Holiday Gift Guide for the Woo Woo Woman

Personal and spiritual development has been an important part of my life this year.  Connecting in with my authentic self comes from a devotion to myself that I've found through various woo woo items & practices.  So today let's do an amazing little gift guide on the perfect gifts for the Woo Woo Woman in your life, shall we?

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I can't wait to share this with you because I love the thought of women cheering on other women to be the best they can be.  Through sharing my personal development journey I have discovered so many awesome women and watched them grow!  Join all the fun over in the Live & Create Facebook group where we talk woo woo and work life creating a space for planner people, mindful makers, and lunar lovers to come together in support of each other. All I want in life is for others to realize they too can do it....whatever the it is!  Every accomplishment - big or small - that puts us on a path towards betterment is worth celebrating.  Ok... on to the guide

Tools for Introspection

One of the greatest ways to connect with yourself is through reflection.  Various tarot & oracle decks can help the querent with a little bit of self reflection.  I've got a whole guide to reading tarot here but you can also find some of my favorite tarot decks in this post.  I've also been loving the Journal Deck, featured above, as an added journal prompt for my self reflection.  There is even a new edition called the Goddess Deck that I want to get my hands on!

Starting Friday 11/23 until Monday 11/26  you can save 25% on the Journal Deck & site wide!  (no code needed!)

Woo Woo Storage

Every woo woo woman needs a place to keep her sacred instruments.  In this post on creating altars in shared spaces I talk a little bit about how creating a sacred space when you share a space with others can be difficult.  If your woo woo woman isn't able to go all out with her altar a little storage box may be just the answer.  I have one similar to this (pictured) but you may be able to find a box that more aligns with here beliefs or vibe better here.  These boxes can be great for keeping tarot or oracle cards as well.  Why not add in a few spell candles, essential oils, or the like so she can get the most out of it!

Quality Correspondences

In my personal spiritual path I use essential oils as a means of personal growth.  Different oils can have different correspondences - for example Lavender is the Oil of Communication & Calm, Rose is the Oil of Divine Love - and when working with these guys, quality is key.  Some of our woo woo sisters may use dried herbs in their practices while others may use incense.  Give the gift of quality essential oils with the Certified Pure Therapeutic Grade oils available from doTERRA.  Throw in some unscented incense sticks & a diffuser so that she can get all those positive intentions going for the new year!  Grab this book to so she can remember each emotional association.

A Place to Keep it All

An amazing way to organize all those woo woo thoughts is in a journal.  While I have a hard time keeping a consistent journal - I have commitment issues and I need a lot of structure! - I love the format of the traveler's notebook.  These guys feature small, bound inserts that make creating different sections in the journal super easy.  Plus there are ton of inserts available out there and you can even make your own easily!  Webster's Pages is my favorite brand because they are so affordable and because of the variety of colors.  This walnut one is gorgeous!

The journey towards self reflection is a great one where the only person you have to be better than is the person you were yesterday.  All of these tools can help you or the woo woo woman you love on her journey.  Feel free to grab the free Intro to the Tarot ebook below (it will be right in your inbox!) and print out a guide for you and your bestie.  Throw it in with your gift and she'll love it!

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Connecting with our intuition allows us to feel strength & confidence.  I can't wait to see what you give your friends this holiday season!

What woo woo gift would your recommend?  What gift would you like to receive?

xoxo, Moe

ps.  Don't forget to snatch up the Journal Deck here to fill up that traveler's notebook!

10 Ways to Begin your Personal Development Journey

Becoming a better person.  That's what we all want to do with our lives, right?  We want to be the best versions of ourselves.  We're now quite far into the year and may have found that our goals haven't shaped out the way we thought they would have.  This could be good or bad...but we don't have to wait until the new year to start bettering ourselves!  In fact I think there are 3 times in the year we can start ourselves anew - January at the new year, March/April at the Aries New Moon, and September when we're used to going back to school.

this post contains affiliate links, please read my full disclosure here.

September has always had the air of a fresh new start - we've got fresh pencils, notebooks, and sneakers, the leaves are slowing turning and nature moves into a new phase.....its just a very magical time of freshness. Plus we'll have Samhain in October which is known as the Witches' New Year. So the Fall in general can be a time of change - to shed the old and prep for the new!

We don't have to upend our whole lives to work on personal development.  Nor do we have to feel pressured to change our entire beings to be these better, fantasy versions of ourselves.  Personal development is a journey where the only person you need to be better than is the person you were yesterday.  It's not a journey of comparison or defeat, its a journey of betterment.  So, here are 10 ways to begin your personal development journey:

1. Listen to Audio Books & Podcasts

Make time to listen to personal development books or podcasts.  This may take some trial and error in finding podcasts/books that inspire you but start off with a hobby or something you're interested in.  I wanted to learn to read tarot as a personal development tool so I thumbed through the tarot podcasts I found on iTunes and queued up a few to listen to.  The other part of this is prioritizing time to listen.  I used my 30 minute drive to work in the morning to squeeze in a podcast listen.  You can listen while cooking, cleaning, driving, running, etc.  Those times in between...those are good times to bust out your book or podcast.

2. Practice Mindfulness

This is another simple task that can be done in those times in between.  Mindfulness is just awareness.  Mindfulness is focusing on the moment and on the task at hand.  When making your coffee in the morning instead of going over your to do list and looking at the dishes in the sink take the 5 minutes you're prepping your coffee to just be aware: what does the world around you smell like?  What does the coffee maker sound like?  What does your mug feel like?  What does the sugar entering the mug sound like?  How do you feel in this moment?  You can incorporate even breathing, etc.  Just be aware of your surroundings.  A great place to start a mindfulness practice is in your skincare routine - you'll hopefully be alone in the bathroom for at least a minute and the act is very tactile.  So you can take a moment to just be.

Mindfulness can help fill your cup so that you can show up for yourself and for others more completely.

3. Meditation

Developing a mediation practice can be as simple as using the Breathe app on your Apple Watch (I do this so often!).  Just like mindfulness, you're taking a moment to be present.  You can have a more intentional mindfulness practice with meditation by creating a space for yourself to spend time with yourself.  This can be a room or space in your home or even one of those times in between - like waiting for a friend to meet you for coffee.  Take a moment while you're sitting in the parking lot at work to drift into a relaxed mindset.  You can use something like visualization or even an essential oil you're fond of to help get you into your meditative mindset.

4. Practice Self Reflection

Often this is outlined as journaling.  I'm not a great journaler - I'll blog somethings and maybe include short self reflective tidbits in my memory planner, but all in all I'm not a good journal keeper.  I think it is more important to be self reflective and to examine myself, my life, and my actions often to see where I'm at.  Creative ways to do this aren't limited to journaling but to creating and keeping vision boards so that you can see how far you've come, keeping planner & expressing your creativity, or even blogging!  Self reflection ensures that you're actually growing and developing.  Sometimes those little time hop things on Facebook are very helpful for seeing where we've been compared to where we are now.  And, if you're unhappy with where you are....then you are able to set an intention to change that!

5. Set Small Goals

Speaking of setting intentions to change, try setting small goals.  I used to set 4 simple goals a month because I realized I just wasn't really working towards anything.  I was kinda coasting through life just hanging out and I really wanted to be doing something (anything!).  Setting smaller goals - go to bed earlier, wake up earlier, clean the living room each week, put the dishes away, make sure you moisturize - can help you develop and over all bigger routine.  This routine can enhance your daily life be reducing the emotional burden you have by needing to make decisions that could be left to routine.  Achieving small goals can also build up your confidence & momentum when it comes to accomplishing bigger goals.

6. Try Something New

Break out of your comfort zone.  Trying something new means you're not keeping yourself in a box.  This box could feel restrictive or destructively habitual.  It is best to do something new as soon as you feel the urge.  I signed up for a watercolor class at my local Micheal's as soon as I found out it was happening because I new if I thought about it I'd chicken out!  If you get the urge, and it's feasible, try something new!

7. Invest in Yourself

Much like the one above, if you've been wanting to try something new make that a priority.  The more you invest in your desires the more you'll find personal success.  Want to start a new hobby? Prioritize that in your life.  Want to go back to school?  Prioritize that in your life.  Need a new set of interview clothes? Invest in that!  You are worthy of your desires and you should invest your time & available resources into the things that will create a better you and better your life.

8. Discover your Personal Mantra

Working daily with affirmations can help shift your mindset.  You may find yourself drawn to certain types of quotes, words, or mantras that help you feel inspired.  Take time to develop a personal mantra to live by and make sure it aligns fully with who you are as a person.  Create a Pinterest board or even a wall of sticky notes with words that speak to you.  Recite them daily until you feel their truth!  I highly suggest you reading my post on self-deprecating here. 

9. Make Small Changes

Small changes in your lifestyle allow you to live more authentically.  For me, I've been attempting to reduce my dependence on single use/disposable items.  Prioritizing using microfiber towels over paper towels, refusing plastic straws, and prioritizing reusable storage over plastic baggies have been small changes that have led to a bigger awareness in my life.  Take the time to make small changes that align with your personal mantra & you will begin to live more authentically.

10. Practice Gratitude

Being thankful for what we have can shift our mindset.  Not only should we be thankful in times of happiness but we should practice gratitude in our down times as well.  If you're frustrated with a situation finding gratitude around the problem can help shift your mindset into a solution.   Take a moment during each day - when you wake up, before bed, at your lunch break, on your drive home - and list three things you're grateful for.  Even the simplest things you can express gratitude for because it allows you to be mindful of what you really have in your life!

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Personal development also isn't extremely linear.  We can have up days and down days, we can have setbacks and comebacks...but overall we just want to be better than the people we were yesterday!  Be sure to sign up for the newsletter above to get creative inspiration for being your best self straight to you inbox.  You'll receive blog updates, essential oil information, creative freebies, and general chit chat.

If you're interested in working towards your personal development goals with a group of creative individuals like yourself, check out the Live & Create group on Facebook.  This group focuses on mindfulness & intentional living through productivity, creative planning, & personal growth.  Request to join here!  You can also join the Printable of the Month club over on Patreon for an exclusive planner printable every month.

What small goals do you set for yourself daily?

xoxo, Moe

How to Combine Tarot, Oracle, and Affirmation Cards in a Reading

A few weeks ago I shared my favorite tarot and oracle card decks.  My collection has significantly grown over the last year or so but my purchasing of decks as slowed in the recent months.  I credit this to getting to know the decks I have.  Now, I'm not going to discourage you from buying all the decks (because it can be fun to collect and learn from different decks) but I want you to connect with the decks you have and find where new decks can fit into your journey.

this post contains affiliate links, please read my full disclosure here.

I use tarot, oracle, and affirmation cards for personal growth and development.  My persona belief is that these cards don't tell me the future.  These cards reveal to me things I may not consciously know or things that I know...but have chosen to ignore.  Those that are able to use the cards to tell the future have a gift I do not and the cards are mere tools for their gift.  But this belief in revealing subtleties is why I think everyone and anyone can benefit from using tarot & oracle cards.

It can be difficult to figure out how to use these decks just by themselves let alone pair these decks together.  Here are the three ways I suggest to start using multiple decks and card styles into one reading:

Pair Cards in the Same Position

When you're doing a certain spread, use two cards one position to get a more expanded yet direct message.  I find this most successful when I designate one of the pairs as the first or main card in that position.  For me this main card is often a tarot card.  So during the reading, I'll place down the tarot cards first in the spaces I've designated as for tarot cards.  Then I'll choose my oracle deck, shuffle, and place the oracle cards on to the tarot cards in the positions I've chosen to be expanded.  

Getting to know the decks you're using can help in this, too.  Pairing an oracle card with a tarot card on the same space can often explain or build on the message of the first card so when you know the energy of different decks you'll get the most from this pairing.  Often I'll use multiple decks (3 at max) because I know what each will give me in a reading especially when I'm putting them in a specific space.  

Create Specific Spreads 

When you know you're cards & your decks you can begin to work with them in a way that really works with you.  We form a certain relationship with our cards and I truly feel the universe will deliver what you need, in the way you need, if you just ask!  So, work with your cards.  If you know certain cards work great to form mantras, use those cards in a spread or specific position that deals with mantras.  In the weekly spread I usually do, I choose a card from the Sprit de la Lune deck as well as a card from the Sacred Soul Searching deck and a tarot card for the position of weekly theme.  I sort of created this spread around using those three cards because I find the most complete message comes from pairing these cards together.

When I do the Midweek Mantra spreads on the Connected Chakras Instagram, I also intentionally created a pairing between the Connected Chakras deck and the Pagan Cats Tarot.  I find that this mini tarot deck is very playful due to the cat imagery but offers a good compliment to the Chakras deck.  When you intentionally and repeatedly assign certain spreads as designated for affirmation cards or oracle cards, you'll find a better connection to your messages. 

Choose a Significator

This is one thing that really like to do when I'm attempting to work with a certain energy.  Choose a tarot, oracle, or affirmation card as the main theme of your reading.  For example - the Strength card.  So then you can pull and pair cards on how to embody the strength card.  

Perhaps you can ask "What mantra will help me embody the energy of this card?"  Then pull a card or cards that you know usually create wonderful mantras for you.  For me, I may choose to pull a card from the Connected Chakras deck & the Soul Searching Deck.  These always pair well for me. Again, knowing your cards and the messages they give can help you out here.

After working with my favorite decks and really connecting to them, I know which cards deliver the best messages when paired.  You'll find these great pairings by repeatedly using your cards.  Some decks may offer great messages on their own, some decks pair well because of their imagery, some decks might work well because they are both action oriented...the possibilities are endless.  You can also get to know your decks through a Get to Know Your Deck spread and keep note of what that deck will most likely tell you.

If you're looking for an easy way to learn the 78 tarot card meanings, I have a free tarot guide available for download!  You'll get a little ebook style download + a printable booklet to store in your tarot journal.  Sign up for the newsletter below to grab your free copy.

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After you enter your email check your inbox for your confirmation.  Then keep a look out for a second email (it might land in your spam or promotions tab).  If you're already signed up for the newsletter, you should get a separate email anyway!

Tarot is a great self reflective tool that can help hone your own intuition and help to develop a healthy relationship with yourself.  It is a key part of my self care routine, my goal setting strategy, and developing my self confidence.

If you'd like to read more about Tarot on the blog, click here.  You can also get weekly Tarot advice over on the Connected Chakras instagram.  If you're looking for another affirmation deck to add to your collection, check out my self published deck Connected Chakras or print your own here.

How do you use the tarot in your life?  How does it speak to you?

xoxo, Moe

5 DIY Gifts to Support your Best Galentine

Valentine's Day is this week!! I absolutely love February because it is all about love & expressing our love to others.  This year, I'll be focusing on giving some care to my self with a long bath & probably a good movie with a bottle of wine.  We all need a little me time.  But this Make it Monday I want to share with you some easy DIY projects that are supportive for your best Galentines!  Make something for them that will build them up and make them feel like they are awesome!!

Oh, and if you check out the bottom of this post you can in on the last minute registration for the FREE LIVE Essential Oils & Self Care class tonight!  So check that out too!

Printable Positive Affirmation Cards

Build your best gal pals up with a set of printable affirmation cards.  They can draw a card each morning and repeat it while they prepare to move through their day inspired and empowered.  This deck of 36 empowering phrases can be printed at home and assembled rather quickly.

A Handmade Mala Tied with Love & Intention

Speaking of affirmations, hand bead and tie a mantra for your galentine so that they can repeat their affirmation 108 times during a meditation.  Choose beads that you find inspiring - they don't have to be wood or crystal, just something you think they will love.  Choose the embroidery floss based on a Chakra you know your bestie is working with - red for the root chakra of groundedness & security, orange for the sacral chakra of creativity & desire, yellow for the solar plexus chakra of joy & and empowerment, green for the heart chakra of self love & gratitude, blue for the throat chakra of expression & communication, indigo for the third eye chakra of intuition & openness, or purple for the crown chakra of enlightenment & divine guidance.

An Energy Clearing Kit to get rid of any Bad Vibes

Set your gal pal up for a Spring full of good vibes with an energy clearing kit.  Include an essential oil or Palo Santo + a crystal aligned with some good juju so that she can break through anything that has been holding her back!

Custom Scented Bath Bombs

A long, refreshing bath is one of the best self care activities.  We take time to release ourselves from all other burdens to focus on our own well being.  Essential oils can help align us with the emotions we'd like to feel so we can become rejuvenated and restored.  Create a bath bomb for your gal pals that will help them feel they can reach their highest potential!

A Beautiful Journal to Keep Wonderful Thoughts

One of the best ways we can keep track of how awesome we are is to journal our thoughts.  A handmade journal using your Cricut Explore is a great way to get crafty for your BFFs.  Share a creative space where they can feel inspired & supported!

There is still time to sign up for the Essential Oils & Self Care LIVE class this evening!  Head over to the Facebook event page or register here for a FREE self care planner.  I hope to see you tonight!

How do you build up your besties?  

xoxo, Moe

3 Ways to Jump into a Yoga Routine // Yoga for Beginners

Everyone seems to sets a goal to get healthy at the beginning of each year.  This year, since I'm focusing on my work authentic I want to continue to participate in a exercise that serves me.  This exercise is Yoga.  About mid 2017 (maybe earlier) I decided it was time to start trying this thing called Yoga out!  During my journey with mindfulness, Yoga kept coming up for me.  I realized that Yoga was a way to show up for yourself & for your health.

First off, and I'm sure a lot of us are like this - exercise isn't fun.  I don't get anything immediately out of it except soreness and a resolve that I don't have time for this.  But yoga....man yoga connects a lot of you.  It can be as easy or as challenging as you want, which is what I like.  (I may be wrong, but there's no easing into something like running....you're either moving, or your not.  And I have zero time to be lifting weights).  Yoga gives me the instant satisfaction that I've gotten something out of the last 10, 20, 30 + minutes of my time spent on the mat.  I feel like I've actually achieved something.  Yoga connects you to your soul.  Yoga connects your mind to your body.  Yoga asks you to show up to the mat and it gives you the opportunity to show up in the way you are able & the way you need to.  Do you need a block? Great, grab one, keep going.  Do you need to put down a knee? Great, do it, keep going.  It only asks that you show up for yourself, in the way you need, today, tomorrow, and the next.

I love yoga for that reason.  As a plus size lady a lot of exercise isn't built for us in the way we need it.  Some may disagree with me, and that is fine, but I feel a lot of exercise asks us to push ourselves only on the physical level - you're burning calories, increasing stamina, building muscles.  And that is fine & dandy if that's what you need.  But I feel like yoga asks you to talk to your body.  How are you breathing?  Where are you feeling the stretch?  Are you stretching farther than yesterday?  What is your body feeling in this pose?  It is a connection.  It is a flow.  And that is why I love it.  You're flowing with your body, one fluent movement after another.  You're challenging your body all while you're listening to it. 

So if you're interested in starting yoga but not sure if you're totally down for it, here are some of my thoughts :

Get clear on your goals

Why do you want to start yoga?  What will you get out of a yoga practice?  For me mindfulness & a connection to myself all while participating in an activity that gets me moving is the reason I do yoga.  Depending on the level of your yoga flow you can really work up a sweat!  I am just trying to build a flow so when I am looking for a routine online or a class I am looking for beginner yoga, mindful yoga, or stretching sequences.  I'm not looking for fat burning or extremely fast paced yoga.  Under this umbrella, decide when yoga will fit into your life.  Are you going to go to a class?  Is this a morning routine?  Is this something you'll do on the weekend?  Personally, I choose to do yoga as a part of my morning routine.  This means I'm getting my blood pumping and my mind connected to my body at about 5:30am on the weekdays.  I'm looking for stretching sequences or longer flows.  My favorite routines to follow often have the words mindful or stretch in the title.

Grab your gear & props

I'm going to focus on the fact that I'm a plus size gal, but a lot of this is the same for beginners as well.  You may not have as much range of motion or even any work out gear so these are great for beginners as well.  The first thing I started out with was a mat. leggings, and a sweatshirt.  Honestly you don't need a mat or any clothes (if your down for that!) but it helps.  The mat mainly gives you the scope of the area you need to be working it.  It helps you to understand where your body should be and, for me, helps me align my feet since I can see the contrast between my mat and the floor.  I also recommend blocks & a strap.  If you're range of motion isn't that expansive or your just not used to putting your body in certain poses, blocks and straps can help you modify poses so that you are able to move into them.  I love that the flow of yoga supports modification with out you feeling like a loser for needing it.  For me, if I can't follow you, do what you do, and keep up then I feel like a failure.  Why am I doing something I can't do?  When I can't get through an exercise routine and feel successful....you can bet I'm not going to do it again.  Yoga isn't like that.  There are plenty of yoga flows and routines that allow you to feel connected & successful....with or with out modifications!

Don't wait for a class

We live in the age of the internet, folks.  That means there are a ton of yoga instructors to follow on social media & places like YouTube.  I think that I was super lucky to have found Sarah Beth Yoga on YouTube as soon as I set my mind to embark on this yoga path!  She is amazingly gentle, easy to listen too, and offers side by side modifications.  Don't wait to go to a yoga class!  If you have that in your mind (and you're like me) you'll find every excuse not to go.  Or, you'll build up so much anxiety on the judgement that might be passed on you.  People can judge...yoga can not.  If you're searching for yoga flows on YouTube try using terms like beginner, mindful, and stretch.  To ease yourself in do shorter flows, 10 to 15 minutes, so that you're feeling successful and therefore motivated.  I know shorter flows helped me to feel like I was able to do this...that yoga was something I could feel successful at!  I save longer routines for when I'm really pumped or have more time (like the weekends!).  One of my goals this year is to work longer flows into my self care on the weekends.

These three areas can really help you decide if yoga is for you and why it might serve you.  Connecting the mind & the body is a key part of yoga.  This can really help you move into a healthy routine & get moving.  You can get a ton out of yoga, not just mindfulness - you can build flexibility, build muscle, burn fat, build stamina, and gain strength.  Just start & see where you go.

Why are you considering yoga?  What had yoga shown you?

xoxo, Moe

How to Ease the Transition to Cruelty Free

One of my personal goals this year is to make the transition to cruelty free & eco friendly products in my everyday routine.  I plan to switch beauty, skin care, & cleaning products this year.  Making this transition was inspired by a huge realization when I chose my word of the year - Authentic.  Last year while working with the word mindful I discovered a lot about myself and this year I want to work towards implementing certain beliefs into my everyday life.

Moving towards a better awareness of where the items I use in my everyday life come from is something that will help me lead a more authentic life.  When you know better, you do better.  I want to throw a disclaimer out in this post too - I don't plan to go vegan or vegetarian.  While that's a little off of this current topic, it does have to do with the theme of cruelty free.  I plan to be more cognizant of where I source meat from, eating less meat, and going more organic.  Perhaps that is a blog post for another day...but now on to tips for making a cruelty free transition

Decide where you're making changes

The first place is to decide where you're making the changes at in your life.  I'm not here to judge so if you're just choosing one area, like your make up collection, that is a great place to start.  Decide the area and commit to it.  I am going to out there and say that most people are materialistic people...we collect things, we buy new things, and we buy fast things.  Think of fast fashion....or even that app Wish.  You're purchasing something super cheap & therefore you can purchase more of it.  We collect a lot of things (I have a huge make up collection, scrapbook collection, wardrobe, and a back stash of different body sprays and perfumes).  Decide where you're going to make the changes and resolve to cut back your buying.  Get rid of what you're not using - if it's unopened and a friend or family member may like it I encourage passing it on.  If you're sister likes a certain blush and you feel comfortable passing on something that's slightly used....go for that.  I'm not encouraging bad hygiene here but I'm not condoning waste.

Don't get rid of everything all in one go

One, this is going to save you money.  Two, it's going to save your sanity.  First, do a general declutter of the area you plan to transition.  I personally need to go through my large make up collection and get rid of the things I'm just plain not using.  I know that sometimes things like make up can be expensive.  I have a NARS palette that I love but I won't be purchasing anything more from that brand.  Who knows perhaps down the line I'll decide to get rid of it.

But don't just go throwing everything out.  You'll end up with nothing to clean the counters with, nothing to wash your body with, and nothing to do your make up with!  You'll regret having to go out and restocking everything all in one go.  Do your spring cleaning and resolve to buy something better when it is time.

Outline what products you already have

While you're going through a stash of things you already have look up the brands you're using to see if they are cruelty free.  Set aside those products, if you plan to keep using them, as your go to products.  But don't just keep things to keep them.  If you're going through your declutter and find a cruelty free product that you're not really going to use...go ahead and donate it, pass it a long, etc.  In doing this you'll have a beginner list to go through if you need to repurchase something in the short term.

Do your research

To find a sustainable way to keep your resolution of going cruelty free, do your research.  I usually check multiple sites in addition to the brands site.  Believe me, brands can often twist words on their own sites and the words 'cruelty free' don't appear to be very regulated....so any one can use them.  You may find that some websites will say they are cruelty free but may test on animals where it is 'required by law'.  I've found a big red flag is that if a brand is sold in China it isn't cruelty free as China requires animal testing.  I am not going to link any websites here in this post because I haven't found one I 100% follow.  This is all about finding something that aligns with you so my recommendation may not fit in with what you're looking for.  Just cross check a few sites, do your own google searches, etc.  It may also be helpful to find a friend who either is eco friendly/cruelty free or reps a brand that aligns with what you're looking for.  I'll be working with my cousin Leslie (who always seems to jump into things before & pave the way!) to discover more about the brand Pure Haven.  I'll also be working more closely to understand where I can incorporate doTERRA's essential oils into my routine.  

Make a plan

When it comes to my skincare routine and my cleaning supplies there are quite a few things I need.  I know I'll need make up wipes (#lazydays), moisturizer, face wash, spot treatment, face masks, scrubs, etc.  For cleaning I'll need cleaning wipes, toilet cleaner, window/mirror cleaner, dish soap, dish washer stuff, etc.  Once you start laying it all out it can be overwhelming.  But it can help you make a plan for what you'll need to consider replacing.  This can help you do your research!  If you have a list, then you have a plan, then you'll have something to go off of when your dish soap needs replacing.  

Starting something new can be nerve wracking, intimidating, and confusing.  But once you make a resolve, taking it step by step can make it easier.  If you'd like to learn more about going cruelty free and about the Pure Haven brand I'll be hosting an online party with Leslie on January 23rd.

You can join the party here.  If you'd like to join in on a community that supports living a creative and fulfilling life please join the Five Sixteenths | Live Creatively group!

What is one of your goals this year?  What area of your life are you working on?

xoxo, Moe

What Does Your Best Self Look Like?

We're nearly half way through the January Journaling Jump Start!  Who's excited about how their personal reflection & word planning is going?  Today I wanted to jump off of the second week of prompts which involve planning who we want to be in 2018.  I mentioned in the first JJJS post that I like to focus on how I want to feel versus what I physically/materially want to gain.  I find that makes me more successful.  So I asked myself this question - what does my best self look like?

There is an exercise I heard about somewhere, at some point in time - specific, I know.  Basically I was asked to consider what my best self looked like.  Since I've heard that question, I've done a bit here and there to work with what that person is.  Its about finding words that are positive & encouraging, words that focus on growth, and words that focus on feelings.  It's about finding words to build up confidence and self worth.

It's not about self deprecating words, words that may have a mentally negative impact, or words that tear you down.  If you feel uninspired by the words you're using to describe the best you or feel that you can't achieve that version of yourself......try using different words!  For example - my best self is skinnier, prettier, has less debt, has better skin.  Those words don't inspire action in me.  They make me feel that I am failing.

Its about positive, actionable words.  Your best self does the actionable things towards those ends.  My best self does 10 minutes of yoga in the AM, eats her veggies everyday, maintains her skin care routine, saves $200 each month.  These are things that are actionable and positive.  These things make me feel successful because I can take action towards those ends each day, week, & month.  

This is sort of a hard concept to explain, but I hope it's made a bit of sense!  Focusing on the feelings we want to attract to ourselves will give us the inspiration to be those things.  Its all about raising our thoughts to meet where we want to be.  So if the best you does 10 minutes of yoga in the morning, drinks more water, and eats her veggies....then the best you is also working on her fitness.  If the best you purchases one coffee a week, brings her lunch to work, and saves $200 a month.....the best you is also reducing her debt and in control of her finances.  The key is to remember how these actions make you feel.  You feel more energized, you feel less money stress, etc.  How do these small things affect the big things in your life?  Little by little, small things add up to big changes.  And you have the whole year to see the shift!

That is one thing I need to remember - doing yoga, drinking water, and eating well makes me feel awesome and not lethargic & lazy.  I fall out of routine easy because I don't have the end in mind when focusing on the small things!  So during the January Journaling Jump Start make sure you're thinking about positive & actionable things and you're keeping the end feeling in mind.  Once we get to Week 4 and start to make weekly action steps toward using our word in 3 areas of our life, these little things will be super important!

It's also about being true to yourself.  I know a lot of people would suggest not to have limiting beliefs....but I think honesty with yourself is the best policy.  An example I can think of is with my blogging/social media goals.  If I try to do all the right blogging things - ebooks, newsletters, scheduled social media posts, a curated instagram feed, viral pinterest posts, etc etc - I get burnt out.  It feels inauthentic, overwhelming, and I don't feel successful.  With that being said, if something makes you feel unsuccessful at a goal, shift your actions, and be authentic to yourself.  You can do anything you want to....you just may have to do it your own way.  (I feel that a lot of people don't share this...they say 'this is how you do it.' and then you feel down because you aren't doing it that way.  I will be the first to tell you that I am a bit slower to catch on to things and I always have to modify.  There is nothing wrong with that!)

What small actions in your life make you feel good?

xoxo, Moe

January Journaling Jump Start // Find your 2018 Word of the Year

Something I've been doing for quite a few years now is choosing a word to work into my life for a year.  Some years I choose it and then forget it, some years it ends up being more prominent.  Last year was the first year I did Ali Edwards One Little Word and that really changed my relationship with my word.  Truth be told I only completed 1/3 of the prompts but that was enough to help me live mindfully in 2017.

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This project helped me incorporate my word into my everyday life.  It allowed me to work long enough with it that Mindful naturally became an important thought for me each day!  This year, my word for 2018 came to me rather early.  I chose Authentic because, during my mindful journey, I began to develop beliefs and to see my current beliefs evolve & change.  I realized that in some ways I was deceiving myself by believing one thing but taking no action towards it in my life.  In fact, the 7 of Swords showed up rather early in 2017 and that is what inspired me to choose the word Authentic.  I especially love the 7 of Swords in the After Tarot because it shows self deception!  You think you're getting away with something....but you're gonna get tripped up!

I do hope to do a blog post on my word, but this post is not that post!  Today I want to share with you a journaling activity through January that can help you to discover your word of the year and take action towards it.

What is January Journaling Jump Start?

JJJS is a 4 week, 28 day long prompt a day journaling project designed to help you find your word of the year.  This doesn't have to be done in January either.  Any time is a great time to change it up and get focused!

Like I mentioned earlier, your word for the year should be something you actively incorporate into your life.  2017 was the first year I did that and it was great!  But finding ways to do so...or even finding a word that resonates with you can be hard.  The way I find my words is through a little bit of mental reflection on who I am and where I want to be.  I focus on how I want to feel in the coming year.  Personally, I don't focus on something physically I can gain - a new house, a new car, a new waistline....etc.  Focusing on how we want to feel is the best way, I think, to make sure we can shift our thinking and in turn achieve our goals.  So this journaling activity is designed to help you reflect, plan, research, and then set actionable goals in three areas of your life!

The first week is about reflection.  What was 2017 for you?  What do you want 2018 to be for you?  What did you start?  What did you finish?  It is about bringing together your accomplishments from last year and pushing your successes into the next.

The second week is about planning.  Where do you want to see improvement this year?  What inspired you last year?  What do you want to embrace in 2018?  What do you want to release?  Discover the best you that you can be in 2018 and make a plan to get there.

The third week is about inspiration & research.  Find quotes that inspire you & words you'd like to use to describe yourself.  Pinterest is a great way to find amazing quotes.  I start a board full of quotes that inspire me as I try to decide on my word.  At the end of this week you can look at your quotes & start to see a pattern.  What word can sum up these quotes?

In the last week, begin to outline how you'll incorporate the word you've discovered in the three improvement areas you chose the second week!  Finally begin to make weekly action steps so that you can incorporate your word into your daily life.

How can I get started?

While this is not a group challenge with a community behind it - honestly, I've never really felt those accountability groups helped me...they always made me feel less than for not doing things on time or in a certain way - I encourage you to download the journaling cards & the weekly planner layout below.

If you're down for something like a mini album, go ahead and do that!  Use the journaling cards in any pocket albums you do or do what I'm doing - working in my new vision planner.  I am currently using a Happy Planner size pages for my vision planner (about 7 x 9 inches) this year.  I assembled some printed graph paper on Mini Happy Planner discs and put it in Websters Pages Composition planner cover.  I also threw in some of the happy planner pocket pages because that's how I like to do my OLW stuff too.  Doing a journaling activity like this, I think, is best done on planner pages so that you have them all together.  Print out the weekly planner pages, date them, and get your word jump started!  

DOWNLOAD THE JANUARY JUMP START HERE!

You don't have to follow this up with another Word of the Year project, but I'd highly suggest it.  I plan on doing One Little Word again this year even if I only complete 3 months worth of prompts!  I do hope you are able to find a word this year that will help you.  Make sure to follow along on Instagram as I share with you how I've filled out the January Journaling Jump Start prompts!  Join the Five Sixteenths | Live Creatively group for more journaling inspiration.

What word did you choose?  How do you incorporate it into your daily life?

xoxo, Moe