My Thrilling Life

This morning I woke up at 9am.  9am?!! Who does that?!  I was so annoyed because waking up at 9am these days means I overslept.  Since when did waking up at 9am become late for me? A girl who used to sleep until 1pm in the afternoon if she could.  What happened to me?  I grew up. But no, really, what specifically happened to me?  When did I start taking life so seriously? When did my needs and desires become that important to me that I painstakingly wake up at 6:30am to start my day.  We’re talking just three or four short years ago in my mid-twenties, no…late twenties (gosh I’m getting old) when I didn’t know the life I was waking up to.  Who was I waking up to? A 26 year old girl that didn’t know herself and just went with the motions.

The journey to 30-year-old-Ari started when I moved to New York City and cruised full speed ahead when I discovered photography and now, coaching.  These three things changed my life in a very specific way. It’s almost mysterious the way all of this was conceived.  Nowadays, instead of sleeping till the afternoon, rolling out of bed and not having a clue of what do to with myself, my days look a little different.  I’m waking up at 6:30 in the mornings, drinking coffee, which I never did, and writing in my journal.  Walking down the street is no longer a simple act as I stop at least three times to photograph something with amazing light because I just can't pass up the shot. Now turning a new corner as I immerse myself in the coaching world and annoy everyone around me as I try to coach them on everything from discovering their passion to what to fix for dinner.  Ahh it's the little joys of my life that keep me going. 

Now I’m not saying my life has now become this spectacularly exciting thrill filled with posies and pixie dust but it is interesting just to reflect back on the choices I’ve made that has brought out some pretty significant changes for me in my life.  And it feels good to say those choices helped me to become who I am today. Life feels pretty darn good right about now.

All of this makes me wonder what else life has in store for me.  Motherhood? Marriage? World notoriety?  Heh, heh, heh.  A girl can dream can’t she?  Hmm maybe some day….

What has all of this taught me? That life is a big mystery; a mystery to everyone who walks its path. Enjoy the mystery and don’t fear the unknown.  Learn to love it and embrace it. That is part of the thrill of living.  A thrilling life is waiting for you around every corner, all you have to do is turn into it.

Happy Friday!!

See Beauty...

Ariane

Your Year to Play Big

I want to tell you about a program that is very dear to me.  It’s called Playing Big. What is playing big?  What does it mean to play big?  That is the very question that was asked to me the first day I started the program.  As I look back in my journal, this is what playing big meant to me.

• Letting go of insecurities when my inner critic starts to take hold
• Knowing that I have something valuable to contribute to the world
• Let my voice be heard
• Stop believing my fears and start believing myself

That was only nine short months ago.  Since then, this is what playing big helped me to do:

• Created and organized the nationwide street portrait challenge event and awarded the winning photographer a free business coaching session
• Co-curated an inspirational personal growth book, The Inspired Way
• Become clear on my calling to help others through coaching

Why am I telling you this? Because I believe in growth and I believe in action.  There cannot be one without the other.  Participating in the Playing Big program allowed me to do both.  Through inner work on myself and being a part of a dynamic group of like-minded women, I’ve gained the tools to make a profound transformation in my personal and professional life.

I would like to pass this amazing opportunity along to you.  To join in this program and discover what me and so many others have: the opportunity to play big in our own lives.

Registration is now open for the program.  I invite you to take a peek at what it’s all about.  Tara Mohr, the creator and leader of the program breaks it down quite nicely and answers all of your questions.  And if you still want to know more, I’m more than happy to answer any lingering questions you might have.  As a past participant in the program, I can share with you my experiences with the program first hand.

Is 2012 is your year to Play Big?

See Beauty…

Ariane   

Believe

...I believe in the power of the breath to move mountains and pass the tests of life...

...I believe that when a child laughs it is the sweetest sound you will ever hear...

...I believe that our emotions act as guides and internal message centers that hold the answers to our deeper questions.  I believe they should be listened to and honored taking care to be gentle and accepting of them...

...I believe that color is a state of mind that stimulates your thoughts and feelings...

...I believe that love and compassion should guide you in everything you do...

...I believe that everyone has a right to experience happiness down to their core.  I believe this type of happiness comes from an inner conviction and openness to the universe.  It comes from the way you perceive things and a willingness to see with a fresh pair of eyes every time you look at something or someone...

...Happiness comes from a willingness to see with your heart beyond the surface despite the perception of other people...

...I believe in truth.  Not just telling it, but denying false conceptions brought on by judgment and shallow perceptions...

...I believe in choice.  As in every moment there is a choice to change your world for better or for worse...

...I Believe…

 See Beauty...

Ariane

The Inspired Way; Free eBook for Living Your Ideal Life

The path of self-discovery and purpose is a delicate one.  It requires us to take risks, to have courage to say yes to yourself, and patience to see the journey all the way through. 

And today, that journey for Kate & I has led to the release of The Inspired Way! 

Click to read more ...

Her Starring Role

For the last 365 days, she has played a role.  She’s tried on every costume to suit each role she had to play in the starring role of her life.  Not willing to walk on stage in front of a large audience with nothing but the skin she was given.  One day she grew tired of changing costumes.  She then walked out on stage completely exposed looking outward yet remaining deep within herself through love and security. What will everyone think of her as she stands on this stage in complete silence?  She simply embodies the fullness of her own presence.  Will she be enough for the audience?  Will she receive a standing ovation for just being herself?  Maybe, maybe not.  But at least if the world doesn’t stand up for her, she will already be standing up for herself.

See Beauty...

Ariane