Category: Inspiration
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July 10, 2014
Think Outside the Lines

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PARIS COUTURE WEEK EDITION
ILLUSTRATION OF GIAMBATTISTA VALLI COUTURE FALL 2014

Think about what you’ve been told, and what you’ve learned along the way. Think about all the rules you live by…. Now forget all of that.

Think about the time you were really young and you had not a care in the world, when you were free of self-judgment and free of feeling judged by anyone else. How did you act and what did you think?

What would you do if you were not afraid? If you could be 100% yourself all the time without being judged, being made fun of or feeling less than.

What would you wear? What would you say? What would you do?
Would it be the same as you act now or would it be completely different?

In order to bring our best to this life, we need to be uniquely ourselves – and not a carbon copy of anyone else.  It’s time to break out of your shell and dance on the shadow of your former self.

Go back to that time when you were young and you could do no wrong.

Life is short and we only have THIS MOMENT to be the change you want to see. We only have this moment to be living our dreams.  Start now.

Color outside the lines. Get messy, experiment, take chances, be free, consult your inner guru, judge with your gut, move with your heart, speak with your soul.

Live like theirs no tomorrow. Operate from a place of yes.

What if there were no boundaries…. What are you waiting for?

Hope that inspires you!
xoxo
Emily

Follow me on Instagram @EmilyBrickel and my new account for all things fashion illustration @EmilyBrickelillustration

June 26, 2014
Good morning from my couch!!!!! + Engagement party Deets

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Yep, that’s right I am sick today

but kind of enjoying it! If you know me, you know that I have been non-stop and all sorts of crazy go-go-go over the last 3 months!

It finally has caught up with me and I am enjoying the little bit of down time. Luckily enough I can run my whole business from the comforts of my beautiful pink couch (alright that’s not what my couch looks like but a girl can dream right!). I lost my voice, and have a cold…. Not too bad considering the stress and constant action I have recently put my body through.

Now that I had one of THE BEST WEEKENDS OF MY LIFE, our Engagement party – and now that that’s over I have time to chill out a bit.

I am doing yoga before breakfast and ice cream for lunch (coconut ice cream that is dairy free – for my throat of course!).  I think I took the first bath of the year, and I LOVE baths. I started to crack back open the book I was reading and I feel like I have a fresh slate to plan my next adventure.

Yeah kind of loving this cold! Thanks for the “me” time / reflective / planning time.  Thoroughly enjoying it.

I am still on a high from our Engagement party, which was like I said one of the best days of my life. It was like a mini wedding.  Family flew in from all different states, all my bridesmaids (minus 2) were together in the same place, there was a DJ, balloons, gluten free – dairy free cake from Baby Cakes NYC , bouquets of hydrangeas dyed to my wedding color lilac, cute and sparkly little decorations from Etsy, our Save the Date invitations that I designed and night club style sunglasses with our date and name straight from the vendors of LIV from the Fontainebleau Miami (our wedding venue!!!!!) and not to mention an amazing photographer John Chan – I can’t WAIT to see the professional pictures!

There were speeches from people we love and lots and lots of hugs and kisses (hence why I am probably sick but it was well worth it). I even got to spend all day sister time with my sister who lives in Chicago on Sunday with her boyfriend and my fiancé. We walked the highline, went on multiple foodie adventures, made no plans and giggled the night away. BEST. WEEKEND. EVER.

I am still obsessed with my outfit and my fiancés outfit and every single other detail of the event.

Our families got to meet, every one was beaming and I felt so loved, so supported and so happy!!! I am SOOOOOOO extremely grateful!!!

All the stressing and planning that went into it was totally worth it because it came out exactly as I imagined and couldn’t have been more perfect.  It was even held in the same place my family met my fiancé for the first time.

So now, its time to relax, revel in the glory of all of our hard work, soak in the glow of all this happiness and abundance and slow it down a bit until the next big thing!!!!! Which for now is wedding planning next month in MIAMI at our venue!!!!!

I feel so blessed and excited about everything that is to come and I am soooo grateful.

Life comes in seasons, the ups, the downs, the planning, the anticipation, the high and the lows, the recovery periods and the times to reflect.

Take time to notice where you are now. Enjoy the process that is life and don’t ever get down on yourself for where you are because that is exactly where you are supposed to be.

Lots of love and hope that inspires you!
xoxo
Emily

Follow me on Instagram @EmilyBrickel and my new account for all things fashion illustration@EmilyBrickelillustration

Here’s some pictures from our engagement party!!!!!













June 19, 2014
How to have MORE FUN daily and look like a goddess: from work, to meals, to fashion and fitness!

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June ILLUSTRATED ESSENTIALS

Most of us have a set routine, or a bunch of things that we do on a rotating basis and suddenly, we get used to it, can do it in our sleep and then BOOM, where is the fun?

Heyy hey hey, it’s summer people. June is just getting underway and the weather in NY is finally catching up with the month so this is the perfect time to infuse MORE fun into everything you do!

More fun in Meals: Summer-ize your dishes at every meal.

Think of more summer friendly meals like fresh tuna salad with cherry tomatoes, black olives and herbs. Skip the mayo to slash calories and (I think have a better tasting dish) sub in red wine vinegar, olive oil, lemon juice, and djion mustard. You can even add gluten free or whole grain pasta to this to serve at family gatherings.

Add pops of color in every thing you eat. This means slicing up some bright watermelon, adding in some juicy cherries, plucking some ripe peaches, etc. Go crazy with bright fruits and add them to every meal or as a snack after meals.  The bright color alone will perk you up even before you take a bite.

Giving yourself and your family an unexpected healthy treat that leaves you feeling light as feather will spark some fun with the bright colors of the ingredients and the energy you will have after it.

Goddess moment: Taking care of your body like it’s a temple and feeding it colorful foods with essential nutrients will make your skin glow and help you drop those winter lbs in no time.


More fun in Work:  Take advantage of your lunch break, even if you have to work right through it.  Grab your ipad, notebook and some bright pens to do work in the sun, meet a friend or just take the long way to do some errands. Taking advantage of the extra vitamin d will go along way in the fun zone. You will feel energized; get a nice bronze glow (make sure to apply all-over SPF in the morning after your moisturizer so you can go anywhere, anytime in the sun) and you will get a burst of adventure doing something out of the ordinary in your daily work routine.

Even if you have your own business, getting outside is not just for those stuck in an office building but it is an amazing tool for entrepreneurs. Take time to get out, cut off all internet and cell phones for an hour and brainstorm some new fun ideas for your business.

Goddess moment:  The extra sunshine will give you a natural sunkissed tan and promote those happy chemicals to start firing since the sun greatly affects your mood.


More fun in Style and Fashion: Make sure to incorporate some brights, whites and metallics into any of your stand-out summer looks.

Go for bold incorporating a bright dress, clutch, necklace or just about anything to make in instant no-fail summer look.  A pop of color in your blush or lips will do just fine to stay on the more demure side.

White hot anything is still the hottest trend. All white errrthang paired with metallic flats, clutch or a cuff bracelet is goddess garb to the fullest.

Goddess moment: take a cue from the greek goddesses of times past. With so many new ways to incorporate this trend, it will keep you feeling fresh, shiny and new in an instant.


More fun in Romance: There was a song written about “Summer Nights” for a reason.  Summer nights, after work any time the sun goes down is time to dial up the flirt fest.  Grab your hottie and go for a long walk, let your convo melt in to talks of teenage dreams, summers past and dreamy futures.  Nights spend strolling around doing nothing are the best way to make memories and have them thinking of you the next day, all day long.  What are you waiting for, stir up your summer romance. Whether it be with your hubby, or newest fling, get your flirting in gear and make plans for your weekend at the beach.

Goddess moment:  Nothing is more flattering the moonlit glow on your dewy sunkissed tan. Grab a flowy skirt and speak slowly to have your sweetie visually see your outfit blowing in the wind and your poise, how much more goddess-like can you get?


More fun in Fitness: Get your flex on 4-5 times a week or more in the summer. Impromptu social gatherings, beach outings, crop tops and the hottest shorts trends will be flung on you in an instant.  Upping your work out sched will set the tone (pun intended) for your whole day, how proud of yourself you are, and how great you feel. You will be ready to take on anything and be well equip at being a gorgeous goddess all summer long.  All this equals never passing up on a fun opportunity because you will look and more importantly feel your best.

Goddess moment:  Feeling great about your body and feeling the endorphins after you workout will be a sure fire way to up your happiness quotient and all that work will make you look toned and tighter.

There is an inner goddess inside all of us, summer is the perfect time to unleash it.

Follow me on Instagram @EmilyBrickel and my new account for all things fashion illustration @EmilyBrickelillustration

Hope that inspires you!
xoxo

Emily

June 12, 2014
The Art of Party Planning for the Stressed out Bride To Be

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When thinking of a topic for this week’s blog, fortunately or unfortunately nothing else is dominating my mind more then engagement party and wedding party planning.

I am RIGHT in the thick of it, and by thick I mean woahhhhh – stressful!!!

Our engagement party is just about one week away and I am thrilled that my family is flying in from Florida and Chicago to be with us!!! I can’t wait!!! We tried to keep it extremely small, or as small as possible by only inviting family and the wedding party yet it kind of feels like we are planning a mini wedding.

And not to mention it – on top of that we really are planning our wedding, and although it is now less than 1 year away, it is a destination wedding so there is a lot of extra work involved, for example regarding notifying people early and travel accommodations.

Me being the overly ambitious person that I am, I decided to hand design and make all of my invitations so far and oversee many details. This for me is the fun part, and honestly no one else could bring my vision to life like I can, being a designer and all – that is kinda like my calling card – however it did add a lot more things to my task list.

Any way I am here to help if you are party planning by taking as much stress out of it as possible by learning from and avoiding some of my own mistakes and from some of the tips and tricks I have picked up from my now married friends who have been through it all.  So here goes….

1) MEDITATE.  Trust me you will need it to help you clear your mind and lower your blood pressure. This is like a chill pill for your body, mind and soul. Take one every day!

2) Schedule “me time”. Taking time to appreciate yourself is super important to help you feel centered and taken care of when you are getting torn in a million directions. Try to work out, this will help you de-stress and feel like you are doing something good for your body!

3) Remember you will NEVER be able to please everyone.  Every single person in your family, your future husband’s family, your distant families and friends will all have an opinion and they probably will not keep it to themselves, good or bad. Sometimes this is helpful – other times it is hurtful but it is what it is and it is YOUR job to sort through it, make a decision with your future husband and commit to it.

4) Set boundaries and be clear about your feelings. This is YOUR wedding after all and EVERY single person who has been married or is recently married told me that at the end of the day, they worried too much about what others thought and didn’t even get to enjoy some parts for themselves that they agonized over. Remember its a PARTY, and its YOUR PARTY!!!!

5) ICKY sh*t will come up: Finances, etiquette, personal history, personal preferences and more. If you think its uncomfortable to talk about, get ready because for some reason wedding planning seems to be the perfect place that this will come up.  Don’t stress. Take this as a good thing because,… well I can’t think of a good reason, but just try to see the bright side!  Now that you talked about this crap, you can now move past it.  Know that everyone has touchy subjects. Some people are offended or bothered by certain things, so now you know and you can navigate wisely, but still taking the last points into consideration.

6) Breathe. 

7) Remember to look at the big picture.  You are planning an amazing party to celebrate your love and future marriage. You are WAY too Blessed to be Stressed. Yes, I know it does happen though. The stress is natural. Even if you were planning a big office event or a fashion show, more tasks = more people to coordinate with = more stress and that’s just the way it goes. Stay cool, know that it will all work out and trust that no one will know if you don’t choose the right paper for your save the dates or if your specific shade of lilac is not the same for all vendors (ahem, our wedding color: oh Lilac why are you so elusive).

And on that note…. Happy planning!!!!!!! Haha!

Check me out as a feature on TheStyleLine.com interviewed by the amazing Rachel Schwartzmann!!!!

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Also don’t forget to follow me on Instagram @EmilyBrickel and my new account for all things fashion illustration @EmilyBrickelillustration

Hope that inspires you!
xoxo

Emily

June 5, 2014
Inspiration is a virtue – 100th Illustrated Blog!!!!!

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100th blog! Read more for special discount code!!! 

This blog marks my 100th illustrated blog and I couldn’t be more proud.
(OF MYSELF!) Yes I said it! I am really proud of myself, and my blog of course but it took one HELL OF A commitment to do a new illustrated blog every week for almost 2 years!!!! I am taking this moment to CELEBRATE with a HELL YEAH! Four more blogs away from 2 years! I kind of cant believe it.  This blog started out on a flight across the United States on Virgin Airways as I was inspired by entrepreneur Richard Branson to just do it! This blog has been something I was toying with for a few months before that and something I started out thinking “why would anyone want to read what I have to say”, but knowing in my heart that I had something to share.
 
I started this blog as a tool to inspire myself because I noticed there were no other blogs mainly about inspiration. Now, almost 2 years later, I have not only pushed myself every week to get inspired, to carry my word through and never miss a week but also that I have inspired so many of you! I am so extremely grateful for all of your emails to messages and me. If anything I can do has helped you in any way then I feel extremely blessed.
 
Writing here, weekly, to you has been one of the most fun parts of my week, and one of my most challenging at times.  Pushing out content week by week that is not only inspiring, but different, vulnerable, real, close to my heart and what I’m going through at the time has been such a crazy ride.
 
I am so excited to say that this challenge keeps evolving and growing as I grow and will continue to do so.
 
Committing yourself to something right on the brink of ambition and resolve is such a learning and cultivating process and I highly recommend you do it in your life.  Setting the determination to carry out a long-term goal and publicly acknowledging it (to make sure people can call you out if you let things fall through the cracks) is one of the best ways to see things through. 
 
This process has not only helped me grow my business, but set the ground work to follow a 5, to some times DAILY workout routine, allowed me to plan out my goals, years, months and days in a much more efficient way, accomplish them, and so much more.
 
If you are thinking about committing to something daily, weekly or monthly – definitely do it.  It is one of the best things you can do for yourself. It will definitely increase your self-confidence too, which we all can always use an extra dose of, including me!
 
If you have something you want to start but think, like I thought at the beginning “Why do people want to hear from me”, realize your voice is special, unique and by the laws of the universe – people who need to hear what you have to say will find you some how. 
 
It is out there for the world to see when you do something like a public blog.  If I screw up, I do so on the internet and you can’t really erase it once it is out there.  This takes a lot of guts, I have to say – and I am not tooting my own horn but merely saying YOU can do it too!
 
Stepping out of the fear of “what if people don’t like it” and pushing through to knowing there is some one who needs to hear your message are two totally different motivations, one that will give you the courage to put it out there in a real way.  I’m not perfect. Sometimes I have NO CLUE as to what I’m going to write. Sometimes I plan it out way in advance.  EVERY TIME I am about to publish something I have that small ego voice telling me that it’s not good enough, that people wont like it and that it sucks.  But then, that’s where the faith comes in.  Knowing I feel this way, lets me know that there HAS to be someone out there that feels this way too and needs to hear this message, and that they will find it.
 
That is how I found so many things in life like blogs, mentors, friends, events that would lead to connections and so much more. It is the law of attraction at it’s best. You need it, it will come. 
 
So on this 100th blog, I would like to say to you, have COURAGE in what you have to say. Be brave in the face of uncertainty.  Stand tall in the space of the unknown and trust that you will be guided.
 
“When you come to the end of all the light you know, and it’s time to step into the darkness of the unknown, faith is knowing that one of two things shall happen: Either you will be given something solid to stand on or you will be taught to fly.”-  Edward Teller.
 
In honor of my 100th blog, get 10% off any of my illustrations on etsy now through next Thursday. Use code 10100.  Also look out for this illustration available soon as a print as well as the one that it was inspired by that is Exclusively for Pink Pizza Events, my friend and fellow entrepreneur. 
 
As always,
Hope that inspires you!
xoxo
Emily  

Also don’t forget to follow me on Instagram @EmilyBrickel and my new account for all things fashion illustration @EmilyBrickelillustration

 

May 29, 2014
Stop and smell the macaroons

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Sometimes you just have to listen to exactly what your body is telling you, and mine over the last few weeks has not just been telling me to slow down, it has been enforcing me to slow down by literally making me do just that.

Taking it easy has so many different levels and meanings to each person and with my life – I can never really stop because I run my own business so If I do – there goes my income – but I can drastically slow down when I need to and say no to things that are not inline with my purpose.

1)  If your body needs sleep – shut it down early (your computer or tv) and take a nap or get to bed early. A lot of times “sleeping on it” helps clear your brain of stress and reprograms you to make clearer decisions and do work more effectively.  Remember – work SMARTER, not HARDER or you’ll burn out.  Read more here.

2) Schedule time for “Me” (YOU!) like baths, extra time before breakfast for a work out, meditation, walk, or to read the newspaper or blogs. Even making time NOT TO RUSH when getting ready is a ritual that will really keep the wrinkles off.

3) Do something in your pleasure zone that is just for you. For me right now it is carving out time to read my current book “Unleash the Spirit Within” by Rebecca Rosen. If I do this at least a few times a week – I feel happy, rested and relaxed.  Laying in bed to read a book even for a half an hour is something that really lets me disconnect from any of the stresses and helps me feel good about taking care of myself. Think about what that could be for you.

Taking inventory of the things that are important to you is super critical so that you know where to focus your energy on and still get things done.

1) Make a list of your top 3 goals in life and if it doesn’t align with one of your goals – say no!

2) Figure out where you feel depleted or drained and lacking. Is it family, friends, work, romance or health? It will be different for everyone. Whatever it is make sure to spend some time working on that area. Balance is key and it will lead to a happy life.  At the end of ones life, people have said “I wish I spent more time with my family and friends” or “I wish I had put my dreams first” or “I wish I focused more on love” or “I wish I took care of my health better”– no one ever said “Oh I wish I had finished that research paper” or “I’m so happy I put everyone else first instead of me”.  It’s all about balance. Where you feel out of balance – you will regret later on. Fix it NOW!Your overall health and vitality is instrumental in becoming the vehicle by which you get to live your dreams. Eating for nourishment, and energy – not for taste and emotional satisfaction is key to your strength and wellness to get things done.

1) Take advantage of the beautiful (sometimes) weather, go for a stroll and stop to smell the roses.  Treat your body to the things it needs like sun, exercise, oxygen and nourishing foods.  Obviously we are all human and we crave some sugary foods so for me it has to be gluten and dairy free (hence the title of macaroons – my fav) but for you it can be anything that agrees with your body – in moderation.

2) Make sure you are getting the right vitamins and nutrients.  Food is nature’s medicine. If you are suffering with any type of DIS-ease then your food’s nutrients are lacking. Read this article about the truth about cancer and how to avoid it. It says: “When a person has cancer it indicates the person has multiple nutritional deficiencies. These could be due to genetic, environmental, food and lifestyle factors.”  Now I’m not saying that you or I have cancer or (hopefully) will ever have it – but IMAGINE knowing how to prevent the worst possible health crisis and imagine what living this way could do for any type of dis-ease ever!!!  Getting all the nutrients your body needs can completely change the game in your health. Food was made to give us natural medicine before science ever evolved. Use what your mama gave you (mama Earth that is) and eat clean unprocessed foods to fight off health crises.
3) Meditate for oxygen, stress relief and many other benefits.  It helps release anger, frustration, grief and bitterness. It will also help you listen to your intuition and make the right choices for you in every area of your life. Read my last post for more info on that! 

And lastly,

-Your body is your temple – not a trash receptacle where you just pile junk into it. Treat it as such.

-The spring and summer only come around once a year. Stop and smell the roses and enjoy every second of this moment because it will never come again.

-Take care of your body FIRST so that you can overflow with things to give to others.

And now a quote from the Late Maya Angelou, RIP.

“You are the sum total of everything you’ve ever seen, heard, eaten, smelled, been told, forgot – it’s all there. Everything influences each of us, and because of that I try to make sure that my experiences are positive.”
– Interview from the April 2011 edition of O, the Oprah Magazine (2011)

As always,
Hope that inspires you!
xo
Emily

Also don’t forget to follow me on Instagram @EmilyBrickel and my new account for all things fashion illustration @EmilyBrickelillustration

Hope that inspires you!
xoxo

Emily

May 22, 2014
What would you do if I could give you complete freedom from fear, worry and stress?

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Illustration of my friend Mila Babrikova in Vieques

What would you do if you knew you that you were guided, if you knew that everything would work out for you in the long run, if you knew you were the best in the world at what you do?

How would you act? What would you do differently?

What if you knew some of the answers that you have been searching for? What if you saw over the horizon and could see that everything would be ok.

What if you finally found out that you would end up far down the road on path that you wanted to take, at your destination?

Well – you will. You are.

Now breathe.  Having an answer, checking off something on your milestone list that you know will get you to XYZ – will do that for you.

Life is meant to be uncertain – as you travel down the road on your day-to-day life.   oH HowevHowever,
your destination IS certain.  It is determined by your actions right now.

Use your intuition and it will guide you all the way through.
Believe in your heart that you know the answers already, right now.

It’s so funny – I have been gluten free for years. It started with me having stomach issues for years and seeing doctor after doctor, test after test, nutritionists, specialists and obsessing over what was wrong with me (because it’s not normal to feel sick every single day). Finally after researching a bunch I did an elimination diet and to the credit of my intuition I felt so much better when I cut gluten out for good (and now dairy as my food allergies seem to increased – ug!)

Anyway – I recently had a major bad reaction to something with hidden gluten in it – a lot of hidden gluten and I was sick for the last 2 weeks with some days that I could just manage to get myself out of the apartment and keep some of my commitments.

I finally got tested for Celiac disease – again, after many years of undeveloped technology, not enough research or even enough knowledge of Celiac’s or gluten allergies by the top doctors and specialists.

This time I got my answer.  I got tested for the Celiac “gene” which I had no idea even existed but now I know that I do have.   Years of obsessing – thinking I am a hypochondriac – thinking every single thing is wrong with me and now finally knowing – is the craziest feeling.  It’s like the bricks I have been carrying of thinking I am a crazy person have finally been lifted and I have been completely validated.  Validated about EVERY SINGLE THING that I thought was “wrong with me” and that all of my symptoms are somehow now all pieced together, tied up in a neat little bow with a totally understandable one explanation. They are related and they all are from Celiac’s and gluten intolerance.

I got amazing news that there are two parts to Celiac’s – the gene that can predetermine – and the manifestation of the effects of harm from gluten in your body.  I got this info after having an endoscopy and other blood tests.

Thank GOD that I used my intuition years ago, trusted my body, and kept as clean off of gluten as possible because I have very little damage at all, and WONT have damage if I stay away from gluten!

If you are struggling with a food allergy or feeling sick all the time – I hope this can help a bit. Get tested for Celiac’s disease or any other thing you think you may have – because your intuition is probably right.

I just want to tell YOU that this goes to show how powerful and miraculous your intuition is, and if you are not in tune with it – to get in tune with it now! It will guide you on every aspect of your life.

It truly is your internal guide – your internal compass as my mentor likes to say. I “knew” this all along and for years but I never really had as big of a slap in the face as THIS episode. I listened here and there, but now – Hey Intution, I’m all EARS!!!!! Tell me more!

So what would YOU do if you knew your intuition was the guide for everything, seriously – no joke – every single move you make. What would you do. What would you STOP doing. Who would you stop seeing. What would you tell those people and the special people in your life?

Speak your truth – act on it and literally follow that little voice in your head.

Not to get all deep on you – but there are two voices in your head (and that is normal.) One is your EGO voice and one is your INTUITION voice.

Gabrielle Bernstein – my mentor says that your EGO speaks first and loudest, and its not Freud’s Ego. It is basically your fearful self.

Your ego is here to protect you and guard you from harm, which was especially helpful when we were cave people but not so much now.
Our ego will tell us to NOT go for our dreams, that we are NOT good enough and that we are NOT loved.  However – your ego speaks first and loudest.  This is obviously not the voice to listen to. Tell your ego you are not going to be eaten by a tiger or die from starvation like our cave people ancestors may have. Unfortunately for us- we still have that ego voice even though 9 times out of 10 is no imminent danger.

To get to hear your intuition voice you must silence your mind.
This means meditation and it really is the only way to get there aside from being in-tune with it already.  If that sounds weird to you or you think that you don’t have the time? Just try it.

This is the answer to having freedom from fear, from worry and stress.
Anytime you feel fear, worry or stress. Stop, drop and meditate. If you don’t want to meditate, take a walk or a shower. Those two actions help me get back there to hear my intuition or “Ing” as Gabby calls it.

This is the key to amazing things people. It’s the key to living your life with certainty and to get you to your dream destination.  We are all equipped with this amazing guidance system. Tune in to activate yours.

For more questions or info on any of the things I mentioned in this blog, email me at Emily@EmilyBrickel.com

Learn more about Gabrielle Bernstein here. 
Also don’t forget to follow me on Instagram @EmilyBrickel and my new account for all things fashion illustration @EmilyBrickelillustration

Hope that inspires you!
xoxo

Emily

May 15, 2014
Let your intuition guide your story

 

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I am so excited to share this illustration with you- it is one I am really proud of and was used in such a cool way as the basis for the website www.LaurenWeberTV.com

The illustration was designed so that you can click around different pieces of her inspiration board and be lead to learn about parts of Lauren’s website and story.

Today I want to inspire you to share some of your story. 

And today, my story is about trusting your intuition, following your heart and being real all the way through.

I almost didn’t have the strength to write my blog today (which will be yesterday by the time you read it) because I have been dealing with a terrible food allergy reaction from last Tuesday (yes a week and a half ago!!!!) that has been reappearing every few meals I have eaten since. Today (yesterday for you) I finally had a much-needed upper endoscopy that I kind of have been avoiding for a while.

To give you a quick backstory – through many trial and error elimination diets, nutritionists, doctors, gastroenterologists, etc, I have figured out that I am allergic to gluten for the last few years and now possibly dairy in the last year and my reactions seem to be getting worse.  I think that stress amplifies it and finally – through evolving technology I am getting tested (again) for Celiacs– which I really hope I don’t have- through blood tests and biopsies.

It sucks not to be able to eat the food I want – and I am a big foodie, but over time I have learned that I would rather feel good than enjoy a few minutes of eating something that will make me sick.

Through out the years so many doctors have told me that there really is nothing wrong with my stomach and I don’t have these allergies – but only recently has technology and the food industry caught up with what my intuition has been telling me all these years.

I can usually tell what foods I can’t eat beyond the obvious breads, pastas and sauces.  My intuition is sometimes is so good that I can tell if chicken or other things that I ordered “gluten and diary free” to the waiters is lightly coated in flour or not.  Listening to that intuition – however sometimes isn’t as easy as it sounds.

It is so much easier to listen to your brain, listen to what you have been told and to easily believe you should “trust” that person is telling you. (Onlyt to get sick after realizing you were right and it did have flour – #rude)

I don’t really want to bore you with my food allergy experiences- though I could certainly write a book on it. However, I do want to convey that your intuition is really there to guide you (in all circumstances)– and you need to stop shooing it away.

Trusting your body, what foods to eat and what not to eat is massively important to support the health and vitality you and I need to live our purpose and do what we are meant to do in the world. It is so much bigger and so much more important than a “diet” or loosing weight. It’s about intuitively eating for nourishment.

The same is true for so many situations.  Listening to your intuition about where to go, what to do and what to avoid is imperative to your wellbeing.

If you feel like you are not in the place in your life that you want to be – ask yourself – do I let my intuition guide me? The answer should be clear. Start listening and you can live your dream life.

Use this lesson with people, friends, family and work.  Getting a gross feeling from people you may not want to be around? Do you feel uncomfortable in a certain situation? Listen to that feeling – that is your intuition telling you something.  It is all laid out in some divine plan for you, but it is up to you to trust your instincts and pave the path you want to go down.

I will keep this short and sweet because my intuition says that I need to rest- but on that note – let your intuition guide YOU.

And as always,
Hope that inspires you.
Xoxo
Emily

If you want me to help tell your story for your blog, business or website with a custom illustration email me at Emily@EmilyBrickel.com

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May 8, 2014
Angels among us – Awaken The Spirit Within

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Sometimes I get signs that there are Angels and some kind of amazing force guiding me and helping me along my journey.

I have always been interested in this sort of thing based on my experiences and the stories I’ve heard from my family.

Regardless of the religion I have been raised I always have felt just really spiritual and connected to something greater than me without really knowing why or what it was, just trusting that there was something.

Gabrielle Bernstein, my mentor is really the one who taught me that in my adult life to pray and that praying really is just a conversation with whatever you believe is out there, guiding you.   It’s not even about any religion – it’s about your own personal spirituality.  Gabby says “praying is asking for help and meditating is listening for the answer.”   So I do that. A lot.  I mean imagine if you could have a direct connection to something divine giving you personal feedback.  Pretty cool right.

I often ask for signs from God, The Universe, my spirit guides and guardian angels (whatever you believe is out there for you) to guide me, to confirm if the path I’m heading down and daily decisions I make are the right ones and to help me make decisions along the way.  I always pray before I create any kind of art, project or blog that I be guided to create something of the highest good for as many people as I can help or inspire and to share my gift with the world. That is why I feel I have been called to write on this topic.

I was watching one of Gabby’s weekly vlogs and she introduced this spiritual medium of whom I have heard before and have seen on Doctor Oz,  Rebecca Rosen.  I clicked, found her book on Amazon “Awaken The Spirit Within”.
And I started to read the preview but was so captivated that I could not draw my eyes away. I had to get the book.

Ever since my father passed away when I was 12 and my grandpa passed away 11 years after that, I am captivated by all things related to spiritual mediums and people who can “talk to those who have passed”.   If I could talk to my Dad or Grandpa just for another second I would do anything.

Planning a wedding, I’m missing my Dad and Grandpa. Making decisions and making moves on my career path, I’m missing them.  In all of the seasons, and all of the holidays, I am missing them.  So I talk to them everyday in my mind and I call them part of my “light team”, my team of people who have passed, including ancestors who are watching over me.  It connects me to them in some way and strengthens the spiritual relationship I have with them. If that is the only way I can talk to them for now, I’ll take it.

I have learned through all the books I have read on this subject that even in death, they never really leave you. Their spirits are always present for you to call upon at anytime.

So, on that note (and after that long introduction) I wanted to share a few things with you that could possibly inspire you or make it easier if you are missing anyone who has passed away.

My family has always received signs that they are being guided, or that someone is saying hello in the form of white feathers and pennies.  Keep an eye out – you may be getting signs in other ways. They are meaningful, don’t just dismiss them.

From the book “Awaken The Spirit Within” Rebecca writes that sometimes after people pass away, family members loose their faith in God, that they struggle to “believe in a God who would allow such a tragedy to take place, ….(and) not just because this tragedy happened to (our) family but because many happen around the world every day to people of all ages and stations in life.”  Rebecca says that sometimes spirits send pennies to remind them to have faith, because on the U.S. coin it says “In God We Trust.”  – Reading that sent shivers down my spine.  Now the pennies we have been finding in our homes right by our feet all these years make sense. (And no they did not just fall out of our wallet)

Rebecca says there are many different types of Angels and that “Angels are highly evolved spiritual beings… who watch over us and keep us safe.”  She says “Within your lifetime, you may have sensed this warm and loving angelic energy around you, felt it guide you or help you heal during troubling times. Angels are very inventive. They send us signs and arrange coincidences or “synchronicities,” as a way of letting us know we are on the right path.” She says to all on them 24/7.

There are so many stories I can tell about things that have personally happened to me and my experiences, so if you are interested feel free to ask.

But on that note, I’ll leave you with one more excerpt from her book.

“Lately, everywhere I go – to the gym, the grocery store, my neighborhood Starbucks – I notice people who look like they are sleepwalking through life. Distracted, disconnected, I see them stumbling around, going through their everyday motions, but not fully awake to their lives.… Both women and men of all ages, from kindergarten teachers to CEO’s, show up at my doorstep lost and confused, like they haven’t yet had their first cup of morning coffee.  They plead with me to give them clarity. They want to know ‘Where is my life going? Why do I feel like I’m running in circles?’ Some show up searching for deeper understanding. They want to know, ‘Rebecca, can I ever truly be happy and fulfilled in life.’ Some boldly ask ‘What is the point of my life? Help me understand what I’m meant to do.’ They are desperate for answers and they look to me to give them clear direction.”

She goes on to say “As babies, we are energetic bundles of divine love and light – pure vessels containing God’s powerful DNA- and yet almost as soon as we are born into this physical world, we begin to forget what we’re truly made of and where we come from. We fall asleep. Or rather our spirit nods off and our mind takes control of the wheel.”

“Ninety percent of the world lives in a mind existence; most of us are stuck in our heads. Given those numbers, odds are that you, too, are thinking your way though life.” …..  Read more here.

So, did you forget your purpose, or are you living fully awake and connected to your divine bloodline and in tune to what you are meant to do? Need help? Just call upon your angels.

As always,
Hope that inspires you
Xoxo
Emily

April 24, 2014
It’s in the bag! – My 7 step guide to combatting stress and overwhelm in minutes.

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So I think I may have bitten off a little more than I can chew…. But for now I know I am nearing the home stretch!

Aside from helping to plan my best friend’s bridal shower, planning my engagement party with a lot of moving parts (better late than never!), taking on a 2 month online business course to learn some cool new things, starting a new workout DVD program and on top of that a second workout program that starts next month – I also have been successful at committing to meditating at least 5 days a week (the most I have ever consistently done) and am running my full time business, weekly blog, working on some really cool projects, having a social life and spending some QT with the ‘yonce (#FeYonce that is. If you don’t know…. Now you know  click here, it’s a thing.) I really want this shirt but I digress…

SO – I’m VERY proud of myself, but also stressed, overwhelmed and tired… until I do these amazing tricks. Then I know everything will get done.

Wanna know how to do it all and get S%IT done?

Listen up because here’s what to do:

1) FREAK OUTTTTT… dun da na, dun da, dun da Freak out! (cue the music) ….then get it together!  Get those funky feelings out – move them out of your body, feel the crap outta them, breathe it all in and let it all out.  Give it an hour or so then move on.

Now that the crazy is out of the way….

1) Write a Master List.  Get out a notebook like mine (here). Put pen to paper and create three columns. Business, Personal, and Other. List out every single crazy crap thing you have to do, want to do or think of doing in the distant or near future in the appropriate columns.  I have tried this before and made only one list that was uncategorized, but that kind of overwhelmed me when I went in later to prioritize things.

Trust me – this way is amazing! When you are done doing this go back through your list columns with a highlighter.

Highlight only the things that you have to do TODAY.

3) Prioritize Go back into your list and put an empty check box next to the things you need to get done THIS WEEK.

4) Schedule all of the things you decided MUST get done today and MUST get done this week into your calendar with times so you actually do it.  Repeat this process each week.

Now the weight should be off your shoulders. You have gotten every worry out of your head and onto paper so your mind is clear of clutter. Hopefully now you are de-stressed and ready to tackle the tasks.
 
Taking it a step further…. Here’s where it gets juicy…. Click HERE To read the rest of my blog! 
 
5) Do things in advance. I NEEEEEE-VEEEEERRR use to be someone to do things in advance, nope just call me Misses Prooooo-crast-in-ator.
BUT, one day I decided to channel my anxiety about the future and anticipation about the fun and scary things to come into action.   Have a bridal shower / wedding coming up? Go buy the gifts and cards NOW.  Who cares if it’s 3 or 4 months in advance.

The way I look at it is that’s one more thing to cross off my list and move on to the next.  Have a busy summer coming up? Plot out all of your trips on a calendar that you can stick next to your desk 3-4 months out at a time, this way anytime you are trying to figure out any logistics, glance over at your calendar and enjoy some peace of mind that most things are already taken care of.

6) Don’t question yourself.  Unsure of what to do? FLIP A COIN.  Make heads a Yes and tails a No. Ask the question – Should I work with this person / hire this person / go to that event / follow that path, or whatever you want to know.  Flip the coin.

IGNORE WHAT THE COIN SAYS!!!  Go with your reaction to what the coin says.  Wha??????  Yes, you heard me.

If you asked “Should I go to that event” and the coin said YES, but your immediate reaction was “NOOOO!! I don’t want to go”. Then listen to your gut reaction.

This is a clever trick I picked up along the way, reinforcing that you will have an intuitive reaction to what the coin is telling you to do. That is how you know what you feel about the direction to take.  It’s not about the coin, it’s about tapping into your gut.

7) If all else fails, Revert to the experts. One of my favourite quotes of all time bestowed to me by the late, great Rabbi Harvey Weil a.k.a. my grandfather is “He who knows all, knows that he knows nothing.” – Socrates.

There are so many things to learn and know right at this very second, but it is impossible to know everything. If you think you do, you are wrong! Do what you can, figure it out to the best of your abilities. Then if you can’t figure it out – find an expert. It is not your job to know everything but you can find others who can enlighten you along the way.

That’s it for now but remember these steps any time you are stressed and dealing with overwhelm. Take one step at a time and don’t be afraid to lean on others.

I want to know what you think! Leave a comment below and tell me about it!

As always,
Hope that inspires you!
Xoxo
Emily

Copyright Emily Brickel Edelson 2018. All Rights Reserved