Must Watch: 13 Reasons Why

With all the "warnings" and "advisories" surrounding this show, you must have heard or already watched this highly publicized and talked about series. Without going into too much detail, surrounding the plot, I'd like to point out some of the very important topics that are shown and how in my opinion they are done justice. 13 Reasons Why is the newest Netflix original series, based on a novel by Jay Asher. It displays teenage bullying, sexual assault and suicide in very real visuals, that don't shy away from the uncomfortable nature of these topics. 

What should have been an opportunity for conversation, was met with backlash related to the supposed "glorification" of teenage suicide and the critique of the public school system's ability to deal with these issues. Instead of using this great series to talk about the very real issues surrounding high school life, it was simply discredited due to it's strong scenes and the taboo of discussing these uncomfortable topics. Whether it's hard to talk openly about them or not, these are things that must be discussed, either at school or at-home. Adolescents need to know that they are not alone, and that the most horrible day or year of their life, does not define the rest of it. A simple "I'm here, you matter, let's talk" goes a long way. 

13 Reasons Why takes place in the aftermath of Hannah's suicide- as everyone comes to find out her secrets and reality of her personal life, it was easy to relate and understand not only to her situation, but all of the other characters. High school is a time of self discovery, there is a tremendous amount of personal growth and character development that happens during this time. It's not hard to imagine that for some, it wasn't pleasant and the scenarios recreated in the show are not farfetched. For many, myself included, these are things that have been witnessed, experienced or participated in. 

Gossip is what rules the halls, and we've all been there and done that. The "hot or not" list, the name calling, the isolation and the belittling is all too real in any high school. When your whole life is school and friends, just as it is for a teenager, what seems trivial to someone outside of high school is detrimental in your teens. Lacking a strong support system, not having anyone to talk to or not feeling comfortable enough opening up to trusted adults or close friends, is a reality many people live with. Asking for help can be difficult. It shouldn't be and it doesn't have to be, but for those struggling it's not easy. Sometimes they've been let down so many times, that the trust has been lost and when you are hopeless, it's hard to get that "faith in humanity" back. 

One of the things discussed is how the little things matter and that one person can be the difference between life and death. It sounds scary and some may argue that an individual's agency is stripped away, but as social beings, these interactions matter. It's easy to get wrapped up in the self, but you can always tell when someone is not quite right. Some people are better equipped interpersonally than others, but whether you easily relate with people or not, it doesn't take much to ask a person "is everything ok?" because sometimes that's all they need to open up or to know that someone cares. If you don't know a person very well, but you know that they are isolated and maybe they don't have any friends, just be kind. We know what's right and wrong, and standing around, being a bystander makes you just as accountable as the bully. Take better care of others and be an ally.

As told by a teenage girl, the topic of sexual assault was one that 13 Reasons Why got right. From groping to rape, these uncomfortable scenes didn't shy away from the cruel objectification of young women. Hannah was objectified and fantasized by the boys in her school, making her feel frightened and isolated from other girls. She's cat-called, a reality that every woman has to live with. She's groped, something that unfortunately occurs all too often. She's raped, a cruel fate that one in three will experience in their lifetime. The probability of rape in Canada is one in three, but that varies within cultural groups and rises in many developing countries. Women are more likely to be raped, while men are more likely to rape. Instead of controlling what women do or don't, how can the other 50% of the population change to decrease these statistics?

"You shouldn't have put yourself in that situation" is not a valid excuse for the perpetrators not understanding consent, it's a crime and the person who experienced rape should not have to experience more shame from "you should have known better". Consent is not simply grazed, but highlighted. Rape culture is shown as a reality of adolescence, and we clearly see how easy it is for people to cross the line and not be held accountable for their actions. The many scenes give an opportunity to understand what's missing from the conversation of consent. It's not just up to young women to take care for themselves, but to men to call out their "bro" for crossing the line and not stand by as a human being is degraded. If these scenes made you uncomfortable and you wanted to look away, then good, but don't simply ignore it. Those are the moments where we need to think about the bigger problem, to not shy away from those who need our help and to make a change within ourselves. 

"She's weak" "she just blamed others for her problems" "she just wanted attention"- Hannah is dead. The suicide scene was probably one of the hardest and most painful to watch, and rightfully so. It was not glorious or pretty, it was terrifying, heartbreaking and necessary. The monologues and conversations that followed were understanding and unapologetic, my favourite being between Clay and Sky - "are you ok?" "no, is that alright?" "yes". The story tragically begins and ends with Hannah taking her life, but the tone from the beginning to the end are completely different. It was important to see everything through her eyes to understand that everyone deals with things differently, that everyone's experiences mean and effect an individual differently, and that suicide should never be the answer. 

If you were left confused, angry, or conflicted- I truly hope you watched the informational episode following the series. It broke down the many topics of the show and had the cast, producers and mental health professionals explaining and discussing them in depth. If you didn't watch this "bonus" episode, take some time to watch it because it's important to understand the true message of this show. It's not an angsty, teen drama but a visual representation of real life at it's most ugliest. The story does not deviate from reality and I'm sure there were many times when you related and understood one or some of the characters. 

I'm excited to see the second season, for the story to develop, as the characters take responsibility and cope with loss. The parents will finally get some closure and come to understand another side of their daughter. I'm sure it will be painful and hard to watch, but life can be like that sometimes and that's okay. 

xo, 

Natalie 

Need to talk with someone? Check out the many helplines and resources in your country | 13reasonswhy.info

The Light In You

This journey began almost 6 years ago, I was 17 years old and starting my final year of high school. My yoga practice was starting to develop- after having struggled with anxiety and negative body image, an art based on body awareness was something that I desperately needed. Slowly, I found myself more accepting of myself and limitations. When my family decided to open our own studio, I was ecstatic. We looked for a space and found it. 

268 Manitoba was completely empty, but it had potential. It was mid-Summer, when we began constructing the space that would shape the person I am today. We put up walls, new floors, changed the lighting and painted our essence into the space. Every single person in the family had a part in the Grand Opening, but our toughest obstacle was yet to come. In August 2011, Mystic Pointe Yoga was opened. 

The day had finally come, all the hard work and planning was going to be tested. Not knowing what to expect, we threw ourselves into this adventure and hoped for the best. Mistakes were made, but we kept going. Slowly, I learned more about yoga through the teachers. I was still shy and unsure of myself, but Sunday mornings were quiet and there was something comforting of being in our space. 

It wasn't long after the inception of MPY, that my family was hit with something unexpected. While it's not my story to tell, our main priority was no longer this business but supporting those members who desperately needed it. It was 2013 and the owners decided to give the reigns to someone else, it was the rebirth of this community and the beginning of something great. I had just started University, yet I found myself drawn towards the new Mystic Pointe Yoga. I became more involved and I learned so much about what it means to be an entrepreneur. 

The kindness of the community kept me coming back, and helped in my process towards confidence. The effect was so great, that I did what I never would have done, I began to dance again. I decided to get Zumba certified and mustered up courage to teach a class. It was two days after my 19th birthday; I had been practicing for over a week, learned 13 different choreographies and taught my first class. At first, I wasn't great. I was self conscious of how my body moved and tried to imitate someone that wasn't myself- yet, my lost love of dance had come back and I was willing to put in the work. It wasn't long after I began teaching that circumstances lead me to take on the great responsibility, which was Mystic Pointe Yoga. 

I am now 22 years old and a completely different person, from when our doors first opened. There are not enough words to thank every single person, who has ever practiced in our space, for being a part of this adventure. For teaching me so much about human nature, yoga and business. The people who reached out to me and made me feel special, and the community that kept me fighting and persisting to keep our doors open. I am grateful for this opportunity and the experiences that got me to the person I am today. 

I am heartbroken and bewildered. After almost six years of business, MPY will be closing. We'll be saying goodbye to the space that we built, the community that accepted us and the teachers who joined us on this great adventure. 

From the bottom of my heart, thank you. 

Love& Light, 

Natalie

My Favourite One Season Anime

I think of the day before I started watching anime, when I had a life, and I can't fathom how I was completely oblivious to so many amazing series. The amount of anime selection is practically limitless, there is something for EVERYONE. 

Recently, I've started watching one season anime- at first I was hesitant, knowing that I'd probably get borderline obsessed and be pretty upset at whatever ending I get. Nonetheless, I gave it a shot and I was right...it sucks when the story ends, most of the time it's not a concrete ending and I'm left trying to find OVAs, movies or spinoffs to find closure. 

In my attempt to binge watch as many shows as possible, I've found some pretty great gems that I think are worth a watch and re-watch. Here are my five favourite one season anime: 

1. Future Diary (2012) |  Creepy, intense, gory and explicit- this is probably the most adult anime I have watched to date. The characters have really interesting and depressing back stories, the plot is crazy and thrilling, and you'll never know what's going to happen next. If you enjoy watching messed up love, psychological thrillers and loss of morality- you'll enjoy this 26 episode anime. 
2. In Search of the Lost Future (2014) | Captivating, romantic and sad- this anime almost made me cry. The story begins slow and appears lacking, but as the show progresses it develops into something so sweet and interesting. This is the only show that ended right- no strings left untied and all questions answered. If you enjoy watching time travel, mystery and tear-jerkers- you'll enjoy this 12 episode anime. 
3. Guilty Crown (2011) | Thought provoking, sweet, futuristic and romantic- this anime had me hooked by the intro alone. The character development is outstanding and the fight scenes are spectacular- you are on an emotional rollercoaster most of the time, loving and hating characters in the blink of an eye. If you enjoy post-apocalyptic, sci-fi and futuristic adventures- you'll enjoy this 22 episode anime. 
4. Beyond the Boundary (2013) | Cute, supernatural and silly- this anime had many "aww" moments. It was very interesting to watch the mix of badass fight scenes with witty flirting and humour, it made the story line light while keeping it engaging. If you enjoy sacrificial love, demons and girl power- you'll enjoy this 12 episode anime. 
5. Ouran Host Club (2006) | Adorable, humorous and refreshing- this is one of the shows that I ended up re-watching because it's so good. There is romance, love triangles, flirting and regular harem stuff but the story is so much more- each character has a unique back story, the episodes are pretty much standalone and the female lead is groundbreaking. If you enjoy hilarious outfits, satyrs and strong female characters- you'll love this 26 episode anime. 

What are your favourite one season anime? Did any make my list? What should I watch next? Comment below with your top picks and suggestions. 

xo, 

Natalie 

The Power of Labels

Assigning labels and stereotypes is harmful in so many ways; it makes a person loose sight of who they strive to be and in turn, are moulded as others wish to see them. We try so hard to live up to these expectation and fit these labels, forgetting that it doesn't really matter how outsiders see you- people who are truly close to you, will know that you are much more than just intelligent, charming, sarcastic, fit, geeky, beautiful. You are not just ONE thing. 

Labelling starts during our pre-teens; young children don't care about how you look, they play and talk to everyone the same. The exclusion develops as we are exposed to media, the underrepresentation of certain groups and the bullying that arises from it. It's easier to fit a certain mould and stay stuck, than trying to step out of it and suffer alienation.

We tell kids that they should be inclusive, not judge others by how they look, but stereotyping is very much present in adulthood. Most of us don't fully understand what it means to be kind, regardless of there being something in it for us. We forget that we are allowed and can have more than one layer to our being. Those moments of ignorance, that's what the young adolescent mind hears and the cycle begins again. 

To me, it's simple. People are different. I, for example, would be described as a girly girl: likes getting dolled up, cares about their appearance and may not be the brightest or most athletic girl around. WRONG, as I may fit into some of those descriptions- I, like everyone else, am so much more. 

I do not like sports, I hated most of grade nine gym. I do care about my appearance, not because I'll get complimented but because getting dolled up and doing my hair nicely is something I do for myself. I don't need my "other face" to go out, because I feel just as confident without it. I dislike romantic movies, I enjoy a good horror film and anything Tim Burton, Superhero, Harry Potter, Lord of the Rings and Star Wars -esque. I watch anime, Doctor Who, Jane the Virgin, Shadowhunters and How to get Away with Murder. I love reading, writing, dancing and learning new things. I am and like many things- some may fit with how I look, others may really surprise you but it doesn't matter. I strive to be a good person, I try to spread kindness and that's all anyone should care about. 

Labels are unnecessary, they have no use in our society. We should care about people's actions toward becoming a good human being. We should look for and encourage random acts of kindness and empathy- how you look, talk or do things don't matter. 

You are an intricate being, don't limit yourself to please others.

xo,

Natalie 

My Favourite Series of 2015

Anyone who says "there is nothing to watch" needs to reevaluate their choices of words, because nowadays you can find something for absolutely everyone (there's a channel for DOGS). With school and work, my screen time has decreased and I've switched to the wonders of Netflix and watching shows online- I've watched a lot of shows, some didn't last past the first 20 minutes and others have consumed my whole life (no regrets).

Here is my 2015 Must Watch List (not in any particular order): 

1. Gotham (2014) | If you are a fan of all things Batman, then you'll love this dark show. This very thrilling series, showcases many of the beloved Batman characters: Catwomen, Penguin, Bruce Wayne and Commissioner Gordon- all the big names get their much needed origin story and interesting side stories in this series. This superhero, crime, mobster show is a definite MUST WATCH! 
2. Jane The Virgin (2014) | This series is the novela for the modern day Latina- it's exactly what you wish your Abuela had been watching all along. Smart, representative of the hispanic community and funny; this show makes you feel all sorts of emotions. Gina Rodriguez is my hero and the whole concept is refreshing to see. Finally, a series I can relate to and it's great! 
3. Hannibal (2013) | Dark, gory, psychological horror series- this is a psychology students dream! As a fan of Silence of the Lamb, this thrilling show was everything I could have expected and more- I couldn't believe I hadn't watched it before. The mind games, imagery and relationships illustrated in the series is beyond imaginative, it's a shame that this show has come to it's end. I've just started season two, so I have many more episodes to psychoanalyze. 
4. Jessica Jones (2015) | Hip, hip, hooray for the realistic portrayal of a woman with super powers. If you have had it with skin tight outfits, goody toe-shoes personality and dependent roles in Marvel women, then this brand NEW series is exactly what you've been waiting for. Also, the magnificent David Tennant is in this show and well..he's the Doctor! You have to love this show on that point solely. 

Have you watched any or all of these? Agree or Disagree? What series are on your 2015 must watch list? 

xoxo, 

Natalie

How to Handle Criticism

How something makes you feel is up to you. You have the power to let things go and ignore or listen and open up to all kinds of comments. I've doubted myself many times and needed reassurance every step of the way, but if there are three things I've learned about criticism, it's that: 

1. The comment may sting a little, it may make you feel insecure about yourself and it might piss you off but just cool down and be proactive. Don't react, think!
2. Is it Helpful or Hurtful? Can you use this new information to become a better version of yourself? Should you just ignore it, not take it to heart and smile?
3. You might not like it, it may have been purposely hurtful and your ego is hurt but every comment can only help you become a better person. Criticism, growth requires it. 

Free yourself of the insecurities and know that your heart is in the right place. As you continue to move forward, there will always be people who have something to say, judge and criticize. 

I am a control freak and need to realize that I can't control everything; people aren't always going to like you, things aren't always going to go your way and someone will always be better at something than you. And that's ok.

xoxo, 

Natalie 

Disney Princess: Role Model or Nightmare?

When did liking the Disney Princess movies become detrimental to your feminist status? It's just a movie, at face value it may not have many valid lessons but let's look a little deeper than simple- Princess needs Prince. Here are a few Princesses and the messages that I think they share: 

Belle (Beauty & The Beast) | Selfless, righteous and smart, this Princess is one of my favourites. One of the only characters (in early Disney movies) challenging gender roles, Belle is a bookworm and weirdo who doesn't care for regular norms. This princess selflessly trades her freedom for her fathers, staying in a creepy castle with a Beast (which she doesn't know is actually a Prince) not knowing what fate will bring. She single-handedly saves the Beast and though he has a temper, horrible etiquette and looks like a weird buffalo, wolf- she's able to get through to him with kindness and patience. 

Cinderella (Cinderella) | Kind and forgiving, this Princess is the epitome of the saying " turn the other cheek". Having lost her family, being treated like a slave and only having mice as friends- if that's not a recipe for losing your mind, what is? By being brave, staying hopeful and only seeing the good in those around her- she finds her happy ending, not the Prince but her courage to finally remove herself from an unhealthy situation and forgive those who did her wrong. 

Snow White (Snow White) | As one of the first Disney Princesses, this character does not have much depth but if one thing can be said about this loveable character is that she's trusting. Keeping her innocence alive, she trustingly takes refuge with seven little men and accepts food from a creepy ass lady, like really? Maybe this is not the best message, but if some good could come from this movie is that you cannot focus on the bad in people; you have to have a little faith that people are innately kind and giving. 

Ariel (The Little Mermaid) | Troublesome and curious, this Princess is known for making less than ideal life choices but nonetheless is part of one of my favourite movies. Ariel is a character that's going through growth, she thinks she knows what's best and the only thing on her mind is exploring the world. Yeah, she may have Prince in the brain but don't all teen girls? This princess is a symbol of growing up, making mistakes and figuring it out along the way. 

Thought? Agree or disagree. 

xoxo, 

Natalie 

Bad Day or Wake Up Call?

Do you ever have a really bad day?  Not only did you get your period, but you feel like you are getting sick. All your plans and everything that you had hoped, just came crumbling down.  Well, that day was today for me and it sucks! 

The perfectly outlined plan that I had made is no more- I'm stranded between a "I told you so" and "you should of known better". The hormones don't help because as someone who hates to cry, I've been feeling like yelling and crying all day. I may feel like giving up and just curling up, I'm probably more in debt now than I started but I will figure it out and I'm not alone. 

I feel like crap and my throat still hurts, but today is just one day of many. It always gets better, even if its just one day of many crappy days- there is always a silver lining. It gets you thinking about how if this is my worst day, than I must of had a lot of good in my life, this isn't a tragedy or a loss but a fallen branch on my path. 

I may be freaking out and it may seem like the end, but it's not. Everything is going to be different, I'm going to have to come up with a new plan and that's ok. I'll have to try new things and blindly enter the unknown, but it was going to happen anyway. I might wake up with no voice tomorrow, but I'll still have a roof over my head and food in my belly. 

I may be having a crappy day, but I am still blessed and have lots of things to be thankful for. I have to step back and put things into perspective, this isn't the worst day ever- this is a wake up call and I better answer it. 

xoxo, 

Natalie 

Why Cruelty-Free?

There are a lot of people, who question why I pay extra money for a product, just because it is "cruelty-free". They say that I'm not vegan or vegetarian, and that I'm wasting my money when I could get the same product, for A LOT cheaper. All of this is very true, I am not vegan- I eat red meat, bake with eggs and drink dairy milk but I will ALWAYS buy products with the cute little Peta bunny logo. 

I firmly believe that testing on animals is cruel and unnecessary. We have all the information we need to keep creating innovative products, without hurting other living beings- who feel pain, just like we do. I think that the problem, is not the fact that we eat other animals because Lions and Chimpanzees do too, but how they are treated in the process. We claim to be the smartest organism in the world, yet we are the cause for its destruction and continue to not care. 

I try to do my part in making the world a better place; I talk about animal conservation and I choose to use cruelty-free products- it may not be as impactful as Peta, Green Peace or World Wildlife Fund, but I am creating a ripple towards change. Here are some of my favourite, cruelty-free companies: 

• Tarte Cosmetics | Found at any Sephora
• Smashbox Cosmetics | Found at any Sephora and select Shoppers Drug Mart 
• NYX Los Angeles Inc. | Found at select Rexall Pharmacy and Shoppers Drug Mart
• Urban Decay | Found at any Sephora and select Shoppers Drug Mart

Did I miss any of your favourite? What cruelty-free product do you recommend? 

xoxo, 

Natalie 

Meditation Challenge

“Yoga is the settling of the mind into silence. When the mind has settled, we are established in our essential nature, which is unbounded consciousness. Our essential nature is usually overshadowed by the activity of the mind.” -Patanjali

My Practice is Stillness | Day 1: I didn't know what to expect when I decided to take this challenge, aside from a casual yoga practice, I've never meditated or done anything like this before. I'm the type of person, who in savasana is twitching- my body and mind are accustomed to constant thought and motion. 

The challenge 

Sit comfortably and watch the space between the eyebrows. Don’t try to see anything, just watch. Remain unconcerned with your thoughts. Remember, you can’t stop thinking by thinking. When the mind wanders, don’t make a big deal of it, just observe your thoughts. This can be practiced for 5-10 minutes. If you practice regularly, you will cultivate more peace and greater intuition through the practice of silence.

I listened to the audio "seed" and found that it was very helpful- there was a voice and visualization that I could focus on. My whole body was twitching near the end, but I tried not to move and I wasn't uncomfortable so there was no need to. I look forward to the rest of the journey, this exercise was a great first step to a more mindful and peaceful living.  
   

“Worthiness, or unworthiness, is something that is pronounced upon you by you. You are the only one that can deem yourself worthy or unworthy. You are the only one who can love yourself into a state of allowing, or hate yourself in a state of disallowing. There is not something wrong with you, nor is there something wrong with one who is not loving you. You are all just, in the moment, practicing the art of not allowing, or the art of resisting.” -Abraham Hicks

My Practice is Worthiness | Day 2: Who am I? What defines who I am? I am made up of layers; I am a physical self, intellectual self and spiritual self- but is that who I really am? Or are all of these layers just a reflection of my true self- a self made up of the potential for unconditional love. 

The challenge 

Write down three areas of your life where you have experienced a feeling of unworthiness. Perhaps you didn’t think you were good looking enough, or maybe you weren’t a good enough mother, it can be anything. The first thing I would like you to do is a brief reflection to see if you know where these thoughts are coming from. You might know, you might not know. Just take a moment for contemplation. If something comes up for you, write it down and move on.

Today's meditation was insightful and thought provoking, it made me question; what defines who a person is, do those characteristics really make up a person or are they a reflection of one's true self? In my opinion, we are many things and we have many faces that we present to the world, we are not defined by one thing. 

"May I be peaceful.

May I be at ease.

May I be filled with loving-kindness.

May I be free." -Buddhist Metta Meditation

My Practice is Nurturing | Day 2: Self-love, compassion and care should be something that everyone incorporates into their day life. There shouldn't be a stigmatization, when a person focuses on taking care of themselves before others- one must be at ease with themselves to fully and whole heartedly care for others. 

The challenge 

Close your eyes. Take three deep, long breaths. What practices or rituals can you perform to bring reverence and self-love to truly embrace yourself? 

Mantra's and Mudras, why haven't I done this before? What a powerful moment to have the garuda, or angel wings over the heart, mudra and recite a mantra to myself, loved ones, community and the world! It's only been two days and I feel lighter and happier. 

“Just as you wouldn’t leave the house without taking a shower, you shouldn’t start the day without at least 10 minutes of sacred practice: prayer, meditation, inspirational reading.” -Marianne Williamson

My Practice is Devotion | Day 3: It's been an interesting couple of days; though I have only done four exercises and guided meditations, I feel as if it's something that has been part of my routine for a while. I start my day with a little enlightenment and feel focused, at ease and rested for the whole day. 

The challenge 

Say a prayer to your inner guide, or your higher power. Ask to let-go of what you think you need and surrender to your highest good, to your highest purpose. Sit in silence and listen. Jot a few notes down of what may arise for you in this moment.

In today's "seed", tantra's were incorporated- which are practices meant to channel a greater purpose or being. I found that the song was calming, even though my mind wandered a few times and I couldn't understand what was being said, the vibrations of the sound felt like they traveled into my inner being. 

“Fearlessness is the first rung on the ladder of freedom.” -Swami Rama

My Practice is Courage | Day 4: What are limitations? Who decides that we can't or won't be able to do? The power is in our hands, we set our own limits, we create shortcomings.

The challenge 

What would your life look like if you were fearless? How would it feel to overcome your inner voice that says “no”? Visualize this life of courage and write down what you see and feel. Be specific. Remember, to be effective, this meditation must be practiced with faith and without doubt.

Today's short meditation incorporated visualization- I visualized that I was in a rainforest as it's getting dark, I'm trying to get home, when I'm faced with a snake in my path. The snake, represents the limitation or fear we have in our lives- what we don't realize is that unless we face this obstacle, we won't be able to find out that this "snake" is actually just rope on a branch. It doesn't exist, it's just a figment of our imagination-fear. 

“Peace Begins With Me. Truth Begins With Me. It doesn’t exist out there. It exists in here."

My Practice is Independence | Day 4: When will you take charge? Stop looking outwards for answers, look within yourself and trust that you are enough to lead your life in your own way. 

The challenge 

You are the guru. In embodying this, you must know and embody your own truth. After you practice this Independence meditation, and repeat the mantra “Peace begins with me, Truth begins with me” over and over, make the following declaration:  

My truth is _____________________. Keep it simple. First thought. This is your truth.

Independence means finding truth and peace within yourself. The act of not needing others to tell you what you need to do or be- I am in charge of my own outcome and I know what is best for me. Realizing that you have so much control over something, that was thought to be unavoidable, is a blessing in disguise. 

“I measure my success on how much fun I’m having!” -Gabrielle Bernstein

My Practice is Playful | Day 5: Lighthearted, full of wonder and fun..when did we lose these feelings and grow up? Why does being adults, mean we can no longer be playful? 

The challenge 

A child’s capacity for joy is enormous! Children are oozing curiosity, creativity and happiness. On the following pages, ask yourself:
• What are your favourite qualities in children that you wished you still embodied?
• How can you intentionally bring these favourite qualities into your own daily life?
• What would you need to do to make this happen?

Imagining that I was a child; running around, smiling and not having a care in the world- brings to my attention that so much has changed since then. My life consists of a constant "what's next" and living up to expectations. There is a permanent sense of worry, that I carry all the time- feeling wonder and having fun, that may just be what happiness is all about so why am I not concerned with that? 

“A garden requires patient labor and attention. Plants do not grow merely to satisfy ambitions or to fulfill good intentions. They thrive because someone expended effort on them.” -Liberty Hyde Bailey

My Practice is Thriving | Day 5: The power of the mind, can you manifest your dreams into reality? Have you tried?

The challenge 

Listen to this meditation twice a week. When the meditation has finished, sit up and write down three things you can do until the next practice that will support your vision. Commit to this practice for thirty days. At the end of thirty days notice if you are bringing your dream to life. It really is all about thriving and cultivating your vision!

The mind is powerful! Through visualization, we can manifest our thoughts into reality- the good and the bad. By taking the time to imagine the life I desire, I am creating a guide towards achieving it; I know what I want, I can see it in my mind and I know how to get there. 

“Joy is what happens to us when we allow ourselves to recognize how 

good things really are.” -Marianne Williamson

My Practice is Joy | Day 6: We don't always have to be happy and put together, but we do need to know that these feelings come from within us. All we have to do is think about the things that make us feel joy, and watch as it radiates through your body. 

The challenge 

Write 100 things that bring you joy. This is going to elevate your cellular structure; I promise! You are going to be sky high on joy! Next, circle the top 10 which are super easy for you to do in your life. Now write down how you can incorporate these 10 that bring you joy into your week.

As human beings, we like to complicate everything! What I have learned the past six days, is that we have so much control over our lives, emotions and outcomes. We are not bystanders in this life- I can choose to forgive and let go, and welcome joy and lightheartedness into my life. 

   

“Everyday grace must be your reality, your norm.” -Yogi Bhajan

My Practice is Grace | Day 6: Grace is the love, light and kindness within us. 

The challenge 

In my everyday life, I need to _______________ in order to be open to grace. My commitment is to be open to grace. I am going to _______________ once every ________________ to open this space to grace for myself. When I am open to grace, I feel ____________________.

Though I didn't get much out of this particular meditation, I liked the incorporation of chakras- which are the centres of spiritual power in the human body. In total we have 7, my favourite and the one that resides the most with me is the 6th chakra- the third eye, the centre of intuition. 

    

“As we express our gratitude, we must never forget that the highest appreciation is not to utter words, but to live by them.” -John Fitzgerald Kennedy

My Practice is Gratitude | Day 7: Being grateful, showing gratitude and giving thanks is something so simple, yet we all tend to ignore these acts. Sometimes, we have been blessed with so much wealth- material and spiritual, that we feel entitled instead of gratitude.  

The challenge 

From now on, every time you sit down for a meal with friends ask everyone at the table to share three things they are grateful for. It is truly an amazing practice that is easily maintained. As long as you are eating food, you are practicing gratitude. Such an inspiring way to experience the power of gratitude!

In the coming months, I hope to keep a weekly meditation practice in my routine. Through this experience, I have been able to see things in a different light and feel a sense of ease- I have let go of negativity, trying to find the good in any situation. Gratitude, Worthiness, Playful & Courage - these are all messages and ways of life that I hope to incorporate daily. 

xoxo, 

Natalie

Do One Thing That Scares You

Have you ever heard the saying "Do one thing that scares you a day"? I bet you've seen this quote many times and thought "hmm...I like that". Well, I like it too! 

I like the idea of trying new things without fear, embarrassment or judgement. I'm not saying to go skydiving or get a tattoo, which if you want too then by all means go for it- what I'm talking about are those small goals, the things that you never wanted to try because you feared failure or simply got lazy. 

Those things that you kept putting off and never got around to doing because "life got in the way". These are the things that I want to tackle this school year, I want to prove that I can achieve everything I set my mind to, that if I want something all I have to do is try and that hardwork and determination, really do create results. 

I want to "do something that scares me everyday" and that's being completely free of the "what if". I am my own worst enemy and I won't let doubt get in my way any longer. 

What is your school year resolution? 

xoxo, 

Natalie 

Retail Body Shaming

Body shaming is something men and women are exposed to on a daily basis- certain body types are underrepresented in the media or presented as undesirable. Clothing Brands are no exception to the rule; they advertise their clothes on models who are tall and slim, some stores do not carry xxs or xxl sizes and people leave feeling shame towards their body from interactions made during their shopping experience. 

Shopping should be like therapy! It should make you feel good and happy, after getting a cute outfit or finally getting that expensive dress on SALE, but that isn't always the case- sometimes the experience is ruined and you leave feeling bad about yourself by a few simple words or phrases. 

"This is final sale, you tried it on right?" Yes, thank you for letting me know for the tenth time. I did try it on, it fits great..thank you for implying I would need to return it. 

"Is this for you?" Uh-huh..this is for me. Is there a reason you would ask that? Like maybe you think this certain item wouldn't look good on me. 

"Do you need a bigger size" Thank you for loudly pointing out that my usual size no longer fits. 

Though these phrases may not seem like a big deal or sound rude in any way, you never know how someone feels about their body. Someone may be super confident and the comments won't mean anything, but if someone is insecure or unhappy with how they look- these simple interactions can seriously affect how someone sees and feels about themselves. If you work in retail, why not trying these phrases out? 

"Just wanted to remind you that these items will be final sale" "Oh this is super cute!" "Did you need a different size" "Can I help you with anything" 

The intention is never to hurt another's feelings but involuntarily certain actions and comments can have an affect. Being conscious and using positive speech can not only save you from sounding bitchy (sorry!) but you can really make a difference in someone's day.  

xoxo, 

Natalie 

Hectic Schedule vs. Healthy Living

You hear it over and over and over (x10) about how people have no time to exercise and live a healthy and balanced lifestyle. I am guilty of having used this excuse for many years, and I am sad that I didn't get on this healthy living bandwagon earlier. 

It took me a while to realize that the only person who was suffering from my "crazy" schedule and "no time" was me, and when you really think about it- you can always make time to do something great for yourself. It's not difficult, it doesn't take a significant amount of time, it just takes a few tweaks to your lifestyle and before you know it, you can't imagine your life any differently. 

Here are some easy ways to start living a healthier and more active lifestyle: 

• Balance | No need for a strict diet and restricting what you eat. Just make sure that you are getting enough of what you need and not going overboard in indulgence. If you want something, get it- one "bad" meal won't ruin good habits. 
• Prepare For Success | If you aren't filling your fridge and pantry with wholesome and nutrient filled food, then you most likely won't eat it. When grocery shopping, stock up on fruit, veggies and other healthy and filling foods that will satisfy your body's needs. 
• Set A Schedule | If you don't have time, make time! Wake up early and workout, not only will you feel fantastic the rest of the day but there are so many benefits to early morning workouts. If you aren't a morning person, try fitting short workouts or walks during and after work and/or classes.  
• Do Something You Love | Find something that you just can't live without - whether it's a fitness class, such as; Zumba, Yoga, Spinning or Barre. Do something that motivates you to do more-  once you start feeling great, you won't want to stop there and you will look for more ways to get moving. 
• Get Started | This is your time to do something great and to inspire those around you. You can be living an endorphin-high life, feeling and looking great and knowing that you were able to tackle your barriers and rise up over all the doubts and insecurities. 

It may not be easy at first, but if you just give it your all and commit to change- you will be on the road to success. 

xoxo, 

Natalie