You want to make a change in your life. You have a goal. A dream. An intention.

How committed are you to it?

Do you give your word to creating it in your life? Do you share it with everyone?

 

"Making a commitment is taking  stand, it's declaring to yourself and the universe that you're unwilling to settle for anything less that excellence" Denise Linn

Fear can get in the way of making a commitment, fear of failure, fear of looking bad, fear of the unknown, fear of change and so on. However while there is any doubt in our mind it's hard to give ourselves 100% to something, we energetically send out unconscious messages  that it "might not happen".

Our thoughts create our reality. If you go into a situation not fully believing in yourself, or your dream, without knowing consciously doing it your behaviour will be effected.

For example: You have a job interview that you don't believe you are good enough for. Although during the interview you will try to act confidently without meaning to that lack of self belief will show through in subtle ways. Maybe through your body language,  or a lack of certainty behind your answers.

Of course in life there is no certainty, but acting from a mindset of doubt and fear will impact your behaviour, or whether you take any action at all.

Commitment gives power to creating change. We can talk about wanting to change jobs, go travelling, relocate, find a partner until we are blue in the face but until we actually decide, I am going to do all I can within my power to create this, it's easy to just keep talking about it.

Talking about it can turn into months, and then years. Before you know it you'll be reaching retirement and still be speaking about wanting to make this change!

It's a simple decision.

"I am committed to X"

You may like to share it with people who are close and supportive of you. Remember to take care with who you share it with as some people feel the way to support is to put you off your dream....it's their way of caring, or perhaps their own fears showing up but remember this is your dream not theirs. Share it with those you know will support you.

Get into action. I find putting something concrete in place that drives me to take more action always helps at the beginning. For example:

Putting your updated CV on to recruitment sites

Signing up to a dating site

Booking a flight

Putting a deposit down

Signing up to estate agents

Give power to your dreams, make a commitment and whole heartedly go for it. After all when you look back on your life isn't it better to have given it your all than just sitting around day dreaming about it for weeks, months or even years?

If you'd like some help with your dream, please get in touch.

Lots of love

Louise x

  HAPPY EASTER!!!

The sun is shining and we are nearly at the 4 day weekend!

I am sure you all have lots of plans, or maybe not. Sometimes isn't just nice to have nothing to do isn't it?

What ever you are doing I invite you to connect with happiness this weekend by bringing your awareness to all the little blessings you have in your life.

The moment you feel the sunshine on your face, or the wind through your hair.

The moment you hear a child laughing.

The moment you notice the birds singing.

The first mouthful of a delicious meal.

The moment you feel your heart flutter when you see someone you love.

The first sip from a glass of wine.

The moment you wake up and realise you don't have to do any work today.

Just those little moments that often just pass us by unrecognised. The more we notice these small subtle things that make our heart smile the more we connect to inner happiness.

Happiness is a decision and it comes from within. Material things won't make you happy long term, but noticing your little daily blessings will.

Speaking of Happiness, I am excited to announced that booking is now open for The Happiness Effect 2 day workshop I am running in Brighton on 15th/16th May. These dates coincide with the Brighton Festival so it's a great time to visit if you are not local.

We are offering a super early bird rate for bookings before 1st May. To find out more about the workshop and book please see The Happiness Effect or please do contact me if you have any questions.

Have a great weekend!

xx

  From the moment of entering this world our experiences start to form our beliefs about ourselves. Especially during early childhood into our teens.

By the time we get into adulthood we usually don't think about questioning them, unless of course we start doing some form of personal development work.

Often the beliefs we are carrying are no longer true, or were in fact never true to begin with. Yet unless we notice this and start to disconnect from them they will still have their power over us.

Beliefs I carried from childhood that I have now given up are:

• I can't sing
• I have asthma
• I am a sickly child
• I am shy
• I am not good enough

All of which can have, and have had, a damaging effect in some way.

Through challenging these and choosing to no longer believe in them I now:

• Enjoy singing out loud
• No longer take an inhaler every day
• Have not been ill since Christmas 2010, this is not to say I won't be again but it's no longer a regular occurence
• I speak out when I want or need too, I am self confident and I am also happy with silence
• Do not let fears get in the way of me going for what I want in my life. Anyone saying they are not good enough is just silly (but, sadly very common)....we are all unique have had our own special qualities.

Are you carrying around in your mind something a teacher/parent/friend once told you when you were small?  Do you hear their voices still ringing in your ears? Question it, ask yourself why it is rubbish?

Don't let these silly childhood beliefs hold you back.  You have the power to choose how you feel and act today.

Be happy.

Louise x

  I ran a Yoga for Stress workshop on Saturday which was a time for people to just switch off, let go and relax. Through the afternoon as I taught yoga I also incorporated some of my top tips to manage stress levels.

Yoga is a great tool to explore different ways of being in life and to manage stress. Our physical body and breath have an impact on how we feel, what thoughts are going through our mind. This is why so many people love how they feel after a yoga session, whether its completely relaxed or energised, both or some way else.

 

Following are some of the suggestions I gave to help combat tension and stress in day to day life:

 

• Dedicate an area in your home where you can relax. You may like to have fresh flowers there, inspiring pictures, symbols of your faith (if you have one), crystals, a candle and so on. Just what ever makes you feel inspired. A place where you know you can go to, be quiet and leave the day behind.

 

• Simplify your life. Make a list of everything on your mind. Then ask - what is the most important thing right now? Next write the next action step to take in this area, and just focus on doing that. Watch how life unfolds one step at a time.

 

• Breathe. Deepen your inhale and lengthen your exhale, this will trigger the parasympathetic nervous system to work which sends the message to your brain, all is well, there is nothing to fear. You'll notice how much calmer you feel by doing this.

 

• Bring your mind into the present moment. Notice your feet on the floor. Pay attention to what is around you. So much tension is created by thinking too much in the past or about the future. Right here now is what matters.

 

• Repeat a positive affirmation to yourself. Something like; all is well, I am safe, I am, everything I need is always taken care of, I can handle anything.....find one that resonates with you.

 

• Allow yourself time each day to relax. Just lying on the floor for 5 minutes can be a wonderful break. Lying on the floor with your legs up the wall is a great yoga pose to do to calm your nervous system down, calm the mind and help you sleep.

 

• Have a positive meditation/ spiritual/ self help/ motivational book to read daily. I like to keep a couple by the bath to read an inspirational passage while I soak.

 

Feeling overwhelmed  and stressed can be a trap, unless we do something to calm our minds and bodies down, it can build up and up until something happens, like an illness, forces us to stop. Just doing something little daily to relax and reset your mind in a positive direction will have a huge impact.

Namaste

Louise x

Feeling like something just isn't working?

Frustrated? Stuck? Angry? Demotivated?

Maybe it's a sign to try a new approach. When practising yoga, poses that turn your world upside down inspire you to see life from a different perspective.

If mice are put in a maze and discover the route to the cheese, they will keep going down that route to get it. If it's then moved to a new location after a while they will start trying out different routes to get to it, until they hit jackpot.

Us humans can be stubborn. Often we will keep doing the same things over and over again even if it's just not working.

Can you recognise this any where in your life?

Are you repeating the same patterns over and over again?

Does it feel like you are knocking your head against a brick wall?

Maybe it's time to try something different!

This doesn't mean giving up on your dream, if it still feels right for you, but simply trying a new approach.

Is there an action or an idea you have had to try but for some reason have been putting it off, maybe self doubt or fear getting in the way?

That could be the very thing to experiment with. I always relate to those flutters of fear as a signal of the path to go down (obviously not with the overwhelming sense of fear when you are actually in danger!!). It's by doing things that scare you that help you to grow and develop confidence in your self.

Isn't it better to have explored all avenues rather than keep doing the same thing over and over again with no results, and probably making yourself feel bad in the process?

So what could you try differently this week?

See it as an experiment, a game, a challenge. Take any perceived pressure off and see it as an exploration. After all if it doesn't work you can just try something else!

If you need a helping hand please do get in touch - [email protected]

Namasate

Let's face it, February in UK can be tough, especially with all these storms we have been experiencing. I've been speaking to various people recently who have been finding it's been "getting to them". I am a big fan of jumping on a plane to find the sunshine but I understand this is not always possible. So how to survive February in UK if there is no other way to escape?! This is the first February I have been in UK and am actually really enjoying myself, this is because I have planned for it. I have planned to do things I really enjoy, all month, in fact right through to July. I am especially treating myself this month though to the things that lift my spirits and lead me to new experiences, which is what lights me up. The result of doing this means I am enjoying the moment and excited about the future, a recipe for happiness.

It can be easy to get in the mindset of "getting through it", wishing time away, head down until it's all over. That's 28 days of missed out opportunity for fun and exploration though!

Now this doesn't have to mean lots of activity. February is a great month of some restorative time before all the energy of Spring. You have the wisdom inside of you to know what is best for you right now.

What could you plan to make this February special? To make yourself feel good?

I also think it's important to get out in the sunshine when ever it does show it's face. Just to sit in the sun, even when cold, for 15-30 minutes nourishes your soul.

Nature has a way of rebalancing body and mind. If you find yourself in a bit of a down phase, wrap yourself up and go outside, even for a bit. Then notice the shifts you feel from walking in nature. I always find walking along the beach calms my mind, even when the waves are going crazy with the wind!

Fill your body with food with a strong life force. It can be easy to use alcohol and drugs to escape but after the high will come the low and it will be a whole lot worse! Lack of sleep, a drop in blood sugar and toxins all contribute to emotional lows. Take care of your body and your mind will notice the difference too!

Helping others is also a win win situation, when you extend your compassion to outside of yourself the receiver will benefit and so will you. There are many people (and animals) in the world struggling to really survive right now, and not so far afield with the awful situation in Somerset. Take action where you can to help someone in need.

If you need a helping hand you may like to check out this fab challenge - 100 Happy Days. You simply take a photo of something that makes you happy every day and share it on social media with #100happydays or if you'd rather keep it out of the public domain you simply send them your photos.

I am going to start my challenge today, if you'd like to follow me I'll share it via Twitter - LouiseatCreate. ( and if you take on the challenge please let me know how I can follow you too!)

.....and remember nothing stays the same, it will be Spring before we know it :-)

Much love

 

 

 

ps I am running a yoga workshop this weekend if you fancy getting out of the rain and having some me time! x

  This is just a little post to remind you that....

only you know what is best for you.

Life bombards us with solutions. Well meaning friends and family offering their opinions and advice. Media telling us all the things we should be giving up or starting. A million self help books, therapies, coaches to help you with every situation possible.

It's amazing there is so much help out there!

When it comes down to it, you have the wisdom inside to know what you need the most. That often quiet little voice in your head that can get over powered by the often shouting voice of the ego. The ego is driven by attachment and fear. Attachment to your identity, to things being a certain way, to how you look, what others think and fears that have built up over the years.

That soft voice that comes from your heart, that you feel in your gut, that's the one to listen too.

When I coach people it's about connecting to what you really want deep down, not what you feel you should be doing. Sometimes we don't even set goals, sometimes what my clients prefer is to focus on a way of being, an intention that shapes their life every day. It's completely up to them as only they know what help they need and what they really want to get out of life.

Sometimes the challenge is to hear and trust your own wisdom. We so often look externally for the solution to our problems. Don't get me wrong, it's wonderful to get fresh ideas, new insights and to learn new things that will help us. All that learning will help you make the next decision about what is best for you, from within.

If you are facing a decision and are feeling swayed by external factors, just trust that you know what is best for you. That doesn't mean it won't feel a bit (or a lot!)  scary sometimes but that's when it gets exciting, you are moving beyond boundaries and past fears to grow.

Namaste

 

Over the past 8 years I have given up a few habits that haven't served me well; partying to excess, eating meat, wheat bread, cows milk, coffee and more recently eating chocolate every day. I have learnt from the experience that simply not wanting to do it any more isn't always enough. When what you are doing causes you any form of enjoyment then denying yourself of what you perceive as feeling good, even if it's just for a few moments, can lead you to want to do it more.

There needs to be a bigger purpose, something you want more, something that inspires you and is for your highest good. In my case I am inspired by being at my optimum health, after a childhood of always being ill I didn't want to be that sickly child any more, and having mental clarity to be able to approach life with a positive and loving attitude. I also wanted balanced energy levels, as I was so up and down before, I was sick of that afternoon crash feeling when all I wanted to do was sleep. I learnt that feeling tired led to my emotions being out of balance too. The motivation behind taking care of my health, emotions, mental state and energy was not only for me but also for my business, so I could be fit and healthy to help and inspire others too. This is my passion. I felt I couldn't really be an authentic life coach and yoga teacher if I wasn't taking care of myself first.

Once I had the inspiration in place then I looked for things to replace the old habits with, things that would cause me just as much pleasure and more. Alternatives that were actually good for me rather than being temporary lifts or escapism that ended in some kind of crash afterwards. For example:

• A big part of going out for me was that I love to dance, I now go to ecstatic dance sessions (which do not serve alcohol)  or simply go out with the intention to dance and not to drink.
• I make sure the food I cook is really tasty so that I don't miss meat.
• I have found a lovely Rye bread (The Village Bakery - they sell in Waitrose)  that for me is just as enjoyable as wheat bread, in fact I prefer it now.
• I have adapted my taste buds to almond milk now, this did take a while but now I can't imagine having cows milk with cereal. The pleasure I gain from this is the fact I am not so congested any more.
• I have found some herbal teas that I really enjoy drinking, and every now and then I have a decaffeinated coffee. The sleepless nights, up and down emotions, busy mind and heightened stress levels I experience from coffee were worth giving up!

Our brain does not hear the negative, if I tell you now not to think of a red dress - what springs to mind? When you tell yourself "I am not going to X" you mind hears "I am going to X". Rather tell yourself what you are going to do instead.

A daily afternoon sugary sweet treat as been the hardest thing I have found to give up because it's tied into emotions for me as well, I see it as a treat. So I have found it important to look for other more healthy things that I experience as a treat too, I do enjoy savoury snacks as well like hummus and rice cakes, taking time out to go sit on the beach front when the sun is shining and coconut balls are amazing as they taste just like chocolate truffles but there is no refined sugar, the sweetness comes from the coconut and dates . Liquorice or cinnamon tea also taste sweet but with out the sugar. I do love to go out for tea and cake with friends though, and I still will, it just won't be an every day occurrence!

My experience with sugar and caffeine is that it is actually an addiction. The headaches experienced when I stopped every day coffee were unbelievable and lasted for 2 weeks solid. My body actually craved the sugar and my mind was very cleverly trying to convince me that some things would be ok, like ice cream?!!  With things like this will power is key, and that is where your inspirational higher purpose kicks in. It is said it takes 3 weeks to form a new thought pattern and create a new habit, so flexing your willpower muscles for those few weeks is prime and doing healthy things that feel good for you to nurture yourself in the meantime.

Falling in love with yoga was a big turning point for me, to be able to still my mind, be present, take care of my body and learn from the practice I needed to give up mental stimulants and foods that make me feel heavy. The love of how yoga makes me feel outshines the need for the other stuff. Yoga might not be the thing for you but there will be something out there that is, something that will inspire you enough to give up the stuff that holds you back from really enjoying it.

Focus on the good, what you are inspired by, what really motivates you and one day you will realise that the light has outshone the darkness. It's not easy giving up something but when you do, you have strengthened that will power muscle and in turn the belief in yourself that you can do anything you put your mind too.

If I can help you in any way on your journey please let me know; [email protected]

Much love,

Louise x

 

  How often to you blame others or circumstances for how you are feeling?

How often do you tell yourself stories, justifications, about why you are not where you want to be?

Any time you blame  or justify you are giving your power away. It's as simple as that.

Any time you count on something external to make you happy you are not in control.

Yes sometimes people do treat us appallingly, sometimes people do not behave the way we'd like them too but it's still up to us how we choose to deal with it.

How many stories have you told yourself already this year about why; you can't leave a job you hate, why you are single, why you can't leave an unhappy relationship, why you have to do something you really don't want to do...... We do this to make ourselves feel better to justify why we are not really doing what we want. How does that really feel deep down though?

What ever is going on externally in an area you are not happy in, ask yourself the following question:

What can I do to take responsibility for this?

The moment you take responsibility to make changes in an area you are not happy in, that is the moment you claim back your power.

Even when you don't see it as your responsibility. Even when someone else is not doing something "right". When you take control anyway of what you need in the situation you empower yourself.

Have a look at your life right now. Are you giving your power away to any situation or person?

A clue is to look at which area of your life you feel most drained in. When we feel stuck, helpless, reliant, controlled, and so on, we loose our energy.

Then ask that question - what could I do to take responsibility for my life in this area/with this relationship/person.....?

Make this week the week you empower yourself!

Much love

 

  Special time with a loved one flies by.

Time doing something you don't enjoy slows down to a snails pace.

Yet it's the same time. 60 seconds in a minute and 60 minutes in an hour.

When we really want to do something we have the time. When we are reluctant, no time can be a great excuse.

I have found over the years when I have taken on big projects in my life, I have always found enough time and I've actually achieved more than I imagined at the beginning. It can be very easy to put off making a change you want for fear of there not being enough time. This might end up being the case if it's something you don't really want but if you are inspired and excited about it you will find the time.

Time is a lot like money in this sense. You will find the money for something you really want deep in your heart. It's all a question of priorities.

Some times though our priorities become out of balance. We prioritise the things that are not really best for us, but we feel we "should" do. As I have said before the word "should" usually indicates you are living by someone elses values, what your friends, family/ partner would do. That doesn't mean it's right for you.

Time can get sucked up in a relationship that doesn't feel right or serve you well. Time can get sucked up doing a job you hate. Time can get sucked up putting everyone else before your needs.

It's a common misconception that putting yourself before others is selfish. The thing is if you don't spend time to nurture and nourish yourself  then the energy you put into helping others may be tinged with negativity, resentment for example. There is a big difference between doing something out of duty and doing something from a place of love.

When you follow your dreams, take care of yourself and do what is best for you, then you'll find you have an abundance of energy and love to help others. You'll truly be giving from the heart.

There is enough time. You will find it if you really want it.

There is enough money. You will find it if you really want it.

So what do you really want?

Commit it it and allow the change to flow into your life.

Namaste

Happy New Year! I love the start of a new year, the feeling of a new beginning, where life feels like a blank canvas and anything is possible. The reality of it though is that every day is a new beginning. In fact every moment is one too. We always have the choice to begin a new project, to set a new intention, to feel how we wish to feel. That power is always within us.

It all begins with a decision.

Have you had times in your life where you decided something was going to happen and it did?

Or maybe other times when you were a little on the fence, a bit hesitant to commit, slightly unsure what you actually wanted. How was that experience?

I "thought about" moving to Brighton for about 7 years before I actually did it. I would always say, "maybe next year", "maybe when I have met someone", "maybe one day.....". Until 2011 when I actually decided 2012 was to be the year, and here I am.

Once a firm decision is made life starts to conspire to help make it happen. Actions are more driven, determined and there is more power behind them. We start to notice ways to make it happen and act on them. People step forward to offer help. We get creative.

Until a decision is made how does the Universe/God know how to help you?

Sometimes the Universe/God will take control, something out of your control will happen to force you into making a decision.....redundancy, a break up, loosing your home and so on. I have often heard people say to me that a break up/ being made redundant was the best thing that could have happened to them as it led them to doing what they really wanted to do in the end.

It may take years though for God/the Universe to have enough and give you a kick up the backside......years of feeling lost, procrastinating, feeling annoyed with yourself for not doing what you really want.

What if this was the year you made the decision? How would that be?

What would you decide?

I'd love to know!

Namaste

 

 

 

  Happy Christmas!

Hope you have all survived the storms with out too much damage. I thought my windows may blow in last night!

In the last of my Christmas video blogs I give you a centring technique to help be present in the moment. Something that can be tricky to do when there is lots going on and when you have lots on your mind.

Christmas is a perfect opportunity to relax, so allow yourself to switch off and enjoy the moment this Christmas time whether you are on your own, with friends or with family.

 

Lots of love and Christmas cheer!

Louise x

  In the third of my video blogs this morning I give you an idea of something special to express yourself to those you love around Christmas time.

 

 

Just to remind you that the last posting date is Friday if you would like to order any vouchers for any of my services; Reiki Healing/ 1-1 Yoga sessions/ Life Coaching/ Image Consultancy. I can tailor packages for each individual.

I also have a couple of coaching options to help you make the changes you wish for in 2014; a bumper 4 hour Create 2014 coaching session  (there is an offer running for bookings made before 31st Dec) or a life coaching Create 2014 eCourse. Please click on the links for more details.

Happy Christmas!

Louise x

 

 

 

  This week in the second of my Christmas video blogs  I share with you some life coaching type questions to help you do a review of 2013. It's a really useful exercise to take stock of the year; what has gone well, what have you learnt and what would you do differently. These help to prepare you thinking about what is next for 2014.

 

If you would prefer to run through these with me and let me help you create your goals for 2014 please do get in touch to find out how I can help. [email protected]

The count down to Christmas is on! As lovely as Christmas can be it can also be a stressful or emotional time, but you always have the power to create your reality of any situation. You can choose how you wish to be this Christmas, and this can be done by setting an intention. My intention for this Christmas time is Creativity and Love. As a result I have decided to be creative and make you some Christmas video blogs this month! In this first one I give you an exercise to help set your intention for this Christmas period:

 

  I find books a great source of inspiration and comfort. I aim to read them all cover to cover but often I dip in and out of them, just reading the bits that help me in that moment. There are so many great inspirational, self help, spiritual books out there that it's always a case of finding a writer that really resonates with you.

I love all of Susan Jeffers books which centre around conquering fear, allowing yourself to feel comfortable with uncertainty and to fully embrace living in the flow of life. I am also a huge fan of Robert Holden who truly writes from the heart, reading his book Loveability is like meditating on love. I keep his book Shift Happens by the bath for every day inspiration! Alan Cohen and Melody Beattie's books are full of lovely meditations to start each day and act as a source of comfort for any time.

Right now these are my top 10 favourite inspirational books at the moment, that I dip in and out of regularly;

 

 

I keep these to hand and dip into them when ever I feel I need to. I read out meditations from Journey to The Heart in my yoga classes and I start the day by reading a passage from A Deep Breath of Life. Little practices like this help to keep your mind inspired, empowered and in touch with your true self - a beautiful heart centred being.

Of course they all make lovely presents too, with Christmas coming up and all that! I'd love to hear what books you find inspiring, please do leave a comment on Facebook or Twitter to share!

Much love

Often when I suggest to clients to focus on being loving to themselves, they look at me a little confused unsure of what this actually means. When you are in the habit of  giving to others all of the time, switching it around and taking care of yourself can sometimes feel a little like new territory. Being loving to yourself is so important though, especially in tough times, when your energy feels depleted. Our human way is often to search to feel good externally for example; waiting for that certain person to cheer you up, something to happen so you can feel happy or your job to make you feel like a success.  When we learn to be loving to ourselves we learn we can feel comforted and supported when ever we need it.

Being loving to yourself is not selfish, in fact for you to have the right energy to be able to give to others it's important to give to yourself first, otherwise resentment can build up. Have you ever experienced the feeling of doing something for someone else when you really don't feel like doing it? It's certainly not from a loving caring mindset is it?

Following are 5 ways to be loving to yourself today:

1. Stand up for what is best for you and get your power back. When we expect other people to make us happy we loose our power, we may put up with behaviour that doesn't serve us well. The longer this goes on the worse we feel and harder it feels to pull out of the situation. Look at what is not working for you and make a decision to not tolerate it any more. Yes that may mean a difficult conversation needs to be had but in the long run you will feel a whole lot better when you are in your power.
2. Do something you really feel like doing, even if you think you "shouldn't" for what ever reason. We can put so many barriers in our way to doing what we really want to do. If you are feeling sad, and all you feel like doing is eating cake and watching movies then just allow yourself that luxury for the day. If you are stressed and just fancy a day off all things work related, then just do it. It's only one day.
3. Pamper yourself. Do what ever feels good for your body whether it's a hot bath, practising yoga, hula hooping, going for a walk. Our body holds emotions too, nurture it, bring it back to balance and treat it with love.
4. Speak to someone you love. Chatting to someone who makes you laugh, who listens and who loves you unconditionally will naturally help to lift your spirits.
5. Give your self 5 compliments. How often do you do this? Make the time to do it today.

If none of these feel appropriate or loving to you then ask yourself, "how would I treat someone I love?". Then treat yourself like that.

Lots of love

Louise x