It’s my birthday week!  Yay!  In a few sleeps, I will turn 32.  And I am so excited.  So grateful.

I know a lot of people that cringe about getting another year older.  They hide their birthdays and do everything they can to avoid celebrating, or worse still, have someone else celebrate their very special day.  Me, not so much!  Birthdays are a bloody blessing!  A privilege!  And one that is denied to many may I add.

I think we often take them for granted, much like many other things in our lives these days.

Whenever I am nearing another birthday, I do a lot of reflection.  I try and remember all the beautiful things I have seen and heard and experienced in the previous 365 days.  And sure, life isn’t all roses, but when you stop and really think about the year that has just passed, there is a lot to be grateful for and/or a lot to learn from.

That is your number one birthday gift right there!

So, a special birthday requires a special celebration of course!  How do you celebrate?  Maybe you like to invite everyone you know over for a big party, or perhaps you enjoy a quiet dinner out with your partner.  Do you do anything special for, and with, you and you only?  It is your birthday after all!

Here are 15 meaningful ideas for you to consider to celebrate your next birthday!

1.  Watch the sun rise (or set) on your own

2.  Send your parents a thank you note

3.  Create a bucket list for the year ahead

4.  Book into a hotel room for the night – just you!

5.  Hire a camper van and go on a mini road trip

6.  Start a birthday journal; a record of life as it is right now. Next year pull it out and add to it again!

7.  Try something new. Maybe an adrenaline experience, cooking class or even a new food.

8.  Makeover time! Go and get pampered gorgeous.

9.  Complete a random act of kindness – it will make your day just as much as theirs.

10.  Go camping. Sleep under the stars and enjoy mother nature!

11.  Get a tattoo that is meaningful.

12.  Register to be an organ donor and/or donate blood. Allow someone else to celebrate their next birthday too.

13.  Organise a photoshoot. Make it a yearly experience if you can!

14.  Recreate a childhood birthday celebration. Maybe you have memories of a favourite birthday at a theme park or roller skating – do it again!

15.  Create a time capsule. Be sure to include a letter to yourself, to open in 20 or 30 years’ time!

However, you choose to celebrate your next birthday, do it with gratitude.  Remember how lucky you are to be here and how quickly that last year has gone.  And of course, have fun gorgeous – enjoy your special day!  Happy birthday!

Have you ever wanted to achieve something, but struggled to stay focused or think of new ways to reach your goal?

Or maybe your focus has been rock solid, but you still felt alone at times or experienced rough days along your journey?

Or, you could have 100 things on the go and need help prioritising.

I know I have been in all those positions before!

Whether you are studying, trying to grow your business, working towards improving your health and fitness or simply have a goal of any sort, knowing that someone has your back can be an amazing catalyst for success!

‘Having your back’ doesn’t mean that they do the work for you, but instead, they are right there for support and accountability when you need it – a support person or accountability buddy if you will!

This could be a close friend or family member, a like-minded peer, a professional such as a coach, or even a complete stranger. Not only is there is no need to go through things alone, but having an accountability buddy can really improve your productivity and could just be your secret weapon for success!

Before you go and rope in the nearest person to keep you accountable – choose carefully.

Your bestie might be a great cheerleader for you when you are feeling down, but you might not feel like talking to her about your long-term fitness goals when she is someone that is not at all interested in that ‘exercise stuff’ you do! Or maybe your Mum is great at checking in to see if you have done the study/business tasks you were meant to, but deep down you really don’t want to have to answer to her because it feels more annoying than motivating!

Finding the right accountability buddy will differ depending on your goals, but here are 3 things to keep in mind.

1.  Find someone that is honest, really honest!

An accountability buddy doesn’t need to be your best friend – they need to help you stay on track and work towards your goal!  You want to find someone that is comfortable giving you the (honest) feedback you need to move forward.

Instead of doing the work for you, or telling you every week that you are doing a good job trying even though you aren’t gaining any traction, you want someone that can say ‘hey, this clearly isn’t working, have you thought about trying this instead’.  Or instead of someone that ‘fluffs’ over things and keeps you in your comfort zone, they challenge you!

2.  Enlist someone you trust, and know will be there to support you even on the days you have no idea how you are going to get where you want to go.

At the very least, you want someone who can provide valuable, constructive feedback and perhaps even a different perspective when things feel like they are a bit stagnant.  Consider asking someone who is working towards something similar, or has done so before.  Work together to set clear expectations and commitments – how often you will check in, what you need from them, etc.

3.  Be sure to CELEBRATE with them as you start ramping up action and achieving your goals!

So, who has got your back gorgeous?  Who can you ask to be your accountability buddy?  If no one comes to mind, think outside the box, or jump online – there are websites and Facebook groups dedicated to supporting each other in all facets of life.  Engage with the right person and it may just be the best action you take towards reaching your next goal!

 Featured image via royalty-free stock photos

Do you get stuck for quick and easy, but nutritious snack ideas?  Although I don’t have the desire to snack too often these days, sometimes I feel like a little something extra, particularly when I have been more active than usual or I am at certain stages of my menstrual cycle.  Unlike me, my three-year-old loves to snack!

In the past, I would grab a piece of fruit, or some crackers to snack on, but always feel hungry again within no time!  Now I try to ensure I am including protein and/or good fats when preparing a snack for myself or my son, so that it not only satisfies the hunger, but also fuels our bodies with beautiful nutrients.

Here are our top 10 easy real food snack ideas, that require no baking!

Half an avocado with himalyan salt and a cup of bone broth

Credit: Relishing It

Ants on a log – celery sticks filled with peanut butter and raisins

Credit: Two Healthy Kitchens

Berries & Cream

Credit: A Couple Cooks

Tuna Boats – hollowed out cucumber filled with tuna and homemade mayo

Credit: Cooking Matters / Food Styling: Catrine Kelty

Cucumber or carrot sticks with cauliflower dip (SO good if you add some paprika and tumeric!)

Source: Paleo Hacks

Mini smoothie – your favourite fruit and veg with some added coconut or nut milk

Source: Cook Eat Paleo

Raw bliss balls. There are thousands of recipes out there, but these are our favourite!

Source: SkinnyMixers

Watermelon slices topped with diced avocado, onion and a splash of coconut aminos!

Source: Meatified

Deviled eggs with tomatoes

Source: A Farmgirl’s Dabbles

10.  Apple slices with nut butter and cinnamon (or walnuts!)

Source: Two Peas and Their Pods

Next time your tummy is rumbling between meals, give one of our favourites a try for a healthy and nutrient dense option.  You will feel great and your body will thank you for it!

What are your favourite snacks?  Tell us in comments below!

Featured image via royalty-free stock photo

Hi, my name is *Emily.  I am a wife, mother of 3, and I work part time at a supermarket.

Thanks Emily, but may we do it again please, this time telling us who you really are?  Who is Emily deep down inside?

Well, I don’t know.  I have no idea who I really am…

Emily isn’t alone, by any means.  So many women define themselves, or get lost in, the labels they place upon themselves.  The labels WE, as a society, place upon each other – Mom, wife, employee, etc.  Sure, they are big, beautiful, important parts of our lives, but they are not who we are.  They are not who you are.  What happens if those labels are peeled away?  Then who would you be?  Well you can be whoever you want to be of course!

I am Krystal.  I am here to serve and empower women while spreading love, light and kindness in all I do.  I am passionate, unapologetic and wild.  I am also soft and unsure and vulnerable.  I am witty, sarcastic and deep.  And I am the creator of my own life.  Yes, I am a Mama and wife and friend and employee, but I am so much more than that.

Women often speak to me about feeling lost, unsure of who they are, and it is an all too familiar feeling.  Yes, I have been there, hell I am still there some days I am sure of it!  But I am leaps and bounds from where I was 12, or even 6 months ago.  But I didn’t ‘find myself’ overnight, or uncover who the ‘real me’ was in an instant.  It has taken, and will continue to take, time, courage and patience.  It has taken surrendering, jumping and trusting over and over and over again.  It has taken a hell of a lot of journaling and silence – listening.  Because I have of course known the answers all along, just like you do, it is just a matter of asking the right questions and really truly listening.

1.  Who were you before you were a wife and/or Mom?

2.  Who are you behind closed doors when no one is watching?

3.  Who are you deep inside your heart?  What does it desire?

4.  Who are you in our wildest dreams?

5.  Who were you before the world told you who you should be?

6.  What lights you up?

7.  What makes you feel most like you?

Peel back the labels, dive deep into your heart and soul and listen to what comes up. The more we remember and live in alignment with who we really are, the more happiness you will create and invite into your life.  Who are you gorgeous – really?

Featured image via royalty-free stock photo

I remember as a young woman in my early 20’s, often having the conversation in my head about the best way to remove hair – from you know, down there.

If it isn’t enough that most of us tend to de-fuzz our legs and armpits, somewhere along the line apparently a woman decided it would be a great idea to strip back the most sensitive of our nether regions too.  Of course, some people don’t, and that is totally okay.  Pubic hair or no pubic hair – the choice is yours sister!  For me, it had to go.

I would find myself weighing up the pros and cons of each hair removal method, and tried a couple along the way – shaving, depilatory creams and using an epilator (not sure if that shit is recommended for that area, but I do not recommend it!).

Of course, there are other options out there including laser removal, sugaring and electrolysis but waxing is what had me intrigued.  It seemed so easy, but I was scared, real scared!  And I don’t know what scared me more – having hot wax applied to my lady landscape, ripping said wax off complete with hairs being ripped from their follicles, or being comfortable enough with someone getting VERY up close and personal with my bits.  To be honest the thought of all three still kind of scare me a little bit now!

After many years, countless painful shaving experiences and far too many stray pubic hairs, I finally decided I was going to woman up and book that waxing appointment that I had contemplated so many times.  And seeing as I was finally doing it, I might as well go the whole hog and get a brazilian! It couldn’t be that bad, right?

I messaged a local beauty therapist a friend had recommended, and asked her if I could book in the following week for a magical smooth vagina!  It was actually happening…

The Day Of

On the day of my appointment I was a nervous wreck.  I couldn’t believe that I was 30 years old and had never been waxed before (well apart from that one time when I was a teenager, that I will name ‘non-sensitive microwave wax VS bikini line with a really bad outcome resulting in me walking around with wax stuck to me for days’.  Yeah, not pretty!).

I couldn’t believe that I was about to bare all in a rather intimate way, up close and personal, to a complete stranger.

I couldn’t believe that I was about to bare the wrath of hundreds of tiny hairs being ripped from my skin at once.  But it couldn’t be that bad, right? Yeah, it actually could!

I had braced myself for pain.  I had prepared for the discomfort of opening my legs and revealing my un-waxed groin to a stranger before rolling over and as lady like as possible, spreading my cheeks so they could remove any ‘tail feathers’ too.  Yes, that’s a thing.  I thought I was ready, but the cramping from tensing so hard, and the tears rolling down my cheeks told another story!  As she spread the wax on I could feel the hairs pulling and my heart started to race.

Next moment she had ripped it off in one swift move, and that was it – I was done. I couldn’t go through with it.  But, I also couldn’t leave with only half a magical vagina either!  So, I implemented some deep breathing, clenched my fists, and we got on with it.  All is well that ends well they say!

The beauty therapist tasked with the job of keeping the half-waxed lady (AKA me) calm so she could finish the job was amazing.  She told me that my reaction was one of the most extreme she had seen and that next time it wouldn’t be anywhere near as bad.  I told her there would be no next time, and right in that moment I was happy to go a la natural from here on in!

But of course, I wasn’t really happy to do that, and once I got over the somewhat traumatic initial experience I did go back, again and again and again.   And she was right, subsequent appointments were a breeze compared to that first time, and these days I find myself wishing that I had taken the plunge many years earlier!

After The Wax

If you too have found yourself too scared to book your first waxing appointment but are sick of shaving, I say give it a try. Personally I find it is so much easier, hassle free and dare I say ‘nicer’.  Find a great beauty therapist that you feel comfortable with, and let them know it is your first time!

Be prepared for that initial wax to be a bit stingy (or a lot if you are precious like me), but rest assured the discomfort doesn’t last long and it will only improve at subsequent appointments!

Do you know someone, or follow someone on social media, that has small children, a thriving business, a clean house, a tight booty and a shit hot social life, and find yourself asking ‘how does she do it all’?  Meanwhile you are high fiving yourself for getting out of bed and putting away last week’s laundry off your bedroom floor!  I sometimes get asked this question, even though my life is nowhere near as picture perfect as that woman I described above (particularly in the booty department!).

For those of you that have been reading my stories and articles for some time, you would know that I have a fair bit going on – like most women these days!  I work full time, study, run my own separate business with multiple services, am a Mama, wife, crossfitter, friend and blogger just to name a few things.  There is no doubt that life is full, blissfully so.  But how do I do it all?  I don’t.  Simple as that.

Occasionally, I have all my shit together.  My fridge and freezer are overflowing with beautiful homecooked meals and baking, we leave the house on time every morning, my home is spotless, I do crafts with my son after school, I make every scheduled crossfit session PLUS throw some yoga in for good measure, my work is ahead, I have caught up with all my friends, my health is blossoming, my family is happy, and all is well in the world.  Occasionally.  Actually, rarely do I have all those ducks in a row at the same time.  The truth of the matter is that we can’t do everything, all of the time, and that is okay!  We only have so much time and energy each day, so we need to prioritise.

Last week I made some huge leaps and bounds with my business, and at the same time I was flat out with my day job, staying back multiple nights.  My son was not well, but I had gotten him to the doctors, our puppy to the vet and both were doing great.  I had our meals planned out for the week ahead and was looking forward to catching up with some friends on the weekend.  It probably looked like I had everything under control.  BUT, my bedroom looked like a bombsite.  I didn’t make it to one single crossfit class.  I was feeling overwhelmed and run down and I had endless loads of washing to catch up on.  Sometimes something, or multiple things, have to give.  Let me repeat: We can’t do everything, all of the time, and that is okay!

That person you follow on Instagram that you envy for the way she ‘does it all’ most likely doesn’t do it all either.  Maybe she has a housecleaner or hired help of some sort.  Maybe she hasn’t eaten a vegetable all week.  Maybe under that lounge in her perfect loungeroom is a whole pile of crap she quickly swept under there before her visitors arrived.  Maybe she is on the verge of a meltdown, or is unwell, or going through something really tough, despite on the outside looking like she has all her shit together.  Particularly on social media, please remember that what you usually see, is someone’s highlight reel, each picture carefully chosen to depict the story the want to tell, only showing you what they want to show you.   Don’t compare your reality to someone’s else’s highlight reel.  And more importantly, be kind to yourself and give yourself permission to not do everything, all of the time.  It’s okay gorgeous!

All images via royalty-free stock photos

Do you currently go to the gym, or yoga, or maybe you run?  How about playing basketball, swimming or tennis?  I was recently talking to a friend about her fitness and she told me she was bored with what she had been doing for the past few years, which was really de-motivating her to be active!  Of course, I asked her why she hadn’t tried something new and was surprised when she said that she hasn’t been able to think of anything different that excited her.  We sat down and discussed some options that she hadn’t thought of, some she hadn’t even heard of, and it was a great reminder to think outside the box and try something new once in a while!

If you have found yourself feeling a little bored with your current fitness activities, check out the list below to see if something sparks your interest!

1.  Aerial aerobics

Although not as easy as you may think, aerial aerobics is a whole lot of fun.  It is a form of acrobatics or dance, completed while suspended in the air using fabric. Aerial yoga can also be done with silks!

2.  SUPing

Stand up paddle boarding provides a fab leg workout and is a great way to explore beaches and lakes.  By using a long board, a paddle and your balance, you should be able to stay dry while on the water!

3.  Pole dancing

Do not underestimate how much of a workout pole dancing can be!  It requires a lot of strength but is also a lot of fun.  Grab some friends and try it out.  Beware: you will get bruises!

4.  Hot pilates

Just like hot yoga, hot pilates takes place in a heated studio, loosening up the muscles quickly and making you sweat!  A great workout for those focusing on their core strength.

5.  Crossfit

Crossfit often has a certain ‘image’ associated with it, but let me tell you that crossfit is for everyone!  Age, gender and ability are irrelevant – each workout can be tailored to the individual.  Not only will you get fitter stronger and more flexible, but you will make great new friends!

6.  Belly dancing

If you like to shake your booty (amongst other things!) you should give belly dancing a shot.  Said to be the oldest form of dance, it is great all over, feminine, workout.

7.  Trampolining

Do you remember jumping on your trampoline until you couldn’t breathe any more as a child?  What a great work out!  You can invest a small amount of money to buy your own trampoline, or head to a local ‘jump park’ for some serious trampolining fun.

8.  NIA

NIA stands for non-impact aerobics and is a mixture of healing, dance, and martial arts designed to encourage body awareness while incorporating body/mind science and ancient wisdom.  A very feminine and spiritual practice!

9.  Skateboarding

Grab a friend and a board and head to your local indoor or outdoor skate park. You will be working up a sweat in no time!  Don’t forget your knee pads and elbow pads because if you haven’t skated since you were a kid, chances are you might cuddle the concrete more than once!

10.  Aqua Spin

There is trend emerging with fitness equipment being used underwater.  Aqua spin is just what it sounds like – spin class in a pool!  Designed to increase resistance but decrease impact to your joints, if you have this offered locally, be sure to give it a try!

11.  Obstacle courses

Although you probably can’t participate in obstacle runs weekly, they are a whole lot of fun, and hard work!  With various distances and difficulties there is an obstacle race to suit everyone.  Check out Mud Run Guide for an event near you.

We are very lucky to have so many fitness and movement options available to us, and have no reason to get bored with exercise.   Have you tried any of these options?  Maybe you are an avid crossfitter, playful pole dancer or obstacle run addict?  Tell us but your favourite way to move below!

If you are anything like me and spend most of your week at work, in an office, you will know first-hand how much it can impact your wellbeing if you don’t consciously make an effort to pay attention to both your physical and mental health.  You know what I’m talking about – sitting at a desk all day, dealing with deadlines and clients (and other colleagues!), skipping lunch breaks to try and catch up on your never-ending pile, concentrating so hard on your computer screen that you often feel your forehead starting to wrinkle up and your eyes squinting, staying back late a little too often, etc.  There is nothing wrong with buckling down at work to get shit done, but don’t try to be superwoman day in and day out, and do it at the expense of your health.  If this is sounding all too familiar, read on for 10 tips to improve your health and wellbeing at work!

1.  Get up

If you spend majority of your day sitting, invest in a sit-stand desk.  If you can’t change your desk, you can buy a unit that sits on top of your normal desk that does the same thing.  I switched to one of these last year so I can alternate between sitting and standing as needed, and it was one of the best things I have done for my back!

2.  Ground yo’ self 

I wrote a post a while back about the benefits of grounding, and being in office doesn’t mean you have to miss out! You can buy a conductive foot mat, AKA an earthing mat, to place on the floor under your desk, which will provide similar benefits to walking outside on the bare earth.  Kick off your shoes and enjoy the grounding effect.

3.  Ask for help

Yes, ask for help. Don’t let your ego get in the way of your health and wellbeing – particularly your mental health.  If you are struggling with your workload, need a hand prioritising your tasks, or even just need someone to chat to.  Go and ask gorgeous!

4.  Buy a big bottle

Get yourself a large reusable water bottle and mark lines and times on it so you can keep it on your desk and ensure you are meeting your minimum H2O requirements while at the office. I couldn’t tell you how many times I have been so engrossed in my work, for hours on end, only to realise that I am totally dehydrated and barely had a glass of water all day!

5.  Put the phone down

Many of us spend extensive amounts of time on the phone while at work, which can result in tension neck syndrome. This can lead to a myriad of health problems but can be easily avoided by switching your calls to loudspeaker or by using earphones/a headset.

6.  Order a fruit box

Does Marge in Accounts love baking? Or does Betty in Payroll often swing past Krispy Kreme for a box of donuts on her way to the office? My sister works in a large corporate office and sends me Snapchats numerous times a week of lavish sugar filled morning tea spreads, and I know how common this is!  Do yourself a favour and check out the weekly subscription fruit boxes available in your area.  These can be delivered to the office to have on hand as an alternative, and healthier, snack option!

7.  Stop staring

To avoid straining your eyes, try setting a basic alarm (just a little beep!) on your phone or watch, for every 20 minutes. When it beeps, follow the 20-20-20 rule – every 20 minutes, move your focus from your computer screen to something approximately 20 feet way, and look at it for 20 seconds.  While you’re at it, bust out 20 squats too!

8.  Take a break

I know, sounds obvious, right? But how often do you actually take a break during your work day?  And I don’t mean to quickly zip to the little lady’s room, but a decent 30min to an hour+ break?  Get up and go outside for a walk – breathe in that fresh air and move that amazing body of yours!  If you have the facilities to engage in a movement class or activity of some sort during the day, consider taking advantage of that too!

9.  Crank the tunes

If your job allows, why not pop your headphones in and turn up your favourite song? Music can have an amazing effect on our moods and emotional health.  Personally, I vary between calming relaxation tracks and upbeat dance tunes – usually getting in some movement by dancing at the same time!

10. Beautify your space

Whether you have your own desk, cubicle, office or floor – make it your own! Just like music, creating a visually pleasing space to work in can have wonderful effects on our mental state!  Add inspiring quotes, fairy lights, real plants, your children’s artwork, crystals, photos, whatever it is you love to look at, and really create a space that relaxes and inspires you.

By implementing a few of these tips (or all 10!) you could make a significant impact to your health and wellbeing at work.  It can be very easy to fall into ‘work first, worry about me later’ mode, particularly when you are busy, but just remember that a healthier, happier employee also usually equates to a more productive one!  So, when your boss questions the music and squats coming from your office, tell them they can thank you later!

Images via royalty-free stock photos

{Editor’s Note: This blog post is not sponsored by or affiliated with any of the brands or businesses mentioned in this post.}

I have personally taken part in a plethora of online courses – from personal development to IT skills to health and nutrition programs.  There are hundreds of thousands of amazing opportunities to learn something new, right at our fingertips thanks to the internet.  Last week I found myself drooling over some gorgeous watercolour drawings on Instagram, and next minute I was signing up to an online art class!  Who would of thought!?  Not me, but I am glad I discovered it and can’t wait to dive in!

From candle making to counselling, cake decorating to creative writing – there is absolutely something for everyone!  Below you will find four great websites that offer a great range of online courses or training programs/classes.

1.  Udemy

Udemy is the world’s largest online marketplace with over 45,000 courses on offer!  I have participated in some short courses through this website and love the variety of topics to choose from.  They have some free courses and often have sale prices on offer too.  If there is something you want to learn for your own growth, a hobby or your career, Udemy probably has something to boost your skills!

2.  Coursera

Coursera was created by two computer science professors who wanted to share their courses online, for anyone to engage in.  In the last 5 years those two courses have turned into 2000+, delivered by the world’s top universities and education providers.  They offer short 4-6 week courses, 3 year degrees and everything in between!  If you are looking to upskill or even start a new career, Coursera may be able to help!

3.  Creative Live

Creative live is the place to go if you want to explore your creativity!  With over 1500 courses in craft, music, photography, art and more, Creative Live will definitely have something to ignite some inspiration.

4.  Cody

Cody is an online fitness hub for those wanting to join a class they can do in the comfort of their own home.  I have also used this site and find it very user friendly.  Yoga, HIIT, meditation, nutrition – when it comes to health and fitness, they will have a course or class for you!

We have never lived in a time where learning has been easier.  Whether you want to explore your creative side (like me!) or want to boost your career skills, the internet can most certainly help connect you to the right program.  Endless possibilities are right at your fingertips!

Feature image via royalty-free stock photo

{Editor’s Note: This blog post is not sponsored by or affiliated with any of the brands or businesses mentioned in this post.}

I opened my inbox earlier in the week and found an email glaring at me.  The subject said, ‘You’re a fraud and you know it!’.  Talk about trigger!  Before I even opened it, I thought, who is this person, what are they talking about, and why are they saying this?  I quickly realised that it wasn’t a personal email, but a mail out from a wonderful coach I subscribe too.  But still, I had been triggered, and I know exactly why.  I am a fraud, and no doubt you are (or have at least felt like you are at some stage) in regard to something important to you too.

You know the feeling.  You set out to do something, be someone, or advocate for something and don’t feel like you can do it good enough to be a fully-fledged ‘whatever it is you are trying to do/be’.  You know there is someone out there with more experience, or popularity, or commitment or even training, so how could YOU be the real deal?  Maybe you love writing and were asked to be featured in a local publication, but don’t feel good enough to be a real writer – so, you feel like a fraud!  Or you have signed up as a rep for a makeup company, but still really like wearing your ‘other brand’ mascara – so, you feel like a fraud!  Or how about when you bump into someone that you haven’t seen for a while and they tell you that you look amazing, but you know that you just ate donuts for breakfast so you couldn’t possibly accept a compliment like that – so, you feel like a fraud.  You’ve been there before, right?

That voice that screams ‘FRAUD!’ is really just fear.  It rears its head as resistance, or self-doubt, but at the end of the day it is just fear, gorgeous ones.  The good news is that there are some simple things you can do to work through those feelings, and start giving yourself the credit you deserve.

1.  Change your story

I talk about this a lot, I know, but it is because our stories are powerful!  Our brain listens to every word we tell ourselves so the more we reiterate that we aren’t good enough the more we will believe it.  Likewise, the more you tell yourself that you are oh so worthy and amazing, the more your brain will listen and convert those stories to confidence.

2.  Live in alignment with your vision

Live as though you are already the person you want to be.  You want to be a writer?  Write often!   You want to be a teenage mentor?  Lead by example.  The more you take action and align yourself with your goals and values, the less fearful (and therefore fraudulent!) you will feel.

3.  Be kind to yo’ damn self

That last step sometimes won’t go exactly the way you want it too, and that is totally okay!  Just because you skip gym when you have a bad day, doesn’t mean you are no longer committed to your health.  Just because you only just graduated from your business degree and everyone else in your office has been there for 5+ years, doesn’t mean that you are less capable of delivering amazing results in your team.   Some days we feel like we are doing everything we ‘should’, and some days we feel like ‘shit, what am I doing?’ and those days are the ones where we can be quite hasty to ourselves.  No, you are not a fraud – you are human, so be kind to yourself gorgeous!

The more you change your stories, live in alignment with your vision and simply be kind to yourself, the more you will grow your confidence and own your actions with conviction.  Sure, you may not be ‘perfect’, but you are certainly not a fraud, you are amazing!

Feature image via Stocksnap