Why is it so hard to be happy? I have a few insights...

Do you beat yourself up about not being happy all the time?

Take my happiness test here

Do you feel guilty that no matter how hard you try or how amazing things may be in life - that you’re not over the moon ‘ecstatic’ even though you know you should be?

Do you know research has found nobody is happy all the time?⠀⠀

Researchers collected thousands of ratings from hundreds of people from all walks of life asking them on a scale 1-10 how happy are you at this moment and what is going on in your life?⠀

They discovered regardless of our external circumstances, that we live in a constant state of mild but not fully satisfying happiness.

Everyone pretty much wrote 7 all the time - from when they were buying milk, watching a son’s baseball game, pitching to a big client, missed a mortgage payment, mum diagnosed with cancer or loosing an arm.

Happiness would dip to the 2-5 for a short period of time but then would return to seven. Happiness is nothing but bobbing up and down and around our level seven happiness. ⠀⠀

This was true for extremely positive events as well. Getting a fat bonus at work, going on dream vacations, getting married - ratings would shoot up for a short period of time then settle back at seven.⠀⠀

Happiness is habitual. Learn to find happiness and fulfilment in everyday life instead of thinking you’ll be happy when... this is it guys!

Don’t underestimate your resilience or over estimate how much greener the grass is on the other side of the fence.

We may all have different things and be pursuing different goals externally, but internally the majority of us are having the same experience.

How I bought more time / UK + Croatia Vlog

It’s crazy our quickly life can change when you decide you want to change it…

I am leaving Europe with such a full heart of gratitude. We have spent the last three weeks not only slowing down, relaxing and enjoying being lazy lizards under the European sun but also spending some quality time with some of our nearest and dearest.

I still pinch myself because three years ago I wouldn’t of been able to afford this trip (especially when we are getting married this year and have also been to Dubai, Bali, California and Dans off to NZ next week for his bucks party - all in the last 7 months ) but.... the biggie is I wouldn’t have the leave.  

Before Babes in Business…

I just kind of accepted that for the next 50 years I would have to work 48 weeks a year to earn my 4 weeks off and only have my maternity leave to enjoy slowing down and enjoy having a family on my own - which means that unfortunately I would have to miss out on magical moments like these, weddings, Christmas’s with our family overseas, baby’s first steps, travel and some of the things of my bucket list - but hey that’s life right?

Money is important - but time is the real currency…

Time is something you can never ever get back - and I am forever grateful for the time and flexibility I have been able to buy for myself and our future family in three short years of working online. Excited for the next 50 years of more magical moments like this with the amazing people people we have been blessed to have in our lives.

Watch Part 1 of our Eurotrip with our UK

Croatia Vlog where we got celebrate Dan’s mum Mandy’s 60th in Croatia!

We are holding interviews next week for women who would love to join the Babes in Business Team - email us if you would love us to send you some information to see if it could be a way you could create more time for the important people and things in your life too! Or lets chat up for a virtual coffee date!

Are you craving some clarity, direction and passion for life again?

Hey beautiful

As you know by now, my background and studies have been in psychology. I am super passionate about mental health and even more so how people can leverage off mindset to create more abundance, happiness and health in their lives.

I know we are in a mental health epidemic (and this may be controversial to say), despite the fact there are a lot of people out there with chemical imbalances needing medication I also believe there is a lot of people out there feeling stuck, "depressed", stagnant, unmotivated and uninspired about life for two reasons in particular;

1. They haven't set a goal.

We as humans actually get our fulfilment not so much from 'achieving' but from growing and evolving. Without a vision, a goal or something to strive towards, count down to or look forward to - you loose a sense of purpose or direction.

2. Or the goals you do have are extrinsically motivated.

You're striving to achieve goals, live or work in alignment with the values of what society or your parents expect of you, or what friends and colleagues will support.

So instead you abandon your truth, your gifts, your values and what lights you up and end up settling for a life of expectations, obligations and people pleasing without much joy, passion, expansion, freedom or authenticity suppressing 'the real you'.

In 5 sleeps my life coaching program launches!

I can't wait to be coaching my clients to help them get clarity on their values, setting goals that align with them, learning how to worry less about the opinions of others, how to regulate their own emotions, be responsible for their own happiness and stop self sabotaging!

Essentially learning how to live a life of thriving rather than just surviving…

It isn't 'woo woo', we won't just be talking about the happy and fun parts of life or work - we will be getting real and going deep.

I will be there each week to hold you accountable, set small achievable goals and ensure you're making progress until you're in full momentum and living fearlessly and passionately your own Life Above Zero.

OMG. I WROTE A BOOK!

I am so excited to be able to finally officially share this with you guys! I have been sneaky and dropped a few hints over the last 12 months and shared some sneak peaks with you, but it is time to let the cat out of the bag… I WROTE A BOOK!

I have been trying to keep you guys posted (you have probably seen me popping up in your newsfeed over the last five years) with my ventures and what I have been up to since finishing my Psychology Degree. If I haven’t had the chance personally (I am sorry, life has been so full) you can read about it here. I am so passionate about holistic health, specifically Positive Psychology.

In the Western world, we now have a higher standard of living than humans have ever known before and yet, humans today don’t seem very happy. We are experiencing a mental health epidemic - the World Health Organisation estimates that depression is currently the fourth biggest, costliest, and most debilitating disease in the world and by next year, it will be the second biggest. So I think its time for some REAL TALK. I wrote a book about the things that people don’t really talk about.

We have media bombarding us everyday telling us what we need to be happy and what should make us happy. People are overwhelmed yet still looking for purpose, meaning and an understanding of why they are feeling the way they are feeling and comparing themselves and their lives to everyone else’s highlight reels on the multiple social media platforms we are exposed to in the 21st Century.

This book equips you with the practical skills and mindset, backed with the psychology, research, and statistics to help you unlock the code to success, in your life, relationships and career (with some positive, warm and fuzzy vibes thrown in, sprinkled with tough love). This book is special because not only does it share personable stories that we can all relate to (reminding you that you are not alone in what you're going through), but it also has the credentials and research behind it giving it the credibility and applicability in the wellness, health and business space.

The publication date will be released soon, so keep your eyes on this space! We will be sure to let you know when it’s available at your closest book store! But in the meantime to thank you for your continued love and support over the last five years while I’ve been busy getting my business off the ground - I wanted to gift you with the first chapter of my book for free. I hope it serves you.

Are you a Mum?

𝗔𝗿𝗲 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝗮 𝗠𝘂𝗺? 

Secretly I can not wait to be a mum… (well let’s be honest it’s not that big of a secret - I tell anyone who leaves me with their bubba ).

But when I was working full time I struggled to look after just me between a 50 hour week, 10 hours commuting, trying to be a good friend, daughter, sister, partner, keep the house clean, do the groceries, cook and somewhere in there work out. I was like f@&k how do mums in the 21st century do it all?  

I felt like I was constantly chasing my tail, never getting ahead and deflated as I knew trying to fit kids into that mix would be stressful as hell, not to mention only having 9 months maternity leave then having to either live on one income or place my bubba in before and after school care just to spend 2 days a week with them and miss all their milestones... that is not what I wanted my motherhood to be like.

I don’t want to bring beautiful babies into this world just for someone else to look after them... 

That was my biggest motivator to start looking into other ways of working!

Ways I could still make a difference, have an identity outside of motherhood, have an awesome income, do something I am passionate about and enjoy,  educate and help people with their holistic health and happiness AND not have to sacrifice my career or magical moments with my future family. 

Voila .... that’s how Babes in Business was born! 

People think you have to be a “babe” to do business with us. You don’t.

That’s just where we were in our life when we started wanting to set ourselves up so when we are mums we don’t have to make the same sacrifices most women have to in the 21st century.

We work with a lot of mums in Bizz too - check out our video to get a bit of a vibe for our tribe and message me if you would love to hear more stories from other mums in our team and see the impact we are making collectively around the world, it’s pretty special. I won’t lie, I’m pretty proud of us.

#theBIBclique

Hello 2019 you beautiful thing - let's do more with less this year.

Happy New Year Beautiful! 

I hope you had a Merry Christmas and got to enjoy some quality time slowing down with your loved ones!

I know I did! We have had such a beautiful time catching up with our family and friends scattered on the other side of the globe. 

So grateful to live in a time where social media makes the miles feel not so far between and gives us the option to work for ourselves online so we can work anywhere in the world without stressing about not having leave approved and missing out on magical moments with the ones we love the most.

The small things really are the big things!

Las Vegas was all about celebrating, the UK was all about slowing down and relaxing and Dubai was all about defrosting, getting back in the sunshine and out of our comfort zones to explore.  

I promised you guys I would make a VLOG capturing all the fun - so leave it me, it's on my to do list!

Here is some photos from our last day in the Arabian Desert + some reflections I wanted to share with you as you embark on the gift of a New Year.

I've got to be honest with you, as I was sitting here while this picture was taken watching the sunrise over the Arabian Desert; I sat with a heart full of gratitude ....and itchy feet. 

No Place Like Home…

No matter how far and wide I travel, no matter what breath taking things I get to experience ....they serve as a constant reminder that nothing compares to the love and joy I find back home on the Gold Coast in Australia.

Being in love with a simple life of waking up with the sun, in our own beautiful home, next to a man I love, walking down my street to the beach and feeling the sand between my toes and sun on my face every morning, having access to clean water and the luxury to prepare healthy and fresh wholesome foods everyday while I work from home doing something that I love with people who see the world the same as me.

This is honestly what I have discovered is my own personal recipe for happiness and allows me to feel content and fulfilled every night when my head hits the pillow ... the only thing missing was my family.

And this week both my brothers moved to the Gold Coast!!

So it’s safe to say it’s a few days into the New Year and my 2019 has already been everything I have ever wanted (still missing my parents but it's taken 8 years to get the brothers here, so I won't be greedy and will enjoy this first...then I will blackmail mum and dad with grandchildren if nothing else works! haha I am evil).

The last month traveling, eating, drinking and napping was exactly what the soul needed to realign, rejuvenate and refocus.

But I am back feeling recharged and so excited to tick off some more goals and help more women create a life where they get to live and work on their own terms.

I am such a massive believer in goal setting, not just because it's fun and exciting co-creating a life of your wildest dreams BUT it is backed by science to help you bring about what you dream about. Goals are dreams with legs!

If you haven't put some time aside yet to set your intention for this year, or just don't know where to start - I wrote a blog last year to help you if you would love some extra guidance - grab a comfy spot, a pen and notebook and get all those juicy visions on paper!

don’t get too busy…

No matter what goals you do set this year, don’t get too busy chasing them that you forget all that really matters is being love and doing what brings you joy.

All the stuff you choose to fill your day with is your choice, the energy and money you spend chasing your pursuits is your choice.... but if it doesn’t bring you love and joy, all that stuff in between is just noise, don’t buy into it. Do more, with less. 

This story is one of my favourite metaphors that helps me drown out the noise in a world where we constantly are being told we have to be better and go bigger - and remember at the end of the day what it is that truly matters. I hope this serves you this year and helps you make decisions that bring you joy and love.

"An American investment banker was at the pier of a small coastal Mexican village when a small boat with just one fisherman docked.  Inside the small boat were several large yellowfin tuna.  The American complimented the Mexican on the quality of his fish and asked how long it took to catch them.

The Mexican replied, "only a little while. The American then asked why didn’t he stay out longer and catch more fish? The Mexican said he had enough to support his family’s immediate needs. The American then asked, "but what do you do with the rest of your time?"

The Mexican fisherman said, "I sleep late, fish a little, play with my children, take siestas with my wife, Maria, stroll into the village each evening where I sip wine, and play guitar with my amigos.  I have a full and busy life."

The American scoffed, "I am a Harvard MBA and could help you. You should spend more time fishing and with the proceeds, buy a bigger boat. With the proceeds from the bigger boat, you could buy several boats, eventually you would have a fleet of fishing boats. Instead of selling your catch to a middleman you would sell directly to the processor, eventually opening your own cannery. You would control the product, processing, and distribution. You would need to leave this small coastal fishing village and move to Mexico City, then LA and eventually New York City, where you will run your expanding enterprise."

The Mexican fisherman asked, "But, how long will this all take?"

To which the American replied, "15 – 20 years."

"But what then?" Asked the Mexican.

The American laughed and said, "That’s the best part.  When the time is right you would announce an IPO and sell your company stock to the public and become very rich, you would make millions!"

"Millions – then what?" Gasped the Mexican,

The American said, "Then you would retire.  Move to a small coastal fishing village where you would sleep late, fish a little, play with your kids, take siestas with your wife, stroll to the village in the evenings where you could sip wine and play your guitar with your amigos."

The fisherman was puzzled, "Isn’t that what I am doing now?" 

Follow us to Bali!

Amazing Week with our Babes in Business

So we just got back from an amazing week with our Babes in Business family. My partner and I treated ourselves to some time unplugged filling our cup up with some sunshine and smiles after our business retreat - this is a little sneak peak of what we got up to on the VLOG!

Thank You…

I will be forever grateful for the life I have been able to create with Babes in Bizz and just want to use this opportunity to remind you that if you are feeling lost, unfulfilled, stuck or stagnant in a job that you're not passionate about -  please let my VLOG ...or even MY LIFE remind you that there is a Life Above Zero and you deserve to live it.  

I’m not a millionaire and nor do I want to be. I just want the lifestyle and freedom to enjoy life instead of working 50 hours a week the best years of my life in hope I’ll get the opportunity to enjoy it in the last years of my life. Life is happening now - are you getting the time to enjoy it or have you bought into the rat race epidemic too where you seem to spend every waking hour working yet still can’t seem to get more than a week ahead?

There are so women like me who have studied 4 - 6 years at university to get a job in the corporate world - that are quitting their jobs that we worked so hard to get for this exact reason!

If you're one of them - do yourself a favour and listen to last week's episode on Babes Talking Business Vlogcast

If you're curious where we go and how we do it, or even better - email me and lets organise a time to catch up for virtual coffee date babe - because if you're anything like me...I know I had lots of questions and misconceptions so I am an open book if you would love to chat!

You can also test your happiness levels here

Have you ever wanted to ask me the same questions?

I got to catch up and connect with the beautiful coaching duo April and Angela from Soulful Of Yourself last week and share same love and light with their gorgeous online community.

We chat all things health, wellness & happiness, and empowering women to reclaim control over their lives and truly live their own Life Above Zero!

Enjoy!

2017 New Years with the Crew!

Happy Sunday you beautiful souls!

I am so sorry I haven’t dropped in some love lately, I literally hit the ground running this year with business events, conferences, celebrating gorgeous friends getting engaged and others getting married. WOW - do I feel the love this year!!

You have probably also seen I have been working on launching my THIRD business sneakily behind the scenes which is getting LAUNCHED NEXT WEEK!!!

Watch this space, I can not wait to share it with you! It is something that is so close to my heart and I know you are going to love it!

I have been so excited just to have a couple of weeks to do sweet !@#$ all!  - and I have loved every second of it! I love slowing down, tuning in, realigning and getting re-inspired. Remember that you need to be the best version of you to give the best version of you, sometimes you need to be selfish to be selfless and actually need to slow down in order to catch up.

So in saying that, I finally got around to reflecting on all the beautiful memories and laughs we had with our gang over New Years as I put together our VLOG capturing what we got up to in South West Rocks (ironically which was the last time I completely turned off - I highly recommend making time at least once a month to give yourself a complete break from social media, timelines, expectations and societal pressures).

Such beautiful memories to have and look back on (including that of our mate Griffo popping the big question and our gorgeous Kendelle saying “yes”), as we continue to move forward in our crazy fast paced lives and open new chapters.

My favourite memory from this trip was on New Years night, we all sat around a table and did our “gratefuls”, one by one we shared what we were grateful for from the year that had been.

Lots of tears (both happy and sad) - but what you feel in that moment is nothing but pure unconditional love - for the journey, for the friends, for the support, for the lessons.

I can not wait to be sitting around a table this New Years and reflect on what magic, triumphs, lessons, love and laughter 2018 brought us all - one thing I know is that none of us will never have to go through any of it alone.

I love you guys, this one is for you!

An Introvert living in an Extrovert world

I am an Introvert… What next…

A few different things inspired my VLOG this week; personal experiences for people who misread me, introverted babes I mentor in business doubting themselves in the business world because they're not an "extrovert", and clients I coach in wellness who feel guilty because they don't want to go to big social gatherings, as it feels more like a chore for them that they have to drag themselves to, rather than something that gets them excited and lit up!

So many people get surprised when I tell them I am an introvert, funnily enough though.. Im not surprised that they are surprised!

Because so many people see me with my "business jacket" on, where I do things that scare the shit out of me like VLOGS, presentations, workshops, conferences and networking events.

That is "Business" Lozz, the perception I have to muster my energy and courage to portray on my social media platforms as a way to get my vision, message and mission out there to those who need it (because I know my vision is much bigger than me, and you don't serve the world by playing small).

Im Not Surprised

Another reason why I am not surprised and people may not believe me is because so many are not aware of what the true meaning is of these words.

Unlike most believe, introversion and extroversion is not a theory about how outgoing or shy we are,  in psychology and research it actually relates to where we get our energy from.

Or in other words, how we recharge our brains and batteries - Or how I like to say it fill up your cup!

Introverts

(or those of us with introverted tendencies) tend to recharge by spending time alone - for example for me thats walking, one on one coffee or wine dates with my girlfriends, watching a movie with my partner, going for a long walk, sitting at the beach ALONE, meditating, journaling. We lose energy from being around people for long periods of time, particularly large crowds.

Extroverts

On the other hand, gain energy from other people. Extroverts actually find their energy is sapped when they spend too much time alone. They recharge by being social.

So tune in to listen to how you can learn AND understand your personality type so you can make smart decisions on how to regulate your emotions - in a way that is healthy FOR YOU (and not feel guilty if going to your friends party isn't the best thing for you do to right now).

If you're an introvert already in or embarking on - stepping into the business world which is all about MARKETING yourself as an extrovert to get your mission and message across,  tune in to hear how I use my "Business jacket" - as well as those of you who may judge others from what you perceive them to be on social media in comparison to a social setting...keep these golden nuggets in the back of your mind not only to be a better friend, but human.

Understanding others and yourself is the key to spreading kindness and compassion, and the world needs more of that. 

Try out our new Happiness Test

How to stick to your New Years Resolutions & understanding why it is so hard to make those changes.

How to Stick to your New Years Resolution

Lots of people at this time of the year set life, health, wellness, relationship, business goals and yet most of those people will abandon them at some point in the next 12 months.

So I decided to explain why this is and AND how you can prevent that from happening so you aren’t one of the phoneys who say “new year, new me” and then remain the same person you were last year, running the same mundane rat race routine, moaning about the exact same shit, telling yourself the same bullshit excuses.

Don’t Beat Yourself Up

And no, its not you, its not that your lazy, its not that you start things and never finish things, its not your personality - those are excuses and are just a “cop out”. Because the truth is change is hard - for everyone.

How does Change happen?

The sad truth is that for change to occur, the pain of staying where we are must be greater than the pain of growing... Because change is not easy, it takes effort, it takes persistence and requires commitment.

So watch my LIVE where I share with you the research, psychology and elaborate on the following tips and tricks so you don't become another statistic and you make 2018 THE BEST YEAR YET!!

1) Chase your own goals!

(You can find the blog I refer to about setting goals in accordance to your own values here)

2) Preframe that your goals are going to take....(wait for it) drum rolll.... WORRRRKKKK!

You can fill out the Change Matrix below to be really transparent with yourself what the road will look like, what it will cost you and what you have to gain.

3)  Seperate your feelings from your actions.

Acknowledge and accept, that most days...YOU'RE NOT GOING TO FEEL LIKE IT!

Try the 5 Second Rule to get that little toosh of yours into action on the days you "don't feel like it",  (lets be honest, that's all of us most days)  - you can learn more about that in Mel Robbin's Book. 

Also do yourself a favour and put some time aside today to read this letter I spoke about in my LIVE, to help you get some perspective for 2018,  the realest, rawest and truest thing I’ve read to date. Rest in peace beautiful.

Wishing you another year of health, wealth and abundance.

Lets talk about Fear

What you can learn from fear?

Have there been some things you have been putting off because you’re scared? Scared of failure, scared of success, scared of what others may think?

Lets talk about fear!! Fear is the biggest manipulator in world - it causes people to not think logically and cheats them out of making some of the best decisions of their life.

However, I understand why…fear (real or perceived), triggers the same stress response in our body, so tune into my LIVE where I shine some light on that little shit because the truth is you can either be comfortable or grow…you can’t have both. So which one do you choose?

Step forward into growth or backwards into safety?

Do good things come to those who wait?

Well do they?...

So many people come to me and they all want a better than average life but most are not willing to put in more than average work.

We live in an era where life is fast paced and we want it NOW -  we are wanting people to promise and deliver quick fixes and results...so, do good things really come to those who wait?

Listen to the Istagram Live I shared this week on the tips, tricks, psychology and research behind success in health, wealth, relationships and life!

My Biggest Lesson

Recap on the biggest lesson I have ever learnt

If you missed my live this week on my Facebook...

I spoke about my biggest lesson that I have ever learnt - one that  my beautiful mum taught me when I was very young and it continues to come up time and time again, ensuring that I don't forget it.

Don't place your expectations on others

This is something that once learnt you can apply to friendships, relationships, colleagues at work and our wider society.

Tune in to understand why you should and CAN fearlessly live and love with your heart on your sleeve, be the best version of you, live your life accordance to your values and up to your own expectations.

“People are often unreasonable, irrational, and self-centered. Forgive them anyway.
If you are kind, people may accuse you of selfish, ulterior motives. Be kind anyway.
If you are successful, you will win some unfaithful friends and some genuine enemies. Succeed anyway.
If you are honest and sincere people may deceive you. Be honest and sincere anyway.
What you spend years creating, others could destroy overnight. Create anyway.
If you find serenity and happiness, some may be jealous. Be happy anyway.
The good you do today, will often be forgotten. Do good anyway.
Give the best you have, and it will never be enough. Give your best anyway.”

— Mother Teresa

How I took control of my weight, skin and happiness AND MAINTAINED IT!

21 Days of Meditation to Raise Awareness for Mental Health

AND IT'S UP! Click below on the link to support us on our challenge in the Healthstyle Emporium this month to be happier and healthier with our 21 days of meditation in to raise awareness for mental health and the services Headspace can provide with our 21daysofHSEbliss.

https://give.everydayhero.com/au/the-healthstyle-emporium

I have been talking to so many women lately who are struggling with self-esteem and self talk because of being unhappy with their skin and weight...I had my own personal story and I know it doesn't seem like a big deal until you suffer it yourself so I wanted to share my tips and tricks (and some facts regarding psychology and research) on how you can finally take control of your weight, skin and happiness - and MAINTAIN it!

I speak about the effects stress has on the body and why it is so important to come from a place of love and not fear, which is why I'm loving our meditation challenge in the Emporium this month.

We would really love your help in leaving a legacy behind and inspiring change around the world by raising awareness and inspiring one person at a time to be the healthiest and happiest version of themselves. If you would love to be involved in something bigger than yourself, please don’t hesitate to message me or share my video above. I would love to hear from you!

Sending you all big love and wishing you a beautiful day!

Why balance is BULLS*%T

Dealing with Excuses

Earlier this week I did a live on my Facebook squashing some of the bullshit excuses and myths people have and tell themselves about success and why they can't have it.

1. First one being is that it comes from a natural ability...sorry but NO, it's a trait called GRIT and I will tell you a tell about what it is and how you develop it.

2. Second is that if you can't keep a balance in the pursuit of success it's not working or meant to be for you.. sorry to break it to you BUT balance is a PRIVILEGE.

Tune in to hear the research and facts around what it takes to be successful so you can understand you can have, do and be whoever you want. There is a Life Above Zero and you deserve to live it!

Feel the fear and do it anyway

How to deal with Fear Podcast

Many of you already know I stepped out of my comfort zone last week and did my first podcast featuring on Ignite your Legend. We spoke about how to identify and remove road blocks which are preventing you from living your own Life Above Zero.

I share what tools I personally use to push past negative self-talk, why I decided to leave my comfort zone, carve my own path and start my own business in hope I inspire and empower you to "Feel the fear and do it anyway”, because we all know that's where the magic is, when your forced to grow Empowering you to live a Life of Health, Wealth and Abundance

Don't Complicate It

Time to make things simple

I hope 2017 is treating you well! You may of seen over Christmas, photos of my travels around Mexico, Colombia and Cuba! I have definitely started the new year feeling refreshed and enlightened, it was an awakening becoming so aware of how fast paced and complex our lives are in comparison to the time warped Cuba!

When did we get in such a hurry?

In the western world we make things so complex - but in terms of our health and happiness it really is quite simple; we need to get right back to the basics, we need to stop complicating things.

It's sad but nearly everyone I know and the clients I work with, are overwhelmed, overworked, overfed yet undernourished.

We are bombarded with so many options and so much information, we throw our hands up in the air and give up.

Let me simplify it for you

If you're feeling grumpy, unfulfilled, lethargic, stagnant, in a slump... do at least one, if not all of the following things:

1. Put love back into your food. Eat more Wholefoods! Eat more food that has been touched by the sun as it contains natural energy. Eat to fuel your body not to flaw it.

2. Drink more water.

3. Move your body every day. Include conscious movement into your lifestyle, do things you enjoy, run, walk, swim, dance, kick the footy, ride .

4. Love and invest in your relationships. Put in as often as you takeaway and get rid of the relationships that don't make you feel good.

5. Reflect. Just like Alcohol addiction - ask what role is technology having in your life? Use it as a tool don't let it use you.

6. Practise Gratitude. Be thankful for your running clean water, warm showers, our health care system, a roof over your head. When you come from a place of abundance, you attract abundance.

It's rocket science right? ;)

Have a beautiful, simplified day lovers

The secret to happiness and success

The Secret to True Happiness

My partner recently said something to me that stood out… and got the reflective juices flowing, resulting in this blog! I was telling him the exciting news that I had just been offered a position at work, that I really wanted. His response was “Of course you did Lauren, if only once you didn’t get what you wanted.”

I told my Dad the same good news, his response was similar, “Of course you did, you’re Lauren, everything always works out for you.”

At first, I was offended by these remarks from the two men in my life that I seek approval and attention from. What they said sounded to me like I was a spoilt brat, who gets whatever they want handed to them on a silver platter. I know that was not their intention. I know, and they know (and anyone else who witnesses how hard I work, constantly and whole heartedly knows) that is not the case.

But, They are Right…

But yes, they are right, in some way or another, I do always get what I want. There is a process to my thinking surrounding these things:

• I have a hard think about what I truly, deeply want/need, to be a happy and healthy human.

• I question what receiving or gaining that would give me or change in my life.

• I allocate my time and energies accordingly.

That is why I am a Life and Wellness coach; I want to teach others how they can get what they want, how to live the life they want and how to be the person they want to be. If you’re not going to go out and get it, no-one else is going to give it to you.

So, I’ve decided to share with you my personal formula for happiness and success (to me they are the same thing!)

1) Have a Vision

Firstly ask what is success to you? Is it a personal vision, is it a feeling, way of life, a position? Is it wisdom, ownership of materialistic possessions? In one on one life coaching in my practice – I help people become aware of their goals, their passions and purpose, then I coach them to set and achieve goals in accordance to them.

A good way to get the goal or that vision in your head is creating a vision board or write a letter from your future self! It sounds corny but just try it (or feel free to email me if you want help), and from there, work backwards…

2) Acceptance

When I don’t get what I want - I don’t stamp my feet and chuck a tantrum (although I am sure there are occasions growing up my Dad would probably disagree with that). In the real “adult” world, I handle closed doors and disappointments very differently.

This is why people may have the “illusion” that I always get what I want, because I practice acceptance. I say if I had always got what I wanted, I would be one unhappy girl today. I have learnt to be thankful for closed doors, detours and roadblocks, because they protect me from paths and places not meant for me.

Sure, I have thrown a little pity party for myself, but have learned to free myself from them as I gain emotional intelligence and maturity – you need to be able to identify your feelings. Recognise them and give yourself space to allow them. Experience those feelings, otherwise they don’t go away they just get suppressed.

However, I don’t let my pity party turn into a pity bender - I shift my thought patterns, motivation and commitment to an alternate route and keep moving forward, with more enthusiasm! When I get knocked down, I get back up again, trusting the universe has bigger better plans for me (this is where religion may play a role for some).

3) Be Kind

I am kind to everyone I meet. Everyone.

Whether they be in my professional or personal world, I am always kind (this can be challenging sometimes working in Child Protection, nonetheless I do it anyway). When you are kind and help others, most people are kind in return, and are happy to help you on your road to success.

If you need something; help, advice or to be introduced to someone who can help, usually, a person you have been kind to will be more than willing to help out! So don’t have ulterior motives, help others and be kind to every soul you meet, it’s called ‘Karma’ and it will return the favour some day!

4) Be Genuine

When I say I am kind, that does not mean I am fake or sugar coat my words. I don’t beat around the bush or just tell people what they want to hear (this would definitely not work in Child Protection). Sometimes, if I have something I need to say that may offend someone, I will say it anyway (nicely). I can explain my intentions; if I have to say something that might hurt someone’s feelings I explain that I’ve said it in the best interest of that person (and check back in with yourself, reflect and question yourself to ensure it really is!

How will this person benefit from hearing what it is you have to say? Does it really need to be said if it is at the risk of hurting their feelings or beating their self-esteem). I explain to them, I am telling them this because I care for them and want to be transparent with them.

5) Work hard

Identify your end goal, and ask how badly do you want it? What are you willing to sacrifice for it?

It is true, if it was easy we would all have it or all do it.

Sometimes it is easier to whinge and moan, to blame it on bad luck and on others, than it is to take ownership, to take accountability and to step up and make changes.

If you want to lose weight, but aren’t willing to eat a balanced diet or get your body moving – then you obviously don’t want to lose the weight bad enough.

If you want an A in your next exam, but you want to keep watching that TV series instead, it’s obvious that don’t want those grades bad enough.

If you want true committed love, yet aren’t wiling to suck up your pride and have the uncomfortable discussions with your partner to work out your issues, then guess what? You don’t want the relationship bad enough.

Working hard isn’t about instant gratification either, if you want something - work at it - do not give up. It’s about persistence, it’s making sacrifices today for something you might not necessarily see tomorrow or the next day, but trust you will reap the benefits in a month or years time.

This is how University works! I am sure a few of you reading this are just like me and juggled 3-4 part time/casual jobs whilst studying at uni, knowing in 4-5 years time it would all be worth it! Same as going for a run (despite the fact you do get instant release of endorphins) you can not expect to drop weight after one run, it comes back to consistent work.

If the end goal is truly something you madly, deeply want, something your heart is longing for, then the hard/persistent work won’t discourage you, you will go to bed dreaming about it and wake up excited about it! And if you don’t, revisit your goal, ask yourself do you truly want it? This is leads me to…

6) Reflection.

This is a biggie for me. I frequently reflect to ensure the life I am living is in accordance with my values, things I believe are important. This is how I make decisions and weigh up what sacrifices are worth making, or if I am sacrificing too much. A way I keep this in check, is by using my ‘mission statement’.

It is little piece of paper I have written and keep in my diary, I have identified my top 5 values and articulated how the person I aspire to be would ideally incorporate these into their life accordingly (I will share this strategy in my next blog).

By reflecting, I ensure my behavior is aligning with my values, essentially making sure I am walking my talk. I reflect the purity of my intentions and ensure they are not manipulated by society, status, fashion or money – as these are things I have identified in my mission statement are not values of mine that I want to be controlled or dictated by.

7) Forgiveness

In life you must have emotional balance - just like you need a healthy dose of work and play, veggies and sweets, sun and rain. There is happiness and sadness. It is inevitable you are going to get hurt. But, don’t let the world make you hard. Love and live whole-heartedly. Forgive.

Don’t hold onto negative energy hating, bitching or stalking someone’s instagram/Facebook pages. All that does is make you spiteful and heavy.

It takes way more energy to hate than it does to love…so forgive…

It’s like my favourite saying “resentment is like drinking poison hoping it will kill your enemies” Nelson Mandela. Forgiveness however, does not necessarily mean to forget. Make an executive decision, you are your own boss – do I want this person in my life?

If I do… fair enough - acknowledge what they did was wrong, realise they are capable of doing it again, love and accept them anyway by planning for it or not allowing them to be in the position to hurt you again.

Be a lover not a fighter, and know better for next time. If you decided – No, you don’t want that person in your life anymore - then that’s also fair enough, respect yourself to walk away from anything that no longer serves or grows you.

Appreciate that lesson and let it go. Don’t waste energy ruminating over it, forgive them and use that energy to be constructive, move forward and closer to your success and happiness.

So, this is my personal formula. It may not work for everyone, but that’s the whole point of Life Coaching – identifying what is important to you, the individual, and living your life accordingly.

By practicing these 7 things in my life, I am a happier person, people often describe me as “happy - go lucky” and a “go getter”, I am motivated yet, also at peace with where I am. I get to live life light, with no baggage, no regrets nor hatred. I can look at myself in the mirror and be proud of who I am, because I treat everyone the same regardless of what they have to offer me.

Like everything in life - it comes down to balance – be a nice human but don’t expect things to be passed to you because of it – you still have to get up and chase those big dreams yourself…but that’s where the fun begins ;)

If you feel you need a little help please reach out – you can find some of my life coaching programs.

Sending happiness and success your way,

A hug a day DOES keep the Dr Away

A Hug a Day keeps the Dr Away

So if you haven’t already heard or checked out our holistic health program the Healthstyle Emporium, it is our very own sacred space where we empower our clients to be the healthiest and happiest versions of themselves. With access to all of our resources, such as monthly educational webinars, one on one coaching, access to our amazing team of health professionals, it’s a place where you can dive deep on our meal, exercise, yoga, and meditation guides. 

The best part about it is… we have regular challenges! We are currently in our 14 days of bliss challenge, where we are empowering our clients with daily assignments, rituals and routines aimed at eliminating and managing stress - the biggest contributor to unhappiness, disease and belly fat! Day 9’s de-stress activity was HUG THERAPY!

So, what is Hug Therapy?

You might agree, yeah hugs are nice, but what the hell is hug therapy?! Hug, snuggle and cuddle therapy is a new 21st century phenomena sweeping across our high tech world, where people are charging anywhere from $60- $90 per hour for healing, clothed, therapeutic, nonsexual touch.

However the theory of touch is not a new one! Research from as early as the 20th century investigates child development in which nurture (in the form of a soothing touch) plays a critical role.

Security & Relationships

• Research has discovered how essential physical touch is, not only for emotional regulation in children but also in adults and has consequences for the relationships individuals form later in life. One of the very first studies on touch was the infamous Harlow study which demonstrated that baby monkeys prefer a cloth doll without milk as a mother substitute over a metal doll with milk. We have come a long way in conducting ethical research since then, and I think it’s safe to say worldwide we agree that babies need to be held. There is evidence that adults who were frequently hugged and cuddled during early childhood display fewer stress symptoms than those less-hugged counterparts.

• Hugs teach us how to give and receive. There is equal value in receiving and being receptive to warmth, as to giving and sharing. Hugs educate us how love flows both ways.

• The nurturing touch of a hug builds trust and a sense of safety. This helps with open and honest communication.

HUGS PROMOTE Happiness

As adults we can live without hugs, but research proves we are happier with them!

• When we touch others we release oxytocin (known as the “pleasure” hormone) which increases feelings of attachment connection, trust and intimacy and heals feelings of loneliness, isolation, and anger.

• Holding a hug for an extended time lifts one's serotonin levels (known as the “happy” hormone”) which elevates your mood.

• Hugging boosts self-esteem. From the time we’re born, families’ touch reinforces we are loved and we are special. Association between self-worth and touch from our early years becomes imbedded in our nervous system. The cuddles we received from our Mum and Dad while growing up remain imprinted at a cellular level, and hugs remind us at a somatic level of that. Hugs, therefore, connect us to our ability to self-love.

• Hugging relaxes muscles, enabling tension to be released from the body. Hugs can take away pain; soothing aches by increasing circulation into the soft tissues.

• Similar to laughter and meditation, hugs encourage us to practice mindfulness, reminding us to let go and be present in the moment. They teach us to detach from logical thinking patterns - connecting you with your heart, your feelings and your breath.

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Better health

• High levels of stress can weaken the immune system, making us more susceptible to illness and infection. However, research has found that physical affection also alleviates stress reactions in adults, by decreasing heart rate, blood pressure and cortisol levels (known as the “stress” hormone).

• Hugs strengthen the immune system, as the gentle pressure on the sternum creates an emotional charge activating the solar Plexus Chakra. This stimulates the thymus gland, which regulates and balances the body's production of white blood cells, keeping you healthy and disease free.

A hug a day, CAN keep the Dr. away!

Today we live in a fast paced, high stress world – where millions of us now live and love via our social mediums, with hundreds + friends on our Facebook, instagram, twitter networks, and yet somehow many of us are able to move through the entire day without having experienced one human-to-human, warm-bodied hug – isn’t that sad?

It’s cold and flu season again — so make sure you get plenty of sleep, get some extra vitamin C and… hug each other a little more! It’s that simple – Reach out and hug your partner, your friend, your co-worker, your family…and your life may not only feel better but last longer!