Blogging/Life Update

Whoa! It has certainly been a while! I'm just stopping in for a little update and to let you all know where I've been blogging, in case you didn't see the previous update. I've been putting my heart and soul into coaching and creating new packages that will help you and others start living life full out.

The majority of my time will be spent on my website, chelseadinen.com [and then click on the 'blog' link on the menu] so please go find me on Bloglovin' now so that you can follow along with all of my new posts. 

If you've been reading Life is a Sunset for a while, then you know all the ups and downs I've been through in the past three years. Between the end of a very serious relationship, the sudden death of my mom, and three cross-country moves, life hit pretty hard and changed the way I see and do everything.

Over time, my inbox has been flooded with emails from women in emotionally/mentally/physically abusive relationships who want to get out and seek guidance. I have also received a ton of emails about my Single Girls' Guide to Moving Cross Country from other totally awesome and courageous girls who are ready to hit the road and need a couple extra pointers and some added reassurance that what they're doing will be the greatest decision of their life! Lastly, I was touched by countless emails from other people who had lost a parent and were seeking support.

As I would sit, reading these emails, getting to know these beautiful souls, connecting with them through email and eventually through other forms of social media, I knew this is what I needed and wanted to do for life. There's something especially powerful about connecting with people on their journey forward. Their journey into wholeness, fulfillment, bliss, self-awareness, and purpose that just makes you come even more alive.

So, if working with someone to help you achieve your biggest dreams, or to find out your purpose, work on letting go, stop caring what everyone else things and instead define what YOU really want, etc. is something that's been on your mind, I invite you to head on over to my services page to check out all the different coaching packages I offer. I'm offering email coaching for a limited time too so be sure to jump on that!

The reason I coach is because I know all the sh*t life can hand us. I've been there. Multiple times. But I figured out how to turn every single one of those dark days into something so much bigger. I learned how to live on purpose. I learned what it meant to feel blissfully alive while living in alignment with my truth. And I want to be able to share that wisdom with others.

Head on over to chelseadinen.com and shoot me a quick email [ hello@chelseadinen.com ] to let me know what life looks like for you right now. What hang ups are you having? What are you overcoming? And also let me know if you want to work together! Much love to all of you and thank you so much for your continued support!

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So What IS a Life Coach?

When I talk to people about what I do, I often get the question: "So, what IS a life coach?" Let me start off first by telling you what a life coach is not.

A life coach is not a therapist.

Or a psychiatrist.

Or a parent.

As a life coach, I hold a sacred space for you. A place where there is no judgment, no critique, no worry that you're not doing something "right." The truth is, there is no "right" or "wrong" way, as long as you're doing what best serves you. As your coach, I help you dig deeper into who you are, who you were created to be, how to live a life in harmony with all the wonderful gifts and talents that were given to you. I help you break away from all the fears and limiting beliefs that have been programmed into all of us and make radical shifts toward a life of deep, true, unending fulfillment.

Our sessions together are relaxing, fluid, and deeply connected. It's a place for us to meet, by telephone, a few times a month to check in, check-up, reconnect with your true self, and make forward movement along this journey of life. After most sessions, you'll leave with an inquiry or commitment. This could be reading a few pages of a book that I think will really blow your mind, writing that chapter of your book you've been putting off, or maybe even ripping up your to-list (for all of my fellow over-doers out there :) It'll be something regarding what ever it is we're talking about during that session that will get you moving closer toward that goal.

The process of working with a life coach is truly life-changing. I can say that because I've had my life changed by my own coach! It's a meaningful, intimate, unique relationship. And there just aren't many better feelings than seeing your life change before your eyes! Even better than that... you feel the change. You feel it within your soul.

Through our time together, I'll remind you of your truth. The beautiful truth of who you are. I'll help bring you back in tune and in sync with your true self along with your gifts, talents, and life purpose. I'll help you cut the crap, release what is toxic, break through the blocks, and truly start living life full out.

If you've been thinking of working with a life coach, if you've been feeling the push, feeling the pull within your soul -- now is the time to act. I am here to help you blow your own damn mind, my friend. I've stumbled, fallen, gotten back up, fallen harder, and been at points of almost giving up for good. But here I am today. Happier, more fulfilled, and conquering all of my wildest dreams. I've seen a lot of life already. A lot of tragedies but also a lot of successes. And I want other people, like you, to know the abundance that this life holds for you. Don't settle. Don't settle for a career, a relationship, a city, a friendship, don't settle for anything. Value your dreams. Challenge yourself… everyday.

Take the initiative now to never settle for living a mediocre life. Get out of your comfort zone. Do the work today. Make the choice to stop avoiding your "shit" and instead, deal with it. Face up to it. There are so many wonderful, beautiful ways we can live an even more fulfilling life than we are today. What are you waiting for?

I am currently accepting a few more clients to work with! Send me an email today and let's not waste another precious day. Let's work together!

Shoot me an email at hello@chelseadinen.com or pop on over to my website chelseadinen.com if you want to explore further. You can check out my different coaching packages here. I am so ecstatic for those of you who are feeling that push. It's scary as hell, I know, but the tools you'll gain from our sessions will propel you into deep fulfillment for years to come. Imagine how empowering it's going to feel to one day look back and see how far you've come!

I believe in you. Stop putting yourself on the back burner. You've got this!

Let me know if you have any questions and I'll talk to you soon!

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Photography by J. Poling

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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My Life Coaching Launch!

When you find your true passion and purpose in life, it becomes something that radiates through you everyday as you wake up and each night as you shut your eyes. You feel a constant flow of vibrant energy move through your body and life makes a whole lot more sense. 

I'm here today to share something that's very near and dear to my heart. Something I've been planning for and working toward and praying about for days and weeks and months. I've learned that life is too short to keep waiting for "the perfect moment." There's no such thing. The time is now. If you believe in something and you're passionate about it, your heart and soul know the answer. They'll guide you. And as long as you listen, you can't go wrong.

Today is the day. I am officially launching my life coaching services online! I couldn't be more excited to not only share my passion with the world, but to be able to connect with all the beautiful souls that are out there.

For some of you reading this, you might be feeling that pull right now. The pull toward something bigger. Something different. Something that excites your soul and ignites your spirit.

I'd love to join forces with you to explore that pull that you're feeling. To find your purpose. To find yourself. To conquer your fears. To make your dreams a reality. To leave relationships/friendships that no longer serve you. To re-learn to love yourself. To start living life full out.

Join me over on my life coaching website to learn more about me, my coaching approach, and all the details on how to get started. I am so excited to connect with you! This life is so precious, there is so much we can be doing everyday to change our perspective and live an even fuller life, and I would be honored to lift, support, and give you that extra "you can do it!" along the way.

Also, I would LOVE for you to follow along on my Facebook page (and Twitter and Instagram if we're not already friends there!) If anything I post resonates with you (or if you think it may resonate with someone you know) I will be super appreciative if you spread the word! I am so grateful for the love and support I've received in these past months on my journey from you all. I look forward now to being a part of YOUR journey :)

xo,
Chelsea

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 ;)

Life Update: Onto State Number Four

Oh, hello. Forget about me? This is for sure the longest I've gone without consistently blogging. And this is the obligatory post where I update you/tell you what I've been up to while I have clearly not been blogging.

The biggest update is: I'm moving (as I mentioned in my last post over a week ago.)

What's even better is that I'm moving to (yet) another state! Moving from state-to-state is one of my favorite things to do, didn't ya know?! You're not going to believe me when I say that this time, I'm not moving across the United States as I've done every-flipping-other-time. Nope, I'm moving one state away!

[the best scene from Wedding Crashers]
And here's a little back-tracking for those of you who can't keep up with me. It happens. I forgive you. I moved to San Diego last year and then moved back to the East Coast in November where I did some hopping around for my life coaching business purposes. Yes, I moved all the way out to California with the intention of staying there forever. BUT, once I decided to start life coaching, and found THE most perfect certification program to become a part of (that is based out of Orlando, FL) I realized that the Universe was taking me on a different path!

So, back to the East Coast I went, dropped Stella off at my dad's in Northern VA, and ventured to Florida where I met my beautiful Orlando life coaching family. You can read a little about that lovely time of mine here. Class and coaching continue now from afar (gotta love technology, right?) so I was able to spend some time in NY/NJ before starting work in the DC area (Maryland, to be exact.)

As some of you may know by now, I have a love/hate relationship with my home state of Virginia (I almost typed "my home state of Northern Virginia" because, well, Northern VA is not Virginia ;) So, deep down, I knew settling down in Virginia just was not going to happen. Through work and new friends and a whole lot of real estate research, I decided on moving to a lovely up-and-coming city just 5 miles from D.C.

Apparently it's like a "thing" that if you're from Virginia, you don't cross the river and move into MD and if you're from Maryland, you don't cross the river and move into VA. State rivalry, I suppose. Welp, I tend to march to the beat of my own drum and have fallen in love with Maryland! So, I'm doing it!

I'll finally be moving into a hi-rise like I've dreamt of! I'll have Metro one block away, shops, town centers, (Trader Joe's AND Whole Foods) parks, restaurants, you name it, bam... right there! I'll have a new city (and state!) to explore, and a new place to make my own and call home!

So, this is where my energy has been focused lately. In buying new furniture and decor to make my place as "me" as possible! To getting all furniture ordered, deliveries set-up, and move-in arrangements made. I'll try to write periodically and, eventually, once everything is ready to go, I might do a home tour :) Here's to change, new opportunities, and moving to new states! Oh, and maybe some new shoes? ;)

[ShoesbyKat on Etsy!]

I've always been a sucker for that Maryland flag. I'm 100% ready to become a Marylander! Get ready for posts about my new journey, places I find and love, and some awesome Maryland traditions. Also, Marylanders, what are your recommendations for me? What are some must-sees and must-dos? :)

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

Oh, my. Do I have a special treat for you today or what? A fellow life coach sent me a link this morning that I just had to pass along. As we near the end of the year and the beginning of a new one, many of us start reflecting back on this year, making goals, and perhaps "resolutions." Well, I invite you to dig a little deeper.

Below, I am going to list 25 questions from this awesome article. Find some time where you can be alone to really open up your heart and be honest about your 2013 in review. Sit with these questions and let the answers come to you organically, as they help guide you toward your truest, most fulfilling year yet.

1. What am I most proud of this year?
2. How can I become a better _____________?
3. Where am I feeling stuck?
4. Where do I need to allow myself grace?
5. Am I passionate about my career?
6. What lessons have I learned?
7. What did my finances look like?
8. How did I spend my free time?
9. How well did I take care of my body, mind, and soul?
10. How have I been open-minded?
11. When did I feel most creatively inspired?
12. What projects have I completed?
13. How have I procrastinated?
14. In what ways can I re-structure my time?
15. How have I allowed fear of failure to hold me back?
16. Where has self-doubt taken over?
17. When have I felt the most alive?
18. How have I taught others to respect me?
19. How can I improve my relationships?
20. Have I been unfair to anyone?
21. Who do I need to forgive? (feel free to be vague in your actual post answer)
22. Where is it time to let go?
23. What old habits would I like to release?
24. What new habits would I like to cultivate?
25. How can I be kind to myself?

And now, for the best part! I invite you to blog your answers. Or, if you don't blog, journal them! Write them down somewhere, not only to hold yourself accountable, but so that you can reflect back on your answers throughout 2014!

Come back here starting on Monday and link up if you would like! 

Monday - Questions 1-10

Tuesday - Questions 11-20
And Wednesday, wrap it up with Questions 21-25 and any additional thoughts you had during the process!

So, my friends, get centered, get focused, and begin this journey into the BEST year of your life. If you link up, I just ask that you either link back to me in your post or use the button below :) Good luck and I can't wait to read what's on your heart!

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It's Time to Re-center

I haven't done much writing lately. Writing, one of my deepest passions, and I've left it last on my list (or left it off entirely) lately. I'm busy, yes. Trying to manage working during the day with class at night along with coaching calls in the evenings. I've been half-assing my social life, trying to figure out if there is any other time to go to the gym other than at 4:30 in the morning, and my health is now suffering because of it.

I'm seeing a pattern here.

I get a ton on my plate (Let's be honest. When do we ever not have a ton on our plates?) But I let it get a hold on me.

The things that are most important to me get put on the back burner while the must-dos take first priority because of commitments to other people, meetings at work, etc.

And I know that's b/s.

One of the first things we talked about the day after I arrived in Florida for my certification program was that taking care of ourselves should always, always be our number one priority. And I think that goes for all people, not just us life coaches. 

The example of the oxygen masks dropping down on a plane was mentioned. We are always told to place the mask on ourselves first before helping someone else. You'd think it was common sense but how many times do we let ourselves down because of an obligation with someone else, or to meet a work deadline or because other little events pop their way into our day-to-day life?

I want to re-center myself this week and I invite you to as well.

Breathe. Relax. Write. And remember to be present.

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.

:)

The Daily Love

Just two days before I left for Florida, I had the priceless opportunity to help out at The Daily Love Enter the Heart Tour. I'm still pretty amazed that the tour date fell right on the perfect date, at a time when I was gearing up for the official beginning of my own journey as a life coach.

I've talked about it many times before here but I've been reading The Daily Love emails each day for over two years now. Mastin Kipp is the author and founder of TDL and I found him just a few months before the two hardest trials of my life. Through his emails in my inbox daily, I started seeing how I could turn those trials into something positive, and because of that, through a whole lot of work and personal growth, I turned my life into being greater than it had ever been before.

I decided it was time to make my dreams a reality. I moved to San Diego. I found my true self. And most importantly, I found my purpose and my decision to become a professional life coach has been the most rewarding decision yet.

Life has truly been beautiful and Mastin has been a huge light over these years, guiding me there through his insightful, eye-opening, inspirational real-life emails. (If you're not already a Daily Lover, go on over here to sign up today! Who knows? Maybe your life will be changed too!)

So, on a brisk Wednesday afternoon, I headed to a brick building on O Street to help set up for a night of Kundalini Yoga and some powerful awakening and empowerment led by Mastin himself through his Kipp Heart Therapy that he introduced to us. The studio with the sun beaming down onto the old, hardwood floors set a beautiful scene for what was about to become a studio filled with positive vibes and incredible people.

There were massage lines going on, a whole lot of yoga, Love Grace came all the way from NYC to share their absolutely amazing raw, organic, cold-pressed juice with us (their Probiotic Smoothie is one of my favorites!), and of course… Mastin wowed us with his wisdom. There were so many truly powerful and touching moments as we opened up to each other and most importantly, to ourselves.

The world is a beautiful place filled with beautiful people. Now, here were some of my biggest take-aways:

"Fear is a biological reaction to uncertainty." Boom.

"Don't make a circumstance your identity." Boom.

And so much more… perhaps this deserves a separate post?

Mastin, you're the man. Thank you for all that you're doing. I'm so grateful that I had the opportunity to help out, hang out and chat (even if he's got jokes about our height difference :) It was a stellar night!

Here's to never giving up on your dreams, to us all being a drop of the Divine, serving others, and always listening to your heart!

I am so grateful for the path my life has taken and the wonderful surprises like this one that happen so perfectly. And I'm even more grateful that I now get to work in this beautiful field of self development, to guide others to live their own purpose and find peace, bliss, and love!

Shoot me an email if you're ready to make some awesome shifts to live your truest, happiest life! I'd love to be your life coach! chelsea.lifeisasunset@gmail.com

The Greatest Experience of My Life

Throughout life, I sought happiness, bliss, and a life of peace and love at the deepest level. And I have the tools now to have all of those things. To live a full and kickass life.

This past week has been the greatest experience of my life.

Last night, I sat around a restaurant table, surrounded by the people who have become my home here in Florida. Home is a word with deep, rich meaning to me and I do not use it lightly. But being there in that moment with these people that I have come to know and grow intimately with from a heart and soul level, sharing experiences, acknowledging one another for honoring our truth and for honoring our callings here on Earth, it was something that touched me deeply.

It's a very enriching experience to work among other life coaches as we do the work not only with each other and with others, but we do the work for ourselves. There were moments of clarity, moments of intense breakthroughs, moments of some of the deepest spiritual connections I have ever witnessed, and moments of pure bliss. Yes, bliss.

Through the coaching that I've been doing here, I have received the joy and peace that come with living your purpose. 

I have truthfully never been in such a deep level of gratitude, awareness, and being.

It all makes sense now. Everything.

This is what it means to be awakened. This is what it means to come alive.

Using Fear as a Compass

On Friday, I wrote something that I want to share with you today. I choose today to share it with you because of its significance to me and the growth I have already experienced since then and can't wait to share with you:

I sit here in Orlando, eagerly awaiting tomorrow. Tomorrow is officially the day that I begin my new life coaching journey. I'm nervous. I'm curious. I'm enthralled. I'm antsy. I'm ready. I feel like I'm at such an important part of my life. I'm finally understanding my purpose, my passion. I'm in the best physical, mental, and emotional shape that I've been in in my whole life.

But I have to be honest, in the days and hours leading up to leaving for Florida, there was a sense of anxiety within me. It was really hard to explain and to put into words but it was there and it sat with me until I had my feet in Orlando. So, I started thinking about that feeling. What it was, where it was coming from. And that's when I made the connection to something we talked about on Wednesday, when I helped out at The Daily Love event (which I can't wait to write about!!)

Mastin Kipp (from The Daily Love) says:

Boom. The anxiety/fear I was experiencing was there as a compass. They say if your dreams don't scare you, they're not big enough and that's exactly what this was. When you have a dream so big and then one day, there it is, staring you right in the eyes, giving you the go-ahead, you're going to have a minor (or major!) freak-out.

It was once I arrived in Orlando, drove around, got accustomed to my new surroundings, and took a deep breath and smiled… that's when I could explain those feelings I had earlier. At the beginning of every new life journey, as we open the door and look back at our old life and into the new one, there will be a few moments right there in between. They're not moments of hesitation or moments of doubt. No, not at all. They're the moments we realize we're defying the odds, or, as Disney would say, "It's kind of fun to do the impossible."

Blow your own mind. Excel higher than the goals you set for yourself. Show that fear/uncertainty/anxiety that you have, who's boss. If you told me ten years ago, or shoot, even five years ago, that I'd be here now, beginning my journey and living my purpose as a life coach, I wouldn't have believed you. So, believe in yourself. What ever your heart is calling you to do, do it. And when you get to that space between the two doors, keep going. 

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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!

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Thoughts on Waiting

I used to be this way all the time. Whether it was Friday I was waiting on, or Summer, or happiness… I was always waiting instead of enjoying what already was. As I've gotten older, I've learned to appreciate more of the little things in each day. This helps me appreciate Mondays or even cold, windy days in the middle of March.

And it sure has made me realize how much happiness is truly around us. All we have to do is choose happiness.

While my "waiting" isn't nearly as severe as it used to be, I'm still guilty now of waiting until things are "perfect." My perfectionism gets the best of me during the times when I get overly-particular about one thing or another. But I've been making conscious decisions now to change that thought process when I feel it coming on.

I've also been reading a wonderful book by Arielle Ford that says to "savor the waiting." I keep that little piece of awesome wisdom not too far back in my mind and I've noticed a tremendous difference. If I'm waiting at a stoplight that's taking longer than normal, I glance up a the beautiful colors of the Fall trees here on the East Coast. If you're waiting for that perfect ______ (fill in the blank: business opportunity, relationship, number on the scale) remind yourself that you truly live a good life right now, and give it up to the Universe. And, while you wait… savor every moment. Enjoy that time by doing something else that will lift you higher. Remind yourself that when that thing does arrive, the time will have been so worth it and you will have learned so much.

And it's then that you'll realize happiness is one thing you'll never have to wait for. Just choose to be happy today, and everyday :)

Happy Friday, friends :)

What I Do to Get out of a Funk

I tend to be pretty hard on myself and, believe it or not, I often find that I can be my own worst enemy. If I do something or don't do something and end up disappointed in myself or expecting better results from something I did, I get into a real funk. And I am not the type of person to just "snap out of it." However, over time, I've figured out a couple different things that turn my bad days right around:

1. Decide that life is too short.
     As soon as you remind yourself of this, it's a lot easier to get out of that darn funk. You're having a bad day. Tomorrow will be better. Remind yourself of how small this matter really is in the grand scheme of things.

2. Get some fresh air.
     It's a proven fact: Sunshine makes us happy. Go get some Vitamin D whether you go for a jog, walk, or drive. A little breeze through that pretty hair of yours will make you feel better.

3. Be kind to others.
     This is the one that really helps me the most. A gesture as small as holding the door open, letting a car (or three!) go ahead of you, or complimenting a complete stranger. Make a difference in someone's day and I assure you, it will make a difference in yours!

4. Create a gratitude list.
     Take 5 minutes and write down 5 things you're grateful for. This will help refocus your thoughts on the good!

5. Be inspired.
     The final thing I do, is read, watch, or listen to uplifting words. I usually turn to The Daily Love or watch one of Gabby Bernstein's spiritually empowering videos. Surrounding yourself with positivity will surely zap that negativity away.

So, there you have it! 5 things to try next time you find yourself in that less-than-pleasant funk. What are your go-to ways to snap back into positivity?

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 :)