How to Enjoy Life after Divorce

How To Enjoy Life After Divorce

HOW TO ENJOY LIFE AFTER DIVORCE

Article by Camille Ditele
Photo Credit: Dasha & Mari
Magazine: Issue #30

Thinking about having a life after divorce can be overwhelming and daunting for those who are suddenly cast into undertaking this situation; most tend to become fearful of what the future may hold. Honestly, it is really hard to consider how you can enjoy your life after divorce since this is such a hard situation to overcome. However, the most common problem of every person who endures this journey is they don’t know what to do to move forward and enjoy their life. So, how and what are the things that you may do?

Divorce by no means is easy to overcome. Listed below are some things you might consider in order to help you embrace your newfound independence:

||Think about your emotional steadiness
Divorce is truly a hard thing and whether you are going through it or you already have, your emotional steadiness is essential since you may tend to be somewhat off kilter after undertaking such an emotional ordeal. Always keep in mind that life after divorce could possibly be a struggle. However, you must also realize that you will create better times in your life. Through facing this situation~ you can begin your fast track towards a happy life.
 
||Try to look at the bright side
Think on a positive side. Remember that this is not an ending; rather it is just a new beginning for a better life. Having an optimistic mental attitude about your new beginning will create a big difference in enjoying everyday life. Life after divorce might be implausible and it might also be hard, if you don’t remain optimistic about what’s in front of you.
 
||Surround yourself with the people who have your best interest at heart
Most people begin a new relationship with anyone because they are lonely. Sparking a relationship whether it is friendly or romantic with everyone & anyone who will spend time with you may contribute to more sadness after divorce. So be very careful and selective when getting your feet wet in this area.

||Spend time doing things you like and enjoy every week
Make sure to spend some of your time in making yourself happy after divorce. Don’t forget to stop and smell the roses. At least once a week, take the time to go and do something that you really enjoy doing. If you don’t know what this is, well its time to figure that out don’t you think?
 
||Set definite objectives and execute a plan to attain those objectives
In order to assure that you feel better about yourself and enjoy the feeling that triumph brings, think about an objective or set objectives that you’ve always had but never attained. After that, prioritize those objectives and work out a plan to attain them, one by one. Let that plan be executed and then glory in your accomplishment and celebrate once you’ve reached your goal.

Creating your life after your divorce is a logical and sound thing to do in order to be blissful and have the life you desire. Your life doesn’t need to be a continuation of the hurt that you might have gone through. Start a new beginning by being optimistic and implementing what brings you joy.

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Unleashing Your Inner Muse: Questions to Enhance Self-Love and Inspiration

UNLEASHING YOUR INNER MUSE:
QUESTIONS TO ENHANCE SELF-LOVE AND INSPIRATION

Article by Michelle Bennington
Photo Credit: Dasha & Mari
Magazine: Issue #30

Unleashing Your Inner Muse

"I am my own muse.
I am the subject I know best.
The subject I want to better."
-Frida Kahlo

The journey in search of inspiration is always a deeply personal one. From the face of a stranger, to the soothing sounds of nature, it can truly be uncovered anywhere. While keeping your eyes open to the endless possibilities surrounding you, it is also essential to look within. Have you ever considered that YOU are your greatest work of art? Do you view your life as your ultimate masterpiece? Contemplate the following questions and challenge yourself to unleash your inner muse.

 :: What do you adore about yourself?

Perhaps you love your sense of style, your ability to make people laugh, or the way you can always liven up your own day by dancing! These traits aren’t anything to sweep aside and are exactly what muses are made of. Inspiration is found in the smallest details and it’s imperative not to exclude your own appeal from your attention. Focus often on your gifts and be mindful of everything you have to offer. Certainly there's a physical trait you prefer over the others as well. Do you have your mother's lips, hands that remind you of your best days, or an unbelievable booty!? Take a quick Polaroid and add it to your vision board as a quiet reminder to love yourself daily.

 :: Are you living in alignment with your beliefs?

Whether it be eating for health, conserving energy, never saying "no" to a golden opportunity, creating artwork often, or not supporting other people's negativity-- you have beliefs you’re deeply passionate about. When you ignore these beliefs in your everyday activities you are thrown out of alignment with your true self. Not honoring the sincere callings of your heart discounts your convictions and in return weakens the bond with your inner muse. Be conscious of your daily decisions and ensure they aren't contrasting your core beliefs. You’d be surprised how much this can affect you unknowingly.

 :: Are you being genuine in your interactions?

The quickest way to lose connection with your inner muse is to censor your existence to fit some sort of pr­e existing societal mold. There's no need to put on a mask for others and it doesn’t help anyone to pretend you are someone you aren't. Genuine connections are rich in truth as well as acceptance from both sides and simply cannot be duplicated by falsities. Relationships built with the background of fabrication will by no means enrich your life and honestly aren’t worth a minute of your time. Perhaps by showing your true colors you will lose a few untrue friends but you will gain so much more, and you will surely encounter your inner muse.

 :: How can your personal story inspire growth and change?

Undoubtedly you've endured misfortune and come out stronger on the other side. You've fought some serious hardships and you've WON! It's so easy to overlook your own accomplishments while focusing on what you still want to achieve but take a second to step back and just admire the work of art you’ve already created. Your life is one-of-a-kind and no one else could have done it precisely like you. Consider every lesson you’ve learned and how you can share those lessons to help others overcome similar obstacles. Be willing to view yourself as the hero of your own story and open to allowing others to do the same.

 :: How can you help the world today?!

So much of becoming your own muse is extending yourself into the universe and inspiring others even in the most basic of ways. Think about what the people you know may need and don’t be afraid to reach out if you think you can help. Often the effort alone is enough to brighten someone’s day. Smile at strangers. Pay it forward at the coffee shop. Text an old friend. Ensure no one you pass feels invisible today. In return you'll also feel seen, more alive, and more in touch with your inner muse.

3 Empowerment Tools for Better Business Practices

3 Empowerment Tools for Better Business Practices

3 EMPOWERMENT TOOLS FOR BETTER BUSINESS PRACTICES

Article by Sophie Mihalko
Photo Credit: Hailley Howard
Magazine: Issue #29

There was never a better time than now to guide people out of the murkiness of the news, depressive moods of the economy and judgements of their bodies. 

Today, more than ever, the world needs the bright lights that we are. Here are 3 simple ways to being the brilliant star you are meant to be in your business:

1 :: Listen to your body
Your body knows everything about you, what you are capable of creating and even what other people need from you. So when looking to be the brightest star you could ever be in your business, ask your body questions like:

“Body, who can I call today that I can contribute the most to?”
“Body, what can I do different today to create more in my business right away?”
“Body, what do you want me to know about me that I am not acknowledging?”

Any dis-ease, illness or potential problem with your body is a sign that your body has been talking and you have not listened. Ask more questions. The first thing that pops is what your body wants you to know.  

2 :: Do that thing you think is wrong
Being the brightest star you are meant to be does not mean you can ever reproduce what someone else has created. Your light is different, it’s unique and that’s why it is required in the world. But often, being you, being different feels like the “wrong” thing you do. I mean, if it was the right thing, wouldn’t everyone do it? WRONG!!! No one can do what you do the way you do it so doing what feels like you, even if it feels wrong because it’s so different than what everyone else is doing. 

I am French and I like to make people laugh so I often include jokes and funny faces or funny ways of saying things (with my Frenglish) in my business videos. It’s not necessarily the “right” thing to say but when clients choose to work with me they are aware there will be laughter, I don’t take their stories of limitations seriously and my accent is strange. It makes them want to know me even more.

So what if what you think is wrong about you is actually what is right about you?

3 :: Know that you know
I often see people hesitating when they are talking about themselves or their business. I do not mean hesitating in finding their words, no, because they have rehearsed enough, I mean hesitating in choosing what to do, what to say, what to wear, who to talk to, what to put on social media, etc....

The truth is, you know everything there is to know. How many times did someone asked you a question and you knew the answer even though you never “studied it”. Everything that pertains to your business and the services you provide, you know about it. Therefore, everything that pertains to the people who require and are ready to receive your business and your services, you know about it. If you stopped second guessing yourself, you will see how true this is.

Doubt is the most paralyzing thought. I don't even try to get away from it anymore. Instead, I ask: "What do I know about this that I am pretending I don’t know?" I can always go back to doubt 10 seconds later

The world needs the light of the star you bring. Don’t rob us from it. Use these three tools and let us all see it shine!

4 Easy Steps To Be the Gusty Go-To Gal

Easy Steps To Be the Gusty Go-To Gal

4 EASY STEPS TO BE THE GUTSY GO-TO GAL

Article by Debbie Moore Johnston
Photo Credit: Dasha & Mari
Magazine: Issue #28

Imagine a life and business that moves with ease. No second-guessing yourself— just your badass super powers showing up when you need them. You start getting the clients of your dreams. Your family starts to do things to make your life less stressful. Your creative super powers are just on fire.

Here’s 4 Easy Steps to get your GUTSY GO TO GAL Super Powers on HIGH:

1. Listen to your GUT! Gut reactions are usually spot on. Don’t question yourself. It’s usually just FEAR trying to divert you. Step into your POWER

2. Negative Nelly showing up. You know, those little voices that tell you can’t, shouldn’t, it won’t work, what will people think. Step back, sit down, and start writing a PRO/CON list. It will make things more clear. Unless someone is going to catch on fire or die---then forge on!

3. Wait a minute!!!! Don’t get in such a hurry tiger. Step back from the situation. Take a walk. Clear your head. Meditate. Eat some chocolate. Breathe. You’ll come back with a different perspective

4. BFF. When the going gets tough---call your BFF. What are friends for? In business and life, the people that know you best will be your biggest cheerleaders. And they’ll shoot it to your straight---you know the one. They’re the one that knows your deepest secrets---and wouldn’t tell a sole where the body is buried So put on your cape and shiny gold cuffs! You’ve got this one! The world is waiting for someone just like you.

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Top 5 Surprising Benefits of Having Low Self-Esteem

TOP 5 SURPRISING BENEFITS OF HAVING LOW SELF-ESTEEM

Article by Jentana Lee Dabbs
Photo Credit: Dasha & Mari
Magazine: Issue #26

Benefits of Having Low Self-Esteem

Believe it or not, having low self-esteem/self-worth is actually beneficial for some people and can make people more powerful. Self-esteem reflects a person's overall subjective emotional evaluation of his or her own worth. It is a judgment of oneself as well as an attitude toward the self.  Many people, especially women, are a bit challenged with issues in the self-esteem/self-worth department and they choose not to do anything about it, since they don’t recognize the impact that it has on their lives, however, here are 5 surprising benefits of having low self-esteem/self-worth.

Top 5 benefits:

1.    Weak men, can get a wonderful woman who will spend every waking moment trying to please him, regardless of his appearance, income level, physical or emotional abuse, or any other type of demeaning thing he will do to her, because a woman with low self-esteem/worth is on a mission to prove that she is good enough for him and she is blind in seeing that what he is doing is wrong.  

2.    Cheap, low level employers can hire talented people for very low wages, minimal benefits and sometimes even hostel work environments, because they know that for every confident person that stands up and say’s a firm “no,” there are about 10 people with low self-esteem/worth eagerly waiting to say “yes,” because they feel they “can’t” get anything better and their “lucky” for even getting this job. 

3.    People who are looking for someone to work for them for free while they profit from that persons free labor, can easily attract someone with low self-esteem with the “promise” that the free work will lead to exposure, credibility, more work in the future with good pay or possible full time paid placement in their organization, which sadly, rarely happens. 

4.    People who are looking to hire you as a coach, freelancer or whatever your independent business is, can get you for dirt cheap, regardless of all of the years and money you’ve spent on educating yourself, nor how good you are, because people with low self-esteem are afraid of losing the sale and/or being “disapproved” of if they ask for more money.  They have no idea how much they are really worth, because they lack personal self-worth.

5.    You’re making plenty of room for other peoples dreams to happen, because many people with low self-esteem, rarely make their dream a reality, they hold back with the belief of, “nobody wants what I have,”  “I’m not good enough to be paid for my services,” and they give up too soon, before they can even get a glimpse of their possibilities and how powerful they really are.

The truth is, if you have low self-esteem/self-worth, it actually benefits OTHER people who will take advantage of your weakness and NOT benefit you at all.   It also gives those people who take advantage of you more power, because you are giving them YOUR POWER.  Having low self-esteem/self-worth, not only hurts you, but hurts others and future generations, by keeping a cycle going of low wages, negative work environments, men degrading and disrespecting women, clients who expect cheap prices, people who expect quality for nothing and so on, because low self-esteem/self-worth people let them get away with it!

If you feel you have self-esteem/self-worth issues, then do yourself and others a favor; ignite your inner fire and personal worth, by getting the help that you need to do it because change is not easy alone, through workshops, hypnosis, coaching, books, invest in yourself, because once you raise your self-worth, your net-worth will increase along with it and you will not only be happier, but you will create a happier and prosperous future for everyone.

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3 Keys to Master Catalyst Mindfulness in Your Business

Master Catalyst Mindfulness in Your Business

3 KEYS TO MASTER CATALYST MINDFULNESS IN YOUR BUSINESS

Article by Nicole Zaagman
Photo Credit: Dasha & Mari
Magazine: Issue #26

As this issue is all about being mindful, question for you. Have you been paying attention to past or present catalysts? Maybe you are wondering what a catalyst is! Well let’s dive in. A catalyst is defined as: a person or thing that precipitates an event. Synonyms include: stimulation, spark or incitement. For example, this can take the form of a new business opportunity, new mentor, a job change, life changing medical diagnosis, a movement, change of relationship status or a chance meeting with a kindred spirit or soul. 

So what the heck does this look like? Just as the description states, it’s something that precipitates an event eluding to change. Could be change of location, change of mindset, beliefs, change of heart or all of the above. Something that can literally turn your life, upside-down. Unfortunately, unless, you’re mindful about the importance and significance of this sometimes tumultuous event in your life, you may completely miss out on the unexpected blessing in disguise! 

So now that we understand what a catalyst is, how does it have effect on your life? Well believe it or not EVERY experience you go through in life can be a catalyst, depending on the outlook and stance you take on the situation and experience. Let’s go through 3 key things to pay attention to when one experiences a significant catalyst. 

Remembrance: Life is ALL about remembering. Remembering WHAT we came here to do. It can take years to discover your soul purpose, as it has for me and many others. Sometimes if we’re lucky enough we’ll encounter a series of catalysts quickly right after another. This can be absolutely exhausting, which I’ll talk about next. I’ve had a series of my own catalysts, health challenges, personal and family changes, relationship changes. It’s sometimes hard to not get bogged down in the wear and tear of the moment and not become resentful of what we’re experiencing, whether it be negative or positive. But get down remembering that every significant life event you go through has a purpose.

Rest: As I mentioned earlier, the wear and tear of such a jolt of significance can leave you absolutely exhausted, you may even lose your heart throughout the process. This is why REST is an absolute MUST during significant times such as these. I’ve had several instances where I felt like I just needed to plug ahead in my business. My computer stops working, things don’t work or take 3-4 times as long to accomplish simple tasks. When I see this is happening I’ve learned to take it as a sign from the Universe to STOP. Rest, take a bath, take a step back, and make time for you. Get council when needed, drink a cup of warm tea, drink lots of water, eat nourishing food and take care of yourself. 

Recognition: Once you recognize the situation/said catalyst for what it truly has brought to your life. It is much easier to move forward and to walk towards faith and fate. Leaving the ultimate outcome to the powers that be. This can take time to get to this point, weeks, months and sometimes years and a lot of lost sleep. Be gentle with yourself throughout the process and remember the truth is an absolute MUST. If you bottle your feelings, your experience to yourself when it often involves others, it WILL suffocate you. Ask for forgiveness if needed and one last thing, LOVE YOURSELF unconditionally. Once you’ve made a decision, recognized the significance of this catalyst in your life, love it, bless it and accept it as a very important step in your journey.

Once I grasped this concept as something good, instead of wasting time and energy on wishing something away, my whole mindset changed. I learned to appreciate the everyday lessons I experience, and embrace change with open arms. When you feel like you’re going through more than you can handle, just be mindful, aware and know that the solution you’re seeking is often in the catalyst you’re experiencing. Blessings.

Feeling Overwhelmed? 3 Ways to Hit the Reset Button

FEELING OVERWHELMED? 3 WAYS TO HIT THE RESET BUTTON

Feeling Overwhelmed? 3 Ways to Hit the Reset Button

Article by Keisha Shields
Photo Credit: Dasha & Mari
Magazine: Issue #26

Sometimes the higher you climb, the lonelier it becomes. Other times, the more of an impact you begin to make on the world, the easier it is for your truth and your essence to become compromised and the easier it is for you to lose yourself.

In this comparison nation, the pressure to do more in a shorter period of time can become overwhelming. Don’t get it confused, as high-achievers and overachievers that innate drive you have to do more and to go bigger and be better is totally supported (and encouraged). The issue arises, however, when that drive becomes an obligation to conform based on views and desires outside of your own.  This can be especially true when you are in high-profile, high-visibility roles in your life and your business or career. 

When you feel overwhelmed and pressured and when you feel that there is discord in your spirit and in your world, that may be a sign that it’s time for you to hit reset in your life. When people look up to you, and see a picture of perfection and success, they often don’t realize that there is sometimes deep disconnection and pain lingering in the background.

That feeling of being lonely even when people are all around.

So how do you proceed with being completely solid as a leader and visionary when you realize that you have disharmony in your life? You get permission to hit the reset button as often as you need! As women, it is a beautiful phenomenon to have the ability to self-empower and to be consumed with others who believe in empowering women.  When you need to hit the reset button, here are 3 areas to pay special attention to:

Hit the Reset Button tip #1: Friendships: We all love friendships when they are healthy, vibrant, and loads of fun. When your friendships, however, have become draining, unfulfilling, and de-motivating it is time to hit the reset button! Your privacy is very important to you so you tend to have a loyalty complex -- don’t allow people to stick around just because you’re comfortable and familiar with them. If they are not helping you they are hurting you, and vice-versa. 

Hit the Reset Button tip #2: Romance: Ooh la la. There’s nothing like a hot, steamy romance to help take your mind and your emotions off of your very demanding world-changing work! To have a supportive ear who is able to not only listen but to help you process what is happening. When you don’t have a supportive partner, though, that can be a huge source of the disharmony and discord that you are experiencing in your personal life. Every woman wants love! And the more successful you are the tougher it can be. You deserve it! Hit Reset!

Hit the Reset Button tip #3: Personal support: Being a leader is not for the faint at heart. When you are at the top (or near the top) of the hierarchical pyramid in your business, your career, or other area of your life you may experience issues with not having the high level of support that you need for you as the woman, the person… not just you as the leader. If you find yourself feeling like you are drowning in despair, completely unfulfilled in your personal life, and yearning to be a part of something much bigger or much more deeply important, you have all the permission in the world to hit reset! Get involved in a supportive sisterhood, or get yourself a life coach or personal development consultant that can focus solely on you and helping you to put together the pieces of your spirit and your heart that are bursting at the seams for new adventure, new challenges, and new opportunities.

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Of Awareness and Manifestation

Of Awareness and Manifestation

OF AWARENESS AND MANIFESTATION

Article by Claire Porter
Photo Credit: Dasha & Mari
Magazine: Issue #26

Look around you, and then look inside. When we take in what is going on around us and then check in with how we feel and where our thoughts go, we are processing information. We are processing a reality and making a determination if we like or dislike that reality, if we would want to live it again or not. That processing of experiences leads to greater clarity. Greater clarity leads to more concise intentions. More concise intentions lead to quicker manifestations. And, if we truly do want what we ask for, quicker manifestations lead to more quickly felt joy.  

Don't only live in the moment, be conscious of your reality and be grateful for the lessons gifted to you from your experience. Not having the awareness of how your life is running, what is going on, what is out there and possible, means you're not learning everything you could from your internal processing (which happens with or without your attention). Having the mindfulness of our surroundings and our feelings gives us amazing insight to the guidance of our internal wisdom, which then in turn helps us manifests our desires.

Every experience offers a lesson. Sometimes the lesson is an affirmation of our intuition, validating what we already thought to be true. Other times the lesson comes as a surprise – good or not so welcomed. Realize that the moments your mind is processing distaste or negative experiences, that those, too, affect your desires in a positive way, because knowing what you don't want is arguably as important as knowing what you do want. You could look at life like a recipe you're trying to master, made up of many of sub-recipes. It might take a little while to get the right mixture or components down, but eventually you get really clear on how much is too much of this ingredient or that, and what tastes the best. And with more taste-testing, you get pretty good at knowing what you're looking for, what will work, and what won't. (Bear in mind that our tastes change and recipes that once delighted us may ultimately get shelved – c'est la vie!) Why go through life eating mediocre food when all it takes is a bit of effort to have something you really enjoy?

Bit of Effort Outline:
1. Live in the moment and pay attention.
2. Observe your feelings: what your emotions are, how your body feels, what discernments you make.
3. Relish those. Trust those are guiding you (even if you're guided away from what you've just experienced, you're still be guided toward something else).
4. Think and feel what you want more of. Dream your desires, make plans, set intentions.
5. Have faith that your positive-natured thinking and feeling will manifest more positive thoughts and feelings.
6. Smile and know that life is amazing.