Activate your Creativity

Hey Love,

We’ve just returned from a magical week in Santa Fe. Between the incredible landscape, beautiful light and welcoming community, it’s easy to see why so many artists have found inspiration in this special place. Our visit definitely has my creative juices flowing and I’m excited to see what transpires in the coming weeks.

Besides booking the next flight to NM, here are three ways to help boost your creative abilities, right now:

Mind your Mindset: Just like with anything else, it’s your attitude and perspective that is a major contributor to creativity. Let go of any limiting beliefs or unnecessary rules. Expand your view on what creativity is and notice the magical results.

Amp up your Environment: While travel is admittedly an amazing kickstarter, you can truly make any environment work for you. Consider where and how your creativity flourishes. Take the time to set up a physical space that allows you the room to play.

Embrace Structure: Building your creative muscle takes practice and while a system or discipline around creation might feel boring or stifling, it’s exactly what many of us need to allow our creativity to flourish. Setting up recurring daily or weekly calendar appointments can help keep us accountable and aligned with our creative priorities.

What are you here to create? If you’ve been considering creating a new business or side-hustle, I’ve got you covered. My free Launch Guide will take you through 10 key elements that you need to start any small business. These foundational basics are broken down into ten manageable steps to help make your creative vision a reality.

And if you are ready for a major creative activation, check out my 1:1 sessions to book the one right for you. After just 90 minutes you'll feel more inspired, empowered and ready to step into your future vision.

To creating a legacy,
Lauren

How to Start a Business

Hey Love,

I’m not usually one to burst your bliss-filled bubble, but it’s time to get real about money. The continued economic news does not paint the prettiest picture for our immediate financial future. That means now, more than ever, is the perfect time to take money matters into your own hands and start a small business or side-hustle.

Based on the current market, here are three elements to focus on for your new business idea and marketing messages:

Save Customers Money: When people are feeling the financial strain, being a money-saving or money-making resource is a win-win. How does your product or service benefit their wallet? Consider ways to create extra value for clients (and repeating business for you) through subscription options or frequent buyer rewards.

Solve a Problem: When we are feeling uncertainty in one area of life, we often look for relief in others, which means getting problems off our plate. How does your business make customers' lives easier? If you are able to help people save time and reduce stress, you can quickly become a valuable and necessary resource.

Bring Joy and Lift Spirits: When money worries become overwhelming, people look for any outside opportunity to feel optimistic. How can your business help make people smile, feel more hopeful, have a fun respite from the seriousness of life, if only for a few moments? Don’t underestimate the value of being a beacon of light during darker times.

If you aren’t sure how to get started, I have the perfect free resource for you! My new Launch Guide will take you through 10 key elements that you need to start any small business. These foundational basics are broken down into ten manageable steps to take you from idea to launch, in as little as ten days time.

Please share this email with any friends or family who’ve talked about creating their own thing, so they too can access the free Launch Guide. Don’t leave your financial future up to economic uncertainty. You’ve got the power to create your own money story and I'm here to help you!

To our abundance,
Lauren

How to Not Quit

Hey Love,

It's almost the mid-way point of the year. And like me, you might be looking at the intentions you set back in January and wondering what to do next. Maybe you didn't hit your goals and have lost the motivation to keep going. Maybe you are tired of taking one step forward, only to take two steps back. Maybe you never even had the chance to get started and are feeling defeated and disappointed.

I've been where you are. And while it wasn't easy to move through, here are some questions that helped me get to the other side:

• What could you achieve if quitting wasn’t an option?

• What if you looked at every bump as just a chance to slow down, re-evaluate, pivot and then keep going?

• What if you knew that the resistance you felt was just your fear talking and a sure sign that major growth was right around the corner?

I know it can be hard to keep believing in yourself. Something doesn't turn out like you hoped and self-doubt quickly creeps in. You tell yourself a million stories with all that’s wrong, bad, hard, missing.

But you, my friend, are not seeing what I’m seeing. Your light, your power, your magic.

Everyone needs a little bit of inspiration to keep going, so let this be yours. When you focus on what matters, you will always achieve the success you desire. The only difference between the life you have now and the life you want is that the future version of yourself didn’t quit.

If this is resonanting with you, I’d love to get your help on a new idea that I've been dreaming about. For everyone who signs up for a 15 minute info call, I will match that with a free 15 minute power session for us to work together on whatever you want - idea generation, mindset/motivation, action planning - it's up to you!

To believing in yourself,
Lauren

All or Nothing Syndrome

Hey Love,

Are you suffering from All or Nothing Syndrome this Summer? I’ve been there! It’s so tempting to slip into carefree summer mode and before you know it, you’ve lost focus on all your goals and your progress has completely stalled. Rather than throwing away all your helpful habits, here are some tips to make easy modifications and keep your momentum going:

Exercise: We all know movement is crucial for a strong body - physically, mentally and emotionally. But with summer travel and kids underfoot it can be challenging to find the time for longer workouts. Instead of ditching your exercise plan all together, try breaking your sessions up into two or three mini sessions throughout the day. You can go for a 10 minute run in the morning, do a 8 minute HIIT video during lunch and then squeeze in a squat, ab or push-up series while dinner is in the oven. Research shows more frequent exercise for shorter periods of time is equally if not more beneficial than 1 long workout, so it’s a win win.

Solopreneur Life: If you dream of working for yourself or trying to start your own business, it can be extra challenging to find the time during hectic summer schedules. In order to enjoy some leisure time while still making progress on your biz plan, it’s time to activate major CEO vibes. First, make a list of all you want to get accomplished in the next 2-3 months. Next, prioritize them by what will have the most impact on your business, essentially separating the nice-to-dos and the have-to-dos. Finally, see what you can delegate to someone or eliminate all together. You'll be amazed at the difference a hyper-focused action plan can make.

Solo Time: It’s always the first to get dropped from our to-do list, but solo self-care time truly deserves priority status. If you are struggling to fit in your regular meditation or quiet time, here’s a place where multi-tasking can really help. Here are some easy actions: 1. Turn off the radio and makeover your drive time into your own silent retreat. 2. Resist listening to a podcast during your daily walk and instead tune into your natural surroundings. 3. Use the transition time between activities as a 5 minute mindfulness break. Remember, the time you spend taking care of yourself improves every aspect of your life.

With a little bit of intention, this summer can be a beautiful balance of fun and function! For more tips on how to seamlessly sail into your best summer-self, listen to my latest Open to Alchemy podcast episode available here.

To magical momentum,
Lauren

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