by Laura Weldy | Sep 7, 2016 | Uncategorized
I used to think of myself as somewhat of a rebel. I still do, in many ways. I think unconventionally, I’m not afraid to challenge the status quo, and I love and embrace people who can embrace their unique traits. Obviously, the rebels in the world have a very special place in my heart. Unfortunately, the rebels also get it wrong a lot of the time.
Rebels don’t like being told what to do. They also don’t like asking for help. This is pretty much a zero sum game in which the rebel nearly always winds up burnt out, exhausted, and grumpy. Let’s be real: how many truly blissful rebels do you know? I don’t know many. And they’re doing it to themselves.
Can you be a rebel AND blissful? Absolutely. We all deserve to be well supported women. The hurdle you need to overcome is in learning to ask for what you need. I don’t just mean ordering takeout instead of cooking your own meal because you’re tired-although I definitely get that. I mean that you need to create sustainable structures in your life that allow you to spend your time doing what you love, and more importantly NOT spending your time on things that don’t need your attention.
Whether you’re a Doc-Marten-wearing-The-Clash-blasting rebel or not, you could probably benefit from building up your personal support team. An awesome first step in this direction is to hire a Virtual or Personal Assistant. This will be a lesson in surrender, and might be difficult at first. But imagine all of the incredible space and freedom you’ll create for yourself by learning to let go of the mundane tasks clogging up your day.
I’ve got you, rebels. I created this simple resource to help you find, hire and work with your dream VA. Grab your copy today, and consider it your first step toward a more free (and hopefully less grumpy) life.
xo,
L
by Laura Weldy | Aug 15, 2016 | Uncategorized
Confession: I’m a life coach.
Sure, those words sparkle. They are in blogs and interviews everywhere these days, but there’s still a ton of confusion about what they actually mean.
There are professional life coaches that specialize in every area you can imagine, from business to love. And although I love a green juice and vision board as much as the next person, that’s not the defining characteristic of a life coach. I happen to be a serious feminist with a bit of a nerdy penchant for Game of Thrones, and I’m an incredible coach for women who love honesty and irreverent humor. The one characteristic we all have in common is that we’re here to help you transition from a place of fear, insecurity and overwhelm to a place of clear goals and forward momentum.
Everyone is held back in some way or another by fear. That’s a normal part of the human experience, but one that limits your joy and success. If you’re in the middle of overwhelm right now and considering looking for a life coach, but not sure if it’s right for you, read on. If you’re not ready to hire a coach but still want some recommendations for mindful living, the list below is a great place to start. Below, I’m sharing my 5 favorite ways that an amazing life coach can kick your booty out of fear and into gear.
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Your coach hears you. When was the last time that you had a conversation in which you felt really heard? For an hour every week, your coach is there to understand you, your circumstances, and your biggest dreams. No phone scrolling allowed.
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You’ll prioritize your own development. It’s really easy to buy self-development books and let them pile up beside your bed. In our hyper connected culture, you always have something to do that takes precedent over working on yourself. When you have a coach waiting on you for your next appointment, you can’t shirk the conversation. You also won’t feel guilty about working on yourself when you have that accountability to someone else!
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You’ll get crystal clear. How often in your life have you been asked what you really, truly want with your life? I’ll bet it doesn’t happen as often as you get asked about your responsibilities at work. If you don’t know what you want yet, that’s okay. Through working with your coach you will get crystal clear on what you want for your life now, and what you want for your future. You set the bar, and your coach will hold you to it.
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You’ll get to pick their brain. Two brains really are better than one. In addition to being a coach, your life coach has had years of their own experience to draw from. Don’t hesitate to ask them questions about their experience, to request resources that might be helpful for you, or even to ask for introductions to someone they may know. When you hire a coach, they’re looking to share everything they can to help you achieve your dreams.
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Your coach will call you out. This is my favorite thing about working with my own coach. Once you get through the honeymoon phase of creating your goals, it’s time to start working on them. That’s when the fear comes in, and you start to worry that you aren’t doing things correctly, well enough, fast enough. Your coach is an impartial external sounding board, there to remind you that the fear is all in your head.
Looking for more ways a coach can help you define your path and achieve some serious success? Download the full list of 15 (!) ways a life coach can help you create the future you desire, here.
by Laura Weldy | Jul 25, 2016 | Uncategorized
I was in a yoga class a few weeks ago when the instructor told me how she had been taught by her own instructor that child’s pose, the place of relaxation and rest when the class gets too tough, was the most courageous pose of all.
I have known since I started my practice years ago that yoga doesn’t reward bravado. Your time on the mat isn’t about being the best in the room, stretching the farthest, staying in an inversion the longest.
Our human tendency toward pettiness or jealousy will still rise to the surface at times, though, making it difficult to eradicate when we need to rest. It’s all too easy to start comparing yourself to others in the room. To feel like you won’t give your body the rest it’s screaming for because you don’t want to appear weak, or to be judged by others in the room. The problem with this line of thinking? Once you allow it to infiltrate your brain, it opens the door to millions of other self conscious thoughts.
By allowing fear and doubt to dictate your decision making in your yoga practice, you’re unleashing it on the rest of your life.
So have courage. Retreat to child’s pose when your body feels weak and weathered in class. Put your head on the mat and focus on your breath. And take that pose with you outside of the class.
When your heart feels heavy and overflowing, allow it to rest. Give it a break and some space. Same principle applies to your mind. To your friendships and relationships. To your inspiration, your creativity, your journalling practice. Whatever it is that you’re butting up against and wherever you might be encountering resistance, consider rest. With your forehead on the proverbial mat, gulping down air and releasing judgement, you’ll find a new way to return.
You’ll re-enter the flow when it feels right and natural, and those around you will always welcome you back in.
by Laura Weldy | Jun 6, 2016 | Uncategorized
Establishing a routine and following it isn’t easy: but it WILL reap major results.
I’m 28 and just starting to embrace routine. I’ve been rebellious and reallllly stubborn most of my life, and resisted calendars and schedules because I felt suffocated. I recently decided that whatever I was doing wasn’t working-I had no time for myself, and always felt exhausted and pulled in a million directions. I figured I had nothing to lose by trying a scheduled routine.
I was as shocked as you are at the immense relief I felt and the way it changed my life.
Now, I rise at 7 am for some yoga, coffee, reading and mindset work. I get to breathe in the first morning light right alongside my pup, and we get lots of bonding and cuddle time. I also have enough time to get ready for the day, which is critical to my sanity since I work from home. By beginning my morning in this way, rather than snoozing until my first meeting, I’m able to settle into my work calmly and energized when 9 am rolls around. Side note: No, I’m not perfect. Every day doesn’t start this way – but the ones that do feel that much more magical.
Evenings have their vibes, which for me is much more flexible. I do try to end and begin the day with a book, rather than my phone, and I take a few moments to use my favorite face oil and slip into my most comfortable pajamas.
What have I learned? If you are able to organize your day around your routine, you’ll be better prepped for anything the Universe sends your way. Whether your routine is simple or complex, let yourself dive into the ritual. The act of doing can be peaceful in itself, and a source of calm continuity when life can so often feel volatile.
Going into your morning or evening routine with the right attitude is everything. Don’t see this as another to-do on your never-ending list. Instead, learn to value this time as unapologetically yours, and relish every moment. It certainly makes getting up a few minutes earlier much easier to bear! On that note, if you’re not into it, don’t try to force it in your routine. Going to the gym has never worked at getting me out of bed in the morning. Books? Absolutely.
Tell me in the comments: what does your routine look like?
by Laura Weldy | May 18, 2016 | Uncategorized
It’s so easy to be intimidated by the concept of developing a mindful routine. Every day, my newsfeed fills with articles about meditation, conscious breathing, ayurvedic practices & the 3 hour long yoga session that you MUST do.
It doesn’t have to be that way! When it comes to mindfulness, quality is way more important than quantity. Don’t let the fear that you don’t have enough time keep you from carving out five minutes of peace and sanity for yourself. It’s usually when you feel like you don’t have enough time that you need this refuge the most!
Want to know another secret? You can be your own guru. Although reading about the routines of others can be inspiring, you know best what you need. If you’re continually thinking about or reading about mindfulness without any kind of practice that works for you, you’re allowing yourself to get distracted.
Snap out of it, sister.
Start simple. Try breathing and thinking about nothing else. Consider breakfast without your phone in hand. Draw pictures of your dreams when you wake up instead of checking Twitter. Imagine tending to your energetic garden. Recreate your favorite place in the world in your mind-down to the smell. Whatever speaks to you.
There’s no wrong way to be aware or mindful. It’s all a choice: and choosing to clear your mind and listen to your body is a powerful one.
Still feel like you need some guidance? Keep an eye out for the “Reclaim your AM” downloadable coming your way soon.
xx
