What sincere authenticity is to me – and why I am obsessed with it.

By on 1

Sitting on the ground yesterday in the beautiful Perth sunshine, I got chatting to one of Morgan and I’s friends on the street who’s clothes we are honoured to wash weekly. For the purposes of her privacy I am going to call her Sarah.

Sarah and I were catching up on each other’s week and she told me that she had just started to read 50 shades of Grey, and I was interested to hear what book she was up to as I too had read the series I told her. We started snorting with hysteria though as I went on to explain…

“Isn’t it funny though how you totally need your man around when you read it as they are absolute turn on books (*note, Sarah is in a loving relationship). Except you have just read about how wild and hot and steamy Christian and Anastasia are and then when you go to do it you’re still just Starfish”.

Cue tears streaming down our faces kind of laughing because we both knew it was true.

The conversation continued on just talking about the normal things of life, kids, family, relationships, you know – the usual kind of conversation you’d have with anyone.

Mid shift I walked over to the toilets laughing quietly to myself again about our conversation about the 50 shades of Grey books, which made me think about the countless other times I have had that conversation with so many women since reading the book in 2012 – women in parliament, good girlfriends over a wine, strangers when I used to see them reading it in parks.

And walking back over to where our friends and Morgan were sitting that sunny afternoon, it dawned on me that THAT is sincere authenticity.

Not the fact that I can talk about sex or ‘risky’ books with anyone – that’s not the point. But the fact that no matter who I am with, no matter what I am doing, no matter where I am – I can just show up as who I am and say the same thing in front of a friend on the street or a member of parliament.

Now – do not get me wrong. I am acutely aware that some conversations aren’t appropriate in front of a Priest (for respect) or a 4-year-old (due to age appropriateness) or a Prime Minister (for, well, I suppose for respect although I personally think they’re just normal human beings) – so I am not talking about that. I know that sometimes, sure what we say or how we can act does have to differ slightly person to person – but there is a huge distinction between managing respect and being sincerely authentic.

Managing Respect comes down to just knowing what volume to be at I believe, but still always living in to who you authentically. And by volume, I don’t mean that literally.

I’ll give you an example.

Back when I worked in Federal Politics, I used to always have to go in to what I called ‘the big boy meetings’ – with Ministers of portfolio’s, or CEO’s of big corporations (i.e Alan Joyce), you were constantly also meeting ex Prime Ministers (my favourite one being the time I got to have a chat with the Hon John Howard) and current Prime Ministers (who at the time was Opposition Leader – Tony Abbott).

Now. If you know me well, (or not even well, if you just follow me on social media recently or over the years), you know that I am a pretty crazy, cheeky, fun human who has an affinity for the word fuck, being silly and champagne, unicorns (yes, even at the age of 28) and hot chips– just to name a tiny aspect of me.

So when I would go in to these ‘big boy meeting’s’ I would always manage my respect, BUT I would show up sincerely authentically as myself.

What does that look like?

It means knowing that in some moments, sure, the word fuck is not the best option so to not use it. It’s listening more than talking sometimes, it’s showing the more mature side of you whilst ALL the while being wildly authentic.

So what does wild authenticity look like in a situation like that (parliament) whilst managing respect.

It looked like dressing up as a love heart on valentine’s day and handing out chocolates to all the federal members – because who doesn’t want a chocolate from a love heart on valentine’s day.

It looked like never ever taking myself too seriously at any and all ‘party’ functions and almost creating the loudest most fun, hilarious group situation where we could actually let our hair down, laugh and all show up with our sillier sides.

It meant having a drink with all the serious Shadow Ministers at the end of the sitting week and starting a “peaks and pits” of their week – going around in a circle sharing what we could do better, and what we did well that week (and for grown men & women who run our country to look forward to that session we used to do in the chairman’s lounge all waiting to fly home – was such a fun thing for me).

It meant telling Alan Joyce to his face that although I loved his airline, if we didn’t get chocolates back on the Thursday flight home I’d start a revolt (tongue in cheek) and get us all to start flying Virgin instead. (side note: guess who had chocolates back on the flight home by that Thursday night….. me.

You see – you can be respectful when you need to be – all huge examples above – but you can still ALWAYS, ALWAYS show up sincerely as yourself.

We are moving in to a world where authenticity is the new currency.

We are seeking authenticity over perfection.

We are asking for everyone around us to throw down their masks – and bare their souls.

We are obsessed with compassionate acts and unconditional love (well I am) – which is birthed from humanity stepping away from who they were told to be and stepping in to who they were born to be – authentic powerful beings.

We are hungry for freedom – authentic, delicious freedom.

The universe is calling forth a rebellion of a new kind – and more and more are listening to the call, not being able to resist the pull to put down their masks, light their own fire and step more in to their sincerely authentic selves.

And it’s beautiful and inspiring and extraordinary to watch.

Sincere authenticity IS the black and its here to stay, so don’t be afraid to step in to your own true divine self more and more.

It’s speaking up when your soul says to.

It’s owning who you are in front of a priest, a member of parliament or a homeless person.

It’s saying what you mean and meaning what you say.

It’s being exactly the same person as to who you are in ‘real life’ as to the person who you are showing up as online (side note; I always feel like I shouldn’t even need to say this one, but in 2017 I still do think that reminder needs to be in there).

It’s taking off every single last mask you have been holding on to, throwing it in to the fire and burning them once and for all.

It’s owning the bad ass extrovert parts of you along with the graceful and introvert parts.

It’s having the balls to live your boldest, grandest, most TRUE life – and if that means being the quietest librarian the world has ever seen or the most impactful world leader the world has ever known – BEAUTIFUL – just make sure you are showing up exactly as you are every.damn.day.

My only wish for you today though, is that you start somewhere – and I suggest that somewhere is in the next instance you go to crack a joke but don’t because you think it’s not ‘cool’ or you don’t speak up on a topic you’re actually red-hot passionate about – you actually DO instead, because THAT is who you are.

 

 

 

 

 

Images: here,

Tuning in to your soul; to live on purpose

By on 2

It’s 7:30am here in beautiful Bali and I am currently sitting over looking the infinity pool that looks out over the ocean here at our divine hotel. There are no other souls in sight, and why would there be, I think I’m the only weirdo who still loves waking up really early on ‘holidays’.

It’s just me, my book, my gratitude journal, my conscious creating journal, my laptop and the energy of total and utter fulfillment.

I came to Bali to work by the infinity pool – Morgan and I have created a life for ourselves where we are location independent so can just pack up and go work from a pool instead of our home office whenever we feel like it and we did just that the last week – but I also had a deep desire to find a better groove and rhythm with my schedule. And I knew it would take a trip to Bali to ground and centre in to it.

Back on May 23rd 2011 I pressed publish on my very first post on my very first blog I created; lifesshinyprettythings. Back then no one really knew what a blog was, in fact most people absolutely didn’t know what they were and even more people didn’t do it. Blogs were big in the U.S but very few Aussie girls were creating spaces to share their daily musings online.

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I loved the idea of it though, I was a young girl of 23 trying to find her mark in the world and was going through such massive transformation I wanted a space to share all of that – who I was, where I was headed, and the journey along the way. I also loved to write, ever since I was little I have loved to write, so it was like combining a sincere passion of mine with an awesome idea – and lifesshinyprettythings was born.

Every single day forever more, I came home from my full time corporate career, and spent every night in my zen den, writing for my online space.

It literally became the thing that kept me up late and got me up early and my love of writing only deepened. I was even viewing the world through new lenses as being an almost daily poster (aka, sharing one post a day) meant I needed to go through new experiences or emotions to share congruently and authentically.

Over time and love and sweat, I accrued a beautiful organic following of like minded women who too loved what I loved and resonated with what I shared.

It was thanks to that blog I knew that corporate REALLY wasn’t for me – I used to get so passionate about writing and wanting to grow that to videos, courses – whatever I could to empower women as I found empowerment through finding my own voice.

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March 2013, so almost 2 years after starting the blog, I found network marketing through the worlds BEST company. I said a big excited yes to nutritional cleansing and everything that came with that and CANNON BALLED in to the business side of the company. Why? Because after years of blogging and knowing corporate wasn’t for me, I knew I had found the very vehicle that could allow more time AND financial freedom in my life.

Cannon balling in to something and giving it your absolute all – all of my spare time, waking moments, love and attention… other things in my life had to be put aside; and writing daily for the blog was one of them. And you know what, it had to happen. I had finally found the exact thing that was actually going to give me the time and financial freedom Morgan and I were so desperately looking for in our life, and with all great success stories, it had to take, and did take sacrifice.

I didn’t neglect it entirely of course, you can’t ignore your passion entirely after all, I even did the huge job of re branding my little ole space of lifesshinyprettythings to the new annaandmorgan dot com site that I pour my time and attention in to today.

Here is the thing though, for the last 3 years, I have built my business, and for at the very least 1 of those years, I have had the eternal tug of wanting to go back to writing and posting much more frequently, but I always had an excuse.

That I should be doing a call instead.

That I shouldn’t start my day with writing (when I’m most in my creative energy) because that is when I should be doing biz emails or biz ‘things’.

That I shouldn’t do something that makes me feel so GOOD when I am not where I want to be with our business goals yet.

That I don’t have the time.

These are just some – I could probably actually write a book on excuses as to why I hadn’t gone back to my daily writing practice.

But there it was still. That eternal tug at my soul, write Anna, write.

I started to talk to Morgan about it. Like I was almost seeking approval.

I told him I wanted to go back to writing again, and he told me I should. I told him though that my writing would have to be in the morning, when I normally do a lot of my big impact biz stuff and that he would have to step up – and he said he would. He also reminded me that there was another 10 hours of my day (more even) that I could hit the biz stuff in after I had filled my cup first with writing.

I said ok.

So here I sit, at 7:30am in the morning, poolside in Bali, flexing my writing muscle again – declaring I’m back. That is the thing as well, if I am accountable to you again, whoever this is, taking the time out of your busy crazy day to read this little space of the internet – then I hold myself extremely accountable.

And guess what?

It feels so.fucking.good.

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And that’s the thing about following the eternal tug on your soul – following what your soul is asking of you (for me, that was to write), feels GOOD, and good feelings put you in flow, and being in flow, leads to an incredibly beautiful and divinely inspired life.

This is just my story. I want to know yours though. The greatest story yet to be told is always your own but I hope if you learned anything for my own, its that you have to start listening to your soul again (it’s not woo woo, it’s the same as if I wrote trust your gut, or listen intuitively to what your body or mind is asking for).

What is it in your own life you have kept putting off because you’ve been too busy, or because it feels GOOD which makes you feel guilty?

Is it making sure you have a bath husband / kid and phone free every single night?

Is it privately journaling about a new journey you’re on?

Is it taking a candle making course?

Is it colouring in with really loud music when you get home from work?

I don’t know what your own soul / intuition / gut instinct is telling you to do, but I know you’re ignoring it, and I know listening to mine and getting back to the thing I love makes me incredibly happy, and it will for you too.

We have one go at this particular life darling heart – and if we don’t do the things we love on a daily basis then we just aren’t doing this life thing right.

So today, I dare you to follow your gut, listen to your intuition, tune in to your soul, and do the thing that its asking for most.

I promise you – you won’t regret it.

Anna

 

Stop playing small – turn your life up a notch (or ten)

By on 2


 
Let’s all just breathe for a minute, step in to our place of love and security, leave our ego’s at the door and talk about…..your greatness.
Yes gorgeous, YOUR greatness. 
There has been this huge energy shift at the moment I am feeling that I want to grow and expand with momentum. Fast, beautiful momentum. The shift I am talking about is this growing energy of belief.
That it doesn’t matter if you had a broken heart and a harder life – you can do it.
That it doesn’t matter if you are a little late to work out your gift and live your purpose – you can do it.
That it doesn’t matter if you’re not entirely sure how, but you for sure know your why – you can do it.
It excites me, enthrals me, inspires me and keeps my own fire in my belly growing strong. It’s time to stop playing small. To stop being a spectator of life and jump in with your whole body screaming ‘HEY THIS IS ME, IM HERE & I WANT TO LIVE’ – and here is how I would love to gently guide you to do it…
Recognise your unique gifts & grow them
If you haven’t sat down yet and written with no inhibition, for 10 minutes what you really really rock at – I need you to do that now. You have gifts babe. REAL, amazing, unique gifts. I truly believe not uncovering those gifts, declaring those gifts and sharing those gifts is not only selfish – it is a slap to the universes face!! We were all born with a soul, we’re all different and we are all here to live our most extraordinary life – you can’t do that not uncovering your gifts, growing them and making them part of your purpose. Find them. Declare them. Live them. 
Don’t ever let anyone dull your sparkle
Don’t ever, ever, ever, everrrrr let anyone tell you you’re not good enough, smart enough, pretty enough or anything enough to be whoever you want to be or do whatever you want to do. Because you can. You SO can and don’t you dare EVER let anyone tell you otherwise. It will be found, those that do are just trying to keep you in their comfort zone, are jealous of the positive changes you’re making and don’t understand your journey – none of which is reasonable enough for you to allow them to dull any of your sparkle. Shine as bright as can be as YOU. Nothing is as sexy as living unapolegtically as yourself and being authentic – so shine bright gorgeous. 
Start helping others 
The whole purpose of our lives, whilst all of us are living and breathing on this planet – is to help others . Truly, it is. When you develop your gifts and align more strongly with your purpose, you are by way of organic default, serving and helping others, and I can assure you, if you aren’t fully aware of your strengths yet, reach out and help others and those gifts and strengths will shine brighter than a diamond. Whenever you get stuck, whenever you’re feeling down, lost, anxious or unsure – reach out, and help someone else. It could be a loving text to say you’re thinking of them, a little gift to make them feel loved, a coffee date where you pay. You can even step it up a little more and offer your time – do some soup kitchen work at a homeless kitchen, volunteer at an eldery care home. Once you start to give back, to help, to serve – life makes sense. You gain the perspective most chase for a lifetime & fulfilment flows easier. 
Be a leader not a follower 
YOU were a born leader. We all were. You don’t need to think because you’re not loud enough, bubbly enough, strong enough, whatever it is you tell yourself enough – that you are better following than leading. ALL of you have the leadership quality in you. If you are someone that follows instead of living by example, leading authentically, then I truly believe you are playing small, letting external circumstances and friends and society dictate how you feel. Leaders know they control their own life and go and chase it. They choose better. They actively engage with life more. They know that their response and interpretation to a situation is what gives them their outcome and don’t let external circumstances dictate success or mood. BE THAT LEADER of your own life. 
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You see gorgeous, you don’t need to play small, you have a right to live your truth, to pursue your passions, to earn an income from that and to live a life of your dreams. It’s do-able. It’s SO do-able, you just need to choose to stop playing small, start setting some goals and STOP letting yourself be a spectator of life. 
THIS IS YOUR LIFE. So start playing the leading role
xx 
Images: here
 

Letting your you out – do it for YOU beautiful

By on 2

I had every intention of sitting down tonight and sharing with you some of Morgs & I’s wonderful trip to Melbourne. Show you the food, and sights and laughs we shared, and I will, but there is something that won’t leave me alone that I feel needs to be poured out of my heart instead. 
Everytime I started writing the sentence to begin about something else, there it was, a gentle ebb and flow asking me to write this instead, pulling at me subtly, the words on my heart that needed to come out; so let’s go, you need to hear this, it needed to be heard.
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Gorgeous. Please believe me when I say..
You can do this. 
And I mean you can honestly, really, actually, truly do this. 
Whatever your this is. You CAN do it. 
Write the book. Book the holiday. End the toxic relationship. Say Yes to that date. Cut the shit friends from your life. Start exercising. Start eating healthier. Smiling more. Loving more freely. Laughing harder. Seeing joy in more things. Being successful. Setting and achieving goals. 
Just CHOOSE it. I want you to honestly believe it. 
I did. I just chose what I wanted and I went for it. And I continue to do that every single day. I have moments, and you will too. There will be moments that you’re unsure. Tired. Wanting to be lazy. Wanting to pick the easier route. To Give up. To Let go. To blame external circumstances instead of looking inward. 
But you’re the one who chooses. 
When you understand that and believe it with your whole being that’s when you step in to your power. 
YOU CHOOSE. 
So choose to keep going. Choose to not give up. Choose to swap a bad day for an hour of laughs and love instead. Choose to forgive. Choose to push through. Choose to smile more. Choose a positive over a negative. Choose to fill your life with your tribe. Choose to love. Choose to live. 
Hold on to your why. And you’ll get there. You’ll get whatever it is you desire. 
You need to stop, for a moment, and breathe and believe these words. 
There is nothing in this life you can’t have. 
Our actions dictate our outcomes, our perception dictates our moods. Perceive better. Choose better. Act better. 
You are beautiful. 
You are worthy. 
You are an extraordinary being who DESERVES the life of your dreams. 
And you CAN HAVE IT. You have the same hours in the day as the great legends of the world like Martin Luther King, Oprah Winfrey or Michael Jordan. 
You can be who you want to be. Do what you want to do. Have what you want to have. What are you doing to change your current circumstances to get closer to that? 
It’s not hard. Just believe in your self worth. Be authentic. Give freely. Honour your divine soul. 
Better your mood. Change your thoughts. Read better books. Make better choices. 
I just want you for today, to believe this with your whole soul – that you can do this. You can live the life of your wildest dreams you just have to believe it, act on it and choose to go after it. 
I’ll always be here for you. Cheering you on, sending you love and light as you make better choices, set and achieve your goals and declare your authenticity to the universe. 
You really are so beautiful – and I am glad we are sharing this world together. 
With so much hope, love and big beams of supportive light,
Anna xx
Images: here and here 

How to get to where you want to go; Tips on living the life you DESIRE

By on 5

Oh gorgeous. Where do I even begin??
A mind shift happened to me over the weekend. A huge one and it came like no other shift has ever come before. It was exciting, calming, exhilarating, truly overwhelming.
The mind shift?
Pure and utter belief.
In goals. In knowing that anything a mind sets itself too, it can achieve. That we CAN be who we want to be, do what we want to do, have what we want to have.
Of course, I have felt that before. Totally.Utterly. BELIEVED it with my whole heart….but this was different. Like something unlocked, and it was a turning point in my life and there wouldn’t be any more doubt surrounding belief in goals and myself ever again.
It all started by being given the most extraordinary opportunity on the weekend to attend a conference with the company I do my nutritional cleansing through (if you haven’t read it yet, my review on it is here). I went excited, knowing I would walk away at the end of the 2 days with a mind full of confidence in product knowledge. Never did I imagine though I would have walked away with how much more than I did though.

Belief. Fear busting confidence. Support.Love.Next level motivation.New strengthened friendships.
The biggest take home for me though was 2 things.
First it came from a beautiful & inspiring friend Peta Kelly who got up and ROCKED the stage (did I mention she’s only 24). She spoke about your WHY. She left her heart & soul on that stage & it was HUGE turning point for me. In fact, my biggest take away quote from the whole event that resonated hardest for me was her own …..
“When your whys are bigger than your why not’s, you will succeed”
What IS your why? So you want a million dollars by the time you’re 30?? (let’s use my goal as the example) … but WHY?? You need to emotionally connect to that. So when you are tired, when you don’t see much light at the end of any tunnel, when you have doubts, overwhelming fear, can’t be bothered…whatever it is that is holding you back from getting one step closer … you just need to remember your WHY.
Me? I want a million dollars to retire my mum and support Morgans and my own family. My why is to buy my mum that cottage house on the big block with the wrap around verandah, big beautiful oak tree out the front and enough rooms for the grandkids and walked her to the front door hand her the keys and say…I love you, more than you’ll ever know, thank you for all that you’ve done our whole lives – this is yours. To gift her the life she has gifted me.
As I wrote that, I started crying. In fact, as I am still writing this, I have big tears streaming down my face. I’m THAT emotionally connected to my why. I’ve had my why since I was about 12. SO you can imagine how committed I can stay to my goals with an emotional connection like that.
The other huge take away I took which is so in tune with that came from Australian 5 time Olympian & gold medal winner Natalie Cook.
She shared her 5 P’s in life. HOW she got to compete for 20 years (5 Olympics) in the Olympics. HOW she won her Gold Medal for Australia (it just gives you shivers doesn’t it??)
In ALL that you do, in ALL that you want to achieve, in ALL that you set your mind to you have to have the following:
A Purpose
A Plan
The right People
Passion
Perseverance
A purpose so clear there isn’t a doubt in your mind, THIS is exactly where the emotional connection to your why comes back in. GET TO KNOW YOUR WHY GORGEOUS.
A set plan on how to then get there (remember my post onchunking your goals down? GREAT place to start).
The next step is filling your life with the right people – cut the shit from your life. Today is a better day than ever to do it. Has one of your ‘friends’ been holding your truth back because you’re worried they might not get the change you’re about to go through?? DELETE them from your life. A friend, true friends, inspire, uplift, support, encourage, cheerlead the shit out of your empowering decisions. Any one who isn’t doing that isn’t worth your energy. (note; I get a lot of emails from girls asking for advice on being more positive, living happier lives, achieving goals….THIS IS ONE OF MY BIGGEST HINTS THAT I JUST SHARED)
You have to have PASSION. For life. I always say it. Life is a gift. A big, beautiful, vivid, overwhelming gift. HONOUR THAT!!! Have passion because of it. You’re here, you have gifts, you can share them, you can inspire, be inspired, follow goals and be happy – let that passion be set on FIRE.
And most importantly, with all of it. Have perseverance. No matter what. Keep going. And going and going. And going. And just when you want to give up or you feel your disconnecting from your why, dig deeper and KEEP GOING. As Natalie Cook said “courage is your willingness to fail over and over and over again without ever giving up”. 
When you have those moments of doubt though. Of fear so debilitating it holds you back. When you watch what you’re saying because you’re scared of what people might think. When you’re sad. When  you feel like there’s no point. When you just can’t be bothered. It means ONE OF YOUR P’s IS OUT OF BALANCE…go back, re address, re align and get back on your souls purpose track. 
You see beautiful. YOU CAN DO THIS. With the right purpose, with the deep deep connection to your why.
YOU CAN DO THIS. With the right plan that fits you. Your purpose, your goals, gifts. Make it soulfully yours. Don’t plan to society norms or what you think you should be doing it. Set the plan with your whole gut and believe in it like nothing else.
YOU CAN DO THIS. With the right people. Cut the shit from your life. Fill it with real friends, soul friends, true friends, like I always say – grow that tribe, that big beautiful, overwhelmingly supportive tribe.
YOU CAN DO THIS.With Passion. Passion set on fire. Kick it up a notch gorgeous. LOVE what you do, and if you don’t love it, change it!!!  A day not doing something you love with someone you love is a day wasted.
YOU CAN DO THIS. With Perseverance. Don’t ever, ever, ever give up. The difference between you and somebody else who WILL succeed is they won’t give up when it gets a little tough. They’ll keep going. No matter what. And you will too.
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The challenge? I really want you to share your why. WHY do you want what you do? WHY are you going after your goals? It can be anything. It could even be “because I finally want to after all these years start taking care of me” OR… “ because I need to look hot” WHATEVER it is, let’s get to your why…the sooner you connect to it, the sooner you can start on your own path to success.
I can’t WAIT to hear from you in the comments below xx
Images: here and here 

The Secret to happiness; You get to CHOOSE how you feel.

By on 3

I want to get a little personal here. Maybe even step on a few toes, but it’s been something that is on my heart and sneaking in to a shit tonne of my conversations recently.
I want to talk to you about Choices. Your choices in fact.
You have power beautiful. In fact SO much power I don’t even think you understand.
At any given moment, on any given day, for any given event…you, you vast & brilliant soul, have the power to choose.
Choose how you react. Choose how you feel. Choose how you want to interpret what is happening. Choose the outcome of the whole situation.
We have at the tips of our fingertips an incredibly powerful tool that wants to support us in every given second. Our Minds. THAT is what gives us the power of choice.
You choose anger over happiness. You can just as easily choose happiness over anger instead.
You choose frustration over remaining calm & peaceful. You can just as easily choose calm & balanced state of mind over frustration.
You choose stressing out instead of knowing you WILL get through it & you ARE ok. And guess what? You can just as easily choose believing you will get through it and that you are ok instead of stressing out.
You choose guilt & suspicion over trust and love. You can un choose it just as fast and choose love and trust instead.
You just have to CHOOSE.
Choose happiness.
Choose love.
Choose being ok.
Choose not feeling stressed. Breathe. Think with perspective.
Choose Peace.
I swear to you gorgeous it’s that simple. Caught in a traffic jam and running late? You are the only one working yourself up over it. Nobody is forcing you too. Nobody is making you get angry, but you. Your boyfriend hasn’t done something that you really wanted him to? (well you should communicate better but that’s a whole other post) Choose understanding & calm instead of blame and anger and moodiness.
There is honestly no secret to my positivity and happiness – I CHOOSE these feelings every.single.day. I am so very aware at how I have the power to pick how I want to feel, that how I interpret a situation is what gives me my outcome so I just ensure I choose better feelings. There is no point, ever, to choose negativity over happiness, or stress over calm. EVERY time I read this quote I literally yell YES so loud on the inside as it is speaks it’s truth so loud…
“Actually I just woke up one day and I decided I didn’t want to feel like that anymore, or ever again, so I changed. Just Like that.”
Your challenge then beautiful if you choose (there’s that word again) to accept it…
This week be consciously aware of your feelings – and choose the better option. CHOOSE to not get stressed out over silly things that are going to pass anyway. CHOOSE to not get angry over little insignificant moments that worth aren’t negative or bad energy. CHOOSE love over judgement. CHOOSE positive thoughts over negative ones.
We are the creators of our own universe, we are what we think and we can CHOOSE at any given moment to feel better and pick a thought or feeling that serves us over one that doesn’t.
I want you to choose Love. Happiness. Peace. Belief. Hope. That it will be ok. That you will get through it. That there is so much more to life than the negatives you might be going through. 
Above all – I want you to choose a life that you love living, and that starts with the choice of your thoughts.
Light & love,
Anna xx
Images: Here

Why I think you’re perfect

By on 15

I have had this piece of writing I’m sharing today inside me for quite some time I just hadn’t sat to write it all down. I felt like it was time to come out though – it is very long but shares some advice that comes from the heart, and was meant to be read by somebody at just the right time. Have a whimsical and peaceful weekend xx

It’s ok .. 

I know this might sound or seem a little silly or strange, but I want you to do something with me now, with nobody else around….

Close your eyes, take a few deep breathes, and repeat the following words either aloud or in your head. “It’s ok. I’M ok. Everything is ok.”
I now want you to really believe that – that it really is ok. I was so lucky when I went to Bali to see a beautiful ‘healer’ named Sammy who in essence, was ‘just’ a very intuitive physiotherapist – and I mean very intuitive, to the point where, whether you believe in psychics or not, Sammy was saying things about myself not a single soul in this world would know, things I hadn’t even ever said aloud, just thought. It was an incredible experience, more so than anything, just to have aches and pains worked out of my limbs and the stresses of life massaged away – things that I had been carrying around for months, even years.
As I was laying there having the stresses of the past few years massaged out of my body though (& learning about my chakra) Sammy stopped working on me, patted my arm and said with a quietness, calm and confidence like no other “it’s ok, you’re ok, believe that it’s ok” – I don’t know where it came from, nor do I care, but I burst in to uncontrollable sobs. Sammy just smiled, like he knew that was going to be my reaction before I even did it, and then told me to close my eyes and continued working on my muscles. I laid and cried for quite some time. It was for the first time in a long time that I wasn’t crying because I was sad or angry, and the first time that I hadn’t tried to stop myself from crying and be positive again – I just let myself cry, sob infact and be in that moment. Why was I crying though – because for whatever reasons, those words were exactly what I had been looking to hear without me realising it – I’m ok. Words that I think we all need to hear.
After the work Sammy had done we sat and talked and talked and he said he believed I was in Bali at the exact time I was meant to be there, seeing him exactly when I needed to, and at the exact right stage of life, and I have never felt more connected to words than in those few hours. I believe he was right, and I was meant to be there, and I was meant to hear what I did, but out of everything, I still found it interesting that out of all his wisdom, just hearing 2 words – it’s ok – is what resonated most for me.
Life’s funny like that though – sometimes all it takes is a stranger, in a different country, with an obvious language barrier to bring me right back down to earth and realise that hey, you know what it IS ok. I AM ok. Everything is OK. I think also however, that I was also meant to hear it to pass it on to others though which is why I want you to believe it today.
It’s ok.
So you had some goals and dreams that feel out of your grasp at the moment? It’s ok. You haven’t saved for a house loan yet and you really thought you would have by this age? It’s ok. You aren’t in a great head space like you usually are at the moment and have lost touch with who you are? It’s ok. You promised yourself that you would be over your ex by now but you still aren’t? It’s ok.
You’re ok.
Life is a journey that you need to embrace with all its up’s, and all its down. We need to remember that not everything is always going to be perfect, it’s not always going to be easy, and it definitely won’t always go to plan. And that’s ok. We have been given this gift of life for a reason – and each person on this earth is here trying to find or assign their own meaning to it, so just remember next time you’re stressed out or a goal wasn’t reached or you are disappointed – that it’s ok. That’s the great thing about life though, we’ve got second, and third, and fourth & even fifth chances – so use them. It’s never too late to try again, to set a new goal to try to quit smoking for the 4th time,  to find love after failed attempts or to change careers. So go for it – all of it, but remember, that no matter what, it’s always going to be ok. 


10 tips for living a fulfilled life

By on 19

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Some time ago now, I had read that it takes 30 days to make or break a habit, just 30 days. I was fascinated by this and set out to think of something I could do positively for 30 days to create a new habit. Initially I thought of riding my bike to work, but then realised between that, the gym and my yoga, it was too much and something I could see myself not following through with. So I went back to the drawing board and really thought about what I could do, and then, it dawned on me. Reading. I love reading, but always seemed to ‘not have time’ or ‘not be able to find the right book’ excuses that stopped me from just stopping and sitting for however long it took to enjoy some ‘me reading time’. So, for 30 days, each night before I went to sleep, I read for 30 minutes. That was over 2 months ago now and a day won’t go by without me feeling the need to sit and read for 30 minutes. I seek out articles, great books, inspirational quotes… whatever I can find to inspire my mind. In light of this, I do happen to find some fantastic words along the way and last night was no exception. I found this website, and found the most beautiful article with pieces of advice for living. So although this week I am not writing on love or dating, I feel the below had to be shared. I hope you enjoy it as much as I did.

1. Memorise something everyday
This will leave your brain sharp and your memory functioning, you will also have a huge library of quotes to bust out at any moment
2. Constantly try to reduce your attachment to possessions
Those who are heavy-set with material desires will have a lot of trouble when their things are taken away from them or lost.
3. Develop an endless curiosity about the world
Become an explorer and view the world as your jungle. Stop and observe all of the little things as completely unique events. Try new things. Get out of your comfort zone and try to experience as many different environments and sensations as possible. This world has so much to offer, so why not take advantage of it?
4. Learn to focus only on the present
The past is unchangeable so it is futile to reflect on it unless you are making sure you do not repeat past mistakes. The future is but a result of your actions today. So learn from the past to do better in the present so that you can succeed in the future.
5. Smile more often
Whenever you get a grin on your face, your brain is releasing serotonin, the happy hormone. Smiling is the natural way to force yourself to be happy.
6. Be honest at all times
Lies lead to nothing but trouble. Being known as trustworthy is an excellent trait to maintain and essential to having integrity.
7. Figure out what your goals and dreams are
So many people wander aimlessly through life simply go for whatever small thing they want moment by moment. Instead, decide what your perfect life consists of and begin to put the steps in motion to reach that place. The most satisfying thing in the world is overcoming a challenge and reaching a goal. We are the happiest when we are growing and working towards something better.
8. Develop the ability to forgive
Forgiveness is something that most people fail miserably at even thought it’s so simple. Grudges only bring more misery to those who hold them and prevent good relations with the target. YOU makes mistakes all of the time so why not have mercy when other do.
9. Come up with a life mantra
You know, like “Carpe Diem” or “Live life to the fullest,” but not as cliché. Make it something that really hits home with you so that you will actually stick to it. Make sure it’ not so specific that it rarely applies but also not so general that it’s not personal.
10. Do what you love
There is a huge difference between making a life and making a living; which one are you making right now? So many spend their entire lives trying to make as much money as possible so that they can afford to do what they really want later. It makes no sense to settle in life until you’re 65 so that you can retire and do what you want when you’re already WAY past your prime. We only live life once so why wouldn’t you want to spend it pursuing your bliss?

What are your rules in life?

By on 5

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There has been only a few other times in my working career that I have been so happy to see Friday, and today is one of those days. It’s been a hectic week and I can’t wait for some relaxation and rest over the weekend. I am babysitting my 8 month old niece for the first time tomorrow which I am bursting out of my skin from excitement for. Mr M’s dad and mum have just picked up their new Great Dane puppy – Draygo – so we will be seeing a lot of him this weekend. Here is this weeks advice brought to you from me with love. P.s If you are new and want to know what compels me to write these articles then visit my other website I started to bring back some love, respect and chivalry in to dating.
Breaking the rules

Rules. 5 letters but no matter how many interpretations, it essentially, holds the same meaning for most, and when a rule is broken, especially one of your rules, in life or love .. problems develop. But what if it didn’t have to be like that? What if you didn’t have to get so upset or angry when you felt somebody broke your rules? Well I believe you don’t have to, and like with everything it just takes a different perspective.
Life is an incredibly complex experience, an experience that brings us so many overwhelming emotions. We have the ability to love, to hate, to cry, to laugh, to be angry, to let go. We are amazing beings – so why then, do we set ourselves up with our own rules to be let down so often.
You might not think you even have rules, but I assure you … you do. Your rules are your beliefs about what has to happen in order for you to feel good or happy about yourself or the experience.
Let me give you an example. Say you’re in a relationship, and in that relationship you believe (whether it is spoken or not) that for you to feel loved or know that your partner loves you they must do and say certain things, otherwise you don’t feel loved. The list could be a mile long. It might include things like the following; they must say I love you a few times a day, they must text or call a few times a day, they must always check with you first before they make big plans, they must think that you’re perfect as a partner. Now re read those rules. Do you feel they are realistic?
Honestly?
The above rules are set up for failure. At any point on any day, any number of these rules could be broken but at no point does it indicate that your partner loves you any less – it just means that your rules are unrealistic. To be fair, your partner will have their own set of rules which are more than likely just as long – but therein lies an even bigger problem, if you both have different sets of rules who’s are right or wrong? The answer is both your rules are right, they’re yours, but what can you do in this situation then? It’s simple. You either need to start communicating very clearly what your rules are to each other or, get better rules.
Imagine, just for a second if instead of having a long list of specific things that has to happen for you to feel loved, it was as simple as ‘when I do something nice for them and they appreciate it, when I wake up to them every morning and go to sleep next to them each night, when we laugh together’ .. Healthy relationships would have the above happen every.single.day, so how beautiful that you can feel loved just by changing the rules. That means that on any day at any time, you can feel loved because you and your partner shared a laugh together, because that morning you got to wake up next to the love of your life. And sure, maybe it is beyond frustrating when they leave their shoes laying around, or upsetting when you feel they don’t talk to you as much as you talk to them, but it’s not worth ever getting upset or angry over.
Change your rules to be more simplistic, make your rules broader, because feeling loved and happy is easy, it’s up to you how easy you want to make it.
Life is already complicated enough without us adding extra rules that are unrealistic and that  cause more pain than happiness. So let go. Change the rules, and see just how much more love and happiness you let in to your life.
I dare you.
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Stop accepting Shit Behaviour

By on 14

This weeks dating advice is one of the first articles I ever wrote for my website Possibly Maybe .. It’s something I believe a lot of girls won’t admit or they allow to happen as it’s a lot easier to make excuses to stay in a relationship than to get out. So why would I write an article about getting out of a less than ideal relationship when I own a dating website so want you in a relationship? Because I truly care about women being the best they can be and never staying in something or with someone when they know that they shouldn’t. It’s a slightly in your face read but sometimes that’s what it takes.

Don’t Accept Sh*t Behaviour

Regardless of age, gender & sexual preference, this rule applies for everybody. If right now, in whatever relationship you’re in, be it booty call, bit of fun or serious and you’re one of those people accepting this so called shit behaviour – WHY??

Sure it’s hard to hear, harder to admit & probably hardest to then change, but NOT putting up with shit behaviour is SO beneficial to your health & happiness.
If you are one of these people that are accepting shit from others I have 4 words for you – You’re wasting your time.

You could be allowing this to happen for a number of reasons, and no one is here to judge that. What you do need to work on though, is finding out why you stick around when there is someone else out there wanting to treat you like the amazing person you are.

You know very well what is the right way or the wrong way in how people treat you, so why then allow someone to treat you in a way than is less than what you deserve.

Talk a walk with me for a moment to fully understand the scope of the point trying to be made. You’re in your mid twenties and seeing someone who you think is your ideal partner. Then tiny cracks start showing – they’ve hooked up with someone & blamed it on you not having set boundaries, they constantly blow you off for their friends or just simply talk down to you one too many times. To some, this is enough evidence that this person isn’t right & certainly not worthy, so they leave. For many of you though, you make excuse after excuse somehow convincing yourself that’s not the person they really are or that you can change them (gasp!) Why why why? Leave and don’t look back.

And I mean….DON’T look back.

You’re an amazing person, you know this you might just have forgotten how amazing with the busyness of life & every day demands. And of course let’s not dismiss the fact that we all do want someone special to share things with so you can be forgiven for needing to be reminded this once to NOT accept behaviour you don’t deserve.

So why would you settle for anything less than exactly what you’re looking for? There’s really no excuse, and if there is an excuse, well then there is qualified people who are able to help you with those problems – so go & get that help!

There’s someone out there wanting to treat you like the Kings & Queens that you are, so stop accepting shit behaviour in your life & expect better from others….and from yourself.

Yours in light & love xo

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