She’s Good.

DO YOU LOVE YOUR BODY? DO YOU TRUST YOUR BODY?

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Last week or maybe the week before that… it’s so hard to keep track of time these days. I watched one of Untamed Authors Glennon Doyle’s daily “Morning Meeting” check-in’s during Covid-19.

She had a discussion topic on something very close to my heart actually the ONE thing in my life that really never leaves my mind and always is a perpetual goal or either a thorn in my side: (Link ⬇️)

On Love and Control and Food and Bodies.

And clearly I’m not alone in it and am so grateful that Glennon was so honest with this question that she always gets. Do watch for her response.

I know it’s maybe not a ideal time to delve into the questions my own Body Love and Trust. But, I do what I want:) and I’m a firm believer that God (or Higher Power) brings us questions in divine timing even if it’s uncomfortable as hell.

But, actually I DO feel like I’m ready for this Wellness Work. I do have the time to be uncomfortable and seek out some solutions before my new normal starts again.

Currently I’m in a “Safe Place” to do this, being at Home in my cocoon comfort zone allows me without distraction to do the hard work in my head again and the Covid-19 Pandemic has really opened me up to think of my health and actions in whole new urgent way that I really need to take to feel and care better for myself during this uncertain time and beyond.

And I’m not talking about Diets, Fuck Diets actually. Sorry about the swearing, but quick fixes infuriate me. But, instead I’m talking about finding that Sweet Spot of Balance again. I’ve been there before and it’s a place I want to live again. And if I can just hang-out there permanently and put down some good roots that would be awesome as well.

But, I’ve got some major work to do to get there and after yesterday’s post I felt I was onto something… and soon after Glennon’s IGTV showed up. A timeline of divine intervention I believe that I’m ready to dig into:

DO YOU LOVE YOUR BODY?

I love you, but I don’t like you right now. You piss me off actually. You gain weight just looking at a donut it seems. But, what makes me even more angry is the Head attached.

That I constantly berate you and always focus on your superficial flaws. The weight gains, the stretch marks, the big belly, the spider veins behind your knees that are now are popping little by little on your lower legs that make my head swim with more “limitations” of what I can’t wear. I know this is all stupid and mean.

But, I still love you. It’s a constant battle of thoughts vs. reality of how grateful that I am actually that you kept me Here after all you’ve been through.

To be able to breath again freely, wake up to love my loved ones daily, have moments I cherish like this and a future to Live.

DO YOU TRUST YOUR BODY?

I actually do. I Trust you with my Life.

You gave me the warning signs when you were sick and failing. You worked so hard to not give up until the surgery was complete. You bounced back with such joy it seemed with each new breath and movement. You were and are so happy to feel better.

Why am I so mean to you? Punishing even? When you are a miracle.

I’m so sorry, so so sorry. Please forgive me.

Starting tomorrow on StoryboardC for the next 10 days I will be unpacking and building on this initial post after stumbling (Love how God guides us to the right information and people when we begin to do soul work) upon @AshleyRoseReeves Free Better Body Love 10 Day Challenge on Instagram.

These past 10 days of Digging Deep into her Real Life Tried & True content in discovering Body appreciation and positivity has been Life changing. The Best Self-Work I’ve ever done actually.

Though as uncomfortable as it is to share these most intimate thoughts and stories of my life long battle with weight and self-worth. I’m doing it just if one person (including myself:) reads it. It’s so worth it to finally see some light coming back in.

See you here tomorrow for Introduction to Better Body Love.

Love, C.

WHAT KIND OF EATER ARE YOU?

Grace Kelly. Round Hill, Jamaica. 1955. Howell Conant.

Grace Kelly. Round Hill, Jamaica. 1955. Howell Conant.

I’ve been thinking a lot about this… more than I probably should during this Covid-19 lockdown. But, as a nearly lifelong emotional eater. Obsessing over food is a pretty common occurrence.

So, instead of obsessing I’ve decided to do a observational check-in approach to see how I’m eating right now.

One thing I’ve learned over the years when it comes to Emotional Eating is reflection helps. Just for the awareness sake for sure.

So, here is the Questions I often ask myself:

Grace Kelly. Round Hill, Jamaica. 1955. Howell Conant.

Grace Kelly. Round Hill, Jamaica. 1955. Howell Conant.

What kind of eater are you?

Happy?

Currently am enjoying that I’m Meal Planning more and Home cooking is a part of my daily routine. I would like to see this habit stick around as in my new normal when lockdown is over.

Healthy?

Yes, more then the old usual of eating whenever I have a chance with my hectic schedule in the last 6 months. I’m consciously am buying fruit that I like and attempting to add a vegetable to most meals. I’m just not adventuresome eater. But, this is definitely something that I can improve more on and I’d really like to figure out when a Avocado is ripe and ready:)

Emotional?

Yes, Yes, Yes. This is where my honesty is the best policy comes in. I’ve been emotionally eater most of my life and like many of us our right now or that boredom factor too. I feel like I’m living to eat instead of eating to live.

I have a lot of guilt about this and see it has reappeared again long before the lockdown. This is where doing this check-in helps me to be more aware of how food can be great comfort for me. Is it Ok right now? For sure. Is the the healthy choice? Probably not. But, I’m trying to be gentle with myself in these answers.

Intuitive?

I just added this new question because I know a lot of people practice this. I’m still on the fence about it and need to do more research on this eating topic. If you know some good resources definitely share them in the comments below.

Morning or Night-time?

I’ve never been a morning eater. It just doesn’t sit well. Over the years I’ve done protein shakes. But, the last 8 months with a new relationship and new routines. I’ve gotten less regimented with my daily shakes. I’m getting better now with the lockdown again and my body seems to like it.

Night-time is a huge trouble spot for me lately with the re-entry of TV into my life over the winter. TV+Time = Binge eating. Sugary snacks, Nachos for supper as of late. Especially when I’m at home by myself. As much as I love this little luxury again. It has brought back some old habits that don’t serve my body well.

Feast or Famine?

Feasting definitely. It’s a free for all right now. Allowing myself to participate despite the mental backlash.

fast or Slow?

Fast always. Thanks Dad for teaching me that😂.

Observations:

Well, that wasn’t so bad. A mental reset in some ways, to not admonish myself. But, to realize I’m doing the best I can right now in a time that is so uncertain. Old habits of coping will show up and a awareness gives me a little hope to know that this is not a permanent state of existence.

Things will change and so will my coping as we all unravel this time in our lives later on. But, for now I’m ok sitting in this space and allowing myself to observe. Maybe, some answers will show up.

Love, C.

LOVE YOU.

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“Love You.”

It’s a silly little affirmation I’ve been using over the past couple of weeks that only started out as a funny way to slow my negative inner self-talk down while I’ve been actively using my visualization practice again.

And it’s surprisingly stuck in a pretty big way as I work towards beginning some pretty hefty health priorities and other goal getting agendas for this month

So, I thought this little self-love term of endearment would be a perfect post title to kick off February’s Blogging extravaganza.of 9 posts 😂 and my other 2020 Goal Getting mini steps for this month.

So, heres this Feb.’s low down:

HAPPY HEALTH

This months all about implementing one good ol’habit again that I’ve been Horrible about…WATER. So Far so good.

Also experimenting with a NEW way of eating: Keto. I know it’s all the rage/trend right now, but it seems like a perfect fit for me and many others. I will feature the current book I’m reading later this month and my honest thoughts on this eating lifestyle.

CREATE

I’m so excited for this month in the Blogging Department. I’ve decided to experiment with some fun topics and share the love of some old ones too. I hope you will be as excited as I am 😂.

I’m also totally digging after 14+ years of blogging, finally finding a blog formula for creating that really works and gets posts done with fun😊.

THRIVE

Bold Moves are happening especially in the work dept. I’ve stopped looking at myself as just a reusable resource and speaking up when I need some self-care time or just quiet time watching of, The Curse of Oak Island 😜. It’s definitely my dirty-nerdy little visual pleasure. But, for the love of God after 7 seasons of stringing me along. I hope they find the “vast” treasure soon.

Now with all that named, claimed and written down stuff for this months actions. I’m accountable 😊 and ready to get going for February ♥️. How about you?

Seriously Thank You so much for being so supportive of my goal getting journey thus far and all the kind words over on Instagram. I’m so grateful and also Love You too 😊🥰♥️.

Cynthia @storyboardC.

VISUALIZATION.

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Hey, You gotta start somewhere and the head is the perfect place to begin.

Visualization over the years has been the beginning point for so many of my dreams/goals coming true. Yes, they might not turn out as exactly as I imagined. But, they often show up in ways that surprise me.

Now how does visualization work for me? It’s a formula I’ve definitely tweaked over the years. I always first begin with a goal in mind and work on any resistance to that change in my head first before even beginning. For example, my Health Journey.

Back when I was first diagnosed with Type 2 Diabetes. I had to make some serious changes for my health ASAP. I was 100+ pounds overweight and my Dr. initially recommended me to have a invasive weight loss surgery. I remembered going to the informational meeting and after leaving I sat in my Car crying. The surgery terrified me and I knew that it was Not a option for me.

In the past I had successfully lost weight and knew I could do it again. For about a month despite the urgency, I sat with everything in my head and on paper. Allowing myself the time to digest the diagnosis and come up with a plan and work through all the resistance to changing my current habits into positive ones.

I also began to allow myself to imagine and visualize a new wellness life for myself that would stick. I gave myself permission to dream. I remember watching this YouTube Video daily to help sink it in further.

I finally became comfortable with Starting, little by little like a walk around the block or feeding my body with good foods again. Reminding myself this health journey wasn’t a sprint, but a marathon. Visualization also helped me work through some other challenges that came my way like my emotional eating.

Eventually I lost the 100 pounds and also “gained” way much more like realizing my Imaginations can be the Birthplace of change. Then last year I’ve discovered their is also some pretty exciting big science behind Visualization.

VISUALIZATION 101

Last January I came across the No-Nonsense Motivational Speaker and the 5 Second Rule Founder Mel Robbin’s Mindset Reset 35-Day Free Training Program Series. On Day 6’s video Why Visualization is the Secret to Success. I was blown away. Realizing that all these years without knowing the science behind Visualization that I actually had been practicing it pretty spot on.

Below I’m sharing a little breakdown and cheat sheet per say. Let’s get started:)

RAS

Ok 🤓 Nerd Alert. Mel broke down something I had Never heard of before in her Talk called RAS. It’s some pretty power brain stuff.

The Reticular Activating System is our Brain’s information filter and it’s physically located at the base of the brain where it connects with our spinal cord and works like this…

First our Brain as we all know is a Information keeper and if we did let everything in we would go into overload Loco, Cray Cray:) Explode with Info and That’s where RAS helps us filter out the mass amount of unnecessary information we're exposed too every moment of our lives.

But, it also keeps us in a little cocoon of familiar ideas that our past has programmed. Making us stick to what is comfortable in thought and that’s why change can be so darn hard. But, Not impossible.

Training your Brain.

When your consistently and Intentionally Visualizing a Goal or Dream your resetting your RAS filter (subconscious). Another Fun Fact: The Brain doesn’t know the difference between what has happened or is imagined. The more you train your Brain with a goal scenerio it actually encodes as a “real” Memory in your subconscious. So, that’s where that Manifesting magic might be happening. It’s brain science baby:)

1-2-3 ACTIVATE

Mel also outlined a few simple steps to get real results from Visualization and I’ve added few of my techniques and insights in the mix as well.

  1. Close your eyes. 😜. I know it sounds simple. But, you gotta get in a comfortable space. I do most of my visualization at night before falling asleep. Then I create a specific picture In my head and rehearse it over and over until I doze off into dreamland. I also revisit this same story night after night until it feels good and no resistance pops up. That feel good feeling is like a Alarm clock to work on a new scenario towards my goal.

  2. Activate. This is the Biggie. I remember as a kid watching SUPERFRIENDS and two of my fave super heroes were the Wonder Twins. I loved how they would Exclaim, “Wonder Twins, ACTIVATE.” Then would transform into either something to do with water or animal. It was exciting! Hey I was 4 after all 😜.

    But, Activating your visualization with Positive emotions and Feeling might not turn you into a bucket of water or a eagle 😂. You are Activating your Subconscious to a new Memory. Remember your Brain doesn’t know if it is real or not:)

  3. Writing It Down. I’m sure you’ve heard this before, but according to Marie Forleo’s recent Marie TV episode- How to Achieve Your Goals: 3 Science Backed Strategy’s That Work. She shares a pretty hefty statistic that if you write your goals down your 42% more likely to achieve them.

    I know over the years repetively writing things down has been a form of Visualization for me. A kind of Affirmation of sorts that gets deeper then a fleeting intention. Even writing this post helps remind me of the techniques I want to start doing again to go after some new and old goals revisited.

OK it’s time for me to sign off. Please join the story below and share your thoughts on Visualization. I wanna know and I promise I will keep you updated on my progress.

Love, Cynthia @storyboardc.

Money Honey.

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A couple weeks ago while putting away the money in the cash tills at work, I had a sweet like honey epiphany...

That Money is in Fact Paper (OK, actually according to the U.S. Bureau of Engraving and Printing, our paper money is more a blend of Linen, Wood Pulp and Cotton. You’re Welcome for the info😉)  and we as Humans assign value to it and also our preconceived ideas too.

Before you think I have lost my mind by stating the obvious. Stay with me. I promise their is a point to all of this 💰 talk. Over the last few years personally, I’ve been trying to change my own ideas about money from Negative to Neutral even striving for positive:)

Digging deep into my empty money mindset pockets to understand why I have little and others have zillions. It’s been a interesting study to say the least. Fascinating, challenging and healing endeavor as I pour over new concepts and ideas like I’ve found via Jen Sincero’s book, You are a BadAss at Making Money or even recently from my dear friend Kendra sharing her own enlightening shifts towards Monetary Abundance.

Now after these two years of consciously getting real with myself and my money challenges. I’m excited to share with you and also a little reminder to myself on how far I’ve come and the work I still need to do. As you read forward: All I ask is you too keep a open mind, stay curious with new money mindsets and above all be kind if you see parts of yourself in my own money story:) Some of it can be pretty vulnerable, but I’m all about Embracing, Learning and Growing even in my 40’s  when often society says we should have our financial shit together.

Now your Turn. Grab a notebook and a pen. I’m sharing some questions I’ve asked myself over the last couple of years and currently. *I created even a ‘Money Honey’ Journal where all my notes live. 

What’s Money to you? Write whatever comes to mind and then maybe highlight the thoughts that trigger emotion. This exercise was so interesting to me and opened me up to so many preconceived ideas I’ve been carrying around $$.

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A Penny for your Parents Thoughts

It all begins when we’re little people. Our Parents and even Grandparents teach us our first Money stories. It’s either a healthy legacy or a skewed one like my own story. Yes, they’re a few positive take-a-ways I myself still carry. but overall what I’ve learned was most of these mighty dollar lessons were really a one way ticket to the bank of disfunction junction. Reflection I found has been key to amend that history. Here goes:

Growing up I remember loving staying home “sick” from school all cozied up on the couch watching morning game shows. It was the early 80’s and Game Shows littered the morning channels like trash on the freeway. My favorites were Price is Right (Duh), but Sale of the Century was my ultimate jam.  

I loved seeing Adults being excited about winning awesome prizes and the chances to choose the big prize! A clear plastic briefcase full of money:) It was a far cry from my own Parents concept of money in our household. 

My Mom was the Money Rebel. She herself grew up the youngest of five kids to Parents that lived through the Great Depression. So, their own money ideas were of scarcity and a hoarding money mentality. Growing up with that lack of idea she went the opposite on the spectrum. As a Adult craving the finer things on a middle class budget. She would spend and hide it the best she could from my Dad. It unintentionally was a game for her, to spend on things she loved without my Dad finding out. He always did somehow though.

I also was her little partner in crime on these shopping excursions and learning that spending was secretive. And a lot of that spending was for me and I remembering feeling guilt for that though her intentions were good as She never wanted me to be without the things she had not received as a child. 

My Dad on the other hand was the Money Inforcer. He would use shame and control tactics on my Mom often. He still tries it with me, Calling me ‘Little Linda’ after my Mom when I “f*#k” up in his opinion. But, the ironic fact about his tactics. It was ok for him to splurge on himself or even me because he was the breadwinner.  

So, as you can see, I grew up with a weird guilt about money watching they’re adult drama play out and I still carry it with me. My Parents despite they’re own challenges always were so giving to me and Money often was a currency of love.  That love currency I’ll leave for therapy😜. 

This is all money childhood stuff I’m still currently working on while getting specific with creating my own new foundations of a financial legacy. I’m learning to amend my monetary history while also acknowledging I can’t rewrite it. But I can correct and learn from it. Ultimately trashing the lessons that aren't serving me now and focusing on the concepts that do. 

Now your Turn. What did your Parents or Family teach you about Money? Positive, Nuetral or Negative? How can you amend your monetary history to serve you better going forward?  

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More than a Financial Portfolio 

Our relationship to Money as I shared in my own Money beginnings is definitely more than a boring financial portfolio. It has a lot of feels, learned thoughts and behaviors that actually go beyond some cash issues. My own adult broke ass story has often been filled with fear, what ifs and worry. It’s a scary story to be in and I know now I need to do some major self-fixing and uncovering better ways to view and live with money going forward. Changing old patterns and ideas. Acknowledging that I am tired of the inconsistency and dreaming of someone or thing to swoop in and fix it for me. 

When I first began doing the mental money work, resistance came in like a phantom in the night:) These past two years have been a challenge to say the least. Old habits are hard to die. But, yesterday I heard a quote from the new Mary Poppins Movie that gave me a good reminder. “Everything is possible even the impossible.” Money included. 

 A year ago when I filed Banruptcy, the kind I pay every month my past debt. I never would of imagined that I would of felt that kind of freedom again as a single person. It seemed like the impossible, but it did become possible.

Yes, I’ve had some small and medium sized set backs and still daily reminders to myself that no one is going to save me (like my ex-husband did) but me. But, also knowing their is help and guidance out there and it never hurts to ask. We’re never alone in this life and even when money is involved.  Whatever your Money mistakes are or have been you too can move to the light. Even if it’s just sparkly pennies in your financial portfolio in the beginning.  

Now your Turn. What our the true feels you have with money right now? Bleak, Fine or Abundant? Do you have any Resistance to old Money Habits you need to change? Mistakes that keep showing up? Any little Sparkly Penny steps you can make now? 

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Happy Money Thoughts

Ok, This is the fun part. This why I’m writing this post. I actually now enjoy thinking of money and even writing about it😊. It’s like when my friends talk about what they would do if they would win the lottery. Their faces light up and their eyes sparkle with the endless possibilities that imagined wealth could bring and It’s fun too.

But, most of my life it wasn’t. Like Money, even talking about the lottery stressed me out. I usually would sit back and listen as my buddies would go off into La La lotto land. Thinking to myself, “Oh that sounds nice and all, but I never win anything anyway and I don’t even play the lottery.”

I’d even have snarky thoughts like, “People actually don’t deserve that money, they didn’t work hard for it and it’s actually kind of tacky.”

If I did allow myself for a second to contemplate this ‘frivolous’ idea... I’d had ideas like, “I want my wealth to be Sophisticated kind of well to-do, a hard working money making endeavor not some Holding a Big Ass Check in between the 6 o’clock news kind of gross KLA$$Y get rich quick story”.

And that’s probably why I’m stoically poor😂 with that kind of Money Mindset attitude. Shutting that Happy Money shit down quick while being a arrogant a-hole to boot. 

While recently re-reading You are Badass with Money again for the third time, it’s finally sinking in on how my limiting, downright negative thoughts do limit my money mojo. Don’t worry I’m not gonna go blow my next paychecks on Lotto tickets with this recent epiphany, but I’m loving replacing those tired old ugly misconceptions of money with much happier thoughts. 

Now your Turn. What would you do if you won the Lottery? What are your negative misconceptions of Money? How can you transform them to Happy Thoughts?  

Radio Abundance 

Money is Energy. My dear friend Kendra recently said this to me, who happens to also now be my Money Mentor:) She is such amazing, loving wise soul that came back into my life recently sharing her own enlightened financial shift with starting a new business adventure that has transformed her own well-being and wealth.

When I got real with Kendra about how my own Money story is currently, she jumped to the sharing is caring attitude. Explaining how once she     realized that Money is Energy and changed her own currency thoughts on it. Her own ‘Radio’ frequency of Abundance changed for her and her family.

At first, my initial thoughts went to, “Oh lawd not Law Of Attraction or The Secret again😂- you just think it and it will appear instantly like that awesome perfect parking spot at Target.” But, instead she gave me concrete numbers and what she did to really make it happen.

And it’s more than just our conscious thoughts on Money like I mentioned in the beginning. You gotta go deep into the preconceived ideas we’ve grown up with and challenge that old man money mindset to tap into what we both now call Radio Abundance:) 

We all our made of energy. This is scientifically proven and when it comes to our thoughts they too our energy that manifests into action. So, when your always thinking about Money like I have  most my life, “I’m broke. Money sucks. Rich people are luckier than me...” that becomes your story. But, if you think instead, “I’m so adundant, Money is lovely. Rich people are no different than I am.” Your Money thought frequency shifts.

It might not mean you wake up with a wad of cash under your pillow tonight and if you do... I’d call the police. That’s weird🤪. But, your Money dialogue definitely is far more open to positive inner discussion and actionable abundance ideas.  

Now your Turn. What are your thoughts on Money as Energy? Do you have a Money Mentor? Someone that uplifts and inspires you to look beyond your limiting monetary beliefs? What currently is your Radio Abundance frequency at? Negative or positive? Do you have any Actionable Abundance ideas?  

Money Mantra

I read about creating one in You are a Badass at Making Money awhile back (get the book). But, at the time the idea of it floated over my head as certain ideas do when your quite not ready for them in that very moment. We’ve all had that happen... something just doesn’t click until the right timing appears.

My Money Mantra time finally showed up as Kendra shared excitededly about how it was her numero uno success shift for changing her own money mindset and approach to abundance.  

So, here’s the Gist: I wrote my first Money Mantra using Kendra’s one as a guide. Where she got super Specific even down to $$$ and staying Present Tense as if she had the Money Now, which actually she does at this moment:) She also chose her words very wisely. Staying away from Lack of limiting words like, I wish, I want, I need and I can’t with I have, I create and I love. 

Kendra’s Money Mantra was very detailed and at the end even stated affirmations to repeat as often as necessary. I used a few of them myself including one that I found I resisted big time that I now embrace wholeheartedly. But, overall the Money Mantra is a clear way to get real with what kind of abundance you are open too and actionable steps to get there.

I finally did a 2nd Draft based also off the ideas featured in Jen’s book.  It began with a fun ‘what if’ exercise of what my ideal day is if Money was no object and then I broke that down even further into my own Money Mantra revised.

Now I read it every morning. It definitely has shifted my own money mindset into a more positive, affirming way that creates excitement and confidence despite my current circumstances. Anything for peace of mind, Right?!?! 

Now your Turn. What would your ideal life be if you had the Money now? Write down a page of What if’s and Create from that your own Money Mantra. Remember to be specific, present tense and choose your words wisely. And what could be a few affirmations that you could use throughout the day to reframe any negative thoughts that pop up?  

Luxury Redefined

As I mentioned above I had some major resistance to one of the Affirmations I had borrowed from Kendra when creating my first Money Mantra which was, “I Live Luxuriously”.

The word Luxury instantly repulsed me, conjuring up negative beliefs like Gross, Excess and Tacky abuse of Wealth. I hated to read it or worse say it.  

So, when Kendra and I chatted the next time. I brought it up and without hesitation she explained that Luxury isn’t all about owning a private jet😀It’s about finding your own ideas of luxury (Big or Small) and not letting others examples or your former personal judgements cloud your Luxury meter. 

Soon after redefining this belief with Kendra, I came across some perfect examples of what fed this negative luxury idea in the first place. It was so interesting to investigate and reflect with a much more open money mindset.

Being 44 and growing up in 80’s there were definitely some decadent luxury living going on with the likes of millionaire moguls like Donald Trump and even a example that hit closer to home.

The TV Evangelist Jim Bakker (who ended up being my Dads Inmate at his work for the Federal Prison in my hometown of Rochester, MN.) and his wife Tammy Faye. They're gross misuse of church funds and living lavishingly under the guise of God’s Blessing of money. Left a major bad taste in my mouth about Wealth, Luxury and abuse of Mascara (Google Tammy Faye and Mascara if your unaware😂). 

Yes, some of us might want a air-conditioned dog house for they’re pets like the Bakkers or a private jet a la Kardashian’s and even maybe a closet full of Juicy Couture Track suits for someone else. But, I’m not here to judge anymore. Instead Re-writing what true Luxury is for me. 

My Luxury meter is all about going to the bookstore and affording the titles I’ve been dying to read and marking them up with lovely notes. Or a cup full of G-2 Pilot Pens in Bold. Being able to buy Dinner for a friend or not worrying about having to choose between gas or food.  

This kind of Simple Luxury brings joy, excitement and possibility to my heart. Honestly a reminder, if  doing all of this Money Mindset Reset is just for this shift change. It’s been totally worth it.   

Now your Turn. What’s some of your misconceptions of Luxury? How can you redefine them and enjoy a happy, healthy view of personal Luxury that fits You?  

Want more?

This post/essay actually has been one of my all-time faves to write and research. I’m surprised as you are that Me, Myself & I love talking about Money so much🤩 now and I hope it sparks a little fire of cash convo in you too.

Do you want more? Here goes:

Read:

You are a Badass at Making Money: Mastering the Mindset of Wealth. Your probably sick of me mentioning it or your ordering a copy for yourself on Amazon right now. Do the latter and thank me later;) *And No I’m not getting a kick back😜 for mentioning it so much:) But, it’s just that good as well as Jen Sincero’s first Badass Book, You are a Badass: How to Stop Doubting your Greatness and Start Living an Awesome Life. 

Jen’s Funny as Shit, honest and One of us trying and doing self-helpery work to be our Best Versions. She breaks things down in a way that makes it enlightening, refreshing and possible.  

I even thought recently about how awesome it would be to go to one her book signings and hand this baby over to her to sign.  But, as I played this little scenario around in my head as I flipped through the well-loved pages and admiring the work/notes I’ve done. I realized in that moment for the first time my copy is already signed! Whoa! Reminding me once again that we all have this money mojo in us and we just need tools like this to remember it:) So, get it and do the work:) 

And Find Your Money Mentor: 

Someone you Trust and Admire to inspire you to look beyond your pre-conceived ideas of the $$. A friend that builds you up and has done the Work before you.

My Friend and Money Mentor Kendra has been such a blessing and continues to be even outside the realms of $$. Check her out for yourself on the gram @kendramarable Artist+Chef+Visionary and much more♥️. 

Make Money Knowledge your Amigo: 

Especially as Women.. Money Talk historically was reserved for the opposite sex not us so much. I know in my childhood I got that misinformation often that Money was a unladylike topic of conversation. Not anymore and while on this Money Journey of Love, I’ve decided to make it my business and enjoy it too.

A fabulous resource for me has been Makers which is a Media Brand I follow on the gram that ‘exists to accelerate the women’s movement through stories of real-life experiences that ignite passion and action’.

Including Real Money Myth Busting Talk and Empowerment via Makers Money Series. Leaving me wonder despite my limited Math skills I should of maybe gone into Finance:) It’s been a game changer for me hanging out with these Money Amigos of ideas and insights. 

So, What’s Next for You and I? 

I personally am enjoying the Money Mindset Reset Ride. I’m showing up and working. I’m creating and Making Wind Chimes of Pennies😜 J/K, but I did take some pretty pictures of Pennies to showcase here;) But, most importantly thinking of money with love not contempt anymore. Visualizing and meditating on a more abundant life. So, when those old $$ ideas come swinging in  with a their heavy weight punch. I’m now ready to knock them it out with a affirmation and a new spark of possibility. Yes, I’m not yet rolling in the dough, but now I’m sure as heck open to the possibility of it. That in itself is priceless:) 

Now I want you to go find your own Money Possibilities. Keep me posted.   

Love, C.  

Morning Routine.

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I’m re-writing my morning routine history with some heaping help from this #mindset reset maven Mel Robbins. And if you been reading storyboardC for awhile you know I love myself some Morning. Straight up Obsessed I tell ya. It’s my Magic hours of creativity, coffee drinking and overall digging deep into what makes me happy. And without my mornings I believe I would be on a straight one way ticket to crazy town. Shit, sometimes I feel like I’m going there still with the everyday muck that life throws my way🤪. But, now I know my Morning routine actually over the years is more than a saving grace. I’m learning also their is some hard science behind it to beginning  your day off right while following along with  Mindset Reset. Below I have a few links you can check out to discover it for yourself.

I’ve also added some new routines and revamped some old ones to serve the rest of my day better.  I’m super excited to share it with you and totally hope it helps your own morning vibe. 

It all begins The night before:

A couple months ago I watched Mel Robbins YouTube video on Why you need a Morning Routine.   it was a game changer to begin my Mornings with a more fresh focused start and my new nightly routine only takes about 10 minutes at the max. 

1. Wash Dishes. This is something I actually love to do and they’re is just something joyful especially in winter getting my hands all warm and soapy with the delicious, clean smell of Lemon scented Dish soap. 

2. Prep Coffee and Morning Protein Shake. Nothing is better than waking up to pushing the Start button on the coffee maker and having my protein shake ready to down right before I go to work or need it after a couple cups of Jo. 

3. Commuter Bag Prep. Though I am no longer riding the bus to the burbs. I still have a short trek to my Parking ramp downtown. It makes it so much easier having my bag ready for the next day at work and not having to scramble to find my keys or wallet😊

4. Turning my phone to airplane mode. This is something new and has given even better rest at night. I’m knowlonger checking my phone at odds hours of the night or being disturbed by random texts.

Then lastly before shutting out the light-setting my alarm to 6am on work days and 7am on days off. 

Morning Ritual

1. Snooze You Lose. This is something new I’ve incorporated after watching this Session of Mindset Reset. I had no idea what a negative effect the snooze button has on the rest of our day. I am definitely waking up more rested and not as groggy throughout the rest of the morning either. 

2. Making my Bed. I have always been pretty good at this and now am kind of fanatical. It does make a difference especially living in a small space. Everything looks put together and I also love the ritual of making my bed. 

3. Five Second Journal. This is a new morning routine and I am absolutely in love with it.  My days have become far more productive and I worry less about getting things done. I feel way more focused as well. HERE and HERE you can watch more in-depth explanation about this process created by Mel Robbins and download a Free Copy HERE to try for yourself. 

4. Flow Morning Pages. This is where my creative magic happens every morning. It can also be where I show up and work through things. It’s my favorite part of my day really. I wrote more about HERE on the blog last October. I’ve since modified it with doing the 5 second journal. I love having it back to 3 blank pages of whatever needs to come out on the page:) 

5. Done is Fun.  My Mornings are sacred and I take a good two hours each day. I know it might seem excessive to some or unrealistic with having children. I get it. I have a luxury of time and a work schedule that mostly allows me to do this daily. When I’m done for the day, knowmatter how heavy my life load is I always nearly feel a sense of fun with my time in the morning. I do hope my little breakdown helps you to savor your own morning rituals or maybe inspire you to create one. It’s never too late to become a morning person in my opinion🌞 Cheers to Morning Light!

Love, C. 

  *Its completely (FREE) and no catch Video based 35 day program full of scientific research and Mel’s Trademark No BS, yet always kindly delivered message on how changing the way we think incrementally can truly transform our lives in big ways. Here is the Free companion PDF to DOWNLOAD and go HERE to Her YouTube #MindsetReset Playlist to follow along for yourself.