raspberry magazine - issue one
Post on 04-Apr-2016
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1
m a g a z i n e
DIGITALNOMADSRunning yourfirst workshop
Claire BakerldquoJUST SAY NOrdquo
THE ART OF THESOLO RETREAT
2
Welcome to the first issue of Raspberry Magazine
After 10+ years of working in the writing publishing and eBook design industries it only made perfect sense to combine it all into one passion project ndash and here she is ndash Raspberry Magazine
My aim through this venture is to support and showcase inspiring women making a difference Women who are living their purpose being of service to their communities sharing their messages forging a path and making this Earth shine a little brighter than ever before through their contributions
Yoursquore probably picking up that the tone of the magazine is going to be positive ndash and yep yoursquore right on the money But Irsquom also going to bring you stories of the trickier stuff ndash as many of us know building a business is not always sunshine and unicorns ndash so I hope you enjoy those stories as well
Raspberry Magazine will be a place for fascinating funny and unusual points of view from women of all levels of experience and income in their entrepreneurial journeys
We are open to submissions so if you have a well-crafted idea you think wersquod love please send it this way helloraspberrymagazinecom
I hope you enjoy this 100 free (and 100 ad-free) first edition of Raspberry Magazine To subscribe for future issues just hop over to our shop
With love + super excitement
submiss ions + he l los
subscr ipt ions
helloraspberrymagazinecom
raspberrymagazinecomshop
soc ia l media
F B T W I G
Cover StarC L A I R E B A K E Rt h i s i s l i f e b l o o d c o m
Photography byKeeper Creative
copy Raspberry Magazine 2014 All rights reserved Content must not be copied or reproduced without express written consent Feel free to quote from this work with a link to it as a source but keep in mind that this is copyrighted material Although the editor believes the contents to be accurate at the time of publication and that all photographs and images have been obtained with permission and bylegal means no liability is assumed for them their application or any consequences thereof
3
Our job in this life is not to shape ourselves into some ideal we imagine we ought to be BUT TO FIND OUT who we already are and become it
STEVEN PRESSFIELD
4
YOU DONrsquoT FIND YOUR WRITING VOICE
(it ainrsquot lost)
YOU CREATE IT
5
6
I think it is more of a mix of creating as well as the finding As we grow as writers and as human beings our voice is constantly being created (consciously and unconsciously) Our signature style is as much chosen by us as it is natural
Have a think about elite athletes They start with some natural physical talent but then by choosing a sport they are channelling their talent a certain way Then with practice coaching and training their natural talent becomes much more than existed to begin with It is the same with our writing voice We begin at that base level and then we choose to write followed by fine-tuning and bettering ourselves over time with practice By making these choices we are creating our voice
Donrsquot get disheartened thinking that your current writing voice is the be all and end all No way ndash instead our voice will change grow and evolve and not in a way that is out of our own control We can make the choice to consciously improve and develop our writing voice
So how do I create my writing voice
READ WIDELY Donrsquot box yourself in to a genre particular author or other defining characteristic Let many styles and authors influence you but always avoid copying outright Stealing ideas and copying verbatim wonrsquot teach you anything but emulating a style during practice can grow your voice
PS Practicing different authorsrsquo styles in your own notebook where no one is going to see ainrsquot breaking any copyright laws Do you remember in high school where we wrote things in Shakespearean style for assignments Itrsquos just like that ndash broadening our literary horizons is not a crime
PRACTICE A LOT As I mentioned above practicing different styles in your notebook or journal is a great way to exercise your voice and flex it in new and interesting ways But practicing is not just confined to your private notebooks Just because itrsquos lsquopracticingrsquo doesnrsquot mean the words canrsquot see the light of day In fact yoursquore probably already practicing without knowing it Writing on your blog on someone elsersquos blog on social media in your newsletter ndash this is all prime writing practice time where you are creating your voice
SAYING THAT WE lsquoFINDrsquo OUR WRITING VOICE IS A BIT MISLEADING
7
Find your favourite blogger and go back a few years into their archives Have a read of their old posts and note how much their
writing voice has changed and evolved We all have to start somewhere
BRAIN DUMP THEN EDIT Editing is the ideal tool for you to use to refine your writing voice
Irsquom a believer in getting it all out on to your page (whether itrsquos paper or digital) unedited unrefined and possibly with atrocious spelling and grammar This big brain dump of everything you need or want to say without self-judgement or on the spot editing is all about getting everything out of your head It can be paragraphs sentences bullet points or even words scrawled at any angle in your notepad ndash just get it out and down By coming up with this lsquoshitty first draftrsquo you get to bypass that horrible staring-at-the-blank-screen-stage (where resistance well and truly rears its ugly head)
Once yoursquove got your shitty first draft done itrsquos time to take the content and mould it into something others will not only understand but resonate with You can now go through and delete reword tune-up sex-ify simplify or amplify ndash whatever you need to do to create your voice
If you are writing for your business you have the ability to choose and create your businessrsquos writing voice (and speaking voice for that matter) For my business the voice I use is very
much a reflection of my own voice as my brand is intrinsically linked to me
Another example is my old corporate gig ndash we had a style guide that covered the type of voice we were to use in any of the companyrsquos communications It was a very thorough document
that covered examples of writing voice grammar and spelling rules (eg English over American spelling) as well as all of the visual branding identifiers It was also totally necessary for such
an organisation to have a guide so the companyrsquos communication remained consistent and aligned
Does your biz need a style guide
8
READ THE CONTEXT While your personality should be shining through your writing wherever it may exist often the context will dictate how much is showing through For example social media platforms like Facebook Twitter and Instagram are ideal for personality-filled casual language
Whereas the business networking platform LinkedIn is made for more lsquoprofessionalrsquo or lsquocorporatersquo language and content (although sometimes these preconceived notions need shaking up so why not think about making come waves) Learn to read your context and create native content based on it
CONSISTENCY IS KEY Yeah yeah I know yoursquove heard this one before But this piece of advice rings particularly true when it comes to creating your writing voice Without consistency both in your writing and in your writing practice yoursquoll have no lsquoflowrsquo and improvement wonrsquot come easily
The golden rules of consistency raquo Keep your language and style (your writing voice) consistent throughout a piece of writing
Create flow raquo Be regular in your writing practice Give yourself as many chances as possible to hone in on your
voice and to improve it
Where to now
To the MacBook or the journal with you Start creating your writing voice right now
Katie is a communications consultant with a flair for wrangling words brainstorming branding strategy and manhandling marketing collateral (she likes alliteration too)
She has been studying and working in communications for over seven years and has been known to speak about good communication to roomfuls of eager ears
Katie works with her clients to discover simple and direct messaging which speaks to customers and ultimately brings in more sales
You can find her online at katiesmythcom
9
Personal transformation can and does have global effects
As we go so goes the world for the world is us
The revolution that will save the world is ultimately a personal one
MARIANNE WILLIAMSON
10
Holding Your First WorkshopT H E F I V E T H I N G S YO U N E E D TO K N O W
11
Are you keen to dip your toes into the world of workshops and events Here are the 5 things that you should know before you dive on in
ONE You donrsquot need a big budget
You donrsquot need to spend a lot of money to throw an amazing event When it comes to your venue there are plenty of low cost options out there
Community centres councils and libraries across Australia are an amazing resource where you can book a space for as little as $3 an hour Co-working spaces yoga
studios or warehouses can also be cost effective options
If you find a venue that makes you squeee with happiness but seems a bit out of your reach ask the manager when their off peak times are or when you can
access a lower rate
Nervous about other costs Holding events in between main meals means you only need to provide light refreshments such as tea juice and sweet treats And if you require additional items for things such as gift bags or professional services like a
photographer you can offer businesses a sponsorship package services swap or some free tickets to the event in return for collaborating with you
TWO The best workshops are a complete experience
The most fulfilling happiness inducing and ah-ha filled workshops are those that are a complete experience from start to finish If your aim is to create connection ensure that guests are greeted as soon as they walk in that they can mingle easily and then have a way to continue the conversations post event If your aim is to educate and inspire give them printed materials and workbooks visual slides and an engaging presentation If your aim is to create peace through an activity such as yoga or
meditation then give them a soft and gentle atmosphere and some soothing tunes
It always helps to think about your objective and build the experience around that
12
THREE Generosity sells
There is nothing more icky than going to an event expecting to be informed about a topic and then end up getting the hard sell put on you There is definitely a way to promote authentically and in a non-sleazy way but before that even comes into the
picture I believe it is best practice to give give give
Give your time and your presence to the people in the room with you Give expert knowledge information and tips that arenrsquot readily available elsewhere
Give guests the opportunity to openly approach you and have a chat
When you are sincere about giving your best people will genuinely want to want work with you By the time you offer them a way to continue the relationship you will have a
line of people eager to sign up ndash no hustling required
13
FOUR You can be creative in your marketing
You donrsquot have to promote your workshop just through the stock standard ways Get creative and share your vision with your audience You can
raquo Create a simple weekly graphic with an inspiring quote related to your workshop content raquo Share beautiful photos of the venue goody bag items deacutecor or printed materials
raquo Profile your speakers with a cute pic and a short but interesting bio raquo Tease people with little snippets of what the day will bring them
raquo Keep people updated with what you are doing and show them the work behind the scenes
Encouraging engagement in the lead up is a nice way to remind people about your workshop without feeling repetitive
5 You will have bust through some fears
Expect to feel emotional at times Worries such as I donrsquot know where to start I am overwhelmed nobody is going to come Irsquom not good enough and what if people are disappointed can pop up but
I promise you ndash this is normal These little suckers have a habit of creeping up on you but if you can find the strength tools and support to work through these then it is definitely worth it
A good course of action is to assess reflect and act Be aware of when it happens and assess what emotions are coming up reflect on why it is an issue for you and then take positive action to overcome it If you can gently work with your fears instead of letting them hold you back I
promise you there will be an amazing experience on the other side
Holding your own workshops and events can be a bit of work but the connections you create and the positive impact you have on peoplersquos lives is incredible
Keeping spreading your message lovelies and happy planning
Jade McKenzie is an event professional for heart-centered entrepreneurs and business owners who get sweaty palms at the thought of running an event themselves With over a decade of experience in event management she has an unrelenting passion for giving her clients the ability to step into their spotlight and shine
Find her at eventheadcomau
14
IF YOU DONrsquoT DESIGN YOUR OWN LIFE PLAN CHANCES ARE YOUrsquoLL FALL INTO SOMEONE ELSErsquoS PLAN
AND GUESS WHAT THEY HAVE PLANNED FOR YOU NOT MUCH
Jim Rohn
15
nomadsnomadsDIGITAL
THESE WOMEN ARE BUILDING BUSINESSES THAT CAN BE RUN FROM ANYWHERE THEY CHOOSE
16
Elizabeth McKenzie
What do you do Let me count the ways
First and foremost Irsquom a multi-passionate
Which means Irsquom business + marketing coach spiritual mentor writer + seeker of rad things And I canrsquot go past a mention of my two loves Nike high tops and Harry Styles
Who lives with youAt the moment Irsquom living with my parents on their yacht Wersquore getting ready to sail up the East Coast of Australia Irsquom then heading to the US and plan on renting out a pad in NYC with Juliethellipand when I returnhellip who knowshellip Irsquom open to suggestions
Did you a transition from a regular 9 to 5 job How did
that happen for you I transitioned from student to business owner While I was studying my Master of Speech Pathology (oh yeah Irsquom a speech pathologist too) I became so sick of having to adhere to the metal box that is university education Ya know playing by someone elsersquos rules so I started up a blog initially as a way to rebel from the box
The more I blogged the more I became obsessed with everything about being online ndash the connections with other likeminded women andhellip hold up the ability to work from anywhere in the world helping anyone with an internet connection Sign me up
I hired a butt load of mentors to help me along my way and at the start of 2014 I launched my first offering marketing and business coaching (yes I also have a degree in that too)
17
At the same time I got a one day a week speechie job to compliment my multi-passionate nature but after 4 months of doing that I realised itrsquos not in my nature to work for anyone else but myself
By then my business was bringing in the cash to support my decision to go all in
And here I am on a boat
What is your current business model Itrsquos currently me and my teeny team of rad peeps Irsquove got my VA my copywriter and communications consultant and my graphic designer I love having people compliment what I do
The business model ndash well I started with the advisor model really only selling my expertise and coaching on a 11 basis but Irsquom now creating an eCourse to help hundreds of women become more spiritual without losing touch with the real world Essentially real world spirituality the unwanky way and Irsquom crazy excited
Throughout this journey Irsquove realised that my business and how I operate is always going to evolve and accepting that has freed me up to do so much more of the things I love
Do you see this business model changing in the futureI had an epiphany recently that I want to help as many people as I can so Irsquom now starting to gear my business towards that kind of model with eCourses and programs that are offered at a lower price point
Exciting times
My motto in business (and life) never say never
Wersquore operating in a dynamic environment The dumbest thing you can do for your business is feel you
have to lock yourself in
By all means pick something and give it a red hot go ndash but know that as the environment changes around you you need to accommodate that
Woke up at 630 for breakfast and coffee
Had a three hour intensive with my latest client who lives in Scotland from 7-10
Did a bit of admin and setting up the membership site of my new eCourse
Went to see Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles at 1 (nerd much)
Got home at 4
Felt inspired to read so whipped out my latest book
Wrote a little after dinner for my latest opt-in offer
Ended the day watching reruns of The Mindy Project
A Da
y In
The
Lif
e of
Eliza
beth
Do you feel like an introvert or an extrovert and does that affect how you do businessCan I say Irsquom both Sometimes I need to be around people to get more energy and sometimes I need to be alone to recharge too
I think therersquos a bit of a dance I do in my business where I need to have days like the Friday above because otherwise my energy gets stagnant and the creative flow stops
What are your favourite parts of businessWriting Creating
And the ability to not work when I donrsquot want to
18
Least favouriteWordpress admin Although when I nail something (finally) I get a major sense of achievement
Do you feel like yoursquove made sacrifices to live this lifestyle What are theyDefinitely At the moment Irsquove had to let me pooch live with his dad while Irsquom on a boat and while I got to NYC
I wish he could be with me 247
What are your Core Desired Feelings raquo Free raquo Luxurious raquo Joy
Any special tools or routines you implement regularly to feel or perform awesomelyThe number one thing that I do regularly is clear my chakras via a breathing and visualisation meditation It takes 20 minutes and it seriously changes the tune of my day I can usually go a day without but too long and I notice that Irsquom underperforming
Quickfire Faves
BOOK The Anatomy of the Spirit by Caroline Myss Although I hated it originally mostly because I didnrsquot want to hear the messages that were coming through
WEBSITE YouTube Canrsquot go past finding an olds 90s jam or interviews with Harry Styles to watch
EARLY MORNING ACTIVITY Chakra Clearing
LATE NIGHT ACTIVITY Watching reruns of my favourite TV shows
GOURMET SNACK I donrsquot do gourmet myself but Irsquom all for gourmet cafe food (itrsquos the Melbournian in me) It could be a sugary almond macaroon or full fat grilled haloumi
Elizabeth is a professional business coach spiritual mentor and the creator of The Spiritual Material Girl eCourse Shersquos also the creator of high-end private coaching programs and courses geared towards helping ambitious and successful women who lsquoseemrsquo like theyrsquove got it all figured outhellip yet who still donrsquot feel like their heartrsquos truly fulfilled
Shersquos the go-to for helping you tackle your biz blocks tap into your spiritual side and live a totally kick-ass life With her trademark blend of heartfelt honesty and straight-talking swagger she ties it all together to set you on the fast track to personal professional and spiritual success
Instead of just keepinrsquo on doing whatrsquos not working Elizabeth can show you how to get exactly what you want ndash whether that means building a business you love creating more happiness or simply getting more out of your life You can find Elizabeth over at her home on the internet Your Highest Self
19
Vienda Maria
Vienda Maria is a lifestyle coach author and creative who helps Bon Vivants coaches yogis creatives and entrepreneurs create thriving semi-nomadic unconventional lives that are fulfilling both soulfully and financially Through her coaching events books Gypset Mindset Class course and online community Vienda has inspired and transformed the lives of thousands across the globe ldquoMy mission is simple to guide each and every one of you back to who you really are To come home back to your soul and allowing it to guide your destiny For more love More fun More freedom More adventure More liferdquo Visit Vienda online here
20
What do you do Irsquom a lifestyle coach and writer who helps emerging creatives and professionals create a life thatrsquos a little a it unusual Itrsquos about breaking away from structured office hours and recognising their ability to create their own jobs and money by using their innate passions skills and talents in ways that are a little bit out of the box Itrsquos all about stepping out of a limiting mindset and seeing what is actually possible
Who lives with youI live on my own
Did you a transition from a regular 9 to 5 job How did that happen for you Not really Irsquove always had an extremely free lifestyle and only dabbled into a couple of office jobs along the way when I was inbetween other things
My transition to my current life happened out of the necessity to create something for myself that supported my lifestyle and was financially sustainable After studying psychology at uni I worked at international film and music festivals and other events which was really fun and exciting 12 years later I had fallen in love with being my own boss and traveling the world It was then that I realised that there are so many people who would love to travel have more freedom and time and create their own jobs and that I could help them
What is your current business model Irsquom a very independent worker so I tend to work solo though Irsquove just hired an intern to help me with some of the admin and social media stuff which is quite exciting I sell a range of different things ndash my coaching services make up most of my income followed by products in the form of eBooks and
jewellery collected on my travels Irsquom just about to launch my first course a set of 6 live classes to help beginners create their own unconventional lifestyle so thatrsquos very exciting and keeping me busy
Do you see this business model changing in the future Yes I think as an entreprenuer one the greatest characteristics you can have is flexibility Being flexible with how you do things always changing growing and updating is so important If you want to keep up with business you have to be comfortable and willing to change
What does a day-in-the-life look like for you I travel a lot so my day-to-day varies quite a lot but I usually start the day with writing content for my course blog or anything else that needs my creative input because in the morning my creativity is the highest I keep the mundane tasks for later in the day usually after my coaching calls I check emails and social media twice a day ndash once in the morning and once in the afternoon ndash which usually give me a good indication of what else needs to be done
And I always end my working day with a To Do list for the next day so I wake up with clarity and know exactly what I need to focus on
Irsquom really interested in time efficiency and productivity so choose to focus on doing things that I love and that generate the most response
Do you feel like an introvert or an extrovert and does that affect how you do business Hmmm ndash Irsquom an introverted extrovert I really enjoy my own company and fuel up energetically with time to myself But I also love and need social stimulation inspiration and everything that people bring into our
21
lives I guess itrsquos about balance and listening to your own needs
What are your favourite parts of business Creating and connecting I love the work I do so much ndash when one of my clients has an ah-ha that transforms everything they previously believed to be true ndash it just rocks my world Being able to help people create lives that they thought were only made of dream-stuff is so very fulfilling I learn so much from this process myself Therersquos such a powerful beauty in creating a community of like-minded individuals And I love being creative always thinking of new ideas and new ways to share the information tools and concepts that I have with my tribe
Least favourite Tax I just I have no idea how people manage all that side of things Irsquod do my best to keep everything tidy and organised for my accountant but it hurts my brain when itrsquos tax time
Do you feel like yoursquove made sacrifices to live this lifestyle What are they I think we make sacrifices in every lifestyle we choose There is always something that we choose to let go of in order to have something else But when itrsquos a choice it doesnrsquot really feel like a sacrifice
For example I donrsquot own a ton of material possessions because that would just be silly considering how much I move around For me however that is very freeing rather than a sacrifice I mean what could I possibly really need I love my lifestyle It suits me perfectly And thatrsquos all that matters
What are your Core Desired Feelings raquo Flow raquo Freedom raquo Inspiration raquo Gratitude
Any special tools or routines you implement regularly to feel or perform awesomely I meditate daily and exercise daily I set intentions (goals) monthly and review them every month I practice positive thinking and train my mind to focus on the things that light me up and make me feel good to exclusion of all others because I know that I create my life with my thoughts And things that make me feel good attract more things that make me feel good
BOOK Going Pro by Steven Pressfield
WEBSITE Instagram
EARLY MORNING ACTIVITY Meditation
LATE NIGHT ACTIVITY Journaling
GOURMET SNACK Salted Pistachios
I donrsquot own a ton of material possessions because that would just be silly
considering how much I move around For me however that is very freeing
rather than a sacrifice
Quickfire Faves
22
Amelia Lee
What do you doIrsquom an architect and have been working in the architectural industry for almost twenty years I recently started Undercover Architect which is about empowering YOU to create your well-designed home through online information tools products and services
Irsquom also a Director on the Qld Development Board for The Hunger Project an NGO that works to end hunger and poverty in third world countries by empowering those affected most to feed their families and create hope for their futures
Who lives with you I live with my husband Brandon and son (aged 7) and two daughters (aged 5 and 3) We also have a dog 6 chickens 5 ducklings and shortly 5 miniature cows
Did you a transition from a regular 9 to 5 job How did that happen for youI worked long hours in architectural practices for many years (more like 7am ndash 7pm) managing teams and big projects before I had kids We also wanted to keep them at home with us so over the last 12 years we have renovated 3 homes (whilst living in them) as a means of supplementing our income and supporting the way we wanted to live Wersquove both worked part-time or changed our working hours around kids and the renovating
When my second baby was 4 months old I started an architectural practice with 5 colleagues By the time my third bub was born we had grown our business to have about 10 crew and I didnrsquot really stop work
I left my business in June to pursue a new life My husband and I relocated our family to the Byron Bay Hinterland to a 77 acre property After a big year personally and professionally last year it seemed like the right time to make the move We wanted to stop
23
delaying the dream
What is your current business model Itrsquos just me ndash a one-man band madly writing content and building my website with information tools and advice Irsquom also providing architectural services to some individual clients which I can do remotely
Do you see this business model changing in the futureI will need some additional support in admin web support and marketingadvertising as the business builds My hope is to maintain my flexible work-from-home practises and create a virtual team of independent collaborators to enable this I want my business to be at a scale where I can provide significant financial support to The Hunger Project
What does a day-in-the-life look like for you I get up early and go for a walkrun while listening to an audio book I finish with a brief meditation to set my intentions for the day and then the kids are up and my husband and I run the gauntlet of brekkie lunches school uniforms and getting them to the bus
After the dust has settled I make myself a big cup of coffee and if itrsquos a work day I head to my office which is over our garage I have found that this new experience of working solely on my own without
imposed deadlines etc has required some new tools to create structure and discipline and itrsquos something Irsquom still working on
We all eat dinner together at about 5pm and I do love that we spend time like this together every day
Since the beginning of 2012 I have been taking a photo every day of something Irsquom grateful for and posting it to my Facebook page with a description Itrsquos helped me be a lot more present to the every day joy and beauty that exists
Do you feel like an introvert or an extrovert and does that affect how you do businessI recently found out I was 51 Extrovert ndash which means that Irsquom borderline Introvert also I can get VERY absorbed in my work ndash which is a great problem to have
However given the whole reason we are creating a life this way is to spend more time together as a family Irsquom aware that needs to be kept in check I ultimately would love to do speaking engagements workshops etc so will be drawing on the Extrovert tilt for this
What are your favourite parts of businessI love the lsquostartrsquo of things I am insatiably curious Learning something for the first time figuring it out and getting it to work Irsquom enjoying writing enormously
Least favouriteRevisiting things over and over again And given that my business is still in its early days income-wise I am resisting the pressure of needing to sell and market I want to create great clarity around who my ideal clients are before I launch myself out there
THE VIEW FROM MY HOME OFFICE
24
Do you feel like yoursquove made sacrifices to live this lifestyle What are theyWhere we are now is the culmination of 12 years of very very hard work with a goal and a vision Wersquove lived through 3 renovations Wersquove sunk all our money into homes we were creating for other people and scrimped on most other things because we were always working on the house It was so worth it though
Where we are now is the culmination of 12 years of
very very hard work with a goal and a vision
What are the values you live by My values are Joy|Love|Laughter|Fun (thatrsquos one) Innovation Inspiration and Spaciousness Abundance and Bravery are themes I work to explore
Seth Godin also replied to an email of thanks I once sent him telling me to ldquoGo make a ruckusrdquo ndash so that informs what I do also
Any special tools or routines you implement regularly to feel or perform awesomelyExercise and meditation and I also do a bit of Cognitive Behaviour Therapy My grateful photos also are really important in this
BOOK Tim Ferrissrsquo 4 Hour Work Week It just completely opened my eyes to this whole other way of doing business that wasnrsquot about selling my time for money
WEBSITE Facebook I find it a great way to touch quickly in the lives of my friends but also to get access to lots of inspirational and info ndash like HONY Oprahrsquos Super Soul Sunday Huffington Post Gabby Bernstein
EARLY MORNING ACTIVITY A walkrun stretch and meditation
LATE NIGHT ACTIVITY Meditation while I do my lsquolegs up the wallrsquo pose It makes a massive difference to how I sleep and how rested I feel in the morning
GOURMET SNACK Loving Earth Luvju Raw Organic Orange and Gubinge Chocolate Otherwise I make great fruit-free bliss balls with cacao maca powder and protein powder
Quickfire Faves
You can connect with Amelia online at UndercoverArchitectcom
25
Elizabeth Kelsey BradleyWhat do you do Irsquom a writer and consultant that creates compelling content and social media strategies for businesses around the world I work with companies of all sizes and in all niches but my passion is with helping holistic entrepreneurs
Who lives with you My husband daughter and our insane pets
Did you a transition from a regular 9 to 5 job How did that happen for youI have never had a 9 to 5 ever My father was an entrepreneur and even though he never ever spoke of what it meant to be an entrepreneur his calling seemed to rub off on me
Irsquom literally unemployable Irsquom an artist and rebel and need to do things my own way even though Irsquom a
people person
But how I ended up finally making a business was when my husband couldnrsquot find work and things got scary I began researching like mad how I could work online and it took me years to finally learn marketing particularly with social media and content Despite how hard my first few years were (and I wouldnrsquot want to repeat them) Irsquom glad I learned the hard way as I am able to help others and can relate to women who are just beginning their entrepreneurial journey I look at entrepreneurship as a great honor for me to be able to help others and be of service
What is your current business model I am solo I sell consulting services and also do freelance writing and photography for companies that donrsquot have a staff writer I really need an intern or VA at this point though and am looking for someone
26
Do you see this business model changing in the futureYes and no Yes I will need to hire someone and ideally two people now that I have branched out into creating courses and ebooks but no in regards to my consulting services changing as what I do is in demand People feel confused about social media and creating regular content so I think it will be the same business model for a long time to come
What does a day-in-the-life look like for you Well Irsquom a vampire apparently as I mainly work nights which here in Thailand would be morning time where many of my clients live During the day I am homeschooling mum and also carry in my bag some of my work for
when I need to do some writing or analysis of a clientrsquos social media
Do you feel like an introvert or an extrovert and does that affect how you do businessIrsquom an extrovert but a highly sensitive one This has actually worked in my favour as I have a process for weeding out people who donrsquot fit my Ideal Client profile so that I can maintain my energy and do the best I can with the entrepreneurs who I can best serve
What are your favourite parts of businessI adore talking with clients on the phone or in person so basically anytime Irsquom geeking out about social media and writing
27
Least favouriteAnything to do with SEO
Do you feel like yoursquove made sacrifices to live this lifestyle What are theyEntrepreneurship is isolating in general Add that to the fact that we live on an island in Thailand and itrsquos double the isolation but to be honest this was the best place for us to build our online businesses as itrsquos affordable to live here and safe so I have no regrets
What are your Core Desired Feelings Connection serenity ease truth Values wise Irsquom wild but extremely family oriented
Any special tools or routines you implement regularly to feel or perform awesomelyI read from spiritual or philosophical books and take regular walks Both give me loads of ideas for storytelling which is the essence of what I do Podcasts are also a huge part of my routine particularly those devoted to marketing
BOOK Ocean Sea (buy it now AMAZING)
WEBSITE wwwholisticdadnet
EARLY MORNING ACTIVITY Drinking yerba mate and some yoga
LATE NIGHT ACTIVITY Good beer and a video game
GOURMET SNACK Anything with white truffle oil on it
Quickfire Faves
Elizabeth Kelsey Bradley is an award-winning writer consultant and photojournalist currently based in Thailand Her work has appeared on sites such as Tiny Buddha Vagabonding and in Girl Gone International magazine
As a consultant she helps companies develop effective social media and content strategies She is currently devoted to helping holistic entrepreneurs grow their online platforms at Thriving Healer
28
PAPERLESS OFFICELETrsquoS LEAVE MORE OF OUR TREE FRIENDS IN THE GROUND AND TAKE ADVANTAGE OF THE EXCELLENT APPS AVAILABLE INSTEAD AFTER ALL WErsquoRE RUNNING OUR DEVICES FOR MOST OF THE DAY ANYWAY - MAY AS WELL TAKE ADVANTAGE OF THEIR RAD CAPABILITIES
29
SWAPWriting Lists
FORWunderlist
AnyDoTodoist
SWAPHardcopy Books
FOR
KindleiBooks
SWAPPrinting + Scanning
Contracts
FOR
EchosignHellosignSWAP
Taking Notes + Printing Articles
FOREvernote
SWAPBrainstorming
+ Mind Mapping
FORSimpleMind
Coggle
30
HOW DARE YOU S E T T L E F O R L E S S WHEN THE WORLD h a s m a d e i t SO EASY F O R Y O U T O B E remarkable
SETH GODIN
31
JASMINE DOWLING MAPS TO HERSELF THE FIFTH ELEMENT LIFE
MOSSYJOJO TRICIA O DESIGNSIMPLY LOVE CREATIONS
BY SAMANTHA STACEY KEMPPENFRIEND
Jazz up your office walls with prints that stoke your creative fire
32
THE YES EPIDEMIC
33
THE YES EPIDEMIC
OurCoverStar
34
Whether it be a night out (when Irsquom exhausted) a favour (thatrsquos asking a little too much) or a date (that I know isnrsquot going to go anywhere) Irsquove typically and reluctantly replied to these requests with a lsquosure thingrsquo more times than Irsquod care to admit
Take on another client when my schedule is fully booked Absolutely
Offer to shout a friendrsquos breakfast when I really donrsquot have the cash to splash Of course
Commit to another online course when Irsquom barely halfway through the other 8 Irsquove signed up for this year Why yes
The Yes Epidemic has woven its way into our exceptionally busy (and beautiful) lives with the promise of MORE More connection more exposure more opportunity more money more education more insight more success And the more we do the more we are - right
Wrong
The reality is the more we constantly fill our plates to the brim (oh letrsquos admit it our plates are overflowing) with commitment after
commitment the less space we are leaving for us to just BE
To be immersed in who we are what our dreams and desires are to love to play to breathe
By saying lsquoyesrsquo like itrsquos going out of fashion we find ourselves spread as thin as vegemite on gluten-free toast Our energy and vitality are compromised and we donrsquot show up in the world as our best selves
So here are a few tips I use with my clients (and myself regularly) to get in the habit of saying lsquonorsquo a little more often
Irsquove never been very good at saying lsquonorsquo
35
Reflective routine with a heaping dose of reality is key here Take an honest look at your weekly schedule and ensure that you are focussing your precious time energy and resources on the people activities and
projects that are aligned with your values Is this commitment important to you Then honour it with your time Not so important
Time to shift things up
I canrsquot go past Marie Forleorsquos advice on this subject When somebody presents you with an opportunity if itrsquos not a HELL YES then itrsquos a no
Go with your gut always
Forget the FOMO The lsquofear of missing outrsquo is what keeps most of us on the Sure Thing Wagon and itrsquos just not sustainable Trust that all the
opportunities that are meant for you will come your way at the right time for you
Send your lsquonorsquo off with love Therersquos no need to feel uncomfortable turning down a request when you do so with kindness respect and
humility Excuses can be left at the door just honour your good intentions and everyone involved in the situation
Remember every time you give a loving inspired lsquonorsquo you are giving others the permission to do the same thing I always feel energised when someone turns down a request because it reminds me to respect myself
enough to pull out that gentle lsquonorsquo when required too
1
23
45
AND THE BEST THING ABOUT SAYING lsquoNOrsquo WHEN THE TIME COMES THAT A lsquoSURE THINGrsquo IS IN FACT THE HEART-CENTRED RESPONSE YOU EXCITEDLY GIVE ITrsquoS MUCH SWEETER MORE MEANINGFUL AND A HELLUVA LOT MORE VALUABLE
Claire Baker is a certified coach and mentor passionate writer and speaker and author of lsquoShe Is Radiant Your 6-Week Wellness Adventure To Get Glowy amp Feel Radrsquo Claire guides vibrant young women as they get from where they are to where they want to be ndash in their health and life blog and business
You can consider Claire your personal advocate for living an energised playful and heart-centred life Come say hi at This is Lifeblood her online space to share her passion for all things nourishing soulful and creative
CLAIRErsquoS TOP FIVE TIPS TO GET INTO THE HABIT OF SAYING NO
36
37
artOF THE
THE
soloSOULRETREAT
38
When you live a soul-driven and passionate life you very likely live and breathe your lsquoworkrsquo 247
I put the word work in inverted commas because for you itrsquos likely just you leading your amazing life (and more power to you my friend) But amidst this you may find it difficult to switch off and cultivate the spaciousness to just let it all hang out and exist without an agenda or a to-do list anywhere in site
Enter stage left the Solo Soul Retreat I took myself on one recently and by golly did it give me the exact level of time out and rejoove that this soul-driven lassy needed Maybe itrsquos about time you took yourself on one
Here are some tips for creating the perfect conditions for your solo soul retreat
Pick a place close byI chose the Byron area because itrsquos only two hours drive from where I live And this is important because while you want to be lsquoawayrsquo to unplug from the numerous distractions of home you donrsquot want to be so far away that you feel obliged to check out all the sights and scoot around lsquodoingrsquo your little butt off You want to create a feeling of not having to do ANYTHING if you donrsquot feel like it Moment to moment awareness and tapping into what you truly want to do is critical to the restorative nature of the solo soul retreat So if that means a nap in the afternoon without checking out the sights do it Sans the guilt
Making it somewhere close by means you can convince your inner tourist that you can come back any time you want to So donrsquot book your long awaited trip to Bali for this particular retreat style I recommend scouting around Air BnB for some great bargains near you
Book for at least 2-3 nights away (more if possible)It takes awhile for us to wind down and get in to the rhythm of a slower pace so give yourself as much time as possible to sink deeply in to relaxation I find that it takes my body a good day or so (at least) to realise itrsquos on holiday A weekend is good a long weekend even better And a week would be crazy good
Set an intentionFor my soul retreat it was to cultivate a feeling of internal ease and spaciousness I was so tightly wound and constricted from within I wanted to feel joyous energy flowing through me again
39
unimpeded
An intention is a helpful anchor that you can come back to throughout the retreat when you feel your energy flitting away to unnecessary distractions Revisit your intention throughout your retreat and ease back into the feeling you wish to cultivate
Immerse yourself in natureWherever you head to find some time to plonk yourself amidst the stunning natural surrounds of Mama Nature There is absolutely NOTHING that compares to the healing capacity of earthing ourselves at the beach or in the forest or just a little garden Barefoot and butt on the ground meditating or just sitting and quietly contemplating our wondrous natural world will have you relaxing into zen in no time
Silence is goldenTaking time to retreat also means giving your mind a bit of a break (hence the lsquono doingrsquo rule) try out not talking which shouldnrsquot be too hard if yoursquore on your own and see what kind of insights
There is absolutely NOTHING that compares to the healing capacity of earthing ourselves at the beach
or in the forest or just a little garden
Barefoot and butt on the ground meditating or just sitting and
quietly contemplating our wondrous natural world
will have you relaxing into zen in no time
40
begin to pop into your nogginrsquo when you donrsquot have to constantly communicate
Pamper yourselfWhat feels really decadent to you For my recent retreat it was heading to a spa and bathhouse for the morning soaking in oxygenated spa baths steaming myself in the sauna and relaxing on a sun lounge in the tranquil spa gardens with a good book
For you it might be a luxurious massage and energy balancing treatment Or maybe itrsquos a delicious meal you take your time with at an amazing restaurant nearby Perhaps itrsquos allowing yourself to lounge around in bed with your favourite book and a cup of tea Whatever it is allow yourself these delights As many as you please gorgeous one
Body-loving foodIf you have a kitchen at your accommodation pack yourself the kind of food you know your body loves Think veggies fruit some bliss balls your fave teas raw cacao and honey for a delish hot chocolate If you have a portable blender pack up your ingredients to whip yourself up some delights while yoursquore there Alternatively and if you have time prepare a few things before you head off You can pre-cook quinoa lentil curries and rice dishes to heat up whenever you fancy If there are local farmerrsquos markets you can even do a bit of purchasing there for your meals (and because yoursquore so close to home bringing back the leftovers is a cinch)
Scout around a little and find some local cafeacutes or
41
restaurants that tickle your fancy and take yourself out for a meal that makes your body scream YES
Soul nourishing practices Rituals and practices help us to sink more deeply in to our soulrsquos true nature Bring along whatever stokes your soul fire and brings you into present moment awareness Cultivating reverence for yourself and life itself is a crucial aspect of your soul retreat Some practices you may consider are raquo Meditation (guided or just simply following your inhale and exhale) I find the Kundalini Ego
Eradicator meditation particularly soul-nourishing (and frankly life changing) raquo Journaling ndash with no thought as to what to write just jot down whatever comes to you Yoursquoll be
amazed at the cathartic feelings and insights this brings raquo Yoga (on your own or find a class nearby that resonates with you) raquo Playing with oracle cards Ask a question or for general guidance and see how your guides and
the Universe responds The Little Sagersquos deck is divine raquo Reading soulfully inspiring books raquo Lighting some incense and writing an epic gratitude list raquo A walking meditation through nature raquo Get arty play around with whatever you have Love colour Bring your paints Doodle Donrsquot
judge the results just let it flow out of you
Overall the point of this solo soul retreat is that you do what you genuinely want to do in the moment So nix the over planning as you may do with other trips away Settle into present moment awareness and allow yourself to be rather than just do Listen with kindness to your inner child Let her out to play (Mega hint she really doesnrsquot want to be bossed around) Gifting yourself this time is your surefire way to feeling rejuvenated refreshed and ready to live life to its fullest
Enjoy gorgeous one
Carly is a passionate international aid and development project manager and writer Carly works on projects in Australia and the Asia-Pacific region focusing on cultivating sustainable livelihoods the empowerment of women community enterprise local market development and positive social change
Head on over to Carlyrsquos blog Pockets of Peace for her soul-centred musings on peace wellness and oodles of inspiration
42
The most powerful weapon on earth is the human soul
on fire
F E R D I N A N D F O C H
43
Five Minute Fixes
FOR FEAR AND OVERWHELM
44
IF YOUrsquoRE RUNNING YOUR OWN BIZ YOUrsquoD BE FAMILIAR WITH THE PHENOMENON OF FEAR AND OVERWHELM YOU KNOW WHEN YOU JUST FEEL STUCK PARALYSED NOT SURE WHICH CHOICE TO MAKE OR ACTION TO TAKE YOU HAVE DEADLINES LOOMING THE PRESSURE IS MOUNTING AND YOUrsquoRE BLOCKED YOU NEED TO GET OUT OF YOUR OVERWHELM RIGHT NOW SO YOU CAN GET BACK TO CHANGING THE WORLD
Here are five practices designed to break the fear cycle and get you out of your head and into your body in five minutes or less
Go outside Get out into the sunlight See the sky take off your shoes and feel the grass tickle your toes Close your eyes Feel the heat on your skin Take some deep breaths and smell the air Tune in to the sounds around you Become still Fully engage with the present moment and drop into the sensations in your body
Deep breathing You can use a mantra such as So-Hum you can count the length of each inhale and exhale or you can do as many rounds of Nadi Shodhana (alternate nostril breathing) as you can fit into five minutes Whatever yoursquore most comfortable with do that Breath is the bridge between the inner and outer realities Deep breathing will calm the nervous system and bring your attention to the present moment
Move Go for a brisk walk Put on your favourite tune plug in the headphones and dance (in the bathroom cubicle if yoursquore embarrassed to do it in publichellip because thatrsquos not weird at all) Have a quickie on your own or with a partner Or you can shake it out Start with your right foot shake it as hard as possible to the count of 10 Then your whole leg Then the left foot and left leg Then the right hand then the right arm then the left hand and arm Then fold forward and gently shake your head - back to front side to side Then stand up again and shake your whole body like you know how
Then stand in stillness for 2 minutes to balance out the movement Listen to your heartbeat Yoursquove just expressed and released some negative energy so take a standing Savasana (resting pose) to integrate Make sure you smooth your hair after this one
45
Aromatherapy Get a bottle of essential oil and sniff it - simple Smell affects the limbic system which is responsible for the storage and release of emotional trauma You can immediately calm your body with the right scent
Make sure you get 100 therapeutic grade pure essential oil - these have a high vibrational frequency and you donrsquot want any nasties entering your system through inferior quality oil Lavender is proven to calm the nervous system as is frankincense balsam fir basil cedar wood and sandalwood You can purchase calming blends from your local aromatherapist or get them to custom-make a blend for you
Make some noise This is especially good if you work from home or drive to work as you may want privacy Get a pillow or lock yourself in the car and scream as loud as you can connecting deeply to your pelvis Give yourself permission to vocalise all that frustration fear shame guilt whatever is building up in your energy field Sound is the end of feeling When you express vocally you are releasing emotion and ending the cycle of repression Done regularly this will also enhance your creativity and self-expression - benefiting your business (and sex life) in the long run
These practices work for me and Irsquod love to know if they resonate with you
Irsquom Emma a multi-passionate self-love junkie who loves supporting people on their journey to wellness Since suffering from adrenal burnout and a host of related conditions Irsquove dedicated myself to personal healing and growth and encouraging others to find their own unique path By day Irsquom a yoga teacher virtual assistant and event coordinator for wellness entrepreneurs and outside of that yoursquoll find me salsa dancing travelling and eating raw desserts
Connect with me at emmashieldscom
46
Abandon anything about your life and habits that might be holding you back
Learn to create your own opportunities
Know that there is no finish line fortune favors action
Race balls-out toward the extraordinary life that yoursquove always dreamed of
or still havenrsquot had time to dream up
And prepare to have a hell of a lot of fun along the way
SOPHIA AMORUSO
47
Why you should create aHIGH-CONVERTING OPT-IN OFFER
A critical component of building your online business is growing your email list and creating a compelling opt-in offer is one of the best ways to kickstart this growth
You want your email list to be made up of people who are genuinely interested in you and what you have to offer your target market Your ideal customers and readers
Thatrsquos why your opt-in offer (a gift to entice people to join your list) needs to be unique highly relevant to your business and of real value to your ideal clients If people are on your site checking you out they are already interested ndash you need to give them a compelling reason to sign up
What would your readers find valuable Something that saves them time money pain or makes their life easier better or more beautiful It also needs to be damn high quality Proofed designed and worth paying for
48
Why would you give away something so valuable for free
Because it shows yoursquore serious about helping people Because it builds trust with readers Because itrsquos a genuine thank you in return for a readerrsquos contact details Because itrsquos an ad for your business Yoursquore showing people the quality of what they will receive if they go on to work with you
How do you choose which is right for you Think about what you currently offer your readers or customers (as in content as well as services or products) What is popular What do they comment on most or ask questions about What would you love to create What would be the perfect compliment to a service you provide How can you genuinely help
Brainstorm a list then narrow it down to one ndash and get cracking
The best opt-ins are win-win ndash you gather details from ideal customers and the customers
receive something great that they need and want in return
Happy creating
PS Tricking people is icky Donrsquot do that Itrsquos of no use to have people on your list that donrsquot care about you or your products Be genuine Offer genuine value Get genuine sign-ups
SO WHAT SHOULD YOU OFFER
Here are a few ideas raquo A sneak peek or preview of a paid
product ndash like a free chapter or lesson
raquo A smaller version of a paid product ndash like a 3 day meal plan
raquo Something which compliments a service you offer
raquo Useful templates ndash like a product launch worksheet or a calendar
raquo Inspirational printables ndash like quotes or illustrations
raquo A mini eCourse ndash like 5 days of video coaching
raquo A discount ndash like 10 off their next purchase
raquo A VIP offer ndash like first dibs on tickets
raquo An eBook or workbook ndash like a recipe book or marketing plan
Alana Wimmer is Founder + Creative Director of mini digital publishing house Raspberry Stripes Alana works with rad lady entrepreneurs to design eBooks which will change the world She also provides guidance insight and info on eBook design on the Raspberry Stripes website When she isnrsquot designing reading or talking about eBooks you can find Alana walking Rory and Roxy the boxers with her husband in tow probably on her way to pick up a green smoothie
49
is a lack of self-worth
50
As a bright-eyed uni student I got pretty excited about all the opportunities that were due to unfold before me when I graduated
My approach to life has always been filled with excitement for the future I remember saying to friends in class that we were certain to be successful because enthusiasm trumps experience Sadly the path wasnrsquot as smooth as Irsquod imagined I naively thought that all bosses had a sixth-sense for talent even from shy girls who werenrsquot outward about their abilities
I applied for and took a series of jobs that from the job description seemed so overwhelmingly scary to do but within months if not weeks I was bored I lacked the self-worth to believe I could step up but Irsquod externalise this into anger at my employer for holding me back Eventually I realised it was all of my own creation I was the one who was playing small applying for and then taking jobs that wersquore well under my pay grade I even turned down a few including a big promotion because the amount of money offered was too much and it scared me Seriously
Years of study and I lacked the ability to dive in fully commit be brave be boisterous about my abilities and soar I found school easy and when things seemed challenging at work I put it down to an inability to perform If it wasnrsquot easy at first I accepted that I just wasnrsquot able I had yet to find out that some of the best lessons come from giving things a go and making a lot of mistakes Failing or in reality playing small was a comfort zone for me and success in my career was an unknown quantity I was used to struggle I was safe with my dreams The possibility of them coming true Too much to handle Irsquod have to learn to live in the present moment and I donrsquot think I was ready to do that I wasnrsquot ready to look closely at myself and see that for all my effort there was still a lot of inner work to do It was time to look within
I KNOW HOW EASY IT IS TO BUILD WALLS AROUND OUR DREAMS PUSH THEM FURTHER AWAY IN AN ATTEMPT TO PLAY SAFE AND LIVE LIFE ACCORDING TO EXTERNAL INFLUENCE I KNOW THE LEVEL OF DETERMINATION AND MENTAL GRIT IT TAKES TO OVERCOME OURSELVES START TAKING OWNERSHIP OF OUR THOUGHTS AND ULTIMATELY THE PATH OF OUR OWN LIVES
I love when clients ask me to guide them on this path because I know just what can happen when they get there I hold my hand out as a supportive leverage point and watch them soar
Something Irsquove learnt along the way The first step for many women in building self-worth is learning the art of body love Body love is all about learning to appreciate the capabilities of your body nourishing and taking care of your spirit and occasionally cutting yourself a break
51
Itrsquos looking in the mirror and liking the person you see not picking on the parts you donrsquot like Itrsquos making a choice about whether to wear a bikini based on your personal values and not about what your body looks like in one Dieting and restriction are low level energies that hold us back from achieving high level desires Negative thinking blocks our internal compass and our ability to connect to our intuition Body love is the gateway to high frequency living
We all have that version of ourselves that we aspire to be The woman who gets up to the alarm has patience and drive Shersquos got a sparkle in her eye a sense of confidence and knowing about her place in the world that emanates from her whole being She sits up straight and laughs with abandon From where we sit therersquos a chasm to leap in becoming that woman That woman represents ldquoone dayrdquo She represents effort She can seem unachievable In my experience body love is the first and most important step toward that woman Body love is filled with possibility promise and prosperity When we remove that low level energy of diet and restriction we can start to attract high frequencies We can start to become that woman in the present moment
Irsquove seen the shift first hand for so many people Suddenly the whole world opens up and the possibilities become endless The cloud lifts and pie-in-the-sky dreams show up in high-definition technicolour Thoughts that previously caused anxiety everything from going to lunch with new friends to finding a purpose in life start to feel as easy to read as words on a page Therersquos no more searching Itrsquos been replaced by a knowing excitement I watch as women become like bright-eyed students again endless possibilities opening up before them Only this time Theyrsquove got experience on their side
Suddenly the whole world
opens up and the
possibilities become
endless
The cloud lifts and
pie-in-the-sky dreams show
up in high-definition
technicolour
Rachelle is a Life + Confidence Coach at My Saturn Epoch She supports women through the big transitions in their life helping them to break their negative cycles to consciously create a happy life and positive mindset She is a big hearted business woman who is passionate about supporting women in pursuit of their own excellence so they can shine as a beacon to themselves their families and their communities
Connect with Rachelle at mysaturnepochcom
52
SUBSCRIBE TO RASPBERRY MAGAZINE
Grab an annual subscription and yoursquoll receive raquo 6 digital issues of Raspberry Magazine raquo an exclusive Annual Subscribers Thank You Pack
- which includes a printable manifesto beautiful meditation tracks an eBook and more contributed by generous lady entrepreneurs - worth over $35
VISIT THE SHOP
53
T H A N K Y O U F O R R E A D I N GA N D A M I L L I O N H I G H-F I V E S
I F Y O U L O V E D R A S P B E R R YM A G A Z I N E P L E A S E S H A R E
54
2
Welcome to the first issue of Raspberry Magazine
After 10+ years of working in the writing publishing and eBook design industries it only made perfect sense to combine it all into one passion project ndash and here she is ndash Raspberry Magazine
My aim through this venture is to support and showcase inspiring women making a difference Women who are living their purpose being of service to their communities sharing their messages forging a path and making this Earth shine a little brighter than ever before through their contributions
Yoursquore probably picking up that the tone of the magazine is going to be positive ndash and yep yoursquore right on the money But Irsquom also going to bring you stories of the trickier stuff ndash as many of us know building a business is not always sunshine and unicorns ndash so I hope you enjoy those stories as well
Raspberry Magazine will be a place for fascinating funny and unusual points of view from women of all levels of experience and income in their entrepreneurial journeys
We are open to submissions so if you have a well-crafted idea you think wersquod love please send it this way helloraspberrymagazinecom
I hope you enjoy this 100 free (and 100 ad-free) first edition of Raspberry Magazine To subscribe for future issues just hop over to our shop
With love + super excitement
submiss ions + he l los
subscr ipt ions
helloraspberrymagazinecom
raspberrymagazinecomshop
soc ia l media
F B T W I G
Cover StarC L A I R E B A K E Rt h i s i s l i f e b l o o d c o m
Photography byKeeper Creative
copy Raspberry Magazine 2014 All rights reserved Content must not be copied or reproduced without express written consent Feel free to quote from this work with a link to it as a source but keep in mind that this is copyrighted material Although the editor believes the contents to be accurate at the time of publication and that all photographs and images have been obtained with permission and bylegal means no liability is assumed for them their application or any consequences thereof
3
Our job in this life is not to shape ourselves into some ideal we imagine we ought to be BUT TO FIND OUT who we already are and become it
STEVEN PRESSFIELD
4
YOU DONrsquoT FIND YOUR WRITING VOICE
(it ainrsquot lost)
YOU CREATE IT
5
6
I think it is more of a mix of creating as well as the finding As we grow as writers and as human beings our voice is constantly being created (consciously and unconsciously) Our signature style is as much chosen by us as it is natural
Have a think about elite athletes They start with some natural physical talent but then by choosing a sport they are channelling their talent a certain way Then with practice coaching and training their natural talent becomes much more than existed to begin with It is the same with our writing voice We begin at that base level and then we choose to write followed by fine-tuning and bettering ourselves over time with practice By making these choices we are creating our voice
Donrsquot get disheartened thinking that your current writing voice is the be all and end all No way ndash instead our voice will change grow and evolve and not in a way that is out of our own control We can make the choice to consciously improve and develop our writing voice
So how do I create my writing voice
READ WIDELY Donrsquot box yourself in to a genre particular author or other defining characteristic Let many styles and authors influence you but always avoid copying outright Stealing ideas and copying verbatim wonrsquot teach you anything but emulating a style during practice can grow your voice
PS Practicing different authorsrsquo styles in your own notebook where no one is going to see ainrsquot breaking any copyright laws Do you remember in high school where we wrote things in Shakespearean style for assignments Itrsquos just like that ndash broadening our literary horizons is not a crime
PRACTICE A LOT As I mentioned above practicing different styles in your notebook or journal is a great way to exercise your voice and flex it in new and interesting ways But practicing is not just confined to your private notebooks Just because itrsquos lsquopracticingrsquo doesnrsquot mean the words canrsquot see the light of day In fact yoursquore probably already practicing without knowing it Writing on your blog on someone elsersquos blog on social media in your newsletter ndash this is all prime writing practice time where you are creating your voice
SAYING THAT WE lsquoFINDrsquo OUR WRITING VOICE IS A BIT MISLEADING
7
Find your favourite blogger and go back a few years into their archives Have a read of their old posts and note how much their
writing voice has changed and evolved We all have to start somewhere
BRAIN DUMP THEN EDIT Editing is the ideal tool for you to use to refine your writing voice
Irsquom a believer in getting it all out on to your page (whether itrsquos paper or digital) unedited unrefined and possibly with atrocious spelling and grammar This big brain dump of everything you need or want to say without self-judgement or on the spot editing is all about getting everything out of your head It can be paragraphs sentences bullet points or even words scrawled at any angle in your notepad ndash just get it out and down By coming up with this lsquoshitty first draftrsquo you get to bypass that horrible staring-at-the-blank-screen-stage (where resistance well and truly rears its ugly head)
Once yoursquove got your shitty first draft done itrsquos time to take the content and mould it into something others will not only understand but resonate with You can now go through and delete reword tune-up sex-ify simplify or amplify ndash whatever you need to do to create your voice
If you are writing for your business you have the ability to choose and create your businessrsquos writing voice (and speaking voice for that matter) For my business the voice I use is very
much a reflection of my own voice as my brand is intrinsically linked to me
Another example is my old corporate gig ndash we had a style guide that covered the type of voice we were to use in any of the companyrsquos communications It was a very thorough document
that covered examples of writing voice grammar and spelling rules (eg English over American spelling) as well as all of the visual branding identifiers It was also totally necessary for such
an organisation to have a guide so the companyrsquos communication remained consistent and aligned
Does your biz need a style guide
8
READ THE CONTEXT While your personality should be shining through your writing wherever it may exist often the context will dictate how much is showing through For example social media platforms like Facebook Twitter and Instagram are ideal for personality-filled casual language
Whereas the business networking platform LinkedIn is made for more lsquoprofessionalrsquo or lsquocorporatersquo language and content (although sometimes these preconceived notions need shaking up so why not think about making come waves) Learn to read your context and create native content based on it
CONSISTENCY IS KEY Yeah yeah I know yoursquove heard this one before But this piece of advice rings particularly true when it comes to creating your writing voice Without consistency both in your writing and in your writing practice yoursquoll have no lsquoflowrsquo and improvement wonrsquot come easily
The golden rules of consistency raquo Keep your language and style (your writing voice) consistent throughout a piece of writing
Create flow raquo Be regular in your writing practice Give yourself as many chances as possible to hone in on your
voice and to improve it
Where to now
To the MacBook or the journal with you Start creating your writing voice right now
Katie is a communications consultant with a flair for wrangling words brainstorming branding strategy and manhandling marketing collateral (she likes alliteration too)
She has been studying and working in communications for over seven years and has been known to speak about good communication to roomfuls of eager ears
Katie works with her clients to discover simple and direct messaging which speaks to customers and ultimately brings in more sales
You can find her online at katiesmythcom
9
Personal transformation can and does have global effects
As we go so goes the world for the world is us
The revolution that will save the world is ultimately a personal one
MARIANNE WILLIAMSON
10
Holding Your First WorkshopT H E F I V E T H I N G S YO U N E E D TO K N O W
11
Are you keen to dip your toes into the world of workshops and events Here are the 5 things that you should know before you dive on in
ONE You donrsquot need a big budget
You donrsquot need to spend a lot of money to throw an amazing event When it comes to your venue there are plenty of low cost options out there
Community centres councils and libraries across Australia are an amazing resource where you can book a space for as little as $3 an hour Co-working spaces yoga
studios or warehouses can also be cost effective options
If you find a venue that makes you squeee with happiness but seems a bit out of your reach ask the manager when their off peak times are or when you can
access a lower rate
Nervous about other costs Holding events in between main meals means you only need to provide light refreshments such as tea juice and sweet treats And if you require additional items for things such as gift bags or professional services like a
photographer you can offer businesses a sponsorship package services swap or some free tickets to the event in return for collaborating with you
TWO The best workshops are a complete experience
The most fulfilling happiness inducing and ah-ha filled workshops are those that are a complete experience from start to finish If your aim is to create connection ensure that guests are greeted as soon as they walk in that they can mingle easily and then have a way to continue the conversations post event If your aim is to educate and inspire give them printed materials and workbooks visual slides and an engaging presentation If your aim is to create peace through an activity such as yoga or
meditation then give them a soft and gentle atmosphere and some soothing tunes
It always helps to think about your objective and build the experience around that
12
THREE Generosity sells
There is nothing more icky than going to an event expecting to be informed about a topic and then end up getting the hard sell put on you There is definitely a way to promote authentically and in a non-sleazy way but before that even comes into the
picture I believe it is best practice to give give give
Give your time and your presence to the people in the room with you Give expert knowledge information and tips that arenrsquot readily available elsewhere
Give guests the opportunity to openly approach you and have a chat
When you are sincere about giving your best people will genuinely want to want work with you By the time you offer them a way to continue the relationship you will have a
line of people eager to sign up ndash no hustling required
13
FOUR You can be creative in your marketing
You donrsquot have to promote your workshop just through the stock standard ways Get creative and share your vision with your audience You can
raquo Create a simple weekly graphic with an inspiring quote related to your workshop content raquo Share beautiful photos of the venue goody bag items deacutecor or printed materials
raquo Profile your speakers with a cute pic and a short but interesting bio raquo Tease people with little snippets of what the day will bring them
raquo Keep people updated with what you are doing and show them the work behind the scenes
Encouraging engagement in the lead up is a nice way to remind people about your workshop without feeling repetitive
5 You will have bust through some fears
Expect to feel emotional at times Worries such as I donrsquot know where to start I am overwhelmed nobody is going to come Irsquom not good enough and what if people are disappointed can pop up but
I promise you ndash this is normal These little suckers have a habit of creeping up on you but if you can find the strength tools and support to work through these then it is definitely worth it
A good course of action is to assess reflect and act Be aware of when it happens and assess what emotions are coming up reflect on why it is an issue for you and then take positive action to overcome it If you can gently work with your fears instead of letting them hold you back I
promise you there will be an amazing experience on the other side
Holding your own workshops and events can be a bit of work but the connections you create and the positive impact you have on peoplersquos lives is incredible
Keeping spreading your message lovelies and happy planning
Jade McKenzie is an event professional for heart-centered entrepreneurs and business owners who get sweaty palms at the thought of running an event themselves With over a decade of experience in event management she has an unrelenting passion for giving her clients the ability to step into their spotlight and shine
Find her at eventheadcomau
14
IF YOU DONrsquoT DESIGN YOUR OWN LIFE PLAN CHANCES ARE YOUrsquoLL FALL INTO SOMEONE ELSErsquoS PLAN
AND GUESS WHAT THEY HAVE PLANNED FOR YOU NOT MUCH
Jim Rohn
15
nomadsnomadsDIGITAL
THESE WOMEN ARE BUILDING BUSINESSES THAT CAN BE RUN FROM ANYWHERE THEY CHOOSE
16
Elizabeth McKenzie
What do you do Let me count the ways
First and foremost Irsquom a multi-passionate
Which means Irsquom business + marketing coach spiritual mentor writer + seeker of rad things And I canrsquot go past a mention of my two loves Nike high tops and Harry Styles
Who lives with youAt the moment Irsquom living with my parents on their yacht Wersquore getting ready to sail up the East Coast of Australia Irsquom then heading to the US and plan on renting out a pad in NYC with Juliethellipand when I returnhellip who knowshellip Irsquom open to suggestions
Did you a transition from a regular 9 to 5 job How did
that happen for you I transitioned from student to business owner While I was studying my Master of Speech Pathology (oh yeah Irsquom a speech pathologist too) I became so sick of having to adhere to the metal box that is university education Ya know playing by someone elsersquos rules so I started up a blog initially as a way to rebel from the box
The more I blogged the more I became obsessed with everything about being online ndash the connections with other likeminded women andhellip hold up the ability to work from anywhere in the world helping anyone with an internet connection Sign me up
I hired a butt load of mentors to help me along my way and at the start of 2014 I launched my first offering marketing and business coaching (yes I also have a degree in that too)
17
At the same time I got a one day a week speechie job to compliment my multi-passionate nature but after 4 months of doing that I realised itrsquos not in my nature to work for anyone else but myself
By then my business was bringing in the cash to support my decision to go all in
And here I am on a boat
What is your current business model Itrsquos currently me and my teeny team of rad peeps Irsquove got my VA my copywriter and communications consultant and my graphic designer I love having people compliment what I do
The business model ndash well I started with the advisor model really only selling my expertise and coaching on a 11 basis but Irsquom now creating an eCourse to help hundreds of women become more spiritual without losing touch with the real world Essentially real world spirituality the unwanky way and Irsquom crazy excited
Throughout this journey Irsquove realised that my business and how I operate is always going to evolve and accepting that has freed me up to do so much more of the things I love
Do you see this business model changing in the futureI had an epiphany recently that I want to help as many people as I can so Irsquom now starting to gear my business towards that kind of model with eCourses and programs that are offered at a lower price point
Exciting times
My motto in business (and life) never say never
Wersquore operating in a dynamic environment The dumbest thing you can do for your business is feel you
have to lock yourself in
By all means pick something and give it a red hot go ndash but know that as the environment changes around you you need to accommodate that
Woke up at 630 for breakfast and coffee
Had a three hour intensive with my latest client who lives in Scotland from 7-10
Did a bit of admin and setting up the membership site of my new eCourse
Went to see Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles at 1 (nerd much)
Got home at 4
Felt inspired to read so whipped out my latest book
Wrote a little after dinner for my latest opt-in offer
Ended the day watching reruns of The Mindy Project
A Da
y In
The
Lif
e of
Eliza
beth
Do you feel like an introvert or an extrovert and does that affect how you do businessCan I say Irsquom both Sometimes I need to be around people to get more energy and sometimes I need to be alone to recharge too
I think therersquos a bit of a dance I do in my business where I need to have days like the Friday above because otherwise my energy gets stagnant and the creative flow stops
What are your favourite parts of businessWriting Creating
And the ability to not work when I donrsquot want to
18
Least favouriteWordpress admin Although when I nail something (finally) I get a major sense of achievement
Do you feel like yoursquove made sacrifices to live this lifestyle What are theyDefinitely At the moment Irsquove had to let me pooch live with his dad while Irsquom on a boat and while I got to NYC
I wish he could be with me 247
What are your Core Desired Feelings raquo Free raquo Luxurious raquo Joy
Any special tools or routines you implement regularly to feel or perform awesomelyThe number one thing that I do regularly is clear my chakras via a breathing and visualisation meditation It takes 20 minutes and it seriously changes the tune of my day I can usually go a day without but too long and I notice that Irsquom underperforming
Quickfire Faves
BOOK The Anatomy of the Spirit by Caroline Myss Although I hated it originally mostly because I didnrsquot want to hear the messages that were coming through
WEBSITE YouTube Canrsquot go past finding an olds 90s jam or interviews with Harry Styles to watch
EARLY MORNING ACTIVITY Chakra Clearing
LATE NIGHT ACTIVITY Watching reruns of my favourite TV shows
GOURMET SNACK I donrsquot do gourmet myself but Irsquom all for gourmet cafe food (itrsquos the Melbournian in me) It could be a sugary almond macaroon or full fat grilled haloumi
Elizabeth is a professional business coach spiritual mentor and the creator of The Spiritual Material Girl eCourse Shersquos also the creator of high-end private coaching programs and courses geared towards helping ambitious and successful women who lsquoseemrsquo like theyrsquove got it all figured outhellip yet who still donrsquot feel like their heartrsquos truly fulfilled
Shersquos the go-to for helping you tackle your biz blocks tap into your spiritual side and live a totally kick-ass life With her trademark blend of heartfelt honesty and straight-talking swagger she ties it all together to set you on the fast track to personal professional and spiritual success
Instead of just keepinrsquo on doing whatrsquos not working Elizabeth can show you how to get exactly what you want ndash whether that means building a business you love creating more happiness or simply getting more out of your life You can find Elizabeth over at her home on the internet Your Highest Self
19
Vienda Maria
Vienda Maria is a lifestyle coach author and creative who helps Bon Vivants coaches yogis creatives and entrepreneurs create thriving semi-nomadic unconventional lives that are fulfilling both soulfully and financially Through her coaching events books Gypset Mindset Class course and online community Vienda has inspired and transformed the lives of thousands across the globe ldquoMy mission is simple to guide each and every one of you back to who you really are To come home back to your soul and allowing it to guide your destiny For more love More fun More freedom More adventure More liferdquo Visit Vienda online here
20
What do you do Irsquom a lifestyle coach and writer who helps emerging creatives and professionals create a life thatrsquos a little a it unusual Itrsquos about breaking away from structured office hours and recognising their ability to create their own jobs and money by using their innate passions skills and talents in ways that are a little bit out of the box Itrsquos all about stepping out of a limiting mindset and seeing what is actually possible
Who lives with youI live on my own
Did you a transition from a regular 9 to 5 job How did that happen for you Not really Irsquove always had an extremely free lifestyle and only dabbled into a couple of office jobs along the way when I was inbetween other things
My transition to my current life happened out of the necessity to create something for myself that supported my lifestyle and was financially sustainable After studying psychology at uni I worked at international film and music festivals and other events which was really fun and exciting 12 years later I had fallen in love with being my own boss and traveling the world It was then that I realised that there are so many people who would love to travel have more freedom and time and create their own jobs and that I could help them
What is your current business model Irsquom a very independent worker so I tend to work solo though Irsquove just hired an intern to help me with some of the admin and social media stuff which is quite exciting I sell a range of different things ndash my coaching services make up most of my income followed by products in the form of eBooks and
jewellery collected on my travels Irsquom just about to launch my first course a set of 6 live classes to help beginners create their own unconventional lifestyle so thatrsquos very exciting and keeping me busy
Do you see this business model changing in the future Yes I think as an entreprenuer one the greatest characteristics you can have is flexibility Being flexible with how you do things always changing growing and updating is so important If you want to keep up with business you have to be comfortable and willing to change
What does a day-in-the-life look like for you I travel a lot so my day-to-day varies quite a lot but I usually start the day with writing content for my course blog or anything else that needs my creative input because in the morning my creativity is the highest I keep the mundane tasks for later in the day usually after my coaching calls I check emails and social media twice a day ndash once in the morning and once in the afternoon ndash which usually give me a good indication of what else needs to be done
And I always end my working day with a To Do list for the next day so I wake up with clarity and know exactly what I need to focus on
Irsquom really interested in time efficiency and productivity so choose to focus on doing things that I love and that generate the most response
Do you feel like an introvert or an extrovert and does that affect how you do business Hmmm ndash Irsquom an introverted extrovert I really enjoy my own company and fuel up energetically with time to myself But I also love and need social stimulation inspiration and everything that people bring into our
21
lives I guess itrsquos about balance and listening to your own needs
What are your favourite parts of business Creating and connecting I love the work I do so much ndash when one of my clients has an ah-ha that transforms everything they previously believed to be true ndash it just rocks my world Being able to help people create lives that they thought were only made of dream-stuff is so very fulfilling I learn so much from this process myself Therersquos such a powerful beauty in creating a community of like-minded individuals And I love being creative always thinking of new ideas and new ways to share the information tools and concepts that I have with my tribe
Least favourite Tax I just I have no idea how people manage all that side of things Irsquod do my best to keep everything tidy and organised for my accountant but it hurts my brain when itrsquos tax time
Do you feel like yoursquove made sacrifices to live this lifestyle What are they I think we make sacrifices in every lifestyle we choose There is always something that we choose to let go of in order to have something else But when itrsquos a choice it doesnrsquot really feel like a sacrifice
For example I donrsquot own a ton of material possessions because that would just be silly considering how much I move around For me however that is very freeing rather than a sacrifice I mean what could I possibly really need I love my lifestyle It suits me perfectly And thatrsquos all that matters
What are your Core Desired Feelings raquo Flow raquo Freedom raquo Inspiration raquo Gratitude
Any special tools or routines you implement regularly to feel or perform awesomely I meditate daily and exercise daily I set intentions (goals) monthly and review them every month I practice positive thinking and train my mind to focus on the things that light me up and make me feel good to exclusion of all others because I know that I create my life with my thoughts And things that make me feel good attract more things that make me feel good
BOOK Going Pro by Steven Pressfield
WEBSITE Instagram
EARLY MORNING ACTIVITY Meditation
LATE NIGHT ACTIVITY Journaling
GOURMET SNACK Salted Pistachios
I donrsquot own a ton of material possessions because that would just be silly
considering how much I move around For me however that is very freeing
rather than a sacrifice
Quickfire Faves
22
Amelia Lee
What do you doIrsquom an architect and have been working in the architectural industry for almost twenty years I recently started Undercover Architect which is about empowering YOU to create your well-designed home through online information tools products and services
Irsquom also a Director on the Qld Development Board for The Hunger Project an NGO that works to end hunger and poverty in third world countries by empowering those affected most to feed their families and create hope for their futures
Who lives with you I live with my husband Brandon and son (aged 7) and two daughters (aged 5 and 3) We also have a dog 6 chickens 5 ducklings and shortly 5 miniature cows
Did you a transition from a regular 9 to 5 job How did that happen for youI worked long hours in architectural practices for many years (more like 7am ndash 7pm) managing teams and big projects before I had kids We also wanted to keep them at home with us so over the last 12 years we have renovated 3 homes (whilst living in them) as a means of supplementing our income and supporting the way we wanted to live Wersquove both worked part-time or changed our working hours around kids and the renovating
When my second baby was 4 months old I started an architectural practice with 5 colleagues By the time my third bub was born we had grown our business to have about 10 crew and I didnrsquot really stop work
I left my business in June to pursue a new life My husband and I relocated our family to the Byron Bay Hinterland to a 77 acre property After a big year personally and professionally last year it seemed like the right time to make the move We wanted to stop
23
delaying the dream
What is your current business model Itrsquos just me ndash a one-man band madly writing content and building my website with information tools and advice Irsquom also providing architectural services to some individual clients which I can do remotely
Do you see this business model changing in the futureI will need some additional support in admin web support and marketingadvertising as the business builds My hope is to maintain my flexible work-from-home practises and create a virtual team of independent collaborators to enable this I want my business to be at a scale where I can provide significant financial support to The Hunger Project
What does a day-in-the-life look like for you I get up early and go for a walkrun while listening to an audio book I finish with a brief meditation to set my intentions for the day and then the kids are up and my husband and I run the gauntlet of brekkie lunches school uniforms and getting them to the bus
After the dust has settled I make myself a big cup of coffee and if itrsquos a work day I head to my office which is over our garage I have found that this new experience of working solely on my own without
imposed deadlines etc has required some new tools to create structure and discipline and itrsquos something Irsquom still working on
We all eat dinner together at about 5pm and I do love that we spend time like this together every day
Since the beginning of 2012 I have been taking a photo every day of something Irsquom grateful for and posting it to my Facebook page with a description Itrsquos helped me be a lot more present to the every day joy and beauty that exists
Do you feel like an introvert or an extrovert and does that affect how you do businessI recently found out I was 51 Extrovert ndash which means that Irsquom borderline Introvert also I can get VERY absorbed in my work ndash which is a great problem to have
However given the whole reason we are creating a life this way is to spend more time together as a family Irsquom aware that needs to be kept in check I ultimately would love to do speaking engagements workshops etc so will be drawing on the Extrovert tilt for this
What are your favourite parts of businessI love the lsquostartrsquo of things I am insatiably curious Learning something for the first time figuring it out and getting it to work Irsquom enjoying writing enormously
Least favouriteRevisiting things over and over again And given that my business is still in its early days income-wise I am resisting the pressure of needing to sell and market I want to create great clarity around who my ideal clients are before I launch myself out there
THE VIEW FROM MY HOME OFFICE
24
Do you feel like yoursquove made sacrifices to live this lifestyle What are theyWhere we are now is the culmination of 12 years of very very hard work with a goal and a vision Wersquove lived through 3 renovations Wersquove sunk all our money into homes we were creating for other people and scrimped on most other things because we were always working on the house It was so worth it though
Where we are now is the culmination of 12 years of
very very hard work with a goal and a vision
What are the values you live by My values are Joy|Love|Laughter|Fun (thatrsquos one) Innovation Inspiration and Spaciousness Abundance and Bravery are themes I work to explore
Seth Godin also replied to an email of thanks I once sent him telling me to ldquoGo make a ruckusrdquo ndash so that informs what I do also
Any special tools or routines you implement regularly to feel or perform awesomelyExercise and meditation and I also do a bit of Cognitive Behaviour Therapy My grateful photos also are really important in this
BOOK Tim Ferrissrsquo 4 Hour Work Week It just completely opened my eyes to this whole other way of doing business that wasnrsquot about selling my time for money
WEBSITE Facebook I find it a great way to touch quickly in the lives of my friends but also to get access to lots of inspirational and info ndash like HONY Oprahrsquos Super Soul Sunday Huffington Post Gabby Bernstein
EARLY MORNING ACTIVITY A walkrun stretch and meditation
LATE NIGHT ACTIVITY Meditation while I do my lsquolegs up the wallrsquo pose It makes a massive difference to how I sleep and how rested I feel in the morning
GOURMET SNACK Loving Earth Luvju Raw Organic Orange and Gubinge Chocolate Otherwise I make great fruit-free bliss balls with cacao maca powder and protein powder
Quickfire Faves
You can connect with Amelia online at UndercoverArchitectcom
25
Elizabeth Kelsey BradleyWhat do you do Irsquom a writer and consultant that creates compelling content and social media strategies for businesses around the world I work with companies of all sizes and in all niches but my passion is with helping holistic entrepreneurs
Who lives with you My husband daughter and our insane pets
Did you a transition from a regular 9 to 5 job How did that happen for youI have never had a 9 to 5 ever My father was an entrepreneur and even though he never ever spoke of what it meant to be an entrepreneur his calling seemed to rub off on me
Irsquom literally unemployable Irsquom an artist and rebel and need to do things my own way even though Irsquom a
people person
But how I ended up finally making a business was when my husband couldnrsquot find work and things got scary I began researching like mad how I could work online and it took me years to finally learn marketing particularly with social media and content Despite how hard my first few years were (and I wouldnrsquot want to repeat them) Irsquom glad I learned the hard way as I am able to help others and can relate to women who are just beginning their entrepreneurial journey I look at entrepreneurship as a great honor for me to be able to help others and be of service
What is your current business model I am solo I sell consulting services and also do freelance writing and photography for companies that donrsquot have a staff writer I really need an intern or VA at this point though and am looking for someone
26
Do you see this business model changing in the futureYes and no Yes I will need to hire someone and ideally two people now that I have branched out into creating courses and ebooks but no in regards to my consulting services changing as what I do is in demand People feel confused about social media and creating regular content so I think it will be the same business model for a long time to come
What does a day-in-the-life look like for you Well Irsquom a vampire apparently as I mainly work nights which here in Thailand would be morning time where many of my clients live During the day I am homeschooling mum and also carry in my bag some of my work for
when I need to do some writing or analysis of a clientrsquos social media
Do you feel like an introvert or an extrovert and does that affect how you do businessIrsquom an extrovert but a highly sensitive one This has actually worked in my favour as I have a process for weeding out people who donrsquot fit my Ideal Client profile so that I can maintain my energy and do the best I can with the entrepreneurs who I can best serve
What are your favourite parts of businessI adore talking with clients on the phone or in person so basically anytime Irsquom geeking out about social media and writing
27
Least favouriteAnything to do with SEO
Do you feel like yoursquove made sacrifices to live this lifestyle What are theyEntrepreneurship is isolating in general Add that to the fact that we live on an island in Thailand and itrsquos double the isolation but to be honest this was the best place for us to build our online businesses as itrsquos affordable to live here and safe so I have no regrets
What are your Core Desired Feelings Connection serenity ease truth Values wise Irsquom wild but extremely family oriented
Any special tools or routines you implement regularly to feel or perform awesomelyI read from spiritual or philosophical books and take regular walks Both give me loads of ideas for storytelling which is the essence of what I do Podcasts are also a huge part of my routine particularly those devoted to marketing
BOOK Ocean Sea (buy it now AMAZING)
WEBSITE wwwholisticdadnet
EARLY MORNING ACTIVITY Drinking yerba mate and some yoga
LATE NIGHT ACTIVITY Good beer and a video game
GOURMET SNACK Anything with white truffle oil on it
Quickfire Faves
Elizabeth Kelsey Bradley is an award-winning writer consultant and photojournalist currently based in Thailand Her work has appeared on sites such as Tiny Buddha Vagabonding and in Girl Gone International magazine
As a consultant she helps companies develop effective social media and content strategies She is currently devoted to helping holistic entrepreneurs grow their online platforms at Thriving Healer
28
PAPERLESS OFFICELETrsquoS LEAVE MORE OF OUR TREE FRIENDS IN THE GROUND AND TAKE ADVANTAGE OF THE EXCELLENT APPS AVAILABLE INSTEAD AFTER ALL WErsquoRE RUNNING OUR DEVICES FOR MOST OF THE DAY ANYWAY - MAY AS WELL TAKE ADVANTAGE OF THEIR RAD CAPABILITIES
29
SWAPWriting Lists
FORWunderlist
AnyDoTodoist
SWAPHardcopy Books
FOR
KindleiBooks
SWAPPrinting + Scanning
Contracts
FOR
EchosignHellosignSWAP
Taking Notes + Printing Articles
FOREvernote
SWAPBrainstorming
+ Mind Mapping
FORSimpleMind
Coggle
30
HOW DARE YOU S E T T L E F O R L E S S WHEN THE WORLD h a s m a d e i t SO EASY F O R Y O U T O B E remarkable
SETH GODIN
31
JASMINE DOWLING MAPS TO HERSELF THE FIFTH ELEMENT LIFE
MOSSYJOJO TRICIA O DESIGNSIMPLY LOVE CREATIONS
BY SAMANTHA STACEY KEMPPENFRIEND
Jazz up your office walls with prints that stoke your creative fire
32
THE YES EPIDEMIC
33
THE YES EPIDEMIC
OurCoverStar
34
Whether it be a night out (when Irsquom exhausted) a favour (thatrsquos asking a little too much) or a date (that I know isnrsquot going to go anywhere) Irsquove typically and reluctantly replied to these requests with a lsquosure thingrsquo more times than Irsquod care to admit
Take on another client when my schedule is fully booked Absolutely
Offer to shout a friendrsquos breakfast when I really donrsquot have the cash to splash Of course
Commit to another online course when Irsquom barely halfway through the other 8 Irsquove signed up for this year Why yes
The Yes Epidemic has woven its way into our exceptionally busy (and beautiful) lives with the promise of MORE More connection more exposure more opportunity more money more education more insight more success And the more we do the more we are - right
Wrong
The reality is the more we constantly fill our plates to the brim (oh letrsquos admit it our plates are overflowing) with commitment after
commitment the less space we are leaving for us to just BE
To be immersed in who we are what our dreams and desires are to love to play to breathe
By saying lsquoyesrsquo like itrsquos going out of fashion we find ourselves spread as thin as vegemite on gluten-free toast Our energy and vitality are compromised and we donrsquot show up in the world as our best selves
So here are a few tips I use with my clients (and myself regularly) to get in the habit of saying lsquonorsquo a little more often
Irsquove never been very good at saying lsquonorsquo
35
Reflective routine with a heaping dose of reality is key here Take an honest look at your weekly schedule and ensure that you are focussing your precious time energy and resources on the people activities and
projects that are aligned with your values Is this commitment important to you Then honour it with your time Not so important
Time to shift things up
I canrsquot go past Marie Forleorsquos advice on this subject When somebody presents you with an opportunity if itrsquos not a HELL YES then itrsquos a no
Go with your gut always
Forget the FOMO The lsquofear of missing outrsquo is what keeps most of us on the Sure Thing Wagon and itrsquos just not sustainable Trust that all the
opportunities that are meant for you will come your way at the right time for you
Send your lsquonorsquo off with love Therersquos no need to feel uncomfortable turning down a request when you do so with kindness respect and
humility Excuses can be left at the door just honour your good intentions and everyone involved in the situation
Remember every time you give a loving inspired lsquonorsquo you are giving others the permission to do the same thing I always feel energised when someone turns down a request because it reminds me to respect myself
enough to pull out that gentle lsquonorsquo when required too
1
23
45
AND THE BEST THING ABOUT SAYING lsquoNOrsquo WHEN THE TIME COMES THAT A lsquoSURE THINGrsquo IS IN FACT THE HEART-CENTRED RESPONSE YOU EXCITEDLY GIVE ITrsquoS MUCH SWEETER MORE MEANINGFUL AND A HELLUVA LOT MORE VALUABLE
Claire Baker is a certified coach and mentor passionate writer and speaker and author of lsquoShe Is Radiant Your 6-Week Wellness Adventure To Get Glowy amp Feel Radrsquo Claire guides vibrant young women as they get from where they are to where they want to be ndash in their health and life blog and business
You can consider Claire your personal advocate for living an energised playful and heart-centred life Come say hi at This is Lifeblood her online space to share her passion for all things nourishing soulful and creative
CLAIRErsquoS TOP FIVE TIPS TO GET INTO THE HABIT OF SAYING NO
36
37
artOF THE
THE
soloSOULRETREAT
38
When you live a soul-driven and passionate life you very likely live and breathe your lsquoworkrsquo 247
I put the word work in inverted commas because for you itrsquos likely just you leading your amazing life (and more power to you my friend) But amidst this you may find it difficult to switch off and cultivate the spaciousness to just let it all hang out and exist without an agenda or a to-do list anywhere in site
Enter stage left the Solo Soul Retreat I took myself on one recently and by golly did it give me the exact level of time out and rejoove that this soul-driven lassy needed Maybe itrsquos about time you took yourself on one
Here are some tips for creating the perfect conditions for your solo soul retreat
Pick a place close byI chose the Byron area because itrsquos only two hours drive from where I live And this is important because while you want to be lsquoawayrsquo to unplug from the numerous distractions of home you donrsquot want to be so far away that you feel obliged to check out all the sights and scoot around lsquodoingrsquo your little butt off You want to create a feeling of not having to do ANYTHING if you donrsquot feel like it Moment to moment awareness and tapping into what you truly want to do is critical to the restorative nature of the solo soul retreat So if that means a nap in the afternoon without checking out the sights do it Sans the guilt
Making it somewhere close by means you can convince your inner tourist that you can come back any time you want to So donrsquot book your long awaited trip to Bali for this particular retreat style I recommend scouting around Air BnB for some great bargains near you
Book for at least 2-3 nights away (more if possible)It takes awhile for us to wind down and get in to the rhythm of a slower pace so give yourself as much time as possible to sink deeply in to relaxation I find that it takes my body a good day or so (at least) to realise itrsquos on holiday A weekend is good a long weekend even better And a week would be crazy good
Set an intentionFor my soul retreat it was to cultivate a feeling of internal ease and spaciousness I was so tightly wound and constricted from within I wanted to feel joyous energy flowing through me again
39
unimpeded
An intention is a helpful anchor that you can come back to throughout the retreat when you feel your energy flitting away to unnecessary distractions Revisit your intention throughout your retreat and ease back into the feeling you wish to cultivate
Immerse yourself in natureWherever you head to find some time to plonk yourself amidst the stunning natural surrounds of Mama Nature There is absolutely NOTHING that compares to the healing capacity of earthing ourselves at the beach or in the forest or just a little garden Barefoot and butt on the ground meditating or just sitting and quietly contemplating our wondrous natural world will have you relaxing into zen in no time
Silence is goldenTaking time to retreat also means giving your mind a bit of a break (hence the lsquono doingrsquo rule) try out not talking which shouldnrsquot be too hard if yoursquore on your own and see what kind of insights
There is absolutely NOTHING that compares to the healing capacity of earthing ourselves at the beach
or in the forest or just a little garden
Barefoot and butt on the ground meditating or just sitting and
quietly contemplating our wondrous natural world
will have you relaxing into zen in no time
40
begin to pop into your nogginrsquo when you donrsquot have to constantly communicate
Pamper yourselfWhat feels really decadent to you For my recent retreat it was heading to a spa and bathhouse for the morning soaking in oxygenated spa baths steaming myself in the sauna and relaxing on a sun lounge in the tranquil spa gardens with a good book
For you it might be a luxurious massage and energy balancing treatment Or maybe itrsquos a delicious meal you take your time with at an amazing restaurant nearby Perhaps itrsquos allowing yourself to lounge around in bed with your favourite book and a cup of tea Whatever it is allow yourself these delights As many as you please gorgeous one
Body-loving foodIf you have a kitchen at your accommodation pack yourself the kind of food you know your body loves Think veggies fruit some bliss balls your fave teas raw cacao and honey for a delish hot chocolate If you have a portable blender pack up your ingredients to whip yourself up some delights while yoursquore there Alternatively and if you have time prepare a few things before you head off You can pre-cook quinoa lentil curries and rice dishes to heat up whenever you fancy If there are local farmerrsquos markets you can even do a bit of purchasing there for your meals (and because yoursquore so close to home bringing back the leftovers is a cinch)
Scout around a little and find some local cafeacutes or
41
restaurants that tickle your fancy and take yourself out for a meal that makes your body scream YES
Soul nourishing practices Rituals and practices help us to sink more deeply in to our soulrsquos true nature Bring along whatever stokes your soul fire and brings you into present moment awareness Cultivating reverence for yourself and life itself is a crucial aspect of your soul retreat Some practices you may consider are raquo Meditation (guided or just simply following your inhale and exhale) I find the Kundalini Ego
Eradicator meditation particularly soul-nourishing (and frankly life changing) raquo Journaling ndash with no thought as to what to write just jot down whatever comes to you Yoursquoll be
amazed at the cathartic feelings and insights this brings raquo Yoga (on your own or find a class nearby that resonates with you) raquo Playing with oracle cards Ask a question or for general guidance and see how your guides and
the Universe responds The Little Sagersquos deck is divine raquo Reading soulfully inspiring books raquo Lighting some incense and writing an epic gratitude list raquo A walking meditation through nature raquo Get arty play around with whatever you have Love colour Bring your paints Doodle Donrsquot
judge the results just let it flow out of you
Overall the point of this solo soul retreat is that you do what you genuinely want to do in the moment So nix the over planning as you may do with other trips away Settle into present moment awareness and allow yourself to be rather than just do Listen with kindness to your inner child Let her out to play (Mega hint she really doesnrsquot want to be bossed around) Gifting yourself this time is your surefire way to feeling rejuvenated refreshed and ready to live life to its fullest
Enjoy gorgeous one
Carly is a passionate international aid and development project manager and writer Carly works on projects in Australia and the Asia-Pacific region focusing on cultivating sustainable livelihoods the empowerment of women community enterprise local market development and positive social change
Head on over to Carlyrsquos blog Pockets of Peace for her soul-centred musings on peace wellness and oodles of inspiration
42
The most powerful weapon on earth is the human soul
on fire
F E R D I N A N D F O C H
43
Five Minute Fixes
FOR FEAR AND OVERWHELM
44
IF YOUrsquoRE RUNNING YOUR OWN BIZ YOUrsquoD BE FAMILIAR WITH THE PHENOMENON OF FEAR AND OVERWHELM YOU KNOW WHEN YOU JUST FEEL STUCK PARALYSED NOT SURE WHICH CHOICE TO MAKE OR ACTION TO TAKE YOU HAVE DEADLINES LOOMING THE PRESSURE IS MOUNTING AND YOUrsquoRE BLOCKED YOU NEED TO GET OUT OF YOUR OVERWHELM RIGHT NOW SO YOU CAN GET BACK TO CHANGING THE WORLD
Here are five practices designed to break the fear cycle and get you out of your head and into your body in five minutes or less
Go outside Get out into the sunlight See the sky take off your shoes and feel the grass tickle your toes Close your eyes Feel the heat on your skin Take some deep breaths and smell the air Tune in to the sounds around you Become still Fully engage with the present moment and drop into the sensations in your body
Deep breathing You can use a mantra such as So-Hum you can count the length of each inhale and exhale or you can do as many rounds of Nadi Shodhana (alternate nostril breathing) as you can fit into five minutes Whatever yoursquore most comfortable with do that Breath is the bridge between the inner and outer realities Deep breathing will calm the nervous system and bring your attention to the present moment
Move Go for a brisk walk Put on your favourite tune plug in the headphones and dance (in the bathroom cubicle if yoursquore embarrassed to do it in publichellip because thatrsquos not weird at all) Have a quickie on your own or with a partner Or you can shake it out Start with your right foot shake it as hard as possible to the count of 10 Then your whole leg Then the left foot and left leg Then the right hand then the right arm then the left hand and arm Then fold forward and gently shake your head - back to front side to side Then stand up again and shake your whole body like you know how
Then stand in stillness for 2 minutes to balance out the movement Listen to your heartbeat Yoursquove just expressed and released some negative energy so take a standing Savasana (resting pose) to integrate Make sure you smooth your hair after this one
45
Aromatherapy Get a bottle of essential oil and sniff it - simple Smell affects the limbic system which is responsible for the storage and release of emotional trauma You can immediately calm your body with the right scent
Make sure you get 100 therapeutic grade pure essential oil - these have a high vibrational frequency and you donrsquot want any nasties entering your system through inferior quality oil Lavender is proven to calm the nervous system as is frankincense balsam fir basil cedar wood and sandalwood You can purchase calming blends from your local aromatherapist or get them to custom-make a blend for you
Make some noise This is especially good if you work from home or drive to work as you may want privacy Get a pillow or lock yourself in the car and scream as loud as you can connecting deeply to your pelvis Give yourself permission to vocalise all that frustration fear shame guilt whatever is building up in your energy field Sound is the end of feeling When you express vocally you are releasing emotion and ending the cycle of repression Done regularly this will also enhance your creativity and self-expression - benefiting your business (and sex life) in the long run
These practices work for me and Irsquod love to know if they resonate with you
Irsquom Emma a multi-passionate self-love junkie who loves supporting people on their journey to wellness Since suffering from adrenal burnout and a host of related conditions Irsquove dedicated myself to personal healing and growth and encouraging others to find their own unique path By day Irsquom a yoga teacher virtual assistant and event coordinator for wellness entrepreneurs and outside of that yoursquoll find me salsa dancing travelling and eating raw desserts
Connect with me at emmashieldscom
46
Abandon anything about your life and habits that might be holding you back
Learn to create your own opportunities
Know that there is no finish line fortune favors action
Race balls-out toward the extraordinary life that yoursquove always dreamed of
or still havenrsquot had time to dream up
And prepare to have a hell of a lot of fun along the way
SOPHIA AMORUSO
47
Why you should create aHIGH-CONVERTING OPT-IN OFFER
A critical component of building your online business is growing your email list and creating a compelling opt-in offer is one of the best ways to kickstart this growth
You want your email list to be made up of people who are genuinely interested in you and what you have to offer your target market Your ideal customers and readers
Thatrsquos why your opt-in offer (a gift to entice people to join your list) needs to be unique highly relevant to your business and of real value to your ideal clients If people are on your site checking you out they are already interested ndash you need to give them a compelling reason to sign up
What would your readers find valuable Something that saves them time money pain or makes their life easier better or more beautiful It also needs to be damn high quality Proofed designed and worth paying for
48
Why would you give away something so valuable for free
Because it shows yoursquore serious about helping people Because it builds trust with readers Because itrsquos a genuine thank you in return for a readerrsquos contact details Because itrsquos an ad for your business Yoursquore showing people the quality of what they will receive if they go on to work with you
How do you choose which is right for you Think about what you currently offer your readers or customers (as in content as well as services or products) What is popular What do they comment on most or ask questions about What would you love to create What would be the perfect compliment to a service you provide How can you genuinely help
Brainstorm a list then narrow it down to one ndash and get cracking
The best opt-ins are win-win ndash you gather details from ideal customers and the customers
receive something great that they need and want in return
Happy creating
PS Tricking people is icky Donrsquot do that Itrsquos of no use to have people on your list that donrsquot care about you or your products Be genuine Offer genuine value Get genuine sign-ups
SO WHAT SHOULD YOU OFFER
Here are a few ideas raquo A sneak peek or preview of a paid
product ndash like a free chapter or lesson
raquo A smaller version of a paid product ndash like a 3 day meal plan
raquo Something which compliments a service you offer
raquo Useful templates ndash like a product launch worksheet or a calendar
raquo Inspirational printables ndash like quotes or illustrations
raquo A mini eCourse ndash like 5 days of video coaching
raquo A discount ndash like 10 off their next purchase
raquo A VIP offer ndash like first dibs on tickets
raquo An eBook or workbook ndash like a recipe book or marketing plan
Alana Wimmer is Founder + Creative Director of mini digital publishing house Raspberry Stripes Alana works with rad lady entrepreneurs to design eBooks which will change the world She also provides guidance insight and info on eBook design on the Raspberry Stripes website When she isnrsquot designing reading or talking about eBooks you can find Alana walking Rory and Roxy the boxers with her husband in tow probably on her way to pick up a green smoothie
49
is a lack of self-worth
50
As a bright-eyed uni student I got pretty excited about all the opportunities that were due to unfold before me when I graduated
My approach to life has always been filled with excitement for the future I remember saying to friends in class that we were certain to be successful because enthusiasm trumps experience Sadly the path wasnrsquot as smooth as Irsquod imagined I naively thought that all bosses had a sixth-sense for talent even from shy girls who werenrsquot outward about their abilities
I applied for and took a series of jobs that from the job description seemed so overwhelmingly scary to do but within months if not weeks I was bored I lacked the self-worth to believe I could step up but Irsquod externalise this into anger at my employer for holding me back Eventually I realised it was all of my own creation I was the one who was playing small applying for and then taking jobs that wersquore well under my pay grade I even turned down a few including a big promotion because the amount of money offered was too much and it scared me Seriously
Years of study and I lacked the ability to dive in fully commit be brave be boisterous about my abilities and soar I found school easy and when things seemed challenging at work I put it down to an inability to perform If it wasnrsquot easy at first I accepted that I just wasnrsquot able I had yet to find out that some of the best lessons come from giving things a go and making a lot of mistakes Failing or in reality playing small was a comfort zone for me and success in my career was an unknown quantity I was used to struggle I was safe with my dreams The possibility of them coming true Too much to handle Irsquod have to learn to live in the present moment and I donrsquot think I was ready to do that I wasnrsquot ready to look closely at myself and see that for all my effort there was still a lot of inner work to do It was time to look within
I KNOW HOW EASY IT IS TO BUILD WALLS AROUND OUR DREAMS PUSH THEM FURTHER AWAY IN AN ATTEMPT TO PLAY SAFE AND LIVE LIFE ACCORDING TO EXTERNAL INFLUENCE I KNOW THE LEVEL OF DETERMINATION AND MENTAL GRIT IT TAKES TO OVERCOME OURSELVES START TAKING OWNERSHIP OF OUR THOUGHTS AND ULTIMATELY THE PATH OF OUR OWN LIVES
I love when clients ask me to guide them on this path because I know just what can happen when they get there I hold my hand out as a supportive leverage point and watch them soar
Something Irsquove learnt along the way The first step for many women in building self-worth is learning the art of body love Body love is all about learning to appreciate the capabilities of your body nourishing and taking care of your spirit and occasionally cutting yourself a break
51
Itrsquos looking in the mirror and liking the person you see not picking on the parts you donrsquot like Itrsquos making a choice about whether to wear a bikini based on your personal values and not about what your body looks like in one Dieting and restriction are low level energies that hold us back from achieving high level desires Negative thinking blocks our internal compass and our ability to connect to our intuition Body love is the gateway to high frequency living
We all have that version of ourselves that we aspire to be The woman who gets up to the alarm has patience and drive Shersquos got a sparkle in her eye a sense of confidence and knowing about her place in the world that emanates from her whole being She sits up straight and laughs with abandon From where we sit therersquos a chasm to leap in becoming that woman That woman represents ldquoone dayrdquo She represents effort She can seem unachievable In my experience body love is the first and most important step toward that woman Body love is filled with possibility promise and prosperity When we remove that low level energy of diet and restriction we can start to attract high frequencies We can start to become that woman in the present moment
Irsquove seen the shift first hand for so many people Suddenly the whole world opens up and the possibilities become endless The cloud lifts and pie-in-the-sky dreams show up in high-definition technicolour Thoughts that previously caused anxiety everything from going to lunch with new friends to finding a purpose in life start to feel as easy to read as words on a page Therersquos no more searching Itrsquos been replaced by a knowing excitement I watch as women become like bright-eyed students again endless possibilities opening up before them Only this time Theyrsquove got experience on their side
Suddenly the whole world
opens up and the
possibilities become
endless
The cloud lifts and
pie-in-the-sky dreams show
up in high-definition
technicolour
Rachelle is a Life + Confidence Coach at My Saturn Epoch She supports women through the big transitions in their life helping them to break their negative cycles to consciously create a happy life and positive mindset She is a big hearted business woman who is passionate about supporting women in pursuit of their own excellence so they can shine as a beacon to themselves their families and their communities
Connect with Rachelle at mysaturnepochcom
52
SUBSCRIBE TO RASPBERRY MAGAZINE
Grab an annual subscription and yoursquoll receive raquo 6 digital issues of Raspberry Magazine raquo an exclusive Annual Subscribers Thank You Pack
- which includes a printable manifesto beautiful meditation tracks an eBook and more contributed by generous lady entrepreneurs - worth over $35
VISIT THE SHOP
53
T H A N K Y O U F O R R E A D I N GA N D A M I L L I O N H I G H-F I V E S
I F Y O U L O V E D R A S P B E R R YM A G A Z I N E P L E A S E S H A R E
54
3
Our job in this life is not to shape ourselves into some ideal we imagine we ought to be BUT TO FIND OUT who we already are and become it
STEVEN PRESSFIELD
4
YOU DONrsquoT FIND YOUR WRITING VOICE
(it ainrsquot lost)
YOU CREATE IT
5
6
I think it is more of a mix of creating as well as the finding As we grow as writers and as human beings our voice is constantly being created (consciously and unconsciously) Our signature style is as much chosen by us as it is natural
Have a think about elite athletes They start with some natural physical talent but then by choosing a sport they are channelling their talent a certain way Then with practice coaching and training their natural talent becomes much more than existed to begin with It is the same with our writing voice We begin at that base level and then we choose to write followed by fine-tuning and bettering ourselves over time with practice By making these choices we are creating our voice
Donrsquot get disheartened thinking that your current writing voice is the be all and end all No way ndash instead our voice will change grow and evolve and not in a way that is out of our own control We can make the choice to consciously improve and develop our writing voice
So how do I create my writing voice
READ WIDELY Donrsquot box yourself in to a genre particular author or other defining characteristic Let many styles and authors influence you but always avoid copying outright Stealing ideas and copying verbatim wonrsquot teach you anything but emulating a style during practice can grow your voice
PS Practicing different authorsrsquo styles in your own notebook where no one is going to see ainrsquot breaking any copyright laws Do you remember in high school where we wrote things in Shakespearean style for assignments Itrsquos just like that ndash broadening our literary horizons is not a crime
PRACTICE A LOT As I mentioned above practicing different styles in your notebook or journal is a great way to exercise your voice and flex it in new and interesting ways But practicing is not just confined to your private notebooks Just because itrsquos lsquopracticingrsquo doesnrsquot mean the words canrsquot see the light of day In fact yoursquore probably already practicing without knowing it Writing on your blog on someone elsersquos blog on social media in your newsletter ndash this is all prime writing practice time where you are creating your voice
SAYING THAT WE lsquoFINDrsquo OUR WRITING VOICE IS A BIT MISLEADING
7
Find your favourite blogger and go back a few years into their archives Have a read of their old posts and note how much their
writing voice has changed and evolved We all have to start somewhere
BRAIN DUMP THEN EDIT Editing is the ideal tool for you to use to refine your writing voice
Irsquom a believer in getting it all out on to your page (whether itrsquos paper or digital) unedited unrefined and possibly with atrocious spelling and grammar This big brain dump of everything you need or want to say without self-judgement or on the spot editing is all about getting everything out of your head It can be paragraphs sentences bullet points or even words scrawled at any angle in your notepad ndash just get it out and down By coming up with this lsquoshitty first draftrsquo you get to bypass that horrible staring-at-the-blank-screen-stage (where resistance well and truly rears its ugly head)
Once yoursquove got your shitty first draft done itrsquos time to take the content and mould it into something others will not only understand but resonate with You can now go through and delete reword tune-up sex-ify simplify or amplify ndash whatever you need to do to create your voice
If you are writing for your business you have the ability to choose and create your businessrsquos writing voice (and speaking voice for that matter) For my business the voice I use is very
much a reflection of my own voice as my brand is intrinsically linked to me
Another example is my old corporate gig ndash we had a style guide that covered the type of voice we were to use in any of the companyrsquos communications It was a very thorough document
that covered examples of writing voice grammar and spelling rules (eg English over American spelling) as well as all of the visual branding identifiers It was also totally necessary for such
an organisation to have a guide so the companyrsquos communication remained consistent and aligned
Does your biz need a style guide
8
READ THE CONTEXT While your personality should be shining through your writing wherever it may exist often the context will dictate how much is showing through For example social media platforms like Facebook Twitter and Instagram are ideal for personality-filled casual language
Whereas the business networking platform LinkedIn is made for more lsquoprofessionalrsquo or lsquocorporatersquo language and content (although sometimes these preconceived notions need shaking up so why not think about making come waves) Learn to read your context and create native content based on it
CONSISTENCY IS KEY Yeah yeah I know yoursquove heard this one before But this piece of advice rings particularly true when it comes to creating your writing voice Without consistency both in your writing and in your writing practice yoursquoll have no lsquoflowrsquo and improvement wonrsquot come easily
The golden rules of consistency raquo Keep your language and style (your writing voice) consistent throughout a piece of writing
Create flow raquo Be regular in your writing practice Give yourself as many chances as possible to hone in on your
voice and to improve it
Where to now
To the MacBook or the journal with you Start creating your writing voice right now
Katie is a communications consultant with a flair for wrangling words brainstorming branding strategy and manhandling marketing collateral (she likes alliteration too)
She has been studying and working in communications for over seven years and has been known to speak about good communication to roomfuls of eager ears
Katie works with her clients to discover simple and direct messaging which speaks to customers and ultimately brings in more sales
You can find her online at katiesmythcom
9
Personal transformation can and does have global effects
As we go so goes the world for the world is us
The revolution that will save the world is ultimately a personal one
MARIANNE WILLIAMSON
10
Holding Your First WorkshopT H E F I V E T H I N G S YO U N E E D TO K N O W
11
Are you keen to dip your toes into the world of workshops and events Here are the 5 things that you should know before you dive on in
ONE You donrsquot need a big budget
You donrsquot need to spend a lot of money to throw an amazing event When it comes to your venue there are plenty of low cost options out there
Community centres councils and libraries across Australia are an amazing resource where you can book a space for as little as $3 an hour Co-working spaces yoga
studios or warehouses can also be cost effective options
If you find a venue that makes you squeee with happiness but seems a bit out of your reach ask the manager when their off peak times are or when you can
access a lower rate
Nervous about other costs Holding events in between main meals means you only need to provide light refreshments such as tea juice and sweet treats And if you require additional items for things such as gift bags or professional services like a
photographer you can offer businesses a sponsorship package services swap or some free tickets to the event in return for collaborating with you
TWO The best workshops are a complete experience
The most fulfilling happiness inducing and ah-ha filled workshops are those that are a complete experience from start to finish If your aim is to create connection ensure that guests are greeted as soon as they walk in that they can mingle easily and then have a way to continue the conversations post event If your aim is to educate and inspire give them printed materials and workbooks visual slides and an engaging presentation If your aim is to create peace through an activity such as yoga or
meditation then give them a soft and gentle atmosphere and some soothing tunes
It always helps to think about your objective and build the experience around that
12
THREE Generosity sells
There is nothing more icky than going to an event expecting to be informed about a topic and then end up getting the hard sell put on you There is definitely a way to promote authentically and in a non-sleazy way but before that even comes into the
picture I believe it is best practice to give give give
Give your time and your presence to the people in the room with you Give expert knowledge information and tips that arenrsquot readily available elsewhere
Give guests the opportunity to openly approach you and have a chat
When you are sincere about giving your best people will genuinely want to want work with you By the time you offer them a way to continue the relationship you will have a
line of people eager to sign up ndash no hustling required
13
FOUR You can be creative in your marketing
You donrsquot have to promote your workshop just through the stock standard ways Get creative and share your vision with your audience You can
raquo Create a simple weekly graphic with an inspiring quote related to your workshop content raquo Share beautiful photos of the venue goody bag items deacutecor or printed materials
raquo Profile your speakers with a cute pic and a short but interesting bio raquo Tease people with little snippets of what the day will bring them
raquo Keep people updated with what you are doing and show them the work behind the scenes
Encouraging engagement in the lead up is a nice way to remind people about your workshop without feeling repetitive
5 You will have bust through some fears
Expect to feel emotional at times Worries such as I donrsquot know where to start I am overwhelmed nobody is going to come Irsquom not good enough and what if people are disappointed can pop up but
I promise you ndash this is normal These little suckers have a habit of creeping up on you but if you can find the strength tools and support to work through these then it is definitely worth it
A good course of action is to assess reflect and act Be aware of when it happens and assess what emotions are coming up reflect on why it is an issue for you and then take positive action to overcome it If you can gently work with your fears instead of letting them hold you back I
promise you there will be an amazing experience on the other side
Holding your own workshops and events can be a bit of work but the connections you create and the positive impact you have on peoplersquos lives is incredible
Keeping spreading your message lovelies and happy planning
Jade McKenzie is an event professional for heart-centered entrepreneurs and business owners who get sweaty palms at the thought of running an event themselves With over a decade of experience in event management she has an unrelenting passion for giving her clients the ability to step into their spotlight and shine
Find her at eventheadcomau
14
IF YOU DONrsquoT DESIGN YOUR OWN LIFE PLAN CHANCES ARE YOUrsquoLL FALL INTO SOMEONE ELSErsquoS PLAN
AND GUESS WHAT THEY HAVE PLANNED FOR YOU NOT MUCH
Jim Rohn
15
nomadsnomadsDIGITAL
THESE WOMEN ARE BUILDING BUSINESSES THAT CAN BE RUN FROM ANYWHERE THEY CHOOSE
16
Elizabeth McKenzie
What do you do Let me count the ways
First and foremost Irsquom a multi-passionate
Which means Irsquom business + marketing coach spiritual mentor writer + seeker of rad things And I canrsquot go past a mention of my two loves Nike high tops and Harry Styles
Who lives with youAt the moment Irsquom living with my parents on their yacht Wersquore getting ready to sail up the East Coast of Australia Irsquom then heading to the US and plan on renting out a pad in NYC with Juliethellipand when I returnhellip who knowshellip Irsquom open to suggestions
Did you a transition from a regular 9 to 5 job How did
that happen for you I transitioned from student to business owner While I was studying my Master of Speech Pathology (oh yeah Irsquom a speech pathologist too) I became so sick of having to adhere to the metal box that is university education Ya know playing by someone elsersquos rules so I started up a blog initially as a way to rebel from the box
The more I blogged the more I became obsessed with everything about being online ndash the connections with other likeminded women andhellip hold up the ability to work from anywhere in the world helping anyone with an internet connection Sign me up
I hired a butt load of mentors to help me along my way and at the start of 2014 I launched my first offering marketing and business coaching (yes I also have a degree in that too)
17
At the same time I got a one day a week speechie job to compliment my multi-passionate nature but after 4 months of doing that I realised itrsquos not in my nature to work for anyone else but myself
By then my business was bringing in the cash to support my decision to go all in
And here I am on a boat
What is your current business model Itrsquos currently me and my teeny team of rad peeps Irsquove got my VA my copywriter and communications consultant and my graphic designer I love having people compliment what I do
The business model ndash well I started with the advisor model really only selling my expertise and coaching on a 11 basis but Irsquom now creating an eCourse to help hundreds of women become more spiritual without losing touch with the real world Essentially real world spirituality the unwanky way and Irsquom crazy excited
Throughout this journey Irsquove realised that my business and how I operate is always going to evolve and accepting that has freed me up to do so much more of the things I love
Do you see this business model changing in the futureI had an epiphany recently that I want to help as many people as I can so Irsquom now starting to gear my business towards that kind of model with eCourses and programs that are offered at a lower price point
Exciting times
My motto in business (and life) never say never
Wersquore operating in a dynamic environment The dumbest thing you can do for your business is feel you
have to lock yourself in
By all means pick something and give it a red hot go ndash but know that as the environment changes around you you need to accommodate that
Woke up at 630 for breakfast and coffee
Had a three hour intensive with my latest client who lives in Scotland from 7-10
Did a bit of admin and setting up the membership site of my new eCourse
Went to see Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles at 1 (nerd much)
Got home at 4
Felt inspired to read so whipped out my latest book
Wrote a little after dinner for my latest opt-in offer
Ended the day watching reruns of The Mindy Project
A Da
y In
The
Lif
e of
Eliza
beth
Do you feel like an introvert or an extrovert and does that affect how you do businessCan I say Irsquom both Sometimes I need to be around people to get more energy and sometimes I need to be alone to recharge too
I think therersquos a bit of a dance I do in my business where I need to have days like the Friday above because otherwise my energy gets stagnant and the creative flow stops
What are your favourite parts of businessWriting Creating
And the ability to not work when I donrsquot want to
18
Least favouriteWordpress admin Although when I nail something (finally) I get a major sense of achievement
Do you feel like yoursquove made sacrifices to live this lifestyle What are theyDefinitely At the moment Irsquove had to let me pooch live with his dad while Irsquom on a boat and while I got to NYC
I wish he could be with me 247
What are your Core Desired Feelings raquo Free raquo Luxurious raquo Joy
Any special tools or routines you implement regularly to feel or perform awesomelyThe number one thing that I do regularly is clear my chakras via a breathing and visualisation meditation It takes 20 minutes and it seriously changes the tune of my day I can usually go a day without but too long and I notice that Irsquom underperforming
Quickfire Faves
BOOK The Anatomy of the Spirit by Caroline Myss Although I hated it originally mostly because I didnrsquot want to hear the messages that were coming through
WEBSITE YouTube Canrsquot go past finding an olds 90s jam or interviews with Harry Styles to watch
EARLY MORNING ACTIVITY Chakra Clearing
LATE NIGHT ACTIVITY Watching reruns of my favourite TV shows
GOURMET SNACK I donrsquot do gourmet myself but Irsquom all for gourmet cafe food (itrsquos the Melbournian in me) It could be a sugary almond macaroon or full fat grilled haloumi
Elizabeth is a professional business coach spiritual mentor and the creator of The Spiritual Material Girl eCourse Shersquos also the creator of high-end private coaching programs and courses geared towards helping ambitious and successful women who lsquoseemrsquo like theyrsquove got it all figured outhellip yet who still donrsquot feel like their heartrsquos truly fulfilled
Shersquos the go-to for helping you tackle your biz blocks tap into your spiritual side and live a totally kick-ass life With her trademark blend of heartfelt honesty and straight-talking swagger she ties it all together to set you on the fast track to personal professional and spiritual success
Instead of just keepinrsquo on doing whatrsquos not working Elizabeth can show you how to get exactly what you want ndash whether that means building a business you love creating more happiness or simply getting more out of your life You can find Elizabeth over at her home on the internet Your Highest Self
19
Vienda Maria
Vienda Maria is a lifestyle coach author and creative who helps Bon Vivants coaches yogis creatives and entrepreneurs create thriving semi-nomadic unconventional lives that are fulfilling both soulfully and financially Through her coaching events books Gypset Mindset Class course and online community Vienda has inspired and transformed the lives of thousands across the globe ldquoMy mission is simple to guide each and every one of you back to who you really are To come home back to your soul and allowing it to guide your destiny For more love More fun More freedom More adventure More liferdquo Visit Vienda online here
20
What do you do Irsquom a lifestyle coach and writer who helps emerging creatives and professionals create a life thatrsquos a little a it unusual Itrsquos about breaking away from structured office hours and recognising their ability to create their own jobs and money by using their innate passions skills and talents in ways that are a little bit out of the box Itrsquos all about stepping out of a limiting mindset and seeing what is actually possible
Who lives with youI live on my own
Did you a transition from a regular 9 to 5 job How did that happen for you Not really Irsquove always had an extremely free lifestyle and only dabbled into a couple of office jobs along the way when I was inbetween other things
My transition to my current life happened out of the necessity to create something for myself that supported my lifestyle and was financially sustainable After studying psychology at uni I worked at international film and music festivals and other events which was really fun and exciting 12 years later I had fallen in love with being my own boss and traveling the world It was then that I realised that there are so many people who would love to travel have more freedom and time and create their own jobs and that I could help them
What is your current business model Irsquom a very independent worker so I tend to work solo though Irsquove just hired an intern to help me with some of the admin and social media stuff which is quite exciting I sell a range of different things ndash my coaching services make up most of my income followed by products in the form of eBooks and
jewellery collected on my travels Irsquom just about to launch my first course a set of 6 live classes to help beginners create their own unconventional lifestyle so thatrsquos very exciting and keeping me busy
Do you see this business model changing in the future Yes I think as an entreprenuer one the greatest characteristics you can have is flexibility Being flexible with how you do things always changing growing and updating is so important If you want to keep up with business you have to be comfortable and willing to change
What does a day-in-the-life look like for you I travel a lot so my day-to-day varies quite a lot but I usually start the day with writing content for my course blog or anything else that needs my creative input because in the morning my creativity is the highest I keep the mundane tasks for later in the day usually after my coaching calls I check emails and social media twice a day ndash once in the morning and once in the afternoon ndash which usually give me a good indication of what else needs to be done
And I always end my working day with a To Do list for the next day so I wake up with clarity and know exactly what I need to focus on
Irsquom really interested in time efficiency and productivity so choose to focus on doing things that I love and that generate the most response
Do you feel like an introvert or an extrovert and does that affect how you do business Hmmm ndash Irsquom an introverted extrovert I really enjoy my own company and fuel up energetically with time to myself But I also love and need social stimulation inspiration and everything that people bring into our
21
lives I guess itrsquos about balance and listening to your own needs
What are your favourite parts of business Creating and connecting I love the work I do so much ndash when one of my clients has an ah-ha that transforms everything they previously believed to be true ndash it just rocks my world Being able to help people create lives that they thought were only made of dream-stuff is so very fulfilling I learn so much from this process myself Therersquos such a powerful beauty in creating a community of like-minded individuals And I love being creative always thinking of new ideas and new ways to share the information tools and concepts that I have with my tribe
Least favourite Tax I just I have no idea how people manage all that side of things Irsquod do my best to keep everything tidy and organised for my accountant but it hurts my brain when itrsquos tax time
Do you feel like yoursquove made sacrifices to live this lifestyle What are they I think we make sacrifices in every lifestyle we choose There is always something that we choose to let go of in order to have something else But when itrsquos a choice it doesnrsquot really feel like a sacrifice
For example I donrsquot own a ton of material possessions because that would just be silly considering how much I move around For me however that is very freeing rather than a sacrifice I mean what could I possibly really need I love my lifestyle It suits me perfectly And thatrsquos all that matters
What are your Core Desired Feelings raquo Flow raquo Freedom raquo Inspiration raquo Gratitude
Any special tools or routines you implement regularly to feel or perform awesomely I meditate daily and exercise daily I set intentions (goals) monthly and review them every month I practice positive thinking and train my mind to focus on the things that light me up and make me feel good to exclusion of all others because I know that I create my life with my thoughts And things that make me feel good attract more things that make me feel good
BOOK Going Pro by Steven Pressfield
WEBSITE Instagram
EARLY MORNING ACTIVITY Meditation
LATE NIGHT ACTIVITY Journaling
GOURMET SNACK Salted Pistachios
I donrsquot own a ton of material possessions because that would just be silly
considering how much I move around For me however that is very freeing
rather than a sacrifice
Quickfire Faves
22
Amelia Lee
What do you doIrsquom an architect and have been working in the architectural industry for almost twenty years I recently started Undercover Architect which is about empowering YOU to create your well-designed home through online information tools products and services
Irsquom also a Director on the Qld Development Board for The Hunger Project an NGO that works to end hunger and poverty in third world countries by empowering those affected most to feed their families and create hope for their futures
Who lives with you I live with my husband Brandon and son (aged 7) and two daughters (aged 5 and 3) We also have a dog 6 chickens 5 ducklings and shortly 5 miniature cows
Did you a transition from a regular 9 to 5 job How did that happen for youI worked long hours in architectural practices for many years (more like 7am ndash 7pm) managing teams and big projects before I had kids We also wanted to keep them at home with us so over the last 12 years we have renovated 3 homes (whilst living in them) as a means of supplementing our income and supporting the way we wanted to live Wersquove both worked part-time or changed our working hours around kids and the renovating
When my second baby was 4 months old I started an architectural practice with 5 colleagues By the time my third bub was born we had grown our business to have about 10 crew and I didnrsquot really stop work
I left my business in June to pursue a new life My husband and I relocated our family to the Byron Bay Hinterland to a 77 acre property After a big year personally and professionally last year it seemed like the right time to make the move We wanted to stop
23
delaying the dream
What is your current business model Itrsquos just me ndash a one-man band madly writing content and building my website with information tools and advice Irsquom also providing architectural services to some individual clients which I can do remotely
Do you see this business model changing in the futureI will need some additional support in admin web support and marketingadvertising as the business builds My hope is to maintain my flexible work-from-home practises and create a virtual team of independent collaborators to enable this I want my business to be at a scale where I can provide significant financial support to The Hunger Project
What does a day-in-the-life look like for you I get up early and go for a walkrun while listening to an audio book I finish with a brief meditation to set my intentions for the day and then the kids are up and my husband and I run the gauntlet of brekkie lunches school uniforms and getting them to the bus
After the dust has settled I make myself a big cup of coffee and if itrsquos a work day I head to my office which is over our garage I have found that this new experience of working solely on my own without
imposed deadlines etc has required some new tools to create structure and discipline and itrsquos something Irsquom still working on
We all eat dinner together at about 5pm and I do love that we spend time like this together every day
Since the beginning of 2012 I have been taking a photo every day of something Irsquom grateful for and posting it to my Facebook page with a description Itrsquos helped me be a lot more present to the every day joy and beauty that exists
Do you feel like an introvert or an extrovert and does that affect how you do businessI recently found out I was 51 Extrovert ndash which means that Irsquom borderline Introvert also I can get VERY absorbed in my work ndash which is a great problem to have
However given the whole reason we are creating a life this way is to spend more time together as a family Irsquom aware that needs to be kept in check I ultimately would love to do speaking engagements workshops etc so will be drawing on the Extrovert tilt for this
What are your favourite parts of businessI love the lsquostartrsquo of things I am insatiably curious Learning something for the first time figuring it out and getting it to work Irsquom enjoying writing enormously
Least favouriteRevisiting things over and over again And given that my business is still in its early days income-wise I am resisting the pressure of needing to sell and market I want to create great clarity around who my ideal clients are before I launch myself out there
THE VIEW FROM MY HOME OFFICE
24
Do you feel like yoursquove made sacrifices to live this lifestyle What are theyWhere we are now is the culmination of 12 years of very very hard work with a goal and a vision Wersquove lived through 3 renovations Wersquove sunk all our money into homes we were creating for other people and scrimped on most other things because we were always working on the house It was so worth it though
Where we are now is the culmination of 12 years of
very very hard work with a goal and a vision
What are the values you live by My values are Joy|Love|Laughter|Fun (thatrsquos one) Innovation Inspiration and Spaciousness Abundance and Bravery are themes I work to explore
Seth Godin also replied to an email of thanks I once sent him telling me to ldquoGo make a ruckusrdquo ndash so that informs what I do also
Any special tools or routines you implement regularly to feel or perform awesomelyExercise and meditation and I also do a bit of Cognitive Behaviour Therapy My grateful photos also are really important in this
BOOK Tim Ferrissrsquo 4 Hour Work Week It just completely opened my eyes to this whole other way of doing business that wasnrsquot about selling my time for money
WEBSITE Facebook I find it a great way to touch quickly in the lives of my friends but also to get access to lots of inspirational and info ndash like HONY Oprahrsquos Super Soul Sunday Huffington Post Gabby Bernstein
EARLY MORNING ACTIVITY A walkrun stretch and meditation
LATE NIGHT ACTIVITY Meditation while I do my lsquolegs up the wallrsquo pose It makes a massive difference to how I sleep and how rested I feel in the morning
GOURMET SNACK Loving Earth Luvju Raw Organic Orange and Gubinge Chocolate Otherwise I make great fruit-free bliss balls with cacao maca powder and protein powder
Quickfire Faves
You can connect with Amelia online at UndercoverArchitectcom
25
Elizabeth Kelsey BradleyWhat do you do Irsquom a writer and consultant that creates compelling content and social media strategies for businesses around the world I work with companies of all sizes and in all niches but my passion is with helping holistic entrepreneurs
Who lives with you My husband daughter and our insane pets
Did you a transition from a regular 9 to 5 job How did that happen for youI have never had a 9 to 5 ever My father was an entrepreneur and even though he never ever spoke of what it meant to be an entrepreneur his calling seemed to rub off on me
Irsquom literally unemployable Irsquom an artist and rebel and need to do things my own way even though Irsquom a
people person
But how I ended up finally making a business was when my husband couldnrsquot find work and things got scary I began researching like mad how I could work online and it took me years to finally learn marketing particularly with social media and content Despite how hard my first few years were (and I wouldnrsquot want to repeat them) Irsquom glad I learned the hard way as I am able to help others and can relate to women who are just beginning their entrepreneurial journey I look at entrepreneurship as a great honor for me to be able to help others and be of service
What is your current business model I am solo I sell consulting services and also do freelance writing and photography for companies that donrsquot have a staff writer I really need an intern or VA at this point though and am looking for someone
26
Do you see this business model changing in the futureYes and no Yes I will need to hire someone and ideally two people now that I have branched out into creating courses and ebooks but no in regards to my consulting services changing as what I do is in demand People feel confused about social media and creating regular content so I think it will be the same business model for a long time to come
What does a day-in-the-life look like for you Well Irsquom a vampire apparently as I mainly work nights which here in Thailand would be morning time where many of my clients live During the day I am homeschooling mum and also carry in my bag some of my work for
when I need to do some writing or analysis of a clientrsquos social media
Do you feel like an introvert or an extrovert and does that affect how you do businessIrsquom an extrovert but a highly sensitive one This has actually worked in my favour as I have a process for weeding out people who donrsquot fit my Ideal Client profile so that I can maintain my energy and do the best I can with the entrepreneurs who I can best serve
What are your favourite parts of businessI adore talking with clients on the phone or in person so basically anytime Irsquom geeking out about social media and writing
27
Least favouriteAnything to do with SEO
Do you feel like yoursquove made sacrifices to live this lifestyle What are theyEntrepreneurship is isolating in general Add that to the fact that we live on an island in Thailand and itrsquos double the isolation but to be honest this was the best place for us to build our online businesses as itrsquos affordable to live here and safe so I have no regrets
What are your Core Desired Feelings Connection serenity ease truth Values wise Irsquom wild but extremely family oriented
Any special tools or routines you implement regularly to feel or perform awesomelyI read from spiritual or philosophical books and take regular walks Both give me loads of ideas for storytelling which is the essence of what I do Podcasts are also a huge part of my routine particularly those devoted to marketing
BOOK Ocean Sea (buy it now AMAZING)
WEBSITE wwwholisticdadnet
EARLY MORNING ACTIVITY Drinking yerba mate and some yoga
LATE NIGHT ACTIVITY Good beer and a video game
GOURMET SNACK Anything with white truffle oil on it
Quickfire Faves
Elizabeth Kelsey Bradley is an award-winning writer consultant and photojournalist currently based in Thailand Her work has appeared on sites such as Tiny Buddha Vagabonding and in Girl Gone International magazine
As a consultant she helps companies develop effective social media and content strategies She is currently devoted to helping holistic entrepreneurs grow their online platforms at Thriving Healer
28
PAPERLESS OFFICELETrsquoS LEAVE MORE OF OUR TREE FRIENDS IN THE GROUND AND TAKE ADVANTAGE OF THE EXCELLENT APPS AVAILABLE INSTEAD AFTER ALL WErsquoRE RUNNING OUR DEVICES FOR MOST OF THE DAY ANYWAY - MAY AS WELL TAKE ADVANTAGE OF THEIR RAD CAPABILITIES
29
SWAPWriting Lists
FORWunderlist
AnyDoTodoist
SWAPHardcopy Books
FOR
KindleiBooks
SWAPPrinting + Scanning
Contracts
FOR
EchosignHellosignSWAP
Taking Notes + Printing Articles
FOREvernote
SWAPBrainstorming
+ Mind Mapping
FORSimpleMind
Coggle
30
HOW DARE YOU S E T T L E F O R L E S S WHEN THE WORLD h a s m a d e i t SO EASY F O R Y O U T O B E remarkable
SETH GODIN
31
JASMINE DOWLING MAPS TO HERSELF THE FIFTH ELEMENT LIFE
MOSSYJOJO TRICIA O DESIGNSIMPLY LOVE CREATIONS
BY SAMANTHA STACEY KEMPPENFRIEND
Jazz up your office walls with prints that stoke your creative fire
32
THE YES EPIDEMIC
33
THE YES EPIDEMIC
OurCoverStar
34
Whether it be a night out (when Irsquom exhausted) a favour (thatrsquos asking a little too much) or a date (that I know isnrsquot going to go anywhere) Irsquove typically and reluctantly replied to these requests with a lsquosure thingrsquo more times than Irsquod care to admit
Take on another client when my schedule is fully booked Absolutely
Offer to shout a friendrsquos breakfast when I really donrsquot have the cash to splash Of course
Commit to another online course when Irsquom barely halfway through the other 8 Irsquove signed up for this year Why yes
The Yes Epidemic has woven its way into our exceptionally busy (and beautiful) lives with the promise of MORE More connection more exposure more opportunity more money more education more insight more success And the more we do the more we are - right
Wrong
The reality is the more we constantly fill our plates to the brim (oh letrsquos admit it our plates are overflowing) with commitment after
commitment the less space we are leaving for us to just BE
To be immersed in who we are what our dreams and desires are to love to play to breathe
By saying lsquoyesrsquo like itrsquos going out of fashion we find ourselves spread as thin as vegemite on gluten-free toast Our energy and vitality are compromised and we donrsquot show up in the world as our best selves
So here are a few tips I use with my clients (and myself regularly) to get in the habit of saying lsquonorsquo a little more often
Irsquove never been very good at saying lsquonorsquo
35
Reflective routine with a heaping dose of reality is key here Take an honest look at your weekly schedule and ensure that you are focussing your precious time energy and resources on the people activities and
projects that are aligned with your values Is this commitment important to you Then honour it with your time Not so important
Time to shift things up
I canrsquot go past Marie Forleorsquos advice on this subject When somebody presents you with an opportunity if itrsquos not a HELL YES then itrsquos a no
Go with your gut always
Forget the FOMO The lsquofear of missing outrsquo is what keeps most of us on the Sure Thing Wagon and itrsquos just not sustainable Trust that all the
opportunities that are meant for you will come your way at the right time for you
Send your lsquonorsquo off with love Therersquos no need to feel uncomfortable turning down a request when you do so with kindness respect and
humility Excuses can be left at the door just honour your good intentions and everyone involved in the situation
Remember every time you give a loving inspired lsquonorsquo you are giving others the permission to do the same thing I always feel energised when someone turns down a request because it reminds me to respect myself
enough to pull out that gentle lsquonorsquo when required too
1
23
45
AND THE BEST THING ABOUT SAYING lsquoNOrsquo WHEN THE TIME COMES THAT A lsquoSURE THINGrsquo IS IN FACT THE HEART-CENTRED RESPONSE YOU EXCITEDLY GIVE ITrsquoS MUCH SWEETER MORE MEANINGFUL AND A HELLUVA LOT MORE VALUABLE
Claire Baker is a certified coach and mentor passionate writer and speaker and author of lsquoShe Is Radiant Your 6-Week Wellness Adventure To Get Glowy amp Feel Radrsquo Claire guides vibrant young women as they get from where they are to where they want to be ndash in their health and life blog and business
You can consider Claire your personal advocate for living an energised playful and heart-centred life Come say hi at This is Lifeblood her online space to share her passion for all things nourishing soulful and creative
CLAIRErsquoS TOP FIVE TIPS TO GET INTO THE HABIT OF SAYING NO
36
37
artOF THE
THE
soloSOULRETREAT
38
When you live a soul-driven and passionate life you very likely live and breathe your lsquoworkrsquo 247
I put the word work in inverted commas because for you itrsquos likely just you leading your amazing life (and more power to you my friend) But amidst this you may find it difficult to switch off and cultivate the spaciousness to just let it all hang out and exist without an agenda or a to-do list anywhere in site
Enter stage left the Solo Soul Retreat I took myself on one recently and by golly did it give me the exact level of time out and rejoove that this soul-driven lassy needed Maybe itrsquos about time you took yourself on one
Here are some tips for creating the perfect conditions for your solo soul retreat
Pick a place close byI chose the Byron area because itrsquos only two hours drive from where I live And this is important because while you want to be lsquoawayrsquo to unplug from the numerous distractions of home you donrsquot want to be so far away that you feel obliged to check out all the sights and scoot around lsquodoingrsquo your little butt off You want to create a feeling of not having to do ANYTHING if you donrsquot feel like it Moment to moment awareness and tapping into what you truly want to do is critical to the restorative nature of the solo soul retreat So if that means a nap in the afternoon without checking out the sights do it Sans the guilt
Making it somewhere close by means you can convince your inner tourist that you can come back any time you want to So donrsquot book your long awaited trip to Bali for this particular retreat style I recommend scouting around Air BnB for some great bargains near you
Book for at least 2-3 nights away (more if possible)It takes awhile for us to wind down and get in to the rhythm of a slower pace so give yourself as much time as possible to sink deeply in to relaxation I find that it takes my body a good day or so (at least) to realise itrsquos on holiday A weekend is good a long weekend even better And a week would be crazy good
Set an intentionFor my soul retreat it was to cultivate a feeling of internal ease and spaciousness I was so tightly wound and constricted from within I wanted to feel joyous energy flowing through me again
39
unimpeded
An intention is a helpful anchor that you can come back to throughout the retreat when you feel your energy flitting away to unnecessary distractions Revisit your intention throughout your retreat and ease back into the feeling you wish to cultivate
Immerse yourself in natureWherever you head to find some time to plonk yourself amidst the stunning natural surrounds of Mama Nature There is absolutely NOTHING that compares to the healing capacity of earthing ourselves at the beach or in the forest or just a little garden Barefoot and butt on the ground meditating or just sitting and quietly contemplating our wondrous natural world will have you relaxing into zen in no time
Silence is goldenTaking time to retreat also means giving your mind a bit of a break (hence the lsquono doingrsquo rule) try out not talking which shouldnrsquot be too hard if yoursquore on your own and see what kind of insights
There is absolutely NOTHING that compares to the healing capacity of earthing ourselves at the beach
or in the forest or just a little garden
Barefoot and butt on the ground meditating or just sitting and
quietly contemplating our wondrous natural world
will have you relaxing into zen in no time
40
begin to pop into your nogginrsquo when you donrsquot have to constantly communicate
Pamper yourselfWhat feels really decadent to you For my recent retreat it was heading to a spa and bathhouse for the morning soaking in oxygenated spa baths steaming myself in the sauna and relaxing on a sun lounge in the tranquil spa gardens with a good book
For you it might be a luxurious massage and energy balancing treatment Or maybe itrsquos a delicious meal you take your time with at an amazing restaurant nearby Perhaps itrsquos allowing yourself to lounge around in bed with your favourite book and a cup of tea Whatever it is allow yourself these delights As many as you please gorgeous one
Body-loving foodIf you have a kitchen at your accommodation pack yourself the kind of food you know your body loves Think veggies fruit some bliss balls your fave teas raw cacao and honey for a delish hot chocolate If you have a portable blender pack up your ingredients to whip yourself up some delights while yoursquore there Alternatively and if you have time prepare a few things before you head off You can pre-cook quinoa lentil curries and rice dishes to heat up whenever you fancy If there are local farmerrsquos markets you can even do a bit of purchasing there for your meals (and because yoursquore so close to home bringing back the leftovers is a cinch)
Scout around a little and find some local cafeacutes or
41
restaurants that tickle your fancy and take yourself out for a meal that makes your body scream YES
Soul nourishing practices Rituals and practices help us to sink more deeply in to our soulrsquos true nature Bring along whatever stokes your soul fire and brings you into present moment awareness Cultivating reverence for yourself and life itself is a crucial aspect of your soul retreat Some practices you may consider are raquo Meditation (guided or just simply following your inhale and exhale) I find the Kundalini Ego
Eradicator meditation particularly soul-nourishing (and frankly life changing) raquo Journaling ndash with no thought as to what to write just jot down whatever comes to you Yoursquoll be
amazed at the cathartic feelings and insights this brings raquo Yoga (on your own or find a class nearby that resonates with you) raquo Playing with oracle cards Ask a question or for general guidance and see how your guides and
the Universe responds The Little Sagersquos deck is divine raquo Reading soulfully inspiring books raquo Lighting some incense and writing an epic gratitude list raquo A walking meditation through nature raquo Get arty play around with whatever you have Love colour Bring your paints Doodle Donrsquot
judge the results just let it flow out of you
Overall the point of this solo soul retreat is that you do what you genuinely want to do in the moment So nix the over planning as you may do with other trips away Settle into present moment awareness and allow yourself to be rather than just do Listen with kindness to your inner child Let her out to play (Mega hint she really doesnrsquot want to be bossed around) Gifting yourself this time is your surefire way to feeling rejuvenated refreshed and ready to live life to its fullest
Enjoy gorgeous one
Carly is a passionate international aid and development project manager and writer Carly works on projects in Australia and the Asia-Pacific region focusing on cultivating sustainable livelihoods the empowerment of women community enterprise local market development and positive social change
Head on over to Carlyrsquos blog Pockets of Peace for her soul-centred musings on peace wellness and oodles of inspiration
42
The most powerful weapon on earth is the human soul
on fire
F E R D I N A N D F O C H
43
Five Minute Fixes
FOR FEAR AND OVERWHELM
44
IF YOUrsquoRE RUNNING YOUR OWN BIZ YOUrsquoD BE FAMILIAR WITH THE PHENOMENON OF FEAR AND OVERWHELM YOU KNOW WHEN YOU JUST FEEL STUCK PARALYSED NOT SURE WHICH CHOICE TO MAKE OR ACTION TO TAKE YOU HAVE DEADLINES LOOMING THE PRESSURE IS MOUNTING AND YOUrsquoRE BLOCKED YOU NEED TO GET OUT OF YOUR OVERWHELM RIGHT NOW SO YOU CAN GET BACK TO CHANGING THE WORLD
Here are five practices designed to break the fear cycle and get you out of your head and into your body in five minutes or less
Go outside Get out into the sunlight See the sky take off your shoes and feel the grass tickle your toes Close your eyes Feel the heat on your skin Take some deep breaths and smell the air Tune in to the sounds around you Become still Fully engage with the present moment and drop into the sensations in your body
Deep breathing You can use a mantra such as So-Hum you can count the length of each inhale and exhale or you can do as many rounds of Nadi Shodhana (alternate nostril breathing) as you can fit into five minutes Whatever yoursquore most comfortable with do that Breath is the bridge between the inner and outer realities Deep breathing will calm the nervous system and bring your attention to the present moment
Move Go for a brisk walk Put on your favourite tune plug in the headphones and dance (in the bathroom cubicle if yoursquore embarrassed to do it in publichellip because thatrsquos not weird at all) Have a quickie on your own or with a partner Or you can shake it out Start with your right foot shake it as hard as possible to the count of 10 Then your whole leg Then the left foot and left leg Then the right hand then the right arm then the left hand and arm Then fold forward and gently shake your head - back to front side to side Then stand up again and shake your whole body like you know how
Then stand in stillness for 2 minutes to balance out the movement Listen to your heartbeat Yoursquove just expressed and released some negative energy so take a standing Savasana (resting pose) to integrate Make sure you smooth your hair after this one
45
Aromatherapy Get a bottle of essential oil and sniff it - simple Smell affects the limbic system which is responsible for the storage and release of emotional trauma You can immediately calm your body with the right scent
Make sure you get 100 therapeutic grade pure essential oil - these have a high vibrational frequency and you donrsquot want any nasties entering your system through inferior quality oil Lavender is proven to calm the nervous system as is frankincense balsam fir basil cedar wood and sandalwood You can purchase calming blends from your local aromatherapist or get them to custom-make a blend for you
Make some noise This is especially good if you work from home or drive to work as you may want privacy Get a pillow or lock yourself in the car and scream as loud as you can connecting deeply to your pelvis Give yourself permission to vocalise all that frustration fear shame guilt whatever is building up in your energy field Sound is the end of feeling When you express vocally you are releasing emotion and ending the cycle of repression Done regularly this will also enhance your creativity and self-expression - benefiting your business (and sex life) in the long run
These practices work for me and Irsquod love to know if they resonate with you
Irsquom Emma a multi-passionate self-love junkie who loves supporting people on their journey to wellness Since suffering from adrenal burnout and a host of related conditions Irsquove dedicated myself to personal healing and growth and encouraging others to find their own unique path By day Irsquom a yoga teacher virtual assistant and event coordinator for wellness entrepreneurs and outside of that yoursquoll find me salsa dancing travelling and eating raw desserts
Connect with me at emmashieldscom
46
Abandon anything about your life and habits that might be holding you back
Learn to create your own opportunities
Know that there is no finish line fortune favors action
Race balls-out toward the extraordinary life that yoursquove always dreamed of
or still havenrsquot had time to dream up
And prepare to have a hell of a lot of fun along the way
SOPHIA AMORUSO
47
Why you should create aHIGH-CONVERTING OPT-IN OFFER
A critical component of building your online business is growing your email list and creating a compelling opt-in offer is one of the best ways to kickstart this growth
You want your email list to be made up of people who are genuinely interested in you and what you have to offer your target market Your ideal customers and readers
Thatrsquos why your opt-in offer (a gift to entice people to join your list) needs to be unique highly relevant to your business and of real value to your ideal clients If people are on your site checking you out they are already interested ndash you need to give them a compelling reason to sign up
What would your readers find valuable Something that saves them time money pain or makes their life easier better or more beautiful It also needs to be damn high quality Proofed designed and worth paying for
48
Why would you give away something so valuable for free
Because it shows yoursquore serious about helping people Because it builds trust with readers Because itrsquos a genuine thank you in return for a readerrsquos contact details Because itrsquos an ad for your business Yoursquore showing people the quality of what they will receive if they go on to work with you
How do you choose which is right for you Think about what you currently offer your readers or customers (as in content as well as services or products) What is popular What do they comment on most or ask questions about What would you love to create What would be the perfect compliment to a service you provide How can you genuinely help
Brainstorm a list then narrow it down to one ndash and get cracking
The best opt-ins are win-win ndash you gather details from ideal customers and the customers
receive something great that they need and want in return
Happy creating
PS Tricking people is icky Donrsquot do that Itrsquos of no use to have people on your list that donrsquot care about you or your products Be genuine Offer genuine value Get genuine sign-ups
SO WHAT SHOULD YOU OFFER
Here are a few ideas raquo A sneak peek or preview of a paid
product ndash like a free chapter or lesson
raquo A smaller version of a paid product ndash like a 3 day meal plan
raquo Something which compliments a service you offer
raquo Useful templates ndash like a product launch worksheet or a calendar
raquo Inspirational printables ndash like quotes or illustrations
raquo A mini eCourse ndash like 5 days of video coaching
raquo A discount ndash like 10 off their next purchase
raquo A VIP offer ndash like first dibs on tickets
raquo An eBook or workbook ndash like a recipe book or marketing plan
Alana Wimmer is Founder + Creative Director of mini digital publishing house Raspberry Stripes Alana works with rad lady entrepreneurs to design eBooks which will change the world She also provides guidance insight and info on eBook design on the Raspberry Stripes website When she isnrsquot designing reading or talking about eBooks you can find Alana walking Rory and Roxy the boxers with her husband in tow probably on her way to pick up a green smoothie
49
is a lack of self-worth
50
As a bright-eyed uni student I got pretty excited about all the opportunities that were due to unfold before me when I graduated
My approach to life has always been filled with excitement for the future I remember saying to friends in class that we were certain to be successful because enthusiasm trumps experience Sadly the path wasnrsquot as smooth as Irsquod imagined I naively thought that all bosses had a sixth-sense for talent even from shy girls who werenrsquot outward about their abilities
I applied for and took a series of jobs that from the job description seemed so overwhelmingly scary to do but within months if not weeks I was bored I lacked the self-worth to believe I could step up but Irsquod externalise this into anger at my employer for holding me back Eventually I realised it was all of my own creation I was the one who was playing small applying for and then taking jobs that wersquore well under my pay grade I even turned down a few including a big promotion because the amount of money offered was too much and it scared me Seriously
Years of study and I lacked the ability to dive in fully commit be brave be boisterous about my abilities and soar I found school easy and when things seemed challenging at work I put it down to an inability to perform If it wasnrsquot easy at first I accepted that I just wasnrsquot able I had yet to find out that some of the best lessons come from giving things a go and making a lot of mistakes Failing or in reality playing small was a comfort zone for me and success in my career was an unknown quantity I was used to struggle I was safe with my dreams The possibility of them coming true Too much to handle Irsquod have to learn to live in the present moment and I donrsquot think I was ready to do that I wasnrsquot ready to look closely at myself and see that for all my effort there was still a lot of inner work to do It was time to look within
I KNOW HOW EASY IT IS TO BUILD WALLS AROUND OUR DREAMS PUSH THEM FURTHER AWAY IN AN ATTEMPT TO PLAY SAFE AND LIVE LIFE ACCORDING TO EXTERNAL INFLUENCE I KNOW THE LEVEL OF DETERMINATION AND MENTAL GRIT IT TAKES TO OVERCOME OURSELVES START TAKING OWNERSHIP OF OUR THOUGHTS AND ULTIMATELY THE PATH OF OUR OWN LIVES
I love when clients ask me to guide them on this path because I know just what can happen when they get there I hold my hand out as a supportive leverage point and watch them soar
Something Irsquove learnt along the way The first step for many women in building self-worth is learning the art of body love Body love is all about learning to appreciate the capabilities of your body nourishing and taking care of your spirit and occasionally cutting yourself a break
51
Itrsquos looking in the mirror and liking the person you see not picking on the parts you donrsquot like Itrsquos making a choice about whether to wear a bikini based on your personal values and not about what your body looks like in one Dieting and restriction are low level energies that hold us back from achieving high level desires Negative thinking blocks our internal compass and our ability to connect to our intuition Body love is the gateway to high frequency living
We all have that version of ourselves that we aspire to be The woman who gets up to the alarm has patience and drive Shersquos got a sparkle in her eye a sense of confidence and knowing about her place in the world that emanates from her whole being She sits up straight and laughs with abandon From where we sit therersquos a chasm to leap in becoming that woman That woman represents ldquoone dayrdquo She represents effort She can seem unachievable In my experience body love is the first and most important step toward that woman Body love is filled with possibility promise and prosperity When we remove that low level energy of diet and restriction we can start to attract high frequencies We can start to become that woman in the present moment
Irsquove seen the shift first hand for so many people Suddenly the whole world opens up and the possibilities become endless The cloud lifts and pie-in-the-sky dreams show up in high-definition technicolour Thoughts that previously caused anxiety everything from going to lunch with new friends to finding a purpose in life start to feel as easy to read as words on a page Therersquos no more searching Itrsquos been replaced by a knowing excitement I watch as women become like bright-eyed students again endless possibilities opening up before them Only this time Theyrsquove got experience on their side
Suddenly the whole world
opens up and the
possibilities become
endless
The cloud lifts and
pie-in-the-sky dreams show
up in high-definition
technicolour
Rachelle is a Life + Confidence Coach at My Saturn Epoch She supports women through the big transitions in their life helping them to break their negative cycles to consciously create a happy life and positive mindset She is a big hearted business woman who is passionate about supporting women in pursuit of their own excellence so they can shine as a beacon to themselves their families and their communities
Connect with Rachelle at mysaturnepochcom
52
SUBSCRIBE TO RASPBERRY MAGAZINE
Grab an annual subscription and yoursquoll receive raquo 6 digital issues of Raspberry Magazine raquo an exclusive Annual Subscribers Thank You Pack
- which includes a printable manifesto beautiful meditation tracks an eBook and more contributed by generous lady entrepreneurs - worth over $35
VISIT THE SHOP
53
T H A N K Y O U F O R R E A D I N GA N D A M I L L I O N H I G H-F I V E S
I F Y O U L O V E D R A S P B E R R YM A G A Z I N E P L E A S E S H A R E
54
4
YOU DONrsquoT FIND YOUR WRITING VOICE
(it ainrsquot lost)
YOU CREATE IT
5
6
I think it is more of a mix of creating as well as the finding As we grow as writers and as human beings our voice is constantly being created (consciously and unconsciously) Our signature style is as much chosen by us as it is natural
Have a think about elite athletes They start with some natural physical talent but then by choosing a sport they are channelling their talent a certain way Then with practice coaching and training their natural talent becomes much more than existed to begin with It is the same with our writing voice We begin at that base level and then we choose to write followed by fine-tuning and bettering ourselves over time with practice By making these choices we are creating our voice
Donrsquot get disheartened thinking that your current writing voice is the be all and end all No way ndash instead our voice will change grow and evolve and not in a way that is out of our own control We can make the choice to consciously improve and develop our writing voice
So how do I create my writing voice
READ WIDELY Donrsquot box yourself in to a genre particular author or other defining characteristic Let many styles and authors influence you but always avoid copying outright Stealing ideas and copying verbatim wonrsquot teach you anything but emulating a style during practice can grow your voice
PS Practicing different authorsrsquo styles in your own notebook where no one is going to see ainrsquot breaking any copyright laws Do you remember in high school where we wrote things in Shakespearean style for assignments Itrsquos just like that ndash broadening our literary horizons is not a crime
PRACTICE A LOT As I mentioned above practicing different styles in your notebook or journal is a great way to exercise your voice and flex it in new and interesting ways But practicing is not just confined to your private notebooks Just because itrsquos lsquopracticingrsquo doesnrsquot mean the words canrsquot see the light of day In fact yoursquore probably already practicing without knowing it Writing on your blog on someone elsersquos blog on social media in your newsletter ndash this is all prime writing practice time where you are creating your voice
SAYING THAT WE lsquoFINDrsquo OUR WRITING VOICE IS A BIT MISLEADING
7
Find your favourite blogger and go back a few years into their archives Have a read of their old posts and note how much their
writing voice has changed and evolved We all have to start somewhere
BRAIN DUMP THEN EDIT Editing is the ideal tool for you to use to refine your writing voice
Irsquom a believer in getting it all out on to your page (whether itrsquos paper or digital) unedited unrefined and possibly with atrocious spelling and grammar This big brain dump of everything you need or want to say without self-judgement or on the spot editing is all about getting everything out of your head It can be paragraphs sentences bullet points or even words scrawled at any angle in your notepad ndash just get it out and down By coming up with this lsquoshitty first draftrsquo you get to bypass that horrible staring-at-the-blank-screen-stage (where resistance well and truly rears its ugly head)
Once yoursquove got your shitty first draft done itrsquos time to take the content and mould it into something others will not only understand but resonate with You can now go through and delete reword tune-up sex-ify simplify or amplify ndash whatever you need to do to create your voice
If you are writing for your business you have the ability to choose and create your businessrsquos writing voice (and speaking voice for that matter) For my business the voice I use is very
much a reflection of my own voice as my brand is intrinsically linked to me
Another example is my old corporate gig ndash we had a style guide that covered the type of voice we were to use in any of the companyrsquos communications It was a very thorough document
that covered examples of writing voice grammar and spelling rules (eg English over American spelling) as well as all of the visual branding identifiers It was also totally necessary for such
an organisation to have a guide so the companyrsquos communication remained consistent and aligned
Does your biz need a style guide
8
READ THE CONTEXT While your personality should be shining through your writing wherever it may exist often the context will dictate how much is showing through For example social media platforms like Facebook Twitter and Instagram are ideal for personality-filled casual language
Whereas the business networking platform LinkedIn is made for more lsquoprofessionalrsquo or lsquocorporatersquo language and content (although sometimes these preconceived notions need shaking up so why not think about making come waves) Learn to read your context and create native content based on it
CONSISTENCY IS KEY Yeah yeah I know yoursquove heard this one before But this piece of advice rings particularly true when it comes to creating your writing voice Without consistency both in your writing and in your writing practice yoursquoll have no lsquoflowrsquo and improvement wonrsquot come easily
The golden rules of consistency raquo Keep your language and style (your writing voice) consistent throughout a piece of writing
Create flow raquo Be regular in your writing practice Give yourself as many chances as possible to hone in on your
voice and to improve it
Where to now
To the MacBook or the journal with you Start creating your writing voice right now
Katie is a communications consultant with a flair for wrangling words brainstorming branding strategy and manhandling marketing collateral (she likes alliteration too)
She has been studying and working in communications for over seven years and has been known to speak about good communication to roomfuls of eager ears
Katie works with her clients to discover simple and direct messaging which speaks to customers and ultimately brings in more sales
You can find her online at katiesmythcom
9
Personal transformation can and does have global effects
As we go so goes the world for the world is us
The revolution that will save the world is ultimately a personal one
MARIANNE WILLIAMSON
10
Holding Your First WorkshopT H E F I V E T H I N G S YO U N E E D TO K N O W
11
Are you keen to dip your toes into the world of workshops and events Here are the 5 things that you should know before you dive on in
ONE You donrsquot need a big budget
You donrsquot need to spend a lot of money to throw an amazing event When it comes to your venue there are plenty of low cost options out there
Community centres councils and libraries across Australia are an amazing resource where you can book a space for as little as $3 an hour Co-working spaces yoga
studios or warehouses can also be cost effective options
If you find a venue that makes you squeee with happiness but seems a bit out of your reach ask the manager when their off peak times are or when you can
access a lower rate
Nervous about other costs Holding events in between main meals means you only need to provide light refreshments such as tea juice and sweet treats And if you require additional items for things such as gift bags or professional services like a
photographer you can offer businesses a sponsorship package services swap or some free tickets to the event in return for collaborating with you
TWO The best workshops are a complete experience
The most fulfilling happiness inducing and ah-ha filled workshops are those that are a complete experience from start to finish If your aim is to create connection ensure that guests are greeted as soon as they walk in that they can mingle easily and then have a way to continue the conversations post event If your aim is to educate and inspire give them printed materials and workbooks visual slides and an engaging presentation If your aim is to create peace through an activity such as yoga or
meditation then give them a soft and gentle atmosphere and some soothing tunes
It always helps to think about your objective and build the experience around that
12
THREE Generosity sells
There is nothing more icky than going to an event expecting to be informed about a topic and then end up getting the hard sell put on you There is definitely a way to promote authentically and in a non-sleazy way but before that even comes into the
picture I believe it is best practice to give give give
Give your time and your presence to the people in the room with you Give expert knowledge information and tips that arenrsquot readily available elsewhere
Give guests the opportunity to openly approach you and have a chat
When you are sincere about giving your best people will genuinely want to want work with you By the time you offer them a way to continue the relationship you will have a
line of people eager to sign up ndash no hustling required
13
FOUR You can be creative in your marketing
You donrsquot have to promote your workshop just through the stock standard ways Get creative and share your vision with your audience You can
raquo Create a simple weekly graphic with an inspiring quote related to your workshop content raquo Share beautiful photos of the venue goody bag items deacutecor or printed materials
raquo Profile your speakers with a cute pic and a short but interesting bio raquo Tease people with little snippets of what the day will bring them
raquo Keep people updated with what you are doing and show them the work behind the scenes
Encouraging engagement in the lead up is a nice way to remind people about your workshop without feeling repetitive
5 You will have bust through some fears
Expect to feel emotional at times Worries such as I donrsquot know where to start I am overwhelmed nobody is going to come Irsquom not good enough and what if people are disappointed can pop up but
I promise you ndash this is normal These little suckers have a habit of creeping up on you but if you can find the strength tools and support to work through these then it is definitely worth it
A good course of action is to assess reflect and act Be aware of when it happens and assess what emotions are coming up reflect on why it is an issue for you and then take positive action to overcome it If you can gently work with your fears instead of letting them hold you back I
promise you there will be an amazing experience on the other side
Holding your own workshops and events can be a bit of work but the connections you create and the positive impact you have on peoplersquos lives is incredible
Keeping spreading your message lovelies and happy planning
Jade McKenzie is an event professional for heart-centered entrepreneurs and business owners who get sweaty palms at the thought of running an event themselves With over a decade of experience in event management she has an unrelenting passion for giving her clients the ability to step into their spotlight and shine
Find her at eventheadcomau
14
IF YOU DONrsquoT DESIGN YOUR OWN LIFE PLAN CHANCES ARE YOUrsquoLL FALL INTO SOMEONE ELSErsquoS PLAN
AND GUESS WHAT THEY HAVE PLANNED FOR YOU NOT MUCH
Jim Rohn
15
nomadsnomadsDIGITAL
THESE WOMEN ARE BUILDING BUSINESSES THAT CAN BE RUN FROM ANYWHERE THEY CHOOSE
16
Elizabeth McKenzie
What do you do Let me count the ways
First and foremost Irsquom a multi-passionate
Which means Irsquom business + marketing coach spiritual mentor writer + seeker of rad things And I canrsquot go past a mention of my two loves Nike high tops and Harry Styles
Who lives with youAt the moment Irsquom living with my parents on their yacht Wersquore getting ready to sail up the East Coast of Australia Irsquom then heading to the US and plan on renting out a pad in NYC with Juliethellipand when I returnhellip who knowshellip Irsquom open to suggestions
Did you a transition from a regular 9 to 5 job How did
that happen for you I transitioned from student to business owner While I was studying my Master of Speech Pathology (oh yeah Irsquom a speech pathologist too) I became so sick of having to adhere to the metal box that is university education Ya know playing by someone elsersquos rules so I started up a blog initially as a way to rebel from the box
The more I blogged the more I became obsessed with everything about being online ndash the connections with other likeminded women andhellip hold up the ability to work from anywhere in the world helping anyone with an internet connection Sign me up
I hired a butt load of mentors to help me along my way and at the start of 2014 I launched my first offering marketing and business coaching (yes I also have a degree in that too)
17
At the same time I got a one day a week speechie job to compliment my multi-passionate nature but after 4 months of doing that I realised itrsquos not in my nature to work for anyone else but myself
By then my business was bringing in the cash to support my decision to go all in
And here I am on a boat
What is your current business model Itrsquos currently me and my teeny team of rad peeps Irsquove got my VA my copywriter and communications consultant and my graphic designer I love having people compliment what I do
The business model ndash well I started with the advisor model really only selling my expertise and coaching on a 11 basis but Irsquom now creating an eCourse to help hundreds of women become more spiritual without losing touch with the real world Essentially real world spirituality the unwanky way and Irsquom crazy excited
Throughout this journey Irsquove realised that my business and how I operate is always going to evolve and accepting that has freed me up to do so much more of the things I love
Do you see this business model changing in the futureI had an epiphany recently that I want to help as many people as I can so Irsquom now starting to gear my business towards that kind of model with eCourses and programs that are offered at a lower price point
Exciting times
My motto in business (and life) never say never
Wersquore operating in a dynamic environment The dumbest thing you can do for your business is feel you
have to lock yourself in
By all means pick something and give it a red hot go ndash but know that as the environment changes around you you need to accommodate that
Woke up at 630 for breakfast and coffee
Had a three hour intensive with my latest client who lives in Scotland from 7-10
Did a bit of admin and setting up the membership site of my new eCourse
Went to see Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles at 1 (nerd much)
Got home at 4
Felt inspired to read so whipped out my latest book
Wrote a little after dinner for my latest opt-in offer
Ended the day watching reruns of The Mindy Project
A Da
y In
The
Lif
e of
Eliza
beth
Do you feel like an introvert or an extrovert and does that affect how you do businessCan I say Irsquom both Sometimes I need to be around people to get more energy and sometimes I need to be alone to recharge too
I think therersquos a bit of a dance I do in my business where I need to have days like the Friday above because otherwise my energy gets stagnant and the creative flow stops
What are your favourite parts of businessWriting Creating
And the ability to not work when I donrsquot want to
18
Least favouriteWordpress admin Although when I nail something (finally) I get a major sense of achievement
Do you feel like yoursquove made sacrifices to live this lifestyle What are theyDefinitely At the moment Irsquove had to let me pooch live with his dad while Irsquom on a boat and while I got to NYC
I wish he could be with me 247
What are your Core Desired Feelings raquo Free raquo Luxurious raquo Joy
Any special tools or routines you implement regularly to feel or perform awesomelyThe number one thing that I do regularly is clear my chakras via a breathing and visualisation meditation It takes 20 minutes and it seriously changes the tune of my day I can usually go a day without but too long and I notice that Irsquom underperforming
Quickfire Faves
BOOK The Anatomy of the Spirit by Caroline Myss Although I hated it originally mostly because I didnrsquot want to hear the messages that were coming through
WEBSITE YouTube Canrsquot go past finding an olds 90s jam or interviews with Harry Styles to watch
EARLY MORNING ACTIVITY Chakra Clearing
LATE NIGHT ACTIVITY Watching reruns of my favourite TV shows
GOURMET SNACK I donrsquot do gourmet myself but Irsquom all for gourmet cafe food (itrsquos the Melbournian in me) It could be a sugary almond macaroon or full fat grilled haloumi
Elizabeth is a professional business coach spiritual mentor and the creator of The Spiritual Material Girl eCourse Shersquos also the creator of high-end private coaching programs and courses geared towards helping ambitious and successful women who lsquoseemrsquo like theyrsquove got it all figured outhellip yet who still donrsquot feel like their heartrsquos truly fulfilled
Shersquos the go-to for helping you tackle your biz blocks tap into your spiritual side and live a totally kick-ass life With her trademark blend of heartfelt honesty and straight-talking swagger she ties it all together to set you on the fast track to personal professional and spiritual success
Instead of just keepinrsquo on doing whatrsquos not working Elizabeth can show you how to get exactly what you want ndash whether that means building a business you love creating more happiness or simply getting more out of your life You can find Elizabeth over at her home on the internet Your Highest Self
19
Vienda Maria
Vienda Maria is a lifestyle coach author and creative who helps Bon Vivants coaches yogis creatives and entrepreneurs create thriving semi-nomadic unconventional lives that are fulfilling both soulfully and financially Through her coaching events books Gypset Mindset Class course and online community Vienda has inspired and transformed the lives of thousands across the globe ldquoMy mission is simple to guide each and every one of you back to who you really are To come home back to your soul and allowing it to guide your destiny For more love More fun More freedom More adventure More liferdquo Visit Vienda online here
20
What do you do Irsquom a lifestyle coach and writer who helps emerging creatives and professionals create a life thatrsquos a little a it unusual Itrsquos about breaking away from structured office hours and recognising their ability to create their own jobs and money by using their innate passions skills and talents in ways that are a little bit out of the box Itrsquos all about stepping out of a limiting mindset and seeing what is actually possible
Who lives with youI live on my own
Did you a transition from a regular 9 to 5 job How did that happen for you Not really Irsquove always had an extremely free lifestyle and only dabbled into a couple of office jobs along the way when I was inbetween other things
My transition to my current life happened out of the necessity to create something for myself that supported my lifestyle and was financially sustainable After studying psychology at uni I worked at international film and music festivals and other events which was really fun and exciting 12 years later I had fallen in love with being my own boss and traveling the world It was then that I realised that there are so many people who would love to travel have more freedom and time and create their own jobs and that I could help them
What is your current business model Irsquom a very independent worker so I tend to work solo though Irsquove just hired an intern to help me with some of the admin and social media stuff which is quite exciting I sell a range of different things ndash my coaching services make up most of my income followed by products in the form of eBooks and
jewellery collected on my travels Irsquom just about to launch my first course a set of 6 live classes to help beginners create their own unconventional lifestyle so thatrsquos very exciting and keeping me busy
Do you see this business model changing in the future Yes I think as an entreprenuer one the greatest characteristics you can have is flexibility Being flexible with how you do things always changing growing and updating is so important If you want to keep up with business you have to be comfortable and willing to change
What does a day-in-the-life look like for you I travel a lot so my day-to-day varies quite a lot but I usually start the day with writing content for my course blog or anything else that needs my creative input because in the morning my creativity is the highest I keep the mundane tasks for later in the day usually after my coaching calls I check emails and social media twice a day ndash once in the morning and once in the afternoon ndash which usually give me a good indication of what else needs to be done
And I always end my working day with a To Do list for the next day so I wake up with clarity and know exactly what I need to focus on
Irsquom really interested in time efficiency and productivity so choose to focus on doing things that I love and that generate the most response
Do you feel like an introvert or an extrovert and does that affect how you do business Hmmm ndash Irsquom an introverted extrovert I really enjoy my own company and fuel up energetically with time to myself But I also love and need social stimulation inspiration and everything that people bring into our
21
lives I guess itrsquos about balance and listening to your own needs
What are your favourite parts of business Creating and connecting I love the work I do so much ndash when one of my clients has an ah-ha that transforms everything they previously believed to be true ndash it just rocks my world Being able to help people create lives that they thought were only made of dream-stuff is so very fulfilling I learn so much from this process myself Therersquos such a powerful beauty in creating a community of like-minded individuals And I love being creative always thinking of new ideas and new ways to share the information tools and concepts that I have with my tribe
Least favourite Tax I just I have no idea how people manage all that side of things Irsquod do my best to keep everything tidy and organised for my accountant but it hurts my brain when itrsquos tax time
Do you feel like yoursquove made sacrifices to live this lifestyle What are they I think we make sacrifices in every lifestyle we choose There is always something that we choose to let go of in order to have something else But when itrsquos a choice it doesnrsquot really feel like a sacrifice
For example I donrsquot own a ton of material possessions because that would just be silly considering how much I move around For me however that is very freeing rather than a sacrifice I mean what could I possibly really need I love my lifestyle It suits me perfectly And thatrsquos all that matters
What are your Core Desired Feelings raquo Flow raquo Freedom raquo Inspiration raquo Gratitude
Any special tools or routines you implement regularly to feel or perform awesomely I meditate daily and exercise daily I set intentions (goals) monthly and review them every month I practice positive thinking and train my mind to focus on the things that light me up and make me feel good to exclusion of all others because I know that I create my life with my thoughts And things that make me feel good attract more things that make me feel good
BOOK Going Pro by Steven Pressfield
WEBSITE Instagram
EARLY MORNING ACTIVITY Meditation
LATE NIGHT ACTIVITY Journaling
GOURMET SNACK Salted Pistachios
I donrsquot own a ton of material possessions because that would just be silly
considering how much I move around For me however that is very freeing
rather than a sacrifice
Quickfire Faves
22
Amelia Lee
What do you doIrsquom an architect and have been working in the architectural industry for almost twenty years I recently started Undercover Architect which is about empowering YOU to create your well-designed home through online information tools products and services
Irsquom also a Director on the Qld Development Board for The Hunger Project an NGO that works to end hunger and poverty in third world countries by empowering those affected most to feed their families and create hope for their futures
Who lives with you I live with my husband Brandon and son (aged 7) and two daughters (aged 5 and 3) We also have a dog 6 chickens 5 ducklings and shortly 5 miniature cows
Did you a transition from a regular 9 to 5 job How did that happen for youI worked long hours in architectural practices for many years (more like 7am ndash 7pm) managing teams and big projects before I had kids We also wanted to keep them at home with us so over the last 12 years we have renovated 3 homes (whilst living in them) as a means of supplementing our income and supporting the way we wanted to live Wersquove both worked part-time or changed our working hours around kids and the renovating
When my second baby was 4 months old I started an architectural practice with 5 colleagues By the time my third bub was born we had grown our business to have about 10 crew and I didnrsquot really stop work
I left my business in June to pursue a new life My husband and I relocated our family to the Byron Bay Hinterland to a 77 acre property After a big year personally and professionally last year it seemed like the right time to make the move We wanted to stop
23
delaying the dream
What is your current business model Itrsquos just me ndash a one-man band madly writing content and building my website with information tools and advice Irsquom also providing architectural services to some individual clients which I can do remotely
Do you see this business model changing in the futureI will need some additional support in admin web support and marketingadvertising as the business builds My hope is to maintain my flexible work-from-home practises and create a virtual team of independent collaborators to enable this I want my business to be at a scale where I can provide significant financial support to The Hunger Project
What does a day-in-the-life look like for you I get up early and go for a walkrun while listening to an audio book I finish with a brief meditation to set my intentions for the day and then the kids are up and my husband and I run the gauntlet of brekkie lunches school uniforms and getting them to the bus
After the dust has settled I make myself a big cup of coffee and if itrsquos a work day I head to my office which is over our garage I have found that this new experience of working solely on my own without
imposed deadlines etc has required some new tools to create structure and discipline and itrsquos something Irsquom still working on
We all eat dinner together at about 5pm and I do love that we spend time like this together every day
Since the beginning of 2012 I have been taking a photo every day of something Irsquom grateful for and posting it to my Facebook page with a description Itrsquos helped me be a lot more present to the every day joy and beauty that exists
Do you feel like an introvert or an extrovert and does that affect how you do businessI recently found out I was 51 Extrovert ndash which means that Irsquom borderline Introvert also I can get VERY absorbed in my work ndash which is a great problem to have
However given the whole reason we are creating a life this way is to spend more time together as a family Irsquom aware that needs to be kept in check I ultimately would love to do speaking engagements workshops etc so will be drawing on the Extrovert tilt for this
What are your favourite parts of businessI love the lsquostartrsquo of things I am insatiably curious Learning something for the first time figuring it out and getting it to work Irsquom enjoying writing enormously
Least favouriteRevisiting things over and over again And given that my business is still in its early days income-wise I am resisting the pressure of needing to sell and market I want to create great clarity around who my ideal clients are before I launch myself out there
THE VIEW FROM MY HOME OFFICE
24
Do you feel like yoursquove made sacrifices to live this lifestyle What are theyWhere we are now is the culmination of 12 years of very very hard work with a goal and a vision Wersquove lived through 3 renovations Wersquove sunk all our money into homes we were creating for other people and scrimped on most other things because we were always working on the house It was so worth it though
Where we are now is the culmination of 12 years of
very very hard work with a goal and a vision
What are the values you live by My values are Joy|Love|Laughter|Fun (thatrsquos one) Innovation Inspiration and Spaciousness Abundance and Bravery are themes I work to explore
Seth Godin also replied to an email of thanks I once sent him telling me to ldquoGo make a ruckusrdquo ndash so that informs what I do also
Any special tools or routines you implement regularly to feel or perform awesomelyExercise and meditation and I also do a bit of Cognitive Behaviour Therapy My grateful photos also are really important in this
BOOK Tim Ferrissrsquo 4 Hour Work Week It just completely opened my eyes to this whole other way of doing business that wasnrsquot about selling my time for money
WEBSITE Facebook I find it a great way to touch quickly in the lives of my friends but also to get access to lots of inspirational and info ndash like HONY Oprahrsquos Super Soul Sunday Huffington Post Gabby Bernstein
EARLY MORNING ACTIVITY A walkrun stretch and meditation
LATE NIGHT ACTIVITY Meditation while I do my lsquolegs up the wallrsquo pose It makes a massive difference to how I sleep and how rested I feel in the morning
GOURMET SNACK Loving Earth Luvju Raw Organic Orange and Gubinge Chocolate Otherwise I make great fruit-free bliss balls with cacao maca powder and protein powder
Quickfire Faves
You can connect with Amelia online at UndercoverArchitectcom
25
Elizabeth Kelsey BradleyWhat do you do Irsquom a writer and consultant that creates compelling content and social media strategies for businesses around the world I work with companies of all sizes and in all niches but my passion is with helping holistic entrepreneurs
Who lives with you My husband daughter and our insane pets
Did you a transition from a regular 9 to 5 job How did that happen for youI have never had a 9 to 5 ever My father was an entrepreneur and even though he never ever spoke of what it meant to be an entrepreneur his calling seemed to rub off on me
Irsquom literally unemployable Irsquom an artist and rebel and need to do things my own way even though Irsquom a
people person
But how I ended up finally making a business was when my husband couldnrsquot find work and things got scary I began researching like mad how I could work online and it took me years to finally learn marketing particularly with social media and content Despite how hard my first few years were (and I wouldnrsquot want to repeat them) Irsquom glad I learned the hard way as I am able to help others and can relate to women who are just beginning their entrepreneurial journey I look at entrepreneurship as a great honor for me to be able to help others and be of service
What is your current business model I am solo I sell consulting services and also do freelance writing and photography for companies that donrsquot have a staff writer I really need an intern or VA at this point though and am looking for someone
26
Do you see this business model changing in the futureYes and no Yes I will need to hire someone and ideally two people now that I have branched out into creating courses and ebooks but no in regards to my consulting services changing as what I do is in demand People feel confused about social media and creating regular content so I think it will be the same business model for a long time to come
What does a day-in-the-life look like for you Well Irsquom a vampire apparently as I mainly work nights which here in Thailand would be morning time where many of my clients live During the day I am homeschooling mum and also carry in my bag some of my work for
when I need to do some writing or analysis of a clientrsquos social media
Do you feel like an introvert or an extrovert and does that affect how you do businessIrsquom an extrovert but a highly sensitive one This has actually worked in my favour as I have a process for weeding out people who donrsquot fit my Ideal Client profile so that I can maintain my energy and do the best I can with the entrepreneurs who I can best serve
What are your favourite parts of businessI adore talking with clients on the phone or in person so basically anytime Irsquom geeking out about social media and writing
27
Least favouriteAnything to do with SEO
Do you feel like yoursquove made sacrifices to live this lifestyle What are theyEntrepreneurship is isolating in general Add that to the fact that we live on an island in Thailand and itrsquos double the isolation but to be honest this was the best place for us to build our online businesses as itrsquos affordable to live here and safe so I have no regrets
What are your Core Desired Feelings Connection serenity ease truth Values wise Irsquom wild but extremely family oriented
Any special tools or routines you implement regularly to feel or perform awesomelyI read from spiritual or philosophical books and take regular walks Both give me loads of ideas for storytelling which is the essence of what I do Podcasts are also a huge part of my routine particularly those devoted to marketing
BOOK Ocean Sea (buy it now AMAZING)
WEBSITE wwwholisticdadnet
EARLY MORNING ACTIVITY Drinking yerba mate and some yoga
LATE NIGHT ACTIVITY Good beer and a video game
GOURMET SNACK Anything with white truffle oil on it
Quickfire Faves
Elizabeth Kelsey Bradley is an award-winning writer consultant and photojournalist currently based in Thailand Her work has appeared on sites such as Tiny Buddha Vagabonding and in Girl Gone International magazine
As a consultant she helps companies develop effective social media and content strategies She is currently devoted to helping holistic entrepreneurs grow their online platforms at Thriving Healer
28
PAPERLESS OFFICELETrsquoS LEAVE MORE OF OUR TREE FRIENDS IN THE GROUND AND TAKE ADVANTAGE OF THE EXCELLENT APPS AVAILABLE INSTEAD AFTER ALL WErsquoRE RUNNING OUR DEVICES FOR MOST OF THE DAY ANYWAY - MAY AS WELL TAKE ADVANTAGE OF THEIR RAD CAPABILITIES
29
SWAPWriting Lists
FORWunderlist
AnyDoTodoist
SWAPHardcopy Books
FOR
KindleiBooks
SWAPPrinting + Scanning
Contracts
FOR
EchosignHellosignSWAP
Taking Notes + Printing Articles
FOREvernote
SWAPBrainstorming
+ Mind Mapping
FORSimpleMind
Coggle
30
HOW DARE YOU S E T T L E F O R L E S S WHEN THE WORLD h a s m a d e i t SO EASY F O R Y O U T O B E remarkable
SETH GODIN
31
JASMINE DOWLING MAPS TO HERSELF THE FIFTH ELEMENT LIFE
MOSSYJOJO TRICIA O DESIGNSIMPLY LOVE CREATIONS
BY SAMANTHA STACEY KEMPPENFRIEND
Jazz up your office walls with prints that stoke your creative fire
32
THE YES EPIDEMIC
33
THE YES EPIDEMIC
OurCoverStar
34
Whether it be a night out (when Irsquom exhausted) a favour (thatrsquos asking a little too much) or a date (that I know isnrsquot going to go anywhere) Irsquove typically and reluctantly replied to these requests with a lsquosure thingrsquo more times than Irsquod care to admit
Take on another client when my schedule is fully booked Absolutely
Offer to shout a friendrsquos breakfast when I really donrsquot have the cash to splash Of course
Commit to another online course when Irsquom barely halfway through the other 8 Irsquove signed up for this year Why yes
The Yes Epidemic has woven its way into our exceptionally busy (and beautiful) lives with the promise of MORE More connection more exposure more opportunity more money more education more insight more success And the more we do the more we are - right
Wrong
The reality is the more we constantly fill our plates to the brim (oh letrsquos admit it our plates are overflowing) with commitment after
commitment the less space we are leaving for us to just BE
To be immersed in who we are what our dreams and desires are to love to play to breathe
By saying lsquoyesrsquo like itrsquos going out of fashion we find ourselves spread as thin as vegemite on gluten-free toast Our energy and vitality are compromised and we donrsquot show up in the world as our best selves
So here are a few tips I use with my clients (and myself regularly) to get in the habit of saying lsquonorsquo a little more often
Irsquove never been very good at saying lsquonorsquo
35
Reflective routine with a heaping dose of reality is key here Take an honest look at your weekly schedule and ensure that you are focussing your precious time energy and resources on the people activities and
projects that are aligned with your values Is this commitment important to you Then honour it with your time Not so important
Time to shift things up
I canrsquot go past Marie Forleorsquos advice on this subject When somebody presents you with an opportunity if itrsquos not a HELL YES then itrsquos a no
Go with your gut always
Forget the FOMO The lsquofear of missing outrsquo is what keeps most of us on the Sure Thing Wagon and itrsquos just not sustainable Trust that all the
opportunities that are meant for you will come your way at the right time for you
Send your lsquonorsquo off with love Therersquos no need to feel uncomfortable turning down a request when you do so with kindness respect and
humility Excuses can be left at the door just honour your good intentions and everyone involved in the situation
Remember every time you give a loving inspired lsquonorsquo you are giving others the permission to do the same thing I always feel energised when someone turns down a request because it reminds me to respect myself
enough to pull out that gentle lsquonorsquo when required too
1
23
45
AND THE BEST THING ABOUT SAYING lsquoNOrsquo WHEN THE TIME COMES THAT A lsquoSURE THINGrsquo IS IN FACT THE HEART-CENTRED RESPONSE YOU EXCITEDLY GIVE ITrsquoS MUCH SWEETER MORE MEANINGFUL AND A HELLUVA LOT MORE VALUABLE
Claire Baker is a certified coach and mentor passionate writer and speaker and author of lsquoShe Is Radiant Your 6-Week Wellness Adventure To Get Glowy amp Feel Radrsquo Claire guides vibrant young women as they get from where they are to where they want to be ndash in their health and life blog and business
You can consider Claire your personal advocate for living an energised playful and heart-centred life Come say hi at This is Lifeblood her online space to share her passion for all things nourishing soulful and creative
CLAIRErsquoS TOP FIVE TIPS TO GET INTO THE HABIT OF SAYING NO
36
37
artOF THE
THE
soloSOULRETREAT
38
When you live a soul-driven and passionate life you very likely live and breathe your lsquoworkrsquo 247
I put the word work in inverted commas because for you itrsquos likely just you leading your amazing life (and more power to you my friend) But amidst this you may find it difficult to switch off and cultivate the spaciousness to just let it all hang out and exist without an agenda or a to-do list anywhere in site
Enter stage left the Solo Soul Retreat I took myself on one recently and by golly did it give me the exact level of time out and rejoove that this soul-driven lassy needed Maybe itrsquos about time you took yourself on one
Here are some tips for creating the perfect conditions for your solo soul retreat
Pick a place close byI chose the Byron area because itrsquos only two hours drive from where I live And this is important because while you want to be lsquoawayrsquo to unplug from the numerous distractions of home you donrsquot want to be so far away that you feel obliged to check out all the sights and scoot around lsquodoingrsquo your little butt off You want to create a feeling of not having to do ANYTHING if you donrsquot feel like it Moment to moment awareness and tapping into what you truly want to do is critical to the restorative nature of the solo soul retreat So if that means a nap in the afternoon without checking out the sights do it Sans the guilt
Making it somewhere close by means you can convince your inner tourist that you can come back any time you want to So donrsquot book your long awaited trip to Bali for this particular retreat style I recommend scouting around Air BnB for some great bargains near you
Book for at least 2-3 nights away (more if possible)It takes awhile for us to wind down and get in to the rhythm of a slower pace so give yourself as much time as possible to sink deeply in to relaxation I find that it takes my body a good day or so (at least) to realise itrsquos on holiday A weekend is good a long weekend even better And a week would be crazy good
Set an intentionFor my soul retreat it was to cultivate a feeling of internal ease and spaciousness I was so tightly wound and constricted from within I wanted to feel joyous energy flowing through me again
39
unimpeded
An intention is a helpful anchor that you can come back to throughout the retreat when you feel your energy flitting away to unnecessary distractions Revisit your intention throughout your retreat and ease back into the feeling you wish to cultivate
Immerse yourself in natureWherever you head to find some time to plonk yourself amidst the stunning natural surrounds of Mama Nature There is absolutely NOTHING that compares to the healing capacity of earthing ourselves at the beach or in the forest or just a little garden Barefoot and butt on the ground meditating or just sitting and quietly contemplating our wondrous natural world will have you relaxing into zen in no time
Silence is goldenTaking time to retreat also means giving your mind a bit of a break (hence the lsquono doingrsquo rule) try out not talking which shouldnrsquot be too hard if yoursquore on your own and see what kind of insights
There is absolutely NOTHING that compares to the healing capacity of earthing ourselves at the beach
or in the forest or just a little garden
Barefoot and butt on the ground meditating or just sitting and
quietly contemplating our wondrous natural world
will have you relaxing into zen in no time
40
begin to pop into your nogginrsquo when you donrsquot have to constantly communicate
Pamper yourselfWhat feels really decadent to you For my recent retreat it was heading to a spa and bathhouse for the morning soaking in oxygenated spa baths steaming myself in the sauna and relaxing on a sun lounge in the tranquil spa gardens with a good book
For you it might be a luxurious massage and energy balancing treatment Or maybe itrsquos a delicious meal you take your time with at an amazing restaurant nearby Perhaps itrsquos allowing yourself to lounge around in bed with your favourite book and a cup of tea Whatever it is allow yourself these delights As many as you please gorgeous one
Body-loving foodIf you have a kitchen at your accommodation pack yourself the kind of food you know your body loves Think veggies fruit some bliss balls your fave teas raw cacao and honey for a delish hot chocolate If you have a portable blender pack up your ingredients to whip yourself up some delights while yoursquore there Alternatively and if you have time prepare a few things before you head off You can pre-cook quinoa lentil curries and rice dishes to heat up whenever you fancy If there are local farmerrsquos markets you can even do a bit of purchasing there for your meals (and because yoursquore so close to home bringing back the leftovers is a cinch)
Scout around a little and find some local cafeacutes or
41
restaurants that tickle your fancy and take yourself out for a meal that makes your body scream YES
Soul nourishing practices Rituals and practices help us to sink more deeply in to our soulrsquos true nature Bring along whatever stokes your soul fire and brings you into present moment awareness Cultivating reverence for yourself and life itself is a crucial aspect of your soul retreat Some practices you may consider are raquo Meditation (guided or just simply following your inhale and exhale) I find the Kundalini Ego
Eradicator meditation particularly soul-nourishing (and frankly life changing) raquo Journaling ndash with no thought as to what to write just jot down whatever comes to you Yoursquoll be
amazed at the cathartic feelings and insights this brings raquo Yoga (on your own or find a class nearby that resonates with you) raquo Playing with oracle cards Ask a question or for general guidance and see how your guides and
the Universe responds The Little Sagersquos deck is divine raquo Reading soulfully inspiring books raquo Lighting some incense and writing an epic gratitude list raquo A walking meditation through nature raquo Get arty play around with whatever you have Love colour Bring your paints Doodle Donrsquot
judge the results just let it flow out of you
Overall the point of this solo soul retreat is that you do what you genuinely want to do in the moment So nix the over planning as you may do with other trips away Settle into present moment awareness and allow yourself to be rather than just do Listen with kindness to your inner child Let her out to play (Mega hint she really doesnrsquot want to be bossed around) Gifting yourself this time is your surefire way to feeling rejuvenated refreshed and ready to live life to its fullest
Enjoy gorgeous one
Carly is a passionate international aid and development project manager and writer Carly works on projects in Australia and the Asia-Pacific region focusing on cultivating sustainable livelihoods the empowerment of women community enterprise local market development and positive social change
Head on over to Carlyrsquos blog Pockets of Peace for her soul-centred musings on peace wellness and oodles of inspiration
42
The most powerful weapon on earth is the human soul
on fire
F E R D I N A N D F O C H
43
Five Minute Fixes
FOR FEAR AND OVERWHELM
44
IF YOUrsquoRE RUNNING YOUR OWN BIZ YOUrsquoD BE FAMILIAR WITH THE PHENOMENON OF FEAR AND OVERWHELM YOU KNOW WHEN YOU JUST FEEL STUCK PARALYSED NOT SURE WHICH CHOICE TO MAKE OR ACTION TO TAKE YOU HAVE DEADLINES LOOMING THE PRESSURE IS MOUNTING AND YOUrsquoRE BLOCKED YOU NEED TO GET OUT OF YOUR OVERWHELM RIGHT NOW SO YOU CAN GET BACK TO CHANGING THE WORLD
Here are five practices designed to break the fear cycle and get you out of your head and into your body in five minutes or less
Go outside Get out into the sunlight See the sky take off your shoes and feel the grass tickle your toes Close your eyes Feel the heat on your skin Take some deep breaths and smell the air Tune in to the sounds around you Become still Fully engage with the present moment and drop into the sensations in your body
Deep breathing You can use a mantra such as So-Hum you can count the length of each inhale and exhale or you can do as many rounds of Nadi Shodhana (alternate nostril breathing) as you can fit into five minutes Whatever yoursquore most comfortable with do that Breath is the bridge between the inner and outer realities Deep breathing will calm the nervous system and bring your attention to the present moment
Move Go for a brisk walk Put on your favourite tune plug in the headphones and dance (in the bathroom cubicle if yoursquore embarrassed to do it in publichellip because thatrsquos not weird at all) Have a quickie on your own or with a partner Or you can shake it out Start with your right foot shake it as hard as possible to the count of 10 Then your whole leg Then the left foot and left leg Then the right hand then the right arm then the left hand and arm Then fold forward and gently shake your head - back to front side to side Then stand up again and shake your whole body like you know how
Then stand in stillness for 2 minutes to balance out the movement Listen to your heartbeat Yoursquove just expressed and released some negative energy so take a standing Savasana (resting pose) to integrate Make sure you smooth your hair after this one
45
Aromatherapy Get a bottle of essential oil and sniff it - simple Smell affects the limbic system which is responsible for the storage and release of emotional trauma You can immediately calm your body with the right scent
Make sure you get 100 therapeutic grade pure essential oil - these have a high vibrational frequency and you donrsquot want any nasties entering your system through inferior quality oil Lavender is proven to calm the nervous system as is frankincense balsam fir basil cedar wood and sandalwood You can purchase calming blends from your local aromatherapist or get them to custom-make a blend for you
Make some noise This is especially good if you work from home or drive to work as you may want privacy Get a pillow or lock yourself in the car and scream as loud as you can connecting deeply to your pelvis Give yourself permission to vocalise all that frustration fear shame guilt whatever is building up in your energy field Sound is the end of feeling When you express vocally you are releasing emotion and ending the cycle of repression Done regularly this will also enhance your creativity and self-expression - benefiting your business (and sex life) in the long run
These practices work for me and Irsquod love to know if they resonate with you
Irsquom Emma a multi-passionate self-love junkie who loves supporting people on their journey to wellness Since suffering from adrenal burnout and a host of related conditions Irsquove dedicated myself to personal healing and growth and encouraging others to find their own unique path By day Irsquom a yoga teacher virtual assistant and event coordinator for wellness entrepreneurs and outside of that yoursquoll find me salsa dancing travelling and eating raw desserts
Connect with me at emmashieldscom
46
Abandon anything about your life and habits that might be holding you back
Learn to create your own opportunities
Know that there is no finish line fortune favors action
Race balls-out toward the extraordinary life that yoursquove always dreamed of
or still havenrsquot had time to dream up
And prepare to have a hell of a lot of fun along the way
SOPHIA AMORUSO
47
Why you should create aHIGH-CONVERTING OPT-IN OFFER
A critical component of building your online business is growing your email list and creating a compelling opt-in offer is one of the best ways to kickstart this growth
You want your email list to be made up of people who are genuinely interested in you and what you have to offer your target market Your ideal customers and readers
Thatrsquos why your opt-in offer (a gift to entice people to join your list) needs to be unique highly relevant to your business and of real value to your ideal clients If people are on your site checking you out they are already interested ndash you need to give them a compelling reason to sign up
What would your readers find valuable Something that saves them time money pain or makes their life easier better or more beautiful It also needs to be damn high quality Proofed designed and worth paying for
48
Why would you give away something so valuable for free
Because it shows yoursquore serious about helping people Because it builds trust with readers Because itrsquos a genuine thank you in return for a readerrsquos contact details Because itrsquos an ad for your business Yoursquore showing people the quality of what they will receive if they go on to work with you
How do you choose which is right for you Think about what you currently offer your readers or customers (as in content as well as services or products) What is popular What do they comment on most or ask questions about What would you love to create What would be the perfect compliment to a service you provide How can you genuinely help
Brainstorm a list then narrow it down to one ndash and get cracking
The best opt-ins are win-win ndash you gather details from ideal customers and the customers
receive something great that they need and want in return
Happy creating
PS Tricking people is icky Donrsquot do that Itrsquos of no use to have people on your list that donrsquot care about you or your products Be genuine Offer genuine value Get genuine sign-ups
SO WHAT SHOULD YOU OFFER
Here are a few ideas raquo A sneak peek or preview of a paid
product ndash like a free chapter or lesson
raquo A smaller version of a paid product ndash like a 3 day meal plan
raquo Something which compliments a service you offer
raquo Useful templates ndash like a product launch worksheet or a calendar
raquo Inspirational printables ndash like quotes or illustrations
raquo A mini eCourse ndash like 5 days of video coaching
raquo A discount ndash like 10 off their next purchase
raquo A VIP offer ndash like first dibs on tickets
raquo An eBook or workbook ndash like a recipe book or marketing plan
Alana Wimmer is Founder + Creative Director of mini digital publishing house Raspberry Stripes Alana works with rad lady entrepreneurs to design eBooks which will change the world She also provides guidance insight and info on eBook design on the Raspberry Stripes website When she isnrsquot designing reading or talking about eBooks you can find Alana walking Rory and Roxy the boxers with her husband in tow probably on her way to pick up a green smoothie
49
is a lack of self-worth
50
As a bright-eyed uni student I got pretty excited about all the opportunities that were due to unfold before me when I graduated
My approach to life has always been filled with excitement for the future I remember saying to friends in class that we were certain to be successful because enthusiasm trumps experience Sadly the path wasnrsquot as smooth as Irsquod imagined I naively thought that all bosses had a sixth-sense for talent even from shy girls who werenrsquot outward about their abilities
I applied for and took a series of jobs that from the job description seemed so overwhelmingly scary to do but within months if not weeks I was bored I lacked the self-worth to believe I could step up but Irsquod externalise this into anger at my employer for holding me back Eventually I realised it was all of my own creation I was the one who was playing small applying for and then taking jobs that wersquore well under my pay grade I even turned down a few including a big promotion because the amount of money offered was too much and it scared me Seriously
Years of study and I lacked the ability to dive in fully commit be brave be boisterous about my abilities and soar I found school easy and when things seemed challenging at work I put it down to an inability to perform If it wasnrsquot easy at first I accepted that I just wasnrsquot able I had yet to find out that some of the best lessons come from giving things a go and making a lot of mistakes Failing or in reality playing small was a comfort zone for me and success in my career was an unknown quantity I was used to struggle I was safe with my dreams The possibility of them coming true Too much to handle Irsquod have to learn to live in the present moment and I donrsquot think I was ready to do that I wasnrsquot ready to look closely at myself and see that for all my effort there was still a lot of inner work to do It was time to look within
I KNOW HOW EASY IT IS TO BUILD WALLS AROUND OUR DREAMS PUSH THEM FURTHER AWAY IN AN ATTEMPT TO PLAY SAFE AND LIVE LIFE ACCORDING TO EXTERNAL INFLUENCE I KNOW THE LEVEL OF DETERMINATION AND MENTAL GRIT IT TAKES TO OVERCOME OURSELVES START TAKING OWNERSHIP OF OUR THOUGHTS AND ULTIMATELY THE PATH OF OUR OWN LIVES
I love when clients ask me to guide them on this path because I know just what can happen when they get there I hold my hand out as a supportive leverage point and watch them soar
Something Irsquove learnt along the way The first step for many women in building self-worth is learning the art of body love Body love is all about learning to appreciate the capabilities of your body nourishing and taking care of your spirit and occasionally cutting yourself a break
51
Itrsquos looking in the mirror and liking the person you see not picking on the parts you donrsquot like Itrsquos making a choice about whether to wear a bikini based on your personal values and not about what your body looks like in one Dieting and restriction are low level energies that hold us back from achieving high level desires Negative thinking blocks our internal compass and our ability to connect to our intuition Body love is the gateway to high frequency living
We all have that version of ourselves that we aspire to be The woman who gets up to the alarm has patience and drive Shersquos got a sparkle in her eye a sense of confidence and knowing about her place in the world that emanates from her whole being She sits up straight and laughs with abandon From where we sit therersquos a chasm to leap in becoming that woman That woman represents ldquoone dayrdquo She represents effort She can seem unachievable In my experience body love is the first and most important step toward that woman Body love is filled with possibility promise and prosperity When we remove that low level energy of diet and restriction we can start to attract high frequencies We can start to become that woman in the present moment
Irsquove seen the shift first hand for so many people Suddenly the whole world opens up and the possibilities become endless The cloud lifts and pie-in-the-sky dreams show up in high-definition technicolour Thoughts that previously caused anxiety everything from going to lunch with new friends to finding a purpose in life start to feel as easy to read as words on a page Therersquos no more searching Itrsquos been replaced by a knowing excitement I watch as women become like bright-eyed students again endless possibilities opening up before them Only this time Theyrsquove got experience on their side
Suddenly the whole world
opens up and the
possibilities become
endless
The cloud lifts and
pie-in-the-sky dreams show
up in high-definition
technicolour
Rachelle is a Life + Confidence Coach at My Saturn Epoch She supports women through the big transitions in their life helping them to break their negative cycles to consciously create a happy life and positive mindset She is a big hearted business woman who is passionate about supporting women in pursuit of their own excellence so they can shine as a beacon to themselves their families and their communities
Connect with Rachelle at mysaturnepochcom
52
SUBSCRIBE TO RASPBERRY MAGAZINE
Grab an annual subscription and yoursquoll receive raquo 6 digital issues of Raspberry Magazine raquo an exclusive Annual Subscribers Thank You Pack
- which includes a printable manifesto beautiful meditation tracks an eBook and more contributed by generous lady entrepreneurs - worth over $35
VISIT THE SHOP
53
T H A N K Y O U F O R R E A D I N GA N D A M I L L I O N H I G H-F I V E S
I F Y O U L O V E D R A S P B E R R YM A G A Z I N E P L E A S E S H A R E
54
5
6
I think it is more of a mix of creating as well as the finding As we grow as writers and as human beings our voice is constantly being created (consciously and unconsciously) Our signature style is as much chosen by us as it is natural
Have a think about elite athletes They start with some natural physical talent but then by choosing a sport they are channelling their talent a certain way Then with practice coaching and training their natural talent becomes much more than existed to begin with It is the same with our writing voice We begin at that base level and then we choose to write followed by fine-tuning and bettering ourselves over time with practice By making these choices we are creating our voice
Donrsquot get disheartened thinking that your current writing voice is the be all and end all No way ndash instead our voice will change grow and evolve and not in a way that is out of our own control We can make the choice to consciously improve and develop our writing voice
So how do I create my writing voice
READ WIDELY Donrsquot box yourself in to a genre particular author or other defining characteristic Let many styles and authors influence you but always avoid copying outright Stealing ideas and copying verbatim wonrsquot teach you anything but emulating a style during practice can grow your voice
PS Practicing different authorsrsquo styles in your own notebook where no one is going to see ainrsquot breaking any copyright laws Do you remember in high school where we wrote things in Shakespearean style for assignments Itrsquos just like that ndash broadening our literary horizons is not a crime
PRACTICE A LOT As I mentioned above practicing different styles in your notebook or journal is a great way to exercise your voice and flex it in new and interesting ways But practicing is not just confined to your private notebooks Just because itrsquos lsquopracticingrsquo doesnrsquot mean the words canrsquot see the light of day In fact yoursquore probably already practicing without knowing it Writing on your blog on someone elsersquos blog on social media in your newsletter ndash this is all prime writing practice time where you are creating your voice
SAYING THAT WE lsquoFINDrsquo OUR WRITING VOICE IS A BIT MISLEADING
7
Find your favourite blogger and go back a few years into their archives Have a read of their old posts and note how much their
writing voice has changed and evolved We all have to start somewhere
BRAIN DUMP THEN EDIT Editing is the ideal tool for you to use to refine your writing voice
Irsquom a believer in getting it all out on to your page (whether itrsquos paper or digital) unedited unrefined and possibly with atrocious spelling and grammar This big brain dump of everything you need or want to say without self-judgement or on the spot editing is all about getting everything out of your head It can be paragraphs sentences bullet points or even words scrawled at any angle in your notepad ndash just get it out and down By coming up with this lsquoshitty first draftrsquo you get to bypass that horrible staring-at-the-blank-screen-stage (where resistance well and truly rears its ugly head)
Once yoursquove got your shitty first draft done itrsquos time to take the content and mould it into something others will not only understand but resonate with You can now go through and delete reword tune-up sex-ify simplify or amplify ndash whatever you need to do to create your voice
If you are writing for your business you have the ability to choose and create your businessrsquos writing voice (and speaking voice for that matter) For my business the voice I use is very
much a reflection of my own voice as my brand is intrinsically linked to me
Another example is my old corporate gig ndash we had a style guide that covered the type of voice we were to use in any of the companyrsquos communications It was a very thorough document
that covered examples of writing voice grammar and spelling rules (eg English over American spelling) as well as all of the visual branding identifiers It was also totally necessary for such
an organisation to have a guide so the companyrsquos communication remained consistent and aligned
Does your biz need a style guide
8
READ THE CONTEXT While your personality should be shining through your writing wherever it may exist often the context will dictate how much is showing through For example social media platforms like Facebook Twitter and Instagram are ideal for personality-filled casual language
Whereas the business networking platform LinkedIn is made for more lsquoprofessionalrsquo or lsquocorporatersquo language and content (although sometimes these preconceived notions need shaking up so why not think about making come waves) Learn to read your context and create native content based on it
CONSISTENCY IS KEY Yeah yeah I know yoursquove heard this one before But this piece of advice rings particularly true when it comes to creating your writing voice Without consistency both in your writing and in your writing practice yoursquoll have no lsquoflowrsquo and improvement wonrsquot come easily
The golden rules of consistency raquo Keep your language and style (your writing voice) consistent throughout a piece of writing
Create flow raquo Be regular in your writing practice Give yourself as many chances as possible to hone in on your
voice and to improve it
Where to now
To the MacBook or the journal with you Start creating your writing voice right now
Katie is a communications consultant with a flair for wrangling words brainstorming branding strategy and manhandling marketing collateral (she likes alliteration too)
She has been studying and working in communications for over seven years and has been known to speak about good communication to roomfuls of eager ears
Katie works with her clients to discover simple and direct messaging which speaks to customers and ultimately brings in more sales
You can find her online at katiesmythcom
9
Personal transformation can and does have global effects
As we go so goes the world for the world is us
The revolution that will save the world is ultimately a personal one
MARIANNE WILLIAMSON
10
Holding Your First WorkshopT H E F I V E T H I N G S YO U N E E D TO K N O W
11
Are you keen to dip your toes into the world of workshops and events Here are the 5 things that you should know before you dive on in
ONE You donrsquot need a big budget
You donrsquot need to spend a lot of money to throw an amazing event When it comes to your venue there are plenty of low cost options out there
Community centres councils and libraries across Australia are an amazing resource where you can book a space for as little as $3 an hour Co-working spaces yoga
studios or warehouses can also be cost effective options
If you find a venue that makes you squeee with happiness but seems a bit out of your reach ask the manager when their off peak times are or when you can
access a lower rate
Nervous about other costs Holding events in between main meals means you only need to provide light refreshments such as tea juice and sweet treats And if you require additional items for things such as gift bags or professional services like a
photographer you can offer businesses a sponsorship package services swap or some free tickets to the event in return for collaborating with you
TWO The best workshops are a complete experience
The most fulfilling happiness inducing and ah-ha filled workshops are those that are a complete experience from start to finish If your aim is to create connection ensure that guests are greeted as soon as they walk in that they can mingle easily and then have a way to continue the conversations post event If your aim is to educate and inspire give them printed materials and workbooks visual slides and an engaging presentation If your aim is to create peace through an activity such as yoga or
meditation then give them a soft and gentle atmosphere and some soothing tunes
It always helps to think about your objective and build the experience around that
12
THREE Generosity sells
There is nothing more icky than going to an event expecting to be informed about a topic and then end up getting the hard sell put on you There is definitely a way to promote authentically and in a non-sleazy way but before that even comes into the
picture I believe it is best practice to give give give
Give your time and your presence to the people in the room with you Give expert knowledge information and tips that arenrsquot readily available elsewhere
Give guests the opportunity to openly approach you and have a chat
When you are sincere about giving your best people will genuinely want to want work with you By the time you offer them a way to continue the relationship you will have a
line of people eager to sign up ndash no hustling required
13
FOUR You can be creative in your marketing
You donrsquot have to promote your workshop just through the stock standard ways Get creative and share your vision with your audience You can
raquo Create a simple weekly graphic with an inspiring quote related to your workshop content raquo Share beautiful photos of the venue goody bag items deacutecor or printed materials
raquo Profile your speakers with a cute pic and a short but interesting bio raquo Tease people with little snippets of what the day will bring them
raquo Keep people updated with what you are doing and show them the work behind the scenes
Encouraging engagement in the lead up is a nice way to remind people about your workshop without feeling repetitive
5 You will have bust through some fears
Expect to feel emotional at times Worries such as I donrsquot know where to start I am overwhelmed nobody is going to come Irsquom not good enough and what if people are disappointed can pop up but
I promise you ndash this is normal These little suckers have a habit of creeping up on you but if you can find the strength tools and support to work through these then it is definitely worth it
A good course of action is to assess reflect and act Be aware of when it happens and assess what emotions are coming up reflect on why it is an issue for you and then take positive action to overcome it If you can gently work with your fears instead of letting them hold you back I
promise you there will be an amazing experience on the other side
Holding your own workshops and events can be a bit of work but the connections you create and the positive impact you have on peoplersquos lives is incredible
Keeping spreading your message lovelies and happy planning
Jade McKenzie is an event professional for heart-centered entrepreneurs and business owners who get sweaty palms at the thought of running an event themselves With over a decade of experience in event management she has an unrelenting passion for giving her clients the ability to step into their spotlight and shine
Find her at eventheadcomau
14
IF YOU DONrsquoT DESIGN YOUR OWN LIFE PLAN CHANCES ARE YOUrsquoLL FALL INTO SOMEONE ELSErsquoS PLAN
AND GUESS WHAT THEY HAVE PLANNED FOR YOU NOT MUCH
Jim Rohn
15
nomadsnomadsDIGITAL
THESE WOMEN ARE BUILDING BUSINESSES THAT CAN BE RUN FROM ANYWHERE THEY CHOOSE
16
Elizabeth McKenzie
What do you do Let me count the ways
First and foremost Irsquom a multi-passionate
Which means Irsquom business + marketing coach spiritual mentor writer + seeker of rad things And I canrsquot go past a mention of my two loves Nike high tops and Harry Styles
Who lives with youAt the moment Irsquom living with my parents on their yacht Wersquore getting ready to sail up the East Coast of Australia Irsquom then heading to the US and plan on renting out a pad in NYC with Juliethellipand when I returnhellip who knowshellip Irsquom open to suggestions
Did you a transition from a regular 9 to 5 job How did
that happen for you I transitioned from student to business owner While I was studying my Master of Speech Pathology (oh yeah Irsquom a speech pathologist too) I became so sick of having to adhere to the metal box that is university education Ya know playing by someone elsersquos rules so I started up a blog initially as a way to rebel from the box
The more I blogged the more I became obsessed with everything about being online ndash the connections with other likeminded women andhellip hold up the ability to work from anywhere in the world helping anyone with an internet connection Sign me up
I hired a butt load of mentors to help me along my way and at the start of 2014 I launched my first offering marketing and business coaching (yes I also have a degree in that too)
17
At the same time I got a one day a week speechie job to compliment my multi-passionate nature but after 4 months of doing that I realised itrsquos not in my nature to work for anyone else but myself
By then my business was bringing in the cash to support my decision to go all in
And here I am on a boat
What is your current business model Itrsquos currently me and my teeny team of rad peeps Irsquove got my VA my copywriter and communications consultant and my graphic designer I love having people compliment what I do
The business model ndash well I started with the advisor model really only selling my expertise and coaching on a 11 basis but Irsquom now creating an eCourse to help hundreds of women become more spiritual without losing touch with the real world Essentially real world spirituality the unwanky way and Irsquom crazy excited
Throughout this journey Irsquove realised that my business and how I operate is always going to evolve and accepting that has freed me up to do so much more of the things I love
Do you see this business model changing in the futureI had an epiphany recently that I want to help as many people as I can so Irsquom now starting to gear my business towards that kind of model with eCourses and programs that are offered at a lower price point
Exciting times
My motto in business (and life) never say never
Wersquore operating in a dynamic environment The dumbest thing you can do for your business is feel you
have to lock yourself in
By all means pick something and give it a red hot go ndash but know that as the environment changes around you you need to accommodate that
Woke up at 630 for breakfast and coffee
Had a three hour intensive with my latest client who lives in Scotland from 7-10
Did a bit of admin and setting up the membership site of my new eCourse
Went to see Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles at 1 (nerd much)
Got home at 4
Felt inspired to read so whipped out my latest book
Wrote a little after dinner for my latest opt-in offer
Ended the day watching reruns of The Mindy Project
A Da
y In
The
Lif
e of
Eliza
beth
Do you feel like an introvert or an extrovert and does that affect how you do businessCan I say Irsquom both Sometimes I need to be around people to get more energy and sometimes I need to be alone to recharge too
I think therersquos a bit of a dance I do in my business where I need to have days like the Friday above because otherwise my energy gets stagnant and the creative flow stops
What are your favourite parts of businessWriting Creating
And the ability to not work when I donrsquot want to
18
Least favouriteWordpress admin Although when I nail something (finally) I get a major sense of achievement
Do you feel like yoursquove made sacrifices to live this lifestyle What are theyDefinitely At the moment Irsquove had to let me pooch live with his dad while Irsquom on a boat and while I got to NYC
I wish he could be with me 247
What are your Core Desired Feelings raquo Free raquo Luxurious raquo Joy
Any special tools or routines you implement regularly to feel or perform awesomelyThe number one thing that I do regularly is clear my chakras via a breathing and visualisation meditation It takes 20 minutes and it seriously changes the tune of my day I can usually go a day without but too long and I notice that Irsquom underperforming
Quickfire Faves
BOOK The Anatomy of the Spirit by Caroline Myss Although I hated it originally mostly because I didnrsquot want to hear the messages that were coming through
WEBSITE YouTube Canrsquot go past finding an olds 90s jam or interviews with Harry Styles to watch
EARLY MORNING ACTIVITY Chakra Clearing
LATE NIGHT ACTIVITY Watching reruns of my favourite TV shows
GOURMET SNACK I donrsquot do gourmet myself but Irsquom all for gourmet cafe food (itrsquos the Melbournian in me) It could be a sugary almond macaroon or full fat grilled haloumi
Elizabeth is a professional business coach spiritual mentor and the creator of The Spiritual Material Girl eCourse Shersquos also the creator of high-end private coaching programs and courses geared towards helping ambitious and successful women who lsquoseemrsquo like theyrsquove got it all figured outhellip yet who still donrsquot feel like their heartrsquos truly fulfilled
Shersquos the go-to for helping you tackle your biz blocks tap into your spiritual side and live a totally kick-ass life With her trademark blend of heartfelt honesty and straight-talking swagger she ties it all together to set you on the fast track to personal professional and spiritual success
Instead of just keepinrsquo on doing whatrsquos not working Elizabeth can show you how to get exactly what you want ndash whether that means building a business you love creating more happiness or simply getting more out of your life You can find Elizabeth over at her home on the internet Your Highest Self
19
Vienda Maria
Vienda Maria is a lifestyle coach author and creative who helps Bon Vivants coaches yogis creatives and entrepreneurs create thriving semi-nomadic unconventional lives that are fulfilling both soulfully and financially Through her coaching events books Gypset Mindset Class course and online community Vienda has inspired and transformed the lives of thousands across the globe ldquoMy mission is simple to guide each and every one of you back to who you really are To come home back to your soul and allowing it to guide your destiny For more love More fun More freedom More adventure More liferdquo Visit Vienda online here
20
What do you do Irsquom a lifestyle coach and writer who helps emerging creatives and professionals create a life thatrsquos a little a it unusual Itrsquos about breaking away from structured office hours and recognising their ability to create their own jobs and money by using their innate passions skills and talents in ways that are a little bit out of the box Itrsquos all about stepping out of a limiting mindset and seeing what is actually possible
Who lives with youI live on my own
Did you a transition from a regular 9 to 5 job How did that happen for you Not really Irsquove always had an extremely free lifestyle and only dabbled into a couple of office jobs along the way when I was inbetween other things
My transition to my current life happened out of the necessity to create something for myself that supported my lifestyle and was financially sustainable After studying psychology at uni I worked at international film and music festivals and other events which was really fun and exciting 12 years later I had fallen in love with being my own boss and traveling the world It was then that I realised that there are so many people who would love to travel have more freedom and time and create their own jobs and that I could help them
What is your current business model Irsquom a very independent worker so I tend to work solo though Irsquove just hired an intern to help me with some of the admin and social media stuff which is quite exciting I sell a range of different things ndash my coaching services make up most of my income followed by products in the form of eBooks and
jewellery collected on my travels Irsquom just about to launch my first course a set of 6 live classes to help beginners create their own unconventional lifestyle so thatrsquos very exciting and keeping me busy
Do you see this business model changing in the future Yes I think as an entreprenuer one the greatest characteristics you can have is flexibility Being flexible with how you do things always changing growing and updating is so important If you want to keep up with business you have to be comfortable and willing to change
What does a day-in-the-life look like for you I travel a lot so my day-to-day varies quite a lot but I usually start the day with writing content for my course blog or anything else that needs my creative input because in the morning my creativity is the highest I keep the mundane tasks for later in the day usually after my coaching calls I check emails and social media twice a day ndash once in the morning and once in the afternoon ndash which usually give me a good indication of what else needs to be done
And I always end my working day with a To Do list for the next day so I wake up with clarity and know exactly what I need to focus on
Irsquom really interested in time efficiency and productivity so choose to focus on doing things that I love and that generate the most response
Do you feel like an introvert or an extrovert and does that affect how you do business Hmmm ndash Irsquom an introverted extrovert I really enjoy my own company and fuel up energetically with time to myself But I also love and need social stimulation inspiration and everything that people bring into our
21
lives I guess itrsquos about balance and listening to your own needs
What are your favourite parts of business Creating and connecting I love the work I do so much ndash when one of my clients has an ah-ha that transforms everything they previously believed to be true ndash it just rocks my world Being able to help people create lives that they thought were only made of dream-stuff is so very fulfilling I learn so much from this process myself Therersquos such a powerful beauty in creating a community of like-minded individuals And I love being creative always thinking of new ideas and new ways to share the information tools and concepts that I have with my tribe
Least favourite Tax I just I have no idea how people manage all that side of things Irsquod do my best to keep everything tidy and organised for my accountant but it hurts my brain when itrsquos tax time
Do you feel like yoursquove made sacrifices to live this lifestyle What are they I think we make sacrifices in every lifestyle we choose There is always something that we choose to let go of in order to have something else But when itrsquos a choice it doesnrsquot really feel like a sacrifice
For example I donrsquot own a ton of material possessions because that would just be silly considering how much I move around For me however that is very freeing rather than a sacrifice I mean what could I possibly really need I love my lifestyle It suits me perfectly And thatrsquos all that matters
What are your Core Desired Feelings raquo Flow raquo Freedom raquo Inspiration raquo Gratitude
Any special tools or routines you implement regularly to feel or perform awesomely I meditate daily and exercise daily I set intentions (goals) monthly and review them every month I practice positive thinking and train my mind to focus on the things that light me up and make me feel good to exclusion of all others because I know that I create my life with my thoughts And things that make me feel good attract more things that make me feel good
BOOK Going Pro by Steven Pressfield
WEBSITE Instagram
EARLY MORNING ACTIVITY Meditation
LATE NIGHT ACTIVITY Journaling
GOURMET SNACK Salted Pistachios
I donrsquot own a ton of material possessions because that would just be silly
considering how much I move around For me however that is very freeing
rather than a sacrifice
Quickfire Faves
22
Amelia Lee
What do you doIrsquom an architect and have been working in the architectural industry for almost twenty years I recently started Undercover Architect which is about empowering YOU to create your well-designed home through online information tools products and services
Irsquom also a Director on the Qld Development Board for The Hunger Project an NGO that works to end hunger and poverty in third world countries by empowering those affected most to feed their families and create hope for their futures
Who lives with you I live with my husband Brandon and son (aged 7) and two daughters (aged 5 and 3) We also have a dog 6 chickens 5 ducklings and shortly 5 miniature cows
Did you a transition from a regular 9 to 5 job How did that happen for youI worked long hours in architectural practices for many years (more like 7am ndash 7pm) managing teams and big projects before I had kids We also wanted to keep them at home with us so over the last 12 years we have renovated 3 homes (whilst living in them) as a means of supplementing our income and supporting the way we wanted to live Wersquove both worked part-time or changed our working hours around kids and the renovating
When my second baby was 4 months old I started an architectural practice with 5 colleagues By the time my third bub was born we had grown our business to have about 10 crew and I didnrsquot really stop work
I left my business in June to pursue a new life My husband and I relocated our family to the Byron Bay Hinterland to a 77 acre property After a big year personally and professionally last year it seemed like the right time to make the move We wanted to stop
23
delaying the dream
What is your current business model Itrsquos just me ndash a one-man band madly writing content and building my website with information tools and advice Irsquom also providing architectural services to some individual clients which I can do remotely
Do you see this business model changing in the futureI will need some additional support in admin web support and marketingadvertising as the business builds My hope is to maintain my flexible work-from-home practises and create a virtual team of independent collaborators to enable this I want my business to be at a scale where I can provide significant financial support to The Hunger Project
What does a day-in-the-life look like for you I get up early and go for a walkrun while listening to an audio book I finish with a brief meditation to set my intentions for the day and then the kids are up and my husband and I run the gauntlet of brekkie lunches school uniforms and getting them to the bus
After the dust has settled I make myself a big cup of coffee and if itrsquos a work day I head to my office which is over our garage I have found that this new experience of working solely on my own without
imposed deadlines etc has required some new tools to create structure and discipline and itrsquos something Irsquom still working on
We all eat dinner together at about 5pm and I do love that we spend time like this together every day
Since the beginning of 2012 I have been taking a photo every day of something Irsquom grateful for and posting it to my Facebook page with a description Itrsquos helped me be a lot more present to the every day joy and beauty that exists
Do you feel like an introvert or an extrovert and does that affect how you do businessI recently found out I was 51 Extrovert ndash which means that Irsquom borderline Introvert also I can get VERY absorbed in my work ndash which is a great problem to have
However given the whole reason we are creating a life this way is to spend more time together as a family Irsquom aware that needs to be kept in check I ultimately would love to do speaking engagements workshops etc so will be drawing on the Extrovert tilt for this
What are your favourite parts of businessI love the lsquostartrsquo of things I am insatiably curious Learning something for the first time figuring it out and getting it to work Irsquom enjoying writing enormously
Least favouriteRevisiting things over and over again And given that my business is still in its early days income-wise I am resisting the pressure of needing to sell and market I want to create great clarity around who my ideal clients are before I launch myself out there
THE VIEW FROM MY HOME OFFICE
24
Do you feel like yoursquove made sacrifices to live this lifestyle What are theyWhere we are now is the culmination of 12 years of very very hard work with a goal and a vision Wersquove lived through 3 renovations Wersquove sunk all our money into homes we were creating for other people and scrimped on most other things because we were always working on the house It was so worth it though
Where we are now is the culmination of 12 years of
very very hard work with a goal and a vision
What are the values you live by My values are Joy|Love|Laughter|Fun (thatrsquos one) Innovation Inspiration and Spaciousness Abundance and Bravery are themes I work to explore
Seth Godin also replied to an email of thanks I once sent him telling me to ldquoGo make a ruckusrdquo ndash so that informs what I do also
Any special tools or routines you implement regularly to feel or perform awesomelyExercise and meditation and I also do a bit of Cognitive Behaviour Therapy My grateful photos also are really important in this
BOOK Tim Ferrissrsquo 4 Hour Work Week It just completely opened my eyes to this whole other way of doing business that wasnrsquot about selling my time for money
WEBSITE Facebook I find it a great way to touch quickly in the lives of my friends but also to get access to lots of inspirational and info ndash like HONY Oprahrsquos Super Soul Sunday Huffington Post Gabby Bernstein
EARLY MORNING ACTIVITY A walkrun stretch and meditation
LATE NIGHT ACTIVITY Meditation while I do my lsquolegs up the wallrsquo pose It makes a massive difference to how I sleep and how rested I feel in the morning
GOURMET SNACK Loving Earth Luvju Raw Organic Orange and Gubinge Chocolate Otherwise I make great fruit-free bliss balls with cacao maca powder and protein powder
Quickfire Faves
You can connect with Amelia online at UndercoverArchitectcom
25
Elizabeth Kelsey BradleyWhat do you do Irsquom a writer and consultant that creates compelling content and social media strategies for businesses around the world I work with companies of all sizes and in all niches but my passion is with helping holistic entrepreneurs
Who lives with you My husband daughter and our insane pets
Did you a transition from a regular 9 to 5 job How did that happen for youI have never had a 9 to 5 ever My father was an entrepreneur and even though he never ever spoke of what it meant to be an entrepreneur his calling seemed to rub off on me
Irsquom literally unemployable Irsquom an artist and rebel and need to do things my own way even though Irsquom a
people person
But how I ended up finally making a business was when my husband couldnrsquot find work and things got scary I began researching like mad how I could work online and it took me years to finally learn marketing particularly with social media and content Despite how hard my first few years were (and I wouldnrsquot want to repeat them) Irsquom glad I learned the hard way as I am able to help others and can relate to women who are just beginning their entrepreneurial journey I look at entrepreneurship as a great honor for me to be able to help others and be of service
What is your current business model I am solo I sell consulting services and also do freelance writing and photography for companies that donrsquot have a staff writer I really need an intern or VA at this point though and am looking for someone
26
Do you see this business model changing in the futureYes and no Yes I will need to hire someone and ideally two people now that I have branched out into creating courses and ebooks but no in regards to my consulting services changing as what I do is in demand People feel confused about social media and creating regular content so I think it will be the same business model for a long time to come
What does a day-in-the-life look like for you Well Irsquom a vampire apparently as I mainly work nights which here in Thailand would be morning time where many of my clients live During the day I am homeschooling mum and also carry in my bag some of my work for
when I need to do some writing or analysis of a clientrsquos social media
Do you feel like an introvert or an extrovert and does that affect how you do businessIrsquom an extrovert but a highly sensitive one This has actually worked in my favour as I have a process for weeding out people who donrsquot fit my Ideal Client profile so that I can maintain my energy and do the best I can with the entrepreneurs who I can best serve
What are your favourite parts of businessI adore talking with clients on the phone or in person so basically anytime Irsquom geeking out about social media and writing
27
Least favouriteAnything to do with SEO
Do you feel like yoursquove made sacrifices to live this lifestyle What are theyEntrepreneurship is isolating in general Add that to the fact that we live on an island in Thailand and itrsquos double the isolation but to be honest this was the best place for us to build our online businesses as itrsquos affordable to live here and safe so I have no regrets
What are your Core Desired Feelings Connection serenity ease truth Values wise Irsquom wild but extremely family oriented
Any special tools or routines you implement regularly to feel or perform awesomelyI read from spiritual or philosophical books and take regular walks Both give me loads of ideas for storytelling which is the essence of what I do Podcasts are also a huge part of my routine particularly those devoted to marketing
BOOK Ocean Sea (buy it now AMAZING)
WEBSITE wwwholisticdadnet
EARLY MORNING ACTIVITY Drinking yerba mate and some yoga
LATE NIGHT ACTIVITY Good beer and a video game
GOURMET SNACK Anything with white truffle oil on it
Quickfire Faves
Elizabeth Kelsey Bradley is an award-winning writer consultant and photojournalist currently based in Thailand Her work has appeared on sites such as Tiny Buddha Vagabonding and in Girl Gone International magazine
As a consultant she helps companies develop effective social media and content strategies She is currently devoted to helping holistic entrepreneurs grow their online platforms at Thriving Healer
28
PAPERLESS OFFICELETrsquoS LEAVE MORE OF OUR TREE FRIENDS IN THE GROUND AND TAKE ADVANTAGE OF THE EXCELLENT APPS AVAILABLE INSTEAD AFTER ALL WErsquoRE RUNNING OUR DEVICES FOR MOST OF THE DAY ANYWAY - MAY AS WELL TAKE ADVANTAGE OF THEIR RAD CAPABILITIES
29
SWAPWriting Lists
FORWunderlist
AnyDoTodoist
SWAPHardcopy Books
FOR
KindleiBooks
SWAPPrinting + Scanning
Contracts
FOR
EchosignHellosignSWAP
Taking Notes + Printing Articles
FOREvernote
SWAPBrainstorming
+ Mind Mapping
FORSimpleMind
Coggle
30
HOW DARE YOU S E T T L E F O R L E S S WHEN THE WORLD h a s m a d e i t SO EASY F O R Y O U T O B E remarkable
SETH GODIN
31
JASMINE DOWLING MAPS TO HERSELF THE FIFTH ELEMENT LIFE
MOSSYJOJO TRICIA O DESIGNSIMPLY LOVE CREATIONS
BY SAMANTHA STACEY KEMPPENFRIEND
Jazz up your office walls with prints that stoke your creative fire
32
THE YES EPIDEMIC
33
THE YES EPIDEMIC
OurCoverStar
34
Whether it be a night out (when Irsquom exhausted) a favour (thatrsquos asking a little too much) or a date (that I know isnrsquot going to go anywhere) Irsquove typically and reluctantly replied to these requests with a lsquosure thingrsquo more times than Irsquod care to admit
Take on another client when my schedule is fully booked Absolutely
Offer to shout a friendrsquos breakfast when I really donrsquot have the cash to splash Of course
Commit to another online course when Irsquom barely halfway through the other 8 Irsquove signed up for this year Why yes
The Yes Epidemic has woven its way into our exceptionally busy (and beautiful) lives with the promise of MORE More connection more exposure more opportunity more money more education more insight more success And the more we do the more we are - right
Wrong
The reality is the more we constantly fill our plates to the brim (oh letrsquos admit it our plates are overflowing) with commitment after
commitment the less space we are leaving for us to just BE
To be immersed in who we are what our dreams and desires are to love to play to breathe
By saying lsquoyesrsquo like itrsquos going out of fashion we find ourselves spread as thin as vegemite on gluten-free toast Our energy and vitality are compromised and we donrsquot show up in the world as our best selves
So here are a few tips I use with my clients (and myself regularly) to get in the habit of saying lsquonorsquo a little more often
Irsquove never been very good at saying lsquonorsquo
35
Reflective routine with a heaping dose of reality is key here Take an honest look at your weekly schedule and ensure that you are focussing your precious time energy and resources on the people activities and
projects that are aligned with your values Is this commitment important to you Then honour it with your time Not so important
Time to shift things up
I canrsquot go past Marie Forleorsquos advice on this subject When somebody presents you with an opportunity if itrsquos not a HELL YES then itrsquos a no
Go with your gut always
Forget the FOMO The lsquofear of missing outrsquo is what keeps most of us on the Sure Thing Wagon and itrsquos just not sustainable Trust that all the
opportunities that are meant for you will come your way at the right time for you
Send your lsquonorsquo off with love Therersquos no need to feel uncomfortable turning down a request when you do so with kindness respect and
humility Excuses can be left at the door just honour your good intentions and everyone involved in the situation
Remember every time you give a loving inspired lsquonorsquo you are giving others the permission to do the same thing I always feel energised when someone turns down a request because it reminds me to respect myself
enough to pull out that gentle lsquonorsquo when required too
1
23
45
AND THE BEST THING ABOUT SAYING lsquoNOrsquo WHEN THE TIME COMES THAT A lsquoSURE THINGrsquo IS IN FACT THE HEART-CENTRED RESPONSE YOU EXCITEDLY GIVE ITrsquoS MUCH SWEETER MORE MEANINGFUL AND A HELLUVA LOT MORE VALUABLE
Claire Baker is a certified coach and mentor passionate writer and speaker and author of lsquoShe Is Radiant Your 6-Week Wellness Adventure To Get Glowy amp Feel Radrsquo Claire guides vibrant young women as they get from where they are to where they want to be ndash in their health and life blog and business
You can consider Claire your personal advocate for living an energised playful and heart-centred life Come say hi at This is Lifeblood her online space to share her passion for all things nourishing soulful and creative
CLAIRErsquoS TOP FIVE TIPS TO GET INTO THE HABIT OF SAYING NO
36
37
artOF THE
THE
soloSOULRETREAT
38
When you live a soul-driven and passionate life you very likely live and breathe your lsquoworkrsquo 247
I put the word work in inverted commas because for you itrsquos likely just you leading your amazing life (and more power to you my friend) But amidst this you may find it difficult to switch off and cultivate the spaciousness to just let it all hang out and exist without an agenda or a to-do list anywhere in site
Enter stage left the Solo Soul Retreat I took myself on one recently and by golly did it give me the exact level of time out and rejoove that this soul-driven lassy needed Maybe itrsquos about time you took yourself on one
Here are some tips for creating the perfect conditions for your solo soul retreat
Pick a place close byI chose the Byron area because itrsquos only two hours drive from where I live And this is important because while you want to be lsquoawayrsquo to unplug from the numerous distractions of home you donrsquot want to be so far away that you feel obliged to check out all the sights and scoot around lsquodoingrsquo your little butt off You want to create a feeling of not having to do ANYTHING if you donrsquot feel like it Moment to moment awareness and tapping into what you truly want to do is critical to the restorative nature of the solo soul retreat So if that means a nap in the afternoon without checking out the sights do it Sans the guilt
Making it somewhere close by means you can convince your inner tourist that you can come back any time you want to So donrsquot book your long awaited trip to Bali for this particular retreat style I recommend scouting around Air BnB for some great bargains near you
Book for at least 2-3 nights away (more if possible)It takes awhile for us to wind down and get in to the rhythm of a slower pace so give yourself as much time as possible to sink deeply in to relaxation I find that it takes my body a good day or so (at least) to realise itrsquos on holiday A weekend is good a long weekend even better And a week would be crazy good
Set an intentionFor my soul retreat it was to cultivate a feeling of internal ease and spaciousness I was so tightly wound and constricted from within I wanted to feel joyous energy flowing through me again
39
unimpeded
An intention is a helpful anchor that you can come back to throughout the retreat when you feel your energy flitting away to unnecessary distractions Revisit your intention throughout your retreat and ease back into the feeling you wish to cultivate
Immerse yourself in natureWherever you head to find some time to plonk yourself amidst the stunning natural surrounds of Mama Nature There is absolutely NOTHING that compares to the healing capacity of earthing ourselves at the beach or in the forest or just a little garden Barefoot and butt on the ground meditating or just sitting and quietly contemplating our wondrous natural world will have you relaxing into zen in no time
Silence is goldenTaking time to retreat also means giving your mind a bit of a break (hence the lsquono doingrsquo rule) try out not talking which shouldnrsquot be too hard if yoursquore on your own and see what kind of insights
There is absolutely NOTHING that compares to the healing capacity of earthing ourselves at the beach
or in the forest or just a little garden
Barefoot and butt on the ground meditating or just sitting and
quietly contemplating our wondrous natural world
will have you relaxing into zen in no time
40
begin to pop into your nogginrsquo when you donrsquot have to constantly communicate
Pamper yourselfWhat feels really decadent to you For my recent retreat it was heading to a spa and bathhouse for the morning soaking in oxygenated spa baths steaming myself in the sauna and relaxing on a sun lounge in the tranquil spa gardens with a good book
For you it might be a luxurious massage and energy balancing treatment Or maybe itrsquos a delicious meal you take your time with at an amazing restaurant nearby Perhaps itrsquos allowing yourself to lounge around in bed with your favourite book and a cup of tea Whatever it is allow yourself these delights As many as you please gorgeous one
Body-loving foodIf you have a kitchen at your accommodation pack yourself the kind of food you know your body loves Think veggies fruit some bliss balls your fave teas raw cacao and honey for a delish hot chocolate If you have a portable blender pack up your ingredients to whip yourself up some delights while yoursquore there Alternatively and if you have time prepare a few things before you head off You can pre-cook quinoa lentil curries and rice dishes to heat up whenever you fancy If there are local farmerrsquos markets you can even do a bit of purchasing there for your meals (and because yoursquore so close to home bringing back the leftovers is a cinch)
Scout around a little and find some local cafeacutes or
41
restaurants that tickle your fancy and take yourself out for a meal that makes your body scream YES
Soul nourishing practices Rituals and practices help us to sink more deeply in to our soulrsquos true nature Bring along whatever stokes your soul fire and brings you into present moment awareness Cultivating reverence for yourself and life itself is a crucial aspect of your soul retreat Some practices you may consider are raquo Meditation (guided or just simply following your inhale and exhale) I find the Kundalini Ego
Eradicator meditation particularly soul-nourishing (and frankly life changing) raquo Journaling ndash with no thought as to what to write just jot down whatever comes to you Yoursquoll be
amazed at the cathartic feelings and insights this brings raquo Yoga (on your own or find a class nearby that resonates with you) raquo Playing with oracle cards Ask a question or for general guidance and see how your guides and
the Universe responds The Little Sagersquos deck is divine raquo Reading soulfully inspiring books raquo Lighting some incense and writing an epic gratitude list raquo A walking meditation through nature raquo Get arty play around with whatever you have Love colour Bring your paints Doodle Donrsquot
judge the results just let it flow out of you
Overall the point of this solo soul retreat is that you do what you genuinely want to do in the moment So nix the over planning as you may do with other trips away Settle into present moment awareness and allow yourself to be rather than just do Listen with kindness to your inner child Let her out to play (Mega hint she really doesnrsquot want to be bossed around) Gifting yourself this time is your surefire way to feeling rejuvenated refreshed and ready to live life to its fullest
Enjoy gorgeous one
Carly is a passionate international aid and development project manager and writer Carly works on projects in Australia and the Asia-Pacific region focusing on cultivating sustainable livelihoods the empowerment of women community enterprise local market development and positive social change
Head on over to Carlyrsquos blog Pockets of Peace for her soul-centred musings on peace wellness and oodles of inspiration
42
The most powerful weapon on earth is the human soul
on fire
F E R D I N A N D F O C H
43
Five Minute Fixes
FOR FEAR AND OVERWHELM
44
IF YOUrsquoRE RUNNING YOUR OWN BIZ YOUrsquoD BE FAMILIAR WITH THE PHENOMENON OF FEAR AND OVERWHELM YOU KNOW WHEN YOU JUST FEEL STUCK PARALYSED NOT SURE WHICH CHOICE TO MAKE OR ACTION TO TAKE YOU HAVE DEADLINES LOOMING THE PRESSURE IS MOUNTING AND YOUrsquoRE BLOCKED YOU NEED TO GET OUT OF YOUR OVERWHELM RIGHT NOW SO YOU CAN GET BACK TO CHANGING THE WORLD
Here are five practices designed to break the fear cycle and get you out of your head and into your body in five minutes or less
Go outside Get out into the sunlight See the sky take off your shoes and feel the grass tickle your toes Close your eyes Feel the heat on your skin Take some deep breaths and smell the air Tune in to the sounds around you Become still Fully engage with the present moment and drop into the sensations in your body
Deep breathing You can use a mantra such as So-Hum you can count the length of each inhale and exhale or you can do as many rounds of Nadi Shodhana (alternate nostril breathing) as you can fit into five minutes Whatever yoursquore most comfortable with do that Breath is the bridge between the inner and outer realities Deep breathing will calm the nervous system and bring your attention to the present moment
Move Go for a brisk walk Put on your favourite tune plug in the headphones and dance (in the bathroom cubicle if yoursquore embarrassed to do it in publichellip because thatrsquos not weird at all) Have a quickie on your own or with a partner Or you can shake it out Start with your right foot shake it as hard as possible to the count of 10 Then your whole leg Then the left foot and left leg Then the right hand then the right arm then the left hand and arm Then fold forward and gently shake your head - back to front side to side Then stand up again and shake your whole body like you know how
Then stand in stillness for 2 minutes to balance out the movement Listen to your heartbeat Yoursquove just expressed and released some negative energy so take a standing Savasana (resting pose) to integrate Make sure you smooth your hair after this one
45
Aromatherapy Get a bottle of essential oil and sniff it - simple Smell affects the limbic system which is responsible for the storage and release of emotional trauma You can immediately calm your body with the right scent
Make sure you get 100 therapeutic grade pure essential oil - these have a high vibrational frequency and you donrsquot want any nasties entering your system through inferior quality oil Lavender is proven to calm the nervous system as is frankincense balsam fir basil cedar wood and sandalwood You can purchase calming blends from your local aromatherapist or get them to custom-make a blend for you
Make some noise This is especially good if you work from home or drive to work as you may want privacy Get a pillow or lock yourself in the car and scream as loud as you can connecting deeply to your pelvis Give yourself permission to vocalise all that frustration fear shame guilt whatever is building up in your energy field Sound is the end of feeling When you express vocally you are releasing emotion and ending the cycle of repression Done regularly this will also enhance your creativity and self-expression - benefiting your business (and sex life) in the long run
These practices work for me and Irsquod love to know if they resonate with you
Irsquom Emma a multi-passionate self-love junkie who loves supporting people on their journey to wellness Since suffering from adrenal burnout and a host of related conditions Irsquove dedicated myself to personal healing and growth and encouraging others to find their own unique path By day Irsquom a yoga teacher virtual assistant and event coordinator for wellness entrepreneurs and outside of that yoursquoll find me salsa dancing travelling and eating raw desserts
Connect with me at emmashieldscom
46
Abandon anything about your life and habits that might be holding you back
Learn to create your own opportunities
Know that there is no finish line fortune favors action
Race balls-out toward the extraordinary life that yoursquove always dreamed of
or still havenrsquot had time to dream up
And prepare to have a hell of a lot of fun along the way
SOPHIA AMORUSO
47
Why you should create aHIGH-CONVERTING OPT-IN OFFER
A critical component of building your online business is growing your email list and creating a compelling opt-in offer is one of the best ways to kickstart this growth
You want your email list to be made up of people who are genuinely interested in you and what you have to offer your target market Your ideal customers and readers
Thatrsquos why your opt-in offer (a gift to entice people to join your list) needs to be unique highly relevant to your business and of real value to your ideal clients If people are on your site checking you out they are already interested ndash you need to give them a compelling reason to sign up
What would your readers find valuable Something that saves them time money pain or makes their life easier better or more beautiful It also needs to be damn high quality Proofed designed and worth paying for
48
Why would you give away something so valuable for free
Because it shows yoursquore serious about helping people Because it builds trust with readers Because itrsquos a genuine thank you in return for a readerrsquos contact details Because itrsquos an ad for your business Yoursquore showing people the quality of what they will receive if they go on to work with you
How do you choose which is right for you Think about what you currently offer your readers or customers (as in content as well as services or products) What is popular What do they comment on most or ask questions about What would you love to create What would be the perfect compliment to a service you provide How can you genuinely help
Brainstorm a list then narrow it down to one ndash and get cracking
The best opt-ins are win-win ndash you gather details from ideal customers and the customers
receive something great that they need and want in return
Happy creating
PS Tricking people is icky Donrsquot do that Itrsquos of no use to have people on your list that donrsquot care about you or your products Be genuine Offer genuine value Get genuine sign-ups
SO WHAT SHOULD YOU OFFER
Here are a few ideas raquo A sneak peek or preview of a paid
product ndash like a free chapter or lesson
raquo A smaller version of a paid product ndash like a 3 day meal plan
raquo Something which compliments a service you offer
raquo Useful templates ndash like a product launch worksheet or a calendar
raquo Inspirational printables ndash like quotes or illustrations
raquo A mini eCourse ndash like 5 days of video coaching
raquo A discount ndash like 10 off their next purchase
raquo A VIP offer ndash like first dibs on tickets
raquo An eBook or workbook ndash like a recipe book or marketing plan
Alana Wimmer is Founder + Creative Director of mini digital publishing house Raspberry Stripes Alana works with rad lady entrepreneurs to design eBooks which will change the world She also provides guidance insight and info on eBook design on the Raspberry Stripes website When she isnrsquot designing reading or talking about eBooks you can find Alana walking Rory and Roxy the boxers with her husband in tow probably on her way to pick up a green smoothie
49
is a lack of self-worth
50
As a bright-eyed uni student I got pretty excited about all the opportunities that were due to unfold before me when I graduated
My approach to life has always been filled with excitement for the future I remember saying to friends in class that we were certain to be successful because enthusiasm trumps experience Sadly the path wasnrsquot as smooth as Irsquod imagined I naively thought that all bosses had a sixth-sense for talent even from shy girls who werenrsquot outward about their abilities
I applied for and took a series of jobs that from the job description seemed so overwhelmingly scary to do but within months if not weeks I was bored I lacked the self-worth to believe I could step up but Irsquod externalise this into anger at my employer for holding me back Eventually I realised it was all of my own creation I was the one who was playing small applying for and then taking jobs that wersquore well under my pay grade I even turned down a few including a big promotion because the amount of money offered was too much and it scared me Seriously
Years of study and I lacked the ability to dive in fully commit be brave be boisterous about my abilities and soar I found school easy and when things seemed challenging at work I put it down to an inability to perform If it wasnrsquot easy at first I accepted that I just wasnrsquot able I had yet to find out that some of the best lessons come from giving things a go and making a lot of mistakes Failing or in reality playing small was a comfort zone for me and success in my career was an unknown quantity I was used to struggle I was safe with my dreams The possibility of them coming true Too much to handle Irsquod have to learn to live in the present moment and I donrsquot think I was ready to do that I wasnrsquot ready to look closely at myself and see that for all my effort there was still a lot of inner work to do It was time to look within
I KNOW HOW EASY IT IS TO BUILD WALLS AROUND OUR DREAMS PUSH THEM FURTHER AWAY IN AN ATTEMPT TO PLAY SAFE AND LIVE LIFE ACCORDING TO EXTERNAL INFLUENCE I KNOW THE LEVEL OF DETERMINATION AND MENTAL GRIT IT TAKES TO OVERCOME OURSELVES START TAKING OWNERSHIP OF OUR THOUGHTS AND ULTIMATELY THE PATH OF OUR OWN LIVES
I love when clients ask me to guide them on this path because I know just what can happen when they get there I hold my hand out as a supportive leverage point and watch them soar
Something Irsquove learnt along the way The first step for many women in building self-worth is learning the art of body love Body love is all about learning to appreciate the capabilities of your body nourishing and taking care of your spirit and occasionally cutting yourself a break
51
Itrsquos looking in the mirror and liking the person you see not picking on the parts you donrsquot like Itrsquos making a choice about whether to wear a bikini based on your personal values and not about what your body looks like in one Dieting and restriction are low level energies that hold us back from achieving high level desires Negative thinking blocks our internal compass and our ability to connect to our intuition Body love is the gateway to high frequency living
We all have that version of ourselves that we aspire to be The woman who gets up to the alarm has patience and drive Shersquos got a sparkle in her eye a sense of confidence and knowing about her place in the world that emanates from her whole being She sits up straight and laughs with abandon From where we sit therersquos a chasm to leap in becoming that woman That woman represents ldquoone dayrdquo She represents effort She can seem unachievable In my experience body love is the first and most important step toward that woman Body love is filled with possibility promise and prosperity When we remove that low level energy of diet and restriction we can start to attract high frequencies We can start to become that woman in the present moment
Irsquove seen the shift first hand for so many people Suddenly the whole world opens up and the possibilities become endless The cloud lifts and pie-in-the-sky dreams show up in high-definition technicolour Thoughts that previously caused anxiety everything from going to lunch with new friends to finding a purpose in life start to feel as easy to read as words on a page Therersquos no more searching Itrsquos been replaced by a knowing excitement I watch as women become like bright-eyed students again endless possibilities opening up before them Only this time Theyrsquove got experience on their side
Suddenly the whole world
opens up and the
possibilities become
endless
The cloud lifts and
pie-in-the-sky dreams show
up in high-definition
technicolour
Rachelle is a Life + Confidence Coach at My Saturn Epoch She supports women through the big transitions in their life helping them to break their negative cycles to consciously create a happy life and positive mindset She is a big hearted business woman who is passionate about supporting women in pursuit of their own excellence so they can shine as a beacon to themselves their families and their communities
Connect with Rachelle at mysaturnepochcom
52
SUBSCRIBE TO RASPBERRY MAGAZINE
Grab an annual subscription and yoursquoll receive raquo 6 digital issues of Raspberry Magazine raquo an exclusive Annual Subscribers Thank You Pack
- which includes a printable manifesto beautiful meditation tracks an eBook and more contributed by generous lady entrepreneurs - worth over $35
VISIT THE SHOP
53
T H A N K Y O U F O R R E A D I N GA N D A M I L L I O N H I G H-F I V E S
I F Y O U L O V E D R A S P B E R R YM A G A Z I N E P L E A S E S H A R E
54
6
I think it is more of a mix of creating as well as the finding As we grow as writers and as human beings our voice is constantly being created (consciously and unconsciously) Our signature style is as much chosen by us as it is natural
Have a think about elite athletes They start with some natural physical talent but then by choosing a sport they are channelling their talent a certain way Then with practice coaching and training their natural talent becomes much more than existed to begin with It is the same with our writing voice We begin at that base level and then we choose to write followed by fine-tuning and bettering ourselves over time with practice By making these choices we are creating our voice
Donrsquot get disheartened thinking that your current writing voice is the be all and end all No way ndash instead our voice will change grow and evolve and not in a way that is out of our own control We can make the choice to consciously improve and develop our writing voice
So how do I create my writing voice
READ WIDELY Donrsquot box yourself in to a genre particular author or other defining characteristic Let many styles and authors influence you but always avoid copying outright Stealing ideas and copying verbatim wonrsquot teach you anything but emulating a style during practice can grow your voice
PS Practicing different authorsrsquo styles in your own notebook where no one is going to see ainrsquot breaking any copyright laws Do you remember in high school where we wrote things in Shakespearean style for assignments Itrsquos just like that ndash broadening our literary horizons is not a crime
PRACTICE A LOT As I mentioned above practicing different styles in your notebook or journal is a great way to exercise your voice and flex it in new and interesting ways But practicing is not just confined to your private notebooks Just because itrsquos lsquopracticingrsquo doesnrsquot mean the words canrsquot see the light of day In fact yoursquore probably already practicing without knowing it Writing on your blog on someone elsersquos blog on social media in your newsletter ndash this is all prime writing practice time where you are creating your voice
SAYING THAT WE lsquoFINDrsquo OUR WRITING VOICE IS A BIT MISLEADING
7
Find your favourite blogger and go back a few years into their archives Have a read of their old posts and note how much their
writing voice has changed and evolved We all have to start somewhere
BRAIN DUMP THEN EDIT Editing is the ideal tool for you to use to refine your writing voice
Irsquom a believer in getting it all out on to your page (whether itrsquos paper or digital) unedited unrefined and possibly with atrocious spelling and grammar This big brain dump of everything you need or want to say without self-judgement or on the spot editing is all about getting everything out of your head It can be paragraphs sentences bullet points or even words scrawled at any angle in your notepad ndash just get it out and down By coming up with this lsquoshitty first draftrsquo you get to bypass that horrible staring-at-the-blank-screen-stage (where resistance well and truly rears its ugly head)
Once yoursquove got your shitty first draft done itrsquos time to take the content and mould it into something others will not only understand but resonate with You can now go through and delete reword tune-up sex-ify simplify or amplify ndash whatever you need to do to create your voice
If you are writing for your business you have the ability to choose and create your businessrsquos writing voice (and speaking voice for that matter) For my business the voice I use is very
much a reflection of my own voice as my brand is intrinsically linked to me
Another example is my old corporate gig ndash we had a style guide that covered the type of voice we were to use in any of the companyrsquos communications It was a very thorough document
that covered examples of writing voice grammar and spelling rules (eg English over American spelling) as well as all of the visual branding identifiers It was also totally necessary for such
an organisation to have a guide so the companyrsquos communication remained consistent and aligned
Does your biz need a style guide
8
READ THE CONTEXT While your personality should be shining through your writing wherever it may exist often the context will dictate how much is showing through For example social media platforms like Facebook Twitter and Instagram are ideal for personality-filled casual language
Whereas the business networking platform LinkedIn is made for more lsquoprofessionalrsquo or lsquocorporatersquo language and content (although sometimes these preconceived notions need shaking up so why not think about making come waves) Learn to read your context and create native content based on it
CONSISTENCY IS KEY Yeah yeah I know yoursquove heard this one before But this piece of advice rings particularly true when it comes to creating your writing voice Without consistency both in your writing and in your writing practice yoursquoll have no lsquoflowrsquo and improvement wonrsquot come easily
The golden rules of consistency raquo Keep your language and style (your writing voice) consistent throughout a piece of writing
Create flow raquo Be regular in your writing practice Give yourself as many chances as possible to hone in on your
voice and to improve it
Where to now
To the MacBook or the journal with you Start creating your writing voice right now
Katie is a communications consultant with a flair for wrangling words brainstorming branding strategy and manhandling marketing collateral (she likes alliteration too)
She has been studying and working in communications for over seven years and has been known to speak about good communication to roomfuls of eager ears
Katie works with her clients to discover simple and direct messaging which speaks to customers and ultimately brings in more sales
You can find her online at katiesmythcom
9
Personal transformation can and does have global effects
As we go so goes the world for the world is us
The revolution that will save the world is ultimately a personal one
MARIANNE WILLIAMSON
10
Holding Your First WorkshopT H E F I V E T H I N G S YO U N E E D TO K N O W
11
Are you keen to dip your toes into the world of workshops and events Here are the 5 things that you should know before you dive on in
ONE You donrsquot need a big budget
You donrsquot need to spend a lot of money to throw an amazing event When it comes to your venue there are plenty of low cost options out there
Community centres councils and libraries across Australia are an amazing resource where you can book a space for as little as $3 an hour Co-working spaces yoga
studios or warehouses can also be cost effective options
If you find a venue that makes you squeee with happiness but seems a bit out of your reach ask the manager when their off peak times are or when you can
access a lower rate
Nervous about other costs Holding events in between main meals means you only need to provide light refreshments such as tea juice and sweet treats And if you require additional items for things such as gift bags or professional services like a
photographer you can offer businesses a sponsorship package services swap or some free tickets to the event in return for collaborating with you
TWO The best workshops are a complete experience
The most fulfilling happiness inducing and ah-ha filled workshops are those that are a complete experience from start to finish If your aim is to create connection ensure that guests are greeted as soon as they walk in that they can mingle easily and then have a way to continue the conversations post event If your aim is to educate and inspire give them printed materials and workbooks visual slides and an engaging presentation If your aim is to create peace through an activity such as yoga or
meditation then give them a soft and gentle atmosphere and some soothing tunes
It always helps to think about your objective and build the experience around that
12
THREE Generosity sells
There is nothing more icky than going to an event expecting to be informed about a topic and then end up getting the hard sell put on you There is definitely a way to promote authentically and in a non-sleazy way but before that even comes into the
picture I believe it is best practice to give give give
Give your time and your presence to the people in the room with you Give expert knowledge information and tips that arenrsquot readily available elsewhere
Give guests the opportunity to openly approach you and have a chat
When you are sincere about giving your best people will genuinely want to want work with you By the time you offer them a way to continue the relationship you will have a
line of people eager to sign up ndash no hustling required
13
FOUR You can be creative in your marketing
You donrsquot have to promote your workshop just through the stock standard ways Get creative and share your vision with your audience You can
raquo Create a simple weekly graphic with an inspiring quote related to your workshop content raquo Share beautiful photos of the venue goody bag items deacutecor or printed materials
raquo Profile your speakers with a cute pic and a short but interesting bio raquo Tease people with little snippets of what the day will bring them
raquo Keep people updated with what you are doing and show them the work behind the scenes
Encouraging engagement in the lead up is a nice way to remind people about your workshop without feeling repetitive
5 You will have bust through some fears
Expect to feel emotional at times Worries such as I donrsquot know where to start I am overwhelmed nobody is going to come Irsquom not good enough and what if people are disappointed can pop up but
I promise you ndash this is normal These little suckers have a habit of creeping up on you but if you can find the strength tools and support to work through these then it is definitely worth it
A good course of action is to assess reflect and act Be aware of when it happens and assess what emotions are coming up reflect on why it is an issue for you and then take positive action to overcome it If you can gently work with your fears instead of letting them hold you back I
promise you there will be an amazing experience on the other side
Holding your own workshops and events can be a bit of work but the connections you create and the positive impact you have on peoplersquos lives is incredible
Keeping spreading your message lovelies and happy planning
Jade McKenzie is an event professional for heart-centered entrepreneurs and business owners who get sweaty palms at the thought of running an event themselves With over a decade of experience in event management she has an unrelenting passion for giving her clients the ability to step into their spotlight and shine
Find her at eventheadcomau
14
IF YOU DONrsquoT DESIGN YOUR OWN LIFE PLAN CHANCES ARE YOUrsquoLL FALL INTO SOMEONE ELSErsquoS PLAN
AND GUESS WHAT THEY HAVE PLANNED FOR YOU NOT MUCH
Jim Rohn
15
nomadsnomadsDIGITAL
THESE WOMEN ARE BUILDING BUSINESSES THAT CAN BE RUN FROM ANYWHERE THEY CHOOSE
16
Elizabeth McKenzie
What do you do Let me count the ways
First and foremost Irsquom a multi-passionate
Which means Irsquom business + marketing coach spiritual mentor writer + seeker of rad things And I canrsquot go past a mention of my two loves Nike high tops and Harry Styles
Who lives with youAt the moment Irsquom living with my parents on their yacht Wersquore getting ready to sail up the East Coast of Australia Irsquom then heading to the US and plan on renting out a pad in NYC with Juliethellipand when I returnhellip who knowshellip Irsquom open to suggestions
Did you a transition from a regular 9 to 5 job How did
that happen for you I transitioned from student to business owner While I was studying my Master of Speech Pathology (oh yeah Irsquom a speech pathologist too) I became so sick of having to adhere to the metal box that is university education Ya know playing by someone elsersquos rules so I started up a blog initially as a way to rebel from the box
The more I blogged the more I became obsessed with everything about being online ndash the connections with other likeminded women andhellip hold up the ability to work from anywhere in the world helping anyone with an internet connection Sign me up
I hired a butt load of mentors to help me along my way and at the start of 2014 I launched my first offering marketing and business coaching (yes I also have a degree in that too)
17
At the same time I got a one day a week speechie job to compliment my multi-passionate nature but after 4 months of doing that I realised itrsquos not in my nature to work for anyone else but myself
By then my business was bringing in the cash to support my decision to go all in
And here I am on a boat
What is your current business model Itrsquos currently me and my teeny team of rad peeps Irsquove got my VA my copywriter and communications consultant and my graphic designer I love having people compliment what I do
The business model ndash well I started with the advisor model really only selling my expertise and coaching on a 11 basis but Irsquom now creating an eCourse to help hundreds of women become more spiritual without losing touch with the real world Essentially real world spirituality the unwanky way and Irsquom crazy excited
Throughout this journey Irsquove realised that my business and how I operate is always going to evolve and accepting that has freed me up to do so much more of the things I love
Do you see this business model changing in the futureI had an epiphany recently that I want to help as many people as I can so Irsquom now starting to gear my business towards that kind of model with eCourses and programs that are offered at a lower price point
Exciting times
My motto in business (and life) never say never
Wersquore operating in a dynamic environment The dumbest thing you can do for your business is feel you
have to lock yourself in
By all means pick something and give it a red hot go ndash but know that as the environment changes around you you need to accommodate that
Woke up at 630 for breakfast and coffee
Had a three hour intensive with my latest client who lives in Scotland from 7-10
Did a bit of admin and setting up the membership site of my new eCourse
Went to see Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles at 1 (nerd much)
Got home at 4
Felt inspired to read so whipped out my latest book
Wrote a little after dinner for my latest opt-in offer
Ended the day watching reruns of The Mindy Project
A Da
y In
The
Lif
e of
Eliza
beth
Do you feel like an introvert or an extrovert and does that affect how you do businessCan I say Irsquom both Sometimes I need to be around people to get more energy and sometimes I need to be alone to recharge too
I think therersquos a bit of a dance I do in my business where I need to have days like the Friday above because otherwise my energy gets stagnant and the creative flow stops
What are your favourite parts of businessWriting Creating
And the ability to not work when I donrsquot want to
18
Least favouriteWordpress admin Although when I nail something (finally) I get a major sense of achievement
Do you feel like yoursquove made sacrifices to live this lifestyle What are theyDefinitely At the moment Irsquove had to let me pooch live with his dad while Irsquom on a boat and while I got to NYC
I wish he could be with me 247
What are your Core Desired Feelings raquo Free raquo Luxurious raquo Joy
Any special tools or routines you implement regularly to feel or perform awesomelyThe number one thing that I do regularly is clear my chakras via a breathing and visualisation meditation It takes 20 minutes and it seriously changes the tune of my day I can usually go a day without but too long and I notice that Irsquom underperforming
Quickfire Faves
BOOK The Anatomy of the Spirit by Caroline Myss Although I hated it originally mostly because I didnrsquot want to hear the messages that were coming through
WEBSITE YouTube Canrsquot go past finding an olds 90s jam or interviews with Harry Styles to watch
EARLY MORNING ACTIVITY Chakra Clearing
LATE NIGHT ACTIVITY Watching reruns of my favourite TV shows
GOURMET SNACK I donrsquot do gourmet myself but Irsquom all for gourmet cafe food (itrsquos the Melbournian in me) It could be a sugary almond macaroon or full fat grilled haloumi
Elizabeth is a professional business coach spiritual mentor and the creator of The Spiritual Material Girl eCourse Shersquos also the creator of high-end private coaching programs and courses geared towards helping ambitious and successful women who lsquoseemrsquo like theyrsquove got it all figured outhellip yet who still donrsquot feel like their heartrsquos truly fulfilled
Shersquos the go-to for helping you tackle your biz blocks tap into your spiritual side and live a totally kick-ass life With her trademark blend of heartfelt honesty and straight-talking swagger she ties it all together to set you on the fast track to personal professional and spiritual success
Instead of just keepinrsquo on doing whatrsquos not working Elizabeth can show you how to get exactly what you want ndash whether that means building a business you love creating more happiness or simply getting more out of your life You can find Elizabeth over at her home on the internet Your Highest Self
19
Vienda Maria
Vienda Maria is a lifestyle coach author and creative who helps Bon Vivants coaches yogis creatives and entrepreneurs create thriving semi-nomadic unconventional lives that are fulfilling both soulfully and financially Through her coaching events books Gypset Mindset Class course and online community Vienda has inspired and transformed the lives of thousands across the globe ldquoMy mission is simple to guide each and every one of you back to who you really are To come home back to your soul and allowing it to guide your destiny For more love More fun More freedom More adventure More liferdquo Visit Vienda online here
20
What do you do Irsquom a lifestyle coach and writer who helps emerging creatives and professionals create a life thatrsquos a little a it unusual Itrsquos about breaking away from structured office hours and recognising their ability to create their own jobs and money by using their innate passions skills and talents in ways that are a little bit out of the box Itrsquos all about stepping out of a limiting mindset and seeing what is actually possible
Who lives with youI live on my own
Did you a transition from a regular 9 to 5 job How did that happen for you Not really Irsquove always had an extremely free lifestyle and only dabbled into a couple of office jobs along the way when I was inbetween other things
My transition to my current life happened out of the necessity to create something for myself that supported my lifestyle and was financially sustainable After studying psychology at uni I worked at international film and music festivals and other events which was really fun and exciting 12 years later I had fallen in love with being my own boss and traveling the world It was then that I realised that there are so many people who would love to travel have more freedom and time and create their own jobs and that I could help them
What is your current business model Irsquom a very independent worker so I tend to work solo though Irsquove just hired an intern to help me with some of the admin and social media stuff which is quite exciting I sell a range of different things ndash my coaching services make up most of my income followed by products in the form of eBooks and
jewellery collected on my travels Irsquom just about to launch my first course a set of 6 live classes to help beginners create their own unconventional lifestyle so thatrsquos very exciting and keeping me busy
Do you see this business model changing in the future Yes I think as an entreprenuer one the greatest characteristics you can have is flexibility Being flexible with how you do things always changing growing and updating is so important If you want to keep up with business you have to be comfortable and willing to change
What does a day-in-the-life look like for you I travel a lot so my day-to-day varies quite a lot but I usually start the day with writing content for my course blog or anything else that needs my creative input because in the morning my creativity is the highest I keep the mundane tasks for later in the day usually after my coaching calls I check emails and social media twice a day ndash once in the morning and once in the afternoon ndash which usually give me a good indication of what else needs to be done
And I always end my working day with a To Do list for the next day so I wake up with clarity and know exactly what I need to focus on
Irsquom really interested in time efficiency and productivity so choose to focus on doing things that I love and that generate the most response
Do you feel like an introvert or an extrovert and does that affect how you do business Hmmm ndash Irsquom an introverted extrovert I really enjoy my own company and fuel up energetically with time to myself But I also love and need social stimulation inspiration and everything that people bring into our
21
lives I guess itrsquos about balance and listening to your own needs
What are your favourite parts of business Creating and connecting I love the work I do so much ndash when one of my clients has an ah-ha that transforms everything they previously believed to be true ndash it just rocks my world Being able to help people create lives that they thought were only made of dream-stuff is so very fulfilling I learn so much from this process myself Therersquos such a powerful beauty in creating a community of like-minded individuals And I love being creative always thinking of new ideas and new ways to share the information tools and concepts that I have with my tribe
Least favourite Tax I just I have no idea how people manage all that side of things Irsquod do my best to keep everything tidy and organised for my accountant but it hurts my brain when itrsquos tax time
Do you feel like yoursquove made sacrifices to live this lifestyle What are they I think we make sacrifices in every lifestyle we choose There is always something that we choose to let go of in order to have something else But when itrsquos a choice it doesnrsquot really feel like a sacrifice
For example I donrsquot own a ton of material possessions because that would just be silly considering how much I move around For me however that is very freeing rather than a sacrifice I mean what could I possibly really need I love my lifestyle It suits me perfectly And thatrsquos all that matters
What are your Core Desired Feelings raquo Flow raquo Freedom raquo Inspiration raquo Gratitude
Any special tools or routines you implement regularly to feel or perform awesomely I meditate daily and exercise daily I set intentions (goals) monthly and review them every month I practice positive thinking and train my mind to focus on the things that light me up and make me feel good to exclusion of all others because I know that I create my life with my thoughts And things that make me feel good attract more things that make me feel good
BOOK Going Pro by Steven Pressfield
WEBSITE Instagram
EARLY MORNING ACTIVITY Meditation
LATE NIGHT ACTIVITY Journaling
GOURMET SNACK Salted Pistachios
I donrsquot own a ton of material possessions because that would just be silly
considering how much I move around For me however that is very freeing
rather than a sacrifice
Quickfire Faves
22
Amelia Lee
What do you doIrsquom an architect and have been working in the architectural industry for almost twenty years I recently started Undercover Architect which is about empowering YOU to create your well-designed home through online information tools products and services
Irsquom also a Director on the Qld Development Board for The Hunger Project an NGO that works to end hunger and poverty in third world countries by empowering those affected most to feed their families and create hope for their futures
Who lives with you I live with my husband Brandon and son (aged 7) and two daughters (aged 5 and 3) We also have a dog 6 chickens 5 ducklings and shortly 5 miniature cows
Did you a transition from a regular 9 to 5 job How did that happen for youI worked long hours in architectural practices for many years (more like 7am ndash 7pm) managing teams and big projects before I had kids We also wanted to keep them at home with us so over the last 12 years we have renovated 3 homes (whilst living in them) as a means of supplementing our income and supporting the way we wanted to live Wersquove both worked part-time or changed our working hours around kids and the renovating
When my second baby was 4 months old I started an architectural practice with 5 colleagues By the time my third bub was born we had grown our business to have about 10 crew and I didnrsquot really stop work
I left my business in June to pursue a new life My husband and I relocated our family to the Byron Bay Hinterland to a 77 acre property After a big year personally and professionally last year it seemed like the right time to make the move We wanted to stop
23
delaying the dream
What is your current business model Itrsquos just me ndash a one-man band madly writing content and building my website with information tools and advice Irsquom also providing architectural services to some individual clients which I can do remotely
Do you see this business model changing in the futureI will need some additional support in admin web support and marketingadvertising as the business builds My hope is to maintain my flexible work-from-home practises and create a virtual team of independent collaborators to enable this I want my business to be at a scale where I can provide significant financial support to The Hunger Project
What does a day-in-the-life look like for you I get up early and go for a walkrun while listening to an audio book I finish with a brief meditation to set my intentions for the day and then the kids are up and my husband and I run the gauntlet of brekkie lunches school uniforms and getting them to the bus
After the dust has settled I make myself a big cup of coffee and if itrsquos a work day I head to my office which is over our garage I have found that this new experience of working solely on my own without
imposed deadlines etc has required some new tools to create structure and discipline and itrsquos something Irsquom still working on
We all eat dinner together at about 5pm and I do love that we spend time like this together every day
Since the beginning of 2012 I have been taking a photo every day of something Irsquom grateful for and posting it to my Facebook page with a description Itrsquos helped me be a lot more present to the every day joy and beauty that exists
Do you feel like an introvert or an extrovert and does that affect how you do businessI recently found out I was 51 Extrovert ndash which means that Irsquom borderline Introvert also I can get VERY absorbed in my work ndash which is a great problem to have
However given the whole reason we are creating a life this way is to spend more time together as a family Irsquom aware that needs to be kept in check I ultimately would love to do speaking engagements workshops etc so will be drawing on the Extrovert tilt for this
What are your favourite parts of businessI love the lsquostartrsquo of things I am insatiably curious Learning something for the first time figuring it out and getting it to work Irsquom enjoying writing enormously
Least favouriteRevisiting things over and over again And given that my business is still in its early days income-wise I am resisting the pressure of needing to sell and market I want to create great clarity around who my ideal clients are before I launch myself out there
THE VIEW FROM MY HOME OFFICE
24
Do you feel like yoursquove made sacrifices to live this lifestyle What are theyWhere we are now is the culmination of 12 years of very very hard work with a goal and a vision Wersquove lived through 3 renovations Wersquove sunk all our money into homes we were creating for other people and scrimped on most other things because we were always working on the house It was so worth it though
Where we are now is the culmination of 12 years of
very very hard work with a goal and a vision
What are the values you live by My values are Joy|Love|Laughter|Fun (thatrsquos one) Innovation Inspiration and Spaciousness Abundance and Bravery are themes I work to explore
Seth Godin also replied to an email of thanks I once sent him telling me to ldquoGo make a ruckusrdquo ndash so that informs what I do also
Any special tools or routines you implement regularly to feel or perform awesomelyExercise and meditation and I also do a bit of Cognitive Behaviour Therapy My grateful photos also are really important in this
BOOK Tim Ferrissrsquo 4 Hour Work Week It just completely opened my eyes to this whole other way of doing business that wasnrsquot about selling my time for money
WEBSITE Facebook I find it a great way to touch quickly in the lives of my friends but also to get access to lots of inspirational and info ndash like HONY Oprahrsquos Super Soul Sunday Huffington Post Gabby Bernstein
EARLY MORNING ACTIVITY A walkrun stretch and meditation
LATE NIGHT ACTIVITY Meditation while I do my lsquolegs up the wallrsquo pose It makes a massive difference to how I sleep and how rested I feel in the morning
GOURMET SNACK Loving Earth Luvju Raw Organic Orange and Gubinge Chocolate Otherwise I make great fruit-free bliss balls with cacao maca powder and protein powder
Quickfire Faves
You can connect with Amelia online at UndercoverArchitectcom
25
Elizabeth Kelsey BradleyWhat do you do Irsquom a writer and consultant that creates compelling content and social media strategies for businesses around the world I work with companies of all sizes and in all niches but my passion is with helping holistic entrepreneurs
Who lives with you My husband daughter and our insane pets
Did you a transition from a regular 9 to 5 job How did that happen for youI have never had a 9 to 5 ever My father was an entrepreneur and even though he never ever spoke of what it meant to be an entrepreneur his calling seemed to rub off on me
Irsquom literally unemployable Irsquom an artist and rebel and need to do things my own way even though Irsquom a
people person
But how I ended up finally making a business was when my husband couldnrsquot find work and things got scary I began researching like mad how I could work online and it took me years to finally learn marketing particularly with social media and content Despite how hard my first few years were (and I wouldnrsquot want to repeat them) Irsquom glad I learned the hard way as I am able to help others and can relate to women who are just beginning their entrepreneurial journey I look at entrepreneurship as a great honor for me to be able to help others and be of service
What is your current business model I am solo I sell consulting services and also do freelance writing and photography for companies that donrsquot have a staff writer I really need an intern or VA at this point though and am looking for someone
26
Do you see this business model changing in the futureYes and no Yes I will need to hire someone and ideally two people now that I have branched out into creating courses and ebooks but no in regards to my consulting services changing as what I do is in demand People feel confused about social media and creating regular content so I think it will be the same business model for a long time to come
What does a day-in-the-life look like for you Well Irsquom a vampire apparently as I mainly work nights which here in Thailand would be morning time where many of my clients live During the day I am homeschooling mum and also carry in my bag some of my work for
when I need to do some writing or analysis of a clientrsquos social media
Do you feel like an introvert or an extrovert and does that affect how you do businessIrsquom an extrovert but a highly sensitive one This has actually worked in my favour as I have a process for weeding out people who donrsquot fit my Ideal Client profile so that I can maintain my energy and do the best I can with the entrepreneurs who I can best serve
What are your favourite parts of businessI adore talking with clients on the phone or in person so basically anytime Irsquom geeking out about social media and writing
27
Least favouriteAnything to do with SEO
Do you feel like yoursquove made sacrifices to live this lifestyle What are theyEntrepreneurship is isolating in general Add that to the fact that we live on an island in Thailand and itrsquos double the isolation but to be honest this was the best place for us to build our online businesses as itrsquos affordable to live here and safe so I have no regrets
What are your Core Desired Feelings Connection serenity ease truth Values wise Irsquom wild but extremely family oriented
Any special tools or routines you implement regularly to feel or perform awesomelyI read from spiritual or philosophical books and take regular walks Both give me loads of ideas for storytelling which is the essence of what I do Podcasts are also a huge part of my routine particularly those devoted to marketing
BOOK Ocean Sea (buy it now AMAZING)
WEBSITE wwwholisticdadnet
EARLY MORNING ACTIVITY Drinking yerba mate and some yoga
LATE NIGHT ACTIVITY Good beer and a video game
GOURMET SNACK Anything with white truffle oil on it
Quickfire Faves
Elizabeth Kelsey Bradley is an award-winning writer consultant and photojournalist currently based in Thailand Her work has appeared on sites such as Tiny Buddha Vagabonding and in Girl Gone International magazine
As a consultant she helps companies develop effective social media and content strategies She is currently devoted to helping holistic entrepreneurs grow their online platforms at Thriving Healer
28
PAPERLESS OFFICELETrsquoS LEAVE MORE OF OUR TREE FRIENDS IN THE GROUND AND TAKE ADVANTAGE OF THE EXCELLENT APPS AVAILABLE INSTEAD AFTER ALL WErsquoRE RUNNING OUR DEVICES FOR MOST OF THE DAY ANYWAY - MAY AS WELL TAKE ADVANTAGE OF THEIR RAD CAPABILITIES
29
SWAPWriting Lists
FORWunderlist
AnyDoTodoist
SWAPHardcopy Books
FOR
KindleiBooks
SWAPPrinting + Scanning
Contracts
FOR
EchosignHellosignSWAP
Taking Notes + Printing Articles
FOREvernote
SWAPBrainstorming
+ Mind Mapping
FORSimpleMind
Coggle
30
HOW DARE YOU S E T T L E F O R L E S S WHEN THE WORLD h a s m a d e i t SO EASY F O R Y O U T O B E remarkable
SETH GODIN
31
JASMINE DOWLING MAPS TO HERSELF THE FIFTH ELEMENT LIFE
MOSSYJOJO TRICIA O DESIGNSIMPLY LOVE CREATIONS
BY SAMANTHA STACEY KEMPPENFRIEND
Jazz up your office walls with prints that stoke your creative fire
32
THE YES EPIDEMIC
33
THE YES EPIDEMIC
OurCoverStar
34
Whether it be a night out (when Irsquom exhausted) a favour (thatrsquos asking a little too much) or a date (that I know isnrsquot going to go anywhere) Irsquove typically and reluctantly replied to these requests with a lsquosure thingrsquo more times than Irsquod care to admit
Take on another client when my schedule is fully booked Absolutely
Offer to shout a friendrsquos breakfast when I really donrsquot have the cash to splash Of course
Commit to another online course when Irsquom barely halfway through the other 8 Irsquove signed up for this year Why yes
The Yes Epidemic has woven its way into our exceptionally busy (and beautiful) lives with the promise of MORE More connection more exposure more opportunity more money more education more insight more success And the more we do the more we are - right
Wrong
The reality is the more we constantly fill our plates to the brim (oh letrsquos admit it our plates are overflowing) with commitment after
commitment the less space we are leaving for us to just BE
To be immersed in who we are what our dreams and desires are to love to play to breathe
By saying lsquoyesrsquo like itrsquos going out of fashion we find ourselves spread as thin as vegemite on gluten-free toast Our energy and vitality are compromised and we donrsquot show up in the world as our best selves
So here are a few tips I use with my clients (and myself regularly) to get in the habit of saying lsquonorsquo a little more often
Irsquove never been very good at saying lsquonorsquo
35
Reflective routine with a heaping dose of reality is key here Take an honest look at your weekly schedule and ensure that you are focussing your precious time energy and resources on the people activities and
projects that are aligned with your values Is this commitment important to you Then honour it with your time Not so important
Time to shift things up
I canrsquot go past Marie Forleorsquos advice on this subject When somebody presents you with an opportunity if itrsquos not a HELL YES then itrsquos a no
Go with your gut always
Forget the FOMO The lsquofear of missing outrsquo is what keeps most of us on the Sure Thing Wagon and itrsquos just not sustainable Trust that all the
opportunities that are meant for you will come your way at the right time for you
Send your lsquonorsquo off with love Therersquos no need to feel uncomfortable turning down a request when you do so with kindness respect and
humility Excuses can be left at the door just honour your good intentions and everyone involved in the situation
Remember every time you give a loving inspired lsquonorsquo you are giving others the permission to do the same thing I always feel energised when someone turns down a request because it reminds me to respect myself
enough to pull out that gentle lsquonorsquo when required too
1
23
45
AND THE BEST THING ABOUT SAYING lsquoNOrsquo WHEN THE TIME COMES THAT A lsquoSURE THINGrsquo IS IN FACT THE HEART-CENTRED RESPONSE YOU EXCITEDLY GIVE ITrsquoS MUCH SWEETER MORE MEANINGFUL AND A HELLUVA LOT MORE VALUABLE
Claire Baker is a certified coach and mentor passionate writer and speaker and author of lsquoShe Is Radiant Your 6-Week Wellness Adventure To Get Glowy amp Feel Radrsquo Claire guides vibrant young women as they get from where they are to where they want to be ndash in their health and life blog and business
You can consider Claire your personal advocate for living an energised playful and heart-centred life Come say hi at This is Lifeblood her online space to share her passion for all things nourishing soulful and creative
CLAIRErsquoS TOP FIVE TIPS TO GET INTO THE HABIT OF SAYING NO
36
37
artOF THE
THE
soloSOULRETREAT
38
When you live a soul-driven and passionate life you very likely live and breathe your lsquoworkrsquo 247
I put the word work in inverted commas because for you itrsquos likely just you leading your amazing life (and more power to you my friend) But amidst this you may find it difficult to switch off and cultivate the spaciousness to just let it all hang out and exist without an agenda or a to-do list anywhere in site
Enter stage left the Solo Soul Retreat I took myself on one recently and by golly did it give me the exact level of time out and rejoove that this soul-driven lassy needed Maybe itrsquos about time you took yourself on one
Here are some tips for creating the perfect conditions for your solo soul retreat
Pick a place close byI chose the Byron area because itrsquos only two hours drive from where I live And this is important because while you want to be lsquoawayrsquo to unplug from the numerous distractions of home you donrsquot want to be so far away that you feel obliged to check out all the sights and scoot around lsquodoingrsquo your little butt off You want to create a feeling of not having to do ANYTHING if you donrsquot feel like it Moment to moment awareness and tapping into what you truly want to do is critical to the restorative nature of the solo soul retreat So if that means a nap in the afternoon without checking out the sights do it Sans the guilt
Making it somewhere close by means you can convince your inner tourist that you can come back any time you want to So donrsquot book your long awaited trip to Bali for this particular retreat style I recommend scouting around Air BnB for some great bargains near you
Book for at least 2-3 nights away (more if possible)It takes awhile for us to wind down and get in to the rhythm of a slower pace so give yourself as much time as possible to sink deeply in to relaxation I find that it takes my body a good day or so (at least) to realise itrsquos on holiday A weekend is good a long weekend even better And a week would be crazy good
Set an intentionFor my soul retreat it was to cultivate a feeling of internal ease and spaciousness I was so tightly wound and constricted from within I wanted to feel joyous energy flowing through me again
39
unimpeded
An intention is a helpful anchor that you can come back to throughout the retreat when you feel your energy flitting away to unnecessary distractions Revisit your intention throughout your retreat and ease back into the feeling you wish to cultivate
Immerse yourself in natureWherever you head to find some time to plonk yourself amidst the stunning natural surrounds of Mama Nature There is absolutely NOTHING that compares to the healing capacity of earthing ourselves at the beach or in the forest or just a little garden Barefoot and butt on the ground meditating or just sitting and quietly contemplating our wondrous natural world will have you relaxing into zen in no time
Silence is goldenTaking time to retreat also means giving your mind a bit of a break (hence the lsquono doingrsquo rule) try out not talking which shouldnrsquot be too hard if yoursquore on your own and see what kind of insights
There is absolutely NOTHING that compares to the healing capacity of earthing ourselves at the beach
or in the forest or just a little garden
Barefoot and butt on the ground meditating or just sitting and
quietly contemplating our wondrous natural world
will have you relaxing into zen in no time
40
begin to pop into your nogginrsquo when you donrsquot have to constantly communicate
Pamper yourselfWhat feels really decadent to you For my recent retreat it was heading to a spa and bathhouse for the morning soaking in oxygenated spa baths steaming myself in the sauna and relaxing on a sun lounge in the tranquil spa gardens with a good book
For you it might be a luxurious massage and energy balancing treatment Or maybe itrsquos a delicious meal you take your time with at an amazing restaurant nearby Perhaps itrsquos allowing yourself to lounge around in bed with your favourite book and a cup of tea Whatever it is allow yourself these delights As many as you please gorgeous one
Body-loving foodIf you have a kitchen at your accommodation pack yourself the kind of food you know your body loves Think veggies fruit some bliss balls your fave teas raw cacao and honey for a delish hot chocolate If you have a portable blender pack up your ingredients to whip yourself up some delights while yoursquore there Alternatively and if you have time prepare a few things before you head off You can pre-cook quinoa lentil curries and rice dishes to heat up whenever you fancy If there are local farmerrsquos markets you can even do a bit of purchasing there for your meals (and because yoursquore so close to home bringing back the leftovers is a cinch)
Scout around a little and find some local cafeacutes or
41
restaurants that tickle your fancy and take yourself out for a meal that makes your body scream YES
Soul nourishing practices Rituals and practices help us to sink more deeply in to our soulrsquos true nature Bring along whatever stokes your soul fire and brings you into present moment awareness Cultivating reverence for yourself and life itself is a crucial aspect of your soul retreat Some practices you may consider are raquo Meditation (guided or just simply following your inhale and exhale) I find the Kundalini Ego
Eradicator meditation particularly soul-nourishing (and frankly life changing) raquo Journaling ndash with no thought as to what to write just jot down whatever comes to you Yoursquoll be
amazed at the cathartic feelings and insights this brings raquo Yoga (on your own or find a class nearby that resonates with you) raquo Playing with oracle cards Ask a question or for general guidance and see how your guides and
the Universe responds The Little Sagersquos deck is divine raquo Reading soulfully inspiring books raquo Lighting some incense and writing an epic gratitude list raquo A walking meditation through nature raquo Get arty play around with whatever you have Love colour Bring your paints Doodle Donrsquot
judge the results just let it flow out of you
Overall the point of this solo soul retreat is that you do what you genuinely want to do in the moment So nix the over planning as you may do with other trips away Settle into present moment awareness and allow yourself to be rather than just do Listen with kindness to your inner child Let her out to play (Mega hint she really doesnrsquot want to be bossed around) Gifting yourself this time is your surefire way to feeling rejuvenated refreshed and ready to live life to its fullest
Enjoy gorgeous one
Carly is a passionate international aid and development project manager and writer Carly works on projects in Australia and the Asia-Pacific region focusing on cultivating sustainable livelihoods the empowerment of women community enterprise local market development and positive social change
Head on over to Carlyrsquos blog Pockets of Peace for her soul-centred musings on peace wellness and oodles of inspiration
42
The most powerful weapon on earth is the human soul
on fire
F E R D I N A N D F O C H
43
Five Minute Fixes
FOR FEAR AND OVERWHELM
44
IF YOUrsquoRE RUNNING YOUR OWN BIZ YOUrsquoD BE FAMILIAR WITH THE PHENOMENON OF FEAR AND OVERWHELM YOU KNOW WHEN YOU JUST FEEL STUCK PARALYSED NOT SURE WHICH CHOICE TO MAKE OR ACTION TO TAKE YOU HAVE DEADLINES LOOMING THE PRESSURE IS MOUNTING AND YOUrsquoRE BLOCKED YOU NEED TO GET OUT OF YOUR OVERWHELM RIGHT NOW SO YOU CAN GET BACK TO CHANGING THE WORLD
Here are five practices designed to break the fear cycle and get you out of your head and into your body in five minutes or less
Go outside Get out into the sunlight See the sky take off your shoes and feel the grass tickle your toes Close your eyes Feel the heat on your skin Take some deep breaths and smell the air Tune in to the sounds around you Become still Fully engage with the present moment and drop into the sensations in your body
Deep breathing You can use a mantra such as So-Hum you can count the length of each inhale and exhale or you can do as many rounds of Nadi Shodhana (alternate nostril breathing) as you can fit into five minutes Whatever yoursquore most comfortable with do that Breath is the bridge between the inner and outer realities Deep breathing will calm the nervous system and bring your attention to the present moment
Move Go for a brisk walk Put on your favourite tune plug in the headphones and dance (in the bathroom cubicle if yoursquore embarrassed to do it in publichellip because thatrsquos not weird at all) Have a quickie on your own or with a partner Or you can shake it out Start with your right foot shake it as hard as possible to the count of 10 Then your whole leg Then the left foot and left leg Then the right hand then the right arm then the left hand and arm Then fold forward and gently shake your head - back to front side to side Then stand up again and shake your whole body like you know how
Then stand in stillness for 2 minutes to balance out the movement Listen to your heartbeat Yoursquove just expressed and released some negative energy so take a standing Savasana (resting pose) to integrate Make sure you smooth your hair after this one
45
Aromatherapy Get a bottle of essential oil and sniff it - simple Smell affects the limbic system which is responsible for the storage and release of emotional trauma You can immediately calm your body with the right scent
Make sure you get 100 therapeutic grade pure essential oil - these have a high vibrational frequency and you donrsquot want any nasties entering your system through inferior quality oil Lavender is proven to calm the nervous system as is frankincense balsam fir basil cedar wood and sandalwood You can purchase calming blends from your local aromatherapist or get them to custom-make a blend for you
Make some noise This is especially good if you work from home or drive to work as you may want privacy Get a pillow or lock yourself in the car and scream as loud as you can connecting deeply to your pelvis Give yourself permission to vocalise all that frustration fear shame guilt whatever is building up in your energy field Sound is the end of feeling When you express vocally you are releasing emotion and ending the cycle of repression Done regularly this will also enhance your creativity and self-expression - benefiting your business (and sex life) in the long run
These practices work for me and Irsquod love to know if they resonate with you
Irsquom Emma a multi-passionate self-love junkie who loves supporting people on their journey to wellness Since suffering from adrenal burnout and a host of related conditions Irsquove dedicated myself to personal healing and growth and encouraging others to find their own unique path By day Irsquom a yoga teacher virtual assistant and event coordinator for wellness entrepreneurs and outside of that yoursquoll find me salsa dancing travelling and eating raw desserts
Connect with me at emmashieldscom
46
Abandon anything about your life and habits that might be holding you back
Learn to create your own opportunities
Know that there is no finish line fortune favors action
Race balls-out toward the extraordinary life that yoursquove always dreamed of
or still havenrsquot had time to dream up
And prepare to have a hell of a lot of fun along the way
SOPHIA AMORUSO
47
Why you should create aHIGH-CONVERTING OPT-IN OFFER
A critical component of building your online business is growing your email list and creating a compelling opt-in offer is one of the best ways to kickstart this growth
You want your email list to be made up of people who are genuinely interested in you and what you have to offer your target market Your ideal customers and readers
Thatrsquos why your opt-in offer (a gift to entice people to join your list) needs to be unique highly relevant to your business and of real value to your ideal clients If people are on your site checking you out they are already interested ndash you need to give them a compelling reason to sign up
What would your readers find valuable Something that saves them time money pain or makes their life easier better or more beautiful It also needs to be damn high quality Proofed designed and worth paying for
48
Why would you give away something so valuable for free
Because it shows yoursquore serious about helping people Because it builds trust with readers Because itrsquos a genuine thank you in return for a readerrsquos contact details Because itrsquos an ad for your business Yoursquore showing people the quality of what they will receive if they go on to work with you
How do you choose which is right for you Think about what you currently offer your readers or customers (as in content as well as services or products) What is popular What do they comment on most or ask questions about What would you love to create What would be the perfect compliment to a service you provide How can you genuinely help
Brainstorm a list then narrow it down to one ndash and get cracking
The best opt-ins are win-win ndash you gather details from ideal customers and the customers
receive something great that they need and want in return
Happy creating
PS Tricking people is icky Donrsquot do that Itrsquos of no use to have people on your list that donrsquot care about you or your products Be genuine Offer genuine value Get genuine sign-ups
SO WHAT SHOULD YOU OFFER
Here are a few ideas raquo A sneak peek or preview of a paid
product ndash like a free chapter or lesson
raquo A smaller version of a paid product ndash like a 3 day meal plan
raquo Something which compliments a service you offer
raquo Useful templates ndash like a product launch worksheet or a calendar
raquo Inspirational printables ndash like quotes or illustrations
raquo A mini eCourse ndash like 5 days of video coaching
raquo A discount ndash like 10 off their next purchase
raquo A VIP offer ndash like first dibs on tickets
raquo An eBook or workbook ndash like a recipe book or marketing plan
Alana Wimmer is Founder + Creative Director of mini digital publishing house Raspberry Stripes Alana works with rad lady entrepreneurs to design eBooks which will change the world She also provides guidance insight and info on eBook design on the Raspberry Stripes website When she isnrsquot designing reading or talking about eBooks you can find Alana walking Rory and Roxy the boxers with her husband in tow probably on her way to pick up a green smoothie
49
is a lack of self-worth
50
As a bright-eyed uni student I got pretty excited about all the opportunities that were due to unfold before me when I graduated
My approach to life has always been filled with excitement for the future I remember saying to friends in class that we were certain to be successful because enthusiasm trumps experience Sadly the path wasnrsquot as smooth as Irsquod imagined I naively thought that all bosses had a sixth-sense for talent even from shy girls who werenrsquot outward about their abilities
I applied for and took a series of jobs that from the job description seemed so overwhelmingly scary to do but within months if not weeks I was bored I lacked the self-worth to believe I could step up but Irsquod externalise this into anger at my employer for holding me back Eventually I realised it was all of my own creation I was the one who was playing small applying for and then taking jobs that wersquore well under my pay grade I even turned down a few including a big promotion because the amount of money offered was too much and it scared me Seriously
Years of study and I lacked the ability to dive in fully commit be brave be boisterous about my abilities and soar I found school easy and when things seemed challenging at work I put it down to an inability to perform If it wasnrsquot easy at first I accepted that I just wasnrsquot able I had yet to find out that some of the best lessons come from giving things a go and making a lot of mistakes Failing or in reality playing small was a comfort zone for me and success in my career was an unknown quantity I was used to struggle I was safe with my dreams The possibility of them coming true Too much to handle Irsquod have to learn to live in the present moment and I donrsquot think I was ready to do that I wasnrsquot ready to look closely at myself and see that for all my effort there was still a lot of inner work to do It was time to look within
I KNOW HOW EASY IT IS TO BUILD WALLS AROUND OUR DREAMS PUSH THEM FURTHER AWAY IN AN ATTEMPT TO PLAY SAFE AND LIVE LIFE ACCORDING TO EXTERNAL INFLUENCE I KNOW THE LEVEL OF DETERMINATION AND MENTAL GRIT IT TAKES TO OVERCOME OURSELVES START TAKING OWNERSHIP OF OUR THOUGHTS AND ULTIMATELY THE PATH OF OUR OWN LIVES
I love when clients ask me to guide them on this path because I know just what can happen when they get there I hold my hand out as a supportive leverage point and watch them soar
Something Irsquove learnt along the way The first step for many women in building self-worth is learning the art of body love Body love is all about learning to appreciate the capabilities of your body nourishing and taking care of your spirit and occasionally cutting yourself a break
51
Itrsquos looking in the mirror and liking the person you see not picking on the parts you donrsquot like Itrsquos making a choice about whether to wear a bikini based on your personal values and not about what your body looks like in one Dieting and restriction are low level energies that hold us back from achieving high level desires Negative thinking blocks our internal compass and our ability to connect to our intuition Body love is the gateway to high frequency living
We all have that version of ourselves that we aspire to be The woman who gets up to the alarm has patience and drive Shersquos got a sparkle in her eye a sense of confidence and knowing about her place in the world that emanates from her whole being She sits up straight and laughs with abandon From where we sit therersquos a chasm to leap in becoming that woman That woman represents ldquoone dayrdquo She represents effort She can seem unachievable In my experience body love is the first and most important step toward that woman Body love is filled with possibility promise and prosperity When we remove that low level energy of diet and restriction we can start to attract high frequencies We can start to become that woman in the present moment
Irsquove seen the shift first hand for so many people Suddenly the whole world opens up and the possibilities become endless The cloud lifts and pie-in-the-sky dreams show up in high-definition technicolour Thoughts that previously caused anxiety everything from going to lunch with new friends to finding a purpose in life start to feel as easy to read as words on a page Therersquos no more searching Itrsquos been replaced by a knowing excitement I watch as women become like bright-eyed students again endless possibilities opening up before them Only this time Theyrsquove got experience on their side
Suddenly the whole world
opens up and the
possibilities become
endless
The cloud lifts and
pie-in-the-sky dreams show
up in high-definition
technicolour
Rachelle is a Life + Confidence Coach at My Saturn Epoch She supports women through the big transitions in their life helping them to break their negative cycles to consciously create a happy life and positive mindset She is a big hearted business woman who is passionate about supporting women in pursuit of their own excellence so they can shine as a beacon to themselves their families and their communities
Connect with Rachelle at mysaturnepochcom
52
SUBSCRIBE TO RASPBERRY MAGAZINE
Grab an annual subscription and yoursquoll receive raquo 6 digital issues of Raspberry Magazine raquo an exclusive Annual Subscribers Thank You Pack
- which includes a printable manifesto beautiful meditation tracks an eBook and more contributed by generous lady entrepreneurs - worth over $35
VISIT THE SHOP
53
T H A N K Y O U F O R R E A D I N GA N D A M I L L I O N H I G H-F I V E S
I F Y O U L O V E D R A S P B E R R YM A G A Z I N E P L E A S E S H A R E
54
7
Find your favourite blogger and go back a few years into their archives Have a read of their old posts and note how much their
writing voice has changed and evolved We all have to start somewhere
BRAIN DUMP THEN EDIT Editing is the ideal tool for you to use to refine your writing voice
Irsquom a believer in getting it all out on to your page (whether itrsquos paper or digital) unedited unrefined and possibly with atrocious spelling and grammar This big brain dump of everything you need or want to say without self-judgement or on the spot editing is all about getting everything out of your head It can be paragraphs sentences bullet points or even words scrawled at any angle in your notepad ndash just get it out and down By coming up with this lsquoshitty first draftrsquo you get to bypass that horrible staring-at-the-blank-screen-stage (where resistance well and truly rears its ugly head)
Once yoursquove got your shitty first draft done itrsquos time to take the content and mould it into something others will not only understand but resonate with You can now go through and delete reword tune-up sex-ify simplify or amplify ndash whatever you need to do to create your voice
If you are writing for your business you have the ability to choose and create your businessrsquos writing voice (and speaking voice for that matter) For my business the voice I use is very
much a reflection of my own voice as my brand is intrinsically linked to me
Another example is my old corporate gig ndash we had a style guide that covered the type of voice we were to use in any of the companyrsquos communications It was a very thorough document
that covered examples of writing voice grammar and spelling rules (eg English over American spelling) as well as all of the visual branding identifiers It was also totally necessary for such
an organisation to have a guide so the companyrsquos communication remained consistent and aligned
Does your biz need a style guide
8
READ THE CONTEXT While your personality should be shining through your writing wherever it may exist often the context will dictate how much is showing through For example social media platforms like Facebook Twitter and Instagram are ideal for personality-filled casual language
Whereas the business networking platform LinkedIn is made for more lsquoprofessionalrsquo or lsquocorporatersquo language and content (although sometimes these preconceived notions need shaking up so why not think about making come waves) Learn to read your context and create native content based on it
CONSISTENCY IS KEY Yeah yeah I know yoursquove heard this one before But this piece of advice rings particularly true when it comes to creating your writing voice Without consistency both in your writing and in your writing practice yoursquoll have no lsquoflowrsquo and improvement wonrsquot come easily
The golden rules of consistency raquo Keep your language and style (your writing voice) consistent throughout a piece of writing
Create flow raquo Be regular in your writing practice Give yourself as many chances as possible to hone in on your
voice and to improve it
Where to now
To the MacBook or the journal with you Start creating your writing voice right now
Katie is a communications consultant with a flair for wrangling words brainstorming branding strategy and manhandling marketing collateral (she likes alliteration too)
She has been studying and working in communications for over seven years and has been known to speak about good communication to roomfuls of eager ears
Katie works with her clients to discover simple and direct messaging which speaks to customers and ultimately brings in more sales
You can find her online at katiesmythcom
9
Personal transformation can and does have global effects
As we go so goes the world for the world is us
The revolution that will save the world is ultimately a personal one
MARIANNE WILLIAMSON
10
Holding Your First WorkshopT H E F I V E T H I N G S YO U N E E D TO K N O W
11
Are you keen to dip your toes into the world of workshops and events Here are the 5 things that you should know before you dive on in
ONE You donrsquot need a big budget
You donrsquot need to spend a lot of money to throw an amazing event When it comes to your venue there are plenty of low cost options out there
Community centres councils and libraries across Australia are an amazing resource where you can book a space for as little as $3 an hour Co-working spaces yoga
studios or warehouses can also be cost effective options
If you find a venue that makes you squeee with happiness but seems a bit out of your reach ask the manager when their off peak times are or when you can
access a lower rate
Nervous about other costs Holding events in between main meals means you only need to provide light refreshments such as tea juice and sweet treats And if you require additional items for things such as gift bags or professional services like a
photographer you can offer businesses a sponsorship package services swap or some free tickets to the event in return for collaborating with you
TWO The best workshops are a complete experience
The most fulfilling happiness inducing and ah-ha filled workshops are those that are a complete experience from start to finish If your aim is to create connection ensure that guests are greeted as soon as they walk in that they can mingle easily and then have a way to continue the conversations post event If your aim is to educate and inspire give them printed materials and workbooks visual slides and an engaging presentation If your aim is to create peace through an activity such as yoga or
meditation then give them a soft and gentle atmosphere and some soothing tunes
It always helps to think about your objective and build the experience around that
12
THREE Generosity sells
There is nothing more icky than going to an event expecting to be informed about a topic and then end up getting the hard sell put on you There is definitely a way to promote authentically and in a non-sleazy way but before that even comes into the
picture I believe it is best practice to give give give
Give your time and your presence to the people in the room with you Give expert knowledge information and tips that arenrsquot readily available elsewhere
Give guests the opportunity to openly approach you and have a chat
When you are sincere about giving your best people will genuinely want to want work with you By the time you offer them a way to continue the relationship you will have a
line of people eager to sign up ndash no hustling required
13
FOUR You can be creative in your marketing
You donrsquot have to promote your workshop just through the stock standard ways Get creative and share your vision with your audience You can
raquo Create a simple weekly graphic with an inspiring quote related to your workshop content raquo Share beautiful photos of the venue goody bag items deacutecor or printed materials
raquo Profile your speakers with a cute pic and a short but interesting bio raquo Tease people with little snippets of what the day will bring them
raquo Keep people updated with what you are doing and show them the work behind the scenes
Encouraging engagement in the lead up is a nice way to remind people about your workshop without feeling repetitive
5 You will have bust through some fears
Expect to feel emotional at times Worries such as I donrsquot know where to start I am overwhelmed nobody is going to come Irsquom not good enough and what if people are disappointed can pop up but
I promise you ndash this is normal These little suckers have a habit of creeping up on you but if you can find the strength tools and support to work through these then it is definitely worth it
A good course of action is to assess reflect and act Be aware of when it happens and assess what emotions are coming up reflect on why it is an issue for you and then take positive action to overcome it If you can gently work with your fears instead of letting them hold you back I
promise you there will be an amazing experience on the other side
Holding your own workshops and events can be a bit of work but the connections you create and the positive impact you have on peoplersquos lives is incredible
Keeping spreading your message lovelies and happy planning
Jade McKenzie is an event professional for heart-centered entrepreneurs and business owners who get sweaty palms at the thought of running an event themselves With over a decade of experience in event management she has an unrelenting passion for giving her clients the ability to step into their spotlight and shine
Find her at eventheadcomau
14
IF YOU DONrsquoT DESIGN YOUR OWN LIFE PLAN CHANCES ARE YOUrsquoLL FALL INTO SOMEONE ELSErsquoS PLAN
AND GUESS WHAT THEY HAVE PLANNED FOR YOU NOT MUCH
Jim Rohn
15
nomadsnomadsDIGITAL
THESE WOMEN ARE BUILDING BUSINESSES THAT CAN BE RUN FROM ANYWHERE THEY CHOOSE
16
Elizabeth McKenzie
What do you do Let me count the ways
First and foremost Irsquom a multi-passionate
Which means Irsquom business + marketing coach spiritual mentor writer + seeker of rad things And I canrsquot go past a mention of my two loves Nike high tops and Harry Styles
Who lives with youAt the moment Irsquom living with my parents on their yacht Wersquore getting ready to sail up the East Coast of Australia Irsquom then heading to the US and plan on renting out a pad in NYC with Juliethellipand when I returnhellip who knowshellip Irsquom open to suggestions
Did you a transition from a regular 9 to 5 job How did
that happen for you I transitioned from student to business owner While I was studying my Master of Speech Pathology (oh yeah Irsquom a speech pathologist too) I became so sick of having to adhere to the metal box that is university education Ya know playing by someone elsersquos rules so I started up a blog initially as a way to rebel from the box
The more I blogged the more I became obsessed with everything about being online ndash the connections with other likeminded women andhellip hold up the ability to work from anywhere in the world helping anyone with an internet connection Sign me up
I hired a butt load of mentors to help me along my way and at the start of 2014 I launched my first offering marketing and business coaching (yes I also have a degree in that too)
17
At the same time I got a one day a week speechie job to compliment my multi-passionate nature but after 4 months of doing that I realised itrsquos not in my nature to work for anyone else but myself
By then my business was bringing in the cash to support my decision to go all in
And here I am on a boat
What is your current business model Itrsquos currently me and my teeny team of rad peeps Irsquove got my VA my copywriter and communications consultant and my graphic designer I love having people compliment what I do
The business model ndash well I started with the advisor model really only selling my expertise and coaching on a 11 basis but Irsquom now creating an eCourse to help hundreds of women become more spiritual without losing touch with the real world Essentially real world spirituality the unwanky way and Irsquom crazy excited
Throughout this journey Irsquove realised that my business and how I operate is always going to evolve and accepting that has freed me up to do so much more of the things I love
Do you see this business model changing in the futureI had an epiphany recently that I want to help as many people as I can so Irsquom now starting to gear my business towards that kind of model with eCourses and programs that are offered at a lower price point
Exciting times
My motto in business (and life) never say never
Wersquore operating in a dynamic environment The dumbest thing you can do for your business is feel you
have to lock yourself in
By all means pick something and give it a red hot go ndash but know that as the environment changes around you you need to accommodate that
Woke up at 630 for breakfast and coffee
Had a three hour intensive with my latest client who lives in Scotland from 7-10
Did a bit of admin and setting up the membership site of my new eCourse
Went to see Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles at 1 (nerd much)
Got home at 4
Felt inspired to read so whipped out my latest book
Wrote a little after dinner for my latest opt-in offer
Ended the day watching reruns of The Mindy Project
A Da
y In
The
Lif
e of
Eliza
beth
Do you feel like an introvert or an extrovert and does that affect how you do businessCan I say Irsquom both Sometimes I need to be around people to get more energy and sometimes I need to be alone to recharge too
I think therersquos a bit of a dance I do in my business where I need to have days like the Friday above because otherwise my energy gets stagnant and the creative flow stops
What are your favourite parts of businessWriting Creating
And the ability to not work when I donrsquot want to
18
Least favouriteWordpress admin Although when I nail something (finally) I get a major sense of achievement
Do you feel like yoursquove made sacrifices to live this lifestyle What are theyDefinitely At the moment Irsquove had to let me pooch live with his dad while Irsquom on a boat and while I got to NYC
I wish he could be with me 247
What are your Core Desired Feelings raquo Free raquo Luxurious raquo Joy
Any special tools or routines you implement regularly to feel or perform awesomelyThe number one thing that I do regularly is clear my chakras via a breathing and visualisation meditation It takes 20 minutes and it seriously changes the tune of my day I can usually go a day without but too long and I notice that Irsquom underperforming
Quickfire Faves
BOOK The Anatomy of the Spirit by Caroline Myss Although I hated it originally mostly because I didnrsquot want to hear the messages that were coming through
WEBSITE YouTube Canrsquot go past finding an olds 90s jam or interviews with Harry Styles to watch
EARLY MORNING ACTIVITY Chakra Clearing
LATE NIGHT ACTIVITY Watching reruns of my favourite TV shows
GOURMET SNACK I donrsquot do gourmet myself but Irsquom all for gourmet cafe food (itrsquos the Melbournian in me) It could be a sugary almond macaroon or full fat grilled haloumi
Elizabeth is a professional business coach spiritual mentor and the creator of The Spiritual Material Girl eCourse Shersquos also the creator of high-end private coaching programs and courses geared towards helping ambitious and successful women who lsquoseemrsquo like theyrsquove got it all figured outhellip yet who still donrsquot feel like their heartrsquos truly fulfilled
Shersquos the go-to for helping you tackle your biz blocks tap into your spiritual side and live a totally kick-ass life With her trademark blend of heartfelt honesty and straight-talking swagger she ties it all together to set you on the fast track to personal professional and spiritual success
Instead of just keepinrsquo on doing whatrsquos not working Elizabeth can show you how to get exactly what you want ndash whether that means building a business you love creating more happiness or simply getting more out of your life You can find Elizabeth over at her home on the internet Your Highest Self
19
Vienda Maria
Vienda Maria is a lifestyle coach author and creative who helps Bon Vivants coaches yogis creatives and entrepreneurs create thriving semi-nomadic unconventional lives that are fulfilling both soulfully and financially Through her coaching events books Gypset Mindset Class course and online community Vienda has inspired and transformed the lives of thousands across the globe ldquoMy mission is simple to guide each and every one of you back to who you really are To come home back to your soul and allowing it to guide your destiny For more love More fun More freedom More adventure More liferdquo Visit Vienda online here
20
What do you do Irsquom a lifestyle coach and writer who helps emerging creatives and professionals create a life thatrsquos a little a it unusual Itrsquos about breaking away from structured office hours and recognising their ability to create their own jobs and money by using their innate passions skills and talents in ways that are a little bit out of the box Itrsquos all about stepping out of a limiting mindset and seeing what is actually possible
Who lives with youI live on my own
Did you a transition from a regular 9 to 5 job How did that happen for you Not really Irsquove always had an extremely free lifestyle and only dabbled into a couple of office jobs along the way when I was inbetween other things
My transition to my current life happened out of the necessity to create something for myself that supported my lifestyle and was financially sustainable After studying psychology at uni I worked at international film and music festivals and other events which was really fun and exciting 12 years later I had fallen in love with being my own boss and traveling the world It was then that I realised that there are so many people who would love to travel have more freedom and time and create their own jobs and that I could help them
What is your current business model Irsquom a very independent worker so I tend to work solo though Irsquove just hired an intern to help me with some of the admin and social media stuff which is quite exciting I sell a range of different things ndash my coaching services make up most of my income followed by products in the form of eBooks and
jewellery collected on my travels Irsquom just about to launch my first course a set of 6 live classes to help beginners create their own unconventional lifestyle so thatrsquos very exciting and keeping me busy
Do you see this business model changing in the future Yes I think as an entreprenuer one the greatest characteristics you can have is flexibility Being flexible with how you do things always changing growing and updating is so important If you want to keep up with business you have to be comfortable and willing to change
What does a day-in-the-life look like for you I travel a lot so my day-to-day varies quite a lot but I usually start the day with writing content for my course blog or anything else that needs my creative input because in the morning my creativity is the highest I keep the mundane tasks for later in the day usually after my coaching calls I check emails and social media twice a day ndash once in the morning and once in the afternoon ndash which usually give me a good indication of what else needs to be done
And I always end my working day with a To Do list for the next day so I wake up with clarity and know exactly what I need to focus on
Irsquom really interested in time efficiency and productivity so choose to focus on doing things that I love and that generate the most response
Do you feel like an introvert or an extrovert and does that affect how you do business Hmmm ndash Irsquom an introverted extrovert I really enjoy my own company and fuel up energetically with time to myself But I also love and need social stimulation inspiration and everything that people bring into our
21
lives I guess itrsquos about balance and listening to your own needs
What are your favourite parts of business Creating and connecting I love the work I do so much ndash when one of my clients has an ah-ha that transforms everything they previously believed to be true ndash it just rocks my world Being able to help people create lives that they thought were only made of dream-stuff is so very fulfilling I learn so much from this process myself Therersquos such a powerful beauty in creating a community of like-minded individuals And I love being creative always thinking of new ideas and new ways to share the information tools and concepts that I have with my tribe
Least favourite Tax I just I have no idea how people manage all that side of things Irsquod do my best to keep everything tidy and organised for my accountant but it hurts my brain when itrsquos tax time
Do you feel like yoursquove made sacrifices to live this lifestyle What are they I think we make sacrifices in every lifestyle we choose There is always something that we choose to let go of in order to have something else But when itrsquos a choice it doesnrsquot really feel like a sacrifice
For example I donrsquot own a ton of material possessions because that would just be silly considering how much I move around For me however that is very freeing rather than a sacrifice I mean what could I possibly really need I love my lifestyle It suits me perfectly And thatrsquos all that matters
What are your Core Desired Feelings raquo Flow raquo Freedom raquo Inspiration raquo Gratitude
Any special tools or routines you implement regularly to feel or perform awesomely I meditate daily and exercise daily I set intentions (goals) monthly and review them every month I practice positive thinking and train my mind to focus on the things that light me up and make me feel good to exclusion of all others because I know that I create my life with my thoughts And things that make me feel good attract more things that make me feel good
BOOK Going Pro by Steven Pressfield
WEBSITE Instagram
EARLY MORNING ACTIVITY Meditation
LATE NIGHT ACTIVITY Journaling
GOURMET SNACK Salted Pistachios
I donrsquot own a ton of material possessions because that would just be silly
considering how much I move around For me however that is very freeing
rather than a sacrifice
Quickfire Faves
22
Amelia Lee
What do you doIrsquom an architect and have been working in the architectural industry for almost twenty years I recently started Undercover Architect which is about empowering YOU to create your well-designed home through online information tools products and services
Irsquom also a Director on the Qld Development Board for The Hunger Project an NGO that works to end hunger and poverty in third world countries by empowering those affected most to feed their families and create hope for their futures
Who lives with you I live with my husband Brandon and son (aged 7) and two daughters (aged 5 and 3) We also have a dog 6 chickens 5 ducklings and shortly 5 miniature cows
Did you a transition from a regular 9 to 5 job How did that happen for youI worked long hours in architectural practices for many years (more like 7am ndash 7pm) managing teams and big projects before I had kids We also wanted to keep them at home with us so over the last 12 years we have renovated 3 homes (whilst living in them) as a means of supplementing our income and supporting the way we wanted to live Wersquove both worked part-time or changed our working hours around kids and the renovating
When my second baby was 4 months old I started an architectural practice with 5 colleagues By the time my third bub was born we had grown our business to have about 10 crew and I didnrsquot really stop work
I left my business in June to pursue a new life My husband and I relocated our family to the Byron Bay Hinterland to a 77 acre property After a big year personally and professionally last year it seemed like the right time to make the move We wanted to stop
23
delaying the dream
What is your current business model Itrsquos just me ndash a one-man band madly writing content and building my website with information tools and advice Irsquom also providing architectural services to some individual clients which I can do remotely
Do you see this business model changing in the futureI will need some additional support in admin web support and marketingadvertising as the business builds My hope is to maintain my flexible work-from-home practises and create a virtual team of independent collaborators to enable this I want my business to be at a scale where I can provide significant financial support to The Hunger Project
What does a day-in-the-life look like for you I get up early and go for a walkrun while listening to an audio book I finish with a brief meditation to set my intentions for the day and then the kids are up and my husband and I run the gauntlet of brekkie lunches school uniforms and getting them to the bus
After the dust has settled I make myself a big cup of coffee and if itrsquos a work day I head to my office which is over our garage I have found that this new experience of working solely on my own without
imposed deadlines etc has required some new tools to create structure and discipline and itrsquos something Irsquom still working on
We all eat dinner together at about 5pm and I do love that we spend time like this together every day
Since the beginning of 2012 I have been taking a photo every day of something Irsquom grateful for and posting it to my Facebook page with a description Itrsquos helped me be a lot more present to the every day joy and beauty that exists
Do you feel like an introvert or an extrovert and does that affect how you do businessI recently found out I was 51 Extrovert ndash which means that Irsquom borderline Introvert also I can get VERY absorbed in my work ndash which is a great problem to have
However given the whole reason we are creating a life this way is to spend more time together as a family Irsquom aware that needs to be kept in check I ultimately would love to do speaking engagements workshops etc so will be drawing on the Extrovert tilt for this
What are your favourite parts of businessI love the lsquostartrsquo of things I am insatiably curious Learning something for the first time figuring it out and getting it to work Irsquom enjoying writing enormously
Least favouriteRevisiting things over and over again And given that my business is still in its early days income-wise I am resisting the pressure of needing to sell and market I want to create great clarity around who my ideal clients are before I launch myself out there
THE VIEW FROM MY HOME OFFICE
24
Do you feel like yoursquove made sacrifices to live this lifestyle What are theyWhere we are now is the culmination of 12 years of very very hard work with a goal and a vision Wersquove lived through 3 renovations Wersquove sunk all our money into homes we were creating for other people and scrimped on most other things because we were always working on the house It was so worth it though
Where we are now is the culmination of 12 years of
very very hard work with a goal and a vision
What are the values you live by My values are Joy|Love|Laughter|Fun (thatrsquos one) Innovation Inspiration and Spaciousness Abundance and Bravery are themes I work to explore
Seth Godin also replied to an email of thanks I once sent him telling me to ldquoGo make a ruckusrdquo ndash so that informs what I do also
Any special tools or routines you implement regularly to feel or perform awesomelyExercise and meditation and I also do a bit of Cognitive Behaviour Therapy My grateful photos also are really important in this
BOOK Tim Ferrissrsquo 4 Hour Work Week It just completely opened my eyes to this whole other way of doing business that wasnrsquot about selling my time for money
WEBSITE Facebook I find it a great way to touch quickly in the lives of my friends but also to get access to lots of inspirational and info ndash like HONY Oprahrsquos Super Soul Sunday Huffington Post Gabby Bernstein
EARLY MORNING ACTIVITY A walkrun stretch and meditation
LATE NIGHT ACTIVITY Meditation while I do my lsquolegs up the wallrsquo pose It makes a massive difference to how I sleep and how rested I feel in the morning
GOURMET SNACK Loving Earth Luvju Raw Organic Orange and Gubinge Chocolate Otherwise I make great fruit-free bliss balls with cacao maca powder and protein powder
Quickfire Faves
You can connect with Amelia online at UndercoverArchitectcom
25
Elizabeth Kelsey BradleyWhat do you do Irsquom a writer and consultant that creates compelling content and social media strategies for businesses around the world I work with companies of all sizes and in all niches but my passion is with helping holistic entrepreneurs
Who lives with you My husband daughter and our insane pets
Did you a transition from a regular 9 to 5 job How did that happen for youI have never had a 9 to 5 ever My father was an entrepreneur and even though he never ever spoke of what it meant to be an entrepreneur his calling seemed to rub off on me
Irsquom literally unemployable Irsquom an artist and rebel and need to do things my own way even though Irsquom a
people person
But how I ended up finally making a business was when my husband couldnrsquot find work and things got scary I began researching like mad how I could work online and it took me years to finally learn marketing particularly with social media and content Despite how hard my first few years were (and I wouldnrsquot want to repeat them) Irsquom glad I learned the hard way as I am able to help others and can relate to women who are just beginning their entrepreneurial journey I look at entrepreneurship as a great honor for me to be able to help others and be of service
What is your current business model I am solo I sell consulting services and also do freelance writing and photography for companies that donrsquot have a staff writer I really need an intern or VA at this point though and am looking for someone
26
Do you see this business model changing in the futureYes and no Yes I will need to hire someone and ideally two people now that I have branched out into creating courses and ebooks but no in regards to my consulting services changing as what I do is in demand People feel confused about social media and creating regular content so I think it will be the same business model for a long time to come
What does a day-in-the-life look like for you Well Irsquom a vampire apparently as I mainly work nights which here in Thailand would be morning time where many of my clients live During the day I am homeschooling mum and also carry in my bag some of my work for
when I need to do some writing or analysis of a clientrsquos social media
Do you feel like an introvert or an extrovert and does that affect how you do businessIrsquom an extrovert but a highly sensitive one This has actually worked in my favour as I have a process for weeding out people who donrsquot fit my Ideal Client profile so that I can maintain my energy and do the best I can with the entrepreneurs who I can best serve
What are your favourite parts of businessI adore talking with clients on the phone or in person so basically anytime Irsquom geeking out about social media and writing
27
Least favouriteAnything to do with SEO
Do you feel like yoursquove made sacrifices to live this lifestyle What are theyEntrepreneurship is isolating in general Add that to the fact that we live on an island in Thailand and itrsquos double the isolation but to be honest this was the best place for us to build our online businesses as itrsquos affordable to live here and safe so I have no regrets
What are your Core Desired Feelings Connection serenity ease truth Values wise Irsquom wild but extremely family oriented
Any special tools or routines you implement regularly to feel or perform awesomelyI read from spiritual or philosophical books and take regular walks Both give me loads of ideas for storytelling which is the essence of what I do Podcasts are also a huge part of my routine particularly those devoted to marketing
BOOK Ocean Sea (buy it now AMAZING)
WEBSITE wwwholisticdadnet
EARLY MORNING ACTIVITY Drinking yerba mate and some yoga
LATE NIGHT ACTIVITY Good beer and a video game
GOURMET SNACK Anything with white truffle oil on it
Quickfire Faves
Elizabeth Kelsey Bradley is an award-winning writer consultant and photojournalist currently based in Thailand Her work has appeared on sites such as Tiny Buddha Vagabonding and in Girl Gone International magazine
As a consultant she helps companies develop effective social media and content strategies She is currently devoted to helping holistic entrepreneurs grow their online platforms at Thriving Healer
28
PAPERLESS OFFICELETrsquoS LEAVE MORE OF OUR TREE FRIENDS IN THE GROUND AND TAKE ADVANTAGE OF THE EXCELLENT APPS AVAILABLE INSTEAD AFTER ALL WErsquoRE RUNNING OUR DEVICES FOR MOST OF THE DAY ANYWAY - MAY AS WELL TAKE ADVANTAGE OF THEIR RAD CAPABILITIES
29
SWAPWriting Lists
FORWunderlist
AnyDoTodoist
SWAPHardcopy Books
FOR
KindleiBooks
SWAPPrinting + Scanning
Contracts
FOR
EchosignHellosignSWAP
Taking Notes + Printing Articles
FOREvernote
SWAPBrainstorming
+ Mind Mapping
FORSimpleMind
Coggle
30
HOW DARE YOU S E T T L E F O R L E S S WHEN THE WORLD h a s m a d e i t SO EASY F O R Y O U T O B E remarkable
SETH GODIN
31
JASMINE DOWLING MAPS TO HERSELF THE FIFTH ELEMENT LIFE
MOSSYJOJO TRICIA O DESIGNSIMPLY LOVE CREATIONS
BY SAMANTHA STACEY KEMPPENFRIEND
Jazz up your office walls with prints that stoke your creative fire
32
THE YES EPIDEMIC
33
THE YES EPIDEMIC
OurCoverStar
34
Whether it be a night out (when Irsquom exhausted) a favour (thatrsquos asking a little too much) or a date (that I know isnrsquot going to go anywhere) Irsquove typically and reluctantly replied to these requests with a lsquosure thingrsquo more times than Irsquod care to admit
Take on another client when my schedule is fully booked Absolutely
Offer to shout a friendrsquos breakfast when I really donrsquot have the cash to splash Of course
Commit to another online course when Irsquom barely halfway through the other 8 Irsquove signed up for this year Why yes
The Yes Epidemic has woven its way into our exceptionally busy (and beautiful) lives with the promise of MORE More connection more exposure more opportunity more money more education more insight more success And the more we do the more we are - right
Wrong
The reality is the more we constantly fill our plates to the brim (oh letrsquos admit it our plates are overflowing) with commitment after
commitment the less space we are leaving for us to just BE
To be immersed in who we are what our dreams and desires are to love to play to breathe
By saying lsquoyesrsquo like itrsquos going out of fashion we find ourselves spread as thin as vegemite on gluten-free toast Our energy and vitality are compromised and we donrsquot show up in the world as our best selves
So here are a few tips I use with my clients (and myself regularly) to get in the habit of saying lsquonorsquo a little more often
Irsquove never been very good at saying lsquonorsquo
35
Reflective routine with a heaping dose of reality is key here Take an honest look at your weekly schedule and ensure that you are focussing your precious time energy and resources on the people activities and
projects that are aligned with your values Is this commitment important to you Then honour it with your time Not so important
Time to shift things up
I canrsquot go past Marie Forleorsquos advice on this subject When somebody presents you with an opportunity if itrsquos not a HELL YES then itrsquos a no
Go with your gut always
Forget the FOMO The lsquofear of missing outrsquo is what keeps most of us on the Sure Thing Wagon and itrsquos just not sustainable Trust that all the
opportunities that are meant for you will come your way at the right time for you
Send your lsquonorsquo off with love Therersquos no need to feel uncomfortable turning down a request when you do so with kindness respect and
humility Excuses can be left at the door just honour your good intentions and everyone involved in the situation
Remember every time you give a loving inspired lsquonorsquo you are giving others the permission to do the same thing I always feel energised when someone turns down a request because it reminds me to respect myself
enough to pull out that gentle lsquonorsquo when required too
1
23
45
AND THE BEST THING ABOUT SAYING lsquoNOrsquo WHEN THE TIME COMES THAT A lsquoSURE THINGrsquo IS IN FACT THE HEART-CENTRED RESPONSE YOU EXCITEDLY GIVE ITrsquoS MUCH SWEETER MORE MEANINGFUL AND A HELLUVA LOT MORE VALUABLE
Claire Baker is a certified coach and mentor passionate writer and speaker and author of lsquoShe Is Radiant Your 6-Week Wellness Adventure To Get Glowy amp Feel Radrsquo Claire guides vibrant young women as they get from where they are to where they want to be ndash in their health and life blog and business
You can consider Claire your personal advocate for living an energised playful and heart-centred life Come say hi at This is Lifeblood her online space to share her passion for all things nourishing soulful and creative
CLAIRErsquoS TOP FIVE TIPS TO GET INTO THE HABIT OF SAYING NO
36
37
artOF THE
THE
soloSOULRETREAT
38
When you live a soul-driven and passionate life you very likely live and breathe your lsquoworkrsquo 247
I put the word work in inverted commas because for you itrsquos likely just you leading your amazing life (and more power to you my friend) But amidst this you may find it difficult to switch off and cultivate the spaciousness to just let it all hang out and exist without an agenda or a to-do list anywhere in site
Enter stage left the Solo Soul Retreat I took myself on one recently and by golly did it give me the exact level of time out and rejoove that this soul-driven lassy needed Maybe itrsquos about time you took yourself on one
Here are some tips for creating the perfect conditions for your solo soul retreat
Pick a place close byI chose the Byron area because itrsquos only two hours drive from where I live And this is important because while you want to be lsquoawayrsquo to unplug from the numerous distractions of home you donrsquot want to be so far away that you feel obliged to check out all the sights and scoot around lsquodoingrsquo your little butt off You want to create a feeling of not having to do ANYTHING if you donrsquot feel like it Moment to moment awareness and tapping into what you truly want to do is critical to the restorative nature of the solo soul retreat So if that means a nap in the afternoon without checking out the sights do it Sans the guilt
Making it somewhere close by means you can convince your inner tourist that you can come back any time you want to So donrsquot book your long awaited trip to Bali for this particular retreat style I recommend scouting around Air BnB for some great bargains near you
Book for at least 2-3 nights away (more if possible)It takes awhile for us to wind down and get in to the rhythm of a slower pace so give yourself as much time as possible to sink deeply in to relaxation I find that it takes my body a good day or so (at least) to realise itrsquos on holiday A weekend is good a long weekend even better And a week would be crazy good
Set an intentionFor my soul retreat it was to cultivate a feeling of internal ease and spaciousness I was so tightly wound and constricted from within I wanted to feel joyous energy flowing through me again
39
unimpeded
An intention is a helpful anchor that you can come back to throughout the retreat when you feel your energy flitting away to unnecessary distractions Revisit your intention throughout your retreat and ease back into the feeling you wish to cultivate
Immerse yourself in natureWherever you head to find some time to plonk yourself amidst the stunning natural surrounds of Mama Nature There is absolutely NOTHING that compares to the healing capacity of earthing ourselves at the beach or in the forest or just a little garden Barefoot and butt on the ground meditating or just sitting and quietly contemplating our wondrous natural world will have you relaxing into zen in no time
Silence is goldenTaking time to retreat also means giving your mind a bit of a break (hence the lsquono doingrsquo rule) try out not talking which shouldnrsquot be too hard if yoursquore on your own and see what kind of insights
There is absolutely NOTHING that compares to the healing capacity of earthing ourselves at the beach
or in the forest or just a little garden
Barefoot and butt on the ground meditating or just sitting and
quietly contemplating our wondrous natural world
will have you relaxing into zen in no time
40
begin to pop into your nogginrsquo when you donrsquot have to constantly communicate
Pamper yourselfWhat feels really decadent to you For my recent retreat it was heading to a spa and bathhouse for the morning soaking in oxygenated spa baths steaming myself in the sauna and relaxing on a sun lounge in the tranquil spa gardens with a good book
For you it might be a luxurious massage and energy balancing treatment Or maybe itrsquos a delicious meal you take your time with at an amazing restaurant nearby Perhaps itrsquos allowing yourself to lounge around in bed with your favourite book and a cup of tea Whatever it is allow yourself these delights As many as you please gorgeous one
Body-loving foodIf you have a kitchen at your accommodation pack yourself the kind of food you know your body loves Think veggies fruit some bliss balls your fave teas raw cacao and honey for a delish hot chocolate If you have a portable blender pack up your ingredients to whip yourself up some delights while yoursquore there Alternatively and if you have time prepare a few things before you head off You can pre-cook quinoa lentil curries and rice dishes to heat up whenever you fancy If there are local farmerrsquos markets you can even do a bit of purchasing there for your meals (and because yoursquore so close to home bringing back the leftovers is a cinch)
Scout around a little and find some local cafeacutes or
41
restaurants that tickle your fancy and take yourself out for a meal that makes your body scream YES
Soul nourishing practices Rituals and practices help us to sink more deeply in to our soulrsquos true nature Bring along whatever stokes your soul fire and brings you into present moment awareness Cultivating reverence for yourself and life itself is a crucial aspect of your soul retreat Some practices you may consider are raquo Meditation (guided or just simply following your inhale and exhale) I find the Kundalini Ego
Eradicator meditation particularly soul-nourishing (and frankly life changing) raquo Journaling ndash with no thought as to what to write just jot down whatever comes to you Yoursquoll be
amazed at the cathartic feelings and insights this brings raquo Yoga (on your own or find a class nearby that resonates with you) raquo Playing with oracle cards Ask a question or for general guidance and see how your guides and
the Universe responds The Little Sagersquos deck is divine raquo Reading soulfully inspiring books raquo Lighting some incense and writing an epic gratitude list raquo A walking meditation through nature raquo Get arty play around with whatever you have Love colour Bring your paints Doodle Donrsquot
judge the results just let it flow out of you
Overall the point of this solo soul retreat is that you do what you genuinely want to do in the moment So nix the over planning as you may do with other trips away Settle into present moment awareness and allow yourself to be rather than just do Listen with kindness to your inner child Let her out to play (Mega hint she really doesnrsquot want to be bossed around) Gifting yourself this time is your surefire way to feeling rejuvenated refreshed and ready to live life to its fullest
Enjoy gorgeous one
Carly is a passionate international aid and development project manager and writer Carly works on projects in Australia and the Asia-Pacific region focusing on cultivating sustainable livelihoods the empowerment of women community enterprise local market development and positive social change
Head on over to Carlyrsquos blog Pockets of Peace for her soul-centred musings on peace wellness and oodles of inspiration
42
The most powerful weapon on earth is the human soul
on fire
F E R D I N A N D F O C H
43
Five Minute Fixes
FOR FEAR AND OVERWHELM
44
IF YOUrsquoRE RUNNING YOUR OWN BIZ YOUrsquoD BE FAMILIAR WITH THE PHENOMENON OF FEAR AND OVERWHELM YOU KNOW WHEN YOU JUST FEEL STUCK PARALYSED NOT SURE WHICH CHOICE TO MAKE OR ACTION TO TAKE YOU HAVE DEADLINES LOOMING THE PRESSURE IS MOUNTING AND YOUrsquoRE BLOCKED YOU NEED TO GET OUT OF YOUR OVERWHELM RIGHT NOW SO YOU CAN GET BACK TO CHANGING THE WORLD
Here are five practices designed to break the fear cycle and get you out of your head and into your body in five minutes or less
Go outside Get out into the sunlight See the sky take off your shoes and feel the grass tickle your toes Close your eyes Feel the heat on your skin Take some deep breaths and smell the air Tune in to the sounds around you Become still Fully engage with the present moment and drop into the sensations in your body
Deep breathing You can use a mantra such as So-Hum you can count the length of each inhale and exhale or you can do as many rounds of Nadi Shodhana (alternate nostril breathing) as you can fit into five minutes Whatever yoursquore most comfortable with do that Breath is the bridge between the inner and outer realities Deep breathing will calm the nervous system and bring your attention to the present moment
Move Go for a brisk walk Put on your favourite tune plug in the headphones and dance (in the bathroom cubicle if yoursquore embarrassed to do it in publichellip because thatrsquos not weird at all) Have a quickie on your own or with a partner Or you can shake it out Start with your right foot shake it as hard as possible to the count of 10 Then your whole leg Then the left foot and left leg Then the right hand then the right arm then the left hand and arm Then fold forward and gently shake your head - back to front side to side Then stand up again and shake your whole body like you know how
Then stand in stillness for 2 minutes to balance out the movement Listen to your heartbeat Yoursquove just expressed and released some negative energy so take a standing Savasana (resting pose) to integrate Make sure you smooth your hair after this one
45
Aromatherapy Get a bottle of essential oil and sniff it - simple Smell affects the limbic system which is responsible for the storage and release of emotional trauma You can immediately calm your body with the right scent
Make sure you get 100 therapeutic grade pure essential oil - these have a high vibrational frequency and you donrsquot want any nasties entering your system through inferior quality oil Lavender is proven to calm the nervous system as is frankincense balsam fir basil cedar wood and sandalwood You can purchase calming blends from your local aromatherapist or get them to custom-make a blend for you
Make some noise This is especially good if you work from home or drive to work as you may want privacy Get a pillow or lock yourself in the car and scream as loud as you can connecting deeply to your pelvis Give yourself permission to vocalise all that frustration fear shame guilt whatever is building up in your energy field Sound is the end of feeling When you express vocally you are releasing emotion and ending the cycle of repression Done regularly this will also enhance your creativity and self-expression - benefiting your business (and sex life) in the long run
These practices work for me and Irsquod love to know if they resonate with you
Irsquom Emma a multi-passionate self-love junkie who loves supporting people on their journey to wellness Since suffering from adrenal burnout and a host of related conditions Irsquove dedicated myself to personal healing and growth and encouraging others to find their own unique path By day Irsquom a yoga teacher virtual assistant and event coordinator for wellness entrepreneurs and outside of that yoursquoll find me salsa dancing travelling and eating raw desserts
Connect with me at emmashieldscom
46
Abandon anything about your life and habits that might be holding you back
Learn to create your own opportunities
Know that there is no finish line fortune favors action
Race balls-out toward the extraordinary life that yoursquove always dreamed of
or still havenrsquot had time to dream up
And prepare to have a hell of a lot of fun along the way
SOPHIA AMORUSO
47
Why you should create aHIGH-CONVERTING OPT-IN OFFER
A critical component of building your online business is growing your email list and creating a compelling opt-in offer is one of the best ways to kickstart this growth
You want your email list to be made up of people who are genuinely interested in you and what you have to offer your target market Your ideal customers and readers
Thatrsquos why your opt-in offer (a gift to entice people to join your list) needs to be unique highly relevant to your business and of real value to your ideal clients If people are on your site checking you out they are already interested ndash you need to give them a compelling reason to sign up
What would your readers find valuable Something that saves them time money pain or makes their life easier better or more beautiful It also needs to be damn high quality Proofed designed and worth paying for
48
Why would you give away something so valuable for free
Because it shows yoursquore serious about helping people Because it builds trust with readers Because itrsquos a genuine thank you in return for a readerrsquos contact details Because itrsquos an ad for your business Yoursquore showing people the quality of what they will receive if they go on to work with you
How do you choose which is right for you Think about what you currently offer your readers or customers (as in content as well as services or products) What is popular What do they comment on most or ask questions about What would you love to create What would be the perfect compliment to a service you provide How can you genuinely help
Brainstorm a list then narrow it down to one ndash and get cracking
The best opt-ins are win-win ndash you gather details from ideal customers and the customers
receive something great that they need and want in return
Happy creating
PS Tricking people is icky Donrsquot do that Itrsquos of no use to have people on your list that donrsquot care about you or your products Be genuine Offer genuine value Get genuine sign-ups
SO WHAT SHOULD YOU OFFER
Here are a few ideas raquo A sneak peek or preview of a paid
product ndash like a free chapter or lesson
raquo A smaller version of a paid product ndash like a 3 day meal plan
raquo Something which compliments a service you offer
raquo Useful templates ndash like a product launch worksheet or a calendar
raquo Inspirational printables ndash like quotes or illustrations
raquo A mini eCourse ndash like 5 days of video coaching
raquo A discount ndash like 10 off their next purchase
raquo A VIP offer ndash like first dibs on tickets
raquo An eBook or workbook ndash like a recipe book or marketing plan
Alana Wimmer is Founder + Creative Director of mini digital publishing house Raspberry Stripes Alana works with rad lady entrepreneurs to design eBooks which will change the world She also provides guidance insight and info on eBook design on the Raspberry Stripes website When she isnrsquot designing reading or talking about eBooks you can find Alana walking Rory and Roxy the boxers with her husband in tow probably on her way to pick up a green smoothie
49
is a lack of self-worth
50
As a bright-eyed uni student I got pretty excited about all the opportunities that were due to unfold before me when I graduated
My approach to life has always been filled with excitement for the future I remember saying to friends in class that we were certain to be successful because enthusiasm trumps experience Sadly the path wasnrsquot as smooth as Irsquod imagined I naively thought that all bosses had a sixth-sense for talent even from shy girls who werenrsquot outward about their abilities
I applied for and took a series of jobs that from the job description seemed so overwhelmingly scary to do but within months if not weeks I was bored I lacked the self-worth to believe I could step up but Irsquod externalise this into anger at my employer for holding me back Eventually I realised it was all of my own creation I was the one who was playing small applying for and then taking jobs that wersquore well under my pay grade I even turned down a few including a big promotion because the amount of money offered was too much and it scared me Seriously
Years of study and I lacked the ability to dive in fully commit be brave be boisterous about my abilities and soar I found school easy and when things seemed challenging at work I put it down to an inability to perform If it wasnrsquot easy at first I accepted that I just wasnrsquot able I had yet to find out that some of the best lessons come from giving things a go and making a lot of mistakes Failing or in reality playing small was a comfort zone for me and success in my career was an unknown quantity I was used to struggle I was safe with my dreams The possibility of them coming true Too much to handle Irsquod have to learn to live in the present moment and I donrsquot think I was ready to do that I wasnrsquot ready to look closely at myself and see that for all my effort there was still a lot of inner work to do It was time to look within
I KNOW HOW EASY IT IS TO BUILD WALLS AROUND OUR DREAMS PUSH THEM FURTHER AWAY IN AN ATTEMPT TO PLAY SAFE AND LIVE LIFE ACCORDING TO EXTERNAL INFLUENCE I KNOW THE LEVEL OF DETERMINATION AND MENTAL GRIT IT TAKES TO OVERCOME OURSELVES START TAKING OWNERSHIP OF OUR THOUGHTS AND ULTIMATELY THE PATH OF OUR OWN LIVES
I love when clients ask me to guide them on this path because I know just what can happen when they get there I hold my hand out as a supportive leverage point and watch them soar
Something Irsquove learnt along the way The first step for many women in building self-worth is learning the art of body love Body love is all about learning to appreciate the capabilities of your body nourishing and taking care of your spirit and occasionally cutting yourself a break
51
Itrsquos looking in the mirror and liking the person you see not picking on the parts you donrsquot like Itrsquos making a choice about whether to wear a bikini based on your personal values and not about what your body looks like in one Dieting and restriction are low level energies that hold us back from achieving high level desires Negative thinking blocks our internal compass and our ability to connect to our intuition Body love is the gateway to high frequency living
We all have that version of ourselves that we aspire to be The woman who gets up to the alarm has patience and drive Shersquos got a sparkle in her eye a sense of confidence and knowing about her place in the world that emanates from her whole being She sits up straight and laughs with abandon From where we sit therersquos a chasm to leap in becoming that woman That woman represents ldquoone dayrdquo She represents effort She can seem unachievable In my experience body love is the first and most important step toward that woman Body love is filled with possibility promise and prosperity When we remove that low level energy of diet and restriction we can start to attract high frequencies We can start to become that woman in the present moment
Irsquove seen the shift first hand for so many people Suddenly the whole world opens up and the possibilities become endless The cloud lifts and pie-in-the-sky dreams show up in high-definition technicolour Thoughts that previously caused anxiety everything from going to lunch with new friends to finding a purpose in life start to feel as easy to read as words on a page Therersquos no more searching Itrsquos been replaced by a knowing excitement I watch as women become like bright-eyed students again endless possibilities opening up before them Only this time Theyrsquove got experience on their side
Suddenly the whole world
opens up and the
possibilities become
endless
The cloud lifts and
pie-in-the-sky dreams show
up in high-definition
technicolour
Rachelle is a Life + Confidence Coach at My Saturn Epoch She supports women through the big transitions in their life helping them to break their negative cycles to consciously create a happy life and positive mindset She is a big hearted business woman who is passionate about supporting women in pursuit of their own excellence so they can shine as a beacon to themselves their families and their communities
Connect with Rachelle at mysaturnepochcom
52
SUBSCRIBE TO RASPBERRY MAGAZINE
Grab an annual subscription and yoursquoll receive raquo 6 digital issues of Raspberry Magazine raquo an exclusive Annual Subscribers Thank You Pack
- which includes a printable manifesto beautiful meditation tracks an eBook and more contributed by generous lady entrepreneurs - worth over $35
VISIT THE SHOP
53
T H A N K Y O U F O R R E A D I N GA N D A M I L L I O N H I G H-F I V E S
I F Y O U L O V E D R A S P B E R R YM A G A Z I N E P L E A S E S H A R E
54
8
READ THE CONTEXT While your personality should be shining through your writing wherever it may exist often the context will dictate how much is showing through For example social media platforms like Facebook Twitter and Instagram are ideal for personality-filled casual language
Whereas the business networking platform LinkedIn is made for more lsquoprofessionalrsquo or lsquocorporatersquo language and content (although sometimes these preconceived notions need shaking up so why not think about making come waves) Learn to read your context and create native content based on it
CONSISTENCY IS KEY Yeah yeah I know yoursquove heard this one before But this piece of advice rings particularly true when it comes to creating your writing voice Without consistency both in your writing and in your writing practice yoursquoll have no lsquoflowrsquo and improvement wonrsquot come easily
The golden rules of consistency raquo Keep your language and style (your writing voice) consistent throughout a piece of writing
Create flow raquo Be regular in your writing practice Give yourself as many chances as possible to hone in on your
voice and to improve it
Where to now
To the MacBook or the journal with you Start creating your writing voice right now
Katie is a communications consultant with a flair for wrangling words brainstorming branding strategy and manhandling marketing collateral (she likes alliteration too)
She has been studying and working in communications for over seven years and has been known to speak about good communication to roomfuls of eager ears
Katie works with her clients to discover simple and direct messaging which speaks to customers and ultimately brings in more sales
You can find her online at katiesmythcom
9
Personal transformation can and does have global effects
As we go so goes the world for the world is us
The revolution that will save the world is ultimately a personal one
MARIANNE WILLIAMSON
10
Holding Your First WorkshopT H E F I V E T H I N G S YO U N E E D TO K N O W
11
Are you keen to dip your toes into the world of workshops and events Here are the 5 things that you should know before you dive on in
ONE You donrsquot need a big budget
You donrsquot need to spend a lot of money to throw an amazing event When it comes to your venue there are plenty of low cost options out there
Community centres councils and libraries across Australia are an amazing resource where you can book a space for as little as $3 an hour Co-working spaces yoga
studios or warehouses can also be cost effective options
If you find a venue that makes you squeee with happiness but seems a bit out of your reach ask the manager when their off peak times are or when you can
access a lower rate
Nervous about other costs Holding events in between main meals means you only need to provide light refreshments such as tea juice and sweet treats And if you require additional items for things such as gift bags or professional services like a
photographer you can offer businesses a sponsorship package services swap or some free tickets to the event in return for collaborating with you
TWO The best workshops are a complete experience
The most fulfilling happiness inducing and ah-ha filled workshops are those that are a complete experience from start to finish If your aim is to create connection ensure that guests are greeted as soon as they walk in that they can mingle easily and then have a way to continue the conversations post event If your aim is to educate and inspire give them printed materials and workbooks visual slides and an engaging presentation If your aim is to create peace through an activity such as yoga or
meditation then give them a soft and gentle atmosphere and some soothing tunes
It always helps to think about your objective and build the experience around that
12
THREE Generosity sells
There is nothing more icky than going to an event expecting to be informed about a topic and then end up getting the hard sell put on you There is definitely a way to promote authentically and in a non-sleazy way but before that even comes into the
picture I believe it is best practice to give give give
Give your time and your presence to the people in the room with you Give expert knowledge information and tips that arenrsquot readily available elsewhere
Give guests the opportunity to openly approach you and have a chat
When you are sincere about giving your best people will genuinely want to want work with you By the time you offer them a way to continue the relationship you will have a
line of people eager to sign up ndash no hustling required
13
FOUR You can be creative in your marketing
You donrsquot have to promote your workshop just through the stock standard ways Get creative and share your vision with your audience You can
raquo Create a simple weekly graphic with an inspiring quote related to your workshop content raquo Share beautiful photos of the venue goody bag items deacutecor or printed materials
raquo Profile your speakers with a cute pic and a short but interesting bio raquo Tease people with little snippets of what the day will bring them
raquo Keep people updated with what you are doing and show them the work behind the scenes
Encouraging engagement in the lead up is a nice way to remind people about your workshop without feeling repetitive
5 You will have bust through some fears
Expect to feel emotional at times Worries such as I donrsquot know where to start I am overwhelmed nobody is going to come Irsquom not good enough and what if people are disappointed can pop up but
I promise you ndash this is normal These little suckers have a habit of creeping up on you but if you can find the strength tools and support to work through these then it is definitely worth it
A good course of action is to assess reflect and act Be aware of when it happens and assess what emotions are coming up reflect on why it is an issue for you and then take positive action to overcome it If you can gently work with your fears instead of letting them hold you back I
promise you there will be an amazing experience on the other side
Holding your own workshops and events can be a bit of work but the connections you create and the positive impact you have on peoplersquos lives is incredible
Keeping spreading your message lovelies and happy planning
Jade McKenzie is an event professional for heart-centered entrepreneurs and business owners who get sweaty palms at the thought of running an event themselves With over a decade of experience in event management she has an unrelenting passion for giving her clients the ability to step into their spotlight and shine
Find her at eventheadcomau
14
IF YOU DONrsquoT DESIGN YOUR OWN LIFE PLAN CHANCES ARE YOUrsquoLL FALL INTO SOMEONE ELSErsquoS PLAN
AND GUESS WHAT THEY HAVE PLANNED FOR YOU NOT MUCH
Jim Rohn
15
nomadsnomadsDIGITAL
THESE WOMEN ARE BUILDING BUSINESSES THAT CAN BE RUN FROM ANYWHERE THEY CHOOSE
16
Elizabeth McKenzie
What do you do Let me count the ways
First and foremost Irsquom a multi-passionate
Which means Irsquom business + marketing coach spiritual mentor writer + seeker of rad things And I canrsquot go past a mention of my two loves Nike high tops and Harry Styles
Who lives with youAt the moment Irsquom living with my parents on their yacht Wersquore getting ready to sail up the East Coast of Australia Irsquom then heading to the US and plan on renting out a pad in NYC with Juliethellipand when I returnhellip who knowshellip Irsquom open to suggestions
Did you a transition from a regular 9 to 5 job How did
that happen for you I transitioned from student to business owner While I was studying my Master of Speech Pathology (oh yeah Irsquom a speech pathologist too) I became so sick of having to adhere to the metal box that is university education Ya know playing by someone elsersquos rules so I started up a blog initially as a way to rebel from the box
The more I blogged the more I became obsessed with everything about being online ndash the connections with other likeminded women andhellip hold up the ability to work from anywhere in the world helping anyone with an internet connection Sign me up
I hired a butt load of mentors to help me along my way and at the start of 2014 I launched my first offering marketing and business coaching (yes I also have a degree in that too)
17
At the same time I got a one day a week speechie job to compliment my multi-passionate nature but after 4 months of doing that I realised itrsquos not in my nature to work for anyone else but myself
By then my business was bringing in the cash to support my decision to go all in
And here I am on a boat
What is your current business model Itrsquos currently me and my teeny team of rad peeps Irsquove got my VA my copywriter and communications consultant and my graphic designer I love having people compliment what I do
The business model ndash well I started with the advisor model really only selling my expertise and coaching on a 11 basis but Irsquom now creating an eCourse to help hundreds of women become more spiritual without losing touch with the real world Essentially real world spirituality the unwanky way and Irsquom crazy excited
Throughout this journey Irsquove realised that my business and how I operate is always going to evolve and accepting that has freed me up to do so much more of the things I love
Do you see this business model changing in the futureI had an epiphany recently that I want to help as many people as I can so Irsquom now starting to gear my business towards that kind of model with eCourses and programs that are offered at a lower price point
Exciting times
My motto in business (and life) never say never
Wersquore operating in a dynamic environment The dumbest thing you can do for your business is feel you
have to lock yourself in
By all means pick something and give it a red hot go ndash but know that as the environment changes around you you need to accommodate that
Woke up at 630 for breakfast and coffee
Had a three hour intensive with my latest client who lives in Scotland from 7-10
Did a bit of admin and setting up the membership site of my new eCourse
Went to see Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles at 1 (nerd much)
Got home at 4
Felt inspired to read so whipped out my latest book
Wrote a little after dinner for my latest opt-in offer
Ended the day watching reruns of The Mindy Project
A Da
y In
The
Lif
e of
Eliza
beth
Do you feel like an introvert or an extrovert and does that affect how you do businessCan I say Irsquom both Sometimes I need to be around people to get more energy and sometimes I need to be alone to recharge too
I think therersquos a bit of a dance I do in my business where I need to have days like the Friday above because otherwise my energy gets stagnant and the creative flow stops
What are your favourite parts of businessWriting Creating
And the ability to not work when I donrsquot want to
18
Least favouriteWordpress admin Although when I nail something (finally) I get a major sense of achievement
Do you feel like yoursquove made sacrifices to live this lifestyle What are theyDefinitely At the moment Irsquove had to let me pooch live with his dad while Irsquom on a boat and while I got to NYC
I wish he could be with me 247
What are your Core Desired Feelings raquo Free raquo Luxurious raquo Joy
Any special tools or routines you implement regularly to feel or perform awesomelyThe number one thing that I do regularly is clear my chakras via a breathing and visualisation meditation It takes 20 minutes and it seriously changes the tune of my day I can usually go a day without but too long and I notice that Irsquom underperforming
Quickfire Faves
BOOK The Anatomy of the Spirit by Caroline Myss Although I hated it originally mostly because I didnrsquot want to hear the messages that were coming through
WEBSITE YouTube Canrsquot go past finding an olds 90s jam or interviews with Harry Styles to watch
EARLY MORNING ACTIVITY Chakra Clearing
LATE NIGHT ACTIVITY Watching reruns of my favourite TV shows
GOURMET SNACK I donrsquot do gourmet myself but Irsquom all for gourmet cafe food (itrsquos the Melbournian in me) It could be a sugary almond macaroon or full fat grilled haloumi
Elizabeth is a professional business coach spiritual mentor and the creator of The Spiritual Material Girl eCourse Shersquos also the creator of high-end private coaching programs and courses geared towards helping ambitious and successful women who lsquoseemrsquo like theyrsquove got it all figured outhellip yet who still donrsquot feel like their heartrsquos truly fulfilled
Shersquos the go-to for helping you tackle your biz blocks tap into your spiritual side and live a totally kick-ass life With her trademark blend of heartfelt honesty and straight-talking swagger she ties it all together to set you on the fast track to personal professional and spiritual success
Instead of just keepinrsquo on doing whatrsquos not working Elizabeth can show you how to get exactly what you want ndash whether that means building a business you love creating more happiness or simply getting more out of your life You can find Elizabeth over at her home on the internet Your Highest Self
19
Vienda Maria
Vienda Maria is a lifestyle coach author and creative who helps Bon Vivants coaches yogis creatives and entrepreneurs create thriving semi-nomadic unconventional lives that are fulfilling both soulfully and financially Through her coaching events books Gypset Mindset Class course and online community Vienda has inspired and transformed the lives of thousands across the globe ldquoMy mission is simple to guide each and every one of you back to who you really are To come home back to your soul and allowing it to guide your destiny For more love More fun More freedom More adventure More liferdquo Visit Vienda online here
20
What do you do Irsquom a lifestyle coach and writer who helps emerging creatives and professionals create a life thatrsquos a little a it unusual Itrsquos about breaking away from structured office hours and recognising their ability to create their own jobs and money by using their innate passions skills and talents in ways that are a little bit out of the box Itrsquos all about stepping out of a limiting mindset and seeing what is actually possible
Who lives with youI live on my own
Did you a transition from a regular 9 to 5 job How did that happen for you Not really Irsquove always had an extremely free lifestyle and only dabbled into a couple of office jobs along the way when I was inbetween other things
My transition to my current life happened out of the necessity to create something for myself that supported my lifestyle and was financially sustainable After studying psychology at uni I worked at international film and music festivals and other events which was really fun and exciting 12 years later I had fallen in love with being my own boss and traveling the world It was then that I realised that there are so many people who would love to travel have more freedom and time and create their own jobs and that I could help them
What is your current business model Irsquom a very independent worker so I tend to work solo though Irsquove just hired an intern to help me with some of the admin and social media stuff which is quite exciting I sell a range of different things ndash my coaching services make up most of my income followed by products in the form of eBooks and
jewellery collected on my travels Irsquom just about to launch my first course a set of 6 live classes to help beginners create their own unconventional lifestyle so thatrsquos very exciting and keeping me busy
Do you see this business model changing in the future Yes I think as an entreprenuer one the greatest characteristics you can have is flexibility Being flexible with how you do things always changing growing and updating is so important If you want to keep up with business you have to be comfortable and willing to change
What does a day-in-the-life look like for you I travel a lot so my day-to-day varies quite a lot but I usually start the day with writing content for my course blog or anything else that needs my creative input because in the morning my creativity is the highest I keep the mundane tasks for later in the day usually after my coaching calls I check emails and social media twice a day ndash once in the morning and once in the afternoon ndash which usually give me a good indication of what else needs to be done
And I always end my working day with a To Do list for the next day so I wake up with clarity and know exactly what I need to focus on
Irsquom really interested in time efficiency and productivity so choose to focus on doing things that I love and that generate the most response
Do you feel like an introvert or an extrovert and does that affect how you do business Hmmm ndash Irsquom an introverted extrovert I really enjoy my own company and fuel up energetically with time to myself But I also love and need social stimulation inspiration and everything that people bring into our
21
lives I guess itrsquos about balance and listening to your own needs
What are your favourite parts of business Creating and connecting I love the work I do so much ndash when one of my clients has an ah-ha that transforms everything they previously believed to be true ndash it just rocks my world Being able to help people create lives that they thought were only made of dream-stuff is so very fulfilling I learn so much from this process myself Therersquos such a powerful beauty in creating a community of like-minded individuals And I love being creative always thinking of new ideas and new ways to share the information tools and concepts that I have with my tribe
Least favourite Tax I just I have no idea how people manage all that side of things Irsquod do my best to keep everything tidy and organised for my accountant but it hurts my brain when itrsquos tax time
Do you feel like yoursquove made sacrifices to live this lifestyle What are they I think we make sacrifices in every lifestyle we choose There is always something that we choose to let go of in order to have something else But when itrsquos a choice it doesnrsquot really feel like a sacrifice
For example I donrsquot own a ton of material possessions because that would just be silly considering how much I move around For me however that is very freeing rather than a sacrifice I mean what could I possibly really need I love my lifestyle It suits me perfectly And thatrsquos all that matters
What are your Core Desired Feelings raquo Flow raquo Freedom raquo Inspiration raquo Gratitude
Any special tools or routines you implement regularly to feel or perform awesomely I meditate daily and exercise daily I set intentions (goals) monthly and review them every month I practice positive thinking and train my mind to focus on the things that light me up and make me feel good to exclusion of all others because I know that I create my life with my thoughts And things that make me feel good attract more things that make me feel good
BOOK Going Pro by Steven Pressfield
WEBSITE Instagram
EARLY MORNING ACTIVITY Meditation
LATE NIGHT ACTIVITY Journaling
GOURMET SNACK Salted Pistachios
I donrsquot own a ton of material possessions because that would just be silly
considering how much I move around For me however that is very freeing
rather than a sacrifice
Quickfire Faves
22
Amelia Lee
What do you doIrsquom an architect and have been working in the architectural industry for almost twenty years I recently started Undercover Architect which is about empowering YOU to create your well-designed home through online information tools products and services
Irsquom also a Director on the Qld Development Board for The Hunger Project an NGO that works to end hunger and poverty in third world countries by empowering those affected most to feed their families and create hope for their futures
Who lives with you I live with my husband Brandon and son (aged 7) and two daughters (aged 5 and 3) We also have a dog 6 chickens 5 ducklings and shortly 5 miniature cows
Did you a transition from a regular 9 to 5 job How did that happen for youI worked long hours in architectural practices for many years (more like 7am ndash 7pm) managing teams and big projects before I had kids We also wanted to keep them at home with us so over the last 12 years we have renovated 3 homes (whilst living in them) as a means of supplementing our income and supporting the way we wanted to live Wersquove both worked part-time or changed our working hours around kids and the renovating
When my second baby was 4 months old I started an architectural practice with 5 colleagues By the time my third bub was born we had grown our business to have about 10 crew and I didnrsquot really stop work
I left my business in June to pursue a new life My husband and I relocated our family to the Byron Bay Hinterland to a 77 acre property After a big year personally and professionally last year it seemed like the right time to make the move We wanted to stop
23
delaying the dream
What is your current business model Itrsquos just me ndash a one-man band madly writing content and building my website with information tools and advice Irsquom also providing architectural services to some individual clients which I can do remotely
Do you see this business model changing in the futureI will need some additional support in admin web support and marketingadvertising as the business builds My hope is to maintain my flexible work-from-home practises and create a virtual team of independent collaborators to enable this I want my business to be at a scale where I can provide significant financial support to The Hunger Project
What does a day-in-the-life look like for you I get up early and go for a walkrun while listening to an audio book I finish with a brief meditation to set my intentions for the day and then the kids are up and my husband and I run the gauntlet of brekkie lunches school uniforms and getting them to the bus
After the dust has settled I make myself a big cup of coffee and if itrsquos a work day I head to my office which is over our garage I have found that this new experience of working solely on my own without
imposed deadlines etc has required some new tools to create structure and discipline and itrsquos something Irsquom still working on
We all eat dinner together at about 5pm and I do love that we spend time like this together every day
Since the beginning of 2012 I have been taking a photo every day of something Irsquom grateful for and posting it to my Facebook page with a description Itrsquos helped me be a lot more present to the every day joy and beauty that exists
Do you feel like an introvert or an extrovert and does that affect how you do businessI recently found out I was 51 Extrovert ndash which means that Irsquom borderline Introvert also I can get VERY absorbed in my work ndash which is a great problem to have
However given the whole reason we are creating a life this way is to spend more time together as a family Irsquom aware that needs to be kept in check I ultimately would love to do speaking engagements workshops etc so will be drawing on the Extrovert tilt for this
What are your favourite parts of businessI love the lsquostartrsquo of things I am insatiably curious Learning something for the first time figuring it out and getting it to work Irsquom enjoying writing enormously
Least favouriteRevisiting things over and over again And given that my business is still in its early days income-wise I am resisting the pressure of needing to sell and market I want to create great clarity around who my ideal clients are before I launch myself out there
THE VIEW FROM MY HOME OFFICE
24
Do you feel like yoursquove made sacrifices to live this lifestyle What are theyWhere we are now is the culmination of 12 years of very very hard work with a goal and a vision Wersquove lived through 3 renovations Wersquove sunk all our money into homes we were creating for other people and scrimped on most other things because we were always working on the house It was so worth it though
Where we are now is the culmination of 12 years of
very very hard work with a goal and a vision
What are the values you live by My values are Joy|Love|Laughter|Fun (thatrsquos one) Innovation Inspiration and Spaciousness Abundance and Bravery are themes I work to explore
Seth Godin also replied to an email of thanks I once sent him telling me to ldquoGo make a ruckusrdquo ndash so that informs what I do also
Any special tools or routines you implement regularly to feel or perform awesomelyExercise and meditation and I also do a bit of Cognitive Behaviour Therapy My grateful photos also are really important in this
BOOK Tim Ferrissrsquo 4 Hour Work Week It just completely opened my eyes to this whole other way of doing business that wasnrsquot about selling my time for money
WEBSITE Facebook I find it a great way to touch quickly in the lives of my friends but also to get access to lots of inspirational and info ndash like HONY Oprahrsquos Super Soul Sunday Huffington Post Gabby Bernstein
EARLY MORNING ACTIVITY A walkrun stretch and meditation
LATE NIGHT ACTIVITY Meditation while I do my lsquolegs up the wallrsquo pose It makes a massive difference to how I sleep and how rested I feel in the morning
GOURMET SNACK Loving Earth Luvju Raw Organic Orange and Gubinge Chocolate Otherwise I make great fruit-free bliss balls with cacao maca powder and protein powder
Quickfire Faves
You can connect with Amelia online at UndercoverArchitectcom
25
Elizabeth Kelsey BradleyWhat do you do Irsquom a writer and consultant that creates compelling content and social media strategies for businesses around the world I work with companies of all sizes and in all niches but my passion is with helping holistic entrepreneurs
Who lives with you My husband daughter and our insane pets
Did you a transition from a regular 9 to 5 job How did that happen for youI have never had a 9 to 5 ever My father was an entrepreneur and even though he never ever spoke of what it meant to be an entrepreneur his calling seemed to rub off on me
Irsquom literally unemployable Irsquom an artist and rebel and need to do things my own way even though Irsquom a
people person
But how I ended up finally making a business was when my husband couldnrsquot find work and things got scary I began researching like mad how I could work online and it took me years to finally learn marketing particularly with social media and content Despite how hard my first few years were (and I wouldnrsquot want to repeat them) Irsquom glad I learned the hard way as I am able to help others and can relate to women who are just beginning their entrepreneurial journey I look at entrepreneurship as a great honor for me to be able to help others and be of service
What is your current business model I am solo I sell consulting services and also do freelance writing and photography for companies that donrsquot have a staff writer I really need an intern or VA at this point though and am looking for someone
26
Do you see this business model changing in the futureYes and no Yes I will need to hire someone and ideally two people now that I have branched out into creating courses and ebooks but no in regards to my consulting services changing as what I do is in demand People feel confused about social media and creating regular content so I think it will be the same business model for a long time to come
What does a day-in-the-life look like for you Well Irsquom a vampire apparently as I mainly work nights which here in Thailand would be morning time where many of my clients live During the day I am homeschooling mum and also carry in my bag some of my work for
when I need to do some writing or analysis of a clientrsquos social media
Do you feel like an introvert or an extrovert and does that affect how you do businessIrsquom an extrovert but a highly sensitive one This has actually worked in my favour as I have a process for weeding out people who donrsquot fit my Ideal Client profile so that I can maintain my energy and do the best I can with the entrepreneurs who I can best serve
What are your favourite parts of businessI adore talking with clients on the phone or in person so basically anytime Irsquom geeking out about social media and writing
27
Least favouriteAnything to do with SEO
Do you feel like yoursquove made sacrifices to live this lifestyle What are theyEntrepreneurship is isolating in general Add that to the fact that we live on an island in Thailand and itrsquos double the isolation but to be honest this was the best place for us to build our online businesses as itrsquos affordable to live here and safe so I have no regrets
What are your Core Desired Feelings Connection serenity ease truth Values wise Irsquom wild but extremely family oriented
Any special tools or routines you implement regularly to feel or perform awesomelyI read from spiritual or philosophical books and take regular walks Both give me loads of ideas for storytelling which is the essence of what I do Podcasts are also a huge part of my routine particularly those devoted to marketing
BOOK Ocean Sea (buy it now AMAZING)
WEBSITE wwwholisticdadnet
EARLY MORNING ACTIVITY Drinking yerba mate and some yoga
LATE NIGHT ACTIVITY Good beer and a video game
GOURMET SNACK Anything with white truffle oil on it
Quickfire Faves
Elizabeth Kelsey Bradley is an award-winning writer consultant and photojournalist currently based in Thailand Her work has appeared on sites such as Tiny Buddha Vagabonding and in Girl Gone International magazine
As a consultant she helps companies develop effective social media and content strategies She is currently devoted to helping holistic entrepreneurs grow their online platforms at Thriving Healer
28
PAPERLESS OFFICELETrsquoS LEAVE MORE OF OUR TREE FRIENDS IN THE GROUND AND TAKE ADVANTAGE OF THE EXCELLENT APPS AVAILABLE INSTEAD AFTER ALL WErsquoRE RUNNING OUR DEVICES FOR MOST OF THE DAY ANYWAY - MAY AS WELL TAKE ADVANTAGE OF THEIR RAD CAPABILITIES
29
SWAPWriting Lists
FORWunderlist
AnyDoTodoist
SWAPHardcopy Books
FOR
KindleiBooks
SWAPPrinting + Scanning
Contracts
FOR
EchosignHellosignSWAP
Taking Notes + Printing Articles
FOREvernote
SWAPBrainstorming
+ Mind Mapping
FORSimpleMind
Coggle
30
HOW DARE YOU S E T T L E F O R L E S S WHEN THE WORLD h a s m a d e i t SO EASY F O R Y O U T O B E remarkable
SETH GODIN
31
JASMINE DOWLING MAPS TO HERSELF THE FIFTH ELEMENT LIFE
MOSSYJOJO TRICIA O DESIGNSIMPLY LOVE CREATIONS
BY SAMANTHA STACEY KEMPPENFRIEND
Jazz up your office walls with prints that stoke your creative fire
32
THE YES EPIDEMIC
33
THE YES EPIDEMIC
OurCoverStar
34
Whether it be a night out (when Irsquom exhausted) a favour (thatrsquos asking a little too much) or a date (that I know isnrsquot going to go anywhere) Irsquove typically and reluctantly replied to these requests with a lsquosure thingrsquo more times than Irsquod care to admit
Take on another client when my schedule is fully booked Absolutely
Offer to shout a friendrsquos breakfast when I really donrsquot have the cash to splash Of course
Commit to another online course when Irsquom barely halfway through the other 8 Irsquove signed up for this year Why yes
The Yes Epidemic has woven its way into our exceptionally busy (and beautiful) lives with the promise of MORE More connection more exposure more opportunity more money more education more insight more success And the more we do the more we are - right
Wrong
The reality is the more we constantly fill our plates to the brim (oh letrsquos admit it our plates are overflowing) with commitment after
commitment the less space we are leaving for us to just BE
To be immersed in who we are what our dreams and desires are to love to play to breathe
By saying lsquoyesrsquo like itrsquos going out of fashion we find ourselves spread as thin as vegemite on gluten-free toast Our energy and vitality are compromised and we donrsquot show up in the world as our best selves
So here are a few tips I use with my clients (and myself regularly) to get in the habit of saying lsquonorsquo a little more often
Irsquove never been very good at saying lsquonorsquo
35
Reflective routine with a heaping dose of reality is key here Take an honest look at your weekly schedule and ensure that you are focussing your precious time energy and resources on the people activities and
projects that are aligned with your values Is this commitment important to you Then honour it with your time Not so important
Time to shift things up
I canrsquot go past Marie Forleorsquos advice on this subject When somebody presents you with an opportunity if itrsquos not a HELL YES then itrsquos a no
Go with your gut always
Forget the FOMO The lsquofear of missing outrsquo is what keeps most of us on the Sure Thing Wagon and itrsquos just not sustainable Trust that all the
opportunities that are meant for you will come your way at the right time for you
Send your lsquonorsquo off with love Therersquos no need to feel uncomfortable turning down a request when you do so with kindness respect and
humility Excuses can be left at the door just honour your good intentions and everyone involved in the situation
Remember every time you give a loving inspired lsquonorsquo you are giving others the permission to do the same thing I always feel energised when someone turns down a request because it reminds me to respect myself
enough to pull out that gentle lsquonorsquo when required too
1
23
45
AND THE BEST THING ABOUT SAYING lsquoNOrsquo WHEN THE TIME COMES THAT A lsquoSURE THINGrsquo IS IN FACT THE HEART-CENTRED RESPONSE YOU EXCITEDLY GIVE ITrsquoS MUCH SWEETER MORE MEANINGFUL AND A HELLUVA LOT MORE VALUABLE
Claire Baker is a certified coach and mentor passionate writer and speaker and author of lsquoShe Is Radiant Your 6-Week Wellness Adventure To Get Glowy amp Feel Radrsquo Claire guides vibrant young women as they get from where they are to where they want to be ndash in their health and life blog and business
You can consider Claire your personal advocate for living an energised playful and heart-centred life Come say hi at This is Lifeblood her online space to share her passion for all things nourishing soulful and creative
CLAIRErsquoS TOP FIVE TIPS TO GET INTO THE HABIT OF SAYING NO
36
37
artOF THE
THE
soloSOULRETREAT
38
When you live a soul-driven and passionate life you very likely live and breathe your lsquoworkrsquo 247
I put the word work in inverted commas because for you itrsquos likely just you leading your amazing life (and more power to you my friend) But amidst this you may find it difficult to switch off and cultivate the spaciousness to just let it all hang out and exist without an agenda or a to-do list anywhere in site
Enter stage left the Solo Soul Retreat I took myself on one recently and by golly did it give me the exact level of time out and rejoove that this soul-driven lassy needed Maybe itrsquos about time you took yourself on one
Here are some tips for creating the perfect conditions for your solo soul retreat
Pick a place close byI chose the Byron area because itrsquos only two hours drive from where I live And this is important because while you want to be lsquoawayrsquo to unplug from the numerous distractions of home you donrsquot want to be so far away that you feel obliged to check out all the sights and scoot around lsquodoingrsquo your little butt off You want to create a feeling of not having to do ANYTHING if you donrsquot feel like it Moment to moment awareness and tapping into what you truly want to do is critical to the restorative nature of the solo soul retreat So if that means a nap in the afternoon without checking out the sights do it Sans the guilt
Making it somewhere close by means you can convince your inner tourist that you can come back any time you want to So donrsquot book your long awaited trip to Bali for this particular retreat style I recommend scouting around Air BnB for some great bargains near you
Book for at least 2-3 nights away (more if possible)It takes awhile for us to wind down and get in to the rhythm of a slower pace so give yourself as much time as possible to sink deeply in to relaxation I find that it takes my body a good day or so (at least) to realise itrsquos on holiday A weekend is good a long weekend even better And a week would be crazy good
Set an intentionFor my soul retreat it was to cultivate a feeling of internal ease and spaciousness I was so tightly wound and constricted from within I wanted to feel joyous energy flowing through me again
39
unimpeded
An intention is a helpful anchor that you can come back to throughout the retreat when you feel your energy flitting away to unnecessary distractions Revisit your intention throughout your retreat and ease back into the feeling you wish to cultivate
Immerse yourself in natureWherever you head to find some time to plonk yourself amidst the stunning natural surrounds of Mama Nature There is absolutely NOTHING that compares to the healing capacity of earthing ourselves at the beach or in the forest or just a little garden Barefoot and butt on the ground meditating or just sitting and quietly contemplating our wondrous natural world will have you relaxing into zen in no time
Silence is goldenTaking time to retreat also means giving your mind a bit of a break (hence the lsquono doingrsquo rule) try out not talking which shouldnrsquot be too hard if yoursquore on your own and see what kind of insights
There is absolutely NOTHING that compares to the healing capacity of earthing ourselves at the beach
or in the forest or just a little garden
Barefoot and butt on the ground meditating or just sitting and
quietly contemplating our wondrous natural world
will have you relaxing into zen in no time
40
begin to pop into your nogginrsquo when you donrsquot have to constantly communicate
Pamper yourselfWhat feels really decadent to you For my recent retreat it was heading to a spa and bathhouse for the morning soaking in oxygenated spa baths steaming myself in the sauna and relaxing on a sun lounge in the tranquil spa gardens with a good book
For you it might be a luxurious massage and energy balancing treatment Or maybe itrsquos a delicious meal you take your time with at an amazing restaurant nearby Perhaps itrsquos allowing yourself to lounge around in bed with your favourite book and a cup of tea Whatever it is allow yourself these delights As many as you please gorgeous one
Body-loving foodIf you have a kitchen at your accommodation pack yourself the kind of food you know your body loves Think veggies fruit some bliss balls your fave teas raw cacao and honey for a delish hot chocolate If you have a portable blender pack up your ingredients to whip yourself up some delights while yoursquore there Alternatively and if you have time prepare a few things before you head off You can pre-cook quinoa lentil curries and rice dishes to heat up whenever you fancy If there are local farmerrsquos markets you can even do a bit of purchasing there for your meals (and because yoursquore so close to home bringing back the leftovers is a cinch)
Scout around a little and find some local cafeacutes or
41
restaurants that tickle your fancy and take yourself out for a meal that makes your body scream YES
Soul nourishing practices Rituals and practices help us to sink more deeply in to our soulrsquos true nature Bring along whatever stokes your soul fire and brings you into present moment awareness Cultivating reverence for yourself and life itself is a crucial aspect of your soul retreat Some practices you may consider are raquo Meditation (guided or just simply following your inhale and exhale) I find the Kundalini Ego
Eradicator meditation particularly soul-nourishing (and frankly life changing) raquo Journaling ndash with no thought as to what to write just jot down whatever comes to you Yoursquoll be
amazed at the cathartic feelings and insights this brings raquo Yoga (on your own or find a class nearby that resonates with you) raquo Playing with oracle cards Ask a question or for general guidance and see how your guides and
the Universe responds The Little Sagersquos deck is divine raquo Reading soulfully inspiring books raquo Lighting some incense and writing an epic gratitude list raquo A walking meditation through nature raquo Get arty play around with whatever you have Love colour Bring your paints Doodle Donrsquot
judge the results just let it flow out of you
Overall the point of this solo soul retreat is that you do what you genuinely want to do in the moment So nix the over planning as you may do with other trips away Settle into present moment awareness and allow yourself to be rather than just do Listen with kindness to your inner child Let her out to play (Mega hint she really doesnrsquot want to be bossed around) Gifting yourself this time is your surefire way to feeling rejuvenated refreshed and ready to live life to its fullest
Enjoy gorgeous one
Carly is a passionate international aid and development project manager and writer Carly works on projects in Australia and the Asia-Pacific region focusing on cultivating sustainable livelihoods the empowerment of women community enterprise local market development and positive social change
Head on over to Carlyrsquos blog Pockets of Peace for her soul-centred musings on peace wellness and oodles of inspiration
42
The most powerful weapon on earth is the human soul
on fire
F E R D I N A N D F O C H
43
Five Minute Fixes
FOR FEAR AND OVERWHELM
44
IF YOUrsquoRE RUNNING YOUR OWN BIZ YOUrsquoD BE FAMILIAR WITH THE PHENOMENON OF FEAR AND OVERWHELM YOU KNOW WHEN YOU JUST FEEL STUCK PARALYSED NOT SURE WHICH CHOICE TO MAKE OR ACTION TO TAKE YOU HAVE DEADLINES LOOMING THE PRESSURE IS MOUNTING AND YOUrsquoRE BLOCKED YOU NEED TO GET OUT OF YOUR OVERWHELM RIGHT NOW SO YOU CAN GET BACK TO CHANGING THE WORLD
Here are five practices designed to break the fear cycle and get you out of your head and into your body in five minutes or less
Go outside Get out into the sunlight See the sky take off your shoes and feel the grass tickle your toes Close your eyes Feel the heat on your skin Take some deep breaths and smell the air Tune in to the sounds around you Become still Fully engage with the present moment and drop into the sensations in your body
Deep breathing You can use a mantra such as So-Hum you can count the length of each inhale and exhale or you can do as many rounds of Nadi Shodhana (alternate nostril breathing) as you can fit into five minutes Whatever yoursquore most comfortable with do that Breath is the bridge between the inner and outer realities Deep breathing will calm the nervous system and bring your attention to the present moment
Move Go for a brisk walk Put on your favourite tune plug in the headphones and dance (in the bathroom cubicle if yoursquore embarrassed to do it in publichellip because thatrsquos not weird at all) Have a quickie on your own or with a partner Or you can shake it out Start with your right foot shake it as hard as possible to the count of 10 Then your whole leg Then the left foot and left leg Then the right hand then the right arm then the left hand and arm Then fold forward and gently shake your head - back to front side to side Then stand up again and shake your whole body like you know how
Then stand in stillness for 2 minutes to balance out the movement Listen to your heartbeat Yoursquove just expressed and released some negative energy so take a standing Savasana (resting pose) to integrate Make sure you smooth your hair after this one
45
Aromatherapy Get a bottle of essential oil and sniff it - simple Smell affects the limbic system which is responsible for the storage and release of emotional trauma You can immediately calm your body with the right scent
Make sure you get 100 therapeutic grade pure essential oil - these have a high vibrational frequency and you donrsquot want any nasties entering your system through inferior quality oil Lavender is proven to calm the nervous system as is frankincense balsam fir basil cedar wood and sandalwood You can purchase calming blends from your local aromatherapist or get them to custom-make a blend for you
Make some noise This is especially good if you work from home or drive to work as you may want privacy Get a pillow or lock yourself in the car and scream as loud as you can connecting deeply to your pelvis Give yourself permission to vocalise all that frustration fear shame guilt whatever is building up in your energy field Sound is the end of feeling When you express vocally you are releasing emotion and ending the cycle of repression Done regularly this will also enhance your creativity and self-expression - benefiting your business (and sex life) in the long run
These practices work for me and Irsquod love to know if they resonate with you
Irsquom Emma a multi-passionate self-love junkie who loves supporting people on their journey to wellness Since suffering from adrenal burnout and a host of related conditions Irsquove dedicated myself to personal healing and growth and encouraging others to find their own unique path By day Irsquom a yoga teacher virtual assistant and event coordinator for wellness entrepreneurs and outside of that yoursquoll find me salsa dancing travelling and eating raw desserts
Connect with me at emmashieldscom
46
Abandon anything about your life and habits that might be holding you back
Learn to create your own opportunities
Know that there is no finish line fortune favors action
Race balls-out toward the extraordinary life that yoursquove always dreamed of
or still havenrsquot had time to dream up
And prepare to have a hell of a lot of fun along the way
SOPHIA AMORUSO
47
Why you should create aHIGH-CONVERTING OPT-IN OFFER
A critical component of building your online business is growing your email list and creating a compelling opt-in offer is one of the best ways to kickstart this growth
You want your email list to be made up of people who are genuinely interested in you and what you have to offer your target market Your ideal customers and readers
Thatrsquos why your opt-in offer (a gift to entice people to join your list) needs to be unique highly relevant to your business and of real value to your ideal clients If people are on your site checking you out they are already interested ndash you need to give them a compelling reason to sign up
What would your readers find valuable Something that saves them time money pain or makes their life easier better or more beautiful It also needs to be damn high quality Proofed designed and worth paying for
48
Why would you give away something so valuable for free
Because it shows yoursquore serious about helping people Because it builds trust with readers Because itrsquos a genuine thank you in return for a readerrsquos contact details Because itrsquos an ad for your business Yoursquore showing people the quality of what they will receive if they go on to work with you
How do you choose which is right for you Think about what you currently offer your readers or customers (as in content as well as services or products) What is popular What do they comment on most or ask questions about What would you love to create What would be the perfect compliment to a service you provide How can you genuinely help
Brainstorm a list then narrow it down to one ndash and get cracking
The best opt-ins are win-win ndash you gather details from ideal customers and the customers
receive something great that they need and want in return
Happy creating
PS Tricking people is icky Donrsquot do that Itrsquos of no use to have people on your list that donrsquot care about you or your products Be genuine Offer genuine value Get genuine sign-ups
SO WHAT SHOULD YOU OFFER
Here are a few ideas raquo A sneak peek or preview of a paid
product ndash like a free chapter or lesson
raquo A smaller version of a paid product ndash like a 3 day meal plan
raquo Something which compliments a service you offer
raquo Useful templates ndash like a product launch worksheet or a calendar
raquo Inspirational printables ndash like quotes or illustrations
raquo A mini eCourse ndash like 5 days of video coaching
raquo A discount ndash like 10 off their next purchase
raquo A VIP offer ndash like first dibs on tickets
raquo An eBook or workbook ndash like a recipe book or marketing plan
Alana Wimmer is Founder + Creative Director of mini digital publishing house Raspberry Stripes Alana works with rad lady entrepreneurs to design eBooks which will change the world She also provides guidance insight and info on eBook design on the Raspberry Stripes website When she isnrsquot designing reading or talking about eBooks you can find Alana walking Rory and Roxy the boxers with her husband in tow probably on her way to pick up a green smoothie
49
is a lack of self-worth
50
As a bright-eyed uni student I got pretty excited about all the opportunities that were due to unfold before me when I graduated
My approach to life has always been filled with excitement for the future I remember saying to friends in class that we were certain to be successful because enthusiasm trumps experience Sadly the path wasnrsquot as smooth as Irsquod imagined I naively thought that all bosses had a sixth-sense for talent even from shy girls who werenrsquot outward about their abilities
I applied for and took a series of jobs that from the job description seemed so overwhelmingly scary to do but within months if not weeks I was bored I lacked the self-worth to believe I could step up but Irsquod externalise this into anger at my employer for holding me back Eventually I realised it was all of my own creation I was the one who was playing small applying for and then taking jobs that wersquore well under my pay grade I even turned down a few including a big promotion because the amount of money offered was too much and it scared me Seriously
Years of study and I lacked the ability to dive in fully commit be brave be boisterous about my abilities and soar I found school easy and when things seemed challenging at work I put it down to an inability to perform If it wasnrsquot easy at first I accepted that I just wasnrsquot able I had yet to find out that some of the best lessons come from giving things a go and making a lot of mistakes Failing or in reality playing small was a comfort zone for me and success in my career was an unknown quantity I was used to struggle I was safe with my dreams The possibility of them coming true Too much to handle Irsquod have to learn to live in the present moment and I donrsquot think I was ready to do that I wasnrsquot ready to look closely at myself and see that for all my effort there was still a lot of inner work to do It was time to look within
I KNOW HOW EASY IT IS TO BUILD WALLS AROUND OUR DREAMS PUSH THEM FURTHER AWAY IN AN ATTEMPT TO PLAY SAFE AND LIVE LIFE ACCORDING TO EXTERNAL INFLUENCE I KNOW THE LEVEL OF DETERMINATION AND MENTAL GRIT IT TAKES TO OVERCOME OURSELVES START TAKING OWNERSHIP OF OUR THOUGHTS AND ULTIMATELY THE PATH OF OUR OWN LIVES
I love when clients ask me to guide them on this path because I know just what can happen when they get there I hold my hand out as a supportive leverage point and watch them soar
Something Irsquove learnt along the way The first step for many women in building self-worth is learning the art of body love Body love is all about learning to appreciate the capabilities of your body nourishing and taking care of your spirit and occasionally cutting yourself a break
51
Itrsquos looking in the mirror and liking the person you see not picking on the parts you donrsquot like Itrsquos making a choice about whether to wear a bikini based on your personal values and not about what your body looks like in one Dieting and restriction are low level energies that hold us back from achieving high level desires Negative thinking blocks our internal compass and our ability to connect to our intuition Body love is the gateway to high frequency living
We all have that version of ourselves that we aspire to be The woman who gets up to the alarm has patience and drive Shersquos got a sparkle in her eye a sense of confidence and knowing about her place in the world that emanates from her whole being She sits up straight and laughs with abandon From where we sit therersquos a chasm to leap in becoming that woman That woman represents ldquoone dayrdquo She represents effort She can seem unachievable In my experience body love is the first and most important step toward that woman Body love is filled with possibility promise and prosperity When we remove that low level energy of diet and restriction we can start to attract high frequencies We can start to become that woman in the present moment
Irsquove seen the shift first hand for so many people Suddenly the whole world opens up and the possibilities become endless The cloud lifts and pie-in-the-sky dreams show up in high-definition technicolour Thoughts that previously caused anxiety everything from going to lunch with new friends to finding a purpose in life start to feel as easy to read as words on a page Therersquos no more searching Itrsquos been replaced by a knowing excitement I watch as women become like bright-eyed students again endless possibilities opening up before them Only this time Theyrsquove got experience on their side
Suddenly the whole world
opens up and the
possibilities become
endless
The cloud lifts and
pie-in-the-sky dreams show
up in high-definition
technicolour
Rachelle is a Life + Confidence Coach at My Saturn Epoch She supports women through the big transitions in their life helping them to break their negative cycles to consciously create a happy life and positive mindset She is a big hearted business woman who is passionate about supporting women in pursuit of their own excellence so they can shine as a beacon to themselves their families and their communities
Connect with Rachelle at mysaturnepochcom
52
SUBSCRIBE TO RASPBERRY MAGAZINE
Grab an annual subscription and yoursquoll receive raquo 6 digital issues of Raspberry Magazine raquo an exclusive Annual Subscribers Thank You Pack
- which includes a printable manifesto beautiful meditation tracks an eBook and more contributed by generous lady entrepreneurs - worth over $35
VISIT THE SHOP
53
T H A N K Y O U F O R R E A D I N GA N D A M I L L I O N H I G H-F I V E S
I F Y O U L O V E D R A S P B E R R YM A G A Z I N E P L E A S E S H A R E
54
9
Personal transformation can and does have global effects
As we go so goes the world for the world is us
The revolution that will save the world is ultimately a personal one
MARIANNE WILLIAMSON
10
Holding Your First WorkshopT H E F I V E T H I N G S YO U N E E D TO K N O W
11
Are you keen to dip your toes into the world of workshops and events Here are the 5 things that you should know before you dive on in
ONE You donrsquot need a big budget
You donrsquot need to spend a lot of money to throw an amazing event When it comes to your venue there are plenty of low cost options out there
Community centres councils and libraries across Australia are an amazing resource where you can book a space for as little as $3 an hour Co-working spaces yoga
studios or warehouses can also be cost effective options
If you find a venue that makes you squeee with happiness but seems a bit out of your reach ask the manager when their off peak times are or when you can
access a lower rate
Nervous about other costs Holding events in between main meals means you only need to provide light refreshments such as tea juice and sweet treats And if you require additional items for things such as gift bags or professional services like a
photographer you can offer businesses a sponsorship package services swap or some free tickets to the event in return for collaborating with you
TWO The best workshops are a complete experience
The most fulfilling happiness inducing and ah-ha filled workshops are those that are a complete experience from start to finish If your aim is to create connection ensure that guests are greeted as soon as they walk in that they can mingle easily and then have a way to continue the conversations post event If your aim is to educate and inspire give them printed materials and workbooks visual slides and an engaging presentation If your aim is to create peace through an activity such as yoga or
meditation then give them a soft and gentle atmosphere and some soothing tunes
It always helps to think about your objective and build the experience around that
12
THREE Generosity sells
There is nothing more icky than going to an event expecting to be informed about a topic and then end up getting the hard sell put on you There is definitely a way to promote authentically and in a non-sleazy way but before that even comes into the
picture I believe it is best practice to give give give
Give your time and your presence to the people in the room with you Give expert knowledge information and tips that arenrsquot readily available elsewhere
Give guests the opportunity to openly approach you and have a chat
When you are sincere about giving your best people will genuinely want to want work with you By the time you offer them a way to continue the relationship you will have a
line of people eager to sign up ndash no hustling required
13
FOUR You can be creative in your marketing
You donrsquot have to promote your workshop just through the stock standard ways Get creative and share your vision with your audience You can
raquo Create a simple weekly graphic with an inspiring quote related to your workshop content raquo Share beautiful photos of the venue goody bag items deacutecor or printed materials
raquo Profile your speakers with a cute pic and a short but interesting bio raquo Tease people with little snippets of what the day will bring them
raquo Keep people updated with what you are doing and show them the work behind the scenes
Encouraging engagement in the lead up is a nice way to remind people about your workshop without feeling repetitive
5 You will have bust through some fears
Expect to feel emotional at times Worries such as I donrsquot know where to start I am overwhelmed nobody is going to come Irsquom not good enough and what if people are disappointed can pop up but
I promise you ndash this is normal These little suckers have a habit of creeping up on you but if you can find the strength tools and support to work through these then it is definitely worth it
A good course of action is to assess reflect and act Be aware of when it happens and assess what emotions are coming up reflect on why it is an issue for you and then take positive action to overcome it If you can gently work with your fears instead of letting them hold you back I
promise you there will be an amazing experience on the other side
Holding your own workshops and events can be a bit of work but the connections you create and the positive impact you have on peoplersquos lives is incredible
Keeping spreading your message lovelies and happy planning
Jade McKenzie is an event professional for heart-centered entrepreneurs and business owners who get sweaty palms at the thought of running an event themselves With over a decade of experience in event management she has an unrelenting passion for giving her clients the ability to step into their spotlight and shine
Find her at eventheadcomau
14
IF YOU DONrsquoT DESIGN YOUR OWN LIFE PLAN CHANCES ARE YOUrsquoLL FALL INTO SOMEONE ELSErsquoS PLAN
AND GUESS WHAT THEY HAVE PLANNED FOR YOU NOT MUCH
Jim Rohn
15
nomadsnomadsDIGITAL
THESE WOMEN ARE BUILDING BUSINESSES THAT CAN BE RUN FROM ANYWHERE THEY CHOOSE
16
Elizabeth McKenzie
What do you do Let me count the ways
First and foremost Irsquom a multi-passionate
Which means Irsquom business + marketing coach spiritual mentor writer + seeker of rad things And I canrsquot go past a mention of my two loves Nike high tops and Harry Styles
Who lives with youAt the moment Irsquom living with my parents on their yacht Wersquore getting ready to sail up the East Coast of Australia Irsquom then heading to the US and plan on renting out a pad in NYC with Juliethellipand when I returnhellip who knowshellip Irsquom open to suggestions
Did you a transition from a regular 9 to 5 job How did
that happen for you I transitioned from student to business owner While I was studying my Master of Speech Pathology (oh yeah Irsquom a speech pathologist too) I became so sick of having to adhere to the metal box that is university education Ya know playing by someone elsersquos rules so I started up a blog initially as a way to rebel from the box
The more I blogged the more I became obsessed with everything about being online ndash the connections with other likeminded women andhellip hold up the ability to work from anywhere in the world helping anyone with an internet connection Sign me up
I hired a butt load of mentors to help me along my way and at the start of 2014 I launched my first offering marketing and business coaching (yes I also have a degree in that too)
17
At the same time I got a one day a week speechie job to compliment my multi-passionate nature but after 4 months of doing that I realised itrsquos not in my nature to work for anyone else but myself
By then my business was bringing in the cash to support my decision to go all in
And here I am on a boat
What is your current business model Itrsquos currently me and my teeny team of rad peeps Irsquove got my VA my copywriter and communications consultant and my graphic designer I love having people compliment what I do
The business model ndash well I started with the advisor model really only selling my expertise and coaching on a 11 basis but Irsquom now creating an eCourse to help hundreds of women become more spiritual without losing touch with the real world Essentially real world spirituality the unwanky way and Irsquom crazy excited
Throughout this journey Irsquove realised that my business and how I operate is always going to evolve and accepting that has freed me up to do so much more of the things I love
Do you see this business model changing in the futureI had an epiphany recently that I want to help as many people as I can so Irsquom now starting to gear my business towards that kind of model with eCourses and programs that are offered at a lower price point
Exciting times
My motto in business (and life) never say never
Wersquore operating in a dynamic environment The dumbest thing you can do for your business is feel you
have to lock yourself in
By all means pick something and give it a red hot go ndash but know that as the environment changes around you you need to accommodate that
Woke up at 630 for breakfast and coffee
Had a three hour intensive with my latest client who lives in Scotland from 7-10
Did a bit of admin and setting up the membership site of my new eCourse
Went to see Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles at 1 (nerd much)
Got home at 4
Felt inspired to read so whipped out my latest book
Wrote a little after dinner for my latest opt-in offer
Ended the day watching reruns of The Mindy Project
A Da
y In
The
Lif
e of
Eliza
beth
Do you feel like an introvert or an extrovert and does that affect how you do businessCan I say Irsquom both Sometimes I need to be around people to get more energy and sometimes I need to be alone to recharge too
I think therersquos a bit of a dance I do in my business where I need to have days like the Friday above because otherwise my energy gets stagnant and the creative flow stops
What are your favourite parts of businessWriting Creating
And the ability to not work when I donrsquot want to
18
Least favouriteWordpress admin Although when I nail something (finally) I get a major sense of achievement
Do you feel like yoursquove made sacrifices to live this lifestyle What are theyDefinitely At the moment Irsquove had to let me pooch live with his dad while Irsquom on a boat and while I got to NYC
I wish he could be with me 247
What are your Core Desired Feelings raquo Free raquo Luxurious raquo Joy
Any special tools or routines you implement regularly to feel or perform awesomelyThe number one thing that I do regularly is clear my chakras via a breathing and visualisation meditation It takes 20 minutes and it seriously changes the tune of my day I can usually go a day without but too long and I notice that Irsquom underperforming
Quickfire Faves
BOOK The Anatomy of the Spirit by Caroline Myss Although I hated it originally mostly because I didnrsquot want to hear the messages that were coming through
WEBSITE YouTube Canrsquot go past finding an olds 90s jam or interviews with Harry Styles to watch
EARLY MORNING ACTIVITY Chakra Clearing
LATE NIGHT ACTIVITY Watching reruns of my favourite TV shows
GOURMET SNACK I donrsquot do gourmet myself but Irsquom all for gourmet cafe food (itrsquos the Melbournian in me) It could be a sugary almond macaroon or full fat grilled haloumi
Elizabeth is a professional business coach spiritual mentor and the creator of The Spiritual Material Girl eCourse Shersquos also the creator of high-end private coaching programs and courses geared towards helping ambitious and successful women who lsquoseemrsquo like theyrsquove got it all figured outhellip yet who still donrsquot feel like their heartrsquos truly fulfilled
Shersquos the go-to for helping you tackle your biz blocks tap into your spiritual side and live a totally kick-ass life With her trademark blend of heartfelt honesty and straight-talking swagger she ties it all together to set you on the fast track to personal professional and spiritual success
Instead of just keepinrsquo on doing whatrsquos not working Elizabeth can show you how to get exactly what you want ndash whether that means building a business you love creating more happiness or simply getting more out of your life You can find Elizabeth over at her home on the internet Your Highest Self
19
Vienda Maria
Vienda Maria is a lifestyle coach author and creative who helps Bon Vivants coaches yogis creatives and entrepreneurs create thriving semi-nomadic unconventional lives that are fulfilling both soulfully and financially Through her coaching events books Gypset Mindset Class course and online community Vienda has inspired and transformed the lives of thousands across the globe ldquoMy mission is simple to guide each and every one of you back to who you really are To come home back to your soul and allowing it to guide your destiny For more love More fun More freedom More adventure More liferdquo Visit Vienda online here
20
What do you do Irsquom a lifestyle coach and writer who helps emerging creatives and professionals create a life thatrsquos a little a it unusual Itrsquos about breaking away from structured office hours and recognising their ability to create their own jobs and money by using their innate passions skills and talents in ways that are a little bit out of the box Itrsquos all about stepping out of a limiting mindset and seeing what is actually possible
Who lives with youI live on my own
Did you a transition from a regular 9 to 5 job How did that happen for you Not really Irsquove always had an extremely free lifestyle and only dabbled into a couple of office jobs along the way when I was inbetween other things
My transition to my current life happened out of the necessity to create something for myself that supported my lifestyle and was financially sustainable After studying psychology at uni I worked at international film and music festivals and other events which was really fun and exciting 12 years later I had fallen in love with being my own boss and traveling the world It was then that I realised that there are so many people who would love to travel have more freedom and time and create their own jobs and that I could help them
What is your current business model Irsquom a very independent worker so I tend to work solo though Irsquove just hired an intern to help me with some of the admin and social media stuff which is quite exciting I sell a range of different things ndash my coaching services make up most of my income followed by products in the form of eBooks and
jewellery collected on my travels Irsquom just about to launch my first course a set of 6 live classes to help beginners create their own unconventional lifestyle so thatrsquos very exciting and keeping me busy
Do you see this business model changing in the future Yes I think as an entreprenuer one the greatest characteristics you can have is flexibility Being flexible with how you do things always changing growing and updating is so important If you want to keep up with business you have to be comfortable and willing to change
What does a day-in-the-life look like for you I travel a lot so my day-to-day varies quite a lot but I usually start the day with writing content for my course blog or anything else that needs my creative input because in the morning my creativity is the highest I keep the mundane tasks for later in the day usually after my coaching calls I check emails and social media twice a day ndash once in the morning and once in the afternoon ndash which usually give me a good indication of what else needs to be done
And I always end my working day with a To Do list for the next day so I wake up with clarity and know exactly what I need to focus on
Irsquom really interested in time efficiency and productivity so choose to focus on doing things that I love and that generate the most response
Do you feel like an introvert or an extrovert and does that affect how you do business Hmmm ndash Irsquom an introverted extrovert I really enjoy my own company and fuel up energetically with time to myself But I also love and need social stimulation inspiration and everything that people bring into our
21
lives I guess itrsquos about balance and listening to your own needs
What are your favourite parts of business Creating and connecting I love the work I do so much ndash when one of my clients has an ah-ha that transforms everything they previously believed to be true ndash it just rocks my world Being able to help people create lives that they thought were only made of dream-stuff is so very fulfilling I learn so much from this process myself Therersquos such a powerful beauty in creating a community of like-minded individuals And I love being creative always thinking of new ideas and new ways to share the information tools and concepts that I have with my tribe
Least favourite Tax I just I have no idea how people manage all that side of things Irsquod do my best to keep everything tidy and organised for my accountant but it hurts my brain when itrsquos tax time
Do you feel like yoursquove made sacrifices to live this lifestyle What are they I think we make sacrifices in every lifestyle we choose There is always something that we choose to let go of in order to have something else But when itrsquos a choice it doesnrsquot really feel like a sacrifice
For example I donrsquot own a ton of material possessions because that would just be silly considering how much I move around For me however that is very freeing rather than a sacrifice I mean what could I possibly really need I love my lifestyle It suits me perfectly And thatrsquos all that matters
What are your Core Desired Feelings raquo Flow raquo Freedom raquo Inspiration raquo Gratitude
Any special tools or routines you implement regularly to feel or perform awesomely I meditate daily and exercise daily I set intentions (goals) monthly and review them every month I practice positive thinking and train my mind to focus on the things that light me up and make me feel good to exclusion of all others because I know that I create my life with my thoughts And things that make me feel good attract more things that make me feel good
BOOK Going Pro by Steven Pressfield
WEBSITE Instagram
EARLY MORNING ACTIVITY Meditation
LATE NIGHT ACTIVITY Journaling
GOURMET SNACK Salted Pistachios
I donrsquot own a ton of material possessions because that would just be silly
considering how much I move around For me however that is very freeing
rather than a sacrifice
Quickfire Faves
22
Amelia Lee
What do you doIrsquom an architect and have been working in the architectural industry for almost twenty years I recently started Undercover Architect which is about empowering YOU to create your well-designed home through online information tools products and services
Irsquom also a Director on the Qld Development Board for The Hunger Project an NGO that works to end hunger and poverty in third world countries by empowering those affected most to feed their families and create hope for their futures
Who lives with you I live with my husband Brandon and son (aged 7) and two daughters (aged 5 and 3) We also have a dog 6 chickens 5 ducklings and shortly 5 miniature cows
Did you a transition from a regular 9 to 5 job How did that happen for youI worked long hours in architectural practices for many years (more like 7am ndash 7pm) managing teams and big projects before I had kids We also wanted to keep them at home with us so over the last 12 years we have renovated 3 homes (whilst living in them) as a means of supplementing our income and supporting the way we wanted to live Wersquove both worked part-time or changed our working hours around kids and the renovating
When my second baby was 4 months old I started an architectural practice with 5 colleagues By the time my third bub was born we had grown our business to have about 10 crew and I didnrsquot really stop work
I left my business in June to pursue a new life My husband and I relocated our family to the Byron Bay Hinterland to a 77 acre property After a big year personally and professionally last year it seemed like the right time to make the move We wanted to stop
23
delaying the dream
What is your current business model Itrsquos just me ndash a one-man band madly writing content and building my website with information tools and advice Irsquom also providing architectural services to some individual clients which I can do remotely
Do you see this business model changing in the futureI will need some additional support in admin web support and marketingadvertising as the business builds My hope is to maintain my flexible work-from-home practises and create a virtual team of independent collaborators to enable this I want my business to be at a scale where I can provide significant financial support to The Hunger Project
What does a day-in-the-life look like for you I get up early and go for a walkrun while listening to an audio book I finish with a brief meditation to set my intentions for the day and then the kids are up and my husband and I run the gauntlet of brekkie lunches school uniforms and getting them to the bus
After the dust has settled I make myself a big cup of coffee and if itrsquos a work day I head to my office which is over our garage I have found that this new experience of working solely on my own without
imposed deadlines etc has required some new tools to create structure and discipline and itrsquos something Irsquom still working on
We all eat dinner together at about 5pm and I do love that we spend time like this together every day
Since the beginning of 2012 I have been taking a photo every day of something Irsquom grateful for and posting it to my Facebook page with a description Itrsquos helped me be a lot more present to the every day joy and beauty that exists
Do you feel like an introvert or an extrovert and does that affect how you do businessI recently found out I was 51 Extrovert ndash which means that Irsquom borderline Introvert also I can get VERY absorbed in my work ndash which is a great problem to have
However given the whole reason we are creating a life this way is to spend more time together as a family Irsquom aware that needs to be kept in check I ultimately would love to do speaking engagements workshops etc so will be drawing on the Extrovert tilt for this
What are your favourite parts of businessI love the lsquostartrsquo of things I am insatiably curious Learning something for the first time figuring it out and getting it to work Irsquom enjoying writing enormously
Least favouriteRevisiting things over and over again And given that my business is still in its early days income-wise I am resisting the pressure of needing to sell and market I want to create great clarity around who my ideal clients are before I launch myself out there
THE VIEW FROM MY HOME OFFICE
24
Do you feel like yoursquove made sacrifices to live this lifestyle What are theyWhere we are now is the culmination of 12 years of very very hard work with a goal and a vision Wersquove lived through 3 renovations Wersquove sunk all our money into homes we were creating for other people and scrimped on most other things because we were always working on the house It was so worth it though
Where we are now is the culmination of 12 years of
very very hard work with a goal and a vision
What are the values you live by My values are Joy|Love|Laughter|Fun (thatrsquos one) Innovation Inspiration and Spaciousness Abundance and Bravery are themes I work to explore
Seth Godin also replied to an email of thanks I once sent him telling me to ldquoGo make a ruckusrdquo ndash so that informs what I do also
Any special tools or routines you implement regularly to feel or perform awesomelyExercise and meditation and I also do a bit of Cognitive Behaviour Therapy My grateful photos also are really important in this
BOOK Tim Ferrissrsquo 4 Hour Work Week It just completely opened my eyes to this whole other way of doing business that wasnrsquot about selling my time for money
WEBSITE Facebook I find it a great way to touch quickly in the lives of my friends but also to get access to lots of inspirational and info ndash like HONY Oprahrsquos Super Soul Sunday Huffington Post Gabby Bernstein
EARLY MORNING ACTIVITY A walkrun stretch and meditation
LATE NIGHT ACTIVITY Meditation while I do my lsquolegs up the wallrsquo pose It makes a massive difference to how I sleep and how rested I feel in the morning
GOURMET SNACK Loving Earth Luvju Raw Organic Orange and Gubinge Chocolate Otherwise I make great fruit-free bliss balls with cacao maca powder and protein powder
Quickfire Faves
You can connect with Amelia online at UndercoverArchitectcom
25
Elizabeth Kelsey BradleyWhat do you do Irsquom a writer and consultant that creates compelling content and social media strategies for businesses around the world I work with companies of all sizes and in all niches but my passion is with helping holistic entrepreneurs
Who lives with you My husband daughter and our insane pets
Did you a transition from a regular 9 to 5 job How did that happen for youI have never had a 9 to 5 ever My father was an entrepreneur and even though he never ever spoke of what it meant to be an entrepreneur his calling seemed to rub off on me
Irsquom literally unemployable Irsquom an artist and rebel and need to do things my own way even though Irsquom a
people person
But how I ended up finally making a business was when my husband couldnrsquot find work and things got scary I began researching like mad how I could work online and it took me years to finally learn marketing particularly with social media and content Despite how hard my first few years were (and I wouldnrsquot want to repeat them) Irsquom glad I learned the hard way as I am able to help others and can relate to women who are just beginning their entrepreneurial journey I look at entrepreneurship as a great honor for me to be able to help others and be of service
What is your current business model I am solo I sell consulting services and also do freelance writing and photography for companies that donrsquot have a staff writer I really need an intern or VA at this point though and am looking for someone
26
Do you see this business model changing in the futureYes and no Yes I will need to hire someone and ideally two people now that I have branched out into creating courses and ebooks but no in regards to my consulting services changing as what I do is in demand People feel confused about social media and creating regular content so I think it will be the same business model for a long time to come
What does a day-in-the-life look like for you Well Irsquom a vampire apparently as I mainly work nights which here in Thailand would be morning time where many of my clients live During the day I am homeschooling mum and also carry in my bag some of my work for
when I need to do some writing or analysis of a clientrsquos social media
Do you feel like an introvert or an extrovert and does that affect how you do businessIrsquom an extrovert but a highly sensitive one This has actually worked in my favour as I have a process for weeding out people who donrsquot fit my Ideal Client profile so that I can maintain my energy and do the best I can with the entrepreneurs who I can best serve
What are your favourite parts of businessI adore talking with clients on the phone or in person so basically anytime Irsquom geeking out about social media and writing
27
Least favouriteAnything to do with SEO
Do you feel like yoursquove made sacrifices to live this lifestyle What are theyEntrepreneurship is isolating in general Add that to the fact that we live on an island in Thailand and itrsquos double the isolation but to be honest this was the best place for us to build our online businesses as itrsquos affordable to live here and safe so I have no regrets
What are your Core Desired Feelings Connection serenity ease truth Values wise Irsquom wild but extremely family oriented
Any special tools or routines you implement regularly to feel or perform awesomelyI read from spiritual or philosophical books and take regular walks Both give me loads of ideas for storytelling which is the essence of what I do Podcasts are also a huge part of my routine particularly those devoted to marketing
BOOK Ocean Sea (buy it now AMAZING)
WEBSITE wwwholisticdadnet
EARLY MORNING ACTIVITY Drinking yerba mate and some yoga
LATE NIGHT ACTIVITY Good beer and a video game
GOURMET SNACK Anything with white truffle oil on it
Quickfire Faves
Elizabeth Kelsey Bradley is an award-winning writer consultant and photojournalist currently based in Thailand Her work has appeared on sites such as Tiny Buddha Vagabonding and in Girl Gone International magazine
As a consultant she helps companies develop effective social media and content strategies She is currently devoted to helping holistic entrepreneurs grow their online platforms at Thriving Healer
28
PAPERLESS OFFICELETrsquoS LEAVE MORE OF OUR TREE FRIENDS IN THE GROUND AND TAKE ADVANTAGE OF THE EXCELLENT APPS AVAILABLE INSTEAD AFTER ALL WErsquoRE RUNNING OUR DEVICES FOR MOST OF THE DAY ANYWAY - MAY AS WELL TAKE ADVANTAGE OF THEIR RAD CAPABILITIES
29
SWAPWriting Lists
FORWunderlist
AnyDoTodoist
SWAPHardcopy Books
FOR
KindleiBooks
SWAPPrinting + Scanning
Contracts
FOR
EchosignHellosignSWAP
Taking Notes + Printing Articles
FOREvernote
SWAPBrainstorming
+ Mind Mapping
FORSimpleMind
Coggle
30
HOW DARE YOU S E T T L E F O R L E S S WHEN THE WORLD h a s m a d e i t SO EASY F O R Y O U T O B E remarkable
SETH GODIN
31
JASMINE DOWLING MAPS TO HERSELF THE FIFTH ELEMENT LIFE
MOSSYJOJO TRICIA O DESIGNSIMPLY LOVE CREATIONS
BY SAMANTHA STACEY KEMPPENFRIEND
Jazz up your office walls with prints that stoke your creative fire
32
THE YES EPIDEMIC
33
THE YES EPIDEMIC
OurCoverStar
34
Whether it be a night out (when Irsquom exhausted) a favour (thatrsquos asking a little too much) or a date (that I know isnrsquot going to go anywhere) Irsquove typically and reluctantly replied to these requests with a lsquosure thingrsquo more times than Irsquod care to admit
Take on another client when my schedule is fully booked Absolutely
Offer to shout a friendrsquos breakfast when I really donrsquot have the cash to splash Of course
Commit to another online course when Irsquom barely halfway through the other 8 Irsquove signed up for this year Why yes
The Yes Epidemic has woven its way into our exceptionally busy (and beautiful) lives with the promise of MORE More connection more exposure more opportunity more money more education more insight more success And the more we do the more we are - right
Wrong
The reality is the more we constantly fill our plates to the brim (oh letrsquos admit it our plates are overflowing) with commitment after
commitment the less space we are leaving for us to just BE
To be immersed in who we are what our dreams and desires are to love to play to breathe
By saying lsquoyesrsquo like itrsquos going out of fashion we find ourselves spread as thin as vegemite on gluten-free toast Our energy and vitality are compromised and we donrsquot show up in the world as our best selves
So here are a few tips I use with my clients (and myself regularly) to get in the habit of saying lsquonorsquo a little more often
Irsquove never been very good at saying lsquonorsquo
35
Reflective routine with a heaping dose of reality is key here Take an honest look at your weekly schedule and ensure that you are focussing your precious time energy and resources on the people activities and
projects that are aligned with your values Is this commitment important to you Then honour it with your time Not so important
Time to shift things up
I canrsquot go past Marie Forleorsquos advice on this subject When somebody presents you with an opportunity if itrsquos not a HELL YES then itrsquos a no
Go with your gut always
Forget the FOMO The lsquofear of missing outrsquo is what keeps most of us on the Sure Thing Wagon and itrsquos just not sustainable Trust that all the
opportunities that are meant for you will come your way at the right time for you
Send your lsquonorsquo off with love Therersquos no need to feel uncomfortable turning down a request when you do so with kindness respect and
humility Excuses can be left at the door just honour your good intentions and everyone involved in the situation
Remember every time you give a loving inspired lsquonorsquo you are giving others the permission to do the same thing I always feel energised when someone turns down a request because it reminds me to respect myself
enough to pull out that gentle lsquonorsquo when required too
1
23
45
AND THE BEST THING ABOUT SAYING lsquoNOrsquo WHEN THE TIME COMES THAT A lsquoSURE THINGrsquo IS IN FACT THE HEART-CENTRED RESPONSE YOU EXCITEDLY GIVE ITrsquoS MUCH SWEETER MORE MEANINGFUL AND A HELLUVA LOT MORE VALUABLE
Claire Baker is a certified coach and mentor passionate writer and speaker and author of lsquoShe Is Radiant Your 6-Week Wellness Adventure To Get Glowy amp Feel Radrsquo Claire guides vibrant young women as they get from where they are to where they want to be ndash in their health and life blog and business
You can consider Claire your personal advocate for living an energised playful and heart-centred life Come say hi at This is Lifeblood her online space to share her passion for all things nourishing soulful and creative
CLAIRErsquoS TOP FIVE TIPS TO GET INTO THE HABIT OF SAYING NO
36
37
artOF THE
THE
soloSOULRETREAT
38
When you live a soul-driven and passionate life you very likely live and breathe your lsquoworkrsquo 247
I put the word work in inverted commas because for you itrsquos likely just you leading your amazing life (and more power to you my friend) But amidst this you may find it difficult to switch off and cultivate the spaciousness to just let it all hang out and exist without an agenda or a to-do list anywhere in site
Enter stage left the Solo Soul Retreat I took myself on one recently and by golly did it give me the exact level of time out and rejoove that this soul-driven lassy needed Maybe itrsquos about time you took yourself on one
Here are some tips for creating the perfect conditions for your solo soul retreat
Pick a place close byI chose the Byron area because itrsquos only two hours drive from where I live And this is important because while you want to be lsquoawayrsquo to unplug from the numerous distractions of home you donrsquot want to be so far away that you feel obliged to check out all the sights and scoot around lsquodoingrsquo your little butt off You want to create a feeling of not having to do ANYTHING if you donrsquot feel like it Moment to moment awareness and tapping into what you truly want to do is critical to the restorative nature of the solo soul retreat So if that means a nap in the afternoon without checking out the sights do it Sans the guilt
Making it somewhere close by means you can convince your inner tourist that you can come back any time you want to So donrsquot book your long awaited trip to Bali for this particular retreat style I recommend scouting around Air BnB for some great bargains near you
Book for at least 2-3 nights away (more if possible)It takes awhile for us to wind down and get in to the rhythm of a slower pace so give yourself as much time as possible to sink deeply in to relaxation I find that it takes my body a good day or so (at least) to realise itrsquos on holiday A weekend is good a long weekend even better And a week would be crazy good
Set an intentionFor my soul retreat it was to cultivate a feeling of internal ease and spaciousness I was so tightly wound and constricted from within I wanted to feel joyous energy flowing through me again
39
unimpeded
An intention is a helpful anchor that you can come back to throughout the retreat when you feel your energy flitting away to unnecessary distractions Revisit your intention throughout your retreat and ease back into the feeling you wish to cultivate
Immerse yourself in natureWherever you head to find some time to plonk yourself amidst the stunning natural surrounds of Mama Nature There is absolutely NOTHING that compares to the healing capacity of earthing ourselves at the beach or in the forest or just a little garden Barefoot and butt on the ground meditating or just sitting and quietly contemplating our wondrous natural world will have you relaxing into zen in no time
Silence is goldenTaking time to retreat also means giving your mind a bit of a break (hence the lsquono doingrsquo rule) try out not talking which shouldnrsquot be too hard if yoursquore on your own and see what kind of insights
There is absolutely NOTHING that compares to the healing capacity of earthing ourselves at the beach
or in the forest or just a little garden
Barefoot and butt on the ground meditating or just sitting and
quietly contemplating our wondrous natural world
will have you relaxing into zen in no time
40
begin to pop into your nogginrsquo when you donrsquot have to constantly communicate
Pamper yourselfWhat feels really decadent to you For my recent retreat it was heading to a spa and bathhouse for the morning soaking in oxygenated spa baths steaming myself in the sauna and relaxing on a sun lounge in the tranquil spa gardens with a good book
For you it might be a luxurious massage and energy balancing treatment Or maybe itrsquos a delicious meal you take your time with at an amazing restaurant nearby Perhaps itrsquos allowing yourself to lounge around in bed with your favourite book and a cup of tea Whatever it is allow yourself these delights As many as you please gorgeous one
Body-loving foodIf you have a kitchen at your accommodation pack yourself the kind of food you know your body loves Think veggies fruit some bliss balls your fave teas raw cacao and honey for a delish hot chocolate If you have a portable blender pack up your ingredients to whip yourself up some delights while yoursquore there Alternatively and if you have time prepare a few things before you head off You can pre-cook quinoa lentil curries and rice dishes to heat up whenever you fancy If there are local farmerrsquos markets you can even do a bit of purchasing there for your meals (and because yoursquore so close to home bringing back the leftovers is a cinch)
Scout around a little and find some local cafeacutes or
41
restaurants that tickle your fancy and take yourself out for a meal that makes your body scream YES
Soul nourishing practices Rituals and practices help us to sink more deeply in to our soulrsquos true nature Bring along whatever stokes your soul fire and brings you into present moment awareness Cultivating reverence for yourself and life itself is a crucial aspect of your soul retreat Some practices you may consider are raquo Meditation (guided or just simply following your inhale and exhale) I find the Kundalini Ego
Eradicator meditation particularly soul-nourishing (and frankly life changing) raquo Journaling ndash with no thought as to what to write just jot down whatever comes to you Yoursquoll be
amazed at the cathartic feelings and insights this brings raquo Yoga (on your own or find a class nearby that resonates with you) raquo Playing with oracle cards Ask a question or for general guidance and see how your guides and
the Universe responds The Little Sagersquos deck is divine raquo Reading soulfully inspiring books raquo Lighting some incense and writing an epic gratitude list raquo A walking meditation through nature raquo Get arty play around with whatever you have Love colour Bring your paints Doodle Donrsquot
judge the results just let it flow out of you
Overall the point of this solo soul retreat is that you do what you genuinely want to do in the moment So nix the over planning as you may do with other trips away Settle into present moment awareness and allow yourself to be rather than just do Listen with kindness to your inner child Let her out to play (Mega hint she really doesnrsquot want to be bossed around) Gifting yourself this time is your surefire way to feeling rejuvenated refreshed and ready to live life to its fullest
Enjoy gorgeous one
Carly is a passionate international aid and development project manager and writer Carly works on projects in Australia and the Asia-Pacific region focusing on cultivating sustainable livelihoods the empowerment of women community enterprise local market development and positive social change
Head on over to Carlyrsquos blog Pockets of Peace for her soul-centred musings on peace wellness and oodles of inspiration
42
The most powerful weapon on earth is the human soul
on fire
F E R D I N A N D F O C H
43
Five Minute Fixes
FOR FEAR AND OVERWHELM
44
IF YOUrsquoRE RUNNING YOUR OWN BIZ YOUrsquoD BE FAMILIAR WITH THE PHENOMENON OF FEAR AND OVERWHELM YOU KNOW WHEN YOU JUST FEEL STUCK PARALYSED NOT SURE WHICH CHOICE TO MAKE OR ACTION TO TAKE YOU HAVE DEADLINES LOOMING THE PRESSURE IS MOUNTING AND YOUrsquoRE BLOCKED YOU NEED TO GET OUT OF YOUR OVERWHELM RIGHT NOW SO YOU CAN GET BACK TO CHANGING THE WORLD
Here are five practices designed to break the fear cycle and get you out of your head and into your body in five minutes or less
Go outside Get out into the sunlight See the sky take off your shoes and feel the grass tickle your toes Close your eyes Feel the heat on your skin Take some deep breaths and smell the air Tune in to the sounds around you Become still Fully engage with the present moment and drop into the sensations in your body
Deep breathing You can use a mantra such as So-Hum you can count the length of each inhale and exhale or you can do as many rounds of Nadi Shodhana (alternate nostril breathing) as you can fit into five minutes Whatever yoursquore most comfortable with do that Breath is the bridge between the inner and outer realities Deep breathing will calm the nervous system and bring your attention to the present moment
Move Go for a brisk walk Put on your favourite tune plug in the headphones and dance (in the bathroom cubicle if yoursquore embarrassed to do it in publichellip because thatrsquos not weird at all) Have a quickie on your own or with a partner Or you can shake it out Start with your right foot shake it as hard as possible to the count of 10 Then your whole leg Then the left foot and left leg Then the right hand then the right arm then the left hand and arm Then fold forward and gently shake your head - back to front side to side Then stand up again and shake your whole body like you know how
Then stand in stillness for 2 minutes to balance out the movement Listen to your heartbeat Yoursquove just expressed and released some negative energy so take a standing Savasana (resting pose) to integrate Make sure you smooth your hair after this one
45
Aromatherapy Get a bottle of essential oil and sniff it - simple Smell affects the limbic system which is responsible for the storage and release of emotional trauma You can immediately calm your body with the right scent
Make sure you get 100 therapeutic grade pure essential oil - these have a high vibrational frequency and you donrsquot want any nasties entering your system through inferior quality oil Lavender is proven to calm the nervous system as is frankincense balsam fir basil cedar wood and sandalwood You can purchase calming blends from your local aromatherapist or get them to custom-make a blend for you
Make some noise This is especially good if you work from home or drive to work as you may want privacy Get a pillow or lock yourself in the car and scream as loud as you can connecting deeply to your pelvis Give yourself permission to vocalise all that frustration fear shame guilt whatever is building up in your energy field Sound is the end of feeling When you express vocally you are releasing emotion and ending the cycle of repression Done regularly this will also enhance your creativity and self-expression - benefiting your business (and sex life) in the long run
These practices work for me and Irsquod love to know if they resonate with you
Irsquom Emma a multi-passionate self-love junkie who loves supporting people on their journey to wellness Since suffering from adrenal burnout and a host of related conditions Irsquove dedicated myself to personal healing and growth and encouraging others to find their own unique path By day Irsquom a yoga teacher virtual assistant and event coordinator for wellness entrepreneurs and outside of that yoursquoll find me salsa dancing travelling and eating raw desserts
Connect with me at emmashieldscom
46
Abandon anything about your life and habits that might be holding you back
Learn to create your own opportunities
Know that there is no finish line fortune favors action
Race balls-out toward the extraordinary life that yoursquove always dreamed of
or still havenrsquot had time to dream up
And prepare to have a hell of a lot of fun along the way
SOPHIA AMORUSO
47
Why you should create aHIGH-CONVERTING OPT-IN OFFER
A critical component of building your online business is growing your email list and creating a compelling opt-in offer is one of the best ways to kickstart this growth
You want your email list to be made up of people who are genuinely interested in you and what you have to offer your target market Your ideal customers and readers
Thatrsquos why your opt-in offer (a gift to entice people to join your list) needs to be unique highly relevant to your business and of real value to your ideal clients If people are on your site checking you out they are already interested ndash you need to give them a compelling reason to sign up
What would your readers find valuable Something that saves them time money pain or makes their life easier better or more beautiful It also needs to be damn high quality Proofed designed and worth paying for
48
Why would you give away something so valuable for free
Because it shows yoursquore serious about helping people Because it builds trust with readers Because itrsquos a genuine thank you in return for a readerrsquos contact details Because itrsquos an ad for your business Yoursquore showing people the quality of what they will receive if they go on to work with you
How do you choose which is right for you Think about what you currently offer your readers or customers (as in content as well as services or products) What is popular What do they comment on most or ask questions about What would you love to create What would be the perfect compliment to a service you provide How can you genuinely help
Brainstorm a list then narrow it down to one ndash and get cracking
The best opt-ins are win-win ndash you gather details from ideal customers and the customers
receive something great that they need and want in return
Happy creating
PS Tricking people is icky Donrsquot do that Itrsquos of no use to have people on your list that donrsquot care about you or your products Be genuine Offer genuine value Get genuine sign-ups
SO WHAT SHOULD YOU OFFER
Here are a few ideas raquo A sneak peek or preview of a paid
product ndash like a free chapter or lesson
raquo A smaller version of a paid product ndash like a 3 day meal plan
raquo Something which compliments a service you offer
raquo Useful templates ndash like a product launch worksheet or a calendar
raquo Inspirational printables ndash like quotes or illustrations
raquo A mini eCourse ndash like 5 days of video coaching
raquo A discount ndash like 10 off their next purchase
raquo A VIP offer ndash like first dibs on tickets
raquo An eBook or workbook ndash like a recipe book or marketing plan
Alana Wimmer is Founder + Creative Director of mini digital publishing house Raspberry Stripes Alana works with rad lady entrepreneurs to design eBooks which will change the world She also provides guidance insight and info on eBook design on the Raspberry Stripes website When she isnrsquot designing reading or talking about eBooks you can find Alana walking Rory and Roxy the boxers with her husband in tow probably on her way to pick up a green smoothie
49
is a lack of self-worth
50
As a bright-eyed uni student I got pretty excited about all the opportunities that were due to unfold before me when I graduated
My approach to life has always been filled with excitement for the future I remember saying to friends in class that we were certain to be successful because enthusiasm trumps experience Sadly the path wasnrsquot as smooth as Irsquod imagined I naively thought that all bosses had a sixth-sense for talent even from shy girls who werenrsquot outward about their abilities
I applied for and took a series of jobs that from the job description seemed so overwhelmingly scary to do but within months if not weeks I was bored I lacked the self-worth to believe I could step up but Irsquod externalise this into anger at my employer for holding me back Eventually I realised it was all of my own creation I was the one who was playing small applying for and then taking jobs that wersquore well under my pay grade I even turned down a few including a big promotion because the amount of money offered was too much and it scared me Seriously
Years of study and I lacked the ability to dive in fully commit be brave be boisterous about my abilities and soar I found school easy and when things seemed challenging at work I put it down to an inability to perform If it wasnrsquot easy at first I accepted that I just wasnrsquot able I had yet to find out that some of the best lessons come from giving things a go and making a lot of mistakes Failing or in reality playing small was a comfort zone for me and success in my career was an unknown quantity I was used to struggle I was safe with my dreams The possibility of them coming true Too much to handle Irsquod have to learn to live in the present moment and I donrsquot think I was ready to do that I wasnrsquot ready to look closely at myself and see that for all my effort there was still a lot of inner work to do It was time to look within
I KNOW HOW EASY IT IS TO BUILD WALLS AROUND OUR DREAMS PUSH THEM FURTHER AWAY IN AN ATTEMPT TO PLAY SAFE AND LIVE LIFE ACCORDING TO EXTERNAL INFLUENCE I KNOW THE LEVEL OF DETERMINATION AND MENTAL GRIT IT TAKES TO OVERCOME OURSELVES START TAKING OWNERSHIP OF OUR THOUGHTS AND ULTIMATELY THE PATH OF OUR OWN LIVES
I love when clients ask me to guide them on this path because I know just what can happen when they get there I hold my hand out as a supportive leverage point and watch them soar
Something Irsquove learnt along the way The first step for many women in building self-worth is learning the art of body love Body love is all about learning to appreciate the capabilities of your body nourishing and taking care of your spirit and occasionally cutting yourself a break
51
Itrsquos looking in the mirror and liking the person you see not picking on the parts you donrsquot like Itrsquos making a choice about whether to wear a bikini based on your personal values and not about what your body looks like in one Dieting and restriction are low level energies that hold us back from achieving high level desires Negative thinking blocks our internal compass and our ability to connect to our intuition Body love is the gateway to high frequency living
We all have that version of ourselves that we aspire to be The woman who gets up to the alarm has patience and drive Shersquos got a sparkle in her eye a sense of confidence and knowing about her place in the world that emanates from her whole being She sits up straight and laughs with abandon From where we sit therersquos a chasm to leap in becoming that woman That woman represents ldquoone dayrdquo She represents effort She can seem unachievable In my experience body love is the first and most important step toward that woman Body love is filled with possibility promise and prosperity When we remove that low level energy of diet and restriction we can start to attract high frequencies We can start to become that woman in the present moment
Irsquove seen the shift first hand for so many people Suddenly the whole world opens up and the possibilities become endless The cloud lifts and pie-in-the-sky dreams show up in high-definition technicolour Thoughts that previously caused anxiety everything from going to lunch with new friends to finding a purpose in life start to feel as easy to read as words on a page Therersquos no more searching Itrsquos been replaced by a knowing excitement I watch as women become like bright-eyed students again endless possibilities opening up before them Only this time Theyrsquove got experience on their side
Suddenly the whole world
opens up and the
possibilities become
endless
The cloud lifts and
pie-in-the-sky dreams show
up in high-definition
technicolour
Rachelle is a Life + Confidence Coach at My Saturn Epoch She supports women through the big transitions in their life helping them to break their negative cycles to consciously create a happy life and positive mindset She is a big hearted business woman who is passionate about supporting women in pursuit of their own excellence so they can shine as a beacon to themselves their families and their communities
Connect with Rachelle at mysaturnepochcom
52
SUBSCRIBE TO RASPBERRY MAGAZINE
Grab an annual subscription and yoursquoll receive raquo 6 digital issues of Raspberry Magazine raquo an exclusive Annual Subscribers Thank You Pack
- which includes a printable manifesto beautiful meditation tracks an eBook and more contributed by generous lady entrepreneurs - worth over $35
VISIT THE SHOP
53
T H A N K Y O U F O R R E A D I N GA N D A M I L L I O N H I G H-F I V E S
I F Y O U L O V E D R A S P B E R R YM A G A Z I N E P L E A S E S H A R E
54
10
Holding Your First WorkshopT H E F I V E T H I N G S YO U N E E D TO K N O W
11
Are you keen to dip your toes into the world of workshops and events Here are the 5 things that you should know before you dive on in
ONE You donrsquot need a big budget
You donrsquot need to spend a lot of money to throw an amazing event When it comes to your venue there are plenty of low cost options out there
Community centres councils and libraries across Australia are an amazing resource where you can book a space for as little as $3 an hour Co-working spaces yoga
studios or warehouses can also be cost effective options
If you find a venue that makes you squeee with happiness but seems a bit out of your reach ask the manager when their off peak times are or when you can
access a lower rate
Nervous about other costs Holding events in between main meals means you only need to provide light refreshments such as tea juice and sweet treats And if you require additional items for things such as gift bags or professional services like a
photographer you can offer businesses a sponsorship package services swap or some free tickets to the event in return for collaborating with you
TWO The best workshops are a complete experience
The most fulfilling happiness inducing and ah-ha filled workshops are those that are a complete experience from start to finish If your aim is to create connection ensure that guests are greeted as soon as they walk in that they can mingle easily and then have a way to continue the conversations post event If your aim is to educate and inspire give them printed materials and workbooks visual slides and an engaging presentation If your aim is to create peace through an activity such as yoga or
meditation then give them a soft and gentle atmosphere and some soothing tunes
It always helps to think about your objective and build the experience around that
12
THREE Generosity sells
There is nothing more icky than going to an event expecting to be informed about a topic and then end up getting the hard sell put on you There is definitely a way to promote authentically and in a non-sleazy way but before that even comes into the
picture I believe it is best practice to give give give
Give your time and your presence to the people in the room with you Give expert knowledge information and tips that arenrsquot readily available elsewhere
Give guests the opportunity to openly approach you and have a chat
When you are sincere about giving your best people will genuinely want to want work with you By the time you offer them a way to continue the relationship you will have a
line of people eager to sign up ndash no hustling required
13
FOUR You can be creative in your marketing
You donrsquot have to promote your workshop just through the stock standard ways Get creative and share your vision with your audience You can
raquo Create a simple weekly graphic with an inspiring quote related to your workshop content raquo Share beautiful photos of the venue goody bag items deacutecor or printed materials
raquo Profile your speakers with a cute pic and a short but interesting bio raquo Tease people with little snippets of what the day will bring them
raquo Keep people updated with what you are doing and show them the work behind the scenes
Encouraging engagement in the lead up is a nice way to remind people about your workshop without feeling repetitive
5 You will have bust through some fears
Expect to feel emotional at times Worries such as I donrsquot know where to start I am overwhelmed nobody is going to come Irsquom not good enough and what if people are disappointed can pop up but
I promise you ndash this is normal These little suckers have a habit of creeping up on you but if you can find the strength tools and support to work through these then it is definitely worth it
A good course of action is to assess reflect and act Be aware of when it happens and assess what emotions are coming up reflect on why it is an issue for you and then take positive action to overcome it If you can gently work with your fears instead of letting them hold you back I
promise you there will be an amazing experience on the other side
Holding your own workshops and events can be a bit of work but the connections you create and the positive impact you have on peoplersquos lives is incredible
Keeping spreading your message lovelies and happy planning
Jade McKenzie is an event professional for heart-centered entrepreneurs and business owners who get sweaty palms at the thought of running an event themselves With over a decade of experience in event management she has an unrelenting passion for giving her clients the ability to step into their spotlight and shine
Find her at eventheadcomau
14
IF YOU DONrsquoT DESIGN YOUR OWN LIFE PLAN CHANCES ARE YOUrsquoLL FALL INTO SOMEONE ELSErsquoS PLAN
AND GUESS WHAT THEY HAVE PLANNED FOR YOU NOT MUCH
Jim Rohn
15
nomadsnomadsDIGITAL
THESE WOMEN ARE BUILDING BUSINESSES THAT CAN BE RUN FROM ANYWHERE THEY CHOOSE
16
Elizabeth McKenzie
What do you do Let me count the ways
First and foremost Irsquom a multi-passionate
Which means Irsquom business + marketing coach spiritual mentor writer + seeker of rad things And I canrsquot go past a mention of my two loves Nike high tops and Harry Styles
Who lives with youAt the moment Irsquom living with my parents on their yacht Wersquore getting ready to sail up the East Coast of Australia Irsquom then heading to the US and plan on renting out a pad in NYC with Juliethellipand when I returnhellip who knowshellip Irsquom open to suggestions
Did you a transition from a regular 9 to 5 job How did
that happen for you I transitioned from student to business owner While I was studying my Master of Speech Pathology (oh yeah Irsquom a speech pathologist too) I became so sick of having to adhere to the metal box that is university education Ya know playing by someone elsersquos rules so I started up a blog initially as a way to rebel from the box
The more I blogged the more I became obsessed with everything about being online ndash the connections with other likeminded women andhellip hold up the ability to work from anywhere in the world helping anyone with an internet connection Sign me up
I hired a butt load of mentors to help me along my way and at the start of 2014 I launched my first offering marketing and business coaching (yes I also have a degree in that too)
17
At the same time I got a one day a week speechie job to compliment my multi-passionate nature but after 4 months of doing that I realised itrsquos not in my nature to work for anyone else but myself
By then my business was bringing in the cash to support my decision to go all in
And here I am on a boat
What is your current business model Itrsquos currently me and my teeny team of rad peeps Irsquove got my VA my copywriter and communications consultant and my graphic designer I love having people compliment what I do
The business model ndash well I started with the advisor model really only selling my expertise and coaching on a 11 basis but Irsquom now creating an eCourse to help hundreds of women become more spiritual without losing touch with the real world Essentially real world spirituality the unwanky way and Irsquom crazy excited
Throughout this journey Irsquove realised that my business and how I operate is always going to evolve and accepting that has freed me up to do so much more of the things I love
Do you see this business model changing in the futureI had an epiphany recently that I want to help as many people as I can so Irsquom now starting to gear my business towards that kind of model with eCourses and programs that are offered at a lower price point
Exciting times
My motto in business (and life) never say never
Wersquore operating in a dynamic environment The dumbest thing you can do for your business is feel you
have to lock yourself in
By all means pick something and give it a red hot go ndash but know that as the environment changes around you you need to accommodate that
Woke up at 630 for breakfast and coffee
Had a three hour intensive with my latest client who lives in Scotland from 7-10
Did a bit of admin and setting up the membership site of my new eCourse
Went to see Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles at 1 (nerd much)
Got home at 4
Felt inspired to read so whipped out my latest book
Wrote a little after dinner for my latest opt-in offer
Ended the day watching reruns of The Mindy Project
A Da
y In
The
Lif
e of
Eliza
beth
Do you feel like an introvert or an extrovert and does that affect how you do businessCan I say Irsquom both Sometimes I need to be around people to get more energy and sometimes I need to be alone to recharge too
I think therersquos a bit of a dance I do in my business where I need to have days like the Friday above because otherwise my energy gets stagnant and the creative flow stops
What are your favourite parts of businessWriting Creating
And the ability to not work when I donrsquot want to
18
Least favouriteWordpress admin Although when I nail something (finally) I get a major sense of achievement
Do you feel like yoursquove made sacrifices to live this lifestyle What are theyDefinitely At the moment Irsquove had to let me pooch live with his dad while Irsquom on a boat and while I got to NYC
I wish he could be with me 247
What are your Core Desired Feelings raquo Free raquo Luxurious raquo Joy
Any special tools or routines you implement regularly to feel or perform awesomelyThe number one thing that I do regularly is clear my chakras via a breathing and visualisation meditation It takes 20 minutes and it seriously changes the tune of my day I can usually go a day without but too long and I notice that Irsquom underperforming
Quickfire Faves
BOOK The Anatomy of the Spirit by Caroline Myss Although I hated it originally mostly because I didnrsquot want to hear the messages that were coming through
WEBSITE YouTube Canrsquot go past finding an olds 90s jam or interviews with Harry Styles to watch
EARLY MORNING ACTIVITY Chakra Clearing
LATE NIGHT ACTIVITY Watching reruns of my favourite TV shows
GOURMET SNACK I donrsquot do gourmet myself but Irsquom all for gourmet cafe food (itrsquos the Melbournian in me) It could be a sugary almond macaroon or full fat grilled haloumi
Elizabeth is a professional business coach spiritual mentor and the creator of The Spiritual Material Girl eCourse Shersquos also the creator of high-end private coaching programs and courses geared towards helping ambitious and successful women who lsquoseemrsquo like theyrsquove got it all figured outhellip yet who still donrsquot feel like their heartrsquos truly fulfilled
Shersquos the go-to for helping you tackle your biz blocks tap into your spiritual side and live a totally kick-ass life With her trademark blend of heartfelt honesty and straight-talking swagger she ties it all together to set you on the fast track to personal professional and spiritual success
Instead of just keepinrsquo on doing whatrsquos not working Elizabeth can show you how to get exactly what you want ndash whether that means building a business you love creating more happiness or simply getting more out of your life You can find Elizabeth over at her home on the internet Your Highest Self
19
Vienda Maria
Vienda Maria is a lifestyle coach author and creative who helps Bon Vivants coaches yogis creatives and entrepreneurs create thriving semi-nomadic unconventional lives that are fulfilling both soulfully and financially Through her coaching events books Gypset Mindset Class course and online community Vienda has inspired and transformed the lives of thousands across the globe ldquoMy mission is simple to guide each and every one of you back to who you really are To come home back to your soul and allowing it to guide your destiny For more love More fun More freedom More adventure More liferdquo Visit Vienda online here
20
What do you do Irsquom a lifestyle coach and writer who helps emerging creatives and professionals create a life thatrsquos a little a it unusual Itrsquos about breaking away from structured office hours and recognising their ability to create their own jobs and money by using their innate passions skills and talents in ways that are a little bit out of the box Itrsquos all about stepping out of a limiting mindset and seeing what is actually possible
Who lives with youI live on my own
Did you a transition from a regular 9 to 5 job How did that happen for you Not really Irsquove always had an extremely free lifestyle and only dabbled into a couple of office jobs along the way when I was inbetween other things
My transition to my current life happened out of the necessity to create something for myself that supported my lifestyle and was financially sustainable After studying psychology at uni I worked at international film and music festivals and other events which was really fun and exciting 12 years later I had fallen in love with being my own boss and traveling the world It was then that I realised that there are so many people who would love to travel have more freedom and time and create their own jobs and that I could help them
What is your current business model Irsquom a very independent worker so I tend to work solo though Irsquove just hired an intern to help me with some of the admin and social media stuff which is quite exciting I sell a range of different things ndash my coaching services make up most of my income followed by products in the form of eBooks and
jewellery collected on my travels Irsquom just about to launch my first course a set of 6 live classes to help beginners create their own unconventional lifestyle so thatrsquos very exciting and keeping me busy
Do you see this business model changing in the future Yes I think as an entreprenuer one the greatest characteristics you can have is flexibility Being flexible with how you do things always changing growing and updating is so important If you want to keep up with business you have to be comfortable and willing to change
What does a day-in-the-life look like for you I travel a lot so my day-to-day varies quite a lot but I usually start the day with writing content for my course blog or anything else that needs my creative input because in the morning my creativity is the highest I keep the mundane tasks for later in the day usually after my coaching calls I check emails and social media twice a day ndash once in the morning and once in the afternoon ndash which usually give me a good indication of what else needs to be done
And I always end my working day with a To Do list for the next day so I wake up with clarity and know exactly what I need to focus on
Irsquom really interested in time efficiency and productivity so choose to focus on doing things that I love and that generate the most response
Do you feel like an introvert or an extrovert and does that affect how you do business Hmmm ndash Irsquom an introverted extrovert I really enjoy my own company and fuel up energetically with time to myself But I also love and need social stimulation inspiration and everything that people bring into our
21
lives I guess itrsquos about balance and listening to your own needs
What are your favourite parts of business Creating and connecting I love the work I do so much ndash when one of my clients has an ah-ha that transforms everything they previously believed to be true ndash it just rocks my world Being able to help people create lives that they thought were only made of dream-stuff is so very fulfilling I learn so much from this process myself Therersquos such a powerful beauty in creating a community of like-minded individuals And I love being creative always thinking of new ideas and new ways to share the information tools and concepts that I have with my tribe
Least favourite Tax I just I have no idea how people manage all that side of things Irsquod do my best to keep everything tidy and organised for my accountant but it hurts my brain when itrsquos tax time
Do you feel like yoursquove made sacrifices to live this lifestyle What are they I think we make sacrifices in every lifestyle we choose There is always something that we choose to let go of in order to have something else But when itrsquos a choice it doesnrsquot really feel like a sacrifice
For example I donrsquot own a ton of material possessions because that would just be silly considering how much I move around For me however that is very freeing rather than a sacrifice I mean what could I possibly really need I love my lifestyle It suits me perfectly And thatrsquos all that matters
What are your Core Desired Feelings raquo Flow raquo Freedom raquo Inspiration raquo Gratitude
Any special tools or routines you implement regularly to feel or perform awesomely I meditate daily and exercise daily I set intentions (goals) monthly and review them every month I practice positive thinking and train my mind to focus on the things that light me up and make me feel good to exclusion of all others because I know that I create my life with my thoughts And things that make me feel good attract more things that make me feel good
BOOK Going Pro by Steven Pressfield
WEBSITE Instagram
EARLY MORNING ACTIVITY Meditation
LATE NIGHT ACTIVITY Journaling
GOURMET SNACK Salted Pistachios
I donrsquot own a ton of material possessions because that would just be silly
considering how much I move around For me however that is very freeing
rather than a sacrifice
Quickfire Faves
22
Amelia Lee
What do you doIrsquom an architect and have been working in the architectural industry for almost twenty years I recently started Undercover Architect which is about empowering YOU to create your well-designed home through online information tools products and services
Irsquom also a Director on the Qld Development Board for The Hunger Project an NGO that works to end hunger and poverty in third world countries by empowering those affected most to feed their families and create hope for their futures
Who lives with you I live with my husband Brandon and son (aged 7) and two daughters (aged 5 and 3) We also have a dog 6 chickens 5 ducklings and shortly 5 miniature cows
Did you a transition from a regular 9 to 5 job How did that happen for youI worked long hours in architectural practices for many years (more like 7am ndash 7pm) managing teams and big projects before I had kids We also wanted to keep them at home with us so over the last 12 years we have renovated 3 homes (whilst living in them) as a means of supplementing our income and supporting the way we wanted to live Wersquove both worked part-time or changed our working hours around kids and the renovating
When my second baby was 4 months old I started an architectural practice with 5 colleagues By the time my third bub was born we had grown our business to have about 10 crew and I didnrsquot really stop work
I left my business in June to pursue a new life My husband and I relocated our family to the Byron Bay Hinterland to a 77 acre property After a big year personally and professionally last year it seemed like the right time to make the move We wanted to stop
23
delaying the dream
What is your current business model Itrsquos just me ndash a one-man band madly writing content and building my website with information tools and advice Irsquom also providing architectural services to some individual clients which I can do remotely
Do you see this business model changing in the futureI will need some additional support in admin web support and marketingadvertising as the business builds My hope is to maintain my flexible work-from-home practises and create a virtual team of independent collaborators to enable this I want my business to be at a scale where I can provide significant financial support to The Hunger Project
What does a day-in-the-life look like for you I get up early and go for a walkrun while listening to an audio book I finish with a brief meditation to set my intentions for the day and then the kids are up and my husband and I run the gauntlet of brekkie lunches school uniforms and getting them to the bus
After the dust has settled I make myself a big cup of coffee and if itrsquos a work day I head to my office which is over our garage I have found that this new experience of working solely on my own without
imposed deadlines etc has required some new tools to create structure and discipline and itrsquos something Irsquom still working on
We all eat dinner together at about 5pm and I do love that we spend time like this together every day
Since the beginning of 2012 I have been taking a photo every day of something Irsquom grateful for and posting it to my Facebook page with a description Itrsquos helped me be a lot more present to the every day joy and beauty that exists
Do you feel like an introvert or an extrovert and does that affect how you do businessI recently found out I was 51 Extrovert ndash which means that Irsquom borderline Introvert also I can get VERY absorbed in my work ndash which is a great problem to have
However given the whole reason we are creating a life this way is to spend more time together as a family Irsquom aware that needs to be kept in check I ultimately would love to do speaking engagements workshops etc so will be drawing on the Extrovert tilt for this
What are your favourite parts of businessI love the lsquostartrsquo of things I am insatiably curious Learning something for the first time figuring it out and getting it to work Irsquom enjoying writing enormously
Least favouriteRevisiting things over and over again And given that my business is still in its early days income-wise I am resisting the pressure of needing to sell and market I want to create great clarity around who my ideal clients are before I launch myself out there
THE VIEW FROM MY HOME OFFICE
24
Do you feel like yoursquove made sacrifices to live this lifestyle What are theyWhere we are now is the culmination of 12 years of very very hard work with a goal and a vision Wersquove lived through 3 renovations Wersquove sunk all our money into homes we were creating for other people and scrimped on most other things because we were always working on the house It was so worth it though
Where we are now is the culmination of 12 years of
very very hard work with a goal and a vision
What are the values you live by My values are Joy|Love|Laughter|Fun (thatrsquos one) Innovation Inspiration and Spaciousness Abundance and Bravery are themes I work to explore
Seth Godin also replied to an email of thanks I once sent him telling me to ldquoGo make a ruckusrdquo ndash so that informs what I do also
Any special tools or routines you implement regularly to feel or perform awesomelyExercise and meditation and I also do a bit of Cognitive Behaviour Therapy My grateful photos also are really important in this
BOOK Tim Ferrissrsquo 4 Hour Work Week It just completely opened my eyes to this whole other way of doing business that wasnrsquot about selling my time for money
WEBSITE Facebook I find it a great way to touch quickly in the lives of my friends but also to get access to lots of inspirational and info ndash like HONY Oprahrsquos Super Soul Sunday Huffington Post Gabby Bernstein
EARLY MORNING ACTIVITY A walkrun stretch and meditation
LATE NIGHT ACTIVITY Meditation while I do my lsquolegs up the wallrsquo pose It makes a massive difference to how I sleep and how rested I feel in the morning
GOURMET SNACK Loving Earth Luvju Raw Organic Orange and Gubinge Chocolate Otherwise I make great fruit-free bliss balls with cacao maca powder and protein powder
Quickfire Faves
You can connect with Amelia online at UndercoverArchitectcom
25
Elizabeth Kelsey BradleyWhat do you do Irsquom a writer and consultant that creates compelling content and social media strategies for businesses around the world I work with companies of all sizes and in all niches but my passion is with helping holistic entrepreneurs
Who lives with you My husband daughter and our insane pets
Did you a transition from a regular 9 to 5 job How did that happen for youI have never had a 9 to 5 ever My father was an entrepreneur and even though he never ever spoke of what it meant to be an entrepreneur his calling seemed to rub off on me
Irsquom literally unemployable Irsquom an artist and rebel and need to do things my own way even though Irsquom a
people person
But how I ended up finally making a business was when my husband couldnrsquot find work and things got scary I began researching like mad how I could work online and it took me years to finally learn marketing particularly with social media and content Despite how hard my first few years were (and I wouldnrsquot want to repeat them) Irsquom glad I learned the hard way as I am able to help others and can relate to women who are just beginning their entrepreneurial journey I look at entrepreneurship as a great honor for me to be able to help others and be of service
What is your current business model I am solo I sell consulting services and also do freelance writing and photography for companies that donrsquot have a staff writer I really need an intern or VA at this point though and am looking for someone
26
Do you see this business model changing in the futureYes and no Yes I will need to hire someone and ideally two people now that I have branched out into creating courses and ebooks but no in regards to my consulting services changing as what I do is in demand People feel confused about social media and creating regular content so I think it will be the same business model for a long time to come
What does a day-in-the-life look like for you Well Irsquom a vampire apparently as I mainly work nights which here in Thailand would be morning time where many of my clients live During the day I am homeschooling mum and also carry in my bag some of my work for
when I need to do some writing or analysis of a clientrsquos social media
Do you feel like an introvert or an extrovert and does that affect how you do businessIrsquom an extrovert but a highly sensitive one This has actually worked in my favour as I have a process for weeding out people who donrsquot fit my Ideal Client profile so that I can maintain my energy and do the best I can with the entrepreneurs who I can best serve
What are your favourite parts of businessI adore talking with clients on the phone or in person so basically anytime Irsquom geeking out about social media and writing
27
Least favouriteAnything to do with SEO
Do you feel like yoursquove made sacrifices to live this lifestyle What are theyEntrepreneurship is isolating in general Add that to the fact that we live on an island in Thailand and itrsquos double the isolation but to be honest this was the best place for us to build our online businesses as itrsquos affordable to live here and safe so I have no regrets
What are your Core Desired Feelings Connection serenity ease truth Values wise Irsquom wild but extremely family oriented
Any special tools or routines you implement regularly to feel or perform awesomelyI read from spiritual or philosophical books and take regular walks Both give me loads of ideas for storytelling which is the essence of what I do Podcasts are also a huge part of my routine particularly those devoted to marketing
BOOK Ocean Sea (buy it now AMAZING)
WEBSITE wwwholisticdadnet
EARLY MORNING ACTIVITY Drinking yerba mate and some yoga
LATE NIGHT ACTIVITY Good beer and a video game
GOURMET SNACK Anything with white truffle oil on it
Quickfire Faves
Elizabeth Kelsey Bradley is an award-winning writer consultant and photojournalist currently based in Thailand Her work has appeared on sites such as Tiny Buddha Vagabonding and in Girl Gone International magazine
As a consultant she helps companies develop effective social media and content strategies She is currently devoted to helping holistic entrepreneurs grow their online platforms at Thriving Healer
28
PAPERLESS OFFICELETrsquoS LEAVE MORE OF OUR TREE FRIENDS IN THE GROUND AND TAKE ADVANTAGE OF THE EXCELLENT APPS AVAILABLE INSTEAD AFTER ALL WErsquoRE RUNNING OUR DEVICES FOR MOST OF THE DAY ANYWAY - MAY AS WELL TAKE ADVANTAGE OF THEIR RAD CAPABILITIES
29
SWAPWriting Lists
FORWunderlist
AnyDoTodoist
SWAPHardcopy Books
FOR
KindleiBooks
SWAPPrinting + Scanning
Contracts
FOR
EchosignHellosignSWAP
Taking Notes + Printing Articles
FOREvernote
SWAPBrainstorming
+ Mind Mapping
FORSimpleMind
Coggle
30
HOW DARE YOU S E T T L E F O R L E S S WHEN THE WORLD h a s m a d e i t SO EASY F O R Y O U T O B E remarkable
SETH GODIN
31
JASMINE DOWLING MAPS TO HERSELF THE FIFTH ELEMENT LIFE
MOSSYJOJO TRICIA O DESIGNSIMPLY LOVE CREATIONS
BY SAMANTHA STACEY KEMPPENFRIEND
Jazz up your office walls with prints that stoke your creative fire
32
THE YES EPIDEMIC
33
THE YES EPIDEMIC
OurCoverStar
34
Whether it be a night out (when Irsquom exhausted) a favour (thatrsquos asking a little too much) or a date (that I know isnrsquot going to go anywhere) Irsquove typically and reluctantly replied to these requests with a lsquosure thingrsquo more times than Irsquod care to admit
Take on another client when my schedule is fully booked Absolutely
Offer to shout a friendrsquos breakfast when I really donrsquot have the cash to splash Of course
Commit to another online course when Irsquom barely halfway through the other 8 Irsquove signed up for this year Why yes
The Yes Epidemic has woven its way into our exceptionally busy (and beautiful) lives with the promise of MORE More connection more exposure more opportunity more money more education more insight more success And the more we do the more we are - right
Wrong
The reality is the more we constantly fill our plates to the brim (oh letrsquos admit it our plates are overflowing) with commitment after
commitment the less space we are leaving for us to just BE
To be immersed in who we are what our dreams and desires are to love to play to breathe
By saying lsquoyesrsquo like itrsquos going out of fashion we find ourselves spread as thin as vegemite on gluten-free toast Our energy and vitality are compromised and we donrsquot show up in the world as our best selves
So here are a few tips I use with my clients (and myself regularly) to get in the habit of saying lsquonorsquo a little more often
Irsquove never been very good at saying lsquonorsquo
35
Reflective routine with a heaping dose of reality is key here Take an honest look at your weekly schedule and ensure that you are focussing your precious time energy and resources on the people activities and
projects that are aligned with your values Is this commitment important to you Then honour it with your time Not so important
Time to shift things up
I canrsquot go past Marie Forleorsquos advice on this subject When somebody presents you with an opportunity if itrsquos not a HELL YES then itrsquos a no
Go with your gut always
Forget the FOMO The lsquofear of missing outrsquo is what keeps most of us on the Sure Thing Wagon and itrsquos just not sustainable Trust that all the
opportunities that are meant for you will come your way at the right time for you
Send your lsquonorsquo off with love Therersquos no need to feel uncomfortable turning down a request when you do so with kindness respect and
humility Excuses can be left at the door just honour your good intentions and everyone involved in the situation
Remember every time you give a loving inspired lsquonorsquo you are giving others the permission to do the same thing I always feel energised when someone turns down a request because it reminds me to respect myself
enough to pull out that gentle lsquonorsquo when required too
1
23
45
AND THE BEST THING ABOUT SAYING lsquoNOrsquo WHEN THE TIME COMES THAT A lsquoSURE THINGrsquo IS IN FACT THE HEART-CENTRED RESPONSE YOU EXCITEDLY GIVE ITrsquoS MUCH SWEETER MORE MEANINGFUL AND A HELLUVA LOT MORE VALUABLE
Claire Baker is a certified coach and mentor passionate writer and speaker and author of lsquoShe Is Radiant Your 6-Week Wellness Adventure To Get Glowy amp Feel Radrsquo Claire guides vibrant young women as they get from where they are to where they want to be ndash in their health and life blog and business
You can consider Claire your personal advocate for living an energised playful and heart-centred life Come say hi at This is Lifeblood her online space to share her passion for all things nourishing soulful and creative
CLAIRErsquoS TOP FIVE TIPS TO GET INTO THE HABIT OF SAYING NO
36
37
artOF THE
THE
soloSOULRETREAT
38
When you live a soul-driven and passionate life you very likely live and breathe your lsquoworkrsquo 247
I put the word work in inverted commas because for you itrsquos likely just you leading your amazing life (and more power to you my friend) But amidst this you may find it difficult to switch off and cultivate the spaciousness to just let it all hang out and exist without an agenda or a to-do list anywhere in site
Enter stage left the Solo Soul Retreat I took myself on one recently and by golly did it give me the exact level of time out and rejoove that this soul-driven lassy needed Maybe itrsquos about time you took yourself on one
Here are some tips for creating the perfect conditions for your solo soul retreat
Pick a place close byI chose the Byron area because itrsquos only two hours drive from where I live And this is important because while you want to be lsquoawayrsquo to unplug from the numerous distractions of home you donrsquot want to be so far away that you feel obliged to check out all the sights and scoot around lsquodoingrsquo your little butt off You want to create a feeling of not having to do ANYTHING if you donrsquot feel like it Moment to moment awareness and tapping into what you truly want to do is critical to the restorative nature of the solo soul retreat So if that means a nap in the afternoon without checking out the sights do it Sans the guilt
Making it somewhere close by means you can convince your inner tourist that you can come back any time you want to So donrsquot book your long awaited trip to Bali for this particular retreat style I recommend scouting around Air BnB for some great bargains near you
Book for at least 2-3 nights away (more if possible)It takes awhile for us to wind down and get in to the rhythm of a slower pace so give yourself as much time as possible to sink deeply in to relaxation I find that it takes my body a good day or so (at least) to realise itrsquos on holiday A weekend is good a long weekend even better And a week would be crazy good
Set an intentionFor my soul retreat it was to cultivate a feeling of internal ease and spaciousness I was so tightly wound and constricted from within I wanted to feel joyous energy flowing through me again
39
unimpeded
An intention is a helpful anchor that you can come back to throughout the retreat when you feel your energy flitting away to unnecessary distractions Revisit your intention throughout your retreat and ease back into the feeling you wish to cultivate
Immerse yourself in natureWherever you head to find some time to plonk yourself amidst the stunning natural surrounds of Mama Nature There is absolutely NOTHING that compares to the healing capacity of earthing ourselves at the beach or in the forest or just a little garden Barefoot and butt on the ground meditating or just sitting and quietly contemplating our wondrous natural world will have you relaxing into zen in no time
Silence is goldenTaking time to retreat also means giving your mind a bit of a break (hence the lsquono doingrsquo rule) try out not talking which shouldnrsquot be too hard if yoursquore on your own and see what kind of insights
There is absolutely NOTHING that compares to the healing capacity of earthing ourselves at the beach
or in the forest or just a little garden
Barefoot and butt on the ground meditating or just sitting and
quietly contemplating our wondrous natural world
will have you relaxing into zen in no time
40
begin to pop into your nogginrsquo when you donrsquot have to constantly communicate
Pamper yourselfWhat feels really decadent to you For my recent retreat it was heading to a spa and bathhouse for the morning soaking in oxygenated spa baths steaming myself in the sauna and relaxing on a sun lounge in the tranquil spa gardens with a good book
For you it might be a luxurious massage and energy balancing treatment Or maybe itrsquos a delicious meal you take your time with at an amazing restaurant nearby Perhaps itrsquos allowing yourself to lounge around in bed with your favourite book and a cup of tea Whatever it is allow yourself these delights As many as you please gorgeous one
Body-loving foodIf you have a kitchen at your accommodation pack yourself the kind of food you know your body loves Think veggies fruit some bliss balls your fave teas raw cacao and honey for a delish hot chocolate If you have a portable blender pack up your ingredients to whip yourself up some delights while yoursquore there Alternatively and if you have time prepare a few things before you head off You can pre-cook quinoa lentil curries and rice dishes to heat up whenever you fancy If there are local farmerrsquos markets you can even do a bit of purchasing there for your meals (and because yoursquore so close to home bringing back the leftovers is a cinch)
Scout around a little and find some local cafeacutes or
41
restaurants that tickle your fancy and take yourself out for a meal that makes your body scream YES
Soul nourishing practices Rituals and practices help us to sink more deeply in to our soulrsquos true nature Bring along whatever stokes your soul fire and brings you into present moment awareness Cultivating reverence for yourself and life itself is a crucial aspect of your soul retreat Some practices you may consider are raquo Meditation (guided or just simply following your inhale and exhale) I find the Kundalini Ego
Eradicator meditation particularly soul-nourishing (and frankly life changing) raquo Journaling ndash with no thought as to what to write just jot down whatever comes to you Yoursquoll be
amazed at the cathartic feelings and insights this brings raquo Yoga (on your own or find a class nearby that resonates with you) raquo Playing with oracle cards Ask a question or for general guidance and see how your guides and
the Universe responds The Little Sagersquos deck is divine raquo Reading soulfully inspiring books raquo Lighting some incense and writing an epic gratitude list raquo A walking meditation through nature raquo Get arty play around with whatever you have Love colour Bring your paints Doodle Donrsquot
judge the results just let it flow out of you
Overall the point of this solo soul retreat is that you do what you genuinely want to do in the moment So nix the over planning as you may do with other trips away Settle into present moment awareness and allow yourself to be rather than just do Listen with kindness to your inner child Let her out to play (Mega hint she really doesnrsquot want to be bossed around) Gifting yourself this time is your surefire way to feeling rejuvenated refreshed and ready to live life to its fullest
Enjoy gorgeous one
Carly is a passionate international aid and development project manager and writer Carly works on projects in Australia and the Asia-Pacific region focusing on cultivating sustainable livelihoods the empowerment of women community enterprise local market development and positive social change
Head on over to Carlyrsquos blog Pockets of Peace for her soul-centred musings on peace wellness and oodles of inspiration
42
The most powerful weapon on earth is the human soul
on fire
F E R D I N A N D F O C H
43
Five Minute Fixes
FOR FEAR AND OVERWHELM
44
IF YOUrsquoRE RUNNING YOUR OWN BIZ YOUrsquoD BE FAMILIAR WITH THE PHENOMENON OF FEAR AND OVERWHELM YOU KNOW WHEN YOU JUST FEEL STUCK PARALYSED NOT SURE WHICH CHOICE TO MAKE OR ACTION TO TAKE YOU HAVE DEADLINES LOOMING THE PRESSURE IS MOUNTING AND YOUrsquoRE BLOCKED YOU NEED TO GET OUT OF YOUR OVERWHELM RIGHT NOW SO YOU CAN GET BACK TO CHANGING THE WORLD
Here are five practices designed to break the fear cycle and get you out of your head and into your body in five minutes or less
Go outside Get out into the sunlight See the sky take off your shoes and feel the grass tickle your toes Close your eyes Feel the heat on your skin Take some deep breaths and smell the air Tune in to the sounds around you Become still Fully engage with the present moment and drop into the sensations in your body
Deep breathing You can use a mantra such as So-Hum you can count the length of each inhale and exhale or you can do as many rounds of Nadi Shodhana (alternate nostril breathing) as you can fit into five minutes Whatever yoursquore most comfortable with do that Breath is the bridge between the inner and outer realities Deep breathing will calm the nervous system and bring your attention to the present moment
Move Go for a brisk walk Put on your favourite tune plug in the headphones and dance (in the bathroom cubicle if yoursquore embarrassed to do it in publichellip because thatrsquos not weird at all) Have a quickie on your own or with a partner Or you can shake it out Start with your right foot shake it as hard as possible to the count of 10 Then your whole leg Then the left foot and left leg Then the right hand then the right arm then the left hand and arm Then fold forward and gently shake your head - back to front side to side Then stand up again and shake your whole body like you know how
Then stand in stillness for 2 minutes to balance out the movement Listen to your heartbeat Yoursquove just expressed and released some negative energy so take a standing Savasana (resting pose) to integrate Make sure you smooth your hair after this one
45
Aromatherapy Get a bottle of essential oil and sniff it - simple Smell affects the limbic system which is responsible for the storage and release of emotional trauma You can immediately calm your body with the right scent
Make sure you get 100 therapeutic grade pure essential oil - these have a high vibrational frequency and you donrsquot want any nasties entering your system through inferior quality oil Lavender is proven to calm the nervous system as is frankincense balsam fir basil cedar wood and sandalwood You can purchase calming blends from your local aromatherapist or get them to custom-make a blend for you
Make some noise This is especially good if you work from home or drive to work as you may want privacy Get a pillow or lock yourself in the car and scream as loud as you can connecting deeply to your pelvis Give yourself permission to vocalise all that frustration fear shame guilt whatever is building up in your energy field Sound is the end of feeling When you express vocally you are releasing emotion and ending the cycle of repression Done regularly this will also enhance your creativity and self-expression - benefiting your business (and sex life) in the long run
These practices work for me and Irsquod love to know if they resonate with you
Irsquom Emma a multi-passionate self-love junkie who loves supporting people on their journey to wellness Since suffering from adrenal burnout and a host of related conditions Irsquove dedicated myself to personal healing and growth and encouraging others to find their own unique path By day Irsquom a yoga teacher virtual assistant and event coordinator for wellness entrepreneurs and outside of that yoursquoll find me salsa dancing travelling and eating raw desserts
Connect with me at emmashieldscom
46
Abandon anything about your life and habits that might be holding you back
Learn to create your own opportunities
Know that there is no finish line fortune favors action
Race balls-out toward the extraordinary life that yoursquove always dreamed of
or still havenrsquot had time to dream up
And prepare to have a hell of a lot of fun along the way
SOPHIA AMORUSO
47
Why you should create aHIGH-CONVERTING OPT-IN OFFER
A critical component of building your online business is growing your email list and creating a compelling opt-in offer is one of the best ways to kickstart this growth
You want your email list to be made up of people who are genuinely interested in you and what you have to offer your target market Your ideal customers and readers
Thatrsquos why your opt-in offer (a gift to entice people to join your list) needs to be unique highly relevant to your business and of real value to your ideal clients If people are on your site checking you out they are already interested ndash you need to give them a compelling reason to sign up
What would your readers find valuable Something that saves them time money pain or makes their life easier better or more beautiful It also needs to be damn high quality Proofed designed and worth paying for
48
Why would you give away something so valuable for free
Because it shows yoursquore serious about helping people Because it builds trust with readers Because itrsquos a genuine thank you in return for a readerrsquos contact details Because itrsquos an ad for your business Yoursquore showing people the quality of what they will receive if they go on to work with you
How do you choose which is right for you Think about what you currently offer your readers or customers (as in content as well as services or products) What is popular What do they comment on most or ask questions about What would you love to create What would be the perfect compliment to a service you provide How can you genuinely help
Brainstorm a list then narrow it down to one ndash and get cracking
The best opt-ins are win-win ndash you gather details from ideal customers and the customers
receive something great that they need and want in return
Happy creating
PS Tricking people is icky Donrsquot do that Itrsquos of no use to have people on your list that donrsquot care about you or your products Be genuine Offer genuine value Get genuine sign-ups
SO WHAT SHOULD YOU OFFER
Here are a few ideas raquo A sneak peek or preview of a paid
product ndash like a free chapter or lesson
raquo A smaller version of a paid product ndash like a 3 day meal plan
raquo Something which compliments a service you offer
raquo Useful templates ndash like a product launch worksheet or a calendar
raquo Inspirational printables ndash like quotes or illustrations
raquo A mini eCourse ndash like 5 days of video coaching
raquo A discount ndash like 10 off their next purchase
raquo A VIP offer ndash like first dibs on tickets
raquo An eBook or workbook ndash like a recipe book or marketing plan
Alana Wimmer is Founder + Creative Director of mini digital publishing house Raspberry Stripes Alana works with rad lady entrepreneurs to design eBooks which will change the world She also provides guidance insight and info on eBook design on the Raspberry Stripes website When she isnrsquot designing reading or talking about eBooks you can find Alana walking Rory and Roxy the boxers with her husband in tow probably on her way to pick up a green smoothie
49
is a lack of self-worth
50
As a bright-eyed uni student I got pretty excited about all the opportunities that were due to unfold before me when I graduated
My approach to life has always been filled with excitement for the future I remember saying to friends in class that we were certain to be successful because enthusiasm trumps experience Sadly the path wasnrsquot as smooth as Irsquod imagined I naively thought that all bosses had a sixth-sense for talent even from shy girls who werenrsquot outward about their abilities
I applied for and took a series of jobs that from the job description seemed so overwhelmingly scary to do but within months if not weeks I was bored I lacked the self-worth to believe I could step up but Irsquod externalise this into anger at my employer for holding me back Eventually I realised it was all of my own creation I was the one who was playing small applying for and then taking jobs that wersquore well under my pay grade I even turned down a few including a big promotion because the amount of money offered was too much and it scared me Seriously
Years of study and I lacked the ability to dive in fully commit be brave be boisterous about my abilities and soar I found school easy and when things seemed challenging at work I put it down to an inability to perform If it wasnrsquot easy at first I accepted that I just wasnrsquot able I had yet to find out that some of the best lessons come from giving things a go and making a lot of mistakes Failing or in reality playing small was a comfort zone for me and success in my career was an unknown quantity I was used to struggle I was safe with my dreams The possibility of them coming true Too much to handle Irsquod have to learn to live in the present moment and I donrsquot think I was ready to do that I wasnrsquot ready to look closely at myself and see that for all my effort there was still a lot of inner work to do It was time to look within
I KNOW HOW EASY IT IS TO BUILD WALLS AROUND OUR DREAMS PUSH THEM FURTHER AWAY IN AN ATTEMPT TO PLAY SAFE AND LIVE LIFE ACCORDING TO EXTERNAL INFLUENCE I KNOW THE LEVEL OF DETERMINATION AND MENTAL GRIT IT TAKES TO OVERCOME OURSELVES START TAKING OWNERSHIP OF OUR THOUGHTS AND ULTIMATELY THE PATH OF OUR OWN LIVES
I love when clients ask me to guide them on this path because I know just what can happen when they get there I hold my hand out as a supportive leverage point and watch them soar
Something Irsquove learnt along the way The first step for many women in building self-worth is learning the art of body love Body love is all about learning to appreciate the capabilities of your body nourishing and taking care of your spirit and occasionally cutting yourself a break
51
Itrsquos looking in the mirror and liking the person you see not picking on the parts you donrsquot like Itrsquos making a choice about whether to wear a bikini based on your personal values and not about what your body looks like in one Dieting and restriction are low level energies that hold us back from achieving high level desires Negative thinking blocks our internal compass and our ability to connect to our intuition Body love is the gateway to high frequency living
We all have that version of ourselves that we aspire to be The woman who gets up to the alarm has patience and drive Shersquos got a sparkle in her eye a sense of confidence and knowing about her place in the world that emanates from her whole being She sits up straight and laughs with abandon From where we sit therersquos a chasm to leap in becoming that woman That woman represents ldquoone dayrdquo She represents effort She can seem unachievable In my experience body love is the first and most important step toward that woman Body love is filled with possibility promise and prosperity When we remove that low level energy of diet and restriction we can start to attract high frequencies We can start to become that woman in the present moment
Irsquove seen the shift first hand for so many people Suddenly the whole world opens up and the possibilities become endless The cloud lifts and pie-in-the-sky dreams show up in high-definition technicolour Thoughts that previously caused anxiety everything from going to lunch with new friends to finding a purpose in life start to feel as easy to read as words on a page Therersquos no more searching Itrsquos been replaced by a knowing excitement I watch as women become like bright-eyed students again endless possibilities opening up before them Only this time Theyrsquove got experience on their side
Suddenly the whole world
opens up and the
possibilities become
endless
The cloud lifts and
pie-in-the-sky dreams show
up in high-definition
technicolour
Rachelle is a Life + Confidence Coach at My Saturn Epoch She supports women through the big transitions in their life helping them to break their negative cycles to consciously create a happy life and positive mindset She is a big hearted business woman who is passionate about supporting women in pursuit of their own excellence so they can shine as a beacon to themselves their families and their communities
Connect with Rachelle at mysaturnepochcom
52
SUBSCRIBE TO RASPBERRY MAGAZINE
Grab an annual subscription and yoursquoll receive raquo 6 digital issues of Raspberry Magazine raquo an exclusive Annual Subscribers Thank You Pack
- which includes a printable manifesto beautiful meditation tracks an eBook and more contributed by generous lady entrepreneurs - worth over $35
VISIT THE SHOP
53
T H A N K Y O U F O R R E A D I N GA N D A M I L L I O N H I G H-F I V E S
I F Y O U L O V E D R A S P B E R R YM A G A Z I N E P L E A S E S H A R E
54
11
Are you keen to dip your toes into the world of workshops and events Here are the 5 things that you should know before you dive on in
ONE You donrsquot need a big budget
You donrsquot need to spend a lot of money to throw an amazing event When it comes to your venue there are plenty of low cost options out there
Community centres councils and libraries across Australia are an amazing resource where you can book a space for as little as $3 an hour Co-working spaces yoga
studios or warehouses can also be cost effective options
If you find a venue that makes you squeee with happiness but seems a bit out of your reach ask the manager when their off peak times are or when you can
access a lower rate
Nervous about other costs Holding events in between main meals means you only need to provide light refreshments such as tea juice and sweet treats And if you require additional items for things such as gift bags or professional services like a
photographer you can offer businesses a sponsorship package services swap or some free tickets to the event in return for collaborating with you
TWO The best workshops are a complete experience
The most fulfilling happiness inducing and ah-ha filled workshops are those that are a complete experience from start to finish If your aim is to create connection ensure that guests are greeted as soon as they walk in that they can mingle easily and then have a way to continue the conversations post event If your aim is to educate and inspire give them printed materials and workbooks visual slides and an engaging presentation If your aim is to create peace through an activity such as yoga or
meditation then give them a soft and gentle atmosphere and some soothing tunes
It always helps to think about your objective and build the experience around that
12
THREE Generosity sells
There is nothing more icky than going to an event expecting to be informed about a topic and then end up getting the hard sell put on you There is definitely a way to promote authentically and in a non-sleazy way but before that even comes into the
picture I believe it is best practice to give give give
Give your time and your presence to the people in the room with you Give expert knowledge information and tips that arenrsquot readily available elsewhere
Give guests the opportunity to openly approach you and have a chat
When you are sincere about giving your best people will genuinely want to want work with you By the time you offer them a way to continue the relationship you will have a
line of people eager to sign up ndash no hustling required
13
FOUR You can be creative in your marketing
You donrsquot have to promote your workshop just through the stock standard ways Get creative and share your vision with your audience You can
raquo Create a simple weekly graphic with an inspiring quote related to your workshop content raquo Share beautiful photos of the venue goody bag items deacutecor or printed materials
raquo Profile your speakers with a cute pic and a short but interesting bio raquo Tease people with little snippets of what the day will bring them
raquo Keep people updated with what you are doing and show them the work behind the scenes
Encouraging engagement in the lead up is a nice way to remind people about your workshop without feeling repetitive
5 You will have bust through some fears
Expect to feel emotional at times Worries such as I donrsquot know where to start I am overwhelmed nobody is going to come Irsquom not good enough and what if people are disappointed can pop up but
I promise you ndash this is normal These little suckers have a habit of creeping up on you but if you can find the strength tools and support to work through these then it is definitely worth it
A good course of action is to assess reflect and act Be aware of when it happens and assess what emotions are coming up reflect on why it is an issue for you and then take positive action to overcome it If you can gently work with your fears instead of letting them hold you back I
promise you there will be an amazing experience on the other side
Holding your own workshops and events can be a bit of work but the connections you create and the positive impact you have on peoplersquos lives is incredible
Keeping spreading your message lovelies and happy planning
Jade McKenzie is an event professional for heart-centered entrepreneurs and business owners who get sweaty palms at the thought of running an event themselves With over a decade of experience in event management she has an unrelenting passion for giving her clients the ability to step into their spotlight and shine
Find her at eventheadcomau
14
IF YOU DONrsquoT DESIGN YOUR OWN LIFE PLAN CHANCES ARE YOUrsquoLL FALL INTO SOMEONE ELSErsquoS PLAN
AND GUESS WHAT THEY HAVE PLANNED FOR YOU NOT MUCH
Jim Rohn
15
nomadsnomadsDIGITAL
THESE WOMEN ARE BUILDING BUSINESSES THAT CAN BE RUN FROM ANYWHERE THEY CHOOSE
16
Elizabeth McKenzie
What do you do Let me count the ways
First and foremost Irsquom a multi-passionate
Which means Irsquom business + marketing coach spiritual mentor writer + seeker of rad things And I canrsquot go past a mention of my two loves Nike high tops and Harry Styles
Who lives with youAt the moment Irsquom living with my parents on their yacht Wersquore getting ready to sail up the East Coast of Australia Irsquom then heading to the US and plan on renting out a pad in NYC with Juliethellipand when I returnhellip who knowshellip Irsquom open to suggestions
Did you a transition from a regular 9 to 5 job How did
that happen for you I transitioned from student to business owner While I was studying my Master of Speech Pathology (oh yeah Irsquom a speech pathologist too) I became so sick of having to adhere to the metal box that is university education Ya know playing by someone elsersquos rules so I started up a blog initially as a way to rebel from the box
The more I blogged the more I became obsessed with everything about being online ndash the connections with other likeminded women andhellip hold up the ability to work from anywhere in the world helping anyone with an internet connection Sign me up
I hired a butt load of mentors to help me along my way and at the start of 2014 I launched my first offering marketing and business coaching (yes I also have a degree in that too)
17
At the same time I got a one day a week speechie job to compliment my multi-passionate nature but after 4 months of doing that I realised itrsquos not in my nature to work for anyone else but myself
By then my business was bringing in the cash to support my decision to go all in
And here I am on a boat
What is your current business model Itrsquos currently me and my teeny team of rad peeps Irsquove got my VA my copywriter and communications consultant and my graphic designer I love having people compliment what I do
The business model ndash well I started with the advisor model really only selling my expertise and coaching on a 11 basis but Irsquom now creating an eCourse to help hundreds of women become more spiritual without losing touch with the real world Essentially real world spirituality the unwanky way and Irsquom crazy excited
Throughout this journey Irsquove realised that my business and how I operate is always going to evolve and accepting that has freed me up to do so much more of the things I love
Do you see this business model changing in the futureI had an epiphany recently that I want to help as many people as I can so Irsquom now starting to gear my business towards that kind of model with eCourses and programs that are offered at a lower price point
Exciting times
My motto in business (and life) never say never
Wersquore operating in a dynamic environment The dumbest thing you can do for your business is feel you
have to lock yourself in
By all means pick something and give it a red hot go ndash but know that as the environment changes around you you need to accommodate that
Woke up at 630 for breakfast and coffee
Had a three hour intensive with my latest client who lives in Scotland from 7-10
Did a bit of admin and setting up the membership site of my new eCourse
Went to see Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles at 1 (nerd much)
Got home at 4
Felt inspired to read so whipped out my latest book
Wrote a little after dinner for my latest opt-in offer
Ended the day watching reruns of The Mindy Project
A Da
y In
The
Lif
e of
Eliza
beth
Do you feel like an introvert or an extrovert and does that affect how you do businessCan I say Irsquom both Sometimes I need to be around people to get more energy and sometimes I need to be alone to recharge too
I think therersquos a bit of a dance I do in my business where I need to have days like the Friday above because otherwise my energy gets stagnant and the creative flow stops
What are your favourite parts of businessWriting Creating
And the ability to not work when I donrsquot want to
18
Least favouriteWordpress admin Although when I nail something (finally) I get a major sense of achievement
Do you feel like yoursquove made sacrifices to live this lifestyle What are theyDefinitely At the moment Irsquove had to let me pooch live with his dad while Irsquom on a boat and while I got to NYC
I wish he could be with me 247
What are your Core Desired Feelings raquo Free raquo Luxurious raquo Joy
Any special tools or routines you implement regularly to feel or perform awesomelyThe number one thing that I do regularly is clear my chakras via a breathing and visualisation meditation It takes 20 minutes and it seriously changes the tune of my day I can usually go a day without but too long and I notice that Irsquom underperforming
Quickfire Faves
BOOK The Anatomy of the Spirit by Caroline Myss Although I hated it originally mostly because I didnrsquot want to hear the messages that were coming through
WEBSITE YouTube Canrsquot go past finding an olds 90s jam or interviews with Harry Styles to watch
EARLY MORNING ACTIVITY Chakra Clearing
LATE NIGHT ACTIVITY Watching reruns of my favourite TV shows
GOURMET SNACK I donrsquot do gourmet myself but Irsquom all for gourmet cafe food (itrsquos the Melbournian in me) It could be a sugary almond macaroon or full fat grilled haloumi
Elizabeth is a professional business coach spiritual mentor and the creator of The Spiritual Material Girl eCourse Shersquos also the creator of high-end private coaching programs and courses geared towards helping ambitious and successful women who lsquoseemrsquo like theyrsquove got it all figured outhellip yet who still donrsquot feel like their heartrsquos truly fulfilled
Shersquos the go-to for helping you tackle your biz blocks tap into your spiritual side and live a totally kick-ass life With her trademark blend of heartfelt honesty and straight-talking swagger she ties it all together to set you on the fast track to personal professional and spiritual success
Instead of just keepinrsquo on doing whatrsquos not working Elizabeth can show you how to get exactly what you want ndash whether that means building a business you love creating more happiness or simply getting more out of your life You can find Elizabeth over at her home on the internet Your Highest Self
19
Vienda Maria
Vienda Maria is a lifestyle coach author and creative who helps Bon Vivants coaches yogis creatives and entrepreneurs create thriving semi-nomadic unconventional lives that are fulfilling both soulfully and financially Through her coaching events books Gypset Mindset Class course and online community Vienda has inspired and transformed the lives of thousands across the globe ldquoMy mission is simple to guide each and every one of you back to who you really are To come home back to your soul and allowing it to guide your destiny For more love More fun More freedom More adventure More liferdquo Visit Vienda online here
20
What do you do Irsquom a lifestyle coach and writer who helps emerging creatives and professionals create a life thatrsquos a little a it unusual Itrsquos about breaking away from structured office hours and recognising their ability to create their own jobs and money by using their innate passions skills and talents in ways that are a little bit out of the box Itrsquos all about stepping out of a limiting mindset and seeing what is actually possible
Who lives with youI live on my own
Did you a transition from a regular 9 to 5 job How did that happen for you Not really Irsquove always had an extremely free lifestyle and only dabbled into a couple of office jobs along the way when I was inbetween other things
My transition to my current life happened out of the necessity to create something for myself that supported my lifestyle and was financially sustainable After studying psychology at uni I worked at international film and music festivals and other events which was really fun and exciting 12 years later I had fallen in love with being my own boss and traveling the world It was then that I realised that there are so many people who would love to travel have more freedom and time and create their own jobs and that I could help them
What is your current business model Irsquom a very independent worker so I tend to work solo though Irsquove just hired an intern to help me with some of the admin and social media stuff which is quite exciting I sell a range of different things ndash my coaching services make up most of my income followed by products in the form of eBooks and
jewellery collected on my travels Irsquom just about to launch my first course a set of 6 live classes to help beginners create their own unconventional lifestyle so thatrsquos very exciting and keeping me busy
Do you see this business model changing in the future Yes I think as an entreprenuer one the greatest characteristics you can have is flexibility Being flexible with how you do things always changing growing and updating is so important If you want to keep up with business you have to be comfortable and willing to change
What does a day-in-the-life look like for you I travel a lot so my day-to-day varies quite a lot but I usually start the day with writing content for my course blog or anything else that needs my creative input because in the morning my creativity is the highest I keep the mundane tasks for later in the day usually after my coaching calls I check emails and social media twice a day ndash once in the morning and once in the afternoon ndash which usually give me a good indication of what else needs to be done
And I always end my working day with a To Do list for the next day so I wake up with clarity and know exactly what I need to focus on
Irsquom really interested in time efficiency and productivity so choose to focus on doing things that I love and that generate the most response
Do you feel like an introvert or an extrovert and does that affect how you do business Hmmm ndash Irsquom an introverted extrovert I really enjoy my own company and fuel up energetically with time to myself But I also love and need social stimulation inspiration and everything that people bring into our
21
lives I guess itrsquos about balance and listening to your own needs
What are your favourite parts of business Creating and connecting I love the work I do so much ndash when one of my clients has an ah-ha that transforms everything they previously believed to be true ndash it just rocks my world Being able to help people create lives that they thought were only made of dream-stuff is so very fulfilling I learn so much from this process myself Therersquos such a powerful beauty in creating a community of like-minded individuals And I love being creative always thinking of new ideas and new ways to share the information tools and concepts that I have with my tribe
Least favourite Tax I just I have no idea how people manage all that side of things Irsquod do my best to keep everything tidy and organised for my accountant but it hurts my brain when itrsquos tax time
Do you feel like yoursquove made sacrifices to live this lifestyle What are they I think we make sacrifices in every lifestyle we choose There is always something that we choose to let go of in order to have something else But when itrsquos a choice it doesnrsquot really feel like a sacrifice
For example I donrsquot own a ton of material possessions because that would just be silly considering how much I move around For me however that is very freeing rather than a sacrifice I mean what could I possibly really need I love my lifestyle It suits me perfectly And thatrsquos all that matters
What are your Core Desired Feelings raquo Flow raquo Freedom raquo Inspiration raquo Gratitude
Any special tools or routines you implement regularly to feel or perform awesomely I meditate daily and exercise daily I set intentions (goals) monthly and review them every month I practice positive thinking and train my mind to focus on the things that light me up and make me feel good to exclusion of all others because I know that I create my life with my thoughts And things that make me feel good attract more things that make me feel good
BOOK Going Pro by Steven Pressfield
WEBSITE Instagram
EARLY MORNING ACTIVITY Meditation
LATE NIGHT ACTIVITY Journaling
GOURMET SNACK Salted Pistachios
I donrsquot own a ton of material possessions because that would just be silly
considering how much I move around For me however that is very freeing
rather than a sacrifice
Quickfire Faves
22
Amelia Lee
What do you doIrsquom an architect and have been working in the architectural industry for almost twenty years I recently started Undercover Architect which is about empowering YOU to create your well-designed home through online information tools products and services
Irsquom also a Director on the Qld Development Board for The Hunger Project an NGO that works to end hunger and poverty in third world countries by empowering those affected most to feed their families and create hope for their futures
Who lives with you I live with my husband Brandon and son (aged 7) and two daughters (aged 5 and 3) We also have a dog 6 chickens 5 ducklings and shortly 5 miniature cows
Did you a transition from a regular 9 to 5 job How did that happen for youI worked long hours in architectural practices for many years (more like 7am ndash 7pm) managing teams and big projects before I had kids We also wanted to keep them at home with us so over the last 12 years we have renovated 3 homes (whilst living in them) as a means of supplementing our income and supporting the way we wanted to live Wersquove both worked part-time or changed our working hours around kids and the renovating
When my second baby was 4 months old I started an architectural practice with 5 colleagues By the time my third bub was born we had grown our business to have about 10 crew and I didnrsquot really stop work
I left my business in June to pursue a new life My husband and I relocated our family to the Byron Bay Hinterland to a 77 acre property After a big year personally and professionally last year it seemed like the right time to make the move We wanted to stop
23
delaying the dream
What is your current business model Itrsquos just me ndash a one-man band madly writing content and building my website with information tools and advice Irsquom also providing architectural services to some individual clients which I can do remotely
Do you see this business model changing in the futureI will need some additional support in admin web support and marketingadvertising as the business builds My hope is to maintain my flexible work-from-home practises and create a virtual team of independent collaborators to enable this I want my business to be at a scale where I can provide significant financial support to The Hunger Project
What does a day-in-the-life look like for you I get up early and go for a walkrun while listening to an audio book I finish with a brief meditation to set my intentions for the day and then the kids are up and my husband and I run the gauntlet of brekkie lunches school uniforms and getting them to the bus
After the dust has settled I make myself a big cup of coffee and if itrsquos a work day I head to my office which is over our garage I have found that this new experience of working solely on my own without
imposed deadlines etc has required some new tools to create structure and discipline and itrsquos something Irsquom still working on
We all eat dinner together at about 5pm and I do love that we spend time like this together every day
Since the beginning of 2012 I have been taking a photo every day of something Irsquom grateful for and posting it to my Facebook page with a description Itrsquos helped me be a lot more present to the every day joy and beauty that exists
Do you feel like an introvert or an extrovert and does that affect how you do businessI recently found out I was 51 Extrovert ndash which means that Irsquom borderline Introvert also I can get VERY absorbed in my work ndash which is a great problem to have
However given the whole reason we are creating a life this way is to spend more time together as a family Irsquom aware that needs to be kept in check I ultimately would love to do speaking engagements workshops etc so will be drawing on the Extrovert tilt for this
What are your favourite parts of businessI love the lsquostartrsquo of things I am insatiably curious Learning something for the first time figuring it out and getting it to work Irsquom enjoying writing enormously
Least favouriteRevisiting things over and over again And given that my business is still in its early days income-wise I am resisting the pressure of needing to sell and market I want to create great clarity around who my ideal clients are before I launch myself out there
THE VIEW FROM MY HOME OFFICE
24
Do you feel like yoursquove made sacrifices to live this lifestyle What are theyWhere we are now is the culmination of 12 years of very very hard work with a goal and a vision Wersquove lived through 3 renovations Wersquove sunk all our money into homes we were creating for other people and scrimped on most other things because we were always working on the house It was so worth it though
Where we are now is the culmination of 12 years of
very very hard work with a goal and a vision
What are the values you live by My values are Joy|Love|Laughter|Fun (thatrsquos one) Innovation Inspiration and Spaciousness Abundance and Bravery are themes I work to explore
Seth Godin also replied to an email of thanks I once sent him telling me to ldquoGo make a ruckusrdquo ndash so that informs what I do also
Any special tools or routines you implement regularly to feel or perform awesomelyExercise and meditation and I also do a bit of Cognitive Behaviour Therapy My grateful photos also are really important in this
BOOK Tim Ferrissrsquo 4 Hour Work Week It just completely opened my eyes to this whole other way of doing business that wasnrsquot about selling my time for money
WEBSITE Facebook I find it a great way to touch quickly in the lives of my friends but also to get access to lots of inspirational and info ndash like HONY Oprahrsquos Super Soul Sunday Huffington Post Gabby Bernstein
EARLY MORNING ACTIVITY A walkrun stretch and meditation
LATE NIGHT ACTIVITY Meditation while I do my lsquolegs up the wallrsquo pose It makes a massive difference to how I sleep and how rested I feel in the morning
GOURMET SNACK Loving Earth Luvju Raw Organic Orange and Gubinge Chocolate Otherwise I make great fruit-free bliss balls with cacao maca powder and protein powder
Quickfire Faves
You can connect with Amelia online at UndercoverArchitectcom
25
Elizabeth Kelsey BradleyWhat do you do Irsquom a writer and consultant that creates compelling content and social media strategies for businesses around the world I work with companies of all sizes and in all niches but my passion is with helping holistic entrepreneurs
Who lives with you My husband daughter and our insane pets
Did you a transition from a regular 9 to 5 job How did that happen for youI have never had a 9 to 5 ever My father was an entrepreneur and even though he never ever spoke of what it meant to be an entrepreneur his calling seemed to rub off on me
Irsquom literally unemployable Irsquom an artist and rebel and need to do things my own way even though Irsquom a
people person
But how I ended up finally making a business was when my husband couldnrsquot find work and things got scary I began researching like mad how I could work online and it took me years to finally learn marketing particularly with social media and content Despite how hard my first few years were (and I wouldnrsquot want to repeat them) Irsquom glad I learned the hard way as I am able to help others and can relate to women who are just beginning their entrepreneurial journey I look at entrepreneurship as a great honor for me to be able to help others and be of service
What is your current business model I am solo I sell consulting services and also do freelance writing and photography for companies that donrsquot have a staff writer I really need an intern or VA at this point though and am looking for someone
26
Do you see this business model changing in the futureYes and no Yes I will need to hire someone and ideally two people now that I have branched out into creating courses and ebooks but no in regards to my consulting services changing as what I do is in demand People feel confused about social media and creating regular content so I think it will be the same business model for a long time to come
What does a day-in-the-life look like for you Well Irsquom a vampire apparently as I mainly work nights which here in Thailand would be morning time where many of my clients live During the day I am homeschooling mum and also carry in my bag some of my work for
when I need to do some writing or analysis of a clientrsquos social media
Do you feel like an introvert or an extrovert and does that affect how you do businessIrsquom an extrovert but a highly sensitive one This has actually worked in my favour as I have a process for weeding out people who donrsquot fit my Ideal Client profile so that I can maintain my energy and do the best I can with the entrepreneurs who I can best serve
What are your favourite parts of businessI adore talking with clients on the phone or in person so basically anytime Irsquom geeking out about social media and writing
27
Least favouriteAnything to do with SEO
Do you feel like yoursquove made sacrifices to live this lifestyle What are theyEntrepreneurship is isolating in general Add that to the fact that we live on an island in Thailand and itrsquos double the isolation but to be honest this was the best place for us to build our online businesses as itrsquos affordable to live here and safe so I have no regrets
What are your Core Desired Feelings Connection serenity ease truth Values wise Irsquom wild but extremely family oriented
Any special tools or routines you implement regularly to feel or perform awesomelyI read from spiritual or philosophical books and take regular walks Both give me loads of ideas for storytelling which is the essence of what I do Podcasts are also a huge part of my routine particularly those devoted to marketing
BOOK Ocean Sea (buy it now AMAZING)
WEBSITE wwwholisticdadnet
EARLY MORNING ACTIVITY Drinking yerba mate and some yoga
LATE NIGHT ACTIVITY Good beer and a video game
GOURMET SNACK Anything with white truffle oil on it
Quickfire Faves
Elizabeth Kelsey Bradley is an award-winning writer consultant and photojournalist currently based in Thailand Her work has appeared on sites such as Tiny Buddha Vagabonding and in Girl Gone International magazine
As a consultant she helps companies develop effective social media and content strategies She is currently devoted to helping holistic entrepreneurs grow their online platforms at Thriving Healer
28
PAPERLESS OFFICELETrsquoS LEAVE MORE OF OUR TREE FRIENDS IN THE GROUND AND TAKE ADVANTAGE OF THE EXCELLENT APPS AVAILABLE INSTEAD AFTER ALL WErsquoRE RUNNING OUR DEVICES FOR MOST OF THE DAY ANYWAY - MAY AS WELL TAKE ADVANTAGE OF THEIR RAD CAPABILITIES
29
SWAPWriting Lists
FORWunderlist
AnyDoTodoist
SWAPHardcopy Books
FOR
KindleiBooks
SWAPPrinting + Scanning
Contracts
FOR
EchosignHellosignSWAP
Taking Notes + Printing Articles
FOREvernote
SWAPBrainstorming
+ Mind Mapping
FORSimpleMind
Coggle
30
HOW DARE YOU S E T T L E F O R L E S S WHEN THE WORLD h a s m a d e i t SO EASY F O R Y O U T O B E remarkable
SETH GODIN
31
JASMINE DOWLING MAPS TO HERSELF THE FIFTH ELEMENT LIFE
MOSSYJOJO TRICIA O DESIGNSIMPLY LOVE CREATIONS
BY SAMANTHA STACEY KEMPPENFRIEND
Jazz up your office walls with prints that stoke your creative fire
32
THE YES EPIDEMIC
33
THE YES EPIDEMIC
OurCoverStar
34
Whether it be a night out (when Irsquom exhausted) a favour (thatrsquos asking a little too much) or a date (that I know isnrsquot going to go anywhere) Irsquove typically and reluctantly replied to these requests with a lsquosure thingrsquo more times than Irsquod care to admit
Take on another client when my schedule is fully booked Absolutely
Offer to shout a friendrsquos breakfast when I really donrsquot have the cash to splash Of course
Commit to another online course when Irsquom barely halfway through the other 8 Irsquove signed up for this year Why yes
The Yes Epidemic has woven its way into our exceptionally busy (and beautiful) lives with the promise of MORE More connection more exposure more opportunity more money more education more insight more success And the more we do the more we are - right
Wrong
The reality is the more we constantly fill our plates to the brim (oh letrsquos admit it our plates are overflowing) with commitment after
commitment the less space we are leaving for us to just BE
To be immersed in who we are what our dreams and desires are to love to play to breathe
By saying lsquoyesrsquo like itrsquos going out of fashion we find ourselves spread as thin as vegemite on gluten-free toast Our energy and vitality are compromised and we donrsquot show up in the world as our best selves
So here are a few tips I use with my clients (and myself regularly) to get in the habit of saying lsquonorsquo a little more often
Irsquove never been very good at saying lsquonorsquo
35
Reflective routine with a heaping dose of reality is key here Take an honest look at your weekly schedule and ensure that you are focussing your precious time energy and resources on the people activities and
projects that are aligned with your values Is this commitment important to you Then honour it with your time Not so important
Time to shift things up
I canrsquot go past Marie Forleorsquos advice on this subject When somebody presents you with an opportunity if itrsquos not a HELL YES then itrsquos a no
Go with your gut always
Forget the FOMO The lsquofear of missing outrsquo is what keeps most of us on the Sure Thing Wagon and itrsquos just not sustainable Trust that all the
opportunities that are meant for you will come your way at the right time for you
Send your lsquonorsquo off with love Therersquos no need to feel uncomfortable turning down a request when you do so with kindness respect and
humility Excuses can be left at the door just honour your good intentions and everyone involved in the situation
Remember every time you give a loving inspired lsquonorsquo you are giving others the permission to do the same thing I always feel energised when someone turns down a request because it reminds me to respect myself
enough to pull out that gentle lsquonorsquo when required too
1
23
45
AND THE BEST THING ABOUT SAYING lsquoNOrsquo WHEN THE TIME COMES THAT A lsquoSURE THINGrsquo IS IN FACT THE HEART-CENTRED RESPONSE YOU EXCITEDLY GIVE ITrsquoS MUCH SWEETER MORE MEANINGFUL AND A HELLUVA LOT MORE VALUABLE
Claire Baker is a certified coach and mentor passionate writer and speaker and author of lsquoShe Is Radiant Your 6-Week Wellness Adventure To Get Glowy amp Feel Radrsquo Claire guides vibrant young women as they get from where they are to where they want to be ndash in their health and life blog and business
You can consider Claire your personal advocate for living an energised playful and heart-centred life Come say hi at This is Lifeblood her online space to share her passion for all things nourishing soulful and creative
CLAIRErsquoS TOP FIVE TIPS TO GET INTO THE HABIT OF SAYING NO
36
37
artOF THE
THE
soloSOULRETREAT
38
When you live a soul-driven and passionate life you very likely live and breathe your lsquoworkrsquo 247
I put the word work in inverted commas because for you itrsquos likely just you leading your amazing life (and more power to you my friend) But amidst this you may find it difficult to switch off and cultivate the spaciousness to just let it all hang out and exist without an agenda or a to-do list anywhere in site
Enter stage left the Solo Soul Retreat I took myself on one recently and by golly did it give me the exact level of time out and rejoove that this soul-driven lassy needed Maybe itrsquos about time you took yourself on one
Here are some tips for creating the perfect conditions for your solo soul retreat
Pick a place close byI chose the Byron area because itrsquos only two hours drive from where I live And this is important because while you want to be lsquoawayrsquo to unplug from the numerous distractions of home you donrsquot want to be so far away that you feel obliged to check out all the sights and scoot around lsquodoingrsquo your little butt off You want to create a feeling of not having to do ANYTHING if you donrsquot feel like it Moment to moment awareness and tapping into what you truly want to do is critical to the restorative nature of the solo soul retreat So if that means a nap in the afternoon without checking out the sights do it Sans the guilt
Making it somewhere close by means you can convince your inner tourist that you can come back any time you want to So donrsquot book your long awaited trip to Bali for this particular retreat style I recommend scouting around Air BnB for some great bargains near you
Book for at least 2-3 nights away (more if possible)It takes awhile for us to wind down and get in to the rhythm of a slower pace so give yourself as much time as possible to sink deeply in to relaxation I find that it takes my body a good day or so (at least) to realise itrsquos on holiday A weekend is good a long weekend even better And a week would be crazy good
Set an intentionFor my soul retreat it was to cultivate a feeling of internal ease and spaciousness I was so tightly wound and constricted from within I wanted to feel joyous energy flowing through me again
39
unimpeded
An intention is a helpful anchor that you can come back to throughout the retreat when you feel your energy flitting away to unnecessary distractions Revisit your intention throughout your retreat and ease back into the feeling you wish to cultivate
Immerse yourself in natureWherever you head to find some time to plonk yourself amidst the stunning natural surrounds of Mama Nature There is absolutely NOTHING that compares to the healing capacity of earthing ourselves at the beach or in the forest or just a little garden Barefoot and butt on the ground meditating or just sitting and quietly contemplating our wondrous natural world will have you relaxing into zen in no time
Silence is goldenTaking time to retreat also means giving your mind a bit of a break (hence the lsquono doingrsquo rule) try out not talking which shouldnrsquot be too hard if yoursquore on your own and see what kind of insights
There is absolutely NOTHING that compares to the healing capacity of earthing ourselves at the beach
or in the forest or just a little garden
Barefoot and butt on the ground meditating or just sitting and
quietly contemplating our wondrous natural world
will have you relaxing into zen in no time
40
begin to pop into your nogginrsquo when you donrsquot have to constantly communicate
Pamper yourselfWhat feels really decadent to you For my recent retreat it was heading to a spa and bathhouse for the morning soaking in oxygenated spa baths steaming myself in the sauna and relaxing on a sun lounge in the tranquil spa gardens with a good book
For you it might be a luxurious massage and energy balancing treatment Or maybe itrsquos a delicious meal you take your time with at an amazing restaurant nearby Perhaps itrsquos allowing yourself to lounge around in bed with your favourite book and a cup of tea Whatever it is allow yourself these delights As many as you please gorgeous one
Body-loving foodIf you have a kitchen at your accommodation pack yourself the kind of food you know your body loves Think veggies fruit some bliss balls your fave teas raw cacao and honey for a delish hot chocolate If you have a portable blender pack up your ingredients to whip yourself up some delights while yoursquore there Alternatively and if you have time prepare a few things before you head off You can pre-cook quinoa lentil curries and rice dishes to heat up whenever you fancy If there are local farmerrsquos markets you can even do a bit of purchasing there for your meals (and because yoursquore so close to home bringing back the leftovers is a cinch)
Scout around a little and find some local cafeacutes or
41
restaurants that tickle your fancy and take yourself out for a meal that makes your body scream YES
Soul nourishing practices Rituals and practices help us to sink more deeply in to our soulrsquos true nature Bring along whatever stokes your soul fire and brings you into present moment awareness Cultivating reverence for yourself and life itself is a crucial aspect of your soul retreat Some practices you may consider are raquo Meditation (guided or just simply following your inhale and exhale) I find the Kundalini Ego
Eradicator meditation particularly soul-nourishing (and frankly life changing) raquo Journaling ndash with no thought as to what to write just jot down whatever comes to you Yoursquoll be
amazed at the cathartic feelings and insights this brings raquo Yoga (on your own or find a class nearby that resonates with you) raquo Playing with oracle cards Ask a question or for general guidance and see how your guides and
the Universe responds The Little Sagersquos deck is divine raquo Reading soulfully inspiring books raquo Lighting some incense and writing an epic gratitude list raquo A walking meditation through nature raquo Get arty play around with whatever you have Love colour Bring your paints Doodle Donrsquot
judge the results just let it flow out of you
Overall the point of this solo soul retreat is that you do what you genuinely want to do in the moment So nix the over planning as you may do with other trips away Settle into present moment awareness and allow yourself to be rather than just do Listen with kindness to your inner child Let her out to play (Mega hint she really doesnrsquot want to be bossed around) Gifting yourself this time is your surefire way to feeling rejuvenated refreshed and ready to live life to its fullest
Enjoy gorgeous one
Carly is a passionate international aid and development project manager and writer Carly works on projects in Australia and the Asia-Pacific region focusing on cultivating sustainable livelihoods the empowerment of women community enterprise local market development and positive social change
Head on over to Carlyrsquos blog Pockets of Peace for her soul-centred musings on peace wellness and oodles of inspiration
42
The most powerful weapon on earth is the human soul
on fire
F E R D I N A N D F O C H
43
Five Minute Fixes
FOR FEAR AND OVERWHELM
44
IF YOUrsquoRE RUNNING YOUR OWN BIZ YOUrsquoD BE FAMILIAR WITH THE PHENOMENON OF FEAR AND OVERWHELM YOU KNOW WHEN YOU JUST FEEL STUCK PARALYSED NOT SURE WHICH CHOICE TO MAKE OR ACTION TO TAKE YOU HAVE DEADLINES LOOMING THE PRESSURE IS MOUNTING AND YOUrsquoRE BLOCKED YOU NEED TO GET OUT OF YOUR OVERWHELM RIGHT NOW SO YOU CAN GET BACK TO CHANGING THE WORLD
Here are five practices designed to break the fear cycle and get you out of your head and into your body in five minutes or less
Go outside Get out into the sunlight See the sky take off your shoes and feel the grass tickle your toes Close your eyes Feel the heat on your skin Take some deep breaths and smell the air Tune in to the sounds around you Become still Fully engage with the present moment and drop into the sensations in your body
Deep breathing You can use a mantra such as So-Hum you can count the length of each inhale and exhale or you can do as many rounds of Nadi Shodhana (alternate nostril breathing) as you can fit into five minutes Whatever yoursquore most comfortable with do that Breath is the bridge between the inner and outer realities Deep breathing will calm the nervous system and bring your attention to the present moment
Move Go for a brisk walk Put on your favourite tune plug in the headphones and dance (in the bathroom cubicle if yoursquore embarrassed to do it in publichellip because thatrsquos not weird at all) Have a quickie on your own or with a partner Or you can shake it out Start with your right foot shake it as hard as possible to the count of 10 Then your whole leg Then the left foot and left leg Then the right hand then the right arm then the left hand and arm Then fold forward and gently shake your head - back to front side to side Then stand up again and shake your whole body like you know how
Then stand in stillness for 2 minutes to balance out the movement Listen to your heartbeat Yoursquove just expressed and released some negative energy so take a standing Savasana (resting pose) to integrate Make sure you smooth your hair after this one
45
Aromatherapy Get a bottle of essential oil and sniff it - simple Smell affects the limbic system which is responsible for the storage and release of emotional trauma You can immediately calm your body with the right scent
Make sure you get 100 therapeutic grade pure essential oil - these have a high vibrational frequency and you donrsquot want any nasties entering your system through inferior quality oil Lavender is proven to calm the nervous system as is frankincense balsam fir basil cedar wood and sandalwood You can purchase calming blends from your local aromatherapist or get them to custom-make a blend for you
Make some noise This is especially good if you work from home or drive to work as you may want privacy Get a pillow or lock yourself in the car and scream as loud as you can connecting deeply to your pelvis Give yourself permission to vocalise all that frustration fear shame guilt whatever is building up in your energy field Sound is the end of feeling When you express vocally you are releasing emotion and ending the cycle of repression Done regularly this will also enhance your creativity and self-expression - benefiting your business (and sex life) in the long run
These practices work for me and Irsquod love to know if they resonate with you
Irsquom Emma a multi-passionate self-love junkie who loves supporting people on their journey to wellness Since suffering from adrenal burnout and a host of related conditions Irsquove dedicated myself to personal healing and growth and encouraging others to find their own unique path By day Irsquom a yoga teacher virtual assistant and event coordinator for wellness entrepreneurs and outside of that yoursquoll find me salsa dancing travelling and eating raw desserts
Connect with me at emmashieldscom
46
Abandon anything about your life and habits that might be holding you back
Learn to create your own opportunities
Know that there is no finish line fortune favors action
Race balls-out toward the extraordinary life that yoursquove always dreamed of
or still havenrsquot had time to dream up
And prepare to have a hell of a lot of fun along the way
SOPHIA AMORUSO
47
Why you should create aHIGH-CONVERTING OPT-IN OFFER
A critical component of building your online business is growing your email list and creating a compelling opt-in offer is one of the best ways to kickstart this growth
You want your email list to be made up of people who are genuinely interested in you and what you have to offer your target market Your ideal customers and readers
Thatrsquos why your opt-in offer (a gift to entice people to join your list) needs to be unique highly relevant to your business and of real value to your ideal clients If people are on your site checking you out they are already interested ndash you need to give them a compelling reason to sign up
What would your readers find valuable Something that saves them time money pain or makes their life easier better or more beautiful It also needs to be damn high quality Proofed designed and worth paying for
48
Why would you give away something so valuable for free
Because it shows yoursquore serious about helping people Because it builds trust with readers Because itrsquos a genuine thank you in return for a readerrsquos contact details Because itrsquos an ad for your business Yoursquore showing people the quality of what they will receive if they go on to work with you
How do you choose which is right for you Think about what you currently offer your readers or customers (as in content as well as services or products) What is popular What do they comment on most or ask questions about What would you love to create What would be the perfect compliment to a service you provide How can you genuinely help
Brainstorm a list then narrow it down to one ndash and get cracking
The best opt-ins are win-win ndash you gather details from ideal customers and the customers
receive something great that they need and want in return
Happy creating
PS Tricking people is icky Donrsquot do that Itrsquos of no use to have people on your list that donrsquot care about you or your products Be genuine Offer genuine value Get genuine sign-ups
SO WHAT SHOULD YOU OFFER
Here are a few ideas raquo A sneak peek or preview of a paid
product ndash like a free chapter or lesson
raquo A smaller version of a paid product ndash like a 3 day meal plan
raquo Something which compliments a service you offer
raquo Useful templates ndash like a product launch worksheet or a calendar
raquo Inspirational printables ndash like quotes or illustrations
raquo A mini eCourse ndash like 5 days of video coaching
raquo A discount ndash like 10 off their next purchase
raquo A VIP offer ndash like first dibs on tickets
raquo An eBook or workbook ndash like a recipe book or marketing plan
Alana Wimmer is Founder + Creative Director of mini digital publishing house Raspberry Stripes Alana works with rad lady entrepreneurs to design eBooks which will change the world She also provides guidance insight and info on eBook design on the Raspberry Stripes website When she isnrsquot designing reading or talking about eBooks you can find Alana walking Rory and Roxy the boxers with her husband in tow probably on her way to pick up a green smoothie
49
is a lack of self-worth
50
As a bright-eyed uni student I got pretty excited about all the opportunities that were due to unfold before me when I graduated
My approach to life has always been filled with excitement for the future I remember saying to friends in class that we were certain to be successful because enthusiasm trumps experience Sadly the path wasnrsquot as smooth as Irsquod imagined I naively thought that all bosses had a sixth-sense for talent even from shy girls who werenrsquot outward about their abilities
I applied for and took a series of jobs that from the job description seemed so overwhelmingly scary to do but within months if not weeks I was bored I lacked the self-worth to believe I could step up but Irsquod externalise this into anger at my employer for holding me back Eventually I realised it was all of my own creation I was the one who was playing small applying for and then taking jobs that wersquore well under my pay grade I even turned down a few including a big promotion because the amount of money offered was too much and it scared me Seriously
Years of study and I lacked the ability to dive in fully commit be brave be boisterous about my abilities and soar I found school easy and when things seemed challenging at work I put it down to an inability to perform If it wasnrsquot easy at first I accepted that I just wasnrsquot able I had yet to find out that some of the best lessons come from giving things a go and making a lot of mistakes Failing or in reality playing small was a comfort zone for me and success in my career was an unknown quantity I was used to struggle I was safe with my dreams The possibility of them coming true Too much to handle Irsquod have to learn to live in the present moment and I donrsquot think I was ready to do that I wasnrsquot ready to look closely at myself and see that for all my effort there was still a lot of inner work to do It was time to look within
I KNOW HOW EASY IT IS TO BUILD WALLS AROUND OUR DREAMS PUSH THEM FURTHER AWAY IN AN ATTEMPT TO PLAY SAFE AND LIVE LIFE ACCORDING TO EXTERNAL INFLUENCE I KNOW THE LEVEL OF DETERMINATION AND MENTAL GRIT IT TAKES TO OVERCOME OURSELVES START TAKING OWNERSHIP OF OUR THOUGHTS AND ULTIMATELY THE PATH OF OUR OWN LIVES
I love when clients ask me to guide them on this path because I know just what can happen when they get there I hold my hand out as a supportive leverage point and watch them soar
Something Irsquove learnt along the way The first step for many women in building self-worth is learning the art of body love Body love is all about learning to appreciate the capabilities of your body nourishing and taking care of your spirit and occasionally cutting yourself a break
51
Itrsquos looking in the mirror and liking the person you see not picking on the parts you donrsquot like Itrsquos making a choice about whether to wear a bikini based on your personal values and not about what your body looks like in one Dieting and restriction are low level energies that hold us back from achieving high level desires Negative thinking blocks our internal compass and our ability to connect to our intuition Body love is the gateway to high frequency living
We all have that version of ourselves that we aspire to be The woman who gets up to the alarm has patience and drive Shersquos got a sparkle in her eye a sense of confidence and knowing about her place in the world that emanates from her whole being She sits up straight and laughs with abandon From where we sit therersquos a chasm to leap in becoming that woman That woman represents ldquoone dayrdquo She represents effort She can seem unachievable In my experience body love is the first and most important step toward that woman Body love is filled with possibility promise and prosperity When we remove that low level energy of diet and restriction we can start to attract high frequencies We can start to become that woman in the present moment
Irsquove seen the shift first hand for so many people Suddenly the whole world opens up and the possibilities become endless The cloud lifts and pie-in-the-sky dreams show up in high-definition technicolour Thoughts that previously caused anxiety everything from going to lunch with new friends to finding a purpose in life start to feel as easy to read as words on a page Therersquos no more searching Itrsquos been replaced by a knowing excitement I watch as women become like bright-eyed students again endless possibilities opening up before them Only this time Theyrsquove got experience on their side
Suddenly the whole world
opens up and the
possibilities become
endless
The cloud lifts and
pie-in-the-sky dreams show
up in high-definition
technicolour
Rachelle is a Life + Confidence Coach at My Saturn Epoch She supports women through the big transitions in their life helping them to break their negative cycles to consciously create a happy life and positive mindset She is a big hearted business woman who is passionate about supporting women in pursuit of their own excellence so they can shine as a beacon to themselves their families and their communities
Connect with Rachelle at mysaturnepochcom
52
SUBSCRIBE TO RASPBERRY MAGAZINE
Grab an annual subscription and yoursquoll receive raquo 6 digital issues of Raspberry Magazine raquo an exclusive Annual Subscribers Thank You Pack
- which includes a printable manifesto beautiful meditation tracks an eBook and more contributed by generous lady entrepreneurs - worth over $35
VISIT THE SHOP
53
T H A N K Y O U F O R R E A D I N GA N D A M I L L I O N H I G H-F I V E S
I F Y O U L O V E D R A S P B E R R YM A G A Z I N E P L E A S E S H A R E
54
12
THREE Generosity sells
There is nothing more icky than going to an event expecting to be informed about a topic and then end up getting the hard sell put on you There is definitely a way to promote authentically and in a non-sleazy way but before that even comes into the
picture I believe it is best practice to give give give
Give your time and your presence to the people in the room with you Give expert knowledge information and tips that arenrsquot readily available elsewhere
Give guests the opportunity to openly approach you and have a chat
When you are sincere about giving your best people will genuinely want to want work with you By the time you offer them a way to continue the relationship you will have a
line of people eager to sign up ndash no hustling required
13
FOUR You can be creative in your marketing
You donrsquot have to promote your workshop just through the stock standard ways Get creative and share your vision with your audience You can
raquo Create a simple weekly graphic with an inspiring quote related to your workshop content raquo Share beautiful photos of the venue goody bag items deacutecor or printed materials
raquo Profile your speakers with a cute pic and a short but interesting bio raquo Tease people with little snippets of what the day will bring them
raquo Keep people updated with what you are doing and show them the work behind the scenes
Encouraging engagement in the lead up is a nice way to remind people about your workshop without feeling repetitive
5 You will have bust through some fears
Expect to feel emotional at times Worries such as I donrsquot know where to start I am overwhelmed nobody is going to come Irsquom not good enough and what if people are disappointed can pop up but
I promise you ndash this is normal These little suckers have a habit of creeping up on you but if you can find the strength tools and support to work through these then it is definitely worth it
A good course of action is to assess reflect and act Be aware of when it happens and assess what emotions are coming up reflect on why it is an issue for you and then take positive action to overcome it If you can gently work with your fears instead of letting them hold you back I
promise you there will be an amazing experience on the other side
Holding your own workshops and events can be a bit of work but the connections you create and the positive impact you have on peoplersquos lives is incredible
Keeping spreading your message lovelies and happy planning
Jade McKenzie is an event professional for heart-centered entrepreneurs and business owners who get sweaty palms at the thought of running an event themselves With over a decade of experience in event management she has an unrelenting passion for giving her clients the ability to step into their spotlight and shine
Find her at eventheadcomau
14
IF YOU DONrsquoT DESIGN YOUR OWN LIFE PLAN CHANCES ARE YOUrsquoLL FALL INTO SOMEONE ELSErsquoS PLAN
AND GUESS WHAT THEY HAVE PLANNED FOR YOU NOT MUCH
Jim Rohn
15
nomadsnomadsDIGITAL
THESE WOMEN ARE BUILDING BUSINESSES THAT CAN BE RUN FROM ANYWHERE THEY CHOOSE
16
Elizabeth McKenzie
What do you do Let me count the ways
First and foremost Irsquom a multi-passionate
Which means Irsquom business + marketing coach spiritual mentor writer + seeker of rad things And I canrsquot go past a mention of my two loves Nike high tops and Harry Styles
Who lives with youAt the moment Irsquom living with my parents on their yacht Wersquore getting ready to sail up the East Coast of Australia Irsquom then heading to the US and plan on renting out a pad in NYC with Juliethellipand when I returnhellip who knowshellip Irsquom open to suggestions
Did you a transition from a regular 9 to 5 job How did
that happen for you I transitioned from student to business owner While I was studying my Master of Speech Pathology (oh yeah Irsquom a speech pathologist too) I became so sick of having to adhere to the metal box that is university education Ya know playing by someone elsersquos rules so I started up a blog initially as a way to rebel from the box
The more I blogged the more I became obsessed with everything about being online ndash the connections with other likeminded women andhellip hold up the ability to work from anywhere in the world helping anyone with an internet connection Sign me up
I hired a butt load of mentors to help me along my way and at the start of 2014 I launched my first offering marketing and business coaching (yes I also have a degree in that too)
17
At the same time I got a one day a week speechie job to compliment my multi-passionate nature but after 4 months of doing that I realised itrsquos not in my nature to work for anyone else but myself
By then my business was bringing in the cash to support my decision to go all in
And here I am on a boat
What is your current business model Itrsquos currently me and my teeny team of rad peeps Irsquove got my VA my copywriter and communications consultant and my graphic designer I love having people compliment what I do
The business model ndash well I started with the advisor model really only selling my expertise and coaching on a 11 basis but Irsquom now creating an eCourse to help hundreds of women become more spiritual without losing touch with the real world Essentially real world spirituality the unwanky way and Irsquom crazy excited
Throughout this journey Irsquove realised that my business and how I operate is always going to evolve and accepting that has freed me up to do so much more of the things I love
Do you see this business model changing in the futureI had an epiphany recently that I want to help as many people as I can so Irsquom now starting to gear my business towards that kind of model with eCourses and programs that are offered at a lower price point
Exciting times
My motto in business (and life) never say never
Wersquore operating in a dynamic environment The dumbest thing you can do for your business is feel you
have to lock yourself in
By all means pick something and give it a red hot go ndash but know that as the environment changes around you you need to accommodate that
Woke up at 630 for breakfast and coffee
Had a three hour intensive with my latest client who lives in Scotland from 7-10
Did a bit of admin and setting up the membership site of my new eCourse
Went to see Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles at 1 (nerd much)
Got home at 4
Felt inspired to read so whipped out my latest book
Wrote a little after dinner for my latest opt-in offer
Ended the day watching reruns of The Mindy Project
A Da
y In
The
Lif
e of
Eliza
beth
Do you feel like an introvert or an extrovert and does that affect how you do businessCan I say Irsquom both Sometimes I need to be around people to get more energy and sometimes I need to be alone to recharge too
I think therersquos a bit of a dance I do in my business where I need to have days like the Friday above because otherwise my energy gets stagnant and the creative flow stops
What are your favourite parts of businessWriting Creating
And the ability to not work when I donrsquot want to
18
Least favouriteWordpress admin Although when I nail something (finally) I get a major sense of achievement
Do you feel like yoursquove made sacrifices to live this lifestyle What are theyDefinitely At the moment Irsquove had to let me pooch live with his dad while Irsquom on a boat and while I got to NYC
I wish he could be with me 247
What are your Core Desired Feelings raquo Free raquo Luxurious raquo Joy
Any special tools or routines you implement regularly to feel or perform awesomelyThe number one thing that I do regularly is clear my chakras via a breathing and visualisation meditation It takes 20 minutes and it seriously changes the tune of my day I can usually go a day without but too long and I notice that Irsquom underperforming
Quickfire Faves
BOOK The Anatomy of the Spirit by Caroline Myss Although I hated it originally mostly because I didnrsquot want to hear the messages that were coming through
WEBSITE YouTube Canrsquot go past finding an olds 90s jam or interviews with Harry Styles to watch
EARLY MORNING ACTIVITY Chakra Clearing
LATE NIGHT ACTIVITY Watching reruns of my favourite TV shows
GOURMET SNACK I donrsquot do gourmet myself but Irsquom all for gourmet cafe food (itrsquos the Melbournian in me) It could be a sugary almond macaroon or full fat grilled haloumi
Elizabeth is a professional business coach spiritual mentor and the creator of The Spiritual Material Girl eCourse Shersquos also the creator of high-end private coaching programs and courses geared towards helping ambitious and successful women who lsquoseemrsquo like theyrsquove got it all figured outhellip yet who still donrsquot feel like their heartrsquos truly fulfilled
Shersquos the go-to for helping you tackle your biz blocks tap into your spiritual side and live a totally kick-ass life With her trademark blend of heartfelt honesty and straight-talking swagger she ties it all together to set you on the fast track to personal professional and spiritual success
Instead of just keepinrsquo on doing whatrsquos not working Elizabeth can show you how to get exactly what you want ndash whether that means building a business you love creating more happiness or simply getting more out of your life You can find Elizabeth over at her home on the internet Your Highest Self
19
Vienda Maria
Vienda Maria is a lifestyle coach author and creative who helps Bon Vivants coaches yogis creatives and entrepreneurs create thriving semi-nomadic unconventional lives that are fulfilling both soulfully and financially Through her coaching events books Gypset Mindset Class course and online community Vienda has inspired and transformed the lives of thousands across the globe ldquoMy mission is simple to guide each and every one of you back to who you really are To come home back to your soul and allowing it to guide your destiny For more love More fun More freedom More adventure More liferdquo Visit Vienda online here
20
What do you do Irsquom a lifestyle coach and writer who helps emerging creatives and professionals create a life thatrsquos a little a it unusual Itrsquos about breaking away from structured office hours and recognising their ability to create their own jobs and money by using their innate passions skills and talents in ways that are a little bit out of the box Itrsquos all about stepping out of a limiting mindset and seeing what is actually possible
Who lives with youI live on my own
Did you a transition from a regular 9 to 5 job How did that happen for you Not really Irsquove always had an extremely free lifestyle and only dabbled into a couple of office jobs along the way when I was inbetween other things
My transition to my current life happened out of the necessity to create something for myself that supported my lifestyle and was financially sustainable After studying psychology at uni I worked at international film and music festivals and other events which was really fun and exciting 12 years later I had fallen in love with being my own boss and traveling the world It was then that I realised that there are so many people who would love to travel have more freedom and time and create their own jobs and that I could help them
What is your current business model Irsquom a very independent worker so I tend to work solo though Irsquove just hired an intern to help me with some of the admin and social media stuff which is quite exciting I sell a range of different things ndash my coaching services make up most of my income followed by products in the form of eBooks and
jewellery collected on my travels Irsquom just about to launch my first course a set of 6 live classes to help beginners create their own unconventional lifestyle so thatrsquos very exciting and keeping me busy
Do you see this business model changing in the future Yes I think as an entreprenuer one the greatest characteristics you can have is flexibility Being flexible with how you do things always changing growing and updating is so important If you want to keep up with business you have to be comfortable and willing to change
What does a day-in-the-life look like for you I travel a lot so my day-to-day varies quite a lot but I usually start the day with writing content for my course blog or anything else that needs my creative input because in the morning my creativity is the highest I keep the mundane tasks for later in the day usually after my coaching calls I check emails and social media twice a day ndash once in the morning and once in the afternoon ndash which usually give me a good indication of what else needs to be done
And I always end my working day with a To Do list for the next day so I wake up with clarity and know exactly what I need to focus on
Irsquom really interested in time efficiency and productivity so choose to focus on doing things that I love and that generate the most response
Do you feel like an introvert or an extrovert and does that affect how you do business Hmmm ndash Irsquom an introverted extrovert I really enjoy my own company and fuel up energetically with time to myself But I also love and need social stimulation inspiration and everything that people bring into our
21
lives I guess itrsquos about balance and listening to your own needs
What are your favourite parts of business Creating and connecting I love the work I do so much ndash when one of my clients has an ah-ha that transforms everything they previously believed to be true ndash it just rocks my world Being able to help people create lives that they thought were only made of dream-stuff is so very fulfilling I learn so much from this process myself Therersquos such a powerful beauty in creating a community of like-minded individuals And I love being creative always thinking of new ideas and new ways to share the information tools and concepts that I have with my tribe
Least favourite Tax I just I have no idea how people manage all that side of things Irsquod do my best to keep everything tidy and organised for my accountant but it hurts my brain when itrsquos tax time
Do you feel like yoursquove made sacrifices to live this lifestyle What are they I think we make sacrifices in every lifestyle we choose There is always something that we choose to let go of in order to have something else But when itrsquos a choice it doesnrsquot really feel like a sacrifice
For example I donrsquot own a ton of material possessions because that would just be silly considering how much I move around For me however that is very freeing rather than a sacrifice I mean what could I possibly really need I love my lifestyle It suits me perfectly And thatrsquos all that matters
What are your Core Desired Feelings raquo Flow raquo Freedom raquo Inspiration raquo Gratitude
Any special tools or routines you implement regularly to feel or perform awesomely I meditate daily and exercise daily I set intentions (goals) monthly and review them every month I practice positive thinking and train my mind to focus on the things that light me up and make me feel good to exclusion of all others because I know that I create my life with my thoughts And things that make me feel good attract more things that make me feel good
BOOK Going Pro by Steven Pressfield
WEBSITE Instagram
EARLY MORNING ACTIVITY Meditation
LATE NIGHT ACTIVITY Journaling
GOURMET SNACK Salted Pistachios
I donrsquot own a ton of material possessions because that would just be silly
considering how much I move around For me however that is very freeing
rather than a sacrifice
Quickfire Faves
22
Amelia Lee
What do you doIrsquom an architect and have been working in the architectural industry for almost twenty years I recently started Undercover Architect which is about empowering YOU to create your well-designed home through online information tools products and services
Irsquom also a Director on the Qld Development Board for The Hunger Project an NGO that works to end hunger and poverty in third world countries by empowering those affected most to feed their families and create hope for their futures
Who lives with you I live with my husband Brandon and son (aged 7) and two daughters (aged 5 and 3) We also have a dog 6 chickens 5 ducklings and shortly 5 miniature cows
Did you a transition from a regular 9 to 5 job How did that happen for youI worked long hours in architectural practices for many years (more like 7am ndash 7pm) managing teams and big projects before I had kids We also wanted to keep them at home with us so over the last 12 years we have renovated 3 homes (whilst living in them) as a means of supplementing our income and supporting the way we wanted to live Wersquove both worked part-time or changed our working hours around kids and the renovating
When my second baby was 4 months old I started an architectural practice with 5 colleagues By the time my third bub was born we had grown our business to have about 10 crew and I didnrsquot really stop work
I left my business in June to pursue a new life My husband and I relocated our family to the Byron Bay Hinterland to a 77 acre property After a big year personally and professionally last year it seemed like the right time to make the move We wanted to stop
23
delaying the dream
What is your current business model Itrsquos just me ndash a one-man band madly writing content and building my website with information tools and advice Irsquom also providing architectural services to some individual clients which I can do remotely
Do you see this business model changing in the futureI will need some additional support in admin web support and marketingadvertising as the business builds My hope is to maintain my flexible work-from-home practises and create a virtual team of independent collaborators to enable this I want my business to be at a scale where I can provide significant financial support to The Hunger Project
What does a day-in-the-life look like for you I get up early and go for a walkrun while listening to an audio book I finish with a brief meditation to set my intentions for the day and then the kids are up and my husband and I run the gauntlet of brekkie lunches school uniforms and getting them to the bus
After the dust has settled I make myself a big cup of coffee and if itrsquos a work day I head to my office which is over our garage I have found that this new experience of working solely on my own without
imposed deadlines etc has required some new tools to create structure and discipline and itrsquos something Irsquom still working on
We all eat dinner together at about 5pm and I do love that we spend time like this together every day
Since the beginning of 2012 I have been taking a photo every day of something Irsquom grateful for and posting it to my Facebook page with a description Itrsquos helped me be a lot more present to the every day joy and beauty that exists
Do you feel like an introvert or an extrovert and does that affect how you do businessI recently found out I was 51 Extrovert ndash which means that Irsquom borderline Introvert also I can get VERY absorbed in my work ndash which is a great problem to have
However given the whole reason we are creating a life this way is to spend more time together as a family Irsquom aware that needs to be kept in check I ultimately would love to do speaking engagements workshops etc so will be drawing on the Extrovert tilt for this
What are your favourite parts of businessI love the lsquostartrsquo of things I am insatiably curious Learning something for the first time figuring it out and getting it to work Irsquom enjoying writing enormously
Least favouriteRevisiting things over and over again And given that my business is still in its early days income-wise I am resisting the pressure of needing to sell and market I want to create great clarity around who my ideal clients are before I launch myself out there
THE VIEW FROM MY HOME OFFICE
24
Do you feel like yoursquove made sacrifices to live this lifestyle What are theyWhere we are now is the culmination of 12 years of very very hard work with a goal and a vision Wersquove lived through 3 renovations Wersquove sunk all our money into homes we were creating for other people and scrimped on most other things because we were always working on the house It was so worth it though
Where we are now is the culmination of 12 years of
very very hard work with a goal and a vision
What are the values you live by My values are Joy|Love|Laughter|Fun (thatrsquos one) Innovation Inspiration and Spaciousness Abundance and Bravery are themes I work to explore
Seth Godin also replied to an email of thanks I once sent him telling me to ldquoGo make a ruckusrdquo ndash so that informs what I do also
Any special tools or routines you implement regularly to feel or perform awesomelyExercise and meditation and I also do a bit of Cognitive Behaviour Therapy My grateful photos also are really important in this
BOOK Tim Ferrissrsquo 4 Hour Work Week It just completely opened my eyes to this whole other way of doing business that wasnrsquot about selling my time for money
WEBSITE Facebook I find it a great way to touch quickly in the lives of my friends but also to get access to lots of inspirational and info ndash like HONY Oprahrsquos Super Soul Sunday Huffington Post Gabby Bernstein
EARLY MORNING ACTIVITY A walkrun stretch and meditation
LATE NIGHT ACTIVITY Meditation while I do my lsquolegs up the wallrsquo pose It makes a massive difference to how I sleep and how rested I feel in the morning
GOURMET SNACK Loving Earth Luvju Raw Organic Orange and Gubinge Chocolate Otherwise I make great fruit-free bliss balls with cacao maca powder and protein powder
Quickfire Faves
You can connect with Amelia online at UndercoverArchitectcom
25
Elizabeth Kelsey BradleyWhat do you do Irsquom a writer and consultant that creates compelling content and social media strategies for businesses around the world I work with companies of all sizes and in all niches but my passion is with helping holistic entrepreneurs
Who lives with you My husband daughter and our insane pets
Did you a transition from a regular 9 to 5 job How did that happen for youI have never had a 9 to 5 ever My father was an entrepreneur and even though he never ever spoke of what it meant to be an entrepreneur his calling seemed to rub off on me
Irsquom literally unemployable Irsquom an artist and rebel and need to do things my own way even though Irsquom a
people person
But how I ended up finally making a business was when my husband couldnrsquot find work and things got scary I began researching like mad how I could work online and it took me years to finally learn marketing particularly with social media and content Despite how hard my first few years were (and I wouldnrsquot want to repeat them) Irsquom glad I learned the hard way as I am able to help others and can relate to women who are just beginning their entrepreneurial journey I look at entrepreneurship as a great honor for me to be able to help others and be of service
What is your current business model I am solo I sell consulting services and also do freelance writing and photography for companies that donrsquot have a staff writer I really need an intern or VA at this point though and am looking for someone
26
Do you see this business model changing in the futureYes and no Yes I will need to hire someone and ideally two people now that I have branched out into creating courses and ebooks but no in regards to my consulting services changing as what I do is in demand People feel confused about social media and creating regular content so I think it will be the same business model for a long time to come
What does a day-in-the-life look like for you Well Irsquom a vampire apparently as I mainly work nights which here in Thailand would be morning time where many of my clients live During the day I am homeschooling mum and also carry in my bag some of my work for
when I need to do some writing or analysis of a clientrsquos social media
Do you feel like an introvert or an extrovert and does that affect how you do businessIrsquom an extrovert but a highly sensitive one This has actually worked in my favour as I have a process for weeding out people who donrsquot fit my Ideal Client profile so that I can maintain my energy and do the best I can with the entrepreneurs who I can best serve
What are your favourite parts of businessI adore talking with clients on the phone or in person so basically anytime Irsquom geeking out about social media and writing
27
Least favouriteAnything to do with SEO
Do you feel like yoursquove made sacrifices to live this lifestyle What are theyEntrepreneurship is isolating in general Add that to the fact that we live on an island in Thailand and itrsquos double the isolation but to be honest this was the best place for us to build our online businesses as itrsquos affordable to live here and safe so I have no regrets
What are your Core Desired Feelings Connection serenity ease truth Values wise Irsquom wild but extremely family oriented
Any special tools or routines you implement regularly to feel or perform awesomelyI read from spiritual or philosophical books and take regular walks Both give me loads of ideas for storytelling which is the essence of what I do Podcasts are also a huge part of my routine particularly those devoted to marketing
BOOK Ocean Sea (buy it now AMAZING)
WEBSITE wwwholisticdadnet
EARLY MORNING ACTIVITY Drinking yerba mate and some yoga
LATE NIGHT ACTIVITY Good beer and a video game
GOURMET SNACK Anything with white truffle oil on it
Quickfire Faves
Elizabeth Kelsey Bradley is an award-winning writer consultant and photojournalist currently based in Thailand Her work has appeared on sites such as Tiny Buddha Vagabonding and in Girl Gone International magazine
As a consultant she helps companies develop effective social media and content strategies She is currently devoted to helping holistic entrepreneurs grow their online platforms at Thriving Healer
28
PAPERLESS OFFICELETrsquoS LEAVE MORE OF OUR TREE FRIENDS IN THE GROUND AND TAKE ADVANTAGE OF THE EXCELLENT APPS AVAILABLE INSTEAD AFTER ALL WErsquoRE RUNNING OUR DEVICES FOR MOST OF THE DAY ANYWAY - MAY AS WELL TAKE ADVANTAGE OF THEIR RAD CAPABILITIES
29
SWAPWriting Lists
FORWunderlist
AnyDoTodoist
SWAPHardcopy Books
FOR
KindleiBooks
SWAPPrinting + Scanning
Contracts
FOR
EchosignHellosignSWAP
Taking Notes + Printing Articles
FOREvernote
SWAPBrainstorming
+ Mind Mapping
FORSimpleMind
Coggle
30
HOW DARE YOU S E T T L E F O R L E S S WHEN THE WORLD h a s m a d e i t SO EASY F O R Y O U T O B E remarkable
SETH GODIN
31
JASMINE DOWLING MAPS TO HERSELF THE FIFTH ELEMENT LIFE
MOSSYJOJO TRICIA O DESIGNSIMPLY LOVE CREATIONS
BY SAMANTHA STACEY KEMPPENFRIEND
Jazz up your office walls with prints that stoke your creative fire
32
THE YES EPIDEMIC
33
THE YES EPIDEMIC
OurCoverStar
34
Whether it be a night out (when Irsquom exhausted) a favour (thatrsquos asking a little too much) or a date (that I know isnrsquot going to go anywhere) Irsquove typically and reluctantly replied to these requests with a lsquosure thingrsquo more times than Irsquod care to admit
Take on another client when my schedule is fully booked Absolutely
Offer to shout a friendrsquos breakfast when I really donrsquot have the cash to splash Of course
Commit to another online course when Irsquom barely halfway through the other 8 Irsquove signed up for this year Why yes
The Yes Epidemic has woven its way into our exceptionally busy (and beautiful) lives with the promise of MORE More connection more exposure more opportunity more money more education more insight more success And the more we do the more we are - right
Wrong
The reality is the more we constantly fill our plates to the brim (oh letrsquos admit it our plates are overflowing) with commitment after
commitment the less space we are leaving for us to just BE
To be immersed in who we are what our dreams and desires are to love to play to breathe
By saying lsquoyesrsquo like itrsquos going out of fashion we find ourselves spread as thin as vegemite on gluten-free toast Our energy and vitality are compromised and we donrsquot show up in the world as our best selves
So here are a few tips I use with my clients (and myself regularly) to get in the habit of saying lsquonorsquo a little more often
Irsquove never been very good at saying lsquonorsquo
35
Reflective routine with a heaping dose of reality is key here Take an honest look at your weekly schedule and ensure that you are focussing your precious time energy and resources on the people activities and
projects that are aligned with your values Is this commitment important to you Then honour it with your time Not so important
Time to shift things up
I canrsquot go past Marie Forleorsquos advice on this subject When somebody presents you with an opportunity if itrsquos not a HELL YES then itrsquos a no
Go with your gut always
Forget the FOMO The lsquofear of missing outrsquo is what keeps most of us on the Sure Thing Wagon and itrsquos just not sustainable Trust that all the
opportunities that are meant for you will come your way at the right time for you
Send your lsquonorsquo off with love Therersquos no need to feel uncomfortable turning down a request when you do so with kindness respect and
humility Excuses can be left at the door just honour your good intentions and everyone involved in the situation
Remember every time you give a loving inspired lsquonorsquo you are giving others the permission to do the same thing I always feel energised when someone turns down a request because it reminds me to respect myself
enough to pull out that gentle lsquonorsquo when required too
1
23
45
AND THE BEST THING ABOUT SAYING lsquoNOrsquo WHEN THE TIME COMES THAT A lsquoSURE THINGrsquo IS IN FACT THE HEART-CENTRED RESPONSE YOU EXCITEDLY GIVE ITrsquoS MUCH SWEETER MORE MEANINGFUL AND A HELLUVA LOT MORE VALUABLE
Claire Baker is a certified coach and mentor passionate writer and speaker and author of lsquoShe Is Radiant Your 6-Week Wellness Adventure To Get Glowy amp Feel Radrsquo Claire guides vibrant young women as they get from where they are to where they want to be ndash in their health and life blog and business
You can consider Claire your personal advocate for living an energised playful and heart-centred life Come say hi at This is Lifeblood her online space to share her passion for all things nourishing soulful and creative
CLAIRErsquoS TOP FIVE TIPS TO GET INTO THE HABIT OF SAYING NO
36
37
artOF THE
THE
soloSOULRETREAT
38
When you live a soul-driven and passionate life you very likely live and breathe your lsquoworkrsquo 247
I put the word work in inverted commas because for you itrsquos likely just you leading your amazing life (and more power to you my friend) But amidst this you may find it difficult to switch off and cultivate the spaciousness to just let it all hang out and exist without an agenda or a to-do list anywhere in site
Enter stage left the Solo Soul Retreat I took myself on one recently and by golly did it give me the exact level of time out and rejoove that this soul-driven lassy needed Maybe itrsquos about time you took yourself on one
Here are some tips for creating the perfect conditions for your solo soul retreat
Pick a place close byI chose the Byron area because itrsquos only two hours drive from where I live And this is important because while you want to be lsquoawayrsquo to unplug from the numerous distractions of home you donrsquot want to be so far away that you feel obliged to check out all the sights and scoot around lsquodoingrsquo your little butt off You want to create a feeling of not having to do ANYTHING if you donrsquot feel like it Moment to moment awareness and tapping into what you truly want to do is critical to the restorative nature of the solo soul retreat So if that means a nap in the afternoon without checking out the sights do it Sans the guilt
Making it somewhere close by means you can convince your inner tourist that you can come back any time you want to So donrsquot book your long awaited trip to Bali for this particular retreat style I recommend scouting around Air BnB for some great bargains near you
Book for at least 2-3 nights away (more if possible)It takes awhile for us to wind down and get in to the rhythm of a slower pace so give yourself as much time as possible to sink deeply in to relaxation I find that it takes my body a good day or so (at least) to realise itrsquos on holiday A weekend is good a long weekend even better And a week would be crazy good
Set an intentionFor my soul retreat it was to cultivate a feeling of internal ease and spaciousness I was so tightly wound and constricted from within I wanted to feel joyous energy flowing through me again
39
unimpeded
An intention is a helpful anchor that you can come back to throughout the retreat when you feel your energy flitting away to unnecessary distractions Revisit your intention throughout your retreat and ease back into the feeling you wish to cultivate
Immerse yourself in natureWherever you head to find some time to plonk yourself amidst the stunning natural surrounds of Mama Nature There is absolutely NOTHING that compares to the healing capacity of earthing ourselves at the beach or in the forest or just a little garden Barefoot and butt on the ground meditating or just sitting and quietly contemplating our wondrous natural world will have you relaxing into zen in no time
Silence is goldenTaking time to retreat also means giving your mind a bit of a break (hence the lsquono doingrsquo rule) try out not talking which shouldnrsquot be too hard if yoursquore on your own and see what kind of insights
There is absolutely NOTHING that compares to the healing capacity of earthing ourselves at the beach
or in the forest or just a little garden
Barefoot and butt on the ground meditating or just sitting and
quietly contemplating our wondrous natural world
will have you relaxing into zen in no time
40
begin to pop into your nogginrsquo when you donrsquot have to constantly communicate
Pamper yourselfWhat feels really decadent to you For my recent retreat it was heading to a spa and bathhouse for the morning soaking in oxygenated spa baths steaming myself in the sauna and relaxing on a sun lounge in the tranquil spa gardens with a good book
For you it might be a luxurious massage and energy balancing treatment Or maybe itrsquos a delicious meal you take your time with at an amazing restaurant nearby Perhaps itrsquos allowing yourself to lounge around in bed with your favourite book and a cup of tea Whatever it is allow yourself these delights As many as you please gorgeous one
Body-loving foodIf you have a kitchen at your accommodation pack yourself the kind of food you know your body loves Think veggies fruit some bliss balls your fave teas raw cacao and honey for a delish hot chocolate If you have a portable blender pack up your ingredients to whip yourself up some delights while yoursquore there Alternatively and if you have time prepare a few things before you head off You can pre-cook quinoa lentil curries and rice dishes to heat up whenever you fancy If there are local farmerrsquos markets you can even do a bit of purchasing there for your meals (and because yoursquore so close to home bringing back the leftovers is a cinch)
Scout around a little and find some local cafeacutes or
41
restaurants that tickle your fancy and take yourself out for a meal that makes your body scream YES
Soul nourishing practices Rituals and practices help us to sink more deeply in to our soulrsquos true nature Bring along whatever stokes your soul fire and brings you into present moment awareness Cultivating reverence for yourself and life itself is a crucial aspect of your soul retreat Some practices you may consider are raquo Meditation (guided or just simply following your inhale and exhale) I find the Kundalini Ego
Eradicator meditation particularly soul-nourishing (and frankly life changing) raquo Journaling ndash with no thought as to what to write just jot down whatever comes to you Yoursquoll be
amazed at the cathartic feelings and insights this brings raquo Yoga (on your own or find a class nearby that resonates with you) raquo Playing with oracle cards Ask a question or for general guidance and see how your guides and
the Universe responds The Little Sagersquos deck is divine raquo Reading soulfully inspiring books raquo Lighting some incense and writing an epic gratitude list raquo A walking meditation through nature raquo Get arty play around with whatever you have Love colour Bring your paints Doodle Donrsquot
judge the results just let it flow out of you
Overall the point of this solo soul retreat is that you do what you genuinely want to do in the moment So nix the over planning as you may do with other trips away Settle into present moment awareness and allow yourself to be rather than just do Listen with kindness to your inner child Let her out to play (Mega hint she really doesnrsquot want to be bossed around) Gifting yourself this time is your surefire way to feeling rejuvenated refreshed and ready to live life to its fullest
Enjoy gorgeous one
Carly is a passionate international aid and development project manager and writer Carly works on projects in Australia and the Asia-Pacific region focusing on cultivating sustainable livelihoods the empowerment of women community enterprise local market development and positive social change
Head on over to Carlyrsquos blog Pockets of Peace for her soul-centred musings on peace wellness and oodles of inspiration
42
The most powerful weapon on earth is the human soul
on fire
F E R D I N A N D F O C H
43
Five Minute Fixes
FOR FEAR AND OVERWHELM
44
IF YOUrsquoRE RUNNING YOUR OWN BIZ YOUrsquoD BE FAMILIAR WITH THE PHENOMENON OF FEAR AND OVERWHELM YOU KNOW WHEN YOU JUST FEEL STUCK PARALYSED NOT SURE WHICH CHOICE TO MAKE OR ACTION TO TAKE YOU HAVE DEADLINES LOOMING THE PRESSURE IS MOUNTING AND YOUrsquoRE BLOCKED YOU NEED TO GET OUT OF YOUR OVERWHELM RIGHT NOW SO YOU CAN GET BACK TO CHANGING THE WORLD
Here are five practices designed to break the fear cycle and get you out of your head and into your body in five minutes or less
Go outside Get out into the sunlight See the sky take off your shoes and feel the grass tickle your toes Close your eyes Feel the heat on your skin Take some deep breaths and smell the air Tune in to the sounds around you Become still Fully engage with the present moment and drop into the sensations in your body
Deep breathing You can use a mantra such as So-Hum you can count the length of each inhale and exhale or you can do as many rounds of Nadi Shodhana (alternate nostril breathing) as you can fit into five minutes Whatever yoursquore most comfortable with do that Breath is the bridge between the inner and outer realities Deep breathing will calm the nervous system and bring your attention to the present moment
Move Go for a brisk walk Put on your favourite tune plug in the headphones and dance (in the bathroom cubicle if yoursquore embarrassed to do it in publichellip because thatrsquos not weird at all) Have a quickie on your own or with a partner Or you can shake it out Start with your right foot shake it as hard as possible to the count of 10 Then your whole leg Then the left foot and left leg Then the right hand then the right arm then the left hand and arm Then fold forward and gently shake your head - back to front side to side Then stand up again and shake your whole body like you know how
Then stand in stillness for 2 minutes to balance out the movement Listen to your heartbeat Yoursquove just expressed and released some negative energy so take a standing Savasana (resting pose) to integrate Make sure you smooth your hair after this one
45
Aromatherapy Get a bottle of essential oil and sniff it - simple Smell affects the limbic system which is responsible for the storage and release of emotional trauma You can immediately calm your body with the right scent
Make sure you get 100 therapeutic grade pure essential oil - these have a high vibrational frequency and you donrsquot want any nasties entering your system through inferior quality oil Lavender is proven to calm the nervous system as is frankincense balsam fir basil cedar wood and sandalwood You can purchase calming blends from your local aromatherapist or get them to custom-make a blend for you
Make some noise This is especially good if you work from home or drive to work as you may want privacy Get a pillow or lock yourself in the car and scream as loud as you can connecting deeply to your pelvis Give yourself permission to vocalise all that frustration fear shame guilt whatever is building up in your energy field Sound is the end of feeling When you express vocally you are releasing emotion and ending the cycle of repression Done regularly this will also enhance your creativity and self-expression - benefiting your business (and sex life) in the long run
These practices work for me and Irsquod love to know if they resonate with you
Irsquom Emma a multi-passionate self-love junkie who loves supporting people on their journey to wellness Since suffering from adrenal burnout and a host of related conditions Irsquove dedicated myself to personal healing and growth and encouraging others to find their own unique path By day Irsquom a yoga teacher virtual assistant and event coordinator for wellness entrepreneurs and outside of that yoursquoll find me salsa dancing travelling and eating raw desserts
Connect with me at emmashieldscom
46
Abandon anything about your life and habits that might be holding you back
Learn to create your own opportunities
Know that there is no finish line fortune favors action
Race balls-out toward the extraordinary life that yoursquove always dreamed of
or still havenrsquot had time to dream up
And prepare to have a hell of a lot of fun along the way
SOPHIA AMORUSO
47
Why you should create aHIGH-CONVERTING OPT-IN OFFER
A critical component of building your online business is growing your email list and creating a compelling opt-in offer is one of the best ways to kickstart this growth
You want your email list to be made up of people who are genuinely interested in you and what you have to offer your target market Your ideal customers and readers
Thatrsquos why your opt-in offer (a gift to entice people to join your list) needs to be unique highly relevant to your business and of real value to your ideal clients If people are on your site checking you out they are already interested ndash you need to give them a compelling reason to sign up
What would your readers find valuable Something that saves them time money pain or makes their life easier better or more beautiful It also needs to be damn high quality Proofed designed and worth paying for
48
Why would you give away something so valuable for free
Because it shows yoursquore serious about helping people Because it builds trust with readers Because itrsquos a genuine thank you in return for a readerrsquos contact details Because itrsquos an ad for your business Yoursquore showing people the quality of what they will receive if they go on to work with you
How do you choose which is right for you Think about what you currently offer your readers or customers (as in content as well as services or products) What is popular What do they comment on most or ask questions about What would you love to create What would be the perfect compliment to a service you provide How can you genuinely help
Brainstorm a list then narrow it down to one ndash and get cracking
The best opt-ins are win-win ndash you gather details from ideal customers and the customers
receive something great that they need and want in return
Happy creating
PS Tricking people is icky Donrsquot do that Itrsquos of no use to have people on your list that donrsquot care about you or your products Be genuine Offer genuine value Get genuine sign-ups
SO WHAT SHOULD YOU OFFER
Here are a few ideas raquo A sneak peek or preview of a paid
product ndash like a free chapter or lesson
raquo A smaller version of a paid product ndash like a 3 day meal plan
raquo Something which compliments a service you offer
raquo Useful templates ndash like a product launch worksheet or a calendar
raquo Inspirational printables ndash like quotes or illustrations
raquo A mini eCourse ndash like 5 days of video coaching
raquo A discount ndash like 10 off their next purchase
raquo A VIP offer ndash like first dibs on tickets
raquo An eBook or workbook ndash like a recipe book or marketing plan
Alana Wimmer is Founder + Creative Director of mini digital publishing house Raspberry Stripes Alana works with rad lady entrepreneurs to design eBooks which will change the world She also provides guidance insight and info on eBook design on the Raspberry Stripes website When she isnrsquot designing reading or talking about eBooks you can find Alana walking Rory and Roxy the boxers with her husband in tow probably on her way to pick up a green smoothie
49
is a lack of self-worth
50
As a bright-eyed uni student I got pretty excited about all the opportunities that were due to unfold before me when I graduated
My approach to life has always been filled with excitement for the future I remember saying to friends in class that we were certain to be successful because enthusiasm trumps experience Sadly the path wasnrsquot as smooth as Irsquod imagined I naively thought that all bosses had a sixth-sense for talent even from shy girls who werenrsquot outward about their abilities
I applied for and took a series of jobs that from the job description seemed so overwhelmingly scary to do but within months if not weeks I was bored I lacked the self-worth to believe I could step up but Irsquod externalise this into anger at my employer for holding me back Eventually I realised it was all of my own creation I was the one who was playing small applying for and then taking jobs that wersquore well under my pay grade I even turned down a few including a big promotion because the amount of money offered was too much and it scared me Seriously
Years of study and I lacked the ability to dive in fully commit be brave be boisterous about my abilities and soar I found school easy and when things seemed challenging at work I put it down to an inability to perform If it wasnrsquot easy at first I accepted that I just wasnrsquot able I had yet to find out that some of the best lessons come from giving things a go and making a lot of mistakes Failing or in reality playing small was a comfort zone for me and success in my career was an unknown quantity I was used to struggle I was safe with my dreams The possibility of them coming true Too much to handle Irsquod have to learn to live in the present moment and I donrsquot think I was ready to do that I wasnrsquot ready to look closely at myself and see that for all my effort there was still a lot of inner work to do It was time to look within
I KNOW HOW EASY IT IS TO BUILD WALLS AROUND OUR DREAMS PUSH THEM FURTHER AWAY IN AN ATTEMPT TO PLAY SAFE AND LIVE LIFE ACCORDING TO EXTERNAL INFLUENCE I KNOW THE LEVEL OF DETERMINATION AND MENTAL GRIT IT TAKES TO OVERCOME OURSELVES START TAKING OWNERSHIP OF OUR THOUGHTS AND ULTIMATELY THE PATH OF OUR OWN LIVES
I love when clients ask me to guide them on this path because I know just what can happen when they get there I hold my hand out as a supportive leverage point and watch them soar
Something Irsquove learnt along the way The first step for many women in building self-worth is learning the art of body love Body love is all about learning to appreciate the capabilities of your body nourishing and taking care of your spirit and occasionally cutting yourself a break
51
Itrsquos looking in the mirror and liking the person you see not picking on the parts you donrsquot like Itrsquos making a choice about whether to wear a bikini based on your personal values and not about what your body looks like in one Dieting and restriction are low level energies that hold us back from achieving high level desires Negative thinking blocks our internal compass and our ability to connect to our intuition Body love is the gateway to high frequency living
We all have that version of ourselves that we aspire to be The woman who gets up to the alarm has patience and drive Shersquos got a sparkle in her eye a sense of confidence and knowing about her place in the world that emanates from her whole being She sits up straight and laughs with abandon From where we sit therersquos a chasm to leap in becoming that woman That woman represents ldquoone dayrdquo She represents effort She can seem unachievable In my experience body love is the first and most important step toward that woman Body love is filled with possibility promise and prosperity When we remove that low level energy of diet and restriction we can start to attract high frequencies We can start to become that woman in the present moment
Irsquove seen the shift first hand for so many people Suddenly the whole world opens up and the possibilities become endless The cloud lifts and pie-in-the-sky dreams show up in high-definition technicolour Thoughts that previously caused anxiety everything from going to lunch with new friends to finding a purpose in life start to feel as easy to read as words on a page Therersquos no more searching Itrsquos been replaced by a knowing excitement I watch as women become like bright-eyed students again endless possibilities opening up before them Only this time Theyrsquove got experience on their side
Suddenly the whole world
opens up and the
possibilities become
endless
The cloud lifts and
pie-in-the-sky dreams show
up in high-definition
technicolour
Rachelle is a Life + Confidence Coach at My Saturn Epoch She supports women through the big transitions in their life helping them to break their negative cycles to consciously create a happy life and positive mindset She is a big hearted business woman who is passionate about supporting women in pursuit of their own excellence so they can shine as a beacon to themselves their families and their communities
Connect with Rachelle at mysaturnepochcom
52
SUBSCRIBE TO RASPBERRY MAGAZINE
Grab an annual subscription and yoursquoll receive raquo 6 digital issues of Raspberry Magazine raquo an exclusive Annual Subscribers Thank You Pack
- which includes a printable manifesto beautiful meditation tracks an eBook and more contributed by generous lady entrepreneurs - worth over $35
VISIT THE SHOP
53
T H A N K Y O U F O R R E A D I N GA N D A M I L L I O N H I G H-F I V E S
I F Y O U L O V E D R A S P B E R R YM A G A Z I N E P L E A S E S H A R E
54
13
FOUR You can be creative in your marketing
You donrsquot have to promote your workshop just through the stock standard ways Get creative and share your vision with your audience You can
raquo Create a simple weekly graphic with an inspiring quote related to your workshop content raquo Share beautiful photos of the venue goody bag items deacutecor or printed materials
raquo Profile your speakers with a cute pic and a short but interesting bio raquo Tease people with little snippets of what the day will bring them
raquo Keep people updated with what you are doing and show them the work behind the scenes
Encouraging engagement in the lead up is a nice way to remind people about your workshop without feeling repetitive
5 You will have bust through some fears
Expect to feel emotional at times Worries such as I donrsquot know where to start I am overwhelmed nobody is going to come Irsquom not good enough and what if people are disappointed can pop up but
I promise you ndash this is normal These little suckers have a habit of creeping up on you but if you can find the strength tools and support to work through these then it is definitely worth it
A good course of action is to assess reflect and act Be aware of when it happens and assess what emotions are coming up reflect on why it is an issue for you and then take positive action to overcome it If you can gently work with your fears instead of letting them hold you back I
promise you there will be an amazing experience on the other side
Holding your own workshops and events can be a bit of work but the connections you create and the positive impact you have on peoplersquos lives is incredible
Keeping spreading your message lovelies and happy planning
Jade McKenzie is an event professional for heart-centered entrepreneurs and business owners who get sweaty palms at the thought of running an event themselves With over a decade of experience in event management she has an unrelenting passion for giving her clients the ability to step into their spotlight and shine
Find her at eventheadcomau
14
IF YOU DONrsquoT DESIGN YOUR OWN LIFE PLAN CHANCES ARE YOUrsquoLL FALL INTO SOMEONE ELSErsquoS PLAN
AND GUESS WHAT THEY HAVE PLANNED FOR YOU NOT MUCH
Jim Rohn
15
nomadsnomadsDIGITAL
THESE WOMEN ARE BUILDING BUSINESSES THAT CAN BE RUN FROM ANYWHERE THEY CHOOSE
16
Elizabeth McKenzie
What do you do Let me count the ways
First and foremost Irsquom a multi-passionate
Which means Irsquom business + marketing coach spiritual mentor writer + seeker of rad things And I canrsquot go past a mention of my two loves Nike high tops and Harry Styles
Who lives with youAt the moment Irsquom living with my parents on their yacht Wersquore getting ready to sail up the East Coast of Australia Irsquom then heading to the US and plan on renting out a pad in NYC with Juliethellipand when I returnhellip who knowshellip Irsquom open to suggestions
Did you a transition from a regular 9 to 5 job How did
that happen for you I transitioned from student to business owner While I was studying my Master of Speech Pathology (oh yeah Irsquom a speech pathologist too) I became so sick of having to adhere to the metal box that is university education Ya know playing by someone elsersquos rules so I started up a blog initially as a way to rebel from the box
The more I blogged the more I became obsessed with everything about being online ndash the connections with other likeminded women andhellip hold up the ability to work from anywhere in the world helping anyone with an internet connection Sign me up
I hired a butt load of mentors to help me along my way and at the start of 2014 I launched my first offering marketing and business coaching (yes I also have a degree in that too)
17
At the same time I got a one day a week speechie job to compliment my multi-passionate nature but after 4 months of doing that I realised itrsquos not in my nature to work for anyone else but myself
By then my business was bringing in the cash to support my decision to go all in
And here I am on a boat
What is your current business model Itrsquos currently me and my teeny team of rad peeps Irsquove got my VA my copywriter and communications consultant and my graphic designer I love having people compliment what I do
The business model ndash well I started with the advisor model really only selling my expertise and coaching on a 11 basis but Irsquom now creating an eCourse to help hundreds of women become more spiritual without losing touch with the real world Essentially real world spirituality the unwanky way and Irsquom crazy excited
Throughout this journey Irsquove realised that my business and how I operate is always going to evolve and accepting that has freed me up to do so much more of the things I love
Do you see this business model changing in the futureI had an epiphany recently that I want to help as many people as I can so Irsquom now starting to gear my business towards that kind of model with eCourses and programs that are offered at a lower price point
Exciting times
My motto in business (and life) never say never
Wersquore operating in a dynamic environment The dumbest thing you can do for your business is feel you
have to lock yourself in
By all means pick something and give it a red hot go ndash but know that as the environment changes around you you need to accommodate that
Woke up at 630 for breakfast and coffee
Had a three hour intensive with my latest client who lives in Scotland from 7-10
Did a bit of admin and setting up the membership site of my new eCourse
Went to see Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles at 1 (nerd much)
Got home at 4
Felt inspired to read so whipped out my latest book
Wrote a little after dinner for my latest opt-in offer
Ended the day watching reruns of The Mindy Project
A Da
y In
The
Lif
e of
Eliza
beth
Do you feel like an introvert or an extrovert and does that affect how you do businessCan I say Irsquom both Sometimes I need to be around people to get more energy and sometimes I need to be alone to recharge too
I think therersquos a bit of a dance I do in my business where I need to have days like the Friday above because otherwise my energy gets stagnant and the creative flow stops
What are your favourite parts of businessWriting Creating
And the ability to not work when I donrsquot want to
18
Least favouriteWordpress admin Although when I nail something (finally) I get a major sense of achievement
Do you feel like yoursquove made sacrifices to live this lifestyle What are theyDefinitely At the moment Irsquove had to let me pooch live with his dad while Irsquom on a boat and while I got to NYC
I wish he could be with me 247
What are your Core Desired Feelings raquo Free raquo Luxurious raquo Joy
Any special tools or routines you implement regularly to feel or perform awesomelyThe number one thing that I do regularly is clear my chakras via a breathing and visualisation meditation It takes 20 minutes and it seriously changes the tune of my day I can usually go a day without but too long and I notice that Irsquom underperforming
Quickfire Faves
BOOK The Anatomy of the Spirit by Caroline Myss Although I hated it originally mostly because I didnrsquot want to hear the messages that were coming through
WEBSITE YouTube Canrsquot go past finding an olds 90s jam or interviews with Harry Styles to watch
EARLY MORNING ACTIVITY Chakra Clearing
LATE NIGHT ACTIVITY Watching reruns of my favourite TV shows
GOURMET SNACK I donrsquot do gourmet myself but Irsquom all for gourmet cafe food (itrsquos the Melbournian in me) It could be a sugary almond macaroon or full fat grilled haloumi
Elizabeth is a professional business coach spiritual mentor and the creator of The Spiritual Material Girl eCourse Shersquos also the creator of high-end private coaching programs and courses geared towards helping ambitious and successful women who lsquoseemrsquo like theyrsquove got it all figured outhellip yet who still donrsquot feel like their heartrsquos truly fulfilled
Shersquos the go-to for helping you tackle your biz blocks tap into your spiritual side and live a totally kick-ass life With her trademark blend of heartfelt honesty and straight-talking swagger she ties it all together to set you on the fast track to personal professional and spiritual success
Instead of just keepinrsquo on doing whatrsquos not working Elizabeth can show you how to get exactly what you want ndash whether that means building a business you love creating more happiness or simply getting more out of your life You can find Elizabeth over at her home on the internet Your Highest Self
19
Vienda Maria
Vienda Maria is a lifestyle coach author and creative who helps Bon Vivants coaches yogis creatives and entrepreneurs create thriving semi-nomadic unconventional lives that are fulfilling both soulfully and financially Through her coaching events books Gypset Mindset Class course and online community Vienda has inspired and transformed the lives of thousands across the globe ldquoMy mission is simple to guide each and every one of you back to who you really are To come home back to your soul and allowing it to guide your destiny For more love More fun More freedom More adventure More liferdquo Visit Vienda online here
20
What do you do Irsquom a lifestyle coach and writer who helps emerging creatives and professionals create a life thatrsquos a little a it unusual Itrsquos about breaking away from structured office hours and recognising their ability to create their own jobs and money by using their innate passions skills and talents in ways that are a little bit out of the box Itrsquos all about stepping out of a limiting mindset and seeing what is actually possible
Who lives with youI live on my own
Did you a transition from a regular 9 to 5 job How did that happen for you Not really Irsquove always had an extremely free lifestyle and only dabbled into a couple of office jobs along the way when I was inbetween other things
My transition to my current life happened out of the necessity to create something for myself that supported my lifestyle and was financially sustainable After studying psychology at uni I worked at international film and music festivals and other events which was really fun and exciting 12 years later I had fallen in love with being my own boss and traveling the world It was then that I realised that there are so many people who would love to travel have more freedom and time and create their own jobs and that I could help them
What is your current business model Irsquom a very independent worker so I tend to work solo though Irsquove just hired an intern to help me with some of the admin and social media stuff which is quite exciting I sell a range of different things ndash my coaching services make up most of my income followed by products in the form of eBooks and
jewellery collected on my travels Irsquom just about to launch my first course a set of 6 live classes to help beginners create their own unconventional lifestyle so thatrsquos very exciting and keeping me busy
Do you see this business model changing in the future Yes I think as an entreprenuer one the greatest characteristics you can have is flexibility Being flexible with how you do things always changing growing and updating is so important If you want to keep up with business you have to be comfortable and willing to change
What does a day-in-the-life look like for you I travel a lot so my day-to-day varies quite a lot but I usually start the day with writing content for my course blog or anything else that needs my creative input because in the morning my creativity is the highest I keep the mundane tasks for later in the day usually after my coaching calls I check emails and social media twice a day ndash once in the morning and once in the afternoon ndash which usually give me a good indication of what else needs to be done
And I always end my working day with a To Do list for the next day so I wake up with clarity and know exactly what I need to focus on
Irsquom really interested in time efficiency and productivity so choose to focus on doing things that I love and that generate the most response
Do you feel like an introvert or an extrovert and does that affect how you do business Hmmm ndash Irsquom an introverted extrovert I really enjoy my own company and fuel up energetically with time to myself But I also love and need social stimulation inspiration and everything that people bring into our
21
lives I guess itrsquos about balance and listening to your own needs
What are your favourite parts of business Creating and connecting I love the work I do so much ndash when one of my clients has an ah-ha that transforms everything they previously believed to be true ndash it just rocks my world Being able to help people create lives that they thought were only made of dream-stuff is so very fulfilling I learn so much from this process myself Therersquos such a powerful beauty in creating a community of like-minded individuals And I love being creative always thinking of new ideas and new ways to share the information tools and concepts that I have with my tribe
Least favourite Tax I just I have no idea how people manage all that side of things Irsquod do my best to keep everything tidy and organised for my accountant but it hurts my brain when itrsquos tax time
Do you feel like yoursquove made sacrifices to live this lifestyle What are they I think we make sacrifices in every lifestyle we choose There is always something that we choose to let go of in order to have something else But when itrsquos a choice it doesnrsquot really feel like a sacrifice
For example I donrsquot own a ton of material possessions because that would just be silly considering how much I move around For me however that is very freeing rather than a sacrifice I mean what could I possibly really need I love my lifestyle It suits me perfectly And thatrsquos all that matters
What are your Core Desired Feelings raquo Flow raquo Freedom raquo Inspiration raquo Gratitude
Any special tools or routines you implement regularly to feel or perform awesomely I meditate daily and exercise daily I set intentions (goals) monthly and review them every month I practice positive thinking and train my mind to focus on the things that light me up and make me feel good to exclusion of all others because I know that I create my life with my thoughts And things that make me feel good attract more things that make me feel good
BOOK Going Pro by Steven Pressfield
WEBSITE Instagram
EARLY MORNING ACTIVITY Meditation
LATE NIGHT ACTIVITY Journaling
GOURMET SNACK Salted Pistachios
I donrsquot own a ton of material possessions because that would just be silly
considering how much I move around For me however that is very freeing
rather than a sacrifice
Quickfire Faves
22
Amelia Lee
What do you doIrsquom an architect and have been working in the architectural industry for almost twenty years I recently started Undercover Architect which is about empowering YOU to create your well-designed home through online information tools products and services
Irsquom also a Director on the Qld Development Board for The Hunger Project an NGO that works to end hunger and poverty in third world countries by empowering those affected most to feed their families and create hope for their futures
Who lives with you I live with my husband Brandon and son (aged 7) and two daughters (aged 5 and 3) We also have a dog 6 chickens 5 ducklings and shortly 5 miniature cows
Did you a transition from a regular 9 to 5 job How did that happen for youI worked long hours in architectural practices for many years (more like 7am ndash 7pm) managing teams and big projects before I had kids We also wanted to keep them at home with us so over the last 12 years we have renovated 3 homes (whilst living in them) as a means of supplementing our income and supporting the way we wanted to live Wersquove both worked part-time or changed our working hours around kids and the renovating
When my second baby was 4 months old I started an architectural practice with 5 colleagues By the time my third bub was born we had grown our business to have about 10 crew and I didnrsquot really stop work
I left my business in June to pursue a new life My husband and I relocated our family to the Byron Bay Hinterland to a 77 acre property After a big year personally and professionally last year it seemed like the right time to make the move We wanted to stop
23
delaying the dream
What is your current business model Itrsquos just me ndash a one-man band madly writing content and building my website with information tools and advice Irsquom also providing architectural services to some individual clients which I can do remotely
Do you see this business model changing in the futureI will need some additional support in admin web support and marketingadvertising as the business builds My hope is to maintain my flexible work-from-home practises and create a virtual team of independent collaborators to enable this I want my business to be at a scale where I can provide significant financial support to The Hunger Project
What does a day-in-the-life look like for you I get up early and go for a walkrun while listening to an audio book I finish with a brief meditation to set my intentions for the day and then the kids are up and my husband and I run the gauntlet of brekkie lunches school uniforms and getting them to the bus
After the dust has settled I make myself a big cup of coffee and if itrsquos a work day I head to my office which is over our garage I have found that this new experience of working solely on my own without
imposed deadlines etc has required some new tools to create structure and discipline and itrsquos something Irsquom still working on
We all eat dinner together at about 5pm and I do love that we spend time like this together every day
Since the beginning of 2012 I have been taking a photo every day of something Irsquom grateful for and posting it to my Facebook page with a description Itrsquos helped me be a lot more present to the every day joy and beauty that exists
Do you feel like an introvert or an extrovert and does that affect how you do businessI recently found out I was 51 Extrovert ndash which means that Irsquom borderline Introvert also I can get VERY absorbed in my work ndash which is a great problem to have
However given the whole reason we are creating a life this way is to spend more time together as a family Irsquom aware that needs to be kept in check I ultimately would love to do speaking engagements workshops etc so will be drawing on the Extrovert tilt for this
What are your favourite parts of businessI love the lsquostartrsquo of things I am insatiably curious Learning something for the first time figuring it out and getting it to work Irsquom enjoying writing enormously
Least favouriteRevisiting things over and over again And given that my business is still in its early days income-wise I am resisting the pressure of needing to sell and market I want to create great clarity around who my ideal clients are before I launch myself out there
THE VIEW FROM MY HOME OFFICE
24
Do you feel like yoursquove made sacrifices to live this lifestyle What are theyWhere we are now is the culmination of 12 years of very very hard work with a goal and a vision Wersquove lived through 3 renovations Wersquove sunk all our money into homes we were creating for other people and scrimped on most other things because we were always working on the house It was so worth it though
Where we are now is the culmination of 12 years of
very very hard work with a goal and a vision
What are the values you live by My values are Joy|Love|Laughter|Fun (thatrsquos one) Innovation Inspiration and Spaciousness Abundance and Bravery are themes I work to explore
Seth Godin also replied to an email of thanks I once sent him telling me to ldquoGo make a ruckusrdquo ndash so that informs what I do also
Any special tools or routines you implement regularly to feel or perform awesomelyExercise and meditation and I also do a bit of Cognitive Behaviour Therapy My grateful photos also are really important in this
BOOK Tim Ferrissrsquo 4 Hour Work Week It just completely opened my eyes to this whole other way of doing business that wasnrsquot about selling my time for money
WEBSITE Facebook I find it a great way to touch quickly in the lives of my friends but also to get access to lots of inspirational and info ndash like HONY Oprahrsquos Super Soul Sunday Huffington Post Gabby Bernstein
EARLY MORNING ACTIVITY A walkrun stretch and meditation
LATE NIGHT ACTIVITY Meditation while I do my lsquolegs up the wallrsquo pose It makes a massive difference to how I sleep and how rested I feel in the morning
GOURMET SNACK Loving Earth Luvju Raw Organic Orange and Gubinge Chocolate Otherwise I make great fruit-free bliss balls with cacao maca powder and protein powder
Quickfire Faves
You can connect with Amelia online at UndercoverArchitectcom
25
Elizabeth Kelsey BradleyWhat do you do Irsquom a writer and consultant that creates compelling content and social media strategies for businesses around the world I work with companies of all sizes and in all niches but my passion is with helping holistic entrepreneurs
Who lives with you My husband daughter and our insane pets
Did you a transition from a regular 9 to 5 job How did that happen for youI have never had a 9 to 5 ever My father was an entrepreneur and even though he never ever spoke of what it meant to be an entrepreneur his calling seemed to rub off on me
Irsquom literally unemployable Irsquom an artist and rebel and need to do things my own way even though Irsquom a
people person
But how I ended up finally making a business was when my husband couldnrsquot find work and things got scary I began researching like mad how I could work online and it took me years to finally learn marketing particularly with social media and content Despite how hard my first few years were (and I wouldnrsquot want to repeat them) Irsquom glad I learned the hard way as I am able to help others and can relate to women who are just beginning their entrepreneurial journey I look at entrepreneurship as a great honor for me to be able to help others and be of service
What is your current business model I am solo I sell consulting services and also do freelance writing and photography for companies that donrsquot have a staff writer I really need an intern or VA at this point though and am looking for someone
26
Do you see this business model changing in the futureYes and no Yes I will need to hire someone and ideally two people now that I have branched out into creating courses and ebooks but no in regards to my consulting services changing as what I do is in demand People feel confused about social media and creating regular content so I think it will be the same business model for a long time to come
What does a day-in-the-life look like for you Well Irsquom a vampire apparently as I mainly work nights which here in Thailand would be morning time where many of my clients live During the day I am homeschooling mum and also carry in my bag some of my work for
when I need to do some writing or analysis of a clientrsquos social media
Do you feel like an introvert or an extrovert and does that affect how you do businessIrsquom an extrovert but a highly sensitive one This has actually worked in my favour as I have a process for weeding out people who donrsquot fit my Ideal Client profile so that I can maintain my energy and do the best I can with the entrepreneurs who I can best serve
What are your favourite parts of businessI adore talking with clients on the phone or in person so basically anytime Irsquom geeking out about social media and writing
27
Least favouriteAnything to do with SEO
Do you feel like yoursquove made sacrifices to live this lifestyle What are theyEntrepreneurship is isolating in general Add that to the fact that we live on an island in Thailand and itrsquos double the isolation but to be honest this was the best place for us to build our online businesses as itrsquos affordable to live here and safe so I have no regrets
What are your Core Desired Feelings Connection serenity ease truth Values wise Irsquom wild but extremely family oriented
Any special tools or routines you implement regularly to feel or perform awesomelyI read from spiritual or philosophical books and take regular walks Both give me loads of ideas for storytelling which is the essence of what I do Podcasts are also a huge part of my routine particularly those devoted to marketing
BOOK Ocean Sea (buy it now AMAZING)
WEBSITE wwwholisticdadnet
EARLY MORNING ACTIVITY Drinking yerba mate and some yoga
LATE NIGHT ACTIVITY Good beer and a video game
GOURMET SNACK Anything with white truffle oil on it
Quickfire Faves
Elizabeth Kelsey Bradley is an award-winning writer consultant and photojournalist currently based in Thailand Her work has appeared on sites such as Tiny Buddha Vagabonding and in Girl Gone International magazine
As a consultant she helps companies develop effective social media and content strategies She is currently devoted to helping holistic entrepreneurs grow their online platforms at Thriving Healer
28
PAPERLESS OFFICELETrsquoS LEAVE MORE OF OUR TREE FRIENDS IN THE GROUND AND TAKE ADVANTAGE OF THE EXCELLENT APPS AVAILABLE INSTEAD AFTER ALL WErsquoRE RUNNING OUR DEVICES FOR MOST OF THE DAY ANYWAY - MAY AS WELL TAKE ADVANTAGE OF THEIR RAD CAPABILITIES
29
SWAPWriting Lists
FORWunderlist
AnyDoTodoist
SWAPHardcopy Books
FOR
KindleiBooks
SWAPPrinting + Scanning
Contracts
FOR
EchosignHellosignSWAP
Taking Notes + Printing Articles
FOREvernote
SWAPBrainstorming
+ Mind Mapping
FORSimpleMind
Coggle
30
HOW DARE YOU S E T T L E F O R L E S S WHEN THE WORLD h a s m a d e i t SO EASY F O R Y O U T O B E remarkable
SETH GODIN
31
JASMINE DOWLING MAPS TO HERSELF THE FIFTH ELEMENT LIFE
MOSSYJOJO TRICIA O DESIGNSIMPLY LOVE CREATIONS
BY SAMANTHA STACEY KEMPPENFRIEND
Jazz up your office walls with prints that stoke your creative fire
32
THE YES EPIDEMIC
33
THE YES EPIDEMIC
OurCoverStar
34
Whether it be a night out (when Irsquom exhausted) a favour (thatrsquos asking a little too much) or a date (that I know isnrsquot going to go anywhere) Irsquove typically and reluctantly replied to these requests with a lsquosure thingrsquo more times than Irsquod care to admit
Take on another client when my schedule is fully booked Absolutely
Offer to shout a friendrsquos breakfast when I really donrsquot have the cash to splash Of course
Commit to another online course when Irsquom barely halfway through the other 8 Irsquove signed up for this year Why yes
The Yes Epidemic has woven its way into our exceptionally busy (and beautiful) lives with the promise of MORE More connection more exposure more opportunity more money more education more insight more success And the more we do the more we are - right
Wrong
The reality is the more we constantly fill our plates to the brim (oh letrsquos admit it our plates are overflowing) with commitment after
commitment the less space we are leaving for us to just BE
To be immersed in who we are what our dreams and desires are to love to play to breathe
By saying lsquoyesrsquo like itrsquos going out of fashion we find ourselves spread as thin as vegemite on gluten-free toast Our energy and vitality are compromised and we donrsquot show up in the world as our best selves
So here are a few tips I use with my clients (and myself regularly) to get in the habit of saying lsquonorsquo a little more often
Irsquove never been very good at saying lsquonorsquo
35
Reflective routine with a heaping dose of reality is key here Take an honest look at your weekly schedule and ensure that you are focussing your precious time energy and resources on the people activities and
projects that are aligned with your values Is this commitment important to you Then honour it with your time Not so important
Time to shift things up
I canrsquot go past Marie Forleorsquos advice on this subject When somebody presents you with an opportunity if itrsquos not a HELL YES then itrsquos a no
Go with your gut always
Forget the FOMO The lsquofear of missing outrsquo is what keeps most of us on the Sure Thing Wagon and itrsquos just not sustainable Trust that all the
opportunities that are meant for you will come your way at the right time for you
Send your lsquonorsquo off with love Therersquos no need to feel uncomfortable turning down a request when you do so with kindness respect and
humility Excuses can be left at the door just honour your good intentions and everyone involved in the situation
Remember every time you give a loving inspired lsquonorsquo you are giving others the permission to do the same thing I always feel energised when someone turns down a request because it reminds me to respect myself
enough to pull out that gentle lsquonorsquo when required too
1
23
45
AND THE BEST THING ABOUT SAYING lsquoNOrsquo WHEN THE TIME COMES THAT A lsquoSURE THINGrsquo IS IN FACT THE HEART-CENTRED RESPONSE YOU EXCITEDLY GIVE ITrsquoS MUCH SWEETER MORE MEANINGFUL AND A HELLUVA LOT MORE VALUABLE
Claire Baker is a certified coach and mentor passionate writer and speaker and author of lsquoShe Is Radiant Your 6-Week Wellness Adventure To Get Glowy amp Feel Radrsquo Claire guides vibrant young women as they get from where they are to where they want to be ndash in their health and life blog and business
You can consider Claire your personal advocate for living an energised playful and heart-centred life Come say hi at This is Lifeblood her online space to share her passion for all things nourishing soulful and creative
CLAIRErsquoS TOP FIVE TIPS TO GET INTO THE HABIT OF SAYING NO
36
37
artOF THE
THE
soloSOULRETREAT
38
When you live a soul-driven and passionate life you very likely live and breathe your lsquoworkrsquo 247
I put the word work in inverted commas because for you itrsquos likely just you leading your amazing life (and more power to you my friend) But amidst this you may find it difficult to switch off and cultivate the spaciousness to just let it all hang out and exist without an agenda or a to-do list anywhere in site
Enter stage left the Solo Soul Retreat I took myself on one recently and by golly did it give me the exact level of time out and rejoove that this soul-driven lassy needed Maybe itrsquos about time you took yourself on one
Here are some tips for creating the perfect conditions for your solo soul retreat
Pick a place close byI chose the Byron area because itrsquos only two hours drive from where I live And this is important because while you want to be lsquoawayrsquo to unplug from the numerous distractions of home you donrsquot want to be so far away that you feel obliged to check out all the sights and scoot around lsquodoingrsquo your little butt off You want to create a feeling of not having to do ANYTHING if you donrsquot feel like it Moment to moment awareness and tapping into what you truly want to do is critical to the restorative nature of the solo soul retreat So if that means a nap in the afternoon without checking out the sights do it Sans the guilt
Making it somewhere close by means you can convince your inner tourist that you can come back any time you want to So donrsquot book your long awaited trip to Bali for this particular retreat style I recommend scouting around Air BnB for some great bargains near you
Book for at least 2-3 nights away (more if possible)It takes awhile for us to wind down and get in to the rhythm of a slower pace so give yourself as much time as possible to sink deeply in to relaxation I find that it takes my body a good day or so (at least) to realise itrsquos on holiday A weekend is good a long weekend even better And a week would be crazy good
Set an intentionFor my soul retreat it was to cultivate a feeling of internal ease and spaciousness I was so tightly wound and constricted from within I wanted to feel joyous energy flowing through me again
39
unimpeded
An intention is a helpful anchor that you can come back to throughout the retreat when you feel your energy flitting away to unnecessary distractions Revisit your intention throughout your retreat and ease back into the feeling you wish to cultivate
Immerse yourself in natureWherever you head to find some time to plonk yourself amidst the stunning natural surrounds of Mama Nature There is absolutely NOTHING that compares to the healing capacity of earthing ourselves at the beach or in the forest or just a little garden Barefoot and butt on the ground meditating or just sitting and quietly contemplating our wondrous natural world will have you relaxing into zen in no time
Silence is goldenTaking time to retreat also means giving your mind a bit of a break (hence the lsquono doingrsquo rule) try out not talking which shouldnrsquot be too hard if yoursquore on your own and see what kind of insights
There is absolutely NOTHING that compares to the healing capacity of earthing ourselves at the beach
or in the forest or just a little garden
Barefoot and butt on the ground meditating or just sitting and
quietly contemplating our wondrous natural world
will have you relaxing into zen in no time
40
begin to pop into your nogginrsquo when you donrsquot have to constantly communicate
Pamper yourselfWhat feels really decadent to you For my recent retreat it was heading to a spa and bathhouse for the morning soaking in oxygenated spa baths steaming myself in the sauna and relaxing on a sun lounge in the tranquil spa gardens with a good book
For you it might be a luxurious massage and energy balancing treatment Or maybe itrsquos a delicious meal you take your time with at an amazing restaurant nearby Perhaps itrsquos allowing yourself to lounge around in bed with your favourite book and a cup of tea Whatever it is allow yourself these delights As many as you please gorgeous one
Body-loving foodIf you have a kitchen at your accommodation pack yourself the kind of food you know your body loves Think veggies fruit some bliss balls your fave teas raw cacao and honey for a delish hot chocolate If you have a portable blender pack up your ingredients to whip yourself up some delights while yoursquore there Alternatively and if you have time prepare a few things before you head off You can pre-cook quinoa lentil curries and rice dishes to heat up whenever you fancy If there are local farmerrsquos markets you can even do a bit of purchasing there for your meals (and because yoursquore so close to home bringing back the leftovers is a cinch)
Scout around a little and find some local cafeacutes or
41
restaurants that tickle your fancy and take yourself out for a meal that makes your body scream YES
Soul nourishing practices Rituals and practices help us to sink more deeply in to our soulrsquos true nature Bring along whatever stokes your soul fire and brings you into present moment awareness Cultivating reverence for yourself and life itself is a crucial aspect of your soul retreat Some practices you may consider are raquo Meditation (guided or just simply following your inhale and exhale) I find the Kundalini Ego
Eradicator meditation particularly soul-nourishing (and frankly life changing) raquo Journaling ndash with no thought as to what to write just jot down whatever comes to you Yoursquoll be
amazed at the cathartic feelings and insights this brings raquo Yoga (on your own or find a class nearby that resonates with you) raquo Playing with oracle cards Ask a question or for general guidance and see how your guides and
the Universe responds The Little Sagersquos deck is divine raquo Reading soulfully inspiring books raquo Lighting some incense and writing an epic gratitude list raquo A walking meditation through nature raquo Get arty play around with whatever you have Love colour Bring your paints Doodle Donrsquot
judge the results just let it flow out of you
Overall the point of this solo soul retreat is that you do what you genuinely want to do in the moment So nix the over planning as you may do with other trips away Settle into present moment awareness and allow yourself to be rather than just do Listen with kindness to your inner child Let her out to play (Mega hint she really doesnrsquot want to be bossed around) Gifting yourself this time is your surefire way to feeling rejuvenated refreshed and ready to live life to its fullest
Enjoy gorgeous one
Carly is a passionate international aid and development project manager and writer Carly works on projects in Australia and the Asia-Pacific region focusing on cultivating sustainable livelihoods the empowerment of women community enterprise local market development and positive social change
Head on over to Carlyrsquos blog Pockets of Peace for her soul-centred musings on peace wellness and oodles of inspiration
42
The most powerful weapon on earth is the human soul
on fire
F E R D I N A N D F O C H
43
Five Minute Fixes
FOR FEAR AND OVERWHELM
44
IF YOUrsquoRE RUNNING YOUR OWN BIZ YOUrsquoD BE FAMILIAR WITH THE PHENOMENON OF FEAR AND OVERWHELM YOU KNOW WHEN YOU JUST FEEL STUCK PARALYSED NOT SURE WHICH CHOICE TO MAKE OR ACTION TO TAKE YOU HAVE DEADLINES LOOMING THE PRESSURE IS MOUNTING AND YOUrsquoRE BLOCKED YOU NEED TO GET OUT OF YOUR OVERWHELM RIGHT NOW SO YOU CAN GET BACK TO CHANGING THE WORLD
Here are five practices designed to break the fear cycle and get you out of your head and into your body in five minutes or less
Go outside Get out into the sunlight See the sky take off your shoes and feel the grass tickle your toes Close your eyes Feel the heat on your skin Take some deep breaths and smell the air Tune in to the sounds around you Become still Fully engage with the present moment and drop into the sensations in your body
Deep breathing You can use a mantra such as So-Hum you can count the length of each inhale and exhale or you can do as many rounds of Nadi Shodhana (alternate nostril breathing) as you can fit into five minutes Whatever yoursquore most comfortable with do that Breath is the bridge between the inner and outer realities Deep breathing will calm the nervous system and bring your attention to the present moment
Move Go for a brisk walk Put on your favourite tune plug in the headphones and dance (in the bathroom cubicle if yoursquore embarrassed to do it in publichellip because thatrsquos not weird at all) Have a quickie on your own or with a partner Or you can shake it out Start with your right foot shake it as hard as possible to the count of 10 Then your whole leg Then the left foot and left leg Then the right hand then the right arm then the left hand and arm Then fold forward and gently shake your head - back to front side to side Then stand up again and shake your whole body like you know how
Then stand in stillness for 2 minutes to balance out the movement Listen to your heartbeat Yoursquove just expressed and released some negative energy so take a standing Savasana (resting pose) to integrate Make sure you smooth your hair after this one
45
Aromatherapy Get a bottle of essential oil and sniff it - simple Smell affects the limbic system which is responsible for the storage and release of emotional trauma You can immediately calm your body with the right scent
Make sure you get 100 therapeutic grade pure essential oil - these have a high vibrational frequency and you donrsquot want any nasties entering your system through inferior quality oil Lavender is proven to calm the nervous system as is frankincense balsam fir basil cedar wood and sandalwood You can purchase calming blends from your local aromatherapist or get them to custom-make a blend for you
Make some noise This is especially good if you work from home or drive to work as you may want privacy Get a pillow or lock yourself in the car and scream as loud as you can connecting deeply to your pelvis Give yourself permission to vocalise all that frustration fear shame guilt whatever is building up in your energy field Sound is the end of feeling When you express vocally you are releasing emotion and ending the cycle of repression Done regularly this will also enhance your creativity and self-expression - benefiting your business (and sex life) in the long run
These practices work for me and Irsquod love to know if they resonate with you
Irsquom Emma a multi-passionate self-love junkie who loves supporting people on their journey to wellness Since suffering from adrenal burnout and a host of related conditions Irsquove dedicated myself to personal healing and growth and encouraging others to find their own unique path By day Irsquom a yoga teacher virtual assistant and event coordinator for wellness entrepreneurs and outside of that yoursquoll find me salsa dancing travelling and eating raw desserts
Connect with me at emmashieldscom
46
Abandon anything about your life and habits that might be holding you back
Learn to create your own opportunities
Know that there is no finish line fortune favors action
Race balls-out toward the extraordinary life that yoursquove always dreamed of
or still havenrsquot had time to dream up
And prepare to have a hell of a lot of fun along the way
SOPHIA AMORUSO
47
Why you should create aHIGH-CONVERTING OPT-IN OFFER
A critical component of building your online business is growing your email list and creating a compelling opt-in offer is one of the best ways to kickstart this growth
You want your email list to be made up of people who are genuinely interested in you and what you have to offer your target market Your ideal customers and readers
Thatrsquos why your opt-in offer (a gift to entice people to join your list) needs to be unique highly relevant to your business and of real value to your ideal clients If people are on your site checking you out they are already interested ndash you need to give them a compelling reason to sign up
What would your readers find valuable Something that saves them time money pain or makes their life easier better or more beautiful It also needs to be damn high quality Proofed designed and worth paying for
48
Why would you give away something so valuable for free
Because it shows yoursquore serious about helping people Because it builds trust with readers Because itrsquos a genuine thank you in return for a readerrsquos contact details Because itrsquos an ad for your business Yoursquore showing people the quality of what they will receive if they go on to work with you
How do you choose which is right for you Think about what you currently offer your readers or customers (as in content as well as services or products) What is popular What do they comment on most or ask questions about What would you love to create What would be the perfect compliment to a service you provide How can you genuinely help
Brainstorm a list then narrow it down to one ndash and get cracking
The best opt-ins are win-win ndash you gather details from ideal customers and the customers
receive something great that they need and want in return
Happy creating
PS Tricking people is icky Donrsquot do that Itrsquos of no use to have people on your list that donrsquot care about you or your products Be genuine Offer genuine value Get genuine sign-ups
SO WHAT SHOULD YOU OFFER
Here are a few ideas raquo A sneak peek or preview of a paid
product ndash like a free chapter or lesson
raquo A smaller version of a paid product ndash like a 3 day meal plan
raquo Something which compliments a service you offer
raquo Useful templates ndash like a product launch worksheet or a calendar
raquo Inspirational printables ndash like quotes or illustrations
raquo A mini eCourse ndash like 5 days of video coaching
raquo A discount ndash like 10 off their next purchase
raquo A VIP offer ndash like first dibs on tickets
raquo An eBook or workbook ndash like a recipe book or marketing plan
Alana Wimmer is Founder + Creative Director of mini digital publishing house Raspberry Stripes Alana works with rad lady entrepreneurs to design eBooks which will change the world She also provides guidance insight and info on eBook design on the Raspberry Stripes website When she isnrsquot designing reading or talking about eBooks you can find Alana walking Rory and Roxy the boxers with her husband in tow probably on her way to pick up a green smoothie
49
is a lack of self-worth
50
As a bright-eyed uni student I got pretty excited about all the opportunities that were due to unfold before me when I graduated
My approach to life has always been filled with excitement for the future I remember saying to friends in class that we were certain to be successful because enthusiasm trumps experience Sadly the path wasnrsquot as smooth as Irsquod imagined I naively thought that all bosses had a sixth-sense for talent even from shy girls who werenrsquot outward about their abilities
I applied for and took a series of jobs that from the job description seemed so overwhelmingly scary to do but within months if not weeks I was bored I lacked the self-worth to believe I could step up but Irsquod externalise this into anger at my employer for holding me back Eventually I realised it was all of my own creation I was the one who was playing small applying for and then taking jobs that wersquore well under my pay grade I even turned down a few including a big promotion because the amount of money offered was too much and it scared me Seriously
Years of study and I lacked the ability to dive in fully commit be brave be boisterous about my abilities and soar I found school easy and when things seemed challenging at work I put it down to an inability to perform If it wasnrsquot easy at first I accepted that I just wasnrsquot able I had yet to find out that some of the best lessons come from giving things a go and making a lot of mistakes Failing or in reality playing small was a comfort zone for me and success in my career was an unknown quantity I was used to struggle I was safe with my dreams The possibility of them coming true Too much to handle Irsquod have to learn to live in the present moment and I donrsquot think I was ready to do that I wasnrsquot ready to look closely at myself and see that for all my effort there was still a lot of inner work to do It was time to look within
I KNOW HOW EASY IT IS TO BUILD WALLS AROUND OUR DREAMS PUSH THEM FURTHER AWAY IN AN ATTEMPT TO PLAY SAFE AND LIVE LIFE ACCORDING TO EXTERNAL INFLUENCE I KNOW THE LEVEL OF DETERMINATION AND MENTAL GRIT IT TAKES TO OVERCOME OURSELVES START TAKING OWNERSHIP OF OUR THOUGHTS AND ULTIMATELY THE PATH OF OUR OWN LIVES
I love when clients ask me to guide them on this path because I know just what can happen when they get there I hold my hand out as a supportive leverage point and watch them soar
Something Irsquove learnt along the way The first step for many women in building self-worth is learning the art of body love Body love is all about learning to appreciate the capabilities of your body nourishing and taking care of your spirit and occasionally cutting yourself a break
51
Itrsquos looking in the mirror and liking the person you see not picking on the parts you donrsquot like Itrsquos making a choice about whether to wear a bikini based on your personal values and not about what your body looks like in one Dieting and restriction are low level energies that hold us back from achieving high level desires Negative thinking blocks our internal compass and our ability to connect to our intuition Body love is the gateway to high frequency living
We all have that version of ourselves that we aspire to be The woman who gets up to the alarm has patience and drive Shersquos got a sparkle in her eye a sense of confidence and knowing about her place in the world that emanates from her whole being She sits up straight and laughs with abandon From where we sit therersquos a chasm to leap in becoming that woman That woman represents ldquoone dayrdquo She represents effort She can seem unachievable In my experience body love is the first and most important step toward that woman Body love is filled with possibility promise and prosperity When we remove that low level energy of diet and restriction we can start to attract high frequencies We can start to become that woman in the present moment
Irsquove seen the shift first hand for so many people Suddenly the whole world opens up and the possibilities become endless The cloud lifts and pie-in-the-sky dreams show up in high-definition technicolour Thoughts that previously caused anxiety everything from going to lunch with new friends to finding a purpose in life start to feel as easy to read as words on a page Therersquos no more searching Itrsquos been replaced by a knowing excitement I watch as women become like bright-eyed students again endless possibilities opening up before them Only this time Theyrsquove got experience on their side
Suddenly the whole world
opens up and the
possibilities become
endless
The cloud lifts and
pie-in-the-sky dreams show
up in high-definition
technicolour
Rachelle is a Life + Confidence Coach at My Saturn Epoch She supports women through the big transitions in their life helping them to break their negative cycles to consciously create a happy life and positive mindset She is a big hearted business woman who is passionate about supporting women in pursuit of their own excellence so they can shine as a beacon to themselves their families and their communities
Connect with Rachelle at mysaturnepochcom
52
SUBSCRIBE TO RASPBERRY MAGAZINE
Grab an annual subscription and yoursquoll receive raquo 6 digital issues of Raspberry Magazine raquo an exclusive Annual Subscribers Thank You Pack
- which includes a printable manifesto beautiful meditation tracks an eBook and more contributed by generous lady entrepreneurs - worth over $35
VISIT THE SHOP
53
T H A N K Y O U F O R R E A D I N GA N D A M I L L I O N H I G H-F I V E S
I F Y O U L O V E D R A S P B E R R YM A G A Z I N E P L E A S E S H A R E
54
14
IF YOU DONrsquoT DESIGN YOUR OWN LIFE PLAN CHANCES ARE YOUrsquoLL FALL INTO SOMEONE ELSErsquoS PLAN
AND GUESS WHAT THEY HAVE PLANNED FOR YOU NOT MUCH
Jim Rohn
15
nomadsnomadsDIGITAL
THESE WOMEN ARE BUILDING BUSINESSES THAT CAN BE RUN FROM ANYWHERE THEY CHOOSE
16
Elizabeth McKenzie
What do you do Let me count the ways
First and foremost Irsquom a multi-passionate
Which means Irsquom business + marketing coach spiritual mentor writer + seeker of rad things And I canrsquot go past a mention of my two loves Nike high tops and Harry Styles
Who lives with youAt the moment Irsquom living with my parents on their yacht Wersquore getting ready to sail up the East Coast of Australia Irsquom then heading to the US and plan on renting out a pad in NYC with Juliethellipand when I returnhellip who knowshellip Irsquom open to suggestions
Did you a transition from a regular 9 to 5 job How did
that happen for you I transitioned from student to business owner While I was studying my Master of Speech Pathology (oh yeah Irsquom a speech pathologist too) I became so sick of having to adhere to the metal box that is university education Ya know playing by someone elsersquos rules so I started up a blog initially as a way to rebel from the box
The more I blogged the more I became obsessed with everything about being online ndash the connections with other likeminded women andhellip hold up the ability to work from anywhere in the world helping anyone with an internet connection Sign me up
I hired a butt load of mentors to help me along my way and at the start of 2014 I launched my first offering marketing and business coaching (yes I also have a degree in that too)
17
At the same time I got a one day a week speechie job to compliment my multi-passionate nature but after 4 months of doing that I realised itrsquos not in my nature to work for anyone else but myself
By then my business was bringing in the cash to support my decision to go all in
And here I am on a boat
What is your current business model Itrsquos currently me and my teeny team of rad peeps Irsquove got my VA my copywriter and communications consultant and my graphic designer I love having people compliment what I do
The business model ndash well I started with the advisor model really only selling my expertise and coaching on a 11 basis but Irsquom now creating an eCourse to help hundreds of women become more spiritual without losing touch with the real world Essentially real world spirituality the unwanky way and Irsquom crazy excited
Throughout this journey Irsquove realised that my business and how I operate is always going to evolve and accepting that has freed me up to do so much more of the things I love
Do you see this business model changing in the futureI had an epiphany recently that I want to help as many people as I can so Irsquom now starting to gear my business towards that kind of model with eCourses and programs that are offered at a lower price point
Exciting times
My motto in business (and life) never say never
Wersquore operating in a dynamic environment The dumbest thing you can do for your business is feel you
have to lock yourself in
By all means pick something and give it a red hot go ndash but know that as the environment changes around you you need to accommodate that
Woke up at 630 for breakfast and coffee
Had a three hour intensive with my latest client who lives in Scotland from 7-10
Did a bit of admin and setting up the membership site of my new eCourse
Went to see Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles at 1 (nerd much)
Got home at 4
Felt inspired to read so whipped out my latest book
Wrote a little after dinner for my latest opt-in offer
Ended the day watching reruns of The Mindy Project
A Da
y In
The
Lif
e of
Eliza
beth
Do you feel like an introvert or an extrovert and does that affect how you do businessCan I say Irsquom both Sometimes I need to be around people to get more energy and sometimes I need to be alone to recharge too
I think therersquos a bit of a dance I do in my business where I need to have days like the Friday above because otherwise my energy gets stagnant and the creative flow stops
What are your favourite parts of businessWriting Creating
And the ability to not work when I donrsquot want to
18
Least favouriteWordpress admin Although when I nail something (finally) I get a major sense of achievement
Do you feel like yoursquove made sacrifices to live this lifestyle What are theyDefinitely At the moment Irsquove had to let me pooch live with his dad while Irsquom on a boat and while I got to NYC
I wish he could be with me 247
What are your Core Desired Feelings raquo Free raquo Luxurious raquo Joy
Any special tools or routines you implement regularly to feel or perform awesomelyThe number one thing that I do regularly is clear my chakras via a breathing and visualisation meditation It takes 20 minutes and it seriously changes the tune of my day I can usually go a day without but too long and I notice that Irsquom underperforming
Quickfire Faves
BOOK The Anatomy of the Spirit by Caroline Myss Although I hated it originally mostly because I didnrsquot want to hear the messages that were coming through
WEBSITE YouTube Canrsquot go past finding an olds 90s jam or interviews with Harry Styles to watch
EARLY MORNING ACTIVITY Chakra Clearing
LATE NIGHT ACTIVITY Watching reruns of my favourite TV shows
GOURMET SNACK I donrsquot do gourmet myself but Irsquom all for gourmet cafe food (itrsquos the Melbournian in me) It could be a sugary almond macaroon or full fat grilled haloumi
Elizabeth is a professional business coach spiritual mentor and the creator of The Spiritual Material Girl eCourse Shersquos also the creator of high-end private coaching programs and courses geared towards helping ambitious and successful women who lsquoseemrsquo like theyrsquove got it all figured outhellip yet who still donrsquot feel like their heartrsquos truly fulfilled
Shersquos the go-to for helping you tackle your biz blocks tap into your spiritual side and live a totally kick-ass life With her trademark blend of heartfelt honesty and straight-talking swagger she ties it all together to set you on the fast track to personal professional and spiritual success
Instead of just keepinrsquo on doing whatrsquos not working Elizabeth can show you how to get exactly what you want ndash whether that means building a business you love creating more happiness or simply getting more out of your life You can find Elizabeth over at her home on the internet Your Highest Self
19
Vienda Maria
Vienda Maria is a lifestyle coach author and creative who helps Bon Vivants coaches yogis creatives and entrepreneurs create thriving semi-nomadic unconventional lives that are fulfilling both soulfully and financially Through her coaching events books Gypset Mindset Class course and online community Vienda has inspired and transformed the lives of thousands across the globe ldquoMy mission is simple to guide each and every one of you back to who you really are To come home back to your soul and allowing it to guide your destiny For more love More fun More freedom More adventure More liferdquo Visit Vienda online here
20
What do you do Irsquom a lifestyle coach and writer who helps emerging creatives and professionals create a life thatrsquos a little a it unusual Itrsquos about breaking away from structured office hours and recognising their ability to create their own jobs and money by using their innate passions skills and talents in ways that are a little bit out of the box Itrsquos all about stepping out of a limiting mindset and seeing what is actually possible
Who lives with youI live on my own
Did you a transition from a regular 9 to 5 job How did that happen for you Not really Irsquove always had an extremely free lifestyle and only dabbled into a couple of office jobs along the way when I was inbetween other things
My transition to my current life happened out of the necessity to create something for myself that supported my lifestyle and was financially sustainable After studying psychology at uni I worked at international film and music festivals and other events which was really fun and exciting 12 years later I had fallen in love with being my own boss and traveling the world It was then that I realised that there are so many people who would love to travel have more freedom and time and create their own jobs and that I could help them
What is your current business model Irsquom a very independent worker so I tend to work solo though Irsquove just hired an intern to help me with some of the admin and social media stuff which is quite exciting I sell a range of different things ndash my coaching services make up most of my income followed by products in the form of eBooks and
jewellery collected on my travels Irsquom just about to launch my first course a set of 6 live classes to help beginners create their own unconventional lifestyle so thatrsquos very exciting and keeping me busy
Do you see this business model changing in the future Yes I think as an entreprenuer one the greatest characteristics you can have is flexibility Being flexible with how you do things always changing growing and updating is so important If you want to keep up with business you have to be comfortable and willing to change
What does a day-in-the-life look like for you I travel a lot so my day-to-day varies quite a lot but I usually start the day with writing content for my course blog or anything else that needs my creative input because in the morning my creativity is the highest I keep the mundane tasks for later in the day usually after my coaching calls I check emails and social media twice a day ndash once in the morning and once in the afternoon ndash which usually give me a good indication of what else needs to be done
And I always end my working day with a To Do list for the next day so I wake up with clarity and know exactly what I need to focus on
Irsquom really interested in time efficiency and productivity so choose to focus on doing things that I love and that generate the most response
Do you feel like an introvert or an extrovert and does that affect how you do business Hmmm ndash Irsquom an introverted extrovert I really enjoy my own company and fuel up energetically with time to myself But I also love and need social stimulation inspiration and everything that people bring into our
21
lives I guess itrsquos about balance and listening to your own needs
What are your favourite parts of business Creating and connecting I love the work I do so much ndash when one of my clients has an ah-ha that transforms everything they previously believed to be true ndash it just rocks my world Being able to help people create lives that they thought were only made of dream-stuff is so very fulfilling I learn so much from this process myself Therersquos such a powerful beauty in creating a community of like-minded individuals And I love being creative always thinking of new ideas and new ways to share the information tools and concepts that I have with my tribe
Least favourite Tax I just I have no idea how people manage all that side of things Irsquod do my best to keep everything tidy and organised for my accountant but it hurts my brain when itrsquos tax time
Do you feel like yoursquove made sacrifices to live this lifestyle What are they I think we make sacrifices in every lifestyle we choose There is always something that we choose to let go of in order to have something else But when itrsquos a choice it doesnrsquot really feel like a sacrifice
For example I donrsquot own a ton of material possessions because that would just be silly considering how much I move around For me however that is very freeing rather than a sacrifice I mean what could I possibly really need I love my lifestyle It suits me perfectly And thatrsquos all that matters
What are your Core Desired Feelings raquo Flow raquo Freedom raquo Inspiration raquo Gratitude
Any special tools or routines you implement regularly to feel or perform awesomely I meditate daily and exercise daily I set intentions (goals) monthly and review them every month I practice positive thinking and train my mind to focus on the things that light me up and make me feel good to exclusion of all others because I know that I create my life with my thoughts And things that make me feel good attract more things that make me feel good
BOOK Going Pro by Steven Pressfield
WEBSITE Instagram
EARLY MORNING ACTIVITY Meditation
LATE NIGHT ACTIVITY Journaling
GOURMET SNACK Salted Pistachios
I donrsquot own a ton of material possessions because that would just be silly
considering how much I move around For me however that is very freeing
rather than a sacrifice
Quickfire Faves
22
Amelia Lee
What do you doIrsquom an architect and have been working in the architectural industry for almost twenty years I recently started Undercover Architect which is about empowering YOU to create your well-designed home through online information tools products and services
Irsquom also a Director on the Qld Development Board for The Hunger Project an NGO that works to end hunger and poverty in third world countries by empowering those affected most to feed their families and create hope for their futures
Who lives with you I live with my husband Brandon and son (aged 7) and two daughters (aged 5 and 3) We also have a dog 6 chickens 5 ducklings and shortly 5 miniature cows
Did you a transition from a regular 9 to 5 job How did that happen for youI worked long hours in architectural practices for many years (more like 7am ndash 7pm) managing teams and big projects before I had kids We also wanted to keep them at home with us so over the last 12 years we have renovated 3 homes (whilst living in them) as a means of supplementing our income and supporting the way we wanted to live Wersquove both worked part-time or changed our working hours around kids and the renovating
When my second baby was 4 months old I started an architectural practice with 5 colleagues By the time my third bub was born we had grown our business to have about 10 crew and I didnrsquot really stop work
I left my business in June to pursue a new life My husband and I relocated our family to the Byron Bay Hinterland to a 77 acre property After a big year personally and professionally last year it seemed like the right time to make the move We wanted to stop
23
delaying the dream
What is your current business model Itrsquos just me ndash a one-man band madly writing content and building my website with information tools and advice Irsquom also providing architectural services to some individual clients which I can do remotely
Do you see this business model changing in the futureI will need some additional support in admin web support and marketingadvertising as the business builds My hope is to maintain my flexible work-from-home practises and create a virtual team of independent collaborators to enable this I want my business to be at a scale where I can provide significant financial support to The Hunger Project
What does a day-in-the-life look like for you I get up early and go for a walkrun while listening to an audio book I finish with a brief meditation to set my intentions for the day and then the kids are up and my husband and I run the gauntlet of brekkie lunches school uniforms and getting them to the bus
After the dust has settled I make myself a big cup of coffee and if itrsquos a work day I head to my office which is over our garage I have found that this new experience of working solely on my own without
imposed deadlines etc has required some new tools to create structure and discipline and itrsquos something Irsquom still working on
We all eat dinner together at about 5pm and I do love that we spend time like this together every day
Since the beginning of 2012 I have been taking a photo every day of something Irsquom grateful for and posting it to my Facebook page with a description Itrsquos helped me be a lot more present to the every day joy and beauty that exists
Do you feel like an introvert or an extrovert and does that affect how you do businessI recently found out I was 51 Extrovert ndash which means that Irsquom borderline Introvert also I can get VERY absorbed in my work ndash which is a great problem to have
However given the whole reason we are creating a life this way is to spend more time together as a family Irsquom aware that needs to be kept in check I ultimately would love to do speaking engagements workshops etc so will be drawing on the Extrovert tilt for this
What are your favourite parts of businessI love the lsquostartrsquo of things I am insatiably curious Learning something for the first time figuring it out and getting it to work Irsquom enjoying writing enormously
Least favouriteRevisiting things over and over again And given that my business is still in its early days income-wise I am resisting the pressure of needing to sell and market I want to create great clarity around who my ideal clients are before I launch myself out there
THE VIEW FROM MY HOME OFFICE
24
Do you feel like yoursquove made sacrifices to live this lifestyle What are theyWhere we are now is the culmination of 12 years of very very hard work with a goal and a vision Wersquove lived through 3 renovations Wersquove sunk all our money into homes we were creating for other people and scrimped on most other things because we were always working on the house It was so worth it though
Where we are now is the culmination of 12 years of
very very hard work with a goal and a vision
What are the values you live by My values are Joy|Love|Laughter|Fun (thatrsquos one) Innovation Inspiration and Spaciousness Abundance and Bravery are themes I work to explore
Seth Godin also replied to an email of thanks I once sent him telling me to ldquoGo make a ruckusrdquo ndash so that informs what I do also
Any special tools or routines you implement regularly to feel or perform awesomelyExercise and meditation and I also do a bit of Cognitive Behaviour Therapy My grateful photos also are really important in this
BOOK Tim Ferrissrsquo 4 Hour Work Week It just completely opened my eyes to this whole other way of doing business that wasnrsquot about selling my time for money
WEBSITE Facebook I find it a great way to touch quickly in the lives of my friends but also to get access to lots of inspirational and info ndash like HONY Oprahrsquos Super Soul Sunday Huffington Post Gabby Bernstein
EARLY MORNING ACTIVITY A walkrun stretch and meditation
LATE NIGHT ACTIVITY Meditation while I do my lsquolegs up the wallrsquo pose It makes a massive difference to how I sleep and how rested I feel in the morning
GOURMET SNACK Loving Earth Luvju Raw Organic Orange and Gubinge Chocolate Otherwise I make great fruit-free bliss balls with cacao maca powder and protein powder
Quickfire Faves
You can connect with Amelia online at UndercoverArchitectcom
25
Elizabeth Kelsey BradleyWhat do you do Irsquom a writer and consultant that creates compelling content and social media strategies for businesses around the world I work with companies of all sizes and in all niches but my passion is with helping holistic entrepreneurs
Who lives with you My husband daughter and our insane pets
Did you a transition from a regular 9 to 5 job How did that happen for youI have never had a 9 to 5 ever My father was an entrepreneur and even though he never ever spoke of what it meant to be an entrepreneur his calling seemed to rub off on me
Irsquom literally unemployable Irsquom an artist and rebel and need to do things my own way even though Irsquom a
people person
But how I ended up finally making a business was when my husband couldnrsquot find work and things got scary I began researching like mad how I could work online and it took me years to finally learn marketing particularly with social media and content Despite how hard my first few years were (and I wouldnrsquot want to repeat them) Irsquom glad I learned the hard way as I am able to help others and can relate to women who are just beginning their entrepreneurial journey I look at entrepreneurship as a great honor for me to be able to help others and be of service
What is your current business model I am solo I sell consulting services and also do freelance writing and photography for companies that donrsquot have a staff writer I really need an intern or VA at this point though and am looking for someone
26
Do you see this business model changing in the futureYes and no Yes I will need to hire someone and ideally two people now that I have branched out into creating courses and ebooks but no in regards to my consulting services changing as what I do is in demand People feel confused about social media and creating regular content so I think it will be the same business model for a long time to come
What does a day-in-the-life look like for you Well Irsquom a vampire apparently as I mainly work nights which here in Thailand would be morning time where many of my clients live During the day I am homeschooling mum and also carry in my bag some of my work for
when I need to do some writing or analysis of a clientrsquos social media
Do you feel like an introvert or an extrovert and does that affect how you do businessIrsquom an extrovert but a highly sensitive one This has actually worked in my favour as I have a process for weeding out people who donrsquot fit my Ideal Client profile so that I can maintain my energy and do the best I can with the entrepreneurs who I can best serve
What are your favourite parts of businessI adore talking with clients on the phone or in person so basically anytime Irsquom geeking out about social media and writing
27
Least favouriteAnything to do with SEO
Do you feel like yoursquove made sacrifices to live this lifestyle What are theyEntrepreneurship is isolating in general Add that to the fact that we live on an island in Thailand and itrsquos double the isolation but to be honest this was the best place for us to build our online businesses as itrsquos affordable to live here and safe so I have no regrets
What are your Core Desired Feelings Connection serenity ease truth Values wise Irsquom wild but extremely family oriented
Any special tools or routines you implement regularly to feel or perform awesomelyI read from spiritual or philosophical books and take regular walks Both give me loads of ideas for storytelling which is the essence of what I do Podcasts are also a huge part of my routine particularly those devoted to marketing
BOOK Ocean Sea (buy it now AMAZING)
WEBSITE wwwholisticdadnet
EARLY MORNING ACTIVITY Drinking yerba mate and some yoga
LATE NIGHT ACTIVITY Good beer and a video game
GOURMET SNACK Anything with white truffle oil on it
Quickfire Faves
Elizabeth Kelsey Bradley is an award-winning writer consultant and photojournalist currently based in Thailand Her work has appeared on sites such as Tiny Buddha Vagabonding and in Girl Gone International magazine
As a consultant she helps companies develop effective social media and content strategies She is currently devoted to helping holistic entrepreneurs grow their online platforms at Thriving Healer
28
PAPERLESS OFFICELETrsquoS LEAVE MORE OF OUR TREE FRIENDS IN THE GROUND AND TAKE ADVANTAGE OF THE EXCELLENT APPS AVAILABLE INSTEAD AFTER ALL WErsquoRE RUNNING OUR DEVICES FOR MOST OF THE DAY ANYWAY - MAY AS WELL TAKE ADVANTAGE OF THEIR RAD CAPABILITIES
29
SWAPWriting Lists
FORWunderlist
AnyDoTodoist
SWAPHardcopy Books
FOR
KindleiBooks
SWAPPrinting + Scanning
Contracts
FOR
EchosignHellosignSWAP
Taking Notes + Printing Articles
FOREvernote
SWAPBrainstorming
+ Mind Mapping
FORSimpleMind
Coggle
30
HOW DARE YOU S E T T L E F O R L E S S WHEN THE WORLD h a s m a d e i t SO EASY F O R Y O U T O B E remarkable
SETH GODIN
31
JASMINE DOWLING MAPS TO HERSELF THE FIFTH ELEMENT LIFE
MOSSYJOJO TRICIA O DESIGNSIMPLY LOVE CREATIONS
BY SAMANTHA STACEY KEMPPENFRIEND
Jazz up your office walls with prints that stoke your creative fire
32
THE YES EPIDEMIC
33
THE YES EPIDEMIC
OurCoverStar
34
Whether it be a night out (when Irsquom exhausted) a favour (thatrsquos asking a little too much) or a date (that I know isnrsquot going to go anywhere) Irsquove typically and reluctantly replied to these requests with a lsquosure thingrsquo more times than Irsquod care to admit
Take on another client when my schedule is fully booked Absolutely
Offer to shout a friendrsquos breakfast when I really donrsquot have the cash to splash Of course
Commit to another online course when Irsquom barely halfway through the other 8 Irsquove signed up for this year Why yes
The Yes Epidemic has woven its way into our exceptionally busy (and beautiful) lives with the promise of MORE More connection more exposure more opportunity more money more education more insight more success And the more we do the more we are - right
Wrong
The reality is the more we constantly fill our plates to the brim (oh letrsquos admit it our plates are overflowing) with commitment after
commitment the less space we are leaving for us to just BE
To be immersed in who we are what our dreams and desires are to love to play to breathe
By saying lsquoyesrsquo like itrsquos going out of fashion we find ourselves spread as thin as vegemite on gluten-free toast Our energy and vitality are compromised and we donrsquot show up in the world as our best selves
So here are a few tips I use with my clients (and myself regularly) to get in the habit of saying lsquonorsquo a little more often
Irsquove never been very good at saying lsquonorsquo
35
Reflective routine with a heaping dose of reality is key here Take an honest look at your weekly schedule and ensure that you are focussing your precious time energy and resources on the people activities and
projects that are aligned with your values Is this commitment important to you Then honour it with your time Not so important
Time to shift things up
I canrsquot go past Marie Forleorsquos advice on this subject When somebody presents you with an opportunity if itrsquos not a HELL YES then itrsquos a no
Go with your gut always
Forget the FOMO The lsquofear of missing outrsquo is what keeps most of us on the Sure Thing Wagon and itrsquos just not sustainable Trust that all the
opportunities that are meant for you will come your way at the right time for you
Send your lsquonorsquo off with love Therersquos no need to feel uncomfortable turning down a request when you do so with kindness respect and
humility Excuses can be left at the door just honour your good intentions and everyone involved in the situation
Remember every time you give a loving inspired lsquonorsquo you are giving others the permission to do the same thing I always feel energised when someone turns down a request because it reminds me to respect myself
enough to pull out that gentle lsquonorsquo when required too
1
23
45
AND THE BEST THING ABOUT SAYING lsquoNOrsquo WHEN THE TIME COMES THAT A lsquoSURE THINGrsquo IS IN FACT THE HEART-CENTRED RESPONSE YOU EXCITEDLY GIVE ITrsquoS MUCH SWEETER MORE MEANINGFUL AND A HELLUVA LOT MORE VALUABLE
Claire Baker is a certified coach and mentor passionate writer and speaker and author of lsquoShe Is Radiant Your 6-Week Wellness Adventure To Get Glowy amp Feel Radrsquo Claire guides vibrant young women as they get from where they are to where they want to be ndash in their health and life blog and business
You can consider Claire your personal advocate for living an energised playful and heart-centred life Come say hi at This is Lifeblood her online space to share her passion for all things nourishing soulful and creative
CLAIRErsquoS TOP FIVE TIPS TO GET INTO THE HABIT OF SAYING NO
36
37
artOF THE
THE
soloSOULRETREAT
38
When you live a soul-driven and passionate life you very likely live and breathe your lsquoworkrsquo 247
I put the word work in inverted commas because for you itrsquos likely just you leading your amazing life (and more power to you my friend) But amidst this you may find it difficult to switch off and cultivate the spaciousness to just let it all hang out and exist without an agenda or a to-do list anywhere in site
Enter stage left the Solo Soul Retreat I took myself on one recently and by golly did it give me the exact level of time out and rejoove that this soul-driven lassy needed Maybe itrsquos about time you took yourself on one
Here are some tips for creating the perfect conditions for your solo soul retreat
Pick a place close byI chose the Byron area because itrsquos only two hours drive from where I live And this is important because while you want to be lsquoawayrsquo to unplug from the numerous distractions of home you donrsquot want to be so far away that you feel obliged to check out all the sights and scoot around lsquodoingrsquo your little butt off You want to create a feeling of not having to do ANYTHING if you donrsquot feel like it Moment to moment awareness and tapping into what you truly want to do is critical to the restorative nature of the solo soul retreat So if that means a nap in the afternoon without checking out the sights do it Sans the guilt
Making it somewhere close by means you can convince your inner tourist that you can come back any time you want to So donrsquot book your long awaited trip to Bali for this particular retreat style I recommend scouting around Air BnB for some great bargains near you
Book for at least 2-3 nights away (more if possible)It takes awhile for us to wind down and get in to the rhythm of a slower pace so give yourself as much time as possible to sink deeply in to relaxation I find that it takes my body a good day or so (at least) to realise itrsquos on holiday A weekend is good a long weekend even better And a week would be crazy good
Set an intentionFor my soul retreat it was to cultivate a feeling of internal ease and spaciousness I was so tightly wound and constricted from within I wanted to feel joyous energy flowing through me again
39
unimpeded
An intention is a helpful anchor that you can come back to throughout the retreat when you feel your energy flitting away to unnecessary distractions Revisit your intention throughout your retreat and ease back into the feeling you wish to cultivate
Immerse yourself in natureWherever you head to find some time to plonk yourself amidst the stunning natural surrounds of Mama Nature There is absolutely NOTHING that compares to the healing capacity of earthing ourselves at the beach or in the forest or just a little garden Barefoot and butt on the ground meditating or just sitting and quietly contemplating our wondrous natural world will have you relaxing into zen in no time
Silence is goldenTaking time to retreat also means giving your mind a bit of a break (hence the lsquono doingrsquo rule) try out not talking which shouldnrsquot be too hard if yoursquore on your own and see what kind of insights
There is absolutely NOTHING that compares to the healing capacity of earthing ourselves at the beach
or in the forest or just a little garden
Barefoot and butt on the ground meditating or just sitting and
quietly contemplating our wondrous natural world
will have you relaxing into zen in no time
40
begin to pop into your nogginrsquo when you donrsquot have to constantly communicate
Pamper yourselfWhat feels really decadent to you For my recent retreat it was heading to a spa and bathhouse for the morning soaking in oxygenated spa baths steaming myself in the sauna and relaxing on a sun lounge in the tranquil spa gardens with a good book
For you it might be a luxurious massage and energy balancing treatment Or maybe itrsquos a delicious meal you take your time with at an amazing restaurant nearby Perhaps itrsquos allowing yourself to lounge around in bed with your favourite book and a cup of tea Whatever it is allow yourself these delights As many as you please gorgeous one
Body-loving foodIf you have a kitchen at your accommodation pack yourself the kind of food you know your body loves Think veggies fruit some bliss balls your fave teas raw cacao and honey for a delish hot chocolate If you have a portable blender pack up your ingredients to whip yourself up some delights while yoursquore there Alternatively and if you have time prepare a few things before you head off You can pre-cook quinoa lentil curries and rice dishes to heat up whenever you fancy If there are local farmerrsquos markets you can even do a bit of purchasing there for your meals (and because yoursquore so close to home bringing back the leftovers is a cinch)
Scout around a little and find some local cafeacutes or
41
restaurants that tickle your fancy and take yourself out for a meal that makes your body scream YES
Soul nourishing practices Rituals and practices help us to sink more deeply in to our soulrsquos true nature Bring along whatever stokes your soul fire and brings you into present moment awareness Cultivating reverence for yourself and life itself is a crucial aspect of your soul retreat Some practices you may consider are raquo Meditation (guided or just simply following your inhale and exhale) I find the Kundalini Ego
Eradicator meditation particularly soul-nourishing (and frankly life changing) raquo Journaling ndash with no thought as to what to write just jot down whatever comes to you Yoursquoll be
amazed at the cathartic feelings and insights this brings raquo Yoga (on your own or find a class nearby that resonates with you) raquo Playing with oracle cards Ask a question or for general guidance and see how your guides and
the Universe responds The Little Sagersquos deck is divine raquo Reading soulfully inspiring books raquo Lighting some incense and writing an epic gratitude list raquo A walking meditation through nature raquo Get arty play around with whatever you have Love colour Bring your paints Doodle Donrsquot
judge the results just let it flow out of you
Overall the point of this solo soul retreat is that you do what you genuinely want to do in the moment So nix the over planning as you may do with other trips away Settle into present moment awareness and allow yourself to be rather than just do Listen with kindness to your inner child Let her out to play (Mega hint she really doesnrsquot want to be bossed around) Gifting yourself this time is your surefire way to feeling rejuvenated refreshed and ready to live life to its fullest
Enjoy gorgeous one
Carly is a passionate international aid and development project manager and writer Carly works on projects in Australia and the Asia-Pacific region focusing on cultivating sustainable livelihoods the empowerment of women community enterprise local market development and positive social change
Head on over to Carlyrsquos blog Pockets of Peace for her soul-centred musings on peace wellness and oodles of inspiration
42
The most powerful weapon on earth is the human soul
on fire
F E R D I N A N D F O C H
43
Five Minute Fixes
FOR FEAR AND OVERWHELM
44
IF YOUrsquoRE RUNNING YOUR OWN BIZ YOUrsquoD BE FAMILIAR WITH THE PHENOMENON OF FEAR AND OVERWHELM YOU KNOW WHEN YOU JUST FEEL STUCK PARALYSED NOT SURE WHICH CHOICE TO MAKE OR ACTION TO TAKE YOU HAVE DEADLINES LOOMING THE PRESSURE IS MOUNTING AND YOUrsquoRE BLOCKED YOU NEED TO GET OUT OF YOUR OVERWHELM RIGHT NOW SO YOU CAN GET BACK TO CHANGING THE WORLD
Here are five practices designed to break the fear cycle and get you out of your head and into your body in five minutes or less
Go outside Get out into the sunlight See the sky take off your shoes and feel the grass tickle your toes Close your eyes Feel the heat on your skin Take some deep breaths and smell the air Tune in to the sounds around you Become still Fully engage with the present moment and drop into the sensations in your body
Deep breathing You can use a mantra such as So-Hum you can count the length of each inhale and exhale or you can do as many rounds of Nadi Shodhana (alternate nostril breathing) as you can fit into five minutes Whatever yoursquore most comfortable with do that Breath is the bridge between the inner and outer realities Deep breathing will calm the nervous system and bring your attention to the present moment
Move Go for a brisk walk Put on your favourite tune plug in the headphones and dance (in the bathroom cubicle if yoursquore embarrassed to do it in publichellip because thatrsquos not weird at all) Have a quickie on your own or with a partner Or you can shake it out Start with your right foot shake it as hard as possible to the count of 10 Then your whole leg Then the left foot and left leg Then the right hand then the right arm then the left hand and arm Then fold forward and gently shake your head - back to front side to side Then stand up again and shake your whole body like you know how
Then stand in stillness for 2 minutes to balance out the movement Listen to your heartbeat Yoursquove just expressed and released some negative energy so take a standing Savasana (resting pose) to integrate Make sure you smooth your hair after this one
45
Aromatherapy Get a bottle of essential oil and sniff it - simple Smell affects the limbic system which is responsible for the storage and release of emotional trauma You can immediately calm your body with the right scent
Make sure you get 100 therapeutic grade pure essential oil - these have a high vibrational frequency and you donrsquot want any nasties entering your system through inferior quality oil Lavender is proven to calm the nervous system as is frankincense balsam fir basil cedar wood and sandalwood You can purchase calming blends from your local aromatherapist or get them to custom-make a blend for you
Make some noise This is especially good if you work from home or drive to work as you may want privacy Get a pillow or lock yourself in the car and scream as loud as you can connecting deeply to your pelvis Give yourself permission to vocalise all that frustration fear shame guilt whatever is building up in your energy field Sound is the end of feeling When you express vocally you are releasing emotion and ending the cycle of repression Done regularly this will also enhance your creativity and self-expression - benefiting your business (and sex life) in the long run
These practices work for me and Irsquod love to know if they resonate with you
Irsquom Emma a multi-passionate self-love junkie who loves supporting people on their journey to wellness Since suffering from adrenal burnout and a host of related conditions Irsquove dedicated myself to personal healing and growth and encouraging others to find their own unique path By day Irsquom a yoga teacher virtual assistant and event coordinator for wellness entrepreneurs and outside of that yoursquoll find me salsa dancing travelling and eating raw desserts
Connect with me at emmashieldscom
46
Abandon anything about your life and habits that might be holding you back
Learn to create your own opportunities
Know that there is no finish line fortune favors action
Race balls-out toward the extraordinary life that yoursquove always dreamed of
or still havenrsquot had time to dream up
And prepare to have a hell of a lot of fun along the way
SOPHIA AMORUSO
47
Why you should create aHIGH-CONVERTING OPT-IN OFFER
A critical component of building your online business is growing your email list and creating a compelling opt-in offer is one of the best ways to kickstart this growth
You want your email list to be made up of people who are genuinely interested in you and what you have to offer your target market Your ideal customers and readers
Thatrsquos why your opt-in offer (a gift to entice people to join your list) needs to be unique highly relevant to your business and of real value to your ideal clients If people are on your site checking you out they are already interested ndash you need to give them a compelling reason to sign up
What would your readers find valuable Something that saves them time money pain or makes their life easier better or more beautiful It also needs to be damn high quality Proofed designed and worth paying for
48
Why would you give away something so valuable for free
Because it shows yoursquore serious about helping people Because it builds trust with readers Because itrsquos a genuine thank you in return for a readerrsquos contact details Because itrsquos an ad for your business Yoursquore showing people the quality of what they will receive if they go on to work with you
How do you choose which is right for you Think about what you currently offer your readers or customers (as in content as well as services or products) What is popular What do they comment on most or ask questions about What would you love to create What would be the perfect compliment to a service you provide How can you genuinely help
Brainstorm a list then narrow it down to one ndash and get cracking
The best opt-ins are win-win ndash you gather details from ideal customers and the customers
receive something great that they need and want in return
Happy creating
PS Tricking people is icky Donrsquot do that Itrsquos of no use to have people on your list that donrsquot care about you or your products Be genuine Offer genuine value Get genuine sign-ups
SO WHAT SHOULD YOU OFFER
Here are a few ideas raquo A sneak peek or preview of a paid
product ndash like a free chapter or lesson
raquo A smaller version of a paid product ndash like a 3 day meal plan
raquo Something which compliments a service you offer
raquo Useful templates ndash like a product launch worksheet or a calendar
raquo Inspirational printables ndash like quotes or illustrations
raquo A mini eCourse ndash like 5 days of video coaching
raquo A discount ndash like 10 off their next purchase
raquo A VIP offer ndash like first dibs on tickets
raquo An eBook or workbook ndash like a recipe book or marketing plan
Alana Wimmer is Founder + Creative Director of mini digital publishing house Raspberry Stripes Alana works with rad lady entrepreneurs to design eBooks which will change the world She also provides guidance insight and info on eBook design on the Raspberry Stripes website When she isnrsquot designing reading or talking about eBooks you can find Alana walking Rory and Roxy the boxers with her husband in tow probably on her way to pick up a green smoothie
49
is a lack of self-worth
50
As a bright-eyed uni student I got pretty excited about all the opportunities that were due to unfold before me when I graduated
My approach to life has always been filled with excitement for the future I remember saying to friends in class that we were certain to be successful because enthusiasm trumps experience Sadly the path wasnrsquot as smooth as Irsquod imagined I naively thought that all bosses had a sixth-sense for talent even from shy girls who werenrsquot outward about their abilities
I applied for and took a series of jobs that from the job description seemed so overwhelmingly scary to do but within months if not weeks I was bored I lacked the self-worth to believe I could step up but Irsquod externalise this into anger at my employer for holding me back Eventually I realised it was all of my own creation I was the one who was playing small applying for and then taking jobs that wersquore well under my pay grade I even turned down a few including a big promotion because the amount of money offered was too much and it scared me Seriously
Years of study and I lacked the ability to dive in fully commit be brave be boisterous about my abilities and soar I found school easy and when things seemed challenging at work I put it down to an inability to perform If it wasnrsquot easy at first I accepted that I just wasnrsquot able I had yet to find out that some of the best lessons come from giving things a go and making a lot of mistakes Failing or in reality playing small was a comfort zone for me and success in my career was an unknown quantity I was used to struggle I was safe with my dreams The possibility of them coming true Too much to handle Irsquod have to learn to live in the present moment and I donrsquot think I was ready to do that I wasnrsquot ready to look closely at myself and see that for all my effort there was still a lot of inner work to do It was time to look within
I KNOW HOW EASY IT IS TO BUILD WALLS AROUND OUR DREAMS PUSH THEM FURTHER AWAY IN AN ATTEMPT TO PLAY SAFE AND LIVE LIFE ACCORDING TO EXTERNAL INFLUENCE I KNOW THE LEVEL OF DETERMINATION AND MENTAL GRIT IT TAKES TO OVERCOME OURSELVES START TAKING OWNERSHIP OF OUR THOUGHTS AND ULTIMATELY THE PATH OF OUR OWN LIVES
I love when clients ask me to guide them on this path because I know just what can happen when they get there I hold my hand out as a supportive leverage point and watch them soar
Something Irsquove learnt along the way The first step for many women in building self-worth is learning the art of body love Body love is all about learning to appreciate the capabilities of your body nourishing and taking care of your spirit and occasionally cutting yourself a break
51
Itrsquos looking in the mirror and liking the person you see not picking on the parts you donrsquot like Itrsquos making a choice about whether to wear a bikini based on your personal values and not about what your body looks like in one Dieting and restriction are low level energies that hold us back from achieving high level desires Negative thinking blocks our internal compass and our ability to connect to our intuition Body love is the gateway to high frequency living
We all have that version of ourselves that we aspire to be The woman who gets up to the alarm has patience and drive Shersquos got a sparkle in her eye a sense of confidence and knowing about her place in the world that emanates from her whole being She sits up straight and laughs with abandon From where we sit therersquos a chasm to leap in becoming that woman That woman represents ldquoone dayrdquo She represents effort She can seem unachievable In my experience body love is the first and most important step toward that woman Body love is filled with possibility promise and prosperity When we remove that low level energy of diet and restriction we can start to attract high frequencies We can start to become that woman in the present moment
Irsquove seen the shift first hand for so many people Suddenly the whole world opens up and the possibilities become endless The cloud lifts and pie-in-the-sky dreams show up in high-definition technicolour Thoughts that previously caused anxiety everything from going to lunch with new friends to finding a purpose in life start to feel as easy to read as words on a page Therersquos no more searching Itrsquos been replaced by a knowing excitement I watch as women become like bright-eyed students again endless possibilities opening up before them Only this time Theyrsquove got experience on their side
Suddenly the whole world
opens up and the
possibilities become
endless
The cloud lifts and
pie-in-the-sky dreams show
up in high-definition
technicolour
Rachelle is a Life + Confidence Coach at My Saturn Epoch She supports women through the big transitions in their life helping them to break their negative cycles to consciously create a happy life and positive mindset She is a big hearted business woman who is passionate about supporting women in pursuit of their own excellence so they can shine as a beacon to themselves their families and their communities
Connect with Rachelle at mysaturnepochcom
52
SUBSCRIBE TO RASPBERRY MAGAZINE
Grab an annual subscription and yoursquoll receive raquo 6 digital issues of Raspberry Magazine raquo an exclusive Annual Subscribers Thank You Pack
- which includes a printable manifesto beautiful meditation tracks an eBook and more contributed by generous lady entrepreneurs - worth over $35
VISIT THE SHOP
53
T H A N K Y O U F O R R E A D I N GA N D A M I L L I O N H I G H-F I V E S
I F Y O U L O V E D R A S P B E R R YM A G A Z I N E P L E A S E S H A R E
54
15
nomadsnomadsDIGITAL
THESE WOMEN ARE BUILDING BUSINESSES THAT CAN BE RUN FROM ANYWHERE THEY CHOOSE
16
Elizabeth McKenzie
What do you do Let me count the ways
First and foremost Irsquom a multi-passionate
Which means Irsquom business + marketing coach spiritual mentor writer + seeker of rad things And I canrsquot go past a mention of my two loves Nike high tops and Harry Styles
Who lives with youAt the moment Irsquom living with my parents on their yacht Wersquore getting ready to sail up the East Coast of Australia Irsquom then heading to the US and plan on renting out a pad in NYC with Juliethellipand when I returnhellip who knowshellip Irsquom open to suggestions
Did you a transition from a regular 9 to 5 job How did
that happen for you I transitioned from student to business owner While I was studying my Master of Speech Pathology (oh yeah Irsquom a speech pathologist too) I became so sick of having to adhere to the metal box that is university education Ya know playing by someone elsersquos rules so I started up a blog initially as a way to rebel from the box
The more I blogged the more I became obsessed with everything about being online ndash the connections with other likeminded women andhellip hold up the ability to work from anywhere in the world helping anyone with an internet connection Sign me up
I hired a butt load of mentors to help me along my way and at the start of 2014 I launched my first offering marketing and business coaching (yes I also have a degree in that too)
17
At the same time I got a one day a week speechie job to compliment my multi-passionate nature but after 4 months of doing that I realised itrsquos not in my nature to work for anyone else but myself
By then my business was bringing in the cash to support my decision to go all in
And here I am on a boat
What is your current business model Itrsquos currently me and my teeny team of rad peeps Irsquove got my VA my copywriter and communications consultant and my graphic designer I love having people compliment what I do
The business model ndash well I started with the advisor model really only selling my expertise and coaching on a 11 basis but Irsquom now creating an eCourse to help hundreds of women become more spiritual without losing touch with the real world Essentially real world spirituality the unwanky way and Irsquom crazy excited
Throughout this journey Irsquove realised that my business and how I operate is always going to evolve and accepting that has freed me up to do so much more of the things I love
Do you see this business model changing in the futureI had an epiphany recently that I want to help as many people as I can so Irsquom now starting to gear my business towards that kind of model with eCourses and programs that are offered at a lower price point
Exciting times
My motto in business (and life) never say never
Wersquore operating in a dynamic environment The dumbest thing you can do for your business is feel you
have to lock yourself in
By all means pick something and give it a red hot go ndash but know that as the environment changes around you you need to accommodate that
Woke up at 630 for breakfast and coffee
Had a three hour intensive with my latest client who lives in Scotland from 7-10
Did a bit of admin and setting up the membership site of my new eCourse
Went to see Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles at 1 (nerd much)
Got home at 4
Felt inspired to read so whipped out my latest book
Wrote a little after dinner for my latest opt-in offer
Ended the day watching reruns of The Mindy Project
A Da
y In
The
Lif
e of
Eliza
beth
Do you feel like an introvert or an extrovert and does that affect how you do businessCan I say Irsquom both Sometimes I need to be around people to get more energy and sometimes I need to be alone to recharge too
I think therersquos a bit of a dance I do in my business where I need to have days like the Friday above because otherwise my energy gets stagnant and the creative flow stops
What are your favourite parts of businessWriting Creating
And the ability to not work when I donrsquot want to
18
Least favouriteWordpress admin Although when I nail something (finally) I get a major sense of achievement
Do you feel like yoursquove made sacrifices to live this lifestyle What are theyDefinitely At the moment Irsquove had to let me pooch live with his dad while Irsquom on a boat and while I got to NYC
I wish he could be with me 247
What are your Core Desired Feelings raquo Free raquo Luxurious raquo Joy
Any special tools or routines you implement regularly to feel or perform awesomelyThe number one thing that I do regularly is clear my chakras via a breathing and visualisation meditation It takes 20 minutes and it seriously changes the tune of my day I can usually go a day without but too long and I notice that Irsquom underperforming
Quickfire Faves
BOOK The Anatomy of the Spirit by Caroline Myss Although I hated it originally mostly because I didnrsquot want to hear the messages that were coming through
WEBSITE YouTube Canrsquot go past finding an olds 90s jam or interviews with Harry Styles to watch
EARLY MORNING ACTIVITY Chakra Clearing
LATE NIGHT ACTIVITY Watching reruns of my favourite TV shows
GOURMET SNACK I donrsquot do gourmet myself but Irsquom all for gourmet cafe food (itrsquos the Melbournian in me) It could be a sugary almond macaroon or full fat grilled haloumi
Elizabeth is a professional business coach spiritual mentor and the creator of The Spiritual Material Girl eCourse Shersquos also the creator of high-end private coaching programs and courses geared towards helping ambitious and successful women who lsquoseemrsquo like theyrsquove got it all figured outhellip yet who still donrsquot feel like their heartrsquos truly fulfilled
Shersquos the go-to for helping you tackle your biz blocks tap into your spiritual side and live a totally kick-ass life With her trademark blend of heartfelt honesty and straight-talking swagger she ties it all together to set you on the fast track to personal professional and spiritual success
Instead of just keepinrsquo on doing whatrsquos not working Elizabeth can show you how to get exactly what you want ndash whether that means building a business you love creating more happiness or simply getting more out of your life You can find Elizabeth over at her home on the internet Your Highest Self
19
Vienda Maria
Vienda Maria is a lifestyle coach author and creative who helps Bon Vivants coaches yogis creatives and entrepreneurs create thriving semi-nomadic unconventional lives that are fulfilling both soulfully and financially Through her coaching events books Gypset Mindset Class course and online community Vienda has inspired and transformed the lives of thousands across the globe ldquoMy mission is simple to guide each and every one of you back to who you really are To come home back to your soul and allowing it to guide your destiny For more love More fun More freedom More adventure More liferdquo Visit Vienda online here
20
What do you do Irsquom a lifestyle coach and writer who helps emerging creatives and professionals create a life thatrsquos a little a it unusual Itrsquos about breaking away from structured office hours and recognising their ability to create their own jobs and money by using their innate passions skills and talents in ways that are a little bit out of the box Itrsquos all about stepping out of a limiting mindset and seeing what is actually possible
Who lives with youI live on my own
Did you a transition from a regular 9 to 5 job How did that happen for you Not really Irsquove always had an extremely free lifestyle and only dabbled into a couple of office jobs along the way when I was inbetween other things
My transition to my current life happened out of the necessity to create something for myself that supported my lifestyle and was financially sustainable After studying psychology at uni I worked at international film and music festivals and other events which was really fun and exciting 12 years later I had fallen in love with being my own boss and traveling the world It was then that I realised that there are so many people who would love to travel have more freedom and time and create their own jobs and that I could help them
What is your current business model Irsquom a very independent worker so I tend to work solo though Irsquove just hired an intern to help me with some of the admin and social media stuff which is quite exciting I sell a range of different things ndash my coaching services make up most of my income followed by products in the form of eBooks and
jewellery collected on my travels Irsquom just about to launch my first course a set of 6 live classes to help beginners create their own unconventional lifestyle so thatrsquos very exciting and keeping me busy
Do you see this business model changing in the future Yes I think as an entreprenuer one the greatest characteristics you can have is flexibility Being flexible with how you do things always changing growing and updating is so important If you want to keep up with business you have to be comfortable and willing to change
What does a day-in-the-life look like for you I travel a lot so my day-to-day varies quite a lot but I usually start the day with writing content for my course blog or anything else that needs my creative input because in the morning my creativity is the highest I keep the mundane tasks for later in the day usually after my coaching calls I check emails and social media twice a day ndash once in the morning and once in the afternoon ndash which usually give me a good indication of what else needs to be done
And I always end my working day with a To Do list for the next day so I wake up with clarity and know exactly what I need to focus on
Irsquom really interested in time efficiency and productivity so choose to focus on doing things that I love and that generate the most response
Do you feel like an introvert or an extrovert and does that affect how you do business Hmmm ndash Irsquom an introverted extrovert I really enjoy my own company and fuel up energetically with time to myself But I also love and need social stimulation inspiration and everything that people bring into our
21
lives I guess itrsquos about balance and listening to your own needs
What are your favourite parts of business Creating and connecting I love the work I do so much ndash when one of my clients has an ah-ha that transforms everything they previously believed to be true ndash it just rocks my world Being able to help people create lives that they thought were only made of dream-stuff is so very fulfilling I learn so much from this process myself Therersquos such a powerful beauty in creating a community of like-minded individuals And I love being creative always thinking of new ideas and new ways to share the information tools and concepts that I have with my tribe
Least favourite Tax I just I have no idea how people manage all that side of things Irsquod do my best to keep everything tidy and organised for my accountant but it hurts my brain when itrsquos tax time
Do you feel like yoursquove made sacrifices to live this lifestyle What are they I think we make sacrifices in every lifestyle we choose There is always something that we choose to let go of in order to have something else But when itrsquos a choice it doesnrsquot really feel like a sacrifice
For example I donrsquot own a ton of material possessions because that would just be silly considering how much I move around For me however that is very freeing rather than a sacrifice I mean what could I possibly really need I love my lifestyle It suits me perfectly And thatrsquos all that matters
What are your Core Desired Feelings raquo Flow raquo Freedom raquo Inspiration raquo Gratitude
Any special tools or routines you implement regularly to feel or perform awesomely I meditate daily and exercise daily I set intentions (goals) monthly and review them every month I practice positive thinking and train my mind to focus on the things that light me up and make me feel good to exclusion of all others because I know that I create my life with my thoughts And things that make me feel good attract more things that make me feel good
BOOK Going Pro by Steven Pressfield
WEBSITE Instagram
EARLY MORNING ACTIVITY Meditation
LATE NIGHT ACTIVITY Journaling
GOURMET SNACK Salted Pistachios
I donrsquot own a ton of material possessions because that would just be silly
considering how much I move around For me however that is very freeing
rather than a sacrifice
Quickfire Faves
22
Amelia Lee
What do you doIrsquom an architect and have been working in the architectural industry for almost twenty years I recently started Undercover Architect which is about empowering YOU to create your well-designed home through online information tools products and services
Irsquom also a Director on the Qld Development Board for The Hunger Project an NGO that works to end hunger and poverty in third world countries by empowering those affected most to feed their families and create hope for their futures
Who lives with you I live with my husband Brandon and son (aged 7) and two daughters (aged 5 and 3) We also have a dog 6 chickens 5 ducklings and shortly 5 miniature cows
Did you a transition from a regular 9 to 5 job How did that happen for youI worked long hours in architectural practices for many years (more like 7am ndash 7pm) managing teams and big projects before I had kids We also wanted to keep them at home with us so over the last 12 years we have renovated 3 homes (whilst living in them) as a means of supplementing our income and supporting the way we wanted to live Wersquove both worked part-time or changed our working hours around kids and the renovating
When my second baby was 4 months old I started an architectural practice with 5 colleagues By the time my third bub was born we had grown our business to have about 10 crew and I didnrsquot really stop work
I left my business in June to pursue a new life My husband and I relocated our family to the Byron Bay Hinterland to a 77 acre property After a big year personally and professionally last year it seemed like the right time to make the move We wanted to stop
23
delaying the dream
What is your current business model Itrsquos just me ndash a one-man band madly writing content and building my website with information tools and advice Irsquom also providing architectural services to some individual clients which I can do remotely
Do you see this business model changing in the futureI will need some additional support in admin web support and marketingadvertising as the business builds My hope is to maintain my flexible work-from-home practises and create a virtual team of independent collaborators to enable this I want my business to be at a scale where I can provide significant financial support to The Hunger Project
What does a day-in-the-life look like for you I get up early and go for a walkrun while listening to an audio book I finish with a brief meditation to set my intentions for the day and then the kids are up and my husband and I run the gauntlet of brekkie lunches school uniforms and getting them to the bus
After the dust has settled I make myself a big cup of coffee and if itrsquos a work day I head to my office which is over our garage I have found that this new experience of working solely on my own without
imposed deadlines etc has required some new tools to create structure and discipline and itrsquos something Irsquom still working on
We all eat dinner together at about 5pm and I do love that we spend time like this together every day
Since the beginning of 2012 I have been taking a photo every day of something Irsquom grateful for and posting it to my Facebook page with a description Itrsquos helped me be a lot more present to the every day joy and beauty that exists
Do you feel like an introvert or an extrovert and does that affect how you do businessI recently found out I was 51 Extrovert ndash which means that Irsquom borderline Introvert also I can get VERY absorbed in my work ndash which is a great problem to have
However given the whole reason we are creating a life this way is to spend more time together as a family Irsquom aware that needs to be kept in check I ultimately would love to do speaking engagements workshops etc so will be drawing on the Extrovert tilt for this
What are your favourite parts of businessI love the lsquostartrsquo of things I am insatiably curious Learning something for the first time figuring it out and getting it to work Irsquom enjoying writing enormously
Least favouriteRevisiting things over and over again And given that my business is still in its early days income-wise I am resisting the pressure of needing to sell and market I want to create great clarity around who my ideal clients are before I launch myself out there
THE VIEW FROM MY HOME OFFICE
24
Do you feel like yoursquove made sacrifices to live this lifestyle What are theyWhere we are now is the culmination of 12 years of very very hard work with a goal and a vision Wersquove lived through 3 renovations Wersquove sunk all our money into homes we were creating for other people and scrimped on most other things because we were always working on the house It was so worth it though
Where we are now is the culmination of 12 years of
very very hard work with a goal and a vision
What are the values you live by My values are Joy|Love|Laughter|Fun (thatrsquos one) Innovation Inspiration and Spaciousness Abundance and Bravery are themes I work to explore
Seth Godin also replied to an email of thanks I once sent him telling me to ldquoGo make a ruckusrdquo ndash so that informs what I do also
Any special tools or routines you implement regularly to feel or perform awesomelyExercise and meditation and I also do a bit of Cognitive Behaviour Therapy My grateful photos also are really important in this
BOOK Tim Ferrissrsquo 4 Hour Work Week It just completely opened my eyes to this whole other way of doing business that wasnrsquot about selling my time for money
WEBSITE Facebook I find it a great way to touch quickly in the lives of my friends but also to get access to lots of inspirational and info ndash like HONY Oprahrsquos Super Soul Sunday Huffington Post Gabby Bernstein
EARLY MORNING ACTIVITY A walkrun stretch and meditation
LATE NIGHT ACTIVITY Meditation while I do my lsquolegs up the wallrsquo pose It makes a massive difference to how I sleep and how rested I feel in the morning
GOURMET SNACK Loving Earth Luvju Raw Organic Orange and Gubinge Chocolate Otherwise I make great fruit-free bliss balls with cacao maca powder and protein powder
Quickfire Faves
You can connect with Amelia online at UndercoverArchitectcom
25
Elizabeth Kelsey BradleyWhat do you do Irsquom a writer and consultant that creates compelling content and social media strategies for businesses around the world I work with companies of all sizes and in all niches but my passion is with helping holistic entrepreneurs
Who lives with you My husband daughter and our insane pets
Did you a transition from a regular 9 to 5 job How did that happen for youI have never had a 9 to 5 ever My father was an entrepreneur and even though he never ever spoke of what it meant to be an entrepreneur his calling seemed to rub off on me
Irsquom literally unemployable Irsquom an artist and rebel and need to do things my own way even though Irsquom a
people person
But how I ended up finally making a business was when my husband couldnrsquot find work and things got scary I began researching like mad how I could work online and it took me years to finally learn marketing particularly with social media and content Despite how hard my first few years were (and I wouldnrsquot want to repeat them) Irsquom glad I learned the hard way as I am able to help others and can relate to women who are just beginning their entrepreneurial journey I look at entrepreneurship as a great honor for me to be able to help others and be of service
What is your current business model I am solo I sell consulting services and also do freelance writing and photography for companies that donrsquot have a staff writer I really need an intern or VA at this point though and am looking for someone
26
Do you see this business model changing in the futureYes and no Yes I will need to hire someone and ideally two people now that I have branched out into creating courses and ebooks but no in regards to my consulting services changing as what I do is in demand People feel confused about social media and creating regular content so I think it will be the same business model for a long time to come
What does a day-in-the-life look like for you Well Irsquom a vampire apparently as I mainly work nights which here in Thailand would be morning time where many of my clients live During the day I am homeschooling mum and also carry in my bag some of my work for
when I need to do some writing or analysis of a clientrsquos social media
Do you feel like an introvert or an extrovert and does that affect how you do businessIrsquom an extrovert but a highly sensitive one This has actually worked in my favour as I have a process for weeding out people who donrsquot fit my Ideal Client profile so that I can maintain my energy and do the best I can with the entrepreneurs who I can best serve
What are your favourite parts of businessI adore talking with clients on the phone or in person so basically anytime Irsquom geeking out about social media and writing
27
Least favouriteAnything to do with SEO
Do you feel like yoursquove made sacrifices to live this lifestyle What are theyEntrepreneurship is isolating in general Add that to the fact that we live on an island in Thailand and itrsquos double the isolation but to be honest this was the best place for us to build our online businesses as itrsquos affordable to live here and safe so I have no regrets
What are your Core Desired Feelings Connection serenity ease truth Values wise Irsquom wild but extremely family oriented
Any special tools or routines you implement regularly to feel or perform awesomelyI read from spiritual or philosophical books and take regular walks Both give me loads of ideas for storytelling which is the essence of what I do Podcasts are also a huge part of my routine particularly those devoted to marketing
BOOK Ocean Sea (buy it now AMAZING)
WEBSITE wwwholisticdadnet
EARLY MORNING ACTIVITY Drinking yerba mate and some yoga
LATE NIGHT ACTIVITY Good beer and a video game
GOURMET SNACK Anything with white truffle oil on it
Quickfire Faves
Elizabeth Kelsey Bradley is an award-winning writer consultant and photojournalist currently based in Thailand Her work has appeared on sites such as Tiny Buddha Vagabonding and in Girl Gone International magazine
As a consultant she helps companies develop effective social media and content strategies She is currently devoted to helping holistic entrepreneurs grow their online platforms at Thriving Healer
28
PAPERLESS OFFICELETrsquoS LEAVE MORE OF OUR TREE FRIENDS IN THE GROUND AND TAKE ADVANTAGE OF THE EXCELLENT APPS AVAILABLE INSTEAD AFTER ALL WErsquoRE RUNNING OUR DEVICES FOR MOST OF THE DAY ANYWAY - MAY AS WELL TAKE ADVANTAGE OF THEIR RAD CAPABILITIES
29
SWAPWriting Lists
FORWunderlist
AnyDoTodoist
SWAPHardcopy Books
FOR
KindleiBooks
SWAPPrinting + Scanning
Contracts
FOR
EchosignHellosignSWAP
Taking Notes + Printing Articles
FOREvernote
SWAPBrainstorming
+ Mind Mapping
FORSimpleMind
Coggle
30
HOW DARE YOU S E T T L E F O R L E S S WHEN THE WORLD h a s m a d e i t SO EASY F O R Y O U T O B E remarkable
SETH GODIN
31
JASMINE DOWLING MAPS TO HERSELF THE FIFTH ELEMENT LIFE
MOSSYJOJO TRICIA O DESIGNSIMPLY LOVE CREATIONS
BY SAMANTHA STACEY KEMPPENFRIEND
Jazz up your office walls with prints that stoke your creative fire
32
THE YES EPIDEMIC
33
THE YES EPIDEMIC
OurCoverStar
34
Whether it be a night out (when Irsquom exhausted) a favour (thatrsquos asking a little too much) or a date (that I know isnrsquot going to go anywhere) Irsquove typically and reluctantly replied to these requests with a lsquosure thingrsquo more times than Irsquod care to admit
Take on another client when my schedule is fully booked Absolutely
Offer to shout a friendrsquos breakfast when I really donrsquot have the cash to splash Of course
Commit to another online course when Irsquom barely halfway through the other 8 Irsquove signed up for this year Why yes
The Yes Epidemic has woven its way into our exceptionally busy (and beautiful) lives with the promise of MORE More connection more exposure more opportunity more money more education more insight more success And the more we do the more we are - right
Wrong
The reality is the more we constantly fill our plates to the brim (oh letrsquos admit it our plates are overflowing) with commitment after
commitment the less space we are leaving for us to just BE
To be immersed in who we are what our dreams and desires are to love to play to breathe
By saying lsquoyesrsquo like itrsquos going out of fashion we find ourselves spread as thin as vegemite on gluten-free toast Our energy and vitality are compromised and we donrsquot show up in the world as our best selves
So here are a few tips I use with my clients (and myself regularly) to get in the habit of saying lsquonorsquo a little more often
Irsquove never been very good at saying lsquonorsquo
35
Reflective routine with a heaping dose of reality is key here Take an honest look at your weekly schedule and ensure that you are focussing your precious time energy and resources on the people activities and
projects that are aligned with your values Is this commitment important to you Then honour it with your time Not so important
Time to shift things up
I canrsquot go past Marie Forleorsquos advice on this subject When somebody presents you with an opportunity if itrsquos not a HELL YES then itrsquos a no
Go with your gut always
Forget the FOMO The lsquofear of missing outrsquo is what keeps most of us on the Sure Thing Wagon and itrsquos just not sustainable Trust that all the
opportunities that are meant for you will come your way at the right time for you
Send your lsquonorsquo off with love Therersquos no need to feel uncomfortable turning down a request when you do so with kindness respect and
humility Excuses can be left at the door just honour your good intentions and everyone involved in the situation
Remember every time you give a loving inspired lsquonorsquo you are giving others the permission to do the same thing I always feel energised when someone turns down a request because it reminds me to respect myself
enough to pull out that gentle lsquonorsquo when required too
1
23
45
AND THE BEST THING ABOUT SAYING lsquoNOrsquo WHEN THE TIME COMES THAT A lsquoSURE THINGrsquo IS IN FACT THE HEART-CENTRED RESPONSE YOU EXCITEDLY GIVE ITrsquoS MUCH SWEETER MORE MEANINGFUL AND A HELLUVA LOT MORE VALUABLE
Claire Baker is a certified coach and mentor passionate writer and speaker and author of lsquoShe Is Radiant Your 6-Week Wellness Adventure To Get Glowy amp Feel Radrsquo Claire guides vibrant young women as they get from where they are to where they want to be ndash in their health and life blog and business
You can consider Claire your personal advocate for living an energised playful and heart-centred life Come say hi at This is Lifeblood her online space to share her passion for all things nourishing soulful and creative
CLAIRErsquoS TOP FIVE TIPS TO GET INTO THE HABIT OF SAYING NO
36
37
artOF THE
THE
soloSOULRETREAT
38
When you live a soul-driven and passionate life you very likely live and breathe your lsquoworkrsquo 247
I put the word work in inverted commas because for you itrsquos likely just you leading your amazing life (and more power to you my friend) But amidst this you may find it difficult to switch off and cultivate the spaciousness to just let it all hang out and exist without an agenda or a to-do list anywhere in site
Enter stage left the Solo Soul Retreat I took myself on one recently and by golly did it give me the exact level of time out and rejoove that this soul-driven lassy needed Maybe itrsquos about time you took yourself on one
Here are some tips for creating the perfect conditions for your solo soul retreat
Pick a place close byI chose the Byron area because itrsquos only two hours drive from where I live And this is important because while you want to be lsquoawayrsquo to unplug from the numerous distractions of home you donrsquot want to be so far away that you feel obliged to check out all the sights and scoot around lsquodoingrsquo your little butt off You want to create a feeling of not having to do ANYTHING if you donrsquot feel like it Moment to moment awareness and tapping into what you truly want to do is critical to the restorative nature of the solo soul retreat So if that means a nap in the afternoon without checking out the sights do it Sans the guilt
Making it somewhere close by means you can convince your inner tourist that you can come back any time you want to So donrsquot book your long awaited trip to Bali for this particular retreat style I recommend scouting around Air BnB for some great bargains near you
Book for at least 2-3 nights away (more if possible)It takes awhile for us to wind down and get in to the rhythm of a slower pace so give yourself as much time as possible to sink deeply in to relaxation I find that it takes my body a good day or so (at least) to realise itrsquos on holiday A weekend is good a long weekend even better And a week would be crazy good
Set an intentionFor my soul retreat it was to cultivate a feeling of internal ease and spaciousness I was so tightly wound and constricted from within I wanted to feel joyous energy flowing through me again
39
unimpeded
An intention is a helpful anchor that you can come back to throughout the retreat when you feel your energy flitting away to unnecessary distractions Revisit your intention throughout your retreat and ease back into the feeling you wish to cultivate
Immerse yourself in natureWherever you head to find some time to plonk yourself amidst the stunning natural surrounds of Mama Nature There is absolutely NOTHING that compares to the healing capacity of earthing ourselves at the beach or in the forest or just a little garden Barefoot and butt on the ground meditating or just sitting and quietly contemplating our wondrous natural world will have you relaxing into zen in no time
Silence is goldenTaking time to retreat also means giving your mind a bit of a break (hence the lsquono doingrsquo rule) try out not talking which shouldnrsquot be too hard if yoursquore on your own and see what kind of insights
There is absolutely NOTHING that compares to the healing capacity of earthing ourselves at the beach
or in the forest or just a little garden
Barefoot and butt on the ground meditating or just sitting and
quietly contemplating our wondrous natural world
will have you relaxing into zen in no time
40
begin to pop into your nogginrsquo when you donrsquot have to constantly communicate
Pamper yourselfWhat feels really decadent to you For my recent retreat it was heading to a spa and bathhouse for the morning soaking in oxygenated spa baths steaming myself in the sauna and relaxing on a sun lounge in the tranquil spa gardens with a good book
For you it might be a luxurious massage and energy balancing treatment Or maybe itrsquos a delicious meal you take your time with at an amazing restaurant nearby Perhaps itrsquos allowing yourself to lounge around in bed with your favourite book and a cup of tea Whatever it is allow yourself these delights As many as you please gorgeous one
Body-loving foodIf you have a kitchen at your accommodation pack yourself the kind of food you know your body loves Think veggies fruit some bliss balls your fave teas raw cacao and honey for a delish hot chocolate If you have a portable blender pack up your ingredients to whip yourself up some delights while yoursquore there Alternatively and if you have time prepare a few things before you head off You can pre-cook quinoa lentil curries and rice dishes to heat up whenever you fancy If there are local farmerrsquos markets you can even do a bit of purchasing there for your meals (and because yoursquore so close to home bringing back the leftovers is a cinch)
Scout around a little and find some local cafeacutes or
41
restaurants that tickle your fancy and take yourself out for a meal that makes your body scream YES
Soul nourishing practices Rituals and practices help us to sink more deeply in to our soulrsquos true nature Bring along whatever stokes your soul fire and brings you into present moment awareness Cultivating reverence for yourself and life itself is a crucial aspect of your soul retreat Some practices you may consider are raquo Meditation (guided or just simply following your inhale and exhale) I find the Kundalini Ego
Eradicator meditation particularly soul-nourishing (and frankly life changing) raquo Journaling ndash with no thought as to what to write just jot down whatever comes to you Yoursquoll be
amazed at the cathartic feelings and insights this brings raquo Yoga (on your own or find a class nearby that resonates with you) raquo Playing with oracle cards Ask a question or for general guidance and see how your guides and
the Universe responds The Little Sagersquos deck is divine raquo Reading soulfully inspiring books raquo Lighting some incense and writing an epic gratitude list raquo A walking meditation through nature raquo Get arty play around with whatever you have Love colour Bring your paints Doodle Donrsquot
judge the results just let it flow out of you
Overall the point of this solo soul retreat is that you do what you genuinely want to do in the moment So nix the over planning as you may do with other trips away Settle into present moment awareness and allow yourself to be rather than just do Listen with kindness to your inner child Let her out to play (Mega hint she really doesnrsquot want to be bossed around) Gifting yourself this time is your surefire way to feeling rejuvenated refreshed and ready to live life to its fullest
Enjoy gorgeous one
Carly is a passionate international aid and development project manager and writer Carly works on projects in Australia and the Asia-Pacific region focusing on cultivating sustainable livelihoods the empowerment of women community enterprise local market development and positive social change
Head on over to Carlyrsquos blog Pockets of Peace for her soul-centred musings on peace wellness and oodles of inspiration
42
The most powerful weapon on earth is the human soul
on fire
F E R D I N A N D F O C H
43
Five Minute Fixes
FOR FEAR AND OVERWHELM
44
IF YOUrsquoRE RUNNING YOUR OWN BIZ YOUrsquoD BE FAMILIAR WITH THE PHENOMENON OF FEAR AND OVERWHELM YOU KNOW WHEN YOU JUST FEEL STUCK PARALYSED NOT SURE WHICH CHOICE TO MAKE OR ACTION TO TAKE YOU HAVE DEADLINES LOOMING THE PRESSURE IS MOUNTING AND YOUrsquoRE BLOCKED YOU NEED TO GET OUT OF YOUR OVERWHELM RIGHT NOW SO YOU CAN GET BACK TO CHANGING THE WORLD
Here are five practices designed to break the fear cycle and get you out of your head and into your body in five minutes or less
Go outside Get out into the sunlight See the sky take off your shoes and feel the grass tickle your toes Close your eyes Feel the heat on your skin Take some deep breaths and smell the air Tune in to the sounds around you Become still Fully engage with the present moment and drop into the sensations in your body
Deep breathing You can use a mantra such as So-Hum you can count the length of each inhale and exhale or you can do as many rounds of Nadi Shodhana (alternate nostril breathing) as you can fit into five minutes Whatever yoursquore most comfortable with do that Breath is the bridge between the inner and outer realities Deep breathing will calm the nervous system and bring your attention to the present moment
Move Go for a brisk walk Put on your favourite tune plug in the headphones and dance (in the bathroom cubicle if yoursquore embarrassed to do it in publichellip because thatrsquos not weird at all) Have a quickie on your own or with a partner Or you can shake it out Start with your right foot shake it as hard as possible to the count of 10 Then your whole leg Then the left foot and left leg Then the right hand then the right arm then the left hand and arm Then fold forward and gently shake your head - back to front side to side Then stand up again and shake your whole body like you know how
Then stand in stillness for 2 minutes to balance out the movement Listen to your heartbeat Yoursquove just expressed and released some negative energy so take a standing Savasana (resting pose) to integrate Make sure you smooth your hair after this one
45
Aromatherapy Get a bottle of essential oil and sniff it - simple Smell affects the limbic system which is responsible for the storage and release of emotional trauma You can immediately calm your body with the right scent
Make sure you get 100 therapeutic grade pure essential oil - these have a high vibrational frequency and you donrsquot want any nasties entering your system through inferior quality oil Lavender is proven to calm the nervous system as is frankincense balsam fir basil cedar wood and sandalwood You can purchase calming blends from your local aromatherapist or get them to custom-make a blend for you
Make some noise This is especially good if you work from home or drive to work as you may want privacy Get a pillow or lock yourself in the car and scream as loud as you can connecting deeply to your pelvis Give yourself permission to vocalise all that frustration fear shame guilt whatever is building up in your energy field Sound is the end of feeling When you express vocally you are releasing emotion and ending the cycle of repression Done regularly this will also enhance your creativity and self-expression - benefiting your business (and sex life) in the long run
These practices work for me and Irsquod love to know if they resonate with you
Irsquom Emma a multi-passionate self-love junkie who loves supporting people on their journey to wellness Since suffering from adrenal burnout and a host of related conditions Irsquove dedicated myself to personal healing and growth and encouraging others to find their own unique path By day Irsquom a yoga teacher virtual assistant and event coordinator for wellness entrepreneurs and outside of that yoursquoll find me salsa dancing travelling and eating raw desserts
Connect with me at emmashieldscom
46
Abandon anything about your life and habits that might be holding you back
Learn to create your own opportunities
Know that there is no finish line fortune favors action
Race balls-out toward the extraordinary life that yoursquove always dreamed of
or still havenrsquot had time to dream up
And prepare to have a hell of a lot of fun along the way
SOPHIA AMORUSO
47
Why you should create aHIGH-CONVERTING OPT-IN OFFER
A critical component of building your online business is growing your email list and creating a compelling opt-in offer is one of the best ways to kickstart this growth
You want your email list to be made up of people who are genuinely interested in you and what you have to offer your target market Your ideal customers and readers
Thatrsquos why your opt-in offer (a gift to entice people to join your list) needs to be unique highly relevant to your business and of real value to your ideal clients If people are on your site checking you out they are already interested ndash you need to give them a compelling reason to sign up
What would your readers find valuable Something that saves them time money pain or makes their life easier better or more beautiful It also needs to be damn high quality Proofed designed and worth paying for
48
Why would you give away something so valuable for free
Because it shows yoursquore serious about helping people Because it builds trust with readers Because itrsquos a genuine thank you in return for a readerrsquos contact details Because itrsquos an ad for your business Yoursquore showing people the quality of what they will receive if they go on to work with you
How do you choose which is right for you Think about what you currently offer your readers or customers (as in content as well as services or products) What is popular What do they comment on most or ask questions about What would you love to create What would be the perfect compliment to a service you provide How can you genuinely help
Brainstorm a list then narrow it down to one ndash and get cracking
The best opt-ins are win-win ndash you gather details from ideal customers and the customers
receive something great that they need and want in return
Happy creating
PS Tricking people is icky Donrsquot do that Itrsquos of no use to have people on your list that donrsquot care about you or your products Be genuine Offer genuine value Get genuine sign-ups
SO WHAT SHOULD YOU OFFER
Here are a few ideas raquo A sneak peek or preview of a paid
product ndash like a free chapter or lesson
raquo A smaller version of a paid product ndash like a 3 day meal plan
raquo Something which compliments a service you offer
raquo Useful templates ndash like a product launch worksheet or a calendar
raquo Inspirational printables ndash like quotes or illustrations
raquo A mini eCourse ndash like 5 days of video coaching
raquo A discount ndash like 10 off their next purchase
raquo A VIP offer ndash like first dibs on tickets
raquo An eBook or workbook ndash like a recipe book or marketing plan
Alana Wimmer is Founder + Creative Director of mini digital publishing house Raspberry Stripes Alana works with rad lady entrepreneurs to design eBooks which will change the world She also provides guidance insight and info on eBook design on the Raspberry Stripes website When she isnrsquot designing reading or talking about eBooks you can find Alana walking Rory and Roxy the boxers with her husband in tow probably on her way to pick up a green smoothie
49
is a lack of self-worth
50
As a bright-eyed uni student I got pretty excited about all the opportunities that were due to unfold before me when I graduated
My approach to life has always been filled with excitement for the future I remember saying to friends in class that we were certain to be successful because enthusiasm trumps experience Sadly the path wasnrsquot as smooth as Irsquod imagined I naively thought that all bosses had a sixth-sense for talent even from shy girls who werenrsquot outward about their abilities
I applied for and took a series of jobs that from the job description seemed so overwhelmingly scary to do but within months if not weeks I was bored I lacked the self-worth to believe I could step up but Irsquod externalise this into anger at my employer for holding me back Eventually I realised it was all of my own creation I was the one who was playing small applying for and then taking jobs that wersquore well under my pay grade I even turned down a few including a big promotion because the amount of money offered was too much and it scared me Seriously
Years of study and I lacked the ability to dive in fully commit be brave be boisterous about my abilities and soar I found school easy and when things seemed challenging at work I put it down to an inability to perform If it wasnrsquot easy at first I accepted that I just wasnrsquot able I had yet to find out that some of the best lessons come from giving things a go and making a lot of mistakes Failing or in reality playing small was a comfort zone for me and success in my career was an unknown quantity I was used to struggle I was safe with my dreams The possibility of them coming true Too much to handle Irsquod have to learn to live in the present moment and I donrsquot think I was ready to do that I wasnrsquot ready to look closely at myself and see that for all my effort there was still a lot of inner work to do It was time to look within
I KNOW HOW EASY IT IS TO BUILD WALLS AROUND OUR DREAMS PUSH THEM FURTHER AWAY IN AN ATTEMPT TO PLAY SAFE AND LIVE LIFE ACCORDING TO EXTERNAL INFLUENCE I KNOW THE LEVEL OF DETERMINATION AND MENTAL GRIT IT TAKES TO OVERCOME OURSELVES START TAKING OWNERSHIP OF OUR THOUGHTS AND ULTIMATELY THE PATH OF OUR OWN LIVES
I love when clients ask me to guide them on this path because I know just what can happen when they get there I hold my hand out as a supportive leverage point and watch them soar
Something Irsquove learnt along the way The first step for many women in building self-worth is learning the art of body love Body love is all about learning to appreciate the capabilities of your body nourishing and taking care of your spirit and occasionally cutting yourself a break
51
Itrsquos looking in the mirror and liking the person you see not picking on the parts you donrsquot like Itrsquos making a choice about whether to wear a bikini based on your personal values and not about what your body looks like in one Dieting and restriction are low level energies that hold us back from achieving high level desires Negative thinking blocks our internal compass and our ability to connect to our intuition Body love is the gateway to high frequency living
We all have that version of ourselves that we aspire to be The woman who gets up to the alarm has patience and drive Shersquos got a sparkle in her eye a sense of confidence and knowing about her place in the world that emanates from her whole being She sits up straight and laughs with abandon From where we sit therersquos a chasm to leap in becoming that woman That woman represents ldquoone dayrdquo She represents effort She can seem unachievable In my experience body love is the first and most important step toward that woman Body love is filled with possibility promise and prosperity When we remove that low level energy of diet and restriction we can start to attract high frequencies We can start to become that woman in the present moment
Irsquove seen the shift first hand for so many people Suddenly the whole world opens up and the possibilities become endless The cloud lifts and pie-in-the-sky dreams show up in high-definition technicolour Thoughts that previously caused anxiety everything from going to lunch with new friends to finding a purpose in life start to feel as easy to read as words on a page Therersquos no more searching Itrsquos been replaced by a knowing excitement I watch as women become like bright-eyed students again endless possibilities opening up before them Only this time Theyrsquove got experience on their side
Suddenly the whole world
opens up and the
possibilities become
endless
The cloud lifts and
pie-in-the-sky dreams show
up in high-definition
technicolour
Rachelle is a Life + Confidence Coach at My Saturn Epoch She supports women through the big transitions in their life helping them to break their negative cycles to consciously create a happy life and positive mindset She is a big hearted business woman who is passionate about supporting women in pursuit of their own excellence so they can shine as a beacon to themselves their families and their communities
Connect with Rachelle at mysaturnepochcom
52
SUBSCRIBE TO RASPBERRY MAGAZINE
Grab an annual subscription and yoursquoll receive raquo 6 digital issues of Raspberry Magazine raquo an exclusive Annual Subscribers Thank You Pack
- which includes a printable manifesto beautiful meditation tracks an eBook and more contributed by generous lady entrepreneurs - worth over $35
VISIT THE SHOP
53
T H A N K Y O U F O R R E A D I N GA N D A M I L L I O N H I G H-F I V E S
I F Y O U L O V E D R A S P B E R R YM A G A Z I N E P L E A S E S H A R E
54
16
Elizabeth McKenzie
What do you do Let me count the ways
First and foremost Irsquom a multi-passionate
Which means Irsquom business + marketing coach spiritual mentor writer + seeker of rad things And I canrsquot go past a mention of my two loves Nike high tops and Harry Styles
Who lives with youAt the moment Irsquom living with my parents on their yacht Wersquore getting ready to sail up the East Coast of Australia Irsquom then heading to the US and plan on renting out a pad in NYC with Juliethellipand when I returnhellip who knowshellip Irsquom open to suggestions
Did you a transition from a regular 9 to 5 job How did
that happen for you I transitioned from student to business owner While I was studying my Master of Speech Pathology (oh yeah Irsquom a speech pathologist too) I became so sick of having to adhere to the metal box that is university education Ya know playing by someone elsersquos rules so I started up a blog initially as a way to rebel from the box
The more I blogged the more I became obsessed with everything about being online ndash the connections with other likeminded women andhellip hold up the ability to work from anywhere in the world helping anyone with an internet connection Sign me up
I hired a butt load of mentors to help me along my way and at the start of 2014 I launched my first offering marketing and business coaching (yes I also have a degree in that too)
17
At the same time I got a one day a week speechie job to compliment my multi-passionate nature but after 4 months of doing that I realised itrsquos not in my nature to work for anyone else but myself
By then my business was bringing in the cash to support my decision to go all in
And here I am on a boat
What is your current business model Itrsquos currently me and my teeny team of rad peeps Irsquove got my VA my copywriter and communications consultant and my graphic designer I love having people compliment what I do
The business model ndash well I started with the advisor model really only selling my expertise and coaching on a 11 basis but Irsquom now creating an eCourse to help hundreds of women become more spiritual without losing touch with the real world Essentially real world spirituality the unwanky way and Irsquom crazy excited
Throughout this journey Irsquove realised that my business and how I operate is always going to evolve and accepting that has freed me up to do so much more of the things I love
Do you see this business model changing in the futureI had an epiphany recently that I want to help as many people as I can so Irsquom now starting to gear my business towards that kind of model with eCourses and programs that are offered at a lower price point
Exciting times
My motto in business (and life) never say never
Wersquore operating in a dynamic environment The dumbest thing you can do for your business is feel you
have to lock yourself in
By all means pick something and give it a red hot go ndash but know that as the environment changes around you you need to accommodate that
Woke up at 630 for breakfast and coffee
Had a three hour intensive with my latest client who lives in Scotland from 7-10
Did a bit of admin and setting up the membership site of my new eCourse
Went to see Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles at 1 (nerd much)
Got home at 4
Felt inspired to read so whipped out my latest book
Wrote a little after dinner for my latest opt-in offer
Ended the day watching reruns of The Mindy Project
A Da
y In
The
Lif
e of
Eliza
beth
Do you feel like an introvert or an extrovert and does that affect how you do businessCan I say Irsquom both Sometimes I need to be around people to get more energy and sometimes I need to be alone to recharge too
I think therersquos a bit of a dance I do in my business where I need to have days like the Friday above because otherwise my energy gets stagnant and the creative flow stops
What are your favourite parts of businessWriting Creating
And the ability to not work when I donrsquot want to
18
Least favouriteWordpress admin Although when I nail something (finally) I get a major sense of achievement
Do you feel like yoursquove made sacrifices to live this lifestyle What are theyDefinitely At the moment Irsquove had to let me pooch live with his dad while Irsquom on a boat and while I got to NYC
I wish he could be with me 247
What are your Core Desired Feelings raquo Free raquo Luxurious raquo Joy
Any special tools or routines you implement regularly to feel or perform awesomelyThe number one thing that I do regularly is clear my chakras via a breathing and visualisation meditation It takes 20 minutes and it seriously changes the tune of my day I can usually go a day without but too long and I notice that Irsquom underperforming
Quickfire Faves
BOOK The Anatomy of the Spirit by Caroline Myss Although I hated it originally mostly because I didnrsquot want to hear the messages that were coming through
WEBSITE YouTube Canrsquot go past finding an olds 90s jam or interviews with Harry Styles to watch
EARLY MORNING ACTIVITY Chakra Clearing
LATE NIGHT ACTIVITY Watching reruns of my favourite TV shows
GOURMET SNACK I donrsquot do gourmet myself but Irsquom all for gourmet cafe food (itrsquos the Melbournian in me) It could be a sugary almond macaroon or full fat grilled haloumi
Elizabeth is a professional business coach spiritual mentor and the creator of The Spiritual Material Girl eCourse Shersquos also the creator of high-end private coaching programs and courses geared towards helping ambitious and successful women who lsquoseemrsquo like theyrsquove got it all figured outhellip yet who still donrsquot feel like their heartrsquos truly fulfilled
Shersquos the go-to for helping you tackle your biz blocks tap into your spiritual side and live a totally kick-ass life With her trademark blend of heartfelt honesty and straight-talking swagger she ties it all together to set you on the fast track to personal professional and spiritual success
Instead of just keepinrsquo on doing whatrsquos not working Elizabeth can show you how to get exactly what you want ndash whether that means building a business you love creating more happiness or simply getting more out of your life You can find Elizabeth over at her home on the internet Your Highest Self
19
Vienda Maria
Vienda Maria is a lifestyle coach author and creative who helps Bon Vivants coaches yogis creatives and entrepreneurs create thriving semi-nomadic unconventional lives that are fulfilling both soulfully and financially Through her coaching events books Gypset Mindset Class course and online community Vienda has inspired and transformed the lives of thousands across the globe ldquoMy mission is simple to guide each and every one of you back to who you really are To come home back to your soul and allowing it to guide your destiny For more love More fun More freedom More adventure More liferdquo Visit Vienda online here
20
What do you do Irsquom a lifestyle coach and writer who helps emerging creatives and professionals create a life thatrsquos a little a it unusual Itrsquos about breaking away from structured office hours and recognising their ability to create their own jobs and money by using their innate passions skills and talents in ways that are a little bit out of the box Itrsquos all about stepping out of a limiting mindset and seeing what is actually possible
Who lives with youI live on my own
Did you a transition from a regular 9 to 5 job How did that happen for you Not really Irsquove always had an extremely free lifestyle and only dabbled into a couple of office jobs along the way when I was inbetween other things
My transition to my current life happened out of the necessity to create something for myself that supported my lifestyle and was financially sustainable After studying psychology at uni I worked at international film and music festivals and other events which was really fun and exciting 12 years later I had fallen in love with being my own boss and traveling the world It was then that I realised that there are so many people who would love to travel have more freedom and time and create their own jobs and that I could help them
What is your current business model Irsquom a very independent worker so I tend to work solo though Irsquove just hired an intern to help me with some of the admin and social media stuff which is quite exciting I sell a range of different things ndash my coaching services make up most of my income followed by products in the form of eBooks and
jewellery collected on my travels Irsquom just about to launch my first course a set of 6 live classes to help beginners create their own unconventional lifestyle so thatrsquos very exciting and keeping me busy
Do you see this business model changing in the future Yes I think as an entreprenuer one the greatest characteristics you can have is flexibility Being flexible with how you do things always changing growing and updating is so important If you want to keep up with business you have to be comfortable and willing to change
What does a day-in-the-life look like for you I travel a lot so my day-to-day varies quite a lot but I usually start the day with writing content for my course blog or anything else that needs my creative input because in the morning my creativity is the highest I keep the mundane tasks for later in the day usually after my coaching calls I check emails and social media twice a day ndash once in the morning and once in the afternoon ndash which usually give me a good indication of what else needs to be done
And I always end my working day with a To Do list for the next day so I wake up with clarity and know exactly what I need to focus on
Irsquom really interested in time efficiency and productivity so choose to focus on doing things that I love and that generate the most response
Do you feel like an introvert or an extrovert and does that affect how you do business Hmmm ndash Irsquom an introverted extrovert I really enjoy my own company and fuel up energetically with time to myself But I also love and need social stimulation inspiration and everything that people bring into our
21
lives I guess itrsquos about balance and listening to your own needs
What are your favourite parts of business Creating and connecting I love the work I do so much ndash when one of my clients has an ah-ha that transforms everything they previously believed to be true ndash it just rocks my world Being able to help people create lives that they thought were only made of dream-stuff is so very fulfilling I learn so much from this process myself Therersquos such a powerful beauty in creating a community of like-minded individuals And I love being creative always thinking of new ideas and new ways to share the information tools and concepts that I have with my tribe
Least favourite Tax I just I have no idea how people manage all that side of things Irsquod do my best to keep everything tidy and organised for my accountant but it hurts my brain when itrsquos tax time
Do you feel like yoursquove made sacrifices to live this lifestyle What are they I think we make sacrifices in every lifestyle we choose There is always something that we choose to let go of in order to have something else But when itrsquos a choice it doesnrsquot really feel like a sacrifice
For example I donrsquot own a ton of material possessions because that would just be silly considering how much I move around For me however that is very freeing rather than a sacrifice I mean what could I possibly really need I love my lifestyle It suits me perfectly And thatrsquos all that matters
What are your Core Desired Feelings raquo Flow raquo Freedom raquo Inspiration raquo Gratitude
Any special tools or routines you implement regularly to feel or perform awesomely I meditate daily and exercise daily I set intentions (goals) monthly and review them every month I practice positive thinking and train my mind to focus on the things that light me up and make me feel good to exclusion of all others because I know that I create my life with my thoughts And things that make me feel good attract more things that make me feel good
BOOK Going Pro by Steven Pressfield
WEBSITE Instagram
EARLY MORNING ACTIVITY Meditation
LATE NIGHT ACTIVITY Journaling
GOURMET SNACK Salted Pistachios
I donrsquot own a ton of material possessions because that would just be silly
considering how much I move around For me however that is very freeing
rather than a sacrifice
Quickfire Faves
22
Amelia Lee
What do you doIrsquom an architect and have been working in the architectural industry for almost twenty years I recently started Undercover Architect which is about empowering YOU to create your well-designed home through online information tools products and services
Irsquom also a Director on the Qld Development Board for The Hunger Project an NGO that works to end hunger and poverty in third world countries by empowering those affected most to feed their families and create hope for their futures
Who lives with you I live with my husband Brandon and son (aged 7) and two daughters (aged 5 and 3) We also have a dog 6 chickens 5 ducklings and shortly 5 miniature cows
Did you a transition from a regular 9 to 5 job How did that happen for youI worked long hours in architectural practices for many years (more like 7am ndash 7pm) managing teams and big projects before I had kids We also wanted to keep them at home with us so over the last 12 years we have renovated 3 homes (whilst living in them) as a means of supplementing our income and supporting the way we wanted to live Wersquove both worked part-time or changed our working hours around kids and the renovating
When my second baby was 4 months old I started an architectural practice with 5 colleagues By the time my third bub was born we had grown our business to have about 10 crew and I didnrsquot really stop work
I left my business in June to pursue a new life My husband and I relocated our family to the Byron Bay Hinterland to a 77 acre property After a big year personally and professionally last year it seemed like the right time to make the move We wanted to stop
23
delaying the dream
What is your current business model Itrsquos just me ndash a one-man band madly writing content and building my website with information tools and advice Irsquom also providing architectural services to some individual clients which I can do remotely
Do you see this business model changing in the futureI will need some additional support in admin web support and marketingadvertising as the business builds My hope is to maintain my flexible work-from-home practises and create a virtual team of independent collaborators to enable this I want my business to be at a scale where I can provide significant financial support to The Hunger Project
What does a day-in-the-life look like for you I get up early and go for a walkrun while listening to an audio book I finish with a brief meditation to set my intentions for the day and then the kids are up and my husband and I run the gauntlet of brekkie lunches school uniforms and getting them to the bus
After the dust has settled I make myself a big cup of coffee and if itrsquos a work day I head to my office which is over our garage I have found that this new experience of working solely on my own without
imposed deadlines etc has required some new tools to create structure and discipline and itrsquos something Irsquom still working on
We all eat dinner together at about 5pm and I do love that we spend time like this together every day
Since the beginning of 2012 I have been taking a photo every day of something Irsquom grateful for and posting it to my Facebook page with a description Itrsquos helped me be a lot more present to the every day joy and beauty that exists
Do you feel like an introvert or an extrovert and does that affect how you do businessI recently found out I was 51 Extrovert ndash which means that Irsquom borderline Introvert also I can get VERY absorbed in my work ndash which is a great problem to have
However given the whole reason we are creating a life this way is to spend more time together as a family Irsquom aware that needs to be kept in check I ultimately would love to do speaking engagements workshops etc so will be drawing on the Extrovert tilt for this
What are your favourite parts of businessI love the lsquostartrsquo of things I am insatiably curious Learning something for the first time figuring it out and getting it to work Irsquom enjoying writing enormously
Least favouriteRevisiting things over and over again And given that my business is still in its early days income-wise I am resisting the pressure of needing to sell and market I want to create great clarity around who my ideal clients are before I launch myself out there
THE VIEW FROM MY HOME OFFICE
24
Do you feel like yoursquove made sacrifices to live this lifestyle What are theyWhere we are now is the culmination of 12 years of very very hard work with a goal and a vision Wersquove lived through 3 renovations Wersquove sunk all our money into homes we were creating for other people and scrimped on most other things because we were always working on the house It was so worth it though
Where we are now is the culmination of 12 years of
very very hard work with a goal and a vision
What are the values you live by My values are Joy|Love|Laughter|Fun (thatrsquos one) Innovation Inspiration and Spaciousness Abundance and Bravery are themes I work to explore
Seth Godin also replied to an email of thanks I once sent him telling me to ldquoGo make a ruckusrdquo ndash so that informs what I do also
Any special tools or routines you implement regularly to feel or perform awesomelyExercise and meditation and I also do a bit of Cognitive Behaviour Therapy My grateful photos also are really important in this
BOOK Tim Ferrissrsquo 4 Hour Work Week It just completely opened my eyes to this whole other way of doing business that wasnrsquot about selling my time for money
WEBSITE Facebook I find it a great way to touch quickly in the lives of my friends but also to get access to lots of inspirational and info ndash like HONY Oprahrsquos Super Soul Sunday Huffington Post Gabby Bernstein
EARLY MORNING ACTIVITY A walkrun stretch and meditation
LATE NIGHT ACTIVITY Meditation while I do my lsquolegs up the wallrsquo pose It makes a massive difference to how I sleep and how rested I feel in the morning
GOURMET SNACK Loving Earth Luvju Raw Organic Orange and Gubinge Chocolate Otherwise I make great fruit-free bliss balls with cacao maca powder and protein powder
Quickfire Faves
You can connect with Amelia online at UndercoverArchitectcom
25
Elizabeth Kelsey BradleyWhat do you do Irsquom a writer and consultant that creates compelling content and social media strategies for businesses around the world I work with companies of all sizes and in all niches but my passion is with helping holistic entrepreneurs
Who lives with you My husband daughter and our insane pets
Did you a transition from a regular 9 to 5 job How did that happen for youI have never had a 9 to 5 ever My father was an entrepreneur and even though he never ever spoke of what it meant to be an entrepreneur his calling seemed to rub off on me
Irsquom literally unemployable Irsquom an artist and rebel and need to do things my own way even though Irsquom a
people person
But how I ended up finally making a business was when my husband couldnrsquot find work and things got scary I began researching like mad how I could work online and it took me years to finally learn marketing particularly with social media and content Despite how hard my first few years were (and I wouldnrsquot want to repeat them) Irsquom glad I learned the hard way as I am able to help others and can relate to women who are just beginning their entrepreneurial journey I look at entrepreneurship as a great honor for me to be able to help others and be of service
What is your current business model I am solo I sell consulting services and also do freelance writing and photography for companies that donrsquot have a staff writer I really need an intern or VA at this point though and am looking for someone
26
Do you see this business model changing in the futureYes and no Yes I will need to hire someone and ideally two people now that I have branched out into creating courses and ebooks but no in regards to my consulting services changing as what I do is in demand People feel confused about social media and creating regular content so I think it will be the same business model for a long time to come
What does a day-in-the-life look like for you Well Irsquom a vampire apparently as I mainly work nights which here in Thailand would be morning time where many of my clients live During the day I am homeschooling mum and also carry in my bag some of my work for
when I need to do some writing or analysis of a clientrsquos social media
Do you feel like an introvert or an extrovert and does that affect how you do businessIrsquom an extrovert but a highly sensitive one This has actually worked in my favour as I have a process for weeding out people who donrsquot fit my Ideal Client profile so that I can maintain my energy and do the best I can with the entrepreneurs who I can best serve
What are your favourite parts of businessI adore talking with clients on the phone or in person so basically anytime Irsquom geeking out about social media and writing
27
Least favouriteAnything to do with SEO
Do you feel like yoursquove made sacrifices to live this lifestyle What are theyEntrepreneurship is isolating in general Add that to the fact that we live on an island in Thailand and itrsquos double the isolation but to be honest this was the best place for us to build our online businesses as itrsquos affordable to live here and safe so I have no regrets
What are your Core Desired Feelings Connection serenity ease truth Values wise Irsquom wild but extremely family oriented
Any special tools or routines you implement regularly to feel or perform awesomelyI read from spiritual or philosophical books and take regular walks Both give me loads of ideas for storytelling which is the essence of what I do Podcasts are also a huge part of my routine particularly those devoted to marketing
BOOK Ocean Sea (buy it now AMAZING)
WEBSITE wwwholisticdadnet
EARLY MORNING ACTIVITY Drinking yerba mate and some yoga
LATE NIGHT ACTIVITY Good beer and a video game
GOURMET SNACK Anything with white truffle oil on it
Quickfire Faves
Elizabeth Kelsey Bradley is an award-winning writer consultant and photojournalist currently based in Thailand Her work has appeared on sites such as Tiny Buddha Vagabonding and in Girl Gone International magazine
As a consultant she helps companies develop effective social media and content strategies She is currently devoted to helping holistic entrepreneurs grow their online platforms at Thriving Healer
28
PAPERLESS OFFICELETrsquoS LEAVE MORE OF OUR TREE FRIENDS IN THE GROUND AND TAKE ADVANTAGE OF THE EXCELLENT APPS AVAILABLE INSTEAD AFTER ALL WErsquoRE RUNNING OUR DEVICES FOR MOST OF THE DAY ANYWAY - MAY AS WELL TAKE ADVANTAGE OF THEIR RAD CAPABILITIES
29
SWAPWriting Lists
FORWunderlist
AnyDoTodoist
SWAPHardcopy Books
FOR
KindleiBooks
SWAPPrinting + Scanning
Contracts
FOR
EchosignHellosignSWAP
Taking Notes + Printing Articles
FOREvernote
SWAPBrainstorming
+ Mind Mapping
FORSimpleMind
Coggle
30
HOW DARE YOU S E T T L E F O R L E S S WHEN THE WORLD h a s m a d e i t SO EASY F O R Y O U T O B E remarkable
SETH GODIN
31
JASMINE DOWLING MAPS TO HERSELF THE FIFTH ELEMENT LIFE
MOSSYJOJO TRICIA O DESIGNSIMPLY LOVE CREATIONS
BY SAMANTHA STACEY KEMPPENFRIEND
Jazz up your office walls with prints that stoke your creative fire
32
THE YES EPIDEMIC
33
THE YES EPIDEMIC
OurCoverStar
34
Whether it be a night out (when Irsquom exhausted) a favour (thatrsquos asking a little too much) or a date (that I know isnrsquot going to go anywhere) Irsquove typically and reluctantly replied to these requests with a lsquosure thingrsquo more times than Irsquod care to admit
Take on another client when my schedule is fully booked Absolutely
Offer to shout a friendrsquos breakfast when I really donrsquot have the cash to splash Of course
Commit to another online course when Irsquom barely halfway through the other 8 Irsquove signed up for this year Why yes
The Yes Epidemic has woven its way into our exceptionally busy (and beautiful) lives with the promise of MORE More connection more exposure more opportunity more money more education more insight more success And the more we do the more we are - right
Wrong
The reality is the more we constantly fill our plates to the brim (oh letrsquos admit it our plates are overflowing) with commitment after
commitment the less space we are leaving for us to just BE
To be immersed in who we are what our dreams and desires are to love to play to breathe
By saying lsquoyesrsquo like itrsquos going out of fashion we find ourselves spread as thin as vegemite on gluten-free toast Our energy and vitality are compromised and we donrsquot show up in the world as our best selves
So here are a few tips I use with my clients (and myself regularly) to get in the habit of saying lsquonorsquo a little more often
Irsquove never been very good at saying lsquonorsquo
35
Reflective routine with a heaping dose of reality is key here Take an honest look at your weekly schedule and ensure that you are focussing your precious time energy and resources on the people activities and
projects that are aligned with your values Is this commitment important to you Then honour it with your time Not so important
Time to shift things up
I canrsquot go past Marie Forleorsquos advice on this subject When somebody presents you with an opportunity if itrsquos not a HELL YES then itrsquos a no
Go with your gut always
Forget the FOMO The lsquofear of missing outrsquo is what keeps most of us on the Sure Thing Wagon and itrsquos just not sustainable Trust that all the
opportunities that are meant for you will come your way at the right time for you
Send your lsquonorsquo off with love Therersquos no need to feel uncomfortable turning down a request when you do so with kindness respect and
humility Excuses can be left at the door just honour your good intentions and everyone involved in the situation
Remember every time you give a loving inspired lsquonorsquo you are giving others the permission to do the same thing I always feel energised when someone turns down a request because it reminds me to respect myself
enough to pull out that gentle lsquonorsquo when required too
1
23
45
AND THE BEST THING ABOUT SAYING lsquoNOrsquo WHEN THE TIME COMES THAT A lsquoSURE THINGrsquo IS IN FACT THE HEART-CENTRED RESPONSE YOU EXCITEDLY GIVE ITrsquoS MUCH SWEETER MORE MEANINGFUL AND A HELLUVA LOT MORE VALUABLE
Claire Baker is a certified coach and mentor passionate writer and speaker and author of lsquoShe Is Radiant Your 6-Week Wellness Adventure To Get Glowy amp Feel Radrsquo Claire guides vibrant young women as they get from where they are to where they want to be ndash in their health and life blog and business
You can consider Claire your personal advocate for living an energised playful and heart-centred life Come say hi at This is Lifeblood her online space to share her passion for all things nourishing soulful and creative
CLAIRErsquoS TOP FIVE TIPS TO GET INTO THE HABIT OF SAYING NO
36
37
artOF THE
THE
soloSOULRETREAT
38
When you live a soul-driven and passionate life you very likely live and breathe your lsquoworkrsquo 247
I put the word work in inverted commas because for you itrsquos likely just you leading your amazing life (and more power to you my friend) But amidst this you may find it difficult to switch off and cultivate the spaciousness to just let it all hang out and exist without an agenda or a to-do list anywhere in site
Enter stage left the Solo Soul Retreat I took myself on one recently and by golly did it give me the exact level of time out and rejoove that this soul-driven lassy needed Maybe itrsquos about time you took yourself on one
Here are some tips for creating the perfect conditions for your solo soul retreat
Pick a place close byI chose the Byron area because itrsquos only two hours drive from where I live And this is important because while you want to be lsquoawayrsquo to unplug from the numerous distractions of home you donrsquot want to be so far away that you feel obliged to check out all the sights and scoot around lsquodoingrsquo your little butt off You want to create a feeling of not having to do ANYTHING if you donrsquot feel like it Moment to moment awareness and tapping into what you truly want to do is critical to the restorative nature of the solo soul retreat So if that means a nap in the afternoon without checking out the sights do it Sans the guilt
Making it somewhere close by means you can convince your inner tourist that you can come back any time you want to So donrsquot book your long awaited trip to Bali for this particular retreat style I recommend scouting around Air BnB for some great bargains near you
Book for at least 2-3 nights away (more if possible)It takes awhile for us to wind down and get in to the rhythm of a slower pace so give yourself as much time as possible to sink deeply in to relaxation I find that it takes my body a good day or so (at least) to realise itrsquos on holiday A weekend is good a long weekend even better And a week would be crazy good
Set an intentionFor my soul retreat it was to cultivate a feeling of internal ease and spaciousness I was so tightly wound and constricted from within I wanted to feel joyous energy flowing through me again
39
unimpeded
An intention is a helpful anchor that you can come back to throughout the retreat when you feel your energy flitting away to unnecessary distractions Revisit your intention throughout your retreat and ease back into the feeling you wish to cultivate
Immerse yourself in natureWherever you head to find some time to plonk yourself amidst the stunning natural surrounds of Mama Nature There is absolutely NOTHING that compares to the healing capacity of earthing ourselves at the beach or in the forest or just a little garden Barefoot and butt on the ground meditating or just sitting and quietly contemplating our wondrous natural world will have you relaxing into zen in no time
Silence is goldenTaking time to retreat also means giving your mind a bit of a break (hence the lsquono doingrsquo rule) try out not talking which shouldnrsquot be too hard if yoursquore on your own and see what kind of insights
There is absolutely NOTHING that compares to the healing capacity of earthing ourselves at the beach
or in the forest or just a little garden
Barefoot and butt on the ground meditating or just sitting and
quietly contemplating our wondrous natural world
will have you relaxing into zen in no time
40
begin to pop into your nogginrsquo when you donrsquot have to constantly communicate
Pamper yourselfWhat feels really decadent to you For my recent retreat it was heading to a spa and bathhouse for the morning soaking in oxygenated spa baths steaming myself in the sauna and relaxing on a sun lounge in the tranquil spa gardens with a good book
For you it might be a luxurious massage and energy balancing treatment Or maybe itrsquos a delicious meal you take your time with at an amazing restaurant nearby Perhaps itrsquos allowing yourself to lounge around in bed with your favourite book and a cup of tea Whatever it is allow yourself these delights As many as you please gorgeous one
Body-loving foodIf you have a kitchen at your accommodation pack yourself the kind of food you know your body loves Think veggies fruit some bliss balls your fave teas raw cacao and honey for a delish hot chocolate If you have a portable blender pack up your ingredients to whip yourself up some delights while yoursquore there Alternatively and if you have time prepare a few things before you head off You can pre-cook quinoa lentil curries and rice dishes to heat up whenever you fancy If there are local farmerrsquos markets you can even do a bit of purchasing there for your meals (and because yoursquore so close to home bringing back the leftovers is a cinch)
Scout around a little and find some local cafeacutes or
41
restaurants that tickle your fancy and take yourself out for a meal that makes your body scream YES
Soul nourishing practices Rituals and practices help us to sink more deeply in to our soulrsquos true nature Bring along whatever stokes your soul fire and brings you into present moment awareness Cultivating reverence for yourself and life itself is a crucial aspect of your soul retreat Some practices you may consider are raquo Meditation (guided or just simply following your inhale and exhale) I find the Kundalini Ego
Eradicator meditation particularly soul-nourishing (and frankly life changing) raquo Journaling ndash with no thought as to what to write just jot down whatever comes to you Yoursquoll be
amazed at the cathartic feelings and insights this brings raquo Yoga (on your own or find a class nearby that resonates with you) raquo Playing with oracle cards Ask a question or for general guidance and see how your guides and
the Universe responds The Little Sagersquos deck is divine raquo Reading soulfully inspiring books raquo Lighting some incense and writing an epic gratitude list raquo A walking meditation through nature raquo Get arty play around with whatever you have Love colour Bring your paints Doodle Donrsquot
judge the results just let it flow out of you
Overall the point of this solo soul retreat is that you do what you genuinely want to do in the moment So nix the over planning as you may do with other trips away Settle into present moment awareness and allow yourself to be rather than just do Listen with kindness to your inner child Let her out to play (Mega hint she really doesnrsquot want to be bossed around) Gifting yourself this time is your surefire way to feeling rejuvenated refreshed and ready to live life to its fullest
Enjoy gorgeous one
Carly is a passionate international aid and development project manager and writer Carly works on projects in Australia and the Asia-Pacific region focusing on cultivating sustainable livelihoods the empowerment of women community enterprise local market development and positive social change
Head on over to Carlyrsquos blog Pockets of Peace for her soul-centred musings on peace wellness and oodles of inspiration
42
The most powerful weapon on earth is the human soul
on fire
F E R D I N A N D F O C H
43
Five Minute Fixes
FOR FEAR AND OVERWHELM
44
IF YOUrsquoRE RUNNING YOUR OWN BIZ YOUrsquoD BE FAMILIAR WITH THE PHENOMENON OF FEAR AND OVERWHELM YOU KNOW WHEN YOU JUST FEEL STUCK PARALYSED NOT SURE WHICH CHOICE TO MAKE OR ACTION TO TAKE YOU HAVE DEADLINES LOOMING THE PRESSURE IS MOUNTING AND YOUrsquoRE BLOCKED YOU NEED TO GET OUT OF YOUR OVERWHELM RIGHT NOW SO YOU CAN GET BACK TO CHANGING THE WORLD
Here are five practices designed to break the fear cycle and get you out of your head and into your body in five minutes or less
Go outside Get out into the sunlight See the sky take off your shoes and feel the grass tickle your toes Close your eyes Feel the heat on your skin Take some deep breaths and smell the air Tune in to the sounds around you Become still Fully engage with the present moment and drop into the sensations in your body
Deep breathing You can use a mantra such as So-Hum you can count the length of each inhale and exhale or you can do as many rounds of Nadi Shodhana (alternate nostril breathing) as you can fit into five minutes Whatever yoursquore most comfortable with do that Breath is the bridge between the inner and outer realities Deep breathing will calm the nervous system and bring your attention to the present moment
Move Go for a brisk walk Put on your favourite tune plug in the headphones and dance (in the bathroom cubicle if yoursquore embarrassed to do it in publichellip because thatrsquos not weird at all) Have a quickie on your own or with a partner Or you can shake it out Start with your right foot shake it as hard as possible to the count of 10 Then your whole leg Then the left foot and left leg Then the right hand then the right arm then the left hand and arm Then fold forward and gently shake your head - back to front side to side Then stand up again and shake your whole body like you know how
Then stand in stillness for 2 minutes to balance out the movement Listen to your heartbeat Yoursquove just expressed and released some negative energy so take a standing Savasana (resting pose) to integrate Make sure you smooth your hair after this one
45
Aromatherapy Get a bottle of essential oil and sniff it - simple Smell affects the limbic system which is responsible for the storage and release of emotional trauma You can immediately calm your body with the right scent
Make sure you get 100 therapeutic grade pure essential oil - these have a high vibrational frequency and you donrsquot want any nasties entering your system through inferior quality oil Lavender is proven to calm the nervous system as is frankincense balsam fir basil cedar wood and sandalwood You can purchase calming blends from your local aromatherapist or get them to custom-make a blend for you
Make some noise This is especially good if you work from home or drive to work as you may want privacy Get a pillow or lock yourself in the car and scream as loud as you can connecting deeply to your pelvis Give yourself permission to vocalise all that frustration fear shame guilt whatever is building up in your energy field Sound is the end of feeling When you express vocally you are releasing emotion and ending the cycle of repression Done regularly this will also enhance your creativity and self-expression - benefiting your business (and sex life) in the long run
These practices work for me and Irsquod love to know if they resonate with you
Irsquom Emma a multi-passionate self-love junkie who loves supporting people on their journey to wellness Since suffering from adrenal burnout and a host of related conditions Irsquove dedicated myself to personal healing and growth and encouraging others to find their own unique path By day Irsquom a yoga teacher virtual assistant and event coordinator for wellness entrepreneurs and outside of that yoursquoll find me salsa dancing travelling and eating raw desserts
Connect with me at emmashieldscom
46
Abandon anything about your life and habits that might be holding you back
Learn to create your own opportunities
Know that there is no finish line fortune favors action
Race balls-out toward the extraordinary life that yoursquove always dreamed of
or still havenrsquot had time to dream up
And prepare to have a hell of a lot of fun along the way
SOPHIA AMORUSO
47
Why you should create aHIGH-CONVERTING OPT-IN OFFER
A critical component of building your online business is growing your email list and creating a compelling opt-in offer is one of the best ways to kickstart this growth
You want your email list to be made up of people who are genuinely interested in you and what you have to offer your target market Your ideal customers and readers
Thatrsquos why your opt-in offer (a gift to entice people to join your list) needs to be unique highly relevant to your business and of real value to your ideal clients If people are on your site checking you out they are already interested ndash you need to give them a compelling reason to sign up
What would your readers find valuable Something that saves them time money pain or makes their life easier better or more beautiful It also needs to be damn high quality Proofed designed and worth paying for
48
Why would you give away something so valuable for free
Because it shows yoursquore serious about helping people Because it builds trust with readers Because itrsquos a genuine thank you in return for a readerrsquos contact details Because itrsquos an ad for your business Yoursquore showing people the quality of what they will receive if they go on to work with you
How do you choose which is right for you Think about what you currently offer your readers or customers (as in content as well as services or products) What is popular What do they comment on most or ask questions about What would you love to create What would be the perfect compliment to a service you provide How can you genuinely help
Brainstorm a list then narrow it down to one ndash and get cracking
The best opt-ins are win-win ndash you gather details from ideal customers and the customers
receive something great that they need and want in return
Happy creating
PS Tricking people is icky Donrsquot do that Itrsquos of no use to have people on your list that donrsquot care about you or your products Be genuine Offer genuine value Get genuine sign-ups
SO WHAT SHOULD YOU OFFER
Here are a few ideas raquo A sneak peek or preview of a paid
product ndash like a free chapter or lesson
raquo A smaller version of a paid product ndash like a 3 day meal plan
raquo Something which compliments a service you offer
raquo Useful templates ndash like a product launch worksheet or a calendar
raquo Inspirational printables ndash like quotes or illustrations
raquo A mini eCourse ndash like 5 days of video coaching
raquo A discount ndash like 10 off their next purchase
raquo A VIP offer ndash like first dibs on tickets
raquo An eBook or workbook ndash like a recipe book or marketing plan
Alana Wimmer is Founder + Creative Director of mini digital publishing house Raspberry Stripes Alana works with rad lady entrepreneurs to design eBooks which will change the world She also provides guidance insight and info on eBook design on the Raspberry Stripes website When she isnrsquot designing reading or talking about eBooks you can find Alana walking Rory and Roxy the boxers with her husband in tow probably on her way to pick up a green smoothie
49
is a lack of self-worth
50
As a bright-eyed uni student I got pretty excited about all the opportunities that were due to unfold before me when I graduated
My approach to life has always been filled with excitement for the future I remember saying to friends in class that we were certain to be successful because enthusiasm trumps experience Sadly the path wasnrsquot as smooth as Irsquod imagined I naively thought that all bosses had a sixth-sense for talent even from shy girls who werenrsquot outward about their abilities
I applied for and took a series of jobs that from the job description seemed so overwhelmingly scary to do but within months if not weeks I was bored I lacked the self-worth to believe I could step up but Irsquod externalise this into anger at my employer for holding me back Eventually I realised it was all of my own creation I was the one who was playing small applying for and then taking jobs that wersquore well under my pay grade I even turned down a few including a big promotion because the amount of money offered was too much and it scared me Seriously
Years of study and I lacked the ability to dive in fully commit be brave be boisterous about my abilities and soar I found school easy and when things seemed challenging at work I put it down to an inability to perform If it wasnrsquot easy at first I accepted that I just wasnrsquot able I had yet to find out that some of the best lessons come from giving things a go and making a lot of mistakes Failing or in reality playing small was a comfort zone for me and success in my career was an unknown quantity I was used to struggle I was safe with my dreams The possibility of them coming true Too much to handle Irsquod have to learn to live in the present moment and I donrsquot think I was ready to do that I wasnrsquot ready to look closely at myself and see that for all my effort there was still a lot of inner work to do It was time to look within
I KNOW HOW EASY IT IS TO BUILD WALLS AROUND OUR DREAMS PUSH THEM FURTHER AWAY IN AN ATTEMPT TO PLAY SAFE AND LIVE LIFE ACCORDING TO EXTERNAL INFLUENCE I KNOW THE LEVEL OF DETERMINATION AND MENTAL GRIT IT TAKES TO OVERCOME OURSELVES START TAKING OWNERSHIP OF OUR THOUGHTS AND ULTIMATELY THE PATH OF OUR OWN LIVES
I love when clients ask me to guide them on this path because I know just what can happen when they get there I hold my hand out as a supportive leverage point and watch them soar
Something Irsquove learnt along the way The first step for many women in building self-worth is learning the art of body love Body love is all about learning to appreciate the capabilities of your body nourishing and taking care of your spirit and occasionally cutting yourself a break
51
Itrsquos looking in the mirror and liking the person you see not picking on the parts you donrsquot like Itrsquos making a choice about whether to wear a bikini based on your personal values and not about what your body looks like in one Dieting and restriction are low level energies that hold us back from achieving high level desires Negative thinking blocks our internal compass and our ability to connect to our intuition Body love is the gateway to high frequency living
We all have that version of ourselves that we aspire to be The woman who gets up to the alarm has patience and drive Shersquos got a sparkle in her eye a sense of confidence and knowing about her place in the world that emanates from her whole being She sits up straight and laughs with abandon From where we sit therersquos a chasm to leap in becoming that woman That woman represents ldquoone dayrdquo She represents effort She can seem unachievable In my experience body love is the first and most important step toward that woman Body love is filled with possibility promise and prosperity When we remove that low level energy of diet and restriction we can start to attract high frequencies We can start to become that woman in the present moment
Irsquove seen the shift first hand for so many people Suddenly the whole world opens up and the possibilities become endless The cloud lifts and pie-in-the-sky dreams show up in high-definition technicolour Thoughts that previously caused anxiety everything from going to lunch with new friends to finding a purpose in life start to feel as easy to read as words on a page Therersquos no more searching Itrsquos been replaced by a knowing excitement I watch as women become like bright-eyed students again endless possibilities opening up before them Only this time Theyrsquove got experience on their side
Suddenly the whole world
opens up and the
possibilities become
endless
The cloud lifts and
pie-in-the-sky dreams show
up in high-definition
technicolour
Rachelle is a Life + Confidence Coach at My Saturn Epoch She supports women through the big transitions in their life helping them to break their negative cycles to consciously create a happy life and positive mindset She is a big hearted business woman who is passionate about supporting women in pursuit of their own excellence so they can shine as a beacon to themselves their families and their communities
Connect with Rachelle at mysaturnepochcom
52
SUBSCRIBE TO RASPBERRY MAGAZINE
Grab an annual subscription and yoursquoll receive raquo 6 digital issues of Raspberry Magazine raquo an exclusive Annual Subscribers Thank You Pack
- which includes a printable manifesto beautiful meditation tracks an eBook and more contributed by generous lady entrepreneurs - worth over $35
VISIT THE SHOP
53
T H A N K Y O U F O R R E A D I N GA N D A M I L L I O N H I G H-F I V E S
I F Y O U L O V E D R A S P B E R R YM A G A Z I N E P L E A S E S H A R E
54
17
At the same time I got a one day a week speechie job to compliment my multi-passionate nature but after 4 months of doing that I realised itrsquos not in my nature to work for anyone else but myself
By then my business was bringing in the cash to support my decision to go all in
And here I am on a boat
What is your current business model Itrsquos currently me and my teeny team of rad peeps Irsquove got my VA my copywriter and communications consultant and my graphic designer I love having people compliment what I do
The business model ndash well I started with the advisor model really only selling my expertise and coaching on a 11 basis but Irsquom now creating an eCourse to help hundreds of women become more spiritual without losing touch with the real world Essentially real world spirituality the unwanky way and Irsquom crazy excited
Throughout this journey Irsquove realised that my business and how I operate is always going to evolve and accepting that has freed me up to do so much more of the things I love
Do you see this business model changing in the futureI had an epiphany recently that I want to help as many people as I can so Irsquom now starting to gear my business towards that kind of model with eCourses and programs that are offered at a lower price point
Exciting times
My motto in business (and life) never say never
Wersquore operating in a dynamic environment The dumbest thing you can do for your business is feel you
have to lock yourself in
By all means pick something and give it a red hot go ndash but know that as the environment changes around you you need to accommodate that
Woke up at 630 for breakfast and coffee
Had a three hour intensive with my latest client who lives in Scotland from 7-10
Did a bit of admin and setting up the membership site of my new eCourse
Went to see Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles at 1 (nerd much)
Got home at 4
Felt inspired to read so whipped out my latest book
Wrote a little after dinner for my latest opt-in offer
Ended the day watching reruns of The Mindy Project
A Da
y In
The
Lif
e of
Eliza
beth
Do you feel like an introvert or an extrovert and does that affect how you do businessCan I say Irsquom both Sometimes I need to be around people to get more energy and sometimes I need to be alone to recharge too
I think therersquos a bit of a dance I do in my business where I need to have days like the Friday above because otherwise my energy gets stagnant and the creative flow stops
What are your favourite parts of businessWriting Creating
And the ability to not work when I donrsquot want to
18
Least favouriteWordpress admin Although when I nail something (finally) I get a major sense of achievement
Do you feel like yoursquove made sacrifices to live this lifestyle What are theyDefinitely At the moment Irsquove had to let me pooch live with his dad while Irsquom on a boat and while I got to NYC
I wish he could be with me 247
What are your Core Desired Feelings raquo Free raquo Luxurious raquo Joy
Any special tools or routines you implement regularly to feel or perform awesomelyThe number one thing that I do regularly is clear my chakras via a breathing and visualisation meditation It takes 20 minutes and it seriously changes the tune of my day I can usually go a day without but too long and I notice that Irsquom underperforming
Quickfire Faves
BOOK The Anatomy of the Spirit by Caroline Myss Although I hated it originally mostly because I didnrsquot want to hear the messages that were coming through
WEBSITE YouTube Canrsquot go past finding an olds 90s jam or interviews with Harry Styles to watch
EARLY MORNING ACTIVITY Chakra Clearing
LATE NIGHT ACTIVITY Watching reruns of my favourite TV shows
GOURMET SNACK I donrsquot do gourmet myself but Irsquom all for gourmet cafe food (itrsquos the Melbournian in me) It could be a sugary almond macaroon or full fat grilled haloumi
Elizabeth is a professional business coach spiritual mentor and the creator of The Spiritual Material Girl eCourse Shersquos also the creator of high-end private coaching programs and courses geared towards helping ambitious and successful women who lsquoseemrsquo like theyrsquove got it all figured outhellip yet who still donrsquot feel like their heartrsquos truly fulfilled
Shersquos the go-to for helping you tackle your biz blocks tap into your spiritual side and live a totally kick-ass life With her trademark blend of heartfelt honesty and straight-talking swagger she ties it all together to set you on the fast track to personal professional and spiritual success
Instead of just keepinrsquo on doing whatrsquos not working Elizabeth can show you how to get exactly what you want ndash whether that means building a business you love creating more happiness or simply getting more out of your life You can find Elizabeth over at her home on the internet Your Highest Self
19
Vienda Maria
Vienda Maria is a lifestyle coach author and creative who helps Bon Vivants coaches yogis creatives and entrepreneurs create thriving semi-nomadic unconventional lives that are fulfilling both soulfully and financially Through her coaching events books Gypset Mindset Class course and online community Vienda has inspired and transformed the lives of thousands across the globe ldquoMy mission is simple to guide each and every one of you back to who you really are To come home back to your soul and allowing it to guide your destiny For more love More fun More freedom More adventure More liferdquo Visit Vienda online here
20
What do you do Irsquom a lifestyle coach and writer who helps emerging creatives and professionals create a life thatrsquos a little a it unusual Itrsquos about breaking away from structured office hours and recognising their ability to create their own jobs and money by using their innate passions skills and talents in ways that are a little bit out of the box Itrsquos all about stepping out of a limiting mindset and seeing what is actually possible
Who lives with youI live on my own
Did you a transition from a regular 9 to 5 job How did that happen for you Not really Irsquove always had an extremely free lifestyle and only dabbled into a couple of office jobs along the way when I was inbetween other things
My transition to my current life happened out of the necessity to create something for myself that supported my lifestyle and was financially sustainable After studying psychology at uni I worked at international film and music festivals and other events which was really fun and exciting 12 years later I had fallen in love with being my own boss and traveling the world It was then that I realised that there are so many people who would love to travel have more freedom and time and create their own jobs and that I could help them
What is your current business model Irsquom a very independent worker so I tend to work solo though Irsquove just hired an intern to help me with some of the admin and social media stuff which is quite exciting I sell a range of different things ndash my coaching services make up most of my income followed by products in the form of eBooks and
jewellery collected on my travels Irsquom just about to launch my first course a set of 6 live classes to help beginners create their own unconventional lifestyle so thatrsquos very exciting and keeping me busy
Do you see this business model changing in the future Yes I think as an entreprenuer one the greatest characteristics you can have is flexibility Being flexible with how you do things always changing growing and updating is so important If you want to keep up with business you have to be comfortable and willing to change
What does a day-in-the-life look like for you I travel a lot so my day-to-day varies quite a lot but I usually start the day with writing content for my course blog or anything else that needs my creative input because in the morning my creativity is the highest I keep the mundane tasks for later in the day usually after my coaching calls I check emails and social media twice a day ndash once in the morning and once in the afternoon ndash which usually give me a good indication of what else needs to be done
And I always end my working day with a To Do list for the next day so I wake up with clarity and know exactly what I need to focus on
Irsquom really interested in time efficiency and productivity so choose to focus on doing things that I love and that generate the most response
Do you feel like an introvert or an extrovert and does that affect how you do business Hmmm ndash Irsquom an introverted extrovert I really enjoy my own company and fuel up energetically with time to myself But I also love and need social stimulation inspiration and everything that people bring into our
21
lives I guess itrsquos about balance and listening to your own needs
What are your favourite parts of business Creating and connecting I love the work I do so much ndash when one of my clients has an ah-ha that transforms everything they previously believed to be true ndash it just rocks my world Being able to help people create lives that they thought were only made of dream-stuff is so very fulfilling I learn so much from this process myself Therersquos such a powerful beauty in creating a community of like-minded individuals And I love being creative always thinking of new ideas and new ways to share the information tools and concepts that I have with my tribe
Least favourite Tax I just I have no idea how people manage all that side of things Irsquod do my best to keep everything tidy and organised for my accountant but it hurts my brain when itrsquos tax time
Do you feel like yoursquove made sacrifices to live this lifestyle What are they I think we make sacrifices in every lifestyle we choose There is always something that we choose to let go of in order to have something else But when itrsquos a choice it doesnrsquot really feel like a sacrifice
For example I donrsquot own a ton of material possessions because that would just be silly considering how much I move around For me however that is very freeing rather than a sacrifice I mean what could I possibly really need I love my lifestyle It suits me perfectly And thatrsquos all that matters
What are your Core Desired Feelings raquo Flow raquo Freedom raquo Inspiration raquo Gratitude
Any special tools or routines you implement regularly to feel or perform awesomely I meditate daily and exercise daily I set intentions (goals) monthly and review them every month I practice positive thinking and train my mind to focus on the things that light me up and make me feel good to exclusion of all others because I know that I create my life with my thoughts And things that make me feel good attract more things that make me feel good
BOOK Going Pro by Steven Pressfield
WEBSITE Instagram
EARLY MORNING ACTIVITY Meditation
LATE NIGHT ACTIVITY Journaling
GOURMET SNACK Salted Pistachios
I donrsquot own a ton of material possessions because that would just be silly
considering how much I move around For me however that is very freeing
rather than a sacrifice
Quickfire Faves
22
Amelia Lee
What do you doIrsquom an architect and have been working in the architectural industry for almost twenty years I recently started Undercover Architect which is about empowering YOU to create your well-designed home through online information tools products and services
Irsquom also a Director on the Qld Development Board for The Hunger Project an NGO that works to end hunger and poverty in third world countries by empowering those affected most to feed their families and create hope for their futures
Who lives with you I live with my husband Brandon and son (aged 7) and two daughters (aged 5 and 3) We also have a dog 6 chickens 5 ducklings and shortly 5 miniature cows
Did you a transition from a regular 9 to 5 job How did that happen for youI worked long hours in architectural practices for many years (more like 7am ndash 7pm) managing teams and big projects before I had kids We also wanted to keep them at home with us so over the last 12 years we have renovated 3 homes (whilst living in them) as a means of supplementing our income and supporting the way we wanted to live Wersquove both worked part-time or changed our working hours around kids and the renovating
When my second baby was 4 months old I started an architectural practice with 5 colleagues By the time my third bub was born we had grown our business to have about 10 crew and I didnrsquot really stop work
I left my business in June to pursue a new life My husband and I relocated our family to the Byron Bay Hinterland to a 77 acre property After a big year personally and professionally last year it seemed like the right time to make the move We wanted to stop
23
delaying the dream
What is your current business model Itrsquos just me ndash a one-man band madly writing content and building my website with information tools and advice Irsquom also providing architectural services to some individual clients which I can do remotely
Do you see this business model changing in the futureI will need some additional support in admin web support and marketingadvertising as the business builds My hope is to maintain my flexible work-from-home practises and create a virtual team of independent collaborators to enable this I want my business to be at a scale where I can provide significant financial support to The Hunger Project
What does a day-in-the-life look like for you I get up early and go for a walkrun while listening to an audio book I finish with a brief meditation to set my intentions for the day and then the kids are up and my husband and I run the gauntlet of brekkie lunches school uniforms and getting them to the bus
After the dust has settled I make myself a big cup of coffee and if itrsquos a work day I head to my office which is over our garage I have found that this new experience of working solely on my own without
imposed deadlines etc has required some new tools to create structure and discipline and itrsquos something Irsquom still working on
We all eat dinner together at about 5pm and I do love that we spend time like this together every day
Since the beginning of 2012 I have been taking a photo every day of something Irsquom grateful for and posting it to my Facebook page with a description Itrsquos helped me be a lot more present to the every day joy and beauty that exists
Do you feel like an introvert or an extrovert and does that affect how you do businessI recently found out I was 51 Extrovert ndash which means that Irsquom borderline Introvert also I can get VERY absorbed in my work ndash which is a great problem to have
However given the whole reason we are creating a life this way is to spend more time together as a family Irsquom aware that needs to be kept in check I ultimately would love to do speaking engagements workshops etc so will be drawing on the Extrovert tilt for this
What are your favourite parts of businessI love the lsquostartrsquo of things I am insatiably curious Learning something for the first time figuring it out and getting it to work Irsquom enjoying writing enormously
Least favouriteRevisiting things over and over again And given that my business is still in its early days income-wise I am resisting the pressure of needing to sell and market I want to create great clarity around who my ideal clients are before I launch myself out there
THE VIEW FROM MY HOME OFFICE
24
Do you feel like yoursquove made sacrifices to live this lifestyle What are theyWhere we are now is the culmination of 12 years of very very hard work with a goal and a vision Wersquove lived through 3 renovations Wersquove sunk all our money into homes we were creating for other people and scrimped on most other things because we were always working on the house It was so worth it though
Where we are now is the culmination of 12 years of
very very hard work with a goal and a vision
What are the values you live by My values are Joy|Love|Laughter|Fun (thatrsquos one) Innovation Inspiration and Spaciousness Abundance and Bravery are themes I work to explore
Seth Godin also replied to an email of thanks I once sent him telling me to ldquoGo make a ruckusrdquo ndash so that informs what I do also
Any special tools or routines you implement regularly to feel or perform awesomelyExercise and meditation and I also do a bit of Cognitive Behaviour Therapy My grateful photos also are really important in this
BOOK Tim Ferrissrsquo 4 Hour Work Week It just completely opened my eyes to this whole other way of doing business that wasnrsquot about selling my time for money
WEBSITE Facebook I find it a great way to touch quickly in the lives of my friends but also to get access to lots of inspirational and info ndash like HONY Oprahrsquos Super Soul Sunday Huffington Post Gabby Bernstein
EARLY MORNING ACTIVITY A walkrun stretch and meditation
LATE NIGHT ACTIVITY Meditation while I do my lsquolegs up the wallrsquo pose It makes a massive difference to how I sleep and how rested I feel in the morning
GOURMET SNACK Loving Earth Luvju Raw Organic Orange and Gubinge Chocolate Otherwise I make great fruit-free bliss balls with cacao maca powder and protein powder
Quickfire Faves
You can connect with Amelia online at UndercoverArchitectcom
25
Elizabeth Kelsey BradleyWhat do you do Irsquom a writer and consultant that creates compelling content and social media strategies for businesses around the world I work with companies of all sizes and in all niches but my passion is with helping holistic entrepreneurs
Who lives with you My husband daughter and our insane pets
Did you a transition from a regular 9 to 5 job How did that happen for youI have never had a 9 to 5 ever My father was an entrepreneur and even though he never ever spoke of what it meant to be an entrepreneur his calling seemed to rub off on me
Irsquom literally unemployable Irsquom an artist and rebel and need to do things my own way even though Irsquom a
people person
But how I ended up finally making a business was when my husband couldnrsquot find work and things got scary I began researching like mad how I could work online and it took me years to finally learn marketing particularly with social media and content Despite how hard my first few years were (and I wouldnrsquot want to repeat them) Irsquom glad I learned the hard way as I am able to help others and can relate to women who are just beginning their entrepreneurial journey I look at entrepreneurship as a great honor for me to be able to help others and be of service
What is your current business model I am solo I sell consulting services and also do freelance writing and photography for companies that donrsquot have a staff writer I really need an intern or VA at this point though and am looking for someone
26
Do you see this business model changing in the futureYes and no Yes I will need to hire someone and ideally two people now that I have branched out into creating courses and ebooks but no in regards to my consulting services changing as what I do is in demand People feel confused about social media and creating regular content so I think it will be the same business model for a long time to come
What does a day-in-the-life look like for you Well Irsquom a vampire apparently as I mainly work nights which here in Thailand would be morning time where many of my clients live During the day I am homeschooling mum and also carry in my bag some of my work for
when I need to do some writing or analysis of a clientrsquos social media
Do you feel like an introvert or an extrovert and does that affect how you do businessIrsquom an extrovert but a highly sensitive one This has actually worked in my favour as I have a process for weeding out people who donrsquot fit my Ideal Client profile so that I can maintain my energy and do the best I can with the entrepreneurs who I can best serve
What are your favourite parts of businessI adore talking with clients on the phone or in person so basically anytime Irsquom geeking out about social media and writing
27
Least favouriteAnything to do with SEO
Do you feel like yoursquove made sacrifices to live this lifestyle What are theyEntrepreneurship is isolating in general Add that to the fact that we live on an island in Thailand and itrsquos double the isolation but to be honest this was the best place for us to build our online businesses as itrsquos affordable to live here and safe so I have no regrets
What are your Core Desired Feelings Connection serenity ease truth Values wise Irsquom wild but extremely family oriented
Any special tools or routines you implement regularly to feel or perform awesomelyI read from spiritual or philosophical books and take regular walks Both give me loads of ideas for storytelling which is the essence of what I do Podcasts are also a huge part of my routine particularly those devoted to marketing
BOOK Ocean Sea (buy it now AMAZING)
WEBSITE wwwholisticdadnet
EARLY MORNING ACTIVITY Drinking yerba mate and some yoga
LATE NIGHT ACTIVITY Good beer and a video game
GOURMET SNACK Anything with white truffle oil on it
Quickfire Faves
Elizabeth Kelsey Bradley is an award-winning writer consultant and photojournalist currently based in Thailand Her work has appeared on sites such as Tiny Buddha Vagabonding and in Girl Gone International magazine
As a consultant she helps companies develop effective social media and content strategies She is currently devoted to helping holistic entrepreneurs grow their online platforms at Thriving Healer
28
PAPERLESS OFFICELETrsquoS LEAVE MORE OF OUR TREE FRIENDS IN THE GROUND AND TAKE ADVANTAGE OF THE EXCELLENT APPS AVAILABLE INSTEAD AFTER ALL WErsquoRE RUNNING OUR DEVICES FOR MOST OF THE DAY ANYWAY - MAY AS WELL TAKE ADVANTAGE OF THEIR RAD CAPABILITIES
29
SWAPWriting Lists
FORWunderlist
AnyDoTodoist
SWAPHardcopy Books
FOR
KindleiBooks
SWAPPrinting + Scanning
Contracts
FOR
EchosignHellosignSWAP
Taking Notes + Printing Articles
FOREvernote
SWAPBrainstorming
+ Mind Mapping
FORSimpleMind
Coggle
30
HOW DARE YOU S E T T L E F O R L E S S WHEN THE WORLD h a s m a d e i t SO EASY F O R Y O U T O B E remarkable
SETH GODIN
31
JASMINE DOWLING MAPS TO HERSELF THE FIFTH ELEMENT LIFE
MOSSYJOJO TRICIA O DESIGNSIMPLY LOVE CREATIONS
BY SAMANTHA STACEY KEMPPENFRIEND
Jazz up your office walls with prints that stoke your creative fire
32
THE YES EPIDEMIC
33
THE YES EPIDEMIC
OurCoverStar
34
Whether it be a night out (when Irsquom exhausted) a favour (thatrsquos asking a little too much) or a date (that I know isnrsquot going to go anywhere) Irsquove typically and reluctantly replied to these requests with a lsquosure thingrsquo more times than Irsquod care to admit
Take on another client when my schedule is fully booked Absolutely
Offer to shout a friendrsquos breakfast when I really donrsquot have the cash to splash Of course
Commit to another online course when Irsquom barely halfway through the other 8 Irsquove signed up for this year Why yes
The Yes Epidemic has woven its way into our exceptionally busy (and beautiful) lives with the promise of MORE More connection more exposure more opportunity more money more education more insight more success And the more we do the more we are - right
Wrong
The reality is the more we constantly fill our plates to the brim (oh letrsquos admit it our plates are overflowing) with commitment after
commitment the less space we are leaving for us to just BE
To be immersed in who we are what our dreams and desires are to love to play to breathe
By saying lsquoyesrsquo like itrsquos going out of fashion we find ourselves spread as thin as vegemite on gluten-free toast Our energy and vitality are compromised and we donrsquot show up in the world as our best selves
So here are a few tips I use with my clients (and myself regularly) to get in the habit of saying lsquonorsquo a little more often
Irsquove never been very good at saying lsquonorsquo
35
Reflective routine with a heaping dose of reality is key here Take an honest look at your weekly schedule and ensure that you are focussing your precious time energy and resources on the people activities and
projects that are aligned with your values Is this commitment important to you Then honour it with your time Not so important
Time to shift things up
I canrsquot go past Marie Forleorsquos advice on this subject When somebody presents you with an opportunity if itrsquos not a HELL YES then itrsquos a no
Go with your gut always
Forget the FOMO The lsquofear of missing outrsquo is what keeps most of us on the Sure Thing Wagon and itrsquos just not sustainable Trust that all the
opportunities that are meant for you will come your way at the right time for you
Send your lsquonorsquo off with love Therersquos no need to feel uncomfortable turning down a request when you do so with kindness respect and
humility Excuses can be left at the door just honour your good intentions and everyone involved in the situation
Remember every time you give a loving inspired lsquonorsquo you are giving others the permission to do the same thing I always feel energised when someone turns down a request because it reminds me to respect myself
enough to pull out that gentle lsquonorsquo when required too
1
23
45
AND THE BEST THING ABOUT SAYING lsquoNOrsquo WHEN THE TIME COMES THAT A lsquoSURE THINGrsquo IS IN FACT THE HEART-CENTRED RESPONSE YOU EXCITEDLY GIVE ITrsquoS MUCH SWEETER MORE MEANINGFUL AND A HELLUVA LOT MORE VALUABLE
Claire Baker is a certified coach and mentor passionate writer and speaker and author of lsquoShe Is Radiant Your 6-Week Wellness Adventure To Get Glowy amp Feel Radrsquo Claire guides vibrant young women as they get from where they are to where they want to be ndash in their health and life blog and business
You can consider Claire your personal advocate for living an energised playful and heart-centred life Come say hi at This is Lifeblood her online space to share her passion for all things nourishing soulful and creative
CLAIRErsquoS TOP FIVE TIPS TO GET INTO THE HABIT OF SAYING NO
36
37
artOF THE
THE
soloSOULRETREAT
38
When you live a soul-driven and passionate life you very likely live and breathe your lsquoworkrsquo 247
I put the word work in inverted commas because for you itrsquos likely just you leading your amazing life (and more power to you my friend) But amidst this you may find it difficult to switch off and cultivate the spaciousness to just let it all hang out and exist without an agenda or a to-do list anywhere in site
Enter stage left the Solo Soul Retreat I took myself on one recently and by golly did it give me the exact level of time out and rejoove that this soul-driven lassy needed Maybe itrsquos about time you took yourself on one
Here are some tips for creating the perfect conditions for your solo soul retreat
Pick a place close byI chose the Byron area because itrsquos only two hours drive from where I live And this is important because while you want to be lsquoawayrsquo to unplug from the numerous distractions of home you donrsquot want to be so far away that you feel obliged to check out all the sights and scoot around lsquodoingrsquo your little butt off You want to create a feeling of not having to do ANYTHING if you donrsquot feel like it Moment to moment awareness and tapping into what you truly want to do is critical to the restorative nature of the solo soul retreat So if that means a nap in the afternoon without checking out the sights do it Sans the guilt
Making it somewhere close by means you can convince your inner tourist that you can come back any time you want to So donrsquot book your long awaited trip to Bali for this particular retreat style I recommend scouting around Air BnB for some great bargains near you
Book for at least 2-3 nights away (more if possible)It takes awhile for us to wind down and get in to the rhythm of a slower pace so give yourself as much time as possible to sink deeply in to relaxation I find that it takes my body a good day or so (at least) to realise itrsquos on holiday A weekend is good a long weekend even better And a week would be crazy good
Set an intentionFor my soul retreat it was to cultivate a feeling of internal ease and spaciousness I was so tightly wound and constricted from within I wanted to feel joyous energy flowing through me again
39
unimpeded
An intention is a helpful anchor that you can come back to throughout the retreat when you feel your energy flitting away to unnecessary distractions Revisit your intention throughout your retreat and ease back into the feeling you wish to cultivate
Immerse yourself in natureWherever you head to find some time to plonk yourself amidst the stunning natural surrounds of Mama Nature There is absolutely NOTHING that compares to the healing capacity of earthing ourselves at the beach or in the forest or just a little garden Barefoot and butt on the ground meditating or just sitting and quietly contemplating our wondrous natural world will have you relaxing into zen in no time
Silence is goldenTaking time to retreat also means giving your mind a bit of a break (hence the lsquono doingrsquo rule) try out not talking which shouldnrsquot be too hard if yoursquore on your own and see what kind of insights
There is absolutely NOTHING that compares to the healing capacity of earthing ourselves at the beach
or in the forest or just a little garden
Barefoot and butt on the ground meditating or just sitting and
quietly contemplating our wondrous natural world
will have you relaxing into zen in no time
40
begin to pop into your nogginrsquo when you donrsquot have to constantly communicate
Pamper yourselfWhat feels really decadent to you For my recent retreat it was heading to a spa and bathhouse for the morning soaking in oxygenated spa baths steaming myself in the sauna and relaxing on a sun lounge in the tranquil spa gardens with a good book
For you it might be a luxurious massage and energy balancing treatment Or maybe itrsquos a delicious meal you take your time with at an amazing restaurant nearby Perhaps itrsquos allowing yourself to lounge around in bed with your favourite book and a cup of tea Whatever it is allow yourself these delights As many as you please gorgeous one
Body-loving foodIf you have a kitchen at your accommodation pack yourself the kind of food you know your body loves Think veggies fruit some bliss balls your fave teas raw cacao and honey for a delish hot chocolate If you have a portable blender pack up your ingredients to whip yourself up some delights while yoursquore there Alternatively and if you have time prepare a few things before you head off You can pre-cook quinoa lentil curries and rice dishes to heat up whenever you fancy If there are local farmerrsquos markets you can even do a bit of purchasing there for your meals (and because yoursquore so close to home bringing back the leftovers is a cinch)
Scout around a little and find some local cafeacutes or
41
restaurants that tickle your fancy and take yourself out for a meal that makes your body scream YES
Soul nourishing practices Rituals and practices help us to sink more deeply in to our soulrsquos true nature Bring along whatever stokes your soul fire and brings you into present moment awareness Cultivating reverence for yourself and life itself is a crucial aspect of your soul retreat Some practices you may consider are raquo Meditation (guided or just simply following your inhale and exhale) I find the Kundalini Ego
Eradicator meditation particularly soul-nourishing (and frankly life changing) raquo Journaling ndash with no thought as to what to write just jot down whatever comes to you Yoursquoll be
amazed at the cathartic feelings and insights this brings raquo Yoga (on your own or find a class nearby that resonates with you) raquo Playing with oracle cards Ask a question or for general guidance and see how your guides and
the Universe responds The Little Sagersquos deck is divine raquo Reading soulfully inspiring books raquo Lighting some incense and writing an epic gratitude list raquo A walking meditation through nature raquo Get arty play around with whatever you have Love colour Bring your paints Doodle Donrsquot
judge the results just let it flow out of you
Overall the point of this solo soul retreat is that you do what you genuinely want to do in the moment So nix the over planning as you may do with other trips away Settle into present moment awareness and allow yourself to be rather than just do Listen with kindness to your inner child Let her out to play (Mega hint she really doesnrsquot want to be bossed around) Gifting yourself this time is your surefire way to feeling rejuvenated refreshed and ready to live life to its fullest
Enjoy gorgeous one
Carly is a passionate international aid and development project manager and writer Carly works on projects in Australia and the Asia-Pacific region focusing on cultivating sustainable livelihoods the empowerment of women community enterprise local market development and positive social change
Head on over to Carlyrsquos blog Pockets of Peace for her soul-centred musings on peace wellness and oodles of inspiration
42
The most powerful weapon on earth is the human soul
on fire
F E R D I N A N D F O C H
43
Five Minute Fixes
FOR FEAR AND OVERWHELM
44
IF YOUrsquoRE RUNNING YOUR OWN BIZ YOUrsquoD BE FAMILIAR WITH THE PHENOMENON OF FEAR AND OVERWHELM YOU KNOW WHEN YOU JUST FEEL STUCK PARALYSED NOT SURE WHICH CHOICE TO MAKE OR ACTION TO TAKE YOU HAVE DEADLINES LOOMING THE PRESSURE IS MOUNTING AND YOUrsquoRE BLOCKED YOU NEED TO GET OUT OF YOUR OVERWHELM RIGHT NOW SO YOU CAN GET BACK TO CHANGING THE WORLD
Here are five practices designed to break the fear cycle and get you out of your head and into your body in five minutes or less
Go outside Get out into the sunlight See the sky take off your shoes and feel the grass tickle your toes Close your eyes Feel the heat on your skin Take some deep breaths and smell the air Tune in to the sounds around you Become still Fully engage with the present moment and drop into the sensations in your body
Deep breathing You can use a mantra such as So-Hum you can count the length of each inhale and exhale or you can do as many rounds of Nadi Shodhana (alternate nostril breathing) as you can fit into five minutes Whatever yoursquore most comfortable with do that Breath is the bridge between the inner and outer realities Deep breathing will calm the nervous system and bring your attention to the present moment
Move Go for a brisk walk Put on your favourite tune plug in the headphones and dance (in the bathroom cubicle if yoursquore embarrassed to do it in publichellip because thatrsquos not weird at all) Have a quickie on your own or with a partner Or you can shake it out Start with your right foot shake it as hard as possible to the count of 10 Then your whole leg Then the left foot and left leg Then the right hand then the right arm then the left hand and arm Then fold forward and gently shake your head - back to front side to side Then stand up again and shake your whole body like you know how
Then stand in stillness for 2 minutes to balance out the movement Listen to your heartbeat Yoursquove just expressed and released some negative energy so take a standing Savasana (resting pose) to integrate Make sure you smooth your hair after this one
45
Aromatherapy Get a bottle of essential oil and sniff it - simple Smell affects the limbic system which is responsible for the storage and release of emotional trauma You can immediately calm your body with the right scent
Make sure you get 100 therapeutic grade pure essential oil - these have a high vibrational frequency and you donrsquot want any nasties entering your system through inferior quality oil Lavender is proven to calm the nervous system as is frankincense balsam fir basil cedar wood and sandalwood You can purchase calming blends from your local aromatherapist or get them to custom-make a blend for you
Make some noise This is especially good if you work from home or drive to work as you may want privacy Get a pillow or lock yourself in the car and scream as loud as you can connecting deeply to your pelvis Give yourself permission to vocalise all that frustration fear shame guilt whatever is building up in your energy field Sound is the end of feeling When you express vocally you are releasing emotion and ending the cycle of repression Done regularly this will also enhance your creativity and self-expression - benefiting your business (and sex life) in the long run
These practices work for me and Irsquod love to know if they resonate with you
Irsquom Emma a multi-passionate self-love junkie who loves supporting people on their journey to wellness Since suffering from adrenal burnout and a host of related conditions Irsquove dedicated myself to personal healing and growth and encouraging others to find their own unique path By day Irsquom a yoga teacher virtual assistant and event coordinator for wellness entrepreneurs and outside of that yoursquoll find me salsa dancing travelling and eating raw desserts
Connect with me at emmashieldscom
46
Abandon anything about your life and habits that might be holding you back
Learn to create your own opportunities
Know that there is no finish line fortune favors action
Race balls-out toward the extraordinary life that yoursquove always dreamed of
or still havenrsquot had time to dream up
And prepare to have a hell of a lot of fun along the way
SOPHIA AMORUSO
47
Why you should create aHIGH-CONVERTING OPT-IN OFFER
A critical component of building your online business is growing your email list and creating a compelling opt-in offer is one of the best ways to kickstart this growth
You want your email list to be made up of people who are genuinely interested in you and what you have to offer your target market Your ideal customers and readers
Thatrsquos why your opt-in offer (a gift to entice people to join your list) needs to be unique highly relevant to your business and of real value to your ideal clients If people are on your site checking you out they are already interested ndash you need to give them a compelling reason to sign up
What would your readers find valuable Something that saves them time money pain or makes their life easier better or more beautiful It also needs to be damn high quality Proofed designed and worth paying for
48
Why would you give away something so valuable for free
Because it shows yoursquore serious about helping people Because it builds trust with readers Because itrsquos a genuine thank you in return for a readerrsquos contact details Because itrsquos an ad for your business Yoursquore showing people the quality of what they will receive if they go on to work with you
How do you choose which is right for you Think about what you currently offer your readers or customers (as in content as well as services or products) What is popular What do they comment on most or ask questions about What would you love to create What would be the perfect compliment to a service you provide How can you genuinely help
Brainstorm a list then narrow it down to one ndash and get cracking
The best opt-ins are win-win ndash you gather details from ideal customers and the customers
receive something great that they need and want in return
Happy creating
PS Tricking people is icky Donrsquot do that Itrsquos of no use to have people on your list that donrsquot care about you or your products Be genuine Offer genuine value Get genuine sign-ups
SO WHAT SHOULD YOU OFFER
Here are a few ideas raquo A sneak peek or preview of a paid
product ndash like a free chapter or lesson
raquo A smaller version of a paid product ndash like a 3 day meal plan
raquo Something which compliments a service you offer
raquo Useful templates ndash like a product launch worksheet or a calendar
raquo Inspirational printables ndash like quotes or illustrations
raquo A mini eCourse ndash like 5 days of video coaching
raquo A discount ndash like 10 off their next purchase
raquo A VIP offer ndash like first dibs on tickets
raquo An eBook or workbook ndash like a recipe book or marketing plan
Alana Wimmer is Founder + Creative Director of mini digital publishing house Raspberry Stripes Alana works with rad lady entrepreneurs to design eBooks which will change the world She also provides guidance insight and info on eBook design on the Raspberry Stripes website When she isnrsquot designing reading or talking about eBooks you can find Alana walking Rory and Roxy the boxers with her husband in tow probably on her way to pick up a green smoothie
49
is a lack of self-worth
50
As a bright-eyed uni student I got pretty excited about all the opportunities that were due to unfold before me when I graduated
My approach to life has always been filled with excitement for the future I remember saying to friends in class that we were certain to be successful because enthusiasm trumps experience Sadly the path wasnrsquot as smooth as Irsquod imagined I naively thought that all bosses had a sixth-sense for talent even from shy girls who werenrsquot outward about their abilities
I applied for and took a series of jobs that from the job description seemed so overwhelmingly scary to do but within months if not weeks I was bored I lacked the self-worth to believe I could step up but Irsquod externalise this into anger at my employer for holding me back Eventually I realised it was all of my own creation I was the one who was playing small applying for and then taking jobs that wersquore well under my pay grade I even turned down a few including a big promotion because the amount of money offered was too much and it scared me Seriously
Years of study and I lacked the ability to dive in fully commit be brave be boisterous about my abilities and soar I found school easy and when things seemed challenging at work I put it down to an inability to perform If it wasnrsquot easy at first I accepted that I just wasnrsquot able I had yet to find out that some of the best lessons come from giving things a go and making a lot of mistakes Failing or in reality playing small was a comfort zone for me and success in my career was an unknown quantity I was used to struggle I was safe with my dreams The possibility of them coming true Too much to handle Irsquod have to learn to live in the present moment and I donrsquot think I was ready to do that I wasnrsquot ready to look closely at myself and see that for all my effort there was still a lot of inner work to do It was time to look within
I KNOW HOW EASY IT IS TO BUILD WALLS AROUND OUR DREAMS PUSH THEM FURTHER AWAY IN AN ATTEMPT TO PLAY SAFE AND LIVE LIFE ACCORDING TO EXTERNAL INFLUENCE I KNOW THE LEVEL OF DETERMINATION AND MENTAL GRIT IT TAKES TO OVERCOME OURSELVES START TAKING OWNERSHIP OF OUR THOUGHTS AND ULTIMATELY THE PATH OF OUR OWN LIVES
I love when clients ask me to guide them on this path because I know just what can happen when they get there I hold my hand out as a supportive leverage point and watch them soar
Something Irsquove learnt along the way The first step for many women in building self-worth is learning the art of body love Body love is all about learning to appreciate the capabilities of your body nourishing and taking care of your spirit and occasionally cutting yourself a break
51
Itrsquos looking in the mirror and liking the person you see not picking on the parts you donrsquot like Itrsquos making a choice about whether to wear a bikini based on your personal values and not about what your body looks like in one Dieting and restriction are low level energies that hold us back from achieving high level desires Negative thinking blocks our internal compass and our ability to connect to our intuition Body love is the gateway to high frequency living
We all have that version of ourselves that we aspire to be The woman who gets up to the alarm has patience and drive Shersquos got a sparkle in her eye a sense of confidence and knowing about her place in the world that emanates from her whole being She sits up straight and laughs with abandon From where we sit therersquos a chasm to leap in becoming that woman That woman represents ldquoone dayrdquo She represents effort She can seem unachievable In my experience body love is the first and most important step toward that woman Body love is filled with possibility promise and prosperity When we remove that low level energy of diet and restriction we can start to attract high frequencies We can start to become that woman in the present moment
Irsquove seen the shift first hand for so many people Suddenly the whole world opens up and the possibilities become endless The cloud lifts and pie-in-the-sky dreams show up in high-definition technicolour Thoughts that previously caused anxiety everything from going to lunch with new friends to finding a purpose in life start to feel as easy to read as words on a page Therersquos no more searching Itrsquos been replaced by a knowing excitement I watch as women become like bright-eyed students again endless possibilities opening up before them Only this time Theyrsquove got experience on their side
Suddenly the whole world
opens up and the
possibilities become
endless
The cloud lifts and
pie-in-the-sky dreams show
up in high-definition
technicolour
Rachelle is a Life + Confidence Coach at My Saturn Epoch She supports women through the big transitions in their life helping them to break their negative cycles to consciously create a happy life and positive mindset She is a big hearted business woman who is passionate about supporting women in pursuit of their own excellence so they can shine as a beacon to themselves their families and their communities
Connect with Rachelle at mysaturnepochcom
52
SUBSCRIBE TO RASPBERRY MAGAZINE
Grab an annual subscription and yoursquoll receive raquo 6 digital issues of Raspberry Magazine raquo an exclusive Annual Subscribers Thank You Pack
- which includes a printable manifesto beautiful meditation tracks an eBook and more contributed by generous lady entrepreneurs - worth over $35
VISIT THE SHOP
53
T H A N K Y O U F O R R E A D I N GA N D A M I L L I O N H I G H-F I V E S
I F Y O U L O V E D R A S P B E R R YM A G A Z I N E P L E A S E S H A R E
54
18
Least favouriteWordpress admin Although when I nail something (finally) I get a major sense of achievement
Do you feel like yoursquove made sacrifices to live this lifestyle What are theyDefinitely At the moment Irsquove had to let me pooch live with his dad while Irsquom on a boat and while I got to NYC
I wish he could be with me 247
What are your Core Desired Feelings raquo Free raquo Luxurious raquo Joy
Any special tools or routines you implement regularly to feel or perform awesomelyThe number one thing that I do regularly is clear my chakras via a breathing and visualisation meditation It takes 20 minutes and it seriously changes the tune of my day I can usually go a day without but too long and I notice that Irsquom underperforming
Quickfire Faves
BOOK The Anatomy of the Spirit by Caroline Myss Although I hated it originally mostly because I didnrsquot want to hear the messages that were coming through
WEBSITE YouTube Canrsquot go past finding an olds 90s jam or interviews with Harry Styles to watch
EARLY MORNING ACTIVITY Chakra Clearing
LATE NIGHT ACTIVITY Watching reruns of my favourite TV shows
GOURMET SNACK I donrsquot do gourmet myself but Irsquom all for gourmet cafe food (itrsquos the Melbournian in me) It could be a sugary almond macaroon or full fat grilled haloumi
Elizabeth is a professional business coach spiritual mentor and the creator of The Spiritual Material Girl eCourse Shersquos also the creator of high-end private coaching programs and courses geared towards helping ambitious and successful women who lsquoseemrsquo like theyrsquove got it all figured outhellip yet who still donrsquot feel like their heartrsquos truly fulfilled
Shersquos the go-to for helping you tackle your biz blocks tap into your spiritual side and live a totally kick-ass life With her trademark blend of heartfelt honesty and straight-talking swagger she ties it all together to set you on the fast track to personal professional and spiritual success
Instead of just keepinrsquo on doing whatrsquos not working Elizabeth can show you how to get exactly what you want ndash whether that means building a business you love creating more happiness or simply getting more out of your life You can find Elizabeth over at her home on the internet Your Highest Self
19
Vienda Maria
Vienda Maria is a lifestyle coach author and creative who helps Bon Vivants coaches yogis creatives and entrepreneurs create thriving semi-nomadic unconventional lives that are fulfilling both soulfully and financially Through her coaching events books Gypset Mindset Class course and online community Vienda has inspired and transformed the lives of thousands across the globe ldquoMy mission is simple to guide each and every one of you back to who you really are To come home back to your soul and allowing it to guide your destiny For more love More fun More freedom More adventure More liferdquo Visit Vienda online here
20
What do you do Irsquom a lifestyle coach and writer who helps emerging creatives and professionals create a life thatrsquos a little a it unusual Itrsquos about breaking away from structured office hours and recognising their ability to create their own jobs and money by using their innate passions skills and talents in ways that are a little bit out of the box Itrsquos all about stepping out of a limiting mindset and seeing what is actually possible
Who lives with youI live on my own
Did you a transition from a regular 9 to 5 job How did that happen for you Not really Irsquove always had an extremely free lifestyle and only dabbled into a couple of office jobs along the way when I was inbetween other things
My transition to my current life happened out of the necessity to create something for myself that supported my lifestyle and was financially sustainable After studying psychology at uni I worked at international film and music festivals and other events which was really fun and exciting 12 years later I had fallen in love with being my own boss and traveling the world It was then that I realised that there are so many people who would love to travel have more freedom and time and create their own jobs and that I could help them
What is your current business model Irsquom a very independent worker so I tend to work solo though Irsquove just hired an intern to help me with some of the admin and social media stuff which is quite exciting I sell a range of different things ndash my coaching services make up most of my income followed by products in the form of eBooks and
jewellery collected on my travels Irsquom just about to launch my first course a set of 6 live classes to help beginners create their own unconventional lifestyle so thatrsquos very exciting and keeping me busy
Do you see this business model changing in the future Yes I think as an entreprenuer one the greatest characteristics you can have is flexibility Being flexible with how you do things always changing growing and updating is so important If you want to keep up with business you have to be comfortable and willing to change
What does a day-in-the-life look like for you I travel a lot so my day-to-day varies quite a lot but I usually start the day with writing content for my course blog or anything else that needs my creative input because in the morning my creativity is the highest I keep the mundane tasks for later in the day usually after my coaching calls I check emails and social media twice a day ndash once in the morning and once in the afternoon ndash which usually give me a good indication of what else needs to be done
And I always end my working day with a To Do list for the next day so I wake up with clarity and know exactly what I need to focus on
Irsquom really interested in time efficiency and productivity so choose to focus on doing things that I love and that generate the most response
Do you feel like an introvert or an extrovert and does that affect how you do business Hmmm ndash Irsquom an introverted extrovert I really enjoy my own company and fuel up energetically with time to myself But I also love and need social stimulation inspiration and everything that people bring into our
21
lives I guess itrsquos about balance and listening to your own needs
What are your favourite parts of business Creating and connecting I love the work I do so much ndash when one of my clients has an ah-ha that transforms everything they previously believed to be true ndash it just rocks my world Being able to help people create lives that they thought were only made of dream-stuff is so very fulfilling I learn so much from this process myself Therersquos such a powerful beauty in creating a community of like-minded individuals And I love being creative always thinking of new ideas and new ways to share the information tools and concepts that I have with my tribe
Least favourite Tax I just I have no idea how people manage all that side of things Irsquod do my best to keep everything tidy and organised for my accountant but it hurts my brain when itrsquos tax time
Do you feel like yoursquove made sacrifices to live this lifestyle What are they I think we make sacrifices in every lifestyle we choose There is always something that we choose to let go of in order to have something else But when itrsquos a choice it doesnrsquot really feel like a sacrifice
For example I donrsquot own a ton of material possessions because that would just be silly considering how much I move around For me however that is very freeing rather than a sacrifice I mean what could I possibly really need I love my lifestyle It suits me perfectly And thatrsquos all that matters
What are your Core Desired Feelings raquo Flow raquo Freedom raquo Inspiration raquo Gratitude
Any special tools or routines you implement regularly to feel or perform awesomely I meditate daily and exercise daily I set intentions (goals) monthly and review them every month I practice positive thinking and train my mind to focus on the things that light me up and make me feel good to exclusion of all others because I know that I create my life with my thoughts And things that make me feel good attract more things that make me feel good
BOOK Going Pro by Steven Pressfield
WEBSITE Instagram
EARLY MORNING ACTIVITY Meditation
LATE NIGHT ACTIVITY Journaling
GOURMET SNACK Salted Pistachios
I donrsquot own a ton of material possessions because that would just be silly
considering how much I move around For me however that is very freeing
rather than a sacrifice
Quickfire Faves
22
Amelia Lee
What do you doIrsquom an architect and have been working in the architectural industry for almost twenty years I recently started Undercover Architect which is about empowering YOU to create your well-designed home through online information tools products and services
Irsquom also a Director on the Qld Development Board for The Hunger Project an NGO that works to end hunger and poverty in third world countries by empowering those affected most to feed their families and create hope for their futures
Who lives with you I live with my husband Brandon and son (aged 7) and two daughters (aged 5 and 3) We also have a dog 6 chickens 5 ducklings and shortly 5 miniature cows
Did you a transition from a regular 9 to 5 job How did that happen for youI worked long hours in architectural practices for many years (more like 7am ndash 7pm) managing teams and big projects before I had kids We also wanted to keep them at home with us so over the last 12 years we have renovated 3 homes (whilst living in them) as a means of supplementing our income and supporting the way we wanted to live Wersquove both worked part-time or changed our working hours around kids and the renovating
When my second baby was 4 months old I started an architectural practice with 5 colleagues By the time my third bub was born we had grown our business to have about 10 crew and I didnrsquot really stop work
I left my business in June to pursue a new life My husband and I relocated our family to the Byron Bay Hinterland to a 77 acre property After a big year personally and professionally last year it seemed like the right time to make the move We wanted to stop
23
delaying the dream
What is your current business model Itrsquos just me ndash a one-man band madly writing content and building my website with information tools and advice Irsquom also providing architectural services to some individual clients which I can do remotely
Do you see this business model changing in the futureI will need some additional support in admin web support and marketingadvertising as the business builds My hope is to maintain my flexible work-from-home practises and create a virtual team of independent collaborators to enable this I want my business to be at a scale where I can provide significant financial support to The Hunger Project
What does a day-in-the-life look like for you I get up early and go for a walkrun while listening to an audio book I finish with a brief meditation to set my intentions for the day and then the kids are up and my husband and I run the gauntlet of brekkie lunches school uniforms and getting them to the bus
After the dust has settled I make myself a big cup of coffee and if itrsquos a work day I head to my office which is over our garage I have found that this new experience of working solely on my own without
imposed deadlines etc has required some new tools to create structure and discipline and itrsquos something Irsquom still working on
We all eat dinner together at about 5pm and I do love that we spend time like this together every day
Since the beginning of 2012 I have been taking a photo every day of something Irsquom grateful for and posting it to my Facebook page with a description Itrsquos helped me be a lot more present to the every day joy and beauty that exists
Do you feel like an introvert or an extrovert and does that affect how you do businessI recently found out I was 51 Extrovert ndash which means that Irsquom borderline Introvert also I can get VERY absorbed in my work ndash which is a great problem to have
However given the whole reason we are creating a life this way is to spend more time together as a family Irsquom aware that needs to be kept in check I ultimately would love to do speaking engagements workshops etc so will be drawing on the Extrovert tilt for this
What are your favourite parts of businessI love the lsquostartrsquo of things I am insatiably curious Learning something for the first time figuring it out and getting it to work Irsquom enjoying writing enormously
Least favouriteRevisiting things over and over again And given that my business is still in its early days income-wise I am resisting the pressure of needing to sell and market I want to create great clarity around who my ideal clients are before I launch myself out there
THE VIEW FROM MY HOME OFFICE
24
Do you feel like yoursquove made sacrifices to live this lifestyle What are theyWhere we are now is the culmination of 12 years of very very hard work with a goal and a vision Wersquove lived through 3 renovations Wersquove sunk all our money into homes we were creating for other people and scrimped on most other things because we were always working on the house It was so worth it though
Where we are now is the culmination of 12 years of
very very hard work with a goal and a vision
What are the values you live by My values are Joy|Love|Laughter|Fun (thatrsquos one) Innovation Inspiration and Spaciousness Abundance and Bravery are themes I work to explore
Seth Godin also replied to an email of thanks I once sent him telling me to ldquoGo make a ruckusrdquo ndash so that informs what I do also
Any special tools or routines you implement regularly to feel or perform awesomelyExercise and meditation and I also do a bit of Cognitive Behaviour Therapy My grateful photos also are really important in this
BOOK Tim Ferrissrsquo 4 Hour Work Week It just completely opened my eyes to this whole other way of doing business that wasnrsquot about selling my time for money
WEBSITE Facebook I find it a great way to touch quickly in the lives of my friends but also to get access to lots of inspirational and info ndash like HONY Oprahrsquos Super Soul Sunday Huffington Post Gabby Bernstein
EARLY MORNING ACTIVITY A walkrun stretch and meditation
LATE NIGHT ACTIVITY Meditation while I do my lsquolegs up the wallrsquo pose It makes a massive difference to how I sleep and how rested I feel in the morning
GOURMET SNACK Loving Earth Luvju Raw Organic Orange and Gubinge Chocolate Otherwise I make great fruit-free bliss balls with cacao maca powder and protein powder
Quickfire Faves
You can connect with Amelia online at UndercoverArchitectcom
25
Elizabeth Kelsey BradleyWhat do you do Irsquom a writer and consultant that creates compelling content and social media strategies for businesses around the world I work with companies of all sizes and in all niches but my passion is with helping holistic entrepreneurs
Who lives with you My husband daughter and our insane pets
Did you a transition from a regular 9 to 5 job How did that happen for youI have never had a 9 to 5 ever My father was an entrepreneur and even though he never ever spoke of what it meant to be an entrepreneur his calling seemed to rub off on me
Irsquom literally unemployable Irsquom an artist and rebel and need to do things my own way even though Irsquom a
people person
But how I ended up finally making a business was when my husband couldnrsquot find work and things got scary I began researching like mad how I could work online and it took me years to finally learn marketing particularly with social media and content Despite how hard my first few years were (and I wouldnrsquot want to repeat them) Irsquom glad I learned the hard way as I am able to help others and can relate to women who are just beginning their entrepreneurial journey I look at entrepreneurship as a great honor for me to be able to help others and be of service
What is your current business model I am solo I sell consulting services and also do freelance writing and photography for companies that donrsquot have a staff writer I really need an intern or VA at this point though and am looking for someone
26
Do you see this business model changing in the futureYes and no Yes I will need to hire someone and ideally two people now that I have branched out into creating courses and ebooks but no in regards to my consulting services changing as what I do is in demand People feel confused about social media and creating regular content so I think it will be the same business model for a long time to come
What does a day-in-the-life look like for you Well Irsquom a vampire apparently as I mainly work nights which here in Thailand would be morning time where many of my clients live During the day I am homeschooling mum and also carry in my bag some of my work for
when I need to do some writing or analysis of a clientrsquos social media
Do you feel like an introvert or an extrovert and does that affect how you do businessIrsquom an extrovert but a highly sensitive one This has actually worked in my favour as I have a process for weeding out people who donrsquot fit my Ideal Client profile so that I can maintain my energy and do the best I can with the entrepreneurs who I can best serve
What are your favourite parts of businessI adore talking with clients on the phone or in person so basically anytime Irsquom geeking out about social media and writing
27
Least favouriteAnything to do with SEO
Do you feel like yoursquove made sacrifices to live this lifestyle What are theyEntrepreneurship is isolating in general Add that to the fact that we live on an island in Thailand and itrsquos double the isolation but to be honest this was the best place for us to build our online businesses as itrsquos affordable to live here and safe so I have no regrets
What are your Core Desired Feelings Connection serenity ease truth Values wise Irsquom wild but extremely family oriented
Any special tools or routines you implement regularly to feel or perform awesomelyI read from spiritual or philosophical books and take regular walks Both give me loads of ideas for storytelling which is the essence of what I do Podcasts are also a huge part of my routine particularly those devoted to marketing
BOOK Ocean Sea (buy it now AMAZING)
WEBSITE wwwholisticdadnet
EARLY MORNING ACTIVITY Drinking yerba mate and some yoga
LATE NIGHT ACTIVITY Good beer and a video game
GOURMET SNACK Anything with white truffle oil on it
Quickfire Faves
Elizabeth Kelsey Bradley is an award-winning writer consultant and photojournalist currently based in Thailand Her work has appeared on sites such as Tiny Buddha Vagabonding and in Girl Gone International magazine
As a consultant she helps companies develop effective social media and content strategies She is currently devoted to helping holistic entrepreneurs grow their online platforms at Thriving Healer
28
PAPERLESS OFFICELETrsquoS LEAVE MORE OF OUR TREE FRIENDS IN THE GROUND AND TAKE ADVANTAGE OF THE EXCELLENT APPS AVAILABLE INSTEAD AFTER ALL WErsquoRE RUNNING OUR DEVICES FOR MOST OF THE DAY ANYWAY - MAY AS WELL TAKE ADVANTAGE OF THEIR RAD CAPABILITIES
29
SWAPWriting Lists
FORWunderlist
AnyDoTodoist
SWAPHardcopy Books
FOR
KindleiBooks
SWAPPrinting + Scanning
Contracts
FOR
EchosignHellosignSWAP
Taking Notes + Printing Articles
FOREvernote
SWAPBrainstorming
+ Mind Mapping
FORSimpleMind
Coggle
30
HOW DARE YOU S E T T L E F O R L E S S WHEN THE WORLD h a s m a d e i t SO EASY F O R Y O U T O B E remarkable
SETH GODIN
31
JASMINE DOWLING MAPS TO HERSELF THE FIFTH ELEMENT LIFE
MOSSYJOJO TRICIA O DESIGNSIMPLY LOVE CREATIONS
BY SAMANTHA STACEY KEMPPENFRIEND
Jazz up your office walls with prints that stoke your creative fire
32
THE YES EPIDEMIC
33
THE YES EPIDEMIC
OurCoverStar
34
Whether it be a night out (when Irsquom exhausted) a favour (thatrsquos asking a little too much) or a date (that I know isnrsquot going to go anywhere) Irsquove typically and reluctantly replied to these requests with a lsquosure thingrsquo more times than Irsquod care to admit
Take on another client when my schedule is fully booked Absolutely
Offer to shout a friendrsquos breakfast when I really donrsquot have the cash to splash Of course
Commit to another online course when Irsquom barely halfway through the other 8 Irsquove signed up for this year Why yes
The Yes Epidemic has woven its way into our exceptionally busy (and beautiful) lives with the promise of MORE More connection more exposure more opportunity more money more education more insight more success And the more we do the more we are - right
Wrong
The reality is the more we constantly fill our plates to the brim (oh letrsquos admit it our plates are overflowing) with commitment after
commitment the less space we are leaving for us to just BE
To be immersed in who we are what our dreams and desires are to love to play to breathe
By saying lsquoyesrsquo like itrsquos going out of fashion we find ourselves spread as thin as vegemite on gluten-free toast Our energy and vitality are compromised and we donrsquot show up in the world as our best selves
So here are a few tips I use with my clients (and myself regularly) to get in the habit of saying lsquonorsquo a little more often
Irsquove never been very good at saying lsquonorsquo
35
Reflective routine with a heaping dose of reality is key here Take an honest look at your weekly schedule and ensure that you are focussing your precious time energy and resources on the people activities and
projects that are aligned with your values Is this commitment important to you Then honour it with your time Not so important
Time to shift things up
I canrsquot go past Marie Forleorsquos advice on this subject When somebody presents you with an opportunity if itrsquos not a HELL YES then itrsquos a no
Go with your gut always
Forget the FOMO The lsquofear of missing outrsquo is what keeps most of us on the Sure Thing Wagon and itrsquos just not sustainable Trust that all the
opportunities that are meant for you will come your way at the right time for you
Send your lsquonorsquo off with love Therersquos no need to feel uncomfortable turning down a request when you do so with kindness respect and
humility Excuses can be left at the door just honour your good intentions and everyone involved in the situation
Remember every time you give a loving inspired lsquonorsquo you are giving others the permission to do the same thing I always feel energised when someone turns down a request because it reminds me to respect myself
enough to pull out that gentle lsquonorsquo when required too
1
23
45
AND THE BEST THING ABOUT SAYING lsquoNOrsquo WHEN THE TIME COMES THAT A lsquoSURE THINGrsquo IS IN FACT THE HEART-CENTRED RESPONSE YOU EXCITEDLY GIVE ITrsquoS MUCH SWEETER MORE MEANINGFUL AND A HELLUVA LOT MORE VALUABLE
Claire Baker is a certified coach and mentor passionate writer and speaker and author of lsquoShe Is Radiant Your 6-Week Wellness Adventure To Get Glowy amp Feel Radrsquo Claire guides vibrant young women as they get from where they are to where they want to be ndash in their health and life blog and business
You can consider Claire your personal advocate for living an energised playful and heart-centred life Come say hi at This is Lifeblood her online space to share her passion for all things nourishing soulful and creative
CLAIRErsquoS TOP FIVE TIPS TO GET INTO THE HABIT OF SAYING NO
36
37
artOF THE
THE
soloSOULRETREAT
38
When you live a soul-driven and passionate life you very likely live and breathe your lsquoworkrsquo 247
I put the word work in inverted commas because for you itrsquos likely just you leading your amazing life (and more power to you my friend) But amidst this you may find it difficult to switch off and cultivate the spaciousness to just let it all hang out and exist without an agenda or a to-do list anywhere in site
Enter stage left the Solo Soul Retreat I took myself on one recently and by golly did it give me the exact level of time out and rejoove that this soul-driven lassy needed Maybe itrsquos about time you took yourself on one
Here are some tips for creating the perfect conditions for your solo soul retreat
Pick a place close byI chose the Byron area because itrsquos only two hours drive from where I live And this is important because while you want to be lsquoawayrsquo to unplug from the numerous distractions of home you donrsquot want to be so far away that you feel obliged to check out all the sights and scoot around lsquodoingrsquo your little butt off You want to create a feeling of not having to do ANYTHING if you donrsquot feel like it Moment to moment awareness and tapping into what you truly want to do is critical to the restorative nature of the solo soul retreat So if that means a nap in the afternoon without checking out the sights do it Sans the guilt
Making it somewhere close by means you can convince your inner tourist that you can come back any time you want to So donrsquot book your long awaited trip to Bali for this particular retreat style I recommend scouting around Air BnB for some great bargains near you
Book for at least 2-3 nights away (more if possible)It takes awhile for us to wind down and get in to the rhythm of a slower pace so give yourself as much time as possible to sink deeply in to relaxation I find that it takes my body a good day or so (at least) to realise itrsquos on holiday A weekend is good a long weekend even better And a week would be crazy good
Set an intentionFor my soul retreat it was to cultivate a feeling of internal ease and spaciousness I was so tightly wound and constricted from within I wanted to feel joyous energy flowing through me again
39
unimpeded
An intention is a helpful anchor that you can come back to throughout the retreat when you feel your energy flitting away to unnecessary distractions Revisit your intention throughout your retreat and ease back into the feeling you wish to cultivate
Immerse yourself in natureWherever you head to find some time to plonk yourself amidst the stunning natural surrounds of Mama Nature There is absolutely NOTHING that compares to the healing capacity of earthing ourselves at the beach or in the forest or just a little garden Barefoot and butt on the ground meditating or just sitting and quietly contemplating our wondrous natural world will have you relaxing into zen in no time
Silence is goldenTaking time to retreat also means giving your mind a bit of a break (hence the lsquono doingrsquo rule) try out not talking which shouldnrsquot be too hard if yoursquore on your own and see what kind of insights
There is absolutely NOTHING that compares to the healing capacity of earthing ourselves at the beach
or in the forest or just a little garden
Barefoot and butt on the ground meditating or just sitting and
quietly contemplating our wondrous natural world
will have you relaxing into zen in no time
40
begin to pop into your nogginrsquo when you donrsquot have to constantly communicate
Pamper yourselfWhat feels really decadent to you For my recent retreat it was heading to a spa and bathhouse for the morning soaking in oxygenated spa baths steaming myself in the sauna and relaxing on a sun lounge in the tranquil spa gardens with a good book
For you it might be a luxurious massage and energy balancing treatment Or maybe itrsquos a delicious meal you take your time with at an amazing restaurant nearby Perhaps itrsquos allowing yourself to lounge around in bed with your favourite book and a cup of tea Whatever it is allow yourself these delights As many as you please gorgeous one
Body-loving foodIf you have a kitchen at your accommodation pack yourself the kind of food you know your body loves Think veggies fruit some bliss balls your fave teas raw cacao and honey for a delish hot chocolate If you have a portable blender pack up your ingredients to whip yourself up some delights while yoursquore there Alternatively and if you have time prepare a few things before you head off You can pre-cook quinoa lentil curries and rice dishes to heat up whenever you fancy If there are local farmerrsquos markets you can even do a bit of purchasing there for your meals (and because yoursquore so close to home bringing back the leftovers is a cinch)
Scout around a little and find some local cafeacutes or
41
restaurants that tickle your fancy and take yourself out for a meal that makes your body scream YES
Soul nourishing practices Rituals and practices help us to sink more deeply in to our soulrsquos true nature Bring along whatever stokes your soul fire and brings you into present moment awareness Cultivating reverence for yourself and life itself is a crucial aspect of your soul retreat Some practices you may consider are raquo Meditation (guided or just simply following your inhale and exhale) I find the Kundalini Ego
Eradicator meditation particularly soul-nourishing (and frankly life changing) raquo Journaling ndash with no thought as to what to write just jot down whatever comes to you Yoursquoll be
amazed at the cathartic feelings and insights this brings raquo Yoga (on your own or find a class nearby that resonates with you) raquo Playing with oracle cards Ask a question or for general guidance and see how your guides and
the Universe responds The Little Sagersquos deck is divine raquo Reading soulfully inspiring books raquo Lighting some incense and writing an epic gratitude list raquo A walking meditation through nature raquo Get arty play around with whatever you have Love colour Bring your paints Doodle Donrsquot
judge the results just let it flow out of you
Overall the point of this solo soul retreat is that you do what you genuinely want to do in the moment So nix the over planning as you may do with other trips away Settle into present moment awareness and allow yourself to be rather than just do Listen with kindness to your inner child Let her out to play (Mega hint she really doesnrsquot want to be bossed around) Gifting yourself this time is your surefire way to feeling rejuvenated refreshed and ready to live life to its fullest
Enjoy gorgeous one
Carly is a passionate international aid and development project manager and writer Carly works on projects in Australia and the Asia-Pacific region focusing on cultivating sustainable livelihoods the empowerment of women community enterprise local market development and positive social change
Head on over to Carlyrsquos blog Pockets of Peace for her soul-centred musings on peace wellness and oodles of inspiration
42
The most powerful weapon on earth is the human soul
on fire
F E R D I N A N D F O C H
43
Five Minute Fixes
FOR FEAR AND OVERWHELM
44
IF YOUrsquoRE RUNNING YOUR OWN BIZ YOUrsquoD BE FAMILIAR WITH THE PHENOMENON OF FEAR AND OVERWHELM YOU KNOW WHEN YOU JUST FEEL STUCK PARALYSED NOT SURE WHICH CHOICE TO MAKE OR ACTION TO TAKE YOU HAVE DEADLINES LOOMING THE PRESSURE IS MOUNTING AND YOUrsquoRE BLOCKED YOU NEED TO GET OUT OF YOUR OVERWHELM RIGHT NOW SO YOU CAN GET BACK TO CHANGING THE WORLD
Here are five practices designed to break the fear cycle and get you out of your head and into your body in five minutes or less
Go outside Get out into the sunlight See the sky take off your shoes and feel the grass tickle your toes Close your eyes Feel the heat on your skin Take some deep breaths and smell the air Tune in to the sounds around you Become still Fully engage with the present moment and drop into the sensations in your body
Deep breathing You can use a mantra such as So-Hum you can count the length of each inhale and exhale or you can do as many rounds of Nadi Shodhana (alternate nostril breathing) as you can fit into five minutes Whatever yoursquore most comfortable with do that Breath is the bridge between the inner and outer realities Deep breathing will calm the nervous system and bring your attention to the present moment
Move Go for a brisk walk Put on your favourite tune plug in the headphones and dance (in the bathroom cubicle if yoursquore embarrassed to do it in publichellip because thatrsquos not weird at all) Have a quickie on your own or with a partner Or you can shake it out Start with your right foot shake it as hard as possible to the count of 10 Then your whole leg Then the left foot and left leg Then the right hand then the right arm then the left hand and arm Then fold forward and gently shake your head - back to front side to side Then stand up again and shake your whole body like you know how
Then stand in stillness for 2 minutes to balance out the movement Listen to your heartbeat Yoursquove just expressed and released some negative energy so take a standing Savasana (resting pose) to integrate Make sure you smooth your hair after this one
45
Aromatherapy Get a bottle of essential oil and sniff it - simple Smell affects the limbic system which is responsible for the storage and release of emotional trauma You can immediately calm your body with the right scent
Make sure you get 100 therapeutic grade pure essential oil - these have a high vibrational frequency and you donrsquot want any nasties entering your system through inferior quality oil Lavender is proven to calm the nervous system as is frankincense balsam fir basil cedar wood and sandalwood You can purchase calming blends from your local aromatherapist or get them to custom-make a blend for you
Make some noise This is especially good if you work from home or drive to work as you may want privacy Get a pillow or lock yourself in the car and scream as loud as you can connecting deeply to your pelvis Give yourself permission to vocalise all that frustration fear shame guilt whatever is building up in your energy field Sound is the end of feeling When you express vocally you are releasing emotion and ending the cycle of repression Done regularly this will also enhance your creativity and self-expression - benefiting your business (and sex life) in the long run
These practices work for me and Irsquod love to know if they resonate with you
Irsquom Emma a multi-passionate self-love junkie who loves supporting people on their journey to wellness Since suffering from adrenal burnout and a host of related conditions Irsquove dedicated myself to personal healing and growth and encouraging others to find their own unique path By day Irsquom a yoga teacher virtual assistant and event coordinator for wellness entrepreneurs and outside of that yoursquoll find me salsa dancing travelling and eating raw desserts
Connect with me at emmashieldscom
46
Abandon anything about your life and habits that might be holding you back
Learn to create your own opportunities
Know that there is no finish line fortune favors action
Race balls-out toward the extraordinary life that yoursquove always dreamed of
or still havenrsquot had time to dream up
And prepare to have a hell of a lot of fun along the way
SOPHIA AMORUSO
47
Why you should create aHIGH-CONVERTING OPT-IN OFFER
A critical component of building your online business is growing your email list and creating a compelling opt-in offer is one of the best ways to kickstart this growth
You want your email list to be made up of people who are genuinely interested in you and what you have to offer your target market Your ideal customers and readers
Thatrsquos why your opt-in offer (a gift to entice people to join your list) needs to be unique highly relevant to your business and of real value to your ideal clients If people are on your site checking you out they are already interested ndash you need to give them a compelling reason to sign up
What would your readers find valuable Something that saves them time money pain or makes their life easier better or more beautiful It also needs to be damn high quality Proofed designed and worth paying for
48
Why would you give away something so valuable for free
Because it shows yoursquore serious about helping people Because it builds trust with readers Because itrsquos a genuine thank you in return for a readerrsquos contact details Because itrsquos an ad for your business Yoursquore showing people the quality of what they will receive if they go on to work with you
How do you choose which is right for you Think about what you currently offer your readers or customers (as in content as well as services or products) What is popular What do they comment on most or ask questions about What would you love to create What would be the perfect compliment to a service you provide How can you genuinely help
Brainstorm a list then narrow it down to one ndash and get cracking
The best opt-ins are win-win ndash you gather details from ideal customers and the customers
receive something great that they need and want in return
Happy creating
PS Tricking people is icky Donrsquot do that Itrsquos of no use to have people on your list that donrsquot care about you or your products Be genuine Offer genuine value Get genuine sign-ups
SO WHAT SHOULD YOU OFFER
Here are a few ideas raquo A sneak peek or preview of a paid
product ndash like a free chapter or lesson
raquo A smaller version of a paid product ndash like a 3 day meal plan
raquo Something which compliments a service you offer
raquo Useful templates ndash like a product launch worksheet or a calendar
raquo Inspirational printables ndash like quotes or illustrations
raquo A mini eCourse ndash like 5 days of video coaching
raquo A discount ndash like 10 off their next purchase
raquo A VIP offer ndash like first dibs on tickets
raquo An eBook or workbook ndash like a recipe book or marketing plan
Alana Wimmer is Founder + Creative Director of mini digital publishing house Raspberry Stripes Alana works with rad lady entrepreneurs to design eBooks which will change the world She also provides guidance insight and info on eBook design on the Raspberry Stripes website When she isnrsquot designing reading or talking about eBooks you can find Alana walking Rory and Roxy the boxers with her husband in tow probably on her way to pick up a green smoothie
49
is a lack of self-worth
50
As a bright-eyed uni student I got pretty excited about all the opportunities that were due to unfold before me when I graduated
My approach to life has always been filled with excitement for the future I remember saying to friends in class that we were certain to be successful because enthusiasm trumps experience Sadly the path wasnrsquot as smooth as Irsquod imagined I naively thought that all bosses had a sixth-sense for talent even from shy girls who werenrsquot outward about their abilities
I applied for and took a series of jobs that from the job description seemed so overwhelmingly scary to do but within months if not weeks I was bored I lacked the self-worth to believe I could step up but Irsquod externalise this into anger at my employer for holding me back Eventually I realised it was all of my own creation I was the one who was playing small applying for and then taking jobs that wersquore well under my pay grade I even turned down a few including a big promotion because the amount of money offered was too much and it scared me Seriously
Years of study and I lacked the ability to dive in fully commit be brave be boisterous about my abilities and soar I found school easy and when things seemed challenging at work I put it down to an inability to perform If it wasnrsquot easy at first I accepted that I just wasnrsquot able I had yet to find out that some of the best lessons come from giving things a go and making a lot of mistakes Failing or in reality playing small was a comfort zone for me and success in my career was an unknown quantity I was used to struggle I was safe with my dreams The possibility of them coming true Too much to handle Irsquod have to learn to live in the present moment and I donrsquot think I was ready to do that I wasnrsquot ready to look closely at myself and see that for all my effort there was still a lot of inner work to do It was time to look within
I KNOW HOW EASY IT IS TO BUILD WALLS AROUND OUR DREAMS PUSH THEM FURTHER AWAY IN AN ATTEMPT TO PLAY SAFE AND LIVE LIFE ACCORDING TO EXTERNAL INFLUENCE I KNOW THE LEVEL OF DETERMINATION AND MENTAL GRIT IT TAKES TO OVERCOME OURSELVES START TAKING OWNERSHIP OF OUR THOUGHTS AND ULTIMATELY THE PATH OF OUR OWN LIVES
I love when clients ask me to guide them on this path because I know just what can happen when they get there I hold my hand out as a supportive leverage point and watch them soar
Something Irsquove learnt along the way The first step for many women in building self-worth is learning the art of body love Body love is all about learning to appreciate the capabilities of your body nourishing and taking care of your spirit and occasionally cutting yourself a break
51
Itrsquos looking in the mirror and liking the person you see not picking on the parts you donrsquot like Itrsquos making a choice about whether to wear a bikini based on your personal values and not about what your body looks like in one Dieting and restriction are low level energies that hold us back from achieving high level desires Negative thinking blocks our internal compass and our ability to connect to our intuition Body love is the gateway to high frequency living
We all have that version of ourselves that we aspire to be The woman who gets up to the alarm has patience and drive Shersquos got a sparkle in her eye a sense of confidence and knowing about her place in the world that emanates from her whole being She sits up straight and laughs with abandon From where we sit therersquos a chasm to leap in becoming that woman That woman represents ldquoone dayrdquo She represents effort She can seem unachievable In my experience body love is the first and most important step toward that woman Body love is filled with possibility promise and prosperity When we remove that low level energy of diet and restriction we can start to attract high frequencies We can start to become that woman in the present moment
Irsquove seen the shift first hand for so many people Suddenly the whole world opens up and the possibilities become endless The cloud lifts and pie-in-the-sky dreams show up in high-definition technicolour Thoughts that previously caused anxiety everything from going to lunch with new friends to finding a purpose in life start to feel as easy to read as words on a page Therersquos no more searching Itrsquos been replaced by a knowing excitement I watch as women become like bright-eyed students again endless possibilities opening up before them Only this time Theyrsquove got experience on their side
Suddenly the whole world
opens up and the
possibilities become
endless
The cloud lifts and
pie-in-the-sky dreams show
up in high-definition
technicolour
Rachelle is a Life + Confidence Coach at My Saturn Epoch She supports women through the big transitions in their life helping them to break their negative cycles to consciously create a happy life and positive mindset She is a big hearted business woman who is passionate about supporting women in pursuit of their own excellence so they can shine as a beacon to themselves their families and their communities
Connect with Rachelle at mysaturnepochcom
52
SUBSCRIBE TO RASPBERRY MAGAZINE
Grab an annual subscription and yoursquoll receive raquo 6 digital issues of Raspberry Magazine raquo an exclusive Annual Subscribers Thank You Pack
- which includes a printable manifesto beautiful meditation tracks an eBook and more contributed by generous lady entrepreneurs - worth over $35
VISIT THE SHOP
53
T H A N K Y O U F O R R E A D I N GA N D A M I L L I O N H I G H-F I V E S
I F Y O U L O V E D R A S P B E R R YM A G A Z I N E P L E A S E S H A R E
54
19
Vienda Maria
Vienda Maria is a lifestyle coach author and creative who helps Bon Vivants coaches yogis creatives and entrepreneurs create thriving semi-nomadic unconventional lives that are fulfilling both soulfully and financially Through her coaching events books Gypset Mindset Class course and online community Vienda has inspired and transformed the lives of thousands across the globe ldquoMy mission is simple to guide each and every one of you back to who you really are To come home back to your soul and allowing it to guide your destiny For more love More fun More freedom More adventure More liferdquo Visit Vienda online here
20
What do you do Irsquom a lifestyle coach and writer who helps emerging creatives and professionals create a life thatrsquos a little a it unusual Itrsquos about breaking away from structured office hours and recognising their ability to create their own jobs and money by using their innate passions skills and talents in ways that are a little bit out of the box Itrsquos all about stepping out of a limiting mindset and seeing what is actually possible
Who lives with youI live on my own
Did you a transition from a regular 9 to 5 job How did that happen for you Not really Irsquove always had an extremely free lifestyle and only dabbled into a couple of office jobs along the way when I was inbetween other things
My transition to my current life happened out of the necessity to create something for myself that supported my lifestyle and was financially sustainable After studying psychology at uni I worked at international film and music festivals and other events which was really fun and exciting 12 years later I had fallen in love with being my own boss and traveling the world It was then that I realised that there are so many people who would love to travel have more freedom and time and create their own jobs and that I could help them
What is your current business model Irsquom a very independent worker so I tend to work solo though Irsquove just hired an intern to help me with some of the admin and social media stuff which is quite exciting I sell a range of different things ndash my coaching services make up most of my income followed by products in the form of eBooks and
jewellery collected on my travels Irsquom just about to launch my first course a set of 6 live classes to help beginners create their own unconventional lifestyle so thatrsquos very exciting and keeping me busy
Do you see this business model changing in the future Yes I think as an entreprenuer one the greatest characteristics you can have is flexibility Being flexible with how you do things always changing growing and updating is so important If you want to keep up with business you have to be comfortable and willing to change
What does a day-in-the-life look like for you I travel a lot so my day-to-day varies quite a lot but I usually start the day with writing content for my course blog or anything else that needs my creative input because in the morning my creativity is the highest I keep the mundane tasks for later in the day usually after my coaching calls I check emails and social media twice a day ndash once in the morning and once in the afternoon ndash which usually give me a good indication of what else needs to be done
And I always end my working day with a To Do list for the next day so I wake up with clarity and know exactly what I need to focus on
Irsquom really interested in time efficiency and productivity so choose to focus on doing things that I love and that generate the most response
Do you feel like an introvert or an extrovert and does that affect how you do business Hmmm ndash Irsquom an introverted extrovert I really enjoy my own company and fuel up energetically with time to myself But I also love and need social stimulation inspiration and everything that people bring into our
21
lives I guess itrsquos about balance and listening to your own needs
What are your favourite parts of business Creating and connecting I love the work I do so much ndash when one of my clients has an ah-ha that transforms everything they previously believed to be true ndash it just rocks my world Being able to help people create lives that they thought were only made of dream-stuff is so very fulfilling I learn so much from this process myself Therersquos such a powerful beauty in creating a community of like-minded individuals And I love being creative always thinking of new ideas and new ways to share the information tools and concepts that I have with my tribe
Least favourite Tax I just I have no idea how people manage all that side of things Irsquod do my best to keep everything tidy and organised for my accountant but it hurts my brain when itrsquos tax time
Do you feel like yoursquove made sacrifices to live this lifestyle What are they I think we make sacrifices in every lifestyle we choose There is always something that we choose to let go of in order to have something else But when itrsquos a choice it doesnrsquot really feel like a sacrifice
For example I donrsquot own a ton of material possessions because that would just be silly considering how much I move around For me however that is very freeing rather than a sacrifice I mean what could I possibly really need I love my lifestyle It suits me perfectly And thatrsquos all that matters
What are your Core Desired Feelings raquo Flow raquo Freedom raquo Inspiration raquo Gratitude
Any special tools or routines you implement regularly to feel or perform awesomely I meditate daily and exercise daily I set intentions (goals) monthly and review them every month I practice positive thinking and train my mind to focus on the things that light me up and make me feel good to exclusion of all others because I know that I create my life with my thoughts And things that make me feel good attract more things that make me feel good
BOOK Going Pro by Steven Pressfield
WEBSITE Instagram
EARLY MORNING ACTIVITY Meditation
LATE NIGHT ACTIVITY Journaling
GOURMET SNACK Salted Pistachios
I donrsquot own a ton of material possessions because that would just be silly
considering how much I move around For me however that is very freeing
rather than a sacrifice
Quickfire Faves
22
Amelia Lee
What do you doIrsquom an architect and have been working in the architectural industry for almost twenty years I recently started Undercover Architect which is about empowering YOU to create your well-designed home through online information tools products and services
Irsquom also a Director on the Qld Development Board for The Hunger Project an NGO that works to end hunger and poverty in third world countries by empowering those affected most to feed their families and create hope for their futures
Who lives with you I live with my husband Brandon and son (aged 7) and two daughters (aged 5 and 3) We also have a dog 6 chickens 5 ducklings and shortly 5 miniature cows
Did you a transition from a regular 9 to 5 job How did that happen for youI worked long hours in architectural practices for many years (more like 7am ndash 7pm) managing teams and big projects before I had kids We also wanted to keep them at home with us so over the last 12 years we have renovated 3 homes (whilst living in them) as a means of supplementing our income and supporting the way we wanted to live Wersquove both worked part-time or changed our working hours around kids and the renovating
When my second baby was 4 months old I started an architectural practice with 5 colleagues By the time my third bub was born we had grown our business to have about 10 crew and I didnrsquot really stop work
I left my business in June to pursue a new life My husband and I relocated our family to the Byron Bay Hinterland to a 77 acre property After a big year personally and professionally last year it seemed like the right time to make the move We wanted to stop
23
delaying the dream
What is your current business model Itrsquos just me ndash a one-man band madly writing content and building my website with information tools and advice Irsquom also providing architectural services to some individual clients which I can do remotely
Do you see this business model changing in the futureI will need some additional support in admin web support and marketingadvertising as the business builds My hope is to maintain my flexible work-from-home practises and create a virtual team of independent collaborators to enable this I want my business to be at a scale where I can provide significant financial support to The Hunger Project
What does a day-in-the-life look like for you I get up early and go for a walkrun while listening to an audio book I finish with a brief meditation to set my intentions for the day and then the kids are up and my husband and I run the gauntlet of brekkie lunches school uniforms and getting them to the bus
After the dust has settled I make myself a big cup of coffee and if itrsquos a work day I head to my office which is over our garage I have found that this new experience of working solely on my own without
imposed deadlines etc has required some new tools to create structure and discipline and itrsquos something Irsquom still working on
We all eat dinner together at about 5pm and I do love that we spend time like this together every day
Since the beginning of 2012 I have been taking a photo every day of something Irsquom grateful for and posting it to my Facebook page with a description Itrsquos helped me be a lot more present to the every day joy and beauty that exists
Do you feel like an introvert or an extrovert and does that affect how you do businessI recently found out I was 51 Extrovert ndash which means that Irsquom borderline Introvert also I can get VERY absorbed in my work ndash which is a great problem to have
However given the whole reason we are creating a life this way is to spend more time together as a family Irsquom aware that needs to be kept in check I ultimately would love to do speaking engagements workshops etc so will be drawing on the Extrovert tilt for this
What are your favourite parts of businessI love the lsquostartrsquo of things I am insatiably curious Learning something for the first time figuring it out and getting it to work Irsquom enjoying writing enormously
Least favouriteRevisiting things over and over again And given that my business is still in its early days income-wise I am resisting the pressure of needing to sell and market I want to create great clarity around who my ideal clients are before I launch myself out there
THE VIEW FROM MY HOME OFFICE
24
Do you feel like yoursquove made sacrifices to live this lifestyle What are theyWhere we are now is the culmination of 12 years of very very hard work with a goal and a vision Wersquove lived through 3 renovations Wersquove sunk all our money into homes we were creating for other people and scrimped on most other things because we were always working on the house It was so worth it though
Where we are now is the culmination of 12 years of
very very hard work with a goal and a vision
What are the values you live by My values are Joy|Love|Laughter|Fun (thatrsquos one) Innovation Inspiration and Spaciousness Abundance and Bravery are themes I work to explore
Seth Godin also replied to an email of thanks I once sent him telling me to ldquoGo make a ruckusrdquo ndash so that informs what I do also
Any special tools or routines you implement regularly to feel or perform awesomelyExercise and meditation and I also do a bit of Cognitive Behaviour Therapy My grateful photos also are really important in this
BOOK Tim Ferrissrsquo 4 Hour Work Week It just completely opened my eyes to this whole other way of doing business that wasnrsquot about selling my time for money
WEBSITE Facebook I find it a great way to touch quickly in the lives of my friends but also to get access to lots of inspirational and info ndash like HONY Oprahrsquos Super Soul Sunday Huffington Post Gabby Bernstein
EARLY MORNING ACTIVITY A walkrun stretch and meditation
LATE NIGHT ACTIVITY Meditation while I do my lsquolegs up the wallrsquo pose It makes a massive difference to how I sleep and how rested I feel in the morning
GOURMET SNACK Loving Earth Luvju Raw Organic Orange and Gubinge Chocolate Otherwise I make great fruit-free bliss balls with cacao maca powder and protein powder
Quickfire Faves
You can connect with Amelia online at UndercoverArchitectcom
25
Elizabeth Kelsey BradleyWhat do you do Irsquom a writer and consultant that creates compelling content and social media strategies for businesses around the world I work with companies of all sizes and in all niches but my passion is with helping holistic entrepreneurs
Who lives with you My husband daughter and our insane pets
Did you a transition from a regular 9 to 5 job How did that happen for youI have never had a 9 to 5 ever My father was an entrepreneur and even though he never ever spoke of what it meant to be an entrepreneur his calling seemed to rub off on me
Irsquom literally unemployable Irsquom an artist and rebel and need to do things my own way even though Irsquom a
people person
But how I ended up finally making a business was when my husband couldnrsquot find work and things got scary I began researching like mad how I could work online and it took me years to finally learn marketing particularly with social media and content Despite how hard my first few years were (and I wouldnrsquot want to repeat them) Irsquom glad I learned the hard way as I am able to help others and can relate to women who are just beginning their entrepreneurial journey I look at entrepreneurship as a great honor for me to be able to help others and be of service
What is your current business model I am solo I sell consulting services and also do freelance writing and photography for companies that donrsquot have a staff writer I really need an intern or VA at this point though and am looking for someone
26
Do you see this business model changing in the futureYes and no Yes I will need to hire someone and ideally two people now that I have branched out into creating courses and ebooks but no in regards to my consulting services changing as what I do is in demand People feel confused about social media and creating regular content so I think it will be the same business model for a long time to come
What does a day-in-the-life look like for you Well Irsquom a vampire apparently as I mainly work nights which here in Thailand would be morning time where many of my clients live During the day I am homeschooling mum and also carry in my bag some of my work for
when I need to do some writing or analysis of a clientrsquos social media
Do you feel like an introvert or an extrovert and does that affect how you do businessIrsquom an extrovert but a highly sensitive one This has actually worked in my favour as I have a process for weeding out people who donrsquot fit my Ideal Client profile so that I can maintain my energy and do the best I can with the entrepreneurs who I can best serve
What are your favourite parts of businessI adore talking with clients on the phone or in person so basically anytime Irsquom geeking out about social media and writing
27
Least favouriteAnything to do with SEO
Do you feel like yoursquove made sacrifices to live this lifestyle What are theyEntrepreneurship is isolating in general Add that to the fact that we live on an island in Thailand and itrsquos double the isolation but to be honest this was the best place for us to build our online businesses as itrsquos affordable to live here and safe so I have no regrets
What are your Core Desired Feelings Connection serenity ease truth Values wise Irsquom wild but extremely family oriented
Any special tools or routines you implement regularly to feel or perform awesomelyI read from spiritual or philosophical books and take regular walks Both give me loads of ideas for storytelling which is the essence of what I do Podcasts are also a huge part of my routine particularly those devoted to marketing
BOOK Ocean Sea (buy it now AMAZING)
WEBSITE wwwholisticdadnet
EARLY MORNING ACTIVITY Drinking yerba mate and some yoga
LATE NIGHT ACTIVITY Good beer and a video game
GOURMET SNACK Anything with white truffle oil on it
Quickfire Faves
Elizabeth Kelsey Bradley is an award-winning writer consultant and photojournalist currently based in Thailand Her work has appeared on sites such as Tiny Buddha Vagabonding and in Girl Gone International magazine
As a consultant she helps companies develop effective social media and content strategies She is currently devoted to helping holistic entrepreneurs grow their online platforms at Thriving Healer
28
PAPERLESS OFFICELETrsquoS LEAVE MORE OF OUR TREE FRIENDS IN THE GROUND AND TAKE ADVANTAGE OF THE EXCELLENT APPS AVAILABLE INSTEAD AFTER ALL WErsquoRE RUNNING OUR DEVICES FOR MOST OF THE DAY ANYWAY - MAY AS WELL TAKE ADVANTAGE OF THEIR RAD CAPABILITIES
29
SWAPWriting Lists
FORWunderlist
AnyDoTodoist
SWAPHardcopy Books
FOR
KindleiBooks
SWAPPrinting + Scanning
Contracts
FOR
EchosignHellosignSWAP
Taking Notes + Printing Articles
FOREvernote
SWAPBrainstorming
+ Mind Mapping
FORSimpleMind
Coggle
30
HOW DARE YOU S E T T L E F O R L E S S WHEN THE WORLD h a s m a d e i t SO EASY F O R Y O U T O B E remarkable
SETH GODIN
31
JASMINE DOWLING MAPS TO HERSELF THE FIFTH ELEMENT LIFE
MOSSYJOJO TRICIA O DESIGNSIMPLY LOVE CREATIONS
BY SAMANTHA STACEY KEMPPENFRIEND
Jazz up your office walls with prints that stoke your creative fire
32
THE YES EPIDEMIC
33
THE YES EPIDEMIC
OurCoverStar
34
Whether it be a night out (when Irsquom exhausted) a favour (thatrsquos asking a little too much) or a date (that I know isnrsquot going to go anywhere) Irsquove typically and reluctantly replied to these requests with a lsquosure thingrsquo more times than Irsquod care to admit
Take on another client when my schedule is fully booked Absolutely
Offer to shout a friendrsquos breakfast when I really donrsquot have the cash to splash Of course
Commit to another online course when Irsquom barely halfway through the other 8 Irsquove signed up for this year Why yes
The Yes Epidemic has woven its way into our exceptionally busy (and beautiful) lives with the promise of MORE More connection more exposure more opportunity more money more education more insight more success And the more we do the more we are - right
Wrong
The reality is the more we constantly fill our plates to the brim (oh letrsquos admit it our plates are overflowing) with commitment after
commitment the less space we are leaving for us to just BE
To be immersed in who we are what our dreams and desires are to love to play to breathe
By saying lsquoyesrsquo like itrsquos going out of fashion we find ourselves spread as thin as vegemite on gluten-free toast Our energy and vitality are compromised and we donrsquot show up in the world as our best selves
So here are a few tips I use with my clients (and myself regularly) to get in the habit of saying lsquonorsquo a little more often
Irsquove never been very good at saying lsquonorsquo
35
Reflective routine with a heaping dose of reality is key here Take an honest look at your weekly schedule and ensure that you are focussing your precious time energy and resources on the people activities and
projects that are aligned with your values Is this commitment important to you Then honour it with your time Not so important
Time to shift things up
I canrsquot go past Marie Forleorsquos advice on this subject When somebody presents you with an opportunity if itrsquos not a HELL YES then itrsquos a no
Go with your gut always
Forget the FOMO The lsquofear of missing outrsquo is what keeps most of us on the Sure Thing Wagon and itrsquos just not sustainable Trust that all the
opportunities that are meant for you will come your way at the right time for you
Send your lsquonorsquo off with love Therersquos no need to feel uncomfortable turning down a request when you do so with kindness respect and
humility Excuses can be left at the door just honour your good intentions and everyone involved in the situation
Remember every time you give a loving inspired lsquonorsquo you are giving others the permission to do the same thing I always feel energised when someone turns down a request because it reminds me to respect myself
enough to pull out that gentle lsquonorsquo when required too
1
23
45
AND THE BEST THING ABOUT SAYING lsquoNOrsquo WHEN THE TIME COMES THAT A lsquoSURE THINGrsquo IS IN FACT THE HEART-CENTRED RESPONSE YOU EXCITEDLY GIVE ITrsquoS MUCH SWEETER MORE MEANINGFUL AND A HELLUVA LOT MORE VALUABLE
Claire Baker is a certified coach and mentor passionate writer and speaker and author of lsquoShe Is Radiant Your 6-Week Wellness Adventure To Get Glowy amp Feel Radrsquo Claire guides vibrant young women as they get from where they are to where they want to be ndash in their health and life blog and business
You can consider Claire your personal advocate for living an energised playful and heart-centred life Come say hi at This is Lifeblood her online space to share her passion for all things nourishing soulful and creative
CLAIRErsquoS TOP FIVE TIPS TO GET INTO THE HABIT OF SAYING NO
36
37
artOF THE
THE
soloSOULRETREAT
38
When you live a soul-driven and passionate life you very likely live and breathe your lsquoworkrsquo 247
I put the word work in inverted commas because for you itrsquos likely just you leading your amazing life (and more power to you my friend) But amidst this you may find it difficult to switch off and cultivate the spaciousness to just let it all hang out and exist without an agenda or a to-do list anywhere in site
Enter stage left the Solo Soul Retreat I took myself on one recently and by golly did it give me the exact level of time out and rejoove that this soul-driven lassy needed Maybe itrsquos about time you took yourself on one
Here are some tips for creating the perfect conditions for your solo soul retreat
Pick a place close byI chose the Byron area because itrsquos only two hours drive from where I live And this is important because while you want to be lsquoawayrsquo to unplug from the numerous distractions of home you donrsquot want to be so far away that you feel obliged to check out all the sights and scoot around lsquodoingrsquo your little butt off You want to create a feeling of not having to do ANYTHING if you donrsquot feel like it Moment to moment awareness and tapping into what you truly want to do is critical to the restorative nature of the solo soul retreat So if that means a nap in the afternoon without checking out the sights do it Sans the guilt
Making it somewhere close by means you can convince your inner tourist that you can come back any time you want to So donrsquot book your long awaited trip to Bali for this particular retreat style I recommend scouting around Air BnB for some great bargains near you
Book for at least 2-3 nights away (more if possible)It takes awhile for us to wind down and get in to the rhythm of a slower pace so give yourself as much time as possible to sink deeply in to relaxation I find that it takes my body a good day or so (at least) to realise itrsquos on holiday A weekend is good a long weekend even better And a week would be crazy good
Set an intentionFor my soul retreat it was to cultivate a feeling of internal ease and spaciousness I was so tightly wound and constricted from within I wanted to feel joyous energy flowing through me again
39
unimpeded
An intention is a helpful anchor that you can come back to throughout the retreat when you feel your energy flitting away to unnecessary distractions Revisit your intention throughout your retreat and ease back into the feeling you wish to cultivate
Immerse yourself in natureWherever you head to find some time to plonk yourself amidst the stunning natural surrounds of Mama Nature There is absolutely NOTHING that compares to the healing capacity of earthing ourselves at the beach or in the forest or just a little garden Barefoot and butt on the ground meditating or just sitting and quietly contemplating our wondrous natural world will have you relaxing into zen in no time
Silence is goldenTaking time to retreat also means giving your mind a bit of a break (hence the lsquono doingrsquo rule) try out not talking which shouldnrsquot be too hard if yoursquore on your own and see what kind of insights
There is absolutely NOTHING that compares to the healing capacity of earthing ourselves at the beach
or in the forest or just a little garden
Barefoot and butt on the ground meditating or just sitting and
quietly contemplating our wondrous natural world
will have you relaxing into zen in no time
40
begin to pop into your nogginrsquo when you donrsquot have to constantly communicate
Pamper yourselfWhat feels really decadent to you For my recent retreat it was heading to a spa and bathhouse for the morning soaking in oxygenated spa baths steaming myself in the sauna and relaxing on a sun lounge in the tranquil spa gardens with a good book
For you it might be a luxurious massage and energy balancing treatment Or maybe itrsquos a delicious meal you take your time with at an amazing restaurant nearby Perhaps itrsquos allowing yourself to lounge around in bed with your favourite book and a cup of tea Whatever it is allow yourself these delights As many as you please gorgeous one
Body-loving foodIf you have a kitchen at your accommodation pack yourself the kind of food you know your body loves Think veggies fruit some bliss balls your fave teas raw cacao and honey for a delish hot chocolate If you have a portable blender pack up your ingredients to whip yourself up some delights while yoursquore there Alternatively and if you have time prepare a few things before you head off You can pre-cook quinoa lentil curries and rice dishes to heat up whenever you fancy If there are local farmerrsquos markets you can even do a bit of purchasing there for your meals (and because yoursquore so close to home bringing back the leftovers is a cinch)
Scout around a little and find some local cafeacutes or
41
restaurants that tickle your fancy and take yourself out for a meal that makes your body scream YES
Soul nourishing practices Rituals and practices help us to sink more deeply in to our soulrsquos true nature Bring along whatever stokes your soul fire and brings you into present moment awareness Cultivating reverence for yourself and life itself is a crucial aspect of your soul retreat Some practices you may consider are raquo Meditation (guided or just simply following your inhale and exhale) I find the Kundalini Ego
Eradicator meditation particularly soul-nourishing (and frankly life changing) raquo Journaling ndash with no thought as to what to write just jot down whatever comes to you Yoursquoll be
amazed at the cathartic feelings and insights this brings raquo Yoga (on your own or find a class nearby that resonates with you) raquo Playing with oracle cards Ask a question or for general guidance and see how your guides and
the Universe responds The Little Sagersquos deck is divine raquo Reading soulfully inspiring books raquo Lighting some incense and writing an epic gratitude list raquo A walking meditation through nature raquo Get arty play around with whatever you have Love colour Bring your paints Doodle Donrsquot
judge the results just let it flow out of you
Overall the point of this solo soul retreat is that you do what you genuinely want to do in the moment So nix the over planning as you may do with other trips away Settle into present moment awareness and allow yourself to be rather than just do Listen with kindness to your inner child Let her out to play (Mega hint she really doesnrsquot want to be bossed around) Gifting yourself this time is your surefire way to feeling rejuvenated refreshed and ready to live life to its fullest
Enjoy gorgeous one
Carly is a passionate international aid and development project manager and writer Carly works on projects in Australia and the Asia-Pacific region focusing on cultivating sustainable livelihoods the empowerment of women community enterprise local market development and positive social change
Head on over to Carlyrsquos blog Pockets of Peace for her soul-centred musings on peace wellness and oodles of inspiration
42
The most powerful weapon on earth is the human soul
on fire
F E R D I N A N D F O C H
43
Five Minute Fixes
FOR FEAR AND OVERWHELM
44
IF YOUrsquoRE RUNNING YOUR OWN BIZ YOUrsquoD BE FAMILIAR WITH THE PHENOMENON OF FEAR AND OVERWHELM YOU KNOW WHEN YOU JUST FEEL STUCK PARALYSED NOT SURE WHICH CHOICE TO MAKE OR ACTION TO TAKE YOU HAVE DEADLINES LOOMING THE PRESSURE IS MOUNTING AND YOUrsquoRE BLOCKED YOU NEED TO GET OUT OF YOUR OVERWHELM RIGHT NOW SO YOU CAN GET BACK TO CHANGING THE WORLD
Here are five practices designed to break the fear cycle and get you out of your head and into your body in five minutes or less
Go outside Get out into the sunlight See the sky take off your shoes and feel the grass tickle your toes Close your eyes Feel the heat on your skin Take some deep breaths and smell the air Tune in to the sounds around you Become still Fully engage with the present moment and drop into the sensations in your body
Deep breathing You can use a mantra such as So-Hum you can count the length of each inhale and exhale or you can do as many rounds of Nadi Shodhana (alternate nostril breathing) as you can fit into five minutes Whatever yoursquore most comfortable with do that Breath is the bridge between the inner and outer realities Deep breathing will calm the nervous system and bring your attention to the present moment
Move Go for a brisk walk Put on your favourite tune plug in the headphones and dance (in the bathroom cubicle if yoursquore embarrassed to do it in publichellip because thatrsquos not weird at all) Have a quickie on your own or with a partner Or you can shake it out Start with your right foot shake it as hard as possible to the count of 10 Then your whole leg Then the left foot and left leg Then the right hand then the right arm then the left hand and arm Then fold forward and gently shake your head - back to front side to side Then stand up again and shake your whole body like you know how
Then stand in stillness for 2 minutes to balance out the movement Listen to your heartbeat Yoursquove just expressed and released some negative energy so take a standing Savasana (resting pose) to integrate Make sure you smooth your hair after this one
45
Aromatherapy Get a bottle of essential oil and sniff it - simple Smell affects the limbic system which is responsible for the storage and release of emotional trauma You can immediately calm your body with the right scent
Make sure you get 100 therapeutic grade pure essential oil - these have a high vibrational frequency and you donrsquot want any nasties entering your system through inferior quality oil Lavender is proven to calm the nervous system as is frankincense balsam fir basil cedar wood and sandalwood You can purchase calming blends from your local aromatherapist or get them to custom-make a blend for you
Make some noise This is especially good if you work from home or drive to work as you may want privacy Get a pillow or lock yourself in the car and scream as loud as you can connecting deeply to your pelvis Give yourself permission to vocalise all that frustration fear shame guilt whatever is building up in your energy field Sound is the end of feeling When you express vocally you are releasing emotion and ending the cycle of repression Done regularly this will also enhance your creativity and self-expression - benefiting your business (and sex life) in the long run
These practices work for me and Irsquod love to know if they resonate with you
Irsquom Emma a multi-passionate self-love junkie who loves supporting people on their journey to wellness Since suffering from adrenal burnout and a host of related conditions Irsquove dedicated myself to personal healing and growth and encouraging others to find their own unique path By day Irsquom a yoga teacher virtual assistant and event coordinator for wellness entrepreneurs and outside of that yoursquoll find me salsa dancing travelling and eating raw desserts
Connect with me at emmashieldscom
46
Abandon anything about your life and habits that might be holding you back
Learn to create your own opportunities
Know that there is no finish line fortune favors action
Race balls-out toward the extraordinary life that yoursquove always dreamed of
or still havenrsquot had time to dream up
And prepare to have a hell of a lot of fun along the way
SOPHIA AMORUSO
47
Why you should create aHIGH-CONVERTING OPT-IN OFFER
A critical component of building your online business is growing your email list and creating a compelling opt-in offer is one of the best ways to kickstart this growth
You want your email list to be made up of people who are genuinely interested in you and what you have to offer your target market Your ideal customers and readers
Thatrsquos why your opt-in offer (a gift to entice people to join your list) needs to be unique highly relevant to your business and of real value to your ideal clients If people are on your site checking you out they are already interested ndash you need to give them a compelling reason to sign up
What would your readers find valuable Something that saves them time money pain or makes their life easier better or more beautiful It also needs to be damn high quality Proofed designed and worth paying for
48
Why would you give away something so valuable for free
Because it shows yoursquore serious about helping people Because it builds trust with readers Because itrsquos a genuine thank you in return for a readerrsquos contact details Because itrsquos an ad for your business Yoursquore showing people the quality of what they will receive if they go on to work with you
How do you choose which is right for you Think about what you currently offer your readers or customers (as in content as well as services or products) What is popular What do they comment on most or ask questions about What would you love to create What would be the perfect compliment to a service you provide How can you genuinely help
Brainstorm a list then narrow it down to one ndash and get cracking
The best opt-ins are win-win ndash you gather details from ideal customers and the customers
receive something great that they need and want in return
Happy creating
PS Tricking people is icky Donrsquot do that Itrsquos of no use to have people on your list that donrsquot care about you or your products Be genuine Offer genuine value Get genuine sign-ups
SO WHAT SHOULD YOU OFFER
Here are a few ideas raquo A sneak peek or preview of a paid
product ndash like a free chapter or lesson
raquo A smaller version of a paid product ndash like a 3 day meal plan
raquo Something which compliments a service you offer
raquo Useful templates ndash like a product launch worksheet or a calendar
raquo Inspirational printables ndash like quotes or illustrations
raquo A mini eCourse ndash like 5 days of video coaching
raquo A discount ndash like 10 off their next purchase
raquo A VIP offer ndash like first dibs on tickets
raquo An eBook or workbook ndash like a recipe book or marketing plan
Alana Wimmer is Founder + Creative Director of mini digital publishing house Raspberry Stripes Alana works with rad lady entrepreneurs to design eBooks which will change the world She also provides guidance insight and info on eBook design on the Raspberry Stripes website When she isnrsquot designing reading or talking about eBooks you can find Alana walking Rory and Roxy the boxers with her husband in tow probably on her way to pick up a green smoothie
49
is a lack of self-worth
50
As a bright-eyed uni student I got pretty excited about all the opportunities that were due to unfold before me when I graduated
My approach to life has always been filled with excitement for the future I remember saying to friends in class that we were certain to be successful because enthusiasm trumps experience Sadly the path wasnrsquot as smooth as Irsquod imagined I naively thought that all bosses had a sixth-sense for talent even from shy girls who werenrsquot outward about their abilities
I applied for and took a series of jobs that from the job description seemed so overwhelmingly scary to do but within months if not weeks I was bored I lacked the self-worth to believe I could step up but Irsquod externalise this into anger at my employer for holding me back Eventually I realised it was all of my own creation I was the one who was playing small applying for and then taking jobs that wersquore well under my pay grade I even turned down a few including a big promotion because the amount of money offered was too much and it scared me Seriously
Years of study and I lacked the ability to dive in fully commit be brave be boisterous about my abilities and soar I found school easy and when things seemed challenging at work I put it down to an inability to perform If it wasnrsquot easy at first I accepted that I just wasnrsquot able I had yet to find out that some of the best lessons come from giving things a go and making a lot of mistakes Failing or in reality playing small was a comfort zone for me and success in my career was an unknown quantity I was used to struggle I was safe with my dreams The possibility of them coming true Too much to handle Irsquod have to learn to live in the present moment and I donrsquot think I was ready to do that I wasnrsquot ready to look closely at myself and see that for all my effort there was still a lot of inner work to do It was time to look within
I KNOW HOW EASY IT IS TO BUILD WALLS AROUND OUR DREAMS PUSH THEM FURTHER AWAY IN AN ATTEMPT TO PLAY SAFE AND LIVE LIFE ACCORDING TO EXTERNAL INFLUENCE I KNOW THE LEVEL OF DETERMINATION AND MENTAL GRIT IT TAKES TO OVERCOME OURSELVES START TAKING OWNERSHIP OF OUR THOUGHTS AND ULTIMATELY THE PATH OF OUR OWN LIVES
I love when clients ask me to guide them on this path because I know just what can happen when they get there I hold my hand out as a supportive leverage point and watch them soar
Something Irsquove learnt along the way The first step for many women in building self-worth is learning the art of body love Body love is all about learning to appreciate the capabilities of your body nourishing and taking care of your spirit and occasionally cutting yourself a break
51
Itrsquos looking in the mirror and liking the person you see not picking on the parts you donrsquot like Itrsquos making a choice about whether to wear a bikini based on your personal values and not about what your body looks like in one Dieting and restriction are low level energies that hold us back from achieving high level desires Negative thinking blocks our internal compass and our ability to connect to our intuition Body love is the gateway to high frequency living
We all have that version of ourselves that we aspire to be The woman who gets up to the alarm has patience and drive Shersquos got a sparkle in her eye a sense of confidence and knowing about her place in the world that emanates from her whole being She sits up straight and laughs with abandon From where we sit therersquos a chasm to leap in becoming that woman That woman represents ldquoone dayrdquo She represents effort She can seem unachievable In my experience body love is the first and most important step toward that woman Body love is filled with possibility promise and prosperity When we remove that low level energy of diet and restriction we can start to attract high frequencies We can start to become that woman in the present moment
Irsquove seen the shift first hand for so many people Suddenly the whole world opens up and the possibilities become endless The cloud lifts and pie-in-the-sky dreams show up in high-definition technicolour Thoughts that previously caused anxiety everything from going to lunch with new friends to finding a purpose in life start to feel as easy to read as words on a page Therersquos no more searching Itrsquos been replaced by a knowing excitement I watch as women become like bright-eyed students again endless possibilities opening up before them Only this time Theyrsquove got experience on their side
Suddenly the whole world
opens up and the
possibilities become
endless
The cloud lifts and
pie-in-the-sky dreams show
up in high-definition
technicolour
Rachelle is a Life + Confidence Coach at My Saturn Epoch She supports women through the big transitions in their life helping them to break their negative cycles to consciously create a happy life and positive mindset She is a big hearted business woman who is passionate about supporting women in pursuit of their own excellence so they can shine as a beacon to themselves their families and their communities
Connect with Rachelle at mysaturnepochcom
52
SUBSCRIBE TO RASPBERRY MAGAZINE
Grab an annual subscription and yoursquoll receive raquo 6 digital issues of Raspberry Magazine raquo an exclusive Annual Subscribers Thank You Pack
- which includes a printable manifesto beautiful meditation tracks an eBook and more contributed by generous lady entrepreneurs - worth over $35
VISIT THE SHOP
53
T H A N K Y O U F O R R E A D I N GA N D A M I L L I O N H I G H-F I V E S
I F Y O U L O V E D R A S P B E R R YM A G A Z I N E P L E A S E S H A R E
54
20
What do you do Irsquom a lifestyle coach and writer who helps emerging creatives and professionals create a life thatrsquos a little a it unusual Itrsquos about breaking away from structured office hours and recognising their ability to create their own jobs and money by using their innate passions skills and talents in ways that are a little bit out of the box Itrsquos all about stepping out of a limiting mindset and seeing what is actually possible
Who lives with youI live on my own
Did you a transition from a regular 9 to 5 job How did that happen for you Not really Irsquove always had an extremely free lifestyle and only dabbled into a couple of office jobs along the way when I was inbetween other things
My transition to my current life happened out of the necessity to create something for myself that supported my lifestyle and was financially sustainable After studying psychology at uni I worked at international film and music festivals and other events which was really fun and exciting 12 years later I had fallen in love with being my own boss and traveling the world It was then that I realised that there are so many people who would love to travel have more freedom and time and create their own jobs and that I could help them
What is your current business model Irsquom a very independent worker so I tend to work solo though Irsquove just hired an intern to help me with some of the admin and social media stuff which is quite exciting I sell a range of different things ndash my coaching services make up most of my income followed by products in the form of eBooks and
jewellery collected on my travels Irsquom just about to launch my first course a set of 6 live classes to help beginners create their own unconventional lifestyle so thatrsquos very exciting and keeping me busy
Do you see this business model changing in the future Yes I think as an entreprenuer one the greatest characteristics you can have is flexibility Being flexible with how you do things always changing growing and updating is so important If you want to keep up with business you have to be comfortable and willing to change
What does a day-in-the-life look like for you I travel a lot so my day-to-day varies quite a lot but I usually start the day with writing content for my course blog or anything else that needs my creative input because in the morning my creativity is the highest I keep the mundane tasks for later in the day usually after my coaching calls I check emails and social media twice a day ndash once in the morning and once in the afternoon ndash which usually give me a good indication of what else needs to be done
And I always end my working day with a To Do list for the next day so I wake up with clarity and know exactly what I need to focus on
Irsquom really interested in time efficiency and productivity so choose to focus on doing things that I love and that generate the most response
Do you feel like an introvert or an extrovert and does that affect how you do business Hmmm ndash Irsquom an introverted extrovert I really enjoy my own company and fuel up energetically with time to myself But I also love and need social stimulation inspiration and everything that people bring into our
21
lives I guess itrsquos about balance and listening to your own needs
What are your favourite parts of business Creating and connecting I love the work I do so much ndash when one of my clients has an ah-ha that transforms everything they previously believed to be true ndash it just rocks my world Being able to help people create lives that they thought were only made of dream-stuff is so very fulfilling I learn so much from this process myself Therersquos such a powerful beauty in creating a community of like-minded individuals And I love being creative always thinking of new ideas and new ways to share the information tools and concepts that I have with my tribe
Least favourite Tax I just I have no idea how people manage all that side of things Irsquod do my best to keep everything tidy and organised for my accountant but it hurts my brain when itrsquos tax time
Do you feel like yoursquove made sacrifices to live this lifestyle What are they I think we make sacrifices in every lifestyle we choose There is always something that we choose to let go of in order to have something else But when itrsquos a choice it doesnrsquot really feel like a sacrifice
For example I donrsquot own a ton of material possessions because that would just be silly considering how much I move around For me however that is very freeing rather than a sacrifice I mean what could I possibly really need I love my lifestyle It suits me perfectly And thatrsquos all that matters
What are your Core Desired Feelings raquo Flow raquo Freedom raquo Inspiration raquo Gratitude
Any special tools or routines you implement regularly to feel or perform awesomely I meditate daily and exercise daily I set intentions (goals) monthly and review them every month I practice positive thinking and train my mind to focus on the things that light me up and make me feel good to exclusion of all others because I know that I create my life with my thoughts And things that make me feel good attract more things that make me feel good
BOOK Going Pro by Steven Pressfield
WEBSITE Instagram
EARLY MORNING ACTIVITY Meditation
LATE NIGHT ACTIVITY Journaling
GOURMET SNACK Salted Pistachios
I donrsquot own a ton of material possessions because that would just be silly
considering how much I move around For me however that is very freeing
rather than a sacrifice
Quickfire Faves
22
Amelia Lee
What do you doIrsquom an architect and have been working in the architectural industry for almost twenty years I recently started Undercover Architect which is about empowering YOU to create your well-designed home through online information tools products and services
Irsquom also a Director on the Qld Development Board for The Hunger Project an NGO that works to end hunger and poverty in third world countries by empowering those affected most to feed their families and create hope for their futures
Who lives with you I live with my husband Brandon and son (aged 7) and two daughters (aged 5 and 3) We also have a dog 6 chickens 5 ducklings and shortly 5 miniature cows
Did you a transition from a regular 9 to 5 job How did that happen for youI worked long hours in architectural practices for many years (more like 7am ndash 7pm) managing teams and big projects before I had kids We also wanted to keep them at home with us so over the last 12 years we have renovated 3 homes (whilst living in them) as a means of supplementing our income and supporting the way we wanted to live Wersquove both worked part-time or changed our working hours around kids and the renovating
When my second baby was 4 months old I started an architectural practice with 5 colleagues By the time my third bub was born we had grown our business to have about 10 crew and I didnrsquot really stop work
I left my business in June to pursue a new life My husband and I relocated our family to the Byron Bay Hinterland to a 77 acre property After a big year personally and professionally last year it seemed like the right time to make the move We wanted to stop
23
delaying the dream
What is your current business model Itrsquos just me ndash a one-man band madly writing content and building my website with information tools and advice Irsquom also providing architectural services to some individual clients which I can do remotely
Do you see this business model changing in the futureI will need some additional support in admin web support and marketingadvertising as the business builds My hope is to maintain my flexible work-from-home practises and create a virtual team of independent collaborators to enable this I want my business to be at a scale where I can provide significant financial support to The Hunger Project
What does a day-in-the-life look like for you I get up early and go for a walkrun while listening to an audio book I finish with a brief meditation to set my intentions for the day and then the kids are up and my husband and I run the gauntlet of brekkie lunches school uniforms and getting them to the bus
After the dust has settled I make myself a big cup of coffee and if itrsquos a work day I head to my office which is over our garage I have found that this new experience of working solely on my own without
imposed deadlines etc has required some new tools to create structure and discipline and itrsquos something Irsquom still working on
We all eat dinner together at about 5pm and I do love that we spend time like this together every day
Since the beginning of 2012 I have been taking a photo every day of something Irsquom grateful for and posting it to my Facebook page with a description Itrsquos helped me be a lot more present to the every day joy and beauty that exists
Do you feel like an introvert or an extrovert and does that affect how you do businessI recently found out I was 51 Extrovert ndash which means that Irsquom borderline Introvert also I can get VERY absorbed in my work ndash which is a great problem to have
However given the whole reason we are creating a life this way is to spend more time together as a family Irsquom aware that needs to be kept in check I ultimately would love to do speaking engagements workshops etc so will be drawing on the Extrovert tilt for this
What are your favourite parts of businessI love the lsquostartrsquo of things I am insatiably curious Learning something for the first time figuring it out and getting it to work Irsquom enjoying writing enormously
Least favouriteRevisiting things over and over again And given that my business is still in its early days income-wise I am resisting the pressure of needing to sell and market I want to create great clarity around who my ideal clients are before I launch myself out there
THE VIEW FROM MY HOME OFFICE
24
Do you feel like yoursquove made sacrifices to live this lifestyle What are theyWhere we are now is the culmination of 12 years of very very hard work with a goal and a vision Wersquove lived through 3 renovations Wersquove sunk all our money into homes we were creating for other people and scrimped on most other things because we were always working on the house It was so worth it though
Where we are now is the culmination of 12 years of
very very hard work with a goal and a vision
What are the values you live by My values are Joy|Love|Laughter|Fun (thatrsquos one) Innovation Inspiration and Spaciousness Abundance and Bravery are themes I work to explore
Seth Godin also replied to an email of thanks I once sent him telling me to ldquoGo make a ruckusrdquo ndash so that informs what I do also
Any special tools or routines you implement regularly to feel or perform awesomelyExercise and meditation and I also do a bit of Cognitive Behaviour Therapy My grateful photos also are really important in this
BOOK Tim Ferrissrsquo 4 Hour Work Week It just completely opened my eyes to this whole other way of doing business that wasnrsquot about selling my time for money
WEBSITE Facebook I find it a great way to touch quickly in the lives of my friends but also to get access to lots of inspirational and info ndash like HONY Oprahrsquos Super Soul Sunday Huffington Post Gabby Bernstein
EARLY MORNING ACTIVITY A walkrun stretch and meditation
LATE NIGHT ACTIVITY Meditation while I do my lsquolegs up the wallrsquo pose It makes a massive difference to how I sleep and how rested I feel in the morning
GOURMET SNACK Loving Earth Luvju Raw Organic Orange and Gubinge Chocolate Otherwise I make great fruit-free bliss balls with cacao maca powder and protein powder
Quickfire Faves
You can connect with Amelia online at UndercoverArchitectcom
25
Elizabeth Kelsey BradleyWhat do you do Irsquom a writer and consultant that creates compelling content and social media strategies for businesses around the world I work with companies of all sizes and in all niches but my passion is with helping holistic entrepreneurs
Who lives with you My husband daughter and our insane pets
Did you a transition from a regular 9 to 5 job How did that happen for youI have never had a 9 to 5 ever My father was an entrepreneur and even though he never ever spoke of what it meant to be an entrepreneur his calling seemed to rub off on me
Irsquom literally unemployable Irsquom an artist and rebel and need to do things my own way even though Irsquom a
people person
But how I ended up finally making a business was when my husband couldnrsquot find work and things got scary I began researching like mad how I could work online and it took me years to finally learn marketing particularly with social media and content Despite how hard my first few years were (and I wouldnrsquot want to repeat them) Irsquom glad I learned the hard way as I am able to help others and can relate to women who are just beginning their entrepreneurial journey I look at entrepreneurship as a great honor for me to be able to help others and be of service
What is your current business model I am solo I sell consulting services and also do freelance writing and photography for companies that donrsquot have a staff writer I really need an intern or VA at this point though and am looking for someone
26
Do you see this business model changing in the futureYes and no Yes I will need to hire someone and ideally two people now that I have branched out into creating courses and ebooks but no in regards to my consulting services changing as what I do is in demand People feel confused about social media and creating regular content so I think it will be the same business model for a long time to come
What does a day-in-the-life look like for you Well Irsquom a vampire apparently as I mainly work nights which here in Thailand would be morning time where many of my clients live During the day I am homeschooling mum and also carry in my bag some of my work for
when I need to do some writing or analysis of a clientrsquos social media
Do you feel like an introvert or an extrovert and does that affect how you do businessIrsquom an extrovert but a highly sensitive one This has actually worked in my favour as I have a process for weeding out people who donrsquot fit my Ideal Client profile so that I can maintain my energy and do the best I can with the entrepreneurs who I can best serve
What are your favourite parts of businessI adore talking with clients on the phone or in person so basically anytime Irsquom geeking out about social media and writing
27
Least favouriteAnything to do with SEO
Do you feel like yoursquove made sacrifices to live this lifestyle What are theyEntrepreneurship is isolating in general Add that to the fact that we live on an island in Thailand and itrsquos double the isolation but to be honest this was the best place for us to build our online businesses as itrsquos affordable to live here and safe so I have no regrets
What are your Core Desired Feelings Connection serenity ease truth Values wise Irsquom wild but extremely family oriented
Any special tools or routines you implement regularly to feel or perform awesomelyI read from spiritual or philosophical books and take regular walks Both give me loads of ideas for storytelling which is the essence of what I do Podcasts are also a huge part of my routine particularly those devoted to marketing
BOOK Ocean Sea (buy it now AMAZING)
WEBSITE wwwholisticdadnet
EARLY MORNING ACTIVITY Drinking yerba mate and some yoga
LATE NIGHT ACTIVITY Good beer and a video game
GOURMET SNACK Anything with white truffle oil on it
Quickfire Faves
Elizabeth Kelsey Bradley is an award-winning writer consultant and photojournalist currently based in Thailand Her work has appeared on sites such as Tiny Buddha Vagabonding and in Girl Gone International magazine
As a consultant she helps companies develop effective social media and content strategies She is currently devoted to helping holistic entrepreneurs grow their online platforms at Thriving Healer
28
PAPERLESS OFFICELETrsquoS LEAVE MORE OF OUR TREE FRIENDS IN THE GROUND AND TAKE ADVANTAGE OF THE EXCELLENT APPS AVAILABLE INSTEAD AFTER ALL WErsquoRE RUNNING OUR DEVICES FOR MOST OF THE DAY ANYWAY - MAY AS WELL TAKE ADVANTAGE OF THEIR RAD CAPABILITIES
29
SWAPWriting Lists
FORWunderlist
AnyDoTodoist
SWAPHardcopy Books
FOR
KindleiBooks
SWAPPrinting + Scanning
Contracts
FOR
EchosignHellosignSWAP
Taking Notes + Printing Articles
FOREvernote
SWAPBrainstorming
+ Mind Mapping
FORSimpleMind
Coggle
30
HOW DARE YOU S E T T L E F O R L E S S WHEN THE WORLD h a s m a d e i t SO EASY F O R Y O U T O B E remarkable
SETH GODIN
31
JASMINE DOWLING MAPS TO HERSELF THE FIFTH ELEMENT LIFE
MOSSYJOJO TRICIA O DESIGNSIMPLY LOVE CREATIONS
BY SAMANTHA STACEY KEMPPENFRIEND
Jazz up your office walls with prints that stoke your creative fire
32
THE YES EPIDEMIC
33
THE YES EPIDEMIC
OurCoverStar
34
Whether it be a night out (when Irsquom exhausted) a favour (thatrsquos asking a little too much) or a date (that I know isnrsquot going to go anywhere) Irsquove typically and reluctantly replied to these requests with a lsquosure thingrsquo more times than Irsquod care to admit
Take on another client when my schedule is fully booked Absolutely
Offer to shout a friendrsquos breakfast when I really donrsquot have the cash to splash Of course
Commit to another online course when Irsquom barely halfway through the other 8 Irsquove signed up for this year Why yes
The Yes Epidemic has woven its way into our exceptionally busy (and beautiful) lives with the promise of MORE More connection more exposure more opportunity more money more education more insight more success And the more we do the more we are - right
Wrong
The reality is the more we constantly fill our plates to the brim (oh letrsquos admit it our plates are overflowing) with commitment after
commitment the less space we are leaving for us to just BE
To be immersed in who we are what our dreams and desires are to love to play to breathe
By saying lsquoyesrsquo like itrsquos going out of fashion we find ourselves spread as thin as vegemite on gluten-free toast Our energy and vitality are compromised and we donrsquot show up in the world as our best selves
So here are a few tips I use with my clients (and myself regularly) to get in the habit of saying lsquonorsquo a little more often
Irsquove never been very good at saying lsquonorsquo
35
Reflective routine with a heaping dose of reality is key here Take an honest look at your weekly schedule and ensure that you are focussing your precious time energy and resources on the people activities and
projects that are aligned with your values Is this commitment important to you Then honour it with your time Not so important
Time to shift things up
I canrsquot go past Marie Forleorsquos advice on this subject When somebody presents you with an opportunity if itrsquos not a HELL YES then itrsquos a no
Go with your gut always
Forget the FOMO The lsquofear of missing outrsquo is what keeps most of us on the Sure Thing Wagon and itrsquos just not sustainable Trust that all the
opportunities that are meant for you will come your way at the right time for you
Send your lsquonorsquo off with love Therersquos no need to feel uncomfortable turning down a request when you do so with kindness respect and
humility Excuses can be left at the door just honour your good intentions and everyone involved in the situation
Remember every time you give a loving inspired lsquonorsquo you are giving others the permission to do the same thing I always feel energised when someone turns down a request because it reminds me to respect myself
enough to pull out that gentle lsquonorsquo when required too
1
23
45
AND THE BEST THING ABOUT SAYING lsquoNOrsquo WHEN THE TIME COMES THAT A lsquoSURE THINGrsquo IS IN FACT THE HEART-CENTRED RESPONSE YOU EXCITEDLY GIVE ITrsquoS MUCH SWEETER MORE MEANINGFUL AND A HELLUVA LOT MORE VALUABLE
Claire Baker is a certified coach and mentor passionate writer and speaker and author of lsquoShe Is Radiant Your 6-Week Wellness Adventure To Get Glowy amp Feel Radrsquo Claire guides vibrant young women as they get from where they are to where they want to be ndash in their health and life blog and business
You can consider Claire your personal advocate for living an energised playful and heart-centred life Come say hi at This is Lifeblood her online space to share her passion for all things nourishing soulful and creative
CLAIRErsquoS TOP FIVE TIPS TO GET INTO THE HABIT OF SAYING NO
36
37
artOF THE
THE
soloSOULRETREAT
38
When you live a soul-driven and passionate life you very likely live and breathe your lsquoworkrsquo 247
I put the word work in inverted commas because for you itrsquos likely just you leading your amazing life (and more power to you my friend) But amidst this you may find it difficult to switch off and cultivate the spaciousness to just let it all hang out and exist without an agenda or a to-do list anywhere in site
Enter stage left the Solo Soul Retreat I took myself on one recently and by golly did it give me the exact level of time out and rejoove that this soul-driven lassy needed Maybe itrsquos about time you took yourself on one
Here are some tips for creating the perfect conditions for your solo soul retreat
Pick a place close byI chose the Byron area because itrsquos only two hours drive from where I live And this is important because while you want to be lsquoawayrsquo to unplug from the numerous distractions of home you donrsquot want to be so far away that you feel obliged to check out all the sights and scoot around lsquodoingrsquo your little butt off You want to create a feeling of not having to do ANYTHING if you donrsquot feel like it Moment to moment awareness and tapping into what you truly want to do is critical to the restorative nature of the solo soul retreat So if that means a nap in the afternoon without checking out the sights do it Sans the guilt
Making it somewhere close by means you can convince your inner tourist that you can come back any time you want to So donrsquot book your long awaited trip to Bali for this particular retreat style I recommend scouting around Air BnB for some great bargains near you
Book for at least 2-3 nights away (more if possible)It takes awhile for us to wind down and get in to the rhythm of a slower pace so give yourself as much time as possible to sink deeply in to relaxation I find that it takes my body a good day or so (at least) to realise itrsquos on holiday A weekend is good a long weekend even better And a week would be crazy good
Set an intentionFor my soul retreat it was to cultivate a feeling of internal ease and spaciousness I was so tightly wound and constricted from within I wanted to feel joyous energy flowing through me again
39
unimpeded
An intention is a helpful anchor that you can come back to throughout the retreat when you feel your energy flitting away to unnecessary distractions Revisit your intention throughout your retreat and ease back into the feeling you wish to cultivate
Immerse yourself in natureWherever you head to find some time to plonk yourself amidst the stunning natural surrounds of Mama Nature There is absolutely NOTHING that compares to the healing capacity of earthing ourselves at the beach or in the forest or just a little garden Barefoot and butt on the ground meditating or just sitting and quietly contemplating our wondrous natural world will have you relaxing into zen in no time
Silence is goldenTaking time to retreat also means giving your mind a bit of a break (hence the lsquono doingrsquo rule) try out not talking which shouldnrsquot be too hard if yoursquore on your own and see what kind of insights
There is absolutely NOTHING that compares to the healing capacity of earthing ourselves at the beach
or in the forest or just a little garden
Barefoot and butt on the ground meditating or just sitting and
quietly contemplating our wondrous natural world
will have you relaxing into zen in no time
40
begin to pop into your nogginrsquo when you donrsquot have to constantly communicate
Pamper yourselfWhat feels really decadent to you For my recent retreat it was heading to a spa and bathhouse for the morning soaking in oxygenated spa baths steaming myself in the sauna and relaxing on a sun lounge in the tranquil spa gardens with a good book
For you it might be a luxurious massage and energy balancing treatment Or maybe itrsquos a delicious meal you take your time with at an amazing restaurant nearby Perhaps itrsquos allowing yourself to lounge around in bed with your favourite book and a cup of tea Whatever it is allow yourself these delights As many as you please gorgeous one
Body-loving foodIf you have a kitchen at your accommodation pack yourself the kind of food you know your body loves Think veggies fruit some bliss balls your fave teas raw cacao and honey for a delish hot chocolate If you have a portable blender pack up your ingredients to whip yourself up some delights while yoursquore there Alternatively and if you have time prepare a few things before you head off You can pre-cook quinoa lentil curries and rice dishes to heat up whenever you fancy If there are local farmerrsquos markets you can even do a bit of purchasing there for your meals (and because yoursquore so close to home bringing back the leftovers is a cinch)
Scout around a little and find some local cafeacutes or
41
restaurants that tickle your fancy and take yourself out for a meal that makes your body scream YES
Soul nourishing practices Rituals and practices help us to sink more deeply in to our soulrsquos true nature Bring along whatever stokes your soul fire and brings you into present moment awareness Cultivating reverence for yourself and life itself is a crucial aspect of your soul retreat Some practices you may consider are raquo Meditation (guided or just simply following your inhale and exhale) I find the Kundalini Ego
Eradicator meditation particularly soul-nourishing (and frankly life changing) raquo Journaling ndash with no thought as to what to write just jot down whatever comes to you Yoursquoll be
amazed at the cathartic feelings and insights this brings raquo Yoga (on your own or find a class nearby that resonates with you) raquo Playing with oracle cards Ask a question or for general guidance and see how your guides and
the Universe responds The Little Sagersquos deck is divine raquo Reading soulfully inspiring books raquo Lighting some incense and writing an epic gratitude list raquo A walking meditation through nature raquo Get arty play around with whatever you have Love colour Bring your paints Doodle Donrsquot
judge the results just let it flow out of you
Overall the point of this solo soul retreat is that you do what you genuinely want to do in the moment So nix the over planning as you may do with other trips away Settle into present moment awareness and allow yourself to be rather than just do Listen with kindness to your inner child Let her out to play (Mega hint she really doesnrsquot want to be bossed around) Gifting yourself this time is your surefire way to feeling rejuvenated refreshed and ready to live life to its fullest
Enjoy gorgeous one
Carly is a passionate international aid and development project manager and writer Carly works on projects in Australia and the Asia-Pacific region focusing on cultivating sustainable livelihoods the empowerment of women community enterprise local market development and positive social change
Head on over to Carlyrsquos blog Pockets of Peace for her soul-centred musings on peace wellness and oodles of inspiration
42
The most powerful weapon on earth is the human soul
on fire
F E R D I N A N D F O C H
43
Five Minute Fixes
FOR FEAR AND OVERWHELM
44
IF YOUrsquoRE RUNNING YOUR OWN BIZ YOUrsquoD BE FAMILIAR WITH THE PHENOMENON OF FEAR AND OVERWHELM YOU KNOW WHEN YOU JUST FEEL STUCK PARALYSED NOT SURE WHICH CHOICE TO MAKE OR ACTION TO TAKE YOU HAVE DEADLINES LOOMING THE PRESSURE IS MOUNTING AND YOUrsquoRE BLOCKED YOU NEED TO GET OUT OF YOUR OVERWHELM RIGHT NOW SO YOU CAN GET BACK TO CHANGING THE WORLD
Here are five practices designed to break the fear cycle and get you out of your head and into your body in five minutes or less
Go outside Get out into the sunlight See the sky take off your shoes and feel the grass tickle your toes Close your eyes Feel the heat on your skin Take some deep breaths and smell the air Tune in to the sounds around you Become still Fully engage with the present moment and drop into the sensations in your body
Deep breathing You can use a mantra such as So-Hum you can count the length of each inhale and exhale or you can do as many rounds of Nadi Shodhana (alternate nostril breathing) as you can fit into five minutes Whatever yoursquore most comfortable with do that Breath is the bridge between the inner and outer realities Deep breathing will calm the nervous system and bring your attention to the present moment
Move Go for a brisk walk Put on your favourite tune plug in the headphones and dance (in the bathroom cubicle if yoursquore embarrassed to do it in publichellip because thatrsquos not weird at all) Have a quickie on your own or with a partner Or you can shake it out Start with your right foot shake it as hard as possible to the count of 10 Then your whole leg Then the left foot and left leg Then the right hand then the right arm then the left hand and arm Then fold forward and gently shake your head - back to front side to side Then stand up again and shake your whole body like you know how
Then stand in stillness for 2 minutes to balance out the movement Listen to your heartbeat Yoursquove just expressed and released some negative energy so take a standing Savasana (resting pose) to integrate Make sure you smooth your hair after this one
45
Aromatherapy Get a bottle of essential oil and sniff it - simple Smell affects the limbic system which is responsible for the storage and release of emotional trauma You can immediately calm your body with the right scent
Make sure you get 100 therapeutic grade pure essential oil - these have a high vibrational frequency and you donrsquot want any nasties entering your system through inferior quality oil Lavender is proven to calm the nervous system as is frankincense balsam fir basil cedar wood and sandalwood You can purchase calming blends from your local aromatherapist or get them to custom-make a blend for you
Make some noise This is especially good if you work from home or drive to work as you may want privacy Get a pillow or lock yourself in the car and scream as loud as you can connecting deeply to your pelvis Give yourself permission to vocalise all that frustration fear shame guilt whatever is building up in your energy field Sound is the end of feeling When you express vocally you are releasing emotion and ending the cycle of repression Done regularly this will also enhance your creativity and self-expression - benefiting your business (and sex life) in the long run
These practices work for me and Irsquod love to know if they resonate with you
Irsquom Emma a multi-passionate self-love junkie who loves supporting people on their journey to wellness Since suffering from adrenal burnout and a host of related conditions Irsquove dedicated myself to personal healing and growth and encouraging others to find their own unique path By day Irsquom a yoga teacher virtual assistant and event coordinator for wellness entrepreneurs and outside of that yoursquoll find me salsa dancing travelling and eating raw desserts
Connect with me at emmashieldscom
46
Abandon anything about your life and habits that might be holding you back
Learn to create your own opportunities
Know that there is no finish line fortune favors action
Race balls-out toward the extraordinary life that yoursquove always dreamed of
or still havenrsquot had time to dream up
And prepare to have a hell of a lot of fun along the way
SOPHIA AMORUSO
47
Why you should create aHIGH-CONVERTING OPT-IN OFFER
A critical component of building your online business is growing your email list and creating a compelling opt-in offer is one of the best ways to kickstart this growth
You want your email list to be made up of people who are genuinely interested in you and what you have to offer your target market Your ideal customers and readers
Thatrsquos why your opt-in offer (a gift to entice people to join your list) needs to be unique highly relevant to your business and of real value to your ideal clients If people are on your site checking you out they are already interested ndash you need to give them a compelling reason to sign up
What would your readers find valuable Something that saves them time money pain or makes their life easier better or more beautiful It also needs to be damn high quality Proofed designed and worth paying for
48
Why would you give away something so valuable for free
Because it shows yoursquore serious about helping people Because it builds trust with readers Because itrsquos a genuine thank you in return for a readerrsquos contact details Because itrsquos an ad for your business Yoursquore showing people the quality of what they will receive if they go on to work with you
How do you choose which is right for you Think about what you currently offer your readers or customers (as in content as well as services or products) What is popular What do they comment on most or ask questions about What would you love to create What would be the perfect compliment to a service you provide How can you genuinely help
Brainstorm a list then narrow it down to one ndash and get cracking
The best opt-ins are win-win ndash you gather details from ideal customers and the customers
receive something great that they need and want in return
Happy creating
PS Tricking people is icky Donrsquot do that Itrsquos of no use to have people on your list that donrsquot care about you or your products Be genuine Offer genuine value Get genuine sign-ups
SO WHAT SHOULD YOU OFFER
Here are a few ideas raquo A sneak peek or preview of a paid
product ndash like a free chapter or lesson
raquo A smaller version of a paid product ndash like a 3 day meal plan
raquo Something which compliments a service you offer
raquo Useful templates ndash like a product launch worksheet or a calendar
raquo Inspirational printables ndash like quotes or illustrations
raquo A mini eCourse ndash like 5 days of video coaching
raquo A discount ndash like 10 off their next purchase
raquo A VIP offer ndash like first dibs on tickets
raquo An eBook or workbook ndash like a recipe book or marketing plan
Alana Wimmer is Founder + Creative Director of mini digital publishing house Raspberry Stripes Alana works with rad lady entrepreneurs to design eBooks which will change the world She also provides guidance insight and info on eBook design on the Raspberry Stripes website When she isnrsquot designing reading or talking about eBooks you can find Alana walking Rory and Roxy the boxers with her husband in tow probably on her way to pick up a green smoothie
49
is a lack of self-worth
50
As a bright-eyed uni student I got pretty excited about all the opportunities that were due to unfold before me when I graduated
My approach to life has always been filled with excitement for the future I remember saying to friends in class that we were certain to be successful because enthusiasm trumps experience Sadly the path wasnrsquot as smooth as Irsquod imagined I naively thought that all bosses had a sixth-sense for talent even from shy girls who werenrsquot outward about their abilities
I applied for and took a series of jobs that from the job description seemed so overwhelmingly scary to do but within months if not weeks I was bored I lacked the self-worth to believe I could step up but Irsquod externalise this into anger at my employer for holding me back Eventually I realised it was all of my own creation I was the one who was playing small applying for and then taking jobs that wersquore well under my pay grade I even turned down a few including a big promotion because the amount of money offered was too much and it scared me Seriously
Years of study and I lacked the ability to dive in fully commit be brave be boisterous about my abilities and soar I found school easy and when things seemed challenging at work I put it down to an inability to perform If it wasnrsquot easy at first I accepted that I just wasnrsquot able I had yet to find out that some of the best lessons come from giving things a go and making a lot of mistakes Failing or in reality playing small was a comfort zone for me and success in my career was an unknown quantity I was used to struggle I was safe with my dreams The possibility of them coming true Too much to handle Irsquod have to learn to live in the present moment and I donrsquot think I was ready to do that I wasnrsquot ready to look closely at myself and see that for all my effort there was still a lot of inner work to do It was time to look within
I KNOW HOW EASY IT IS TO BUILD WALLS AROUND OUR DREAMS PUSH THEM FURTHER AWAY IN AN ATTEMPT TO PLAY SAFE AND LIVE LIFE ACCORDING TO EXTERNAL INFLUENCE I KNOW THE LEVEL OF DETERMINATION AND MENTAL GRIT IT TAKES TO OVERCOME OURSELVES START TAKING OWNERSHIP OF OUR THOUGHTS AND ULTIMATELY THE PATH OF OUR OWN LIVES
I love when clients ask me to guide them on this path because I know just what can happen when they get there I hold my hand out as a supportive leverage point and watch them soar
Something Irsquove learnt along the way The first step for many women in building self-worth is learning the art of body love Body love is all about learning to appreciate the capabilities of your body nourishing and taking care of your spirit and occasionally cutting yourself a break
51
Itrsquos looking in the mirror and liking the person you see not picking on the parts you donrsquot like Itrsquos making a choice about whether to wear a bikini based on your personal values and not about what your body looks like in one Dieting and restriction are low level energies that hold us back from achieving high level desires Negative thinking blocks our internal compass and our ability to connect to our intuition Body love is the gateway to high frequency living
We all have that version of ourselves that we aspire to be The woman who gets up to the alarm has patience and drive Shersquos got a sparkle in her eye a sense of confidence and knowing about her place in the world that emanates from her whole being She sits up straight and laughs with abandon From where we sit therersquos a chasm to leap in becoming that woman That woman represents ldquoone dayrdquo She represents effort She can seem unachievable In my experience body love is the first and most important step toward that woman Body love is filled with possibility promise and prosperity When we remove that low level energy of diet and restriction we can start to attract high frequencies We can start to become that woman in the present moment
Irsquove seen the shift first hand for so many people Suddenly the whole world opens up and the possibilities become endless The cloud lifts and pie-in-the-sky dreams show up in high-definition technicolour Thoughts that previously caused anxiety everything from going to lunch with new friends to finding a purpose in life start to feel as easy to read as words on a page Therersquos no more searching Itrsquos been replaced by a knowing excitement I watch as women become like bright-eyed students again endless possibilities opening up before them Only this time Theyrsquove got experience on their side
Suddenly the whole world
opens up and the
possibilities become
endless
The cloud lifts and
pie-in-the-sky dreams show
up in high-definition
technicolour
Rachelle is a Life + Confidence Coach at My Saturn Epoch She supports women through the big transitions in their life helping them to break their negative cycles to consciously create a happy life and positive mindset She is a big hearted business woman who is passionate about supporting women in pursuit of their own excellence so they can shine as a beacon to themselves their families and their communities
Connect with Rachelle at mysaturnepochcom
52
SUBSCRIBE TO RASPBERRY MAGAZINE
Grab an annual subscription and yoursquoll receive raquo 6 digital issues of Raspberry Magazine raquo an exclusive Annual Subscribers Thank You Pack
- which includes a printable manifesto beautiful meditation tracks an eBook and more contributed by generous lady entrepreneurs - worth over $35
VISIT THE SHOP
53
T H A N K Y O U F O R R E A D I N GA N D A M I L L I O N H I G H-F I V E S
I F Y O U L O V E D R A S P B E R R YM A G A Z I N E P L E A S E S H A R E
54
21
lives I guess itrsquos about balance and listening to your own needs
What are your favourite parts of business Creating and connecting I love the work I do so much ndash when one of my clients has an ah-ha that transforms everything they previously believed to be true ndash it just rocks my world Being able to help people create lives that they thought were only made of dream-stuff is so very fulfilling I learn so much from this process myself Therersquos such a powerful beauty in creating a community of like-minded individuals And I love being creative always thinking of new ideas and new ways to share the information tools and concepts that I have with my tribe
Least favourite Tax I just I have no idea how people manage all that side of things Irsquod do my best to keep everything tidy and organised for my accountant but it hurts my brain when itrsquos tax time
Do you feel like yoursquove made sacrifices to live this lifestyle What are they I think we make sacrifices in every lifestyle we choose There is always something that we choose to let go of in order to have something else But when itrsquos a choice it doesnrsquot really feel like a sacrifice
For example I donrsquot own a ton of material possessions because that would just be silly considering how much I move around For me however that is very freeing rather than a sacrifice I mean what could I possibly really need I love my lifestyle It suits me perfectly And thatrsquos all that matters
What are your Core Desired Feelings raquo Flow raquo Freedom raquo Inspiration raquo Gratitude
Any special tools or routines you implement regularly to feel or perform awesomely I meditate daily and exercise daily I set intentions (goals) monthly and review them every month I practice positive thinking and train my mind to focus on the things that light me up and make me feel good to exclusion of all others because I know that I create my life with my thoughts And things that make me feel good attract more things that make me feel good
BOOK Going Pro by Steven Pressfield
WEBSITE Instagram
EARLY MORNING ACTIVITY Meditation
LATE NIGHT ACTIVITY Journaling
GOURMET SNACK Salted Pistachios
I donrsquot own a ton of material possessions because that would just be silly
considering how much I move around For me however that is very freeing
rather than a sacrifice
Quickfire Faves
22
Amelia Lee
What do you doIrsquom an architect and have been working in the architectural industry for almost twenty years I recently started Undercover Architect which is about empowering YOU to create your well-designed home through online information tools products and services
Irsquom also a Director on the Qld Development Board for The Hunger Project an NGO that works to end hunger and poverty in third world countries by empowering those affected most to feed their families and create hope for their futures
Who lives with you I live with my husband Brandon and son (aged 7) and two daughters (aged 5 and 3) We also have a dog 6 chickens 5 ducklings and shortly 5 miniature cows
Did you a transition from a regular 9 to 5 job How did that happen for youI worked long hours in architectural practices for many years (more like 7am ndash 7pm) managing teams and big projects before I had kids We also wanted to keep them at home with us so over the last 12 years we have renovated 3 homes (whilst living in them) as a means of supplementing our income and supporting the way we wanted to live Wersquove both worked part-time or changed our working hours around kids and the renovating
When my second baby was 4 months old I started an architectural practice with 5 colleagues By the time my third bub was born we had grown our business to have about 10 crew and I didnrsquot really stop work
I left my business in June to pursue a new life My husband and I relocated our family to the Byron Bay Hinterland to a 77 acre property After a big year personally and professionally last year it seemed like the right time to make the move We wanted to stop
23
delaying the dream
What is your current business model Itrsquos just me ndash a one-man band madly writing content and building my website with information tools and advice Irsquom also providing architectural services to some individual clients which I can do remotely
Do you see this business model changing in the futureI will need some additional support in admin web support and marketingadvertising as the business builds My hope is to maintain my flexible work-from-home practises and create a virtual team of independent collaborators to enable this I want my business to be at a scale where I can provide significant financial support to The Hunger Project
What does a day-in-the-life look like for you I get up early and go for a walkrun while listening to an audio book I finish with a brief meditation to set my intentions for the day and then the kids are up and my husband and I run the gauntlet of brekkie lunches school uniforms and getting them to the bus
After the dust has settled I make myself a big cup of coffee and if itrsquos a work day I head to my office which is over our garage I have found that this new experience of working solely on my own without
imposed deadlines etc has required some new tools to create structure and discipline and itrsquos something Irsquom still working on
We all eat dinner together at about 5pm and I do love that we spend time like this together every day
Since the beginning of 2012 I have been taking a photo every day of something Irsquom grateful for and posting it to my Facebook page with a description Itrsquos helped me be a lot more present to the every day joy and beauty that exists
Do you feel like an introvert or an extrovert and does that affect how you do businessI recently found out I was 51 Extrovert ndash which means that Irsquom borderline Introvert also I can get VERY absorbed in my work ndash which is a great problem to have
However given the whole reason we are creating a life this way is to spend more time together as a family Irsquom aware that needs to be kept in check I ultimately would love to do speaking engagements workshops etc so will be drawing on the Extrovert tilt for this
What are your favourite parts of businessI love the lsquostartrsquo of things I am insatiably curious Learning something for the first time figuring it out and getting it to work Irsquom enjoying writing enormously
Least favouriteRevisiting things over and over again And given that my business is still in its early days income-wise I am resisting the pressure of needing to sell and market I want to create great clarity around who my ideal clients are before I launch myself out there
THE VIEW FROM MY HOME OFFICE
24
Do you feel like yoursquove made sacrifices to live this lifestyle What are theyWhere we are now is the culmination of 12 years of very very hard work with a goal and a vision Wersquove lived through 3 renovations Wersquove sunk all our money into homes we were creating for other people and scrimped on most other things because we were always working on the house It was so worth it though
Where we are now is the culmination of 12 years of
very very hard work with a goal and a vision
What are the values you live by My values are Joy|Love|Laughter|Fun (thatrsquos one) Innovation Inspiration and Spaciousness Abundance and Bravery are themes I work to explore
Seth Godin also replied to an email of thanks I once sent him telling me to ldquoGo make a ruckusrdquo ndash so that informs what I do also
Any special tools or routines you implement regularly to feel or perform awesomelyExercise and meditation and I also do a bit of Cognitive Behaviour Therapy My grateful photos also are really important in this
BOOK Tim Ferrissrsquo 4 Hour Work Week It just completely opened my eyes to this whole other way of doing business that wasnrsquot about selling my time for money
WEBSITE Facebook I find it a great way to touch quickly in the lives of my friends but also to get access to lots of inspirational and info ndash like HONY Oprahrsquos Super Soul Sunday Huffington Post Gabby Bernstein
EARLY MORNING ACTIVITY A walkrun stretch and meditation
LATE NIGHT ACTIVITY Meditation while I do my lsquolegs up the wallrsquo pose It makes a massive difference to how I sleep and how rested I feel in the morning
GOURMET SNACK Loving Earth Luvju Raw Organic Orange and Gubinge Chocolate Otherwise I make great fruit-free bliss balls with cacao maca powder and protein powder
Quickfire Faves
You can connect with Amelia online at UndercoverArchitectcom
25
Elizabeth Kelsey BradleyWhat do you do Irsquom a writer and consultant that creates compelling content and social media strategies for businesses around the world I work with companies of all sizes and in all niches but my passion is with helping holistic entrepreneurs
Who lives with you My husband daughter and our insane pets
Did you a transition from a regular 9 to 5 job How did that happen for youI have never had a 9 to 5 ever My father was an entrepreneur and even though he never ever spoke of what it meant to be an entrepreneur his calling seemed to rub off on me
Irsquom literally unemployable Irsquom an artist and rebel and need to do things my own way even though Irsquom a
people person
But how I ended up finally making a business was when my husband couldnrsquot find work and things got scary I began researching like mad how I could work online and it took me years to finally learn marketing particularly with social media and content Despite how hard my first few years were (and I wouldnrsquot want to repeat them) Irsquom glad I learned the hard way as I am able to help others and can relate to women who are just beginning their entrepreneurial journey I look at entrepreneurship as a great honor for me to be able to help others and be of service
What is your current business model I am solo I sell consulting services and also do freelance writing and photography for companies that donrsquot have a staff writer I really need an intern or VA at this point though and am looking for someone
26
Do you see this business model changing in the futureYes and no Yes I will need to hire someone and ideally two people now that I have branched out into creating courses and ebooks but no in regards to my consulting services changing as what I do is in demand People feel confused about social media and creating regular content so I think it will be the same business model for a long time to come
What does a day-in-the-life look like for you Well Irsquom a vampire apparently as I mainly work nights which here in Thailand would be morning time where many of my clients live During the day I am homeschooling mum and also carry in my bag some of my work for
when I need to do some writing or analysis of a clientrsquos social media
Do you feel like an introvert or an extrovert and does that affect how you do businessIrsquom an extrovert but a highly sensitive one This has actually worked in my favour as I have a process for weeding out people who donrsquot fit my Ideal Client profile so that I can maintain my energy and do the best I can with the entrepreneurs who I can best serve
What are your favourite parts of businessI adore talking with clients on the phone or in person so basically anytime Irsquom geeking out about social media and writing
27
Least favouriteAnything to do with SEO
Do you feel like yoursquove made sacrifices to live this lifestyle What are theyEntrepreneurship is isolating in general Add that to the fact that we live on an island in Thailand and itrsquos double the isolation but to be honest this was the best place for us to build our online businesses as itrsquos affordable to live here and safe so I have no regrets
What are your Core Desired Feelings Connection serenity ease truth Values wise Irsquom wild but extremely family oriented
Any special tools or routines you implement regularly to feel or perform awesomelyI read from spiritual or philosophical books and take regular walks Both give me loads of ideas for storytelling which is the essence of what I do Podcasts are also a huge part of my routine particularly those devoted to marketing
BOOK Ocean Sea (buy it now AMAZING)
WEBSITE wwwholisticdadnet
EARLY MORNING ACTIVITY Drinking yerba mate and some yoga
LATE NIGHT ACTIVITY Good beer and a video game
GOURMET SNACK Anything with white truffle oil on it
Quickfire Faves
Elizabeth Kelsey Bradley is an award-winning writer consultant and photojournalist currently based in Thailand Her work has appeared on sites such as Tiny Buddha Vagabonding and in Girl Gone International magazine
As a consultant she helps companies develop effective social media and content strategies She is currently devoted to helping holistic entrepreneurs grow their online platforms at Thriving Healer
28
PAPERLESS OFFICELETrsquoS LEAVE MORE OF OUR TREE FRIENDS IN THE GROUND AND TAKE ADVANTAGE OF THE EXCELLENT APPS AVAILABLE INSTEAD AFTER ALL WErsquoRE RUNNING OUR DEVICES FOR MOST OF THE DAY ANYWAY - MAY AS WELL TAKE ADVANTAGE OF THEIR RAD CAPABILITIES
29
SWAPWriting Lists
FORWunderlist
AnyDoTodoist
SWAPHardcopy Books
FOR
KindleiBooks
SWAPPrinting + Scanning
Contracts
FOR
EchosignHellosignSWAP
Taking Notes + Printing Articles
FOREvernote
SWAPBrainstorming
+ Mind Mapping
FORSimpleMind
Coggle
30
HOW DARE YOU S E T T L E F O R L E S S WHEN THE WORLD h a s m a d e i t SO EASY F O R Y O U T O B E remarkable
SETH GODIN
31
JASMINE DOWLING MAPS TO HERSELF THE FIFTH ELEMENT LIFE
MOSSYJOJO TRICIA O DESIGNSIMPLY LOVE CREATIONS
BY SAMANTHA STACEY KEMPPENFRIEND
Jazz up your office walls with prints that stoke your creative fire
32
THE YES EPIDEMIC
33
THE YES EPIDEMIC
OurCoverStar
34
Whether it be a night out (when Irsquom exhausted) a favour (thatrsquos asking a little too much) or a date (that I know isnrsquot going to go anywhere) Irsquove typically and reluctantly replied to these requests with a lsquosure thingrsquo more times than Irsquod care to admit
Take on another client when my schedule is fully booked Absolutely
Offer to shout a friendrsquos breakfast when I really donrsquot have the cash to splash Of course
Commit to another online course when Irsquom barely halfway through the other 8 Irsquove signed up for this year Why yes
The Yes Epidemic has woven its way into our exceptionally busy (and beautiful) lives with the promise of MORE More connection more exposure more opportunity more money more education more insight more success And the more we do the more we are - right
Wrong
The reality is the more we constantly fill our plates to the brim (oh letrsquos admit it our plates are overflowing) with commitment after
commitment the less space we are leaving for us to just BE
To be immersed in who we are what our dreams and desires are to love to play to breathe
By saying lsquoyesrsquo like itrsquos going out of fashion we find ourselves spread as thin as vegemite on gluten-free toast Our energy and vitality are compromised and we donrsquot show up in the world as our best selves
So here are a few tips I use with my clients (and myself regularly) to get in the habit of saying lsquonorsquo a little more often
Irsquove never been very good at saying lsquonorsquo
35
Reflective routine with a heaping dose of reality is key here Take an honest look at your weekly schedule and ensure that you are focussing your precious time energy and resources on the people activities and
projects that are aligned with your values Is this commitment important to you Then honour it with your time Not so important
Time to shift things up
I canrsquot go past Marie Forleorsquos advice on this subject When somebody presents you with an opportunity if itrsquos not a HELL YES then itrsquos a no
Go with your gut always
Forget the FOMO The lsquofear of missing outrsquo is what keeps most of us on the Sure Thing Wagon and itrsquos just not sustainable Trust that all the
opportunities that are meant for you will come your way at the right time for you
Send your lsquonorsquo off with love Therersquos no need to feel uncomfortable turning down a request when you do so with kindness respect and
humility Excuses can be left at the door just honour your good intentions and everyone involved in the situation
Remember every time you give a loving inspired lsquonorsquo you are giving others the permission to do the same thing I always feel energised when someone turns down a request because it reminds me to respect myself
enough to pull out that gentle lsquonorsquo when required too
1
23
45
AND THE BEST THING ABOUT SAYING lsquoNOrsquo WHEN THE TIME COMES THAT A lsquoSURE THINGrsquo IS IN FACT THE HEART-CENTRED RESPONSE YOU EXCITEDLY GIVE ITrsquoS MUCH SWEETER MORE MEANINGFUL AND A HELLUVA LOT MORE VALUABLE
Claire Baker is a certified coach and mentor passionate writer and speaker and author of lsquoShe Is Radiant Your 6-Week Wellness Adventure To Get Glowy amp Feel Radrsquo Claire guides vibrant young women as they get from where they are to where they want to be ndash in their health and life blog and business
You can consider Claire your personal advocate for living an energised playful and heart-centred life Come say hi at This is Lifeblood her online space to share her passion for all things nourishing soulful and creative
CLAIRErsquoS TOP FIVE TIPS TO GET INTO THE HABIT OF SAYING NO
36
37
artOF THE
THE
soloSOULRETREAT
38
When you live a soul-driven and passionate life you very likely live and breathe your lsquoworkrsquo 247
I put the word work in inverted commas because for you itrsquos likely just you leading your amazing life (and more power to you my friend) But amidst this you may find it difficult to switch off and cultivate the spaciousness to just let it all hang out and exist without an agenda or a to-do list anywhere in site
Enter stage left the Solo Soul Retreat I took myself on one recently and by golly did it give me the exact level of time out and rejoove that this soul-driven lassy needed Maybe itrsquos about time you took yourself on one
Here are some tips for creating the perfect conditions for your solo soul retreat
Pick a place close byI chose the Byron area because itrsquos only two hours drive from where I live And this is important because while you want to be lsquoawayrsquo to unplug from the numerous distractions of home you donrsquot want to be so far away that you feel obliged to check out all the sights and scoot around lsquodoingrsquo your little butt off You want to create a feeling of not having to do ANYTHING if you donrsquot feel like it Moment to moment awareness and tapping into what you truly want to do is critical to the restorative nature of the solo soul retreat So if that means a nap in the afternoon without checking out the sights do it Sans the guilt
Making it somewhere close by means you can convince your inner tourist that you can come back any time you want to So donrsquot book your long awaited trip to Bali for this particular retreat style I recommend scouting around Air BnB for some great bargains near you
Book for at least 2-3 nights away (more if possible)It takes awhile for us to wind down and get in to the rhythm of a slower pace so give yourself as much time as possible to sink deeply in to relaxation I find that it takes my body a good day or so (at least) to realise itrsquos on holiday A weekend is good a long weekend even better And a week would be crazy good
Set an intentionFor my soul retreat it was to cultivate a feeling of internal ease and spaciousness I was so tightly wound and constricted from within I wanted to feel joyous energy flowing through me again
39
unimpeded
An intention is a helpful anchor that you can come back to throughout the retreat when you feel your energy flitting away to unnecessary distractions Revisit your intention throughout your retreat and ease back into the feeling you wish to cultivate
Immerse yourself in natureWherever you head to find some time to plonk yourself amidst the stunning natural surrounds of Mama Nature There is absolutely NOTHING that compares to the healing capacity of earthing ourselves at the beach or in the forest or just a little garden Barefoot and butt on the ground meditating or just sitting and quietly contemplating our wondrous natural world will have you relaxing into zen in no time
Silence is goldenTaking time to retreat also means giving your mind a bit of a break (hence the lsquono doingrsquo rule) try out not talking which shouldnrsquot be too hard if yoursquore on your own and see what kind of insights
There is absolutely NOTHING that compares to the healing capacity of earthing ourselves at the beach
or in the forest or just a little garden
Barefoot and butt on the ground meditating or just sitting and
quietly contemplating our wondrous natural world
will have you relaxing into zen in no time
40
begin to pop into your nogginrsquo when you donrsquot have to constantly communicate
Pamper yourselfWhat feels really decadent to you For my recent retreat it was heading to a spa and bathhouse for the morning soaking in oxygenated spa baths steaming myself in the sauna and relaxing on a sun lounge in the tranquil spa gardens with a good book
For you it might be a luxurious massage and energy balancing treatment Or maybe itrsquos a delicious meal you take your time with at an amazing restaurant nearby Perhaps itrsquos allowing yourself to lounge around in bed with your favourite book and a cup of tea Whatever it is allow yourself these delights As many as you please gorgeous one
Body-loving foodIf you have a kitchen at your accommodation pack yourself the kind of food you know your body loves Think veggies fruit some bliss balls your fave teas raw cacao and honey for a delish hot chocolate If you have a portable blender pack up your ingredients to whip yourself up some delights while yoursquore there Alternatively and if you have time prepare a few things before you head off You can pre-cook quinoa lentil curries and rice dishes to heat up whenever you fancy If there are local farmerrsquos markets you can even do a bit of purchasing there for your meals (and because yoursquore so close to home bringing back the leftovers is a cinch)
Scout around a little and find some local cafeacutes or
41
restaurants that tickle your fancy and take yourself out for a meal that makes your body scream YES
Soul nourishing practices Rituals and practices help us to sink more deeply in to our soulrsquos true nature Bring along whatever stokes your soul fire and brings you into present moment awareness Cultivating reverence for yourself and life itself is a crucial aspect of your soul retreat Some practices you may consider are raquo Meditation (guided or just simply following your inhale and exhale) I find the Kundalini Ego
Eradicator meditation particularly soul-nourishing (and frankly life changing) raquo Journaling ndash with no thought as to what to write just jot down whatever comes to you Yoursquoll be
amazed at the cathartic feelings and insights this brings raquo Yoga (on your own or find a class nearby that resonates with you) raquo Playing with oracle cards Ask a question or for general guidance and see how your guides and
the Universe responds The Little Sagersquos deck is divine raquo Reading soulfully inspiring books raquo Lighting some incense and writing an epic gratitude list raquo A walking meditation through nature raquo Get arty play around with whatever you have Love colour Bring your paints Doodle Donrsquot
judge the results just let it flow out of you
Overall the point of this solo soul retreat is that you do what you genuinely want to do in the moment So nix the over planning as you may do with other trips away Settle into present moment awareness and allow yourself to be rather than just do Listen with kindness to your inner child Let her out to play (Mega hint she really doesnrsquot want to be bossed around) Gifting yourself this time is your surefire way to feeling rejuvenated refreshed and ready to live life to its fullest
Enjoy gorgeous one
Carly is a passionate international aid and development project manager and writer Carly works on projects in Australia and the Asia-Pacific region focusing on cultivating sustainable livelihoods the empowerment of women community enterprise local market development and positive social change
Head on over to Carlyrsquos blog Pockets of Peace for her soul-centred musings on peace wellness and oodles of inspiration
42
The most powerful weapon on earth is the human soul
on fire
F E R D I N A N D F O C H
43
Five Minute Fixes
FOR FEAR AND OVERWHELM
44
IF YOUrsquoRE RUNNING YOUR OWN BIZ YOUrsquoD BE FAMILIAR WITH THE PHENOMENON OF FEAR AND OVERWHELM YOU KNOW WHEN YOU JUST FEEL STUCK PARALYSED NOT SURE WHICH CHOICE TO MAKE OR ACTION TO TAKE YOU HAVE DEADLINES LOOMING THE PRESSURE IS MOUNTING AND YOUrsquoRE BLOCKED YOU NEED TO GET OUT OF YOUR OVERWHELM RIGHT NOW SO YOU CAN GET BACK TO CHANGING THE WORLD
Here are five practices designed to break the fear cycle and get you out of your head and into your body in five minutes or less
Go outside Get out into the sunlight See the sky take off your shoes and feel the grass tickle your toes Close your eyes Feel the heat on your skin Take some deep breaths and smell the air Tune in to the sounds around you Become still Fully engage with the present moment and drop into the sensations in your body
Deep breathing You can use a mantra such as So-Hum you can count the length of each inhale and exhale or you can do as many rounds of Nadi Shodhana (alternate nostril breathing) as you can fit into five minutes Whatever yoursquore most comfortable with do that Breath is the bridge between the inner and outer realities Deep breathing will calm the nervous system and bring your attention to the present moment
Move Go for a brisk walk Put on your favourite tune plug in the headphones and dance (in the bathroom cubicle if yoursquore embarrassed to do it in publichellip because thatrsquos not weird at all) Have a quickie on your own or with a partner Or you can shake it out Start with your right foot shake it as hard as possible to the count of 10 Then your whole leg Then the left foot and left leg Then the right hand then the right arm then the left hand and arm Then fold forward and gently shake your head - back to front side to side Then stand up again and shake your whole body like you know how
Then stand in stillness for 2 minutes to balance out the movement Listen to your heartbeat Yoursquove just expressed and released some negative energy so take a standing Savasana (resting pose) to integrate Make sure you smooth your hair after this one
45
Aromatherapy Get a bottle of essential oil and sniff it - simple Smell affects the limbic system which is responsible for the storage and release of emotional trauma You can immediately calm your body with the right scent
Make sure you get 100 therapeutic grade pure essential oil - these have a high vibrational frequency and you donrsquot want any nasties entering your system through inferior quality oil Lavender is proven to calm the nervous system as is frankincense balsam fir basil cedar wood and sandalwood You can purchase calming blends from your local aromatherapist or get them to custom-make a blend for you
Make some noise This is especially good if you work from home or drive to work as you may want privacy Get a pillow or lock yourself in the car and scream as loud as you can connecting deeply to your pelvis Give yourself permission to vocalise all that frustration fear shame guilt whatever is building up in your energy field Sound is the end of feeling When you express vocally you are releasing emotion and ending the cycle of repression Done regularly this will also enhance your creativity and self-expression - benefiting your business (and sex life) in the long run
These practices work for me and Irsquod love to know if they resonate with you
Irsquom Emma a multi-passionate self-love junkie who loves supporting people on their journey to wellness Since suffering from adrenal burnout and a host of related conditions Irsquove dedicated myself to personal healing and growth and encouraging others to find their own unique path By day Irsquom a yoga teacher virtual assistant and event coordinator for wellness entrepreneurs and outside of that yoursquoll find me salsa dancing travelling and eating raw desserts
Connect with me at emmashieldscom
46
Abandon anything about your life and habits that might be holding you back
Learn to create your own opportunities
Know that there is no finish line fortune favors action
Race balls-out toward the extraordinary life that yoursquove always dreamed of
or still havenrsquot had time to dream up
And prepare to have a hell of a lot of fun along the way
SOPHIA AMORUSO
47
Why you should create aHIGH-CONVERTING OPT-IN OFFER
A critical component of building your online business is growing your email list and creating a compelling opt-in offer is one of the best ways to kickstart this growth
You want your email list to be made up of people who are genuinely interested in you and what you have to offer your target market Your ideal customers and readers
Thatrsquos why your opt-in offer (a gift to entice people to join your list) needs to be unique highly relevant to your business and of real value to your ideal clients If people are on your site checking you out they are already interested ndash you need to give them a compelling reason to sign up
What would your readers find valuable Something that saves them time money pain or makes their life easier better or more beautiful It also needs to be damn high quality Proofed designed and worth paying for
48
Why would you give away something so valuable for free
Because it shows yoursquore serious about helping people Because it builds trust with readers Because itrsquos a genuine thank you in return for a readerrsquos contact details Because itrsquos an ad for your business Yoursquore showing people the quality of what they will receive if they go on to work with you
How do you choose which is right for you Think about what you currently offer your readers or customers (as in content as well as services or products) What is popular What do they comment on most or ask questions about What would you love to create What would be the perfect compliment to a service you provide How can you genuinely help
Brainstorm a list then narrow it down to one ndash and get cracking
The best opt-ins are win-win ndash you gather details from ideal customers and the customers
receive something great that they need and want in return
Happy creating
PS Tricking people is icky Donrsquot do that Itrsquos of no use to have people on your list that donrsquot care about you or your products Be genuine Offer genuine value Get genuine sign-ups
SO WHAT SHOULD YOU OFFER
Here are a few ideas raquo A sneak peek or preview of a paid
product ndash like a free chapter or lesson
raquo A smaller version of a paid product ndash like a 3 day meal plan
raquo Something which compliments a service you offer
raquo Useful templates ndash like a product launch worksheet or a calendar
raquo Inspirational printables ndash like quotes or illustrations
raquo A mini eCourse ndash like 5 days of video coaching
raquo A discount ndash like 10 off their next purchase
raquo A VIP offer ndash like first dibs on tickets
raquo An eBook or workbook ndash like a recipe book or marketing plan
Alana Wimmer is Founder + Creative Director of mini digital publishing house Raspberry Stripes Alana works with rad lady entrepreneurs to design eBooks which will change the world She also provides guidance insight and info on eBook design on the Raspberry Stripes website When she isnrsquot designing reading or talking about eBooks you can find Alana walking Rory and Roxy the boxers with her husband in tow probably on her way to pick up a green smoothie
49
is a lack of self-worth
50
As a bright-eyed uni student I got pretty excited about all the opportunities that were due to unfold before me when I graduated
My approach to life has always been filled with excitement for the future I remember saying to friends in class that we were certain to be successful because enthusiasm trumps experience Sadly the path wasnrsquot as smooth as Irsquod imagined I naively thought that all bosses had a sixth-sense for talent even from shy girls who werenrsquot outward about their abilities
I applied for and took a series of jobs that from the job description seemed so overwhelmingly scary to do but within months if not weeks I was bored I lacked the self-worth to believe I could step up but Irsquod externalise this into anger at my employer for holding me back Eventually I realised it was all of my own creation I was the one who was playing small applying for and then taking jobs that wersquore well under my pay grade I even turned down a few including a big promotion because the amount of money offered was too much and it scared me Seriously
Years of study and I lacked the ability to dive in fully commit be brave be boisterous about my abilities and soar I found school easy and when things seemed challenging at work I put it down to an inability to perform If it wasnrsquot easy at first I accepted that I just wasnrsquot able I had yet to find out that some of the best lessons come from giving things a go and making a lot of mistakes Failing or in reality playing small was a comfort zone for me and success in my career was an unknown quantity I was used to struggle I was safe with my dreams The possibility of them coming true Too much to handle Irsquod have to learn to live in the present moment and I donrsquot think I was ready to do that I wasnrsquot ready to look closely at myself and see that for all my effort there was still a lot of inner work to do It was time to look within
I KNOW HOW EASY IT IS TO BUILD WALLS AROUND OUR DREAMS PUSH THEM FURTHER AWAY IN AN ATTEMPT TO PLAY SAFE AND LIVE LIFE ACCORDING TO EXTERNAL INFLUENCE I KNOW THE LEVEL OF DETERMINATION AND MENTAL GRIT IT TAKES TO OVERCOME OURSELVES START TAKING OWNERSHIP OF OUR THOUGHTS AND ULTIMATELY THE PATH OF OUR OWN LIVES
I love when clients ask me to guide them on this path because I know just what can happen when they get there I hold my hand out as a supportive leverage point and watch them soar
Something Irsquove learnt along the way The first step for many women in building self-worth is learning the art of body love Body love is all about learning to appreciate the capabilities of your body nourishing and taking care of your spirit and occasionally cutting yourself a break
51
Itrsquos looking in the mirror and liking the person you see not picking on the parts you donrsquot like Itrsquos making a choice about whether to wear a bikini based on your personal values and not about what your body looks like in one Dieting and restriction are low level energies that hold us back from achieving high level desires Negative thinking blocks our internal compass and our ability to connect to our intuition Body love is the gateway to high frequency living
We all have that version of ourselves that we aspire to be The woman who gets up to the alarm has patience and drive Shersquos got a sparkle in her eye a sense of confidence and knowing about her place in the world that emanates from her whole being She sits up straight and laughs with abandon From where we sit therersquos a chasm to leap in becoming that woman That woman represents ldquoone dayrdquo She represents effort She can seem unachievable In my experience body love is the first and most important step toward that woman Body love is filled with possibility promise and prosperity When we remove that low level energy of diet and restriction we can start to attract high frequencies We can start to become that woman in the present moment
Irsquove seen the shift first hand for so many people Suddenly the whole world opens up and the possibilities become endless The cloud lifts and pie-in-the-sky dreams show up in high-definition technicolour Thoughts that previously caused anxiety everything from going to lunch with new friends to finding a purpose in life start to feel as easy to read as words on a page Therersquos no more searching Itrsquos been replaced by a knowing excitement I watch as women become like bright-eyed students again endless possibilities opening up before them Only this time Theyrsquove got experience on their side
Suddenly the whole world
opens up and the
possibilities become
endless
The cloud lifts and
pie-in-the-sky dreams show
up in high-definition
technicolour
Rachelle is a Life + Confidence Coach at My Saturn Epoch She supports women through the big transitions in their life helping them to break their negative cycles to consciously create a happy life and positive mindset She is a big hearted business woman who is passionate about supporting women in pursuit of their own excellence so they can shine as a beacon to themselves their families and their communities
Connect with Rachelle at mysaturnepochcom
52
SUBSCRIBE TO RASPBERRY MAGAZINE
Grab an annual subscription and yoursquoll receive raquo 6 digital issues of Raspberry Magazine raquo an exclusive Annual Subscribers Thank You Pack
- which includes a printable manifesto beautiful meditation tracks an eBook and more contributed by generous lady entrepreneurs - worth over $35
VISIT THE SHOP
53
T H A N K Y O U F O R R E A D I N GA N D A M I L L I O N H I G H-F I V E S
I F Y O U L O V E D R A S P B E R R YM A G A Z I N E P L E A S E S H A R E
54
22
Amelia Lee
What do you doIrsquom an architect and have been working in the architectural industry for almost twenty years I recently started Undercover Architect which is about empowering YOU to create your well-designed home through online information tools products and services
Irsquom also a Director on the Qld Development Board for The Hunger Project an NGO that works to end hunger and poverty in third world countries by empowering those affected most to feed their families and create hope for their futures
Who lives with you I live with my husband Brandon and son (aged 7) and two daughters (aged 5 and 3) We also have a dog 6 chickens 5 ducklings and shortly 5 miniature cows
Did you a transition from a regular 9 to 5 job How did that happen for youI worked long hours in architectural practices for many years (more like 7am ndash 7pm) managing teams and big projects before I had kids We also wanted to keep them at home with us so over the last 12 years we have renovated 3 homes (whilst living in them) as a means of supplementing our income and supporting the way we wanted to live Wersquove both worked part-time or changed our working hours around kids and the renovating
When my second baby was 4 months old I started an architectural practice with 5 colleagues By the time my third bub was born we had grown our business to have about 10 crew and I didnrsquot really stop work
I left my business in June to pursue a new life My husband and I relocated our family to the Byron Bay Hinterland to a 77 acre property After a big year personally and professionally last year it seemed like the right time to make the move We wanted to stop
23
delaying the dream
What is your current business model Itrsquos just me ndash a one-man band madly writing content and building my website with information tools and advice Irsquom also providing architectural services to some individual clients which I can do remotely
Do you see this business model changing in the futureI will need some additional support in admin web support and marketingadvertising as the business builds My hope is to maintain my flexible work-from-home practises and create a virtual team of independent collaborators to enable this I want my business to be at a scale where I can provide significant financial support to The Hunger Project
What does a day-in-the-life look like for you I get up early and go for a walkrun while listening to an audio book I finish with a brief meditation to set my intentions for the day and then the kids are up and my husband and I run the gauntlet of brekkie lunches school uniforms and getting them to the bus
After the dust has settled I make myself a big cup of coffee and if itrsquos a work day I head to my office which is over our garage I have found that this new experience of working solely on my own without
imposed deadlines etc has required some new tools to create structure and discipline and itrsquos something Irsquom still working on
We all eat dinner together at about 5pm and I do love that we spend time like this together every day
Since the beginning of 2012 I have been taking a photo every day of something Irsquom grateful for and posting it to my Facebook page with a description Itrsquos helped me be a lot more present to the every day joy and beauty that exists
Do you feel like an introvert or an extrovert and does that affect how you do businessI recently found out I was 51 Extrovert ndash which means that Irsquom borderline Introvert also I can get VERY absorbed in my work ndash which is a great problem to have
However given the whole reason we are creating a life this way is to spend more time together as a family Irsquom aware that needs to be kept in check I ultimately would love to do speaking engagements workshops etc so will be drawing on the Extrovert tilt for this
What are your favourite parts of businessI love the lsquostartrsquo of things I am insatiably curious Learning something for the first time figuring it out and getting it to work Irsquom enjoying writing enormously
Least favouriteRevisiting things over and over again And given that my business is still in its early days income-wise I am resisting the pressure of needing to sell and market I want to create great clarity around who my ideal clients are before I launch myself out there
THE VIEW FROM MY HOME OFFICE
24
Do you feel like yoursquove made sacrifices to live this lifestyle What are theyWhere we are now is the culmination of 12 years of very very hard work with a goal and a vision Wersquove lived through 3 renovations Wersquove sunk all our money into homes we were creating for other people and scrimped on most other things because we were always working on the house It was so worth it though
Where we are now is the culmination of 12 years of
very very hard work with a goal and a vision
What are the values you live by My values are Joy|Love|Laughter|Fun (thatrsquos one) Innovation Inspiration and Spaciousness Abundance and Bravery are themes I work to explore
Seth Godin also replied to an email of thanks I once sent him telling me to ldquoGo make a ruckusrdquo ndash so that informs what I do also
Any special tools or routines you implement regularly to feel or perform awesomelyExercise and meditation and I also do a bit of Cognitive Behaviour Therapy My grateful photos also are really important in this
BOOK Tim Ferrissrsquo 4 Hour Work Week It just completely opened my eyes to this whole other way of doing business that wasnrsquot about selling my time for money
WEBSITE Facebook I find it a great way to touch quickly in the lives of my friends but also to get access to lots of inspirational and info ndash like HONY Oprahrsquos Super Soul Sunday Huffington Post Gabby Bernstein
EARLY MORNING ACTIVITY A walkrun stretch and meditation
LATE NIGHT ACTIVITY Meditation while I do my lsquolegs up the wallrsquo pose It makes a massive difference to how I sleep and how rested I feel in the morning
GOURMET SNACK Loving Earth Luvju Raw Organic Orange and Gubinge Chocolate Otherwise I make great fruit-free bliss balls with cacao maca powder and protein powder
Quickfire Faves
You can connect with Amelia online at UndercoverArchitectcom
25
Elizabeth Kelsey BradleyWhat do you do Irsquom a writer and consultant that creates compelling content and social media strategies for businesses around the world I work with companies of all sizes and in all niches but my passion is with helping holistic entrepreneurs
Who lives with you My husband daughter and our insane pets
Did you a transition from a regular 9 to 5 job How did that happen for youI have never had a 9 to 5 ever My father was an entrepreneur and even though he never ever spoke of what it meant to be an entrepreneur his calling seemed to rub off on me
Irsquom literally unemployable Irsquom an artist and rebel and need to do things my own way even though Irsquom a
people person
But how I ended up finally making a business was when my husband couldnrsquot find work and things got scary I began researching like mad how I could work online and it took me years to finally learn marketing particularly with social media and content Despite how hard my first few years were (and I wouldnrsquot want to repeat them) Irsquom glad I learned the hard way as I am able to help others and can relate to women who are just beginning their entrepreneurial journey I look at entrepreneurship as a great honor for me to be able to help others and be of service
What is your current business model I am solo I sell consulting services and also do freelance writing and photography for companies that donrsquot have a staff writer I really need an intern or VA at this point though and am looking for someone
26
Do you see this business model changing in the futureYes and no Yes I will need to hire someone and ideally two people now that I have branched out into creating courses and ebooks but no in regards to my consulting services changing as what I do is in demand People feel confused about social media and creating regular content so I think it will be the same business model for a long time to come
What does a day-in-the-life look like for you Well Irsquom a vampire apparently as I mainly work nights which here in Thailand would be morning time where many of my clients live During the day I am homeschooling mum and also carry in my bag some of my work for
when I need to do some writing or analysis of a clientrsquos social media
Do you feel like an introvert or an extrovert and does that affect how you do businessIrsquom an extrovert but a highly sensitive one This has actually worked in my favour as I have a process for weeding out people who donrsquot fit my Ideal Client profile so that I can maintain my energy and do the best I can with the entrepreneurs who I can best serve
What are your favourite parts of businessI adore talking with clients on the phone or in person so basically anytime Irsquom geeking out about social media and writing
27
Least favouriteAnything to do with SEO
Do you feel like yoursquove made sacrifices to live this lifestyle What are theyEntrepreneurship is isolating in general Add that to the fact that we live on an island in Thailand and itrsquos double the isolation but to be honest this was the best place for us to build our online businesses as itrsquos affordable to live here and safe so I have no regrets
What are your Core Desired Feelings Connection serenity ease truth Values wise Irsquom wild but extremely family oriented
Any special tools or routines you implement regularly to feel or perform awesomelyI read from spiritual or philosophical books and take regular walks Both give me loads of ideas for storytelling which is the essence of what I do Podcasts are also a huge part of my routine particularly those devoted to marketing
BOOK Ocean Sea (buy it now AMAZING)
WEBSITE wwwholisticdadnet
EARLY MORNING ACTIVITY Drinking yerba mate and some yoga
LATE NIGHT ACTIVITY Good beer and a video game
GOURMET SNACK Anything with white truffle oil on it
Quickfire Faves
Elizabeth Kelsey Bradley is an award-winning writer consultant and photojournalist currently based in Thailand Her work has appeared on sites such as Tiny Buddha Vagabonding and in Girl Gone International magazine
As a consultant she helps companies develop effective social media and content strategies She is currently devoted to helping holistic entrepreneurs grow their online platforms at Thriving Healer
28
PAPERLESS OFFICELETrsquoS LEAVE MORE OF OUR TREE FRIENDS IN THE GROUND AND TAKE ADVANTAGE OF THE EXCELLENT APPS AVAILABLE INSTEAD AFTER ALL WErsquoRE RUNNING OUR DEVICES FOR MOST OF THE DAY ANYWAY - MAY AS WELL TAKE ADVANTAGE OF THEIR RAD CAPABILITIES
29
SWAPWriting Lists
FORWunderlist
AnyDoTodoist
SWAPHardcopy Books
FOR
KindleiBooks
SWAPPrinting + Scanning
Contracts
FOR
EchosignHellosignSWAP
Taking Notes + Printing Articles
FOREvernote
SWAPBrainstorming
+ Mind Mapping
FORSimpleMind
Coggle
30
HOW DARE YOU S E T T L E F O R L E S S WHEN THE WORLD h a s m a d e i t SO EASY F O R Y O U T O B E remarkable
SETH GODIN
31
JASMINE DOWLING MAPS TO HERSELF THE FIFTH ELEMENT LIFE
MOSSYJOJO TRICIA O DESIGNSIMPLY LOVE CREATIONS
BY SAMANTHA STACEY KEMPPENFRIEND
Jazz up your office walls with prints that stoke your creative fire
32
THE YES EPIDEMIC
33
THE YES EPIDEMIC
OurCoverStar
34
Whether it be a night out (when Irsquom exhausted) a favour (thatrsquos asking a little too much) or a date (that I know isnrsquot going to go anywhere) Irsquove typically and reluctantly replied to these requests with a lsquosure thingrsquo more times than Irsquod care to admit
Take on another client when my schedule is fully booked Absolutely
Offer to shout a friendrsquos breakfast when I really donrsquot have the cash to splash Of course
Commit to another online course when Irsquom barely halfway through the other 8 Irsquove signed up for this year Why yes
The Yes Epidemic has woven its way into our exceptionally busy (and beautiful) lives with the promise of MORE More connection more exposure more opportunity more money more education more insight more success And the more we do the more we are - right
Wrong
The reality is the more we constantly fill our plates to the brim (oh letrsquos admit it our plates are overflowing) with commitment after
commitment the less space we are leaving for us to just BE
To be immersed in who we are what our dreams and desires are to love to play to breathe
By saying lsquoyesrsquo like itrsquos going out of fashion we find ourselves spread as thin as vegemite on gluten-free toast Our energy and vitality are compromised and we donrsquot show up in the world as our best selves
So here are a few tips I use with my clients (and myself regularly) to get in the habit of saying lsquonorsquo a little more often
Irsquove never been very good at saying lsquonorsquo
35
Reflective routine with a heaping dose of reality is key here Take an honest look at your weekly schedule and ensure that you are focussing your precious time energy and resources on the people activities and
projects that are aligned with your values Is this commitment important to you Then honour it with your time Not so important
Time to shift things up
I canrsquot go past Marie Forleorsquos advice on this subject When somebody presents you with an opportunity if itrsquos not a HELL YES then itrsquos a no
Go with your gut always
Forget the FOMO The lsquofear of missing outrsquo is what keeps most of us on the Sure Thing Wagon and itrsquos just not sustainable Trust that all the
opportunities that are meant for you will come your way at the right time for you
Send your lsquonorsquo off with love Therersquos no need to feel uncomfortable turning down a request when you do so with kindness respect and
humility Excuses can be left at the door just honour your good intentions and everyone involved in the situation
Remember every time you give a loving inspired lsquonorsquo you are giving others the permission to do the same thing I always feel energised when someone turns down a request because it reminds me to respect myself
enough to pull out that gentle lsquonorsquo when required too
1
23
45
AND THE BEST THING ABOUT SAYING lsquoNOrsquo WHEN THE TIME COMES THAT A lsquoSURE THINGrsquo IS IN FACT THE HEART-CENTRED RESPONSE YOU EXCITEDLY GIVE ITrsquoS MUCH SWEETER MORE MEANINGFUL AND A HELLUVA LOT MORE VALUABLE
Claire Baker is a certified coach and mentor passionate writer and speaker and author of lsquoShe Is Radiant Your 6-Week Wellness Adventure To Get Glowy amp Feel Radrsquo Claire guides vibrant young women as they get from where they are to where they want to be ndash in their health and life blog and business
You can consider Claire your personal advocate for living an energised playful and heart-centred life Come say hi at This is Lifeblood her online space to share her passion for all things nourishing soulful and creative
CLAIRErsquoS TOP FIVE TIPS TO GET INTO THE HABIT OF SAYING NO
36
37
artOF THE
THE
soloSOULRETREAT
38
When you live a soul-driven and passionate life you very likely live and breathe your lsquoworkrsquo 247
I put the word work in inverted commas because for you itrsquos likely just you leading your amazing life (and more power to you my friend) But amidst this you may find it difficult to switch off and cultivate the spaciousness to just let it all hang out and exist without an agenda or a to-do list anywhere in site
Enter stage left the Solo Soul Retreat I took myself on one recently and by golly did it give me the exact level of time out and rejoove that this soul-driven lassy needed Maybe itrsquos about time you took yourself on one
Here are some tips for creating the perfect conditions for your solo soul retreat
Pick a place close byI chose the Byron area because itrsquos only two hours drive from where I live And this is important because while you want to be lsquoawayrsquo to unplug from the numerous distractions of home you donrsquot want to be so far away that you feel obliged to check out all the sights and scoot around lsquodoingrsquo your little butt off You want to create a feeling of not having to do ANYTHING if you donrsquot feel like it Moment to moment awareness and tapping into what you truly want to do is critical to the restorative nature of the solo soul retreat So if that means a nap in the afternoon without checking out the sights do it Sans the guilt
Making it somewhere close by means you can convince your inner tourist that you can come back any time you want to So donrsquot book your long awaited trip to Bali for this particular retreat style I recommend scouting around Air BnB for some great bargains near you
Book for at least 2-3 nights away (more if possible)It takes awhile for us to wind down and get in to the rhythm of a slower pace so give yourself as much time as possible to sink deeply in to relaxation I find that it takes my body a good day or so (at least) to realise itrsquos on holiday A weekend is good a long weekend even better And a week would be crazy good
Set an intentionFor my soul retreat it was to cultivate a feeling of internal ease and spaciousness I was so tightly wound and constricted from within I wanted to feel joyous energy flowing through me again
39
unimpeded
An intention is a helpful anchor that you can come back to throughout the retreat when you feel your energy flitting away to unnecessary distractions Revisit your intention throughout your retreat and ease back into the feeling you wish to cultivate
Immerse yourself in natureWherever you head to find some time to plonk yourself amidst the stunning natural surrounds of Mama Nature There is absolutely NOTHING that compares to the healing capacity of earthing ourselves at the beach or in the forest or just a little garden Barefoot and butt on the ground meditating or just sitting and quietly contemplating our wondrous natural world will have you relaxing into zen in no time
Silence is goldenTaking time to retreat also means giving your mind a bit of a break (hence the lsquono doingrsquo rule) try out not talking which shouldnrsquot be too hard if yoursquore on your own and see what kind of insights
There is absolutely NOTHING that compares to the healing capacity of earthing ourselves at the beach
or in the forest or just a little garden
Barefoot and butt on the ground meditating or just sitting and
quietly contemplating our wondrous natural world
will have you relaxing into zen in no time
40
begin to pop into your nogginrsquo when you donrsquot have to constantly communicate
Pamper yourselfWhat feels really decadent to you For my recent retreat it was heading to a spa and bathhouse for the morning soaking in oxygenated spa baths steaming myself in the sauna and relaxing on a sun lounge in the tranquil spa gardens with a good book
For you it might be a luxurious massage and energy balancing treatment Or maybe itrsquos a delicious meal you take your time with at an amazing restaurant nearby Perhaps itrsquos allowing yourself to lounge around in bed with your favourite book and a cup of tea Whatever it is allow yourself these delights As many as you please gorgeous one
Body-loving foodIf you have a kitchen at your accommodation pack yourself the kind of food you know your body loves Think veggies fruit some bliss balls your fave teas raw cacao and honey for a delish hot chocolate If you have a portable blender pack up your ingredients to whip yourself up some delights while yoursquore there Alternatively and if you have time prepare a few things before you head off You can pre-cook quinoa lentil curries and rice dishes to heat up whenever you fancy If there are local farmerrsquos markets you can even do a bit of purchasing there for your meals (and because yoursquore so close to home bringing back the leftovers is a cinch)
Scout around a little and find some local cafeacutes or
41
restaurants that tickle your fancy and take yourself out for a meal that makes your body scream YES
Soul nourishing practices Rituals and practices help us to sink more deeply in to our soulrsquos true nature Bring along whatever stokes your soul fire and brings you into present moment awareness Cultivating reverence for yourself and life itself is a crucial aspect of your soul retreat Some practices you may consider are raquo Meditation (guided or just simply following your inhale and exhale) I find the Kundalini Ego
Eradicator meditation particularly soul-nourishing (and frankly life changing) raquo Journaling ndash with no thought as to what to write just jot down whatever comes to you Yoursquoll be
amazed at the cathartic feelings and insights this brings raquo Yoga (on your own or find a class nearby that resonates with you) raquo Playing with oracle cards Ask a question or for general guidance and see how your guides and
the Universe responds The Little Sagersquos deck is divine raquo Reading soulfully inspiring books raquo Lighting some incense and writing an epic gratitude list raquo A walking meditation through nature raquo Get arty play around with whatever you have Love colour Bring your paints Doodle Donrsquot
judge the results just let it flow out of you
Overall the point of this solo soul retreat is that you do what you genuinely want to do in the moment So nix the over planning as you may do with other trips away Settle into present moment awareness and allow yourself to be rather than just do Listen with kindness to your inner child Let her out to play (Mega hint she really doesnrsquot want to be bossed around) Gifting yourself this time is your surefire way to feeling rejuvenated refreshed and ready to live life to its fullest
Enjoy gorgeous one
Carly is a passionate international aid and development project manager and writer Carly works on projects in Australia and the Asia-Pacific region focusing on cultivating sustainable livelihoods the empowerment of women community enterprise local market development and positive social change
Head on over to Carlyrsquos blog Pockets of Peace for her soul-centred musings on peace wellness and oodles of inspiration
42
The most powerful weapon on earth is the human soul
on fire
F E R D I N A N D F O C H
43
Five Minute Fixes
FOR FEAR AND OVERWHELM
44
IF YOUrsquoRE RUNNING YOUR OWN BIZ YOUrsquoD BE FAMILIAR WITH THE PHENOMENON OF FEAR AND OVERWHELM YOU KNOW WHEN YOU JUST FEEL STUCK PARALYSED NOT SURE WHICH CHOICE TO MAKE OR ACTION TO TAKE YOU HAVE DEADLINES LOOMING THE PRESSURE IS MOUNTING AND YOUrsquoRE BLOCKED YOU NEED TO GET OUT OF YOUR OVERWHELM RIGHT NOW SO YOU CAN GET BACK TO CHANGING THE WORLD
Here are five practices designed to break the fear cycle and get you out of your head and into your body in five minutes or less
Go outside Get out into the sunlight See the sky take off your shoes and feel the grass tickle your toes Close your eyes Feel the heat on your skin Take some deep breaths and smell the air Tune in to the sounds around you Become still Fully engage with the present moment and drop into the sensations in your body
Deep breathing You can use a mantra such as So-Hum you can count the length of each inhale and exhale or you can do as many rounds of Nadi Shodhana (alternate nostril breathing) as you can fit into five minutes Whatever yoursquore most comfortable with do that Breath is the bridge between the inner and outer realities Deep breathing will calm the nervous system and bring your attention to the present moment
Move Go for a brisk walk Put on your favourite tune plug in the headphones and dance (in the bathroom cubicle if yoursquore embarrassed to do it in publichellip because thatrsquos not weird at all) Have a quickie on your own or with a partner Or you can shake it out Start with your right foot shake it as hard as possible to the count of 10 Then your whole leg Then the left foot and left leg Then the right hand then the right arm then the left hand and arm Then fold forward and gently shake your head - back to front side to side Then stand up again and shake your whole body like you know how
Then stand in stillness for 2 minutes to balance out the movement Listen to your heartbeat Yoursquove just expressed and released some negative energy so take a standing Savasana (resting pose) to integrate Make sure you smooth your hair after this one
45
Aromatherapy Get a bottle of essential oil and sniff it - simple Smell affects the limbic system which is responsible for the storage and release of emotional trauma You can immediately calm your body with the right scent
Make sure you get 100 therapeutic grade pure essential oil - these have a high vibrational frequency and you donrsquot want any nasties entering your system through inferior quality oil Lavender is proven to calm the nervous system as is frankincense balsam fir basil cedar wood and sandalwood You can purchase calming blends from your local aromatherapist or get them to custom-make a blend for you
Make some noise This is especially good if you work from home or drive to work as you may want privacy Get a pillow or lock yourself in the car and scream as loud as you can connecting deeply to your pelvis Give yourself permission to vocalise all that frustration fear shame guilt whatever is building up in your energy field Sound is the end of feeling When you express vocally you are releasing emotion and ending the cycle of repression Done regularly this will also enhance your creativity and self-expression - benefiting your business (and sex life) in the long run
These practices work for me and Irsquod love to know if they resonate with you
Irsquom Emma a multi-passionate self-love junkie who loves supporting people on their journey to wellness Since suffering from adrenal burnout and a host of related conditions Irsquove dedicated myself to personal healing and growth and encouraging others to find their own unique path By day Irsquom a yoga teacher virtual assistant and event coordinator for wellness entrepreneurs and outside of that yoursquoll find me salsa dancing travelling and eating raw desserts
Connect with me at emmashieldscom
46
Abandon anything about your life and habits that might be holding you back
Learn to create your own opportunities
Know that there is no finish line fortune favors action
Race balls-out toward the extraordinary life that yoursquove always dreamed of
or still havenrsquot had time to dream up
And prepare to have a hell of a lot of fun along the way
SOPHIA AMORUSO
47
Why you should create aHIGH-CONVERTING OPT-IN OFFER
A critical component of building your online business is growing your email list and creating a compelling opt-in offer is one of the best ways to kickstart this growth
You want your email list to be made up of people who are genuinely interested in you and what you have to offer your target market Your ideal customers and readers
Thatrsquos why your opt-in offer (a gift to entice people to join your list) needs to be unique highly relevant to your business and of real value to your ideal clients If people are on your site checking you out they are already interested ndash you need to give them a compelling reason to sign up
What would your readers find valuable Something that saves them time money pain or makes their life easier better or more beautiful It also needs to be damn high quality Proofed designed and worth paying for
48
Why would you give away something so valuable for free
Because it shows yoursquore serious about helping people Because it builds trust with readers Because itrsquos a genuine thank you in return for a readerrsquos contact details Because itrsquos an ad for your business Yoursquore showing people the quality of what they will receive if they go on to work with you
How do you choose which is right for you Think about what you currently offer your readers or customers (as in content as well as services or products) What is popular What do they comment on most or ask questions about What would you love to create What would be the perfect compliment to a service you provide How can you genuinely help
Brainstorm a list then narrow it down to one ndash and get cracking
The best opt-ins are win-win ndash you gather details from ideal customers and the customers
receive something great that they need and want in return
Happy creating
PS Tricking people is icky Donrsquot do that Itrsquos of no use to have people on your list that donrsquot care about you or your products Be genuine Offer genuine value Get genuine sign-ups
SO WHAT SHOULD YOU OFFER
Here are a few ideas raquo A sneak peek or preview of a paid
product ndash like a free chapter or lesson
raquo A smaller version of a paid product ndash like a 3 day meal plan
raquo Something which compliments a service you offer
raquo Useful templates ndash like a product launch worksheet or a calendar
raquo Inspirational printables ndash like quotes or illustrations
raquo A mini eCourse ndash like 5 days of video coaching
raquo A discount ndash like 10 off their next purchase
raquo A VIP offer ndash like first dibs on tickets
raquo An eBook or workbook ndash like a recipe book or marketing plan
Alana Wimmer is Founder + Creative Director of mini digital publishing house Raspberry Stripes Alana works with rad lady entrepreneurs to design eBooks which will change the world She also provides guidance insight and info on eBook design on the Raspberry Stripes website When she isnrsquot designing reading or talking about eBooks you can find Alana walking Rory and Roxy the boxers with her husband in tow probably on her way to pick up a green smoothie
49
is a lack of self-worth
50
As a bright-eyed uni student I got pretty excited about all the opportunities that were due to unfold before me when I graduated
My approach to life has always been filled with excitement for the future I remember saying to friends in class that we were certain to be successful because enthusiasm trumps experience Sadly the path wasnrsquot as smooth as Irsquod imagined I naively thought that all bosses had a sixth-sense for talent even from shy girls who werenrsquot outward about their abilities
I applied for and took a series of jobs that from the job description seemed so overwhelmingly scary to do but within months if not weeks I was bored I lacked the self-worth to believe I could step up but Irsquod externalise this into anger at my employer for holding me back Eventually I realised it was all of my own creation I was the one who was playing small applying for and then taking jobs that wersquore well under my pay grade I even turned down a few including a big promotion because the amount of money offered was too much and it scared me Seriously
Years of study and I lacked the ability to dive in fully commit be brave be boisterous about my abilities and soar I found school easy and when things seemed challenging at work I put it down to an inability to perform If it wasnrsquot easy at first I accepted that I just wasnrsquot able I had yet to find out that some of the best lessons come from giving things a go and making a lot of mistakes Failing or in reality playing small was a comfort zone for me and success in my career was an unknown quantity I was used to struggle I was safe with my dreams The possibility of them coming true Too much to handle Irsquod have to learn to live in the present moment and I donrsquot think I was ready to do that I wasnrsquot ready to look closely at myself and see that for all my effort there was still a lot of inner work to do It was time to look within
I KNOW HOW EASY IT IS TO BUILD WALLS AROUND OUR DREAMS PUSH THEM FURTHER AWAY IN AN ATTEMPT TO PLAY SAFE AND LIVE LIFE ACCORDING TO EXTERNAL INFLUENCE I KNOW THE LEVEL OF DETERMINATION AND MENTAL GRIT IT TAKES TO OVERCOME OURSELVES START TAKING OWNERSHIP OF OUR THOUGHTS AND ULTIMATELY THE PATH OF OUR OWN LIVES
I love when clients ask me to guide them on this path because I know just what can happen when they get there I hold my hand out as a supportive leverage point and watch them soar
Something Irsquove learnt along the way The first step for many women in building self-worth is learning the art of body love Body love is all about learning to appreciate the capabilities of your body nourishing and taking care of your spirit and occasionally cutting yourself a break
51
Itrsquos looking in the mirror and liking the person you see not picking on the parts you donrsquot like Itrsquos making a choice about whether to wear a bikini based on your personal values and not about what your body looks like in one Dieting and restriction are low level energies that hold us back from achieving high level desires Negative thinking blocks our internal compass and our ability to connect to our intuition Body love is the gateway to high frequency living
We all have that version of ourselves that we aspire to be The woman who gets up to the alarm has patience and drive Shersquos got a sparkle in her eye a sense of confidence and knowing about her place in the world that emanates from her whole being She sits up straight and laughs with abandon From where we sit therersquos a chasm to leap in becoming that woman That woman represents ldquoone dayrdquo She represents effort She can seem unachievable In my experience body love is the first and most important step toward that woman Body love is filled with possibility promise and prosperity When we remove that low level energy of diet and restriction we can start to attract high frequencies We can start to become that woman in the present moment
Irsquove seen the shift first hand for so many people Suddenly the whole world opens up and the possibilities become endless The cloud lifts and pie-in-the-sky dreams show up in high-definition technicolour Thoughts that previously caused anxiety everything from going to lunch with new friends to finding a purpose in life start to feel as easy to read as words on a page Therersquos no more searching Itrsquos been replaced by a knowing excitement I watch as women become like bright-eyed students again endless possibilities opening up before them Only this time Theyrsquove got experience on their side
Suddenly the whole world
opens up and the
possibilities become
endless
The cloud lifts and
pie-in-the-sky dreams show
up in high-definition
technicolour
Rachelle is a Life + Confidence Coach at My Saturn Epoch She supports women through the big transitions in their life helping them to break their negative cycles to consciously create a happy life and positive mindset She is a big hearted business woman who is passionate about supporting women in pursuit of their own excellence so they can shine as a beacon to themselves their families and their communities
Connect with Rachelle at mysaturnepochcom
52
SUBSCRIBE TO RASPBERRY MAGAZINE
Grab an annual subscription and yoursquoll receive raquo 6 digital issues of Raspberry Magazine raquo an exclusive Annual Subscribers Thank You Pack
- which includes a printable manifesto beautiful meditation tracks an eBook and more contributed by generous lady entrepreneurs - worth over $35
VISIT THE SHOP
53
T H A N K Y O U F O R R E A D I N GA N D A M I L L I O N H I G H-F I V E S
I F Y O U L O V E D R A S P B E R R YM A G A Z I N E P L E A S E S H A R E
54
23
delaying the dream
What is your current business model Itrsquos just me ndash a one-man band madly writing content and building my website with information tools and advice Irsquom also providing architectural services to some individual clients which I can do remotely
Do you see this business model changing in the futureI will need some additional support in admin web support and marketingadvertising as the business builds My hope is to maintain my flexible work-from-home practises and create a virtual team of independent collaborators to enable this I want my business to be at a scale where I can provide significant financial support to The Hunger Project
What does a day-in-the-life look like for you I get up early and go for a walkrun while listening to an audio book I finish with a brief meditation to set my intentions for the day and then the kids are up and my husband and I run the gauntlet of brekkie lunches school uniforms and getting them to the bus
After the dust has settled I make myself a big cup of coffee and if itrsquos a work day I head to my office which is over our garage I have found that this new experience of working solely on my own without
imposed deadlines etc has required some new tools to create structure and discipline and itrsquos something Irsquom still working on
We all eat dinner together at about 5pm and I do love that we spend time like this together every day
Since the beginning of 2012 I have been taking a photo every day of something Irsquom grateful for and posting it to my Facebook page with a description Itrsquos helped me be a lot more present to the every day joy and beauty that exists
Do you feel like an introvert or an extrovert and does that affect how you do businessI recently found out I was 51 Extrovert ndash which means that Irsquom borderline Introvert also I can get VERY absorbed in my work ndash which is a great problem to have
However given the whole reason we are creating a life this way is to spend more time together as a family Irsquom aware that needs to be kept in check I ultimately would love to do speaking engagements workshops etc so will be drawing on the Extrovert tilt for this
What are your favourite parts of businessI love the lsquostartrsquo of things I am insatiably curious Learning something for the first time figuring it out and getting it to work Irsquom enjoying writing enormously
Least favouriteRevisiting things over and over again And given that my business is still in its early days income-wise I am resisting the pressure of needing to sell and market I want to create great clarity around who my ideal clients are before I launch myself out there
THE VIEW FROM MY HOME OFFICE
24
Do you feel like yoursquove made sacrifices to live this lifestyle What are theyWhere we are now is the culmination of 12 years of very very hard work with a goal and a vision Wersquove lived through 3 renovations Wersquove sunk all our money into homes we were creating for other people and scrimped on most other things because we were always working on the house It was so worth it though
Where we are now is the culmination of 12 years of
very very hard work with a goal and a vision
What are the values you live by My values are Joy|Love|Laughter|Fun (thatrsquos one) Innovation Inspiration and Spaciousness Abundance and Bravery are themes I work to explore
Seth Godin also replied to an email of thanks I once sent him telling me to ldquoGo make a ruckusrdquo ndash so that informs what I do also
Any special tools or routines you implement regularly to feel or perform awesomelyExercise and meditation and I also do a bit of Cognitive Behaviour Therapy My grateful photos also are really important in this
BOOK Tim Ferrissrsquo 4 Hour Work Week It just completely opened my eyes to this whole other way of doing business that wasnrsquot about selling my time for money
WEBSITE Facebook I find it a great way to touch quickly in the lives of my friends but also to get access to lots of inspirational and info ndash like HONY Oprahrsquos Super Soul Sunday Huffington Post Gabby Bernstein
EARLY MORNING ACTIVITY A walkrun stretch and meditation
LATE NIGHT ACTIVITY Meditation while I do my lsquolegs up the wallrsquo pose It makes a massive difference to how I sleep and how rested I feel in the morning
GOURMET SNACK Loving Earth Luvju Raw Organic Orange and Gubinge Chocolate Otherwise I make great fruit-free bliss balls with cacao maca powder and protein powder
Quickfire Faves
You can connect with Amelia online at UndercoverArchitectcom
25
Elizabeth Kelsey BradleyWhat do you do Irsquom a writer and consultant that creates compelling content and social media strategies for businesses around the world I work with companies of all sizes and in all niches but my passion is with helping holistic entrepreneurs
Who lives with you My husband daughter and our insane pets
Did you a transition from a regular 9 to 5 job How did that happen for youI have never had a 9 to 5 ever My father was an entrepreneur and even though he never ever spoke of what it meant to be an entrepreneur his calling seemed to rub off on me
Irsquom literally unemployable Irsquom an artist and rebel and need to do things my own way even though Irsquom a
people person
But how I ended up finally making a business was when my husband couldnrsquot find work and things got scary I began researching like mad how I could work online and it took me years to finally learn marketing particularly with social media and content Despite how hard my first few years were (and I wouldnrsquot want to repeat them) Irsquom glad I learned the hard way as I am able to help others and can relate to women who are just beginning their entrepreneurial journey I look at entrepreneurship as a great honor for me to be able to help others and be of service
What is your current business model I am solo I sell consulting services and also do freelance writing and photography for companies that donrsquot have a staff writer I really need an intern or VA at this point though and am looking for someone
26
Do you see this business model changing in the futureYes and no Yes I will need to hire someone and ideally two people now that I have branched out into creating courses and ebooks but no in regards to my consulting services changing as what I do is in demand People feel confused about social media and creating regular content so I think it will be the same business model for a long time to come
What does a day-in-the-life look like for you Well Irsquom a vampire apparently as I mainly work nights which here in Thailand would be morning time where many of my clients live During the day I am homeschooling mum and also carry in my bag some of my work for
when I need to do some writing or analysis of a clientrsquos social media
Do you feel like an introvert or an extrovert and does that affect how you do businessIrsquom an extrovert but a highly sensitive one This has actually worked in my favour as I have a process for weeding out people who donrsquot fit my Ideal Client profile so that I can maintain my energy and do the best I can with the entrepreneurs who I can best serve
What are your favourite parts of businessI adore talking with clients on the phone or in person so basically anytime Irsquom geeking out about social media and writing
27
Least favouriteAnything to do with SEO
Do you feel like yoursquove made sacrifices to live this lifestyle What are theyEntrepreneurship is isolating in general Add that to the fact that we live on an island in Thailand and itrsquos double the isolation but to be honest this was the best place for us to build our online businesses as itrsquos affordable to live here and safe so I have no regrets
What are your Core Desired Feelings Connection serenity ease truth Values wise Irsquom wild but extremely family oriented
Any special tools or routines you implement regularly to feel or perform awesomelyI read from spiritual or philosophical books and take regular walks Both give me loads of ideas for storytelling which is the essence of what I do Podcasts are also a huge part of my routine particularly those devoted to marketing
BOOK Ocean Sea (buy it now AMAZING)
WEBSITE wwwholisticdadnet
EARLY MORNING ACTIVITY Drinking yerba mate and some yoga
LATE NIGHT ACTIVITY Good beer and a video game
GOURMET SNACK Anything with white truffle oil on it
Quickfire Faves
Elizabeth Kelsey Bradley is an award-winning writer consultant and photojournalist currently based in Thailand Her work has appeared on sites such as Tiny Buddha Vagabonding and in Girl Gone International magazine
As a consultant she helps companies develop effective social media and content strategies She is currently devoted to helping holistic entrepreneurs grow their online platforms at Thriving Healer
28
PAPERLESS OFFICELETrsquoS LEAVE MORE OF OUR TREE FRIENDS IN THE GROUND AND TAKE ADVANTAGE OF THE EXCELLENT APPS AVAILABLE INSTEAD AFTER ALL WErsquoRE RUNNING OUR DEVICES FOR MOST OF THE DAY ANYWAY - MAY AS WELL TAKE ADVANTAGE OF THEIR RAD CAPABILITIES
29
SWAPWriting Lists
FORWunderlist
AnyDoTodoist
SWAPHardcopy Books
FOR
KindleiBooks
SWAPPrinting + Scanning
Contracts
FOR
EchosignHellosignSWAP
Taking Notes + Printing Articles
FOREvernote
SWAPBrainstorming
+ Mind Mapping
FORSimpleMind
Coggle
30
HOW DARE YOU S E T T L E F O R L E S S WHEN THE WORLD h a s m a d e i t SO EASY F O R Y O U T O B E remarkable
SETH GODIN
31
JASMINE DOWLING MAPS TO HERSELF THE FIFTH ELEMENT LIFE
MOSSYJOJO TRICIA O DESIGNSIMPLY LOVE CREATIONS
BY SAMANTHA STACEY KEMPPENFRIEND
Jazz up your office walls with prints that stoke your creative fire
32
THE YES EPIDEMIC
33
THE YES EPIDEMIC
OurCoverStar
34
Whether it be a night out (when Irsquom exhausted) a favour (thatrsquos asking a little too much) or a date (that I know isnrsquot going to go anywhere) Irsquove typically and reluctantly replied to these requests with a lsquosure thingrsquo more times than Irsquod care to admit
Take on another client when my schedule is fully booked Absolutely
Offer to shout a friendrsquos breakfast when I really donrsquot have the cash to splash Of course
Commit to another online course when Irsquom barely halfway through the other 8 Irsquove signed up for this year Why yes
The Yes Epidemic has woven its way into our exceptionally busy (and beautiful) lives with the promise of MORE More connection more exposure more opportunity more money more education more insight more success And the more we do the more we are - right
Wrong
The reality is the more we constantly fill our plates to the brim (oh letrsquos admit it our plates are overflowing) with commitment after
commitment the less space we are leaving for us to just BE
To be immersed in who we are what our dreams and desires are to love to play to breathe
By saying lsquoyesrsquo like itrsquos going out of fashion we find ourselves spread as thin as vegemite on gluten-free toast Our energy and vitality are compromised and we donrsquot show up in the world as our best selves
So here are a few tips I use with my clients (and myself regularly) to get in the habit of saying lsquonorsquo a little more often
Irsquove never been very good at saying lsquonorsquo
35
Reflective routine with a heaping dose of reality is key here Take an honest look at your weekly schedule and ensure that you are focussing your precious time energy and resources on the people activities and
projects that are aligned with your values Is this commitment important to you Then honour it with your time Not so important
Time to shift things up
I canrsquot go past Marie Forleorsquos advice on this subject When somebody presents you with an opportunity if itrsquos not a HELL YES then itrsquos a no
Go with your gut always
Forget the FOMO The lsquofear of missing outrsquo is what keeps most of us on the Sure Thing Wagon and itrsquos just not sustainable Trust that all the
opportunities that are meant for you will come your way at the right time for you
Send your lsquonorsquo off with love Therersquos no need to feel uncomfortable turning down a request when you do so with kindness respect and
humility Excuses can be left at the door just honour your good intentions and everyone involved in the situation
Remember every time you give a loving inspired lsquonorsquo you are giving others the permission to do the same thing I always feel energised when someone turns down a request because it reminds me to respect myself
enough to pull out that gentle lsquonorsquo when required too
1
23
45
AND THE BEST THING ABOUT SAYING lsquoNOrsquo WHEN THE TIME COMES THAT A lsquoSURE THINGrsquo IS IN FACT THE HEART-CENTRED RESPONSE YOU EXCITEDLY GIVE ITrsquoS MUCH SWEETER MORE MEANINGFUL AND A HELLUVA LOT MORE VALUABLE
Claire Baker is a certified coach and mentor passionate writer and speaker and author of lsquoShe Is Radiant Your 6-Week Wellness Adventure To Get Glowy amp Feel Radrsquo Claire guides vibrant young women as they get from where they are to where they want to be ndash in their health and life blog and business
You can consider Claire your personal advocate for living an energised playful and heart-centred life Come say hi at This is Lifeblood her online space to share her passion for all things nourishing soulful and creative
CLAIRErsquoS TOP FIVE TIPS TO GET INTO THE HABIT OF SAYING NO
36
37
artOF THE
THE
soloSOULRETREAT
38
When you live a soul-driven and passionate life you very likely live and breathe your lsquoworkrsquo 247
I put the word work in inverted commas because for you itrsquos likely just you leading your amazing life (and more power to you my friend) But amidst this you may find it difficult to switch off and cultivate the spaciousness to just let it all hang out and exist without an agenda or a to-do list anywhere in site
Enter stage left the Solo Soul Retreat I took myself on one recently and by golly did it give me the exact level of time out and rejoove that this soul-driven lassy needed Maybe itrsquos about time you took yourself on one
Here are some tips for creating the perfect conditions for your solo soul retreat
Pick a place close byI chose the Byron area because itrsquos only two hours drive from where I live And this is important because while you want to be lsquoawayrsquo to unplug from the numerous distractions of home you donrsquot want to be so far away that you feel obliged to check out all the sights and scoot around lsquodoingrsquo your little butt off You want to create a feeling of not having to do ANYTHING if you donrsquot feel like it Moment to moment awareness and tapping into what you truly want to do is critical to the restorative nature of the solo soul retreat So if that means a nap in the afternoon without checking out the sights do it Sans the guilt
Making it somewhere close by means you can convince your inner tourist that you can come back any time you want to So donrsquot book your long awaited trip to Bali for this particular retreat style I recommend scouting around Air BnB for some great bargains near you
Book for at least 2-3 nights away (more if possible)It takes awhile for us to wind down and get in to the rhythm of a slower pace so give yourself as much time as possible to sink deeply in to relaxation I find that it takes my body a good day or so (at least) to realise itrsquos on holiday A weekend is good a long weekend even better And a week would be crazy good
Set an intentionFor my soul retreat it was to cultivate a feeling of internal ease and spaciousness I was so tightly wound and constricted from within I wanted to feel joyous energy flowing through me again
39
unimpeded
An intention is a helpful anchor that you can come back to throughout the retreat when you feel your energy flitting away to unnecessary distractions Revisit your intention throughout your retreat and ease back into the feeling you wish to cultivate
Immerse yourself in natureWherever you head to find some time to plonk yourself amidst the stunning natural surrounds of Mama Nature There is absolutely NOTHING that compares to the healing capacity of earthing ourselves at the beach or in the forest or just a little garden Barefoot and butt on the ground meditating or just sitting and quietly contemplating our wondrous natural world will have you relaxing into zen in no time
Silence is goldenTaking time to retreat also means giving your mind a bit of a break (hence the lsquono doingrsquo rule) try out not talking which shouldnrsquot be too hard if yoursquore on your own and see what kind of insights
There is absolutely NOTHING that compares to the healing capacity of earthing ourselves at the beach
or in the forest or just a little garden
Barefoot and butt on the ground meditating or just sitting and
quietly contemplating our wondrous natural world
will have you relaxing into zen in no time
40
begin to pop into your nogginrsquo when you donrsquot have to constantly communicate
Pamper yourselfWhat feels really decadent to you For my recent retreat it was heading to a spa and bathhouse for the morning soaking in oxygenated spa baths steaming myself in the sauna and relaxing on a sun lounge in the tranquil spa gardens with a good book
For you it might be a luxurious massage and energy balancing treatment Or maybe itrsquos a delicious meal you take your time with at an amazing restaurant nearby Perhaps itrsquos allowing yourself to lounge around in bed with your favourite book and a cup of tea Whatever it is allow yourself these delights As many as you please gorgeous one
Body-loving foodIf you have a kitchen at your accommodation pack yourself the kind of food you know your body loves Think veggies fruit some bliss balls your fave teas raw cacao and honey for a delish hot chocolate If you have a portable blender pack up your ingredients to whip yourself up some delights while yoursquore there Alternatively and if you have time prepare a few things before you head off You can pre-cook quinoa lentil curries and rice dishes to heat up whenever you fancy If there are local farmerrsquos markets you can even do a bit of purchasing there for your meals (and because yoursquore so close to home bringing back the leftovers is a cinch)
Scout around a little and find some local cafeacutes or
41
restaurants that tickle your fancy and take yourself out for a meal that makes your body scream YES
Soul nourishing practices Rituals and practices help us to sink more deeply in to our soulrsquos true nature Bring along whatever stokes your soul fire and brings you into present moment awareness Cultivating reverence for yourself and life itself is a crucial aspect of your soul retreat Some practices you may consider are raquo Meditation (guided or just simply following your inhale and exhale) I find the Kundalini Ego
Eradicator meditation particularly soul-nourishing (and frankly life changing) raquo Journaling ndash with no thought as to what to write just jot down whatever comes to you Yoursquoll be
amazed at the cathartic feelings and insights this brings raquo Yoga (on your own or find a class nearby that resonates with you) raquo Playing with oracle cards Ask a question or for general guidance and see how your guides and
the Universe responds The Little Sagersquos deck is divine raquo Reading soulfully inspiring books raquo Lighting some incense and writing an epic gratitude list raquo A walking meditation through nature raquo Get arty play around with whatever you have Love colour Bring your paints Doodle Donrsquot
judge the results just let it flow out of you
Overall the point of this solo soul retreat is that you do what you genuinely want to do in the moment So nix the over planning as you may do with other trips away Settle into present moment awareness and allow yourself to be rather than just do Listen with kindness to your inner child Let her out to play (Mega hint she really doesnrsquot want to be bossed around) Gifting yourself this time is your surefire way to feeling rejuvenated refreshed and ready to live life to its fullest
Enjoy gorgeous one
Carly is a passionate international aid and development project manager and writer Carly works on projects in Australia and the Asia-Pacific region focusing on cultivating sustainable livelihoods the empowerment of women community enterprise local market development and positive social change
Head on over to Carlyrsquos blog Pockets of Peace for her soul-centred musings on peace wellness and oodles of inspiration
42
The most powerful weapon on earth is the human soul
on fire
F E R D I N A N D F O C H
43
Five Minute Fixes
FOR FEAR AND OVERWHELM
44
IF YOUrsquoRE RUNNING YOUR OWN BIZ YOUrsquoD BE FAMILIAR WITH THE PHENOMENON OF FEAR AND OVERWHELM YOU KNOW WHEN YOU JUST FEEL STUCK PARALYSED NOT SURE WHICH CHOICE TO MAKE OR ACTION TO TAKE YOU HAVE DEADLINES LOOMING THE PRESSURE IS MOUNTING AND YOUrsquoRE BLOCKED YOU NEED TO GET OUT OF YOUR OVERWHELM RIGHT NOW SO YOU CAN GET BACK TO CHANGING THE WORLD
Here are five practices designed to break the fear cycle and get you out of your head and into your body in five minutes or less
Go outside Get out into the sunlight See the sky take off your shoes and feel the grass tickle your toes Close your eyes Feel the heat on your skin Take some deep breaths and smell the air Tune in to the sounds around you Become still Fully engage with the present moment and drop into the sensations in your body
Deep breathing You can use a mantra such as So-Hum you can count the length of each inhale and exhale or you can do as many rounds of Nadi Shodhana (alternate nostril breathing) as you can fit into five minutes Whatever yoursquore most comfortable with do that Breath is the bridge between the inner and outer realities Deep breathing will calm the nervous system and bring your attention to the present moment
Move Go for a brisk walk Put on your favourite tune plug in the headphones and dance (in the bathroom cubicle if yoursquore embarrassed to do it in publichellip because thatrsquos not weird at all) Have a quickie on your own or with a partner Or you can shake it out Start with your right foot shake it as hard as possible to the count of 10 Then your whole leg Then the left foot and left leg Then the right hand then the right arm then the left hand and arm Then fold forward and gently shake your head - back to front side to side Then stand up again and shake your whole body like you know how
Then stand in stillness for 2 minutes to balance out the movement Listen to your heartbeat Yoursquove just expressed and released some negative energy so take a standing Savasana (resting pose) to integrate Make sure you smooth your hair after this one
45
Aromatherapy Get a bottle of essential oil and sniff it - simple Smell affects the limbic system which is responsible for the storage and release of emotional trauma You can immediately calm your body with the right scent
Make sure you get 100 therapeutic grade pure essential oil - these have a high vibrational frequency and you donrsquot want any nasties entering your system through inferior quality oil Lavender is proven to calm the nervous system as is frankincense balsam fir basil cedar wood and sandalwood You can purchase calming blends from your local aromatherapist or get them to custom-make a blend for you
Make some noise This is especially good if you work from home or drive to work as you may want privacy Get a pillow or lock yourself in the car and scream as loud as you can connecting deeply to your pelvis Give yourself permission to vocalise all that frustration fear shame guilt whatever is building up in your energy field Sound is the end of feeling When you express vocally you are releasing emotion and ending the cycle of repression Done regularly this will also enhance your creativity and self-expression - benefiting your business (and sex life) in the long run
These practices work for me and Irsquod love to know if they resonate with you
Irsquom Emma a multi-passionate self-love junkie who loves supporting people on their journey to wellness Since suffering from adrenal burnout and a host of related conditions Irsquove dedicated myself to personal healing and growth and encouraging others to find their own unique path By day Irsquom a yoga teacher virtual assistant and event coordinator for wellness entrepreneurs and outside of that yoursquoll find me salsa dancing travelling and eating raw desserts
Connect with me at emmashieldscom
46
Abandon anything about your life and habits that might be holding you back
Learn to create your own opportunities
Know that there is no finish line fortune favors action
Race balls-out toward the extraordinary life that yoursquove always dreamed of
or still havenrsquot had time to dream up
And prepare to have a hell of a lot of fun along the way
SOPHIA AMORUSO
47
Why you should create aHIGH-CONVERTING OPT-IN OFFER
A critical component of building your online business is growing your email list and creating a compelling opt-in offer is one of the best ways to kickstart this growth
You want your email list to be made up of people who are genuinely interested in you and what you have to offer your target market Your ideal customers and readers
Thatrsquos why your opt-in offer (a gift to entice people to join your list) needs to be unique highly relevant to your business and of real value to your ideal clients If people are on your site checking you out they are already interested ndash you need to give them a compelling reason to sign up
What would your readers find valuable Something that saves them time money pain or makes their life easier better or more beautiful It also needs to be damn high quality Proofed designed and worth paying for
48
Why would you give away something so valuable for free
Because it shows yoursquore serious about helping people Because it builds trust with readers Because itrsquos a genuine thank you in return for a readerrsquos contact details Because itrsquos an ad for your business Yoursquore showing people the quality of what they will receive if they go on to work with you
How do you choose which is right for you Think about what you currently offer your readers or customers (as in content as well as services or products) What is popular What do they comment on most or ask questions about What would you love to create What would be the perfect compliment to a service you provide How can you genuinely help
Brainstorm a list then narrow it down to one ndash and get cracking
The best opt-ins are win-win ndash you gather details from ideal customers and the customers
receive something great that they need and want in return
Happy creating
PS Tricking people is icky Donrsquot do that Itrsquos of no use to have people on your list that donrsquot care about you or your products Be genuine Offer genuine value Get genuine sign-ups
SO WHAT SHOULD YOU OFFER
Here are a few ideas raquo A sneak peek or preview of a paid
product ndash like a free chapter or lesson
raquo A smaller version of a paid product ndash like a 3 day meal plan
raquo Something which compliments a service you offer
raquo Useful templates ndash like a product launch worksheet or a calendar
raquo Inspirational printables ndash like quotes or illustrations
raquo A mini eCourse ndash like 5 days of video coaching
raquo A discount ndash like 10 off their next purchase
raquo A VIP offer ndash like first dibs on tickets
raquo An eBook or workbook ndash like a recipe book or marketing plan
Alana Wimmer is Founder + Creative Director of mini digital publishing house Raspberry Stripes Alana works with rad lady entrepreneurs to design eBooks which will change the world She also provides guidance insight and info on eBook design on the Raspberry Stripes website When she isnrsquot designing reading or talking about eBooks you can find Alana walking Rory and Roxy the boxers with her husband in tow probably on her way to pick up a green smoothie
49
is a lack of self-worth
50
As a bright-eyed uni student I got pretty excited about all the opportunities that were due to unfold before me when I graduated
My approach to life has always been filled with excitement for the future I remember saying to friends in class that we were certain to be successful because enthusiasm trumps experience Sadly the path wasnrsquot as smooth as Irsquod imagined I naively thought that all bosses had a sixth-sense for talent even from shy girls who werenrsquot outward about their abilities
I applied for and took a series of jobs that from the job description seemed so overwhelmingly scary to do but within months if not weeks I was bored I lacked the self-worth to believe I could step up but Irsquod externalise this into anger at my employer for holding me back Eventually I realised it was all of my own creation I was the one who was playing small applying for and then taking jobs that wersquore well under my pay grade I even turned down a few including a big promotion because the amount of money offered was too much and it scared me Seriously
Years of study and I lacked the ability to dive in fully commit be brave be boisterous about my abilities and soar I found school easy and when things seemed challenging at work I put it down to an inability to perform If it wasnrsquot easy at first I accepted that I just wasnrsquot able I had yet to find out that some of the best lessons come from giving things a go and making a lot of mistakes Failing or in reality playing small was a comfort zone for me and success in my career was an unknown quantity I was used to struggle I was safe with my dreams The possibility of them coming true Too much to handle Irsquod have to learn to live in the present moment and I donrsquot think I was ready to do that I wasnrsquot ready to look closely at myself and see that for all my effort there was still a lot of inner work to do It was time to look within
I KNOW HOW EASY IT IS TO BUILD WALLS AROUND OUR DREAMS PUSH THEM FURTHER AWAY IN AN ATTEMPT TO PLAY SAFE AND LIVE LIFE ACCORDING TO EXTERNAL INFLUENCE I KNOW THE LEVEL OF DETERMINATION AND MENTAL GRIT IT TAKES TO OVERCOME OURSELVES START TAKING OWNERSHIP OF OUR THOUGHTS AND ULTIMATELY THE PATH OF OUR OWN LIVES
I love when clients ask me to guide them on this path because I know just what can happen when they get there I hold my hand out as a supportive leverage point and watch them soar
Something Irsquove learnt along the way The first step for many women in building self-worth is learning the art of body love Body love is all about learning to appreciate the capabilities of your body nourishing and taking care of your spirit and occasionally cutting yourself a break
51
Itrsquos looking in the mirror and liking the person you see not picking on the parts you donrsquot like Itrsquos making a choice about whether to wear a bikini based on your personal values and not about what your body looks like in one Dieting and restriction are low level energies that hold us back from achieving high level desires Negative thinking blocks our internal compass and our ability to connect to our intuition Body love is the gateway to high frequency living
We all have that version of ourselves that we aspire to be The woman who gets up to the alarm has patience and drive Shersquos got a sparkle in her eye a sense of confidence and knowing about her place in the world that emanates from her whole being She sits up straight and laughs with abandon From where we sit therersquos a chasm to leap in becoming that woman That woman represents ldquoone dayrdquo She represents effort She can seem unachievable In my experience body love is the first and most important step toward that woman Body love is filled with possibility promise and prosperity When we remove that low level energy of diet and restriction we can start to attract high frequencies We can start to become that woman in the present moment
Irsquove seen the shift first hand for so many people Suddenly the whole world opens up and the possibilities become endless The cloud lifts and pie-in-the-sky dreams show up in high-definition technicolour Thoughts that previously caused anxiety everything from going to lunch with new friends to finding a purpose in life start to feel as easy to read as words on a page Therersquos no more searching Itrsquos been replaced by a knowing excitement I watch as women become like bright-eyed students again endless possibilities opening up before them Only this time Theyrsquove got experience on their side
Suddenly the whole world
opens up and the
possibilities become
endless
The cloud lifts and
pie-in-the-sky dreams show
up in high-definition
technicolour
Rachelle is a Life + Confidence Coach at My Saturn Epoch She supports women through the big transitions in their life helping them to break their negative cycles to consciously create a happy life and positive mindset She is a big hearted business woman who is passionate about supporting women in pursuit of their own excellence so they can shine as a beacon to themselves their families and their communities
Connect with Rachelle at mysaturnepochcom
52
SUBSCRIBE TO RASPBERRY MAGAZINE
Grab an annual subscription and yoursquoll receive raquo 6 digital issues of Raspberry Magazine raquo an exclusive Annual Subscribers Thank You Pack
- which includes a printable manifesto beautiful meditation tracks an eBook and more contributed by generous lady entrepreneurs - worth over $35
VISIT THE SHOP
53
T H A N K Y O U F O R R E A D I N GA N D A M I L L I O N H I G H-F I V E S
I F Y O U L O V E D R A S P B E R R YM A G A Z I N E P L E A S E S H A R E
54
24
Do you feel like yoursquove made sacrifices to live this lifestyle What are theyWhere we are now is the culmination of 12 years of very very hard work with a goal and a vision Wersquove lived through 3 renovations Wersquove sunk all our money into homes we were creating for other people and scrimped on most other things because we were always working on the house It was so worth it though
Where we are now is the culmination of 12 years of
very very hard work with a goal and a vision
What are the values you live by My values are Joy|Love|Laughter|Fun (thatrsquos one) Innovation Inspiration and Spaciousness Abundance and Bravery are themes I work to explore
Seth Godin also replied to an email of thanks I once sent him telling me to ldquoGo make a ruckusrdquo ndash so that informs what I do also
Any special tools or routines you implement regularly to feel or perform awesomelyExercise and meditation and I also do a bit of Cognitive Behaviour Therapy My grateful photos also are really important in this
BOOK Tim Ferrissrsquo 4 Hour Work Week It just completely opened my eyes to this whole other way of doing business that wasnrsquot about selling my time for money
WEBSITE Facebook I find it a great way to touch quickly in the lives of my friends but also to get access to lots of inspirational and info ndash like HONY Oprahrsquos Super Soul Sunday Huffington Post Gabby Bernstein
EARLY MORNING ACTIVITY A walkrun stretch and meditation
LATE NIGHT ACTIVITY Meditation while I do my lsquolegs up the wallrsquo pose It makes a massive difference to how I sleep and how rested I feel in the morning
GOURMET SNACK Loving Earth Luvju Raw Organic Orange and Gubinge Chocolate Otherwise I make great fruit-free bliss balls with cacao maca powder and protein powder
Quickfire Faves
You can connect with Amelia online at UndercoverArchitectcom
25
Elizabeth Kelsey BradleyWhat do you do Irsquom a writer and consultant that creates compelling content and social media strategies for businesses around the world I work with companies of all sizes and in all niches but my passion is with helping holistic entrepreneurs
Who lives with you My husband daughter and our insane pets
Did you a transition from a regular 9 to 5 job How did that happen for youI have never had a 9 to 5 ever My father was an entrepreneur and even though he never ever spoke of what it meant to be an entrepreneur his calling seemed to rub off on me
Irsquom literally unemployable Irsquom an artist and rebel and need to do things my own way even though Irsquom a
people person
But how I ended up finally making a business was when my husband couldnrsquot find work and things got scary I began researching like mad how I could work online and it took me years to finally learn marketing particularly with social media and content Despite how hard my first few years were (and I wouldnrsquot want to repeat them) Irsquom glad I learned the hard way as I am able to help others and can relate to women who are just beginning their entrepreneurial journey I look at entrepreneurship as a great honor for me to be able to help others and be of service
What is your current business model I am solo I sell consulting services and also do freelance writing and photography for companies that donrsquot have a staff writer I really need an intern or VA at this point though and am looking for someone
26
Do you see this business model changing in the futureYes and no Yes I will need to hire someone and ideally two people now that I have branched out into creating courses and ebooks but no in regards to my consulting services changing as what I do is in demand People feel confused about social media and creating regular content so I think it will be the same business model for a long time to come
What does a day-in-the-life look like for you Well Irsquom a vampire apparently as I mainly work nights which here in Thailand would be morning time where many of my clients live During the day I am homeschooling mum and also carry in my bag some of my work for
when I need to do some writing or analysis of a clientrsquos social media
Do you feel like an introvert or an extrovert and does that affect how you do businessIrsquom an extrovert but a highly sensitive one This has actually worked in my favour as I have a process for weeding out people who donrsquot fit my Ideal Client profile so that I can maintain my energy and do the best I can with the entrepreneurs who I can best serve
What are your favourite parts of businessI adore talking with clients on the phone or in person so basically anytime Irsquom geeking out about social media and writing
27
Least favouriteAnything to do with SEO
Do you feel like yoursquove made sacrifices to live this lifestyle What are theyEntrepreneurship is isolating in general Add that to the fact that we live on an island in Thailand and itrsquos double the isolation but to be honest this was the best place for us to build our online businesses as itrsquos affordable to live here and safe so I have no regrets
What are your Core Desired Feelings Connection serenity ease truth Values wise Irsquom wild but extremely family oriented
Any special tools or routines you implement regularly to feel or perform awesomelyI read from spiritual or philosophical books and take regular walks Both give me loads of ideas for storytelling which is the essence of what I do Podcasts are also a huge part of my routine particularly those devoted to marketing
BOOK Ocean Sea (buy it now AMAZING)
WEBSITE wwwholisticdadnet
EARLY MORNING ACTIVITY Drinking yerba mate and some yoga
LATE NIGHT ACTIVITY Good beer and a video game
GOURMET SNACK Anything with white truffle oil on it
Quickfire Faves
Elizabeth Kelsey Bradley is an award-winning writer consultant and photojournalist currently based in Thailand Her work has appeared on sites such as Tiny Buddha Vagabonding and in Girl Gone International magazine
As a consultant she helps companies develop effective social media and content strategies She is currently devoted to helping holistic entrepreneurs grow their online platforms at Thriving Healer
28
PAPERLESS OFFICELETrsquoS LEAVE MORE OF OUR TREE FRIENDS IN THE GROUND AND TAKE ADVANTAGE OF THE EXCELLENT APPS AVAILABLE INSTEAD AFTER ALL WErsquoRE RUNNING OUR DEVICES FOR MOST OF THE DAY ANYWAY - MAY AS WELL TAKE ADVANTAGE OF THEIR RAD CAPABILITIES
29
SWAPWriting Lists
FORWunderlist
AnyDoTodoist
SWAPHardcopy Books
FOR
KindleiBooks
SWAPPrinting + Scanning
Contracts
FOR
EchosignHellosignSWAP
Taking Notes + Printing Articles
FOREvernote
SWAPBrainstorming
+ Mind Mapping
FORSimpleMind
Coggle
30
HOW DARE YOU S E T T L E F O R L E S S WHEN THE WORLD h a s m a d e i t SO EASY F O R Y O U T O B E remarkable
SETH GODIN
31
JASMINE DOWLING MAPS TO HERSELF THE FIFTH ELEMENT LIFE
MOSSYJOJO TRICIA O DESIGNSIMPLY LOVE CREATIONS
BY SAMANTHA STACEY KEMPPENFRIEND
Jazz up your office walls with prints that stoke your creative fire
32
THE YES EPIDEMIC
33
THE YES EPIDEMIC
OurCoverStar
34
Whether it be a night out (when Irsquom exhausted) a favour (thatrsquos asking a little too much) or a date (that I know isnrsquot going to go anywhere) Irsquove typically and reluctantly replied to these requests with a lsquosure thingrsquo more times than Irsquod care to admit
Take on another client when my schedule is fully booked Absolutely
Offer to shout a friendrsquos breakfast when I really donrsquot have the cash to splash Of course
Commit to another online course when Irsquom barely halfway through the other 8 Irsquove signed up for this year Why yes
The Yes Epidemic has woven its way into our exceptionally busy (and beautiful) lives with the promise of MORE More connection more exposure more opportunity more money more education more insight more success And the more we do the more we are - right
Wrong
The reality is the more we constantly fill our plates to the brim (oh letrsquos admit it our plates are overflowing) with commitment after
commitment the less space we are leaving for us to just BE
To be immersed in who we are what our dreams and desires are to love to play to breathe
By saying lsquoyesrsquo like itrsquos going out of fashion we find ourselves spread as thin as vegemite on gluten-free toast Our energy and vitality are compromised and we donrsquot show up in the world as our best selves
So here are a few tips I use with my clients (and myself regularly) to get in the habit of saying lsquonorsquo a little more often
Irsquove never been very good at saying lsquonorsquo
35
Reflective routine with a heaping dose of reality is key here Take an honest look at your weekly schedule and ensure that you are focussing your precious time energy and resources on the people activities and
projects that are aligned with your values Is this commitment important to you Then honour it with your time Not so important
Time to shift things up
I canrsquot go past Marie Forleorsquos advice on this subject When somebody presents you with an opportunity if itrsquos not a HELL YES then itrsquos a no
Go with your gut always
Forget the FOMO The lsquofear of missing outrsquo is what keeps most of us on the Sure Thing Wagon and itrsquos just not sustainable Trust that all the
opportunities that are meant for you will come your way at the right time for you
Send your lsquonorsquo off with love Therersquos no need to feel uncomfortable turning down a request when you do so with kindness respect and
humility Excuses can be left at the door just honour your good intentions and everyone involved in the situation
Remember every time you give a loving inspired lsquonorsquo you are giving others the permission to do the same thing I always feel energised when someone turns down a request because it reminds me to respect myself
enough to pull out that gentle lsquonorsquo when required too
1
23
45
AND THE BEST THING ABOUT SAYING lsquoNOrsquo WHEN THE TIME COMES THAT A lsquoSURE THINGrsquo IS IN FACT THE HEART-CENTRED RESPONSE YOU EXCITEDLY GIVE ITrsquoS MUCH SWEETER MORE MEANINGFUL AND A HELLUVA LOT MORE VALUABLE
Claire Baker is a certified coach and mentor passionate writer and speaker and author of lsquoShe Is Radiant Your 6-Week Wellness Adventure To Get Glowy amp Feel Radrsquo Claire guides vibrant young women as they get from where they are to where they want to be ndash in their health and life blog and business
You can consider Claire your personal advocate for living an energised playful and heart-centred life Come say hi at This is Lifeblood her online space to share her passion for all things nourishing soulful and creative
CLAIRErsquoS TOP FIVE TIPS TO GET INTO THE HABIT OF SAYING NO
36
37
artOF THE
THE
soloSOULRETREAT
38
When you live a soul-driven and passionate life you very likely live and breathe your lsquoworkrsquo 247
I put the word work in inverted commas because for you itrsquos likely just you leading your amazing life (and more power to you my friend) But amidst this you may find it difficult to switch off and cultivate the spaciousness to just let it all hang out and exist without an agenda or a to-do list anywhere in site
Enter stage left the Solo Soul Retreat I took myself on one recently and by golly did it give me the exact level of time out and rejoove that this soul-driven lassy needed Maybe itrsquos about time you took yourself on one
Here are some tips for creating the perfect conditions for your solo soul retreat
Pick a place close byI chose the Byron area because itrsquos only two hours drive from where I live And this is important because while you want to be lsquoawayrsquo to unplug from the numerous distractions of home you donrsquot want to be so far away that you feel obliged to check out all the sights and scoot around lsquodoingrsquo your little butt off You want to create a feeling of not having to do ANYTHING if you donrsquot feel like it Moment to moment awareness and tapping into what you truly want to do is critical to the restorative nature of the solo soul retreat So if that means a nap in the afternoon without checking out the sights do it Sans the guilt
Making it somewhere close by means you can convince your inner tourist that you can come back any time you want to So donrsquot book your long awaited trip to Bali for this particular retreat style I recommend scouting around Air BnB for some great bargains near you
Book for at least 2-3 nights away (more if possible)It takes awhile for us to wind down and get in to the rhythm of a slower pace so give yourself as much time as possible to sink deeply in to relaxation I find that it takes my body a good day or so (at least) to realise itrsquos on holiday A weekend is good a long weekend even better And a week would be crazy good
Set an intentionFor my soul retreat it was to cultivate a feeling of internal ease and spaciousness I was so tightly wound and constricted from within I wanted to feel joyous energy flowing through me again
39
unimpeded
An intention is a helpful anchor that you can come back to throughout the retreat when you feel your energy flitting away to unnecessary distractions Revisit your intention throughout your retreat and ease back into the feeling you wish to cultivate
Immerse yourself in natureWherever you head to find some time to plonk yourself amidst the stunning natural surrounds of Mama Nature There is absolutely NOTHING that compares to the healing capacity of earthing ourselves at the beach or in the forest or just a little garden Barefoot and butt on the ground meditating or just sitting and quietly contemplating our wondrous natural world will have you relaxing into zen in no time
Silence is goldenTaking time to retreat also means giving your mind a bit of a break (hence the lsquono doingrsquo rule) try out not talking which shouldnrsquot be too hard if yoursquore on your own and see what kind of insights
There is absolutely NOTHING that compares to the healing capacity of earthing ourselves at the beach
or in the forest or just a little garden
Barefoot and butt on the ground meditating or just sitting and
quietly contemplating our wondrous natural world
will have you relaxing into zen in no time
40
begin to pop into your nogginrsquo when you donrsquot have to constantly communicate
Pamper yourselfWhat feels really decadent to you For my recent retreat it was heading to a spa and bathhouse for the morning soaking in oxygenated spa baths steaming myself in the sauna and relaxing on a sun lounge in the tranquil spa gardens with a good book
For you it might be a luxurious massage and energy balancing treatment Or maybe itrsquos a delicious meal you take your time with at an amazing restaurant nearby Perhaps itrsquos allowing yourself to lounge around in bed with your favourite book and a cup of tea Whatever it is allow yourself these delights As many as you please gorgeous one
Body-loving foodIf you have a kitchen at your accommodation pack yourself the kind of food you know your body loves Think veggies fruit some bliss balls your fave teas raw cacao and honey for a delish hot chocolate If you have a portable blender pack up your ingredients to whip yourself up some delights while yoursquore there Alternatively and if you have time prepare a few things before you head off You can pre-cook quinoa lentil curries and rice dishes to heat up whenever you fancy If there are local farmerrsquos markets you can even do a bit of purchasing there for your meals (and because yoursquore so close to home bringing back the leftovers is a cinch)
Scout around a little and find some local cafeacutes or
41
restaurants that tickle your fancy and take yourself out for a meal that makes your body scream YES
Soul nourishing practices Rituals and practices help us to sink more deeply in to our soulrsquos true nature Bring along whatever stokes your soul fire and brings you into present moment awareness Cultivating reverence for yourself and life itself is a crucial aspect of your soul retreat Some practices you may consider are raquo Meditation (guided or just simply following your inhale and exhale) I find the Kundalini Ego
Eradicator meditation particularly soul-nourishing (and frankly life changing) raquo Journaling ndash with no thought as to what to write just jot down whatever comes to you Yoursquoll be
amazed at the cathartic feelings and insights this brings raquo Yoga (on your own or find a class nearby that resonates with you) raquo Playing with oracle cards Ask a question or for general guidance and see how your guides and
the Universe responds The Little Sagersquos deck is divine raquo Reading soulfully inspiring books raquo Lighting some incense and writing an epic gratitude list raquo A walking meditation through nature raquo Get arty play around with whatever you have Love colour Bring your paints Doodle Donrsquot
judge the results just let it flow out of you
Overall the point of this solo soul retreat is that you do what you genuinely want to do in the moment So nix the over planning as you may do with other trips away Settle into present moment awareness and allow yourself to be rather than just do Listen with kindness to your inner child Let her out to play (Mega hint she really doesnrsquot want to be bossed around) Gifting yourself this time is your surefire way to feeling rejuvenated refreshed and ready to live life to its fullest
Enjoy gorgeous one
Carly is a passionate international aid and development project manager and writer Carly works on projects in Australia and the Asia-Pacific region focusing on cultivating sustainable livelihoods the empowerment of women community enterprise local market development and positive social change
Head on over to Carlyrsquos blog Pockets of Peace for her soul-centred musings on peace wellness and oodles of inspiration
42
The most powerful weapon on earth is the human soul
on fire
F E R D I N A N D F O C H
43
Five Minute Fixes
FOR FEAR AND OVERWHELM
44
IF YOUrsquoRE RUNNING YOUR OWN BIZ YOUrsquoD BE FAMILIAR WITH THE PHENOMENON OF FEAR AND OVERWHELM YOU KNOW WHEN YOU JUST FEEL STUCK PARALYSED NOT SURE WHICH CHOICE TO MAKE OR ACTION TO TAKE YOU HAVE DEADLINES LOOMING THE PRESSURE IS MOUNTING AND YOUrsquoRE BLOCKED YOU NEED TO GET OUT OF YOUR OVERWHELM RIGHT NOW SO YOU CAN GET BACK TO CHANGING THE WORLD
Here are five practices designed to break the fear cycle and get you out of your head and into your body in five minutes or less
Go outside Get out into the sunlight See the sky take off your shoes and feel the grass tickle your toes Close your eyes Feel the heat on your skin Take some deep breaths and smell the air Tune in to the sounds around you Become still Fully engage with the present moment and drop into the sensations in your body
Deep breathing You can use a mantra such as So-Hum you can count the length of each inhale and exhale or you can do as many rounds of Nadi Shodhana (alternate nostril breathing) as you can fit into five minutes Whatever yoursquore most comfortable with do that Breath is the bridge between the inner and outer realities Deep breathing will calm the nervous system and bring your attention to the present moment
Move Go for a brisk walk Put on your favourite tune plug in the headphones and dance (in the bathroom cubicle if yoursquore embarrassed to do it in publichellip because thatrsquos not weird at all) Have a quickie on your own or with a partner Or you can shake it out Start with your right foot shake it as hard as possible to the count of 10 Then your whole leg Then the left foot and left leg Then the right hand then the right arm then the left hand and arm Then fold forward and gently shake your head - back to front side to side Then stand up again and shake your whole body like you know how
Then stand in stillness for 2 minutes to balance out the movement Listen to your heartbeat Yoursquove just expressed and released some negative energy so take a standing Savasana (resting pose) to integrate Make sure you smooth your hair after this one
45
Aromatherapy Get a bottle of essential oil and sniff it - simple Smell affects the limbic system which is responsible for the storage and release of emotional trauma You can immediately calm your body with the right scent
Make sure you get 100 therapeutic grade pure essential oil - these have a high vibrational frequency and you donrsquot want any nasties entering your system through inferior quality oil Lavender is proven to calm the nervous system as is frankincense balsam fir basil cedar wood and sandalwood You can purchase calming blends from your local aromatherapist or get them to custom-make a blend for you
Make some noise This is especially good if you work from home or drive to work as you may want privacy Get a pillow or lock yourself in the car and scream as loud as you can connecting deeply to your pelvis Give yourself permission to vocalise all that frustration fear shame guilt whatever is building up in your energy field Sound is the end of feeling When you express vocally you are releasing emotion and ending the cycle of repression Done regularly this will also enhance your creativity and self-expression - benefiting your business (and sex life) in the long run
These practices work for me and Irsquod love to know if they resonate with you
Irsquom Emma a multi-passionate self-love junkie who loves supporting people on their journey to wellness Since suffering from adrenal burnout and a host of related conditions Irsquove dedicated myself to personal healing and growth and encouraging others to find their own unique path By day Irsquom a yoga teacher virtual assistant and event coordinator for wellness entrepreneurs and outside of that yoursquoll find me salsa dancing travelling and eating raw desserts
Connect with me at emmashieldscom
46
Abandon anything about your life and habits that might be holding you back
Learn to create your own opportunities
Know that there is no finish line fortune favors action
Race balls-out toward the extraordinary life that yoursquove always dreamed of
or still havenrsquot had time to dream up
And prepare to have a hell of a lot of fun along the way
SOPHIA AMORUSO
47
Why you should create aHIGH-CONVERTING OPT-IN OFFER
A critical component of building your online business is growing your email list and creating a compelling opt-in offer is one of the best ways to kickstart this growth
You want your email list to be made up of people who are genuinely interested in you and what you have to offer your target market Your ideal customers and readers
Thatrsquos why your opt-in offer (a gift to entice people to join your list) needs to be unique highly relevant to your business and of real value to your ideal clients If people are on your site checking you out they are already interested ndash you need to give them a compelling reason to sign up
What would your readers find valuable Something that saves them time money pain or makes their life easier better or more beautiful It also needs to be damn high quality Proofed designed and worth paying for
48
Why would you give away something so valuable for free
Because it shows yoursquore serious about helping people Because it builds trust with readers Because itrsquos a genuine thank you in return for a readerrsquos contact details Because itrsquos an ad for your business Yoursquore showing people the quality of what they will receive if they go on to work with you
How do you choose which is right for you Think about what you currently offer your readers or customers (as in content as well as services or products) What is popular What do they comment on most or ask questions about What would you love to create What would be the perfect compliment to a service you provide How can you genuinely help
Brainstorm a list then narrow it down to one ndash and get cracking
The best opt-ins are win-win ndash you gather details from ideal customers and the customers
receive something great that they need and want in return
Happy creating
PS Tricking people is icky Donrsquot do that Itrsquos of no use to have people on your list that donrsquot care about you or your products Be genuine Offer genuine value Get genuine sign-ups
SO WHAT SHOULD YOU OFFER
Here are a few ideas raquo A sneak peek or preview of a paid
product ndash like a free chapter or lesson
raquo A smaller version of a paid product ndash like a 3 day meal plan
raquo Something which compliments a service you offer
raquo Useful templates ndash like a product launch worksheet or a calendar
raquo Inspirational printables ndash like quotes or illustrations
raquo A mini eCourse ndash like 5 days of video coaching
raquo A discount ndash like 10 off their next purchase
raquo A VIP offer ndash like first dibs on tickets
raquo An eBook or workbook ndash like a recipe book or marketing plan
Alana Wimmer is Founder + Creative Director of mini digital publishing house Raspberry Stripes Alana works with rad lady entrepreneurs to design eBooks which will change the world She also provides guidance insight and info on eBook design on the Raspberry Stripes website When she isnrsquot designing reading or talking about eBooks you can find Alana walking Rory and Roxy the boxers with her husband in tow probably on her way to pick up a green smoothie
49
is a lack of self-worth
50
As a bright-eyed uni student I got pretty excited about all the opportunities that were due to unfold before me when I graduated
My approach to life has always been filled with excitement for the future I remember saying to friends in class that we were certain to be successful because enthusiasm trumps experience Sadly the path wasnrsquot as smooth as Irsquod imagined I naively thought that all bosses had a sixth-sense for talent even from shy girls who werenrsquot outward about their abilities
I applied for and took a series of jobs that from the job description seemed so overwhelmingly scary to do but within months if not weeks I was bored I lacked the self-worth to believe I could step up but Irsquod externalise this into anger at my employer for holding me back Eventually I realised it was all of my own creation I was the one who was playing small applying for and then taking jobs that wersquore well under my pay grade I even turned down a few including a big promotion because the amount of money offered was too much and it scared me Seriously
Years of study and I lacked the ability to dive in fully commit be brave be boisterous about my abilities and soar I found school easy and when things seemed challenging at work I put it down to an inability to perform If it wasnrsquot easy at first I accepted that I just wasnrsquot able I had yet to find out that some of the best lessons come from giving things a go and making a lot of mistakes Failing or in reality playing small was a comfort zone for me and success in my career was an unknown quantity I was used to struggle I was safe with my dreams The possibility of them coming true Too much to handle Irsquod have to learn to live in the present moment and I donrsquot think I was ready to do that I wasnrsquot ready to look closely at myself and see that for all my effort there was still a lot of inner work to do It was time to look within
I KNOW HOW EASY IT IS TO BUILD WALLS AROUND OUR DREAMS PUSH THEM FURTHER AWAY IN AN ATTEMPT TO PLAY SAFE AND LIVE LIFE ACCORDING TO EXTERNAL INFLUENCE I KNOW THE LEVEL OF DETERMINATION AND MENTAL GRIT IT TAKES TO OVERCOME OURSELVES START TAKING OWNERSHIP OF OUR THOUGHTS AND ULTIMATELY THE PATH OF OUR OWN LIVES
I love when clients ask me to guide them on this path because I know just what can happen when they get there I hold my hand out as a supportive leverage point and watch them soar
Something Irsquove learnt along the way The first step for many women in building self-worth is learning the art of body love Body love is all about learning to appreciate the capabilities of your body nourishing and taking care of your spirit and occasionally cutting yourself a break
51
Itrsquos looking in the mirror and liking the person you see not picking on the parts you donrsquot like Itrsquos making a choice about whether to wear a bikini based on your personal values and not about what your body looks like in one Dieting and restriction are low level energies that hold us back from achieving high level desires Negative thinking blocks our internal compass and our ability to connect to our intuition Body love is the gateway to high frequency living
We all have that version of ourselves that we aspire to be The woman who gets up to the alarm has patience and drive Shersquos got a sparkle in her eye a sense of confidence and knowing about her place in the world that emanates from her whole being She sits up straight and laughs with abandon From where we sit therersquos a chasm to leap in becoming that woman That woman represents ldquoone dayrdquo She represents effort She can seem unachievable In my experience body love is the first and most important step toward that woman Body love is filled with possibility promise and prosperity When we remove that low level energy of diet and restriction we can start to attract high frequencies We can start to become that woman in the present moment
Irsquove seen the shift first hand for so many people Suddenly the whole world opens up and the possibilities become endless The cloud lifts and pie-in-the-sky dreams show up in high-definition technicolour Thoughts that previously caused anxiety everything from going to lunch with new friends to finding a purpose in life start to feel as easy to read as words on a page Therersquos no more searching Itrsquos been replaced by a knowing excitement I watch as women become like bright-eyed students again endless possibilities opening up before them Only this time Theyrsquove got experience on their side
Suddenly the whole world
opens up and the
possibilities become
endless
The cloud lifts and
pie-in-the-sky dreams show
up in high-definition
technicolour
Rachelle is a Life + Confidence Coach at My Saturn Epoch She supports women through the big transitions in their life helping them to break their negative cycles to consciously create a happy life and positive mindset She is a big hearted business woman who is passionate about supporting women in pursuit of their own excellence so they can shine as a beacon to themselves their families and their communities
Connect with Rachelle at mysaturnepochcom
52
SUBSCRIBE TO RASPBERRY MAGAZINE
Grab an annual subscription and yoursquoll receive raquo 6 digital issues of Raspberry Magazine raquo an exclusive Annual Subscribers Thank You Pack
- which includes a printable manifesto beautiful meditation tracks an eBook and more contributed by generous lady entrepreneurs - worth over $35
VISIT THE SHOP
53
T H A N K Y O U F O R R E A D I N GA N D A M I L L I O N H I G H-F I V E S
I F Y O U L O V E D R A S P B E R R YM A G A Z I N E P L E A S E S H A R E
54
25
Elizabeth Kelsey BradleyWhat do you do Irsquom a writer and consultant that creates compelling content and social media strategies for businesses around the world I work with companies of all sizes and in all niches but my passion is with helping holistic entrepreneurs
Who lives with you My husband daughter and our insane pets
Did you a transition from a regular 9 to 5 job How did that happen for youI have never had a 9 to 5 ever My father was an entrepreneur and even though he never ever spoke of what it meant to be an entrepreneur his calling seemed to rub off on me
Irsquom literally unemployable Irsquom an artist and rebel and need to do things my own way even though Irsquom a
people person
But how I ended up finally making a business was when my husband couldnrsquot find work and things got scary I began researching like mad how I could work online and it took me years to finally learn marketing particularly with social media and content Despite how hard my first few years were (and I wouldnrsquot want to repeat them) Irsquom glad I learned the hard way as I am able to help others and can relate to women who are just beginning their entrepreneurial journey I look at entrepreneurship as a great honor for me to be able to help others and be of service
What is your current business model I am solo I sell consulting services and also do freelance writing and photography for companies that donrsquot have a staff writer I really need an intern or VA at this point though and am looking for someone
26
Do you see this business model changing in the futureYes and no Yes I will need to hire someone and ideally two people now that I have branched out into creating courses and ebooks but no in regards to my consulting services changing as what I do is in demand People feel confused about social media and creating regular content so I think it will be the same business model for a long time to come
What does a day-in-the-life look like for you Well Irsquom a vampire apparently as I mainly work nights which here in Thailand would be morning time where many of my clients live During the day I am homeschooling mum and also carry in my bag some of my work for
when I need to do some writing or analysis of a clientrsquos social media
Do you feel like an introvert or an extrovert and does that affect how you do businessIrsquom an extrovert but a highly sensitive one This has actually worked in my favour as I have a process for weeding out people who donrsquot fit my Ideal Client profile so that I can maintain my energy and do the best I can with the entrepreneurs who I can best serve
What are your favourite parts of businessI adore talking with clients on the phone or in person so basically anytime Irsquom geeking out about social media and writing
27
Least favouriteAnything to do with SEO
Do you feel like yoursquove made sacrifices to live this lifestyle What are theyEntrepreneurship is isolating in general Add that to the fact that we live on an island in Thailand and itrsquos double the isolation but to be honest this was the best place for us to build our online businesses as itrsquos affordable to live here and safe so I have no regrets
What are your Core Desired Feelings Connection serenity ease truth Values wise Irsquom wild but extremely family oriented
Any special tools or routines you implement regularly to feel or perform awesomelyI read from spiritual or philosophical books and take regular walks Both give me loads of ideas for storytelling which is the essence of what I do Podcasts are also a huge part of my routine particularly those devoted to marketing
BOOK Ocean Sea (buy it now AMAZING)
WEBSITE wwwholisticdadnet
EARLY MORNING ACTIVITY Drinking yerba mate and some yoga
LATE NIGHT ACTIVITY Good beer and a video game
GOURMET SNACK Anything with white truffle oil on it
Quickfire Faves
Elizabeth Kelsey Bradley is an award-winning writer consultant and photojournalist currently based in Thailand Her work has appeared on sites such as Tiny Buddha Vagabonding and in Girl Gone International magazine
As a consultant she helps companies develop effective social media and content strategies She is currently devoted to helping holistic entrepreneurs grow their online platforms at Thriving Healer
28
PAPERLESS OFFICELETrsquoS LEAVE MORE OF OUR TREE FRIENDS IN THE GROUND AND TAKE ADVANTAGE OF THE EXCELLENT APPS AVAILABLE INSTEAD AFTER ALL WErsquoRE RUNNING OUR DEVICES FOR MOST OF THE DAY ANYWAY - MAY AS WELL TAKE ADVANTAGE OF THEIR RAD CAPABILITIES
29
SWAPWriting Lists
FORWunderlist
AnyDoTodoist
SWAPHardcopy Books
FOR
KindleiBooks
SWAPPrinting + Scanning
Contracts
FOR
EchosignHellosignSWAP
Taking Notes + Printing Articles
FOREvernote
SWAPBrainstorming
+ Mind Mapping
FORSimpleMind
Coggle
30
HOW DARE YOU S E T T L E F O R L E S S WHEN THE WORLD h a s m a d e i t SO EASY F O R Y O U T O B E remarkable
SETH GODIN
31
JASMINE DOWLING MAPS TO HERSELF THE FIFTH ELEMENT LIFE
MOSSYJOJO TRICIA O DESIGNSIMPLY LOVE CREATIONS
BY SAMANTHA STACEY KEMPPENFRIEND
Jazz up your office walls with prints that stoke your creative fire
32
THE YES EPIDEMIC
33
THE YES EPIDEMIC
OurCoverStar
34
Whether it be a night out (when Irsquom exhausted) a favour (thatrsquos asking a little too much) or a date (that I know isnrsquot going to go anywhere) Irsquove typically and reluctantly replied to these requests with a lsquosure thingrsquo more times than Irsquod care to admit
Take on another client when my schedule is fully booked Absolutely
Offer to shout a friendrsquos breakfast when I really donrsquot have the cash to splash Of course
Commit to another online course when Irsquom barely halfway through the other 8 Irsquove signed up for this year Why yes
The Yes Epidemic has woven its way into our exceptionally busy (and beautiful) lives with the promise of MORE More connection more exposure more opportunity more money more education more insight more success And the more we do the more we are - right
Wrong
The reality is the more we constantly fill our plates to the brim (oh letrsquos admit it our plates are overflowing) with commitment after
commitment the less space we are leaving for us to just BE
To be immersed in who we are what our dreams and desires are to love to play to breathe
By saying lsquoyesrsquo like itrsquos going out of fashion we find ourselves spread as thin as vegemite on gluten-free toast Our energy and vitality are compromised and we donrsquot show up in the world as our best selves
So here are a few tips I use with my clients (and myself regularly) to get in the habit of saying lsquonorsquo a little more often
Irsquove never been very good at saying lsquonorsquo
35
Reflective routine with a heaping dose of reality is key here Take an honest look at your weekly schedule and ensure that you are focussing your precious time energy and resources on the people activities and
projects that are aligned with your values Is this commitment important to you Then honour it with your time Not so important
Time to shift things up
I canrsquot go past Marie Forleorsquos advice on this subject When somebody presents you with an opportunity if itrsquos not a HELL YES then itrsquos a no
Go with your gut always
Forget the FOMO The lsquofear of missing outrsquo is what keeps most of us on the Sure Thing Wagon and itrsquos just not sustainable Trust that all the
opportunities that are meant for you will come your way at the right time for you
Send your lsquonorsquo off with love Therersquos no need to feel uncomfortable turning down a request when you do so with kindness respect and
humility Excuses can be left at the door just honour your good intentions and everyone involved in the situation
Remember every time you give a loving inspired lsquonorsquo you are giving others the permission to do the same thing I always feel energised when someone turns down a request because it reminds me to respect myself
enough to pull out that gentle lsquonorsquo when required too
1
23
45
AND THE BEST THING ABOUT SAYING lsquoNOrsquo WHEN THE TIME COMES THAT A lsquoSURE THINGrsquo IS IN FACT THE HEART-CENTRED RESPONSE YOU EXCITEDLY GIVE ITrsquoS MUCH SWEETER MORE MEANINGFUL AND A HELLUVA LOT MORE VALUABLE
Claire Baker is a certified coach and mentor passionate writer and speaker and author of lsquoShe Is Radiant Your 6-Week Wellness Adventure To Get Glowy amp Feel Radrsquo Claire guides vibrant young women as they get from where they are to where they want to be ndash in their health and life blog and business
You can consider Claire your personal advocate for living an energised playful and heart-centred life Come say hi at This is Lifeblood her online space to share her passion for all things nourishing soulful and creative
CLAIRErsquoS TOP FIVE TIPS TO GET INTO THE HABIT OF SAYING NO
36
37
artOF THE
THE
soloSOULRETREAT
38
When you live a soul-driven and passionate life you very likely live and breathe your lsquoworkrsquo 247
I put the word work in inverted commas because for you itrsquos likely just you leading your amazing life (and more power to you my friend) But amidst this you may find it difficult to switch off and cultivate the spaciousness to just let it all hang out and exist without an agenda or a to-do list anywhere in site
Enter stage left the Solo Soul Retreat I took myself on one recently and by golly did it give me the exact level of time out and rejoove that this soul-driven lassy needed Maybe itrsquos about time you took yourself on one
Here are some tips for creating the perfect conditions for your solo soul retreat
Pick a place close byI chose the Byron area because itrsquos only two hours drive from where I live And this is important because while you want to be lsquoawayrsquo to unplug from the numerous distractions of home you donrsquot want to be so far away that you feel obliged to check out all the sights and scoot around lsquodoingrsquo your little butt off You want to create a feeling of not having to do ANYTHING if you donrsquot feel like it Moment to moment awareness and tapping into what you truly want to do is critical to the restorative nature of the solo soul retreat So if that means a nap in the afternoon without checking out the sights do it Sans the guilt
Making it somewhere close by means you can convince your inner tourist that you can come back any time you want to So donrsquot book your long awaited trip to Bali for this particular retreat style I recommend scouting around Air BnB for some great bargains near you
Book for at least 2-3 nights away (more if possible)It takes awhile for us to wind down and get in to the rhythm of a slower pace so give yourself as much time as possible to sink deeply in to relaxation I find that it takes my body a good day or so (at least) to realise itrsquos on holiday A weekend is good a long weekend even better And a week would be crazy good
Set an intentionFor my soul retreat it was to cultivate a feeling of internal ease and spaciousness I was so tightly wound and constricted from within I wanted to feel joyous energy flowing through me again
39
unimpeded
An intention is a helpful anchor that you can come back to throughout the retreat when you feel your energy flitting away to unnecessary distractions Revisit your intention throughout your retreat and ease back into the feeling you wish to cultivate
Immerse yourself in natureWherever you head to find some time to plonk yourself amidst the stunning natural surrounds of Mama Nature There is absolutely NOTHING that compares to the healing capacity of earthing ourselves at the beach or in the forest or just a little garden Barefoot and butt on the ground meditating or just sitting and quietly contemplating our wondrous natural world will have you relaxing into zen in no time
Silence is goldenTaking time to retreat also means giving your mind a bit of a break (hence the lsquono doingrsquo rule) try out not talking which shouldnrsquot be too hard if yoursquore on your own and see what kind of insights
There is absolutely NOTHING that compares to the healing capacity of earthing ourselves at the beach
or in the forest or just a little garden
Barefoot and butt on the ground meditating or just sitting and
quietly contemplating our wondrous natural world
will have you relaxing into zen in no time
40
begin to pop into your nogginrsquo when you donrsquot have to constantly communicate
Pamper yourselfWhat feels really decadent to you For my recent retreat it was heading to a spa and bathhouse for the morning soaking in oxygenated spa baths steaming myself in the sauna and relaxing on a sun lounge in the tranquil spa gardens with a good book
For you it might be a luxurious massage and energy balancing treatment Or maybe itrsquos a delicious meal you take your time with at an amazing restaurant nearby Perhaps itrsquos allowing yourself to lounge around in bed with your favourite book and a cup of tea Whatever it is allow yourself these delights As many as you please gorgeous one
Body-loving foodIf you have a kitchen at your accommodation pack yourself the kind of food you know your body loves Think veggies fruit some bliss balls your fave teas raw cacao and honey for a delish hot chocolate If you have a portable blender pack up your ingredients to whip yourself up some delights while yoursquore there Alternatively and if you have time prepare a few things before you head off You can pre-cook quinoa lentil curries and rice dishes to heat up whenever you fancy If there are local farmerrsquos markets you can even do a bit of purchasing there for your meals (and because yoursquore so close to home bringing back the leftovers is a cinch)
Scout around a little and find some local cafeacutes or
41
restaurants that tickle your fancy and take yourself out for a meal that makes your body scream YES
Soul nourishing practices Rituals and practices help us to sink more deeply in to our soulrsquos true nature Bring along whatever stokes your soul fire and brings you into present moment awareness Cultivating reverence for yourself and life itself is a crucial aspect of your soul retreat Some practices you may consider are raquo Meditation (guided or just simply following your inhale and exhale) I find the Kundalini Ego
Eradicator meditation particularly soul-nourishing (and frankly life changing) raquo Journaling ndash with no thought as to what to write just jot down whatever comes to you Yoursquoll be
amazed at the cathartic feelings and insights this brings raquo Yoga (on your own or find a class nearby that resonates with you) raquo Playing with oracle cards Ask a question or for general guidance and see how your guides and
the Universe responds The Little Sagersquos deck is divine raquo Reading soulfully inspiring books raquo Lighting some incense and writing an epic gratitude list raquo A walking meditation through nature raquo Get arty play around with whatever you have Love colour Bring your paints Doodle Donrsquot
judge the results just let it flow out of you
Overall the point of this solo soul retreat is that you do what you genuinely want to do in the moment So nix the over planning as you may do with other trips away Settle into present moment awareness and allow yourself to be rather than just do Listen with kindness to your inner child Let her out to play (Mega hint she really doesnrsquot want to be bossed around) Gifting yourself this time is your surefire way to feeling rejuvenated refreshed and ready to live life to its fullest
Enjoy gorgeous one
Carly is a passionate international aid and development project manager and writer Carly works on projects in Australia and the Asia-Pacific region focusing on cultivating sustainable livelihoods the empowerment of women community enterprise local market development and positive social change
Head on over to Carlyrsquos blog Pockets of Peace for her soul-centred musings on peace wellness and oodles of inspiration
42
The most powerful weapon on earth is the human soul
on fire
F E R D I N A N D F O C H
43
Five Minute Fixes
FOR FEAR AND OVERWHELM
44
IF YOUrsquoRE RUNNING YOUR OWN BIZ YOUrsquoD BE FAMILIAR WITH THE PHENOMENON OF FEAR AND OVERWHELM YOU KNOW WHEN YOU JUST FEEL STUCK PARALYSED NOT SURE WHICH CHOICE TO MAKE OR ACTION TO TAKE YOU HAVE DEADLINES LOOMING THE PRESSURE IS MOUNTING AND YOUrsquoRE BLOCKED YOU NEED TO GET OUT OF YOUR OVERWHELM RIGHT NOW SO YOU CAN GET BACK TO CHANGING THE WORLD
Here are five practices designed to break the fear cycle and get you out of your head and into your body in five minutes or less
Go outside Get out into the sunlight See the sky take off your shoes and feel the grass tickle your toes Close your eyes Feel the heat on your skin Take some deep breaths and smell the air Tune in to the sounds around you Become still Fully engage with the present moment and drop into the sensations in your body
Deep breathing You can use a mantra such as So-Hum you can count the length of each inhale and exhale or you can do as many rounds of Nadi Shodhana (alternate nostril breathing) as you can fit into five minutes Whatever yoursquore most comfortable with do that Breath is the bridge between the inner and outer realities Deep breathing will calm the nervous system and bring your attention to the present moment
Move Go for a brisk walk Put on your favourite tune plug in the headphones and dance (in the bathroom cubicle if yoursquore embarrassed to do it in publichellip because thatrsquos not weird at all) Have a quickie on your own or with a partner Or you can shake it out Start with your right foot shake it as hard as possible to the count of 10 Then your whole leg Then the left foot and left leg Then the right hand then the right arm then the left hand and arm Then fold forward and gently shake your head - back to front side to side Then stand up again and shake your whole body like you know how
Then stand in stillness for 2 minutes to balance out the movement Listen to your heartbeat Yoursquove just expressed and released some negative energy so take a standing Savasana (resting pose) to integrate Make sure you smooth your hair after this one
45
Aromatherapy Get a bottle of essential oil and sniff it - simple Smell affects the limbic system which is responsible for the storage and release of emotional trauma You can immediately calm your body with the right scent
Make sure you get 100 therapeutic grade pure essential oil - these have a high vibrational frequency and you donrsquot want any nasties entering your system through inferior quality oil Lavender is proven to calm the nervous system as is frankincense balsam fir basil cedar wood and sandalwood You can purchase calming blends from your local aromatherapist or get them to custom-make a blend for you
Make some noise This is especially good if you work from home or drive to work as you may want privacy Get a pillow or lock yourself in the car and scream as loud as you can connecting deeply to your pelvis Give yourself permission to vocalise all that frustration fear shame guilt whatever is building up in your energy field Sound is the end of feeling When you express vocally you are releasing emotion and ending the cycle of repression Done regularly this will also enhance your creativity and self-expression - benefiting your business (and sex life) in the long run
These practices work for me and Irsquod love to know if they resonate with you
Irsquom Emma a multi-passionate self-love junkie who loves supporting people on their journey to wellness Since suffering from adrenal burnout and a host of related conditions Irsquove dedicated myself to personal healing and growth and encouraging others to find their own unique path By day Irsquom a yoga teacher virtual assistant and event coordinator for wellness entrepreneurs and outside of that yoursquoll find me salsa dancing travelling and eating raw desserts
Connect with me at emmashieldscom
46
Abandon anything about your life and habits that might be holding you back
Learn to create your own opportunities
Know that there is no finish line fortune favors action
Race balls-out toward the extraordinary life that yoursquove always dreamed of
or still havenrsquot had time to dream up
And prepare to have a hell of a lot of fun along the way
SOPHIA AMORUSO
47
Why you should create aHIGH-CONVERTING OPT-IN OFFER
A critical component of building your online business is growing your email list and creating a compelling opt-in offer is one of the best ways to kickstart this growth
You want your email list to be made up of people who are genuinely interested in you and what you have to offer your target market Your ideal customers and readers
Thatrsquos why your opt-in offer (a gift to entice people to join your list) needs to be unique highly relevant to your business and of real value to your ideal clients If people are on your site checking you out they are already interested ndash you need to give them a compelling reason to sign up
What would your readers find valuable Something that saves them time money pain or makes their life easier better or more beautiful It also needs to be damn high quality Proofed designed and worth paying for
48
Why would you give away something so valuable for free
Because it shows yoursquore serious about helping people Because it builds trust with readers Because itrsquos a genuine thank you in return for a readerrsquos contact details Because itrsquos an ad for your business Yoursquore showing people the quality of what they will receive if they go on to work with you
How do you choose which is right for you Think about what you currently offer your readers or customers (as in content as well as services or products) What is popular What do they comment on most or ask questions about What would you love to create What would be the perfect compliment to a service you provide How can you genuinely help
Brainstorm a list then narrow it down to one ndash and get cracking
The best opt-ins are win-win ndash you gather details from ideal customers and the customers
receive something great that they need and want in return
Happy creating
PS Tricking people is icky Donrsquot do that Itrsquos of no use to have people on your list that donrsquot care about you or your products Be genuine Offer genuine value Get genuine sign-ups
SO WHAT SHOULD YOU OFFER
Here are a few ideas raquo A sneak peek or preview of a paid
product ndash like a free chapter or lesson
raquo A smaller version of a paid product ndash like a 3 day meal plan
raquo Something which compliments a service you offer
raquo Useful templates ndash like a product launch worksheet or a calendar
raquo Inspirational printables ndash like quotes or illustrations
raquo A mini eCourse ndash like 5 days of video coaching
raquo A discount ndash like 10 off their next purchase
raquo A VIP offer ndash like first dibs on tickets
raquo An eBook or workbook ndash like a recipe book or marketing plan
Alana Wimmer is Founder + Creative Director of mini digital publishing house Raspberry Stripes Alana works with rad lady entrepreneurs to design eBooks which will change the world She also provides guidance insight and info on eBook design on the Raspberry Stripes website When she isnrsquot designing reading or talking about eBooks you can find Alana walking Rory and Roxy the boxers with her husband in tow probably on her way to pick up a green smoothie
49
is a lack of self-worth
50
As a bright-eyed uni student I got pretty excited about all the opportunities that were due to unfold before me when I graduated
My approach to life has always been filled with excitement for the future I remember saying to friends in class that we were certain to be successful because enthusiasm trumps experience Sadly the path wasnrsquot as smooth as Irsquod imagined I naively thought that all bosses had a sixth-sense for talent even from shy girls who werenrsquot outward about their abilities
I applied for and took a series of jobs that from the job description seemed so overwhelmingly scary to do but within months if not weeks I was bored I lacked the self-worth to believe I could step up but Irsquod externalise this into anger at my employer for holding me back Eventually I realised it was all of my own creation I was the one who was playing small applying for and then taking jobs that wersquore well under my pay grade I even turned down a few including a big promotion because the amount of money offered was too much and it scared me Seriously
Years of study and I lacked the ability to dive in fully commit be brave be boisterous about my abilities and soar I found school easy and when things seemed challenging at work I put it down to an inability to perform If it wasnrsquot easy at first I accepted that I just wasnrsquot able I had yet to find out that some of the best lessons come from giving things a go and making a lot of mistakes Failing or in reality playing small was a comfort zone for me and success in my career was an unknown quantity I was used to struggle I was safe with my dreams The possibility of them coming true Too much to handle Irsquod have to learn to live in the present moment and I donrsquot think I was ready to do that I wasnrsquot ready to look closely at myself and see that for all my effort there was still a lot of inner work to do It was time to look within
I KNOW HOW EASY IT IS TO BUILD WALLS AROUND OUR DREAMS PUSH THEM FURTHER AWAY IN AN ATTEMPT TO PLAY SAFE AND LIVE LIFE ACCORDING TO EXTERNAL INFLUENCE I KNOW THE LEVEL OF DETERMINATION AND MENTAL GRIT IT TAKES TO OVERCOME OURSELVES START TAKING OWNERSHIP OF OUR THOUGHTS AND ULTIMATELY THE PATH OF OUR OWN LIVES
I love when clients ask me to guide them on this path because I know just what can happen when they get there I hold my hand out as a supportive leverage point and watch them soar
Something Irsquove learnt along the way The first step for many women in building self-worth is learning the art of body love Body love is all about learning to appreciate the capabilities of your body nourishing and taking care of your spirit and occasionally cutting yourself a break
51
Itrsquos looking in the mirror and liking the person you see not picking on the parts you donrsquot like Itrsquos making a choice about whether to wear a bikini based on your personal values and not about what your body looks like in one Dieting and restriction are low level energies that hold us back from achieving high level desires Negative thinking blocks our internal compass and our ability to connect to our intuition Body love is the gateway to high frequency living
We all have that version of ourselves that we aspire to be The woman who gets up to the alarm has patience and drive Shersquos got a sparkle in her eye a sense of confidence and knowing about her place in the world that emanates from her whole being She sits up straight and laughs with abandon From where we sit therersquos a chasm to leap in becoming that woman That woman represents ldquoone dayrdquo She represents effort She can seem unachievable In my experience body love is the first and most important step toward that woman Body love is filled with possibility promise and prosperity When we remove that low level energy of diet and restriction we can start to attract high frequencies We can start to become that woman in the present moment
Irsquove seen the shift first hand for so many people Suddenly the whole world opens up and the possibilities become endless The cloud lifts and pie-in-the-sky dreams show up in high-definition technicolour Thoughts that previously caused anxiety everything from going to lunch with new friends to finding a purpose in life start to feel as easy to read as words on a page Therersquos no more searching Itrsquos been replaced by a knowing excitement I watch as women become like bright-eyed students again endless possibilities opening up before them Only this time Theyrsquove got experience on their side
Suddenly the whole world
opens up and the
possibilities become
endless
The cloud lifts and
pie-in-the-sky dreams show
up in high-definition
technicolour
Rachelle is a Life + Confidence Coach at My Saturn Epoch She supports women through the big transitions in their life helping them to break their negative cycles to consciously create a happy life and positive mindset She is a big hearted business woman who is passionate about supporting women in pursuit of their own excellence so they can shine as a beacon to themselves their families and their communities
Connect with Rachelle at mysaturnepochcom
52
SUBSCRIBE TO RASPBERRY MAGAZINE
Grab an annual subscription and yoursquoll receive raquo 6 digital issues of Raspberry Magazine raquo an exclusive Annual Subscribers Thank You Pack
- which includes a printable manifesto beautiful meditation tracks an eBook and more contributed by generous lady entrepreneurs - worth over $35
VISIT THE SHOP
53
T H A N K Y O U F O R R E A D I N GA N D A M I L L I O N H I G H-F I V E S
I F Y O U L O V E D R A S P B E R R YM A G A Z I N E P L E A S E S H A R E
54
26
Do you see this business model changing in the futureYes and no Yes I will need to hire someone and ideally two people now that I have branched out into creating courses and ebooks but no in regards to my consulting services changing as what I do is in demand People feel confused about social media and creating regular content so I think it will be the same business model for a long time to come
What does a day-in-the-life look like for you Well Irsquom a vampire apparently as I mainly work nights which here in Thailand would be morning time where many of my clients live During the day I am homeschooling mum and also carry in my bag some of my work for
when I need to do some writing or analysis of a clientrsquos social media
Do you feel like an introvert or an extrovert and does that affect how you do businessIrsquom an extrovert but a highly sensitive one This has actually worked in my favour as I have a process for weeding out people who donrsquot fit my Ideal Client profile so that I can maintain my energy and do the best I can with the entrepreneurs who I can best serve
What are your favourite parts of businessI adore talking with clients on the phone or in person so basically anytime Irsquom geeking out about social media and writing
27
Least favouriteAnything to do with SEO
Do you feel like yoursquove made sacrifices to live this lifestyle What are theyEntrepreneurship is isolating in general Add that to the fact that we live on an island in Thailand and itrsquos double the isolation but to be honest this was the best place for us to build our online businesses as itrsquos affordable to live here and safe so I have no regrets
What are your Core Desired Feelings Connection serenity ease truth Values wise Irsquom wild but extremely family oriented
Any special tools or routines you implement regularly to feel or perform awesomelyI read from spiritual or philosophical books and take regular walks Both give me loads of ideas for storytelling which is the essence of what I do Podcasts are also a huge part of my routine particularly those devoted to marketing
BOOK Ocean Sea (buy it now AMAZING)
WEBSITE wwwholisticdadnet
EARLY MORNING ACTIVITY Drinking yerba mate and some yoga
LATE NIGHT ACTIVITY Good beer and a video game
GOURMET SNACK Anything with white truffle oil on it
Quickfire Faves
Elizabeth Kelsey Bradley is an award-winning writer consultant and photojournalist currently based in Thailand Her work has appeared on sites such as Tiny Buddha Vagabonding and in Girl Gone International magazine
As a consultant she helps companies develop effective social media and content strategies She is currently devoted to helping holistic entrepreneurs grow their online platforms at Thriving Healer
28
PAPERLESS OFFICELETrsquoS LEAVE MORE OF OUR TREE FRIENDS IN THE GROUND AND TAKE ADVANTAGE OF THE EXCELLENT APPS AVAILABLE INSTEAD AFTER ALL WErsquoRE RUNNING OUR DEVICES FOR MOST OF THE DAY ANYWAY - MAY AS WELL TAKE ADVANTAGE OF THEIR RAD CAPABILITIES
29
SWAPWriting Lists
FORWunderlist
AnyDoTodoist
SWAPHardcopy Books
FOR
KindleiBooks
SWAPPrinting + Scanning
Contracts
FOR
EchosignHellosignSWAP
Taking Notes + Printing Articles
FOREvernote
SWAPBrainstorming
+ Mind Mapping
FORSimpleMind
Coggle
30
HOW DARE YOU S E T T L E F O R L E S S WHEN THE WORLD h a s m a d e i t SO EASY F O R Y O U T O B E remarkable
SETH GODIN
31
JASMINE DOWLING MAPS TO HERSELF THE FIFTH ELEMENT LIFE
MOSSYJOJO TRICIA O DESIGNSIMPLY LOVE CREATIONS
BY SAMANTHA STACEY KEMPPENFRIEND
Jazz up your office walls with prints that stoke your creative fire
32
THE YES EPIDEMIC
33
THE YES EPIDEMIC
OurCoverStar
34
Whether it be a night out (when Irsquom exhausted) a favour (thatrsquos asking a little too much) or a date (that I know isnrsquot going to go anywhere) Irsquove typically and reluctantly replied to these requests with a lsquosure thingrsquo more times than Irsquod care to admit
Take on another client when my schedule is fully booked Absolutely
Offer to shout a friendrsquos breakfast when I really donrsquot have the cash to splash Of course
Commit to another online course when Irsquom barely halfway through the other 8 Irsquove signed up for this year Why yes
The Yes Epidemic has woven its way into our exceptionally busy (and beautiful) lives with the promise of MORE More connection more exposure more opportunity more money more education more insight more success And the more we do the more we are - right
Wrong
The reality is the more we constantly fill our plates to the brim (oh letrsquos admit it our plates are overflowing) with commitment after
commitment the less space we are leaving for us to just BE
To be immersed in who we are what our dreams and desires are to love to play to breathe
By saying lsquoyesrsquo like itrsquos going out of fashion we find ourselves spread as thin as vegemite on gluten-free toast Our energy and vitality are compromised and we donrsquot show up in the world as our best selves
So here are a few tips I use with my clients (and myself regularly) to get in the habit of saying lsquonorsquo a little more often
Irsquove never been very good at saying lsquonorsquo
35
Reflective routine with a heaping dose of reality is key here Take an honest look at your weekly schedule and ensure that you are focussing your precious time energy and resources on the people activities and
projects that are aligned with your values Is this commitment important to you Then honour it with your time Not so important
Time to shift things up
I canrsquot go past Marie Forleorsquos advice on this subject When somebody presents you with an opportunity if itrsquos not a HELL YES then itrsquos a no
Go with your gut always
Forget the FOMO The lsquofear of missing outrsquo is what keeps most of us on the Sure Thing Wagon and itrsquos just not sustainable Trust that all the
opportunities that are meant for you will come your way at the right time for you
Send your lsquonorsquo off with love Therersquos no need to feel uncomfortable turning down a request when you do so with kindness respect and
humility Excuses can be left at the door just honour your good intentions and everyone involved in the situation
Remember every time you give a loving inspired lsquonorsquo you are giving others the permission to do the same thing I always feel energised when someone turns down a request because it reminds me to respect myself
enough to pull out that gentle lsquonorsquo when required too
1
23
45
AND THE BEST THING ABOUT SAYING lsquoNOrsquo WHEN THE TIME COMES THAT A lsquoSURE THINGrsquo IS IN FACT THE HEART-CENTRED RESPONSE YOU EXCITEDLY GIVE ITrsquoS MUCH SWEETER MORE MEANINGFUL AND A HELLUVA LOT MORE VALUABLE
Claire Baker is a certified coach and mentor passionate writer and speaker and author of lsquoShe Is Radiant Your 6-Week Wellness Adventure To Get Glowy amp Feel Radrsquo Claire guides vibrant young women as they get from where they are to where they want to be ndash in their health and life blog and business
You can consider Claire your personal advocate for living an energised playful and heart-centred life Come say hi at This is Lifeblood her online space to share her passion for all things nourishing soulful and creative
CLAIRErsquoS TOP FIVE TIPS TO GET INTO THE HABIT OF SAYING NO
36
37
artOF THE
THE
soloSOULRETREAT
38
When you live a soul-driven and passionate life you very likely live and breathe your lsquoworkrsquo 247
I put the word work in inverted commas because for you itrsquos likely just you leading your amazing life (and more power to you my friend) But amidst this you may find it difficult to switch off and cultivate the spaciousness to just let it all hang out and exist without an agenda or a to-do list anywhere in site
Enter stage left the Solo Soul Retreat I took myself on one recently and by golly did it give me the exact level of time out and rejoove that this soul-driven lassy needed Maybe itrsquos about time you took yourself on one
Here are some tips for creating the perfect conditions for your solo soul retreat
Pick a place close byI chose the Byron area because itrsquos only two hours drive from where I live And this is important because while you want to be lsquoawayrsquo to unplug from the numerous distractions of home you donrsquot want to be so far away that you feel obliged to check out all the sights and scoot around lsquodoingrsquo your little butt off You want to create a feeling of not having to do ANYTHING if you donrsquot feel like it Moment to moment awareness and tapping into what you truly want to do is critical to the restorative nature of the solo soul retreat So if that means a nap in the afternoon without checking out the sights do it Sans the guilt
Making it somewhere close by means you can convince your inner tourist that you can come back any time you want to So donrsquot book your long awaited trip to Bali for this particular retreat style I recommend scouting around Air BnB for some great bargains near you
Book for at least 2-3 nights away (more if possible)It takes awhile for us to wind down and get in to the rhythm of a slower pace so give yourself as much time as possible to sink deeply in to relaxation I find that it takes my body a good day or so (at least) to realise itrsquos on holiday A weekend is good a long weekend even better And a week would be crazy good
Set an intentionFor my soul retreat it was to cultivate a feeling of internal ease and spaciousness I was so tightly wound and constricted from within I wanted to feel joyous energy flowing through me again
39
unimpeded
An intention is a helpful anchor that you can come back to throughout the retreat when you feel your energy flitting away to unnecessary distractions Revisit your intention throughout your retreat and ease back into the feeling you wish to cultivate
Immerse yourself in natureWherever you head to find some time to plonk yourself amidst the stunning natural surrounds of Mama Nature There is absolutely NOTHING that compares to the healing capacity of earthing ourselves at the beach or in the forest or just a little garden Barefoot and butt on the ground meditating or just sitting and quietly contemplating our wondrous natural world will have you relaxing into zen in no time
Silence is goldenTaking time to retreat also means giving your mind a bit of a break (hence the lsquono doingrsquo rule) try out not talking which shouldnrsquot be too hard if yoursquore on your own and see what kind of insights
There is absolutely NOTHING that compares to the healing capacity of earthing ourselves at the beach
or in the forest or just a little garden
Barefoot and butt on the ground meditating or just sitting and
quietly contemplating our wondrous natural world
will have you relaxing into zen in no time
40
begin to pop into your nogginrsquo when you donrsquot have to constantly communicate
Pamper yourselfWhat feels really decadent to you For my recent retreat it was heading to a spa and bathhouse for the morning soaking in oxygenated spa baths steaming myself in the sauna and relaxing on a sun lounge in the tranquil spa gardens with a good book
For you it might be a luxurious massage and energy balancing treatment Or maybe itrsquos a delicious meal you take your time with at an amazing restaurant nearby Perhaps itrsquos allowing yourself to lounge around in bed with your favourite book and a cup of tea Whatever it is allow yourself these delights As many as you please gorgeous one
Body-loving foodIf you have a kitchen at your accommodation pack yourself the kind of food you know your body loves Think veggies fruit some bliss balls your fave teas raw cacao and honey for a delish hot chocolate If you have a portable blender pack up your ingredients to whip yourself up some delights while yoursquore there Alternatively and if you have time prepare a few things before you head off You can pre-cook quinoa lentil curries and rice dishes to heat up whenever you fancy If there are local farmerrsquos markets you can even do a bit of purchasing there for your meals (and because yoursquore so close to home bringing back the leftovers is a cinch)
Scout around a little and find some local cafeacutes or
41
restaurants that tickle your fancy and take yourself out for a meal that makes your body scream YES
Soul nourishing practices Rituals and practices help us to sink more deeply in to our soulrsquos true nature Bring along whatever stokes your soul fire and brings you into present moment awareness Cultivating reverence for yourself and life itself is a crucial aspect of your soul retreat Some practices you may consider are raquo Meditation (guided or just simply following your inhale and exhale) I find the Kundalini Ego
Eradicator meditation particularly soul-nourishing (and frankly life changing) raquo Journaling ndash with no thought as to what to write just jot down whatever comes to you Yoursquoll be
amazed at the cathartic feelings and insights this brings raquo Yoga (on your own or find a class nearby that resonates with you) raquo Playing with oracle cards Ask a question or for general guidance and see how your guides and
the Universe responds The Little Sagersquos deck is divine raquo Reading soulfully inspiring books raquo Lighting some incense and writing an epic gratitude list raquo A walking meditation through nature raquo Get arty play around with whatever you have Love colour Bring your paints Doodle Donrsquot
judge the results just let it flow out of you
Overall the point of this solo soul retreat is that you do what you genuinely want to do in the moment So nix the over planning as you may do with other trips away Settle into present moment awareness and allow yourself to be rather than just do Listen with kindness to your inner child Let her out to play (Mega hint she really doesnrsquot want to be bossed around) Gifting yourself this time is your surefire way to feeling rejuvenated refreshed and ready to live life to its fullest
Enjoy gorgeous one
Carly is a passionate international aid and development project manager and writer Carly works on projects in Australia and the Asia-Pacific region focusing on cultivating sustainable livelihoods the empowerment of women community enterprise local market development and positive social change
Head on over to Carlyrsquos blog Pockets of Peace for her soul-centred musings on peace wellness and oodles of inspiration
42
The most powerful weapon on earth is the human soul
on fire
F E R D I N A N D F O C H
43
Five Minute Fixes
FOR FEAR AND OVERWHELM
44
IF YOUrsquoRE RUNNING YOUR OWN BIZ YOUrsquoD BE FAMILIAR WITH THE PHENOMENON OF FEAR AND OVERWHELM YOU KNOW WHEN YOU JUST FEEL STUCK PARALYSED NOT SURE WHICH CHOICE TO MAKE OR ACTION TO TAKE YOU HAVE DEADLINES LOOMING THE PRESSURE IS MOUNTING AND YOUrsquoRE BLOCKED YOU NEED TO GET OUT OF YOUR OVERWHELM RIGHT NOW SO YOU CAN GET BACK TO CHANGING THE WORLD
Here are five practices designed to break the fear cycle and get you out of your head and into your body in five minutes or less
Go outside Get out into the sunlight See the sky take off your shoes and feel the grass tickle your toes Close your eyes Feel the heat on your skin Take some deep breaths and smell the air Tune in to the sounds around you Become still Fully engage with the present moment and drop into the sensations in your body
Deep breathing You can use a mantra such as So-Hum you can count the length of each inhale and exhale or you can do as many rounds of Nadi Shodhana (alternate nostril breathing) as you can fit into five minutes Whatever yoursquore most comfortable with do that Breath is the bridge between the inner and outer realities Deep breathing will calm the nervous system and bring your attention to the present moment
Move Go for a brisk walk Put on your favourite tune plug in the headphones and dance (in the bathroom cubicle if yoursquore embarrassed to do it in publichellip because thatrsquos not weird at all) Have a quickie on your own or with a partner Or you can shake it out Start with your right foot shake it as hard as possible to the count of 10 Then your whole leg Then the left foot and left leg Then the right hand then the right arm then the left hand and arm Then fold forward and gently shake your head - back to front side to side Then stand up again and shake your whole body like you know how
Then stand in stillness for 2 minutes to balance out the movement Listen to your heartbeat Yoursquove just expressed and released some negative energy so take a standing Savasana (resting pose) to integrate Make sure you smooth your hair after this one
45
Aromatherapy Get a bottle of essential oil and sniff it - simple Smell affects the limbic system which is responsible for the storage and release of emotional trauma You can immediately calm your body with the right scent
Make sure you get 100 therapeutic grade pure essential oil - these have a high vibrational frequency and you donrsquot want any nasties entering your system through inferior quality oil Lavender is proven to calm the nervous system as is frankincense balsam fir basil cedar wood and sandalwood You can purchase calming blends from your local aromatherapist or get them to custom-make a blend for you
Make some noise This is especially good if you work from home or drive to work as you may want privacy Get a pillow or lock yourself in the car and scream as loud as you can connecting deeply to your pelvis Give yourself permission to vocalise all that frustration fear shame guilt whatever is building up in your energy field Sound is the end of feeling When you express vocally you are releasing emotion and ending the cycle of repression Done regularly this will also enhance your creativity and self-expression - benefiting your business (and sex life) in the long run
These practices work for me and Irsquod love to know if they resonate with you
Irsquom Emma a multi-passionate self-love junkie who loves supporting people on their journey to wellness Since suffering from adrenal burnout and a host of related conditions Irsquove dedicated myself to personal healing and growth and encouraging others to find their own unique path By day Irsquom a yoga teacher virtual assistant and event coordinator for wellness entrepreneurs and outside of that yoursquoll find me salsa dancing travelling and eating raw desserts
Connect with me at emmashieldscom
46
Abandon anything about your life and habits that might be holding you back
Learn to create your own opportunities
Know that there is no finish line fortune favors action
Race balls-out toward the extraordinary life that yoursquove always dreamed of
or still havenrsquot had time to dream up
And prepare to have a hell of a lot of fun along the way
SOPHIA AMORUSO
47
Why you should create aHIGH-CONVERTING OPT-IN OFFER
A critical component of building your online business is growing your email list and creating a compelling opt-in offer is one of the best ways to kickstart this growth
You want your email list to be made up of people who are genuinely interested in you and what you have to offer your target market Your ideal customers and readers
Thatrsquos why your opt-in offer (a gift to entice people to join your list) needs to be unique highly relevant to your business and of real value to your ideal clients If people are on your site checking you out they are already interested ndash you need to give them a compelling reason to sign up
What would your readers find valuable Something that saves them time money pain or makes their life easier better or more beautiful It also needs to be damn high quality Proofed designed and worth paying for
48
Why would you give away something so valuable for free
Because it shows yoursquore serious about helping people Because it builds trust with readers Because itrsquos a genuine thank you in return for a readerrsquos contact details Because itrsquos an ad for your business Yoursquore showing people the quality of what they will receive if they go on to work with you
How do you choose which is right for you Think about what you currently offer your readers or customers (as in content as well as services or products) What is popular What do they comment on most or ask questions about What would you love to create What would be the perfect compliment to a service you provide How can you genuinely help
Brainstorm a list then narrow it down to one ndash and get cracking
The best opt-ins are win-win ndash you gather details from ideal customers and the customers
receive something great that they need and want in return
Happy creating
PS Tricking people is icky Donrsquot do that Itrsquos of no use to have people on your list that donrsquot care about you or your products Be genuine Offer genuine value Get genuine sign-ups
SO WHAT SHOULD YOU OFFER
Here are a few ideas raquo A sneak peek or preview of a paid
product ndash like a free chapter or lesson
raquo A smaller version of a paid product ndash like a 3 day meal plan
raquo Something which compliments a service you offer
raquo Useful templates ndash like a product launch worksheet or a calendar
raquo Inspirational printables ndash like quotes or illustrations
raquo A mini eCourse ndash like 5 days of video coaching
raquo A discount ndash like 10 off their next purchase
raquo A VIP offer ndash like first dibs on tickets
raquo An eBook or workbook ndash like a recipe book or marketing plan
Alana Wimmer is Founder + Creative Director of mini digital publishing house Raspberry Stripes Alana works with rad lady entrepreneurs to design eBooks which will change the world She also provides guidance insight and info on eBook design on the Raspberry Stripes website When she isnrsquot designing reading or talking about eBooks you can find Alana walking Rory and Roxy the boxers with her husband in tow probably on her way to pick up a green smoothie
49
is a lack of self-worth
50
As a bright-eyed uni student I got pretty excited about all the opportunities that were due to unfold before me when I graduated
My approach to life has always been filled with excitement for the future I remember saying to friends in class that we were certain to be successful because enthusiasm trumps experience Sadly the path wasnrsquot as smooth as Irsquod imagined I naively thought that all bosses had a sixth-sense for talent even from shy girls who werenrsquot outward about their abilities
I applied for and took a series of jobs that from the job description seemed so overwhelmingly scary to do but within months if not weeks I was bored I lacked the self-worth to believe I could step up but Irsquod externalise this into anger at my employer for holding me back Eventually I realised it was all of my own creation I was the one who was playing small applying for and then taking jobs that wersquore well under my pay grade I even turned down a few including a big promotion because the amount of money offered was too much and it scared me Seriously
Years of study and I lacked the ability to dive in fully commit be brave be boisterous about my abilities and soar I found school easy and when things seemed challenging at work I put it down to an inability to perform If it wasnrsquot easy at first I accepted that I just wasnrsquot able I had yet to find out that some of the best lessons come from giving things a go and making a lot of mistakes Failing or in reality playing small was a comfort zone for me and success in my career was an unknown quantity I was used to struggle I was safe with my dreams The possibility of them coming true Too much to handle Irsquod have to learn to live in the present moment and I donrsquot think I was ready to do that I wasnrsquot ready to look closely at myself and see that for all my effort there was still a lot of inner work to do It was time to look within
I KNOW HOW EASY IT IS TO BUILD WALLS AROUND OUR DREAMS PUSH THEM FURTHER AWAY IN AN ATTEMPT TO PLAY SAFE AND LIVE LIFE ACCORDING TO EXTERNAL INFLUENCE I KNOW THE LEVEL OF DETERMINATION AND MENTAL GRIT IT TAKES TO OVERCOME OURSELVES START TAKING OWNERSHIP OF OUR THOUGHTS AND ULTIMATELY THE PATH OF OUR OWN LIVES
I love when clients ask me to guide them on this path because I know just what can happen when they get there I hold my hand out as a supportive leverage point and watch them soar
Something Irsquove learnt along the way The first step for many women in building self-worth is learning the art of body love Body love is all about learning to appreciate the capabilities of your body nourishing and taking care of your spirit and occasionally cutting yourself a break
51
Itrsquos looking in the mirror and liking the person you see not picking on the parts you donrsquot like Itrsquos making a choice about whether to wear a bikini based on your personal values and not about what your body looks like in one Dieting and restriction are low level energies that hold us back from achieving high level desires Negative thinking blocks our internal compass and our ability to connect to our intuition Body love is the gateway to high frequency living
We all have that version of ourselves that we aspire to be The woman who gets up to the alarm has patience and drive Shersquos got a sparkle in her eye a sense of confidence and knowing about her place in the world that emanates from her whole being She sits up straight and laughs with abandon From where we sit therersquos a chasm to leap in becoming that woman That woman represents ldquoone dayrdquo She represents effort She can seem unachievable In my experience body love is the first and most important step toward that woman Body love is filled with possibility promise and prosperity When we remove that low level energy of diet and restriction we can start to attract high frequencies We can start to become that woman in the present moment
Irsquove seen the shift first hand for so many people Suddenly the whole world opens up and the possibilities become endless The cloud lifts and pie-in-the-sky dreams show up in high-definition technicolour Thoughts that previously caused anxiety everything from going to lunch with new friends to finding a purpose in life start to feel as easy to read as words on a page Therersquos no more searching Itrsquos been replaced by a knowing excitement I watch as women become like bright-eyed students again endless possibilities opening up before them Only this time Theyrsquove got experience on their side
Suddenly the whole world
opens up and the
possibilities become
endless
The cloud lifts and
pie-in-the-sky dreams show
up in high-definition
technicolour
Rachelle is a Life + Confidence Coach at My Saturn Epoch She supports women through the big transitions in their life helping them to break their negative cycles to consciously create a happy life and positive mindset She is a big hearted business woman who is passionate about supporting women in pursuit of their own excellence so they can shine as a beacon to themselves their families and their communities
Connect with Rachelle at mysaturnepochcom
52
SUBSCRIBE TO RASPBERRY MAGAZINE
Grab an annual subscription and yoursquoll receive raquo 6 digital issues of Raspberry Magazine raquo an exclusive Annual Subscribers Thank You Pack
- which includes a printable manifesto beautiful meditation tracks an eBook and more contributed by generous lady entrepreneurs - worth over $35
VISIT THE SHOP
53
T H A N K Y O U F O R R E A D I N GA N D A M I L L I O N H I G H-F I V E S
I F Y O U L O V E D R A S P B E R R YM A G A Z I N E P L E A S E S H A R E
54
27
Least favouriteAnything to do with SEO
Do you feel like yoursquove made sacrifices to live this lifestyle What are theyEntrepreneurship is isolating in general Add that to the fact that we live on an island in Thailand and itrsquos double the isolation but to be honest this was the best place for us to build our online businesses as itrsquos affordable to live here and safe so I have no regrets
What are your Core Desired Feelings Connection serenity ease truth Values wise Irsquom wild but extremely family oriented
Any special tools or routines you implement regularly to feel or perform awesomelyI read from spiritual or philosophical books and take regular walks Both give me loads of ideas for storytelling which is the essence of what I do Podcasts are also a huge part of my routine particularly those devoted to marketing
BOOK Ocean Sea (buy it now AMAZING)
WEBSITE wwwholisticdadnet
EARLY MORNING ACTIVITY Drinking yerba mate and some yoga
LATE NIGHT ACTIVITY Good beer and a video game
GOURMET SNACK Anything with white truffle oil on it
Quickfire Faves
Elizabeth Kelsey Bradley is an award-winning writer consultant and photojournalist currently based in Thailand Her work has appeared on sites such as Tiny Buddha Vagabonding and in Girl Gone International magazine
As a consultant she helps companies develop effective social media and content strategies She is currently devoted to helping holistic entrepreneurs grow their online platforms at Thriving Healer
28
PAPERLESS OFFICELETrsquoS LEAVE MORE OF OUR TREE FRIENDS IN THE GROUND AND TAKE ADVANTAGE OF THE EXCELLENT APPS AVAILABLE INSTEAD AFTER ALL WErsquoRE RUNNING OUR DEVICES FOR MOST OF THE DAY ANYWAY - MAY AS WELL TAKE ADVANTAGE OF THEIR RAD CAPABILITIES
29
SWAPWriting Lists
FORWunderlist
AnyDoTodoist
SWAPHardcopy Books
FOR
KindleiBooks
SWAPPrinting + Scanning
Contracts
FOR
EchosignHellosignSWAP
Taking Notes + Printing Articles
FOREvernote
SWAPBrainstorming
+ Mind Mapping
FORSimpleMind
Coggle
30
HOW DARE YOU S E T T L E F O R L E S S WHEN THE WORLD h a s m a d e i t SO EASY F O R Y O U T O B E remarkable
SETH GODIN
31
JASMINE DOWLING MAPS TO HERSELF THE FIFTH ELEMENT LIFE
MOSSYJOJO TRICIA O DESIGNSIMPLY LOVE CREATIONS
BY SAMANTHA STACEY KEMPPENFRIEND
Jazz up your office walls with prints that stoke your creative fire
32
THE YES EPIDEMIC
33
THE YES EPIDEMIC
OurCoverStar
34
Whether it be a night out (when Irsquom exhausted) a favour (thatrsquos asking a little too much) or a date (that I know isnrsquot going to go anywhere) Irsquove typically and reluctantly replied to these requests with a lsquosure thingrsquo more times than Irsquod care to admit
Take on another client when my schedule is fully booked Absolutely
Offer to shout a friendrsquos breakfast when I really donrsquot have the cash to splash Of course
Commit to another online course when Irsquom barely halfway through the other 8 Irsquove signed up for this year Why yes
The Yes Epidemic has woven its way into our exceptionally busy (and beautiful) lives with the promise of MORE More connection more exposure more opportunity more money more education more insight more success And the more we do the more we are - right
Wrong
The reality is the more we constantly fill our plates to the brim (oh letrsquos admit it our plates are overflowing) with commitment after
commitment the less space we are leaving for us to just BE
To be immersed in who we are what our dreams and desires are to love to play to breathe
By saying lsquoyesrsquo like itrsquos going out of fashion we find ourselves spread as thin as vegemite on gluten-free toast Our energy and vitality are compromised and we donrsquot show up in the world as our best selves
So here are a few tips I use with my clients (and myself regularly) to get in the habit of saying lsquonorsquo a little more often
Irsquove never been very good at saying lsquonorsquo
35
Reflective routine with a heaping dose of reality is key here Take an honest look at your weekly schedule and ensure that you are focussing your precious time energy and resources on the people activities and
projects that are aligned with your values Is this commitment important to you Then honour it with your time Not so important
Time to shift things up
I canrsquot go past Marie Forleorsquos advice on this subject When somebody presents you with an opportunity if itrsquos not a HELL YES then itrsquos a no
Go with your gut always
Forget the FOMO The lsquofear of missing outrsquo is what keeps most of us on the Sure Thing Wagon and itrsquos just not sustainable Trust that all the
opportunities that are meant for you will come your way at the right time for you
Send your lsquonorsquo off with love Therersquos no need to feel uncomfortable turning down a request when you do so with kindness respect and
humility Excuses can be left at the door just honour your good intentions and everyone involved in the situation
Remember every time you give a loving inspired lsquonorsquo you are giving others the permission to do the same thing I always feel energised when someone turns down a request because it reminds me to respect myself
enough to pull out that gentle lsquonorsquo when required too
1
23
45
AND THE BEST THING ABOUT SAYING lsquoNOrsquo WHEN THE TIME COMES THAT A lsquoSURE THINGrsquo IS IN FACT THE HEART-CENTRED RESPONSE YOU EXCITEDLY GIVE ITrsquoS MUCH SWEETER MORE MEANINGFUL AND A HELLUVA LOT MORE VALUABLE
Claire Baker is a certified coach and mentor passionate writer and speaker and author of lsquoShe Is Radiant Your 6-Week Wellness Adventure To Get Glowy amp Feel Radrsquo Claire guides vibrant young women as they get from where they are to where they want to be ndash in their health and life blog and business
You can consider Claire your personal advocate for living an energised playful and heart-centred life Come say hi at This is Lifeblood her online space to share her passion for all things nourishing soulful and creative
CLAIRErsquoS TOP FIVE TIPS TO GET INTO THE HABIT OF SAYING NO
36
37
artOF THE
THE
soloSOULRETREAT
38
When you live a soul-driven and passionate life you very likely live and breathe your lsquoworkrsquo 247
I put the word work in inverted commas because for you itrsquos likely just you leading your amazing life (and more power to you my friend) But amidst this you may find it difficult to switch off and cultivate the spaciousness to just let it all hang out and exist without an agenda or a to-do list anywhere in site
Enter stage left the Solo Soul Retreat I took myself on one recently and by golly did it give me the exact level of time out and rejoove that this soul-driven lassy needed Maybe itrsquos about time you took yourself on one
Here are some tips for creating the perfect conditions for your solo soul retreat
Pick a place close byI chose the Byron area because itrsquos only two hours drive from where I live And this is important because while you want to be lsquoawayrsquo to unplug from the numerous distractions of home you donrsquot want to be so far away that you feel obliged to check out all the sights and scoot around lsquodoingrsquo your little butt off You want to create a feeling of not having to do ANYTHING if you donrsquot feel like it Moment to moment awareness and tapping into what you truly want to do is critical to the restorative nature of the solo soul retreat So if that means a nap in the afternoon without checking out the sights do it Sans the guilt
Making it somewhere close by means you can convince your inner tourist that you can come back any time you want to So donrsquot book your long awaited trip to Bali for this particular retreat style I recommend scouting around Air BnB for some great bargains near you
Book for at least 2-3 nights away (more if possible)It takes awhile for us to wind down and get in to the rhythm of a slower pace so give yourself as much time as possible to sink deeply in to relaxation I find that it takes my body a good day or so (at least) to realise itrsquos on holiday A weekend is good a long weekend even better And a week would be crazy good
Set an intentionFor my soul retreat it was to cultivate a feeling of internal ease and spaciousness I was so tightly wound and constricted from within I wanted to feel joyous energy flowing through me again
39
unimpeded
An intention is a helpful anchor that you can come back to throughout the retreat when you feel your energy flitting away to unnecessary distractions Revisit your intention throughout your retreat and ease back into the feeling you wish to cultivate
Immerse yourself in natureWherever you head to find some time to plonk yourself amidst the stunning natural surrounds of Mama Nature There is absolutely NOTHING that compares to the healing capacity of earthing ourselves at the beach or in the forest or just a little garden Barefoot and butt on the ground meditating or just sitting and quietly contemplating our wondrous natural world will have you relaxing into zen in no time
Silence is goldenTaking time to retreat also means giving your mind a bit of a break (hence the lsquono doingrsquo rule) try out not talking which shouldnrsquot be too hard if yoursquore on your own and see what kind of insights
There is absolutely NOTHING that compares to the healing capacity of earthing ourselves at the beach
or in the forest or just a little garden
Barefoot and butt on the ground meditating or just sitting and
quietly contemplating our wondrous natural world
will have you relaxing into zen in no time
40
begin to pop into your nogginrsquo when you donrsquot have to constantly communicate
Pamper yourselfWhat feels really decadent to you For my recent retreat it was heading to a spa and bathhouse for the morning soaking in oxygenated spa baths steaming myself in the sauna and relaxing on a sun lounge in the tranquil spa gardens with a good book
For you it might be a luxurious massage and energy balancing treatment Or maybe itrsquos a delicious meal you take your time with at an amazing restaurant nearby Perhaps itrsquos allowing yourself to lounge around in bed with your favourite book and a cup of tea Whatever it is allow yourself these delights As many as you please gorgeous one
Body-loving foodIf you have a kitchen at your accommodation pack yourself the kind of food you know your body loves Think veggies fruit some bliss balls your fave teas raw cacao and honey for a delish hot chocolate If you have a portable blender pack up your ingredients to whip yourself up some delights while yoursquore there Alternatively and if you have time prepare a few things before you head off You can pre-cook quinoa lentil curries and rice dishes to heat up whenever you fancy If there are local farmerrsquos markets you can even do a bit of purchasing there for your meals (and because yoursquore so close to home bringing back the leftovers is a cinch)
Scout around a little and find some local cafeacutes or
41
restaurants that tickle your fancy and take yourself out for a meal that makes your body scream YES
Soul nourishing practices Rituals and practices help us to sink more deeply in to our soulrsquos true nature Bring along whatever stokes your soul fire and brings you into present moment awareness Cultivating reverence for yourself and life itself is a crucial aspect of your soul retreat Some practices you may consider are raquo Meditation (guided or just simply following your inhale and exhale) I find the Kundalini Ego
Eradicator meditation particularly soul-nourishing (and frankly life changing) raquo Journaling ndash with no thought as to what to write just jot down whatever comes to you Yoursquoll be
amazed at the cathartic feelings and insights this brings raquo Yoga (on your own or find a class nearby that resonates with you) raquo Playing with oracle cards Ask a question or for general guidance and see how your guides and
the Universe responds The Little Sagersquos deck is divine raquo Reading soulfully inspiring books raquo Lighting some incense and writing an epic gratitude list raquo A walking meditation through nature raquo Get arty play around with whatever you have Love colour Bring your paints Doodle Donrsquot
judge the results just let it flow out of you
Overall the point of this solo soul retreat is that you do what you genuinely want to do in the moment So nix the over planning as you may do with other trips away Settle into present moment awareness and allow yourself to be rather than just do Listen with kindness to your inner child Let her out to play (Mega hint she really doesnrsquot want to be bossed around) Gifting yourself this time is your surefire way to feeling rejuvenated refreshed and ready to live life to its fullest
Enjoy gorgeous one
Carly is a passionate international aid and development project manager and writer Carly works on projects in Australia and the Asia-Pacific region focusing on cultivating sustainable livelihoods the empowerment of women community enterprise local market development and positive social change
Head on over to Carlyrsquos blog Pockets of Peace for her soul-centred musings on peace wellness and oodles of inspiration
42
The most powerful weapon on earth is the human soul
on fire
F E R D I N A N D F O C H
43
Five Minute Fixes
FOR FEAR AND OVERWHELM
44
IF YOUrsquoRE RUNNING YOUR OWN BIZ YOUrsquoD BE FAMILIAR WITH THE PHENOMENON OF FEAR AND OVERWHELM YOU KNOW WHEN YOU JUST FEEL STUCK PARALYSED NOT SURE WHICH CHOICE TO MAKE OR ACTION TO TAKE YOU HAVE DEADLINES LOOMING THE PRESSURE IS MOUNTING AND YOUrsquoRE BLOCKED YOU NEED TO GET OUT OF YOUR OVERWHELM RIGHT NOW SO YOU CAN GET BACK TO CHANGING THE WORLD
Here are five practices designed to break the fear cycle and get you out of your head and into your body in five minutes or less
Go outside Get out into the sunlight See the sky take off your shoes and feel the grass tickle your toes Close your eyes Feel the heat on your skin Take some deep breaths and smell the air Tune in to the sounds around you Become still Fully engage with the present moment and drop into the sensations in your body
Deep breathing You can use a mantra such as So-Hum you can count the length of each inhale and exhale or you can do as many rounds of Nadi Shodhana (alternate nostril breathing) as you can fit into five minutes Whatever yoursquore most comfortable with do that Breath is the bridge between the inner and outer realities Deep breathing will calm the nervous system and bring your attention to the present moment
Move Go for a brisk walk Put on your favourite tune plug in the headphones and dance (in the bathroom cubicle if yoursquore embarrassed to do it in publichellip because thatrsquos not weird at all) Have a quickie on your own or with a partner Or you can shake it out Start with your right foot shake it as hard as possible to the count of 10 Then your whole leg Then the left foot and left leg Then the right hand then the right arm then the left hand and arm Then fold forward and gently shake your head - back to front side to side Then stand up again and shake your whole body like you know how
Then stand in stillness for 2 minutes to balance out the movement Listen to your heartbeat Yoursquove just expressed and released some negative energy so take a standing Savasana (resting pose) to integrate Make sure you smooth your hair after this one
45
Aromatherapy Get a bottle of essential oil and sniff it - simple Smell affects the limbic system which is responsible for the storage and release of emotional trauma You can immediately calm your body with the right scent
Make sure you get 100 therapeutic grade pure essential oil - these have a high vibrational frequency and you donrsquot want any nasties entering your system through inferior quality oil Lavender is proven to calm the nervous system as is frankincense balsam fir basil cedar wood and sandalwood You can purchase calming blends from your local aromatherapist or get them to custom-make a blend for you
Make some noise This is especially good if you work from home or drive to work as you may want privacy Get a pillow or lock yourself in the car and scream as loud as you can connecting deeply to your pelvis Give yourself permission to vocalise all that frustration fear shame guilt whatever is building up in your energy field Sound is the end of feeling When you express vocally you are releasing emotion and ending the cycle of repression Done regularly this will also enhance your creativity and self-expression - benefiting your business (and sex life) in the long run
These practices work for me and Irsquod love to know if they resonate with you
Irsquom Emma a multi-passionate self-love junkie who loves supporting people on their journey to wellness Since suffering from adrenal burnout and a host of related conditions Irsquove dedicated myself to personal healing and growth and encouraging others to find their own unique path By day Irsquom a yoga teacher virtual assistant and event coordinator for wellness entrepreneurs and outside of that yoursquoll find me salsa dancing travelling and eating raw desserts
Connect with me at emmashieldscom
46
Abandon anything about your life and habits that might be holding you back
Learn to create your own opportunities
Know that there is no finish line fortune favors action
Race balls-out toward the extraordinary life that yoursquove always dreamed of
or still havenrsquot had time to dream up
And prepare to have a hell of a lot of fun along the way
SOPHIA AMORUSO
47
Why you should create aHIGH-CONVERTING OPT-IN OFFER
A critical component of building your online business is growing your email list and creating a compelling opt-in offer is one of the best ways to kickstart this growth
You want your email list to be made up of people who are genuinely interested in you and what you have to offer your target market Your ideal customers and readers
Thatrsquos why your opt-in offer (a gift to entice people to join your list) needs to be unique highly relevant to your business and of real value to your ideal clients If people are on your site checking you out they are already interested ndash you need to give them a compelling reason to sign up
What would your readers find valuable Something that saves them time money pain or makes their life easier better or more beautiful It also needs to be damn high quality Proofed designed and worth paying for
48
Why would you give away something so valuable for free
Because it shows yoursquore serious about helping people Because it builds trust with readers Because itrsquos a genuine thank you in return for a readerrsquos contact details Because itrsquos an ad for your business Yoursquore showing people the quality of what they will receive if they go on to work with you
How do you choose which is right for you Think about what you currently offer your readers or customers (as in content as well as services or products) What is popular What do they comment on most or ask questions about What would you love to create What would be the perfect compliment to a service you provide How can you genuinely help
Brainstorm a list then narrow it down to one ndash and get cracking
The best opt-ins are win-win ndash you gather details from ideal customers and the customers
receive something great that they need and want in return
Happy creating
PS Tricking people is icky Donrsquot do that Itrsquos of no use to have people on your list that donrsquot care about you or your products Be genuine Offer genuine value Get genuine sign-ups
SO WHAT SHOULD YOU OFFER
Here are a few ideas raquo A sneak peek or preview of a paid
product ndash like a free chapter or lesson
raquo A smaller version of a paid product ndash like a 3 day meal plan
raquo Something which compliments a service you offer
raquo Useful templates ndash like a product launch worksheet or a calendar
raquo Inspirational printables ndash like quotes or illustrations
raquo A mini eCourse ndash like 5 days of video coaching
raquo A discount ndash like 10 off their next purchase
raquo A VIP offer ndash like first dibs on tickets
raquo An eBook or workbook ndash like a recipe book or marketing plan
Alana Wimmer is Founder + Creative Director of mini digital publishing house Raspberry Stripes Alana works with rad lady entrepreneurs to design eBooks which will change the world She also provides guidance insight and info on eBook design on the Raspberry Stripes website When she isnrsquot designing reading or talking about eBooks you can find Alana walking Rory and Roxy the boxers with her husband in tow probably on her way to pick up a green smoothie
49
is a lack of self-worth
50
As a bright-eyed uni student I got pretty excited about all the opportunities that were due to unfold before me when I graduated
My approach to life has always been filled with excitement for the future I remember saying to friends in class that we were certain to be successful because enthusiasm trumps experience Sadly the path wasnrsquot as smooth as Irsquod imagined I naively thought that all bosses had a sixth-sense for talent even from shy girls who werenrsquot outward about their abilities
I applied for and took a series of jobs that from the job description seemed so overwhelmingly scary to do but within months if not weeks I was bored I lacked the self-worth to believe I could step up but Irsquod externalise this into anger at my employer for holding me back Eventually I realised it was all of my own creation I was the one who was playing small applying for and then taking jobs that wersquore well under my pay grade I even turned down a few including a big promotion because the amount of money offered was too much and it scared me Seriously
Years of study and I lacked the ability to dive in fully commit be brave be boisterous about my abilities and soar I found school easy and when things seemed challenging at work I put it down to an inability to perform If it wasnrsquot easy at first I accepted that I just wasnrsquot able I had yet to find out that some of the best lessons come from giving things a go and making a lot of mistakes Failing or in reality playing small was a comfort zone for me and success in my career was an unknown quantity I was used to struggle I was safe with my dreams The possibility of them coming true Too much to handle Irsquod have to learn to live in the present moment and I donrsquot think I was ready to do that I wasnrsquot ready to look closely at myself and see that for all my effort there was still a lot of inner work to do It was time to look within
I KNOW HOW EASY IT IS TO BUILD WALLS AROUND OUR DREAMS PUSH THEM FURTHER AWAY IN AN ATTEMPT TO PLAY SAFE AND LIVE LIFE ACCORDING TO EXTERNAL INFLUENCE I KNOW THE LEVEL OF DETERMINATION AND MENTAL GRIT IT TAKES TO OVERCOME OURSELVES START TAKING OWNERSHIP OF OUR THOUGHTS AND ULTIMATELY THE PATH OF OUR OWN LIVES
I love when clients ask me to guide them on this path because I know just what can happen when they get there I hold my hand out as a supportive leverage point and watch them soar
Something Irsquove learnt along the way The first step for many women in building self-worth is learning the art of body love Body love is all about learning to appreciate the capabilities of your body nourishing and taking care of your spirit and occasionally cutting yourself a break
51
Itrsquos looking in the mirror and liking the person you see not picking on the parts you donrsquot like Itrsquos making a choice about whether to wear a bikini based on your personal values and not about what your body looks like in one Dieting and restriction are low level energies that hold us back from achieving high level desires Negative thinking blocks our internal compass and our ability to connect to our intuition Body love is the gateway to high frequency living
We all have that version of ourselves that we aspire to be The woman who gets up to the alarm has patience and drive Shersquos got a sparkle in her eye a sense of confidence and knowing about her place in the world that emanates from her whole being She sits up straight and laughs with abandon From where we sit therersquos a chasm to leap in becoming that woman That woman represents ldquoone dayrdquo She represents effort She can seem unachievable In my experience body love is the first and most important step toward that woman Body love is filled with possibility promise and prosperity When we remove that low level energy of diet and restriction we can start to attract high frequencies We can start to become that woman in the present moment
Irsquove seen the shift first hand for so many people Suddenly the whole world opens up and the possibilities become endless The cloud lifts and pie-in-the-sky dreams show up in high-definition technicolour Thoughts that previously caused anxiety everything from going to lunch with new friends to finding a purpose in life start to feel as easy to read as words on a page Therersquos no more searching Itrsquos been replaced by a knowing excitement I watch as women become like bright-eyed students again endless possibilities opening up before them Only this time Theyrsquove got experience on their side
Suddenly the whole world
opens up and the
possibilities become
endless
The cloud lifts and
pie-in-the-sky dreams show
up in high-definition
technicolour
Rachelle is a Life + Confidence Coach at My Saturn Epoch She supports women through the big transitions in their life helping them to break their negative cycles to consciously create a happy life and positive mindset She is a big hearted business woman who is passionate about supporting women in pursuit of their own excellence so they can shine as a beacon to themselves their families and their communities
Connect with Rachelle at mysaturnepochcom
52
SUBSCRIBE TO RASPBERRY MAGAZINE
Grab an annual subscription and yoursquoll receive raquo 6 digital issues of Raspberry Magazine raquo an exclusive Annual Subscribers Thank You Pack
- which includes a printable manifesto beautiful meditation tracks an eBook and more contributed by generous lady entrepreneurs - worth over $35
VISIT THE SHOP
53
T H A N K Y O U F O R R E A D I N GA N D A M I L L I O N H I G H-F I V E S
I F Y O U L O V E D R A S P B E R R YM A G A Z I N E P L E A S E S H A R E
54
28
PAPERLESS OFFICELETrsquoS LEAVE MORE OF OUR TREE FRIENDS IN THE GROUND AND TAKE ADVANTAGE OF THE EXCELLENT APPS AVAILABLE INSTEAD AFTER ALL WErsquoRE RUNNING OUR DEVICES FOR MOST OF THE DAY ANYWAY - MAY AS WELL TAKE ADVANTAGE OF THEIR RAD CAPABILITIES
29
SWAPWriting Lists
FORWunderlist
AnyDoTodoist
SWAPHardcopy Books
FOR
KindleiBooks
SWAPPrinting + Scanning
Contracts
FOR
EchosignHellosignSWAP
Taking Notes + Printing Articles
FOREvernote
SWAPBrainstorming
+ Mind Mapping
FORSimpleMind
Coggle
30
HOW DARE YOU S E T T L E F O R L E S S WHEN THE WORLD h a s m a d e i t SO EASY F O R Y O U T O B E remarkable
SETH GODIN
31
JASMINE DOWLING MAPS TO HERSELF THE FIFTH ELEMENT LIFE
MOSSYJOJO TRICIA O DESIGNSIMPLY LOVE CREATIONS
BY SAMANTHA STACEY KEMPPENFRIEND
Jazz up your office walls with prints that stoke your creative fire
32
THE YES EPIDEMIC
33
THE YES EPIDEMIC
OurCoverStar
34
Whether it be a night out (when Irsquom exhausted) a favour (thatrsquos asking a little too much) or a date (that I know isnrsquot going to go anywhere) Irsquove typically and reluctantly replied to these requests with a lsquosure thingrsquo more times than Irsquod care to admit
Take on another client when my schedule is fully booked Absolutely
Offer to shout a friendrsquos breakfast when I really donrsquot have the cash to splash Of course
Commit to another online course when Irsquom barely halfway through the other 8 Irsquove signed up for this year Why yes
The Yes Epidemic has woven its way into our exceptionally busy (and beautiful) lives with the promise of MORE More connection more exposure more opportunity more money more education more insight more success And the more we do the more we are - right
Wrong
The reality is the more we constantly fill our plates to the brim (oh letrsquos admit it our plates are overflowing) with commitment after
commitment the less space we are leaving for us to just BE
To be immersed in who we are what our dreams and desires are to love to play to breathe
By saying lsquoyesrsquo like itrsquos going out of fashion we find ourselves spread as thin as vegemite on gluten-free toast Our energy and vitality are compromised and we donrsquot show up in the world as our best selves
So here are a few tips I use with my clients (and myself regularly) to get in the habit of saying lsquonorsquo a little more often
Irsquove never been very good at saying lsquonorsquo
35
Reflective routine with a heaping dose of reality is key here Take an honest look at your weekly schedule and ensure that you are focussing your precious time energy and resources on the people activities and
projects that are aligned with your values Is this commitment important to you Then honour it with your time Not so important
Time to shift things up
I canrsquot go past Marie Forleorsquos advice on this subject When somebody presents you with an opportunity if itrsquos not a HELL YES then itrsquos a no
Go with your gut always
Forget the FOMO The lsquofear of missing outrsquo is what keeps most of us on the Sure Thing Wagon and itrsquos just not sustainable Trust that all the
opportunities that are meant for you will come your way at the right time for you
Send your lsquonorsquo off with love Therersquos no need to feel uncomfortable turning down a request when you do so with kindness respect and
humility Excuses can be left at the door just honour your good intentions and everyone involved in the situation
Remember every time you give a loving inspired lsquonorsquo you are giving others the permission to do the same thing I always feel energised when someone turns down a request because it reminds me to respect myself
enough to pull out that gentle lsquonorsquo when required too
1
23
45
AND THE BEST THING ABOUT SAYING lsquoNOrsquo WHEN THE TIME COMES THAT A lsquoSURE THINGrsquo IS IN FACT THE HEART-CENTRED RESPONSE YOU EXCITEDLY GIVE ITrsquoS MUCH SWEETER MORE MEANINGFUL AND A HELLUVA LOT MORE VALUABLE
Claire Baker is a certified coach and mentor passionate writer and speaker and author of lsquoShe Is Radiant Your 6-Week Wellness Adventure To Get Glowy amp Feel Radrsquo Claire guides vibrant young women as they get from where they are to where they want to be ndash in their health and life blog and business
You can consider Claire your personal advocate for living an energised playful and heart-centred life Come say hi at This is Lifeblood her online space to share her passion for all things nourishing soulful and creative
CLAIRErsquoS TOP FIVE TIPS TO GET INTO THE HABIT OF SAYING NO
36
37
artOF THE
THE
soloSOULRETREAT
38
When you live a soul-driven and passionate life you very likely live and breathe your lsquoworkrsquo 247
I put the word work in inverted commas because for you itrsquos likely just you leading your amazing life (and more power to you my friend) But amidst this you may find it difficult to switch off and cultivate the spaciousness to just let it all hang out and exist without an agenda or a to-do list anywhere in site
Enter stage left the Solo Soul Retreat I took myself on one recently and by golly did it give me the exact level of time out and rejoove that this soul-driven lassy needed Maybe itrsquos about time you took yourself on one
Here are some tips for creating the perfect conditions for your solo soul retreat
Pick a place close byI chose the Byron area because itrsquos only two hours drive from where I live And this is important because while you want to be lsquoawayrsquo to unplug from the numerous distractions of home you donrsquot want to be so far away that you feel obliged to check out all the sights and scoot around lsquodoingrsquo your little butt off You want to create a feeling of not having to do ANYTHING if you donrsquot feel like it Moment to moment awareness and tapping into what you truly want to do is critical to the restorative nature of the solo soul retreat So if that means a nap in the afternoon without checking out the sights do it Sans the guilt
Making it somewhere close by means you can convince your inner tourist that you can come back any time you want to So donrsquot book your long awaited trip to Bali for this particular retreat style I recommend scouting around Air BnB for some great bargains near you
Book for at least 2-3 nights away (more if possible)It takes awhile for us to wind down and get in to the rhythm of a slower pace so give yourself as much time as possible to sink deeply in to relaxation I find that it takes my body a good day or so (at least) to realise itrsquos on holiday A weekend is good a long weekend even better And a week would be crazy good
Set an intentionFor my soul retreat it was to cultivate a feeling of internal ease and spaciousness I was so tightly wound and constricted from within I wanted to feel joyous energy flowing through me again
39
unimpeded
An intention is a helpful anchor that you can come back to throughout the retreat when you feel your energy flitting away to unnecessary distractions Revisit your intention throughout your retreat and ease back into the feeling you wish to cultivate
Immerse yourself in natureWherever you head to find some time to plonk yourself amidst the stunning natural surrounds of Mama Nature There is absolutely NOTHING that compares to the healing capacity of earthing ourselves at the beach or in the forest or just a little garden Barefoot and butt on the ground meditating or just sitting and quietly contemplating our wondrous natural world will have you relaxing into zen in no time
Silence is goldenTaking time to retreat also means giving your mind a bit of a break (hence the lsquono doingrsquo rule) try out not talking which shouldnrsquot be too hard if yoursquore on your own and see what kind of insights
There is absolutely NOTHING that compares to the healing capacity of earthing ourselves at the beach
or in the forest or just a little garden
Barefoot and butt on the ground meditating or just sitting and
quietly contemplating our wondrous natural world
will have you relaxing into zen in no time
40
begin to pop into your nogginrsquo when you donrsquot have to constantly communicate
Pamper yourselfWhat feels really decadent to you For my recent retreat it was heading to a spa and bathhouse for the morning soaking in oxygenated spa baths steaming myself in the sauna and relaxing on a sun lounge in the tranquil spa gardens with a good book
For you it might be a luxurious massage and energy balancing treatment Or maybe itrsquos a delicious meal you take your time with at an amazing restaurant nearby Perhaps itrsquos allowing yourself to lounge around in bed with your favourite book and a cup of tea Whatever it is allow yourself these delights As many as you please gorgeous one
Body-loving foodIf you have a kitchen at your accommodation pack yourself the kind of food you know your body loves Think veggies fruit some bliss balls your fave teas raw cacao and honey for a delish hot chocolate If you have a portable blender pack up your ingredients to whip yourself up some delights while yoursquore there Alternatively and if you have time prepare a few things before you head off You can pre-cook quinoa lentil curries and rice dishes to heat up whenever you fancy If there are local farmerrsquos markets you can even do a bit of purchasing there for your meals (and because yoursquore so close to home bringing back the leftovers is a cinch)
Scout around a little and find some local cafeacutes or
41
restaurants that tickle your fancy and take yourself out for a meal that makes your body scream YES
Soul nourishing practices Rituals and practices help us to sink more deeply in to our soulrsquos true nature Bring along whatever stokes your soul fire and brings you into present moment awareness Cultivating reverence for yourself and life itself is a crucial aspect of your soul retreat Some practices you may consider are raquo Meditation (guided or just simply following your inhale and exhale) I find the Kundalini Ego
Eradicator meditation particularly soul-nourishing (and frankly life changing) raquo Journaling ndash with no thought as to what to write just jot down whatever comes to you Yoursquoll be
amazed at the cathartic feelings and insights this brings raquo Yoga (on your own or find a class nearby that resonates with you) raquo Playing with oracle cards Ask a question or for general guidance and see how your guides and
the Universe responds The Little Sagersquos deck is divine raquo Reading soulfully inspiring books raquo Lighting some incense and writing an epic gratitude list raquo A walking meditation through nature raquo Get arty play around with whatever you have Love colour Bring your paints Doodle Donrsquot
judge the results just let it flow out of you
Overall the point of this solo soul retreat is that you do what you genuinely want to do in the moment So nix the over planning as you may do with other trips away Settle into present moment awareness and allow yourself to be rather than just do Listen with kindness to your inner child Let her out to play (Mega hint she really doesnrsquot want to be bossed around) Gifting yourself this time is your surefire way to feeling rejuvenated refreshed and ready to live life to its fullest
Enjoy gorgeous one
Carly is a passionate international aid and development project manager and writer Carly works on projects in Australia and the Asia-Pacific region focusing on cultivating sustainable livelihoods the empowerment of women community enterprise local market development and positive social change
Head on over to Carlyrsquos blog Pockets of Peace for her soul-centred musings on peace wellness and oodles of inspiration
42
The most powerful weapon on earth is the human soul
on fire
F E R D I N A N D F O C H
43
Five Minute Fixes
FOR FEAR AND OVERWHELM
44
IF YOUrsquoRE RUNNING YOUR OWN BIZ YOUrsquoD BE FAMILIAR WITH THE PHENOMENON OF FEAR AND OVERWHELM YOU KNOW WHEN YOU JUST FEEL STUCK PARALYSED NOT SURE WHICH CHOICE TO MAKE OR ACTION TO TAKE YOU HAVE DEADLINES LOOMING THE PRESSURE IS MOUNTING AND YOUrsquoRE BLOCKED YOU NEED TO GET OUT OF YOUR OVERWHELM RIGHT NOW SO YOU CAN GET BACK TO CHANGING THE WORLD
Here are five practices designed to break the fear cycle and get you out of your head and into your body in five minutes or less
Go outside Get out into the sunlight See the sky take off your shoes and feel the grass tickle your toes Close your eyes Feel the heat on your skin Take some deep breaths and smell the air Tune in to the sounds around you Become still Fully engage with the present moment and drop into the sensations in your body
Deep breathing You can use a mantra such as So-Hum you can count the length of each inhale and exhale or you can do as many rounds of Nadi Shodhana (alternate nostril breathing) as you can fit into five minutes Whatever yoursquore most comfortable with do that Breath is the bridge between the inner and outer realities Deep breathing will calm the nervous system and bring your attention to the present moment
Move Go for a brisk walk Put on your favourite tune plug in the headphones and dance (in the bathroom cubicle if yoursquore embarrassed to do it in publichellip because thatrsquos not weird at all) Have a quickie on your own or with a partner Or you can shake it out Start with your right foot shake it as hard as possible to the count of 10 Then your whole leg Then the left foot and left leg Then the right hand then the right arm then the left hand and arm Then fold forward and gently shake your head - back to front side to side Then stand up again and shake your whole body like you know how
Then stand in stillness for 2 minutes to balance out the movement Listen to your heartbeat Yoursquove just expressed and released some negative energy so take a standing Savasana (resting pose) to integrate Make sure you smooth your hair after this one
45
Aromatherapy Get a bottle of essential oil and sniff it - simple Smell affects the limbic system which is responsible for the storage and release of emotional trauma You can immediately calm your body with the right scent
Make sure you get 100 therapeutic grade pure essential oil - these have a high vibrational frequency and you donrsquot want any nasties entering your system through inferior quality oil Lavender is proven to calm the nervous system as is frankincense balsam fir basil cedar wood and sandalwood You can purchase calming blends from your local aromatherapist or get them to custom-make a blend for you
Make some noise This is especially good if you work from home or drive to work as you may want privacy Get a pillow or lock yourself in the car and scream as loud as you can connecting deeply to your pelvis Give yourself permission to vocalise all that frustration fear shame guilt whatever is building up in your energy field Sound is the end of feeling When you express vocally you are releasing emotion and ending the cycle of repression Done regularly this will also enhance your creativity and self-expression - benefiting your business (and sex life) in the long run
These practices work for me and Irsquod love to know if they resonate with you
Irsquom Emma a multi-passionate self-love junkie who loves supporting people on their journey to wellness Since suffering from adrenal burnout and a host of related conditions Irsquove dedicated myself to personal healing and growth and encouraging others to find their own unique path By day Irsquom a yoga teacher virtual assistant and event coordinator for wellness entrepreneurs and outside of that yoursquoll find me salsa dancing travelling and eating raw desserts
Connect with me at emmashieldscom
46
Abandon anything about your life and habits that might be holding you back
Learn to create your own opportunities
Know that there is no finish line fortune favors action
Race balls-out toward the extraordinary life that yoursquove always dreamed of
or still havenrsquot had time to dream up
And prepare to have a hell of a lot of fun along the way
SOPHIA AMORUSO
47
Why you should create aHIGH-CONVERTING OPT-IN OFFER
A critical component of building your online business is growing your email list and creating a compelling opt-in offer is one of the best ways to kickstart this growth
You want your email list to be made up of people who are genuinely interested in you and what you have to offer your target market Your ideal customers and readers
Thatrsquos why your opt-in offer (a gift to entice people to join your list) needs to be unique highly relevant to your business and of real value to your ideal clients If people are on your site checking you out they are already interested ndash you need to give them a compelling reason to sign up
What would your readers find valuable Something that saves them time money pain or makes their life easier better or more beautiful It also needs to be damn high quality Proofed designed and worth paying for
48
Why would you give away something so valuable for free
Because it shows yoursquore serious about helping people Because it builds trust with readers Because itrsquos a genuine thank you in return for a readerrsquos contact details Because itrsquos an ad for your business Yoursquore showing people the quality of what they will receive if they go on to work with you
How do you choose which is right for you Think about what you currently offer your readers or customers (as in content as well as services or products) What is popular What do they comment on most or ask questions about What would you love to create What would be the perfect compliment to a service you provide How can you genuinely help
Brainstorm a list then narrow it down to one ndash and get cracking
The best opt-ins are win-win ndash you gather details from ideal customers and the customers
receive something great that they need and want in return
Happy creating
PS Tricking people is icky Donrsquot do that Itrsquos of no use to have people on your list that donrsquot care about you or your products Be genuine Offer genuine value Get genuine sign-ups
SO WHAT SHOULD YOU OFFER
Here are a few ideas raquo A sneak peek or preview of a paid
product ndash like a free chapter or lesson
raquo A smaller version of a paid product ndash like a 3 day meal plan
raquo Something which compliments a service you offer
raquo Useful templates ndash like a product launch worksheet or a calendar
raquo Inspirational printables ndash like quotes or illustrations
raquo A mini eCourse ndash like 5 days of video coaching
raquo A discount ndash like 10 off their next purchase
raquo A VIP offer ndash like first dibs on tickets
raquo An eBook or workbook ndash like a recipe book or marketing plan
Alana Wimmer is Founder + Creative Director of mini digital publishing house Raspberry Stripes Alana works with rad lady entrepreneurs to design eBooks which will change the world She also provides guidance insight and info on eBook design on the Raspberry Stripes website When she isnrsquot designing reading or talking about eBooks you can find Alana walking Rory and Roxy the boxers with her husband in tow probably on her way to pick up a green smoothie
49
is a lack of self-worth
50
As a bright-eyed uni student I got pretty excited about all the opportunities that were due to unfold before me when I graduated
My approach to life has always been filled with excitement for the future I remember saying to friends in class that we were certain to be successful because enthusiasm trumps experience Sadly the path wasnrsquot as smooth as Irsquod imagined I naively thought that all bosses had a sixth-sense for talent even from shy girls who werenrsquot outward about their abilities
I applied for and took a series of jobs that from the job description seemed so overwhelmingly scary to do but within months if not weeks I was bored I lacked the self-worth to believe I could step up but Irsquod externalise this into anger at my employer for holding me back Eventually I realised it was all of my own creation I was the one who was playing small applying for and then taking jobs that wersquore well under my pay grade I even turned down a few including a big promotion because the amount of money offered was too much and it scared me Seriously
Years of study and I lacked the ability to dive in fully commit be brave be boisterous about my abilities and soar I found school easy and when things seemed challenging at work I put it down to an inability to perform If it wasnrsquot easy at first I accepted that I just wasnrsquot able I had yet to find out that some of the best lessons come from giving things a go and making a lot of mistakes Failing or in reality playing small was a comfort zone for me and success in my career was an unknown quantity I was used to struggle I was safe with my dreams The possibility of them coming true Too much to handle Irsquod have to learn to live in the present moment and I donrsquot think I was ready to do that I wasnrsquot ready to look closely at myself and see that for all my effort there was still a lot of inner work to do It was time to look within
I KNOW HOW EASY IT IS TO BUILD WALLS AROUND OUR DREAMS PUSH THEM FURTHER AWAY IN AN ATTEMPT TO PLAY SAFE AND LIVE LIFE ACCORDING TO EXTERNAL INFLUENCE I KNOW THE LEVEL OF DETERMINATION AND MENTAL GRIT IT TAKES TO OVERCOME OURSELVES START TAKING OWNERSHIP OF OUR THOUGHTS AND ULTIMATELY THE PATH OF OUR OWN LIVES
I love when clients ask me to guide them on this path because I know just what can happen when they get there I hold my hand out as a supportive leverage point and watch them soar
Something Irsquove learnt along the way The first step for many women in building self-worth is learning the art of body love Body love is all about learning to appreciate the capabilities of your body nourishing and taking care of your spirit and occasionally cutting yourself a break
51
Itrsquos looking in the mirror and liking the person you see not picking on the parts you donrsquot like Itrsquos making a choice about whether to wear a bikini based on your personal values and not about what your body looks like in one Dieting and restriction are low level energies that hold us back from achieving high level desires Negative thinking blocks our internal compass and our ability to connect to our intuition Body love is the gateway to high frequency living
We all have that version of ourselves that we aspire to be The woman who gets up to the alarm has patience and drive Shersquos got a sparkle in her eye a sense of confidence and knowing about her place in the world that emanates from her whole being She sits up straight and laughs with abandon From where we sit therersquos a chasm to leap in becoming that woman That woman represents ldquoone dayrdquo She represents effort She can seem unachievable In my experience body love is the first and most important step toward that woman Body love is filled with possibility promise and prosperity When we remove that low level energy of diet and restriction we can start to attract high frequencies We can start to become that woman in the present moment
Irsquove seen the shift first hand for so many people Suddenly the whole world opens up and the possibilities become endless The cloud lifts and pie-in-the-sky dreams show up in high-definition technicolour Thoughts that previously caused anxiety everything from going to lunch with new friends to finding a purpose in life start to feel as easy to read as words on a page Therersquos no more searching Itrsquos been replaced by a knowing excitement I watch as women become like bright-eyed students again endless possibilities opening up before them Only this time Theyrsquove got experience on their side
Suddenly the whole world
opens up and the
possibilities become
endless
The cloud lifts and
pie-in-the-sky dreams show
up in high-definition
technicolour
Rachelle is a Life + Confidence Coach at My Saturn Epoch She supports women through the big transitions in their life helping them to break their negative cycles to consciously create a happy life and positive mindset She is a big hearted business woman who is passionate about supporting women in pursuit of their own excellence so they can shine as a beacon to themselves their families and their communities
Connect with Rachelle at mysaturnepochcom
52
SUBSCRIBE TO RASPBERRY MAGAZINE
Grab an annual subscription and yoursquoll receive raquo 6 digital issues of Raspberry Magazine raquo an exclusive Annual Subscribers Thank You Pack
- which includes a printable manifesto beautiful meditation tracks an eBook and more contributed by generous lady entrepreneurs - worth over $35
VISIT THE SHOP
53
T H A N K Y O U F O R R E A D I N GA N D A M I L L I O N H I G H-F I V E S
I F Y O U L O V E D R A S P B E R R YM A G A Z I N E P L E A S E S H A R E
54
29
SWAPWriting Lists
FORWunderlist
AnyDoTodoist
SWAPHardcopy Books
FOR
KindleiBooks
SWAPPrinting + Scanning
Contracts
FOR
EchosignHellosignSWAP
Taking Notes + Printing Articles
FOREvernote
SWAPBrainstorming
+ Mind Mapping
FORSimpleMind
Coggle
30
HOW DARE YOU S E T T L E F O R L E S S WHEN THE WORLD h a s m a d e i t SO EASY F O R Y O U T O B E remarkable
SETH GODIN
31
JASMINE DOWLING MAPS TO HERSELF THE FIFTH ELEMENT LIFE
MOSSYJOJO TRICIA O DESIGNSIMPLY LOVE CREATIONS
BY SAMANTHA STACEY KEMPPENFRIEND
Jazz up your office walls with prints that stoke your creative fire
32
THE YES EPIDEMIC
33
THE YES EPIDEMIC
OurCoverStar
34
Whether it be a night out (when Irsquom exhausted) a favour (thatrsquos asking a little too much) or a date (that I know isnrsquot going to go anywhere) Irsquove typically and reluctantly replied to these requests with a lsquosure thingrsquo more times than Irsquod care to admit
Take on another client when my schedule is fully booked Absolutely
Offer to shout a friendrsquos breakfast when I really donrsquot have the cash to splash Of course
Commit to another online course when Irsquom barely halfway through the other 8 Irsquove signed up for this year Why yes
The Yes Epidemic has woven its way into our exceptionally busy (and beautiful) lives with the promise of MORE More connection more exposure more opportunity more money more education more insight more success And the more we do the more we are - right
Wrong
The reality is the more we constantly fill our plates to the brim (oh letrsquos admit it our plates are overflowing) with commitment after
commitment the less space we are leaving for us to just BE
To be immersed in who we are what our dreams and desires are to love to play to breathe
By saying lsquoyesrsquo like itrsquos going out of fashion we find ourselves spread as thin as vegemite on gluten-free toast Our energy and vitality are compromised and we donrsquot show up in the world as our best selves
So here are a few tips I use with my clients (and myself regularly) to get in the habit of saying lsquonorsquo a little more often
Irsquove never been very good at saying lsquonorsquo
35
Reflective routine with a heaping dose of reality is key here Take an honest look at your weekly schedule and ensure that you are focussing your precious time energy and resources on the people activities and
projects that are aligned with your values Is this commitment important to you Then honour it with your time Not so important
Time to shift things up
I canrsquot go past Marie Forleorsquos advice on this subject When somebody presents you with an opportunity if itrsquos not a HELL YES then itrsquos a no
Go with your gut always
Forget the FOMO The lsquofear of missing outrsquo is what keeps most of us on the Sure Thing Wagon and itrsquos just not sustainable Trust that all the
opportunities that are meant for you will come your way at the right time for you
Send your lsquonorsquo off with love Therersquos no need to feel uncomfortable turning down a request when you do so with kindness respect and
humility Excuses can be left at the door just honour your good intentions and everyone involved in the situation
Remember every time you give a loving inspired lsquonorsquo you are giving others the permission to do the same thing I always feel energised when someone turns down a request because it reminds me to respect myself
enough to pull out that gentle lsquonorsquo when required too
1
23
45
AND THE BEST THING ABOUT SAYING lsquoNOrsquo WHEN THE TIME COMES THAT A lsquoSURE THINGrsquo IS IN FACT THE HEART-CENTRED RESPONSE YOU EXCITEDLY GIVE ITrsquoS MUCH SWEETER MORE MEANINGFUL AND A HELLUVA LOT MORE VALUABLE
Claire Baker is a certified coach and mentor passionate writer and speaker and author of lsquoShe Is Radiant Your 6-Week Wellness Adventure To Get Glowy amp Feel Radrsquo Claire guides vibrant young women as they get from where they are to where they want to be ndash in their health and life blog and business
You can consider Claire your personal advocate for living an energised playful and heart-centred life Come say hi at This is Lifeblood her online space to share her passion for all things nourishing soulful and creative
CLAIRErsquoS TOP FIVE TIPS TO GET INTO THE HABIT OF SAYING NO
36
37
artOF THE
THE
soloSOULRETREAT
38
When you live a soul-driven and passionate life you very likely live and breathe your lsquoworkrsquo 247
I put the word work in inverted commas because for you itrsquos likely just you leading your amazing life (and more power to you my friend) But amidst this you may find it difficult to switch off and cultivate the spaciousness to just let it all hang out and exist without an agenda or a to-do list anywhere in site
Enter stage left the Solo Soul Retreat I took myself on one recently and by golly did it give me the exact level of time out and rejoove that this soul-driven lassy needed Maybe itrsquos about time you took yourself on one
Here are some tips for creating the perfect conditions for your solo soul retreat
Pick a place close byI chose the Byron area because itrsquos only two hours drive from where I live And this is important because while you want to be lsquoawayrsquo to unplug from the numerous distractions of home you donrsquot want to be so far away that you feel obliged to check out all the sights and scoot around lsquodoingrsquo your little butt off You want to create a feeling of not having to do ANYTHING if you donrsquot feel like it Moment to moment awareness and tapping into what you truly want to do is critical to the restorative nature of the solo soul retreat So if that means a nap in the afternoon without checking out the sights do it Sans the guilt
Making it somewhere close by means you can convince your inner tourist that you can come back any time you want to So donrsquot book your long awaited trip to Bali for this particular retreat style I recommend scouting around Air BnB for some great bargains near you
Book for at least 2-3 nights away (more if possible)It takes awhile for us to wind down and get in to the rhythm of a slower pace so give yourself as much time as possible to sink deeply in to relaxation I find that it takes my body a good day or so (at least) to realise itrsquos on holiday A weekend is good a long weekend even better And a week would be crazy good
Set an intentionFor my soul retreat it was to cultivate a feeling of internal ease and spaciousness I was so tightly wound and constricted from within I wanted to feel joyous energy flowing through me again
39
unimpeded
An intention is a helpful anchor that you can come back to throughout the retreat when you feel your energy flitting away to unnecessary distractions Revisit your intention throughout your retreat and ease back into the feeling you wish to cultivate
Immerse yourself in natureWherever you head to find some time to plonk yourself amidst the stunning natural surrounds of Mama Nature There is absolutely NOTHING that compares to the healing capacity of earthing ourselves at the beach or in the forest or just a little garden Barefoot and butt on the ground meditating or just sitting and quietly contemplating our wondrous natural world will have you relaxing into zen in no time
Silence is goldenTaking time to retreat also means giving your mind a bit of a break (hence the lsquono doingrsquo rule) try out not talking which shouldnrsquot be too hard if yoursquore on your own and see what kind of insights
There is absolutely NOTHING that compares to the healing capacity of earthing ourselves at the beach
or in the forest or just a little garden
Barefoot and butt on the ground meditating or just sitting and
quietly contemplating our wondrous natural world
will have you relaxing into zen in no time
40
begin to pop into your nogginrsquo when you donrsquot have to constantly communicate
Pamper yourselfWhat feels really decadent to you For my recent retreat it was heading to a spa and bathhouse for the morning soaking in oxygenated spa baths steaming myself in the sauna and relaxing on a sun lounge in the tranquil spa gardens with a good book
For you it might be a luxurious massage and energy balancing treatment Or maybe itrsquos a delicious meal you take your time with at an amazing restaurant nearby Perhaps itrsquos allowing yourself to lounge around in bed with your favourite book and a cup of tea Whatever it is allow yourself these delights As many as you please gorgeous one
Body-loving foodIf you have a kitchen at your accommodation pack yourself the kind of food you know your body loves Think veggies fruit some bliss balls your fave teas raw cacao and honey for a delish hot chocolate If you have a portable blender pack up your ingredients to whip yourself up some delights while yoursquore there Alternatively and if you have time prepare a few things before you head off You can pre-cook quinoa lentil curries and rice dishes to heat up whenever you fancy If there are local farmerrsquos markets you can even do a bit of purchasing there for your meals (and because yoursquore so close to home bringing back the leftovers is a cinch)
Scout around a little and find some local cafeacutes or
41
restaurants that tickle your fancy and take yourself out for a meal that makes your body scream YES
Soul nourishing practices Rituals and practices help us to sink more deeply in to our soulrsquos true nature Bring along whatever stokes your soul fire and brings you into present moment awareness Cultivating reverence for yourself and life itself is a crucial aspect of your soul retreat Some practices you may consider are raquo Meditation (guided or just simply following your inhale and exhale) I find the Kundalini Ego
Eradicator meditation particularly soul-nourishing (and frankly life changing) raquo Journaling ndash with no thought as to what to write just jot down whatever comes to you Yoursquoll be
amazed at the cathartic feelings and insights this brings raquo Yoga (on your own or find a class nearby that resonates with you) raquo Playing with oracle cards Ask a question or for general guidance and see how your guides and
the Universe responds The Little Sagersquos deck is divine raquo Reading soulfully inspiring books raquo Lighting some incense and writing an epic gratitude list raquo A walking meditation through nature raquo Get arty play around with whatever you have Love colour Bring your paints Doodle Donrsquot
judge the results just let it flow out of you
Overall the point of this solo soul retreat is that you do what you genuinely want to do in the moment So nix the over planning as you may do with other trips away Settle into present moment awareness and allow yourself to be rather than just do Listen with kindness to your inner child Let her out to play (Mega hint she really doesnrsquot want to be bossed around) Gifting yourself this time is your surefire way to feeling rejuvenated refreshed and ready to live life to its fullest
Enjoy gorgeous one
Carly is a passionate international aid and development project manager and writer Carly works on projects in Australia and the Asia-Pacific region focusing on cultivating sustainable livelihoods the empowerment of women community enterprise local market development and positive social change
Head on over to Carlyrsquos blog Pockets of Peace for her soul-centred musings on peace wellness and oodles of inspiration
42
The most powerful weapon on earth is the human soul
on fire
F E R D I N A N D F O C H
43
Five Minute Fixes
FOR FEAR AND OVERWHELM
44
IF YOUrsquoRE RUNNING YOUR OWN BIZ YOUrsquoD BE FAMILIAR WITH THE PHENOMENON OF FEAR AND OVERWHELM YOU KNOW WHEN YOU JUST FEEL STUCK PARALYSED NOT SURE WHICH CHOICE TO MAKE OR ACTION TO TAKE YOU HAVE DEADLINES LOOMING THE PRESSURE IS MOUNTING AND YOUrsquoRE BLOCKED YOU NEED TO GET OUT OF YOUR OVERWHELM RIGHT NOW SO YOU CAN GET BACK TO CHANGING THE WORLD
Here are five practices designed to break the fear cycle and get you out of your head and into your body in five minutes or less
Go outside Get out into the sunlight See the sky take off your shoes and feel the grass tickle your toes Close your eyes Feel the heat on your skin Take some deep breaths and smell the air Tune in to the sounds around you Become still Fully engage with the present moment and drop into the sensations in your body
Deep breathing You can use a mantra such as So-Hum you can count the length of each inhale and exhale or you can do as many rounds of Nadi Shodhana (alternate nostril breathing) as you can fit into five minutes Whatever yoursquore most comfortable with do that Breath is the bridge between the inner and outer realities Deep breathing will calm the nervous system and bring your attention to the present moment
Move Go for a brisk walk Put on your favourite tune plug in the headphones and dance (in the bathroom cubicle if yoursquore embarrassed to do it in publichellip because thatrsquos not weird at all) Have a quickie on your own or with a partner Or you can shake it out Start with your right foot shake it as hard as possible to the count of 10 Then your whole leg Then the left foot and left leg Then the right hand then the right arm then the left hand and arm Then fold forward and gently shake your head - back to front side to side Then stand up again and shake your whole body like you know how
Then stand in stillness for 2 minutes to balance out the movement Listen to your heartbeat Yoursquove just expressed and released some negative energy so take a standing Savasana (resting pose) to integrate Make sure you smooth your hair after this one
45
Aromatherapy Get a bottle of essential oil and sniff it - simple Smell affects the limbic system which is responsible for the storage and release of emotional trauma You can immediately calm your body with the right scent
Make sure you get 100 therapeutic grade pure essential oil - these have a high vibrational frequency and you donrsquot want any nasties entering your system through inferior quality oil Lavender is proven to calm the nervous system as is frankincense balsam fir basil cedar wood and sandalwood You can purchase calming blends from your local aromatherapist or get them to custom-make a blend for you
Make some noise This is especially good if you work from home or drive to work as you may want privacy Get a pillow or lock yourself in the car and scream as loud as you can connecting deeply to your pelvis Give yourself permission to vocalise all that frustration fear shame guilt whatever is building up in your energy field Sound is the end of feeling When you express vocally you are releasing emotion and ending the cycle of repression Done regularly this will also enhance your creativity and self-expression - benefiting your business (and sex life) in the long run
These practices work for me and Irsquod love to know if they resonate with you
Irsquom Emma a multi-passionate self-love junkie who loves supporting people on their journey to wellness Since suffering from adrenal burnout and a host of related conditions Irsquove dedicated myself to personal healing and growth and encouraging others to find their own unique path By day Irsquom a yoga teacher virtual assistant and event coordinator for wellness entrepreneurs and outside of that yoursquoll find me salsa dancing travelling and eating raw desserts
Connect with me at emmashieldscom
46
Abandon anything about your life and habits that might be holding you back
Learn to create your own opportunities
Know that there is no finish line fortune favors action
Race balls-out toward the extraordinary life that yoursquove always dreamed of
or still havenrsquot had time to dream up
And prepare to have a hell of a lot of fun along the way
SOPHIA AMORUSO
47
Why you should create aHIGH-CONVERTING OPT-IN OFFER
A critical component of building your online business is growing your email list and creating a compelling opt-in offer is one of the best ways to kickstart this growth
You want your email list to be made up of people who are genuinely interested in you and what you have to offer your target market Your ideal customers and readers
Thatrsquos why your opt-in offer (a gift to entice people to join your list) needs to be unique highly relevant to your business and of real value to your ideal clients If people are on your site checking you out they are already interested ndash you need to give them a compelling reason to sign up
What would your readers find valuable Something that saves them time money pain or makes their life easier better or more beautiful It also needs to be damn high quality Proofed designed and worth paying for
48
Why would you give away something so valuable for free
Because it shows yoursquore serious about helping people Because it builds trust with readers Because itrsquos a genuine thank you in return for a readerrsquos contact details Because itrsquos an ad for your business Yoursquore showing people the quality of what they will receive if they go on to work with you
How do you choose which is right for you Think about what you currently offer your readers or customers (as in content as well as services or products) What is popular What do they comment on most or ask questions about What would you love to create What would be the perfect compliment to a service you provide How can you genuinely help
Brainstorm a list then narrow it down to one ndash and get cracking
The best opt-ins are win-win ndash you gather details from ideal customers and the customers
receive something great that they need and want in return
Happy creating
PS Tricking people is icky Donrsquot do that Itrsquos of no use to have people on your list that donrsquot care about you or your products Be genuine Offer genuine value Get genuine sign-ups
SO WHAT SHOULD YOU OFFER
Here are a few ideas raquo A sneak peek or preview of a paid
product ndash like a free chapter or lesson
raquo A smaller version of a paid product ndash like a 3 day meal plan
raquo Something which compliments a service you offer
raquo Useful templates ndash like a product launch worksheet or a calendar
raquo Inspirational printables ndash like quotes or illustrations
raquo A mini eCourse ndash like 5 days of video coaching
raquo A discount ndash like 10 off their next purchase
raquo A VIP offer ndash like first dibs on tickets
raquo An eBook or workbook ndash like a recipe book or marketing plan
Alana Wimmer is Founder + Creative Director of mini digital publishing house Raspberry Stripes Alana works with rad lady entrepreneurs to design eBooks which will change the world She also provides guidance insight and info on eBook design on the Raspberry Stripes website When she isnrsquot designing reading or talking about eBooks you can find Alana walking Rory and Roxy the boxers with her husband in tow probably on her way to pick up a green smoothie
49
is a lack of self-worth
50
As a bright-eyed uni student I got pretty excited about all the opportunities that were due to unfold before me when I graduated
My approach to life has always been filled with excitement for the future I remember saying to friends in class that we were certain to be successful because enthusiasm trumps experience Sadly the path wasnrsquot as smooth as Irsquod imagined I naively thought that all bosses had a sixth-sense for talent even from shy girls who werenrsquot outward about their abilities
I applied for and took a series of jobs that from the job description seemed so overwhelmingly scary to do but within months if not weeks I was bored I lacked the self-worth to believe I could step up but Irsquod externalise this into anger at my employer for holding me back Eventually I realised it was all of my own creation I was the one who was playing small applying for and then taking jobs that wersquore well under my pay grade I even turned down a few including a big promotion because the amount of money offered was too much and it scared me Seriously
Years of study and I lacked the ability to dive in fully commit be brave be boisterous about my abilities and soar I found school easy and when things seemed challenging at work I put it down to an inability to perform If it wasnrsquot easy at first I accepted that I just wasnrsquot able I had yet to find out that some of the best lessons come from giving things a go and making a lot of mistakes Failing or in reality playing small was a comfort zone for me and success in my career was an unknown quantity I was used to struggle I was safe with my dreams The possibility of them coming true Too much to handle Irsquod have to learn to live in the present moment and I donrsquot think I was ready to do that I wasnrsquot ready to look closely at myself and see that for all my effort there was still a lot of inner work to do It was time to look within
I KNOW HOW EASY IT IS TO BUILD WALLS AROUND OUR DREAMS PUSH THEM FURTHER AWAY IN AN ATTEMPT TO PLAY SAFE AND LIVE LIFE ACCORDING TO EXTERNAL INFLUENCE I KNOW THE LEVEL OF DETERMINATION AND MENTAL GRIT IT TAKES TO OVERCOME OURSELVES START TAKING OWNERSHIP OF OUR THOUGHTS AND ULTIMATELY THE PATH OF OUR OWN LIVES
I love when clients ask me to guide them on this path because I know just what can happen when they get there I hold my hand out as a supportive leverage point and watch them soar
Something Irsquove learnt along the way The first step for many women in building self-worth is learning the art of body love Body love is all about learning to appreciate the capabilities of your body nourishing and taking care of your spirit and occasionally cutting yourself a break
51
Itrsquos looking in the mirror and liking the person you see not picking on the parts you donrsquot like Itrsquos making a choice about whether to wear a bikini based on your personal values and not about what your body looks like in one Dieting and restriction are low level energies that hold us back from achieving high level desires Negative thinking blocks our internal compass and our ability to connect to our intuition Body love is the gateway to high frequency living
We all have that version of ourselves that we aspire to be The woman who gets up to the alarm has patience and drive Shersquos got a sparkle in her eye a sense of confidence and knowing about her place in the world that emanates from her whole being She sits up straight and laughs with abandon From where we sit therersquos a chasm to leap in becoming that woman That woman represents ldquoone dayrdquo She represents effort She can seem unachievable In my experience body love is the first and most important step toward that woman Body love is filled with possibility promise and prosperity When we remove that low level energy of diet and restriction we can start to attract high frequencies We can start to become that woman in the present moment
Irsquove seen the shift first hand for so many people Suddenly the whole world opens up and the possibilities become endless The cloud lifts and pie-in-the-sky dreams show up in high-definition technicolour Thoughts that previously caused anxiety everything from going to lunch with new friends to finding a purpose in life start to feel as easy to read as words on a page Therersquos no more searching Itrsquos been replaced by a knowing excitement I watch as women become like bright-eyed students again endless possibilities opening up before them Only this time Theyrsquove got experience on their side
Suddenly the whole world
opens up and the
possibilities become
endless
The cloud lifts and
pie-in-the-sky dreams show
up in high-definition
technicolour
Rachelle is a Life + Confidence Coach at My Saturn Epoch She supports women through the big transitions in their life helping them to break their negative cycles to consciously create a happy life and positive mindset She is a big hearted business woman who is passionate about supporting women in pursuit of their own excellence so they can shine as a beacon to themselves their families and their communities
Connect with Rachelle at mysaturnepochcom
52
SUBSCRIBE TO RASPBERRY MAGAZINE
Grab an annual subscription and yoursquoll receive raquo 6 digital issues of Raspberry Magazine raquo an exclusive Annual Subscribers Thank You Pack
- which includes a printable manifesto beautiful meditation tracks an eBook and more contributed by generous lady entrepreneurs - worth over $35
VISIT THE SHOP
53
T H A N K Y O U F O R R E A D I N GA N D A M I L L I O N H I G H-F I V E S
I F Y O U L O V E D R A S P B E R R YM A G A Z I N E P L E A S E S H A R E
54
30
HOW DARE YOU S E T T L E F O R L E S S WHEN THE WORLD h a s m a d e i t SO EASY F O R Y O U T O B E remarkable
SETH GODIN
31
JASMINE DOWLING MAPS TO HERSELF THE FIFTH ELEMENT LIFE
MOSSYJOJO TRICIA O DESIGNSIMPLY LOVE CREATIONS
BY SAMANTHA STACEY KEMPPENFRIEND
Jazz up your office walls with prints that stoke your creative fire
32
THE YES EPIDEMIC
33
THE YES EPIDEMIC
OurCoverStar
34
Whether it be a night out (when Irsquom exhausted) a favour (thatrsquos asking a little too much) or a date (that I know isnrsquot going to go anywhere) Irsquove typically and reluctantly replied to these requests with a lsquosure thingrsquo more times than Irsquod care to admit
Take on another client when my schedule is fully booked Absolutely
Offer to shout a friendrsquos breakfast when I really donrsquot have the cash to splash Of course
Commit to another online course when Irsquom barely halfway through the other 8 Irsquove signed up for this year Why yes
The Yes Epidemic has woven its way into our exceptionally busy (and beautiful) lives with the promise of MORE More connection more exposure more opportunity more money more education more insight more success And the more we do the more we are - right
Wrong
The reality is the more we constantly fill our plates to the brim (oh letrsquos admit it our plates are overflowing) with commitment after
commitment the less space we are leaving for us to just BE
To be immersed in who we are what our dreams and desires are to love to play to breathe
By saying lsquoyesrsquo like itrsquos going out of fashion we find ourselves spread as thin as vegemite on gluten-free toast Our energy and vitality are compromised and we donrsquot show up in the world as our best selves
So here are a few tips I use with my clients (and myself regularly) to get in the habit of saying lsquonorsquo a little more often
Irsquove never been very good at saying lsquonorsquo
35
Reflective routine with a heaping dose of reality is key here Take an honest look at your weekly schedule and ensure that you are focussing your precious time energy and resources on the people activities and
projects that are aligned with your values Is this commitment important to you Then honour it with your time Not so important
Time to shift things up
I canrsquot go past Marie Forleorsquos advice on this subject When somebody presents you with an opportunity if itrsquos not a HELL YES then itrsquos a no
Go with your gut always
Forget the FOMO The lsquofear of missing outrsquo is what keeps most of us on the Sure Thing Wagon and itrsquos just not sustainable Trust that all the
opportunities that are meant for you will come your way at the right time for you
Send your lsquonorsquo off with love Therersquos no need to feel uncomfortable turning down a request when you do so with kindness respect and
humility Excuses can be left at the door just honour your good intentions and everyone involved in the situation
Remember every time you give a loving inspired lsquonorsquo you are giving others the permission to do the same thing I always feel energised when someone turns down a request because it reminds me to respect myself
enough to pull out that gentle lsquonorsquo when required too
1
23
45
AND THE BEST THING ABOUT SAYING lsquoNOrsquo WHEN THE TIME COMES THAT A lsquoSURE THINGrsquo IS IN FACT THE HEART-CENTRED RESPONSE YOU EXCITEDLY GIVE ITrsquoS MUCH SWEETER MORE MEANINGFUL AND A HELLUVA LOT MORE VALUABLE
Claire Baker is a certified coach and mentor passionate writer and speaker and author of lsquoShe Is Radiant Your 6-Week Wellness Adventure To Get Glowy amp Feel Radrsquo Claire guides vibrant young women as they get from where they are to where they want to be ndash in their health and life blog and business
You can consider Claire your personal advocate for living an energised playful and heart-centred life Come say hi at This is Lifeblood her online space to share her passion for all things nourishing soulful and creative
CLAIRErsquoS TOP FIVE TIPS TO GET INTO THE HABIT OF SAYING NO
36
37
artOF THE
THE
soloSOULRETREAT
38
When you live a soul-driven and passionate life you very likely live and breathe your lsquoworkrsquo 247
I put the word work in inverted commas because for you itrsquos likely just you leading your amazing life (and more power to you my friend) But amidst this you may find it difficult to switch off and cultivate the spaciousness to just let it all hang out and exist without an agenda or a to-do list anywhere in site
Enter stage left the Solo Soul Retreat I took myself on one recently and by golly did it give me the exact level of time out and rejoove that this soul-driven lassy needed Maybe itrsquos about time you took yourself on one
Here are some tips for creating the perfect conditions for your solo soul retreat
Pick a place close byI chose the Byron area because itrsquos only two hours drive from where I live And this is important because while you want to be lsquoawayrsquo to unplug from the numerous distractions of home you donrsquot want to be so far away that you feel obliged to check out all the sights and scoot around lsquodoingrsquo your little butt off You want to create a feeling of not having to do ANYTHING if you donrsquot feel like it Moment to moment awareness and tapping into what you truly want to do is critical to the restorative nature of the solo soul retreat So if that means a nap in the afternoon without checking out the sights do it Sans the guilt
Making it somewhere close by means you can convince your inner tourist that you can come back any time you want to So donrsquot book your long awaited trip to Bali for this particular retreat style I recommend scouting around Air BnB for some great bargains near you
Book for at least 2-3 nights away (more if possible)It takes awhile for us to wind down and get in to the rhythm of a slower pace so give yourself as much time as possible to sink deeply in to relaxation I find that it takes my body a good day or so (at least) to realise itrsquos on holiday A weekend is good a long weekend even better And a week would be crazy good
Set an intentionFor my soul retreat it was to cultivate a feeling of internal ease and spaciousness I was so tightly wound and constricted from within I wanted to feel joyous energy flowing through me again
39
unimpeded
An intention is a helpful anchor that you can come back to throughout the retreat when you feel your energy flitting away to unnecessary distractions Revisit your intention throughout your retreat and ease back into the feeling you wish to cultivate
Immerse yourself in natureWherever you head to find some time to plonk yourself amidst the stunning natural surrounds of Mama Nature There is absolutely NOTHING that compares to the healing capacity of earthing ourselves at the beach or in the forest or just a little garden Barefoot and butt on the ground meditating or just sitting and quietly contemplating our wondrous natural world will have you relaxing into zen in no time
Silence is goldenTaking time to retreat also means giving your mind a bit of a break (hence the lsquono doingrsquo rule) try out not talking which shouldnrsquot be too hard if yoursquore on your own and see what kind of insights
There is absolutely NOTHING that compares to the healing capacity of earthing ourselves at the beach
or in the forest or just a little garden
Barefoot and butt on the ground meditating or just sitting and
quietly contemplating our wondrous natural world
will have you relaxing into zen in no time
40
begin to pop into your nogginrsquo when you donrsquot have to constantly communicate
Pamper yourselfWhat feels really decadent to you For my recent retreat it was heading to a spa and bathhouse for the morning soaking in oxygenated spa baths steaming myself in the sauna and relaxing on a sun lounge in the tranquil spa gardens with a good book
For you it might be a luxurious massage and energy balancing treatment Or maybe itrsquos a delicious meal you take your time with at an amazing restaurant nearby Perhaps itrsquos allowing yourself to lounge around in bed with your favourite book and a cup of tea Whatever it is allow yourself these delights As many as you please gorgeous one
Body-loving foodIf you have a kitchen at your accommodation pack yourself the kind of food you know your body loves Think veggies fruit some bliss balls your fave teas raw cacao and honey for a delish hot chocolate If you have a portable blender pack up your ingredients to whip yourself up some delights while yoursquore there Alternatively and if you have time prepare a few things before you head off You can pre-cook quinoa lentil curries and rice dishes to heat up whenever you fancy If there are local farmerrsquos markets you can even do a bit of purchasing there for your meals (and because yoursquore so close to home bringing back the leftovers is a cinch)
Scout around a little and find some local cafeacutes or
41
restaurants that tickle your fancy and take yourself out for a meal that makes your body scream YES
Soul nourishing practices Rituals and practices help us to sink more deeply in to our soulrsquos true nature Bring along whatever stokes your soul fire and brings you into present moment awareness Cultivating reverence for yourself and life itself is a crucial aspect of your soul retreat Some practices you may consider are raquo Meditation (guided or just simply following your inhale and exhale) I find the Kundalini Ego
Eradicator meditation particularly soul-nourishing (and frankly life changing) raquo Journaling ndash with no thought as to what to write just jot down whatever comes to you Yoursquoll be
amazed at the cathartic feelings and insights this brings raquo Yoga (on your own or find a class nearby that resonates with you) raquo Playing with oracle cards Ask a question or for general guidance and see how your guides and
the Universe responds The Little Sagersquos deck is divine raquo Reading soulfully inspiring books raquo Lighting some incense and writing an epic gratitude list raquo A walking meditation through nature raquo Get arty play around with whatever you have Love colour Bring your paints Doodle Donrsquot
judge the results just let it flow out of you
Overall the point of this solo soul retreat is that you do what you genuinely want to do in the moment So nix the over planning as you may do with other trips away Settle into present moment awareness and allow yourself to be rather than just do Listen with kindness to your inner child Let her out to play (Mega hint she really doesnrsquot want to be bossed around) Gifting yourself this time is your surefire way to feeling rejuvenated refreshed and ready to live life to its fullest
Enjoy gorgeous one
Carly is a passionate international aid and development project manager and writer Carly works on projects in Australia and the Asia-Pacific region focusing on cultivating sustainable livelihoods the empowerment of women community enterprise local market development and positive social change
Head on over to Carlyrsquos blog Pockets of Peace for her soul-centred musings on peace wellness and oodles of inspiration
42
The most powerful weapon on earth is the human soul
on fire
F E R D I N A N D F O C H
43
Five Minute Fixes
FOR FEAR AND OVERWHELM
44
IF YOUrsquoRE RUNNING YOUR OWN BIZ YOUrsquoD BE FAMILIAR WITH THE PHENOMENON OF FEAR AND OVERWHELM YOU KNOW WHEN YOU JUST FEEL STUCK PARALYSED NOT SURE WHICH CHOICE TO MAKE OR ACTION TO TAKE YOU HAVE DEADLINES LOOMING THE PRESSURE IS MOUNTING AND YOUrsquoRE BLOCKED YOU NEED TO GET OUT OF YOUR OVERWHELM RIGHT NOW SO YOU CAN GET BACK TO CHANGING THE WORLD
Here are five practices designed to break the fear cycle and get you out of your head and into your body in five minutes or less
Go outside Get out into the sunlight See the sky take off your shoes and feel the grass tickle your toes Close your eyes Feel the heat on your skin Take some deep breaths and smell the air Tune in to the sounds around you Become still Fully engage with the present moment and drop into the sensations in your body
Deep breathing You can use a mantra such as So-Hum you can count the length of each inhale and exhale or you can do as many rounds of Nadi Shodhana (alternate nostril breathing) as you can fit into five minutes Whatever yoursquore most comfortable with do that Breath is the bridge between the inner and outer realities Deep breathing will calm the nervous system and bring your attention to the present moment
Move Go for a brisk walk Put on your favourite tune plug in the headphones and dance (in the bathroom cubicle if yoursquore embarrassed to do it in publichellip because thatrsquos not weird at all) Have a quickie on your own or with a partner Or you can shake it out Start with your right foot shake it as hard as possible to the count of 10 Then your whole leg Then the left foot and left leg Then the right hand then the right arm then the left hand and arm Then fold forward and gently shake your head - back to front side to side Then stand up again and shake your whole body like you know how
Then stand in stillness for 2 minutes to balance out the movement Listen to your heartbeat Yoursquove just expressed and released some negative energy so take a standing Savasana (resting pose) to integrate Make sure you smooth your hair after this one
45
Aromatherapy Get a bottle of essential oil and sniff it - simple Smell affects the limbic system which is responsible for the storage and release of emotional trauma You can immediately calm your body with the right scent
Make sure you get 100 therapeutic grade pure essential oil - these have a high vibrational frequency and you donrsquot want any nasties entering your system through inferior quality oil Lavender is proven to calm the nervous system as is frankincense balsam fir basil cedar wood and sandalwood You can purchase calming blends from your local aromatherapist or get them to custom-make a blend for you
Make some noise This is especially good if you work from home or drive to work as you may want privacy Get a pillow or lock yourself in the car and scream as loud as you can connecting deeply to your pelvis Give yourself permission to vocalise all that frustration fear shame guilt whatever is building up in your energy field Sound is the end of feeling When you express vocally you are releasing emotion and ending the cycle of repression Done regularly this will also enhance your creativity and self-expression - benefiting your business (and sex life) in the long run
These practices work for me and Irsquod love to know if they resonate with you
Irsquom Emma a multi-passionate self-love junkie who loves supporting people on their journey to wellness Since suffering from adrenal burnout and a host of related conditions Irsquove dedicated myself to personal healing and growth and encouraging others to find their own unique path By day Irsquom a yoga teacher virtual assistant and event coordinator for wellness entrepreneurs and outside of that yoursquoll find me salsa dancing travelling and eating raw desserts
Connect with me at emmashieldscom
46
Abandon anything about your life and habits that might be holding you back
Learn to create your own opportunities
Know that there is no finish line fortune favors action
Race balls-out toward the extraordinary life that yoursquove always dreamed of
or still havenrsquot had time to dream up
And prepare to have a hell of a lot of fun along the way
SOPHIA AMORUSO
47
Why you should create aHIGH-CONVERTING OPT-IN OFFER
A critical component of building your online business is growing your email list and creating a compelling opt-in offer is one of the best ways to kickstart this growth
You want your email list to be made up of people who are genuinely interested in you and what you have to offer your target market Your ideal customers and readers
Thatrsquos why your opt-in offer (a gift to entice people to join your list) needs to be unique highly relevant to your business and of real value to your ideal clients If people are on your site checking you out they are already interested ndash you need to give them a compelling reason to sign up
What would your readers find valuable Something that saves them time money pain or makes their life easier better or more beautiful It also needs to be damn high quality Proofed designed and worth paying for
48
Why would you give away something so valuable for free
Because it shows yoursquore serious about helping people Because it builds trust with readers Because itrsquos a genuine thank you in return for a readerrsquos contact details Because itrsquos an ad for your business Yoursquore showing people the quality of what they will receive if they go on to work with you
How do you choose which is right for you Think about what you currently offer your readers or customers (as in content as well as services or products) What is popular What do they comment on most or ask questions about What would you love to create What would be the perfect compliment to a service you provide How can you genuinely help
Brainstorm a list then narrow it down to one ndash and get cracking
The best opt-ins are win-win ndash you gather details from ideal customers and the customers
receive something great that they need and want in return
Happy creating
PS Tricking people is icky Donrsquot do that Itrsquos of no use to have people on your list that donrsquot care about you or your products Be genuine Offer genuine value Get genuine sign-ups
SO WHAT SHOULD YOU OFFER
Here are a few ideas raquo A sneak peek or preview of a paid
product ndash like a free chapter or lesson
raquo A smaller version of a paid product ndash like a 3 day meal plan
raquo Something which compliments a service you offer
raquo Useful templates ndash like a product launch worksheet or a calendar
raquo Inspirational printables ndash like quotes or illustrations
raquo A mini eCourse ndash like 5 days of video coaching
raquo A discount ndash like 10 off their next purchase
raquo A VIP offer ndash like first dibs on tickets
raquo An eBook or workbook ndash like a recipe book or marketing plan
Alana Wimmer is Founder + Creative Director of mini digital publishing house Raspberry Stripes Alana works with rad lady entrepreneurs to design eBooks which will change the world She also provides guidance insight and info on eBook design on the Raspberry Stripes website When she isnrsquot designing reading or talking about eBooks you can find Alana walking Rory and Roxy the boxers with her husband in tow probably on her way to pick up a green smoothie
49
is a lack of self-worth
50
As a bright-eyed uni student I got pretty excited about all the opportunities that were due to unfold before me when I graduated
My approach to life has always been filled with excitement for the future I remember saying to friends in class that we were certain to be successful because enthusiasm trumps experience Sadly the path wasnrsquot as smooth as Irsquod imagined I naively thought that all bosses had a sixth-sense for talent even from shy girls who werenrsquot outward about their abilities
I applied for and took a series of jobs that from the job description seemed so overwhelmingly scary to do but within months if not weeks I was bored I lacked the self-worth to believe I could step up but Irsquod externalise this into anger at my employer for holding me back Eventually I realised it was all of my own creation I was the one who was playing small applying for and then taking jobs that wersquore well under my pay grade I even turned down a few including a big promotion because the amount of money offered was too much and it scared me Seriously
Years of study and I lacked the ability to dive in fully commit be brave be boisterous about my abilities and soar I found school easy and when things seemed challenging at work I put it down to an inability to perform If it wasnrsquot easy at first I accepted that I just wasnrsquot able I had yet to find out that some of the best lessons come from giving things a go and making a lot of mistakes Failing or in reality playing small was a comfort zone for me and success in my career was an unknown quantity I was used to struggle I was safe with my dreams The possibility of them coming true Too much to handle Irsquod have to learn to live in the present moment and I donrsquot think I was ready to do that I wasnrsquot ready to look closely at myself and see that for all my effort there was still a lot of inner work to do It was time to look within
I KNOW HOW EASY IT IS TO BUILD WALLS AROUND OUR DREAMS PUSH THEM FURTHER AWAY IN AN ATTEMPT TO PLAY SAFE AND LIVE LIFE ACCORDING TO EXTERNAL INFLUENCE I KNOW THE LEVEL OF DETERMINATION AND MENTAL GRIT IT TAKES TO OVERCOME OURSELVES START TAKING OWNERSHIP OF OUR THOUGHTS AND ULTIMATELY THE PATH OF OUR OWN LIVES
I love when clients ask me to guide them on this path because I know just what can happen when they get there I hold my hand out as a supportive leverage point and watch them soar
Something Irsquove learnt along the way The first step for many women in building self-worth is learning the art of body love Body love is all about learning to appreciate the capabilities of your body nourishing and taking care of your spirit and occasionally cutting yourself a break
51
Itrsquos looking in the mirror and liking the person you see not picking on the parts you donrsquot like Itrsquos making a choice about whether to wear a bikini based on your personal values and not about what your body looks like in one Dieting and restriction are low level energies that hold us back from achieving high level desires Negative thinking blocks our internal compass and our ability to connect to our intuition Body love is the gateway to high frequency living
We all have that version of ourselves that we aspire to be The woman who gets up to the alarm has patience and drive Shersquos got a sparkle in her eye a sense of confidence and knowing about her place in the world that emanates from her whole being She sits up straight and laughs with abandon From where we sit therersquos a chasm to leap in becoming that woman That woman represents ldquoone dayrdquo She represents effort She can seem unachievable In my experience body love is the first and most important step toward that woman Body love is filled with possibility promise and prosperity When we remove that low level energy of diet and restriction we can start to attract high frequencies We can start to become that woman in the present moment
Irsquove seen the shift first hand for so many people Suddenly the whole world opens up and the possibilities become endless The cloud lifts and pie-in-the-sky dreams show up in high-definition technicolour Thoughts that previously caused anxiety everything from going to lunch with new friends to finding a purpose in life start to feel as easy to read as words on a page Therersquos no more searching Itrsquos been replaced by a knowing excitement I watch as women become like bright-eyed students again endless possibilities opening up before them Only this time Theyrsquove got experience on their side
Suddenly the whole world
opens up and the
possibilities become
endless
The cloud lifts and
pie-in-the-sky dreams show
up in high-definition
technicolour
Rachelle is a Life + Confidence Coach at My Saturn Epoch She supports women through the big transitions in their life helping them to break their negative cycles to consciously create a happy life and positive mindset She is a big hearted business woman who is passionate about supporting women in pursuit of their own excellence so they can shine as a beacon to themselves their families and their communities
Connect with Rachelle at mysaturnepochcom
52
SUBSCRIBE TO RASPBERRY MAGAZINE
Grab an annual subscription and yoursquoll receive raquo 6 digital issues of Raspberry Magazine raquo an exclusive Annual Subscribers Thank You Pack
- which includes a printable manifesto beautiful meditation tracks an eBook and more contributed by generous lady entrepreneurs - worth over $35
VISIT THE SHOP
53
T H A N K Y O U F O R R E A D I N GA N D A M I L L I O N H I G H-F I V E S
I F Y O U L O V E D R A S P B E R R YM A G A Z I N E P L E A S E S H A R E
54
31
JASMINE DOWLING MAPS TO HERSELF THE FIFTH ELEMENT LIFE
MOSSYJOJO TRICIA O DESIGNSIMPLY LOVE CREATIONS
BY SAMANTHA STACEY KEMPPENFRIEND
Jazz up your office walls with prints that stoke your creative fire
32
THE YES EPIDEMIC
33
THE YES EPIDEMIC
OurCoverStar
34
Whether it be a night out (when Irsquom exhausted) a favour (thatrsquos asking a little too much) or a date (that I know isnrsquot going to go anywhere) Irsquove typically and reluctantly replied to these requests with a lsquosure thingrsquo more times than Irsquod care to admit
Take on another client when my schedule is fully booked Absolutely
Offer to shout a friendrsquos breakfast when I really donrsquot have the cash to splash Of course
Commit to another online course when Irsquom barely halfway through the other 8 Irsquove signed up for this year Why yes
The Yes Epidemic has woven its way into our exceptionally busy (and beautiful) lives with the promise of MORE More connection more exposure more opportunity more money more education more insight more success And the more we do the more we are - right
Wrong
The reality is the more we constantly fill our plates to the brim (oh letrsquos admit it our plates are overflowing) with commitment after
commitment the less space we are leaving for us to just BE
To be immersed in who we are what our dreams and desires are to love to play to breathe
By saying lsquoyesrsquo like itrsquos going out of fashion we find ourselves spread as thin as vegemite on gluten-free toast Our energy and vitality are compromised and we donrsquot show up in the world as our best selves
So here are a few tips I use with my clients (and myself regularly) to get in the habit of saying lsquonorsquo a little more often
Irsquove never been very good at saying lsquonorsquo
35
Reflective routine with a heaping dose of reality is key here Take an honest look at your weekly schedule and ensure that you are focussing your precious time energy and resources on the people activities and
projects that are aligned with your values Is this commitment important to you Then honour it with your time Not so important
Time to shift things up
I canrsquot go past Marie Forleorsquos advice on this subject When somebody presents you with an opportunity if itrsquos not a HELL YES then itrsquos a no
Go with your gut always
Forget the FOMO The lsquofear of missing outrsquo is what keeps most of us on the Sure Thing Wagon and itrsquos just not sustainable Trust that all the
opportunities that are meant for you will come your way at the right time for you
Send your lsquonorsquo off with love Therersquos no need to feel uncomfortable turning down a request when you do so with kindness respect and
humility Excuses can be left at the door just honour your good intentions and everyone involved in the situation
Remember every time you give a loving inspired lsquonorsquo you are giving others the permission to do the same thing I always feel energised when someone turns down a request because it reminds me to respect myself
enough to pull out that gentle lsquonorsquo when required too
1
23
45
AND THE BEST THING ABOUT SAYING lsquoNOrsquo WHEN THE TIME COMES THAT A lsquoSURE THINGrsquo IS IN FACT THE HEART-CENTRED RESPONSE YOU EXCITEDLY GIVE ITrsquoS MUCH SWEETER MORE MEANINGFUL AND A HELLUVA LOT MORE VALUABLE
Claire Baker is a certified coach and mentor passionate writer and speaker and author of lsquoShe Is Radiant Your 6-Week Wellness Adventure To Get Glowy amp Feel Radrsquo Claire guides vibrant young women as they get from where they are to where they want to be ndash in their health and life blog and business
You can consider Claire your personal advocate for living an energised playful and heart-centred life Come say hi at This is Lifeblood her online space to share her passion for all things nourishing soulful and creative
CLAIRErsquoS TOP FIVE TIPS TO GET INTO THE HABIT OF SAYING NO
36
37
artOF THE
THE
soloSOULRETREAT
38
When you live a soul-driven and passionate life you very likely live and breathe your lsquoworkrsquo 247
I put the word work in inverted commas because for you itrsquos likely just you leading your amazing life (and more power to you my friend) But amidst this you may find it difficult to switch off and cultivate the spaciousness to just let it all hang out and exist without an agenda or a to-do list anywhere in site
Enter stage left the Solo Soul Retreat I took myself on one recently and by golly did it give me the exact level of time out and rejoove that this soul-driven lassy needed Maybe itrsquos about time you took yourself on one
Here are some tips for creating the perfect conditions for your solo soul retreat
Pick a place close byI chose the Byron area because itrsquos only two hours drive from where I live And this is important because while you want to be lsquoawayrsquo to unplug from the numerous distractions of home you donrsquot want to be so far away that you feel obliged to check out all the sights and scoot around lsquodoingrsquo your little butt off You want to create a feeling of not having to do ANYTHING if you donrsquot feel like it Moment to moment awareness and tapping into what you truly want to do is critical to the restorative nature of the solo soul retreat So if that means a nap in the afternoon without checking out the sights do it Sans the guilt
Making it somewhere close by means you can convince your inner tourist that you can come back any time you want to So donrsquot book your long awaited trip to Bali for this particular retreat style I recommend scouting around Air BnB for some great bargains near you
Book for at least 2-3 nights away (more if possible)It takes awhile for us to wind down and get in to the rhythm of a slower pace so give yourself as much time as possible to sink deeply in to relaxation I find that it takes my body a good day or so (at least) to realise itrsquos on holiday A weekend is good a long weekend even better And a week would be crazy good
Set an intentionFor my soul retreat it was to cultivate a feeling of internal ease and spaciousness I was so tightly wound and constricted from within I wanted to feel joyous energy flowing through me again
39
unimpeded
An intention is a helpful anchor that you can come back to throughout the retreat when you feel your energy flitting away to unnecessary distractions Revisit your intention throughout your retreat and ease back into the feeling you wish to cultivate
Immerse yourself in natureWherever you head to find some time to plonk yourself amidst the stunning natural surrounds of Mama Nature There is absolutely NOTHING that compares to the healing capacity of earthing ourselves at the beach or in the forest or just a little garden Barefoot and butt on the ground meditating or just sitting and quietly contemplating our wondrous natural world will have you relaxing into zen in no time
Silence is goldenTaking time to retreat also means giving your mind a bit of a break (hence the lsquono doingrsquo rule) try out not talking which shouldnrsquot be too hard if yoursquore on your own and see what kind of insights
There is absolutely NOTHING that compares to the healing capacity of earthing ourselves at the beach
or in the forest or just a little garden
Barefoot and butt on the ground meditating or just sitting and
quietly contemplating our wondrous natural world
will have you relaxing into zen in no time
40
begin to pop into your nogginrsquo when you donrsquot have to constantly communicate
Pamper yourselfWhat feels really decadent to you For my recent retreat it was heading to a spa and bathhouse for the morning soaking in oxygenated spa baths steaming myself in the sauna and relaxing on a sun lounge in the tranquil spa gardens with a good book
For you it might be a luxurious massage and energy balancing treatment Or maybe itrsquos a delicious meal you take your time with at an amazing restaurant nearby Perhaps itrsquos allowing yourself to lounge around in bed with your favourite book and a cup of tea Whatever it is allow yourself these delights As many as you please gorgeous one
Body-loving foodIf you have a kitchen at your accommodation pack yourself the kind of food you know your body loves Think veggies fruit some bliss balls your fave teas raw cacao and honey for a delish hot chocolate If you have a portable blender pack up your ingredients to whip yourself up some delights while yoursquore there Alternatively and if you have time prepare a few things before you head off You can pre-cook quinoa lentil curries and rice dishes to heat up whenever you fancy If there are local farmerrsquos markets you can even do a bit of purchasing there for your meals (and because yoursquore so close to home bringing back the leftovers is a cinch)
Scout around a little and find some local cafeacutes or
41
restaurants that tickle your fancy and take yourself out for a meal that makes your body scream YES
Soul nourishing practices Rituals and practices help us to sink more deeply in to our soulrsquos true nature Bring along whatever stokes your soul fire and brings you into present moment awareness Cultivating reverence for yourself and life itself is a crucial aspect of your soul retreat Some practices you may consider are raquo Meditation (guided or just simply following your inhale and exhale) I find the Kundalini Ego
Eradicator meditation particularly soul-nourishing (and frankly life changing) raquo Journaling ndash with no thought as to what to write just jot down whatever comes to you Yoursquoll be
amazed at the cathartic feelings and insights this brings raquo Yoga (on your own or find a class nearby that resonates with you) raquo Playing with oracle cards Ask a question or for general guidance and see how your guides and
the Universe responds The Little Sagersquos deck is divine raquo Reading soulfully inspiring books raquo Lighting some incense and writing an epic gratitude list raquo A walking meditation through nature raquo Get arty play around with whatever you have Love colour Bring your paints Doodle Donrsquot
judge the results just let it flow out of you
Overall the point of this solo soul retreat is that you do what you genuinely want to do in the moment So nix the over planning as you may do with other trips away Settle into present moment awareness and allow yourself to be rather than just do Listen with kindness to your inner child Let her out to play (Mega hint she really doesnrsquot want to be bossed around) Gifting yourself this time is your surefire way to feeling rejuvenated refreshed and ready to live life to its fullest
Enjoy gorgeous one
Carly is a passionate international aid and development project manager and writer Carly works on projects in Australia and the Asia-Pacific region focusing on cultivating sustainable livelihoods the empowerment of women community enterprise local market development and positive social change
Head on over to Carlyrsquos blog Pockets of Peace for her soul-centred musings on peace wellness and oodles of inspiration
42
The most powerful weapon on earth is the human soul
on fire
F E R D I N A N D F O C H
43
Five Minute Fixes
FOR FEAR AND OVERWHELM
44
IF YOUrsquoRE RUNNING YOUR OWN BIZ YOUrsquoD BE FAMILIAR WITH THE PHENOMENON OF FEAR AND OVERWHELM YOU KNOW WHEN YOU JUST FEEL STUCK PARALYSED NOT SURE WHICH CHOICE TO MAKE OR ACTION TO TAKE YOU HAVE DEADLINES LOOMING THE PRESSURE IS MOUNTING AND YOUrsquoRE BLOCKED YOU NEED TO GET OUT OF YOUR OVERWHELM RIGHT NOW SO YOU CAN GET BACK TO CHANGING THE WORLD
Here are five practices designed to break the fear cycle and get you out of your head and into your body in five minutes or less
Go outside Get out into the sunlight See the sky take off your shoes and feel the grass tickle your toes Close your eyes Feel the heat on your skin Take some deep breaths and smell the air Tune in to the sounds around you Become still Fully engage with the present moment and drop into the sensations in your body
Deep breathing You can use a mantra such as So-Hum you can count the length of each inhale and exhale or you can do as many rounds of Nadi Shodhana (alternate nostril breathing) as you can fit into five minutes Whatever yoursquore most comfortable with do that Breath is the bridge between the inner and outer realities Deep breathing will calm the nervous system and bring your attention to the present moment
Move Go for a brisk walk Put on your favourite tune plug in the headphones and dance (in the bathroom cubicle if yoursquore embarrassed to do it in publichellip because thatrsquos not weird at all) Have a quickie on your own or with a partner Or you can shake it out Start with your right foot shake it as hard as possible to the count of 10 Then your whole leg Then the left foot and left leg Then the right hand then the right arm then the left hand and arm Then fold forward and gently shake your head - back to front side to side Then stand up again and shake your whole body like you know how
Then stand in stillness for 2 minutes to balance out the movement Listen to your heartbeat Yoursquove just expressed and released some negative energy so take a standing Savasana (resting pose) to integrate Make sure you smooth your hair after this one
45
Aromatherapy Get a bottle of essential oil and sniff it - simple Smell affects the limbic system which is responsible for the storage and release of emotional trauma You can immediately calm your body with the right scent
Make sure you get 100 therapeutic grade pure essential oil - these have a high vibrational frequency and you donrsquot want any nasties entering your system through inferior quality oil Lavender is proven to calm the nervous system as is frankincense balsam fir basil cedar wood and sandalwood You can purchase calming blends from your local aromatherapist or get them to custom-make a blend for you
Make some noise This is especially good if you work from home or drive to work as you may want privacy Get a pillow or lock yourself in the car and scream as loud as you can connecting deeply to your pelvis Give yourself permission to vocalise all that frustration fear shame guilt whatever is building up in your energy field Sound is the end of feeling When you express vocally you are releasing emotion and ending the cycle of repression Done regularly this will also enhance your creativity and self-expression - benefiting your business (and sex life) in the long run
These practices work for me and Irsquod love to know if they resonate with you
Irsquom Emma a multi-passionate self-love junkie who loves supporting people on their journey to wellness Since suffering from adrenal burnout and a host of related conditions Irsquove dedicated myself to personal healing and growth and encouraging others to find their own unique path By day Irsquom a yoga teacher virtual assistant and event coordinator for wellness entrepreneurs and outside of that yoursquoll find me salsa dancing travelling and eating raw desserts
Connect with me at emmashieldscom
46
Abandon anything about your life and habits that might be holding you back
Learn to create your own opportunities
Know that there is no finish line fortune favors action
Race balls-out toward the extraordinary life that yoursquove always dreamed of
or still havenrsquot had time to dream up
And prepare to have a hell of a lot of fun along the way
SOPHIA AMORUSO
47
Why you should create aHIGH-CONVERTING OPT-IN OFFER
A critical component of building your online business is growing your email list and creating a compelling opt-in offer is one of the best ways to kickstart this growth
You want your email list to be made up of people who are genuinely interested in you and what you have to offer your target market Your ideal customers and readers
Thatrsquos why your opt-in offer (a gift to entice people to join your list) needs to be unique highly relevant to your business and of real value to your ideal clients If people are on your site checking you out they are already interested ndash you need to give them a compelling reason to sign up
What would your readers find valuable Something that saves them time money pain or makes their life easier better or more beautiful It also needs to be damn high quality Proofed designed and worth paying for
48
Why would you give away something so valuable for free
Because it shows yoursquore serious about helping people Because it builds trust with readers Because itrsquos a genuine thank you in return for a readerrsquos contact details Because itrsquos an ad for your business Yoursquore showing people the quality of what they will receive if they go on to work with you
How do you choose which is right for you Think about what you currently offer your readers or customers (as in content as well as services or products) What is popular What do they comment on most or ask questions about What would you love to create What would be the perfect compliment to a service you provide How can you genuinely help
Brainstorm a list then narrow it down to one ndash and get cracking
The best opt-ins are win-win ndash you gather details from ideal customers and the customers
receive something great that they need and want in return
Happy creating
PS Tricking people is icky Donrsquot do that Itrsquos of no use to have people on your list that donrsquot care about you or your products Be genuine Offer genuine value Get genuine sign-ups
SO WHAT SHOULD YOU OFFER
Here are a few ideas raquo A sneak peek or preview of a paid
product ndash like a free chapter or lesson
raquo A smaller version of a paid product ndash like a 3 day meal plan
raquo Something which compliments a service you offer
raquo Useful templates ndash like a product launch worksheet or a calendar
raquo Inspirational printables ndash like quotes or illustrations
raquo A mini eCourse ndash like 5 days of video coaching
raquo A discount ndash like 10 off their next purchase
raquo A VIP offer ndash like first dibs on tickets
raquo An eBook or workbook ndash like a recipe book or marketing plan
Alana Wimmer is Founder + Creative Director of mini digital publishing house Raspberry Stripes Alana works with rad lady entrepreneurs to design eBooks which will change the world She also provides guidance insight and info on eBook design on the Raspberry Stripes website When she isnrsquot designing reading or talking about eBooks you can find Alana walking Rory and Roxy the boxers with her husband in tow probably on her way to pick up a green smoothie
49
is a lack of self-worth
50
As a bright-eyed uni student I got pretty excited about all the opportunities that were due to unfold before me when I graduated
My approach to life has always been filled with excitement for the future I remember saying to friends in class that we were certain to be successful because enthusiasm trumps experience Sadly the path wasnrsquot as smooth as Irsquod imagined I naively thought that all bosses had a sixth-sense for talent even from shy girls who werenrsquot outward about their abilities
I applied for and took a series of jobs that from the job description seemed so overwhelmingly scary to do but within months if not weeks I was bored I lacked the self-worth to believe I could step up but Irsquod externalise this into anger at my employer for holding me back Eventually I realised it was all of my own creation I was the one who was playing small applying for and then taking jobs that wersquore well under my pay grade I even turned down a few including a big promotion because the amount of money offered was too much and it scared me Seriously
Years of study and I lacked the ability to dive in fully commit be brave be boisterous about my abilities and soar I found school easy and when things seemed challenging at work I put it down to an inability to perform If it wasnrsquot easy at first I accepted that I just wasnrsquot able I had yet to find out that some of the best lessons come from giving things a go and making a lot of mistakes Failing or in reality playing small was a comfort zone for me and success in my career was an unknown quantity I was used to struggle I was safe with my dreams The possibility of them coming true Too much to handle Irsquod have to learn to live in the present moment and I donrsquot think I was ready to do that I wasnrsquot ready to look closely at myself and see that for all my effort there was still a lot of inner work to do It was time to look within
I KNOW HOW EASY IT IS TO BUILD WALLS AROUND OUR DREAMS PUSH THEM FURTHER AWAY IN AN ATTEMPT TO PLAY SAFE AND LIVE LIFE ACCORDING TO EXTERNAL INFLUENCE I KNOW THE LEVEL OF DETERMINATION AND MENTAL GRIT IT TAKES TO OVERCOME OURSELVES START TAKING OWNERSHIP OF OUR THOUGHTS AND ULTIMATELY THE PATH OF OUR OWN LIVES
I love when clients ask me to guide them on this path because I know just what can happen when they get there I hold my hand out as a supportive leverage point and watch them soar
Something Irsquove learnt along the way The first step for many women in building self-worth is learning the art of body love Body love is all about learning to appreciate the capabilities of your body nourishing and taking care of your spirit and occasionally cutting yourself a break
51
Itrsquos looking in the mirror and liking the person you see not picking on the parts you donrsquot like Itrsquos making a choice about whether to wear a bikini based on your personal values and not about what your body looks like in one Dieting and restriction are low level energies that hold us back from achieving high level desires Negative thinking blocks our internal compass and our ability to connect to our intuition Body love is the gateway to high frequency living
We all have that version of ourselves that we aspire to be The woman who gets up to the alarm has patience and drive Shersquos got a sparkle in her eye a sense of confidence and knowing about her place in the world that emanates from her whole being She sits up straight and laughs with abandon From where we sit therersquos a chasm to leap in becoming that woman That woman represents ldquoone dayrdquo She represents effort She can seem unachievable In my experience body love is the first and most important step toward that woman Body love is filled with possibility promise and prosperity When we remove that low level energy of diet and restriction we can start to attract high frequencies We can start to become that woman in the present moment
Irsquove seen the shift first hand for so many people Suddenly the whole world opens up and the possibilities become endless The cloud lifts and pie-in-the-sky dreams show up in high-definition technicolour Thoughts that previously caused anxiety everything from going to lunch with new friends to finding a purpose in life start to feel as easy to read as words on a page Therersquos no more searching Itrsquos been replaced by a knowing excitement I watch as women become like bright-eyed students again endless possibilities opening up before them Only this time Theyrsquove got experience on their side
Suddenly the whole world
opens up and the
possibilities become
endless
The cloud lifts and
pie-in-the-sky dreams show
up in high-definition
technicolour
Rachelle is a Life + Confidence Coach at My Saturn Epoch She supports women through the big transitions in their life helping them to break their negative cycles to consciously create a happy life and positive mindset She is a big hearted business woman who is passionate about supporting women in pursuit of their own excellence so they can shine as a beacon to themselves their families and their communities
Connect with Rachelle at mysaturnepochcom
52
SUBSCRIBE TO RASPBERRY MAGAZINE
Grab an annual subscription and yoursquoll receive raquo 6 digital issues of Raspberry Magazine raquo an exclusive Annual Subscribers Thank You Pack
- which includes a printable manifesto beautiful meditation tracks an eBook and more contributed by generous lady entrepreneurs - worth over $35
VISIT THE SHOP
53
T H A N K Y O U F O R R E A D I N GA N D A M I L L I O N H I G H-F I V E S
I F Y O U L O V E D R A S P B E R R YM A G A Z I N E P L E A S E S H A R E
54
32
THE YES EPIDEMIC
33
THE YES EPIDEMIC
OurCoverStar
34
Whether it be a night out (when Irsquom exhausted) a favour (thatrsquos asking a little too much) or a date (that I know isnrsquot going to go anywhere) Irsquove typically and reluctantly replied to these requests with a lsquosure thingrsquo more times than Irsquod care to admit
Take on another client when my schedule is fully booked Absolutely
Offer to shout a friendrsquos breakfast when I really donrsquot have the cash to splash Of course
Commit to another online course when Irsquom barely halfway through the other 8 Irsquove signed up for this year Why yes
The Yes Epidemic has woven its way into our exceptionally busy (and beautiful) lives with the promise of MORE More connection more exposure more opportunity more money more education more insight more success And the more we do the more we are - right
Wrong
The reality is the more we constantly fill our plates to the brim (oh letrsquos admit it our plates are overflowing) with commitment after
commitment the less space we are leaving for us to just BE
To be immersed in who we are what our dreams and desires are to love to play to breathe
By saying lsquoyesrsquo like itrsquos going out of fashion we find ourselves spread as thin as vegemite on gluten-free toast Our energy and vitality are compromised and we donrsquot show up in the world as our best selves
So here are a few tips I use with my clients (and myself regularly) to get in the habit of saying lsquonorsquo a little more often
Irsquove never been very good at saying lsquonorsquo
35
Reflective routine with a heaping dose of reality is key here Take an honest look at your weekly schedule and ensure that you are focussing your precious time energy and resources on the people activities and
projects that are aligned with your values Is this commitment important to you Then honour it with your time Not so important
Time to shift things up
I canrsquot go past Marie Forleorsquos advice on this subject When somebody presents you with an opportunity if itrsquos not a HELL YES then itrsquos a no
Go with your gut always
Forget the FOMO The lsquofear of missing outrsquo is what keeps most of us on the Sure Thing Wagon and itrsquos just not sustainable Trust that all the
opportunities that are meant for you will come your way at the right time for you
Send your lsquonorsquo off with love Therersquos no need to feel uncomfortable turning down a request when you do so with kindness respect and
humility Excuses can be left at the door just honour your good intentions and everyone involved in the situation
Remember every time you give a loving inspired lsquonorsquo you are giving others the permission to do the same thing I always feel energised when someone turns down a request because it reminds me to respect myself
enough to pull out that gentle lsquonorsquo when required too
1
23
45
AND THE BEST THING ABOUT SAYING lsquoNOrsquo WHEN THE TIME COMES THAT A lsquoSURE THINGrsquo IS IN FACT THE HEART-CENTRED RESPONSE YOU EXCITEDLY GIVE ITrsquoS MUCH SWEETER MORE MEANINGFUL AND A HELLUVA LOT MORE VALUABLE
Claire Baker is a certified coach and mentor passionate writer and speaker and author of lsquoShe Is Radiant Your 6-Week Wellness Adventure To Get Glowy amp Feel Radrsquo Claire guides vibrant young women as they get from where they are to where they want to be ndash in their health and life blog and business
You can consider Claire your personal advocate for living an energised playful and heart-centred life Come say hi at This is Lifeblood her online space to share her passion for all things nourishing soulful and creative
CLAIRErsquoS TOP FIVE TIPS TO GET INTO THE HABIT OF SAYING NO
36
37
artOF THE
THE
soloSOULRETREAT
38
When you live a soul-driven and passionate life you very likely live and breathe your lsquoworkrsquo 247
I put the word work in inverted commas because for you itrsquos likely just you leading your amazing life (and more power to you my friend) But amidst this you may find it difficult to switch off and cultivate the spaciousness to just let it all hang out and exist without an agenda or a to-do list anywhere in site
Enter stage left the Solo Soul Retreat I took myself on one recently and by golly did it give me the exact level of time out and rejoove that this soul-driven lassy needed Maybe itrsquos about time you took yourself on one
Here are some tips for creating the perfect conditions for your solo soul retreat
Pick a place close byI chose the Byron area because itrsquos only two hours drive from where I live And this is important because while you want to be lsquoawayrsquo to unplug from the numerous distractions of home you donrsquot want to be so far away that you feel obliged to check out all the sights and scoot around lsquodoingrsquo your little butt off You want to create a feeling of not having to do ANYTHING if you donrsquot feel like it Moment to moment awareness and tapping into what you truly want to do is critical to the restorative nature of the solo soul retreat So if that means a nap in the afternoon without checking out the sights do it Sans the guilt
Making it somewhere close by means you can convince your inner tourist that you can come back any time you want to So donrsquot book your long awaited trip to Bali for this particular retreat style I recommend scouting around Air BnB for some great bargains near you
Book for at least 2-3 nights away (more if possible)It takes awhile for us to wind down and get in to the rhythm of a slower pace so give yourself as much time as possible to sink deeply in to relaxation I find that it takes my body a good day or so (at least) to realise itrsquos on holiday A weekend is good a long weekend even better And a week would be crazy good
Set an intentionFor my soul retreat it was to cultivate a feeling of internal ease and spaciousness I was so tightly wound and constricted from within I wanted to feel joyous energy flowing through me again
39
unimpeded
An intention is a helpful anchor that you can come back to throughout the retreat when you feel your energy flitting away to unnecessary distractions Revisit your intention throughout your retreat and ease back into the feeling you wish to cultivate
Immerse yourself in natureWherever you head to find some time to plonk yourself amidst the stunning natural surrounds of Mama Nature There is absolutely NOTHING that compares to the healing capacity of earthing ourselves at the beach or in the forest or just a little garden Barefoot and butt on the ground meditating or just sitting and quietly contemplating our wondrous natural world will have you relaxing into zen in no time
Silence is goldenTaking time to retreat also means giving your mind a bit of a break (hence the lsquono doingrsquo rule) try out not talking which shouldnrsquot be too hard if yoursquore on your own and see what kind of insights
There is absolutely NOTHING that compares to the healing capacity of earthing ourselves at the beach
or in the forest or just a little garden
Barefoot and butt on the ground meditating or just sitting and
quietly contemplating our wondrous natural world
will have you relaxing into zen in no time
40
begin to pop into your nogginrsquo when you donrsquot have to constantly communicate
Pamper yourselfWhat feels really decadent to you For my recent retreat it was heading to a spa and bathhouse for the morning soaking in oxygenated spa baths steaming myself in the sauna and relaxing on a sun lounge in the tranquil spa gardens with a good book
For you it might be a luxurious massage and energy balancing treatment Or maybe itrsquos a delicious meal you take your time with at an amazing restaurant nearby Perhaps itrsquos allowing yourself to lounge around in bed with your favourite book and a cup of tea Whatever it is allow yourself these delights As many as you please gorgeous one
Body-loving foodIf you have a kitchen at your accommodation pack yourself the kind of food you know your body loves Think veggies fruit some bliss balls your fave teas raw cacao and honey for a delish hot chocolate If you have a portable blender pack up your ingredients to whip yourself up some delights while yoursquore there Alternatively and if you have time prepare a few things before you head off You can pre-cook quinoa lentil curries and rice dishes to heat up whenever you fancy If there are local farmerrsquos markets you can even do a bit of purchasing there for your meals (and because yoursquore so close to home bringing back the leftovers is a cinch)
Scout around a little and find some local cafeacutes or
41
restaurants that tickle your fancy and take yourself out for a meal that makes your body scream YES
Soul nourishing practices Rituals and practices help us to sink more deeply in to our soulrsquos true nature Bring along whatever stokes your soul fire and brings you into present moment awareness Cultivating reverence for yourself and life itself is a crucial aspect of your soul retreat Some practices you may consider are raquo Meditation (guided or just simply following your inhale and exhale) I find the Kundalini Ego
Eradicator meditation particularly soul-nourishing (and frankly life changing) raquo Journaling ndash with no thought as to what to write just jot down whatever comes to you Yoursquoll be
amazed at the cathartic feelings and insights this brings raquo Yoga (on your own or find a class nearby that resonates with you) raquo Playing with oracle cards Ask a question or for general guidance and see how your guides and
the Universe responds The Little Sagersquos deck is divine raquo Reading soulfully inspiring books raquo Lighting some incense and writing an epic gratitude list raquo A walking meditation through nature raquo Get arty play around with whatever you have Love colour Bring your paints Doodle Donrsquot
judge the results just let it flow out of you
Overall the point of this solo soul retreat is that you do what you genuinely want to do in the moment So nix the over planning as you may do with other trips away Settle into present moment awareness and allow yourself to be rather than just do Listen with kindness to your inner child Let her out to play (Mega hint she really doesnrsquot want to be bossed around) Gifting yourself this time is your surefire way to feeling rejuvenated refreshed and ready to live life to its fullest
Enjoy gorgeous one
Carly is a passionate international aid and development project manager and writer Carly works on projects in Australia and the Asia-Pacific region focusing on cultivating sustainable livelihoods the empowerment of women community enterprise local market development and positive social change
Head on over to Carlyrsquos blog Pockets of Peace for her soul-centred musings on peace wellness and oodles of inspiration
42
The most powerful weapon on earth is the human soul
on fire
F E R D I N A N D F O C H
43
Five Minute Fixes
FOR FEAR AND OVERWHELM
44
IF YOUrsquoRE RUNNING YOUR OWN BIZ YOUrsquoD BE FAMILIAR WITH THE PHENOMENON OF FEAR AND OVERWHELM YOU KNOW WHEN YOU JUST FEEL STUCK PARALYSED NOT SURE WHICH CHOICE TO MAKE OR ACTION TO TAKE YOU HAVE DEADLINES LOOMING THE PRESSURE IS MOUNTING AND YOUrsquoRE BLOCKED YOU NEED TO GET OUT OF YOUR OVERWHELM RIGHT NOW SO YOU CAN GET BACK TO CHANGING THE WORLD
Here are five practices designed to break the fear cycle and get you out of your head and into your body in five minutes or less
Go outside Get out into the sunlight See the sky take off your shoes and feel the grass tickle your toes Close your eyes Feel the heat on your skin Take some deep breaths and smell the air Tune in to the sounds around you Become still Fully engage with the present moment and drop into the sensations in your body
Deep breathing You can use a mantra such as So-Hum you can count the length of each inhale and exhale or you can do as many rounds of Nadi Shodhana (alternate nostril breathing) as you can fit into five minutes Whatever yoursquore most comfortable with do that Breath is the bridge between the inner and outer realities Deep breathing will calm the nervous system and bring your attention to the present moment
Move Go for a brisk walk Put on your favourite tune plug in the headphones and dance (in the bathroom cubicle if yoursquore embarrassed to do it in publichellip because thatrsquos not weird at all) Have a quickie on your own or with a partner Or you can shake it out Start with your right foot shake it as hard as possible to the count of 10 Then your whole leg Then the left foot and left leg Then the right hand then the right arm then the left hand and arm Then fold forward and gently shake your head - back to front side to side Then stand up again and shake your whole body like you know how
Then stand in stillness for 2 minutes to balance out the movement Listen to your heartbeat Yoursquove just expressed and released some negative energy so take a standing Savasana (resting pose) to integrate Make sure you smooth your hair after this one
45
Aromatherapy Get a bottle of essential oil and sniff it - simple Smell affects the limbic system which is responsible for the storage and release of emotional trauma You can immediately calm your body with the right scent
Make sure you get 100 therapeutic grade pure essential oil - these have a high vibrational frequency and you donrsquot want any nasties entering your system through inferior quality oil Lavender is proven to calm the nervous system as is frankincense balsam fir basil cedar wood and sandalwood You can purchase calming blends from your local aromatherapist or get them to custom-make a blend for you
Make some noise This is especially good if you work from home or drive to work as you may want privacy Get a pillow or lock yourself in the car and scream as loud as you can connecting deeply to your pelvis Give yourself permission to vocalise all that frustration fear shame guilt whatever is building up in your energy field Sound is the end of feeling When you express vocally you are releasing emotion and ending the cycle of repression Done regularly this will also enhance your creativity and self-expression - benefiting your business (and sex life) in the long run
These practices work for me and Irsquod love to know if they resonate with you
Irsquom Emma a multi-passionate self-love junkie who loves supporting people on their journey to wellness Since suffering from adrenal burnout and a host of related conditions Irsquove dedicated myself to personal healing and growth and encouraging others to find their own unique path By day Irsquom a yoga teacher virtual assistant and event coordinator for wellness entrepreneurs and outside of that yoursquoll find me salsa dancing travelling and eating raw desserts
Connect with me at emmashieldscom
46
Abandon anything about your life and habits that might be holding you back
Learn to create your own opportunities
Know that there is no finish line fortune favors action
Race balls-out toward the extraordinary life that yoursquove always dreamed of
or still havenrsquot had time to dream up
And prepare to have a hell of a lot of fun along the way
SOPHIA AMORUSO
47
Why you should create aHIGH-CONVERTING OPT-IN OFFER
A critical component of building your online business is growing your email list and creating a compelling opt-in offer is one of the best ways to kickstart this growth
You want your email list to be made up of people who are genuinely interested in you and what you have to offer your target market Your ideal customers and readers
Thatrsquos why your opt-in offer (a gift to entice people to join your list) needs to be unique highly relevant to your business and of real value to your ideal clients If people are on your site checking you out they are already interested ndash you need to give them a compelling reason to sign up
What would your readers find valuable Something that saves them time money pain or makes their life easier better or more beautiful It also needs to be damn high quality Proofed designed and worth paying for
48
Why would you give away something so valuable for free
Because it shows yoursquore serious about helping people Because it builds trust with readers Because itrsquos a genuine thank you in return for a readerrsquos contact details Because itrsquos an ad for your business Yoursquore showing people the quality of what they will receive if they go on to work with you
How do you choose which is right for you Think about what you currently offer your readers or customers (as in content as well as services or products) What is popular What do they comment on most or ask questions about What would you love to create What would be the perfect compliment to a service you provide How can you genuinely help
Brainstorm a list then narrow it down to one ndash and get cracking
The best opt-ins are win-win ndash you gather details from ideal customers and the customers
receive something great that they need and want in return
Happy creating
PS Tricking people is icky Donrsquot do that Itrsquos of no use to have people on your list that donrsquot care about you or your products Be genuine Offer genuine value Get genuine sign-ups
SO WHAT SHOULD YOU OFFER
Here are a few ideas raquo A sneak peek or preview of a paid
product ndash like a free chapter or lesson
raquo A smaller version of a paid product ndash like a 3 day meal plan
raquo Something which compliments a service you offer
raquo Useful templates ndash like a product launch worksheet or a calendar
raquo Inspirational printables ndash like quotes or illustrations
raquo A mini eCourse ndash like 5 days of video coaching
raquo A discount ndash like 10 off their next purchase
raquo A VIP offer ndash like first dibs on tickets
raquo An eBook or workbook ndash like a recipe book or marketing plan
Alana Wimmer is Founder + Creative Director of mini digital publishing house Raspberry Stripes Alana works with rad lady entrepreneurs to design eBooks which will change the world She also provides guidance insight and info on eBook design on the Raspberry Stripes website When she isnrsquot designing reading or talking about eBooks you can find Alana walking Rory and Roxy the boxers with her husband in tow probably on her way to pick up a green smoothie
49
is a lack of self-worth
50
As a bright-eyed uni student I got pretty excited about all the opportunities that were due to unfold before me when I graduated
My approach to life has always been filled with excitement for the future I remember saying to friends in class that we were certain to be successful because enthusiasm trumps experience Sadly the path wasnrsquot as smooth as Irsquod imagined I naively thought that all bosses had a sixth-sense for talent even from shy girls who werenrsquot outward about their abilities
I applied for and took a series of jobs that from the job description seemed so overwhelmingly scary to do but within months if not weeks I was bored I lacked the self-worth to believe I could step up but Irsquod externalise this into anger at my employer for holding me back Eventually I realised it was all of my own creation I was the one who was playing small applying for and then taking jobs that wersquore well under my pay grade I even turned down a few including a big promotion because the amount of money offered was too much and it scared me Seriously
Years of study and I lacked the ability to dive in fully commit be brave be boisterous about my abilities and soar I found school easy and when things seemed challenging at work I put it down to an inability to perform If it wasnrsquot easy at first I accepted that I just wasnrsquot able I had yet to find out that some of the best lessons come from giving things a go and making a lot of mistakes Failing or in reality playing small was a comfort zone for me and success in my career was an unknown quantity I was used to struggle I was safe with my dreams The possibility of them coming true Too much to handle Irsquod have to learn to live in the present moment and I donrsquot think I was ready to do that I wasnrsquot ready to look closely at myself and see that for all my effort there was still a lot of inner work to do It was time to look within
I KNOW HOW EASY IT IS TO BUILD WALLS AROUND OUR DREAMS PUSH THEM FURTHER AWAY IN AN ATTEMPT TO PLAY SAFE AND LIVE LIFE ACCORDING TO EXTERNAL INFLUENCE I KNOW THE LEVEL OF DETERMINATION AND MENTAL GRIT IT TAKES TO OVERCOME OURSELVES START TAKING OWNERSHIP OF OUR THOUGHTS AND ULTIMATELY THE PATH OF OUR OWN LIVES
I love when clients ask me to guide them on this path because I know just what can happen when they get there I hold my hand out as a supportive leverage point and watch them soar
Something Irsquove learnt along the way The first step for many women in building self-worth is learning the art of body love Body love is all about learning to appreciate the capabilities of your body nourishing and taking care of your spirit and occasionally cutting yourself a break
51
Itrsquos looking in the mirror and liking the person you see not picking on the parts you donrsquot like Itrsquos making a choice about whether to wear a bikini based on your personal values and not about what your body looks like in one Dieting and restriction are low level energies that hold us back from achieving high level desires Negative thinking blocks our internal compass and our ability to connect to our intuition Body love is the gateway to high frequency living
We all have that version of ourselves that we aspire to be The woman who gets up to the alarm has patience and drive Shersquos got a sparkle in her eye a sense of confidence and knowing about her place in the world that emanates from her whole being She sits up straight and laughs with abandon From where we sit therersquos a chasm to leap in becoming that woman That woman represents ldquoone dayrdquo She represents effort She can seem unachievable In my experience body love is the first and most important step toward that woman Body love is filled with possibility promise and prosperity When we remove that low level energy of diet and restriction we can start to attract high frequencies We can start to become that woman in the present moment
Irsquove seen the shift first hand for so many people Suddenly the whole world opens up and the possibilities become endless The cloud lifts and pie-in-the-sky dreams show up in high-definition technicolour Thoughts that previously caused anxiety everything from going to lunch with new friends to finding a purpose in life start to feel as easy to read as words on a page Therersquos no more searching Itrsquos been replaced by a knowing excitement I watch as women become like bright-eyed students again endless possibilities opening up before them Only this time Theyrsquove got experience on their side
Suddenly the whole world
opens up and the
possibilities become
endless
The cloud lifts and
pie-in-the-sky dreams show
up in high-definition
technicolour
Rachelle is a Life + Confidence Coach at My Saturn Epoch She supports women through the big transitions in their life helping them to break their negative cycles to consciously create a happy life and positive mindset She is a big hearted business woman who is passionate about supporting women in pursuit of their own excellence so they can shine as a beacon to themselves their families and their communities
Connect with Rachelle at mysaturnepochcom
52
SUBSCRIBE TO RASPBERRY MAGAZINE
Grab an annual subscription and yoursquoll receive raquo 6 digital issues of Raspberry Magazine raquo an exclusive Annual Subscribers Thank You Pack
- which includes a printable manifesto beautiful meditation tracks an eBook and more contributed by generous lady entrepreneurs - worth over $35
VISIT THE SHOP
53
T H A N K Y O U F O R R E A D I N GA N D A M I L L I O N H I G H-F I V E S
I F Y O U L O V E D R A S P B E R R YM A G A Z I N E P L E A S E S H A R E
54
33
THE YES EPIDEMIC
OurCoverStar
34
Whether it be a night out (when Irsquom exhausted) a favour (thatrsquos asking a little too much) or a date (that I know isnrsquot going to go anywhere) Irsquove typically and reluctantly replied to these requests with a lsquosure thingrsquo more times than Irsquod care to admit
Take on another client when my schedule is fully booked Absolutely
Offer to shout a friendrsquos breakfast when I really donrsquot have the cash to splash Of course
Commit to another online course when Irsquom barely halfway through the other 8 Irsquove signed up for this year Why yes
The Yes Epidemic has woven its way into our exceptionally busy (and beautiful) lives with the promise of MORE More connection more exposure more opportunity more money more education more insight more success And the more we do the more we are - right
Wrong
The reality is the more we constantly fill our plates to the brim (oh letrsquos admit it our plates are overflowing) with commitment after
commitment the less space we are leaving for us to just BE
To be immersed in who we are what our dreams and desires are to love to play to breathe
By saying lsquoyesrsquo like itrsquos going out of fashion we find ourselves spread as thin as vegemite on gluten-free toast Our energy and vitality are compromised and we donrsquot show up in the world as our best selves
So here are a few tips I use with my clients (and myself regularly) to get in the habit of saying lsquonorsquo a little more often
Irsquove never been very good at saying lsquonorsquo
35
Reflective routine with a heaping dose of reality is key here Take an honest look at your weekly schedule and ensure that you are focussing your precious time energy and resources on the people activities and
projects that are aligned with your values Is this commitment important to you Then honour it with your time Not so important
Time to shift things up
I canrsquot go past Marie Forleorsquos advice on this subject When somebody presents you with an opportunity if itrsquos not a HELL YES then itrsquos a no
Go with your gut always
Forget the FOMO The lsquofear of missing outrsquo is what keeps most of us on the Sure Thing Wagon and itrsquos just not sustainable Trust that all the
opportunities that are meant for you will come your way at the right time for you
Send your lsquonorsquo off with love Therersquos no need to feel uncomfortable turning down a request when you do so with kindness respect and
humility Excuses can be left at the door just honour your good intentions and everyone involved in the situation
Remember every time you give a loving inspired lsquonorsquo you are giving others the permission to do the same thing I always feel energised when someone turns down a request because it reminds me to respect myself
enough to pull out that gentle lsquonorsquo when required too
1
23
45
AND THE BEST THING ABOUT SAYING lsquoNOrsquo WHEN THE TIME COMES THAT A lsquoSURE THINGrsquo IS IN FACT THE HEART-CENTRED RESPONSE YOU EXCITEDLY GIVE ITrsquoS MUCH SWEETER MORE MEANINGFUL AND A HELLUVA LOT MORE VALUABLE
Claire Baker is a certified coach and mentor passionate writer and speaker and author of lsquoShe Is Radiant Your 6-Week Wellness Adventure To Get Glowy amp Feel Radrsquo Claire guides vibrant young women as they get from where they are to where they want to be ndash in their health and life blog and business
You can consider Claire your personal advocate for living an energised playful and heart-centred life Come say hi at This is Lifeblood her online space to share her passion for all things nourishing soulful and creative
CLAIRErsquoS TOP FIVE TIPS TO GET INTO THE HABIT OF SAYING NO
36
37
artOF THE
THE
soloSOULRETREAT
38
When you live a soul-driven and passionate life you very likely live and breathe your lsquoworkrsquo 247
I put the word work in inverted commas because for you itrsquos likely just you leading your amazing life (and more power to you my friend) But amidst this you may find it difficult to switch off and cultivate the spaciousness to just let it all hang out and exist without an agenda or a to-do list anywhere in site
Enter stage left the Solo Soul Retreat I took myself on one recently and by golly did it give me the exact level of time out and rejoove that this soul-driven lassy needed Maybe itrsquos about time you took yourself on one
Here are some tips for creating the perfect conditions for your solo soul retreat
Pick a place close byI chose the Byron area because itrsquos only two hours drive from where I live And this is important because while you want to be lsquoawayrsquo to unplug from the numerous distractions of home you donrsquot want to be so far away that you feel obliged to check out all the sights and scoot around lsquodoingrsquo your little butt off You want to create a feeling of not having to do ANYTHING if you donrsquot feel like it Moment to moment awareness and tapping into what you truly want to do is critical to the restorative nature of the solo soul retreat So if that means a nap in the afternoon without checking out the sights do it Sans the guilt
Making it somewhere close by means you can convince your inner tourist that you can come back any time you want to So donrsquot book your long awaited trip to Bali for this particular retreat style I recommend scouting around Air BnB for some great bargains near you
Book for at least 2-3 nights away (more if possible)It takes awhile for us to wind down and get in to the rhythm of a slower pace so give yourself as much time as possible to sink deeply in to relaxation I find that it takes my body a good day or so (at least) to realise itrsquos on holiday A weekend is good a long weekend even better And a week would be crazy good
Set an intentionFor my soul retreat it was to cultivate a feeling of internal ease and spaciousness I was so tightly wound and constricted from within I wanted to feel joyous energy flowing through me again
39
unimpeded
An intention is a helpful anchor that you can come back to throughout the retreat when you feel your energy flitting away to unnecessary distractions Revisit your intention throughout your retreat and ease back into the feeling you wish to cultivate
Immerse yourself in natureWherever you head to find some time to plonk yourself amidst the stunning natural surrounds of Mama Nature There is absolutely NOTHING that compares to the healing capacity of earthing ourselves at the beach or in the forest or just a little garden Barefoot and butt on the ground meditating or just sitting and quietly contemplating our wondrous natural world will have you relaxing into zen in no time
Silence is goldenTaking time to retreat also means giving your mind a bit of a break (hence the lsquono doingrsquo rule) try out not talking which shouldnrsquot be too hard if yoursquore on your own and see what kind of insights
There is absolutely NOTHING that compares to the healing capacity of earthing ourselves at the beach
or in the forest or just a little garden
Barefoot and butt on the ground meditating or just sitting and
quietly contemplating our wondrous natural world
will have you relaxing into zen in no time
40
begin to pop into your nogginrsquo when you donrsquot have to constantly communicate
Pamper yourselfWhat feels really decadent to you For my recent retreat it was heading to a spa and bathhouse for the morning soaking in oxygenated spa baths steaming myself in the sauna and relaxing on a sun lounge in the tranquil spa gardens with a good book
For you it might be a luxurious massage and energy balancing treatment Or maybe itrsquos a delicious meal you take your time with at an amazing restaurant nearby Perhaps itrsquos allowing yourself to lounge around in bed with your favourite book and a cup of tea Whatever it is allow yourself these delights As many as you please gorgeous one
Body-loving foodIf you have a kitchen at your accommodation pack yourself the kind of food you know your body loves Think veggies fruit some bliss balls your fave teas raw cacao and honey for a delish hot chocolate If you have a portable blender pack up your ingredients to whip yourself up some delights while yoursquore there Alternatively and if you have time prepare a few things before you head off You can pre-cook quinoa lentil curries and rice dishes to heat up whenever you fancy If there are local farmerrsquos markets you can even do a bit of purchasing there for your meals (and because yoursquore so close to home bringing back the leftovers is a cinch)
Scout around a little and find some local cafeacutes or
41
restaurants that tickle your fancy and take yourself out for a meal that makes your body scream YES
Soul nourishing practices Rituals and practices help us to sink more deeply in to our soulrsquos true nature Bring along whatever stokes your soul fire and brings you into present moment awareness Cultivating reverence for yourself and life itself is a crucial aspect of your soul retreat Some practices you may consider are raquo Meditation (guided or just simply following your inhale and exhale) I find the Kundalini Ego
Eradicator meditation particularly soul-nourishing (and frankly life changing) raquo Journaling ndash with no thought as to what to write just jot down whatever comes to you Yoursquoll be
amazed at the cathartic feelings and insights this brings raquo Yoga (on your own or find a class nearby that resonates with you) raquo Playing with oracle cards Ask a question or for general guidance and see how your guides and
the Universe responds The Little Sagersquos deck is divine raquo Reading soulfully inspiring books raquo Lighting some incense and writing an epic gratitude list raquo A walking meditation through nature raquo Get arty play around with whatever you have Love colour Bring your paints Doodle Donrsquot
judge the results just let it flow out of you
Overall the point of this solo soul retreat is that you do what you genuinely want to do in the moment So nix the over planning as you may do with other trips away Settle into present moment awareness and allow yourself to be rather than just do Listen with kindness to your inner child Let her out to play (Mega hint she really doesnrsquot want to be bossed around) Gifting yourself this time is your surefire way to feeling rejuvenated refreshed and ready to live life to its fullest
Enjoy gorgeous one
Carly is a passionate international aid and development project manager and writer Carly works on projects in Australia and the Asia-Pacific region focusing on cultivating sustainable livelihoods the empowerment of women community enterprise local market development and positive social change
Head on over to Carlyrsquos blog Pockets of Peace for her soul-centred musings on peace wellness and oodles of inspiration
42
The most powerful weapon on earth is the human soul
on fire
F E R D I N A N D F O C H
43
Five Minute Fixes
FOR FEAR AND OVERWHELM
44
IF YOUrsquoRE RUNNING YOUR OWN BIZ YOUrsquoD BE FAMILIAR WITH THE PHENOMENON OF FEAR AND OVERWHELM YOU KNOW WHEN YOU JUST FEEL STUCK PARALYSED NOT SURE WHICH CHOICE TO MAKE OR ACTION TO TAKE YOU HAVE DEADLINES LOOMING THE PRESSURE IS MOUNTING AND YOUrsquoRE BLOCKED YOU NEED TO GET OUT OF YOUR OVERWHELM RIGHT NOW SO YOU CAN GET BACK TO CHANGING THE WORLD
Here are five practices designed to break the fear cycle and get you out of your head and into your body in five minutes or less
Go outside Get out into the sunlight See the sky take off your shoes and feel the grass tickle your toes Close your eyes Feel the heat on your skin Take some deep breaths and smell the air Tune in to the sounds around you Become still Fully engage with the present moment and drop into the sensations in your body
Deep breathing You can use a mantra such as So-Hum you can count the length of each inhale and exhale or you can do as many rounds of Nadi Shodhana (alternate nostril breathing) as you can fit into five minutes Whatever yoursquore most comfortable with do that Breath is the bridge between the inner and outer realities Deep breathing will calm the nervous system and bring your attention to the present moment
Move Go for a brisk walk Put on your favourite tune plug in the headphones and dance (in the bathroom cubicle if yoursquore embarrassed to do it in publichellip because thatrsquos not weird at all) Have a quickie on your own or with a partner Or you can shake it out Start with your right foot shake it as hard as possible to the count of 10 Then your whole leg Then the left foot and left leg Then the right hand then the right arm then the left hand and arm Then fold forward and gently shake your head - back to front side to side Then stand up again and shake your whole body like you know how
Then stand in stillness for 2 minutes to balance out the movement Listen to your heartbeat Yoursquove just expressed and released some negative energy so take a standing Savasana (resting pose) to integrate Make sure you smooth your hair after this one
45
Aromatherapy Get a bottle of essential oil and sniff it - simple Smell affects the limbic system which is responsible for the storage and release of emotional trauma You can immediately calm your body with the right scent
Make sure you get 100 therapeutic grade pure essential oil - these have a high vibrational frequency and you donrsquot want any nasties entering your system through inferior quality oil Lavender is proven to calm the nervous system as is frankincense balsam fir basil cedar wood and sandalwood You can purchase calming blends from your local aromatherapist or get them to custom-make a blend for you
Make some noise This is especially good if you work from home or drive to work as you may want privacy Get a pillow or lock yourself in the car and scream as loud as you can connecting deeply to your pelvis Give yourself permission to vocalise all that frustration fear shame guilt whatever is building up in your energy field Sound is the end of feeling When you express vocally you are releasing emotion and ending the cycle of repression Done regularly this will also enhance your creativity and self-expression - benefiting your business (and sex life) in the long run
These practices work for me and Irsquod love to know if they resonate with you
Irsquom Emma a multi-passionate self-love junkie who loves supporting people on their journey to wellness Since suffering from adrenal burnout and a host of related conditions Irsquove dedicated myself to personal healing and growth and encouraging others to find their own unique path By day Irsquom a yoga teacher virtual assistant and event coordinator for wellness entrepreneurs and outside of that yoursquoll find me salsa dancing travelling and eating raw desserts
Connect with me at emmashieldscom
46
Abandon anything about your life and habits that might be holding you back
Learn to create your own opportunities
Know that there is no finish line fortune favors action
Race balls-out toward the extraordinary life that yoursquove always dreamed of
or still havenrsquot had time to dream up
And prepare to have a hell of a lot of fun along the way
SOPHIA AMORUSO
47
Why you should create aHIGH-CONVERTING OPT-IN OFFER
A critical component of building your online business is growing your email list and creating a compelling opt-in offer is one of the best ways to kickstart this growth
You want your email list to be made up of people who are genuinely interested in you and what you have to offer your target market Your ideal customers and readers
Thatrsquos why your opt-in offer (a gift to entice people to join your list) needs to be unique highly relevant to your business and of real value to your ideal clients If people are on your site checking you out they are already interested ndash you need to give them a compelling reason to sign up
What would your readers find valuable Something that saves them time money pain or makes their life easier better or more beautiful It also needs to be damn high quality Proofed designed and worth paying for
48
Why would you give away something so valuable for free
Because it shows yoursquore serious about helping people Because it builds trust with readers Because itrsquos a genuine thank you in return for a readerrsquos contact details Because itrsquos an ad for your business Yoursquore showing people the quality of what they will receive if they go on to work with you
How do you choose which is right for you Think about what you currently offer your readers or customers (as in content as well as services or products) What is popular What do they comment on most or ask questions about What would you love to create What would be the perfect compliment to a service you provide How can you genuinely help
Brainstorm a list then narrow it down to one ndash and get cracking
The best opt-ins are win-win ndash you gather details from ideal customers and the customers
receive something great that they need and want in return
Happy creating
PS Tricking people is icky Donrsquot do that Itrsquos of no use to have people on your list that donrsquot care about you or your products Be genuine Offer genuine value Get genuine sign-ups
SO WHAT SHOULD YOU OFFER
Here are a few ideas raquo A sneak peek or preview of a paid
product ndash like a free chapter or lesson
raquo A smaller version of a paid product ndash like a 3 day meal plan
raquo Something which compliments a service you offer
raquo Useful templates ndash like a product launch worksheet or a calendar
raquo Inspirational printables ndash like quotes or illustrations
raquo A mini eCourse ndash like 5 days of video coaching
raquo A discount ndash like 10 off their next purchase
raquo A VIP offer ndash like first dibs on tickets
raquo An eBook or workbook ndash like a recipe book or marketing plan
Alana Wimmer is Founder + Creative Director of mini digital publishing house Raspberry Stripes Alana works with rad lady entrepreneurs to design eBooks which will change the world She also provides guidance insight and info on eBook design on the Raspberry Stripes website When she isnrsquot designing reading or talking about eBooks you can find Alana walking Rory and Roxy the boxers with her husband in tow probably on her way to pick up a green smoothie
49
is a lack of self-worth
50
As a bright-eyed uni student I got pretty excited about all the opportunities that were due to unfold before me when I graduated
My approach to life has always been filled with excitement for the future I remember saying to friends in class that we were certain to be successful because enthusiasm trumps experience Sadly the path wasnrsquot as smooth as Irsquod imagined I naively thought that all bosses had a sixth-sense for talent even from shy girls who werenrsquot outward about their abilities
I applied for and took a series of jobs that from the job description seemed so overwhelmingly scary to do but within months if not weeks I was bored I lacked the self-worth to believe I could step up but Irsquod externalise this into anger at my employer for holding me back Eventually I realised it was all of my own creation I was the one who was playing small applying for and then taking jobs that wersquore well under my pay grade I even turned down a few including a big promotion because the amount of money offered was too much and it scared me Seriously
Years of study and I lacked the ability to dive in fully commit be brave be boisterous about my abilities and soar I found school easy and when things seemed challenging at work I put it down to an inability to perform If it wasnrsquot easy at first I accepted that I just wasnrsquot able I had yet to find out that some of the best lessons come from giving things a go and making a lot of mistakes Failing or in reality playing small was a comfort zone for me and success in my career was an unknown quantity I was used to struggle I was safe with my dreams The possibility of them coming true Too much to handle Irsquod have to learn to live in the present moment and I donrsquot think I was ready to do that I wasnrsquot ready to look closely at myself and see that for all my effort there was still a lot of inner work to do It was time to look within
I KNOW HOW EASY IT IS TO BUILD WALLS AROUND OUR DREAMS PUSH THEM FURTHER AWAY IN AN ATTEMPT TO PLAY SAFE AND LIVE LIFE ACCORDING TO EXTERNAL INFLUENCE I KNOW THE LEVEL OF DETERMINATION AND MENTAL GRIT IT TAKES TO OVERCOME OURSELVES START TAKING OWNERSHIP OF OUR THOUGHTS AND ULTIMATELY THE PATH OF OUR OWN LIVES
I love when clients ask me to guide them on this path because I know just what can happen when they get there I hold my hand out as a supportive leverage point and watch them soar
Something Irsquove learnt along the way The first step for many women in building self-worth is learning the art of body love Body love is all about learning to appreciate the capabilities of your body nourishing and taking care of your spirit and occasionally cutting yourself a break
51
Itrsquos looking in the mirror and liking the person you see not picking on the parts you donrsquot like Itrsquos making a choice about whether to wear a bikini based on your personal values and not about what your body looks like in one Dieting and restriction are low level energies that hold us back from achieving high level desires Negative thinking blocks our internal compass and our ability to connect to our intuition Body love is the gateway to high frequency living
We all have that version of ourselves that we aspire to be The woman who gets up to the alarm has patience and drive Shersquos got a sparkle in her eye a sense of confidence and knowing about her place in the world that emanates from her whole being She sits up straight and laughs with abandon From where we sit therersquos a chasm to leap in becoming that woman That woman represents ldquoone dayrdquo She represents effort She can seem unachievable In my experience body love is the first and most important step toward that woman Body love is filled with possibility promise and prosperity When we remove that low level energy of diet and restriction we can start to attract high frequencies We can start to become that woman in the present moment
Irsquove seen the shift first hand for so many people Suddenly the whole world opens up and the possibilities become endless The cloud lifts and pie-in-the-sky dreams show up in high-definition technicolour Thoughts that previously caused anxiety everything from going to lunch with new friends to finding a purpose in life start to feel as easy to read as words on a page Therersquos no more searching Itrsquos been replaced by a knowing excitement I watch as women become like bright-eyed students again endless possibilities opening up before them Only this time Theyrsquove got experience on their side
Suddenly the whole world
opens up and the
possibilities become
endless
The cloud lifts and
pie-in-the-sky dreams show
up in high-definition
technicolour
Rachelle is a Life + Confidence Coach at My Saturn Epoch She supports women through the big transitions in their life helping them to break their negative cycles to consciously create a happy life and positive mindset She is a big hearted business woman who is passionate about supporting women in pursuit of their own excellence so they can shine as a beacon to themselves their families and their communities
Connect with Rachelle at mysaturnepochcom
52
SUBSCRIBE TO RASPBERRY MAGAZINE
Grab an annual subscription and yoursquoll receive raquo 6 digital issues of Raspberry Magazine raquo an exclusive Annual Subscribers Thank You Pack
- which includes a printable manifesto beautiful meditation tracks an eBook and more contributed by generous lady entrepreneurs - worth over $35
VISIT THE SHOP
53
T H A N K Y O U F O R R E A D I N GA N D A M I L L I O N H I G H-F I V E S
I F Y O U L O V E D R A S P B E R R YM A G A Z I N E P L E A S E S H A R E
54
34
Whether it be a night out (when Irsquom exhausted) a favour (thatrsquos asking a little too much) or a date (that I know isnrsquot going to go anywhere) Irsquove typically and reluctantly replied to these requests with a lsquosure thingrsquo more times than Irsquod care to admit
Take on another client when my schedule is fully booked Absolutely
Offer to shout a friendrsquos breakfast when I really donrsquot have the cash to splash Of course
Commit to another online course when Irsquom barely halfway through the other 8 Irsquove signed up for this year Why yes
The Yes Epidemic has woven its way into our exceptionally busy (and beautiful) lives with the promise of MORE More connection more exposure more opportunity more money more education more insight more success And the more we do the more we are - right
Wrong
The reality is the more we constantly fill our plates to the brim (oh letrsquos admit it our plates are overflowing) with commitment after
commitment the less space we are leaving for us to just BE
To be immersed in who we are what our dreams and desires are to love to play to breathe
By saying lsquoyesrsquo like itrsquos going out of fashion we find ourselves spread as thin as vegemite on gluten-free toast Our energy and vitality are compromised and we donrsquot show up in the world as our best selves
So here are a few tips I use with my clients (and myself regularly) to get in the habit of saying lsquonorsquo a little more often
Irsquove never been very good at saying lsquonorsquo
35
Reflective routine with a heaping dose of reality is key here Take an honest look at your weekly schedule and ensure that you are focussing your precious time energy and resources on the people activities and
projects that are aligned with your values Is this commitment important to you Then honour it with your time Not so important
Time to shift things up
I canrsquot go past Marie Forleorsquos advice on this subject When somebody presents you with an opportunity if itrsquos not a HELL YES then itrsquos a no
Go with your gut always
Forget the FOMO The lsquofear of missing outrsquo is what keeps most of us on the Sure Thing Wagon and itrsquos just not sustainable Trust that all the
opportunities that are meant for you will come your way at the right time for you
Send your lsquonorsquo off with love Therersquos no need to feel uncomfortable turning down a request when you do so with kindness respect and
humility Excuses can be left at the door just honour your good intentions and everyone involved in the situation
Remember every time you give a loving inspired lsquonorsquo you are giving others the permission to do the same thing I always feel energised when someone turns down a request because it reminds me to respect myself
enough to pull out that gentle lsquonorsquo when required too
1
23
45
AND THE BEST THING ABOUT SAYING lsquoNOrsquo WHEN THE TIME COMES THAT A lsquoSURE THINGrsquo IS IN FACT THE HEART-CENTRED RESPONSE YOU EXCITEDLY GIVE ITrsquoS MUCH SWEETER MORE MEANINGFUL AND A HELLUVA LOT MORE VALUABLE
Claire Baker is a certified coach and mentor passionate writer and speaker and author of lsquoShe Is Radiant Your 6-Week Wellness Adventure To Get Glowy amp Feel Radrsquo Claire guides vibrant young women as they get from where they are to where they want to be ndash in their health and life blog and business
You can consider Claire your personal advocate for living an energised playful and heart-centred life Come say hi at This is Lifeblood her online space to share her passion for all things nourishing soulful and creative
CLAIRErsquoS TOP FIVE TIPS TO GET INTO THE HABIT OF SAYING NO
36
37
artOF THE
THE
soloSOULRETREAT
38
When you live a soul-driven and passionate life you very likely live and breathe your lsquoworkrsquo 247
I put the word work in inverted commas because for you itrsquos likely just you leading your amazing life (and more power to you my friend) But amidst this you may find it difficult to switch off and cultivate the spaciousness to just let it all hang out and exist without an agenda or a to-do list anywhere in site
Enter stage left the Solo Soul Retreat I took myself on one recently and by golly did it give me the exact level of time out and rejoove that this soul-driven lassy needed Maybe itrsquos about time you took yourself on one
Here are some tips for creating the perfect conditions for your solo soul retreat
Pick a place close byI chose the Byron area because itrsquos only two hours drive from where I live And this is important because while you want to be lsquoawayrsquo to unplug from the numerous distractions of home you donrsquot want to be so far away that you feel obliged to check out all the sights and scoot around lsquodoingrsquo your little butt off You want to create a feeling of not having to do ANYTHING if you donrsquot feel like it Moment to moment awareness and tapping into what you truly want to do is critical to the restorative nature of the solo soul retreat So if that means a nap in the afternoon without checking out the sights do it Sans the guilt
Making it somewhere close by means you can convince your inner tourist that you can come back any time you want to So donrsquot book your long awaited trip to Bali for this particular retreat style I recommend scouting around Air BnB for some great bargains near you
Book for at least 2-3 nights away (more if possible)It takes awhile for us to wind down and get in to the rhythm of a slower pace so give yourself as much time as possible to sink deeply in to relaxation I find that it takes my body a good day or so (at least) to realise itrsquos on holiday A weekend is good a long weekend even better And a week would be crazy good
Set an intentionFor my soul retreat it was to cultivate a feeling of internal ease and spaciousness I was so tightly wound and constricted from within I wanted to feel joyous energy flowing through me again
39
unimpeded
An intention is a helpful anchor that you can come back to throughout the retreat when you feel your energy flitting away to unnecessary distractions Revisit your intention throughout your retreat and ease back into the feeling you wish to cultivate
Immerse yourself in natureWherever you head to find some time to plonk yourself amidst the stunning natural surrounds of Mama Nature There is absolutely NOTHING that compares to the healing capacity of earthing ourselves at the beach or in the forest or just a little garden Barefoot and butt on the ground meditating or just sitting and quietly contemplating our wondrous natural world will have you relaxing into zen in no time
Silence is goldenTaking time to retreat also means giving your mind a bit of a break (hence the lsquono doingrsquo rule) try out not talking which shouldnrsquot be too hard if yoursquore on your own and see what kind of insights
There is absolutely NOTHING that compares to the healing capacity of earthing ourselves at the beach
or in the forest or just a little garden
Barefoot and butt on the ground meditating or just sitting and
quietly contemplating our wondrous natural world
will have you relaxing into zen in no time
40
begin to pop into your nogginrsquo when you donrsquot have to constantly communicate
Pamper yourselfWhat feels really decadent to you For my recent retreat it was heading to a spa and bathhouse for the morning soaking in oxygenated spa baths steaming myself in the sauna and relaxing on a sun lounge in the tranquil spa gardens with a good book
For you it might be a luxurious massage and energy balancing treatment Or maybe itrsquos a delicious meal you take your time with at an amazing restaurant nearby Perhaps itrsquos allowing yourself to lounge around in bed with your favourite book and a cup of tea Whatever it is allow yourself these delights As many as you please gorgeous one
Body-loving foodIf you have a kitchen at your accommodation pack yourself the kind of food you know your body loves Think veggies fruit some bliss balls your fave teas raw cacao and honey for a delish hot chocolate If you have a portable blender pack up your ingredients to whip yourself up some delights while yoursquore there Alternatively and if you have time prepare a few things before you head off You can pre-cook quinoa lentil curries and rice dishes to heat up whenever you fancy If there are local farmerrsquos markets you can even do a bit of purchasing there for your meals (and because yoursquore so close to home bringing back the leftovers is a cinch)
Scout around a little and find some local cafeacutes or
41
restaurants that tickle your fancy and take yourself out for a meal that makes your body scream YES
Soul nourishing practices Rituals and practices help us to sink more deeply in to our soulrsquos true nature Bring along whatever stokes your soul fire and brings you into present moment awareness Cultivating reverence for yourself and life itself is a crucial aspect of your soul retreat Some practices you may consider are raquo Meditation (guided or just simply following your inhale and exhale) I find the Kundalini Ego
Eradicator meditation particularly soul-nourishing (and frankly life changing) raquo Journaling ndash with no thought as to what to write just jot down whatever comes to you Yoursquoll be
amazed at the cathartic feelings and insights this brings raquo Yoga (on your own or find a class nearby that resonates with you) raquo Playing with oracle cards Ask a question or for general guidance and see how your guides and
the Universe responds The Little Sagersquos deck is divine raquo Reading soulfully inspiring books raquo Lighting some incense and writing an epic gratitude list raquo A walking meditation through nature raquo Get arty play around with whatever you have Love colour Bring your paints Doodle Donrsquot
judge the results just let it flow out of you
Overall the point of this solo soul retreat is that you do what you genuinely want to do in the moment So nix the over planning as you may do with other trips away Settle into present moment awareness and allow yourself to be rather than just do Listen with kindness to your inner child Let her out to play (Mega hint she really doesnrsquot want to be bossed around) Gifting yourself this time is your surefire way to feeling rejuvenated refreshed and ready to live life to its fullest
Enjoy gorgeous one
Carly is a passionate international aid and development project manager and writer Carly works on projects in Australia and the Asia-Pacific region focusing on cultivating sustainable livelihoods the empowerment of women community enterprise local market development and positive social change
Head on over to Carlyrsquos blog Pockets of Peace for her soul-centred musings on peace wellness and oodles of inspiration
42
The most powerful weapon on earth is the human soul
on fire
F E R D I N A N D F O C H
43
Five Minute Fixes
FOR FEAR AND OVERWHELM
44
IF YOUrsquoRE RUNNING YOUR OWN BIZ YOUrsquoD BE FAMILIAR WITH THE PHENOMENON OF FEAR AND OVERWHELM YOU KNOW WHEN YOU JUST FEEL STUCK PARALYSED NOT SURE WHICH CHOICE TO MAKE OR ACTION TO TAKE YOU HAVE DEADLINES LOOMING THE PRESSURE IS MOUNTING AND YOUrsquoRE BLOCKED YOU NEED TO GET OUT OF YOUR OVERWHELM RIGHT NOW SO YOU CAN GET BACK TO CHANGING THE WORLD
Here are five practices designed to break the fear cycle and get you out of your head and into your body in five minutes or less
Go outside Get out into the sunlight See the sky take off your shoes and feel the grass tickle your toes Close your eyes Feel the heat on your skin Take some deep breaths and smell the air Tune in to the sounds around you Become still Fully engage with the present moment and drop into the sensations in your body
Deep breathing You can use a mantra such as So-Hum you can count the length of each inhale and exhale or you can do as many rounds of Nadi Shodhana (alternate nostril breathing) as you can fit into five minutes Whatever yoursquore most comfortable with do that Breath is the bridge between the inner and outer realities Deep breathing will calm the nervous system and bring your attention to the present moment
Move Go for a brisk walk Put on your favourite tune plug in the headphones and dance (in the bathroom cubicle if yoursquore embarrassed to do it in publichellip because thatrsquos not weird at all) Have a quickie on your own or with a partner Or you can shake it out Start with your right foot shake it as hard as possible to the count of 10 Then your whole leg Then the left foot and left leg Then the right hand then the right arm then the left hand and arm Then fold forward and gently shake your head - back to front side to side Then stand up again and shake your whole body like you know how
Then stand in stillness for 2 minutes to balance out the movement Listen to your heartbeat Yoursquove just expressed and released some negative energy so take a standing Savasana (resting pose) to integrate Make sure you smooth your hair after this one
45
Aromatherapy Get a bottle of essential oil and sniff it - simple Smell affects the limbic system which is responsible for the storage and release of emotional trauma You can immediately calm your body with the right scent
Make sure you get 100 therapeutic grade pure essential oil - these have a high vibrational frequency and you donrsquot want any nasties entering your system through inferior quality oil Lavender is proven to calm the nervous system as is frankincense balsam fir basil cedar wood and sandalwood You can purchase calming blends from your local aromatherapist or get them to custom-make a blend for you
Make some noise This is especially good if you work from home or drive to work as you may want privacy Get a pillow or lock yourself in the car and scream as loud as you can connecting deeply to your pelvis Give yourself permission to vocalise all that frustration fear shame guilt whatever is building up in your energy field Sound is the end of feeling When you express vocally you are releasing emotion and ending the cycle of repression Done regularly this will also enhance your creativity and self-expression - benefiting your business (and sex life) in the long run
These practices work for me and Irsquod love to know if they resonate with you
Irsquom Emma a multi-passionate self-love junkie who loves supporting people on their journey to wellness Since suffering from adrenal burnout and a host of related conditions Irsquove dedicated myself to personal healing and growth and encouraging others to find their own unique path By day Irsquom a yoga teacher virtual assistant and event coordinator for wellness entrepreneurs and outside of that yoursquoll find me salsa dancing travelling and eating raw desserts
Connect with me at emmashieldscom
46
Abandon anything about your life and habits that might be holding you back
Learn to create your own opportunities
Know that there is no finish line fortune favors action
Race balls-out toward the extraordinary life that yoursquove always dreamed of
or still havenrsquot had time to dream up
And prepare to have a hell of a lot of fun along the way
SOPHIA AMORUSO
47
Why you should create aHIGH-CONVERTING OPT-IN OFFER
A critical component of building your online business is growing your email list and creating a compelling opt-in offer is one of the best ways to kickstart this growth
You want your email list to be made up of people who are genuinely interested in you and what you have to offer your target market Your ideal customers and readers
Thatrsquos why your opt-in offer (a gift to entice people to join your list) needs to be unique highly relevant to your business and of real value to your ideal clients If people are on your site checking you out they are already interested ndash you need to give them a compelling reason to sign up
What would your readers find valuable Something that saves them time money pain or makes their life easier better or more beautiful It also needs to be damn high quality Proofed designed and worth paying for
48
Why would you give away something so valuable for free
Because it shows yoursquore serious about helping people Because it builds trust with readers Because itrsquos a genuine thank you in return for a readerrsquos contact details Because itrsquos an ad for your business Yoursquore showing people the quality of what they will receive if they go on to work with you
How do you choose which is right for you Think about what you currently offer your readers or customers (as in content as well as services or products) What is popular What do they comment on most or ask questions about What would you love to create What would be the perfect compliment to a service you provide How can you genuinely help
Brainstorm a list then narrow it down to one ndash and get cracking
The best opt-ins are win-win ndash you gather details from ideal customers and the customers
receive something great that they need and want in return
Happy creating
PS Tricking people is icky Donrsquot do that Itrsquos of no use to have people on your list that donrsquot care about you or your products Be genuine Offer genuine value Get genuine sign-ups
SO WHAT SHOULD YOU OFFER
Here are a few ideas raquo A sneak peek or preview of a paid
product ndash like a free chapter or lesson
raquo A smaller version of a paid product ndash like a 3 day meal plan
raquo Something which compliments a service you offer
raquo Useful templates ndash like a product launch worksheet or a calendar
raquo Inspirational printables ndash like quotes or illustrations
raquo A mini eCourse ndash like 5 days of video coaching
raquo A discount ndash like 10 off their next purchase
raquo A VIP offer ndash like first dibs on tickets
raquo An eBook or workbook ndash like a recipe book or marketing plan
Alana Wimmer is Founder + Creative Director of mini digital publishing house Raspberry Stripes Alana works with rad lady entrepreneurs to design eBooks which will change the world She also provides guidance insight and info on eBook design on the Raspberry Stripes website When she isnrsquot designing reading or talking about eBooks you can find Alana walking Rory and Roxy the boxers with her husband in tow probably on her way to pick up a green smoothie
49
is a lack of self-worth
50
As a bright-eyed uni student I got pretty excited about all the opportunities that were due to unfold before me when I graduated
My approach to life has always been filled with excitement for the future I remember saying to friends in class that we were certain to be successful because enthusiasm trumps experience Sadly the path wasnrsquot as smooth as Irsquod imagined I naively thought that all bosses had a sixth-sense for talent even from shy girls who werenrsquot outward about their abilities
I applied for and took a series of jobs that from the job description seemed so overwhelmingly scary to do but within months if not weeks I was bored I lacked the self-worth to believe I could step up but Irsquod externalise this into anger at my employer for holding me back Eventually I realised it was all of my own creation I was the one who was playing small applying for and then taking jobs that wersquore well under my pay grade I even turned down a few including a big promotion because the amount of money offered was too much and it scared me Seriously
Years of study and I lacked the ability to dive in fully commit be brave be boisterous about my abilities and soar I found school easy and when things seemed challenging at work I put it down to an inability to perform If it wasnrsquot easy at first I accepted that I just wasnrsquot able I had yet to find out that some of the best lessons come from giving things a go and making a lot of mistakes Failing or in reality playing small was a comfort zone for me and success in my career was an unknown quantity I was used to struggle I was safe with my dreams The possibility of them coming true Too much to handle Irsquod have to learn to live in the present moment and I donrsquot think I was ready to do that I wasnrsquot ready to look closely at myself and see that for all my effort there was still a lot of inner work to do It was time to look within
I KNOW HOW EASY IT IS TO BUILD WALLS AROUND OUR DREAMS PUSH THEM FURTHER AWAY IN AN ATTEMPT TO PLAY SAFE AND LIVE LIFE ACCORDING TO EXTERNAL INFLUENCE I KNOW THE LEVEL OF DETERMINATION AND MENTAL GRIT IT TAKES TO OVERCOME OURSELVES START TAKING OWNERSHIP OF OUR THOUGHTS AND ULTIMATELY THE PATH OF OUR OWN LIVES
I love when clients ask me to guide them on this path because I know just what can happen when they get there I hold my hand out as a supportive leverage point and watch them soar
Something Irsquove learnt along the way The first step for many women in building self-worth is learning the art of body love Body love is all about learning to appreciate the capabilities of your body nourishing and taking care of your spirit and occasionally cutting yourself a break
51
Itrsquos looking in the mirror and liking the person you see not picking on the parts you donrsquot like Itrsquos making a choice about whether to wear a bikini based on your personal values and not about what your body looks like in one Dieting and restriction are low level energies that hold us back from achieving high level desires Negative thinking blocks our internal compass and our ability to connect to our intuition Body love is the gateway to high frequency living
We all have that version of ourselves that we aspire to be The woman who gets up to the alarm has patience and drive Shersquos got a sparkle in her eye a sense of confidence and knowing about her place in the world that emanates from her whole being She sits up straight and laughs with abandon From where we sit therersquos a chasm to leap in becoming that woman That woman represents ldquoone dayrdquo She represents effort She can seem unachievable In my experience body love is the first and most important step toward that woman Body love is filled with possibility promise and prosperity When we remove that low level energy of diet and restriction we can start to attract high frequencies We can start to become that woman in the present moment
Irsquove seen the shift first hand for so many people Suddenly the whole world opens up and the possibilities become endless The cloud lifts and pie-in-the-sky dreams show up in high-definition technicolour Thoughts that previously caused anxiety everything from going to lunch with new friends to finding a purpose in life start to feel as easy to read as words on a page Therersquos no more searching Itrsquos been replaced by a knowing excitement I watch as women become like bright-eyed students again endless possibilities opening up before them Only this time Theyrsquove got experience on their side
Suddenly the whole world
opens up and the
possibilities become
endless
The cloud lifts and
pie-in-the-sky dreams show
up in high-definition
technicolour
Rachelle is a Life + Confidence Coach at My Saturn Epoch She supports women through the big transitions in their life helping them to break their negative cycles to consciously create a happy life and positive mindset She is a big hearted business woman who is passionate about supporting women in pursuit of their own excellence so they can shine as a beacon to themselves their families and their communities
Connect with Rachelle at mysaturnepochcom
52
SUBSCRIBE TO RASPBERRY MAGAZINE
Grab an annual subscription and yoursquoll receive raquo 6 digital issues of Raspberry Magazine raquo an exclusive Annual Subscribers Thank You Pack
- which includes a printable manifesto beautiful meditation tracks an eBook and more contributed by generous lady entrepreneurs - worth over $35
VISIT THE SHOP
53
T H A N K Y O U F O R R E A D I N GA N D A M I L L I O N H I G H-F I V E S
I F Y O U L O V E D R A S P B E R R YM A G A Z I N E P L E A S E S H A R E
54
35
Reflective routine with a heaping dose of reality is key here Take an honest look at your weekly schedule and ensure that you are focussing your precious time energy and resources on the people activities and
projects that are aligned with your values Is this commitment important to you Then honour it with your time Not so important
Time to shift things up
I canrsquot go past Marie Forleorsquos advice on this subject When somebody presents you with an opportunity if itrsquos not a HELL YES then itrsquos a no
Go with your gut always
Forget the FOMO The lsquofear of missing outrsquo is what keeps most of us on the Sure Thing Wagon and itrsquos just not sustainable Trust that all the
opportunities that are meant for you will come your way at the right time for you
Send your lsquonorsquo off with love Therersquos no need to feel uncomfortable turning down a request when you do so with kindness respect and
humility Excuses can be left at the door just honour your good intentions and everyone involved in the situation
Remember every time you give a loving inspired lsquonorsquo you are giving others the permission to do the same thing I always feel energised when someone turns down a request because it reminds me to respect myself
enough to pull out that gentle lsquonorsquo when required too
1
23
45
AND THE BEST THING ABOUT SAYING lsquoNOrsquo WHEN THE TIME COMES THAT A lsquoSURE THINGrsquo IS IN FACT THE HEART-CENTRED RESPONSE YOU EXCITEDLY GIVE ITrsquoS MUCH SWEETER MORE MEANINGFUL AND A HELLUVA LOT MORE VALUABLE
Claire Baker is a certified coach and mentor passionate writer and speaker and author of lsquoShe Is Radiant Your 6-Week Wellness Adventure To Get Glowy amp Feel Radrsquo Claire guides vibrant young women as they get from where they are to where they want to be ndash in their health and life blog and business
You can consider Claire your personal advocate for living an energised playful and heart-centred life Come say hi at This is Lifeblood her online space to share her passion for all things nourishing soulful and creative
CLAIRErsquoS TOP FIVE TIPS TO GET INTO THE HABIT OF SAYING NO
36
37
artOF THE
THE
soloSOULRETREAT
38
When you live a soul-driven and passionate life you very likely live and breathe your lsquoworkrsquo 247
I put the word work in inverted commas because for you itrsquos likely just you leading your amazing life (and more power to you my friend) But amidst this you may find it difficult to switch off and cultivate the spaciousness to just let it all hang out and exist without an agenda or a to-do list anywhere in site
Enter stage left the Solo Soul Retreat I took myself on one recently and by golly did it give me the exact level of time out and rejoove that this soul-driven lassy needed Maybe itrsquos about time you took yourself on one
Here are some tips for creating the perfect conditions for your solo soul retreat
Pick a place close byI chose the Byron area because itrsquos only two hours drive from where I live And this is important because while you want to be lsquoawayrsquo to unplug from the numerous distractions of home you donrsquot want to be so far away that you feel obliged to check out all the sights and scoot around lsquodoingrsquo your little butt off You want to create a feeling of not having to do ANYTHING if you donrsquot feel like it Moment to moment awareness and tapping into what you truly want to do is critical to the restorative nature of the solo soul retreat So if that means a nap in the afternoon without checking out the sights do it Sans the guilt
Making it somewhere close by means you can convince your inner tourist that you can come back any time you want to So donrsquot book your long awaited trip to Bali for this particular retreat style I recommend scouting around Air BnB for some great bargains near you
Book for at least 2-3 nights away (more if possible)It takes awhile for us to wind down and get in to the rhythm of a slower pace so give yourself as much time as possible to sink deeply in to relaxation I find that it takes my body a good day or so (at least) to realise itrsquos on holiday A weekend is good a long weekend even better And a week would be crazy good
Set an intentionFor my soul retreat it was to cultivate a feeling of internal ease and spaciousness I was so tightly wound and constricted from within I wanted to feel joyous energy flowing through me again
39
unimpeded
An intention is a helpful anchor that you can come back to throughout the retreat when you feel your energy flitting away to unnecessary distractions Revisit your intention throughout your retreat and ease back into the feeling you wish to cultivate
Immerse yourself in natureWherever you head to find some time to plonk yourself amidst the stunning natural surrounds of Mama Nature There is absolutely NOTHING that compares to the healing capacity of earthing ourselves at the beach or in the forest or just a little garden Barefoot and butt on the ground meditating or just sitting and quietly contemplating our wondrous natural world will have you relaxing into zen in no time
Silence is goldenTaking time to retreat also means giving your mind a bit of a break (hence the lsquono doingrsquo rule) try out not talking which shouldnrsquot be too hard if yoursquore on your own and see what kind of insights
There is absolutely NOTHING that compares to the healing capacity of earthing ourselves at the beach
or in the forest or just a little garden
Barefoot and butt on the ground meditating or just sitting and
quietly contemplating our wondrous natural world
will have you relaxing into zen in no time
40
begin to pop into your nogginrsquo when you donrsquot have to constantly communicate
Pamper yourselfWhat feels really decadent to you For my recent retreat it was heading to a spa and bathhouse for the morning soaking in oxygenated spa baths steaming myself in the sauna and relaxing on a sun lounge in the tranquil spa gardens with a good book
For you it might be a luxurious massage and energy balancing treatment Or maybe itrsquos a delicious meal you take your time with at an amazing restaurant nearby Perhaps itrsquos allowing yourself to lounge around in bed with your favourite book and a cup of tea Whatever it is allow yourself these delights As many as you please gorgeous one
Body-loving foodIf you have a kitchen at your accommodation pack yourself the kind of food you know your body loves Think veggies fruit some bliss balls your fave teas raw cacao and honey for a delish hot chocolate If you have a portable blender pack up your ingredients to whip yourself up some delights while yoursquore there Alternatively and if you have time prepare a few things before you head off You can pre-cook quinoa lentil curries and rice dishes to heat up whenever you fancy If there are local farmerrsquos markets you can even do a bit of purchasing there for your meals (and because yoursquore so close to home bringing back the leftovers is a cinch)
Scout around a little and find some local cafeacutes or
41
restaurants that tickle your fancy and take yourself out for a meal that makes your body scream YES
Soul nourishing practices Rituals and practices help us to sink more deeply in to our soulrsquos true nature Bring along whatever stokes your soul fire and brings you into present moment awareness Cultivating reverence for yourself and life itself is a crucial aspect of your soul retreat Some practices you may consider are raquo Meditation (guided or just simply following your inhale and exhale) I find the Kundalini Ego
Eradicator meditation particularly soul-nourishing (and frankly life changing) raquo Journaling ndash with no thought as to what to write just jot down whatever comes to you Yoursquoll be
amazed at the cathartic feelings and insights this brings raquo Yoga (on your own or find a class nearby that resonates with you) raquo Playing with oracle cards Ask a question or for general guidance and see how your guides and
the Universe responds The Little Sagersquos deck is divine raquo Reading soulfully inspiring books raquo Lighting some incense and writing an epic gratitude list raquo A walking meditation through nature raquo Get arty play around with whatever you have Love colour Bring your paints Doodle Donrsquot
judge the results just let it flow out of you
Overall the point of this solo soul retreat is that you do what you genuinely want to do in the moment So nix the over planning as you may do with other trips away Settle into present moment awareness and allow yourself to be rather than just do Listen with kindness to your inner child Let her out to play (Mega hint she really doesnrsquot want to be bossed around) Gifting yourself this time is your surefire way to feeling rejuvenated refreshed and ready to live life to its fullest
Enjoy gorgeous one
Carly is a passionate international aid and development project manager and writer Carly works on projects in Australia and the Asia-Pacific region focusing on cultivating sustainable livelihoods the empowerment of women community enterprise local market development and positive social change
Head on over to Carlyrsquos blog Pockets of Peace for her soul-centred musings on peace wellness and oodles of inspiration
42
The most powerful weapon on earth is the human soul
on fire
F E R D I N A N D F O C H
43
Five Minute Fixes
FOR FEAR AND OVERWHELM
44
IF YOUrsquoRE RUNNING YOUR OWN BIZ YOUrsquoD BE FAMILIAR WITH THE PHENOMENON OF FEAR AND OVERWHELM YOU KNOW WHEN YOU JUST FEEL STUCK PARALYSED NOT SURE WHICH CHOICE TO MAKE OR ACTION TO TAKE YOU HAVE DEADLINES LOOMING THE PRESSURE IS MOUNTING AND YOUrsquoRE BLOCKED YOU NEED TO GET OUT OF YOUR OVERWHELM RIGHT NOW SO YOU CAN GET BACK TO CHANGING THE WORLD
Here are five practices designed to break the fear cycle and get you out of your head and into your body in five minutes or less
Go outside Get out into the sunlight See the sky take off your shoes and feel the grass tickle your toes Close your eyes Feel the heat on your skin Take some deep breaths and smell the air Tune in to the sounds around you Become still Fully engage with the present moment and drop into the sensations in your body
Deep breathing You can use a mantra such as So-Hum you can count the length of each inhale and exhale or you can do as many rounds of Nadi Shodhana (alternate nostril breathing) as you can fit into five minutes Whatever yoursquore most comfortable with do that Breath is the bridge between the inner and outer realities Deep breathing will calm the nervous system and bring your attention to the present moment
Move Go for a brisk walk Put on your favourite tune plug in the headphones and dance (in the bathroom cubicle if yoursquore embarrassed to do it in publichellip because thatrsquos not weird at all) Have a quickie on your own or with a partner Or you can shake it out Start with your right foot shake it as hard as possible to the count of 10 Then your whole leg Then the left foot and left leg Then the right hand then the right arm then the left hand and arm Then fold forward and gently shake your head - back to front side to side Then stand up again and shake your whole body like you know how
Then stand in stillness for 2 minutes to balance out the movement Listen to your heartbeat Yoursquove just expressed and released some negative energy so take a standing Savasana (resting pose) to integrate Make sure you smooth your hair after this one
45
Aromatherapy Get a bottle of essential oil and sniff it - simple Smell affects the limbic system which is responsible for the storage and release of emotional trauma You can immediately calm your body with the right scent
Make sure you get 100 therapeutic grade pure essential oil - these have a high vibrational frequency and you donrsquot want any nasties entering your system through inferior quality oil Lavender is proven to calm the nervous system as is frankincense balsam fir basil cedar wood and sandalwood You can purchase calming blends from your local aromatherapist or get them to custom-make a blend for you
Make some noise This is especially good if you work from home or drive to work as you may want privacy Get a pillow or lock yourself in the car and scream as loud as you can connecting deeply to your pelvis Give yourself permission to vocalise all that frustration fear shame guilt whatever is building up in your energy field Sound is the end of feeling When you express vocally you are releasing emotion and ending the cycle of repression Done regularly this will also enhance your creativity and self-expression - benefiting your business (and sex life) in the long run
These practices work for me and Irsquod love to know if they resonate with you
Irsquom Emma a multi-passionate self-love junkie who loves supporting people on their journey to wellness Since suffering from adrenal burnout and a host of related conditions Irsquove dedicated myself to personal healing and growth and encouraging others to find their own unique path By day Irsquom a yoga teacher virtual assistant and event coordinator for wellness entrepreneurs and outside of that yoursquoll find me salsa dancing travelling and eating raw desserts
Connect with me at emmashieldscom
46
Abandon anything about your life and habits that might be holding you back
Learn to create your own opportunities
Know that there is no finish line fortune favors action
Race balls-out toward the extraordinary life that yoursquove always dreamed of
or still havenrsquot had time to dream up
And prepare to have a hell of a lot of fun along the way
SOPHIA AMORUSO
47
Why you should create aHIGH-CONVERTING OPT-IN OFFER
A critical component of building your online business is growing your email list and creating a compelling opt-in offer is one of the best ways to kickstart this growth
You want your email list to be made up of people who are genuinely interested in you and what you have to offer your target market Your ideal customers and readers
Thatrsquos why your opt-in offer (a gift to entice people to join your list) needs to be unique highly relevant to your business and of real value to your ideal clients If people are on your site checking you out they are already interested ndash you need to give them a compelling reason to sign up
What would your readers find valuable Something that saves them time money pain or makes their life easier better or more beautiful It also needs to be damn high quality Proofed designed and worth paying for
48
Why would you give away something so valuable for free
Because it shows yoursquore serious about helping people Because it builds trust with readers Because itrsquos a genuine thank you in return for a readerrsquos contact details Because itrsquos an ad for your business Yoursquore showing people the quality of what they will receive if they go on to work with you
How do you choose which is right for you Think about what you currently offer your readers or customers (as in content as well as services or products) What is popular What do they comment on most or ask questions about What would you love to create What would be the perfect compliment to a service you provide How can you genuinely help
Brainstorm a list then narrow it down to one ndash and get cracking
The best opt-ins are win-win ndash you gather details from ideal customers and the customers
receive something great that they need and want in return
Happy creating
PS Tricking people is icky Donrsquot do that Itrsquos of no use to have people on your list that donrsquot care about you or your products Be genuine Offer genuine value Get genuine sign-ups
SO WHAT SHOULD YOU OFFER
Here are a few ideas raquo A sneak peek or preview of a paid
product ndash like a free chapter or lesson
raquo A smaller version of a paid product ndash like a 3 day meal plan
raquo Something which compliments a service you offer
raquo Useful templates ndash like a product launch worksheet or a calendar
raquo Inspirational printables ndash like quotes or illustrations
raquo A mini eCourse ndash like 5 days of video coaching
raquo A discount ndash like 10 off their next purchase
raquo A VIP offer ndash like first dibs on tickets
raquo An eBook or workbook ndash like a recipe book or marketing plan
Alana Wimmer is Founder + Creative Director of mini digital publishing house Raspberry Stripes Alana works with rad lady entrepreneurs to design eBooks which will change the world She also provides guidance insight and info on eBook design on the Raspberry Stripes website When she isnrsquot designing reading or talking about eBooks you can find Alana walking Rory and Roxy the boxers with her husband in tow probably on her way to pick up a green smoothie
49
is a lack of self-worth
50
As a bright-eyed uni student I got pretty excited about all the opportunities that were due to unfold before me when I graduated
My approach to life has always been filled with excitement for the future I remember saying to friends in class that we were certain to be successful because enthusiasm trumps experience Sadly the path wasnrsquot as smooth as Irsquod imagined I naively thought that all bosses had a sixth-sense for talent even from shy girls who werenrsquot outward about their abilities
I applied for and took a series of jobs that from the job description seemed so overwhelmingly scary to do but within months if not weeks I was bored I lacked the self-worth to believe I could step up but Irsquod externalise this into anger at my employer for holding me back Eventually I realised it was all of my own creation I was the one who was playing small applying for and then taking jobs that wersquore well under my pay grade I even turned down a few including a big promotion because the amount of money offered was too much and it scared me Seriously
Years of study and I lacked the ability to dive in fully commit be brave be boisterous about my abilities and soar I found school easy and when things seemed challenging at work I put it down to an inability to perform If it wasnrsquot easy at first I accepted that I just wasnrsquot able I had yet to find out that some of the best lessons come from giving things a go and making a lot of mistakes Failing or in reality playing small was a comfort zone for me and success in my career was an unknown quantity I was used to struggle I was safe with my dreams The possibility of them coming true Too much to handle Irsquod have to learn to live in the present moment and I donrsquot think I was ready to do that I wasnrsquot ready to look closely at myself and see that for all my effort there was still a lot of inner work to do It was time to look within
I KNOW HOW EASY IT IS TO BUILD WALLS AROUND OUR DREAMS PUSH THEM FURTHER AWAY IN AN ATTEMPT TO PLAY SAFE AND LIVE LIFE ACCORDING TO EXTERNAL INFLUENCE I KNOW THE LEVEL OF DETERMINATION AND MENTAL GRIT IT TAKES TO OVERCOME OURSELVES START TAKING OWNERSHIP OF OUR THOUGHTS AND ULTIMATELY THE PATH OF OUR OWN LIVES
I love when clients ask me to guide them on this path because I know just what can happen when they get there I hold my hand out as a supportive leverage point and watch them soar
Something Irsquove learnt along the way The first step for many women in building self-worth is learning the art of body love Body love is all about learning to appreciate the capabilities of your body nourishing and taking care of your spirit and occasionally cutting yourself a break
51
Itrsquos looking in the mirror and liking the person you see not picking on the parts you donrsquot like Itrsquos making a choice about whether to wear a bikini based on your personal values and not about what your body looks like in one Dieting and restriction are low level energies that hold us back from achieving high level desires Negative thinking blocks our internal compass and our ability to connect to our intuition Body love is the gateway to high frequency living
We all have that version of ourselves that we aspire to be The woman who gets up to the alarm has patience and drive Shersquos got a sparkle in her eye a sense of confidence and knowing about her place in the world that emanates from her whole being She sits up straight and laughs with abandon From where we sit therersquos a chasm to leap in becoming that woman That woman represents ldquoone dayrdquo She represents effort She can seem unachievable In my experience body love is the first and most important step toward that woman Body love is filled with possibility promise and prosperity When we remove that low level energy of diet and restriction we can start to attract high frequencies We can start to become that woman in the present moment
Irsquove seen the shift first hand for so many people Suddenly the whole world opens up and the possibilities become endless The cloud lifts and pie-in-the-sky dreams show up in high-definition technicolour Thoughts that previously caused anxiety everything from going to lunch with new friends to finding a purpose in life start to feel as easy to read as words on a page Therersquos no more searching Itrsquos been replaced by a knowing excitement I watch as women become like bright-eyed students again endless possibilities opening up before them Only this time Theyrsquove got experience on their side
Suddenly the whole world
opens up and the
possibilities become
endless
The cloud lifts and
pie-in-the-sky dreams show
up in high-definition
technicolour
Rachelle is a Life + Confidence Coach at My Saturn Epoch She supports women through the big transitions in their life helping them to break their negative cycles to consciously create a happy life and positive mindset She is a big hearted business woman who is passionate about supporting women in pursuit of their own excellence so they can shine as a beacon to themselves their families and their communities
Connect with Rachelle at mysaturnepochcom
52
SUBSCRIBE TO RASPBERRY MAGAZINE
Grab an annual subscription and yoursquoll receive raquo 6 digital issues of Raspberry Magazine raquo an exclusive Annual Subscribers Thank You Pack
- which includes a printable manifesto beautiful meditation tracks an eBook and more contributed by generous lady entrepreneurs - worth over $35
VISIT THE SHOP
53
T H A N K Y O U F O R R E A D I N GA N D A M I L L I O N H I G H-F I V E S
I F Y O U L O V E D R A S P B E R R YM A G A Z I N E P L E A S E S H A R E
54
36
37
artOF THE
THE
soloSOULRETREAT
38
When you live a soul-driven and passionate life you very likely live and breathe your lsquoworkrsquo 247
I put the word work in inverted commas because for you itrsquos likely just you leading your amazing life (and more power to you my friend) But amidst this you may find it difficult to switch off and cultivate the spaciousness to just let it all hang out and exist without an agenda or a to-do list anywhere in site
Enter stage left the Solo Soul Retreat I took myself on one recently and by golly did it give me the exact level of time out and rejoove that this soul-driven lassy needed Maybe itrsquos about time you took yourself on one
Here are some tips for creating the perfect conditions for your solo soul retreat
Pick a place close byI chose the Byron area because itrsquos only two hours drive from where I live And this is important because while you want to be lsquoawayrsquo to unplug from the numerous distractions of home you donrsquot want to be so far away that you feel obliged to check out all the sights and scoot around lsquodoingrsquo your little butt off You want to create a feeling of not having to do ANYTHING if you donrsquot feel like it Moment to moment awareness and tapping into what you truly want to do is critical to the restorative nature of the solo soul retreat So if that means a nap in the afternoon without checking out the sights do it Sans the guilt
Making it somewhere close by means you can convince your inner tourist that you can come back any time you want to So donrsquot book your long awaited trip to Bali for this particular retreat style I recommend scouting around Air BnB for some great bargains near you
Book for at least 2-3 nights away (more if possible)It takes awhile for us to wind down and get in to the rhythm of a slower pace so give yourself as much time as possible to sink deeply in to relaxation I find that it takes my body a good day or so (at least) to realise itrsquos on holiday A weekend is good a long weekend even better And a week would be crazy good
Set an intentionFor my soul retreat it was to cultivate a feeling of internal ease and spaciousness I was so tightly wound and constricted from within I wanted to feel joyous energy flowing through me again
39
unimpeded
An intention is a helpful anchor that you can come back to throughout the retreat when you feel your energy flitting away to unnecessary distractions Revisit your intention throughout your retreat and ease back into the feeling you wish to cultivate
Immerse yourself in natureWherever you head to find some time to plonk yourself amidst the stunning natural surrounds of Mama Nature There is absolutely NOTHING that compares to the healing capacity of earthing ourselves at the beach or in the forest or just a little garden Barefoot and butt on the ground meditating or just sitting and quietly contemplating our wondrous natural world will have you relaxing into zen in no time
Silence is goldenTaking time to retreat also means giving your mind a bit of a break (hence the lsquono doingrsquo rule) try out not talking which shouldnrsquot be too hard if yoursquore on your own and see what kind of insights
There is absolutely NOTHING that compares to the healing capacity of earthing ourselves at the beach
or in the forest or just a little garden
Barefoot and butt on the ground meditating or just sitting and
quietly contemplating our wondrous natural world
will have you relaxing into zen in no time
40
begin to pop into your nogginrsquo when you donrsquot have to constantly communicate
Pamper yourselfWhat feels really decadent to you For my recent retreat it was heading to a spa and bathhouse for the morning soaking in oxygenated spa baths steaming myself in the sauna and relaxing on a sun lounge in the tranquil spa gardens with a good book
For you it might be a luxurious massage and energy balancing treatment Or maybe itrsquos a delicious meal you take your time with at an amazing restaurant nearby Perhaps itrsquos allowing yourself to lounge around in bed with your favourite book and a cup of tea Whatever it is allow yourself these delights As many as you please gorgeous one
Body-loving foodIf you have a kitchen at your accommodation pack yourself the kind of food you know your body loves Think veggies fruit some bliss balls your fave teas raw cacao and honey for a delish hot chocolate If you have a portable blender pack up your ingredients to whip yourself up some delights while yoursquore there Alternatively and if you have time prepare a few things before you head off You can pre-cook quinoa lentil curries and rice dishes to heat up whenever you fancy If there are local farmerrsquos markets you can even do a bit of purchasing there for your meals (and because yoursquore so close to home bringing back the leftovers is a cinch)
Scout around a little and find some local cafeacutes or
41
restaurants that tickle your fancy and take yourself out for a meal that makes your body scream YES
Soul nourishing practices Rituals and practices help us to sink more deeply in to our soulrsquos true nature Bring along whatever stokes your soul fire and brings you into present moment awareness Cultivating reverence for yourself and life itself is a crucial aspect of your soul retreat Some practices you may consider are raquo Meditation (guided or just simply following your inhale and exhale) I find the Kundalini Ego
Eradicator meditation particularly soul-nourishing (and frankly life changing) raquo Journaling ndash with no thought as to what to write just jot down whatever comes to you Yoursquoll be
amazed at the cathartic feelings and insights this brings raquo Yoga (on your own or find a class nearby that resonates with you) raquo Playing with oracle cards Ask a question or for general guidance and see how your guides and
the Universe responds The Little Sagersquos deck is divine raquo Reading soulfully inspiring books raquo Lighting some incense and writing an epic gratitude list raquo A walking meditation through nature raquo Get arty play around with whatever you have Love colour Bring your paints Doodle Donrsquot
judge the results just let it flow out of you
Overall the point of this solo soul retreat is that you do what you genuinely want to do in the moment So nix the over planning as you may do with other trips away Settle into present moment awareness and allow yourself to be rather than just do Listen with kindness to your inner child Let her out to play (Mega hint she really doesnrsquot want to be bossed around) Gifting yourself this time is your surefire way to feeling rejuvenated refreshed and ready to live life to its fullest
Enjoy gorgeous one
Carly is a passionate international aid and development project manager and writer Carly works on projects in Australia and the Asia-Pacific region focusing on cultivating sustainable livelihoods the empowerment of women community enterprise local market development and positive social change
Head on over to Carlyrsquos blog Pockets of Peace for her soul-centred musings on peace wellness and oodles of inspiration
42
The most powerful weapon on earth is the human soul
on fire
F E R D I N A N D F O C H
43
Five Minute Fixes
FOR FEAR AND OVERWHELM
44
IF YOUrsquoRE RUNNING YOUR OWN BIZ YOUrsquoD BE FAMILIAR WITH THE PHENOMENON OF FEAR AND OVERWHELM YOU KNOW WHEN YOU JUST FEEL STUCK PARALYSED NOT SURE WHICH CHOICE TO MAKE OR ACTION TO TAKE YOU HAVE DEADLINES LOOMING THE PRESSURE IS MOUNTING AND YOUrsquoRE BLOCKED YOU NEED TO GET OUT OF YOUR OVERWHELM RIGHT NOW SO YOU CAN GET BACK TO CHANGING THE WORLD
Here are five practices designed to break the fear cycle and get you out of your head and into your body in five minutes or less
Go outside Get out into the sunlight See the sky take off your shoes and feel the grass tickle your toes Close your eyes Feel the heat on your skin Take some deep breaths and smell the air Tune in to the sounds around you Become still Fully engage with the present moment and drop into the sensations in your body
Deep breathing You can use a mantra such as So-Hum you can count the length of each inhale and exhale or you can do as many rounds of Nadi Shodhana (alternate nostril breathing) as you can fit into five minutes Whatever yoursquore most comfortable with do that Breath is the bridge between the inner and outer realities Deep breathing will calm the nervous system and bring your attention to the present moment
Move Go for a brisk walk Put on your favourite tune plug in the headphones and dance (in the bathroom cubicle if yoursquore embarrassed to do it in publichellip because thatrsquos not weird at all) Have a quickie on your own or with a partner Or you can shake it out Start with your right foot shake it as hard as possible to the count of 10 Then your whole leg Then the left foot and left leg Then the right hand then the right arm then the left hand and arm Then fold forward and gently shake your head - back to front side to side Then stand up again and shake your whole body like you know how
Then stand in stillness for 2 minutes to balance out the movement Listen to your heartbeat Yoursquove just expressed and released some negative energy so take a standing Savasana (resting pose) to integrate Make sure you smooth your hair after this one
45
Aromatherapy Get a bottle of essential oil and sniff it - simple Smell affects the limbic system which is responsible for the storage and release of emotional trauma You can immediately calm your body with the right scent
Make sure you get 100 therapeutic grade pure essential oil - these have a high vibrational frequency and you donrsquot want any nasties entering your system through inferior quality oil Lavender is proven to calm the nervous system as is frankincense balsam fir basil cedar wood and sandalwood You can purchase calming blends from your local aromatherapist or get them to custom-make a blend for you
Make some noise This is especially good if you work from home or drive to work as you may want privacy Get a pillow or lock yourself in the car and scream as loud as you can connecting deeply to your pelvis Give yourself permission to vocalise all that frustration fear shame guilt whatever is building up in your energy field Sound is the end of feeling When you express vocally you are releasing emotion and ending the cycle of repression Done regularly this will also enhance your creativity and self-expression - benefiting your business (and sex life) in the long run
These practices work for me and Irsquod love to know if they resonate with you
Irsquom Emma a multi-passionate self-love junkie who loves supporting people on their journey to wellness Since suffering from adrenal burnout and a host of related conditions Irsquove dedicated myself to personal healing and growth and encouraging others to find their own unique path By day Irsquom a yoga teacher virtual assistant and event coordinator for wellness entrepreneurs and outside of that yoursquoll find me salsa dancing travelling and eating raw desserts
Connect with me at emmashieldscom
46
Abandon anything about your life and habits that might be holding you back
Learn to create your own opportunities
Know that there is no finish line fortune favors action
Race balls-out toward the extraordinary life that yoursquove always dreamed of
or still havenrsquot had time to dream up
And prepare to have a hell of a lot of fun along the way
SOPHIA AMORUSO
47
Why you should create aHIGH-CONVERTING OPT-IN OFFER
A critical component of building your online business is growing your email list and creating a compelling opt-in offer is one of the best ways to kickstart this growth
You want your email list to be made up of people who are genuinely interested in you and what you have to offer your target market Your ideal customers and readers
Thatrsquos why your opt-in offer (a gift to entice people to join your list) needs to be unique highly relevant to your business and of real value to your ideal clients If people are on your site checking you out they are already interested ndash you need to give them a compelling reason to sign up
What would your readers find valuable Something that saves them time money pain or makes their life easier better or more beautiful It also needs to be damn high quality Proofed designed and worth paying for
48
Why would you give away something so valuable for free
Because it shows yoursquore serious about helping people Because it builds trust with readers Because itrsquos a genuine thank you in return for a readerrsquos contact details Because itrsquos an ad for your business Yoursquore showing people the quality of what they will receive if they go on to work with you
How do you choose which is right for you Think about what you currently offer your readers or customers (as in content as well as services or products) What is popular What do they comment on most or ask questions about What would you love to create What would be the perfect compliment to a service you provide How can you genuinely help
Brainstorm a list then narrow it down to one ndash and get cracking
The best opt-ins are win-win ndash you gather details from ideal customers and the customers
receive something great that they need and want in return
Happy creating
PS Tricking people is icky Donrsquot do that Itrsquos of no use to have people on your list that donrsquot care about you or your products Be genuine Offer genuine value Get genuine sign-ups
SO WHAT SHOULD YOU OFFER
Here are a few ideas raquo A sneak peek or preview of a paid
product ndash like a free chapter or lesson
raquo A smaller version of a paid product ndash like a 3 day meal plan
raquo Something which compliments a service you offer
raquo Useful templates ndash like a product launch worksheet or a calendar
raquo Inspirational printables ndash like quotes or illustrations
raquo A mini eCourse ndash like 5 days of video coaching
raquo A discount ndash like 10 off their next purchase
raquo A VIP offer ndash like first dibs on tickets
raquo An eBook or workbook ndash like a recipe book or marketing plan
Alana Wimmer is Founder + Creative Director of mini digital publishing house Raspberry Stripes Alana works with rad lady entrepreneurs to design eBooks which will change the world She also provides guidance insight and info on eBook design on the Raspberry Stripes website When she isnrsquot designing reading or talking about eBooks you can find Alana walking Rory and Roxy the boxers with her husband in tow probably on her way to pick up a green smoothie
49
is a lack of self-worth
50
As a bright-eyed uni student I got pretty excited about all the opportunities that were due to unfold before me when I graduated
My approach to life has always been filled with excitement for the future I remember saying to friends in class that we were certain to be successful because enthusiasm trumps experience Sadly the path wasnrsquot as smooth as Irsquod imagined I naively thought that all bosses had a sixth-sense for talent even from shy girls who werenrsquot outward about their abilities
I applied for and took a series of jobs that from the job description seemed so overwhelmingly scary to do but within months if not weeks I was bored I lacked the self-worth to believe I could step up but Irsquod externalise this into anger at my employer for holding me back Eventually I realised it was all of my own creation I was the one who was playing small applying for and then taking jobs that wersquore well under my pay grade I even turned down a few including a big promotion because the amount of money offered was too much and it scared me Seriously
Years of study and I lacked the ability to dive in fully commit be brave be boisterous about my abilities and soar I found school easy and when things seemed challenging at work I put it down to an inability to perform If it wasnrsquot easy at first I accepted that I just wasnrsquot able I had yet to find out that some of the best lessons come from giving things a go and making a lot of mistakes Failing or in reality playing small was a comfort zone for me and success in my career was an unknown quantity I was used to struggle I was safe with my dreams The possibility of them coming true Too much to handle Irsquod have to learn to live in the present moment and I donrsquot think I was ready to do that I wasnrsquot ready to look closely at myself and see that for all my effort there was still a lot of inner work to do It was time to look within
I KNOW HOW EASY IT IS TO BUILD WALLS AROUND OUR DREAMS PUSH THEM FURTHER AWAY IN AN ATTEMPT TO PLAY SAFE AND LIVE LIFE ACCORDING TO EXTERNAL INFLUENCE I KNOW THE LEVEL OF DETERMINATION AND MENTAL GRIT IT TAKES TO OVERCOME OURSELVES START TAKING OWNERSHIP OF OUR THOUGHTS AND ULTIMATELY THE PATH OF OUR OWN LIVES
I love when clients ask me to guide them on this path because I know just what can happen when they get there I hold my hand out as a supportive leverage point and watch them soar
Something Irsquove learnt along the way The first step for many women in building self-worth is learning the art of body love Body love is all about learning to appreciate the capabilities of your body nourishing and taking care of your spirit and occasionally cutting yourself a break
51
Itrsquos looking in the mirror and liking the person you see not picking on the parts you donrsquot like Itrsquos making a choice about whether to wear a bikini based on your personal values and not about what your body looks like in one Dieting and restriction are low level energies that hold us back from achieving high level desires Negative thinking blocks our internal compass and our ability to connect to our intuition Body love is the gateway to high frequency living
We all have that version of ourselves that we aspire to be The woman who gets up to the alarm has patience and drive Shersquos got a sparkle in her eye a sense of confidence and knowing about her place in the world that emanates from her whole being She sits up straight and laughs with abandon From where we sit therersquos a chasm to leap in becoming that woman That woman represents ldquoone dayrdquo She represents effort She can seem unachievable In my experience body love is the first and most important step toward that woman Body love is filled with possibility promise and prosperity When we remove that low level energy of diet and restriction we can start to attract high frequencies We can start to become that woman in the present moment
Irsquove seen the shift first hand for so many people Suddenly the whole world opens up and the possibilities become endless The cloud lifts and pie-in-the-sky dreams show up in high-definition technicolour Thoughts that previously caused anxiety everything from going to lunch with new friends to finding a purpose in life start to feel as easy to read as words on a page Therersquos no more searching Itrsquos been replaced by a knowing excitement I watch as women become like bright-eyed students again endless possibilities opening up before them Only this time Theyrsquove got experience on their side
Suddenly the whole world
opens up and the
possibilities become
endless
The cloud lifts and
pie-in-the-sky dreams show
up in high-definition
technicolour
Rachelle is a Life + Confidence Coach at My Saturn Epoch She supports women through the big transitions in their life helping them to break their negative cycles to consciously create a happy life and positive mindset She is a big hearted business woman who is passionate about supporting women in pursuit of their own excellence so they can shine as a beacon to themselves their families and their communities
Connect with Rachelle at mysaturnepochcom
52
SUBSCRIBE TO RASPBERRY MAGAZINE
Grab an annual subscription and yoursquoll receive raquo 6 digital issues of Raspberry Magazine raquo an exclusive Annual Subscribers Thank You Pack
- which includes a printable manifesto beautiful meditation tracks an eBook and more contributed by generous lady entrepreneurs - worth over $35
VISIT THE SHOP
53
T H A N K Y O U F O R R E A D I N GA N D A M I L L I O N H I G H-F I V E S
I F Y O U L O V E D R A S P B E R R YM A G A Z I N E P L E A S E S H A R E
54
37
artOF THE
THE
soloSOULRETREAT
38
When you live a soul-driven and passionate life you very likely live and breathe your lsquoworkrsquo 247
I put the word work in inverted commas because for you itrsquos likely just you leading your amazing life (and more power to you my friend) But amidst this you may find it difficult to switch off and cultivate the spaciousness to just let it all hang out and exist without an agenda or a to-do list anywhere in site
Enter stage left the Solo Soul Retreat I took myself on one recently and by golly did it give me the exact level of time out and rejoove that this soul-driven lassy needed Maybe itrsquos about time you took yourself on one
Here are some tips for creating the perfect conditions for your solo soul retreat
Pick a place close byI chose the Byron area because itrsquos only two hours drive from where I live And this is important because while you want to be lsquoawayrsquo to unplug from the numerous distractions of home you donrsquot want to be so far away that you feel obliged to check out all the sights and scoot around lsquodoingrsquo your little butt off You want to create a feeling of not having to do ANYTHING if you donrsquot feel like it Moment to moment awareness and tapping into what you truly want to do is critical to the restorative nature of the solo soul retreat So if that means a nap in the afternoon without checking out the sights do it Sans the guilt
Making it somewhere close by means you can convince your inner tourist that you can come back any time you want to So donrsquot book your long awaited trip to Bali for this particular retreat style I recommend scouting around Air BnB for some great bargains near you
Book for at least 2-3 nights away (more if possible)It takes awhile for us to wind down and get in to the rhythm of a slower pace so give yourself as much time as possible to sink deeply in to relaxation I find that it takes my body a good day or so (at least) to realise itrsquos on holiday A weekend is good a long weekend even better And a week would be crazy good
Set an intentionFor my soul retreat it was to cultivate a feeling of internal ease and spaciousness I was so tightly wound and constricted from within I wanted to feel joyous energy flowing through me again
39
unimpeded
An intention is a helpful anchor that you can come back to throughout the retreat when you feel your energy flitting away to unnecessary distractions Revisit your intention throughout your retreat and ease back into the feeling you wish to cultivate
Immerse yourself in natureWherever you head to find some time to plonk yourself amidst the stunning natural surrounds of Mama Nature There is absolutely NOTHING that compares to the healing capacity of earthing ourselves at the beach or in the forest or just a little garden Barefoot and butt on the ground meditating or just sitting and quietly contemplating our wondrous natural world will have you relaxing into zen in no time
Silence is goldenTaking time to retreat also means giving your mind a bit of a break (hence the lsquono doingrsquo rule) try out not talking which shouldnrsquot be too hard if yoursquore on your own and see what kind of insights
There is absolutely NOTHING that compares to the healing capacity of earthing ourselves at the beach
or in the forest or just a little garden
Barefoot and butt on the ground meditating or just sitting and
quietly contemplating our wondrous natural world
will have you relaxing into zen in no time
40
begin to pop into your nogginrsquo when you donrsquot have to constantly communicate
Pamper yourselfWhat feels really decadent to you For my recent retreat it was heading to a spa and bathhouse for the morning soaking in oxygenated spa baths steaming myself in the sauna and relaxing on a sun lounge in the tranquil spa gardens with a good book
For you it might be a luxurious massage and energy balancing treatment Or maybe itrsquos a delicious meal you take your time with at an amazing restaurant nearby Perhaps itrsquos allowing yourself to lounge around in bed with your favourite book and a cup of tea Whatever it is allow yourself these delights As many as you please gorgeous one
Body-loving foodIf you have a kitchen at your accommodation pack yourself the kind of food you know your body loves Think veggies fruit some bliss balls your fave teas raw cacao and honey for a delish hot chocolate If you have a portable blender pack up your ingredients to whip yourself up some delights while yoursquore there Alternatively and if you have time prepare a few things before you head off You can pre-cook quinoa lentil curries and rice dishes to heat up whenever you fancy If there are local farmerrsquos markets you can even do a bit of purchasing there for your meals (and because yoursquore so close to home bringing back the leftovers is a cinch)
Scout around a little and find some local cafeacutes or
41
restaurants that tickle your fancy and take yourself out for a meal that makes your body scream YES
Soul nourishing practices Rituals and practices help us to sink more deeply in to our soulrsquos true nature Bring along whatever stokes your soul fire and brings you into present moment awareness Cultivating reverence for yourself and life itself is a crucial aspect of your soul retreat Some practices you may consider are raquo Meditation (guided or just simply following your inhale and exhale) I find the Kundalini Ego
Eradicator meditation particularly soul-nourishing (and frankly life changing) raquo Journaling ndash with no thought as to what to write just jot down whatever comes to you Yoursquoll be
amazed at the cathartic feelings and insights this brings raquo Yoga (on your own or find a class nearby that resonates with you) raquo Playing with oracle cards Ask a question or for general guidance and see how your guides and
the Universe responds The Little Sagersquos deck is divine raquo Reading soulfully inspiring books raquo Lighting some incense and writing an epic gratitude list raquo A walking meditation through nature raquo Get arty play around with whatever you have Love colour Bring your paints Doodle Donrsquot
judge the results just let it flow out of you
Overall the point of this solo soul retreat is that you do what you genuinely want to do in the moment So nix the over planning as you may do with other trips away Settle into present moment awareness and allow yourself to be rather than just do Listen with kindness to your inner child Let her out to play (Mega hint she really doesnrsquot want to be bossed around) Gifting yourself this time is your surefire way to feeling rejuvenated refreshed and ready to live life to its fullest
Enjoy gorgeous one
Carly is a passionate international aid and development project manager and writer Carly works on projects in Australia and the Asia-Pacific region focusing on cultivating sustainable livelihoods the empowerment of women community enterprise local market development and positive social change
Head on over to Carlyrsquos blog Pockets of Peace for her soul-centred musings on peace wellness and oodles of inspiration
42
The most powerful weapon on earth is the human soul
on fire
F E R D I N A N D F O C H
43
Five Minute Fixes
FOR FEAR AND OVERWHELM
44
IF YOUrsquoRE RUNNING YOUR OWN BIZ YOUrsquoD BE FAMILIAR WITH THE PHENOMENON OF FEAR AND OVERWHELM YOU KNOW WHEN YOU JUST FEEL STUCK PARALYSED NOT SURE WHICH CHOICE TO MAKE OR ACTION TO TAKE YOU HAVE DEADLINES LOOMING THE PRESSURE IS MOUNTING AND YOUrsquoRE BLOCKED YOU NEED TO GET OUT OF YOUR OVERWHELM RIGHT NOW SO YOU CAN GET BACK TO CHANGING THE WORLD
Here are five practices designed to break the fear cycle and get you out of your head and into your body in five minutes or less
Go outside Get out into the sunlight See the sky take off your shoes and feel the grass tickle your toes Close your eyes Feel the heat on your skin Take some deep breaths and smell the air Tune in to the sounds around you Become still Fully engage with the present moment and drop into the sensations in your body
Deep breathing You can use a mantra such as So-Hum you can count the length of each inhale and exhale or you can do as many rounds of Nadi Shodhana (alternate nostril breathing) as you can fit into five minutes Whatever yoursquore most comfortable with do that Breath is the bridge between the inner and outer realities Deep breathing will calm the nervous system and bring your attention to the present moment
Move Go for a brisk walk Put on your favourite tune plug in the headphones and dance (in the bathroom cubicle if yoursquore embarrassed to do it in publichellip because thatrsquos not weird at all) Have a quickie on your own or with a partner Or you can shake it out Start with your right foot shake it as hard as possible to the count of 10 Then your whole leg Then the left foot and left leg Then the right hand then the right arm then the left hand and arm Then fold forward and gently shake your head - back to front side to side Then stand up again and shake your whole body like you know how
Then stand in stillness for 2 minutes to balance out the movement Listen to your heartbeat Yoursquove just expressed and released some negative energy so take a standing Savasana (resting pose) to integrate Make sure you smooth your hair after this one
45
Aromatherapy Get a bottle of essential oil and sniff it - simple Smell affects the limbic system which is responsible for the storage and release of emotional trauma You can immediately calm your body with the right scent
Make sure you get 100 therapeutic grade pure essential oil - these have a high vibrational frequency and you donrsquot want any nasties entering your system through inferior quality oil Lavender is proven to calm the nervous system as is frankincense balsam fir basil cedar wood and sandalwood You can purchase calming blends from your local aromatherapist or get them to custom-make a blend for you
Make some noise This is especially good if you work from home or drive to work as you may want privacy Get a pillow or lock yourself in the car and scream as loud as you can connecting deeply to your pelvis Give yourself permission to vocalise all that frustration fear shame guilt whatever is building up in your energy field Sound is the end of feeling When you express vocally you are releasing emotion and ending the cycle of repression Done regularly this will also enhance your creativity and self-expression - benefiting your business (and sex life) in the long run
These practices work for me and Irsquod love to know if they resonate with you
Irsquom Emma a multi-passionate self-love junkie who loves supporting people on their journey to wellness Since suffering from adrenal burnout and a host of related conditions Irsquove dedicated myself to personal healing and growth and encouraging others to find their own unique path By day Irsquom a yoga teacher virtual assistant and event coordinator for wellness entrepreneurs and outside of that yoursquoll find me salsa dancing travelling and eating raw desserts
Connect with me at emmashieldscom
46
Abandon anything about your life and habits that might be holding you back
Learn to create your own opportunities
Know that there is no finish line fortune favors action
Race balls-out toward the extraordinary life that yoursquove always dreamed of
or still havenrsquot had time to dream up
And prepare to have a hell of a lot of fun along the way
SOPHIA AMORUSO
47
Why you should create aHIGH-CONVERTING OPT-IN OFFER
A critical component of building your online business is growing your email list and creating a compelling opt-in offer is one of the best ways to kickstart this growth
You want your email list to be made up of people who are genuinely interested in you and what you have to offer your target market Your ideal customers and readers
Thatrsquos why your opt-in offer (a gift to entice people to join your list) needs to be unique highly relevant to your business and of real value to your ideal clients If people are on your site checking you out they are already interested ndash you need to give them a compelling reason to sign up
What would your readers find valuable Something that saves them time money pain or makes their life easier better or more beautiful It also needs to be damn high quality Proofed designed and worth paying for
48
Why would you give away something so valuable for free
Because it shows yoursquore serious about helping people Because it builds trust with readers Because itrsquos a genuine thank you in return for a readerrsquos contact details Because itrsquos an ad for your business Yoursquore showing people the quality of what they will receive if they go on to work with you
How do you choose which is right for you Think about what you currently offer your readers or customers (as in content as well as services or products) What is popular What do they comment on most or ask questions about What would you love to create What would be the perfect compliment to a service you provide How can you genuinely help
Brainstorm a list then narrow it down to one ndash and get cracking
The best opt-ins are win-win ndash you gather details from ideal customers and the customers
receive something great that they need and want in return
Happy creating
PS Tricking people is icky Donrsquot do that Itrsquos of no use to have people on your list that donrsquot care about you or your products Be genuine Offer genuine value Get genuine sign-ups
SO WHAT SHOULD YOU OFFER
Here are a few ideas raquo A sneak peek or preview of a paid
product ndash like a free chapter or lesson
raquo A smaller version of a paid product ndash like a 3 day meal plan
raquo Something which compliments a service you offer
raquo Useful templates ndash like a product launch worksheet or a calendar
raquo Inspirational printables ndash like quotes or illustrations
raquo A mini eCourse ndash like 5 days of video coaching
raquo A discount ndash like 10 off their next purchase
raquo A VIP offer ndash like first dibs on tickets
raquo An eBook or workbook ndash like a recipe book or marketing plan
Alana Wimmer is Founder + Creative Director of mini digital publishing house Raspberry Stripes Alana works with rad lady entrepreneurs to design eBooks which will change the world She also provides guidance insight and info on eBook design on the Raspberry Stripes website When she isnrsquot designing reading or talking about eBooks you can find Alana walking Rory and Roxy the boxers with her husband in tow probably on her way to pick up a green smoothie
49
is a lack of self-worth
50
As a bright-eyed uni student I got pretty excited about all the opportunities that were due to unfold before me when I graduated
My approach to life has always been filled with excitement for the future I remember saying to friends in class that we were certain to be successful because enthusiasm trumps experience Sadly the path wasnrsquot as smooth as Irsquod imagined I naively thought that all bosses had a sixth-sense for talent even from shy girls who werenrsquot outward about their abilities
I applied for and took a series of jobs that from the job description seemed so overwhelmingly scary to do but within months if not weeks I was bored I lacked the self-worth to believe I could step up but Irsquod externalise this into anger at my employer for holding me back Eventually I realised it was all of my own creation I was the one who was playing small applying for and then taking jobs that wersquore well under my pay grade I even turned down a few including a big promotion because the amount of money offered was too much and it scared me Seriously
Years of study and I lacked the ability to dive in fully commit be brave be boisterous about my abilities and soar I found school easy and when things seemed challenging at work I put it down to an inability to perform If it wasnrsquot easy at first I accepted that I just wasnrsquot able I had yet to find out that some of the best lessons come from giving things a go and making a lot of mistakes Failing or in reality playing small was a comfort zone for me and success in my career was an unknown quantity I was used to struggle I was safe with my dreams The possibility of them coming true Too much to handle Irsquod have to learn to live in the present moment and I donrsquot think I was ready to do that I wasnrsquot ready to look closely at myself and see that for all my effort there was still a lot of inner work to do It was time to look within
I KNOW HOW EASY IT IS TO BUILD WALLS AROUND OUR DREAMS PUSH THEM FURTHER AWAY IN AN ATTEMPT TO PLAY SAFE AND LIVE LIFE ACCORDING TO EXTERNAL INFLUENCE I KNOW THE LEVEL OF DETERMINATION AND MENTAL GRIT IT TAKES TO OVERCOME OURSELVES START TAKING OWNERSHIP OF OUR THOUGHTS AND ULTIMATELY THE PATH OF OUR OWN LIVES
I love when clients ask me to guide them on this path because I know just what can happen when they get there I hold my hand out as a supportive leverage point and watch them soar
Something Irsquove learnt along the way The first step for many women in building self-worth is learning the art of body love Body love is all about learning to appreciate the capabilities of your body nourishing and taking care of your spirit and occasionally cutting yourself a break
51
Itrsquos looking in the mirror and liking the person you see not picking on the parts you donrsquot like Itrsquos making a choice about whether to wear a bikini based on your personal values and not about what your body looks like in one Dieting and restriction are low level energies that hold us back from achieving high level desires Negative thinking blocks our internal compass and our ability to connect to our intuition Body love is the gateway to high frequency living
We all have that version of ourselves that we aspire to be The woman who gets up to the alarm has patience and drive Shersquos got a sparkle in her eye a sense of confidence and knowing about her place in the world that emanates from her whole being She sits up straight and laughs with abandon From where we sit therersquos a chasm to leap in becoming that woman That woman represents ldquoone dayrdquo She represents effort She can seem unachievable In my experience body love is the first and most important step toward that woman Body love is filled with possibility promise and prosperity When we remove that low level energy of diet and restriction we can start to attract high frequencies We can start to become that woman in the present moment
Irsquove seen the shift first hand for so many people Suddenly the whole world opens up and the possibilities become endless The cloud lifts and pie-in-the-sky dreams show up in high-definition technicolour Thoughts that previously caused anxiety everything from going to lunch with new friends to finding a purpose in life start to feel as easy to read as words on a page Therersquos no more searching Itrsquos been replaced by a knowing excitement I watch as women become like bright-eyed students again endless possibilities opening up before them Only this time Theyrsquove got experience on their side
Suddenly the whole world
opens up and the
possibilities become
endless
The cloud lifts and
pie-in-the-sky dreams show
up in high-definition
technicolour
Rachelle is a Life + Confidence Coach at My Saturn Epoch She supports women through the big transitions in their life helping them to break their negative cycles to consciously create a happy life and positive mindset She is a big hearted business woman who is passionate about supporting women in pursuit of their own excellence so they can shine as a beacon to themselves their families and their communities
Connect with Rachelle at mysaturnepochcom
52
SUBSCRIBE TO RASPBERRY MAGAZINE
Grab an annual subscription and yoursquoll receive raquo 6 digital issues of Raspberry Magazine raquo an exclusive Annual Subscribers Thank You Pack
- which includes a printable manifesto beautiful meditation tracks an eBook and more contributed by generous lady entrepreneurs - worth over $35
VISIT THE SHOP
53
T H A N K Y O U F O R R E A D I N GA N D A M I L L I O N H I G H-F I V E S
I F Y O U L O V E D R A S P B E R R YM A G A Z I N E P L E A S E S H A R E
54
38
When you live a soul-driven and passionate life you very likely live and breathe your lsquoworkrsquo 247
I put the word work in inverted commas because for you itrsquos likely just you leading your amazing life (and more power to you my friend) But amidst this you may find it difficult to switch off and cultivate the spaciousness to just let it all hang out and exist without an agenda or a to-do list anywhere in site
Enter stage left the Solo Soul Retreat I took myself on one recently and by golly did it give me the exact level of time out and rejoove that this soul-driven lassy needed Maybe itrsquos about time you took yourself on one
Here are some tips for creating the perfect conditions for your solo soul retreat
Pick a place close byI chose the Byron area because itrsquos only two hours drive from where I live And this is important because while you want to be lsquoawayrsquo to unplug from the numerous distractions of home you donrsquot want to be so far away that you feel obliged to check out all the sights and scoot around lsquodoingrsquo your little butt off You want to create a feeling of not having to do ANYTHING if you donrsquot feel like it Moment to moment awareness and tapping into what you truly want to do is critical to the restorative nature of the solo soul retreat So if that means a nap in the afternoon without checking out the sights do it Sans the guilt
Making it somewhere close by means you can convince your inner tourist that you can come back any time you want to So donrsquot book your long awaited trip to Bali for this particular retreat style I recommend scouting around Air BnB for some great bargains near you
Book for at least 2-3 nights away (more if possible)It takes awhile for us to wind down and get in to the rhythm of a slower pace so give yourself as much time as possible to sink deeply in to relaxation I find that it takes my body a good day or so (at least) to realise itrsquos on holiday A weekend is good a long weekend even better And a week would be crazy good
Set an intentionFor my soul retreat it was to cultivate a feeling of internal ease and spaciousness I was so tightly wound and constricted from within I wanted to feel joyous energy flowing through me again
39
unimpeded
An intention is a helpful anchor that you can come back to throughout the retreat when you feel your energy flitting away to unnecessary distractions Revisit your intention throughout your retreat and ease back into the feeling you wish to cultivate
Immerse yourself in natureWherever you head to find some time to plonk yourself amidst the stunning natural surrounds of Mama Nature There is absolutely NOTHING that compares to the healing capacity of earthing ourselves at the beach or in the forest or just a little garden Barefoot and butt on the ground meditating or just sitting and quietly contemplating our wondrous natural world will have you relaxing into zen in no time
Silence is goldenTaking time to retreat also means giving your mind a bit of a break (hence the lsquono doingrsquo rule) try out not talking which shouldnrsquot be too hard if yoursquore on your own and see what kind of insights
There is absolutely NOTHING that compares to the healing capacity of earthing ourselves at the beach
or in the forest or just a little garden
Barefoot and butt on the ground meditating or just sitting and
quietly contemplating our wondrous natural world
will have you relaxing into zen in no time
40
begin to pop into your nogginrsquo when you donrsquot have to constantly communicate
Pamper yourselfWhat feels really decadent to you For my recent retreat it was heading to a spa and bathhouse for the morning soaking in oxygenated spa baths steaming myself in the sauna and relaxing on a sun lounge in the tranquil spa gardens with a good book
For you it might be a luxurious massage and energy balancing treatment Or maybe itrsquos a delicious meal you take your time with at an amazing restaurant nearby Perhaps itrsquos allowing yourself to lounge around in bed with your favourite book and a cup of tea Whatever it is allow yourself these delights As many as you please gorgeous one
Body-loving foodIf you have a kitchen at your accommodation pack yourself the kind of food you know your body loves Think veggies fruit some bliss balls your fave teas raw cacao and honey for a delish hot chocolate If you have a portable blender pack up your ingredients to whip yourself up some delights while yoursquore there Alternatively and if you have time prepare a few things before you head off You can pre-cook quinoa lentil curries and rice dishes to heat up whenever you fancy If there are local farmerrsquos markets you can even do a bit of purchasing there for your meals (and because yoursquore so close to home bringing back the leftovers is a cinch)
Scout around a little and find some local cafeacutes or
41
restaurants that tickle your fancy and take yourself out for a meal that makes your body scream YES
Soul nourishing practices Rituals and practices help us to sink more deeply in to our soulrsquos true nature Bring along whatever stokes your soul fire and brings you into present moment awareness Cultivating reverence for yourself and life itself is a crucial aspect of your soul retreat Some practices you may consider are raquo Meditation (guided or just simply following your inhale and exhale) I find the Kundalini Ego
Eradicator meditation particularly soul-nourishing (and frankly life changing) raquo Journaling ndash with no thought as to what to write just jot down whatever comes to you Yoursquoll be
amazed at the cathartic feelings and insights this brings raquo Yoga (on your own or find a class nearby that resonates with you) raquo Playing with oracle cards Ask a question or for general guidance and see how your guides and
the Universe responds The Little Sagersquos deck is divine raquo Reading soulfully inspiring books raquo Lighting some incense and writing an epic gratitude list raquo A walking meditation through nature raquo Get arty play around with whatever you have Love colour Bring your paints Doodle Donrsquot
judge the results just let it flow out of you
Overall the point of this solo soul retreat is that you do what you genuinely want to do in the moment So nix the over planning as you may do with other trips away Settle into present moment awareness and allow yourself to be rather than just do Listen with kindness to your inner child Let her out to play (Mega hint she really doesnrsquot want to be bossed around) Gifting yourself this time is your surefire way to feeling rejuvenated refreshed and ready to live life to its fullest
Enjoy gorgeous one
Carly is a passionate international aid and development project manager and writer Carly works on projects in Australia and the Asia-Pacific region focusing on cultivating sustainable livelihoods the empowerment of women community enterprise local market development and positive social change
Head on over to Carlyrsquos blog Pockets of Peace for her soul-centred musings on peace wellness and oodles of inspiration
42
The most powerful weapon on earth is the human soul
on fire
F E R D I N A N D F O C H
43
Five Minute Fixes
FOR FEAR AND OVERWHELM
44
IF YOUrsquoRE RUNNING YOUR OWN BIZ YOUrsquoD BE FAMILIAR WITH THE PHENOMENON OF FEAR AND OVERWHELM YOU KNOW WHEN YOU JUST FEEL STUCK PARALYSED NOT SURE WHICH CHOICE TO MAKE OR ACTION TO TAKE YOU HAVE DEADLINES LOOMING THE PRESSURE IS MOUNTING AND YOUrsquoRE BLOCKED YOU NEED TO GET OUT OF YOUR OVERWHELM RIGHT NOW SO YOU CAN GET BACK TO CHANGING THE WORLD
Here are five practices designed to break the fear cycle and get you out of your head and into your body in five minutes or less
Go outside Get out into the sunlight See the sky take off your shoes and feel the grass tickle your toes Close your eyes Feel the heat on your skin Take some deep breaths and smell the air Tune in to the sounds around you Become still Fully engage with the present moment and drop into the sensations in your body
Deep breathing You can use a mantra such as So-Hum you can count the length of each inhale and exhale or you can do as many rounds of Nadi Shodhana (alternate nostril breathing) as you can fit into five minutes Whatever yoursquore most comfortable with do that Breath is the bridge between the inner and outer realities Deep breathing will calm the nervous system and bring your attention to the present moment
Move Go for a brisk walk Put on your favourite tune plug in the headphones and dance (in the bathroom cubicle if yoursquore embarrassed to do it in publichellip because thatrsquos not weird at all) Have a quickie on your own or with a partner Or you can shake it out Start with your right foot shake it as hard as possible to the count of 10 Then your whole leg Then the left foot and left leg Then the right hand then the right arm then the left hand and arm Then fold forward and gently shake your head - back to front side to side Then stand up again and shake your whole body like you know how
Then stand in stillness for 2 minutes to balance out the movement Listen to your heartbeat Yoursquove just expressed and released some negative energy so take a standing Savasana (resting pose) to integrate Make sure you smooth your hair after this one
45
Aromatherapy Get a bottle of essential oil and sniff it - simple Smell affects the limbic system which is responsible for the storage and release of emotional trauma You can immediately calm your body with the right scent
Make sure you get 100 therapeutic grade pure essential oil - these have a high vibrational frequency and you donrsquot want any nasties entering your system through inferior quality oil Lavender is proven to calm the nervous system as is frankincense balsam fir basil cedar wood and sandalwood You can purchase calming blends from your local aromatherapist or get them to custom-make a blend for you
Make some noise This is especially good if you work from home or drive to work as you may want privacy Get a pillow or lock yourself in the car and scream as loud as you can connecting deeply to your pelvis Give yourself permission to vocalise all that frustration fear shame guilt whatever is building up in your energy field Sound is the end of feeling When you express vocally you are releasing emotion and ending the cycle of repression Done regularly this will also enhance your creativity and self-expression - benefiting your business (and sex life) in the long run
These practices work for me and Irsquod love to know if they resonate with you
Irsquom Emma a multi-passionate self-love junkie who loves supporting people on their journey to wellness Since suffering from adrenal burnout and a host of related conditions Irsquove dedicated myself to personal healing and growth and encouraging others to find their own unique path By day Irsquom a yoga teacher virtual assistant and event coordinator for wellness entrepreneurs and outside of that yoursquoll find me salsa dancing travelling and eating raw desserts
Connect with me at emmashieldscom
46
Abandon anything about your life and habits that might be holding you back
Learn to create your own opportunities
Know that there is no finish line fortune favors action
Race balls-out toward the extraordinary life that yoursquove always dreamed of
or still havenrsquot had time to dream up
And prepare to have a hell of a lot of fun along the way
SOPHIA AMORUSO
47
Why you should create aHIGH-CONVERTING OPT-IN OFFER
A critical component of building your online business is growing your email list and creating a compelling opt-in offer is one of the best ways to kickstart this growth
You want your email list to be made up of people who are genuinely interested in you and what you have to offer your target market Your ideal customers and readers
Thatrsquos why your opt-in offer (a gift to entice people to join your list) needs to be unique highly relevant to your business and of real value to your ideal clients If people are on your site checking you out they are already interested ndash you need to give them a compelling reason to sign up
What would your readers find valuable Something that saves them time money pain or makes their life easier better or more beautiful It also needs to be damn high quality Proofed designed and worth paying for
48
Why would you give away something so valuable for free
Because it shows yoursquore serious about helping people Because it builds trust with readers Because itrsquos a genuine thank you in return for a readerrsquos contact details Because itrsquos an ad for your business Yoursquore showing people the quality of what they will receive if they go on to work with you
How do you choose which is right for you Think about what you currently offer your readers or customers (as in content as well as services or products) What is popular What do they comment on most or ask questions about What would you love to create What would be the perfect compliment to a service you provide How can you genuinely help
Brainstorm a list then narrow it down to one ndash and get cracking
The best opt-ins are win-win ndash you gather details from ideal customers and the customers
receive something great that they need and want in return
Happy creating
PS Tricking people is icky Donrsquot do that Itrsquos of no use to have people on your list that donrsquot care about you or your products Be genuine Offer genuine value Get genuine sign-ups
SO WHAT SHOULD YOU OFFER
Here are a few ideas raquo A sneak peek or preview of a paid
product ndash like a free chapter or lesson
raquo A smaller version of a paid product ndash like a 3 day meal plan
raquo Something which compliments a service you offer
raquo Useful templates ndash like a product launch worksheet or a calendar
raquo Inspirational printables ndash like quotes or illustrations
raquo A mini eCourse ndash like 5 days of video coaching
raquo A discount ndash like 10 off their next purchase
raquo A VIP offer ndash like first dibs on tickets
raquo An eBook or workbook ndash like a recipe book or marketing plan
Alana Wimmer is Founder + Creative Director of mini digital publishing house Raspberry Stripes Alana works with rad lady entrepreneurs to design eBooks which will change the world She also provides guidance insight and info on eBook design on the Raspberry Stripes website When she isnrsquot designing reading or talking about eBooks you can find Alana walking Rory and Roxy the boxers with her husband in tow probably on her way to pick up a green smoothie
49
is a lack of self-worth
50
As a bright-eyed uni student I got pretty excited about all the opportunities that were due to unfold before me when I graduated
My approach to life has always been filled with excitement for the future I remember saying to friends in class that we were certain to be successful because enthusiasm trumps experience Sadly the path wasnrsquot as smooth as Irsquod imagined I naively thought that all bosses had a sixth-sense for talent even from shy girls who werenrsquot outward about their abilities
I applied for and took a series of jobs that from the job description seemed so overwhelmingly scary to do but within months if not weeks I was bored I lacked the self-worth to believe I could step up but Irsquod externalise this into anger at my employer for holding me back Eventually I realised it was all of my own creation I was the one who was playing small applying for and then taking jobs that wersquore well under my pay grade I even turned down a few including a big promotion because the amount of money offered was too much and it scared me Seriously
Years of study and I lacked the ability to dive in fully commit be brave be boisterous about my abilities and soar I found school easy and when things seemed challenging at work I put it down to an inability to perform If it wasnrsquot easy at first I accepted that I just wasnrsquot able I had yet to find out that some of the best lessons come from giving things a go and making a lot of mistakes Failing or in reality playing small was a comfort zone for me and success in my career was an unknown quantity I was used to struggle I was safe with my dreams The possibility of them coming true Too much to handle Irsquod have to learn to live in the present moment and I donrsquot think I was ready to do that I wasnrsquot ready to look closely at myself and see that for all my effort there was still a lot of inner work to do It was time to look within
I KNOW HOW EASY IT IS TO BUILD WALLS AROUND OUR DREAMS PUSH THEM FURTHER AWAY IN AN ATTEMPT TO PLAY SAFE AND LIVE LIFE ACCORDING TO EXTERNAL INFLUENCE I KNOW THE LEVEL OF DETERMINATION AND MENTAL GRIT IT TAKES TO OVERCOME OURSELVES START TAKING OWNERSHIP OF OUR THOUGHTS AND ULTIMATELY THE PATH OF OUR OWN LIVES
I love when clients ask me to guide them on this path because I know just what can happen when they get there I hold my hand out as a supportive leverage point and watch them soar
Something Irsquove learnt along the way The first step for many women in building self-worth is learning the art of body love Body love is all about learning to appreciate the capabilities of your body nourishing and taking care of your spirit and occasionally cutting yourself a break
51
Itrsquos looking in the mirror and liking the person you see not picking on the parts you donrsquot like Itrsquos making a choice about whether to wear a bikini based on your personal values and not about what your body looks like in one Dieting and restriction are low level energies that hold us back from achieving high level desires Negative thinking blocks our internal compass and our ability to connect to our intuition Body love is the gateway to high frequency living
We all have that version of ourselves that we aspire to be The woman who gets up to the alarm has patience and drive Shersquos got a sparkle in her eye a sense of confidence and knowing about her place in the world that emanates from her whole being She sits up straight and laughs with abandon From where we sit therersquos a chasm to leap in becoming that woman That woman represents ldquoone dayrdquo She represents effort She can seem unachievable In my experience body love is the first and most important step toward that woman Body love is filled with possibility promise and prosperity When we remove that low level energy of diet and restriction we can start to attract high frequencies We can start to become that woman in the present moment
Irsquove seen the shift first hand for so many people Suddenly the whole world opens up and the possibilities become endless The cloud lifts and pie-in-the-sky dreams show up in high-definition technicolour Thoughts that previously caused anxiety everything from going to lunch with new friends to finding a purpose in life start to feel as easy to read as words on a page Therersquos no more searching Itrsquos been replaced by a knowing excitement I watch as women become like bright-eyed students again endless possibilities opening up before them Only this time Theyrsquove got experience on their side
Suddenly the whole world
opens up and the
possibilities become
endless
The cloud lifts and
pie-in-the-sky dreams show
up in high-definition
technicolour
Rachelle is a Life + Confidence Coach at My Saturn Epoch She supports women through the big transitions in their life helping them to break their negative cycles to consciously create a happy life and positive mindset She is a big hearted business woman who is passionate about supporting women in pursuit of their own excellence so they can shine as a beacon to themselves their families and their communities
Connect with Rachelle at mysaturnepochcom
52
SUBSCRIBE TO RASPBERRY MAGAZINE
Grab an annual subscription and yoursquoll receive raquo 6 digital issues of Raspberry Magazine raquo an exclusive Annual Subscribers Thank You Pack
- which includes a printable manifesto beautiful meditation tracks an eBook and more contributed by generous lady entrepreneurs - worth over $35
VISIT THE SHOP
53
T H A N K Y O U F O R R E A D I N GA N D A M I L L I O N H I G H-F I V E S
I F Y O U L O V E D R A S P B E R R YM A G A Z I N E P L E A S E S H A R E
54
39
unimpeded
An intention is a helpful anchor that you can come back to throughout the retreat when you feel your energy flitting away to unnecessary distractions Revisit your intention throughout your retreat and ease back into the feeling you wish to cultivate
Immerse yourself in natureWherever you head to find some time to plonk yourself amidst the stunning natural surrounds of Mama Nature There is absolutely NOTHING that compares to the healing capacity of earthing ourselves at the beach or in the forest or just a little garden Barefoot and butt on the ground meditating or just sitting and quietly contemplating our wondrous natural world will have you relaxing into zen in no time
Silence is goldenTaking time to retreat also means giving your mind a bit of a break (hence the lsquono doingrsquo rule) try out not talking which shouldnrsquot be too hard if yoursquore on your own and see what kind of insights
There is absolutely NOTHING that compares to the healing capacity of earthing ourselves at the beach
or in the forest or just a little garden
Barefoot and butt on the ground meditating or just sitting and
quietly contemplating our wondrous natural world
will have you relaxing into zen in no time
40
begin to pop into your nogginrsquo when you donrsquot have to constantly communicate
Pamper yourselfWhat feels really decadent to you For my recent retreat it was heading to a spa and bathhouse for the morning soaking in oxygenated spa baths steaming myself in the sauna and relaxing on a sun lounge in the tranquil spa gardens with a good book
For you it might be a luxurious massage and energy balancing treatment Or maybe itrsquos a delicious meal you take your time with at an amazing restaurant nearby Perhaps itrsquos allowing yourself to lounge around in bed with your favourite book and a cup of tea Whatever it is allow yourself these delights As many as you please gorgeous one
Body-loving foodIf you have a kitchen at your accommodation pack yourself the kind of food you know your body loves Think veggies fruit some bliss balls your fave teas raw cacao and honey for a delish hot chocolate If you have a portable blender pack up your ingredients to whip yourself up some delights while yoursquore there Alternatively and if you have time prepare a few things before you head off You can pre-cook quinoa lentil curries and rice dishes to heat up whenever you fancy If there are local farmerrsquos markets you can even do a bit of purchasing there for your meals (and because yoursquore so close to home bringing back the leftovers is a cinch)
Scout around a little and find some local cafeacutes or
41
restaurants that tickle your fancy and take yourself out for a meal that makes your body scream YES
Soul nourishing practices Rituals and practices help us to sink more deeply in to our soulrsquos true nature Bring along whatever stokes your soul fire and brings you into present moment awareness Cultivating reverence for yourself and life itself is a crucial aspect of your soul retreat Some practices you may consider are raquo Meditation (guided or just simply following your inhale and exhale) I find the Kundalini Ego
Eradicator meditation particularly soul-nourishing (and frankly life changing) raquo Journaling ndash with no thought as to what to write just jot down whatever comes to you Yoursquoll be
amazed at the cathartic feelings and insights this brings raquo Yoga (on your own or find a class nearby that resonates with you) raquo Playing with oracle cards Ask a question or for general guidance and see how your guides and
the Universe responds The Little Sagersquos deck is divine raquo Reading soulfully inspiring books raquo Lighting some incense and writing an epic gratitude list raquo A walking meditation through nature raquo Get arty play around with whatever you have Love colour Bring your paints Doodle Donrsquot
judge the results just let it flow out of you
Overall the point of this solo soul retreat is that you do what you genuinely want to do in the moment So nix the over planning as you may do with other trips away Settle into present moment awareness and allow yourself to be rather than just do Listen with kindness to your inner child Let her out to play (Mega hint she really doesnrsquot want to be bossed around) Gifting yourself this time is your surefire way to feeling rejuvenated refreshed and ready to live life to its fullest
Enjoy gorgeous one
Carly is a passionate international aid and development project manager and writer Carly works on projects in Australia and the Asia-Pacific region focusing on cultivating sustainable livelihoods the empowerment of women community enterprise local market development and positive social change
Head on over to Carlyrsquos blog Pockets of Peace for her soul-centred musings on peace wellness and oodles of inspiration
42
The most powerful weapon on earth is the human soul
on fire
F E R D I N A N D F O C H
43
Five Minute Fixes
FOR FEAR AND OVERWHELM
44
IF YOUrsquoRE RUNNING YOUR OWN BIZ YOUrsquoD BE FAMILIAR WITH THE PHENOMENON OF FEAR AND OVERWHELM YOU KNOW WHEN YOU JUST FEEL STUCK PARALYSED NOT SURE WHICH CHOICE TO MAKE OR ACTION TO TAKE YOU HAVE DEADLINES LOOMING THE PRESSURE IS MOUNTING AND YOUrsquoRE BLOCKED YOU NEED TO GET OUT OF YOUR OVERWHELM RIGHT NOW SO YOU CAN GET BACK TO CHANGING THE WORLD
Here are five practices designed to break the fear cycle and get you out of your head and into your body in five minutes or less
Go outside Get out into the sunlight See the sky take off your shoes and feel the grass tickle your toes Close your eyes Feel the heat on your skin Take some deep breaths and smell the air Tune in to the sounds around you Become still Fully engage with the present moment and drop into the sensations in your body
Deep breathing You can use a mantra such as So-Hum you can count the length of each inhale and exhale or you can do as many rounds of Nadi Shodhana (alternate nostril breathing) as you can fit into five minutes Whatever yoursquore most comfortable with do that Breath is the bridge between the inner and outer realities Deep breathing will calm the nervous system and bring your attention to the present moment
Move Go for a brisk walk Put on your favourite tune plug in the headphones and dance (in the bathroom cubicle if yoursquore embarrassed to do it in publichellip because thatrsquos not weird at all) Have a quickie on your own or with a partner Or you can shake it out Start with your right foot shake it as hard as possible to the count of 10 Then your whole leg Then the left foot and left leg Then the right hand then the right arm then the left hand and arm Then fold forward and gently shake your head - back to front side to side Then stand up again and shake your whole body like you know how
Then stand in stillness for 2 minutes to balance out the movement Listen to your heartbeat Yoursquove just expressed and released some negative energy so take a standing Savasana (resting pose) to integrate Make sure you smooth your hair after this one
45
Aromatherapy Get a bottle of essential oil and sniff it - simple Smell affects the limbic system which is responsible for the storage and release of emotional trauma You can immediately calm your body with the right scent
Make sure you get 100 therapeutic grade pure essential oil - these have a high vibrational frequency and you donrsquot want any nasties entering your system through inferior quality oil Lavender is proven to calm the nervous system as is frankincense balsam fir basil cedar wood and sandalwood You can purchase calming blends from your local aromatherapist or get them to custom-make a blend for you
Make some noise This is especially good if you work from home or drive to work as you may want privacy Get a pillow or lock yourself in the car and scream as loud as you can connecting deeply to your pelvis Give yourself permission to vocalise all that frustration fear shame guilt whatever is building up in your energy field Sound is the end of feeling When you express vocally you are releasing emotion and ending the cycle of repression Done regularly this will also enhance your creativity and self-expression - benefiting your business (and sex life) in the long run
These practices work for me and Irsquod love to know if they resonate with you
Irsquom Emma a multi-passionate self-love junkie who loves supporting people on their journey to wellness Since suffering from adrenal burnout and a host of related conditions Irsquove dedicated myself to personal healing and growth and encouraging others to find their own unique path By day Irsquom a yoga teacher virtual assistant and event coordinator for wellness entrepreneurs and outside of that yoursquoll find me salsa dancing travelling and eating raw desserts
Connect with me at emmashieldscom
46
Abandon anything about your life and habits that might be holding you back
Learn to create your own opportunities
Know that there is no finish line fortune favors action
Race balls-out toward the extraordinary life that yoursquove always dreamed of
or still havenrsquot had time to dream up
And prepare to have a hell of a lot of fun along the way
SOPHIA AMORUSO
47
Why you should create aHIGH-CONVERTING OPT-IN OFFER
A critical component of building your online business is growing your email list and creating a compelling opt-in offer is one of the best ways to kickstart this growth
You want your email list to be made up of people who are genuinely interested in you and what you have to offer your target market Your ideal customers and readers
Thatrsquos why your opt-in offer (a gift to entice people to join your list) needs to be unique highly relevant to your business and of real value to your ideal clients If people are on your site checking you out they are already interested ndash you need to give them a compelling reason to sign up
What would your readers find valuable Something that saves them time money pain or makes their life easier better or more beautiful It also needs to be damn high quality Proofed designed and worth paying for
48
Why would you give away something so valuable for free
Because it shows yoursquore serious about helping people Because it builds trust with readers Because itrsquos a genuine thank you in return for a readerrsquos contact details Because itrsquos an ad for your business Yoursquore showing people the quality of what they will receive if they go on to work with you
How do you choose which is right for you Think about what you currently offer your readers or customers (as in content as well as services or products) What is popular What do they comment on most or ask questions about What would you love to create What would be the perfect compliment to a service you provide How can you genuinely help
Brainstorm a list then narrow it down to one ndash and get cracking
The best opt-ins are win-win ndash you gather details from ideal customers and the customers
receive something great that they need and want in return
Happy creating
PS Tricking people is icky Donrsquot do that Itrsquos of no use to have people on your list that donrsquot care about you or your products Be genuine Offer genuine value Get genuine sign-ups
SO WHAT SHOULD YOU OFFER
Here are a few ideas raquo A sneak peek or preview of a paid
product ndash like a free chapter or lesson
raquo A smaller version of a paid product ndash like a 3 day meal plan
raquo Something which compliments a service you offer
raquo Useful templates ndash like a product launch worksheet or a calendar
raquo Inspirational printables ndash like quotes or illustrations
raquo A mini eCourse ndash like 5 days of video coaching
raquo A discount ndash like 10 off their next purchase
raquo A VIP offer ndash like first dibs on tickets
raquo An eBook or workbook ndash like a recipe book or marketing plan
Alana Wimmer is Founder + Creative Director of mini digital publishing house Raspberry Stripes Alana works with rad lady entrepreneurs to design eBooks which will change the world She also provides guidance insight and info on eBook design on the Raspberry Stripes website When she isnrsquot designing reading or talking about eBooks you can find Alana walking Rory and Roxy the boxers with her husband in tow probably on her way to pick up a green smoothie
49
is a lack of self-worth
50
As a bright-eyed uni student I got pretty excited about all the opportunities that were due to unfold before me when I graduated
My approach to life has always been filled with excitement for the future I remember saying to friends in class that we were certain to be successful because enthusiasm trumps experience Sadly the path wasnrsquot as smooth as Irsquod imagined I naively thought that all bosses had a sixth-sense for talent even from shy girls who werenrsquot outward about their abilities
I applied for and took a series of jobs that from the job description seemed so overwhelmingly scary to do but within months if not weeks I was bored I lacked the self-worth to believe I could step up but Irsquod externalise this into anger at my employer for holding me back Eventually I realised it was all of my own creation I was the one who was playing small applying for and then taking jobs that wersquore well under my pay grade I even turned down a few including a big promotion because the amount of money offered was too much and it scared me Seriously
Years of study and I lacked the ability to dive in fully commit be brave be boisterous about my abilities and soar I found school easy and when things seemed challenging at work I put it down to an inability to perform If it wasnrsquot easy at first I accepted that I just wasnrsquot able I had yet to find out that some of the best lessons come from giving things a go and making a lot of mistakes Failing or in reality playing small was a comfort zone for me and success in my career was an unknown quantity I was used to struggle I was safe with my dreams The possibility of them coming true Too much to handle Irsquod have to learn to live in the present moment and I donrsquot think I was ready to do that I wasnrsquot ready to look closely at myself and see that for all my effort there was still a lot of inner work to do It was time to look within
I KNOW HOW EASY IT IS TO BUILD WALLS AROUND OUR DREAMS PUSH THEM FURTHER AWAY IN AN ATTEMPT TO PLAY SAFE AND LIVE LIFE ACCORDING TO EXTERNAL INFLUENCE I KNOW THE LEVEL OF DETERMINATION AND MENTAL GRIT IT TAKES TO OVERCOME OURSELVES START TAKING OWNERSHIP OF OUR THOUGHTS AND ULTIMATELY THE PATH OF OUR OWN LIVES
I love when clients ask me to guide them on this path because I know just what can happen when they get there I hold my hand out as a supportive leverage point and watch them soar
Something Irsquove learnt along the way The first step for many women in building self-worth is learning the art of body love Body love is all about learning to appreciate the capabilities of your body nourishing and taking care of your spirit and occasionally cutting yourself a break
51
Itrsquos looking in the mirror and liking the person you see not picking on the parts you donrsquot like Itrsquos making a choice about whether to wear a bikini based on your personal values and not about what your body looks like in one Dieting and restriction are low level energies that hold us back from achieving high level desires Negative thinking blocks our internal compass and our ability to connect to our intuition Body love is the gateway to high frequency living
We all have that version of ourselves that we aspire to be The woman who gets up to the alarm has patience and drive Shersquos got a sparkle in her eye a sense of confidence and knowing about her place in the world that emanates from her whole being She sits up straight and laughs with abandon From where we sit therersquos a chasm to leap in becoming that woman That woman represents ldquoone dayrdquo She represents effort She can seem unachievable In my experience body love is the first and most important step toward that woman Body love is filled with possibility promise and prosperity When we remove that low level energy of diet and restriction we can start to attract high frequencies We can start to become that woman in the present moment
Irsquove seen the shift first hand for so many people Suddenly the whole world opens up and the possibilities become endless The cloud lifts and pie-in-the-sky dreams show up in high-definition technicolour Thoughts that previously caused anxiety everything from going to lunch with new friends to finding a purpose in life start to feel as easy to read as words on a page Therersquos no more searching Itrsquos been replaced by a knowing excitement I watch as women become like bright-eyed students again endless possibilities opening up before them Only this time Theyrsquove got experience on their side
Suddenly the whole world
opens up and the
possibilities become
endless
The cloud lifts and
pie-in-the-sky dreams show
up in high-definition
technicolour
Rachelle is a Life + Confidence Coach at My Saturn Epoch She supports women through the big transitions in their life helping them to break their negative cycles to consciously create a happy life and positive mindset She is a big hearted business woman who is passionate about supporting women in pursuit of their own excellence so they can shine as a beacon to themselves their families and their communities
Connect with Rachelle at mysaturnepochcom
52
SUBSCRIBE TO RASPBERRY MAGAZINE
Grab an annual subscription and yoursquoll receive raquo 6 digital issues of Raspberry Magazine raquo an exclusive Annual Subscribers Thank You Pack
- which includes a printable manifesto beautiful meditation tracks an eBook and more contributed by generous lady entrepreneurs - worth over $35
VISIT THE SHOP
53
T H A N K Y O U F O R R E A D I N GA N D A M I L L I O N H I G H-F I V E S
I F Y O U L O V E D R A S P B E R R YM A G A Z I N E P L E A S E S H A R E
54
40
begin to pop into your nogginrsquo when you donrsquot have to constantly communicate
Pamper yourselfWhat feels really decadent to you For my recent retreat it was heading to a spa and bathhouse for the morning soaking in oxygenated spa baths steaming myself in the sauna and relaxing on a sun lounge in the tranquil spa gardens with a good book
For you it might be a luxurious massage and energy balancing treatment Or maybe itrsquos a delicious meal you take your time with at an amazing restaurant nearby Perhaps itrsquos allowing yourself to lounge around in bed with your favourite book and a cup of tea Whatever it is allow yourself these delights As many as you please gorgeous one
Body-loving foodIf you have a kitchen at your accommodation pack yourself the kind of food you know your body loves Think veggies fruit some bliss balls your fave teas raw cacao and honey for a delish hot chocolate If you have a portable blender pack up your ingredients to whip yourself up some delights while yoursquore there Alternatively and if you have time prepare a few things before you head off You can pre-cook quinoa lentil curries and rice dishes to heat up whenever you fancy If there are local farmerrsquos markets you can even do a bit of purchasing there for your meals (and because yoursquore so close to home bringing back the leftovers is a cinch)
Scout around a little and find some local cafeacutes or
41
restaurants that tickle your fancy and take yourself out for a meal that makes your body scream YES
Soul nourishing practices Rituals and practices help us to sink more deeply in to our soulrsquos true nature Bring along whatever stokes your soul fire and brings you into present moment awareness Cultivating reverence for yourself and life itself is a crucial aspect of your soul retreat Some practices you may consider are raquo Meditation (guided or just simply following your inhale and exhale) I find the Kundalini Ego
Eradicator meditation particularly soul-nourishing (and frankly life changing) raquo Journaling ndash with no thought as to what to write just jot down whatever comes to you Yoursquoll be
amazed at the cathartic feelings and insights this brings raquo Yoga (on your own or find a class nearby that resonates with you) raquo Playing with oracle cards Ask a question or for general guidance and see how your guides and
the Universe responds The Little Sagersquos deck is divine raquo Reading soulfully inspiring books raquo Lighting some incense and writing an epic gratitude list raquo A walking meditation through nature raquo Get arty play around with whatever you have Love colour Bring your paints Doodle Donrsquot
judge the results just let it flow out of you
Overall the point of this solo soul retreat is that you do what you genuinely want to do in the moment So nix the over planning as you may do with other trips away Settle into present moment awareness and allow yourself to be rather than just do Listen with kindness to your inner child Let her out to play (Mega hint she really doesnrsquot want to be bossed around) Gifting yourself this time is your surefire way to feeling rejuvenated refreshed and ready to live life to its fullest
Enjoy gorgeous one
Carly is a passionate international aid and development project manager and writer Carly works on projects in Australia and the Asia-Pacific region focusing on cultivating sustainable livelihoods the empowerment of women community enterprise local market development and positive social change
Head on over to Carlyrsquos blog Pockets of Peace for her soul-centred musings on peace wellness and oodles of inspiration
42
The most powerful weapon on earth is the human soul
on fire
F E R D I N A N D F O C H
43
Five Minute Fixes
FOR FEAR AND OVERWHELM
44
IF YOUrsquoRE RUNNING YOUR OWN BIZ YOUrsquoD BE FAMILIAR WITH THE PHENOMENON OF FEAR AND OVERWHELM YOU KNOW WHEN YOU JUST FEEL STUCK PARALYSED NOT SURE WHICH CHOICE TO MAKE OR ACTION TO TAKE YOU HAVE DEADLINES LOOMING THE PRESSURE IS MOUNTING AND YOUrsquoRE BLOCKED YOU NEED TO GET OUT OF YOUR OVERWHELM RIGHT NOW SO YOU CAN GET BACK TO CHANGING THE WORLD
Here are five practices designed to break the fear cycle and get you out of your head and into your body in five minutes or less
Go outside Get out into the sunlight See the sky take off your shoes and feel the grass tickle your toes Close your eyes Feel the heat on your skin Take some deep breaths and smell the air Tune in to the sounds around you Become still Fully engage with the present moment and drop into the sensations in your body
Deep breathing You can use a mantra such as So-Hum you can count the length of each inhale and exhale or you can do as many rounds of Nadi Shodhana (alternate nostril breathing) as you can fit into five minutes Whatever yoursquore most comfortable with do that Breath is the bridge between the inner and outer realities Deep breathing will calm the nervous system and bring your attention to the present moment
Move Go for a brisk walk Put on your favourite tune plug in the headphones and dance (in the bathroom cubicle if yoursquore embarrassed to do it in publichellip because thatrsquos not weird at all) Have a quickie on your own or with a partner Or you can shake it out Start with your right foot shake it as hard as possible to the count of 10 Then your whole leg Then the left foot and left leg Then the right hand then the right arm then the left hand and arm Then fold forward and gently shake your head - back to front side to side Then stand up again and shake your whole body like you know how
Then stand in stillness for 2 minutes to balance out the movement Listen to your heartbeat Yoursquove just expressed and released some negative energy so take a standing Savasana (resting pose) to integrate Make sure you smooth your hair after this one
45
Aromatherapy Get a bottle of essential oil and sniff it - simple Smell affects the limbic system which is responsible for the storage and release of emotional trauma You can immediately calm your body with the right scent
Make sure you get 100 therapeutic grade pure essential oil - these have a high vibrational frequency and you donrsquot want any nasties entering your system through inferior quality oil Lavender is proven to calm the nervous system as is frankincense balsam fir basil cedar wood and sandalwood You can purchase calming blends from your local aromatherapist or get them to custom-make a blend for you
Make some noise This is especially good if you work from home or drive to work as you may want privacy Get a pillow or lock yourself in the car and scream as loud as you can connecting deeply to your pelvis Give yourself permission to vocalise all that frustration fear shame guilt whatever is building up in your energy field Sound is the end of feeling When you express vocally you are releasing emotion and ending the cycle of repression Done regularly this will also enhance your creativity and self-expression - benefiting your business (and sex life) in the long run
These practices work for me and Irsquod love to know if they resonate with you
Irsquom Emma a multi-passionate self-love junkie who loves supporting people on their journey to wellness Since suffering from adrenal burnout and a host of related conditions Irsquove dedicated myself to personal healing and growth and encouraging others to find their own unique path By day Irsquom a yoga teacher virtual assistant and event coordinator for wellness entrepreneurs and outside of that yoursquoll find me salsa dancing travelling and eating raw desserts
Connect with me at emmashieldscom
46
Abandon anything about your life and habits that might be holding you back
Learn to create your own opportunities
Know that there is no finish line fortune favors action
Race balls-out toward the extraordinary life that yoursquove always dreamed of
or still havenrsquot had time to dream up
And prepare to have a hell of a lot of fun along the way
SOPHIA AMORUSO
47
Why you should create aHIGH-CONVERTING OPT-IN OFFER
A critical component of building your online business is growing your email list and creating a compelling opt-in offer is one of the best ways to kickstart this growth
You want your email list to be made up of people who are genuinely interested in you and what you have to offer your target market Your ideal customers and readers
Thatrsquos why your opt-in offer (a gift to entice people to join your list) needs to be unique highly relevant to your business and of real value to your ideal clients If people are on your site checking you out they are already interested ndash you need to give them a compelling reason to sign up
What would your readers find valuable Something that saves them time money pain or makes their life easier better or more beautiful It also needs to be damn high quality Proofed designed and worth paying for
48
Why would you give away something so valuable for free
Because it shows yoursquore serious about helping people Because it builds trust with readers Because itrsquos a genuine thank you in return for a readerrsquos contact details Because itrsquos an ad for your business Yoursquore showing people the quality of what they will receive if they go on to work with you
How do you choose which is right for you Think about what you currently offer your readers or customers (as in content as well as services or products) What is popular What do they comment on most or ask questions about What would you love to create What would be the perfect compliment to a service you provide How can you genuinely help
Brainstorm a list then narrow it down to one ndash and get cracking
The best opt-ins are win-win ndash you gather details from ideal customers and the customers
receive something great that they need and want in return
Happy creating
PS Tricking people is icky Donrsquot do that Itrsquos of no use to have people on your list that donrsquot care about you or your products Be genuine Offer genuine value Get genuine sign-ups
SO WHAT SHOULD YOU OFFER
Here are a few ideas raquo A sneak peek or preview of a paid
product ndash like a free chapter or lesson
raquo A smaller version of a paid product ndash like a 3 day meal plan
raquo Something which compliments a service you offer
raquo Useful templates ndash like a product launch worksheet or a calendar
raquo Inspirational printables ndash like quotes or illustrations
raquo A mini eCourse ndash like 5 days of video coaching
raquo A discount ndash like 10 off their next purchase
raquo A VIP offer ndash like first dibs on tickets
raquo An eBook or workbook ndash like a recipe book or marketing plan
Alana Wimmer is Founder + Creative Director of mini digital publishing house Raspberry Stripes Alana works with rad lady entrepreneurs to design eBooks which will change the world She also provides guidance insight and info on eBook design on the Raspberry Stripes website When she isnrsquot designing reading or talking about eBooks you can find Alana walking Rory and Roxy the boxers with her husband in tow probably on her way to pick up a green smoothie
49
is a lack of self-worth
50
As a bright-eyed uni student I got pretty excited about all the opportunities that were due to unfold before me when I graduated
My approach to life has always been filled with excitement for the future I remember saying to friends in class that we were certain to be successful because enthusiasm trumps experience Sadly the path wasnrsquot as smooth as Irsquod imagined I naively thought that all bosses had a sixth-sense for talent even from shy girls who werenrsquot outward about their abilities
I applied for and took a series of jobs that from the job description seemed so overwhelmingly scary to do but within months if not weeks I was bored I lacked the self-worth to believe I could step up but Irsquod externalise this into anger at my employer for holding me back Eventually I realised it was all of my own creation I was the one who was playing small applying for and then taking jobs that wersquore well under my pay grade I even turned down a few including a big promotion because the amount of money offered was too much and it scared me Seriously
Years of study and I lacked the ability to dive in fully commit be brave be boisterous about my abilities and soar I found school easy and when things seemed challenging at work I put it down to an inability to perform If it wasnrsquot easy at first I accepted that I just wasnrsquot able I had yet to find out that some of the best lessons come from giving things a go and making a lot of mistakes Failing or in reality playing small was a comfort zone for me and success in my career was an unknown quantity I was used to struggle I was safe with my dreams The possibility of them coming true Too much to handle Irsquod have to learn to live in the present moment and I donrsquot think I was ready to do that I wasnrsquot ready to look closely at myself and see that for all my effort there was still a lot of inner work to do It was time to look within
I KNOW HOW EASY IT IS TO BUILD WALLS AROUND OUR DREAMS PUSH THEM FURTHER AWAY IN AN ATTEMPT TO PLAY SAFE AND LIVE LIFE ACCORDING TO EXTERNAL INFLUENCE I KNOW THE LEVEL OF DETERMINATION AND MENTAL GRIT IT TAKES TO OVERCOME OURSELVES START TAKING OWNERSHIP OF OUR THOUGHTS AND ULTIMATELY THE PATH OF OUR OWN LIVES
I love when clients ask me to guide them on this path because I know just what can happen when they get there I hold my hand out as a supportive leverage point and watch them soar
Something Irsquove learnt along the way The first step for many women in building self-worth is learning the art of body love Body love is all about learning to appreciate the capabilities of your body nourishing and taking care of your spirit and occasionally cutting yourself a break
51
Itrsquos looking in the mirror and liking the person you see not picking on the parts you donrsquot like Itrsquos making a choice about whether to wear a bikini based on your personal values and not about what your body looks like in one Dieting and restriction are low level energies that hold us back from achieving high level desires Negative thinking blocks our internal compass and our ability to connect to our intuition Body love is the gateway to high frequency living
We all have that version of ourselves that we aspire to be The woman who gets up to the alarm has patience and drive Shersquos got a sparkle in her eye a sense of confidence and knowing about her place in the world that emanates from her whole being She sits up straight and laughs with abandon From where we sit therersquos a chasm to leap in becoming that woman That woman represents ldquoone dayrdquo She represents effort She can seem unachievable In my experience body love is the first and most important step toward that woman Body love is filled with possibility promise and prosperity When we remove that low level energy of diet and restriction we can start to attract high frequencies We can start to become that woman in the present moment
Irsquove seen the shift first hand for so many people Suddenly the whole world opens up and the possibilities become endless The cloud lifts and pie-in-the-sky dreams show up in high-definition technicolour Thoughts that previously caused anxiety everything from going to lunch with new friends to finding a purpose in life start to feel as easy to read as words on a page Therersquos no more searching Itrsquos been replaced by a knowing excitement I watch as women become like bright-eyed students again endless possibilities opening up before them Only this time Theyrsquove got experience on their side
Suddenly the whole world
opens up and the
possibilities become
endless
The cloud lifts and
pie-in-the-sky dreams show
up in high-definition
technicolour
Rachelle is a Life + Confidence Coach at My Saturn Epoch She supports women through the big transitions in their life helping them to break their negative cycles to consciously create a happy life and positive mindset She is a big hearted business woman who is passionate about supporting women in pursuit of their own excellence so they can shine as a beacon to themselves their families and their communities
Connect with Rachelle at mysaturnepochcom
52
SUBSCRIBE TO RASPBERRY MAGAZINE
Grab an annual subscription and yoursquoll receive raquo 6 digital issues of Raspberry Magazine raquo an exclusive Annual Subscribers Thank You Pack
- which includes a printable manifesto beautiful meditation tracks an eBook and more contributed by generous lady entrepreneurs - worth over $35
VISIT THE SHOP
53
T H A N K Y O U F O R R E A D I N GA N D A M I L L I O N H I G H-F I V E S
I F Y O U L O V E D R A S P B E R R YM A G A Z I N E P L E A S E S H A R E
54
41
restaurants that tickle your fancy and take yourself out for a meal that makes your body scream YES
Soul nourishing practices Rituals and practices help us to sink more deeply in to our soulrsquos true nature Bring along whatever stokes your soul fire and brings you into present moment awareness Cultivating reverence for yourself and life itself is a crucial aspect of your soul retreat Some practices you may consider are raquo Meditation (guided or just simply following your inhale and exhale) I find the Kundalini Ego
Eradicator meditation particularly soul-nourishing (and frankly life changing) raquo Journaling ndash with no thought as to what to write just jot down whatever comes to you Yoursquoll be
amazed at the cathartic feelings and insights this brings raquo Yoga (on your own or find a class nearby that resonates with you) raquo Playing with oracle cards Ask a question or for general guidance and see how your guides and
the Universe responds The Little Sagersquos deck is divine raquo Reading soulfully inspiring books raquo Lighting some incense and writing an epic gratitude list raquo A walking meditation through nature raquo Get arty play around with whatever you have Love colour Bring your paints Doodle Donrsquot
judge the results just let it flow out of you
Overall the point of this solo soul retreat is that you do what you genuinely want to do in the moment So nix the over planning as you may do with other trips away Settle into present moment awareness and allow yourself to be rather than just do Listen with kindness to your inner child Let her out to play (Mega hint she really doesnrsquot want to be bossed around) Gifting yourself this time is your surefire way to feeling rejuvenated refreshed and ready to live life to its fullest
Enjoy gorgeous one
Carly is a passionate international aid and development project manager and writer Carly works on projects in Australia and the Asia-Pacific region focusing on cultivating sustainable livelihoods the empowerment of women community enterprise local market development and positive social change
Head on over to Carlyrsquos blog Pockets of Peace for her soul-centred musings on peace wellness and oodles of inspiration
42
The most powerful weapon on earth is the human soul
on fire
F E R D I N A N D F O C H
43
Five Minute Fixes
FOR FEAR AND OVERWHELM
44
IF YOUrsquoRE RUNNING YOUR OWN BIZ YOUrsquoD BE FAMILIAR WITH THE PHENOMENON OF FEAR AND OVERWHELM YOU KNOW WHEN YOU JUST FEEL STUCK PARALYSED NOT SURE WHICH CHOICE TO MAKE OR ACTION TO TAKE YOU HAVE DEADLINES LOOMING THE PRESSURE IS MOUNTING AND YOUrsquoRE BLOCKED YOU NEED TO GET OUT OF YOUR OVERWHELM RIGHT NOW SO YOU CAN GET BACK TO CHANGING THE WORLD
Here are five practices designed to break the fear cycle and get you out of your head and into your body in five minutes or less
Go outside Get out into the sunlight See the sky take off your shoes and feel the grass tickle your toes Close your eyes Feel the heat on your skin Take some deep breaths and smell the air Tune in to the sounds around you Become still Fully engage with the present moment and drop into the sensations in your body
Deep breathing You can use a mantra such as So-Hum you can count the length of each inhale and exhale or you can do as many rounds of Nadi Shodhana (alternate nostril breathing) as you can fit into five minutes Whatever yoursquore most comfortable with do that Breath is the bridge between the inner and outer realities Deep breathing will calm the nervous system and bring your attention to the present moment
Move Go for a brisk walk Put on your favourite tune plug in the headphones and dance (in the bathroom cubicle if yoursquore embarrassed to do it in publichellip because thatrsquos not weird at all) Have a quickie on your own or with a partner Or you can shake it out Start with your right foot shake it as hard as possible to the count of 10 Then your whole leg Then the left foot and left leg Then the right hand then the right arm then the left hand and arm Then fold forward and gently shake your head - back to front side to side Then stand up again and shake your whole body like you know how
Then stand in stillness for 2 minutes to balance out the movement Listen to your heartbeat Yoursquove just expressed and released some negative energy so take a standing Savasana (resting pose) to integrate Make sure you smooth your hair after this one
45
Aromatherapy Get a bottle of essential oil and sniff it - simple Smell affects the limbic system which is responsible for the storage and release of emotional trauma You can immediately calm your body with the right scent
Make sure you get 100 therapeutic grade pure essential oil - these have a high vibrational frequency and you donrsquot want any nasties entering your system through inferior quality oil Lavender is proven to calm the nervous system as is frankincense balsam fir basil cedar wood and sandalwood You can purchase calming blends from your local aromatherapist or get them to custom-make a blend for you
Make some noise This is especially good if you work from home or drive to work as you may want privacy Get a pillow or lock yourself in the car and scream as loud as you can connecting deeply to your pelvis Give yourself permission to vocalise all that frustration fear shame guilt whatever is building up in your energy field Sound is the end of feeling When you express vocally you are releasing emotion and ending the cycle of repression Done regularly this will also enhance your creativity and self-expression - benefiting your business (and sex life) in the long run
These practices work for me and Irsquod love to know if they resonate with you
Irsquom Emma a multi-passionate self-love junkie who loves supporting people on their journey to wellness Since suffering from adrenal burnout and a host of related conditions Irsquove dedicated myself to personal healing and growth and encouraging others to find their own unique path By day Irsquom a yoga teacher virtual assistant and event coordinator for wellness entrepreneurs and outside of that yoursquoll find me salsa dancing travelling and eating raw desserts
Connect with me at emmashieldscom
46
Abandon anything about your life and habits that might be holding you back
Learn to create your own opportunities
Know that there is no finish line fortune favors action
Race balls-out toward the extraordinary life that yoursquove always dreamed of
or still havenrsquot had time to dream up
And prepare to have a hell of a lot of fun along the way
SOPHIA AMORUSO
47
Why you should create aHIGH-CONVERTING OPT-IN OFFER
A critical component of building your online business is growing your email list and creating a compelling opt-in offer is one of the best ways to kickstart this growth
You want your email list to be made up of people who are genuinely interested in you and what you have to offer your target market Your ideal customers and readers
Thatrsquos why your opt-in offer (a gift to entice people to join your list) needs to be unique highly relevant to your business and of real value to your ideal clients If people are on your site checking you out they are already interested ndash you need to give them a compelling reason to sign up
What would your readers find valuable Something that saves them time money pain or makes their life easier better or more beautiful It also needs to be damn high quality Proofed designed and worth paying for
48
Why would you give away something so valuable for free
Because it shows yoursquore serious about helping people Because it builds trust with readers Because itrsquos a genuine thank you in return for a readerrsquos contact details Because itrsquos an ad for your business Yoursquore showing people the quality of what they will receive if they go on to work with you
How do you choose which is right for you Think about what you currently offer your readers or customers (as in content as well as services or products) What is popular What do they comment on most or ask questions about What would you love to create What would be the perfect compliment to a service you provide How can you genuinely help
Brainstorm a list then narrow it down to one ndash and get cracking
The best opt-ins are win-win ndash you gather details from ideal customers and the customers
receive something great that they need and want in return
Happy creating
PS Tricking people is icky Donrsquot do that Itrsquos of no use to have people on your list that donrsquot care about you or your products Be genuine Offer genuine value Get genuine sign-ups
SO WHAT SHOULD YOU OFFER
Here are a few ideas raquo A sneak peek or preview of a paid
product ndash like a free chapter or lesson
raquo A smaller version of a paid product ndash like a 3 day meal plan
raquo Something which compliments a service you offer
raquo Useful templates ndash like a product launch worksheet or a calendar
raquo Inspirational printables ndash like quotes or illustrations
raquo A mini eCourse ndash like 5 days of video coaching
raquo A discount ndash like 10 off their next purchase
raquo A VIP offer ndash like first dibs on tickets
raquo An eBook or workbook ndash like a recipe book or marketing plan
Alana Wimmer is Founder + Creative Director of mini digital publishing house Raspberry Stripes Alana works with rad lady entrepreneurs to design eBooks which will change the world She also provides guidance insight and info on eBook design on the Raspberry Stripes website When she isnrsquot designing reading or talking about eBooks you can find Alana walking Rory and Roxy the boxers with her husband in tow probably on her way to pick up a green smoothie
49
is a lack of self-worth
50
As a bright-eyed uni student I got pretty excited about all the opportunities that were due to unfold before me when I graduated
My approach to life has always been filled with excitement for the future I remember saying to friends in class that we were certain to be successful because enthusiasm trumps experience Sadly the path wasnrsquot as smooth as Irsquod imagined I naively thought that all bosses had a sixth-sense for talent even from shy girls who werenrsquot outward about their abilities
I applied for and took a series of jobs that from the job description seemed so overwhelmingly scary to do but within months if not weeks I was bored I lacked the self-worth to believe I could step up but Irsquod externalise this into anger at my employer for holding me back Eventually I realised it was all of my own creation I was the one who was playing small applying for and then taking jobs that wersquore well under my pay grade I even turned down a few including a big promotion because the amount of money offered was too much and it scared me Seriously
Years of study and I lacked the ability to dive in fully commit be brave be boisterous about my abilities and soar I found school easy and when things seemed challenging at work I put it down to an inability to perform If it wasnrsquot easy at first I accepted that I just wasnrsquot able I had yet to find out that some of the best lessons come from giving things a go and making a lot of mistakes Failing or in reality playing small was a comfort zone for me and success in my career was an unknown quantity I was used to struggle I was safe with my dreams The possibility of them coming true Too much to handle Irsquod have to learn to live in the present moment and I donrsquot think I was ready to do that I wasnrsquot ready to look closely at myself and see that for all my effort there was still a lot of inner work to do It was time to look within
I KNOW HOW EASY IT IS TO BUILD WALLS AROUND OUR DREAMS PUSH THEM FURTHER AWAY IN AN ATTEMPT TO PLAY SAFE AND LIVE LIFE ACCORDING TO EXTERNAL INFLUENCE I KNOW THE LEVEL OF DETERMINATION AND MENTAL GRIT IT TAKES TO OVERCOME OURSELVES START TAKING OWNERSHIP OF OUR THOUGHTS AND ULTIMATELY THE PATH OF OUR OWN LIVES
I love when clients ask me to guide them on this path because I know just what can happen when they get there I hold my hand out as a supportive leverage point and watch them soar
Something Irsquove learnt along the way The first step for many women in building self-worth is learning the art of body love Body love is all about learning to appreciate the capabilities of your body nourishing and taking care of your spirit and occasionally cutting yourself a break
51
Itrsquos looking in the mirror and liking the person you see not picking on the parts you donrsquot like Itrsquos making a choice about whether to wear a bikini based on your personal values and not about what your body looks like in one Dieting and restriction are low level energies that hold us back from achieving high level desires Negative thinking blocks our internal compass and our ability to connect to our intuition Body love is the gateway to high frequency living
We all have that version of ourselves that we aspire to be The woman who gets up to the alarm has patience and drive Shersquos got a sparkle in her eye a sense of confidence and knowing about her place in the world that emanates from her whole being She sits up straight and laughs with abandon From where we sit therersquos a chasm to leap in becoming that woman That woman represents ldquoone dayrdquo She represents effort She can seem unachievable In my experience body love is the first and most important step toward that woman Body love is filled with possibility promise and prosperity When we remove that low level energy of diet and restriction we can start to attract high frequencies We can start to become that woman in the present moment
Irsquove seen the shift first hand for so many people Suddenly the whole world opens up and the possibilities become endless The cloud lifts and pie-in-the-sky dreams show up in high-definition technicolour Thoughts that previously caused anxiety everything from going to lunch with new friends to finding a purpose in life start to feel as easy to read as words on a page Therersquos no more searching Itrsquos been replaced by a knowing excitement I watch as women become like bright-eyed students again endless possibilities opening up before them Only this time Theyrsquove got experience on their side
Suddenly the whole world
opens up and the
possibilities become
endless
The cloud lifts and
pie-in-the-sky dreams show
up in high-definition
technicolour
Rachelle is a Life + Confidence Coach at My Saturn Epoch She supports women through the big transitions in their life helping them to break their negative cycles to consciously create a happy life and positive mindset She is a big hearted business woman who is passionate about supporting women in pursuit of their own excellence so they can shine as a beacon to themselves their families and their communities
Connect with Rachelle at mysaturnepochcom
52
SUBSCRIBE TO RASPBERRY MAGAZINE
Grab an annual subscription and yoursquoll receive raquo 6 digital issues of Raspberry Magazine raquo an exclusive Annual Subscribers Thank You Pack
- which includes a printable manifesto beautiful meditation tracks an eBook and more contributed by generous lady entrepreneurs - worth over $35
VISIT THE SHOP
53
T H A N K Y O U F O R R E A D I N GA N D A M I L L I O N H I G H-F I V E S
I F Y O U L O V E D R A S P B E R R YM A G A Z I N E P L E A S E S H A R E
54
42
The most powerful weapon on earth is the human soul
on fire
F E R D I N A N D F O C H
43
Five Minute Fixes
FOR FEAR AND OVERWHELM
44
IF YOUrsquoRE RUNNING YOUR OWN BIZ YOUrsquoD BE FAMILIAR WITH THE PHENOMENON OF FEAR AND OVERWHELM YOU KNOW WHEN YOU JUST FEEL STUCK PARALYSED NOT SURE WHICH CHOICE TO MAKE OR ACTION TO TAKE YOU HAVE DEADLINES LOOMING THE PRESSURE IS MOUNTING AND YOUrsquoRE BLOCKED YOU NEED TO GET OUT OF YOUR OVERWHELM RIGHT NOW SO YOU CAN GET BACK TO CHANGING THE WORLD
Here are five practices designed to break the fear cycle and get you out of your head and into your body in five minutes or less
Go outside Get out into the sunlight See the sky take off your shoes and feel the grass tickle your toes Close your eyes Feel the heat on your skin Take some deep breaths and smell the air Tune in to the sounds around you Become still Fully engage with the present moment and drop into the sensations in your body
Deep breathing You can use a mantra such as So-Hum you can count the length of each inhale and exhale or you can do as many rounds of Nadi Shodhana (alternate nostril breathing) as you can fit into five minutes Whatever yoursquore most comfortable with do that Breath is the bridge between the inner and outer realities Deep breathing will calm the nervous system and bring your attention to the present moment
Move Go for a brisk walk Put on your favourite tune plug in the headphones and dance (in the bathroom cubicle if yoursquore embarrassed to do it in publichellip because thatrsquos not weird at all) Have a quickie on your own or with a partner Or you can shake it out Start with your right foot shake it as hard as possible to the count of 10 Then your whole leg Then the left foot and left leg Then the right hand then the right arm then the left hand and arm Then fold forward and gently shake your head - back to front side to side Then stand up again and shake your whole body like you know how
Then stand in stillness for 2 minutes to balance out the movement Listen to your heartbeat Yoursquove just expressed and released some negative energy so take a standing Savasana (resting pose) to integrate Make sure you smooth your hair after this one
45
Aromatherapy Get a bottle of essential oil and sniff it - simple Smell affects the limbic system which is responsible for the storage and release of emotional trauma You can immediately calm your body with the right scent
Make sure you get 100 therapeutic grade pure essential oil - these have a high vibrational frequency and you donrsquot want any nasties entering your system through inferior quality oil Lavender is proven to calm the nervous system as is frankincense balsam fir basil cedar wood and sandalwood You can purchase calming blends from your local aromatherapist or get them to custom-make a blend for you
Make some noise This is especially good if you work from home or drive to work as you may want privacy Get a pillow or lock yourself in the car and scream as loud as you can connecting deeply to your pelvis Give yourself permission to vocalise all that frustration fear shame guilt whatever is building up in your energy field Sound is the end of feeling When you express vocally you are releasing emotion and ending the cycle of repression Done regularly this will also enhance your creativity and self-expression - benefiting your business (and sex life) in the long run
These practices work for me and Irsquod love to know if they resonate with you
Irsquom Emma a multi-passionate self-love junkie who loves supporting people on their journey to wellness Since suffering from adrenal burnout and a host of related conditions Irsquove dedicated myself to personal healing and growth and encouraging others to find their own unique path By day Irsquom a yoga teacher virtual assistant and event coordinator for wellness entrepreneurs and outside of that yoursquoll find me salsa dancing travelling and eating raw desserts
Connect with me at emmashieldscom
46
Abandon anything about your life and habits that might be holding you back
Learn to create your own opportunities
Know that there is no finish line fortune favors action
Race balls-out toward the extraordinary life that yoursquove always dreamed of
or still havenrsquot had time to dream up
And prepare to have a hell of a lot of fun along the way
SOPHIA AMORUSO
47
Why you should create aHIGH-CONVERTING OPT-IN OFFER
A critical component of building your online business is growing your email list and creating a compelling opt-in offer is one of the best ways to kickstart this growth
You want your email list to be made up of people who are genuinely interested in you and what you have to offer your target market Your ideal customers and readers
Thatrsquos why your opt-in offer (a gift to entice people to join your list) needs to be unique highly relevant to your business and of real value to your ideal clients If people are on your site checking you out they are already interested ndash you need to give them a compelling reason to sign up
What would your readers find valuable Something that saves them time money pain or makes their life easier better or more beautiful It also needs to be damn high quality Proofed designed and worth paying for
48
Why would you give away something so valuable for free
Because it shows yoursquore serious about helping people Because it builds trust with readers Because itrsquos a genuine thank you in return for a readerrsquos contact details Because itrsquos an ad for your business Yoursquore showing people the quality of what they will receive if they go on to work with you
How do you choose which is right for you Think about what you currently offer your readers or customers (as in content as well as services or products) What is popular What do they comment on most or ask questions about What would you love to create What would be the perfect compliment to a service you provide How can you genuinely help
Brainstorm a list then narrow it down to one ndash and get cracking
The best opt-ins are win-win ndash you gather details from ideal customers and the customers
receive something great that they need and want in return
Happy creating
PS Tricking people is icky Donrsquot do that Itrsquos of no use to have people on your list that donrsquot care about you or your products Be genuine Offer genuine value Get genuine sign-ups
SO WHAT SHOULD YOU OFFER
Here are a few ideas raquo A sneak peek or preview of a paid
product ndash like a free chapter or lesson
raquo A smaller version of a paid product ndash like a 3 day meal plan
raquo Something which compliments a service you offer
raquo Useful templates ndash like a product launch worksheet or a calendar
raquo Inspirational printables ndash like quotes or illustrations
raquo A mini eCourse ndash like 5 days of video coaching
raquo A discount ndash like 10 off their next purchase
raquo A VIP offer ndash like first dibs on tickets
raquo An eBook or workbook ndash like a recipe book or marketing plan
Alana Wimmer is Founder + Creative Director of mini digital publishing house Raspberry Stripes Alana works with rad lady entrepreneurs to design eBooks which will change the world She also provides guidance insight and info on eBook design on the Raspberry Stripes website When she isnrsquot designing reading or talking about eBooks you can find Alana walking Rory and Roxy the boxers with her husband in tow probably on her way to pick up a green smoothie
49
is a lack of self-worth
50
As a bright-eyed uni student I got pretty excited about all the opportunities that were due to unfold before me when I graduated
My approach to life has always been filled with excitement for the future I remember saying to friends in class that we were certain to be successful because enthusiasm trumps experience Sadly the path wasnrsquot as smooth as Irsquod imagined I naively thought that all bosses had a sixth-sense for talent even from shy girls who werenrsquot outward about their abilities
I applied for and took a series of jobs that from the job description seemed so overwhelmingly scary to do but within months if not weeks I was bored I lacked the self-worth to believe I could step up but Irsquod externalise this into anger at my employer for holding me back Eventually I realised it was all of my own creation I was the one who was playing small applying for and then taking jobs that wersquore well under my pay grade I even turned down a few including a big promotion because the amount of money offered was too much and it scared me Seriously
Years of study and I lacked the ability to dive in fully commit be brave be boisterous about my abilities and soar I found school easy and when things seemed challenging at work I put it down to an inability to perform If it wasnrsquot easy at first I accepted that I just wasnrsquot able I had yet to find out that some of the best lessons come from giving things a go and making a lot of mistakes Failing or in reality playing small was a comfort zone for me and success in my career was an unknown quantity I was used to struggle I was safe with my dreams The possibility of them coming true Too much to handle Irsquod have to learn to live in the present moment and I donrsquot think I was ready to do that I wasnrsquot ready to look closely at myself and see that for all my effort there was still a lot of inner work to do It was time to look within
I KNOW HOW EASY IT IS TO BUILD WALLS AROUND OUR DREAMS PUSH THEM FURTHER AWAY IN AN ATTEMPT TO PLAY SAFE AND LIVE LIFE ACCORDING TO EXTERNAL INFLUENCE I KNOW THE LEVEL OF DETERMINATION AND MENTAL GRIT IT TAKES TO OVERCOME OURSELVES START TAKING OWNERSHIP OF OUR THOUGHTS AND ULTIMATELY THE PATH OF OUR OWN LIVES
I love when clients ask me to guide them on this path because I know just what can happen when they get there I hold my hand out as a supportive leverage point and watch them soar
Something Irsquove learnt along the way The first step for many women in building self-worth is learning the art of body love Body love is all about learning to appreciate the capabilities of your body nourishing and taking care of your spirit and occasionally cutting yourself a break
51
Itrsquos looking in the mirror and liking the person you see not picking on the parts you donrsquot like Itrsquos making a choice about whether to wear a bikini based on your personal values and not about what your body looks like in one Dieting and restriction are low level energies that hold us back from achieving high level desires Negative thinking blocks our internal compass and our ability to connect to our intuition Body love is the gateway to high frequency living
We all have that version of ourselves that we aspire to be The woman who gets up to the alarm has patience and drive Shersquos got a sparkle in her eye a sense of confidence and knowing about her place in the world that emanates from her whole being She sits up straight and laughs with abandon From where we sit therersquos a chasm to leap in becoming that woman That woman represents ldquoone dayrdquo She represents effort She can seem unachievable In my experience body love is the first and most important step toward that woman Body love is filled with possibility promise and prosperity When we remove that low level energy of diet and restriction we can start to attract high frequencies We can start to become that woman in the present moment
Irsquove seen the shift first hand for so many people Suddenly the whole world opens up and the possibilities become endless The cloud lifts and pie-in-the-sky dreams show up in high-definition technicolour Thoughts that previously caused anxiety everything from going to lunch with new friends to finding a purpose in life start to feel as easy to read as words on a page Therersquos no more searching Itrsquos been replaced by a knowing excitement I watch as women become like bright-eyed students again endless possibilities opening up before them Only this time Theyrsquove got experience on their side
Suddenly the whole world
opens up and the
possibilities become
endless
The cloud lifts and
pie-in-the-sky dreams show
up in high-definition
technicolour
Rachelle is a Life + Confidence Coach at My Saturn Epoch She supports women through the big transitions in their life helping them to break their negative cycles to consciously create a happy life and positive mindset She is a big hearted business woman who is passionate about supporting women in pursuit of their own excellence so they can shine as a beacon to themselves their families and their communities
Connect with Rachelle at mysaturnepochcom
52
SUBSCRIBE TO RASPBERRY MAGAZINE
Grab an annual subscription and yoursquoll receive raquo 6 digital issues of Raspberry Magazine raquo an exclusive Annual Subscribers Thank You Pack
- which includes a printable manifesto beautiful meditation tracks an eBook and more contributed by generous lady entrepreneurs - worth over $35
VISIT THE SHOP
53
T H A N K Y O U F O R R E A D I N GA N D A M I L L I O N H I G H-F I V E S
I F Y O U L O V E D R A S P B E R R YM A G A Z I N E P L E A S E S H A R E
54
43
Five Minute Fixes
FOR FEAR AND OVERWHELM
44
IF YOUrsquoRE RUNNING YOUR OWN BIZ YOUrsquoD BE FAMILIAR WITH THE PHENOMENON OF FEAR AND OVERWHELM YOU KNOW WHEN YOU JUST FEEL STUCK PARALYSED NOT SURE WHICH CHOICE TO MAKE OR ACTION TO TAKE YOU HAVE DEADLINES LOOMING THE PRESSURE IS MOUNTING AND YOUrsquoRE BLOCKED YOU NEED TO GET OUT OF YOUR OVERWHELM RIGHT NOW SO YOU CAN GET BACK TO CHANGING THE WORLD
Here are five practices designed to break the fear cycle and get you out of your head and into your body in five minutes or less
Go outside Get out into the sunlight See the sky take off your shoes and feel the grass tickle your toes Close your eyes Feel the heat on your skin Take some deep breaths and smell the air Tune in to the sounds around you Become still Fully engage with the present moment and drop into the sensations in your body
Deep breathing You can use a mantra such as So-Hum you can count the length of each inhale and exhale or you can do as many rounds of Nadi Shodhana (alternate nostril breathing) as you can fit into five minutes Whatever yoursquore most comfortable with do that Breath is the bridge between the inner and outer realities Deep breathing will calm the nervous system and bring your attention to the present moment
Move Go for a brisk walk Put on your favourite tune plug in the headphones and dance (in the bathroom cubicle if yoursquore embarrassed to do it in publichellip because thatrsquos not weird at all) Have a quickie on your own or with a partner Or you can shake it out Start with your right foot shake it as hard as possible to the count of 10 Then your whole leg Then the left foot and left leg Then the right hand then the right arm then the left hand and arm Then fold forward and gently shake your head - back to front side to side Then stand up again and shake your whole body like you know how
Then stand in stillness for 2 minutes to balance out the movement Listen to your heartbeat Yoursquove just expressed and released some negative energy so take a standing Savasana (resting pose) to integrate Make sure you smooth your hair after this one
45
Aromatherapy Get a bottle of essential oil and sniff it - simple Smell affects the limbic system which is responsible for the storage and release of emotional trauma You can immediately calm your body with the right scent
Make sure you get 100 therapeutic grade pure essential oil - these have a high vibrational frequency and you donrsquot want any nasties entering your system through inferior quality oil Lavender is proven to calm the nervous system as is frankincense balsam fir basil cedar wood and sandalwood You can purchase calming blends from your local aromatherapist or get them to custom-make a blend for you
Make some noise This is especially good if you work from home or drive to work as you may want privacy Get a pillow or lock yourself in the car and scream as loud as you can connecting deeply to your pelvis Give yourself permission to vocalise all that frustration fear shame guilt whatever is building up in your energy field Sound is the end of feeling When you express vocally you are releasing emotion and ending the cycle of repression Done regularly this will also enhance your creativity and self-expression - benefiting your business (and sex life) in the long run
These practices work for me and Irsquod love to know if they resonate with you
Irsquom Emma a multi-passionate self-love junkie who loves supporting people on their journey to wellness Since suffering from adrenal burnout and a host of related conditions Irsquove dedicated myself to personal healing and growth and encouraging others to find their own unique path By day Irsquom a yoga teacher virtual assistant and event coordinator for wellness entrepreneurs and outside of that yoursquoll find me salsa dancing travelling and eating raw desserts
Connect with me at emmashieldscom
46
Abandon anything about your life and habits that might be holding you back
Learn to create your own opportunities
Know that there is no finish line fortune favors action
Race balls-out toward the extraordinary life that yoursquove always dreamed of
or still havenrsquot had time to dream up
And prepare to have a hell of a lot of fun along the way
SOPHIA AMORUSO
47
Why you should create aHIGH-CONVERTING OPT-IN OFFER
A critical component of building your online business is growing your email list and creating a compelling opt-in offer is one of the best ways to kickstart this growth
You want your email list to be made up of people who are genuinely interested in you and what you have to offer your target market Your ideal customers and readers
Thatrsquos why your opt-in offer (a gift to entice people to join your list) needs to be unique highly relevant to your business and of real value to your ideal clients If people are on your site checking you out they are already interested ndash you need to give them a compelling reason to sign up
What would your readers find valuable Something that saves them time money pain or makes their life easier better or more beautiful It also needs to be damn high quality Proofed designed and worth paying for
48
Why would you give away something so valuable for free
Because it shows yoursquore serious about helping people Because it builds trust with readers Because itrsquos a genuine thank you in return for a readerrsquos contact details Because itrsquos an ad for your business Yoursquore showing people the quality of what they will receive if they go on to work with you
How do you choose which is right for you Think about what you currently offer your readers or customers (as in content as well as services or products) What is popular What do they comment on most or ask questions about What would you love to create What would be the perfect compliment to a service you provide How can you genuinely help
Brainstorm a list then narrow it down to one ndash and get cracking
The best opt-ins are win-win ndash you gather details from ideal customers and the customers
receive something great that they need and want in return
Happy creating
PS Tricking people is icky Donrsquot do that Itrsquos of no use to have people on your list that donrsquot care about you or your products Be genuine Offer genuine value Get genuine sign-ups
SO WHAT SHOULD YOU OFFER
Here are a few ideas raquo A sneak peek or preview of a paid
product ndash like a free chapter or lesson
raquo A smaller version of a paid product ndash like a 3 day meal plan
raquo Something which compliments a service you offer
raquo Useful templates ndash like a product launch worksheet or a calendar
raquo Inspirational printables ndash like quotes or illustrations
raquo A mini eCourse ndash like 5 days of video coaching
raquo A discount ndash like 10 off their next purchase
raquo A VIP offer ndash like first dibs on tickets
raquo An eBook or workbook ndash like a recipe book or marketing plan
Alana Wimmer is Founder + Creative Director of mini digital publishing house Raspberry Stripes Alana works with rad lady entrepreneurs to design eBooks which will change the world She also provides guidance insight and info on eBook design on the Raspberry Stripes website When she isnrsquot designing reading or talking about eBooks you can find Alana walking Rory and Roxy the boxers with her husband in tow probably on her way to pick up a green smoothie
49
is a lack of self-worth
50
As a bright-eyed uni student I got pretty excited about all the opportunities that were due to unfold before me when I graduated
My approach to life has always been filled with excitement for the future I remember saying to friends in class that we were certain to be successful because enthusiasm trumps experience Sadly the path wasnrsquot as smooth as Irsquod imagined I naively thought that all bosses had a sixth-sense for talent even from shy girls who werenrsquot outward about their abilities
I applied for and took a series of jobs that from the job description seemed so overwhelmingly scary to do but within months if not weeks I was bored I lacked the self-worth to believe I could step up but Irsquod externalise this into anger at my employer for holding me back Eventually I realised it was all of my own creation I was the one who was playing small applying for and then taking jobs that wersquore well under my pay grade I even turned down a few including a big promotion because the amount of money offered was too much and it scared me Seriously
Years of study and I lacked the ability to dive in fully commit be brave be boisterous about my abilities and soar I found school easy and when things seemed challenging at work I put it down to an inability to perform If it wasnrsquot easy at first I accepted that I just wasnrsquot able I had yet to find out that some of the best lessons come from giving things a go and making a lot of mistakes Failing or in reality playing small was a comfort zone for me and success in my career was an unknown quantity I was used to struggle I was safe with my dreams The possibility of them coming true Too much to handle Irsquod have to learn to live in the present moment and I donrsquot think I was ready to do that I wasnrsquot ready to look closely at myself and see that for all my effort there was still a lot of inner work to do It was time to look within
I KNOW HOW EASY IT IS TO BUILD WALLS AROUND OUR DREAMS PUSH THEM FURTHER AWAY IN AN ATTEMPT TO PLAY SAFE AND LIVE LIFE ACCORDING TO EXTERNAL INFLUENCE I KNOW THE LEVEL OF DETERMINATION AND MENTAL GRIT IT TAKES TO OVERCOME OURSELVES START TAKING OWNERSHIP OF OUR THOUGHTS AND ULTIMATELY THE PATH OF OUR OWN LIVES
I love when clients ask me to guide them on this path because I know just what can happen when they get there I hold my hand out as a supportive leverage point and watch them soar
Something Irsquove learnt along the way The first step for many women in building self-worth is learning the art of body love Body love is all about learning to appreciate the capabilities of your body nourishing and taking care of your spirit and occasionally cutting yourself a break
51
Itrsquos looking in the mirror and liking the person you see not picking on the parts you donrsquot like Itrsquos making a choice about whether to wear a bikini based on your personal values and not about what your body looks like in one Dieting and restriction are low level energies that hold us back from achieving high level desires Negative thinking blocks our internal compass and our ability to connect to our intuition Body love is the gateway to high frequency living
We all have that version of ourselves that we aspire to be The woman who gets up to the alarm has patience and drive Shersquos got a sparkle in her eye a sense of confidence and knowing about her place in the world that emanates from her whole being She sits up straight and laughs with abandon From where we sit therersquos a chasm to leap in becoming that woman That woman represents ldquoone dayrdquo She represents effort She can seem unachievable In my experience body love is the first and most important step toward that woman Body love is filled with possibility promise and prosperity When we remove that low level energy of diet and restriction we can start to attract high frequencies We can start to become that woman in the present moment
Irsquove seen the shift first hand for so many people Suddenly the whole world opens up and the possibilities become endless The cloud lifts and pie-in-the-sky dreams show up in high-definition technicolour Thoughts that previously caused anxiety everything from going to lunch with new friends to finding a purpose in life start to feel as easy to read as words on a page Therersquos no more searching Itrsquos been replaced by a knowing excitement I watch as women become like bright-eyed students again endless possibilities opening up before them Only this time Theyrsquove got experience on their side
Suddenly the whole world
opens up and the
possibilities become
endless
The cloud lifts and
pie-in-the-sky dreams show
up in high-definition
technicolour
Rachelle is a Life + Confidence Coach at My Saturn Epoch She supports women through the big transitions in their life helping them to break their negative cycles to consciously create a happy life and positive mindset She is a big hearted business woman who is passionate about supporting women in pursuit of their own excellence so they can shine as a beacon to themselves their families and their communities
Connect with Rachelle at mysaturnepochcom
52
SUBSCRIBE TO RASPBERRY MAGAZINE
Grab an annual subscription and yoursquoll receive raquo 6 digital issues of Raspberry Magazine raquo an exclusive Annual Subscribers Thank You Pack
- which includes a printable manifesto beautiful meditation tracks an eBook and more contributed by generous lady entrepreneurs - worth over $35
VISIT THE SHOP
53
T H A N K Y O U F O R R E A D I N GA N D A M I L L I O N H I G H-F I V E S
I F Y O U L O V E D R A S P B E R R YM A G A Z I N E P L E A S E S H A R E
54
44
IF YOUrsquoRE RUNNING YOUR OWN BIZ YOUrsquoD BE FAMILIAR WITH THE PHENOMENON OF FEAR AND OVERWHELM YOU KNOW WHEN YOU JUST FEEL STUCK PARALYSED NOT SURE WHICH CHOICE TO MAKE OR ACTION TO TAKE YOU HAVE DEADLINES LOOMING THE PRESSURE IS MOUNTING AND YOUrsquoRE BLOCKED YOU NEED TO GET OUT OF YOUR OVERWHELM RIGHT NOW SO YOU CAN GET BACK TO CHANGING THE WORLD
Here are five practices designed to break the fear cycle and get you out of your head and into your body in five minutes or less
Go outside Get out into the sunlight See the sky take off your shoes and feel the grass tickle your toes Close your eyes Feel the heat on your skin Take some deep breaths and smell the air Tune in to the sounds around you Become still Fully engage with the present moment and drop into the sensations in your body
Deep breathing You can use a mantra such as So-Hum you can count the length of each inhale and exhale or you can do as many rounds of Nadi Shodhana (alternate nostril breathing) as you can fit into five minutes Whatever yoursquore most comfortable with do that Breath is the bridge between the inner and outer realities Deep breathing will calm the nervous system and bring your attention to the present moment
Move Go for a brisk walk Put on your favourite tune plug in the headphones and dance (in the bathroom cubicle if yoursquore embarrassed to do it in publichellip because thatrsquos not weird at all) Have a quickie on your own or with a partner Or you can shake it out Start with your right foot shake it as hard as possible to the count of 10 Then your whole leg Then the left foot and left leg Then the right hand then the right arm then the left hand and arm Then fold forward and gently shake your head - back to front side to side Then stand up again and shake your whole body like you know how
Then stand in stillness for 2 minutes to balance out the movement Listen to your heartbeat Yoursquove just expressed and released some negative energy so take a standing Savasana (resting pose) to integrate Make sure you smooth your hair after this one
45
Aromatherapy Get a bottle of essential oil and sniff it - simple Smell affects the limbic system which is responsible for the storage and release of emotional trauma You can immediately calm your body with the right scent
Make sure you get 100 therapeutic grade pure essential oil - these have a high vibrational frequency and you donrsquot want any nasties entering your system through inferior quality oil Lavender is proven to calm the nervous system as is frankincense balsam fir basil cedar wood and sandalwood You can purchase calming blends from your local aromatherapist or get them to custom-make a blend for you
Make some noise This is especially good if you work from home or drive to work as you may want privacy Get a pillow or lock yourself in the car and scream as loud as you can connecting deeply to your pelvis Give yourself permission to vocalise all that frustration fear shame guilt whatever is building up in your energy field Sound is the end of feeling When you express vocally you are releasing emotion and ending the cycle of repression Done regularly this will also enhance your creativity and self-expression - benefiting your business (and sex life) in the long run
These practices work for me and Irsquod love to know if they resonate with you
Irsquom Emma a multi-passionate self-love junkie who loves supporting people on their journey to wellness Since suffering from adrenal burnout and a host of related conditions Irsquove dedicated myself to personal healing and growth and encouraging others to find their own unique path By day Irsquom a yoga teacher virtual assistant and event coordinator for wellness entrepreneurs and outside of that yoursquoll find me salsa dancing travelling and eating raw desserts
Connect with me at emmashieldscom
46
Abandon anything about your life and habits that might be holding you back
Learn to create your own opportunities
Know that there is no finish line fortune favors action
Race balls-out toward the extraordinary life that yoursquove always dreamed of
or still havenrsquot had time to dream up
And prepare to have a hell of a lot of fun along the way
SOPHIA AMORUSO
47
Why you should create aHIGH-CONVERTING OPT-IN OFFER
A critical component of building your online business is growing your email list and creating a compelling opt-in offer is one of the best ways to kickstart this growth
You want your email list to be made up of people who are genuinely interested in you and what you have to offer your target market Your ideal customers and readers
Thatrsquos why your opt-in offer (a gift to entice people to join your list) needs to be unique highly relevant to your business and of real value to your ideal clients If people are on your site checking you out they are already interested ndash you need to give them a compelling reason to sign up
What would your readers find valuable Something that saves them time money pain or makes their life easier better or more beautiful It also needs to be damn high quality Proofed designed and worth paying for
48
Why would you give away something so valuable for free
Because it shows yoursquore serious about helping people Because it builds trust with readers Because itrsquos a genuine thank you in return for a readerrsquos contact details Because itrsquos an ad for your business Yoursquore showing people the quality of what they will receive if they go on to work with you
How do you choose which is right for you Think about what you currently offer your readers or customers (as in content as well as services or products) What is popular What do they comment on most or ask questions about What would you love to create What would be the perfect compliment to a service you provide How can you genuinely help
Brainstorm a list then narrow it down to one ndash and get cracking
The best opt-ins are win-win ndash you gather details from ideal customers and the customers
receive something great that they need and want in return
Happy creating
PS Tricking people is icky Donrsquot do that Itrsquos of no use to have people on your list that donrsquot care about you or your products Be genuine Offer genuine value Get genuine sign-ups
SO WHAT SHOULD YOU OFFER
Here are a few ideas raquo A sneak peek or preview of a paid
product ndash like a free chapter or lesson
raquo A smaller version of a paid product ndash like a 3 day meal plan
raquo Something which compliments a service you offer
raquo Useful templates ndash like a product launch worksheet or a calendar
raquo Inspirational printables ndash like quotes or illustrations
raquo A mini eCourse ndash like 5 days of video coaching
raquo A discount ndash like 10 off their next purchase
raquo A VIP offer ndash like first dibs on tickets
raquo An eBook or workbook ndash like a recipe book or marketing plan
Alana Wimmer is Founder + Creative Director of mini digital publishing house Raspberry Stripes Alana works with rad lady entrepreneurs to design eBooks which will change the world She also provides guidance insight and info on eBook design on the Raspberry Stripes website When she isnrsquot designing reading or talking about eBooks you can find Alana walking Rory and Roxy the boxers with her husband in tow probably on her way to pick up a green smoothie
49
is a lack of self-worth
50
As a bright-eyed uni student I got pretty excited about all the opportunities that were due to unfold before me when I graduated
My approach to life has always been filled with excitement for the future I remember saying to friends in class that we were certain to be successful because enthusiasm trumps experience Sadly the path wasnrsquot as smooth as Irsquod imagined I naively thought that all bosses had a sixth-sense for talent even from shy girls who werenrsquot outward about their abilities
I applied for and took a series of jobs that from the job description seemed so overwhelmingly scary to do but within months if not weeks I was bored I lacked the self-worth to believe I could step up but Irsquod externalise this into anger at my employer for holding me back Eventually I realised it was all of my own creation I was the one who was playing small applying for and then taking jobs that wersquore well under my pay grade I even turned down a few including a big promotion because the amount of money offered was too much and it scared me Seriously
Years of study and I lacked the ability to dive in fully commit be brave be boisterous about my abilities and soar I found school easy and when things seemed challenging at work I put it down to an inability to perform If it wasnrsquot easy at first I accepted that I just wasnrsquot able I had yet to find out that some of the best lessons come from giving things a go and making a lot of mistakes Failing or in reality playing small was a comfort zone for me and success in my career was an unknown quantity I was used to struggle I was safe with my dreams The possibility of them coming true Too much to handle Irsquod have to learn to live in the present moment and I donrsquot think I was ready to do that I wasnrsquot ready to look closely at myself and see that for all my effort there was still a lot of inner work to do It was time to look within
I KNOW HOW EASY IT IS TO BUILD WALLS AROUND OUR DREAMS PUSH THEM FURTHER AWAY IN AN ATTEMPT TO PLAY SAFE AND LIVE LIFE ACCORDING TO EXTERNAL INFLUENCE I KNOW THE LEVEL OF DETERMINATION AND MENTAL GRIT IT TAKES TO OVERCOME OURSELVES START TAKING OWNERSHIP OF OUR THOUGHTS AND ULTIMATELY THE PATH OF OUR OWN LIVES
I love when clients ask me to guide them on this path because I know just what can happen when they get there I hold my hand out as a supportive leverage point and watch them soar
Something Irsquove learnt along the way The first step for many women in building self-worth is learning the art of body love Body love is all about learning to appreciate the capabilities of your body nourishing and taking care of your spirit and occasionally cutting yourself a break
51
Itrsquos looking in the mirror and liking the person you see not picking on the parts you donrsquot like Itrsquos making a choice about whether to wear a bikini based on your personal values and not about what your body looks like in one Dieting and restriction are low level energies that hold us back from achieving high level desires Negative thinking blocks our internal compass and our ability to connect to our intuition Body love is the gateway to high frequency living
We all have that version of ourselves that we aspire to be The woman who gets up to the alarm has patience and drive Shersquos got a sparkle in her eye a sense of confidence and knowing about her place in the world that emanates from her whole being She sits up straight and laughs with abandon From where we sit therersquos a chasm to leap in becoming that woman That woman represents ldquoone dayrdquo She represents effort She can seem unachievable In my experience body love is the first and most important step toward that woman Body love is filled with possibility promise and prosperity When we remove that low level energy of diet and restriction we can start to attract high frequencies We can start to become that woman in the present moment
Irsquove seen the shift first hand for so many people Suddenly the whole world opens up and the possibilities become endless The cloud lifts and pie-in-the-sky dreams show up in high-definition technicolour Thoughts that previously caused anxiety everything from going to lunch with new friends to finding a purpose in life start to feel as easy to read as words on a page Therersquos no more searching Itrsquos been replaced by a knowing excitement I watch as women become like bright-eyed students again endless possibilities opening up before them Only this time Theyrsquove got experience on their side
Suddenly the whole world
opens up and the
possibilities become
endless
The cloud lifts and
pie-in-the-sky dreams show
up in high-definition
technicolour
Rachelle is a Life + Confidence Coach at My Saturn Epoch She supports women through the big transitions in their life helping them to break their negative cycles to consciously create a happy life and positive mindset She is a big hearted business woman who is passionate about supporting women in pursuit of their own excellence so they can shine as a beacon to themselves their families and their communities
Connect with Rachelle at mysaturnepochcom
52
SUBSCRIBE TO RASPBERRY MAGAZINE
Grab an annual subscription and yoursquoll receive raquo 6 digital issues of Raspberry Magazine raquo an exclusive Annual Subscribers Thank You Pack
- which includes a printable manifesto beautiful meditation tracks an eBook and more contributed by generous lady entrepreneurs - worth over $35
VISIT THE SHOP
53
T H A N K Y O U F O R R E A D I N GA N D A M I L L I O N H I G H-F I V E S
I F Y O U L O V E D R A S P B E R R YM A G A Z I N E P L E A S E S H A R E
54
45
Aromatherapy Get a bottle of essential oil and sniff it - simple Smell affects the limbic system which is responsible for the storage and release of emotional trauma You can immediately calm your body with the right scent
Make sure you get 100 therapeutic grade pure essential oil - these have a high vibrational frequency and you donrsquot want any nasties entering your system through inferior quality oil Lavender is proven to calm the nervous system as is frankincense balsam fir basil cedar wood and sandalwood You can purchase calming blends from your local aromatherapist or get them to custom-make a blend for you
Make some noise This is especially good if you work from home or drive to work as you may want privacy Get a pillow or lock yourself in the car and scream as loud as you can connecting deeply to your pelvis Give yourself permission to vocalise all that frustration fear shame guilt whatever is building up in your energy field Sound is the end of feeling When you express vocally you are releasing emotion and ending the cycle of repression Done regularly this will also enhance your creativity and self-expression - benefiting your business (and sex life) in the long run
These practices work for me and Irsquod love to know if they resonate with you
Irsquom Emma a multi-passionate self-love junkie who loves supporting people on their journey to wellness Since suffering from adrenal burnout and a host of related conditions Irsquove dedicated myself to personal healing and growth and encouraging others to find their own unique path By day Irsquom a yoga teacher virtual assistant and event coordinator for wellness entrepreneurs and outside of that yoursquoll find me salsa dancing travelling and eating raw desserts
Connect with me at emmashieldscom
46
Abandon anything about your life and habits that might be holding you back
Learn to create your own opportunities
Know that there is no finish line fortune favors action
Race balls-out toward the extraordinary life that yoursquove always dreamed of
or still havenrsquot had time to dream up
And prepare to have a hell of a lot of fun along the way
SOPHIA AMORUSO
47
Why you should create aHIGH-CONVERTING OPT-IN OFFER
A critical component of building your online business is growing your email list and creating a compelling opt-in offer is one of the best ways to kickstart this growth
You want your email list to be made up of people who are genuinely interested in you and what you have to offer your target market Your ideal customers and readers
Thatrsquos why your opt-in offer (a gift to entice people to join your list) needs to be unique highly relevant to your business and of real value to your ideal clients If people are on your site checking you out they are already interested ndash you need to give them a compelling reason to sign up
What would your readers find valuable Something that saves them time money pain or makes their life easier better or more beautiful It also needs to be damn high quality Proofed designed and worth paying for
48
Why would you give away something so valuable for free
Because it shows yoursquore serious about helping people Because it builds trust with readers Because itrsquos a genuine thank you in return for a readerrsquos contact details Because itrsquos an ad for your business Yoursquore showing people the quality of what they will receive if they go on to work with you
How do you choose which is right for you Think about what you currently offer your readers or customers (as in content as well as services or products) What is popular What do they comment on most or ask questions about What would you love to create What would be the perfect compliment to a service you provide How can you genuinely help
Brainstorm a list then narrow it down to one ndash and get cracking
The best opt-ins are win-win ndash you gather details from ideal customers and the customers
receive something great that they need and want in return
Happy creating
PS Tricking people is icky Donrsquot do that Itrsquos of no use to have people on your list that donrsquot care about you or your products Be genuine Offer genuine value Get genuine sign-ups
SO WHAT SHOULD YOU OFFER
Here are a few ideas raquo A sneak peek or preview of a paid
product ndash like a free chapter or lesson
raquo A smaller version of a paid product ndash like a 3 day meal plan
raquo Something which compliments a service you offer
raquo Useful templates ndash like a product launch worksheet or a calendar
raquo Inspirational printables ndash like quotes or illustrations
raquo A mini eCourse ndash like 5 days of video coaching
raquo A discount ndash like 10 off their next purchase
raquo A VIP offer ndash like first dibs on tickets
raquo An eBook or workbook ndash like a recipe book or marketing plan
Alana Wimmer is Founder + Creative Director of mini digital publishing house Raspberry Stripes Alana works with rad lady entrepreneurs to design eBooks which will change the world She also provides guidance insight and info on eBook design on the Raspberry Stripes website When she isnrsquot designing reading or talking about eBooks you can find Alana walking Rory and Roxy the boxers with her husband in tow probably on her way to pick up a green smoothie
49
is a lack of self-worth
50
As a bright-eyed uni student I got pretty excited about all the opportunities that were due to unfold before me when I graduated
My approach to life has always been filled with excitement for the future I remember saying to friends in class that we were certain to be successful because enthusiasm trumps experience Sadly the path wasnrsquot as smooth as Irsquod imagined I naively thought that all bosses had a sixth-sense for talent even from shy girls who werenrsquot outward about their abilities
I applied for and took a series of jobs that from the job description seemed so overwhelmingly scary to do but within months if not weeks I was bored I lacked the self-worth to believe I could step up but Irsquod externalise this into anger at my employer for holding me back Eventually I realised it was all of my own creation I was the one who was playing small applying for and then taking jobs that wersquore well under my pay grade I even turned down a few including a big promotion because the amount of money offered was too much and it scared me Seriously
Years of study and I lacked the ability to dive in fully commit be brave be boisterous about my abilities and soar I found school easy and when things seemed challenging at work I put it down to an inability to perform If it wasnrsquot easy at first I accepted that I just wasnrsquot able I had yet to find out that some of the best lessons come from giving things a go and making a lot of mistakes Failing or in reality playing small was a comfort zone for me and success in my career was an unknown quantity I was used to struggle I was safe with my dreams The possibility of them coming true Too much to handle Irsquod have to learn to live in the present moment and I donrsquot think I was ready to do that I wasnrsquot ready to look closely at myself and see that for all my effort there was still a lot of inner work to do It was time to look within
I KNOW HOW EASY IT IS TO BUILD WALLS AROUND OUR DREAMS PUSH THEM FURTHER AWAY IN AN ATTEMPT TO PLAY SAFE AND LIVE LIFE ACCORDING TO EXTERNAL INFLUENCE I KNOW THE LEVEL OF DETERMINATION AND MENTAL GRIT IT TAKES TO OVERCOME OURSELVES START TAKING OWNERSHIP OF OUR THOUGHTS AND ULTIMATELY THE PATH OF OUR OWN LIVES
I love when clients ask me to guide them on this path because I know just what can happen when they get there I hold my hand out as a supportive leverage point and watch them soar
Something Irsquove learnt along the way The first step for many women in building self-worth is learning the art of body love Body love is all about learning to appreciate the capabilities of your body nourishing and taking care of your spirit and occasionally cutting yourself a break
51
Itrsquos looking in the mirror and liking the person you see not picking on the parts you donrsquot like Itrsquos making a choice about whether to wear a bikini based on your personal values and not about what your body looks like in one Dieting and restriction are low level energies that hold us back from achieving high level desires Negative thinking blocks our internal compass and our ability to connect to our intuition Body love is the gateway to high frequency living
We all have that version of ourselves that we aspire to be The woman who gets up to the alarm has patience and drive Shersquos got a sparkle in her eye a sense of confidence and knowing about her place in the world that emanates from her whole being She sits up straight and laughs with abandon From where we sit therersquos a chasm to leap in becoming that woman That woman represents ldquoone dayrdquo She represents effort She can seem unachievable In my experience body love is the first and most important step toward that woman Body love is filled with possibility promise and prosperity When we remove that low level energy of diet and restriction we can start to attract high frequencies We can start to become that woman in the present moment
Irsquove seen the shift first hand for so many people Suddenly the whole world opens up and the possibilities become endless The cloud lifts and pie-in-the-sky dreams show up in high-definition technicolour Thoughts that previously caused anxiety everything from going to lunch with new friends to finding a purpose in life start to feel as easy to read as words on a page Therersquos no more searching Itrsquos been replaced by a knowing excitement I watch as women become like bright-eyed students again endless possibilities opening up before them Only this time Theyrsquove got experience on their side
Suddenly the whole world
opens up and the
possibilities become
endless
The cloud lifts and
pie-in-the-sky dreams show
up in high-definition
technicolour
Rachelle is a Life + Confidence Coach at My Saturn Epoch She supports women through the big transitions in their life helping them to break their negative cycles to consciously create a happy life and positive mindset She is a big hearted business woman who is passionate about supporting women in pursuit of their own excellence so they can shine as a beacon to themselves their families and their communities
Connect with Rachelle at mysaturnepochcom
52
SUBSCRIBE TO RASPBERRY MAGAZINE
Grab an annual subscription and yoursquoll receive raquo 6 digital issues of Raspberry Magazine raquo an exclusive Annual Subscribers Thank You Pack
- which includes a printable manifesto beautiful meditation tracks an eBook and more contributed by generous lady entrepreneurs - worth over $35
VISIT THE SHOP
53
T H A N K Y O U F O R R E A D I N GA N D A M I L L I O N H I G H-F I V E S
I F Y O U L O V E D R A S P B E R R YM A G A Z I N E P L E A S E S H A R E
54
46
Abandon anything about your life and habits that might be holding you back
Learn to create your own opportunities
Know that there is no finish line fortune favors action
Race balls-out toward the extraordinary life that yoursquove always dreamed of
or still havenrsquot had time to dream up
And prepare to have a hell of a lot of fun along the way
SOPHIA AMORUSO
47
Why you should create aHIGH-CONVERTING OPT-IN OFFER
A critical component of building your online business is growing your email list and creating a compelling opt-in offer is one of the best ways to kickstart this growth
You want your email list to be made up of people who are genuinely interested in you and what you have to offer your target market Your ideal customers and readers
Thatrsquos why your opt-in offer (a gift to entice people to join your list) needs to be unique highly relevant to your business and of real value to your ideal clients If people are on your site checking you out they are already interested ndash you need to give them a compelling reason to sign up
What would your readers find valuable Something that saves them time money pain or makes their life easier better or more beautiful It also needs to be damn high quality Proofed designed and worth paying for
48
Why would you give away something so valuable for free
Because it shows yoursquore serious about helping people Because it builds trust with readers Because itrsquos a genuine thank you in return for a readerrsquos contact details Because itrsquos an ad for your business Yoursquore showing people the quality of what they will receive if they go on to work with you
How do you choose which is right for you Think about what you currently offer your readers or customers (as in content as well as services or products) What is popular What do they comment on most or ask questions about What would you love to create What would be the perfect compliment to a service you provide How can you genuinely help
Brainstorm a list then narrow it down to one ndash and get cracking
The best opt-ins are win-win ndash you gather details from ideal customers and the customers
receive something great that they need and want in return
Happy creating
PS Tricking people is icky Donrsquot do that Itrsquos of no use to have people on your list that donrsquot care about you or your products Be genuine Offer genuine value Get genuine sign-ups
SO WHAT SHOULD YOU OFFER
Here are a few ideas raquo A sneak peek or preview of a paid
product ndash like a free chapter or lesson
raquo A smaller version of a paid product ndash like a 3 day meal plan
raquo Something which compliments a service you offer
raquo Useful templates ndash like a product launch worksheet or a calendar
raquo Inspirational printables ndash like quotes or illustrations
raquo A mini eCourse ndash like 5 days of video coaching
raquo A discount ndash like 10 off their next purchase
raquo A VIP offer ndash like first dibs on tickets
raquo An eBook or workbook ndash like a recipe book or marketing plan
Alana Wimmer is Founder + Creative Director of mini digital publishing house Raspberry Stripes Alana works with rad lady entrepreneurs to design eBooks which will change the world She also provides guidance insight and info on eBook design on the Raspberry Stripes website When she isnrsquot designing reading or talking about eBooks you can find Alana walking Rory and Roxy the boxers with her husband in tow probably on her way to pick up a green smoothie
49
is a lack of self-worth
50
As a bright-eyed uni student I got pretty excited about all the opportunities that were due to unfold before me when I graduated
My approach to life has always been filled with excitement for the future I remember saying to friends in class that we were certain to be successful because enthusiasm trumps experience Sadly the path wasnrsquot as smooth as Irsquod imagined I naively thought that all bosses had a sixth-sense for talent even from shy girls who werenrsquot outward about their abilities
I applied for and took a series of jobs that from the job description seemed so overwhelmingly scary to do but within months if not weeks I was bored I lacked the self-worth to believe I could step up but Irsquod externalise this into anger at my employer for holding me back Eventually I realised it was all of my own creation I was the one who was playing small applying for and then taking jobs that wersquore well under my pay grade I even turned down a few including a big promotion because the amount of money offered was too much and it scared me Seriously
Years of study and I lacked the ability to dive in fully commit be brave be boisterous about my abilities and soar I found school easy and when things seemed challenging at work I put it down to an inability to perform If it wasnrsquot easy at first I accepted that I just wasnrsquot able I had yet to find out that some of the best lessons come from giving things a go and making a lot of mistakes Failing or in reality playing small was a comfort zone for me and success in my career was an unknown quantity I was used to struggle I was safe with my dreams The possibility of them coming true Too much to handle Irsquod have to learn to live in the present moment and I donrsquot think I was ready to do that I wasnrsquot ready to look closely at myself and see that for all my effort there was still a lot of inner work to do It was time to look within
I KNOW HOW EASY IT IS TO BUILD WALLS AROUND OUR DREAMS PUSH THEM FURTHER AWAY IN AN ATTEMPT TO PLAY SAFE AND LIVE LIFE ACCORDING TO EXTERNAL INFLUENCE I KNOW THE LEVEL OF DETERMINATION AND MENTAL GRIT IT TAKES TO OVERCOME OURSELVES START TAKING OWNERSHIP OF OUR THOUGHTS AND ULTIMATELY THE PATH OF OUR OWN LIVES
I love when clients ask me to guide them on this path because I know just what can happen when they get there I hold my hand out as a supportive leverage point and watch them soar
Something Irsquove learnt along the way The first step for many women in building self-worth is learning the art of body love Body love is all about learning to appreciate the capabilities of your body nourishing and taking care of your spirit and occasionally cutting yourself a break
51
Itrsquos looking in the mirror and liking the person you see not picking on the parts you donrsquot like Itrsquos making a choice about whether to wear a bikini based on your personal values and not about what your body looks like in one Dieting and restriction are low level energies that hold us back from achieving high level desires Negative thinking blocks our internal compass and our ability to connect to our intuition Body love is the gateway to high frequency living
We all have that version of ourselves that we aspire to be The woman who gets up to the alarm has patience and drive Shersquos got a sparkle in her eye a sense of confidence and knowing about her place in the world that emanates from her whole being She sits up straight and laughs with abandon From where we sit therersquos a chasm to leap in becoming that woman That woman represents ldquoone dayrdquo She represents effort She can seem unachievable In my experience body love is the first and most important step toward that woman Body love is filled with possibility promise and prosperity When we remove that low level energy of diet and restriction we can start to attract high frequencies We can start to become that woman in the present moment
Irsquove seen the shift first hand for so many people Suddenly the whole world opens up and the possibilities become endless The cloud lifts and pie-in-the-sky dreams show up in high-definition technicolour Thoughts that previously caused anxiety everything from going to lunch with new friends to finding a purpose in life start to feel as easy to read as words on a page Therersquos no more searching Itrsquos been replaced by a knowing excitement I watch as women become like bright-eyed students again endless possibilities opening up before them Only this time Theyrsquove got experience on their side
Suddenly the whole world
opens up and the
possibilities become
endless
The cloud lifts and
pie-in-the-sky dreams show
up in high-definition
technicolour
Rachelle is a Life + Confidence Coach at My Saturn Epoch She supports women through the big transitions in their life helping them to break their negative cycles to consciously create a happy life and positive mindset She is a big hearted business woman who is passionate about supporting women in pursuit of their own excellence so they can shine as a beacon to themselves their families and their communities
Connect with Rachelle at mysaturnepochcom
52
SUBSCRIBE TO RASPBERRY MAGAZINE
Grab an annual subscription and yoursquoll receive raquo 6 digital issues of Raspberry Magazine raquo an exclusive Annual Subscribers Thank You Pack
- which includes a printable manifesto beautiful meditation tracks an eBook and more contributed by generous lady entrepreneurs - worth over $35
VISIT THE SHOP
53
T H A N K Y O U F O R R E A D I N GA N D A M I L L I O N H I G H-F I V E S
I F Y O U L O V E D R A S P B E R R YM A G A Z I N E P L E A S E S H A R E
54
47
Why you should create aHIGH-CONVERTING OPT-IN OFFER
A critical component of building your online business is growing your email list and creating a compelling opt-in offer is one of the best ways to kickstart this growth
You want your email list to be made up of people who are genuinely interested in you and what you have to offer your target market Your ideal customers and readers
Thatrsquos why your opt-in offer (a gift to entice people to join your list) needs to be unique highly relevant to your business and of real value to your ideal clients If people are on your site checking you out they are already interested ndash you need to give them a compelling reason to sign up
What would your readers find valuable Something that saves them time money pain or makes their life easier better or more beautiful It also needs to be damn high quality Proofed designed and worth paying for
48
Why would you give away something so valuable for free
Because it shows yoursquore serious about helping people Because it builds trust with readers Because itrsquos a genuine thank you in return for a readerrsquos contact details Because itrsquos an ad for your business Yoursquore showing people the quality of what they will receive if they go on to work with you
How do you choose which is right for you Think about what you currently offer your readers or customers (as in content as well as services or products) What is popular What do they comment on most or ask questions about What would you love to create What would be the perfect compliment to a service you provide How can you genuinely help
Brainstorm a list then narrow it down to one ndash and get cracking
The best opt-ins are win-win ndash you gather details from ideal customers and the customers
receive something great that they need and want in return
Happy creating
PS Tricking people is icky Donrsquot do that Itrsquos of no use to have people on your list that donrsquot care about you or your products Be genuine Offer genuine value Get genuine sign-ups
SO WHAT SHOULD YOU OFFER
Here are a few ideas raquo A sneak peek or preview of a paid
product ndash like a free chapter or lesson
raquo A smaller version of a paid product ndash like a 3 day meal plan
raquo Something which compliments a service you offer
raquo Useful templates ndash like a product launch worksheet or a calendar
raquo Inspirational printables ndash like quotes or illustrations
raquo A mini eCourse ndash like 5 days of video coaching
raquo A discount ndash like 10 off their next purchase
raquo A VIP offer ndash like first dibs on tickets
raquo An eBook or workbook ndash like a recipe book or marketing plan
Alana Wimmer is Founder + Creative Director of mini digital publishing house Raspberry Stripes Alana works with rad lady entrepreneurs to design eBooks which will change the world She also provides guidance insight and info on eBook design on the Raspberry Stripes website When she isnrsquot designing reading or talking about eBooks you can find Alana walking Rory and Roxy the boxers with her husband in tow probably on her way to pick up a green smoothie
49
is a lack of self-worth
50
As a bright-eyed uni student I got pretty excited about all the opportunities that were due to unfold before me when I graduated
My approach to life has always been filled with excitement for the future I remember saying to friends in class that we were certain to be successful because enthusiasm trumps experience Sadly the path wasnrsquot as smooth as Irsquod imagined I naively thought that all bosses had a sixth-sense for talent even from shy girls who werenrsquot outward about their abilities
I applied for and took a series of jobs that from the job description seemed so overwhelmingly scary to do but within months if not weeks I was bored I lacked the self-worth to believe I could step up but Irsquod externalise this into anger at my employer for holding me back Eventually I realised it was all of my own creation I was the one who was playing small applying for and then taking jobs that wersquore well under my pay grade I even turned down a few including a big promotion because the amount of money offered was too much and it scared me Seriously
Years of study and I lacked the ability to dive in fully commit be brave be boisterous about my abilities and soar I found school easy and when things seemed challenging at work I put it down to an inability to perform If it wasnrsquot easy at first I accepted that I just wasnrsquot able I had yet to find out that some of the best lessons come from giving things a go and making a lot of mistakes Failing or in reality playing small was a comfort zone for me and success in my career was an unknown quantity I was used to struggle I was safe with my dreams The possibility of them coming true Too much to handle Irsquod have to learn to live in the present moment and I donrsquot think I was ready to do that I wasnrsquot ready to look closely at myself and see that for all my effort there was still a lot of inner work to do It was time to look within
I KNOW HOW EASY IT IS TO BUILD WALLS AROUND OUR DREAMS PUSH THEM FURTHER AWAY IN AN ATTEMPT TO PLAY SAFE AND LIVE LIFE ACCORDING TO EXTERNAL INFLUENCE I KNOW THE LEVEL OF DETERMINATION AND MENTAL GRIT IT TAKES TO OVERCOME OURSELVES START TAKING OWNERSHIP OF OUR THOUGHTS AND ULTIMATELY THE PATH OF OUR OWN LIVES
I love when clients ask me to guide them on this path because I know just what can happen when they get there I hold my hand out as a supportive leverage point and watch them soar
Something Irsquove learnt along the way The first step for many women in building self-worth is learning the art of body love Body love is all about learning to appreciate the capabilities of your body nourishing and taking care of your spirit and occasionally cutting yourself a break
51
Itrsquos looking in the mirror and liking the person you see not picking on the parts you donrsquot like Itrsquos making a choice about whether to wear a bikini based on your personal values and not about what your body looks like in one Dieting and restriction are low level energies that hold us back from achieving high level desires Negative thinking blocks our internal compass and our ability to connect to our intuition Body love is the gateway to high frequency living
We all have that version of ourselves that we aspire to be The woman who gets up to the alarm has patience and drive Shersquos got a sparkle in her eye a sense of confidence and knowing about her place in the world that emanates from her whole being She sits up straight and laughs with abandon From where we sit therersquos a chasm to leap in becoming that woman That woman represents ldquoone dayrdquo She represents effort She can seem unachievable In my experience body love is the first and most important step toward that woman Body love is filled with possibility promise and prosperity When we remove that low level energy of diet and restriction we can start to attract high frequencies We can start to become that woman in the present moment
Irsquove seen the shift first hand for so many people Suddenly the whole world opens up and the possibilities become endless The cloud lifts and pie-in-the-sky dreams show up in high-definition technicolour Thoughts that previously caused anxiety everything from going to lunch with new friends to finding a purpose in life start to feel as easy to read as words on a page Therersquos no more searching Itrsquos been replaced by a knowing excitement I watch as women become like bright-eyed students again endless possibilities opening up before them Only this time Theyrsquove got experience on their side
Suddenly the whole world
opens up and the
possibilities become
endless
The cloud lifts and
pie-in-the-sky dreams show
up in high-definition
technicolour
Rachelle is a Life + Confidence Coach at My Saturn Epoch She supports women through the big transitions in their life helping them to break their negative cycles to consciously create a happy life and positive mindset She is a big hearted business woman who is passionate about supporting women in pursuit of their own excellence so they can shine as a beacon to themselves their families and their communities
Connect with Rachelle at mysaturnepochcom
52
SUBSCRIBE TO RASPBERRY MAGAZINE
Grab an annual subscription and yoursquoll receive raquo 6 digital issues of Raspberry Magazine raquo an exclusive Annual Subscribers Thank You Pack
- which includes a printable manifesto beautiful meditation tracks an eBook and more contributed by generous lady entrepreneurs - worth over $35
VISIT THE SHOP
53
T H A N K Y O U F O R R E A D I N GA N D A M I L L I O N H I G H-F I V E S
I F Y O U L O V E D R A S P B E R R YM A G A Z I N E P L E A S E S H A R E
54
48
Why would you give away something so valuable for free
Because it shows yoursquore serious about helping people Because it builds trust with readers Because itrsquos a genuine thank you in return for a readerrsquos contact details Because itrsquos an ad for your business Yoursquore showing people the quality of what they will receive if they go on to work with you
How do you choose which is right for you Think about what you currently offer your readers or customers (as in content as well as services or products) What is popular What do they comment on most or ask questions about What would you love to create What would be the perfect compliment to a service you provide How can you genuinely help
Brainstorm a list then narrow it down to one ndash and get cracking
The best opt-ins are win-win ndash you gather details from ideal customers and the customers
receive something great that they need and want in return
Happy creating
PS Tricking people is icky Donrsquot do that Itrsquos of no use to have people on your list that donrsquot care about you or your products Be genuine Offer genuine value Get genuine sign-ups
SO WHAT SHOULD YOU OFFER
Here are a few ideas raquo A sneak peek or preview of a paid
product ndash like a free chapter or lesson
raquo A smaller version of a paid product ndash like a 3 day meal plan
raquo Something which compliments a service you offer
raquo Useful templates ndash like a product launch worksheet or a calendar
raquo Inspirational printables ndash like quotes or illustrations
raquo A mini eCourse ndash like 5 days of video coaching
raquo A discount ndash like 10 off their next purchase
raquo A VIP offer ndash like first dibs on tickets
raquo An eBook or workbook ndash like a recipe book or marketing plan
Alana Wimmer is Founder + Creative Director of mini digital publishing house Raspberry Stripes Alana works with rad lady entrepreneurs to design eBooks which will change the world She also provides guidance insight and info on eBook design on the Raspberry Stripes website When she isnrsquot designing reading or talking about eBooks you can find Alana walking Rory and Roxy the boxers with her husband in tow probably on her way to pick up a green smoothie
49
is a lack of self-worth
50
As a bright-eyed uni student I got pretty excited about all the opportunities that were due to unfold before me when I graduated
My approach to life has always been filled with excitement for the future I remember saying to friends in class that we were certain to be successful because enthusiasm trumps experience Sadly the path wasnrsquot as smooth as Irsquod imagined I naively thought that all bosses had a sixth-sense for talent even from shy girls who werenrsquot outward about their abilities
I applied for and took a series of jobs that from the job description seemed so overwhelmingly scary to do but within months if not weeks I was bored I lacked the self-worth to believe I could step up but Irsquod externalise this into anger at my employer for holding me back Eventually I realised it was all of my own creation I was the one who was playing small applying for and then taking jobs that wersquore well under my pay grade I even turned down a few including a big promotion because the amount of money offered was too much and it scared me Seriously
Years of study and I lacked the ability to dive in fully commit be brave be boisterous about my abilities and soar I found school easy and when things seemed challenging at work I put it down to an inability to perform If it wasnrsquot easy at first I accepted that I just wasnrsquot able I had yet to find out that some of the best lessons come from giving things a go and making a lot of mistakes Failing or in reality playing small was a comfort zone for me and success in my career was an unknown quantity I was used to struggle I was safe with my dreams The possibility of them coming true Too much to handle Irsquod have to learn to live in the present moment and I donrsquot think I was ready to do that I wasnrsquot ready to look closely at myself and see that for all my effort there was still a lot of inner work to do It was time to look within
I KNOW HOW EASY IT IS TO BUILD WALLS AROUND OUR DREAMS PUSH THEM FURTHER AWAY IN AN ATTEMPT TO PLAY SAFE AND LIVE LIFE ACCORDING TO EXTERNAL INFLUENCE I KNOW THE LEVEL OF DETERMINATION AND MENTAL GRIT IT TAKES TO OVERCOME OURSELVES START TAKING OWNERSHIP OF OUR THOUGHTS AND ULTIMATELY THE PATH OF OUR OWN LIVES
I love when clients ask me to guide them on this path because I know just what can happen when they get there I hold my hand out as a supportive leverage point and watch them soar
Something Irsquove learnt along the way The first step for many women in building self-worth is learning the art of body love Body love is all about learning to appreciate the capabilities of your body nourishing and taking care of your spirit and occasionally cutting yourself a break
51
Itrsquos looking in the mirror and liking the person you see not picking on the parts you donrsquot like Itrsquos making a choice about whether to wear a bikini based on your personal values and not about what your body looks like in one Dieting and restriction are low level energies that hold us back from achieving high level desires Negative thinking blocks our internal compass and our ability to connect to our intuition Body love is the gateway to high frequency living
We all have that version of ourselves that we aspire to be The woman who gets up to the alarm has patience and drive Shersquos got a sparkle in her eye a sense of confidence and knowing about her place in the world that emanates from her whole being She sits up straight and laughs with abandon From where we sit therersquos a chasm to leap in becoming that woman That woman represents ldquoone dayrdquo She represents effort She can seem unachievable In my experience body love is the first and most important step toward that woman Body love is filled with possibility promise and prosperity When we remove that low level energy of diet and restriction we can start to attract high frequencies We can start to become that woman in the present moment
Irsquove seen the shift first hand for so many people Suddenly the whole world opens up and the possibilities become endless The cloud lifts and pie-in-the-sky dreams show up in high-definition technicolour Thoughts that previously caused anxiety everything from going to lunch with new friends to finding a purpose in life start to feel as easy to read as words on a page Therersquos no more searching Itrsquos been replaced by a knowing excitement I watch as women become like bright-eyed students again endless possibilities opening up before them Only this time Theyrsquove got experience on their side
Suddenly the whole world
opens up and the
possibilities become
endless
The cloud lifts and
pie-in-the-sky dreams show
up in high-definition
technicolour
Rachelle is a Life + Confidence Coach at My Saturn Epoch She supports women through the big transitions in their life helping them to break their negative cycles to consciously create a happy life and positive mindset She is a big hearted business woman who is passionate about supporting women in pursuit of their own excellence so they can shine as a beacon to themselves their families and their communities
Connect with Rachelle at mysaturnepochcom
52
SUBSCRIBE TO RASPBERRY MAGAZINE
Grab an annual subscription and yoursquoll receive raquo 6 digital issues of Raspberry Magazine raquo an exclusive Annual Subscribers Thank You Pack
- which includes a printable manifesto beautiful meditation tracks an eBook and more contributed by generous lady entrepreneurs - worth over $35
VISIT THE SHOP
53
T H A N K Y O U F O R R E A D I N GA N D A M I L L I O N H I G H-F I V E S
I F Y O U L O V E D R A S P B E R R YM A G A Z I N E P L E A S E S H A R E
54
49
is a lack of self-worth
50
As a bright-eyed uni student I got pretty excited about all the opportunities that were due to unfold before me when I graduated
My approach to life has always been filled with excitement for the future I remember saying to friends in class that we were certain to be successful because enthusiasm trumps experience Sadly the path wasnrsquot as smooth as Irsquod imagined I naively thought that all bosses had a sixth-sense for talent even from shy girls who werenrsquot outward about their abilities
I applied for and took a series of jobs that from the job description seemed so overwhelmingly scary to do but within months if not weeks I was bored I lacked the self-worth to believe I could step up but Irsquod externalise this into anger at my employer for holding me back Eventually I realised it was all of my own creation I was the one who was playing small applying for and then taking jobs that wersquore well under my pay grade I even turned down a few including a big promotion because the amount of money offered was too much and it scared me Seriously
Years of study and I lacked the ability to dive in fully commit be brave be boisterous about my abilities and soar I found school easy and when things seemed challenging at work I put it down to an inability to perform If it wasnrsquot easy at first I accepted that I just wasnrsquot able I had yet to find out that some of the best lessons come from giving things a go and making a lot of mistakes Failing or in reality playing small was a comfort zone for me and success in my career was an unknown quantity I was used to struggle I was safe with my dreams The possibility of them coming true Too much to handle Irsquod have to learn to live in the present moment and I donrsquot think I was ready to do that I wasnrsquot ready to look closely at myself and see that for all my effort there was still a lot of inner work to do It was time to look within
I KNOW HOW EASY IT IS TO BUILD WALLS AROUND OUR DREAMS PUSH THEM FURTHER AWAY IN AN ATTEMPT TO PLAY SAFE AND LIVE LIFE ACCORDING TO EXTERNAL INFLUENCE I KNOW THE LEVEL OF DETERMINATION AND MENTAL GRIT IT TAKES TO OVERCOME OURSELVES START TAKING OWNERSHIP OF OUR THOUGHTS AND ULTIMATELY THE PATH OF OUR OWN LIVES
I love when clients ask me to guide them on this path because I know just what can happen when they get there I hold my hand out as a supportive leverage point and watch them soar
Something Irsquove learnt along the way The first step for many women in building self-worth is learning the art of body love Body love is all about learning to appreciate the capabilities of your body nourishing and taking care of your spirit and occasionally cutting yourself a break
51
Itrsquos looking in the mirror and liking the person you see not picking on the parts you donrsquot like Itrsquos making a choice about whether to wear a bikini based on your personal values and not about what your body looks like in one Dieting and restriction are low level energies that hold us back from achieving high level desires Negative thinking blocks our internal compass and our ability to connect to our intuition Body love is the gateway to high frequency living
We all have that version of ourselves that we aspire to be The woman who gets up to the alarm has patience and drive Shersquos got a sparkle in her eye a sense of confidence and knowing about her place in the world that emanates from her whole being She sits up straight and laughs with abandon From where we sit therersquos a chasm to leap in becoming that woman That woman represents ldquoone dayrdquo She represents effort She can seem unachievable In my experience body love is the first and most important step toward that woman Body love is filled with possibility promise and prosperity When we remove that low level energy of diet and restriction we can start to attract high frequencies We can start to become that woman in the present moment
Irsquove seen the shift first hand for so many people Suddenly the whole world opens up and the possibilities become endless The cloud lifts and pie-in-the-sky dreams show up in high-definition technicolour Thoughts that previously caused anxiety everything from going to lunch with new friends to finding a purpose in life start to feel as easy to read as words on a page Therersquos no more searching Itrsquos been replaced by a knowing excitement I watch as women become like bright-eyed students again endless possibilities opening up before them Only this time Theyrsquove got experience on their side
Suddenly the whole world
opens up and the
possibilities become
endless
The cloud lifts and
pie-in-the-sky dreams show
up in high-definition
technicolour
Rachelle is a Life + Confidence Coach at My Saturn Epoch She supports women through the big transitions in their life helping them to break their negative cycles to consciously create a happy life and positive mindset She is a big hearted business woman who is passionate about supporting women in pursuit of their own excellence so they can shine as a beacon to themselves their families and their communities
Connect with Rachelle at mysaturnepochcom
52
SUBSCRIBE TO RASPBERRY MAGAZINE
Grab an annual subscription and yoursquoll receive raquo 6 digital issues of Raspberry Magazine raquo an exclusive Annual Subscribers Thank You Pack
- which includes a printable manifesto beautiful meditation tracks an eBook and more contributed by generous lady entrepreneurs - worth over $35
VISIT THE SHOP
53
T H A N K Y O U F O R R E A D I N GA N D A M I L L I O N H I G H-F I V E S
I F Y O U L O V E D R A S P B E R R YM A G A Z I N E P L E A S E S H A R E
54
50
As a bright-eyed uni student I got pretty excited about all the opportunities that were due to unfold before me when I graduated
My approach to life has always been filled with excitement for the future I remember saying to friends in class that we were certain to be successful because enthusiasm trumps experience Sadly the path wasnrsquot as smooth as Irsquod imagined I naively thought that all bosses had a sixth-sense for talent even from shy girls who werenrsquot outward about their abilities
I applied for and took a series of jobs that from the job description seemed so overwhelmingly scary to do but within months if not weeks I was bored I lacked the self-worth to believe I could step up but Irsquod externalise this into anger at my employer for holding me back Eventually I realised it was all of my own creation I was the one who was playing small applying for and then taking jobs that wersquore well under my pay grade I even turned down a few including a big promotion because the amount of money offered was too much and it scared me Seriously
Years of study and I lacked the ability to dive in fully commit be brave be boisterous about my abilities and soar I found school easy and when things seemed challenging at work I put it down to an inability to perform If it wasnrsquot easy at first I accepted that I just wasnrsquot able I had yet to find out that some of the best lessons come from giving things a go and making a lot of mistakes Failing or in reality playing small was a comfort zone for me and success in my career was an unknown quantity I was used to struggle I was safe with my dreams The possibility of them coming true Too much to handle Irsquod have to learn to live in the present moment and I donrsquot think I was ready to do that I wasnrsquot ready to look closely at myself and see that for all my effort there was still a lot of inner work to do It was time to look within
I KNOW HOW EASY IT IS TO BUILD WALLS AROUND OUR DREAMS PUSH THEM FURTHER AWAY IN AN ATTEMPT TO PLAY SAFE AND LIVE LIFE ACCORDING TO EXTERNAL INFLUENCE I KNOW THE LEVEL OF DETERMINATION AND MENTAL GRIT IT TAKES TO OVERCOME OURSELVES START TAKING OWNERSHIP OF OUR THOUGHTS AND ULTIMATELY THE PATH OF OUR OWN LIVES
I love when clients ask me to guide them on this path because I know just what can happen when they get there I hold my hand out as a supportive leverage point and watch them soar
Something Irsquove learnt along the way The first step for many women in building self-worth is learning the art of body love Body love is all about learning to appreciate the capabilities of your body nourishing and taking care of your spirit and occasionally cutting yourself a break
51
Itrsquos looking in the mirror and liking the person you see not picking on the parts you donrsquot like Itrsquos making a choice about whether to wear a bikini based on your personal values and not about what your body looks like in one Dieting and restriction are low level energies that hold us back from achieving high level desires Negative thinking blocks our internal compass and our ability to connect to our intuition Body love is the gateway to high frequency living
We all have that version of ourselves that we aspire to be The woman who gets up to the alarm has patience and drive Shersquos got a sparkle in her eye a sense of confidence and knowing about her place in the world that emanates from her whole being She sits up straight and laughs with abandon From where we sit therersquos a chasm to leap in becoming that woman That woman represents ldquoone dayrdquo She represents effort She can seem unachievable In my experience body love is the first and most important step toward that woman Body love is filled with possibility promise and prosperity When we remove that low level energy of diet and restriction we can start to attract high frequencies We can start to become that woman in the present moment
Irsquove seen the shift first hand for so many people Suddenly the whole world opens up and the possibilities become endless The cloud lifts and pie-in-the-sky dreams show up in high-definition technicolour Thoughts that previously caused anxiety everything from going to lunch with new friends to finding a purpose in life start to feel as easy to read as words on a page Therersquos no more searching Itrsquos been replaced by a knowing excitement I watch as women become like bright-eyed students again endless possibilities opening up before them Only this time Theyrsquove got experience on their side
Suddenly the whole world
opens up and the
possibilities become
endless
The cloud lifts and
pie-in-the-sky dreams show
up in high-definition
technicolour
Rachelle is a Life + Confidence Coach at My Saturn Epoch She supports women through the big transitions in their life helping them to break their negative cycles to consciously create a happy life and positive mindset She is a big hearted business woman who is passionate about supporting women in pursuit of their own excellence so they can shine as a beacon to themselves their families and their communities
Connect with Rachelle at mysaturnepochcom
52
SUBSCRIBE TO RASPBERRY MAGAZINE
Grab an annual subscription and yoursquoll receive raquo 6 digital issues of Raspberry Magazine raquo an exclusive Annual Subscribers Thank You Pack
- which includes a printable manifesto beautiful meditation tracks an eBook and more contributed by generous lady entrepreneurs - worth over $35
VISIT THE SHOP
53
T H A N K Y O U F O R R E A D I N GA N D A M I L L I O N H I G H-F I V E S
I F Y O U L O V E D R A S P B E R R YM A G A Z I N E P L E A S E S H A R E
54
51
Itrsquos looking in the mirror and liking the person you see not picking on the parts you donrsquot like Itrsquos making a choice about whether to wear a bikini based on your personal values and not about what your body looks like in one Dieting and restriction are low level energies that hold us back from achieving high level desires Negative thinking blocks our internal compass and our ability to connect to our intuition Body love is the gateway to high frequency living
We all have that version of ourselves that we aspire to be The woman who gets up to the alarm has patience and drive Shersquos got a sparkle in her eye a sense of confidence and knowing about her place in the world that emanates from her whole being She sits up straight and laughs with abandon From where we sit therersquos a chasm to leap in becoming that woman That woman represents ldquoone dayrdquo She represents effort She can seem unachievable In my experience body love is the first and most important step toward that woman Body love is filled with possibility promise and prosperity When we remove that low level energy of diet and restriction we can start to attract high frequencies We can start to become that woman in the present moment
Irsquove seen the shift first hand for so many people Suddenly the whole world opens up and the possibilities become endless The cloud lifts and pie-in-the-sky dreams show up in high-definition technicolour Thoughts that previously caused anxiety everything from going to lunch with new friends to finding a purpose in life start to feel as easy to read as words on a page Therersquos no more searching Itrsquos been replaced by a knowing excitement I watch as women become like bright-eyed students again endless possibilities opening up before them Only this time Theyrsquove got experience on their side
Suddenly the whole world
opens up and the
possibilities become
endless
The cloud lifts and
pie-in-the-sky dreams show
up in high-definition
technicolour
Rachelle is a Life + Confidence Coach at My Saturn Epoch She supports women through the big transitions in their life helping them to break their negative cycles to consciously create a happy life and positive mindset She is a big hearted business woman who is passionate about supporting women in pursuit of their own excellence so they can shine as a beacon to themselves their families and their communities
Connect with Rachelle at mysaturnepochcom
52
SUBSCRIBE TO RASPBERRY MAGAZINE
Grab an annual subscription and yoursquoll receive raquo 6 digital issues of Raspberry Magazine raquo an exclusive Annual Subscribers Thank You Pack
- which includes a printable manifesto beautiful meditation tracks an eBook and more contributed by generous lady entrepreneurs - worth over $35
VISIT THE SHOP
53
T H A N K Y O U F O R R E A D I N GA N D A M I L L I O N H I G H-F I V E S
I F Y O U L O V E D R A S P B E R R YM A G A Z I N E P L E A S E S H A R E
54
52
SUBSCRIBE TO RASPBERRY MAGAZINE
Grab an annual subscription and yoursquoll receive raquo 6 digital issues of Raspberry Magazine raquo an exclusive Annual Subscribers Thank You Pack
- which includes a printable manifesto beautiful meditation tracks an eBook and more contributed by generous lady entrepreneurs - worth over $35
VISIT THE SHOP
53
T H A N K Y O U F O R R E A D I N GA N D A M I L L I O N H I G H-F I V E S
I F Y O U L O V E D R A S P B E R R YM A G A Z I N E P L E A S E S H A R E
54
53
T H A N K Y O U F O R R E A D I N GA N D A M I L L I O N H I G H-F I V E S
I F Y O U L O V E D R A S P B E R R YM A G A Z I N E P L E A S E S H A R E
54
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