by Amy Matthews | Jan 14, 2018 | Inspiration |
I often walk a very steep set of stairs during my morning workout. It’s like a Zen practice for me. I go up and down about 10 times and the repetition gets my creative juices flowing.
I recently met a new friend on the steps. Her name is Lorna and she’s 84 years old. Yep, no kidding. Every day, Lorna walks up these stairs, as she finishes her morning walk. She has a perky, sparkly personality, a beautiful smile and luminous skin. She even takes the time to put on lipstick before she leaves the house! (I for sure, don’t). The first time we met, I told her she was amazing and she said that I was. Now each time we see each other, we say to each other: YOU’RE AMAZING! See pictures of Lorna below.
Lorna has osteoporosis and aches but she’s committed to walking everyday because she’s promised her children that she’ll live to be 100. I say, that’s AMAZING. It’s also inspiring, awesome, determined, and disciplined. She is so committed to both herself and her loved ones. Rock On.
When I saw Lorna, the other morning, I gave her a High 5 and pronounced, WE BOTH ARE AMAZING! Then we hugged each other. That simple gesture made my day and I’m sure hers. My heart was full of pure joy.
As women, no matter what age, we all crave and want each other’s support and connection. We need to encourage, acknowledge and inspire one another – everyday. So we can lift each other up, so we can feel good, so we can be better, so we can all rise – together.
What are you committed to – right now? My hope is that you truly commit to yourself and to whom or what matters to you.
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by Amy Matthews | Dec 5, 2017 | Inspiration |
The world we live in is crazier than ever. The uncertainty of our times is profoundly affecting us all. It’s crucial more than ever to take care of ourselves. But what does it really mean to take care and nurture yourself – from the inside out? Here are my Top 5 Tips to keep from getting overwhelmed or run down.
#1 Meditation and Yoga
Simply put: meditation makes me better. When I meditate, I’m kinder to myself and I have more ease in my life. I see things more clearly and am present with people and situations. Even 5 minutes a day makes a difference. Similarly, yoga helps me unwind my mind and wring out all the goo – you know, the stuff that can weigh you down and make you feel stuck.
#2 Gratitude
A daily appreciation practice shifts your perspective. For one day, instead of judging or worrying, consider looking at how lucky and blessed you are! Before I go to bed, I think about the 5 things I am most thankful for that day.
#3 Know Your Limits
If you’re feeling overwhelmed or stressed, ask yourself what you need in the moment. You may not know at first – that’s okay – just keep asking. You are only human, and contrary to popular belief, humans have limits! If you need a break, “just say no” to an event on your calendar. Instead, get a massage or take a candlelit bath.
#4 Detox
I’ve been cleansing for 20 years. I was ahead of the times in this department: when I started, it certainly wasn’t considered cool. I’ve experimented with all kinds of cleanses. If you haven’t done a cleanse before, do some research. I’d recommend to start by removing foods from your diet like gluten, dairy, sugar and alcohol. Try it for 21 days and you’ll feel better – clear, light, grounded and inspired.
#5 Sleep
Sleep is the new status symbol. Lack of sleep has huge consequences on our health, happiness and overall performance. I am not the best sleeper, so I turn off my electronic devices an hour before I go to bed to unwind. A nap can be life changing, too. You’ll feel refreshed and ready to rock!
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by Amy Matthews | Nov 21, 2017 | Inspiration, Mindset |
I’m over the moon! The article below was published in Susan Hyatt’s Dig Deep on-line magazine! It’s about a very special person in my life, my sister and her unwavering, positive attitude.
Here’s a story about my sister, Susan. Susan is four years older than me and we’ve always had a special relationship. I was her greatest fan growing up, as little sisters often are. I was forever complementing and supporting her because I thought, and still do, that’s she is a beautiful human being inside and out. As an older sister, she has looked out for me. To this day we are very close. I am grateful for our friendship and sisterhood.
Susan has a Type A personality and is 110% an extrovert. She’s a dedicated mother, wife, sister, aunt and friend. She cares deeply for everyone in her life, including people she has just met. She is smart, capable and accomplished. She’s a committed advocate for causes she firmly believes in. She has more energy than she knows what to do with. And like many of us, she can get a bit crazy at times. In her case, it’s because she cares so intensely about the things to which she gives herself that she can get too emotionally involved. Picture a dog with a bone who just won’t let go. This also means that the girl makes things happen and gets shit done. She still somehow finds the time to fill her life to the brim with fun, fun, fun. Everyone loves Susan because she puts so much love and positive energy out into the world. If there ever was a “You Get What You Give” campaign, she would be the poster child.
Growing up, ever since I can remember, when Susan tried to convince our dad to say “yes” to something she desperately wanted to do, she’d say, “Dad, I have to do this now, it may be my only chance!” Susan has continued to live this way since childhood and has never looked back.
I call this “Eating the Brownie”. Living fully, out loud, with #noregrets. My sister Susan is a perfect example of someone who eats the proverbial brownie every day. As a Business and Life-Freedom Coach for Women, I believe in taking action towards what you really want, whatever it is: the things which bring you more joy, inspiration and meaning.
That’s the backdrop of the story. Here’s the second part.
Susan and her husband recently went out of town for a few days. After being abnormally tired one night, she woke up the next morning with tingling in her feet and found she couldn’t walk straight. Something was wrong. They had a jolt of coffee and rushed to the emergency room. After a series of tests to rule out the worst illnesses, she was diagnosed with a rare autoimmune syndrome. She needed immediate treatment and was quickly taken to a nearby hospital where she would spend 5 days. Once treated, the illness left her unable to move her extremities and complete everyday functions. She went from working out on a stair climber one day to not being able to brush her teeth the next. CRAZY…right? And terrifying! She spent the next 10 days in a rehabilitation facility to get back on her feet. Susan has always been a Chatty Cathy so we were all very grateful that she could think and express herself clearly. But she did have to learn how to do things all over again, like walk, dress and write. Things she – and we – take for granted on a daily basis.
Susan felt more vulnerable than ever before in her life. She was thinking “What happens if my whole life is different now?” Her family and loved ones – were all wondering too. Truly frightened, she vehemently declared to her doctors, “I don’t want to die, I have too much to live for! Please don’t let me fall through the cracks!!” Her medical team was top notch and of course, they didn’t.
Susan, miraculously and admirably, has had a positive attitude and outlook through her whole ordeal. Despite intense waves of fear, she went out of the way to be friendly to everyone she met in the hospital, including all the other patients. She was a bright light in other people’s lives during her most difficult moments.
Susan loves her life and everyone in it. She is determined to get 100% back to normal. She believes she will, and so she will. No ifs, ands or buts. Her doctors agree there’s no question that she will. Susan has always found a way to go after what she wants, because she believes wholeheartedly in it and then works hard to get it. I say, it’s a testament to her unwavering positive attitude and determination. I also say, boy do I still look up to my big sister.
Life is amazing and full of surprises. Some good and some not so good. When times get tough, are you able to rise above it with an unflinching can-do attitude, bringing positivity and kindness to those around you? The choice is for each of us to make. I think it can be simple: if you will, you will.
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This is good stuff. Thank YOU!
I’ve learned what I love myself.
Focusing on what I want has been AMAZING !!!
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by Amy Matthews | Sep 4, 2017 | In-Power, Inspiration |
This blog is about heartbreak. Everyone has had at least one broken heart in their life if they’ve been lucky enough to love deeply. I’ve certainly had mine.
Here’s a story I’d like to share with you:
A few years ago, I went through a painful breakup. We really loved each other, were attracted to each other in many ways, had a ton of fun, traveled together, and developed a good friendship to boot. After having dated for over two years, I initiated the “relationship” conversation. Uh oh – you probably guessed it. He said he wanted to keep things as they were and didn’t want more commitment, and I thought I did.
Three months after that initial talk, we had what I have termed “The One Minute Break Up”. It literally took only 60 seconds to end the relationship. I was surprised and hurt. It happened so quickly, it took me awhile to realize we broke up! If I’m truly honest, I had expectations for something more and my emotions got in the way. I felt rejected and not wanted. The truth is, at the time, I couldn’t accept that we wanted different things.
Looking back, even though the way it ended wasn’t ideal, it was a blessing in disguise. I realized I wasn’t getting what I needed from the relationship. For the first time in my life, I put myself first and asked “What do I really want?” I started to reclaim myself and began making choices based on what brings me greater joy and freedom. Through the process, Woman UnRuled came to life. I am forever grateful. The phoenix always rises!
What I know for sure is that the next man I attract will be very different from the last — because I’ve changed and am a different woman. If you are suffering from heartbreak, don’t forget that things in life do happen for a reason, and always work out for the best.
For more rule breaking inspiration about relationships, check out Woman UnRuled: Empowering Articles for Women. HERE.
by Amy Matthews | Aug 14, 2017 | Inspiration |
When you think of taking care of yourself, the following things usually come to mind: eating healthy foods, remembering to exercise, getting plenty of sleep, being outdoors, booking an occasional massage, spending time with loved ones, or doing whatever you deem as fun. But these are all external options. What does it really mean to take care of yourself from the inside out? Here are my Top #5.
#1 Think Positive Thoughts
This is about training your mind. If you listen to what you tell yourself, are you generating positive, compassionate thoughts or critical, anxious thoughts? Tune in and see what you hear. If you find yourself thinking thoughts that make you unhappy or don’t serve you, change them. It’s as simple as that.
#2 Be Kind to Yourself
Here’s a novel idea. Instead of berating yourself, be kind. Talk to yourself like you would a good friend. It looks something like this: “Self, good job today, you really rocked it. I am proud of you.” There is no one on the planet who is more critical of yourself than you. Cut yourself some slack. Treat yourself like someone you care for dearly. Fall in love with yourself.
#3 Choose Happiness
I realize this is sometimes easier said than done. We all can get bent out of shape — what I call “pulling a nutty” — if something doesn’t go our way. If you don’t like something, take a few deep breaths until you recalibrate. As soon as you change your attitude towards the very thing that upset you, it will change. You are not a victim. No complaining: choose to be happy instead.
#4 Be Grateful
Having gratitude makes you feel better and brings more joy and goodness into your life. The benefits of a gratitude practice are endless: being grateful improves your physical, mental and psychological health, improves relationships and increases self esteem. Gratitude even improves sleep! It’s the new miracle drug. “I’ll have what she’s having.”
#5 Accept What Is
Accepting what is hasn’t always been easy for me. I am particular so I tend to like things a certain way. My mental drill went something like this: “If I only could change this about my home or work situation or relationship, then I would be happy.” Sound familiar? A coach first pointed this out to me and, though it took some time, I made a shift. I now accept what I can’t change, I focus on what I can and I am clear on the difference between the two.
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by Amy Matthews | Aug 1, 2017 | Inspiration |
It’s not easy to be inspired all of the time. No matter who you are and what’s happening in your life, we all need bursts of positive energy and new ideas. Here are my top 5 Tips to keep inspiration flowing in your life.
#1 Learn Something New
Doing something you haven’t done before requires courage because it takes you out of your comfort zone. Sign up for a language class or an art class or commit to a new sport. I joined a novice rowing team last year and took an Italian class this year. I’m also taking a writing class. Next up, I want to go to an Italian immersion class in Tuscany.
#2 Exercise
I don’t know what I would be like it I didn’t exercise every day. It gives me a sense of well being. Some days it energizes me, other days, it fuels my creativity, or it makes me feel more inspired and focused. My preference is to exercise outdoors so I go to boot camp and or on a hike. I also love a sweaty spin class. And I enjoy going to yoga two or three times a week – it is exercise for my soul.
#3 Change Up Your Routine
I am all for routines as they create structure in your life, but sometimes you can find yourself bored of the same ‘ol: whether it’s the food you eat, the route you take to work, or even how and when you have sex. If you feel a routine in your life is constricting, change it. Bring in an element of surprise into each and every day.
#4 Go Shopping in Your Closet
I’ve been doing this for years and I think I coined the phrase! Beautiful things have inspired me all my life. If you are anything like me, you have more clothes, shoes and accoutrements than you will ever need. I say, have a party in your closet! Remember how much fun it was to play dress up? Trying on things that you already own is a creative process and it helps to realize the abundance you already have. Plus it’s an opportunity to get rid of things you no longer want.
#5 Get Out of Dodge
There is nothing like getting out of your environment to help hit the reset button! It doesn’t require a lot of time or expense to get a new outlook on life. Take a day trip to explore a place you haven’t been. Try a new restaurant or go to one of your favorite haunts. Or take a drive, preferably with the top down! House swap with a friend for the weekend. Be curious and an explorer at heart. You will feel refreshed, revitalized and inspired.
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