raspberry magazine - issue one

54
1 magazine DIGITAL NOMADS Running your first workshop Claire Baker “JUST SAY NO!” THE ART OF THE SOLO RETREAT

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The freshest magazine for online business women, bloggers and entrepreneurs!

TRANSCRIPT

Page 1: Raspberry Magazine - Issue One

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

Page 2: Raspberry Magazine - Issue One

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

Page 3: Raspberry Magazine - Issue One

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

Page 4: Raspberry Magazine - Issue One

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

Page 5: Raspberry Magazine - Issue One

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

Page 6: Raspberry Magazine - Issue One

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

Page 7: Raspberry Magazine - Issue One

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

Page 8: Raspberry Magazine - Issue One

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

Page 9: Raspberry Magazine - Issue One

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

Page 10: Raspberry Magazine - Issue One

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

Page 11: Raspberry Magazine - Issue One

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

Page 12: Raspberry Magazine - Issue One

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

Page 13: Raspberry Magazine - Issue One

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

Page 14: Raspberry Magazine - Issue One

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

Page 15: Raspberry Magazine - Issue One

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

Page 16: Raspberry Magazine - Issue One

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

Page 17: Raspberry Magazine - Issue One

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

Page 18: Raspberry Magazine - Issue One

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

Page 19: Raspberry Magazine - Issue One

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

Page 20: Raspberry Magazine - Issue One

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

Page 21: Raspberry Magazine - Issue One

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

Page 22: Raspberry Magazine - Issue One

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

Page 23: Raspberry Magazine - Issue One

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

Page 24: Raspberry Magazine - Issue One

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

Page 25: Raspberry Magazine - Issue One

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

Page 26: Raspberry Magazine - Issue One

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

Page 27: Raspberry Magazine - Issue One

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

Page 28: Raspberry Magazine - Issue One

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

Page 29: Raspberry Magazine - Issue One

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

Page 30: Raspberry Magazine - Issue One

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

Page 31: Raspberry Magazine - Issue One

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

Page 32: Raspberry Magazine - Issue One

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

Page 33: Raspberry Magazine - Issue One

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

Page 34: Raspberry Magazine - Issue One

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

Page 35: Raspberry Magazine - Issue One

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

Page 36: Raspberry Magazine - Issue One

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

Page 37: Raspberry Magazine - Issue One

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

Page 38: Raspberry Magazine - Issue One

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

Page 39: Raspberry Magazine - Issue One

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

Page 40: Raspberry Magazine - Issue One

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

Page 41: Raspberry Magazine - Issue One

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

Page 42: Raspberry Magazine - Issue One

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

Page 43: Raspberry Magazine - Issue One

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

Page 44: Raspberry Magazine - Issue One

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

Page 45: Raspberry Magazine - Issue 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

Page 46: Raspberry Magazine - Issue One

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

Page 47: Raspberry Magazine - Issue One

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

Page 48: Raspberry Magazine - Issue One

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

Page 49: Raspberry Magazine - Issue One

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

Page 50: Raspberry Magazine - Issue One

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

Page 51: Raspberry Magazine - Issue One

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

Page 52: Raspberry Magazine - Issue One

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

Page 53: Raspberry Magazine - Issue One

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

Page 54: Raspberry Magazine - Issue One

54