tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3657943518364156802024-03-06T05:58:09.799+11:00A Spectacular LifeDreams, life, memories and laughs. What more do you need?Nichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15083448627064936415noreply@blogger.comBlogger31125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-365794351836415680.post-22156004680352426912014-03-17T15:51:00.001+11:002014-03-17T15:51:23.083+11:00A Spectacular Life has Moved!As the title says, my blog has moved!<br />
It’s now located at<br />
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<a href="http://aspectacularlife.com.au/">www.aspectacularlife.com.au </a><br />
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so make sure you update your bookmarks!<br />
See you over there soon<br />
<br />
Nic<br />
xx<br />
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Nichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15083448627064936415noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-365794351836415680.post-71791866837165709292014-02-19T17:30:00.000+11:002014-02-19T17:30:02.569+11:00Where the Bloody Hell am I?I'm here gorgeous. I've just been chilling out for a bit.<br />
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I suppose you could say that I got 'burnt out'.<br />
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I needed some time out. Just living - taking in everything around me. Being grateful for my amazing wife, and gorgeous bub. And everything else my life has to offer. Away from this blog. And boy do I feel great for it. Best thing I really could have done.<br />
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It's more than ok to take some time out just for you. In fact, I recommend it! Be kind to yourself when you do though cherub. It's absolutely fine, and we all need to do it sometimes. So embrace it!<br />
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So I am back with drive, purpose and the fire in my belly again. I've got my goals for this blog and I want you to come along for the ride. Will you?<br />
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Its time to do some needed housekeeping around here too - tidy the place up a bit.<br />
You will notice that things might change, not too much though love don't stress! I will still be me, posting on here but there might be a few little subtle changes going on. They might just be so subtle that you won't even notice.<br />
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I will also be taking suggestions on posts too - so if you want me to write about something please comment on here, my Facebook page, Twitter or Instagram - connect with me gorgeous!<br />
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I love hearing from you and look forward to what 2014 has in store.<br />
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xx<br />
<br />Nichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15083448627064936415noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-365794351836415680.post-67683997395770197802014-01-13T10:17:00.000+11:002014-01-13T10:17:11.379+11:002014 = No More Comparing<br />
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Wow - it's been awhile since I have thought about writing a post on here. Welcome 2014, albeit 13 days late!<br />
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What a break I had. No blogging at all. Writing in my journal, but none online. Refreshing.<br />
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Why the break? Well I believe that it is not beneficial to just write something for the sake of it. I would rather truly believe what I am writing, or be passionate about it before I click Publish. And I would like it to be worthy reading. So here is my first foray for the year. <br />
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I sat down in the first few days of a fresh new year and set out my goals and things I wanted to achieve in 2014, in all aspects of my life. Health, wellness, blogging, coaching, work, motherhood, relationships. Everything. Of course they aren't all big goals, some might just be little things but they are things that I want out of this year. That I want to make happen. And I'm pumped about it.<br />
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And I thought of a post that I really wanted to get out. I needed to write this and I have needed to for a little while now.<br />
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One of the big things I have had some trouble with in terms of writing on this blog is being authentically me. Good parts, and bad parts. Of course this is me you are seeing, reading and hanging out with. <br />
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I mean in terms of portraying all of who I am. I am a work in progress, and although I do have green smoothies, I also eat chocolate. And not always the fantastic Pana stuff, sometimes I just grab some Dairy Milk. Hazelnut or Marvellous Creations are my two favourites, but honestly I'm not that fussy. I LOVE trashy television, and can sometimes spend an hour or two on the couch rather than being outside getting some sunshine. I drink coffee, eat bread, normal milk - but I do love almond milk and chia seeds and cooking with coconut oil. I used to grow kale, loved it in my smoothies. Well actually, no one truly <i>loves </i>kale, (it's bloody bitter!) we all pretend but you get my point.<br />
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I love to feel healthy, inside and out, but I am no way perfect every day. I would hate for you to think that, and my point is that we are all human. We can always work on things, and even though I promote living a health life, by having a healthy mind, body and soul, there are times when I feel crap about myself and start thinking negatively. <br />
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I feel insecure and find myself comparing myself to others when I know I shouldn't be. An example of this is being a mum. My daughter has an innate ability to wonderfully throw all your plans to the wind and make you play by her rules. Some days we can not leave the house, she might not sleep at all and I might not even have a shower! I used to think that made me a crap mother, I would see photos of other mums looking amazing and out for coffee with their children looking and behaving so well. I thought I was shit, and didn't have it together. The truth is though no one is perfect, and what is working for those mums on that day - might not work the next. But you won't see that on social media because it's too real. It's actually relatable though and makes us other mums feel ok about having vomit or mushed food on our clothes and not realising when we leave the house. <br />
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We all compare ourselves and what I would love you to know, gorgeous, is that you are you and no one else does it better. So stop comparing, get off social media and live your life your way.<br />
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Don't get me wrong, I love Instagram, Facebook and Twitter but it can lead to an obsession with comparing ourselves. So if you find yourself doing that, switch off - and go outside. Or put the TV on and lose yourself for a bit. Or eat some kale chips, or even Cadbury Chocolate. Whatever YOU want to do.<br />
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We need to stop comparing ourselves and just let ourselves be who we are meant to be. Of course there are always things that we can improve on, but lets not beat ourselves up about it if we slip up, or feel crap about ourselves. Let's try super dooper hard to be positive and take the good with the bad - OK?<br />
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And from now on I promise that I will be sharing all the good stuff (the green smoothies, the raw recipes, the tea obsession etc) along with the not as good (the Criminal Minds marathon, my atrocious downward dog, and the books on my bedside table that <i>aren't</i> self help).<br />
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Much love<br />
xx<br />
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<br />Nichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15083448627064936415noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-365794351836415680.post-73433575949435395192013-11-21T13:57:00.002+11:002013-11-21T13:57:21.828+11:00The Gloves Are Off! <div class="MsoNormal">
Let me first state that I don’t often get into debates with
people. I have opinions about things that differ from the norm sometimes however I don't often share them. I tend to just smile and agree with someone, even though I
might think they are wrong and I am right. Just to avoid things getting heated,
because I am known not to let things go.<o:p></o:p></div>
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I am not writing this to open floodgates for debate. This
post is from my personal opinion, and is not like anything else I have posted
before. I am my authentic self on my blog, which means that I post what I feel.
This post is not to be controversial but
it is something that touches me personally, deeply and is something that I am
passionate about. It is also to give a little insight into my life, and how I don't see it as being different from anyone else's.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Regular readers know that I am in a loving committed
relationship with a woman.<b> I’m gay</b>. And we recently welcomed a baby via IVF
using anonymous donor sperm.<o:p></o:p></div>
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So we are two mums raising our daughter, <b>E</b>. I have taken to motherhood like a duck to
water (if I do say so myself) especially given that my partner actually gave
birth. I have fallen hard for E, I think she is a legend, and she is as much mine
as she is my partners. That’s all there is to it.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Last night I watched a documentary on the ABC about children
growing up with gay parents. It was made by a girl, Maya Newell, who was raised
with two mums. She asked other “gaybies” (A ridiculous term, but oh well)
themselves questions that seem to be in asked by those that are against same
sex parents. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Do the children end up gay themselves? Do they get <b>bullied
or harassed</b> because of their parents? Do they feel that they miss out on
something not having parents of both genders?<o:p></o:p></div>
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All fair enough questions. And the documentary itself was
brilliantly done. Maya showed snippets of the lives from these kids, showing
how they deal with everyday situations that <b><i>regular</i>
</b>(is there such a thing) families deal with. She spoke to advocates against gay
people raising children, Fred Nile and Janet Albrechtsen, and let them share
their views. There were no debates, arguments or heated discussions at all.
(They did a good job of making themselves look like bigoted fools though.) Overall it was a
great documentary from a different perspective, shining the light on a <b>sensitive</b>
topic at the moment. <o:p></o:p></div>
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I would have thought I would be feeling great after watching
this. The children were fine and well adjusted, some were gay, some were
straight and their families all talked openly about their situations. However I
didn’t feel good after watching it and it surprised me. I started doubting my
choice to have a child in my <i>situation </i> and with my <i>lifestyle. </i>There was never a doubt that we would have a child
together and now that she is here I cannot imagine not having her. However I started
worrying that I have destined her with a
life of <b>being different</b>, challenges that other children might not face and
growing up with what is seen as <b>‘not normal’</b>. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Have we been completely selfish to put an innocent child
through this? She didn’t ask for gay parents. Will she get bullied at school
and teased as being ‘gay’ just because her parents are lesbians? Will she miss
out on the things that <b>dads do</b> with their kids? Having not had my dad in my
life for the last 13 years because he passed away, I know what it feels like,
but she will never know the difference so is that a worthy worry? Once we
inform her of her creation will she feel less of a bond with me because I didn’t
carry her and she isn’t biologically linked to me?</div>
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<o:p></o:p></div>
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These are questions I have asked myself all morning. I was crying
in the shower as I got ready for work, because as a parent you will do anything
to protect your child and I felt guilty that I might have given E difficulties
that she didn’t deserve. Made her life hard somehow. <o:p></o:p></div>
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I have had more time to think about it and I now think
differently. </div>
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Here is why:<o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="font-family: Symbol; text-indent: -18pt;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;">
</span></span><span style="text-indent: -18pt;">Our child was thought about for a long time, a
lot of money was spent to get her and we wanted her SO bad. This means that she
wasn’t an accident, she was well thought out and desired. </span><span style="text-indent: -18pt;"> </span><span style="text-indent: -18pt;">We were prepared (well as well as you can be
seeing as nothing really prepares you for parenthood) and we went into this
willingly.</span><br /><span style="font-family: Symbol; text-indent: -18pt;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;">
</span></span><span style="text-indent: -18pt;">Our child receives more love than I think she
knows what to do with. She has two families that adore her, many friends that
we have in our lives are now in hers and will support her throughout her life,
as well as having two mums that dote on her daily. We are beyond lucky to have
the support from everyone in our lives. We are blessed.</span><br /><span style="font-family: Symbol; text-indent: -18pt;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;">
</span></span><span style="text-indent: -18pt;">Our child has men in her life. She has uncles
(real ones through family), uncles (friend’s husbands and partners), great
uncles, cousins and importantly a Poppy that adores her. So in terms of being
around men, I think we have that one covered. Plus so many children grow up
without father figures these days, so how is our situation any different?</span><br /><span style="font-family: Symbol; text-indent: -18pt;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;">
</span></span><span style="text-indent: -18pt;">She will learn that in our house everyone is
welcome and accepted. Any gender, any sexual orientation, any religion, any
colour are all welcome. She will not label people and will learn to accept people
for who they are inside and not what they look like.</span><br /><span style="font-family: Symbol; text-indent: -18pt;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;">
</span></span><span style="text-indent: -18pt;">She will learn of her conception when it is
time, and know that she was wanted more than anything by two mums that love her
more than she could ever know.</span><br /><span style="font-family: Symbol; text-indent: -18pt;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;">
</span></span><span style="text-indent: -18pt;">There will be nothing but honesty in our family,
no secrets. She will never be afraid to tell us that she has a boyfriend/girlfriend
or whatever she chooses.</span><br /><!--[if !supportLists]--><o:p></o:p><br />
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<o:p></o:p></div>
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<o:p></o:p></div>
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<o:p></o:p></div>
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<o:p></o:p></div>
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Ultimately, our family is like any other family. We will
have arguments as E grows and becomes her own little person, striving for
independence. She is already testing boundaries and showing her personality. We
will gently guide her in the right direction, let her make her choices, be
there when she makes mistakes (which will happen), and will support her in all
aspects. We will take her to her activities, be it netball, footy, dancing or
piano or whatever else she chooses. We will have lazy Sundays, go to the park
with our dog on weekends, and spend hot days at the beach. We will read before
bed, sing songs and have our own little family jokes that no one else will get.
There will be highs and lows, but at the
end of the day we will have each other’s backs and will be there for each other.
<o:p></o:p></div>
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Parents love their children and are only ever trying to do
their best and the best for them, whether it’s a mum and a dad, two dads or two
mums, single mum, single dad or even grandparents, aunties, uncles or older
brothers/sisters raising children. We all love them more than we ever thought
we could love anything, and will fight <b>HARD</b> for them to have every chance of
living a brilliant, full life. <o:p></o:p></div>
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I suppose I do have strong opinions on this, for obvious
reasons. And this is the reason I chose to write this post. I needed to get
this out. I refuse to feel guilty, and E won't know anything different than growing up in a house full of love.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Surely children growing up in a <b>loving environment</b> is more
important that who they receive that love from. <o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
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I am lucky to be in the situation I am in and judging by the
documentary Growing Up Gayby, gay parents so far have raised some <b>amazing</b>
children, just like their straight counterparts. I rest my case. <o:p></o:p></div>
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I welcome other opinions however if you are rude, and if you diss my family you are not welcome here.</div>
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Nichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15083448627064936415noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-365794351836415680.post-80842304881664713052013-11-08T06:30:00.000+11:002013-11-08T07:35:53.603+11:00Spectacular Soul - Che Johnson<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<img height="300" src="https://mail.google.com/mail/u/0/?ui=2&ik=df05870386&view=att&th=1423021f5a77b73a&attid=0.1.1&disp=emb&zw&atsh=1" width="400" /><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><br /></span></div>
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Che Johnson is the magical soul behind <b>The Polka Dot Flamingo</b>. How rad is that name! I first came across Che and her blog while perusing online spaces (as I tend to do a lot!), clicked on her site, read some of her stuff and realised that I liked this girl. She seemed very much like me, and not sure if that's a good thing or a bad thing. Haha.<br />
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Che is honest, gorgeous and writes from her heart. She shares her ups and downs, while trying to inspire others to be awesome. We connected online, support each others blogs and writings, but most of all each other. I know you'll love her just as much as me, and I thought that she would be the perfect person to interview for my Spectacular Soul series. Make sure you visit her blog - she has a brilliant new series of posts she will be starting. Exciting times ahead for this girl, and I can't wait to watch everything that the universe has in store for her to unfold.<br />
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><b>1. Introduce yourself in three sentences.</b></span><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><i>I'm a Social Worker by day and a blogger by morning and night. Sunshine, lavender, furry friends, loved ones, wholesome food and alone time fill me with joy. My favourite thing to do is laugh - HARD! </i></span><br />
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<b>2. Share with us a day in the life of Che</b><br />
<i><span style="font-size: 12pt;">No two days are the same in the life of Che but to give you an example, this was my day yesterday ...</span>An early start at work and a super rad work day. An early finish and a visit to the pub for a sneaky cider. Volunteering. Puppy walk. Cuddles with my loved one. Blogging goodness. Trash TV. Bed.<br />A rather nice day in my eyes! </i><br />
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<b>3. What is your guilty pleasure?</b><br />
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><i>I have not one, but three, guilty pleasures! Chocolate, ice cream and reality TV (some of which I admit are low brow and trashIy). I love them. Especially when I can have them all at the same time!</i></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><br /></span><b>4. Why do you do what you do (BIG QUESTION!)</b><br />
<i>I do what I do because I care about people. I want everyone to have a happy life and I want everyone to reach their full potential. I want people to meet me/speak with me/read my work and walk away feeling positive, hopeful and inspired to create beauty in their own lives. That's all! Simple really! </i><br />
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<b>5. What are you really digging at the moment?</b><br />
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><i>Plastic shoes, versatile pieces, podcasts, Gala Darling, yoga, time alone and coconut yoghurt. </i></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><br /></span><b>6. Where do you see yourself in 5 years?</b><br />
<i><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Oooo I love this. I'm thinking big in the hope that the universe will hear me and give me a helping hand! I see me working for myself and doing something that I LOVE. Having a place to call home. Being in a healthy and loving relationship. Travelling. </span><span style="font-size: 12pt;">That's all. That would fill my heart. </span></i><br />
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><br /></span><b>7. What lessons have you learnt since starting your blog?</b><br />
<i><span style="font-size: 12pt;">My goodness I've learnt <u>SO</u> much since I started blogging! I'll share with you the two biggest lessons that I've learnt: </span><span style="font-size: 12pt;">1. We can do anything that we set our minds to. ANYTHING! It just takes courage (sometimes a heck of a lot of it) and self belief.</span><span style="font-size: 12pt;">2. The more we do something, the less scary it becomes. I used to have severe heart palpitations when I would press 'publish' on a blog post. I used to freak out thinking, 'oh my god, what will people think', 'maybe it's not good enough', 'what if no-one reads it'. Now I don't even think twice, I LOVE pressing 'publish'! Just like anything in life, the more we expose ourselves to something, the more we get used to it. Anxious in social settings? Get the heck out there and socialise! Driving freak you out? You gotta do it babe! Give yourself time, be patient and be brave! </span></i><br />
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><br /></span><b>8. Why do you believe you have A Spectacular Life?</b><br />
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><i>I know I have A Spectacular Life! I feel it in my bones! Every day I challenge myself to grow, reflect and learn. I make decisions that are right for me. I prioritise myself. Everything that I do feels good and right and wholesome (most of the time). That's what drives me to connect with people - I want them to feel this way too because I know that it <u>is</u> possible. It excites me to think of women out there waking up every morning with a great big smile on their face feeling ready to take on the world! </i></span><br />
<i><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: 12pt;">On this (watch out, here comes a bit of shameless self promotion) I have just launched a new feature on my blog called 'Hello Flamingo'. It's a grown ups version of 'Dear Dolly' - haha! In order to move forward and live 'A Spectacular Life', I think that it's sometimes necessary to trawl through our past experiences and baggage. We need to understand ourselves. Some people find talking about their experiences to be scary/embarrassing/confronting - hence why I gave birth to 'Hello Flamingo'. It's a 100% anonymous space for people to post questions that they have about all things life, love and the crazy stuff in between. I will respond to these questions via a Facebook post, blog post or in my monthly newsletter. Not only will people be helping themselves, but they will also be helping others by asking questions about the challenges that so many of us experience but often sweep under the rug. Together we can feel good and reduce stigma! </span><span style="font-size: 12pt;">You can input your question directly here: </span><a href="https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/8BJY9D3" style="color: #1155cc; font-size: 12pt;" target="_blank">https://www.<wbr></wbr>surveymonkey.com/s/8BJY9D3</a><span style="font-size: 12pt;"> or head on over the the blog. </span></i><br />
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See - what a doll.<br />
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Give Che some love with a comment, or head over to her <a href="http://www.thepolkadotflamingo.com/" target="_blank">blog</a> and connect with her there.<br />
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Keep smiling<br />
xx<br />
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Nichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15083448627064936415noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-365794351836415680.post-3702773404253662472013-11-04T10:29:00.001+11:002013-11-04T10:29:54.915+11:00Out of the Closet....in a way - kinda.I was never really <i>in </i>the closet.<br />
I kinda just fell into my life now, after a few crazy messed up choices led me there. I was on a path of self destruction and I succeeded, if I'm honest. I lost who I was as a person.<br />
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I hurt people, lied and put some friends in super hard positions. For awhile there, life kinda sucked and I was super down wondering how the hell I was going to move forward.<br />
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BUT.......I came to realise that if I had not gone down that path then I wouldn't be here now.<br />
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Married (of course not legally - <b>DO NOT </b>get me started!) to an amazing <b>woman</b>.<br />
Mother to a beautiful gorgeous baby girl that lights up my world.<br />
Honest in every aspect of my life now.<br />
Settled.<br />
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Most of all - <b>HAPPY</b>.<br />
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So how did I get here? I have no freakin idea.<br />
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I never set out to be......a <i>lesbian.</i> Not that I call myself that, but I know that others use the word to describe me. I prefer gay, but even then it's not like I introduce myself to people:<br />
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"Hi, I'm Nic and I'm gay. Yep, a lezzo."<br />
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To me, my life is just as normal as anyone else's, straight, gay or whatever.<br />
I love someone that loves me, and I want to be with that person for the rest of my life.<br />
The fact that she is a woman does not factor in anything at all. Love is love to me.<br />
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I was super lucky in that my family are beyond amazing with the situation. My mum didn't bat an eyelid, she was just happy as long as I was happy. And it was obvious to her that I was. To see her with her granddaughter makes my heart swell, and I am happy that I could give her that joy.<br />
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The rest of my family were the same, as well as all my friends. They could see that I was happy, after seeing me heading towards rock bottom. Some friendships were challenged, and some haven't recovered so well but that is to be expected. Of course I don't like it but I have to deal with it.<br />
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So all in all, I am one of the lucky ones. Some people aren't as lucky as me, and it breaks my heart. I can't imagine how I would have been if I didn't have as much support as I had, and still get. Especially now that we have our baby, it overwhelms me. I have brilliant people in my life and I don't ever want to take that for granted again.<br />
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So in terms of my 'coming out' story - that's it. I wasn't ever in there, so I never really came out. But my path to get here wasn't easy and was shithouse at times.<br />
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I wouldn't change it for the world, because everything happens for a reason and I am right where I need to be.<br />
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Keep smiling<br />
xx<br />
<br />Nichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15083448627064936415noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-365794351836415680.post-68762406061937293102013-10-16T12:47:00.003+11:002013-10-16T12:47:47.232+11:00My name is Nicole, and I am Multi Passionate.<br />
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">My downward dog looks more like a flimsy ferret.</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">I meditate......sometimes.</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">I try to avoid sugar, but I love fruit and chocolate.</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">I feel like I should be a vegetarian but I love lamb so much.</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">I love getting outside in nature, but also love watching trashy TV.</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">My writings are currently just one page of ramblings.....book is traveling along quite well.</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><b>My point?</b></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">I am a walking contradiction! And I am not really good at labelling myself. I don't really like many of them. I’m not a yogi, or an author, meditator or a vegetarian. I don’t really stick to anything, and I am forgetful. If I say I am not going to eat meat, I forget until I am chomping on a lamb cutlet bone while my dog sits watching and drooling. I say I am going to meditate each morning and do it once and that’s it. I forget and I am cool with that. I wasn’t for ages, but that’s me. I think it’s one of my great qualities. My crappy memory.</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">I</span><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"> am what they call a <b>multi-passionate</b> person. I like something from column A and column B.</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">And I’ll also see something I like in Column C, oooh Column D has some ripper stuff, and Column E has something that I want too! Actually, screw the rest, Column F is the greatest by far. </span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">I see others that seem to know exactly what they want and go get it. They are happy with one thing and content. </span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">Me? I need a bit of everything. </span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">I thrive on learning new things. I absorb information like a sponge, and then lose interest after a bit, or if I find something new. </span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">Hence why in my garage is a surfboard, a skateboard, a scooter, a guitar, some fishing rods, gardening stuff and bikes. I love it all. Truth be told I don’t always utilise them, but I will! Come summer I will surf and ride with the baby on my bike. I do garden when I can, and we love to fish as a family. I haven’t picked up the guitar in a bit, but I have someone on hand to teach me. And the scooter? Well I had ambitions of scooting down the street to get a coffee (it would be faster than walking), but I didn’t think it through properly. How would I scoot back while trying to balance a coffee, or two. Hmm. The scooter can probably go I think. Maybe to my 7 year old cousin. Kids like scooters.</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">I digress. </span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">I am multi passionate. It’s a label <b>I am ok with</b>. I think it makes me interesting. Here are a few labels I like:</span></div>
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<li style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px; margin: 0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">Mother</span></li>
<li style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px; margin: 0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">Wife</span></li>
<li style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px; margin: 0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">Daughter</span></li>
<li style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px; margin: 0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">Sister</span></li>
<li style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px; margin: 0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">Friend</span></li>
<li style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px; margin: 0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">Comedian</span></li>
<li style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px; margin: 0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">Good looking (joke - see point above)</span></li>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">I could go on, but I won't. The point of this post is to say it’s ok to not do something 100% of the time. Or even be super good at something. You are free to do a little of this, a little of that. It’s the beauty of life, and the world we live in. There is so much out there so if you feel like you haven’t found your one thing, it’s ok. You can have five. Or six. Or even twelve. <b>It’s your life baby!</b></span><br />
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><b>Are you a multi passionate person? Or have you got that one thing that you are kicking goals at?</b></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">Keep smiling </span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">xx</span></div>
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Nichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15083448627064936415noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-365794351836415680.post-3226532326630732952013-08-30T11:43:00.000+10:002013-08-30T11:43:12.523+10:00F.E.A.R<div class="p1">
I decided that I needed to do a vlog. Me, sitting in front of a camera, talking.</div>
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Whoa.</div>
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HUGE deal. Deep breaths, slow the heart rate. Scary. </div>
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Once I decided that I was going to go ahead with this ludicrous idea....I needed something to talk about. Hmm what better than fear? Given that I was (and still am a little bit!) shit-scared of posting a video of myself I though that it was fitting. </div>
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So here it is.</div>
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I talk about fear, and ways to overcome it. I hope you enjoy it. I actually had fun creating it and to post it is a massive accomplishment for me, so high five to myself for going ahead and confronting what I'm afraid of. </div>
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Keep smiling.</div>
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xx</div>
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Nichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15083448627064936415noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-365794351836415680.post-892831051520307482013-08-28T07:46:00.000+10:002013-08-28T07:46:27.965+10:00Kicking Goals<br />
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So it's been a massive week around here.<br />
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I sent out my <b>first newsletter </b>and got amazing responses for it. It was overwhelming, because part of me was like, what do I have to write, but I did and I am so glad.<br />
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It was a massive ticking of the box for me - because when I started this blog one of the things that I wanted to achieve was to send out a newsletter to followers on a regular basis. And it's happening. And people have signed up and read it. And they <b>liked</b> it. Yay.<br />
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If you haven't signed up yet - get to it! The link is on the right - and you'll get some love straight from me to you! Well via your inbox technically, but you're catching what I'm throwing.<br />
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I have reached <b>158 followers</b> on Facebook too - which is huge-mungus. So stoked, it makes you get that warm fuzzy feeling inside that people get what you are saying and feel the same. It's a ripper feeling. Thanks to you!<br />
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<u>Coming in the future::</u><br />
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A BIG goal of mine is to write an <b>ebook</b>. At the moment it is all in draft stages, but it's in the pipeline. So exciting for me, I cannot wait till that all happens, but I want to make sure that I am totally happy with it all before I publish so it might still be a bit of a way off....stay tuned gorgeous ones!<br />
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Also I have a goal to do a <b>video post</b>. I'm massively scared to do so, I tend to ramble and I sound like an 8 year old - but it's something that I think would be fantastic to connect more with you! I have NO idea how to edit a video so it might be interesting but that's the fun of it. I am not sure of what I will talk about yet, and as much as I am dreading it, I am looking forward to it too. Another box to tick!<br />
(I have done a couple of practice run throughs talking about general stuff. And, if I'm frank, I think I need just a <b>little</b> more practice.)<br />
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So as you can see - boxes are being ticked, goals are set and processes are in place to make it happen.<br />
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How about you good-lookin? Have you put down your goals and started working towards them?<br />
DO IT! And let me know if you're comfortable to do so - I really wanna hear about it.<br />
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Keep smiling!Nichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15083448627064936415noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-365794351836415680.post-24525776725236760612013-08-20T08:00:00.000+10:002013-08-20T21:55:18.626+10:00Spectacular Soul - Breanna of 'The Blak Line'So begins a new little series that will (hopefully!) appear on here regularly - Spectacular Soul.<br />
The aim is to introduce to you to a soul who is doing something amazing, rare, inspirational or is all round Spectacular!<br />
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Today's Spectacular Soul is my gorgeous friend Breanna. I have known Bree for many years, living in Geelong and last year she decided to up and leave us for Bali. Jealous much? Also she decided to create her own business over there called The Blak Line, while working in interior design. The Blak Line is a jewellery and accessories business. Bree sources all the materials locally, using authentic beads, leather, silk and more. She has only just started and already the line is popular and growing by the day. Inspirational hey? She has an eye for detail and trends and her stuff is super spunky! I am proud of everything she has done (especially cause she is a young-un) and to call her my friend.<br />
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I decided that Bree was the perfect person for my first Spectacular Soul interview, so she kindly obliged even though she is super dooper shy. What a legend.<br />
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<i><b>Can you explain what The Blak Line is and how it came about?</b></i></h3>
I had always dreamed of living abroad. On my travels I had the opportunity to create the concept and design various retail spaces in world-renowned locations. The Blak Line products include a range of handmade leather accessories fit for every girl's wardrobe. I draw inspiration from my lifestyle in exotic places.<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uwpEOaoBKQY/UhIReuJ4D3I/AAAAAAAAAQE/7g0IZYrrYoE/s1600/184536_142216695935513_56413125_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uwpEOaoBKQY/UhIReuJ4D3I/AAAAAAAAAQE/7g0IZYrrYoE/s320/184536_142216695935513_56413125_n.jpg" width="240" /></a><br />
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<i><b>What made you want to start your own jewellery and accessories business?</b></i></h3>
It's something I have always been passionate about and dreamt of doing. I guess living in Indonesia was a great starting point for The Blak Line.<br />
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<i><b>Why Bali?</b></i></h3>
To call paradise home is a once in a lifetime opportunity and to escape those cold winter days that we have to deal with back in Victoria is something that I don't really miss at all!!<br />
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<i><b>Tell us about a typical day in the life of Bree</b></i></h3>
A day in my shoes....well normally it's just thongs...there is no such thing as time here. When the sun beams in through my window in the morning it means time to wake up, no alarms for me. Normally I would go for a run along the beach with my dog and enjoy the sea breeze before it gets too warm. Life here isn't busy at all, if it isn't done today then there is always tomorrow. So most of my mornings I will either go off explore the streets on the way tp Denpasar to see what treasures and inspiration I can find. Getting lost is always the best part of the day!<br />
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The afternoons consist of me having to go into work for a couple of hours which is never a problem because everyone is always so happy. Everyday the staff are smiling which puts me in a good mood. It is very true that 'a smile is the perfect medicine for life'<br />
The evenings are normally spent at the beach after work either surfing or just enjoying the final moments of sun before the day comes to an end.<br />
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<i><b>What is your favourite piece in your collection?</b></i></h3>
Millie wallet - perfect size to go in your bag, but still cute to be used on its own!<br />
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<i><b>What is next for The Blak Line?</b></i></h3>
There is a new style bag to add to the collection called the Agus bag. It is a great shoulder bag for everyday use. I use mine at the moment and can't put it down. It's perfect for everything - it even fits your laptop without getting too heavy. Also the inside lining is to die for - amazing batik prints. Look out for them because Christmas isn't too far away.......<br />
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<i><b>Where do you see yourself and The Blak Line in 5 years?</b></i></h3>
5 years...oh I get nervous even thinking about it! I hope to have a website up and running successfully and have my products stocked in selected boutiques. In five years time I hope to have had children, so this would be the perfect business to run while I raise them.<br />
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<i><b>What's been the biggest challenge or hurdle that you have overcome so far?</b></i></h3>
The language barrier would have to be the main challenge. My leather and tailor supplier speak 10 words together in English, and at the beginning my Indonesian was not good at all. It was interesting! When I first began I would place my orders and be crossing my fingers and toes, because I would be unsure what they understood and what they didn't. After trial and a few errors we have managed to get that sorted so it's all good now!!<br />
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<i><b>Why do you have A Spectacular Life?</b></i></h3>
"Sometimes you will never know the value of a moment until it becomes a memory" - Dr Seuss.<br />
Life is too short! You never know when your life could turn upside down. Everything happens for a reason and while you may not realise it at the time, in the future it will all make sense.<br />
I was a young girl who had a dream. Now my dream is my reality. What more could I wish for?<br />
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You can find and order products from The Blak Line on their <a href="https://www.facebook.com/TheBlakLine" target="_blank">Facebook</a> page.<br />
Check them out!<br />
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Nichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15083448627064936415noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-365794351836415680.post-11001115578955428002013-08-09T16:30:00.001+10:002013-08-09T16:30:04.474+10:00A Question to YOU!So, I have been thinking that I want to get my message out a little more to the wonderful community that is out there! I have made some brilliant connections and am learning so much from other amazing women that I want to share the message a little more than on the blog. Of course I have Facebook, Twitter and Instagram and you can connect with me on any one of those platforms, I would love to hear from you.<br />
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I was thinking I might start a newsletter, say fortnightly? Delivered straight to your inbox.<br />
In it might be some inspiration, information, a little story or two and if you're lucky a little joke?<br />
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However I do not want to bombard you with something you aren't going to find useful so just putting the feelers out to see if there is any interest?<br />
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Let me know in the comments below and if a few are keen as then I would LOVE to do it. And if you have something specific you would like me to include in it then please tell me!<br />
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Thanks guys!<br />
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xx<br />
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<br />Nichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15083448627064936415noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-365794351836415680.post-53695577421687042692013-08-01T09:01:00.000+10:002013-08-01T09:01:55.669+10:00GratefulnessHello beautiful!<br />
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Today's post is about being <b>GRATEFUL</b> for what we have right at this point in time. Leave the negatives, grab the positives and run! Focusing on what we have rather than what we don't.<br />
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We are all so lucky and we need to remember once in awhile.<br />
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I sometimes forget to do this. Guilty as charged. I get so caught up in wanting more, doing more and being more that I take for granted what I already have.<br />
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So join me in relishing what we already have <b>NOW. </b>To do this I decided to start a grateful list, which I am going to print out and keep it where I can see it to remind me of all the freaking amazing things I have in my life.<br />
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My grateful list (just the start otherwise this post would be ridiculously long) :<br />
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<li>My gorgeous daughter and wife. Self-explanatory really. </li>
<li>My amazing family who give me nothing but support with everything and love me unconditionally.</li>
<li>My friends. New and old, some I see everyday and some not as much - but <b>ALL OF THEM </b>have a place in my heart. All bring beautiful things into my life, keep me focused, call me out when I need it and most importantly make me laugh. So needed. </li>
<li>My health. Sure there are things that I can improve on my body, but I am healthy. I have air in my lungs, sun on my face and I can walk wherever I choose. </li>
<li>My house. I have a roof over my head, hot water to bathe in and heating/cooling when I need it.</li>
<li>Food in my belly - and lots of the good stuff!!</li>
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Oh how I could go on! Once you start they all seem to flow. It's nice to have a list like this when you feel down about something that hasn't gone your way or ended up how you thought it would, just to remind yourself that you have a SHITLOAD going for you! Everyone is human, and we tend to focus on the negatives, but let's agree to make a pact to focus on the positives. Are you with me?</div>
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What are you grateful for? Tell me! I would love to hear babe.</div>
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Keep smiling!</div>
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Nichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15083448627064936415noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-365794351836415680.post-54863834522288741112013-07-19T07:30:00.000+10:002013-07-19T07:30:06.370+10:00Be your own Body Loving BestieYou probably read the title and thought - another self love post. I already love myself, and I am my own bestie. Yada yada. Well I bet that even though you said that, you don't believe it. Deep deep down, you still doubt yourself and feel that if you show a little bit of confidence that you're being cocky, or 'up yourself'. That it's easier to identify the negatives rather than the positives, especially when it comes to what we look like. Body image is such a massive issue, and I thought I would share my thoughts, experience and how to bust negativity in the butt. <div>
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It's freakin ridiculous that we, as women, are afraid to love ourselves and our bodies. All shapes and forms. To say 'Thank you' after someone pays us a compliment rather than disagreeing with the person. </div>
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To find our good points, and actually believe ourselves when we say:</div>
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<li>I have nice eyes</li>
<li>I really love my smile</li>
<li>I have ripping curves </li>
<li>My legs/butt/wrists are sexy</li>
<li>Gosh my legs are bloody strong </li>
<li>My stomach isn't flat, but it held my gorgeous baby and that's awesome</li>
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It's bizarre how common this is with women, and how we all do it. It's habit and since having a daughter it's something that I have become so aware of. I don't do it nearly as much as I used to, but it's a work in progress every day. Finding my positives and focusing on them. Instead of the negative things. It's worthless and a waste of time. </div>
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Example:</div>
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I recently got my hair cut into what one might describe as an 'edgy' style. Think of P!nk's hair, but not blonde. It's a bit out there, and after I had it done I was stressing that it looked crap. I was going to go back to the hairdresser and get it fixed. (Which, on a side note, was ludicrous considering that most of it was shaved so the only way she COULD fix it was to shave the whole bloody thing!) Anywho, moving on, I ended up thinking to myself - Nic, it's hair. It grows super fast, and it actually looks good and suits you. I needed a change, and now I love it. But my first thought was doubt, and what other people thought. That's what we all need to rewire in our brains. Look for the positive FIRST, instead of second. </div>
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Despite what I thought when I was growing up, I won't ever have a body like Elle McPherson, skin like J-Lo, lips like Angelina, hair like Jennifer Aniston. I know that now, and that's ok. Comparing ourselves to others is something that really makes it hard to be our own body loving bestie. You are you, no one else can do you better. And who YOU are is brilliant. YOU rock. YOU are beautiful and amazing and spectacular and fabulous and a BABE!! </div>
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So want to know some ways to becoming your own bestie? Sure!</div>
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<li>Find your good points. Stare at yourself in the mirror. For every negative thing you identify, match it with a positive. Challenge yourself.</li>
<li>Exercise. It doesn't have to be something where you sweat like a pig either, just as long as your body is moving. Exercise increases endorphins, which will make you feel better and you will shine. You will be more positive, it will be easier to be happy with yourself, and you can be amazed at how strong your body is to go for that walk/pump those weights/do that dance class/push that vacuum! </li>
<li>Eat healthy. It's a known fact that having a healthy diet has an amazing effect on how you feel within yourself. Think about it. Have you ever eaten fish and chips and just felt crappy after? Blergh. Instead, go for the healthy options and you will definitely notice the difference. You will feel better knowing that you are giving your body the right fuel to get the best out it. </li>
<li>Leave yourself little notes pointing out things about you that rock! On the bathroom mirror, in the wardrobe, in your car. Little reminders of how amazing you are, just in case you go bat shit crazy and forget. </li>
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Now, this isn't easy for all of us. Me included. It's a habit that many of us have had for a long time and it will take time to change. But we can all do it together and help each other out. Because we shouldn't be hard on ourselves, we deserve to give ourselves nothing but love. </div>
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On a final note, I just want to also say that even though I have written this about being your own body loving bestie, of course there is more to us than what we look like. I also know that so many of us have problems with body image, and it's an issue that we need to work on! You rock inside and out. I have no doubt of that. </div>
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What do you think? </div>
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Do you find the negatives in your body easy? </div>
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How are you going to find the positives and become your own body loving bestie?</div>
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Or, if you are already, what other tips do you have for others?</div>
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xx</div>
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Nichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15083448627064936415noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-365794351836415680.post-14512252058214857502013-07-08T13:32:00.000+10:002013-07-08T13:32:02.425+10:00In My World - Friends <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I spent a lot of my weekend with friends. Friends that I have had for a very long time, and friends that have recently come into my life. And I am grateful for them all. </div>
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I am in a transition phase in my life and it's right now that I appreciate every single one of the beautiful people that I get to call my friend. More than they probably could ever know.</div>
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They pick me up when I'm down, push me along, tell me what I need to hear not what I want to, and never let me feel like I'm alone. My world is brighter because of each and every one of them. </div>
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What I have realised too is that they love me for me - warts and all. Wow! Superstars.</div>
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It's important to have those people that you can be yourself around, who no matter what love you. Don't hide who you are - bring it out for everyone to see! You are great and your friends love you! They think you are pretty fine and want nothing more than to share their life with you! That's something cool hey? Something about your wackiness they love, and you match with their wackiness too. </div>
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Give yourself to people and they will give themselves back. Don't let time go on without telling those important to you how much you love and appreciate them. Do it now! </div>
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Tell me what you think. Do you have those people in your life that think you're funny when sometimes you know your not? (That never happens to me cause I am funny ALL the time!) Do they know your darkest secrets and are still your bestie? Do you need to tell them that they rock your world? Go ahead and do it then! </div>
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Keep smiling</div>
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xx</div>
<br />Nichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15083448627064936415noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-365794351836415680.post-25166508658698126482013-06-27T08:00:00.000+10:002013-06-27T08:00:02.210+10:00In My World - Time.<div class="MsoBodyText">
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My life is busy. I
work full time, am undertaking an online course, have a three-month-old baby
(with my partner who is a SAHM), and play netball at my local club, which
involves Saturday games and training one night a week.<br />
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With any time leftover I try to fit in any of the
following:</div>
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<li>Gym/fitness/walking
the dog</li>
<li>Housework
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<li><span style="font-size: 7pt;"> </span>Leisure
activities (socialising, catching up with friends/family, reading a book,
watching a movie, shopping!, taking photos, having a bath)</li>
<li>Planning
things around my business</li>
<li>Writing
this blog (which I have been TOTALLY slack on – sorry y’all)</li>
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Whoa. <o:p></o:p><br />
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Even as I write these things I realise how much I have
going on. And I know it’s all my doing, and I am not whining at all. I also
know that other amazing people do a lot more but to me this is a fair amount.
The thing is though is that this amount of ‘stuff’ going on in life is
manageable. BUT I tend to spend time not actually doing anything, such as flaking
on the couch watching meaningless television, on social media just creeping and
a ridiculous amount of time looking at photos on Instagram of food, flamingos
and nail polish. Goodness me.<br />
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<b>So what to do? <o:p></o:p></b><br />
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<b>First</b> – you will
notice that posts on this blog will start taking on more of a ‘structure’. For example this post has the heading of What's Happening in My World? They will be posts on what's happening to me in my little world that I hope relate somehow to you. There will be other themes of things that I like to write about at certain times. Things that interest me and that I would love to share with you.<br />
On a side note, the amount of
support that I have had so far is overwhelming. I thank you, you gorgeous thing,
for reading and being supportive, you’re awesome. I love writing on here and I will continue to
do so as long as people want to check it out and connect. It rocks. You rock. We all rock.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b>Second </b>–
realise that some things can wait. If I don’t get the vacuuming done today then
it will still be there tomorrow, and that is perfectly fine. It’s all about
prioritising, and being ok with putting things that aren’t super important off
for a little bit. So if you are coming to visit my house any time soon, please
DO NOT look at the carpet. Thank you.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b>Third</b> – make sure
that I ‘schedule’ blocks of time out to do things I want to do. I am not going to
book every little detail in as such; it will more be an hour here or there to
do something that I <i>feel </i>like doing
at that time. Me time. I can probably
make a safe bet and assume that hours will go just watching my daughter and her
facial expressions, but to me that’s an hour well spent! <o:p></o:p></div>
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<b>Fourth </b>–<b> </b>setting little tasks. If I have something
massive I want done by a certain time, I am going to split it out into more
manageable chunks so that it doesn’t overwhelm me, and I leave it to the last
minute. Or don’t even get it done at all. (Yes, I am talking about the bookcase
in the garage that I was going to strip down, paint and put in the nursery before
the baby was born. Oops. It will get done. One day, hopefully by her eighteenth
birthday.) <o:p></o:p></div>
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The business is a perfect example here. Just chipping away
at little tasks is making the whole thing seem easy. It’s falling into place. And
it makes me feel like I have accomplished so much so far. Whoop!<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b>Fifth</b> – even though
I feel like I have a crap-load to do, it’s really important that I am here in
the present. Enjoying today and not stressing about how much I have to do in
the next six months, two years or five years. Taking today as it comes and just
doing what I can – and being ok with it. Breathing and being present. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Being here in the moment and taking whatever today brings
me. I’m ready – bring it on! <o:p></o:p><br />
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<a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/61263307/be-present-every-day-print-of-original" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Source</span></a></div>
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What about you?<br />
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Do you feel like you don’t have enough
hours in the day?<br />
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Do you have a way that you manage everything that really
works for you? I’d love to hear it! <o:p></o:p></div>
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Keep smiling<br />
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xx</div>
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Nichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15083448627064936415noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-365794351836415680.post-48015566531128564752013-06-05T12:22:00.001+10:002013-06-26T13:55:20.071+10:00Don't be a Doubting Debbie - like me!<div class="MsoBodyText">
<i><b>Self-doubt.</b></i><o:p></o:p></div>
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It’s back in my life, but I can tell you right now it will
not be staying.<o:p></o:p></div>
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It’s not welcome anymore, because I don’t need the shit
that it brings! I deserve to believe in myself and have confidence in my abilities,
dreams and all round awesomeness.<o:p></o:p></div>
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So <b>WHY</b> has it suddenly decided to show up? After a couple
of months of feeling elated and content with life, it appears. It makes things seem harder, when they aren’t.
It makes things go slower, when they aren’t. It brings me down, makes life
itself feel heavy and I know full well that it’s not. I mentioned it <a href="http://aspectacularlifeblog.blogspot.com.au/2013/05/taking-leap.html">previously</a>, about how I was feeling great, authentic and more like the real version
of me. I was training to be a coach!
Coaches don’t have self-doubt, they have their shit together. They help <i><b>others</b></i> with their self-doubt and work
with clients to get them through any issues they have. <o:p></o:p></div>
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The last week or so I have felt myself shifting. Doubting
I can coach. That I don’t have the skills required to help people. That I won’t
get any coaching clients. I was becoming a ‘Doubting Debbie’, as the amazing Hillary
Rubin calls it. It happens to the best of us. But we need to make sure we push
this self-doubt away, like really shove it! Say NO to self-doubt. Why? How do I
know that the self-doubt isn’t saying the truth?<o:p></o:p></div>
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Because I know we’re awesome. We are one beautiful,
amazing and smart person. We rock! So whatever that inner critic is saying that
is making you feel self-doubt, it’s wrong. <b>TRUST ME</b>. I’ve been there, I’m there
now, but I won’t be for much longer! <o:p></o:p></div>
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It’s easier said than done though. I get it. So we need to
have strategies to work out how to remain positive and have the belief in
ourselves. Now self-doubt will NEVER go away completely, but there are definitely
ways that we can manage it so it never wants to pop its ugly head up again. Say
good riddance to that little voice that always has something negative to say.
It can jump. We will conquer this once and for all, <b>TOGETHER</b>! <o:p></o:p></div>
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I have put together some little ideas for getting through self-doubt
and coming out the other side basking in your awesomeness.</div>
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<ul>
<li><span style="text-indent: -18pt;">Refresh
your steps – how did you get here to a place where self-doubt is hanging
around? Recognise any triggers and identify any processes that have gotten you through
a period of self-doubt before. Remember this, and use it! It will be a great
help. If anything, it will prove that this self-doubt doesn’t hang around like
a bad smell, it leaves. So there is a way through it.</span></li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li><span style="text-indent: -18pt;">Start
a gratitude journal – listing things that you are grateful for about yourself,
your work, life, relationships anything! You are one lucky bugger, don’t forget
that. By focusing on the positives, the negative things seem so miniscule and
unimportant.</span></li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li><span style="text-indent: -18pt;">Put
up little post it notes in your place with a positive message that you can
read, like on the bathroom mirror, in your wardrobe, on the washing machine,
even on the toilet! Anywhere that you will see around your house that will
remind you of how freakishly ridiculously* great you are as a person</span><span style="font-size: 9px; text-indent: -18pt;">. </span></li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li><span style="text-indent: -18pt;">Use
your posse. The people that love you for you, they are your cheerleaders in
life and if asked will happily tell you nothing but your fantastic traits and
the joy you bring into their lives. They know you, and still hang around! That's saying something, don't you think? </span></li>
</ul>
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They are just some ideas to start with, but the first step is always the hardest. Once you get going, you are really going to show that little voice of self-doubt who's the boss. Yay! Go you. Go <b>US</b>! <o:p></o:p></div>
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Does self-doubt ever make an unwelcome appearance for you too?
What are your ways to get through it? I would love to hear some other ideas,
especially as I get through this self-doubt patch in my life, so I too can bask
in my awesomeness on the other side!<o:p></o:p></div>
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Much love and keep smiling - you rockstar!<o:p></o:p></div>
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xx<o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="text-indent: -18pt;">* I’m not entirely sure these words really go
together – but I don’t care. They get my point across perfectly. </span></div>
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Nichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15083448627064936415noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-365794351836415680.post-52244912393244987772013-05-27T19:50:00.003+10:002013-05-27T19:50:51.844+10:00Taking the leapMy last post was about dealing with fear, and especially my fear of putting myself out there and letting everyone know about my blog.<br />
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Since that happened, nothing but good things have come my way. I have had amazing support from my nearest and dearest, as well as new people that have come into my life because I took the chance. Good things do happen, if you're true to you and your cause. Because I put myself out there and was authentic, brilliant things started happening, which makes me smile and get all fuzzy!<br />
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I took a chance and put faith in myself for the first time in a long time. A few years ago my values and beliefs took a beating, and I forgot who I was. I was this person that I didn't recognise. Over the past few years I have slowly been getting back to an authentic version of me. I had people in my life who believed in me and loved me, which then enabled me to believe and love myself. I'm terribly grateful to those people, and I know I'm lucky. They could have easily turned their backs and given up on me, but they didn't. Yay!<br />
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So here I am writing my deepest thoughts and feelings. I have honestly never felt more alive.<br />
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And I have some bloody exciting news. I have signed up do to a coaching course. It's online so I will do study while working, which will be challenging but I truly feel like this is my path.<br />
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And since signing up and <b style="font-size: x-large;">taking the leap </b>I have had nothing but good things back. I have already met some amazing people who are also doing the course, and everyone that knows I'm studying have had fantastic things to say. I have met people won similar paths, and been introduced to a community of amazing women who have nothing but gorgeous things to say and who truly understand it all.<br />
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I'm sensing a pattern. That when things seem like a risk, or you're afraid of something, if you are being true to yourself then the universe will realise and give good things. It's true, what the gorgeous women at the <a href="http://aspectacularlifeblog.blogspot.com.au/2013/05/soulpreneurs-and-my-awakening-part-one.html">workshop</a> I went to said:<br />
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<span style="color: magenta;">Authenticity breeds abundance.</span><br />
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And they are right.<br />
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So since signing up to do the course, I decided to reassess my goals, do a new vision board and keep finding the person I am inside.<br />
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Oh I love vision boards. I have one for my fitness and other life goals, and I decided to do one specifically for my coaching goals and striving to reach a state of undying self love.<br />
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Any freakin excuse to go stationary shopping, pin stuff and find inspirational quotes! Its so fun, and really gets your dreams out there to start happening. It makes the universe aware of what you want in life.<br />
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I was given some gorgeous inspirational stickers from Kikki K that I was hanging to use! Finally!<br />
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And the finished product. You might see that on the right is some spare space, and this is for me to add post it notes when I think of something inspirational, or a great blog post or anything really that pops into my head!!<br />
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(You may also notice a flamingo. I love these birds. Anything that can be naturally that pink is a winner to me! They remind me of just how amazing our world can be.)<br />
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So the vision board is complete, for now. As always it's about keeping your focus, getting inspiration and putting out what you want into the universe.<br />
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Let's see if I wake up to a flamingo in my front yard tomorrow! <br />
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Be Spectacular!<br />
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xxx<br />
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<br />Nichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15083448627064936415noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-365794351836415680.post-33687534120738789782013-05-21T19:56:00.000+10:002013-05-21T19:56:40.691+10:00Fear<div style="text-align: center;">
<img height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWSlsiy-fhcLq5qx3dTHiT6Pzq6ejEeaCNOLl6wdD1zfbLU0ZiB_RSoX_3212DKriQ1Wb2Md2zFI1GYsyR1eX61ClRp5PTAI5wZD1ExTkPmsX71KxSlaix0G3LrAe7ncaHE_smVhjtOS_V/s320/fear.jpg" width="213" /></div>
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Facing our fears is hard. I know because I have done some pretty big things over the last couple of days that I was really scared about doing. They may not seem big to you, but that's the beauty of fears. They are completely bloody stupid. I know this logically, but it doesn't make them feel any less real to me.<br />
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I decided to merge my personal Instagram account with the one linked to this blog, because both accounts are me. This blog isn't a subset of who I am, it's completely who I am. So they are now the one and I have nothing to hide.<br />
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I also started a Facebook page for A Spectacular Life. I then invited some friends to like it.<br />
<br />There's my fear. Having people I know read my blog. Ridiculous much?<br />
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The thing that is completely ironic is that the people I know - <b>KNOW ME</b>. They already know me, so what they read isn't going to really be that much of a surprise. So what's the big deal?<br />
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I think that it's because I am afraid of feedback, of hearing what people think. That in itself is just as crazy, because I have had nothing but positive vibes sent my way from those that have read it. It's great, and I am just being a nutter. But I can't help it.<br />
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So after my <a href="http://aspectacularlifeblog.blogspot.com.au/2013/05/soulpreneurs-and-my-awakening-part-one.html">Soulpreneurs night</a>, I decided to face my fear. Like the amazing women said, fear just shows your growing. It just shows that you're breaking through to the next level. So I went for it.<br />
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Do you know what happened babe?<br />
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<b>Nothing.</b><br />
<b>At.</b><br />
<b>All.</b><br />
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In fact, that's a lie - I have received more love for my words and my space than I thought possible. And for those that have responded to me and supported me so far, thank you from the bottom of my heart.<br />
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It's just the beginning my friends. Stay for the journey!!<br />
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Keep smiling<br />
<br />
xx<br />
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<br />Nichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15083448627064936415noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-365794351836415680.post-37036974273110742302013-05-19T20:24:00.000+10:002013-05-19T20:24:50.885+10:00Soulpreneurs and My Awakening!!! (Part Two)I'm still riding the high from my night in Melbourne at the Soulpreneurs event.<br />
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After a brilliant catch up with my closest girlfriends, and sharing my life-changing experience (over a couple of wines), I am more excited. Knowing that no matter what I do they will have my back and support me is a massive thing. And so comforting. Although I really already knew it, it's still great to be reminded.<br />
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Back to the Soulpreneurs event.<br />
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The day before the event attendees were sent an email with some questions so that they made sure you got out of the night what you needed. We had the option to include some questions. I was stumped. I wanted my questions to be good, and appropriate, but also original.<br />
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So what did I ask? Three questions.<br />
1. What did you want to be when you were a child?<br />
2. What piece of advice would you give to someone just starting out? (ie. me)<br />
3. What song is guaranteed to get you up on the dance floor?<br />
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I know. It was an event for women entrepreneurs. And I ask a dancing question? But I thought, why not? It's a good question, and as I have posted <a href="http://aspectacularlifeblog.blogspot.com.au/2013/04/soul-music.html">before</a>, music is huge to me. Before I could really think about it, I sent the questions off.<br />
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On the night, after the ladies had done their initial talks, they answered some of the questions that had been sent in. There were about 70 brilliant ladies in the room (and a couple of guys - good on you!) so I thought - as if my questions would get answered.<br />
<br />But they did. All three. Wow. As if I needed another sign from the universe that I was meant to be there.<br />
The realization that I was sitting at the exact place I was meant to be in my life overwhelmed me so much that I started crying. Not sobbing, but there were tears. Light bulb moment.<br />
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Susana then took us through a guided meditation and journal writing exercise. I have tried so much to meditate previously, and pretty much sucked. This time though, not a problem. And I LOVED it. It's going to become a daily ritual now for me.<br />
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All in all, I got so much out of the event. I know now who I am and what my little part is in this big wide world. I need to take some steps to get there, but I know what I have to do to make it happen. It won't be tomorrow, or even in the next 6 months. I will get there, cause have people who believe in me, I believe in myself and I believe that's what is meant to be mine cannot be taken away from me.<br />
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Keep smiling!<br />
xx<br />
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<br />Nichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15083448627064936415noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-365794351836415680.post-90593771750172214362013-05-17T22:39:00.002+10:002013-05-17T22:39:59.592+10:00Soulpreneurs and My Awakening!!! (Part One)The title deserved the three exclamation marks I gave it .By golly it did! Oh dear reader - I have had my light bulb moment. It happened last night....and it was amazing. It was so huge babe that I need to split it into two parts. Whoa.<br />
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Last night I attended a seminar called Soulpreneurs hosted by the amazing Earth Events. I was drawn to it because the gorgeous <a href="http://inspacesbetween.com/">Rachel McDonald </a>was speaking and I adore her blog. Her words, everything she stands for. She's amazing. So I decided to go.<br />
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So it's about a one hour drive from Geelong to Melbourne, but that did not bother me at all. After recently becoming interested in blogging and connecting with people the timing of this event was so much more than a coincidence. I truly felt like there was something bigger making this all happen at this point in time. So I bought my ticket. I was going on my lonesome and I was scared but so excited at the same time.<br />
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When I arrived I saw some gorgeous women, and started to get nervous. No idea why - just my usual self doubt creeping in. Maybe because I was so new to all this they might think I was silly. Which is completely ridiculous.<br />
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When I entered the room I sat second row from the front and got settled. But something shifted and before I knew it, I moved to the front row - which I NEVER do! Oh boy - was I out of my comfort zone. I stayed seated there and started talking to some people around me, who were unbelievably lovely. So I relaxed.<br />
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Before the ladies came out to talk, there was a raffle for a few prizes. We had all been given tickets as we entered and my ticket was E24. Now my lucky number is 23, so I immediately thought when I saw the number that I had missed out by one. There were five prizes. E 23 was the second one drawn, and I was shattered. That was my number, and I'd missed by one. As a little background here, I never win anything like raffles, tattslotto or at the TAB. So I thought that I missed out, and then the fourth one drawn was my ticket!<br />
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All I could think about was that it was another sign that I was in the right place at the right moment. That feeling when you get it is so overwhelming, it knocks you for six. It's very humbling too.<br />
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Now not everyone will agree with me about all this, and that is more than ok, it's just how I feel.<br />
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The presenters were Rachel, <a href="http://susanafrioni.com/">Susana Frioni</a>, <a href="http://www.beautifulyoubyjulie.com/">Julie Parker</a> and <a href="http://www.luckybitch.com/">Denise Duffield-Thomas</a>. I swear, no word of a lie, I have never met, seen or listened to such amazing women. The whole time I was just in awe of them all, who they are, what they represent and believe in and the beautiful way that they connect with you and make you feel so important even if they haven't met you before.<br />
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They spoke about their journeys, stories and advice to women running businesses. Now, I don't have a business yet, it's a goal in the future, but I still learnt so much. I am so grateful that they spoke, and that I got to see them. I even got to meet Rachel afterwards, and would have loved to meet the rest of the ladies but I wasn't the only one and I needed to get Miss E home so I left. I have no doubt in my mind that I will get to meet them all again because after last night I know I am on the right path in my life, finally! And they are on a similar one and our paths will cross again. And not only them, but so many other beautiful souls in the room that are on the same journey. I went to go and see Rachel and I ended up getting so much from the other ladies too. They are true gems.<br />
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So, what did I get out of it?<br />
That my friend I cannot tell you in a simple sentence. I don't even think there are words to do where I am right now and how I feel. I will try and elaborate in another post, because I have so much to say and I think I should spread it out!<br />
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But you will notice that I am now going to be me. Authentic. I am flawed, I am not perfect. Oh I've made more mistakes than I care to remember. I'm only human. I like chocolate so much, and sneak it sometimes so no one knows. I try to be all artsy on Instagram, but nine times out of ten it's the filter that's done all the work. I procrastinate, and am a multi-passionate person that rarely finishes anything. Like learning the guitar, skateboard, to surf, to knit and to sketch. I talk a lot, have too many clothes and am shocking with money. Oh and I don't call people as much as I should.<br />
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But I am me. And after last night's awakening, I now know that no one can do me better than I can. There is no other me in this world, just like there is no other you. How amazing is that!<br />
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Keep smiling!<br />
<br />
xx<br />
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<img alt="306744_595341530490197_1196175259_n" src="http://nurtureandshine.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/306744_595341530490197_1196175259_n.jpg" /><br />
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Image sourced from <a href="http://nurtureandshine.com/">http://nurtureandshine.com</a>/Nichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15083448627064936415noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-365794351836415680.post-2476310053455091422013-05-12T21:09:00.003+10:002013-05-17T20:54:02.223+10:00First Mothers DayI had the most magical day, it was my first Mother's Day. My partner and I enjoyed it together and it was so so lovely. Brunch with my mum and sister and then the whole afternoon together as a little family unit.....bliss.<br />
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Today I completely understand the love my mother has for my brother, sister and myself, and why she has never given up on any of us. I always knew it, but now I really <i>understand </i>it.<br />
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Because I am now a mother, and I get it.<br />
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And if I end up half as good a mother to my daughter as mine is to me, I will be kicking goals big time in the parenting arena. My mum has come through some really dark storms and shown nothing but strength and bravery. She is the strongest person I know and my absolute idol. She is the person I admire most in this world.<br />
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I really could go on all day but I won't bore you. I think you get the picture already.<br />
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I hope all you mothers out there enjoyed your special day - you truly deserve it.<br />
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Keep smiling<br />
Xx<br />
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<br />Nichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15083448627064936415noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-365794351836415680.post-76445656956544591382013-04-16T13:42:00.000+10:002013-05-17T20:54:49.697+10:00Honest and Ashamed <br />
This post is not what I initially set out to write. Something happened today that has caused me to shift my views and take a long hard look at myself. <br />
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For quite awhile now I have <i>wanted</i> (italicised due to the importance of this word) a MacBook Pro. Since I started blogging and getting all creative I felt like it would make me a serious writer and hipster. All the cool kids have one. So I wanted one too. ( Just to go off track a teensy tiny bit here, that is usually how I roll with things that I want. I want something, so I get it. I'm quite impulsive like that. Buy now, think later. It's not a good trait at all, and since meeting my partner I have kerbed my impulsiveness, but it doesn't stop me <i>wanting</i> something. And now I am not in control of the budget at all, a very very wise move.) <br />
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Back to the MacBook Pro. I have been nagging at my partner to get me one. I couldn't get it myself you see, because that would be terribly selfish of me. New baby, bills and debts to pay - there is no way I could go and spend $1500 on a computer for myself. Especially when we already have a great laptop, as well as an iPad (which I wanted too), and don't get me wrong I use it all the time, but now I want something else. Both of those are perfectly fine for the blogging I do, and given that I have just started they will easily do the job until I start to get a little more serious. But if it was bought for me as a gift, then I would feel no guilt - and still get what I want.<br />
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I even tried to convince my partner to get me one today, to surprise me when I got home. I then started getting excited, thinking that she might actually get it for me. I started imagining sitting at the table at home and playing around on it. Mine. All for me. Sheesh, what a flog. <br />
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So when I realised that I wasn't getting it, even as a surprise, I felt really disappointed. I have all the logic in my head - it's expensive, I can blog without it, we have other debts to pay. But I can't help how I feel. And I felt it so strongly. I don't need one, I <i>want</i> one.<br />
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Something snapped me out of this deluded fantasy over a computer. A freakin' computer. Yes it would be great to have, I know that, but life would continue without it. It's a thing. Just something tangible.<br />
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I was checking Facebook to distract myself from the bitter disappointment I felt (cringe) and I saw a picture that a friend had shared from the Boston bombings on my news feed. You might have seen it, it's all over the news. It's of a guy who was running for charity and lost both of his legs in the blast. The uncut picture is very graphic and I happened to see it.<br />
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It's a good thing I did. It snapped me back from being a douche bag Here I was, wanting a computer, when this guy can possibly never walk again.<br />
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It put things into perspective and made me take a long hard look at myself. How pathetic I am. I know that life sometimes deals us curve balls and everyone goes through things, but it's time I start appreciating what I have instead of wishing for more. Be thankful and grateful that I can wake up everyday with a roof over my head, kiss the people I hold dear and breathe. So what if I don't get <i>another</i> computer. Is it really that important? The disappointment I was feeling was gone. My chest started hurting and I felt terribly upset. I was guilty. Not guilty for wanting it really, but guilty because I was so upset that I wasn't getting it.<br />
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Time to re-evaluate and focus on nothing but positive things. As embarrassed and ashamed as I am about my desire for something trivial and disappointment at not getting what I want, I needed to share this because sometimes we all need to take some perspective on things. We need to appreciate the little things more, and what we have. And be thankful.<br />
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I know I am. I'm thankful that I can walk everyday - and thankful that the man in the picture had people supporting him and getting him to safety. I feel so sad about the bombings, but my happiness for the people that have helped others when they didn't have to and therefore put themselves in danger way outweighs that. Focus on the good things. Of course it is perfectly fine to be upset, in fact you need to get it out to deal with things. Then you need to pick yourself up and focus on what's good in this world. Focus on the good things in your life. Some people are bad, but more people are good. And it's the goodness in people that makes this world such a brilliant place.<br />
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Sorry for the rant and the seriousness, but part of this whole blogging process is to be honest and put myself out there. It's to make me become a better person and I feel that this is a big step forward. It's ok to want things, everyone does. But the learning curve was more about HOW upset I got when I didn't get what I want. That is what I am going to change. Starting now.<br />
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To everyone involved in the Boston bombings, my thoughts are with you. <br />
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<br />Nichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15083448627064936415noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-365794351836415680.post-60001398649232743492013-04-10T13:32:00.003+10:002013-05-17T20:55:02.361+10:00Soul Music<br />
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I love music. I don't really care for heavy metal music, but apart from that I will listen to almost anything once. And if I don't like it then I can at least say I tried, and everyone is different. I really like songs I can sing to, which might not be a good thing for others, but I enjoy it! I seem to have an uncanny ability to remember song lyrics to most songs I hear. I only need to hear them once or twice and I seem to be able to sing them. And I don't really forget them....I don't know how I do it. I think that skill shows how much music really means to me.<br />
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I think my love of music came from my Dad, when we were growing up we would listen to music at nights rather than have the TV on. All different types. I blame him for my eclectic music tastes - he loved most genres too so we got exposed to quite an array. <br />
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Even now if I'm home the TV is off and the music is playing. Since his passing, I will often listen to songs that I listened to with him - they bring back so many memories.<br />
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Why is music so good for the soul? There is quote by the rapper Frank Ocean that I think sums it up:<br />
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<i>'</i><b>When you're happy you enjoy the music, when you're sad you understand the lyrics.'</b><br />
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It's so true. Music has a way of touching us no matter what the situation. It can get you boogying on a dance floor, get you through a break up, give you strength when you need it, get across a message that you otherwise couldn't, and bring people together. It really is such a powerful communication tool. It can have such impact, it can make you laugh, cry, hurt, heal and find strength when you needed it.<br />
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And so brings me to the point of this post.<br />
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A friend of mine asked me the other day:<br />
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<b><i>If you had to choose a song to describe your life, an anthem, what would you choose?</i></b></h3>
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Wow.<br />
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I was pretty much floored. Like I said above, I like most types of music and therefore my music collection is quite extensive. So to choose one was beyond difficult.<br />
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I tried so hard to find just one, and I couldn't do it. And then I thought that I didn't want to choose only one song. So I decided that I would choose songs to reflect certain times or things in my life, after all our lives change so much so why shouldn't our anthems too?<br />
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So far I have come up with three, that mean something to me. They either reflect how I feel now, or how I have felt at some stage.<br />
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They are:<br />
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<li>Songbird - Eva Cassidy</li>
<li>Unwritten - Natasha Bedingfield</li>
<li>What a Wonderful World - Louis Armstrong</li>
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That's the three so far....there will be more to come no doubt, depending on what life decides to give me! I also think I might add songs that I have memories about, either good or bad. I think once I have a few more I am going to create a playlist so that I can listen to them all at once. Hopefully it's a good experience, I am looking forward to seeing how they all make me feel! Kind of like a musical photo album! </div>
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Why don't you give it a go? Think of an anthem (or three, forty or six hundred and eleven!) It's your life, they're your anthems and you can have as many as you like!</div>
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I'd love to hear them</div>
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Keep smiling! </div>
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xx</div>
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<br />Nichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15083448627064936415noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-365794351836415680.post-28400969629021064162013-04-08T13:45:00.000+10:002013-05-17T20:55:17.835+10:00When Creativity hits...<br />
I usually think of a post idea at the least opportune time. Like when it's 11 o'clock and I really have to go to sleep in order to function as some sort of human the next day. Or when I am on the treadmill and my mind is wandering. As well as my mind being completely inconsiderate by thinking great thoughts at the wrong times, it's also a tad forgetful. So not only do I think these things, I promptly forget them.<br />
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Something great can be in my mind one minute, then gone the next. Given that I am only 31 (32 soon - eeek) I doubt it's my memory failing me - so I have taken to keeping a notebook* on me all the time to record these thoughts as soon as they pop into my head. In case you are wondering, it's in my gym bag when I am on the treadmill. Promise. It's handy and so good to go back and reflect on what I was thinking at a certain point in time. As I work full time, I can't post right when I think of something. I usually post in my lunch break, like I am now.<br />
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Not everything that I think of is worthy of a post, but it shows me just how amazing our minds are. Even just to look back in time. And I have found that now that I know I can put my thoughts down on paper, I am thinking more freely. I am not sure why it has happened exactly. But it has, and I freakin love it. I mind map too....I think the process of drawing helps the creativity. Plus I love playing with different colours. I still have my complete set of 72 Derwent pencils I had when I was 14, which may explain this. It may not be the case for absolutely everyone, but it definitely brings out my creativity.<br />
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I have also found that by writing things down more, I am more positive. I am appreciating what my mind can do and how powerful it is. I am no longer cursing myself for forgetting something, I am reading my little notebook and smiling. Giving myself credit and getting excited at what lays ahead and where my thoughts will take me. And I believe that these positive thoughts create more positive thoughts and the flow on effect is ace!<br />
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You don't have to have a blog to do this, I think it's still a great idea. Unless you have a brilliant memory and can remember everything. And if that's you, well you are definitely one of the lucky ones. Yay for you! If not, then give it a shot - I hope you find it as helpful as I do.<br />
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Keep smiling!<br />
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* I say notebook, but of course it can be some sort of device also. A laptop, iPad etc. I just like notebooks because I more mind map my ideas, but it really doesn't matter.....and for some of you it might be easier to read on a screen rather than having to decipher your own handwriting!<br />
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My notebook: (not as many colours as I usually do - but a perfect example of what I mean)<br />
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<br />Nichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15083448627064936415noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-365794351836415680.post-73590388772496028422013-04-03T13:16:00.003+11:002013-05-17T20:56:05.428+10:00RebrandingI'm back!<br />
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I'm not too sure if a blog can be rebranded if there have only been 7 posts....but I decided to do it anyway.<br />
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After a brief hiatus I'm back and rearing to go! Bring on the posts.<br />
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I am now looking at writing more about the beauty of life in general, so I decided that A Spectacular Life as a title seemed a little more appropriate and welcoming.<br />
So welcome!<br />
I wish all of you A Spectacular Life, and I hope you enjoy my posts about my journey to achieve that myself.
So often we take things for granted and dwell on the trivial rather than focusing on the things we should be thankful for.<br />
Do something you love every day.<br />
I will be back soon with more info on living a spectacular life.<br />
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Stay smiling.<br />
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<br />Nichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15083448627064936415noreply@blogger.com0