It has become increasingly difficult to pay attention to what's really important to us in the crazed, buzzing confusion of the modern world. It’s time to fight back and create a distraction-free ritual that helps us live a life with mindful intentions. With so many distractions competing for our attention, we need to tame the madness before it owns us.

That is why we recommend implementing a daily distraction-free mode — a time to hunker down and focus on your most important, complex tasks/needs.

How do we implement a distraction-free mode? Here's one approach... enable a distraction blocker on your computer, put on noise-canceling headphones, leave your phone and tablet in another room, and set an intention for what you want to accomplish. After focusing for 45 minutes, treat yourself to a 10-minute all-you-can-eat distraction buffet. Now, repeat and repeat!

​Over time we will become much better at focusing on our greater goals instead of frivolous distractions.

​Do you have any go-to techniques for creating a distraction free-mode? 

As simple as it may seem, it is one of the most powerful tools for manifesting the life or business you truly want.  It can help you realize dreams you’ve abandoned or never started working on. It can also help you stay focused and motivated once you start to move toward your goal. It’s a visual reminder of where you want to be.  Because visualization is a powerful tool that can catapult you to the next level in all areas of your life.

Why would you want to create a vision board?
To help make your dreams come true. You can use a vision board to achieve success in as many ways as you define that word: Success in your health, wealth, relationships, career goals — in all aspects of your life.

Why join IE to create your Vision Board?
Because we do all the heavy lifting. We provide all the supplies, the inspiration, yummy treats, the clean-up, and the accountability to make those visions come to life.   And, by the end of an IE workshop you’ll have an actual framed board that you can take home with you to display to keep you motivated.  We will also arm you with tips and tricks to bring that vision to reality. 

Do Vision Boards work?
We are firm believers that vision is everything!!  A clear vision board will serve various purposes, some of which also include - identifying & clarifying of your goals, keeping attention on your intentions, and reinforcing daily affirmations.  A previous participant of our Vision Board session sums it up perfectly for us: 

“When I signed up to do the Inspired Elephant's Vision Board Workshop my expectations were for a fun, ladies afternoon event. I was relaxed, sipping a mimosa and chatting with a friend as I stared to put together my board. What I realized at the end was that, to my surprise, I had created a meaningful collection of feelings, hopes and dreams. And the even better surprise is that a year later many of those subconscious "goals" have become a reality! Kudos to Cher and Carolyn for helping me tap into and clarify my goals in a fun, current and meaningful way! If you haven't already signed up, do it! You won't be disappointed! ”  ​~ P. Kirin​

Where do I sign up? 
Our next vision board session will be help this ​Sunday, October 27, 2019 from 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM EST 
at Creative Twist Events (10 Pearl Street, Metuchen, NJ 08840). 

Recently, my son and I tackled his disaster zone of a room. I kid you not, this day-long task produced: two garbage bags-full for goodwill, a box of books and games to donate, 2 bins of hand-me-downs for friends and not to mention, a sore back for me!

What really amazed me, aside from the mess this pint-sized kid can generate, was that he packed up his trophies and stuffed animals and announced that it was time for them to leave his room. This declaration came toward the end of our clean up.

I was surprised, a little saddened (as he is my baby), and also HUGELY ELATED because I love to purge and #konmari my home. "Are you sure?" I repeatedly asked him. "Yea," he replied matter-of-factly.

The trophies and stuffed animals were a part of his past, attachments that had made him feel safe, happy, and somewhat validated or revered. They represented a part of his past self, the child he was growing out of. By taking them out of his room, my son created space so he can grow into his new, preteen self and fill it with things that represent who he is now or at least, who he wants to be.

During our clean up, he showed me posters he wanted to hang up, mentioned books he wanted to add to his library and vinyls for his record collection. He was changing and wanted his environment to reflect that.

Inspired by my son, I found I had an urge to do some cleaning of my own: I decided to clean up my name.

While I had casually reverted back to my maiden name following my divorce in 2013, it wasn't until this year that I made it official by changing it on my passport, driver's license, bank accounts and credit cards. I even requested they change it at my local dry cleaners.

I can't explain it other than there was this insistent force inside me urging me to do this. And I have to tell you, with each instance of losing the last name I no longer felt attached to, I felt positively elated about having taken care of it. I felt FREE. I, too, was cleaning out remnants of my past self to make space for the new.

Growth and change can only happen when it is given the space to do so. 

So growth inevitably involves letting go of something…tangible or not. And, it may even surprise you that you no longer need or want it. This could be true for a comfort item that reminds you of the person you no longer are, or an identity that represents a closed chapter in your life.

Is your soul sending you gentle nudges to make some changes? To let go of the past? We are now officially in autumn, where nature literally shows us how to let go and change, resplendently, and with
ease. With nature as your guide, what can you release to create space? And what would that space invite into your life?

Please share your comments below. We really want to know, and so do our readers!

XO,
​Carolyn

2. TAKE A TRIP TO THE BEACH
Real, or man made, get yourself to a beach one of these fine days while you still can, before the air gets crisp.  Your feet in the sand, a book on your lap and few hours to unplug and recharge.

3. PLAN A ROAD TRIP
You don't have to go far, but maybe try dinner in a town you've never been to before or check out a sunset from a new location. The thrill of the unknown is always a great way to may memories and add excitement to these longer days.

4. ENJOY THE OUTDOORS
Once kids go back in school and daylight starts to wane, we have neither the time nor the energy for outdoor adventures. So the time is now, just step outside. Sit on the deck or walk around the block. Heck, grab a glass of your favorite wine and appreciate this life you’ve built. Raise your glass to your family, your friends and another beautiful summer. Cheers… to the good life!

5. ICE CREAM ADVENTURES
When was the last time you had an honest-to-goodness ice cream cone? Before summer is over, make a date of it and go out for a treat.  Find a new local ice cream store or drive those extra miles for your must have favorite.  Sure it’s not the healthiest, but a little indulgence every now and then is good for the soul. Plus sweater season is just around the corner ;-)

This is no time to sulk… We’ve got to get inspired and make the most of our last few weeks of the season. Let us know some of your end of summer fun ideas in the comments.  We're always looking for some inspiration. 

xo,
C&C 

​Happy Wednesday, Herd. Get inspired for the rest of your week with these wonderful ‘hump’ day quotes to push you far past the midweek slump. #Inspired #wednesdaymotivation

Hello Sweet Visionary,

As a co-creator, your power is infinite. You can create that which you CLEARLY envision, and the only limitation is your own imagination.

Did you get that?  The limits you have in your life are created by the limits you place in your mind.
How big are your dreams? How clear are they?  Do they come with conditions?  Do they get pushed aside, taking second place to all the issues and problems that you don’t want?

We get it.  Been there!  And because we love our Herd, we’d like to share our 5 Step Practice for becoming a Master Manifestor:

1. Get clear.  Clarity is key because you don’t want your dreams getting mixed up with your piles of dirty laundry that need addressing.  Declutter your mind and focus on the dream.
2. Remove limits.  Never place conditions or limits on your dreams.  You want the house with pool and tennis courts but are dreaming about the cute 3 BR cape on the corner because the taxes are lower and well that just seems a lot more realistic?  Seriously?!   Go big or go home, Girl.
3. See it.  Feel it.  Smell it.  Know it.  You’ve got to not only picture it, but you’ve got to FEEL it.  Use all your God-given senses for this one.  What does it feel like to strut into that house and know that it’s yours?  What’s that you hear?  Strains of salsa music coming from the pool?  Oh that must be Pepe, your hot pool boy gearing up for your salsa lesson with mojito in hand. How’s that for imagination?
4. Practice, practice, practice.  How did Mozart become a virtuoso?  How did Edison perfect the light bulb?  Practice, People!  It takes dedication and repetition to fine-tune your imagination into a manifesting machine.
5. Top it all off with a dollop of gratitude.  Always be grateful.  Never entitled!  Like you’ve won the Price is Right.  Every. Single. Day.

That right there, my friend, is your magic elixir for manifesting.  Want to try it out for yourself?
We’ve taken this practice and put it into a workshop called Writing for Clarity.  We take you through a dual-part exercise that allows you to get crystal clear on your visions.  Honestly, Windex could not do a better job!  Once we have clarity, we guide you through each of the remaining steps to your very own Desire Statements.  We cannot stress enough that Clarity is key here.  All the following steps’ power is compromised when you are not clear.  And trust us, we’ll get you there!  And we end with a fun and surprising gratitude exercise.

Think of it as a Vision Board workshop but with words.  Writing is so cathartic.  It’s amazing what you can draw out or realize when you put pen to paper.  If you’ve done our Vision Board Workshops, this is a fantastic complement to it and we invite you to bring your boards with you!
And it never hurts to bring a friend.  Or two.

Register here.

With love and big dreams,
Carolyn & Cher


P.S. Pepe sends his love!


 
#inspired #co-creator #lawofattraction #manifesting

Yesterday while sneaking in a quickie manicure, I had the good fortune of running into one of our upcoming panelists for our May Sister talk: From Hobby to Hustles...The Life Changing Realities and Possibilities of a Side Hustle

If you don’t know Phaedra, she’s got that effortlessly stylish thing going on whether while getting her nails done or cheering on her kids on a field.  An oncology nurse by day, full-time mom and wife, Phaedra side- hustles for her passion which is fashion.  As a Stella & Dot Stylist, she gets to fulfill a desire that is otherwise left unmet in her day to day.  

Are you jonesing for something that’s not in your life right now? 
What is it? 
Wouldn’t it be nice to pursue it and make some $$ on the side? 
What’s holding you back?  Fear? Lack of time? A boatload of excuses???

If you are remotely curious or maybe you've even started a side gig for yourself, please come hear Phaedra (and our other awesome panelists!) as they share their experience, wisdom and if we are lucky, Phaedra's fashion tips with our Herd on Tuesday, May 14th from 7-9 at Creative Twist Events.  After the panel discussion, there will be plenty of time for mingling with other like-minded souls.

Haven’t registered yet?  RSVP here!

XO,
Carolyn

#sidehustle #pursueyourpassion #inspired #sistertalks

It's finally Spring!  A beautiful but hectic time of year where we tend to say YES to everything because we've been cooped up too darned long.

As women, we tend to take it ALL on.... career, family, home, volunteer work, etc.  And if you are like most women, you likely extend compassion, kindness and loving care to your family friends and colleagues on a regular basis no matter what time of year.  It's no joke how far and continuously we extend our committed, caring selves to our obligations and loved ones.

But let me ask you this: When you experience feelings of insecurity, overwhelm or hurt, do you treat YOURSELF with the same loving care?

If you are like me or most women I know, the answer is no.  But here is why we should: Research indicates that self-compassion reduces depression and anxiety by replacing self-judgment with self-acceptance.  When we soothe and comfort ourselves in the midst difficult emotions and juggling too much, we no longer get lost in the rabbit hole of shame and inadequacy but take refuge in the safety of our own loving care.  We become happier and more satisfied with our lives as a result.

Say what?

I'll say it again.  We become happier and more satisfied with our lives as a result. 

Self-compassion also empowers us to proactively cope with life's challenges.  Whether we're talking career upsets, divorce, illness or parenting challenges, the big SC provides us with the resilience needed to stand loving and strong without getting overwhelmed. It motivates us to keep going even after major setbacks, building up grit and perseverance in the face of adversity.

It refuels our Soul Tank.

So Ladies, how about we show ourselves some Self-Compassion?

In tomorrow's Guided Meditation for Self-Compassion, you'll refuel your Soul Tank so you can keep on being the Superwoman you are.

At 3:30 pm on Sunday, April 28th, in the serenity of Maria Manjelo Photography Studio in picturesque Metuchen, NJ, we'll take you on a journey where you'll be given opportunity after opportunity to treat yourself with the same warmth, understanding, and compassion as you would for a hurt child, an infirm loved one or your best friend facing a devastating loss.

We'll hold ourselves with love - validating, soothing and comforting our own pain so that we can observe it without being consumed by it.

Sister, this isn't a one-time, feel-good thing.  We are going to teach you this meditation so you can do it for yourself over and over again.  This is a tool you can use whenever you need to refuel your soul's tank.

So won't you join us?

It's an hour out of your life on a Sunday afternoon before the onslaught of Monday Madness to take care of the one that keeps it all together for everyone else.  It's time to take good care of YOU because nothing is as important as your well-being.  You're a precious soul and the glue of your family, the backbone of your organization, the head cheerleader for your kids and the uber-volunteer of the year and God knows what else.  It's time to treat yourself that way.

RSVP, guilt-free, right here. Trust us!  Your loved ones, your commitments will all thank you for it!
 
With Zen Love,

Carolyn & Cher

P.S. Know anyone who needs some loving self-care? Please forward this email to them.  Details are below.  All are welcome!
 
Guided Meditation for Self-Compassion
Sunday, April 28, 2019; 3:30 PM
Maria Manjelo Photography Studio
312 Main Street
Metuchen, NJ 08840