tag archives: create the life you love

big mothering with heart giveaways!

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Tonight before bedtime I had two naked boys running around the house.

The diaperless 2-year-old was left alone for a few minutes in his room, only to be discovered moments later smearing poop into the carpet.

My bed was covered with unfolded clothes and instead of taking the time to fold them, this tired pregnant mama (of another boy!) threw them on the floor to deal with tomorrow.

The art room was left with scraps of paper and markers thrown about.

Not all evenings are like this.  But, tonight just happened to be one of them.

And that’s just part of being a mom.

Being a mom is a lot of work.  I never knew what to expect before becoming one.  Does anyone really?  But once you do discover what’s on the other side of birthing a child, you find you have a common bond with all the mothers before you – a camaraderie of sorts – a secret knowing what this job is really like.  You become part of the mama club.

When you are a member of the mama club, you don’t have to explain the rewards of being a mom.  You don’t have to explain the joys.  You don’t have to explain the challenges.  We moms are fully aware of them all.

And sometimes we get super busy.  We get caught up in “keeping up” – trying to be like others or just trying to make it through the day.  We put on that face.  You know…the one that tells the world,  Everything is just fine. But sometimes…it just isn’t.  And no matter what…we need each other.  We need to know we’re not alone.  We need to slow down. We need to rest.  We need time with friends. We need wine or dark chocolate.  We need reality TV.  We need a good book, a good laugh, a good bubble bath or a retreat away from it all.

Sometimes we need to shed our doubts.  Sometimes we need to cry.  Sometimes we need to laugh our asses off.

Sometimes we need to reconnect to our intuition, express our creativity, get messy, and live out our hidden dreams.
Sometimes we just need to mother our OWN hearts.

And that’s what Mothering with heART is about – taking time for ourselves and learning how to integrate the need for creativity, downtime, play and FUN into our daily lives while raising children.  And when we learn to nourish our own souls each day, we are nourishing our children’s souls, too.  Because that’s the cool thing about being a mom.  We’re bonded to these little people.  And they sense when we are happy.  They learn from our example.  So the more we return to our true selves and our authentic way of being in the world, we end up passing that on to our kids.  And that means more inner peace, love, joy and happiness for us all!

I’m incredibly honored and excited to share with you a group of AMAZING moms, business women, writers, artists, life coaches and much more who are sharing parts and pieces of their mothering journey with us in my newest online experience, Mothering with heART. Check out the link below to meet them!

 

 

Mothering with heART Contributors

 

 

And the best part is, many of these contributors have a SPECIAL giveaway just for YOU!  Check out these incredible gifts below.  All you have to do for your chance to win one is:

1)  take a moment to leave a comment on this blog post by Monday, May 20th, 2013.

2) for another entry, stop by and like A Free Spirit Life Facebook page. Already a fan or don’t use Facebook?  That’s ok…simply share the link about Mothering with heART with your friends and let me know about it.  I’ll enter you in the drawing a second time!

 

 The giveaways include:

 

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Win a spot in the upcoming e-course, Sexy, Raw & Radiant – from Mothering with heART contributors Stephanie Perkinson and Leah Kent.

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Win a spot in the upcoming e-course, Dream Lab – from Mothering with heART contributor, Amy Bowers.

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Win a copy of the book, Sacred Pregnancy (AND the magazine!) – from Mothering with heART contributor, Anni Daulter.

PicWin a FREE ebook, “How to Navigate your Biz While Staying True to You” (to be released in June) – from Mothering with heART contributor, Megan Monique.

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 Win a $25 gift certificate for the natural online store, Hip Mountain Mama – from Mothering with heART contributor, Suzy Hawbaker.

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Win a FREE ebook, Lemonade & Fireflies: Inspiration for a Magical Summer – from Mothering with heART contributor, Shawn Ledington Fink.

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Win a FREE copy of the new WishstudioPress zine, Glitter & Grunge - from Mothering with heART contributor, Mindy Tsonas.

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Win 4 100% cotton naturally dyed handkerchiefs – from Mothering with heART contributor, Jennifer Schmitz.

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Win a spot in the first ever, Mothering with heART e-course – from me.

Leave your comment NOW for your chance to win!  I’ll announce a winner on Monday, May 2oth.

AND…from now through May 20th, you can register for Mothering with heART at the discounted price of $59!
To register visit:  Mothering with heART Special Discount.

 

Your Personal Reflection:

What does “mothering with heart” or “mothering YOUR heart” mean to you?

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mothering with heart mother’s day special

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Loving fully, finding beauty in the struggle, embracing your intuition, expressing your creativity, being aware of your children’s changing needs, making space for what matters most to you, and building the courage to live your authentic life – that’s what Mothering with heART is all about.

Let’s shed the doubt and remember to TRUST ourselves as mothers.
Let’s treat ourselves with kindness and offer support to others.
Let’s share, grow and learn together – as we continue embracing the true gift of motherhood.
Let’s raise our children the way we feel is best for them and best for us.
And let’s make sure we are taking care of our health, well-being and creativity along the way.

Introducing my newest e-course experience:  Mothering with heART

I’m SO excited to share this with you!

Please check out all the details on my website by clicking below:

Mothering with heART

the new online course to celebrate the mother in you

 

In honor of Mother’s Day, I’m offering a special discount for this new course now through Sunday, May 12th, midnight C.S.T. Rather than paying full price, for this limited time, you can register for the 4-week online experience for only $49!

Gift certificates for the special mothers in your life are also available!

Registration now open!
Summer session dates: July 8th – August 2nd, 2013

Whether you are expecting your first baby, you are a mom of young children, your kids are teens or just went off to college, NOW is the time to take better care of YOU, so you can keep being the mother (and woman) you want to be in the world. Mothering with heART will give you the inspiration, time for reflection and connection to community that will enrich your life and awaken your creative soul!

Wishing you peace, love and JOY this Mother’s Day!

***This special discount has ended.***

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finding the courage to not waste your life

finding courage

Wanting to be someone else is a waste of the person you are.

~ Kurt Cobain

*(Our hearts go out to all those affected by the Boston tragedy. Today’s article is not about that, but if you’d like to read a post about the power of faith, you can see what I wrote a few months ago here: Bless the Day and Choose Love.)

For the month of April, I’ve been conquering small projects around the house – trying to reduce the amount of clutter in my closets and drawers. And no matter how big or small the project is, I can always see a release of energy when I MAKE SPACE. Whether it’s being able to find my socks, or knowing exactly what food is left in the fridge – cleaning, clearing and organizing just makes me happy.

It doesn’t come without work.

It’s not always easy.

Sometimes it’s easier to run, hide and look the other way.

It definitely takes dedication and time.

But man, it sure feels good when you’ve made it to the other side.

And what I’ve noticed most about making space, is that the less clutter you have – in your mind, in your heart, in your home – the less WASTED time, energy and space you have, too.
When we stop, and really look at our lives, it’s easy to see just how much we waste.

We waste time watching too much TV, checking Facebook all day long and being distracted.
We waste creativity worrying about whether or not we’re good enough.
We waste energy over-committing, stressing out, doing too much and rushing about.
We waste space buying more of what we don’t need.
We get stuck in the past.
We worry about the future.
We complain about our boring jobs.
We wait for the weekends.
We spend too much.
We look the other way.
We numb to cope.
We push our needs to the bottom of the list.
We hide our true feelings.
We don’t finish what we’ve started.
We don’t start what we really want to.
We stop playing.
We stop laughing.
We stop feeling JOY.
We resist change.
We keep our dreams bottled up.
And we’re tired. Confused. Afraid.

What a WASTE.

Decluttering this month led me to signing up for a class taught at our local community center called, “How to Buy Organic on Only a $500 Monthly Budget.” I’ve been buying organic food for a long time now, and dang, it is expensive. So I was all game for ideas on how to cut my monthly grocery spending.

And what I learned that night was truly liberating.
Life-changing, really.

You see, what I was reminded of is that to live an “organic lifestyle” means way more than just eating food that hasn’t been sprayed with chemicals. It’s about truly LIVING – with SPACE, with breath, with abundance, with expansion, with nature, with truth, with creativity, with intuition and with vitality.

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This has SO much relationship to reducing clutter and making space for the things that matter most. BREATH is SPACE. The more SPACE and BREATHING ROOM we have – whether it’s in our closets, our drawers, our homes, our budgets, our schedules, our minds, our hearts, or our souls…it’s all related and has a direct effect on our lives.

Living organically, clearing clutter, making space and less waste is about living in harmony with the things that support our health and well being.
It’s about educating yourself.
It’s about reading labels.
It’s about being different and being ok with that.
it’s about staying curious.
It’s about asking questions.
It’s about getting clear.
It’s about doing that thing you’ve been too scared to do.
It’s about not always believing what you’ve been told in the past.
It’s about finding your own path.
It’s about knowing you are whole and complete and wonderful just as you are.
It’s about getting quiet enough to really hear where your heart is trying to guide you.
It’s about finding the courage to follow its lead.

We need to make a commitment to stop wasting time and energy on wishing our lives were different, and instead, actually do the things that will help us CREATE a better life.

Just as you can’t force a flower to bloom before its time, you can’t change your life overnight. But you CAN tend to your hopes and dreams, you CAN take better care of yourself, and you CAN continue growing each and every day.

Your Personal Reflection:

I’m choosing to reduce WASTE in my life so that I can have more time, space and energy to live life how I want to live. How about you?

Happy weekend to you!
Be well…

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Make space for the LAST session of Inside Out: A Creative Adventure of Self-Discovery  e-course this spring.

Class begins April 29th, 2013.

Leah, creator of Skill It, is hosting a give-way for a spot in Inside Out right now. Stop by her blog today for your chance to win!

Visit:  Inside Out Giveaway

 

 

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the gifts inside you

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What gifts in you are ready to be born?

 

My husband took this photo of me a few weeks ago when we were playing around in the spring snow.  He’s trying to capture photos of my growing belly.  That’s right, baby #3 is on the way, and we couldn’t be more thrilled!  I’ve definitely been tired and had a case of the first trimester blahs, but I’m happy to say my energy is coming back and my tummy has settled.  I do get tired in the afternoons, but of course that’s to be expected after running around chasing 2 little boys all day long.

In fact, I’m writing this during my naptime, so I’ll have to keep this short and sweet.  You see, I have to take that time seriously these days.  Taking care of myself, especially while growing a little human, is my priority.  So I’m moving a little slower.  Accepting that I can’t do it all.  Trying to be ok with letting go of creative ideas and projects I just can’t get to right now.

And this is where I am.  In a place that needs a little more sleep.  In a place that is bringing a new life into the world.  In a place of celebration and sacred beauty.  What a gift.

I know there are gifts in you waiting to be born.
And I know it’s important that YOU take care of yourself, too.

Since our new babe is due in early October, this is the main reason I will only be offering Inside Out: A Creative Adventure of Self-Discovery e-course one more time this year.  AND, I’ve cut the price nearly in half because I want everyone to get the opportunity to participate this time around.  This 5-week art-writing-connecting-going-deeper-nourishing-your-dreams-letting-your-true-gifts-shine creative, online experience is now (for one time only) just $10 a week!  I am SO excited to share this experience with you.  Whether this is your first time joining us, or you’ve taken the course several times, I know your soul will be creatively inspired.  (No art or writing experience needed.  This class is designed for those who haven’t picked up crayons since 1st grade, as well as professional artists!)

DREAM big.
CREATE your life.
BEcome your true self.
Your Personal Reflection:

Have you been listening to those quiet whispers?  That reoccuring voice?  The gentle nudge inside you that’s trying to guide you towards the unknown, sometimes scary places, that will help you grow and expand and AWAKEN to the life you are really meant to live?  NOW is the time to cultivate the new beginnings in you that are ready to be born.  Because when you do, your true gifts will emerge with the courage needed to come out into the world.  And we need YOUR gifts in the world!  Join our supportive, compassionate community of life-explorers and share this Inside Out journey with souls who already love and get you.

Class starts in a few short weeks!

For more information: 

Visit Inside Out: A Creative Adventure of Self-Discovery e-course.

Or to sign-up, click “register now!”


Ok…now I’m going to wrap myself up in a quilt before the 2-year-old wakes and the 5-year-old declares his rest time is over!

Be well…

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Live from the Inside Out from Shannon Kinney on Vimeo.

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follow your heart; live your dreams

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You have to grow from the inside out. None can teach you, none can make you spiritual.  There is no other teacher but your own soul.

~ Swami Vivekananda

 

I just feel happy.  Maybe it’s because I finally see spring.  Maybe it’s because we are past the week of sickness.  Maybe it’s because Easter weekend filled me up with so much JOY and love that I can’t stop smiling.

And maybe it’s because I have exciting news to share with you today (and more exciting news to come)…

Inside Out LogoRegistration is now open!

I’ve decided to offer my e-course, Inside Out: A Creative Adventure of Self-Discovery, for only one more session this year.  This spring session, which runs April 29th – May 31st, will be the last session of Inside Out for 2013.

And not only that…

but I’ve cut the price for this 5-week e-course nearly in half!  (No foolin’.)

This is my gift to you today.

This is NOT the time to hesitate.

This is the time to become the creator of your life, awaken to the wisdom of your own soul, and CREATE the life you LOVE!

To learn more and to register visit:

 Inside Out Spring Session

Your Personal Reflection:

Spring is the perfect time to jump with two feet forward in the direction of your dreams.  What are you waiting for?

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make space for your dreams (& 2 give-aways!)

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I’m choosing happiness over suffering, I know I am.  I’m making space for the unknown future to fill up my life with yet-to-come surprises.

~ Elizabeth Gilbert

In my last post I talked about my craving for spring.  And as the temperatures slowly warm up and the snow starts to melt, I’m catching the spring cleaning bug.  Well…I don’t even think it has much to do with cleaning, but rather a deep desire to CLEAR CLUTTER!

For the month of April, my Inside Out graduates and I are supporting each other through a Reduce Clutter; Create Space challenge.  For the entire month, we’ll be focusing on clearing those pesky areas that have been stuffed with “stuff.”  You know…the sock drawer, the freezer, the hallway closet.  We’ll start with small stuff like the junk drawer, and maybe lead to bigger stuff like the office or basement.  I’ve been working regularly to organized and declutter my living space, so I’m actually feeling a desire to focus more on my digital clutter – organizing, printing, and backing-up my thousands of family photos.  And there are definitely some closets and other piles needing my attention, too.

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I find that when I put love and attention into my living environment, I get a burst of energy, and new ideas, inspiration and motivation are released.  That’s why I’m so happy to share with you this new e-course from creators, Leah Cherry and Stephanie Perkinson, called Feathering the Nest.

Ask yourself these questions:  Do you ever wonder if the home environment that surrounds you is supporting the life that you are dreaming of?  Take a minute and look around the room.  What do you see?  Are there more than a few corners that need some loving?

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This new 2-week e-course, Feathering the Nest, is a lovely journey created to guide you into making your home a beautiful space that mirrors the love and dreams you hold in your soul. Stephanie & Leah will help you connect with your deepest desires and favorite things.  Then, they’ll show you creative and simple ways to have those desires reflected back at you, as you make your house into a nurturing soul-space.

Doesn’t that sound so wonderful and refreshing?  Ahh…a breath of fresh spring air brought right into your living space.

To learn more about this timely and beautiful e-course, visit:  Feathering the Nest.

(Class runs April 1st – 12th, 2013)

Give-away #1:

To enter for a chance to win a spot in this e-course, simply leave a comment below.

To connect with Leah, visit her Facebook page: Skill It.

To connect with Stephanie, visit her Facebook page:  Wellness by Design.

Inside Out Logo

After you clear some clutter and make your living environment a nurturing space for your soul, then you’ll be feeling inspired to clear mental and emotional clutter, start something new, enrich and inspire your creativity and reconnect to your creative dreams in my e-course, Inside Out: A Creative Adventure of Self-Discovery.

Ask yourself these questions:  Are you looking for more meaning in your life?  Do you want to fulfill your life purpose?  Would you like to express your true gifts, so you can be of service to the world?  Do you wish you were more creative?  Do you want to play with paint?  Do you feel scattered, rushed, stressed, unfocused and overwhelmed? Would you like to bring more relaxation, peace and harmony into your life?  Would you like to take better care of your mind, body, spirit and creative dreams?  Are you ready to embrace the true artist (we are all artists…yes…even YOU!) that you are and live a full, creative, bold, happy life?

Inside Out: A Creative Adventure of Self-Discovery is an experience that could change your life. Through art journaling, writing, simple yoga, breathing techniques, guided meditation, community, play, letting go of perfect, making messes and having FUN, you will get the opportunity to dive deep inside and awaken the wisdom of your own heart.  It’s time to BREATHE, CREATE and LIVE the life YOU love.

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To learn more, visit Inside Out:  A Creative Adventure of Self-Discovery e-course.

(Class runs April 29th – May 31st, 2013 – psst…this is the last session I’ll be offering this year!)

Give-away #2:

To enter for a chance to win a spot in this e-course, simply leave a comment below.

To connect with my Facebook community, visit:  A Free Spirit Life Community.

Your Personal Reflection:

Clear what you are ready to release and make space for yet-to-come surprises in your life!  The possibilities are truly endless…

LEAVE A COMMENT BELOW for your chance to win one spot in either Feathering the Nest OR Inside Out: A Creative Adventure of Self-Discovery!  Enter by Friday, March 29th, noon, C.S.T.  Winners will be announced that day.

every day there’s a reason to celebrate

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The ability to simplify means to eliminate the unnecessary so that the necessary may speak.

~ Hans Hofmann

My little guy turned 5 yesterday! His party was this past weekend, and what he wanted was a Diego balloon, party blowers, a cupcake with raspberries, and his friends gathered at his favorite art place (where daddy works) so they could “run around together”.

We celebrate 3 birthdays in our family right after the New Year. So it’s been a little bit of a whirlwind planning celebrations. In addition to all the parities, my husband and I will be celebrating our 10-year wedding anniversary in a few weeks. I mean, why stop now – we’re already in party mode, right?

Actually, what I’m learning as I simplify my daily life, is that each day is a celebration – big or small. It doesn’t take a lot of planning. You don’t need balloons, decorations or cake, either. (In fact, I prefer sugar-free options these days anyway!)

Seeing life as a celebration is a mindset. It’s looking at your life with an open heart and feeling the gratitude. Seriously, with some young friends who have passed away in the last few years, to seeing my last set of grandparents near the end, I’m receiving daily reminders that LIFE IS SHORT. And I’m starting to pay more attention to that old cliché.

Each day is a gift. There are MANY adventures waiting right outside our doors. Heck, there are many adventures right here in front of our faces…whispering…sometimes YELLING our names. It’s up to us to listen. It’s up to us to get out there and dance, laugh, play, make messes, jump with two feet and feel the JOY that life has to offer. Every day there’s a reason to celebrate.

I love the quote I share with you at the beginning of this post. It reminds me to find what matters most in life, do what I love and love what I do, and let go of the rest.

Today, I’m sharing the welcome video I’m posting for all the new life-explorers who have courageously signed up for the next session of Inside Out: A Creative Adventure of Self-Discovery, because this e-course is all about that. Awakening to the wisdom of your heart. Finding the courage to share YOUR gifts with the world. And having FUN while doing it – ’cause life is an adventure and it’s meant to be celebrated!

You still have time to register – Inside Out starts this Monday!
Visit: Register for Inside Out

Remember: If you are an Inside Out or Outside In graduate, you receive a discount.

Visit: Register for Inside Out with Graduate Discount

If I do offer this e-course again, it won’t be until October 2013. Consider joining us NOW – make friends for a lifetime while you make friends with yourself.

BE well, lovely YOU.

xo-shannon-blue

 

what does living life to the fullest mean?

Happiness doesn’t come from the amount of days we live in our life, but the amount of life we live in each of our days.

~ Grady L. Crosslin

You hear it all the time. Live life to the fullest.

But what does that really mean?

A friend of ours died this past New Year’s Eve while assisting at the scene of a car wreck on the side of the highway. He was a loving father to two young girls. He was 35 years old.

The theme at his funeral service was that he viewed life as an adventure and that he lived his life to the fullest.

And it got me thinking…what does living life to the fullest mean to me?

For our friend, it meant following his heart to change careers, so he could stop traveling and be home more with his girls. It meant building and nurturing lasting friendships. It meant putting family and relationships first. It meant being open to new discoveries, exploring the world, meeting new people, and facing fears. It meant saving his money for the things he loved most. It meant being there for those in need. It meant doing what he loved and loving what he did. And it meant having FUN along the way.

I think for me, living life to the fullest means being able to stop at a moments notice and experience the JOY that comes when playing in the snow with my boys. It’s about living with less distractions, eliminating the things that drain my energy and doing the things that awaken and nourish my soul. It’s about laughing, playing, dancing, singing, connecting and having FUN along the way.

Living life to the fullest is about remembering that THE TIME TO LIVE IS NOW, because we never know when it’s going to end.

My heart goes out to my friend’s family. My heart goes out to you.

Live your life to the fullest today – and have a whole lotta fun while doing it!

Your Personal Reflection:

What does living life to the fullest mean to you?

 

awaken to the wisdom of your heart

 

Visit:  Inside Out: A Creative Adventure of Self-Discovery for the 2-for-1 special (it ends tonight)!

(*PLEASE NOTE:  the special discount has ended.)

Your Personal Reflection:

What are your intentions for the New Year?

celebrate the new year with a gift

Looking back on this past year I see some major stuff went down. In my own life. In my friends and families lives. And in the world. It was…shall we say…an interesting, challenging, insightful year…full of lessons – that is for sure. Do you feel that way, too?

In reflection of 2012, what I am reminded of most is that we have two choices in life. Fear or love. When I think I’m not good enough – that’s my mind choosing fear. When I find the courage to shed the self-doubt and be who I am, I’m letting love lead the way. When I judge others, my fear is keeping me from deeply connecting. When I quiet my mind and open my heart, then love allows me to expand and feel the richness life has to offer.

It’s natural to feel fear when faced with something new, but you have a choice in how you use the fear. Will you let fear get in the way of your happiness? Will you let fear keep you small? Will you let fear prevent you from taking that art class? Going to that party? Starting your business? Applying for that new job? Singing in front of strangers?

Or will you choose to accept the fear and use it as a motivator to make your dreams happen? Can you face your fears with courage and curiosity of what will come on the other side? Through my own experiences over the past year I was reminded, yet again, that when we walk through the fears that are keeping us from fully thriving, we usually find the most amazing discoveries on the other side.

What path will you choose in this New Year? Fear or love?

Take the lessons from the past challenges and celebrations with you into 2013. Let go of the rest. Surrender to this moment. Shed. Reduce clutter. Simplify your life. And listen to that voice inside. You know…the whisper that is gently guiding you along the way…

Let your unique brilliance out into the world! WE NEED YOU.

I have no idea what 2013 will bring, but my intention for this year is simply to practice taking my whole heart wherever I go.

Happy NEW YEAR, love!
Be well…

Shannon xo

 

MY GIFT TO YOU:

2-for-1 deal
In celebration of the New Year, Inside Out’s 3rd birthday and my upcoming birthday, I’m offering a 2-for-1 special! Sign up between now and midnight C.S.T on January 3rd and you and a friend can enroll together.

 

That’s 2 for the price of 1 for $79 (only $39.50 each)!

For more information and to register, visit:
Change Your Life from the Inside Out.

Inside Out: A Creative Adventure of Self-Discovery e-course begins January 21st. This 6-week online experience is a celebration of YOU. Through art journaling, letting go of perfect, playing, getting messy, simple yoga and personal reflection, you will create a life guidebook that gives your inner dreams inspiration, breath and the courage needed to bring them out into the world.  You will also get the amazing (totally optional) opportunity to connect with women from all over the world as we share this journey together. (You are not alone.)

Please note: If you have already registered for the 2013 session of Inside Out, you can also take advantage of this special. I’ll email you the details.