An Empowering & Intention-Setting Gathering on Monday, the 21st of December

The twinkle lights were shining, sparkles and glitter everywhere, and the mood was set with gratitude of 2015 and a welcoming energy for 2016...

On Monday, my heart cracked open a little bit, but in the best way possible.  I spent the evening leading an intention-setting and empowering gathering for four amazing women. I thought you'd like to see some pictures from the event. Recipes for the goodies on the table starting next week ;).

Pineapple Studios in Downtown Wilmington provided the perfect energy and location for the gathering. Bright tassels swung in the entrance, and a table of journals, yummy food, & champagne sat in the corner.  Bolsters and blankets traditionally used in yoga formed our gathering circle where the women could get comfortable and relax.

Ornaments were hung from the wall with care in hopes that brave women would soon be there.

Glittering letters leaned against the wall as twinkle lights curved
and wrapped around the centerpiece of our evening.

Through the course of the evening, the women were asked to write one word describing their hopes for 2016. By the end of the evening, the pendant featured words of inspiration the new year would bring.

The table was adorned with wax flower and eucalyptus arrangements made by A Friend's Flowers. An apple tart, whipped cream, and chocolate chip oatmeal cookies lay beside a bottle of chilled champagne.

A close up of the journals, chocolate, and flowers
the women took home as a treat at the close of the evening.

Snowflakes lit up the table with a soft glow of holiday spirit.

Flowers & a chalkboard sign invited guests to relax and prepare themselves for an evening of empowering intention setting & journaling.

By the close of the event, 2016 looks to be an incredible year.

These women prove that not all that glitters is gold.

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I was so honored to lead this gathering on Monday the 21st. Thank you, ladies, for making it an evening I won't soon forget. Xx.

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Book Club :: Mindy Kaling's, Why Not Me? Part Four - All the Opinions You Will Ever Need

Today we're delving into the final section of Mindy Kaling's second novel, Why Not Me? This part is all of her opinions on life, advice, and worries. As in previous parts, I really identified with her honesty and how she doesn't hold back when answering questions. I appreciate that kind of refreshing energy.

If you've missed any prior Book Club get-togethers, head over to Book Club and catch up! Still haven't grabbed the book? It's not too late. Promise! Buy it here.

Make sure you fill out the survey for our next read (find it at the end of this post) so you can get the most out of book club :)!

Question Time

Unlikely Leading Lady::

+ I like how Kaling says, "Wait, I don't want to be real." In my opinion, that term has lost its authenticity and can almost be said in a negative way. What do you think?

+ I laughed at her depiction of what's usually on her mind. Mine would include: Jennifer Lawrence, Where's My Wine?, How Many People Visited the Blog?, and My Dog is So Cute. What would yours look like?

+Just to serve as an important reminder. Page 202: "If you've got it, flaunt it. And if you don't got it? Flaunt it. 'Cause what are we even doing here if we're not flaunting it?"

Harvard Law School Class Day Speech::

+ The whole bit about Noah Feldman had me chuckling. Was there someone in your graduating class (or any class for that matter) who everyone knew regardless of whether they actually knew them or not?

+ What advice would you give if you were speaking to a graduating class? Something that's always stuck with me is that we're a society that does a lot of speaking but not enough listening. My advice would be to listen more and talk less.

4 a.m. Worries::

+ What are some of your 4 a.m. worries? Mine include: What if I was supposed to do this by now but didn't?, Did I forget to respond to someone?, Why doesn't he like me?, Am I a big phony?

Why Not Me? ::

+ What do you think of her comment about "deserving to be confident"? I think confidence comes first; owning who you are up front and center. At the same time her opinion made sense. I wonder if her definition is similar to my definition of respect, and how someone earns respect and respect in their field, and that cannot just be spoken of but rather earned. Thoughts?

Any other ideas?

That's all of the questions I have to spark conversation for now... Hop down to the comments and give it a whirl -- no thought too big, small, unwanted (within reason), or otherwise!

What should we read next? Fill out the survey to read the book YOU want. Xx.

*affiliate links were used in this post :: thanks for supporting The Great Vibes Guide & me! Xx.

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How To :: Set Your Most Bad*** Resolutions that Don't Suck

You want resolutions that don't suck in 2016, am I right? I mean I could sugar coat it and say, yes, your dreams of exercising daily, eating only "good" foods, and resisting the snooze button will finally be actualized this year. But I would be lying. And nobody likes a liar. What I can tell you is how you can set goals which will actually stick in under 10 steps. If you're too busy or tired to sit down and map it all out, there's an option for me to do it all for you - heck yeah you read that right. Without further ado (because who has time for that right now) ...

7 Tips to Resolution Success

1. Start from where you are right now ::

Listen. If you don't exercise regularly, you're not going to set and stick to the resolution of working out everyday. Nope. You won't. If you recognize where you are starting from, you will be able to set realistic goals which will get you to your idealized self. Be mindful of where you are with respect to where you want to go, and be honest with yourself. If it doesn't align with your values, it won't feel good or last, so be mindful of your own wants and needs and not those of your best friend or favorite celebrity.

2. Freaking Visualize ::

Imagine yourself in the future. What are you doing? What emotions are you feeling? What do you look like? Write down your ideal scenario.

3. Break it Down & Specify ::

The best thing you can do is take that ideal scenario, and narrow it down to a few goals to start. Taking one at a time or a couple at a time will see far greater results than creating a parallel universe for yourself and getting lost in the process. If you need help on setting goals, check out this blog post. The gist of the post is goals need to be SMART: specific, measurable, attainable, realistic, and timely.

4. Write it, Write it, Write it ::

Write down your resolutions with a positive tone, with words or pictures, and keep them in a place you see often. For example: On your refrigerator, a visual with green vegetables and the words, I will eat more greens.

5. Develop a Plan ::

Set long-term & short-term goals with realistic timelines that don't make you sweat at the thought but rather glow with excitement.

6. Think Obstacles ::

Don't fear road blocks. Plan for them. Expect setbacks with an open mind, and recognize it wouldn't be life without them. You have the option to give or not give them power.

7. Make it Happen & Reward Yo'self ::

Assess your progress, being willing to adjust if life gets in the way or your priorities change. Reevaluate frequently, and keep them up to date with the ever-evolving you! Don't forget to celebrate your victories with items or experiences that make you feel like a sexy bad***.

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You could do all of those steps & make your New Year's Resolution profound and impactful, or you could let me do all the work for you - sounds better already, doesn't it? - with the brand new New Year, New You! Program. Not only will you be given the tools you need to get s*** done this year, you'll also have a program you can use over and over again to set and meet expectations and live a life full of Great Vibes, free of unworthiness and that "blah/gross" feeling. I got you. Starting packages at $47, run, don't walk to The Great Vibes Guide.

 

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other places Emily's spreading the Great Vibes?