Articles Tagged with: Gabrielle Bernstein
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December 10, 2015
Sparkle & Shine Darling!

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Myself, Mrs. Adrienne Bosh, Chris Bosh and my husband

and Chic Sketch business partner Jordan Edelson!

Well hello lovelies, it’s been a hot minute

but so much has been going on that I need to catch you up on!

Earlier last month I had the most amazing opportunity to do live Fashion Sketches with my company Chic Sketch for the one and only Mrs. Adrienne Bosh at the launch of her new and extremely sparkly Miami boutique “Sparkle & Shine Darling”.

We met Adrienne during the Forbes 30 Under 30 event in October and had a mutual friend that wanted us to meet – suddenly we were speaking about illustrations and her glam 5-day grand opening launch parties (with an invite list that read like a Who’s Who of Miami’s chicest ladies).

I think hands down this was one of my favorite brands – and female Entrepreneurs, to work with.  Everything in the store screamed #GirlBoss and I basically wanted to move in. And oh that glitter floor.

SPARKLE AND SHINE
Adrienne and her team are so sweet and amazing to work with. If you are in the Miami area – I highly suggest you go in and get a tour by one of her personal Sparkle Consultants.  This is the perfect spot to do some major gift shopping for yourself, a friend, your home or some little ones. I’m dubbing it the “Sparkly gold-and-pink Miami version of Henri Bendel’s” (my other favorite store on the planet). Click here for website!

How many times have you thought to yourself: Where can I go for some shopping, champs, macaroons and to host my next get together with my besties. Um, here. Thanks Adrienne. (Dying).

Although at first glance the pink and glittery vibe can be perceived on the surface as purely light hearted and sweet, there is a whole deeper meaning to this empowered and inspired movement that showcases women’s strength, power and substance and of course this makes us love Adrienne even more.

The fab mamma Bosh not only launched this new store while pregnant with twins, she also engages in some major charity work with her hubs, Miami Heat co-captain and forward Chris Bosh. Their organization Team Tomorrow Inc. helps fund raise for numerous Miami organizations and charities supporting children and families who are less fortunate.  Check out her feature here on Charity Buzz.  On top of this Adrienne has launched a viral social media campaign called “Today I Can” encouraging women and mothers to reach their dreams one day at a time.  All in a day’s work for Adrienne; let’s say we’re impressed!

Thanks so much Adrienne for all of the inspiration you bring to the table, to your store and to your community.  We are all now much more sparkly on the inside and outside.  That’s what it’s all about.

Check out some photos of the week long event:


Me sketching Chris and Adrienne!


Sports Reporter Donovan Campbell and Jessica Campbell of JessicaCampbellEvents.com


Fashion Blogger Jamie Cittadino of SunflowersandStilettos.com & my friend from High School


Couldn’t leave with out some prezzies for myself!

Check out Sparkleandshinedarling.com for a peek into her store!

GIRLCODE
Lastly, as fate would have it I was drawn to this Instagram post by my neighbor @SheWinks , a fab lash studio in my building. The post was for the book signing of GIRLCODE by The Champagne Diet’s Cara Alwill Leyba.  The insta image was about female entrepreneurs, there was gold, there was black, there was champagne and lashes and it was just an elevator ride away – I had to go.

I went, got the book, spoke to Cara and remembered that my mom, another female entrepreneur, was following her blog for years. Low and behold, the fab duo Julie and Ramona of She Winks, as well as Adrienne Bosh of Sparkle and Shine Darling were both interviewed in Cara’s book Girl Code. – a must read btw. (Insert serendipity music here).

“When love feels like magic, it is called destiny; when destiny has a sense of humor, it is serendipity.” – a quote from Serendipity the movie.

A SPARKLY CHAMPAGNE-FILLED SUPPORT SYSTEM
So, being a female entrepreneur is not a sparkly walk in the park, it’s hard and we definitely need our support system of like minded women. Especially ones who also enjoy the glitter, the fashion and who dream of a “Luxe Life”, like Cara talks about in her book.

I think it’s extremely refreshing to meet not only successful #Bossbabes but also to meet ones who have just as big a vision as me, and also who love fashion, want to indulge in designer items, do good, inspire others and live a life beyond our wildest dreams.

Gabrielle Bernstein is my mentor who promotes living your live to the fullest and achieving your wildest dreams, not feeling guilty for the pleasures you seek, not feeling ashamed or unworthy and mentally cutting the cord with those naysayers and haters. In a society where we are sometimes taught to be self-effacing – these were new ideas I had to get used to.

The girls in Gabby’s groups are also in love with fashion and want it all but seeing these women at Cara’s book signing decked in Chanel and loubs took it all to another level. It made my heart sing because until that point, it was just a theory that these women existed, are not catty and want to support other women.  I know we all have some jealous frienemies out there and to meet women who dress themselves up on the outside, and also dress themselves up on the inside is where it’s at and some place I feel like I belong.

Thank you to all of you. I really feel not alone and it has allowed me to dream even bigger and not to feel ashamed for wanting fashion and appreciating the finer things in life.

We are all entitled to live our highest truths and if you are put on this earth and whether you love fashion, travel, food or culture – Gabby, Cara and the metaphysical text “A Course in Miracles” as well as The Universe and all your fans up there WANT YOU TO HAVE ALL THAT YOU DESIRE, the FINANCIAL MEANS to do this, and the confidence to ACCEPT THESE GIFTS INTO YOUR LIFE and be GRATEFUL FOR THEM!

If you were taught to think small, like there is not enough to go around or that if you want these things you are being selfish – let go of those beliefs right now because YOU are creating your own boundaries.

“Whether you think you can, or you think you can’t–you’re right.”
― Henry Ford

Start thinking you can right this instant!

This is my journey to live MY truth and to do amazing things, as well as inspire lives along the way to LIVE THEIR VISION of their best life. Join me.

Hope that inspires you!
Xoxo
Emily

Follow me on Instagram & Snapchat @EmilyBrickel

October 2, 2014
Take your POWER back!

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Illustration of the New Mrs. Clooney in Giambattista Valli and Stella McCartney

This week I have been utterly captivated by the woman of the moment, the new Mrs. Clooney – or shall I say Mrs. Amal Alamuddin Clooney.
She has captured the world’s eye with her style and grace in her recent wedding weekend, becoming a modern day princess by marrying one of Hollywood Royalty’s most sought after and elusive bachelors of all time.

However, she has captured the hearts and respect of women worldwide, not because she has “snagged a man” but because of her noteworthy pedigree and brains to boot.

Amal has stolen the spotlight from America’s most famous eligible bachelor, a dangerously handsome man and major A list celebrity – without any effort at all.  In every photo of her, it seems as if he is merely in the background, almost invisible as the world stares – jaws ajar – at her fashion, poise, effortless glamor and beauty.  That says a lot.

As women, we often give our power away, consciously or unconsciously.

In the happenstance of being engaged to and marrying a major public figure (or even a large personality) it’s so easy to become JUST the “wife”,  arm candy, a mere trophy.  As women we get caught up in the social norms of our society and accept, more often than not to support our man, and sometimes to take a backseat.

Of course it is an amazing thing to care for your man, your family and keep it together but I commend a woman who stays on her game and keeps the world on it’s toes.

I think sometimes we get caught up in it all and just fit in to the shoes we are expected to fill, because it is accepted, anticipated and a well-paved path that comfy shoes are meant to walk.

However, women – I say to you:

  • Remember to believe in yourself whole heartedly,
  • Never give up on the dreams that you have,
  • Stand tall in your ornate sky high stilettos,
  • Walk down the path less traveled,
  • Lead with your brain – not your boobs
  • Show your daughters HOW to live their dreams by living yours,
  • Lead by example.

Hands up to you ladies who are walking their talk.  Keep walkin’ and keep showin’ um how it’s done!

Recite to yourself:

“Today I welcome infinite possibilities with open arms. I accept the support of the universe. I know that creative abundance is available to me now. I expect Miracles.” – Gabrielle Bernstein.

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Hope that inspires you!  Like WOAH.
xoxo
Emily

Like my stuff? Please FAVORITE my Etsy Shop at:
https://www.etsy.com/shop/EmilyBrickel

Follow me on Instagram @EmilyBrickel and my new account for all things fashion illustration @EmilyBrickelillustration

September 25, 2014
Custom making your dreams!

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Illustration from London Fashion week Tom Ford – Backstage!

Available on etsy in the next few days!

You have NO idea how excited I am!!!!
I am practically bouncing off my chair and I can’t contain myself.
I just went to meet with my sample makers today to check on my wedding dress and it is looking AMAZZINGGGGGGG. Dreams come to life, paper drawings coming to fruition. It is the thing I LIVE for – being a fashion designer – and I am so excited that I get to be blessed enough to go through this process again, this time with MY wedding dress.  It is even more spectacular then I could imagine and I am SO EXCITED!!!

I feel so free.  That’s what happens when you feel like your dreams are unfolding just the way they are supposed to be. It’s pretty crazy and it feels great.  You no longer have to push, you just show up.

The only way I can describe it is the difference between waiting for happiness and feeling like “you will just be happy ONCE this happens, WHEN xyz, AFTER you get this and that in order, ONCE you make the money, WHEN you have the man, AFTER you have that purse, etc…..”

…and feeling like “everything is happening exactly as it is supposed to and I am so extremely happy and grateful to be right here right now, and I trust the process. I know that I am shooting for the stars and I know I’ll get there and right now I’m enjoying every step of the journey.”

My mentor says it best “Those who are certain of the outcome can afford to wait, and wait without anxiety.” – ACIM.

Well I’ve been waiting!

If there is something you are waiting for that you know in your heart of hearts is your deepest desire : TRUST that the Universe will conspire to move mountains to make your dream happen.  Not because it is magic, but because it’s your JOB to share your gift with the world – and if you are NOT sharing your gift with the world, then you are doing it and everyone around you a MAJOR disservice!!!!

“Live your dream in your heart and let the Universe move everything to bring your dream to you. Feel your dream, feel the presence of the Universe inside you, KNOW that the Universe is guiding you, and then allow the Universe to realize your dream!” – The Secret.

I know this may sound crazy if you don’t already believe what I’m saying but try it for yourself.
Something like this always reminds me of what my mom used to tell me when I was younger and wishing my dream would come true (wishing for this my whole life)….  She said “All overnight successes are 10 years in the making”.

And it’s true. Not that by any means I have achieved all of my dreams as of today but I have achieved so much and I KNOW that my lifelong dream of being a fashion designer is something that I am living now, even if it’s on the small scale – that means the world to me. And one day I know that I will live it on the large scale, because that is what I have always seen for myself.

When the road was covered in an uncertain fog and I could no longer see 5 feet in front of me, it was scary, and depressing and disheartening.
Walking through the uncertain fog was even scarier, continuing to take baby steps even though I had lost my way was extremely hard and I felt like giving up, turning around and curling into a cocoon so many days BUT, the fog has lifted my dears. I can see my dream again and even though I don’t know where the road will take me, I know that from past experience if you hold tight to your dreams and never let go, the fog will pass and you too will be on your way – slowly but surely to living a life beyond your wildest dreams.  It can happen. All you need is faith.

Here is a sneak peak of me draping my wedding gown, the first major milestone in the process of designing and making my dress – one of the most EXCITING things in my life to date.   I am so excited, and I’m so excited for YOU to be with you on your journey to living a life of your dreams!

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Hope that inspires you!
xoxo
Emily

P.S. Check out my new branding on my websites:

And check out my first fashion line at 
www.RockHardAtelier.com
May 22, 2014
What would you do if I could give you complete freedom from fear, worry and stress?

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Illustration of my friend Mila Babrikova in Vieques

What would you do if you knew you that you were guided, if you knew that everything would work out for you in the long run, if you knew you were the best in the world at what you do?

How would you act? What would you do differently?

What if you knew some of the answers that you have been searching for? What if you saw over the horizon and could see that everything would be ok.

What if you finally found out that you would end up far down the road on path that you wanted to take, at your destination?

Well – you will. You are.

Now breathe.  Having an answer, checking off something on your milestone list that you know will get you to XYZ – will do that for you.

Life is meant to be uncertain – as you travel down the road on your day-to-day life.   oH HowevHowever,
your destination IS certain.  It is determined by your actions right now.

Use your intuition and it will guide you all the way through.
Believe in your heart that you know the answers already, right now.

It’s so funny – I have been gluten free for years. It started with me having stomach issues for years and seeing doctor after doctor, test after test, nutritionists, specialists and obsessing over what was wrong with me (because it’s not normal to feel sick every single day). Finally after researching a bunch I did an elimination diet and to the credit of my intuition I felt so much better when I cut gluten out for good (and now dairy as my food allergies seem to increased – ug!)

Anyway – I recently had a major bad reaction to something with hidden gluten in it – a lot of hidden gluten and I was sick for the last 2 weeks with some days that I could just manage to get myself out of the apartment and keep some of my commitments.

I finally got tested for Celiac disease – again, after many years of undeveloped technology, not enough research or even enough knowledge of Celiac’s or gluten allergies by the top doctors and specialists.

This time I got my answer.  I got tested for the Celiac “gene” which I had no idea even existed but now I know that I do have.   Years of obsessing – thinking I am a hypochondriac – thinking every single thing is wrong with me and now finally knowing – is the craziest feeling.  It’s like the bricks I have been carrying of thinking I am a crazy person have finally been lifted and I have been completely validated.  Validated about EVERY SINGLE THING that I thought was “wrong with me” and that all of my symptoms are somehow now all pieced together, tied up in a neat little bow with a totally understandable one explanation. They are related and they all are from Celiac’s and gluten intolerance.

I got amazing news that there are two parts to Celiac’s – the gene that can predetermine – and the manifestation of the effects of harm from gluten in your body.  I got this info after having an endoscopy and other blood tests.

Thank GOD that I used my intuition years ago, trusted my body, and kept as clean off of gluten as possible because I have very little damage at all, and WONT have damage if I stay away from gluten!

If you are struggling with a food allergy or feeling sick all the time – I hope this can help a bit. Get tested for Celiac’s disease or any other thing you think you may have – because your intuition is probably right.

I just want to tell YOU that this goes to show how powerful and miraculous your intuition is, and if you are not in tune with it – to get in tune with it now! It will guide you on every aspect of your life.

It truly is your internal guide – your internal compass as my mentor likes to say. I “knew” this all along and for years but I never really had as big of a slap in the face as THIS episode. I listened here and there, but now – Hey Intution, I’m all EARS!!!!! Tell me more!

So what would YOU do if you knew your intuition was the guide for everything, seriously – no joke – every single move you make. What would you do. What would you STOP doing. Who would you stop seeing. What would you tell those people and the special people in your life?

Speak your truth – act on it and literally follow that little voice in your head.

Not to get all deep on you – but there are two voices in your head (and that is normal.) One is your EGO voice and one is your INTUITION voice.

Gabrielle Bernstein – my mentor says that your EGO speaks first and loudest, and its not Freud’s Ego. It is basically your fearful self.

Your ego is here to protect you and guard you from harm, which was especially helpful when we were cave people but not so much now.
Our ego will tell us to NOT go for our dreams, that we are NOT good enough and that we are NOT loved.  However – your ego speaks first and loudest.  This is obviously not the voice to listen to. Tell your ego you are not going to be eaten by a tiger or die from starvation like our cave people ancestors may have. Unfortunately for us- we still have that ego voice even though 9 times out of 10 is no imminent danger.

To get to hear your intuition voice you must silence your mind.
This means meditation and it really is the only way to get there aside from being in-tune with it already.  If that sounds weird to you or you think that you don’t have the time? Just try it.

This is the answer to having freedom from fear, from worry and stress.
Anytime you feel fear, worry or stress. Stop, drop and meditate. If you don’t want to meditate, take a walk or a shower. Those two actions help me get back there to hear my intuition or “Ing” as Gabby calls it.

This is the key to amazing things people. It’s the key to living your life with certainty and to get you to your dream destination.  We are all equipped with this amazing guidance system. Tune in to activate yours.

For more questions or info on any of the things I mentioned in this blog, email me at Emily@EmilyBrickel.com

Learn more about Gabrielle Bernstein here. 
Also don’t forget to follow me on Instagram @EmilyBrickel and my new account for all things fashion illustration @EmilyBrickelillustration

Hope that inspires you!
xoxo

Emily

May 8, 2014
Angels among us – Awaken The Spirit Within

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Sometimes I get signs that there are Angels and some kind of amazing force guiding me and helping me along my journey.

I have always been interested in this sort of thing based on my experiences and the stories I’ve heard from my family.

Regardless of the religion I have been raised I always have felt just really spiritual and connected to something greater than me without really knowing why or what it was, just trusting that there was something.

Gabrielle Bernstein, my mentor is really the one who taught me that in my adult life to pray and that praying really is just a conversation with whatever you believe is out there, guiding you.   It’s not even about any religion – it’s about your own personal spirituality.  Gabby says “praying is asking for help and meditating is listening for the answer.”   So I do that. A lot.  I mean imagine if you could have a direct connection to something divine giving you personal feedback.  Pretty cool right.

I often ask for signs from God, The Universe, my spirit guides and guardian angels (whatever you believe is out there for you) to guide me, to confirm if the path I’m heading down and daily decisions I make are the right ones and to help me make decisions along the way.  I always pray before I create any kind of art, project or blog that I be guided to create something of the highest good for as many people as I can help or inspire and to share my gift with the world. That is why I feel I have been called to write on this topic.

I was watching one of Gabby’s weekly vlogs and she introduced this spiritual medium of whom I have heard before and have seen on Doctor Oz,  Rebecca Rosen.  I clicked, found her book on Amazon “Awaken The Spirit Within”.
And I started to read the preview but was so captivated that I could not draw my eyes away. I had to get the book.

Ever since my father passed away when I was 12 and my grandpa passed away 11 years after that, I am captivated by all things related to spiritual mediums and people who can “talk to those who have passed”.   If I could talk to my Dad or Grandpa just for another second I would do anything.

Planning a wedding, I’m missing my Dad and Grandpa. Making decisions and making moves on my career path, I’m missing them.  In all of the seasons, and all of the holidays, I am missing them.  So I talk to them everyday in my mind and I call them part of my “light team”, my team of people who have passed, including ancestors who are watching over me.  It connects me to them in some way and strengthens the spiritual relationship I have with them. If that is the only way I can talk to them for now, I’ll take it.

I have learned through all the books I have read on this subject that even in death, they never really leave you. Their spirits are always present for you to call upon at anytime.

So, on that note (and after that long introduction) I wanted to share a few things with you that could possibly inspire you or make it easier if you are missing anyone who has passed away.

My family has always received signs that they are being guided, or that someone is saying hello in the form of white feathers and pennies.  Keep an eye out – you may be getting signs in other ways. They are meaningful, don’t just dismiss them.

From the book “Awaken The Spirit Within” Rebecca writes that sometimes after people pass away, family members loose their faith in God, that they struggle to “believe in a God who would allow such a tragedy to take place, ….(and) not just because this tragedy happened to (our) family but because many happen around the world every day to people of all ages and stations in life.”  Rebecca says that sometimes spirits send pennies to remind them to have faith, because on the U.S. coin it says “In God We Trust.”  – Reading that sent shivers down my spine.  Now the pennies we have been finding in our homes right by our feet all these years make sense. (And no they did not just fall out of our wallet)

Rebecca says there are many different types of Angels and that “Angels are highly evolved spiritual beings… who watch over us and keep us safe.”  She says “Within your lifetime, you may have sensed this warm and loving angelic energy around you, felt it guide you or help you heal during troubling times. Angels are very inventive. They send us signs and arrange coincidences or “synchronicities,” as a way of letting us know we are on the right path.” She says to all on them 24/7.

There are so many stories I can tell about things that have personally happened to me and my experiences, so if you are interested feel free to ask.

But on that note, I’ll leave you with one more excerpt from her book.

“Lately, everywhere I go – to the gym, the grocery store, my neighborhood Starbucks – I notice people who look like they are sleepwalking through life. Distracted, disconnected, I see them stumbling around, going through their everyday motions, but not fully awake to their lives.… Both women and men of all ages, from kindergarten teachers to CEO’s, show up at my doorstep lost and confused, like they haven’t yet had their first cup of morning coffee.  They plead with me to give them clarity. They want to know ‘Where is my life going? Why do I feel like I’m running in circles?’ Some show up searching for deeper understanding. They want to know, ‘Rebecca, can I ever truly be happy and fulfilled in life.’ Some boldly ask ‘What is the point of my life? Help me understand what I’m meant to do.’ They are desperate for answers and they look to me to give them clear direction.”

She goes on to say “As babies, we are energetic bundles of divine love and light – pure vessels containing God’s powerful DNA- and yet almost as soon as we are born into this physical world, we begin to forget what we’re truly made of and where we come from. We fall asleep. Or rather our spirit nods off and our mind takes control of the wheel.”

“Ninety percent of the world lives in a mind existence; most of us are stuck in our heads. Given those numbers, odds are that you, too, are thinking your way though life.” …..  Read more here.

So, did you forget your purpose, or are you living fully awake and connected to your divine bloodline and in tune to what you are meant to do? Need help? Just call upon your angels.

As always,
Hope that inspires you
Xoxo
Emily

April 10, 2014
Confidence Booster: my top tricks to inspire and April’s Illustrated Essentials.

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This month’s Illustrated Essentials see below!

Here is a juicy little secret about me that only my inner circle really knows: I don’t have as much confidence all the time as you may think!!!

I am my own WORST critic and there are times when I have a major lack in confidence, however I know it’s something that a lot of us all can relate to.  It’s hard sometimes to constantly compare yourself to others and judge yourself accordingly.  With the rise in social media and #selfies the emphasis on your virtual projection is everything. (And sometimes not in a good way).

Yes it is 100% true that if you run a business – like me – it is truly important to focus on branding (which is part of my business and my business services incase you didn’t know. Click here for more info) , and obviously if you are a business, or anyone else for that matter, who wants your worst photos to be put on blast?  Um, no thank you!

However truth be told, we all have bad days – including me.  Today was one of them to be precise. I am just a normal person with normal insecurities.  We can all beat ourselves up at times over the silliest of things.  The constant judging and comparing in our minds can be really horrible. From body image, to keeping up with the Jones’, to what we wear and where we go – it can all be scrutinized on the public platform we call our facebook, twitter or instagram feed.

I just try to do the best that I can and I am here to help you feel the best you can too!

My job is to INSPIRE you and create beautiful things like illustrations, products, fashion and posts for you to enjoy!!!

So here are my top go-to tricks to boost your confidence and make life a little better.

1. Take a time out.  Step away from whatever you are doing that makes you feel bad and go somewhere else, anywhere. Changing your physical location can stimulate your senses and improve your mood. Go outside, take a bath, or go play with your pet. Changing your scenery will do a lot to increase your happiness quotient. If it is really bad, consider changing your surroundings more permanently like changing jobs, apartments or living situations if you can.

2. Stop, drop and Meditate.  I know you’ve heard it before meditation really can do wonders for your happiness and your health. A meditation a day keeps the sad face emoji’s away.  Meditation helps you tap into your intuition and your internal compass to make the right decisions for you.  It is also essential to help you find your purpose. Some wise man once said “Happiness is simple, it is having someone to love, something to do, and something to look forward to.” and I think that wise man was Elvis! (Ha!)

Without those things you have a recipe to be depressed. Trust me, I’ve been there. Meditation can show you how to discover what to do and what to plan.  Having someone to love can be a family member or friend. It doesn’t have to be a romantic situation only, but if you are romantically involved, love on that partner and appreciate them!

3. Spring clean your social media!!!!! Now this is a big one. Unfollow those who drain and follow those who INSPIRE!!!  Your social media is probably the first thing you look at in the morning (ahem instagram) and the last thing you look at night. Unfollow those creeps who do nothing but complain on facebook blast, or post photos that make you feel gross, whatever that may mean to you.

You don’t have to cave into victim mode – you do NOT, I repeat you DO NOT have to click every tragic news story or animal cruelty video you come across on your facebook feed. (Public notice: you know who you are, PLEASE STOP THE MADNESS and only post things that UPLIFT people!!! Yes there are horrible things in the world going on but JOIN A CLUB to HELP THE CAUSE, try to make a difference or STOP dwelling in the negative energy!!! All you are doing is creating more traction for the news to focus on that crap and all you are creating is a knot in people’s stomachs!)

YOU CREATE the life you want to live.  By putting it out there it will come back to you ten fold, especially if you are trying to inspire everyone in your lives too. Make your social media profiles filled with inspirational quotes, images and beautiful things that lift the energy of yourself and those reading or viewing your posts.  It’s just like that earth day campaign – pick up the TRASH and plant some FLOWERS. That is the only way to have a beautiful world. Don’t post photos of how horrible the trash is, make a change and clean up your side of the street!

4. Talk it out. Sometimes things just need to be said. Grab a trusted confidant and the Kleenex box and go full throttle. Ask for them to listen to you and then maybe they will even have some advice.  Talking about your feelings with those you hold dear is a great way to bond and feel the love of that other person – which is probably exactly what you need when you are lacking in the confidence department.  Don’t worry about sounding stupid, be vulnerable and perhaps the person lending you their ear will be able to see it from another perspective. Example: “I feel like crap and I gained 5 lbs, and I hate my _________ Fill in the blank” Fellow friend: “OH stop it, you look beautiful there is nothing to worry about” (HUG) – Yeah even that stupid nonsense that is really not earth shatteringly important is still great to vent about because you never know, you may just really have needed the reassurance and the hug!

Whether it be these trivial quips about your own self-image or major issues like your finances, a death in the family or worse – like thoughts of suicide or major catastrophic events – talk about it. Getting over grief and problem solving with someone who cares may just be the difference between life and death. (RIP to those who have lost a loved one to suicide, I have just read 3 stories this week about that and I have lost a family member to suicide in the past. It does get better! Don’t loose hope <3 )

5. Gratitude list. This one may sound kind of cheesy but it works. Make a list of everything you are grateful in your life, AND about YOURSELF. List out all the parts of your body you do love starting with all the organs that keep you alive, all the limbs you have that others may not be so lucky to have due to tragic events, all of the blood cells that beat through your heart, and try to find some parts of your outer self that make you feel beautiful.  Be grateful for all the things in your life you are happy about, and that you are so lucky to have. Beauty is not only on the outside, but the inside too.  Add to your list the roof over your head, the warm blankets on your bed, your pillows, your food and all of your luxuries. Not everyone is as fortunate as we are and to remember that helps us remain EXTREMELY grateful.

This week I start a new series called Illustrated Essentials and I am trying it out to see if you like it! Please write a comment in the space below telling me what you think about today’s post and Illustrated Essentials so I can continue giving YOU more of what YOU LOVE!

As always, I hope that inspires you!
xoxo
Emily

April’s Illustrated essentials:
Lilacs and iris’ for your soul
A good book like Gabrielle Bernstein’s Miracles Now.
Green Tinted Aviator Sunnies
Your favorite bright patterned dress
A sparkly thing or two to keep you fascinated like neon and crystal jewelry.
YELLOW and brights.
A bath.
A healthy start like a good breakfast!

March 13, 2014
5 Steps to Letting Loose!

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I am so excited because this weekend I will be celebrating my BFFAE’s bachelorette party as her Maid of Honor! We have been BFFAE (that means Best Friends Forever And Ever if you don’t know) since 7th grade. That’s like over 15 years.  My best friend Jeanine has been there for me through thick and thin, in good times and in bad and I can’t believe she’s getting married in a few months! It’s time to celebrate in a big way and I know this weekend will be amazing because I have planned some great things!!!

I know you may not all be going on a bachelorette party this weekend, but here’s a few secrets to letting loose in your life!

1) Have more fun As my mentor Gabby Bernstein says “I measure my success by how much fun I’m having.” So, how much fun are you having?

If your answer is not as much as you’d like, then find ways to incorporate things you LOVE doing on a daily/weekly basis.  It can be something simple like taking some time to get in a date with your glossy mag subscription that’s piling up or something extreme like joining an S Factor class.  Whatever it is, try to get it in a few times a week if possible or at the very least a few times a month.  Doing something fun once is great, but that is not how to have more fun in your life. It should be something that you can repeat a bunch of times and constantly look forward to.

2) Go with the flow “No matter how much structure we create in our lives, no matter how many good habits we build, there will always be things that we cannot control – and if we let them, these things can be a huge source of anger, frustration and stress.” – Good advice from the author of zenhabits.net (article here) You can’t control others and you certainly can’t control some aspects of your life. This is especially true if you are going on a bachelorette party!  The combination of so many girls and so many different points of view can let things get a little messy at times but its key to go with the flow.

Bend like the bamboo or you’ll snap like the reed. (hehe, I totally made that up but it sounded so zen, right?)

Sometimes you just have to go with it.  In a work environment this can be especially true when you are working on a group project or with a client who has conflicting views.  Get off the ‘my way or the highway’ train and bend like the bamboo! 

3) Why so serious? Look who’s talking here! I am the queen of taking life too seriously but I know as well as any that taking things too seriously is not a recipe for happiness but a recipe for stress.  Check YO self.  I do this constantly!  Life is too short to take too seriously and if you have a little bit of faith you can see that “You are EXACTLY where you are supposed to be right now” and that the Universe has a plan for you. So sit back, relax and buckle up for the ride. Keep it light and keep it fun.  Seriousness comes at a time and a place but know when the time is right to let go a little.

4) Get curious I don’t care who told you this but CURIOSITY DID NOT KILL THE CAT.  Maybe curiosity with no restraint killed the cat, but if you want to stick your paw in a light socket, it’s good to be curious about what will happen – but first – go google it.  Then decide if it’s a good idea or not.  So get curious, what would happen if you took that risk? What would happen if you trusted your intuition and not your brain sometimes?  Google the *ISH out of your question, learn from example and then grab some chutzpah and take the risk.

Here’s where the google part comes in… It’s a little bit of a different story when you want to get curious about what would happen if you decided to fly an airplane without any training. Google or research the steps to take to get your pilot’s license.  Then if you think it’s a good idea, go through the process.  Low and behold you can become a pilot and fly through the sky, but you would have never tried it if you weren’t curious.  Curiosity formed the best inventions out there and makes for a life well lived. Being curious brings excitement into your life, a fresh perspective, new ideas, and is like mental crunches for your brain. Get curious and see where the road takes you. That will help you let loose in your life and take the road of awesomeness.

5) Let your hair down Letting your hair down to me means to relax, be more in your natural state and not so restrained and pulled back.  Let yourself breathe.  Take a moment to connect back with the natural you. Take a bath, go to the spa, walk in nature, play a silly game, hang with your girls, or be more of your authentic self.  We live in a society of facades and pretty pictures but it’s always a good time to be more real and connect with your relationships in a more meaningful way.  For business and in personal, everyone wants more of your authentic self. Don’t like something? Stop agreeing to be polite, let people know the real you and take pride in what you stand for.  Stop restraining yourself as the “prim and proper” politically correct mannequin of yourself. Be real and it’s ok to be vulnerable with those you trust.

As always, keep it classy and don’t do anything illegal or immoral!

This one goes out to Jeanine for her bachelorette weekend– by far the hottest bachelorette around and my BFFAEAEAEAEAE….!

Hope that inspires you!

Xoxo

Emily

November 21, 2013
Your Deepest Desire

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So as you know I have been listening to Deepak Chopra and Oprah Winfrey’s daily meditations on The Chopra Center 21 day Meditation Challenge and this one is about desire and destiny.

One of the day’s meditations asks you to question – “What is it that I really want?” and Deepak says, “Your heart knows the answer.”

So what if that’s true, if your heart really knows the answer to your deepest desires then why are some of our dreams still left unfulfilled?

It is because we are afraid to go deeper.  We hear “What do you want” and we answer with our ego… a car, a big house, a designer bag, a great relationship, a successful career.  But we need to go even deeper.  Why is it that you want these things – because the things will never make you fulfilled even after you get them.

The truth is we all want some sort of intrinsic need to be met; to feel loved, to express our creativity, to be heard, to feel important, etc.

When you get down to the core of what you really want you can base your dreams and your plans on satisfying these needs.

Epicurus said “(It is) not what we have, but what we enjoy that constitutes abundance.”

Here is a quote from the meditations that really hit home with me. “Our desires are a force of nature that can’t be denied. You are here to fulfill a purpose, your desires are clues that lead you directly to the expression of your destiny.”

Pursue what captures your heart.  Trust in your desires and use it as a map to fulfilling your dreams.

Even I feel like I am not expressing myself fully – even after I write my weekly blog, create my weekly illustrations and work for myself and on my client’s projects, there is still so much more to express.  I still feel like there is a part of me that I am holding back on.  If I feel this way, I’m sure one of you must feel this too.  What is it that you are holding back on?

I am making a commitment to myself to rediscover how I can fully express my creativity and I know things are on the way but I am making a change in myself to really dig deeper than just the hit of inspiration – to take more risks and to give more of me to all that I do.

As my mentor Gabrielle Bernstein has said: (and she has really changed my life if you haven’t noticed) “People ask me if I like the person I have become, …. And I reply that it is not the person I have become, but it is that I have become more myself.”

I hope this helps even one of you get at least one step closer to fulfilling your dreams! Go with in.

Hope that inspires you!
xoxo

Emily

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October 17, 2013
The Story you tell… becomes the life you lead.

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Perception is everything. Reality is totally different.  Now, That’s not to say if you dress up like a cat you will be a cat, but … (maybe just for Halloween!)

Reality is actually completely different for everyone.  Your reality is different from my reality and each of our realities are different from your parent’s and siblings realities, your friends realities and your coworker’s realities.  How is this possible? Because it is our PERCEPTION of reality that changes from person to person, and that is why perception is everything.

If you perceive your life to be hard, and a struggle, it will be. If you perceive the road to be long and the battle to be tough, it is. If you perceive your life to be full of joy and abundance, so be it.

If you think of yourself as ugly or to have a big nose, that is the reality you live in, and you truly feel that way – going on, day in and day out, feeling bad about yourself.  Meanwhile, someone else may think your nose is the most perfect nose they have ever seen and that you are really beautiful. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder.

If you identify yourself as intelligent, you live in a world where you ARE intelligent. You feel you make smart choices, based on the choices you have seen others make and based on those around you. However, that doesn’t mean someone else can think the exact opposite is true, and be correct – in their own reality – and based on their experience perceive your choices to be ignorant and inept.

It is all based on perception.  Your analysis of yourself is based on how you view others around you, their behaviors and your past experiences. From that you draw a conclusion.

That teaches us to all be a little more compassionate.  Someone you may be judging may just as well be judging you.  When in an argument, someone else’s point may seem preposterous, yet when you try to see things from their eyes you can see that each reality may be true.

The Earth was deemed flat based on our perception of walking, sailing and driving on land. The Earth was deemed round upon our discovery of flight and our view from higher altitudes.

Ok, ok – what am I getting at you ask? It is a very simple yet complex point.  We create our own realities.  Our minds and thoughts organize themselves in a way that informs the world around us.  The thoughts we think inform the feelings we have, which then create the energy we release into the world.  Those around us recognize the energy we give off subconsciously.  The energy we feel determines our day, our mood and compoundly, our life.

If all this is true, then why couldn’t you change your whole life as you know it.   You can.

Change your perception of being the VICTIM to the VICTOR of your life.

Change your perception that “It can’t be done” to “You need 99 no’s to get 1 yes,” and that “impossible is nothing.”

You have to make the choice EACH and every day to live in Faith, or to live in Fear.  The stories that we tell ourselves from our past are lodged so deeply in our psyche that we believe them whole-heartedly.

We believe that we are worthless without those external things we seek. We believe that because it happened once, it will happen again. We believe that our future will be based on our past suffering.

“Whether you think you can or you think you can’t, you will certainly most always be right.” Henry Ford.

Change your story.  Declare that although it happened in the past, it does not have to be our future.  Decide that your family’s story or struggle is not your own.  Choose to have faith that your past occurred to teach you lessons to deal with your future so that you don’t have to replay history.

Choose to tell the story you WANT to live, as opposed to the story you keep telling from your past and decide that NO LONGER is your truth!

Choose the story of your life.

Hope that inspires you!

Xoxo

Emily

Special thanks to my mentor Gabrielle Bernstein who ingrained this theory into me and I wanted to share it with you!f

P.S. Im giving away $50 off your Order of Custom Illustrated Holiday Cards for the Early Birds, Now – Nov 8th with code: EARLYBIRD13

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September 19, 2013
20 Tips To Hit Rewind On A Bad Day.

 

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Ok admit it, we all have them.  A bad day comes around every so often and although we have 24 hours to hit rewind sometimes we just want to mope in our bad-day-ness.

Well, this blog is here to save the day.  20 ways to press pause and reset your brooding. Don’t we all need this once in a while?  That’s ok. Mope, then snap out of it. A better day is just minutes away.

*Just as a disclaimer: bad things happen, and sometimes they are very serious. I am in no way saying that any situation can be changed with these tips, but it is your reaction to the situation that can change into a more positive mindset.

1. Look to the stars. Literally. Go outside, go to your window or look them up online (if the clouds in your area have taken up that valuable real estate). Revel in amazement. Realize that life is fleeting and any problems you have are just a flash in the pan. Tomorrow is another chance to change your reaction. It’s not the situation… it’s how you handle it. Believe (if you choose to) that you are being guided and that everything is happening for a reason.  Your shit is being brought up so it can be dealt with and healed.

2.  Play with your pet.  Cats, dogs, furbies, whatever – anything furry and cuddly will do the job.  Put it in perspective that these furry creatures are just here to love you and it is your job to take care of them and love them back.  Give them a ton of love.

3.    Meditate.  For amazing meditations go to http://gabbyb.tv/meditate or sit in silence for 5-10 minutes with a deep breath in for 5 seconds, and a deep breath out for 5 seconds.  Seriously, this helps me so much any time I am stressed or distressed about something.  Meditating often increases your intuition and also helps you connect to the guidance system you already have inside of you.

4.  Take a walk outside.  Being in nature really changes your outlook on life.  The outdoors helps us humans connect with an innate sense of affinity for other living things. It is in our DNA to feel a decrease in blood pressure, anxiety and stress just by being outside, even for a few minutes.

 5.  Change your breath.  This is a new one I just learned. Gabrielle Bernstein of Gabbyb.tv (the meditation link above) prescribes slowly blowing air out of your mouth at any time of anxiety and in through our nose. You can use this trick in the boardroom or in any stressful situation with little detection from others.

6. Pray.  No matter what kind of higher power you believe in, just give it up and pray.  You can even pray to the stress Gods if you so choose. Sit for a moment and ask for help.  I like to say “Please guide me to expand in love, abundance and success today and every day as we inspire others to do the same.” – I took this phrase from the book “The Big Leap” by Gay Hendricks and it helps my perspective on so many things!

7.    Work out.

 8.    Do something fun.

 9.    Go shopping / faux shopping. Nothing hits the spot quite like a little retail therapy for the soul.  If you don’t have the funds, faux shop – it is so much more fun than you think – trust me.  Go online or into a store and pick out everything you would buy if you had all the money in the world. Think about how you would wear it, what it would look like on, keep adding to your imaginary shopping bag. Feel how you would feel if you bought it and then put a bookmark in it until a later date when you have the cash, or indefinitely.  You can do this whole thing in your head, you don’t even have to touch a thing.  The act of buying these items in your imagination will cue up the attracting power of those things that you desire and tell your brain it’s ok to receive great things. The science behind this is that shopping releases endorphins, which lower stress.  Same with…

10.  Chocolate and wine.  So go ahead, indulge.

11. Do something good for yourself. Try amani/pedi, massage, read a book, do something you’ve been putting off that will make you feel good.

 12.  Inspire someone.

 13.  Hug someone.

 14.  Follow through. Pick one small step and commit to it starting today. You will feel so good that you moved forward with something and that you are in control. Make the commitment to add this new step into your life and continue to follow through.

15.  Write down your non-negotiables.  It’s so important to feel a sense of self-respect when you feel you have been wronged, so write down some non-negotiables that you need to be happy in business and personal life.  If you are having a disagreement with someone or are faced with a big decision, go back to your non-negotiable list and see what matches your priorities. This will make your stance, and your decision a whole lot easier.

16. Stop complaining. There are millions of people who have it way worse than you do.  Get grateful for what you do have, food, shelter, etc.

17.  Take a bath. Baths are very healing and recharging for your body, mind and soul. Add salt to detoxify your body of harmful built up chemicals, negative energy and other toxins.  Sitting in a warm bath can clear your mind and create space to form solutions to a problem you couldn’t solve prior.

18. Do that thing you’re afraid of.  Sometimes having a bad day is what happens when things don’t go our way. Take the reigns back in your hands and take a risk. Take a leap. It can be small but just flex your fear muscle and let it grow stronger.

19. Accept failure.  Realize everyone fails hundreds of times and the people who succeed are people who failed ten hundred times and got up again and again.

20. Look ahead.  Look to the future and picture your life in 5 or 10 years or even 5 days. Think about the amazing things you have in store, and if nothing is planned yet – create your map. “If you don’t know where you are going, any road will get you there.” – Lewis Carroll.

Hope that inspires you to have a better day, now. You don’t even have to wait for tomorrow!

xoxo

Emily

Copyright Emily Brickel Edelson 2018. All Rights Reserved