OMG… I’m officially a blogger! After months of contemplation, ending an almost 30-year career as a hairstylist and selling my day spa, here I am at the computer and a feeling little tongue tied… or is it writer’s block? Or simply nerves? Now that I’ve stepped out of my comfort zone and started speaking to the world online through my blogs, do you like what I write? Maybe you do, maybe you don’t, but like Wayne Gretzky says, “you miss 100% of the shots you don’t take.” So, here I am! Enter at your own risk!

Since you have indeed entered, I can only assume you’ve checked out – even if only briefly – my website and my first few blogs. What an exciting time – launching a new business, sharing my knowledge and expertise, and mentoring women through Image & Inspiration. My passion to empower women through discovering their unique style, strengths and beauty is unreal! To see each of them transform, look and feel more confident and live more authentically makes my heart sing.

Before working with Victoria, I was unhappy with where I was at in my life. While coaching with her, I gained a better direction for my future, figured out the next steps to take to help myself move forward and gained clarity on what I could be doing with my life. – Kathi Findlay

Truth be told, my decision to change careers mid-life scared the heck outta me. The comfort and confidence I previously held now wavers occasionally, but the comfort, confidence and vibrancy seen on the outside of the “old me” was matched with boredom, complacency and lack of creativity on the inside. Yin and yang were not balanced – the struggle was real!  The time had come to evolve, expand and blossom, to live an authentic life. How many of us are actually living authentically?

au-then-tic

: real or genuine: not copied or false

:true and accurate

:made to be or look like an original

This is Webster’s Dictionary definition of authentic.

Ponder this for a minute……. Do you feel genuine, true to self?

I believe most of us are so caught up in the business of our daily lives and expectations that our true self becomes neglected. Over time, it gets to the point where we only catch a glimpse of our real self occasionally.

In fact, as a wife, mother and professional do you even know what you do or don’t like?

Most hours in a day are spent catering to the needs of others and putting our needs last. I have found that putting my needs first is not selfish, but in fact essential to maintaining all other areas of my life. Happy wife-happy life right? 😉

All joking aside though, this is so true. If we learn to allow ourselves some time to fill up our internal well we inevitably have more energy, patience and love to give to others.

Do you remember yourself as a child? These moments looking back can be either reminiscent with fondness or disturbing as to how different we have become. It can feel like a daunting chore to reclaim our true selves, live more authentically and blossom, but I assure you it is NOT! Do not be afraid to step into the child you once were, have some fun and be more at ease. The popularity of adult colouring books is proof WE are craving some time with our inner child!

Living authentically does not require big changes all at once; it’s about slowly implementing hobbies and activities you once enjoyed back into your life on a regular basis. Making yourself a priority is essential to your vitality – who can’t do that? Even working full time, running a household, mothering, volunteering, etc., etc., you can make time and you are worth it!

When I am feeling outta of sync with myself and the world around me, I realize that I have forgotten to take care of myself, indulging in the little things that make me smile. Now is a good time to take some notes… this is profound what I am going to share, are you ready?

What makes my heart sing and helps me feel whole?

• Baking,
• walking or biking early in the morning,
• reading a good book,
• painting/refinishing a piece of furniture,
• scouring antique stores for unique and interesting items, and
• writing this blog or journaling both have been an amazing outlet!

Digging deep into your authenticity is hard work…if you are ready and want to dig deeper I suggest reading works from Eckhart Tolle, Wayne Dyer or Brené Brown. These ‘masters’ really are profound! One common thread between each of their works is that they all emphasize honouring your own creativity. This is an absolute must, my friends!

Looking onto my own list, I see that my own simple joys do come from creative outlets and physical activity. Being physical clears my head allowing creativity, and new ideas, to surface.

I dare you this – Today, tonight or this week, carve out some time to reconnect with your inner child, be creative in whatever way works for you… doodle, bake, sign up for a painting or dance class! Step by step, brush stroke by brush stroke you, will become whole again.

Be whole, be true, be you.

And remember that you are beautiful!