Faith and Success - Because you gotta have Faith, Faith, Faith

So you’re business is struggling and you’re wondering when your hard work is going to pay off?  Have you ever experienced a time in your life where no matter which direction you turn, there is a road block? And what about the times when one ’seemingly’ disastrous pit fall after another hits you head on… Sound familiar? 

I think we’ve all been through dark times here and there - whether the darkness consumed your career or personal life, it is one in the same and it’s an essential part of life’s balance, but how well do cope and how fast do you move forward? 

At the end of the storm, what was it that got you through?  Perhaps a strong belief in yourself and your abilities or maybe a friend bailed you out or gave you a shoulder to cry on.  You might even have gotten more education to support yourself but it all takes time and sometimes, we just don’t have time… So what’s a gal (or guy) to do?

Start praying? It’s been said many a time that when the going gets tough the tough start praying… It wouldn’t be the first time that someone who isn’t even religious, starts praying for help…

In a recent experience where I needed to ground myself, energise and move out of a challenging situation, I found myself praying - literally. It doesn’t really matter if it was to God or another because the most important thing is that I drew on a power greater than me - regardless of what his or her name is… It was FAITH that drew me nearer to forward movement. 

You are probably wondering how praying becomes a Success Strategy? 

Well let me ask you this… What is the one thing, EVERY religion in the world has in common?  It’s FAITH! Pure unseen faith.  Belief in something bigger than self, faith is a belief that has no logical proof, it’s a feeling of conviction about another… So why is it when the chips are down, most people resort to their faith?  On their death bed, in accidents, losing investments… faith, faith, faith. 

Doing business ‘like a woman’ requires you to ‘go within’ and draw on strengths you know exist but rarely utilize… Faith is one of those inner strengths that get you through and assist you in honouring who you are from the inside out.

Everything in the universe has a polar opposite - black white/in out/ day night/ love fear/ down times up times, which means with every cloud there is the sun. For every challenge there is an opportunity, with every hurdle comes a lesson of learning, for everything you lose, there is something to gain - especially when you have faith in the universe working that way.  When things don’t go right after months of effort and planning, what are your choices? Quit? Or do you get right back on the proverbial horse - Because you have faith you are on the right path?

If you quit and give up on your dreams, how do you know if you were only inches away from making it big? 

So when it comes to Success Strategies how does faith fit into the equation? Consider this:

• Faith means having a strong belief in yourself - first and foremost
• Faith is having an inner strength and conviction about who you are
• Faith is a belief in something that does not rest on logical proof, it’s a sense of knowing
• Faith helps you to stay focused and uses the laws of attraction
• Faith allows you to live your life’s purpose, in blind faith not knowing what the future will really bring
• Faith fills your well and gives you the sense of being complete
• Faith ignites passion and keeps you shining
• Faith is grounding and keeps you in the present moment
• Faith gives you something to believe in - especially yourself
• Faith has no boundaries and is limitless

As a Success Strategy, the application of Faith is simple and essential for you as a woman and may be practised as follows:

• Visualise your outcome and goal achievements and totally align yourself energetically and believe it to be true
• Be clear of your outcome in full sensory detail
• Be open to ‘how’ you get things and think outside the box. The answers you seek could come in ways you may not have yet considered
• Be open minded and develop your ability to trust - Even in things you can’t see
• If you are in a dark place and can’t find your way out, ask for help, get the right advise, centre and ground your energy by meditating and shifting your focus, remember to be clear of your outcome - this too will pass
• Understand that there will always be challenges, hurdles and obstacles, they are a natural part of life and every time you overcome one, it means you are moving forward
• There are always opportunities hidden in challenges, hurdles and obstacles, especially for those who are looking for them, you just have to have a little faith
• Have a sense of knowing you are getting what you want in every given moment
• Nothing lasts forever, even challenges move aside for those who take ACTION, so take action now
• Remember you are a woman first and foremost and understanding the multiple-dimensions that make up who you are is important to your success, FAITH is part of that ’self’ belief system

For some women, being a good mother makes you feel successful, others measure success with financial gain or career climbing, success is personal and yours to identify.  There are many strategies to gain success and they are only quantifiable by the user. Only you know what success means to you but whatever you do, have a little faith, it could be the very thing you need to continue to move forward. Choose to see the light because the light is always there….

Faith can mean many things to many people… What does FAITH mean to you?  What if you had a little more faith in yourself, your abilities, your future success, your ability to attract abundance and joy, what would you be doing that is different from now….?

On the 26^th of July 2009, I had the word ‘FAITH’ tattooed on my back, always backing me up and edging me forward.  Thanks to my father for teaching me what Faith truly means to me…

With love

Yours Real and Raw

Janelle Manton

How to increase your Self Esteem through Personal Style

   I wake up every morning jump out of bed, stretching and yawning another day ahead, make my way to the shower and it’s then I notice in the bathroom mirror the nasty swollen, bright red pimple on my chin, argh!  Not only that, I can almost see the chocolate cake I ate after dinner last night on my thighs and I swear I didn’t have those dark circles when I went to bed last night.  No amount of squeezing gets rid of the pimple, my evening walk is too my hours away to melt the cake from my thighs and I have no time to sleep anymore and I am sure cold soggy tea bags on my eyes is an old wives tale and let’s not even mention my hair.   I woke up enthusiastically and now, all of a sudden I feel like a lead balloon. My self esteem is shot to pieces with one quick look in the mirror.

Have you ever had a morning like that?

    Perhaps most of your life has been spent reminding you of your ‘imperfections’ and then wasting  positive energy on the negative emotions that come with critical self talk, and the occasional pimple.   It’s no surprise to most women to hear - the way you look has a lot to do with how you feel about you.  I know firsthand, as a woman, friend, coach and having worked with women all my life, how a few extra kilos mid month can make me feel ineffective, fat and sometimes even gross.  I have heard many friends and colleagues say similar things, under similar circumstances. We are our own worst critics but it’s time to ease up and love the body you are in, by taking simple steps to nurture yourself each day.

“If you look after yourself, you obviously love yourself”

   There is plenty of proof that indicates that how we look has a lot to do with how we feel, just ask a friend if that is true.  And how you feel has a lot to do with how much effort you put into looking even better.  What you choose to do about it (if anything) has direct impact on your inner confidence and self worth - when you take action that nurtures your womanly needs, you are honouring and valuing yourself - if you feel good you naturally look good…. if I make building self confidence and self worth sound easy, that is  because it is.

   There are many ways to increase your self esteem, feel glamorous and develop your innate sense of confidence.  By developing your own sense of style and taking good care of yourself on the outside, you will feel strong and worthy on the inside.  And how you feel about yourself on the inside is reflected on the outside.  Does this mean you have to wear mascara and pretty clothes everyday to feel good about yourself - no, not at all. But imagine if you made some small improvements to your morning routine, added a few little extra steps and made it mean “I love myself even more”…

   Increasing and developing your sense of style is all about how you feel about you and only you.  What extras steps would you be willing to do, if you knew it would increase your self esteem and confidence and help you to feel great - like a powerful, feminine woman?

   Style is all about expressing your personality and develops your individuality - it’s an expression of who you are both inside and out and tells us a lot about who you are and how you feel about you.

   Below are four simple tips to start to develop your style to assist you in feeling like a divine goddess each day.  It’s likely your morning routine already includes these steps, so it’s time to kick it up a notch - how can you increase your personal style, so you are nurturing and honouring the very person you are - everyday?

   Before I list the four tips, you may have asked the question I always get regarding external applications for feeling good. “How can putting on makeup or wearing a pink shirt make me feel good - It can’t!  But the act of respecting, love and making effort to take care of yourself, can. Effort is also an expression of your femininity  and self respect, which is indeed a strength in itself.

• 1) Makeup - Historically, women have been applying enhancements, jewels and colour to adorn their faces and bodies for eons, so why stop now? I rarely leave the house without mascara and lip gloss - that’s because for me, it’s a way of honouring myself as a woman. What is your ‘can’t live without’ makeup item? Do you have one? It could be time to develop your signature look with a little extra makeup, a specific colour of lipstick or gloss or blush to accentuate your features. If you are a heavy makeup user, try toning it down a bit to let your natural self shine through. Either way, you are honouring your sacred feminine and most importantly, making an effort for your own benefit.
• 2) Accessorise - Necklaces, co-ordinating ear rings, rings, scarves, hats, gorgeous belts, hair clips, brooches, head bands, tights and bangles. The key is to keep is simple, make a statement and coordinate with your clothes. It’s a great idea to develop your own signature items and vary them regularly… Be bold and express a little more of you.
• 3) Your clothes are simply a way to protect your body but who says they have to be ordinary or boring? My advice here, is to get your colours done by a professional image consultant so you can wear colour with confidence and flare. A few key items in your wardrobe that are an expression of your style are essential. Again, be bold and brave and dare to step out of your comfort zone and move away from societal expectations of style - by this I mean, move away from mainstream stores and get out into the local markets, local designers and the niche corner boutiques. Always go feminine and flowing, even a fitted business suit could be ‘femmed up’ with a floral or hot pink blouse and sexy tights.
• 4) Lastly, stand tall, hold your space and energy within and go forth with your head held high, there is nothing more gorgeous and more nurturing for your self esteem than good posture, poise and grace. Be playful and have fun - because at the end of the day, the most important person in the world you want to impress, is you.

   Remember this lovely ladies, cute clothes, funky accessories and a well made up face are not smoke screens for the real you. If not expressed for the right reasons, they could very well be that. There is a saying that ‘the most gorgeous and well groomed woman in the room, is most likely the most insecure’ - don’t let that be you.  When you make an effort, adorn, nurture and take time for you, it clearly is an expression of your self-love. Remember, you are already perfect as you are and your womanly birthright gives you lots of toys to play with to make being a woman even more fun.  Make it grandiose and love who you are - from the inside out… and observe how you shine.

Yours Real and Raw

Janelle Manton

The Sexier Sex Guide is coming soon!

Do you want to know the secrets to having a deep loving connection with your lover and understand the intricacies to long term love?  If you want an open minded, frank and matter of fact guide to having better sex - no matter who you are, then ‘THE SEXIER SEX GUIDE - The Secrets to really connecting with your lover, including 10 ‘How To’ steps to ‘pimp up’ your sexual exploration for a lasting, passionate sex life together’ is for you.

Whether you are single, in a partnership of any kind, The Guide is a winner at delivering results in teh bedroom.  You’ll find it to be a candid look at how to connect and be more open minded with your partner.  The Sexier Sex Guide comes with a BONUS Workbook for you (and your partner) but you will have to wait a few short weeks before it’s available… If you want to know more, subscribe to Real and Raw Magazine where The Sexier Sex Guide will be launched later this month.

Every woman and man should indulge their senses like this…..

July Bliss Tip

Have you ever wondered where the time goes? I mean you turn around and before you know it, we’re past the middle of the year. The question is, have you achieved what you set out to do so far this year?  As time continues to tick on by, is it time for you to implement some strategic planning, take some serious action and be BOLD in your approach to achieving what you really want?

This month’s BLISS TIP is about achievement and getting what you want out of this year - because you deserve the feeling of success…. It’s about looking at what you need to do each month and week from now on to be successful with your goals achievement. 

Start every day with an ‘Intention Setting Session’. As you are laying in bed upon waking, simply set your intentions for your day, consider what you outcome you want by the end of the day and imagine that very thing having occured as you come home that night. Every day should include an Updated Task List with current goals that are reviewed regularly, then weekly and monthly tasks.

All this goal setting and achieving, tasks and strategy is masculine in nature and energy, so it is critical you remember to include a gorgeous and delicious reward that is going to make you feel like a GODDESS. As a busy Professional woman, feeling feminine is your key to balance and rejuvenation and ultimately the most amazing gift you can give yourself…. 

The Sweet Scent of Sensuality

There is much to be said about the uniqueness of a woman’s own brand of sensuality.  You’ve seen a woman like that before and I bet you weren’t sure what it was about her that made her attractive. Maybe she wasn’t traditionally pretty, but there was something luscious and innately confident about her that caught your eye.  Even other women notice a woman that owns who she is.  The sensual one is the one who holds her head high when she walks, she moves with grace and poise and has a depth and intensity about her that is so subtle it goes ‘almost’ unrecognised.

A sensual woman knows who she is and is open to sharing her opinion, her stories and herself, she is real and raw.  Her past is left in the past; she does not waste time on regret, but always learns from her experiences.  As a lover she is generous, saucy, obliging and knows how to make a man feel like a man.  Her soft femininity combined with her sense of knowing drives her man wild - and probably other men also.  She is a temptress, a minx, a cougar and a submissive little she wolf, all rolled into one. 

A sensual woman is acutely aware of her power and her sensuality is the very foundation of her being.  A smooth, smart contender, a sensual woman is a wild woman who runs with the wolves of desire and appeases her yearning heart because she values who she is and what she is forever becoming.  The most important person in the world to a sensual woman is herself.  She understands that everything in her life starts with her, her ability to take care of her own needs, first.  The she wolf knows the intricate nature of her writhing body and so surrenders to her lovers with ease and willingness, she is their teacher.  She trusts, loves and values herself and has no difficulty sharing her voice.   She is a Goddess, hidden in a jungle of office buildings, the one cleaning the house and preparing dinner for her family.  She often hides behind a veil of silver hair or corporate glasses, but she knows the truth of who she really is…

Being a sensual woman, one who ‘owns’ her sensuality and unique style takes some work.  It all starts with developing a loving relationship with yourself.  In order to comprehend this and understand the depth at which this goes, you have to let go of your past, the hurt, pain and blame and heal.  Owning and loving yourself can only be done when you take full responsibility for your life and understand that your ‘every experience up till now’ has shaped and moulded you into the gorgeous goddess you are today.  Once you have cleared the past and taken ownership of you, only then, can you develop your sensuality in the holistic natural way it was meant.

Sensuality involves gratifying all of your senses, becoming completely self aware and aware of your surroundings. It can be likened to living life in expanded awareness. You are completely absorbed in life, how it feel, the exotic aromas of the world, the touch and feel of every texture and taste that surrounds you every day.  Everything you do you do with volition, your  body movements, the way you flick your hair, the way you smile at a stranger walking by.  Your gateway to ‘being’ a sensual woman is self sexing. Make love to your own body. Understand what your desires are and fulfil them, know how far you will go to satiate your own needs and ground yourself with the secret knowledge of how sexy you really are.

The benefit to the rest of the world is enormous, especially to your loving partner.  When you start to bring sexy back into your life by developing your sensuality, you are suddenly more attractive to the opposite sex. Your partner will go nuts over you, his primal urges reigniting and kicking in. The polarity between you is clearer, more defined.  As your innate self confidence increases, your whole life will change. You could experience forward movement in your career, your relationships with family and friends will improve and your health more valued.  Your sex life will explode with new enthusiasm as you surrender to your lover with tender vulnerability because deep down, you know you are in control and standing in your power.

There is nothing more beautiful than a woman who owns her sensuality from the inside out.  I have surveyed many men regarding ‘what makes a woman most sexy to you’ and the most common answer is her confidence, her personality and her curves.  So, unlike what we may be lead to believe through the media, super skinny, pencil thin, blank expressionless gals are not very sexy at all.  If you want to seriously spice up your life, embrace your femininity and celebrate being a real woman, then it is high time you pimp up your sensual side and start living a rich and fulfilled life.

A woman is most powerful when she has sensuality as her foundation. (C)

Janelle Manton

Director and Founder