How to Connect to Your Intuition

Hey Love,

A common theme that’s been coming up in my recent client sessions is the feeling of being lost and unsure of the “right” next move. With our comparison culture that pushes external validation and vanity measures of success, it makes total sense to want to see what others are doing, rather than turning inward to find our own truth. But as we well know, what you see on social media is far from the full story and even if it’s all true, it doesn’t mean it’s the best path for you.

We all want to feel more connected to ourselves and have a stronger sense of trust and confidence. Luckily, the answers are always inside of us, we just have to learn to tune-in and listen. Here are some of the best ways I’ve found to build my intuitive abilities:

• Journaling: Whether you write one sentence a day that sums up how you are feeling or keep a robust diary, there is something magical that happens when we write words on paper. It’s an act of release, to clear the mental mess away and not have to keep it all inside. It’s also empowering to open up your communication channel, knowing your thoughts and feelings are worthy of documenting.

• Meditation: If you want to connect more deeply with your intuition, you’ll have to take some steps to quiet the outside noise. Sitting silently for even 5 minutes a day is a powerful practice to tune-in to your inner compass. Pay attention to words, images, sensations that come up. Coupled with some intentional breathing, you will be amazed at how much calmer and clearer you feel.

• Movement: When our minds are in overdrive, there is nothing better than intentional movement to get back into the body. Whether you prefer gentle stretching and slow walks or powerlifting and Peloton rides, physical activity engages our feel good hormones and releases stress. It also allows us to tap into our deeper, authentic truths without the ego-mind trying to run the show.

We all have the ability to access our intuition and inner wisdom, it just takes some practice! Of course, there will always be times when we could benefit from outside counsel and it’s such an honor to help my clients by guiding them on how to reconnect with their own inner voice. If this is something you are looking for, please reach out for a free connection call to get more information.

Sometimes we just need a little clarity, perspective or reassurance and my new offering is designed to do just that! If you need help with a specific question or area of focus, some intuitive insight might be just what you need. These connection sessions are done remotely, with an audio file and written transcript sent directly to your inbox, so you can listen on your own schedule and take all the time you need. Click here to see all the incredible testimonials and get more information on how to book.

To our inner wisdom,
Lauren

Stop "Shoulding" on Yourself; Learning to say NO

Hey Love,

With the school year either underway or fast approaching, ‘tis the season for all the asks to ramp back up. From PTA and sports coaching to neighborhood associations, religious groups and charitable organizations - there are endless opportunities to serve. And whether driven by your altruistic heart, a desire to belong or just plain guilt, the need to please is a real issue.

I know it might feel good to do good, but if you always answer the call for help, you can easily end up overwhelmed, burned out and resentful. You wouldn’t advise your kid or best friend to continually over-extend and leave no time for themselves, so why are you allowing so much access to your time and energy?

Here are a few ways, based on Human Design, to make sure you are saying YES only to things that you actually want to.

• Talk it out. Ask a partner or good friend about an open volunteer spot before you commit. They may help you see the wider perspective of all the things you’ve already said about your level of availability. But it’s not just their feedback you are looking for. Oftentimes hearing our own words out loud can bring needed clarity and understanding.

• Give it time. For many of us, taking our time with decisions is the best way to go. When asked to pitch in or offered a role, it’s okay to say that you need some time to look at your other obligations before saying yes. This extra day or week will give you some much needed space to feel through the highs and lows before committing to a long-term project.

• Listen to your gut. Looking back at all the things you’ve said "Yes" to, I bet you remember the ones you knew you should not have agreed to. Whether you feel it in your core or just have a flash of inner knowing, don’t ignore that intuition that’s whispering (or screaming) “No, No, No”. That connection to your body’s innate wisdom is invaluable and can save you from many a frustration.

Remember, “No” is not a four letter word. Saying no is a way to keep yourself sane and safe. It also allows other people the chance to be involved or step into a role that they may be better suited for and have more interest in.

If you'd like to find out which is the best way for you to make decisions, check out one of my Human Design sessions. In addition to learning your decision-making style, you'll get incredible insights into your natural energy flow, best ways to work, how to find ease, define success, understand your special gifts and protect yourself from energy drains (and more!) Reach out for a free connection call to get more information.

To saying yes to yourself,
Lauren

Grounding Techniques

Hey Love,

What a year this week has been! School started for us (yes already!) and with the combination of earlier wake-times, a resetting of routines and the loss of summer freedom...emotions are running high.

Even if you aren’t affected by the back-to-school blues, there are always life events that can cause us to seemingly ride one emotional roller coaster after another. Here are some of my favorite mindfulness techniques for grounding down, releasing stress and coming back to a place of neutral:

Visualize a Sacred Space: Envision a space that evokes a special feeling of peace for you. Maybe it’s your childhood home, a favorite sandy shore or dreamy mountain adventure. What does it look like, sound like, smell like? Fill in as many details as possible to really give you an all-senses experience and ease your way back to calm.

Call on Plant Power: Lean on the supportive energy of our natural allies. Head to your favorite plant or flower shop and slowly walk through as you “listen” for any botanical beauty that seems to be calling to you. Put your new find in a special, quiet spot in your home and enjoy your mini retreat space.

Reinforce Calm with Colors: While we might gravitate towards favorite colors to wear, there are certain hues that lend themselves to more restorative, calming sensations. Pay attention to how you feel around bright, bold primary colors as compared to softer pastels or shades found in nature. Then make some easy color changes like adding a pillow or poster to ensure you have a space that’s most supportive to you.

Feel the Magic of Music: There’s a reason people have used sound therapy in healing practices since ancient times. Whether it’s the rhythm of a drumbeat, soft melody of a harp or rump-shaking of 90s pop, there is nothing like immersing yourself in music to change up your energy. Freebie apps like Spotify and Pandora offer endless playlists for you to explore, so get moving!

I've heard the misconception that mindfulness means staying calm at all times, never feeling upset or experiencing a high/low swing, which is definitely not true! But when you practice grounding techniques like these, it does help you to have a shorter time in the valley and a broader perspective about whatever challenge you may come across.

If you'd like more of this energy in your life, I’m here to help! I have an entire toolbox of skills and techniques to help you live authentically, with more mindfulness and intention. Check out my 1:1 sessions to explore more of what's possible for you. After just 90 minutes you'll feel more inspired, empowered and ready to step into your future vision. Reach out for a free connection call to get more information.

To smoother times,
Lauren

Working through a Transition

Hey Love,

If you haven’t been feeling like yourself lately, you are in good company. After the collective trauma we’ve endured during the past 2 ½ years, many people are beginning to experience a release or “come down” as they attempt a full return to their pre-pandemic life. But unlike the after-effects of missing your flight or cramming to meet a deadline, this adrenaline crash is leading to a whole new set of unfamiliar challenges.

You may be feeling an increased sensitivity to people, places, stuff or ideas. You might get overwhelmed more easily or feel a new level of exhaustion. So many people are feeling lost, wanting to spend more time alone, reevaluating their values and priorities.

So what can you do to find ease during this not-so-easy transition period?

Know that you aren’t alone. Whether you choose to talk about it with others or not, take solace in the fact that millions of people around the world are feeling exactly the same way.

Stop passing judgment on yourself. Let go of any self-imposed shame or guilt for not being “over it” and instead give yourself the same love and compassion you would extend to a best friend.

Don’t ignore or minimize what you are experiencing. This collective release is 100% real and it may take a while to find your new footing, so try to honor where you are in the process.

The truth for many of us is that the old life we’ve returned to doesn’t fit quite right anymore. And while it might be unsettling, it's not bad or wrong to feel this kind of change. In fact, there is a whole new way of living that is opening to you, if you let it.

If any of this resonates, I’d love to offer my assistance. Throughout this entire period, I’ve continued to work on my toolbox of skills and techniques to help you live authentically, with more mindfulness and intention. Check out my 1:1 sessions to explore more of what's possible for you. After just 90 minutes you'll feel more inspired, empowered and ready to step into your future vision. Reach out for a free connection call to get more information.

To finding your new way,
Lauren

When it's Okay to Surrender

Hey Love,

The word surrender has a range of connotations. Most people focus on its definition portraying weakness; to give up or quit when you just can’t fight the battle anymore. But, it can also mean to accept or allow; to let go of resistance in favor of going with the flow.

It’s this idea of acceptance in the present moment that I’ve been exploring lately. At times it seems completely at odds with our hyper-achieving, goal-setting culture. The question that keeps rolling around my mind is, how do you balance the need to achieve with the ease of allowing? Here’s what I’m leaning into when it comes to striving versus surrender:

It all comes back to gratitude. No matter what new self-help concept is going viral, it’s guaranteed there is a gratitude element included. Being aware and appreciative of what we have, is a timeless trick to immediately feeling like we have more. And maybe that helps us realize we already have everything we need.

Perfection only exists in the present moment. The more time we spend looking backward, the more inclined we are to feel dissatisfied and want a do-over. The more time we spend looking forward, the more likely we are to create anxiety and unrealistic expectations. In the practice of coming into presence, we can enjoy peace, acceptance and even deep satisfaction with our status-quo.

Goals are road maps, not final destinations. Having goals is great. They can keep you grounded, focused, moving on the path of your best-self vision. But they aren't the only (or best) measure of your current success or future potential. In all our goal-getting, it’s just as important to know when to take a break, pivot, or even throw out the rulebook from time-to-time.

When you increase your ability to surrender, you will be able to see each new experience for what it truly is: a gift, lesson, reminder, contrast, opportunity. I know it won’t be an immediate change, but I’m committing to this new practice: being at peace exactly where I am. And I hope you’ll join me!

If you are looking to soften into your existing world, I’d love to help! Check out my 1:1 sessions to explore more of what's possible for you. After just 90 minutes you'll feel more inspired, empowered and ready to step into your future vision. Reach out for a free connection call to get more information.

To finding surrender,
Lauren

Showing Up, Even When You Don't Feel Like It

Hey Love,

Change can feel like an elusive thing. Sometimes we are blessed with a transformative experience and it’s as if a switch flips. We are gifted with a new way of looking at things and are forever different from that moment forward. But more often, growth can appear achingly slow and be really subtle. We can feel stuck, trapped in a seemingly endless loop, just waiting for some sign of progress.

Fortunately, one of our greatest strengths as humans, is our ability to always change, evolve, transform. While you might not be able to see it right now, that possibility of a different future is always there.

Here is some inspiration to help you keep showing up and doing the work, even when you (really) don’t feel like it:

Nothing feels better than action: While getting started can feel torturous, the sense of pride, joy and even relief that comes with accomplishment is so worth it. If you want to instantly improve your outlook on just about anything, take action, no matter how small, and let that mood booster kick-start your momentum.

The journey is the jewel: We can be so goal-oriented and future-focused that we completely miss all the goodness that lays in the journey. So much can be gained by shifting your mindset and approaching whatever you are facing with curiosity, excitement and appreciation for the entire experience, not just keeping focused on the end.

Consistency creates change: Whether you can commit to 5 minutes or 50, just sitting down to do the thing, on a regular basis, is what truly super-boosts change. One of the top “secrets” the most successful people say helped them achieve their dreams is simply putting in the time, day after day, even when they got no likes, views or sales.

It takes resilience and fortitude to keep showing up, but these are qualities I know you have. Keep in mind too that along the way, your goals might change and you might end up wanting something completely different. So allow yourself that opportunity to flow and continue evolving as you go.

If you’d like to explore more of what’s possible for you, check out my 1:1 sessions. Whether you want to start a side-hustle, makeover your existing business, or get clear on your career opportunities, after just 90 minutes you'll feel more inspired, empowered and ready to step into your future vision. Reach out for a free connection call if you have any questions!

To showing up,
Lauren

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