Stop The Madness: Why We Repeatedly Give Up And Start Over Again

STOP THE MADNESS:
WHY WE REPEATEDLY GIVE UP AND START OVER AGAIN

Article by Jentana Lee Dabbs
Photo Credit: Nancy Schoenmakers
Magazine: Issue #28

You’ve heard the phrase “be careful what you wish for because it just may come true.”  Regardless of what you wish for, the powers that be has a way of clearing the obstacles to your path to fulfill your desire and get you ready mentally, physically and spiritually for the greatness that’s to come regardless of how gentle or how painful that path clearing can be.

Immediate gratification

There’s so much great information out there on how to manifest our desires.  However, our culture thrives on the need for immediate gratification to forever end our pains and reach higher bliss and wealth.  Books such as the Secret, have created the misconception that all you have to do is think positive thoughts, do some affirmations and visualizations and then everything that you wish for will easily and effortlessly come your way.

It doesn’t work that way!

The real secret

The universe does not provide for you until you are mentally, spiritually & physically ready to receive it.  In other words, you have to EARN IT BABY!
Think of having a home full of clutter that you’re currently attached to and you desire new furniture and hardwood floors in your home.  You can’t just add the furniture and new floors into your home until you detach and clear out the old crap that’s in there. 

The pain of letting go

One thing that keeps us in a vicious cycle of repetitive madness, is that our brains hate change, in fact, it is pure mental pain to change, so that’s why its very common to give in and give up on something too soon, because its just so dang painful.  At the same time, our souls are craving the change, there is something deep inside of us that says “oh no, get off your lazy butt and do the work”, so we start again, hit the wall of pain, resist letting go of old stuff and then keep praying for change and fruition of new desires, while questioning why we still can’t reach our desired goals.

The storms of change

Ok, so you’re still praying, you’re still trying, giving up, trying, giving up and trying again and you’re still hoping, affirming or whatever it is that you’re doing to create the change and desire that you want.   So now the Universe says, “you’re asking for change?”  “You want to reach this goal?”  “You’re not making it easy for us to help you, so now we need to shake things up a bit, so you’ll have to let go of the old and get yourself ready for what’s to come.”   And now the earthquake and storms appear in your life in the form of.

•    Hardships
•    Financial Loss
•    Repetitive obstacles
•    Job loss
•    Property loss
•    Loss of friends
•    Put downs and negativity from those close to you
•    Health issues
•    Loneliness

Paying attention to your obstacles and storms

When these obstacles and storms hit, it is very, very, important to stop, breath and pay attention to 

•    The time line of when this is happening:  Have you been wishing, wanting and desiring something over and over again that you know should be in your possession?

•    Is there something that you have been working on clearing in your life or a change of belief that you keep giving up on and falling back into old habits and beliefs, but you’re still wishing for change?

•    Have you been resistant or lazy about doing the work to change something about yourself that you know should be worked on?

•    Have you been even more persistent lately to make your burning desire happen and been asking to be shown the way to quickly achieve your desire?

Once you recognize the timeline that is associated with your desire for change or to reach a goal, then calmly take a look at what each of these obstacles and storms are trying to do.  They are either trying to

•    Clear the emotional clutter from your path
•    Clear physical clutter from your path
•    Force you into taking some kind of serious action
•    Mirror some negative habits, thoughts and actions that you are doing that are keeping you stuck that you have not noticed within yourself.

Remember, that you asked for all of this to happen and because most of us are not evolved nor aware enough to quickly recognize and clear out our old clutter on our own and keep lazar focused on our desired goals, the powers that be will step in some how, some way and it’s not always pretty, however once you have an understanding of what is happening around you, you can begin to make this work for you, rather than against you.   Here’s a suggestion, to make things a little easier on you.  

Join a support group, have a mastermind friend, coach or mentor to talk to during these times so that you they can be your reminder of what is happening and then help you in clearing your path to bigger and better things!

3 Things to Prevent You From Giving Up On Your Darkest Days

3 THINGS TO PREVENT YOU FROM
GIVING UP ON YOUR DARKEST DAYS
Issue #28: Letter from the Editor

CEO/Founder: Angel Quintana
Photo Credit: Steve Conner

Photography by: Steve Conner

As Game Changers in business, (and I think I speak for the entire Holistic Fashionista tribe when I say) building a brand is not for the faint of heart. In my weekly newsletter on luxury business essentials, I frequently share the ups and downs associated with building a brand online.

From copycats to internet trolls, there is a fine line between those who love what you’re doing (so much they like to recreate it for themselves) and those who just want to stick out their tongues as your climb the ladder of success.

However, no one is really talking about how that affects the Game Changers internally; the ones who are putting it all out on the table because their mission is to change lives, on a soul level. I say from experience… It always stings a little. After all, we are still human beings and yet, this appears to be a taboo topic: how to cope with the lows of being a leader of a movement, so we’re left to our own devices, the grueling effects of monkey mind.

From experience, I have learned 3 things that motivate me even when I feel like I want to crawl under a rock and die. In the privacy of my own mind, sometimes I think to myself, I could dropped dead tomorrow and feel I have accomplished enough to feel good about what I’d leave behind— my legacy. But like  then with a quick jolt to the heart, I snap out of it and keep going because I know that monkey mind is playing tricks on me again!

Here are the three things that prevent me from giving up even on my darkest days:

1) I remind myself there are a lot of assholes on the planet.
Look, I may have holistic values, but that doesn’t keep me from being a realist. The fact of the matter is there are tons of assholes roaming the planet and most of them like to take up space online. As soon as I feel bummed out that I let a jerk take away my mojo, I remind myself that trolls exist and so do posers, copycats, law-suit happy gurus, and green-eyed monsters. It’s just part of life.

2) I start a new project.
There’s not a bigger motivator to get my creative juices flowing than someone pissing me off. I always want to step up my game, improve on my strategies, and send gratitude to those who are always there for me when the dark days show their devilish faces. I’m lucky I have Club Members, clients, and Business Besties who are for-lifers! And the best part about starting a new project when you have people on your side? They reap the benefits and you just grew your tribe. Giving back is the ultimate Dr. Feelgood and a money-maker too! Double win!

3) I read a book or 5.
As cliche as the saying goes, readers are leaders and if you’re a Game Changer it’s a mandatory ingredient to the success of your revolution! Training your mind to think positive on those dark days can be a bit of a struggle for me, for I have definitely NOT mastered the art of positive thinking (or meditation for that matter), but I do know that reading takes my mind off the negative and into the galaxy of increased knowledge. And because I love cliche sayings, knowledge is power and for me, reading books help me feel more powerful.

If you ever feel misunderstood or you’ve let the dark days nearly get the best of you, know that Holistic Fashionista and myself and here to support you. We know being a Game Changer has it’s trials and tribulations, but if you have a mind that needs guidance, these three tips have done wonders for me. And if you prefer a shot of tequila or a night out with your favorite gal pals, by all means do it! The goal is to feel better as soon as possible so you can go back to spreading your message far and wide without further delay.

ABOUT the FOUNDER

Angel Quintana builds holistic brands. She is the CEO and Founder of Holistic Fashionista, a marketing and consulting agency for holistic leaders looking to start and grow designer businesses. Acclaimed for her renowned Signature System©mentoring programs, Angel helps over-achievers launch strategic sales funnels to sell high-end, holistic products. Her non-traditional consulting style focuses on asking hard questions and listening attentively to clients in order to: write compelling sales copy, creative problem solve, launch killer marketing plans, and attract their Kismet Clients™.

While her tattooed exterior shows her creative tough side, it is her thoughtful approach to brand building that has won her thousands of raving fans. She is also the author of Funnel Foreplay, the little black playbook of sales strategies for a new generation of internet marketers who celebrate the art of business-to-consumer relationships without jumping into bed with cold leads. To learn more about Angel, visit www.AngelQuintana.com.

Go Suck a Lemon! For Real... I'm Not Even Kidding.

GO SUCK A LEMON! FOR REAL... I'M NOT EVEN KIDDING

Article by Heather Jadus
Photo Credit: Dasha & Mari
Magazine: Issue #28

Go Suck a Lemon!

Lemons are so good for us that you should be part of your daily diet.  The best way to partake?  Squeeze a whole lemon into a glass, then pour at least 8 oz. of warm water. Drink away.  Doing this first thing in the morning before you do anything else is said to be the best way to do it.

So what are the benefits of fresh lemon juice when you drink it with warm water?

1. It helps the liver eliminate toxins and waste products.  The liver has various roles in the body including detoxification, protein synthesis, and production of bio chemicals to aid in proper digestion. Lemon water increases the livers detoxifying enzymes and helps the liver carry out these functions more efficiently.

2. It's alkalizing.  The body functions best in a more alkaline state and cancer cells tend to breed in an acidic body. Unfortunately due to the foods most people eat, the things they expose their skin to, and the environment they live in, most people’s bodies are very acidic. Lemons are alkalizing to the body and blood (although lemons are actually an acidic fruit).

3. It's a rich source of vitamins and minerals rich in vitamin C (anti-oxidant, anti-bacterial, & helps immune system), vitamin B (energy production), riboflavin (tissue repair, growth, & development) and minerals like calcium, phosphorus, magnesium (these minerals all help build strong bones & teeth).

4. It's super healthy for your skin. Lemon juice in water can act as an anti-aging remedy by removing wrinkles and improve the overall appearance of your skin. Your skin can’t look healthy if your body is holding onto toxins.

5.  It's good for weight loss.  Lemon water can help burn fat faster. When the liver is full of toxins it can’t metabolize fats as efficiently. 

I'm going to try this every morning for 30 days to see if it really helps.  I will keep you posted on my results for sure. 

Be Informed. Be Safe. Be Healthy.

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Knowledge is Power. So's Sharing it.

Knowledge is Power. So's Sharing it.

KNOWLEDGE IS POWER. So's Sharing It.

Article by Cinthia Singleton
Photo Credit: Dasha & Mari
Magazine: Issue #28
 

Knowledge is power. Well, that’s what Sir Francis Bacon first said, then many many others after him in one way or another. Then we all assumed that if one KNOWS something, extra-special, super powers are bestowed upon us. This, of course, also assumes a few things, that our knowledge is:

1. a vast amount of information
2. exclusive and specialized, unlike another’s
3. recalled swiftly and on demand
4. providing deep enlightenment
5. not only guaranteeing the extra-special, super powers but in perpetuity

Problem is this is also assumes that knowledge is wisdom when, without application, it’s just data, statistics, etc. So use it or lose it. Share it. THIS is part of being a compassionate member of a community, and it’s wise. True wisdom is the act of sharing the information you got. Therein lies the empowerment. 

So what’s the reason not to? No good one but the very real one is insecurity. We fear not being as expert as we perceive in our own head.

The Chopin preludes we play at home sound pretty darn good and skilled. Then we meet that person who can play anything by ear. [Insert Sound Effect: sad trombone] 

Question is asked of us, “How do you prune roses?,” and while we can garden like Mother Nature herself, we suffer a sort of stage fright as the librarian for the Gardening Dept. in our head can’t get to the filing cabinet fast enough. [Insert Sound Effect:  crazy run-slip-crash] 

Maybe it’s difficult for to explain step by steps and dry hows in an interesting, energized way. [Insert Homer Simpson loop: Youreboringeveryonequitboringeveryone] 

Perhaps we’re too attached to our title of Expert to share an iota of what we know because, well, then everyone will know and it/we won’t seem as precious. On the flip side, we might feel like only the real experts (Nobel Laureates, Golden Globe winners, published author agents) are listened to so why bother?

Yes, it can be awfully scary and risky to share this stuff but …

THE INFORMATION DOESN’T BECOME KNOWLEDGE UNTIL IT’S SHARED.

This is the true super power bestowed upon us. The dynamic of sharing. You and another. You and the class, workshop or the people who read your blog. The discussions. The questions. The comments that make you think. The answers that aren’t quite being grasped and need further extrapolation. The person who asks WHY in such a way we really need to deviate from rote explanation and challenge ourselves. New seeds are planted and from them grow further curiosity and passion. Doesn’t matter if it’s native “intelligence” or laboriously acquired with years of study; to not share what we know or what we’ve learned it is wasted arsenal. Henry Miller said something interesting about books, which also holds true for the information we can share with others: “When you have possessed a book with mind and spirit, you are enriched. But when you pass it on, you are enriched threefold.”

So whether it’s treating laundry stains, speaking a foreign language, splitting atoms or dancing swing, the dynamic of sharing (teaching, helping, healing) is the glue. It, not the information we amass, is why we’re here.  Sharing it is the power, wise one.
​
“It ain’t no fun if the homies can’t have none.”  — Snoop Dogg

The Secret Wisdom of a Flow Creative

The Secret Wisdom of a Flow Creative

THE SECRET WISDOM
OF A FLOW CREATIVE

Article by Jennifer Nesbit Holt
Photo Credit: Dasha & Mari
Magazine: Issue #28

The words 'collective consciousness' come to mind when I think about the definition of a Flow Creative. But not in the way you think. A true artist embodies the ability to observe the world and collect a lifetime of data to skillfully see the relations and inner workings of life itself. As creativity pushes you further and further out of the confines of social rules and acceptance, you gain a balanced wisdom and inner knowingness.

Creativity might require a new way of looking at things but don't let times of challenge fool you. You are still a mighty source of creative flow and a true visionary.

So what is a Flow Creative?  

A Flow Creative is someone who wisely accepts an evolution of her life-cycles of creativity, as well as the dedication and persistence of the process itself. Revision, repetition and iteration (Returning time and time again to the creative process to birth a final truth).

Being a Flow Creative means that you create for your message, for your mission.

...and it means being able to find the flow in every second with an endless supply of insatiable curiosity to create.

It's creating pieces of art that has immeasurable and infinite value and energy.

It's being unforgettable when you confidently show up to the world, creating in a way that transforms you and those around you from the inside, out.

Embarking on a quest for artistic freedom is not without sacrifice, but it is in those impermanent, fleeting times your process is preserved and captured taking an, otherwise, intangible idea into a collective reality. More and more wisdom is gained and the bridge between life and art is built. As hard as it is to digest, disturbance is essential to your process. Transformation cannot be planned, yet an acceptance of a breakdown of ideas (and maybe even your psyche) is crucial to producing. These are the times we feel blocked or broken and fearful of our existence as an artist. 

The secret is to ride out the feelings and not abandon the work. Although potentially shattered, remember to continue the simple interplay of your materials, your space and your inner artist. Disequilibrium is just as cyclical as equilibrium, look deeper to discover the courage to continue.

Healing power resides in your art. Your creativity is the source of a therapeutic imagination for the creator, as well as the recipient. You are a Flow Creative!

What To Do When Everything Seems Out Of Control

WHAT TO DO WHEN
EVERYTHING SEEMS OUT OF CONTROL

What To Do When Everything Seems Out Of Control

Article by Ling Wong
Photo Credit: Dasha & Mari
Magazine: Issue #28

Have you ever felt like everything is spinning out of control and you are so overwhelmed that you have NO idea what to do?

The solution is not to do more, or to run yourself to the ground.

The first thing is to assume personal responsibility that we CAN take back control. When we feel like everything is out of control, we are relinquishing our personal power to external circumstances and taking on a victim mentality.

I don’t mean being a control freak – trying to control circumstances we cannot control adds a lot of undue stress, and further confirm that we are not in control! But we can decide how we perceive a situation and hence change how we react.

By surrendering, we often open up possibilities that we are unable to see because we are fixated on one specific outcome. There is a fine line between being empowered in a situation and letting go. For me, it always helps to stop, be still and listen.

After stopping and being still, the next thing is to exercise discernment and discipline. When we exercise discernment, we go back to understanding what’s important for us and get clear on the outcome we want. 

Then we can strip away things that don’t contribute to that end. More often than not, you will find that a lot of things just don’t matter, and you can stop doing them!

You also need discipline because it’s one thing to identify what can be stripped away, it’s another thing to really do it. We may be afraid that we are not good enough to make that judgment or let go of whatever we need to let go of. We may be afraid that if we don’t do certain things for other people, we will be considered not worthy. We may be afraid that if we don’t perform certain task a certain way, we will get criticized or judged. We may be afraid of missing out if we don’t do certain things.

We have to be able to see through our fears, and have the discipline to take the actions that will lead to the desired outcome.

Decision Making: If You’re Waiting for a Sign… You Already Missed It

If You’re Waiting for a Sign… You Already Missed It

DECISION MAKING: IF YOU'RE WAITING FOR A SIGN... YOU ALREADY MISSED IT

Article by Nikka Karli Salifu
Photo Credit: Dasha & Mari
Magazine: Issue #28

Have you ever been waiting patiently for something miraculous to occur in your life, some sign that THIS was the correct decision? And, while waiting for this sign, you rationalized that you should take absolutely no other action until the sign came?

But then, at some point, you woke up and realized that the opportunity of a lifetime had in fact just passed you by?

That’s the problem with living your life in a holding pattern. You end up constantly waiting for someTHING or someONE to make your dreams come true, rather than actually making them happen yourself.

I have often found myself in this predicament with business decisions. Perhaps you can relate to these little gems of entrepreneurial wisdom:

-Which list-building strategy do I implement first? (Ummm, I’ll just wait for a sign and do nothing until then, meanwhile my list will stay as dry as the Salt Flats… Yes, that seems to be a good strategy.)

-Should I launch Program A or Program B this month? Errrr… Or Program C?  (Hmmm… Looks like another great opportunity to sit back and wait for a sign.  Yeah.  That should make these programs launch themselves in the most efficient and lucrative order. Yup.  I like it.)

Or perhaps this one will tickle your sign-awaiting fancy:

-How do I attract a tribe of raving fans and soulmate clients? (Oh.  Wait.  They don’t just come to ME?  Crap.  Well, I’m pretty sure I’ll receive a mystical sign aaaaaaany day now as to how to bring all my peeps to the yard.  Until then, I’ll just sit back and ruminate on the difficulties of growing an online business.)

Are you starting to see the nonsense in spending all of your time WAITING instead of DOING?

• Yes, I believe in praying and seeking divine assistance in making your choices.
• Yes, I know that sometimes the answer is unclear, which can be pretty scary.
• Yes, I understand that action takes guts, and a lot of people are running pretty short on guts these days.

And yet…No.

• No, it is not okay for you to allow your dreams and goals to wither and die inside of you because you are afraid.
• No, it is not okay for you to wait even one more day for some magical sign before you start taking action in your life.
• No, it is not okay for you to be mediocre for even one more moment, when you are so clearly meant to lead.

• This is the time to listen to your own inner wisdom, rather than waiting for external validation of your gifts.
• This is your chance to not only come up with genius ideas, but to actually implement them.
• This is your opportunity to be seen.
• To be heard.
• To make a resounding difference in others’ lives.

That burning desire to change the world? It isn’t given to just anyone. But, Gorgeous, it WAS given to you. It is now up to you to become the leader in your own life, your business, and your relationships. It is now up to you to choose the path unknown (or to stay safely tucked away in your comfort zone).

Never forget, you are here to lead. Innate powers and visions are sacred. However, if left unused and unclaimed, they will fade. Crumbling to ash from misuse and neglect. But, you. You wouldn’t want that. Would you? You wouldn’t let that happen to your dreams. Would you?

So, if they truly are your dreams, now is the time to rise up and claim them. What are you waiting for?...  A sign?

3 Success Strategies to Get Over Failure

3 Success Strategies to Get Over Failure

3 SUCCESS STRATEGIES
TO GET OVER FAILURE

Article by Marinna Rose
Photo Credit: Dasha & Mari
Magazine: Issue #28

Have you ever had a dream that you took massive action to attain and it did not happen? This has happened to me more times than I can remember, but the part that I remember most is the Aftermath!

We have a tendency to only be able to wrap our minds around more realistic goals and dreams. What we forget is that Universal Intelligence knows exactly what is for our highest best, and usually this is way beyond what our minds can fathom. 

So when you take massive action towards your goal and it does not happen, know in that moment that the Universe is interfering on purpose. It is really saying to you that you can achieve higher, so don’t settle.

Even though in that moment we cannot imagine something better, or think of a reason for why it did not come to fruition. We feel deflated, depressed; frustrated…to us it’s our goal and so not just settling!

Sometimes we need to simply “Sit tight, trust and allow.” Yes, this is the guidance I was downloaded the other day on my walk. These 3 steps reminded me of all the times I became the Phoenix rising from the ashes in the aftermath of loosing. I always ended up with something bigger and more perfect than my mind could ever conceive. In that process gained strength and inner power that could never be taken away.

Success Strategy  #1 - Sit Tight

Of course we are talking about after you have taken massive action. Sit tight does not mean give up or do nothing. It means don’t over analyze, don’t be deflated, and don’t let frustration get the best of you.

It is imperative that you keep your vibration and frequency as high as you can through this process. It needs to be in the resonance as if you are just about to attain that goal. If not you will start to repel the bigger goal that the Universe had in mind for you in the first place! 

We don’t want you to repel what is meant for you. So remember when you are licking your wounds that the longer you stay here, the longer and further your dream will be to come to you.

Success Strategy #2 - Trust

You must be able to trust the process. Don’t hold onto the goal so tight that you suffocate the life right out of it. Or allow your emotions to get the best of you ruling the situation, holding on for dare life thinking this is your only option or opportunity.

This is your ego speaking to you, telling you this is your last chance. Not true, it could not be farther from the truth. 

You must be in awareness enough to recognize when to walk away. Let’s just say when your health becomes at risk that is a sure sign!

Trust that the Universe has your back at and is supporting you at all times. Trust that you gave it everything you had to get there and that was the very best that you could do.  

In this trust the frustration fades into the past, there is no more need to analyze, you simply fall into the knowing that everything is in perfect divine order for your highest and best life to unfold.

Success Strategy #2 -Allow

Allowing the whole process to flow through you from beginning to end is the key! Allow the frustration to come, but usher it out through your body just as fast as it showed up. Keep it moving. Go for a run, walk anything you can do that releases it. While you are releasing this energy feel yourself replacing it with hopeful excited energy again, trusting that it is just around the corner.

By being in a state of allowing you are not being dormant, you are staying balanced with your emotions and being aware of the next opportunity.

So important to keep your awareness In doing this you will be welcoming the new opportunity allowing it into your life with open arms!

In every loss there is a winner. For everything has it’s ying and yang, negative and positive. You become successful in everything when you master the art of success in the aftermath of loosing.

Now that you have mastered the art of success in the aftermath of loosing, be prepared to take massive action again. This time around you’ll have this priceless life experience, knowledge and inner strength that guides you fearlessly.

Remember, don’t be defeated just “Sit Tight, Trust and Allow.”