Investing in Your Dreams

I'm a big-time believer in investing in yourself. I've learned, especially at this time in my life, how vital it is for me to be spending my money on my mind, body, and soul rather than just what's in my closet. 

I'm an even bigger believer in investing in your dreams. And I think often times, money can be our biggest "excuse."

"I can't afford it."

But if you're not living your dreams, what are you doing? Now, of course, we're all at different phases of our life. Some of us have families, mortgages, and other various factors that we must take into account. But, chances are, there's still something you can be doing to get yourself closer to that dream.

Don't let your circumstances define you. Defy the odds. Surprise yourself. Surprise everyone else around you by taking those dreams of yours and bringing them to life, despite all that's on your plate. 

One of the greatest, most worthwhile ways to invest in yourself is through learning. Invest in classes, training programs, seminars, one-on-one sessions to expand yourself. There is always something else we can be learning, developing, and studying to enhance our wisdom in our own field of dreams.

For me, this past year has been ALL about going big or going home. I stopped waiting for the "perfect moment" after realizing there was no such thing. After distinguishing exactly what my passions and purpose were, I took action and enrolled in a certification program (wow, almost an entire year ago!) Recently, I kept feeling that push for another program. B-School.

You know when you just feel the push, the pull, the magnetic energy that's bringing you toward something? And you keep saying, "But..." "But..." And then you realize no excuse is good enough to put off your dreams, what pulls at your heart, what ignites your soul... so you do it. You take the plunge. You take the huge, giant, larger than life leap of faith. And the free fall is scary and beautiful all at the same time. That's how it was for me with Marie Forleo's B-School. It was a huge investment. It IS a huge investment. But less than 24 hours after I enrolled, I realized how it was one of the greatest decisions I've ever made. The value that's jam-packed into B-School is out of this world and JUST what I need to get my life coaching exactly where my heart wants it to be.

Yesterday was the first day of class. I was filled with excitement, curiosity, passion, and some serious nerves but as I took part in the B-School Facebook community and then finally sat down to start module one, it felt like Christmas morning. It really did. Knowing that I am starting something that I'm hugely invested in and committed to. I already have some ideas about new content that I'll be offering through my business in the form of fun vlogs, workshops, etc. which I can't wait to share with you later on.

So here is where you come in:

I want this little part of the Internet and my coaching website to be of value to you and others who stumble upon them. I want to know what topics and questions have been on your mind that you'd like me to talk about. What has been pulling at your heart? What are you curious about? What areas of your life would you like to work on and make better than ever before? Maybe it's letting go of toxic relationships. Finding your purpose. Loving yourself again after a break-up. Learning to let go of what others think and expect out of you. Dreams. Fulfillment. Deepening your spiritual connection. Getting out of your own way. Those are just some ideas! Let me know in the comments below or shoot me an email: hello@chelseadinen.com or connect with me through the social links below!

As always, I love hearing from you all and can't wait to see what's been on your hearts lately!

xo

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Everything Has Changed

The other night, as I was getting ready for bed, reflecting on a lot of the big changes that are currently taking place and where I am in life right now, I started thinking about change. More specifically, about how much I have changed as a person. It kind of freaked me out for a second. Like, holy sh*t! I used to be that girl?

I looked back at my life three years ago. Three years. Not too long ago but still a significant amount of time has passed since then. And, well, everything about me has changed. Errrrythang.

The state that I live in.
My hair color.
My marital status.
My religion.
My diet.
My lifestyle.
My style.
My happiness.
My thought process.
My friends.
My family.
My career.
My hobbies.
My ability to handle uncertainty.
My confidence.
My self-image.
My life.

Yep, now you're understanding why I had a "holy sh*t" moment. Everything in my entire life has changed. And then I discovered why. It's not that I have changed, necessarily; that somehow I just became a magical new person and knew how to be happy and surround myself with awesome people and go after my dreams and not give a flying you-know-what what anybody else thinks. No.

Instead, I did something that sounds really simple but for those of you who've been through it too, you know it's easier said than done... I found myself. Really, truly. I stopped trying to impress "what's his face" and stopped comparing myself to "what's her name" and just took the time to get to know everything about myself. About my soul, my heart, my innate being.

Most importantly, I stopped trying to be what I thought I "should" be... whether by my mom's standards, my "friends'" standards, my former church's standards, society's standards, etc. and I just WAS. I AM. I can finally be. And by truthfully, authentically, organically BEING, life is constantly this exciting, amazing, captivating gift and puzzle and blast all at the same time.

This is the woman I was created to be.

Everything has changed. That's life. We wake up everyday with new opportunities and new choices to make. Those choices and shifts that we consciously make for ourselves and for our lives are what create the changes. And, little by little, on days like the one I just had, we look back and say, "holy sh*t!" Some of those changes are painful and some seem impossible to make, others are easy and natural. But, if those changes remain in harmony with our true self, we'll say that "holy sh*t" with a big grin ;)

New Birthday, New Page

Another year older today. Having a birthday just after all of the holidays is pretty chaotic most years. You have gratitude in November, Christmas blessings in December, followed by a whole lot of reflecting back on what changes to make for the New Year. There's the baking and gifting and familying and friending. Then, bam, it's my birthday. It's never really the New Year that propels me forward. It's my birthday. Turning the page over into a new age is always a huge time of reflection for me. But even more so, it's a huge time of action for me.

photography by J. Poling

A lot of changes have happened in my life since my birthday last year. Last year was a really difficult birthday for me. I had just moved to California by myself, but it was the fact that it was my first birthday since my mom died that made it tough to get through. I spent the day in Laguna Beach which brought some lightheartedness to the day as well as a whole lot of sunshine.

That year of my life was the best yet. I accomplished so many life-long dreams and goals I had set for myself and checked many big things off of my bucket list. Through the loss of my mom and the journey of independence I took, I learned how precious life is. I learned to take ownership for the results that I see day-to-day. I learned that only I can know and create the life that fulfills me, serves me, and lifts me higher every single day. So, I continued taking action.

Today, as I turn another year older, I feel so blessed to be working toward my passion and life purpose, as a life coach. It makes me glow just to say that. I spend my days working a job that brings me joy and spend evenings going to class to do what, to me, is the greatest blessing - learning the tools of deep life transformation. And now, as I reach this birthday, I will be starting yet another new chapter...

I found myself the most perfect hi-rise condo for where I am right now in life. Or, maybe I should say that it somehow found me. It was one of those things I've had on my "list" and knew it would come about when the time was right. So, at the end of this exciting birthday month of mine, I'll be making that move and writing another new page in my book.

And that will be the beginning of my year that's full of so much potential. I have high hopes and big goals for this year. I'm in different surroundings with different people in a different line of work and I'm happy. So happy. And knowing that this happiness is only going to increase as the days continue… now that's pretty awesome.

I'm reminded that it's not in the New Year or on our birthday that we should celebrate or set new goals or hold ourselves to a certain standard. That should happen everyday. Make every second count. Don't give up. Don't settle. Don't sell yourself short. Take your wildest dreams and make them a reality. Come on, I dare you :)

What dreams are you making a reality this year?

2013: The Best Year Yet

2013 was the best year of my life. What's even crazier is that it followed the absolute worst year of my life. How does that happen? It's pretty phenomenal when I think about it. When I think about the way life works.

Life, the Universe, God, whatever you want to call it… hands us events and circumstances when we least expect them. Some of these events shape us, some completely change our life, and some leave us never to be the same again. The events that took place last year left scars that will forever remain a part of me. They caused me to change the way I live, the way I think, the way I make decisions, and the way I am.

2013 was the year I learned to say "no" to others. To do only what was true to myself. To honor my being. To stop pretending. To stop chasing. To stop settling.

2013 was the year I learned to say "yes" to myself. To give myself the go-ahead. To encourage myself. To go after my dreams like there was no tomorrow.

I think I may always look back at 2013 in awe, pleasantly surprised by all the beautiful, new moments that found their way into my life in such a short period of time. Proof that life really does unfold naturally, organically, and perfectly the way it is meant to when you live a life in harmony with your true purpose.

San Diego was the most gorgeous setting I could have asked for during this period of self-reflection. It inspired me, lifted me, and propelled me out into the big, endless, adventurous, exciting world that was always surrounding me, just waiting to be discovered. And as this year comes to a close, I can say with confidence that my time in San Diego is not over ;)

My journey is still just getting started, despite it being the end of one year and the beginning of another. All of our years are connected. They fluidly roll like the ocean's waves, one into another and so on. And at the end, we have one vast, beautiful body of water to look out to. Each year brings in new sets of waves, new currents, new freshness. Some years are spent surfing the waves and others are spent paddling back out in preparation for a new set that will take us even further.

I'm ready. Are you?

Happy New Year! Sending love and wishes for health and happiness to you all!

25 Questions To Ask Yourself Before 2014: Part Three

Here we are. Part Three of the 25 Questions before 2014! I don't know about you, but I thought the five questions today were the toughest to answer! I had to dig even deeper to find the answers this time. If you're just joining us, hop over to this post to check out what it's all about and then feel free to link up your own answers! I am totally digging this time to just reflect :)

21. Who do I need to forgive? Thanks to Arielle Ford and her awesome book, The Soulmate Secret, I've done the work to forgive most people who were still, somehow, stuck in my heart. Unfortunately, some recent events brought back a few things for me. Forgiving people who've hurt you, apologized, and then continue to hurt you is often a hard battle to fight. It's usually in those instances that we realize we must put our foot down once and for all. And in that process, we must also forgive ourselves for letting someone bruise us yet again.

22. Where is it time to let go? I had something specific in mind but then I remembered the quote below. This past year, the mantra I've lived by is: "Show up, let go, serve others, and surrender the outcome." It's now my life motto. The phrase I live my life by. Well, the things that we hang onto are just that... things. They're ideas, thoughts, memories, projections, people, etc. And it's only once we let go, truly let go, that love can enter.

23. What old habits would I like to release? I want to erase all the conditioning and live a life in harmony with my innate self. Measure myself based only on myself, not on the timelines and social media announcements of others. I know I march by the beat of my own drum and sometimes the constant Facebook feed of engagements, bridal showers, and gender reveals makes me feel like maybe I live on a different planet? And I'm okay with that! I'm tired of being programmed to think that by age _____, I should _____. I've thrown out the timeline. I've got this one life to live (in this body, at least) and I'm doing it my way :) I'm also releasing my habit of sitting on ideas for longer than I should, as I mentioned yesterday because, again, life is precious!

24. What new habits would I like to cultivate? Decorating offices and apartments sooner than I've been known to :) Scheduling my day-to-day meetings and activities in my brand spankin' new calendar! Saying "no" more! And saying "yes" more to myself! Cleaning out and organizing everything (purses, bills, files, my phone, etc.) on a consistent basis. And overall, just following through with my own commitments to spend more time writing, brainstorming, reading, and meditating!

25. How can I be kind to myself? By honoring my true self, always. I think that's really what it all comes down to. That's what the past 24 questions have truly been about. What can we do this next year to honor ourselves in order to live the fullest year yet?

Life is a series of paths, turns, bridges, dead-ends, and detours. The compass we're given is the knowledge of our true self. Our life purpose. Our natural gifts and talents. I know in my heart that through being deeply connected and in tune with our truest, innate self, not only can we conquer all things that are thrown our way, but we can live a life of purpose, of bliss, and of unending potential for bigger and better things. Always. What a journey this is. Thank you to those of you who've participated in this process. These questions have certainly helped wrap up this year for me and help solidify my journey onward.

If you're not ready to stop the personal reflection and growth, I am taking new coaching clients for 2014! I would LOVE to work with you to help you find that compass of yours if it's lost, help you feel empowered to leave that toxic relationship or just ask for what you want out of life, or... fill in the blank :) The world is your oyster. Never forget that! Shoot me an email at chelsea.lifeisasunset@gmail.com and let me know what's on your mind, what areas you're wanting to make more stellar than ever before, and we'll chat!

Peace, love, and light to you all! Here's to the greatest year yet!

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25 Questions To Ask Yourself Before 2014: Part Two

Yesterday was awesome! I loved reading everyone's answers to the first 10 questions! It's not always easy to get deep with yourself and I think those of you who are doing this work are already light years ahead for the beginning of 2014! Way to go, my friends! Today we're answering questions 11-15! If you're just now joining, find all the details here and it's certainly not too late to join in! Ready, go!

11. When did I feel most creatively inspired? Many times when I was at the beach, in solitude. That is where my greatest writing took place, my jewelry designs were thought out, my clothing designs were imagined, and where my greatest ideas took place.

12. What projects have I completed? Moving cross country. Twice. RAW Showcase for my jewelry business. Started two new jobs (one in which I had my own clothing designs printed & sold by the company I worked for!) and my biggest project of all - my life coaching practice which will constantly be growing and expanding! 'Twas a stellar year!

13. How have I procrastinated? A lot of this is tied to #16. I've noticed that I hold myself back due to perfectionism. If something means a lot to me, such as a business project I'm working on, I sit on it and sit on it and sit on it before making a final decision. It is quite possibly one of THE biggest faults of mine because it really does prolong the process that much.

14. In what ways can I re-structure my time? Mastin Kipp has always stressed the importance of scheduling out your entire day, even all of the mundane activities such as eating a meal. Now that I have classes and clients and commutes thrown into the mix of my previously perfectly-scheduled life, it's time to take Mastin's advice. In 2014, I want to continue being in the best physical/spiritual/mental shape ever and that means being a bit more tedious with my schedule. I need to write-in my time for prayer/reflection, my time for the gym (and getting to/from there) and even time for free writing. I've found it's those personal things that often get put on the back burner and, guess what... it's those personal things that are usually most vital to keep at the top of our list!

15. How have I allowed fear of failure to hold me back? I think "fear of failure" is a bullsh*t term fed to us through worldly conditioning. Knock it off. I'm not scared of it. I don't view "failure" as failing. I view it as grace. When something goes awry, it's either because there is a lesson to be learned or because there is a better plan. Once that is realized, you'll never fear that bullsh*t failure again. You'll welcome that ish and eat it for breakfast! ;)

16. Where has self-doubt taken over? Self-doubt used to take over my entire life. All the inner work I did over the past two years has given me the confidence to stand firmly in the knowledge that I know what's best for me. BUT, I tend to second-guess myself (even when deep down, I know what I believe.) I sit on ideas for much longer than I really ought to, wondering if there is a "more perfect" idea that will come along later or perhaps a "more perfect" time. I have an irrational fear of making the wrong decision and this has prevented me many times from making any decision at all.

17. When have I felt the most alive? The exact moment occurred on a warm, San Diego night in late May. We were leaving the Padres' game (after they won!) Downtown that evening, and I was cruising on the back of my date's bike (wearing a helmet!) I had spent the entire night laughing and gazing at him, in awe of how great it had felt the past couple months to finally be captivated by someone again. As I put on my helmet that night, he gave me the sweetest surprise, and we rode off into the night (Like a fairytale. Literally.) which is when I felt most alive. Cruising through Mission Hills with the breeze on my face as we rode over beautiful bridges and saw the views of the skyline all lit up. I was there, blissfully happy in the city of my dreams.

18. How have I taught others to respect me? By refusing to wait around for people who operate on a "my timeline only" basis. I used to be the girl who'd wait around and reschedule my own schedule all the time for other people. Then, I learned how that gets you nowhere in life other than down a road of disappointment.

19. How can I improve my relationships? I think 2014 is going to be the year of the serious relationship for this girl. I've spent the past two years getting to really know myself, what I need/want in a partner, and have done a lot of personal and professional work and gotten my passion and purpose underway. I'm at a place now where I'm ready, and when the time is right, I'm excited for a primary relationship <3 :)

20. Have I been unfair to anyone? Nope. Everyone comes into our life for a reason and they usually leave for a reason too. I've examined what I've tolerated and had to be honest and fair to myself by telling some truths to others about how they've hurt me or by letting them go.

My Part One Answers :)

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25 Question To Ask Yourself Before 2014: Part One

In case you missed it last week, there's an article going around about a new approach to the "New Year's Resolution" thing. Instead, ask yourself these 25 questions before 2014! I've created a fun link-up for all of those who want to take part! We're answering the first 10 questions today. Find the link to the questions at the bottom of the post :)

1. What am I most proud of this year? Two things and they kind of go hand-in-hand. I'm proud to make my dream of moving to San Diego a reality despite all the nay-sayers throughout my life. In addition, I'm proud of doing the physical, spiritual, and mental work there to get where I am today. It allowed me to dig deeper than I ever have before, really connect with my true and innate self and find my purpose here in life :)

2. How can I become a better _____________? Life coach! Of course, I believe there are constantly things we can be working on and roles we can continue growing into. However, my role as a life coach will be my main focus in 2014.

3. Where am I feeling stuck? I can't say I feel fully stuck in one area really. Each week, there is a certain thing I may get hung up or stuck on, but it's usually never the same thing at once.

4. Where do I need to allow myself grace? I'm in another turning point in life. A lot of HUGE, spectacular, exciting new things are underway for my life. I have the tendency to get hung up on many little details, especially when the details are personally very important to me. I know the right thing to do is just to surrender the outcome to the Universe. Always. Easier said than done, right?

5. Am I passionate about my career? Yes! For the first time, ever, I am so entirely grateful for the career I have and am continuing to pursue. Working in the self-development/life coaching field is such a blessing. I love connecting with others and helping to lift them into their truest potential!

6. What lessons have I learned?
To surrender the outcome to the Universe.
"Owning our story and loving ourselves through that process is the bravest thing that we will ever do." - Brene Brown.
"Perceive obstacles as opportunities and problems as spiritual assignments." - Gabrielle Bernstein.
AND, to savor the waiting :)

7. What did my finances look like? About the same as always! 2014 is going to be abundant. I just know it ;)

8. How did I spend my free time? At the beach! I've written so many of these blog posts, so many journal entries, schemed up new dreams and bucket list items, and experienced some deeply intuitive moments while lying out on the sand in San Diego. Among all the chaos in the world around me, I could tune it all out and just be.

9. How well did I take care of my body, mind, and soul? Number one explained this a little bit. Let's just say, this was the healthiest year yet and I'm stoked to know that I can only go up now :)

10. How have I been open-minded? I moved to a new city full of strangers where I tried new foods, new drinks, new neighborhoods, new music, made new friends, dated new "types" and completely allowed myself to get out of my comfort zone in order to live fully present in those new moments.

If you want to link up, the rest of the questions can be found in this post! Post your answers to questions 11-20 tomorrow and 21-25 on Wednesday! Have fun and link-up below! I can't wait to see everyone's reflections on the past year!

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Step out into the World

One year ago yesterday was the day I left the East Coast for my new home in San Diego. San Diego was the greatest adventure of my life thus far. It was full of exploring.

Exploring my way through life.

I explored places and neighborhoods and foods and drinks, and through all of those things, I met people who have forever changed my life.

Quitting my job, packing up, and moving all the way across the continent to a state where I had only a few acquaintances was one of the biggest risks I have ever taken. But it was worth every second. It was worth every night I found myself in tears because of job woes or the baby black widows that took over all of my windows (yep!) It was worth every awkward first date to find out what I really desired in a partner and every hot 90 degree Summer night with no A/C. Everything that happened to me in San Diego, challenged me. Whether it was good or it was bad, it challenged me and tested me and showed me my true self.

I was checking more things off my bucket list in a matter of months than I had in most years of my life. I found the true meaning and feeling of happiness. Finally.

But I think you all know those things by now, if you've been reading for a while.

The point of this post is to reach out to those of you who are searching for that fire in your soul. You're longing for it to ignite but need something to set it all on fire. I know you're out there. Shoot, maybe you're reading this and didn't even realize until now that you're still looking for that fire within. Here's my advice to you…

Go.
Do.
Step out into the world.

What ever it is that's been tugging at your heart (for me, it was moving to San Diego) go and do it! Don't put it off. Life is too short. The time is now to LIVE. What ever it is, no matter how out there it may seem, take the first step now.

The greatest gift you can give yourself is finding and loving yourself. And it's often a lot easier said than done. So, stop caring what other people think. Do this for you. Step outside of your comfort zone. Push your own limits. Because I guarantee you, if you go full throttle and don't look back, you'll blow your own mind.

:)

An Important Week

This is a big week for me, personally and professionally. Personal development has been a huge part of my life, as I'm sure most of you know by now. I can't say enough good things about digging deep into your heart, doing the work, and improving your life!

Tomorrow, the excitement begins. Mastin Kipp, founder of The Daily Love has been a very integral role in my growth over the past three years. I read The Daily Love every day and have found other positive thought seekers, participated in their workshops, read their books, and inevitably decided that a career in the personal development field was exactly where I needed and wanted to be. WELL, tomorrow, Mastin Kipp comes to DC for his "Enter the Heart" Tour AND I'll be joining the team to help make sure everything runs smoothly!

I feel so blessed that this opportunity falls just two days before I leave for Florida for my life coaching certification program. The timing couldn't be any more perfect and I couldn't be more excited for all the wonderful things that are on their way into my life! I am SO excited to meet and work with other like-minded people in Florida and can't even tell you how much I look forward to all the beautiful people that will be brought into my life to coach!

It's an added bonus that I'll be at the happiest place on Earth for my certification: Walt Disney World!!! Disney World used to be a place where I spent time with family and spent even more time with my former dance team family (for national dance championships) and now it gets to be the place where I begin the most meaningful journey of mine yet!

There are still a few tickets available for The Daily Love "Enter the Heart" tour! Let me know if you're attending the event here in Washington, D.C. because I would just LOVE to see/meet you! And here's a blurb about the event in case you have absolutely no idea what I'm talking about :) :

"In four concentrated hours of fun – we will go from your head to your heart. We will help you to feel connected to that part of you that literally always knows the right answer. And we will give you the tools of Kundalini Yoga and Heart Therapy to take with you after our time together, so that you can get dialed into your own inner wisdom in a matter of moments."

Check back soon and keep up with me on social media to see how all the self development fun is going!

Life is a Sunset || Now on Facebook!

@chelseasunset || Instagram!

@LifeisaSunset || Twitter!

Another Door Has Opened: My Next Journey

After moving to San Diego, I never became homesick. I missed my family, yes, very much so. But I settled into my new surroundings and remained excited about the adventure before me. I loved the palm trees, the perfectly blue skies, and the multitude of beaches and baysides where I could spend my afternoons.

San Diego is where I found myself. I moved here as a single twenty-something woman, ready to tackle what ever may be thrown my way. I checked so many things off my bucket list, especially the most important of all...

Finding my purpose.

But as time passed by, as the pages turned in my novel of life, my intuition became stronger and stronger. I took a trip home to the DC area in August for my dad's birthday, my niece's belated birthday celebration and because, well, I needed a break from the West Coast. While I was home, an overwhelming feeling came over me that I was unable to shake. It had a strong grip on my heart. It was the feeling of home, of belonging, of my future. And it was right there in front of me. In the brick houses that lined the cobblestone streets of Old Town, in the history of my family along those same streets, of the humid air that filled my lungs on a warm, August night. It was there and it overwhelmed my heart.

I returned home to San Diego. "Home." It was my new home, the life I had created for myself. But I started noticing all the cracks. The cracks that needed to be filled. The cracks that grew in length and depth. San Diego, like my East Coast hometown, wasn't perfect either. My life here presented many mental and emotional challenges to me that I'm sure I wouldn't have experienced had I never moved here alone. 

I always have believed that everything happens for a reason and that nothing is just a coincidence. However, it was once I really "started to do the work" (a phrase I use a lot) that synchronicities really started to show up and become apparent to me. Like novels often do, my life in San Diego started to take a few turns. Doors started to close. In yesterday's post, I mentioned  some synchronicities that started to occur and I knew I had to pay attention to them. In a matter of 24 hours, I received the closure I had been looking for in the love department, I told my landlord I was moving out and was going to move into a high-rise downtown (or so I thought at the time), and then, just a few hours later, my company conveniently told me they couldn't pay me any longer.

So, as I said yesterday, when I got home that evening, I hit my knees and said, "Alright, Universe... let's do this!" I truly had no idea what my next step should be. Twenty minutes later, my 3-week course with Gabby Bernstein on fearless living began, a class I had previously signed up for after feeling the prompt to do so. Talk about timing...

I knew not to be scared, not to panic, not to make any moves yet. Instead, I just needed to listen. This was the Universe re-organizing things in my life. I knew I had no control and to just trust the process and listen as the doors opened. I prayed every night to be led to what was right for me; where I was meant to go next.

I thought, I prayed, I read, I wrote, I continued on with Gabby's class where, during the second week, we did a meditation to expand into intuitive knowing. It was in the last minute or two of that meditation that I was completely overcome with joy and tears filled my eyes. I knew in my heart what I was supposed to do. I knew it was the path I was meant to take.

Now, let me backtrack. A few months prior, as I was spending a lot of introspective time getting to really know myself, my dreams, my passions... I finally found that one thing I bolded up above. My purpose. After all the jobs I didn't enjoy, all the career paths I almost went down, I finally realized what I was given the gifts and tools to do in this life.

For months, I kept asking myself "Why would the Universe give me this loss?" Not in a "Why me?" way but in a "What am I meant to do with this?" way. I knew and trusted that there had to be a reason I was given those trials in my life. Instead of turning outward to drugs, alcohol, food, etc. to help me out of those painful events, I turned inward. I wanted to live a happier life than I had ever lived before and thanks to an amazing counselor, the life wisdom of people like Mastin Kipp and spiritual junkies like Gabby Bernstein, I got myself into the best physical, mental, and spiritual shape I've ever been in.

My blog made some transitions that paralleled the changes in my life. I found my heart was pouring out with words and paragraphs and blog posts about life. About the trials. The lessons. The failures. The achievements. The pain. And the happiness. I put it all out there. And eventually, an email would pop up in my inbox. Followed by another and another. People reaching out for help, advice, support. They explained their stories to me and I felt the pain through their words, especially since so many of their situations sounded so similar to my own. I found myself sitting there for hours exchanging emails and it was in those hours that something ignited inside of me. One day, a few months ago, it finally hit me. All the workshops I had done, books I had read, blog posts I had written, prayers I had said... they all came together and I finally felt the light go off.

I was going to be a life coach.

So, now I can finally announce some of THE most special news I've ever had. In November, I will be starting my new journey as I earn my Life Coach certification. I already know that this is going to be the greatest year of my life as I learn, study, and start to do the one thing I feel most passionate about. In November, I am off to Florida where the first part of my program takes place. That part I have known about and planned for the past few months. However, it wasn't until the past month when all of these synchronicities started to occur that I knew where I was meant to live during this next journey. So, as my certification program continues, I will be working in... DC! :)

California has always had my heart. This was the place where I found myself and it will always be my second home. I am so sad to say goodbye to the places and the people who have played a role in helping me become who I am today. But, as I saw these synchronicities taking place and as certain doors were closing and others were opening, I knew I had accomplished what I needed to in San Diego. It was time. My purpose is calling and I have to honor it. So, this weekend, off to the East Coast I go to start yet another new life, finally, as the woman I am confident to now be!

Because of how much I love this blogging community, all the comments, emails, and tweets I have gotten that make MY day, I want to give back! So, this is where you come in! I am offering up TWO free life coaching sessions while I'll be in Florida. These sessions will be laid back, over the phone and last 45 minutes to an hour. I have one session on Saturday evening (Nov. 16th) and one on Monday night (Nov. 18th) These spots have already filled up BUT I will be accepting paid clients at the end of November!

I am so grateful for all the doors in my life. The doors of tragedy that go smashing shut and the doors of hope that open when you least expect them to. I encourage you to watch for and pay attention to the synchronicities that occur in your life. They're there for a reason. We all have our purpose here and it is truly one of the greatest feelings to know I have found mine. Finally.

Love and light to you all!

Chelsea :)

Soaking Up All That's Around Me

I know that many of you know that big changes are happening over here in my life. And, yes, I've been pretty quiet about what exactly those changes are. I'll finally be talking about the next phase of my life starting next week.

For now, I'm in total limbo.

My intuition won't shut up lately and while I'm so grateful for having the gift of strong intuition, it sure keeps me up at night and wraps my thoughts around and around like an endless vine.

Life is so bittersweet and melancholy all at the same time right about now.

But it reminds me about the precious gift of life. And how we never truly know when a day will be our last. So, for now, while I soak up all the wonderful things around me, I challenge you to view the things around you differently too.

Today, this Friday, is the last one of its kind for me. 

Wonderland.

As I move forward, I work on being the best woman, the best sister, the best daughter, the best friend, the best colleague, the best mentor, the best girlfriend that I can be. Period. I just want to be a light. 

I am beyond grateful for all the gifts and lessons that I've been given to this day. They've helped me get where I am. I know without a doubt that the people who have been placed in my life, even if just for a moment or two, were placed there for a reason. I'm grateful for the ones who broke my heart, hurt my feelings, and let me down because they made me even more grateful for the people who never did. For the jobs that made me realize what I hate doing and for the apartments that made me realize how much stronger I am than my fears, well, take that.

Life is to be lived. And I think it goes without saying that I have lived one hell of a life thus far and I can't wait to see what the future holds. A huge thank you today to my family, friends, and the ever-so-amazing Universe for never giving up on my never-ending dreams.

September Life Lately

If I'm being completely honest, I'm at a crossroads right now in life. A big one. Life in San Diego was developing, with its constant ebb and flow. One of the factors in my life continued getting worse and, as I briefly mentioned in my previous post, made me really uncomfortable time and time again. Well, as I'm sure many of you know, when you continue to allow something to be a part of your life that shouldn't be, the Universe is going to pull it right out from under you.

Was the timing ideal in my eyes? No. Is it ideal in the Universe's eyes? Of course. But now I'm stuck here trying to make sense of it all and trying to figure out what's next. I have a lot of little dots and one day I'll see how they all fit together.

In other news, I was little by little easing myself into the vegan lifestyle again and one day, just pulled the trigger and committed to it. The past month has been filled with raw veggies, fruits, and green smoothie goodness! And I must tell you, my body has never looked and felt so good! My skin is clear and has a natural glow! I have great energy and sleep like a rock! I feel full and satisfied after every meal.

Along with my vegan, plant-based lifestyle, I have been exercising about 5 times a week doing cardio and focusing on free weights. In less than a month, I have shed water weight, eliminated all bloating, and fat in my abdomen and back have been zapped and replaced with lean muscle! My arms are easily my most favorite thing to work on at the gym and have never been this toned! :) When life hits you with difficulties, take it all to the gym! I put Katy Perry's "Roar" on repeat and have at it. 

The time since I moved to San Diego has flown by. I feel like I have grown in so many ways. San Diego has challenged me. Moving here with no friends, family, or boyfriend/significant other really put me out of my comfort zone and forced me to be 100% independent. I'm grateful for that. But there are still many missing pieces to my puzzle and I trust that the Universe is doing what it must to get me to find the other pieces.

So, really, a lot of life lately is just up in the air. Which, if you know me, you know I'm not typically a "go with the flow" type of person. I like to have things planned. I like to know what I'm heading toward. For now, it's just one day at a time as I see how things unfold.

More Afraid Than I've Ever Been

Being afraid. When am I not afraid? I'm afraid of everything - thunderstorms, tornadoes, turbulence, spiders, loud noises. My fear of flying has slowly been conquered but the turbulence part will always give me white knuckles. Lately, I've been doing a lot of work on letting go of fear-based thoughts and limiting beliefs. In doing that, I've been made more aware of what exactly it is that I'm afraid of. I'm now better able to handle my fear and turn those thoughts around. However, there were some instances in life where fear completely consumed me and I'm about to tell you about the worst instance:

I stood in the hallway where there were a few couches and chairs because the dark, cramped up waiting room was too much to bear at that point. I texted my boss at work, keeping the office up-to-date. I saw countless tweets come through, strangers reaching out to me. I texted my best friends with updates. I sat down, stood up, leaned against the couch, and leaned on the shoulders of my family.

We all took turns. While some of us waited there at those couches, others went upstairs to visit. Then, my phone started to ring. It was my brother who was upstairs at the time while I waited. 

"We need you to come up here," he said.

"What's wrong?!" I asked in a panic.

"She keeps trying to tell us something but we don't know what she's saying and you're the only one who can understand her."

Before I could even hang up the phone in time, I rushed to the elevator, pushed the button, and ran into the room where I saw my brother, his fiancee, and my dad all distraught, in tears. I looked at my mom and back at my family, standing around her hospital bed. This wasn't good.

I took her hand as I knelt down close to her side.

"Mom? What are you trying to say?"

She was frustrated, exhausted, as she tried again to communicate with what little oxygen she had left.

She kept trying to tell us that my dad needed to go get something that was green. Something particular. Her words were muffled, twisted, and didn't make much sense.

It was at that moment that I started to see her go.

It was the first instance I could really see the life in her dissipate, rapidly.

With concerned eyes, I looked over at my brother who was at my mom's left side.

He looked at me, nodded, and said:

"It's time to say your goodbyes."

After that short moment that we shared, my mom said a few more things that I'll never forget. They were very spiritual moments for me. They were symbolic to me of her being ready to pass into the next life. I lost all control of my emotions. My heart sank deep into my chest and my knees buckled. It was happening. She was dying. Mere hours after receiving the prognosis.

Life stopped for me right there in those moments. Looking back, all I can see are flashes. I remember my mom telling us it was time to go. I remember walking back to the elevator with my brother and his fiancée. She wrapped her arms around me in the elevator as I cried the deepest cry my soul has felt. It was the moment of acceptance that my mom was really going to die soon. That I would soon be without a mother. That she was forever going to be gone from my life on Earth.

--

My mom lived for another twenty-four hours, enough time for her brother to fly in and for her best friends to visit to say their goodbyes. Enough time for her to tell me one last time,

"I love you."

#DreamDay

I have a dream that...

We will live in a world of love, no matter your skin color or who you love.

Every person will have the freedom and opportunities to find their purpose and live it.

A cure for cancer and AIDS will be found.

Animal abuse of all kinds will end.

Every child will feel safe in the presence of strangers and in the arms of family.

Our planet - its air, water, and land will be cared for and kept clean.

Peace will be found.

Living today in honor of Martin Luther King, Jr.

For his March on Washington.

For his courage, strength, and example.

For his dream.

What do you dream?

August Gratitude

August is halfway over and I've blogged four times [not including today!] Life has been busy, yes, but instead of forcing myself to stay up late every night to make sure a blog gets posted each weekday, I've just been stopping to observe life instead. If I'm tired, I go to bed early. If I don't feel like writing, I don't. As simple as that sounds, I think more often than not, it can be a struggle for many of us.

Through my stopping and observing this month, I was feeling gratitude in the least expected of moments. You know, that deep, out-of-this-world feeling in your heart that comes out of nowhere. The one that makes you hum while you walk through the store. Or makes you just want to hold the door open for everyone, or let every car over in front of you no matter how much longer it will make your trip. Here are some of those moments of gratitude:

+ For the ocean in front of my own eyes. Everyday.

+ For the people who wave when I pull over in my neighborhood so they can pass me and for the people who pull over so I can get by. [The streets here are pretty narrow.]

+ For the memories I have of my mom and for how strongly I felt those memories and moments this week.

+ For the freedom I have to work toward my dreams.

+ For a wonderful family I get to see in 5 days.

+ For the love of people who've known me and loved me through my many stages and phases of life.

+ For the smell of eucalyptus mint.

+ For the vitality I feel from the raw foods I've been eating.

+ For the tenderness in my shoulders as new muscles develop.

+ For the chance I have each morning to make that day better than the last.

+ For the view as I drive over the 8 and look out at the sun setting over the valley with all the palm trees and the ocean out in the distance.

--

And that's just this week :)

As Friday wraps up, I'm preparing to leave for Las Vegas and less than 12 hours after arriving back in SD, off to DC I fly! Life is about to get even busier but I have a feeling that might mean more opportunities for gratitude!

What are you grateful for this week?