Being a #GirlBoss & Free Desktop Wallpaper

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What does it mean to be a #girlboss?
You use the phrase all the time.

Being a #girlboss means more to me than just working in yoga pants with a dog snoring beside me or meeting clients at unique spaces all across town to support the locals. It's more to me than money freedom, setting my own hours, and working with people of my own choosing.

It's about being unapologetic in my success, taking what's mine without being labeled 'pushy' or 'bossy' or 'intimidating'. It's about empowering the person who thinks they aren't enough because they were told to sit down, be quiet, and speak when spoken to.

'I am strong because of who I am in my soul and my brains, not in spite of them; I am successful because of my age and my gender; not in spite of them.'

I think of the people in this world who dim their lights, because someone at some point told them they would never become a success on their own or that their interests were not enough on which to survive or thrive. I want to be brave in the face of ageism and sexism and say, 'I am strong because of who I am in my soul and my brains, not in spite of them; I am successful because of my age and my gender; not in spite of them'.

Being a #girlboss is about changing the dialogue.

I am not *lucky* to be standing where I am right now. I've busted my butt and earned it. All of us have earned where we are today - whether we're happy with it or not, our actions have contributed to our present state. It's what we do with our dissatisfaction/success that shapes who we become. It's a shame our strengths are masked by others' insecurities: we can't take control without a label against us, or stand up for our beliefs for the same reason. I laugh just thinking of the absurdity.

Being a #girlboss means getting to be 100% real 100% of the time. No ifs, ands, or buts. It's not sparkles and happy dances all of the time, but it's a hell of a lot more interesting than sitting still and watching life just pass by. 

+ What does being a #girlboss mean to you?

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P.S. Use the hashtag #thegreatvibesguide for anything that makes you feel like doing the happy dance or expressing your imperfectly perfect self.

P.S.S. Did you know you get a free Great Vibes Guide & grocery store printable when you sign up for The Newsletter? >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

P.S.S.S. Have you checked out all of the
other places Emily's spreading the Great Vibes?

Gift Guide :: 21st Birthday

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Happiness is about the unseen things, the moments that take your breath away, laughter at the end of a long day, puppy kisses, hugs with an extra squeeze, love. That's what it's all about. As long as my birthday has at least one of the intangible, it'll be a great one. But the next few items wouldn't hurt either ...

Today, I've put together 21 items that you'll find on my birthday list! I'm super excited to share with you my faves. Note :: I've used affiliate links throughout this post. Thanks for supporting The Great Vibes Guide & me! Xx.

Part I ::

1. water bottle (1/2/3)

2. coloring book 

3. macbook cover/skin (1/2/3)

4. portable speakers (1/2/3)

5. dslr camera

6. iPhone case (1/2/3)

7. carry-on weekend bag (1/2/3)

Part II ::

1. j.crew pixie pants

2. donation

3. lipstick (1/2/3)

4. grown-up pajamas (1/2/3)

5. the mira heel

6. love your melon beanie

7. books (1/2/3)

Part III ::

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1. stemless wineglasses (1/2/3)

2. tasteful shot glasses (1/2/3)

3. ice cube tray (1/2/3)

4. cork screw (1/2/3)

5. bar tool set (1/2/3)

6. bottle opener (1/2/3)

7. cocktail recipe book (1/2/3)

+Now, real talk here ... how much do you love gift guides?

P.S. Use the hashtag #thegreatvibesguide for anything that makes you feel like doing the happy dance or expressing your imperfectly perfect self.

P.S.S. Did you know you get a free free Great Vibes Guide & grocery store printable when you sign up for The Newsletter? >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

P.S.S.S. Have you checked out all of the
other places Emily's spreading the Great Vibes?

October 1st! Sugar Detox Draws to a Close.

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I did it. But I didn't think I could.

I (Emily, here!) started my no-sugar journey in the beginning of September with the mindset to take it slow, one day at a time, and learn how sugar affects my body, in what amount, and if I could have a healthy relationship with it after the hiatus was over. If you're interested in learning how to handle your sugar cravings, head to the bottom of this post and click to reserve your space in my free teleseminar on the 13th! Anyway, I learned so much during my education at the Institute for Integrative Nutrition, and graduating, I felt I was equipped with all of the knowledge I needed, but for some reason, I couldn't truly internalize all that I was learning.

Does that ever happen to you? You know the shoulds, the must dos, but your brain feels split as you think you shouldn't do something but still do it anyway. It's a constant push pull that is exhausting and leaves you standing over the kitchen sink shoveling food into your mouth even though you aren't hungry and were planning on going to bed. Sounds familiar, doesn't it? I know it resonates with me. A lot.

In September, I had finally had enough. I felt like I had lost control. And I was tired of feeling exhausted and gaining weight and having these insatiable cravings. So over the last three weeks, as I've given up all sugars but fruit sugars, I stepped into the nooks and crannies of my mind and broke down my desire for sweets. It wasn't rainbows and butterflies, that's for sure, but it was pretty eye opening.

Week One:

Most common thought: Why the f*** did I do this?
Realization: I was making myself eat something for dessert every night, because allowing myself to eat dessert felt like food freedom. For so long, I denied myself dessert, that even though I wasn't hungry, had no interest in adding food to my belly, and was exhausted over the idea of making anything else, I ate it anyway. Compulsion.
Next Step: Breathe. Sit with your realizations.

Week Two:

Most common thought: Eating your weight in fruit isn't the answer either.
Realization: If I were with other people right now, getting a hug or having a great conversation, I wouldn't be making food, forcing myself to eat it or sitting in my room alone and drowning myself in another chocolate smoothie bowl. Am I actually hungry for sugar or something else?
Next Step: Take a yoga class, and give yourself permission to be at ease.

Week Three:

Most common thought: It's almost October! Only half kidding ... it was actually - Love is the answer.
Realization: My heart was lonely, I felt like I was missing something in my life, and I was replacing that lack with food, namely sugar. What I really needed was love; love for myself and for others.
Next Step: Slowly introduce sugar back into my lifestyle, being mindful and kind to my body, truly listening to hunger and satiety levels and my heart.

Ending Thoughts:

I wasn't expecting this to be anything more than a nuisance, a three week drought to my bottomless cravings, and an otherwise uneventful, if not difficult, period in my life. Unfortunately/fortunately it was far more than that. I survived, and surviving was my goal. But I also learned a bunch. I learned how as much as I love sugar, I don't need it nearly as much as I thought. It was a comfort, a craving of security, and a crutch for something I was lacking in my life. I find that fascinating. So what's my next step? To take it one day at a time. I'm not setting unrealistic goals for myself (see SMART goals) and telling myself that I could go my entire life without sugar. HA that's a joke - birthdays, holidays, life! But I am going to actively listen to myself and choose happiness over dependence.

Other perks of a better relationship with sugar?

  • no emotional ups and downs
  • no more brain fog and headaches
  • no more psychotic urges to shovel more
  • into my mouth even though I'm stuffed

That being said ... interested in finding a better relationship with sugar?

Emily Friend breaks a big topic, controversial Sugar, into bite-size pieces with tips, tricks, and advice on finding which sugars work best for your body and in what amount. Learn the facts and get free tools for health success without having to change out of your sweats or get off the couch. Total wellness doesn't have to be hard. In fact, if it's not bringing you great vibes, it's not worth it.