THE LO DOWN + JUICY DEETS ON MY NEW WEBSITE & E BOOK

So, you know there are some changes on the way for this site and my business. I am slowly but surely chipping away at the mountain that is my new website, and it will not be too much longer before it is here.

So, for those of you who are keen for a little update on what you can expect to see and when you can expect to see it, here is the lo down

1. THE WEBSITE 

So, if you have scrolled down to check out my ebook cover below, you would have noticed my new website domain name. Yep, it is conniechapman.com. I am branding under my own name.

The decision to brand under my name OR under a business name was one that tortured me for months. I really wanted to brand under my name, but I was filled with self-doubt. I had spent years  'hiding' behind the blog name a life of perfect days and it felt scary as hell to have to make my brand all about me. Something was really calling me to 'own this' and step up to shine my light, but a part of my was also very afraid of what people would think.

As a result, last year I chose a business name and I was convinced that it was what I was using. I had my designer create logo's around this brand and I put all of my efforts in to creating it. My head was telling me this was the right decision, but my heart wasn't. No matter how beautiful the work she created, it just didn't feel right. I ended up canning this business name and putting all of the design work on hold.

I learnt a huge lesson during this time.

When you follow your heart and your inner guidance things work. Effortlessly. When you ignore it nothing flows, you encounter roadblocks and stuff just doesn't work.

So, after taking a month off from brand planning and simply meditating and turning inwards...

Something seriously magical happened.

I had always had my heart set on the domain name conniechapman.com but another business was already using it.

Randomly, on December 29th 2012 I decided to go and check the site. To my suprise, the site was up for sale! I placed a bid on the site and I woke up on January 1st 2013 with an email notifying me that the site was mine. Done and dusted!

If any of you can relate to my struggle above, I really want to encourage you to tune in to your heart and find what feels right, not just what your head is saying.

I also happened to come across this awesome clip by Marie Forleo today (which I WISH had come to me months ago) in which is gives some advice on this exact topic.

2. THE LAUNCH DATE

I doing my best to be relaxed about exactly when the site will be ready. I want to avoid going in to pushing or focusing mode. Rather I have decided to set a date for it's launch and to keep my mind focused on that, but to also remain relatively unattached to having the site ready by then.

So, the anticipated launch date will be Friday 22nd February. And along with that the launch of the site, will also be the launch of my free ebook (below).

On a final note, when conniechapman.com launches, I will not be closing down a life of perfect days. I will definitely be less active on this site, but I know many of you still enjoy reading the content on this site. I do have plans for what will happen with alopd in the future, but I will share more about that later.

3. THE EBOOK

Woo hoo! Here it is.

I thought I would give you a sneaky peak of the ebook by sharing a copy of the cover with you!

It is called the 12 Step Dream Creator Guide and it a 30+ page guidebook jam packed full of wisdom, worksheets, principles and practices to help you transform your delicious dreams in to rock-solid realities. 

This juicy little resources is totally and utterly FREE and will be my gift to you as part of the launch of the new site. You will be able to get your hot little hands as soon as the site is live.


4. NEW COACHING PACKAGES 

With the launch of my new site, I will also be launching some new coaching packages and new ways of working with me. I want to make sure that these packages are structured to support you as best as possible and are tailored to what you need.

I recently had an idea for a new type of coaching program, and it is a totally new way of structuring how I work with people. My heart is calling me in the direction of doing it, yet my head is questioning whether or not it would be valuable SO I would love some feedback from you as to whether this would be useful to you.

I share more information about the new program in the vlog below. If you have any thoughts, comments or feedback about it, please so shoot me through an email or leave a comment below.

Image 1 // Source

ARE YOU EXPERIENCING ROAD BLOCKS AND A LACK OF FLOW? THIS COULD BE WHY.

For those of you who read my blog regularly you would have noticed that for the past few months I have been banging on about the elusive new website, e book and brand that I am apparently launching. Yes, I have been talking about it for a while and I am well aware that you are yet to see much evidence of it. 

But, that is all about to change!

I am excited to share that my new website is currently in the throws of being built. Yipee! And I have spent most of today writing the content for it. Double yipee! 

And not only will you be graced with a sparkling new website, but there is a super delicious and absolutely FREE e book waiting for you too! Woo hoo.

Yes, it is all finally happening and I am beyond thrilled. 

So, in my next post I will be making 2 new announcements!

1) I will be giving you all the details about my free e book and how you can get your hands on it

2) I will be sharing with you the name of my new website and also when you can expect to it see it live

But before that, I thought I would share with you why it has taken so damn long.

ROAD BLOCKS AND LACK OF FLOW

Have you ever had an outcome in mind of something you want and you have tried to get it happening, taken every action under the sun and thrown everything you have at it, yet it still does not seem to be progressing?

Or

Have you ever had a delicious creative idea bubble forth in your mind, and so you rush eagerly to your notepad or computer to start creating it, yet no matter how hard you try you cannot seem to get it to look like the image in your mind?

Or

Have you ever experienced road blocks, dead ends, shut downs, doors being slammed in your face, rejections and no matter how hard you try nothing seems to work?

Well, in the process of creating my new website I experienced all of that 
and more!

And it took several Universal hits over the head before I finally got the message. I am a Taurean so I will admit I have a tendency to be strong minded, stubborn and at times a bit inflexible. So, yes in this case it took me a little while to pick up on what the Universe was putting down.

But one day, I had a light-bulb moment.

I realised was trying so hard to make things to 'my way', go according to 'my plan', and look the way 'I wanted' it to, that I completely lost sight of the fact that my inner guidance was calling me in a completely different direction.

And so, late last year I decided enough was enough. I simply decided to stop. 

I stopped trying. I stopped forcing. I stopped trying to figure it all out. I stopped pushing. 

I paused the design process. I stopped contacting web designers. I stopped trying to squeeze out creative ideas. And I stopped looking to other websites for inspiration. In fact, I stopped focusing on the development of my website altogether.

WHEN YOU LET GO, THINGS START TO FLOW

So, for most of December I simply let go. I surrendered. 

I realised my way was not working and I became willing to see another way. I decided to turn my attention inwards. To listen. To find my inspiration inside of me. To hear my inner guidance. To tune in to the divine plan.

While nothing dramatic happened initially, the one thing I did notice was that I began to feel better. And one of the key aspects to getting in to flow, is to release whatever is blocking you from feeling good.

And so, that is what I did. I let go and I felt good. And then in the final week of December something magical happened. Everything suddenly began to move again. 

Ideas came together. Inspiration bubbled forth. Clarity rose to the surface. Action's produced brilliant results. Cooperative relationships evolved. Things started flowing. I started making progress. Effortlessly and joyfully. 

And as a result, a deliciously beautiful website, and oh-so-juicy ebook is on it's way to you. And all of it has been created with total and utter flow.

5 STEPS TO GET BACK IN FLOW

So, if you are experiencing any aspects of what I mentioned above, here is your 5 step prescription for getting back in the flow.

1. Stop doing.

2. Sit down.

3. Be quiet.

4. Let go.

5. Listen.

And that is all.

It really is so simple. And the minute you start doing this, I promise you that everything will begin to flow again. 

Can you relate to my story? If so, I would love for you to leave a comment below

+ Do you sometimes try to force things go your way?

+ And when you do, how do you get yourself back in flow?

Image 1 Source // Image 2 Source // Image 3 Source

7 RESOURCES YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT FOR A PHENOMENAL 2013

1. THE LIFESTYLE TRANSFORMATION GUIDE

Jessica Ainscough from The Wellness Warrior is one of the most inspiring women I know. A few months ago she created a game-changing program called The Lifestyle Transformation Guide which is a 12-step invitation into an entirely new way of eating, moving and being in your body.

Jess has now added monthly group coaching calls to The Lifestyle Transformation Guide program. These calls will give members of the program a chance to ask her questions and move through any areas of their transformation that they feel stuck on or overwhelmed by. She will also be giving a pep talk to keep you on track and accountable so that transforming your life is as easy and enjoyable as possible.

If you were on the fence about purchasing it before, now is the time to commit to claiming your ideal self. Click here to join the wellness revolution.

2. CREATE YOUR INCREDIBLE YEAR WORKBOOK + PLANNER

For those of you who do not yet know Leonie Dawson, this woman is an absolute powerhouse. She is a phenomenal business goddess and an absolutely beautiful soul.

Are you struggling to get clear on what you want to achieve in 2013? Do you need a super practical + easy to use year planner that will allow you to map out every area of your life and business to ensure you can transform your beautiful ideas in to tangible results? If so, I totally and utterly recommend her workbooks.

I sat down with mine over the Christmas period and mapped out my year. They are so visually beautiful that using them is actually fun! They are full of dozens of pages of powerful worksheets and a printable calendar to help you create an amazing 2013.

3. HAPPY HEALTHY + ABUNDANT 6 WEEK ECOURSE

I have had the absolute pleasure of getting a little sneaky peak in to this practical and powerful program created by Jia Ni Teo that quite literally has the ability to change your life. Through the Happy Healthy Abundant ecourse, you are lovingly guided week by week through a comprehensive step by step program to transform your mind, body and spirit. 

Through her supportive video's, detailed worksheets and practical guidance Jia Ni gently reconnects you with you most vibrant and empowered self. She provides you with step by step support and super empowering practices you can apply immediately. Jia Ni is a positive force who overflows with bubbles of love-filled energy and she is most definitely on a mission to make this world a better place. 

4. BUILD YOUR BLOG + BIZ WITH LOVE

I know that this year many of you are looking to create a blog, launch a business and shine your gorgeous light in to the online world. If you are struggling with where to start, I highly recommend reading this delicious guidebook by Julie Parker from Beautiful You. 

This guide teaches you how to infuse love and passion in to your business and supports you to build a powerful online presence. Build Your Biz + Blog With Love is not some dry how-to guide rather it is a delicious love infused guidebook that will empower you to take your business to a whole new level in 2013. Personally, this book changed the way I see my biz + brand. Through the process of reading this guide I had numerous light bulb moments, several aha's and learnt a huge wealth of information that I will immediately be applying in 2013.

Oh and if you love what Julie is doing, check out her amazing TEDx talk. Powerful stuff.

5. THE PARTY GIRLS GUIDE TO PEACE

When I heard about this amazing program Tara was creating I was over the moon with excitment. The name of the program says it all - The Party Girl's Guide to Peace. Woah, powerful stuff. This really is a much needed message and I am so thrilled Tara is sharing it.  

Launch date for this program is January 18th but in the meantime, grab your free audio of positive affirmations to get you started. Or you can watch a snippets of the amazing interviews that Tara will feature in the program with women such as Hayley Carr and Yvette Luciano.

6. FROM MY KITCHEN

I met the gorgeous Rachel Gorney (the mastermind behind From My Kitchen) when she hand delivered me my sample pack. Not only is she an absolute delight, but you can tell that she has a deep love and passion for what she does. 

From My Kitchen is a home cooking and catering business that delivers delicious and nutritious weekly snack packs and travel packs to the convenience of your own door. All the ingredients are 100% organic, using only the finest natural products and super foods available. All the recipes are sugar free, gluten free and vegan. They are homemade, guilt free and 100% tasty. 

From my kitchen have just launched an amazing Detox Hamper Pack (featured above) so if you live in Sydney, get in touch with Rachel. Or check out From My Kitchen on facebook.

7. THE KICK-START 2013 PROGRAM

So while I have recommended an amazing pile of juicy resources for you, I believe you can do all the planning and reading in the world but unless you apply what you know it is worthless.

And that is why I created the Kick-Start 2013 Program. This is a super supportive 3 month coaching program to ensure you are living and breathing what you know, taking powerful actions steps and getting the results your heart longs for.

I initially closed off registration for this program at the end of December 2012, but I have decided to re-open spaces for 3 more amazing people who are ready to create change. 

I really believe in the power of this program, and I want to still make it available even though 2013 has already begun.

Here are what some kick-starters have said so far...

"Already after one session I feel and look different (feel like the woman staring back at me in the mirror has clearer and more sparkly eyes)! A subtle shift was that I have slept longer and more soundly.  Your guidance and listening was truly a blessing and I am very grateful"

"It was so great to speak to you! I'm so looking forward to our next session and exploring things more, and therefore taking things to a completely new level in 2013. I am so very excited to be working with you"

"Thank you so much for a fabulous session this morning. I really appreciate the opportunity you've given me through our coaching.  Thank you for sharing your talents and being that shining example of how liberating it is to follow your dream and express yourself! Looking forward to our next session!"

If you are ready to make 2013 your best year ever, click here to find out more about this program.

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HOW I AM AMPING UP MY POSITIVE VIBES IN 2013

To ensure I absolutely squeeze the very best out of 2013, I have been working to create and implement some beautiful new practices to support me this year.

It is so important to have strong foundations to build big dreams on, and this is all about setting yourself up for success. There have been times in my life where I have felt this energetic rush at the start of a new year and have felt uber motivated and unwaveringly committed to my intentions. Then, as the year goes on I find myself slipping. Life gets in the way. I get carried away in the current of to do list's and obligations and my beautiful, shiny new vision goes out the window.

So, this year I am starting it off right. Here is a little sneak peak in to what I have been doing over the past few weeks to get myself ready for a deliciously juicy 2013.

VISIONING

Back in 2012, I shared in this post about the work I was doing dreaming + scheming for 2013. And it has been such a glorious process. I have been journalling, visualising, planning and fantasising. One of my favourite parts has been creating my vision board.

While I had plenty of lists about what I want to achieve in 2013, I wanted my vision board to be all about feeling. I wanted it to almost radiate a certain energy and to cause my whole body to vibrate with happiness when I looked at it. And I can tell you now, I have acheived just that. Everytime I look at it, it brings a big fat beaming smile to my face. Yay!

PHYSICAL CLEANSING

My ability to get the most out of my day and be my very best self can be really affected by how I feel physically which is why I place such an emphasis on clean, healthy eating. This year it is going to be incredibly important for me to eat in a way that keeps me nourished, balanced, energised and grounded. 

I mentioned in this video that it was my intention to get myself un-hooked from caffeine and sugar. Rather than trying to go cold turkey (as this doesn't really work for me and consequently leaves me feeling like a total failure) I decided to just gradually ween myself off it through December. 

Over the past month, I have successfully got myself off coffee, eliminated my soy chai addiction and have now replaced all of the above with delicious raw chocolate smoothies! Since doing this I have discovered that I am even really sensitive to the low levels of caffeine in raw cacao powder so I am limiting my chocolate smoothies to once a day and only in the mornings. 

I have also kicked sugar to the curb, totally amped up my intake of green smoothies and have added in a wider variety of fresh leafy greens and other veggies. 

As a result I feel more clear headed, calmer, more balanced and more naturally energised. It is awesome.

above: my raw cacao smoothie

above: my greens + beet juice

TRANSFORMING FEAR

It is impossible to build love-filled dreams on fear-driven thoughts. I have been making a strong commitment to myself this year to clear out any lingering bits of negative, fearful and disempowering thinking.

I have been surrounding myself with positivity. I have affirmations stuck to my computer monitor, post it notes on my glass shower screen and Shakti Gawain's meditations on my ipod. I have been taking time each day to connect. To turn inwards and listen to the voice of love. 

I have been applying what Gabrielle Berstein calls the miracle mindset, where a miracle is defined as quite literally a shift in perception. Wherever I encounter fear, I have been working to cleanse it by asking "how can I shift my perspective around this?" and "how can I see this situation with love?"

And, I have been applying this teaching below. 2013 is not so much about changing the world around me, but more so about changing the way I see it, and the way I see myself. And when you do this, the whole world around you will naturally shift as a result.

So gorgeous people, they are 3 super powerful ways I am amping up my positive vibes for 2013.

What have you been doing in the first week of the year to ensure you are setting yourself up for a magical + positive 2013?

Image 1 Source // Image 2 + 3 +3 my own // Image 5 Source

JANUARY 2013: THE MONTH OF NEW BEGINNINGS

Hello 2013!

I love the freshness of a new year. I know January 1st really is just another day, but to me it always feels so sparkly and clean. Like that first page of bare white paper in a new journal. It is a blank canvas ready and waiting for creation.

New years are always phenomenal opportunities for new beginnings. But is it just me, or does 2013 feel even more so? Everywhere I look I see beautiful sparkly little souls stepping up to shine their light. New websites. New projects. New ideas. New ventures. I freakin' love it.

I am seeing it in my clients too. I have lost count of how many of my current mind-blowingly amazing clients are either leaving jobs, starting business, launching blogs, starting new training courses, creating new health regimes and totally and utterly carving out brand new lives for themselves in 2013. I am like a proud little mumma hen when I see my gorgeous clients taking these huge steps, and I tell you what it is incredibly inspiring.


2013 is definitely a brand new squeaky clean beginning for me too. 


My 2012 was a lot about laying foundations. Shedding what was not authentically me. Stepping in to my power. Letting go. Healing. Releasing. Learning. Growing.

Upon reflection, I realised that most of what happened in 2012 was actually all about preparing me for 2013 - The year were everything is going to go to a whole new level.

In order to avoid a chronic case of paralysing overwhelm, I am working at taking this year month by month. Right now my focus is squarely on the beautiful month of January: my month of new beginnings.

JANUARY: THE MONTH OF NEW BEGINNINGS

For me, this month is about launching the new. Launching new ideas, new projects, a new website, a new e book, new coaching programs. Yep, it is all brand new. 

I have so much stuff in the pipeline at the moment that it is ridiculous. All of my little projects are being lovingly chipped away at and will soon be coming to fruition. All of the seeds have been planted, and through January you will start to see the evidence of new little seedlings bursting forth. 

I wish I could reveal more of it all to you now, but I kind of want to keep it under wraps until it is ready. But please do know that I am working my little heart out behind the scenes pulling together some new beautiful gifts for all of you.

I am however, going to be doing some mini-reveals over the next few weeks, giving you some sneak peeks in to what I am creating. I will be giving you the lo down + deets about;

+ My very first e book

+ My new website (+ the story behind why it has been so many looong months in the making)

+ 3 exciting new coaching programs I am offering

+ What is going to happen to a life of perfect days once my new site is launched (do not worry sweet pea, I have grand plans for this gorgeous little site)

2013 really is going to be one juicy year. In fact, I think it is going to phenomenal.

There is an unbelievably powerful energy in the air right now. Something shifted in that moment that 2012 clicked over to 2013. 

When I woke up on the morning of 2013 things were different. I felt different. My energy had shifted. I had this whole new sense of clarity that I had been seeking for months. 

I felt renewed. Aligned. Ready.

There is definitely something magical about 2013, so l recommend you harness the power of the universe that surrounds you and make something of it. 

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Why not make January your month of new beginnings too? 

+ What would you love to start, commence or launch in January?

Share it with me below.

Image 1 Source // Image 2 Source

3 KEYS TO CREATING YOUR MOST HAPPY LIFE

Hello! I am back from my little Californian adventure and I am feeling refreshed, inspired and totally re-ignited. I am also back from my blogging-hiatus and it feels so good to actually enjoy writing again (for a little while there I had totally lost my creative buzz).

Since returning from overseas I have been thinking a lot about happiness, and my desire to create a life that is absolutely filled to the brim with it. While my life is wonderful and gorgeous and is overflowing with so many beautiful things, I can't help but feel that it is time to step things up a notch.

I gained a beautiful awareness around how I could be even happier while I was away. While I am sure many of us feel our happiest when we are on holidays, I literally felt that I was experiencing a glimpse into my dream life. My time away was filled with everything I could possibly want. Freedom, adventure, sunshine, emails with amazing coaching clients, beach, green juice, lunches with women who inspire me, morning exercise, unlimited time with the one I love, sunsets, exploration, nature and a mobile business that enables me to touch and transform other people's lives from my laptop.

I realised I can have it all. I can have the business and the lifestyle. This is what I want more than anything. Fulfilment and freedom. No day job, no office desk, no schedule except my own. Doing the work I love, on my terms.

I have come back to Sydney feeling that it is time to create even more happiness for myself. More fulfilment, more self-expression, more heart-driven actions and more authenticity. It is time to make some changes (more about this in in the coming weeks!).

This little revelation has been the catalyst for me to begin reflecting on what I believe actually creates a happy life. Quite honestly I think it boils down to our ability to live authenticly and congruently with who we really are, and the extent to which we allow ourselves to express that to the world.

MY JOURNEY TO HAPPINESS

I will admit that I used to be an unhappy person. In the past I lived an inauthentic life where I was driven by fear, filled with negativity and where my unique gifts and talents were squashed and suppressed. I did not know who I was and I was almost too scared to find out. I also had little awareness about the amazing creative power I had inside of me, and the ability I had to create change in my life.

Over the past few years I have changed all that. I have done the work to clean up my inner world and as a result my outer world has totally and utterly transformed. While there have been so many different factors involved in this transformation, I believe there are 3 keys to that have underpinned my journey to creating a happy life.

3 KEYS TO CREATING YOUR MOST HAPPY LIFE

1. MAKE HAPPINESS A PRIORITY 

What is more important to you, your happiness or making other people happy? Your happiness or the need to feel safe? Your happiness or the need to be approved of? You happiness or the desire to fit in? Your happiness or a regular monthly paycheck?

I see so many people putting other things before their own happiness. They would rather play it safe, stay in their comfort zone and gain the love and approval of others than be willing to take the risk to follow their own happiness. 

When I was on my journey to creating a happier life, the turning point was when I made the decision to make my own happiness my number one priority. I said to myself - today I am going to do whatever I can to be happy and to feel good, and that is all that matters. Nothing else is important today, except that. And I simply decided to take it one day at a time. Each day my only goal was to be happier than I was yesterday. 

Over time, I found what I loved to do, and I did more and more of it each day. I gave myself permission to indulge in the things that brought me bliss. I put myself first. Over time my work paid off, and I found that my life was filled with things that made me happy.

2. CONNECT WITH YOURSELF + GET TO KNOW YOURSELF

Do you know what makes you happy? Do you know what you love to do? Have you given yourself permission to find out?

As part of my journey, I had to shine a big bright light on my life and I examine it. I sifted through everything I created and determined what was really me, what did I really love and what made me the happiest. I dug up the long lost parts of myself that I had previously suppressed. I reconnected with what I truly loved to do. I learnt how to be my true self, and not just the self everyone wanted me to be.

You need to take time to be with yourself.  I spent hours meditating, practicing yoga and quietening my mind. I became comfortable with quietness. And in that quietness I found happiness. When you turn down the volume on the endless chatter and soften the voice of your inner critic, happiness naturally bubbles forth.

Happiness is like a big bright shiny diamond sitting inside of you. It is always there. But we cover the light of that diamond with big thick heavy blankets. Our layers and layers of fear based thinking dull it's light. But that diamond never goes away. It is always there. Our job is just to peel away those blankets.

3. LIVE AUTHENTICALLY

Anytime we are denying the truth of who we are, we will not be happy. Anytime we are living inauthentically we will not be happy. Anytime we are living our life based on the wants and needs of anyone but ourselves, we will be unhappy. Any time we are playing small, hiding, letting our fears run the show, we will be unhappy

We are born to express our gifts. To be our true selves. To shine our light. To live our dreams. 

Anytime you have a dream or a desire and you are not allowing yourself to live out that dream, you will be unhappy. Anytime you are choosing fearful thoughts over loving thoughts, negative thoughts over positive thoughts, darkness over light, you will be unhappy. At your core, you are love. Anytime you are not being loving, not appreciating, not seeing the beauty, not forgiving, not being grateful things will feel off.

I truly started to create happiness when I decided to follow my own unique path. To do what I love. To express myself wholly and completely. 

The past 5 years have been dedicated to that - to remembering who I am. To peeling back the layers of inauthenticity. To shedding self protection. To rediscovering who I really am. And to working to living and embodying that.

Ever since I began training as a life coach, I have began living my truth. Being who I was born to be. I am now sharing my natural gifts and talents to the world, and nothing feels better than that. When I do this type of work I cannot help but be happy. When we are simply allowing our true selves to be expressed without fear, hesitation or resistance we are naturally happy. 

ARE YOU LIVING YOUR HAPPIEST LIFE?

Get honest with yourself and ask, am I living my happiest life? If the answer is yes, then awesome! Keep doing what you are doing! But if not, it is time to take stock and figure out what needs to change.

+ Where in your life are you not making your own happiness (and what you truly want for yourself) a priority?
+ Do you know who you are and what you want? What do you need to do to find out?
+ Where in your life are you not living authentically? How are you hiding or playing small? Where are you not living in line with your true passions or expressing your natural gifts?

Since beginning work as a coach, my desire to empower others to live their happiest, brightest, shiniest, most authentic and fulfilling life has become my over-riding goal. Nothing makes me happier than seeing my clients transform their lives. I believe it is our birthright to be happy, free and deeply satisfied with our lives. We can no longer settle for less than that. It is time to raise our standards.

I would love nothing more than to support you in living your happiest life, so if you are interested in working with me, jump on over to this page to find out more. Please note, over the coming weeks I will be raising my coaching rates, so if you want to take advantage of my super low rates at the moment, please send me through an email at connie.chapman@live.com.

Finally, I would love to hear your thoughts on this topic!
+ Have you taken the journey from living an unhappy life, to living with fulfilment, love, purpose and bliss?
+ What have been the key factors that have helped you create more happiness?

VIDEO BLOG: HOW TO TRANSITION FROM WHERE YOU ARE, TO WHERE YOU WANT TO BE

Welcome to my first ever video blog! The topic for today's blog is transition. And more specifically, how to transition from where you are, to where you want to be.

This clip is quite long (apologies - I love to talk and tend to waffle) but I hope you like it. Please grab yourself a cup of tea, pull up a chair and enjoy.

WHY A VIDEO BLOG?

As I mentioned in my last post, I am currently working to let go of anything in my life which I no longer feel drawn to, inspired by or aligned with. As a result I have been taking a little break from writing on this blog. Not to say that I am totally un-inspired by this blog, but the Universe has been calling me to take a break and create some space.  It is often frightening to let go of one thing when we do not yet have another thing to take it's place. But the lesson here is that we need to make room and feel safe in that empty space for a while before new things can be created.

And boy, have I created space for the new! Today I got a sudden pull of inspiration to create a video blog for you. And I decided to follow that instinct and do it. Even though this felt new, daunting and unfamiliar and I learning to develop a habit of following inner guidance, no matter what. This was totally and utterly out of my comfort zone yet I am committed to taking steps towards my dreams even if they scare me! We learn so much about ourselves when we are willing to try something new and embrace the unknown. Sure it was daunting, but it was pretty damn exciting too.

As this is my first ever video blog there were a few mistakes here and there. But this has been a lesson for me in allowing things be imperfect. I am a chronic perfectionist, so making this video has been a beautiful experience to allow myself to share something that has a few flaws and errors!

What amazing lessons we can learn about ourselves when we are willing to embrace the unknown, huh?

WHY THIS TOPIC?

I receive emails all the time from people who want to make some form of transition in their life. And I see a lot of my coaching clients experience a lot of challenges with this journey. Transitions require patience, positivity and a feeling of flow. We must find ways to heal our need to force and rush things, to feel negative about where we are and to buy in to stories that tell us we are not making progress.

As I mention in the video, I am currently managing my own big transition in the area of my career. At the moment, I am still currently working in a full-time day job as I work to build my coaching business in the evenings and on weekends. It is a tough gig, and at the moment I am pretty much juggling 2 full time jobs!

To support myself in managing my career transition, I have been applying a range of tools and strategies to not only help me feel good, but to also speed up the process.

In this video  I shared 3 of my favourite things that I do to make the transition journey easier.

Just to recap, there they are;

 1. Love where you are. Make peace with where you are. Express gratitude and appreciation for what you have. Focus on all the positive aspects of your current situation. Say yes to where you.
2. Create a powerful vision. Focus on where you are going. Stop giving all your attention to 'where you are'. Give your attention and energy to your new dream and start to embody it now. 
3. Use a journal or notebook to document all the actions and steps (no matter how small) you are taking on a daily basis towards your dreams. Also document every manifestation and everything you attract from the universe which shows you that it is listening to your requests and his helping your dream come true.

 So, what did you think of the video? It would be wonderful to get your feedback. And if there are any topics that you would love for me to create a video blog about in the future, please let me know!

I would love for you to leave a comment below and let me know... 
+ What area of life are you currently making a transition in?

+ What tools or strategies do you use to help you  in your transition?

ARE YOU CLINGING?: HOW TO LET GO OF THE OLD AND BRING IN THE NEW

Lately my energy has been a little all over the shop. I have been having trouble deciphering between the things that feel naturally inspiring and fun, and the commitments and responsibilities I have to uphold. The line has become blurred. The things I used to love have been tainted by a feeling of obligation. Phrases such as I should... I must... and I need to... have been dominating my vocabulary. And there has been little room left for I'd love to....

It's been making me feel funky, and over the past few weeks, I had been unsure exactly how to deal with all this angst I have been feeling. My natural response has been to retreat. Turn inwards. Get quiet. Search for clarity. But even that I have struggled with.

I have been hearing similar messages ringing through the blogosphere. My contemporaries that I love and admire seem to be feeling the same way (Check out these posts here, here, here and here!). I take comfort in the fact I am not alone. There seems to be an inner tug of war going on in many of us. 

As much as I felt relief knowing that others were in the same boat. I was still struggling to find my own answer. 

And then I got it. In true Universal form, it was plonked on my little lap. A few days ago I stumbled across this gorgeous Moon Meditation from Yasmin Boland and I got the message loud and clear. She says;

"As we move towards the Full Moon, it’s time to shed. Shed an emotion, shed a job, shed a frenemy, shed some weight… Just shed. As humans in 3D, we are tuned into the lunar cycle and, once a month, the lunar cycle moves towards the Full Moon and encourages us to let go of whatever no longer serves us. We are all in the process of evolving and that means leaving behind our past when it’s the right time to do it. What are you going to shed this month?" 

As soon as I read this I knew what the problem was. 

I have been clinging. Clinging to that which I need to let go of.

My inner guidance and universal forces have been calling me to shed. To let go. To create space. And rather than flowing with that call, I have been resisting it. Why? Because I have been afraid.

ARE YOU CLINGING?

There are times in our life when we are clearly aware that something has reached the end of it's lifespan yet we are not necessarily ready to release it. If we were to follow the calls of our intuition, we would simply take heed, let go of what ever needed to be released, and then simply trust that something new was on it's way. But often we don't do that.

Instead we know that we need to let go of it, but we can't help but cling to the hope it is not really over.  We go in to denial. We convince ourselves that everything is ok. We smile. We say yes. We over-commit. We attempt to keep up appearances.

But there is no denying the truth. Deep down in your guts, you know it is time to let go.

The thing that frightens us, is that we don't know what is next. We are terrified by the uncertainty of it all.

We ask: If I break up with him, will I ever find anyone else? If I leave this job, will I be able to find another? If I lose the weight, who will I be?

The unknown scares us, so we cling to what is safe and familiar even if it doesn't truly fulfil us. 

We would rather have something rather than nothing - even if that something no longer makes us happy.

WHAT DO YOU NEED TO LET GO OF?

Is there anything in your life at the moment that you need to let go of yet you cannot bring yourself to do it? Is there anything you know you need to release, shed or un-hook from but you are totally in denial?

+ Where have you lost that feeling that you used to have? (inspiration, love, excitement, joy, bliss, enthusiasm?)

+ Where has your natural motivation for something been replaced by a feeling of obligation?

+ Where does something feel not-quite-right but you are suppressing and denying what you really know to be true?

HOW IT IS PLAYING OUT IN MY LIFE

I want to share with you where I am at currently, and I hope you will understand.

*Deep breath*

As amazing as it can be to have a blog that inspires and uplifts people, combined with a beautiful community that follows you, it also comes with a sense of responsibility. I must admit lately, this responsibility has been weighing on me. I will be brutally honest here - rather than feeling uber inspired and inwardly motivated to write on this blog and share myself with you all, I have instead been feeling a heavy sense of obligation. Not a cool feeling. 

For a long time now, this blog has been my outlet for self-expression and creativity. My platform to inspire others and my avenue to express my truth. It was often my place of comfort. It opened my heart and warmed my little soul. It brought a smile to my face and tears to my eyes. It meant everything to me. But quite honestly (and it breaks my heart to say it) I just ain't getting that feeling anymore. 

I feel like I have grown out of the blog.  And I it is now time to create something new. 

CREATING SPACE FOR THE NEW

For the past few months I have been working on a new project. I am in the throws of launching a new business, a new website and a whole new approach to my work. Creative ideas have been bubbling out of me uncontrollably. I am having to keep a notebook on me at all times to catch them. I feel alive, inspired, excited and energised by my new project and all I want to do is work on it. 

To support this new venture, I have been working to call in a lot of new stuff in to my life. I have been completing gorgeous magentising meditations  each day and I can literally feel my energy body connecting with my desire. My visualisations are life-like. I feel my energy literally drawing this new reality towards me. I know it is all on it's way. But I realise that there is one step I missed.

I haven't yet cleared space for this new stuff. 

My life is so damn busy. My mind is so full. As much as I desire to call in all this new stuff, where on earth is it going to fit? There is no space! And so I have realised that I need to let go of what is no longer serving me so that I can receive all the awesome new shit I am attracting.

You need to create space for the new. Otherwise there is no room for creativity and inspiration to bubble forth. 

You also need to learn to say no. Learn to say no to that which does not fit in with the highest vision you have for yourself. Say yes to that which will nourish, support and uplift you.

What I really want to say yes to now is creating space. Shedding. Making room. 

WHERE TO FROM HERE...

I have no plans to shut down this blog, or disconnect from my readers. But I wanted to share where I am at so you can understand why you may be hearing from me less and usual over the coming months. I will be in creative lock-down, pulling together new and exciting products and resources for you which will culminate to the launch of a new site later in the year. 

I am also going to dedicating more time and energy to my coaching work. This area of my life feels new, fresh and exciting and I am getting such a thrilling buzz out of working with my clients. This needs more of my time, energy and focus. So that is what it is going to get.

In the meantime I will still be here with you. I will still be writing. But I will be taking more time for me. I will be creating more space for the new. I will be saying no to obligation and yes to inspiration.

I look forward to sharing more of my journey with you as it unfolds.

Love + Light

Connie xx