Time-bending Hacks

Hi Dear!

For many of us, these next few weeks mark a big transition from a school schedule to a summer schedule. And even if your free time is not dictated by kids, summer can mean either more or less time for yourself, depending on your work environment, travel plans and other life obligations.

Since time seems to always be in short supply, I wanted to share some of my favorite time-bending hacks to help you make the most of your time, no matter what the season.

Pomodoro Method: This 25 minute ON/5 minute OFF technique is a must-try for anyone with a short attention span or has trouble staying focused and on-task. I have personally found this to be a game changer! You work without interruption for 25 minutes and then get a 5 minute break to walk around, check email or return a text message. When your 5 minutes is up, you get back to work, feeling refreshed by your mini brain break. You can set your own timer, but I would recommend using one of the many free apps available.

Create Before you Consume: Whether you are working on content, writing a proposal or considering potential partners, fight the urge to check what others are doing and instead start with a solid brainstorming session based on your own ideas. Not only will you save yourself from the time-suck that is social media and online news, but you will be able to more easily tap into your innate, intuitive genius. As a result, you'll come up with more innovative solutions while strengthening your creative muscles, making your work sessions more productive.

Use Human Design to Work Smarter: Yep, I'm saying it again...we are all designed to work differently! Some of us are meant to be steady experts, consistently growing our skills over time. Others are multi-passionate, need to be more fluid and change course frequently. Some are meant to be project initiators, starting the work, but not continuing it. Others are designed to make major improvements, but only to the people who request help. Knowing how you are meant to work, both on your own and with others, can help you save time and use your valuable energy in the most fulfilling way.

We can make time work for us. It's just takes a little awareness and discipline to create and follow systems that help us by work smarter, not harder.

If you want to make sure you are spending your time creating the most impact, check out my Energy Alignment for Business session. It's the perfect mid-year review to help you assess your business or career from a holistic perspective. We will take a closer look at the balance of your work life, clear any blocks or beliefs, help maximize your energy, increase your creativity and productivity. Because I want you to have a quick and impactful win, I'm offering these sessions for a special rate of $55 through the month of June. 

To turning back time,

Lauren

Getting through Procrastination

Hello Love,

Did you know that procrastination is a tell? A little signal, that if you pay attention to and follow, will give you a host of helpful insights. So rather than being frustrated at your procrastination, try using it as an opportunity to discover the truth about what are you putting off and why. Here are some of the most common reasons for resistance:

Fear: It could be the fear of failure, the fear of success or the fear of any change at all. But if you are continuing to stall on a new work project or personal undertaking, fear could definitely be at the core. If that’s the case, it’s time to take a closer look at what could happen on the other side of that fear. Ask yourself to imagine both the very worst and best case scenarios. Pretty dramatic, right? This should help you see that the most likely and realistic outcome is somewhere in-between, so turn the page on your fear and take some action.

Perfectionism: Oh the sneaky way that the quest for perfection can subconsciously cause us to self-sabotage. If you find yourself in a never-ending state of reworking, fine-tuning and/or over-analyzing, here’s my tough love message for you: Just let it go. Do not let some unrealistic ideal of perfection get in the way of progress. I think you'll find that very good is almost always good enough.

No Desire: Sometimes the reason we don't do something is because, well, we just don’t do want to. I know it’s not rocket science, but we often overlook or ignore the more basic reasons for putting things off. So here’s a (not-so) radical question: What if you just didn’t do it? Consider the option of taking it off your list all together or maybe delegating it to another person or paid service. And then you can move on to the next thing, with a clear mind (and conscience).

Want the fastest way to beat procrastination and get an instant confidence and energy boost? Do the thing. Do the hardest thing or the easiest thing. Do the most fun or the most dreaded. Just do something. And that momentum will build, one task upon another, and you will surely find your groove.

Want to make sure you are spending your time working in the most energy-efficient and abundant way? My Energy Alignment for Business session is the perfect mid-year review to help you assess your business from a holistic, woo + work perspective. We will take a closer look at the balance of your business, clear any blocks or beliefs, help maximize your energy, increase your creativity and productivity. Because I want you to have a quick and impactful win, I'm offering these sessions for a special rate of $55 through the month of June. 

And if you want some inspiration from an incredible group of small business owners who are flowing with energy, creativity and joy, check out the Open to Alchemy podcast! I would love for you to download, subscribe and help me spread the word on this special passion project.

To creating in the present,

Lauren

Making the Most of Your Time

Hello Love,

Welcome to Maycember, aka, the second busiest month of the year. With so much getting packed in between the end-of-school rush, a flurry of community events and ongoing work commitments, the chaos of May can make you wish you could expand time. 

And while this month is definitely extra hectic, the truth is, we can often feel that time is moving way too fast and we never have enough of it. One powerful way to become a master at creating more time is to stay present. While it may sound too good to be true, focusing your energy and attention on the present moment allows you to maximize your time in seemingly magical ways. Following are some of my favorite tips for creating portals of presence:

Establish Better Boundaries: It’s up to us to guard ourselves from the people, places and things that push us out of the present moment. If you notice that certain situations are frequently causing you to either look back and rehash the past or look forward and feel anxious or worried, it’s time to temporarily disengage from those things, so you can more easily stay present. 

Use Mantras & Affirmations: Being present takes practice and adding in mantras or affirmations is a beautiful and effective way to reinforce presence throughout the day. Choose a short, simple phrase that you can repeat to help you come back to the current moment. One that I like to use is “Right here, right now I am ______”. You can fill in the blank with a word that resonates such as happy, complete or grateful. 

Elevate Daily Habits: Rather than mindlessly multitasking through the things you do everyday, utilize these built-in moments to pause and call yourself back to presence. First, identify some of your routine tasks, such as brushing your teeth, brewing coffee or parking your car. Next, turn them into rituals by slowing down, taking a few deep breaths and bringing awareness to your five senses before you transition to the next activity.

Although we most often view time as a very finite, linear concept, we’ve all experienced moments when it’s going sooo slow and others when it feels much faster. Time is what you make it. And by staying in the present, you can absolutely make the most of it. 

If you are feeling called to spend more of your precious time being present, let me be your guide! I love creating portals of presence and hold space for clients to shift their mindset, clear limiting beliefs and step into their future self. I use a variety of holistic methods, including Reiki energy, Human Design and Intuitive Plant guidance to create a highly personalized experience. Schedule a free info call to discover the right session for you.

To being infinite,

Lauren

Mantras for Manifestation

Hello Dear,

Here’s a loving nudge from me to you: it’s time to shine your light. I know it might seem easier said than done. You may have questions and doubts; a list of all the reasons why not. But I see the spark inside of you, wanting to burn brighter. 

So let’s tackle some of the most prevalent blocks and see where you can shift from the place of “I want” into the space of “I am”. 

What are you waiting for? Let go of the idea of the perfect time, the right experience, the next certification. You are magnificent just as you are and your unique magic is so needed in the world. Mantra: I am ready.

Who are you hiding from? Don't give away your most precious resources of time and energy on things and people that don’t matter. There is no outside validation that will make you feel whole. Do it for you, because it sets your soul on fire.
Mantra: I am enough.

Why do you not feel worthy? Stop letting some old internal story get in the way of what is rightfully yours. You are deserving of help and entitled to pursue your dreams. The time spent in service of yourself will pay off in ways you can’t even quantify.
Mantra: I am worthy.

When you choose to say "I am", you are subsconsciously moving into a more active state of presence and embodying the energy of your desires. Put simply; you will more quickly and easily become what you want, when you recognize that's who you already are.

If you are feeling called to take the next step in your journey, I’d love to help you! Let’s explore your business idea, product or service offering together. Mixing woo + work is my jam! I love guiding people to find alignment, ease and abundance while doing the work they were meant to do. Schedule a free info call to discover the right session for you.

To shining bright,

Lauren

How to Practice Gratitude

Hello Love,

Have you been caught in a s**t storm of adversity or bad luck lately? I feel for you. And you are definitely not alone; it seems to be going around. While you may think you’ll be stuck here forever, I have a simple way to instantly improve how you are feeling - practice gratitude.

I know it sounds simple and silly. It feels overhyped and overdone.

And it works. Every. Single. Time.

So I come back to gratitude. When I'm sad, down or doubtful. When I'm frustrated, angry or resentful. When I'm worried, stressed or overloaded. And if you think you have nothing to be grateful for, find one thing, just one, that is working, feels good, makes you smile.

Here are some simple ways to incorporate gratitude into your daily life:

• Start each day with a deep breath in appreciation of your night's sleep. It may not have been enough rest, but if you slept in a safe, warm bed, then that's something to be grateful for.

• Spend one minute before each meal being thankful. Think of the hundreds, if not thousands of people responsible for helping that coffee, salad or muffin get to your belly.

• Take a walk outside to enjoy a fresh new perspective. Feel your feet on the earth and allow your five senses to soak up the pure beauty and magic of mother nature.

• Express your gratitude at bedtime for all that you took for granted. For your body that carried you through the day, your work that provided for you, and moments with friends or family that were tender, thoughtful, funny.

You have everything you need. Practicing gratitude helps us remember.

If you are feeling stuck in a loop of negativity or self-doubt, I am here to help. Whether it's finding self-compassion through Human Design, getting the clarity and confidence to start your small business journey or enjoying more alignment and abundance in your Entrepreneur energy let's connect. Nothing lights me up more than helping others identify and activate their gifts so they can create and share the work they are meant to.

To being grounded in gratitude, 

Lauren

Bringing the Spirit of Travel Within

Hello Love,

I’m back, baby! We’ve returned from a glorious spring break and I can barely believe I got to use my passport for the first time in almost 2 ½ years! It was so good to travel and I’m beyond grateful for the ability to experience something new again. While travel provides a natural opportunity for a reflection and expansion, here are some things that don’t require you to pack a bag or board a plane:

Cultural Dive: What’s something foreign you’ve always been curious about? Perhaps it’s a country, language, food, or arts and crafts technique. Don’t let the fear of the unknown prevent you from exploring something new. It might turn out to be your next vacation spot, a secret talent or your new favorite food. Consistently expanding your horizons is key to keeping us open and receptive. And it can still be done from the comfort of home.

Reimagining Retreats: While we’d all love a multi-day stay at some fabulous spa, consider what you can do to bring that same energy home. Start with setting the intention for what you’d like to experience, such as rest and relaxation or creativity and clarity. Next, make a list of your specific goals and clear a weekend or weeknight. Don’t forget to set the scene: turn off all notifications, order in some of your favorite food, light candles and play music. There is incredible benefit to regularly scheduling time to refresh and reset!

Recreate Rituals: For me, one of the best things about travel is the chance to slow down and savor the smaller moments. Luckily you don’t have to go anywhere to spend a few extra minutes nourishing yourself in the mindfulness of everyday experiences. Pay attention to the rich smells when you are brewing your cup of coffee, take the longer, more scenic route in your neighborhood, indulge in a fragrant bubble bath or nightly bite of chocolate. Make room for magic in your daily life, not just when you are on vacation. (Stay tuned for more on this to come!)

Whether you are jet-setting globe-trotter or prefer exploring your own backyard, we can all benefit from the traveler's mindset. And while we don’t always have control of our schedules (or pandemic restrictions), approaching things with curiosity, mindfulness and compassion can help you live a more joyful and fulfilling life.

And now that I'm back, I’m ready to help you discover some of the magical ways you are here to shine your light. Whether it's learning more about yourself through Human Design, starting your small business journey or finding more alignment and abundance in your Entrepreneur energy let's connect. Nothing lights me up more than helping others find and activate their gifts so they can create and share the work they are meant to.

To traveling within,

Lauren

How to Align with the Seasons

Hello Dear,
 

It's the spring season, didn’t you hear?! All around us are messages from social media influencers, retail stores and news sources, telling us to lighten up, refresh, get busy.

But, what if your Spring hasn’t yet Sprung? While you may want to stay in hibernation, you can still take a lesson from these beautiful nature cues:

Grow at your pace. Everything blossoms at its own speed. If you are not yet feeling ready to rush head first into all-the-things, then take some extra time to find your bearings. Life isn’t a race, so stay clear of outside influences that tell you otherwise.

Get grounded. Sit quietly with your feelings and emotions. What is it you are actually experiencing? Is it exhaustion? Are you overwhelmed? Sad? Scared? Identifying and claiming your feelings is the first step to taking ownership of your emotional well-being.

Find the root. Now that you’ve identified what you are feeling, dig a little deeper into the root cause. What do you think is behind this feeling? Are you taking on too much? Feeling pressure from others? Holding onto something from the past or worrying about the future? 

Plant today for tomorrow’s growth. Think about how you want to show up for life tomorrow (or next week). What is it that you’d rather be feeling and experiencing? Then, decide what needs to happen today in order to feel that way. Whether you need more sleep, less Netflix or no more BS, taking the time to create an action plan is key to making the changes you want IRL.

As we (re)learn with every new season, nothing is permanent. The good, the bad, the easy, the challenging; all are temporary states of being. I'm sending you grace as you navigate through this current season.

If you need some empowering and inspiring messages from 30+ incredible women, then you must listen to this special highlight episode, celebrating my one year anniversary of the Open to Alchemy podcast. I'm so grateful to all my incredible guests and supportive listener community!
 

And if you are looking to jumpstart this next phase of growth, I'd love to help. Whether it's learning more about yourself through Human Design, starting your small business journey or finding more alignment and abundance in your Entrepreneur energy let's connect. Nothing lights me up more than helping others find and activate their gifts so they can create and share the work they are meant to.

To a soulful spring,

Lauren

Using your Creative Power

Hey Love,

As a small business owner, it can feel like we are on a never-ending treadmill of to-dos. But how often do we stop to celebrate all those victories, both large and small? 

Lately, I've been shifting my mindset from a worker to a creator. In stepping into my creator power, I'm able to see how much I manifest in my business and life. Here are two ways I’ve found that can be very easy to implement, but super impactful:
 

• Daily: Thoughtfully choose the words you use in conversation with others and yourself. Your thoughts become your reality, so the negative loop in your head can quickly turn into what you are seeing and feeling. By stating these reframes out loud, you are clearly communicating what you want and taking a more active role in their creation.

  • Example: Instead of saying that you are “busy” or “exhausted”, which keeps you in that frantic, overwhelmed state, you can say that you “are grateful to have a full calendar”. And if you want things to slow down and become more manageable, then say “I’m working to take things off my plate.”

• Weekly: Turn your finished to-do lists into a "What I Manifested" list. Make sure to use active language that embodies how you want to feel and the energy you want to continue to call in. This process helps rewire your brain to acknowledge and take co-creation ownership of your accomplishments.

  • Example: This Week I Manifested: 1. successful pitch of a new podcast show idea; 2. brainstorm and launching my dynamic and profitable new offering; 3. scheduling all my social media posts for the most ease and impact.

Attention combined with Intention makes meaningful changes to the way you think and feel about yourself and your relationship with success. Plus, it creates a beautiful and tangible flow of opportunity and achievement.

If you are looking to align your Entrepreneur energy and step into your most powerful creative self, I'm your gal! I have so many helpful, easy-to-implement resources to get you into the most positive, flowing, abundant head and heart space. Schedule a free call to discover which session is the best for you. 

To making it so,

Lauren

When your Dream Changes

Hey Love,

There are people who dream about having the life you are living. But you might not be one of them. And that's okay.

It doesn't matter if it used to be your dream. You are allowed to change, grow, evolve. You are entitled to create a new dream and pursue it any time.

It's time to call BS already on the life we are "supposed" to be living and loving. You can be grateful for what you have AND also want something more or different.

👊 It doesn't make you bad or wrong or selfish or ungrateful
👊 It means you are human
👊 It means you are aware of what you want and what you don't
👊 It means you aren't settling for something just because it's supposed to fit

If you are ready to step into the fullest, most authentic, abundant version of yourself, let's connect. I work with aspiring and current entrepreneurs to fully embody their CEO vibes in a way that feels energetically aligned. My role is to help you combine your passion and purpose to create a sustainable, soul-fulfilling business, side hustle or practitioner service. Together we will uncover and activate your gifts, align with your soul purpose and create a new dream for yourself. 

For real-life inspiration and how-to tips from some of my favorite soulpreneurs, I'd love for you to check out the Open to Alchemy podcast. I've learned so much from my incredible guests and I'm grateful to share these expansive conversations with you too!

Let's stop living for someone else and start being the hero of our own story again.

To breaking free,

Lauren

Dealing with Empathic Distress

Hello Love,

The world news of the past few days is extremely upsetting, to say the very least. As sensitive beings (aka Empaths) we can take on so much external energy that we can begin to experience empathic distress. You may resonate with some of these symptoms:

• Difficulty discerning our own emotions and feelings from those of other people or what we feel from the collective energy

• Insomnia, procrastination, lack of interest in productivity, passions or hobbies

• Trying to self-soothe through increased eating, drinking, shopping, binge watching, etc

• Becoming hyper-focused on an area that *think* we can control, like kids, partners or work

So what can we do when we feel overwhelmed with the state of the world? Here are some of my favorite practices to help self-regulate our nervous systems and get back into our bodies, returning to a place of calm and clarity:

1. Get Quiet: I can not overstate the benefit of quiet time when you feel overloaded. Sitting in silence with no outside stimulation (this includes phones too!) is an incredibly peaceful practice and a beautiful way to start becoming an observer of your own energy. If you think you can’t sit still, then try walking or driving in silence to get started.

2. Take a News Break: I know you want to stay up-to-date, but constant doom scrolling and breaking news alerts just wire your brain to look for and become addicted to the negative dopamine hits. Give yourself a few minutes to check-in, but stay offline the rest of the day to give your body and brain a chance to reset.

3. Create Better Boundaries: If you want to stop taking on other’s emotions, it's time for some boundary creation. Notice which people increase your anxiety or always share the most graphic or upsetting stories and tell them you need a mental-health break. Be firm on what topics you will and won’t allow in.

4. Prioritize Feel-Good Activities: It might feel strange to focus on what you deem to be trivial or selfish actions, but it’s exactly what you need to stay focused, level-headed and resilient. Remember, you can’t suffer enough to prevent someone else from suffering. Take care of yourself so you can stay in the energy of a problem solver and helper.

5. Be an Upstander: You don’t need to sit idly by when there is a clear, positive action you can take to make a difference, even if across the world. Collecting donations, signing petitions, letter writing, phone banking and sharing resources are all valuable activities that can help you feel more engaged and impactful.

I know we all pray for a quick and peaceful end to the current attacks in Ukraine. But the sad truth is there will continue to be tragedies, conflicts and suffering both far away and in our own homes. I hope you'll find these tools helpful for any difficulties you may encounter. If I can provide support in any way, please reach out via email or send me a DM on social.

To peace,

Lauren