaired then that is when we get sick, tired and our skin, hair, and eyes lose their lustre and become dull. Toxicity in the body can lead to severe illness.

By choosing healthy foods you are allowing your body to heal and repair itself. Your body gets the time and space to flush out all the toxins that have built up over the past weeks, months or years. The more your body is free from toxins, the more the wheels in your body start turning faster which in turn creates the energy to start repairing and healing other areas of your body such as illnesses, hair, skin, nails and everything else that may have been neglected. You will be functioning at optimum health and vitality.

Take a holistic approach and look at food as raw medicine. Turn your kitchen into an ashram, a retreat, and a holistic place of healing. Soon you will only ever want to feed your body with nutrients and goodness, but with every bite you have, you will do it with love and appreciation - knowing that your body is going to radiate from the wholefoods you choose to eat. You will learn to appreciate that your own body is a miracle; and with the right nutrients it can heal itself.

Some heart thoughts on the soul of food

  * Give thanks. Before each meal say a silent pray of gratitude. Food is a necessity that you should never take for granted.

  * Savour. Mindfully eat your food, savouring each bite, taking a moment to taste and smell each spoonful. Let the flavour infuse your soul.

  * Make every meal an occasion. Don't wait for a special occasion to get out the white linen, candles, flowers and silverware. Sit down to a beautifully set table with every meal.

  * Eat to nourish your body. "To eat is a necessity, but to eat intelligently is an art" -La Rochefoucauld.

  * Cook to heal. Cooking is a healing therapy. The taste and nourishment of a well cooked meal feeds the bellies and souls of all who eat it.

  * Embrace cultural infusions. Take an exotic journey to another land by trying new foods that are influenced from other cultures. The authentic experience will heighten your tastebuds.

  * Which way is right. We are overwhelmed with new diets every day. We are all built different, so there is no right or wrong. Learn to listen to your body and eat what makes you feel good.

  * Stop the calorie count. Eat a diet rich in wholefoods, only focus on what nutrients you are feeding your body and your body will find its natural rhythm and ideal weight.

  * Garden tea parties. Tea is an ancient healing tonic and nature inspires the soul. Why not bring them together by drinking tea outside.

  * Eat the French way. Drop your fear of food and choose quality over quantity, emphasizing on freshness, variety, balance, and, above all, pleasure.

  * Super foods. Not all foods are created equal, try and opt for as many super foods as you can throughout the day to give you more goodness for your bite.

  * Whole foods. Fresh is Best. "You don't have to cook fancy or complicated masterpieces – just good food from fresh ingredients." – Julia Child.

  * Bake your mum's recipe every now and then. Mothers cook meals with intent, to feed their children with nourishment and love. Warm your heart, comfort your soul and cook one of your childhood meals.

  * Choose ethical foods. Morally we all have an obligation to look after this planet and treat everything with respect. Learn where your food comes from and choose wisely.

  * Dine out every now and then. Try new restaurants and cafes, make it a spiritual experience, embrace the cuisine, the fine wine, the service, the people and the overall ambience.

  * Eat balanced. You know the rule eat everything in balance and moderation. Think the 80/20 rule. 80 % healthy and the other 20% is you indulgences.

  * Drink Water. Water is the elixir of life, it has the power to heal and repair. Hydrate your body with three litres of water daily.

  * Eat food that is made for kids. Rediscover the spirit of your inner child by eating something that only kids would eat. It will leave you smiling all day long.

  * Eat Breakfast. Breakfast is the most important meal of the day. Start your day off with a nutrient dense breakfast so that you have the energy to have your best day yet.

  * Dinner time rhapsody. Sit down at the table and feel the magic of a family meal. The evening meal is a beautiful moment to catch up with your loved ones and connect over the day.

  * Shop at the Farmer Markets. Get some fresh air and support your local community by purchasing locally grown produce.

  * Eat breakfast food for dinner. Random? Yes! The simple act of breaking your regular routine and choosing to eat cereal for dinner will add a little spontanetity and spark to your day. Try it, its fun.

  * Eat something you loved as a child. Cook up your mums pasta bake or buy those cookies you loved as a child. Each bite will unveil a sweet memory of your childhood.

  * Italian food and classical music. Create a mindful kitchen and prepare food with love and passion. Cook up a big pot of pasta whilst listening to some classical music. The food will be infused with soul.

  * Savour fine wine. Things get better with age, and wine is no exception. Mindfully sip on a glass of wine, let its energy flow through you as you taste its life, history, smoothness and subtle textures.

  * Get your daily dose of green power. Eat broccoli and brussel sprouts, drink green smoothies and eat seaweed from the oceans garden.

  * Sunday brunches. These mid-morning moments are a necessity and not an indulgence. It's the perfect way to slow down, stop the watch and enjoy the moment.

Savour your food with Mindful Eating

Eating should be a mindful practice, one where you unite your body and mind in the present moment.

Take a moment, spray your favourite perfume, put on your favourite heels and line your lips with an exotic red lipstick. Today is a special occasion; today you are going to dine with style and grace. Just like French women you are going to take some pleasure in the dining experience.

Today you are going to eat with all of your senses and be more mindful of every bite so that you can taste and savour your food. You are going to sit down, slow down, chew thoroughly, and eat without distractions. You are going to turn off the television, put down the book, and just purely focus on the dining experience.

In today's modern world, mindless eating and mindless living are all too common. We mindlessly race through our day, trying to fit in as much as we possibly can. The pace of our lives is hectic and spinning out of control, we are always looking for ways to do things faster. We eat while we check emails, talk on the phone, drive to work, shop and watch television. It's become the norm to mindlessly do two, three or ten things at once.

Some of us find that it is too inconvenient and difficult to spend time on a wholesome home cooked meal. Therefore major food outlets have cashed in on selling "convenience food" marketing it as quick and easy, giving you more time in your day.

These foods are pre-packaged and filled with the man-made version of natural flavour. These foods epitomize the new food-marketing concept of "convenience" There are no crumbs and no fuss, no mess to clean up and nothing to interrupt. It's just a quick zap in the microwave, five minutes to mindlessly wolf it down and then back to the mindless chores of the day.

Why eat with Mindfulness?

  * When you eat mindfully you show gratitude for your food. You choose to appreciate and live in the moment. You become fully engaged in the here and now. By living in the moment, you appreciate what the food offers you, and you become more present.

  * Mindful eating helps you to lose weight and become healthy; it inspires you to choose healthy foods and to stop when you are full. Mindful eating is about respecting your body, your food and your world.

  * Mindful eating makes your food taste so much better, it becomes a sacred ritual, one that is full of pleasure.

  * Practicing mindfulness will help you reconnect with yourself and become healthier in mind, body, and spirit .

How do you eat with mindfulness?

Choose your food mindfully by thinking to yourself, "Will this nourish me? Will it repair and rebuild my cells? Will it make me feel good?" If the answer is yes, then please proceed.

Be still while eating and make it a luxurious ritual. Don't eat while driving. Don't eat while you are walking. Don't eat while you are reading. Just be still and be in the moment.

Create a beautiful ambience and truly celebrate the gift of this meal, .Set the table prettily by bringing out your crisp linen napkins, vintage silverware and finest china. Light some candles, put a vase of flowers on the table, put on some soothing music and pour yourself a drink.

Now before you take your first bite, PAUSE FOR A MOMENT. Ask yourself if you are preoccupied with other thoughts, such as thinking about 'why he didn't call you', 'what bills you have to pay', 'why did my boss say that'. Bring your awareness back to what you are going to eat, so that you can savour the delights that this meal offers you.

Bring your awareness to how this meal represents the wonderful presence of life. Unite with the universe and see the miracle in your meal. Visualise the seed that became the plant, the blossom that became the fruit; the fertile earth, the sun, the clouds, and the rain, the farmer who loved and tended to the crop and the shed worker who packed the food in the crate. Without the combination of any of these, your meal would simply not exist.

Before you take your first bite appreciate the beauty on your plate, what are the colours? Smile as you take a bite, chew with awareness, concentrate solely on eating, make sure nothing else is filling your busy monkey mind. No projects, no deadlines, no worries, no "to do" lists, no past or future tripping. Chew slowly and truly savour and enjoy what the food offers you - the sweetness, the flavour, the aroma, the freshness, the nutrition and the texture.

Some heart thoughts to remember before each meal

  * Give thanks for your meal, know how lucky you are to be blessed with such abundance and nourishment.

  * Practice intuitive eating and stop once you are full.

  * Eat with compassion through educating yourself where your food comes from, and then choosing foods that are ethical – causing no suffering to living beings or the planet.

  * Eat to nourish your body so that you have the strength and vitality to look after yourself, your family, your friends, your community and all living beings.

"Better to eat a dry crust of bread with peace of mind than have a banquet in a house full of trouble" - Proverbs

Make Peace with your Food Cravings

Just listen to your body, eat in silence and see what feels good and you will spontaneously choose the foods that are beneficial to you. ~Deepak Chopra

Cravings are your body's way of talking to you. Cravings can be your friend, because they are your body's way of telling you what you need and therefore are very valuable. You need to re-frame cravings as guideposts, and spend some time with yourself in the moment of a craving to discover what it is that your body needs. Your body is smart, it knows what it needs, and it is up to you to discover a more healthy way to meet your body's needs.

You have to do the work to break the habit of emotional eating and this takes time and re-programming. Here are some tips to help you control your cravings and make peace with your food.

  1. Educate yourself about the nutritional benefits of food. Once you adopt the philosophy that "food is your medicine," you will become very aware of what you eat. As a result of this philosophy you will consciously choose healthy options when your food cravings kick in.

  2. Focus on the do's rather than the don'ts. Remind yourself that your body needs daily five servings of vegetables and fruits, 3 litres of water, protein etc. This will motivate you to make choices towards these options as opposed to the unhealthy alternative.

  3. Never skip breakfast as it is the most important meal of the day; your metabolic rate will slow down without it. Make sure you get a serve of protein first up in the day to give you the power and strength to move through your day.

  4. Get plenty of sleep because when you're tired, you're more likely to crave things.

  5. Everything in moderation. Don't be too obsessed over the foods you eat - take it slow. Restricting foods from your diet will often cause bingeing.

  6. Eat five meals throughout the day. Regular eating throughout the day is the best way not to overeat in the afternoon or at night. Carry healthy, portable foods with you such as baby carrots, protein balls, fruit, yoghurt, or hard-boiled eggs to prevent that vending-machine dependency when the 3pm craving hits.

  7. Eat intuitively by practicing some mindfulness. Make eating a ritual. Truly savour your food. Next time you eat, just eat. Turn off the television or computer. Really taste your food. What does it taste like? Eat with curiosity: what is the texture like? Does the first bite taste like the second? Do I really like this? What is this doing to my body? Is this what I really want to eat right now? (Sometimes, you might decide to stop!) Exploring food will help you eat more slowly, and have more fun. And when you do eat more slowly, you are more likely to notice when you are feeling full.

  8. Get curious about your craving. Spend some time with it and try and work out what triggers it. Recognize the feelings and emotions that lead-up to a food craving. Do you have food cravings when you're bored, lonely, upset or stressed? If you can identify a trigger, you can deal with the emotion that's making you desire a certain food.

  9. Drink 2-3 litres of water a day; this will leave you feeling refreshed and full throughout the day.

  10. Be gentle with yourself. If emotional pain is calling you to eat, offer yourself compassion and kindness. Read an inspiring book or quote or drop and meditate. Practice some self-love.

  11. If you find that food or your body image is ruling your life and affecting your self-esteem then seek the help from a professional. Both therapy and medication can help bring back a healthy perception

  12. Educate yourself about foods. When you know what certain foods do to your body you will be more tempted to eat it or avoid it.

  13. Remove all temptation. If the food isn't available, you can't eat it! Don't keep cookies in your cupboard! Keep healthy food choices on-hand.

  14. Next time you get a craving, remind yourself that you want to be a temple of optimum health. You need to respect and love your body for it is the temple to your soul. Sometimes this is enough to stop a craving in its tracks.

  15. Exercise for 30 minutes every day. It increases feel-good endorphins that cut down on your cravings.

  16. Take supplements. Being deficient in vitamins and minerals will cause you to crave certain foods. Take a multi vitamin and a 1000mg of vitamin C daily. Consider getting a blood test to get an accurate reading of your deficiencies.

  17. Eat a diet rich in wholefoods consisting of 70-100% natural, unprocessed, preferably organic foods, such as fresh fruits & vegetables; whole grains (i.e. brown rice, oats, millet, quinoa, etc.); legumes (i.e. lentils, kidney beans, aduki beans); and fresh meats, fish or poultry. The more wholefoods that you eat, the less you will crave processed, refined and sugary junk.

  18. Get your green power. Take a "green food" supplement (spiralina, wheatgrass, green smoothie) as it helps to stabilize your blood sugar levels, which will help curb the cravings.

  19. Make sure you're getting enough of the "good fats" Consume 1-3 Tbsp. extra virgin olive oil, flaxseed oil, or virgin coconut oil. Load up on avocados or raw, unsalted nuts and seeds daily. Alternatively take an essential fatty acid supplement daily (i.e. Evening Primrose oil, flax oil, fish oils, etc.)

  20. Keep busy and distract yourself. Boredom often leads to eating. If you do get a craving get busy and stay busy until the cravings subside.

  21. Find healthy alternatives to your unhealthy cravings. Use stevia or maple syrup instead of honey for example. There are healthy alternatives for pretty much everything these days.

  22. If you want something so bad and you deny yourself the pleasure, then you will feel like it's forbidden, and you'll crave it even more. Give yourself permission to have it, savour it and just make sure you don't have it again tomorrow.

Something I know for sure is that if you eat healthy foods, have sufficient vitamins and minerals, exercise daily, have enough sleep, drink plenty of water and take care of your wellbeing, your cravings for junk food will go away naturally.

Detox Diaries

The journey of detoxing is a sacred act of healing. When you hear the word detox, I am sure you immediately think cutting out certain foods. Yes while eating healthy foods is a big part of the journey, there is more to detoxing than just cutting out certain foods. Cleansing your body is an act of self-love, a spiritual experience. It is a time where you connect with your inner sanctum and nourish your body with the right foods, self-love, affirmations, exercise and everything else holistic.

How often should you do a detox? There are no hard and fast rules, however it is best to do a detox regularly. You can choose to detox for one day every week, three days a month or maybe a week every six months. It really is a personal preference.

What detox should I do? Once again this is a personal preference. Find one that you know you will enjoy and be able to stick with. The goal of a detox is to remove toxins from your body so make sure that the detox you do choose to go on is full of wholefoods and nutrients.

The detox that I personally love to do is a combination of juices, soups, and smoothies made from a combination of vegetables, grains, legumes, fruits, nuts and seeds.

Most detoxes you will come across recommend several glasses of fresh juices or smoothies daily. Lots of people wonder what the difference is between juicing verses blending. To be honest they both have very high nutritional benefits, so neither one is better than the other. In a short, juicing delivers a concentrated hit of nutrients to your body instantly whereas blending still has a lot of fibre and allows the nutrients to be absorbed more slowly. No matter which one you drink, your body is being flooded with nourishment and goodness.

TIP: Soups are also a wonderful addition as they are comforting and jam packed full of goodness too.

Detoxing is not just about the foods you eat, it is also about your daily rituals. You can nourish your body further through loving yourself and your body more. When you live to nourish your body, you come fully alive. You vibrate. You radiate. You inspire. You connect with your inner guidance more easily. Your vitality increases and you have energy to spare. Your compassion increases as you learn to accept yourself and others more easily. You become radiant.

Rituals that you should consider on your next detox are:

  * Drink at least 2-3 litres of water a day because water flushes out the toxins quickly and is a natural beautifier.

  * Have a green smoothie for breakfast and anytime that you get hungry throughout the day.

  * Practice mindful breathing for relaxation, healing, rejuvenation and radiance.

  * Dry Body Brush for five minutes every morning before jumping in the shower. Start from your feet and work your way up to your heart.

  * Take an enchanted bath at least twice a week to unleash your inner goddess – this is a bath full of oils, flowers and herbs.

  * Meditation is a daily must, even if it is only five minutes a day.

  * Give yourself a Holistic DIY Facial. Use fresh vegetables and fruits.

  * Practice Yoga daily for inner bliss, greet the morning with some simple Sun Salutation Poses.

  * Start your day off with your own personal mantra or affirmation.

  * Practice gratitude daily, get a gratitude journal.

A DIARY OF MY SUPER DETOX PLAN

You can have as much as you like of: Vegetables, fruits, raw nuts, legumes, fresh herbs, coconut oil, olive oil, almond milk/oat milk/rice milk, herbal teas and if you get hungry you can have quinoa, rye, oats, brown rice or millet.

You must avoid: Tea, coffee, dairy products, all meats, breads, gluten, pasta, white grains, tinned foods, salt, and anything that is refined or processed.

So this may leave you wondering what you can do with all of this! Well you can make salads, vegetable stir-fries, soups, juices and smoothies.

Here is a my day on a detox:

1. Start the day with a refreshing green smoothie of parsley, spinach, kiwi, banana and cucumber.

2. Nourish my body mid-morning with a combination of beetroot, spinach, lemon, celery and ginger juice.

3. Feed my soul on a spicy lentil and tomato based soup and if I am still hungry have a baby spinach, tomato and avocado salad drizzled with olive oil and pepper.

4. Sip on my afternoon delight which is a combination of beetroot, carrot, apple, celery and ginger juice.

5. Unwind my body in the evening with a creamy soup of potato and asparagus

6. Rest my soul before bed with a nut smoothie of almonds, Brazil nuts, cinnamon and almond milk

Now these are just some ideas to help you get started. You must just stick to natural foods, but as you can see from my planner it certainly doesn't have to be boring.

During this detox there is no quantity control. Eat when you're hungry and if you start to crave for fuller foods throughout the detox have a handful of activated nuts, a green smoothie or make yourself a bowl of hot oats with rice milk/almond milk.

It only takes a few days of detoxing and your skin will begin to glow due to the nourishment of the extra vitamins and the reduction of toxins. Your spirit will shine as you feel full of hope and positivity and your body will be vibrant due to all the energy you now have.

Clean food recipes that are fit for a Goddess

"Tap into your divine female essence, by nourishing and nurturing your body and soul. This will empower your self-esteem and spirituality and bring out the goddess in you"

Start your morning by gently detoxing, neutralising and alkalising your body by sipping on rooibos tea with lemon, a dash of apple cider vinegar and honey. This humble healing elixir will help fight disease, infection, fat, anti-aging, stress as well as repair your body in more ways than you could imagine.

Breakfast

  * Warm oats with almond milk, cinnamon, and coconut sugar topped with activated nuts and blueberries.

  * Cleansing breakfast of sprouted bread topped with tahini, sautéed spinach, poached egg and avocado, drizzled with fresh lemon and Celtic salt. Rich in protein, antioxidant, iron, fibre and omega fats.

  * Or feed your skin with my Banana Protein Rush Smoothie. 1 banana, 1 scoop hemp protein, 1 tbsp. Greek natural yoghurt, 1 cup almond milk, 1 tbsp. Linseeds or flaxseed oil, 1 tbsp. organic honey. Blend with love and top with cinnamon.

Lunch

  * Avocado Sauté Delight

Try my strange but delicious combination of sautéed avocado, asparagus, onion, Celtic salt and pepper. As the recipe implies, simply sauté all the ingredients in a non-stick pan using a little coconut oil for added flavour.

  * Quinoa Sushi

Ingredients: 1 1/2 cups of cooked quinoa, 1 avocado, 1 cucumber sliced thinly, 1 cup of English spinach, 1 grated carrot, toasted sesame seeds, hummus, nori sheets and protein of choice (tempeh, egg, or tuna).

Dressing for Quinoa: 1 tbsp. tahini, 1 tbsp. apple cider vinegar, 1 tsp. maple syrup, 1/2 squeezed lemon (whisk together)

Directions: Mix quinoa dressing into cooked quinoa. Place sheet of nori seaweed on counter, spoon on quinoa and then neatly arrange the fresh ingredients, then roll all the ingredients into a sushi roll.

Serve and dip in Tamari, pickled ginger and wasabi.

  * Carrot, Cumin and Ginger Detox Soup

Ingredients: 1 medium onion sliced, 2.5cms of fresh ginger peeled and chopped, 1 tablespoon coconut oil, 1 kg bag carrots unpeeled and cut into rough chunks, 1 teaspoon cumin powder, 1 litre vegetable stock, 1 tablespoon cumin seeds to sprinkle. Directions: Sautee onion and ginger in oil until translucent and then add carrots and cook for about 5 minutes. Add stock, cumin powder and simmer for about 45 minutes to an hour until carrot is tender. Then blend all ingredients.

  * The Green Goddess Detox Soup

Ingredients: 1 tablespoon coconut oil, 2 cloves of chopped garlic, 2 tablespoons diced onion, 1 cube fresh ginger peeled and chopped, 4 cups fresh broccoli, 2 cups of fresh spinach leaves, 2 sticks of celery, 3 parsnips, peeled, cored, chopped, 8 cups veggie stock, a handful of fresh parsley, roughly chopped, Celtic salt and ground pepper to taste, lemon or lime juice. Directions: Using a large soup pot, heat the coconut oil over medium heat and stir in the garlic, onion, and ginger to season the oil. Add the broccoli, spinach, parsnips, celery and parsley, and stir until the spinach wilts and collapses. Add the veggie stock. Bring to a high simmer, cover the pot, and reduce the heat to a medium simmer. Cook for fifteen minutes or so until the veggies are softened. Use a blender to puree the soup.

Dinner

  * Buddha's Millet Bowl

Ingredients: 1/4 cup millet or you can use quinoa, 2 cups of cooked black beans, 2 tbsp. minced fresh ginger, Celtic salt and ground pepper, 1 cup water, 4 shiitake mushrooms sliced, 1 medium carrot, finely chopped, 2 baby Bok Choys, halved, 1/2 cup shredded red cabbage, 1 onion, thinly sliced, 2 tbsp. toasted sunflower seeds. Dressing: 3 tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil and 1 tbsp. Apple-cider vinegar. Directions: Place millet/quinoa, black beans, and ginger in a small saucepan. Add 1/2 teaspoon salt and water. Bring to a boil, stir once, and then reduce heat and simmer, covered, for 25 minutes. Allow to rest for 10 minutes, then fluff with a fork. Steam shiitakes in a steamer over boiling water, covered, for 3 minutes. Add carrots and Bok Choy and steam 4 to 6 minutes more. Remove steamer from heat. In a small bowl, whisk together oil and vinegar to make dressing. Season with a dash of salt. Transfer millet/quinoa to bowls and garnish with steamed and remaining raw vegetables. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Pour dressing over top and sprinkle with sunflower seeds.

  * The Divine Soup

Ingredients: 1 cup quinoa, 2 tbsp. coconut oil, 1 medium onion, chopped, 1 carrot roughly chopped, 1 celery stalk, diced, 4 garlic cloves, chopped, Celtic salt and ground pepper, 2 bay leaves, 2 tsp. sweet paprika, 1 tsp, ground cumin, 4 cups vegetable stock, 2 cups of chopped tomatoes, 2 cups of cooked chickpeas, 1/4 cup chopped flat leaf parsley, for garnish. Directions: Place quinoa in a medium bowl and cover with cold water. Let soak for 1 hour; drain. In a large soup pot, heat oil over medium. Add onion, carrot, celery, and garlic. Season with salt and pepper and cook for 5 minutes. Add bay leaves, cumin, saffron, quinoa, vegetable stock, and 1 cup water. Bring to a boil, reduce to a simmer, and cook for 30 minutes or until quinoa is tender. Add tomatoes and chickpeas and cook for 20 minutes or until flavours have blended. Discard bay leaves. Sprinkle with chopped parsley before serving.

  * Green Goddess Detox Salad

Nourish your body & soul with this salad... It's quick and easy and is rich in antioxidants and omega fats ! Directions: Sauté red onion, fresh garlic, organic tempeh, spinach, Celtic salt, ground pepper and tamari for about 3 minutes. Add sliced avocado and sauté for another minute or so. Serve sautéed mixture on top of fresh rocket and top with chia seeds, sunflower seeds, flaxseed oil and olive oil... Yummy and ever so delicious... Bon appetite...

Snacks

  * Buddha's Hummus

Ingredients: 2 sweet potatoes, peeled and chopped, 2 cups of cooked chickpeas, 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice (from 1 lemon), 1/4 cup tahini, 2 tbsp. olive oil, 2 tsp. ground cumin, 1 garlic clove, chopped. Celtic salt and ground pepper. Directions: Steam sweet potatoes until soft. Combine all the ingredients into a blender or food processor. Puree for about one minute; thin with water if necessary. Season with salt and pepper and let cool; refrigerate in an airtight container, up to 1 week. Serve with vegetable crudités such as red pepper, carrot and broccoli.

  * Protein Bliss Balls

Ingredients: 1 tbsp. natural hemp protein, 1-cup fresh pitted dates, 2 tbsp. cacao powder, 1 tsp. natural vanilla extract, ½ tsp. ground cinnamon, 1 tbsp. maple syrup, 1 tbsp. chia seeds, 1 tbsp. unhulled tahini, 1 tbsp. LSA (Linseed, Sunflower and Almond meal blend) 2 tbsp. activate almonds (soaked in water 12 hours), coconut flakes for rolling. Directions: Soak the dates in bowl with 2 tbsp. of warm water for 5 minutes so they soften. In a bowl add the cacao, chia seeds, almonds, cinnamon, protein powder, LSA and maple syrup. In a food processor add the soften dates, tahini, and vanilla extract. You can add some warm water from the dates to keep the mixture smooth. Spoon the date mixture into the bowl with the dry ingredients and stir .Place in the freezer for 10 minutes so the mixture firms up which will make them easier to roll. Once the mixture is firm enough roll the mixture into bite size balls. Wetting your hands as you go makes it easier to roll the mixture and will prevent it from sticking to your hands. Roll balls in coconut and store in airtight container in fridge.

  * Divinity Balls

Ingredients: 1 heap tbsp. natural whey protein, 1 tbsp. chia seeds, 1 tbsp. LSA mixture, 1tbsp. hemp seeds, 3 tbsp. raw mixed nuts – chopped and soaked for 12 hours. I use a mixture of walnuts, pecans, brazil, cashews & almonds, 1 tbsp. natural peanut butter, 1 tbsp. maple syrup, 1 tbsp. goji berries, 1/2 tsp. cinnamon , 1 tbsp. pepitas, 1 tbsp. sunflower seeds, 1 ½ tbsp. melted coconut oil, 1 tbsp. coconut flakes and sesame seeds for rolling. Directions: First melt the coconut oil in a saucepan over the stove and leave it to cool. Then mix in a bowl the remainder of the ingredients. Add the cooled coconut oil to the mixture and mix well. Check the consistency as you go, as it may need a splash of warm water. Roll the mixture into bite size balls. Wetting your hands as you go makes it easier to roll the mixture and will prevent it from sticking to your hands. Place sesame seeds on a flat surface and roll the balls in the sesame seeds. Store in airtight container and refrigerate.

JUICES AND SMOOTHIES

  * Jungle Juice

Ingredients: 2 green apples, 2 stalks celery, 1 leaf of a kale, 1 leaf of Swiss chard, 1/4 cabbage, 1 head broccoli, 1/2 medium cucumber, 1/2 lemon. Directions: Press all ingredients through a juice extractor. Stir, and drink immediately.

  * The Tropical Spritzer

Ingredients: 1 lime, 1 orange, 1 apple, the water from one Thai green coconut. Directions: Juice the lime, orange and apple, stir with the coconut water and drink!

  * Acai Blast

Ingredients: 1 tsp. acai powder, 1 cup frozen berries, 2 cups water, 1 banana. Directions: Blend together until smooth

  * Karma Fuel Green Smoothie

Ingredients: 1 cup kale, 1 banana, 1 tsp. cinnamon, ½ cup of coconut water, 1 tbsp. chia seeds. Directions: Blend together until smooth.

  * Cacao Dream Smoothie

Ingredients: 1 tbsp. raw cacao powder, 2 frozen bananas, 1 1/2 cups coconut milk, 1 tsp. ground cinnamon, stevia or honey to sweeten. Directions: Blend together until smooth.

Preserve and treat food as you would your body, remembering that in time food will be your body. ~B.W. Richardson

Chapter Seven

...Inhale...

Loving intuitively and authentically

Some heart thoughts on love, relationships and how to treat others

  * Nurture yourself. If you don't look after yourself you will not be able to look after another.

  * Take time for friends. Friends leave beautiful footprints on your heart. Your world would not be complete without them.

  * **Marriage and Soul mates**. A soulful relationship is built on trust and friendship, not on passion, fantasies and empty promises. Your soul mate makes you smile when you are upset.

  * Finding Love. Live with true love in your heart and true love will find you.

  * Banish toxic people. Choose to only hang around people that uplift you.

  * Relationship Booster. Imagine you had one day left to live. Ask yourself who would I call, what would I say and what would I do? Start doing them today.

  * Talk to Strangers. Strike up a new conversation and you may strike up a new friendship or learn something new.

  * Develop the Art of Conversation. "A single conversation across the table with a wise man is worth a month's study of books." – Chinese Proverb.

  * Be Charismic. To have charisma is to vibrate with love, energy and warmth.

  * Relationship Overhaul. Every so often review your relationships and commit to focusing on and improving one or two of these.

  * Mindful parenting. When you take on the big responsibility of becoming a parent, you build a person. Never for one minute take the responsibilities for granted.

  * Drop Expectations. Not everyone is going to think and act like you. The moment you discover there is not right or wrong way, is the moment you become enlightened.

  * Perception is your truth. How you choose to see the actions of somebody is your truth not their truth. If you don't like something then open your mind, change your perception and change your truth.

  * The joy of children. There is great beauty found by spending time with children. Let the spirit of a child fill your heart.

  * Love unconditionally. The world spins on love, open your heart with vulnerability and love all things for what they are and not for what you wish them to become.

  * Speak kindly. Communicate with sincerity, compassion and love in your heart. Choose your words wisely, as words have an extreme power of how you can make somebody else feel.

  * Tell your secrets. It's a healing tonic to share your troubles and thoughts with a good friend.

  * Give thoughtful gifts. The perfect gift is not defined by price but by the amount of thought put in.

  * Compliment often. Make a commitment to give out one compliment a day.

  * Rescue an animal. Give hope and a new life to an abandoned animal.

  * Do random acts of kindness. Make it a daily commitment to do one nice thing for someone daily.

  * Show your vulnerability. Be honest, reveal your thoughts and feelings, the people who matter most will be inspired.

  * Speak from your heart. The world needs to hear your truth and the people who matter most won't judge you.

  * Give hope to somebody. Give someone a new chance through the gift of time, energy, money or support.

  * Give unconditionally. Give without expecting any rewards. Give to give and not to receive.

  * Smile often. Give someone the gift of your smile as it may be the only good they get in their day.

  * Give someone a second chance. Everyone deserves a second chance, we all make mistakes and deserve the chance to fix it.

  * Invest in your relationships. To build long lasting relationships you need to invest a little time and consideration.

  * Write handwritten notes and cards. The world is run by technology; take the time to write a handwritten note, it's a simple gesture that communicates warmth and thought.

  * Patience. "Adopt the pace of nature: her secret is patience." \- Ralph Waldo Emerson.

  * Animals are the mirror to your soul. A person strong in character will always treat animals with love and kindness.

  * Respect. Give people respect by trusting them and treating them with kindness.

  * Become a committed and sincere networker. Network with only people you like and admire, spread their message and offer to be of service, and your people will find you.

  * Never complain. When life gets tough, walk with grace, be a warrior and not a victim – this attitude will inspire and influence others.

  * Learn from others. We meet everyone for a reason, find the reason and seek the lesson.

  * Drop the I. Focus and listen to others as you will discover new things and build strong friendships.

  * Admit when you are wrong. You don't always have to be right, show strength and admit when you're wrong or have made a mistake.

  * Be the kind of person you would like to meet. Think about the qualities you admire in others, become those qualities yourself.

  * Have trust in others. Believe people will do what they say, and if they don't, try to understand their reasons.

  * Don't gossip. If you have something to say, say it to the person. Gossip is entertainment for small minds.

  * Honour your word. Do what you say. If you can't make somebodies party, tell people, be upfront. Don't make false promises as people will only get hurt.

  * Celebrate other people's success. What you celebrate in another person's life you welcome into your own life.

  * Respect the planet. The circling axis of earth is the life line to your own life. Keep it strong and healthy by respecting and caring for the planet.

  * Listen. Listen 60% of the time and speak 40%. Quieten your chatter so you can hear the wisdom and stories from others.

  * Make people feel wonderful. Everyone has the desire to be noticed and feel valued. Take time to notice someone and value what they do.

  * Keep an open mind. People have rhyme and reasons behind why they do things, get curious and try and understand their point of view.

  * Others opinions are not what matters most. So long as you live you will not be everybody's cup of tea, so quit wasting energy on trying to be and focus on what you love and believe in.

Chapter Eight

...Exhale...

There is no destination to reach... for the essence of a well lived life is within the experiences and lessons learnt along the way...remember that there is always more wisdom to be gained no matter who you are...

Zenspiration Glossary

Bodhisattva (Sanskrit): A being who is motivated by compassion and their actions promote unity or harmony; one who seeks enlightenment not only for oneself but for others.

Bodhi (Sanskrit): Is similar to satori, it means awakening or enlightenment of your soul.

Buddha (Sanskrit): An awakened one; referred usually to Siddhartha Gautama.

Centre: The vital energy centre of the abdomen; it is considered to be the seat of the heart-body-mind. Focusing one's attention on centring the breath is a technique used in Zen practice for deepening Samadhi.

Chakra (Sanskrit): Chakras are the energy centres of your body. There are traditionally seven chakras – crown, third eye, throat, heart, solar plexus, lower abdomen and root. When your chakras our out of balanced it causes your body to become sick, emotional or tired. Balanced chakras equal balanced body and mind.

Chi (Chinese): Energy of your life force. Chi is the life force energy that circulates within your body. Balance and centre your chi, find your natural calm by taking a deep breath in and then draw your breath down to your belly. Visualize calming and centering your chi.

Destiny: Is your future and can be changed by living life with awareness and connection to self.

Dharma (Sanskrit): Is the way or law; the path that should be followed.

Enlightenment: The highest level of awareness, reaching a point of completely understanding your "true essence". Feeling the rhythm and being in unity with life.

Higher Guidance: The voice of wisdom, when you choose to connect with your higher guidance you can hear all your answers and co-create the life you dream. You come home to your truth. Higher guidance is known by many different names such as the voice of intuition, spirit, divine, god, universe, higher power, holy spirit etc.

Inspiration: The driving force behind all change and clarity, for when we are inspired we are motivated and our vision is clear.

Karma (Sanskrit): You get back what you put out, it is the law of "cause and effect," Our current thoughts, behaviours, and circumstances are the result of what we have done in the past, and our future thoughts, behaviours, and circumstances will be the product of what we are doing now.

Meditation: A state of mental clarity, a place of tranquillity. To meditate is to stop all the noise and monkey chatter and reach your inner calm. It is within this state of quietness that you can hear your inner wisdom and connect with your truth and essence.

Nirvana (Sanskrit): A state of perfect inner stillness, peace and bliss. Nirvana is a state of being, filled with enlightenment, compassion, happiness and wisdom.

OM: The universal chant of OM is the most divine of mantras. Chanting OM is one of the most positive energy generating mantras as it is associated with connecting with the divine/higher power/god.

Samadhi (Sanskrit): A state of intense concentration obtained through meditation. Samadhi is when you feel the connection of oneness all around. In the clarity of Samadhi, you feel full of love, gratitude, purpose and knowingness. You no longer search for your answers and happiness externally, because you have taken the journey within to connect with the moving spirit of your true essence.

Mantra (Sanskrit): Sounds or words used in meditation to cut through negative and self-limiting thoughts so that the mind can become clear.

Samsara (Sanskrit): The cycle of life - birth, death, and rebirth. We are born into this life with certain lessons to learn, and depending on the karma we created we will continue to die and be reborn until all our lessons are learnt. The ultimate goal is to reach enlightenment.

Satori (Japanese): The experience of awakening, enlightenment or understanding. Seeing and connecting into your own true nature or true essence.

Sanskrit: Sanskrit is considered to be the language of the Gods. This ancient and sacred language of Sanskrit is associated with India. It is thought to be the oldest language in the world, being at least 6,000 years old, maybe even much older.

Soul: The core or essence of who you truly are. Your soul is with you for eternity, growing and evolving as you move through the wheels of life.

Truth: Living life how you believe to be right. Letting your authenticity bleed and not hiding behind a mask in order to conform to the so called "norm". One who lives their truth radiates and shines beauty and warmth.

Zen (Japanese; Korean; Chinese; Sanskrit): Simply means meditation practice.

Zenspiration: One lives each day as if it is a meaningful meditation, being present in the moment and taking each step with self- awareness. Whilst on this path of awareness, one seeks out inspiration to keep their focus and perspective clear. What one will then discover is that they will calm their soul and fall into complete stillness. This beautiful place is called Samadhi. It is within this sacred Samadhi that one finds clarity, inner-peace and enlightenment within.

How to practise Zen. There are various ways to practice Zen in your life. If you prefer to approach Zen casually then make a conscience effort to enrich your daily life by savouring the moment and being fully present at all times. Spend twenty minutes every day in either meditation or self-reflection. If you would like to practice Zen more formally then focus on deepening your meditation and take the time to learn directly from a Zen master.

What country is Zen practiced? The word "Zen" originated from the Japanese language. The concept of Zen is a universal practice (for it simply means meditation), the methods passed on from master to master. Zen is most commonly practiced in China, Japan, and India.

Is Zen a religion? No, it's a way of life or an attitude, rather than a belief. One can practice Zen no matter what religion they are.

What benefits will I achieve by practicing Zen? Practicing Zen will connect you will your inner guidance, giving you peace, happiness and enlightenment. Zen will connect you with your truth, and you will become your best authentic self.

About Claire Charters

 "There is a shift occurring.... Beauty seeking 20-45 year old women are no longer seeking fulfilment in shoes, beauty and toxic relationships, these go getting woman sense that there is more and are now seeking inner beauty and a strong sense of self. They are becoming authentic and independent woman, chasing spirituality and grace. Claire Charters is giving these women exactly what they need - inner-peace, self-love with a whole lot of spiritual style"

There are so many people selling "beauty" these days; however in her modern guide-book, Zenspiration, motivational speaker and holistic lifestyle coach Claire Charters truly captivates the essence of beauty by showing women how to live with purpose, grace and mindfulness.

Claire Charters is a warm, compassionate, inspirational and gifted coach, who is inspiring women to love and own their authentic body and soul. Claire is a spiritual stylist, bringing new meaning to spirituality as she teaches women to find their own holistic style and live an elevated and charmed life. Through years of dedicated study and personal experience, Claire has written Zenspiration with the intention that it becomes a holistic lifestyle guide for women, inspiring them to find their sense of self, while loving life and learning their lessons well.

Featured in many online and print publications, Claire Charters is selling inner beauty over outer beauty and making her mark by becoming an inspiring role model for women all across the world. Claire launched her holistic blog in early 2012 with the goal of creating an online wellness resource to inspire women to reconnect with their true essence. Claire has built a supportive community, where women come together to share, experience and learn. You can connect with Claire at her online home www.serenewellnessblog.com where she writes and edits her blog daily.

Claire can also be found uplifting and inspiring her community daily via her Facebook page http://www.facebook.com/serenewellness?ref=hl

And I will leave you with one last bit of advice....listen to your Mum – usually she knows best. So I will end this book with my Mum introducing me to you...

Who is Claire-Maree Charters?

She is and always will be my daughter. She is many things to many people. She is a (lover?, wife? Eric's life partner?), a sister, a cousin, a niece, a grand daughter and a friend to all. She is also a hopeless romantic who is the epitome of femininity.

She is an unexplained mystery of the universe. The universe exhaled and her life began.

Claire was born intent on living life to the full. Within moments of her birth she lifted and turned her head towards the sound of my voice much to the amazement of the attending midwife and doctor. Then she smiled at me. Yes, it was definitely a smile! I should know, because a mother knows all, right? To this day that smile has rarely left her face and the warmth of it has never left my heart.

She had a physical strength from the very beginning only surpassed by her determination to extract the most and the best out of life on her transitory journey through this realm.

As a child Claire had to be a participant in everything from Red Cross Charity Appeal door knocking to junior netball referee. She also adored playing with her many Barbie dolls.

As a high school student she always had at least two part time jobs during the weekends and school holidays. While she worked I often did her school assignments and homework, not always to the standard that the teachers required though! My reward was in seeing her develop into a responsible and self-reliant being who often bought me gifts that I could never afford to buy for myself. She earned very little from these meagre jobs but the generosity of her spirit was such that she would pay off very expensive clothes for me. To this day I still have a hand embroidered shirt that she gave me, packed carefully away with my other sentimental mementos.

School held little appeal for Claire other than for making a fashion statement. I didn't realise or appreciate the efforts she contributed to this part of the school social scene until the Award Night Presentations at the end of her final high school year. While other students received awards and honours for various school subjects, Claire was the first student ever to have received an award for Miss Glamour. I am sure that this award was, in part, developed not only for her attention to fashion and appearance but also for her popularity amongst her peers.

Claire was a typical teenager and young woman who idolised the movie stars and models that adorned the glossy covers and pages of magazines. She thought that if she could emulate them she would be happy and have it all. This was a very stressful time for her and me. She thought she was too fat, she hated her nose, she wanted blonde hair and so it went on. She just didn't seem happy with her lot in life and didn't truly appreciate the gifts that she did have. She was and still is very strong, vibrant, loyal, kind, sensitive and loving. To me she is love.

A lot of time has elapsed since her Miss Glamour days. With the passing of the years she has had to deal with many of life's hard lessons together with many exciting adventures. Life has moulded and shaped Claire into a vibration that sings and hums through our daily lives and gently awakens our awareness to our own human compassion, capabilities and sensitivities. She has finally unlocked her self- imposed shackles of what she thought the world expected from her and has realized that to chart her own course is true liberation.

As always, I admire Claire's sensitive determination and generosity of spirit in continuing her journey through life with a grace and sereneness that belies the battles she has faced along the way.

And to Eric, who is Claire's partner and cheerleader, I thank you for being by her side and holding her hand during what must have been a very bumpy ride at times. Without your support and encouragement Claire would never have had the time to write Zenspiration. How you must hate vegemite sandwiches. You are a true champion.

I wish Claire much success and hope that you will be empowered by the wisdom she has gained and shared with you in Zenspiration.

