Monday Muse: Laura Brown

Today we welcome Laura Brown from Of Spirit and Bone.  Laura offers intuitive tools for deeper living that include taro readings, intuitive dialog and energy work, a modern therapy option and manifesting sessions.  I found her on Instagram awhile ago and I love her posts, she does a daily taro interpretation and also does deeper dives on her blog.  You can find more about her at her website:  https://ofspiritandbone.com/ 

Thank you Laura for sharing your thoughts with us in your interview.

1). As an intuitive reader, tarosit and coach, what should people better understand about you?

Ha! That I am really not interested in being liked for being liked sake. In my job I have to touch on some difficult topics and deliver some hard truths. In the very early days of my career I was often caught like a deer in headlights when I would come to these moments of challenge, fearful that once I told someone something they didn’t want to hear they wouldn’t like me. But the truth is you can hate me now and love me later, which most find they do because today truth is a pretty valuable commodity.

2).  What’s one thing that you feel sparked a pivotal moment in your life?

I would say that being pregnant with each of my kids sparked pivotal moments in my life. I really was overtaken each time with that Empress, fertile energy that is very inherent during this time. I accomplished more and stretched (literally and spiritually) beyond comfort zones to evolve as a woman but also as a spiritual business owner.

3). Who inspires a sense of adventure within you?

My husband. This man has energy to spare and is always down for an adventure, lemme tell ya! He helps to pull me out of my overly cautious demeanor and try new things. He reminds me that while I am here I better make sure to explore and taste absolutely every inch that this life has to offer.

4). What is the best purchase you have made in recent memory?

Sky diving with my husband. It was something we always said we wanted to do together and the opportunity arrived, and we jumped on it. I am not sure I will ever do it again but for those brief moments of soaring through the air I touched on that essence of being absolutely limitless. I mean, if I can jump out of an airplane is there really anything else I can’t do in this life?

5). Where is your favorite place to be a guest?

The Magnolia Hotel in Downtown Denver. It’s our families favorite place to have a little staycation. We schedule an in-room massage, explore downtown and eat the best food so that when we come home it’s with lots of love, relaxation and appreciation for a pause to our hectic schedule.

6). How has failure, or apparent failure, set you up for later success?  Do you have a “favorite failure” of yours?

The failure of my relationship to my son’s father was the greatest challenge and blessing I’ve encountered in my life. It’s what catapulted me out of smallness, got me to deepen my spiritual practice and ultimately led to me to where I am now which is married to the man of my dreams with a family, home and awesome business. I find that this “failure” like much of the others I’ve experienced in my life taught me something rather invaluable about who I am and what I am capable of. I have learned to look at failures as lessons of where I am meant to grow at this time and that has helped me to see beyond the veil of emotion and towards the bigger picture.

7). If you could have a gigantic billboard anywhere with anything on it, what would it say and why?

TRY.

I think that this tiny word is such a powerful affirmation for life. It doesn’t matter if we fail. It doesn’t matter if we fall flat on our ass. It matters only that we dared to try.

8). In the last five years, what new belief, behavior or habit has most improved your life?

In the last 6 years I have made meditation a daily practice for me. I resisted meditation BIG TIME. Even in my line of work as an Intuitive Reader & Coach I spent many years pish poshing the idea of meditation with the excuse that I just didn’t have the time. I found, however that making the time for this simple practice proved to be life changing. Not only am I much better in my work but I am much better at this whole life thing with meditation in my life!

9). What is your biggest problem, issue or stumbling block in your daily life?

Time management! Ha, I am sure this is something many understand all too well but as a work from home mama with 3 kids, a busy career, a home that needs tending, dogs that want their walks and a rich desire to live this beautiful life to the fullest I have to be very careful to balance. And balance is such an organic, living thing, is it not? It’s not static and its always evolving which is why every day its sometimes a challenge for me to simply find my balance in the waves.

10). What three things are foremost on your mind right now?

The state of this country, my desire to raise conscious children who feel connected to their potential and a desire to love all of the people in my life to the fullest extent of my ability.

11). When does bravery become foolhardy?

Oh, such a good question. I think there is such a delicately fine line between the two! I think for me, however, that bravery becomes foolhardy when I act from a place of ego and not the heart. When ego is prompting my choices I often find myself with egg on my face. But when my heart is leading the way? Well I’ve taken many crazy leaps into the unknown and the bravery paid off.  

Thank you Laura for your down to earth and honest answers!  And yest time and the management of it are foremost on the minds of most of the women I interview and just talk to in my day to day life.  If I could figure out how to fix that for the women I know it would be a HUGE win!

XO

Titanium

Woman of the Week: Tonya

Meet this weeks Woman of the Week Tonya!  I met Tonya several years ago when she owned her jewelry supply business Whole Lotta Whimsy.  She had the best products and the most wonderful customer service.  She is also a jewelry artist that creates beautiful pieces in her brand new home studio in her new home.  She recently made a climate switch from desert living to mountain living and I see her going to all sorts of jewelry workshops to hone her already impressive skills.

1:  If you could have a gigantic billboard anywhere with anything on it, what would it say and why?
Yesterday is gone. Today is a gift. What will you do with this precious time. Live today like it’s your last!

2:  In the last five years what have you become better at saying no to?
It’s become easier to say no to taking on time consuming tasks or jobs that involve stress, anxiety and anger. I don’t need to start another business, be in a position of leadership (boards, committees, etc), join peer groups, or be the team mom. I am just focusing on me and my work these days and it sure is peaceful and satisfying.

3:  What advice would you give to a smart, driven college student about to enter the "real world"?
It’s a cliche but it’s true....don’t sweat the small stuff. 
I did a lot of work in my 40’s figuring out my undesirable traits, admitting them, and making a plan to correct/change them. I’m a perfectionist driven by my successes and achievements. “More is more” used to be my motto. So for me, it was always about the small stuff because I’m about the details. It wasn’t good enough to do the bare minimum or even to do the average job. However in the end, if this is your last day on earth, you have to ask yourself, would you seriously waste time worrying or fretting about “that thing”. Pick your battles better in your work, your life, your relationships and your expectations of self. Lastly remember what Voltaire said “the perfect is the enemy of the good”.

4:  What is one of the best or most worthwhile investments you've ever made?  (it doesn't need be financial in nature)
The time, teaching, advice, listening and love that I have invested in my child. There is nothing more important in the world than the happiness of your child. I feel a responsibility to make sure that my son, who is now a man, is a productive, empathetic, responsible, loving and joyful part of the greater community of the planet. I also wanted to do whatever it took to teach him how to treat others with respect, kindness and love. 

5:  In the last five years, what new belief, behavior, or habit has most improved your life?
Behavior: moving! Integrating daily workouts and movement has made me more productive, happy and healthy.
New Belief: no one needs to know your opinion and you don’t have to help others all the time. Just listen, nod and agree if you disagree. Voicing your opinion only changes their opinion about you and never about the topic or their passionately held beliefs.
Habit: stop and smell the roses. Seriously, stop to look at the sky, the buildings, the vegetation, etc. Visit more places by yourself, more often, so you have the quiet and you see the details because you are introspective. 
And stop eating carbs...they are evil!

6:  How has a failure, or apparent failure set you up for later success?  Do you have a favorite failure of yours?
There are very few things that I consider a failure. For me they are learning experiences and adventures that make me more successful the next time. If I had to pick one, I would have to say my first retail store because it was not as profitable as I wanted it to be. There are so many things that are part of having a profitable business but when you sign that lease, you have to do whatever it takes to make that location, size of space and business idea a success. That might mean extreme personal sacrifices of blood, sweat and tears but during that experience you will learn a ton. It’s that effort, drive and hard work that makes any experience a successful one. I loved my store and my customers and I learned so much from that experience that helped me make a more successful business with another store, a wholesale company, a marketing consulting company, and a coaching company. Each one lending New failure experiences to the perfect mix of ingredients. My newest entrepreneurial adventure is much more laid back. I’m launching a jewelry and design company. I’ve always been a designer/maker. I’m just manifesting it in a new way!

7:  What purchase of $100 or less has most positively impacted your life in the last six months or in recent memory?
I would have to say that they are experiences at museums. I recently visited Washington DC and spent many days at the museums. They were actually free but so enriching. Not enough Americans take advantage of these treasures. I try to add a day to visit museums in every city I visit!
I also love buying books and researching stories that give me historical info to help my work grow and evolve. 

8:  When you feel overwhelmed or unfocused, what do you do?
Step back, take some 4/7/8 breathing (Dr Weil), and remind myself that it’s just a speed bump. Slow down, reflect, understand it’s not a big deal in the scheme of life, and make a new plan. I also remind myself upon waking and throughout the day that this day is a blessing and gift. It is not promised. How do I want that day to exemplify what I want to Do, Be, Have, and Become? Am I in alignment?

9:  What is the book (or books) you've given most as a gift and why?  Or what are one to three books that have greatly influence your life?
Greg Levoy: Callings
Jack Canfield: The Success Principles
Seth Gooding: Linchpin (I think all high school age people should have to read this book)
Malcolm Gladwell: The Tipping Point


10:  What is one piece of advice you would give to a woman that you wish you knew earlier in life?
Take better care of you girl friendships. Keep in touch and follow through.
Follow through with your communications in all areas of life.
Keep family first, always. 
Wake up and give thanks for life. 
Say no more than you say yes. You need to take care of yourself first. 

11:   What do you think about the theory of "the love of your life", what does that phrase mean to you?
I think “love of my life” can be cliche but you certainly can attract that romantic energy by knowing what you want. Most people don’t know what they want and wanting “love” is too vague. Knowing who you desire (just like knowing your target market) can lead to finding “the one”.
You can also have the love of your life through birth. My child truly is the love of my life. We are forever connected.
I do believe you can meet the love of your romantic life, and you know when you do. However it’s not enough. I believe we are not the same people in our 20’s as our 30’s etc. So we have to continue to work on ourselves, our relationships and our communication as we grow. I have been blessed with a husband who is not only my true love but my best friend too! Our love continues to grow and deepen because we put our relationship first and we work on ourselves individually and as a couple. 

12:  What is something that you would find most helpful in your life right now?  (what would be the best problem solved for you)
I have sciatic nerve issues so I will be dedicating more time to stretching and strength training. As I’ve gotten more movement oriented I’ve also gotten stiffer which surprised me! Ah the joys of aging. Physical health is just as important as our mental health. Thanks Sherry for the stretching exercises. I can’t wait to integrate them into my daily habit. 
This week I am hitting my “fifth level”. I can only imagine what I will have learned and achieved at the “sixth level”.

Thank you for sharing Tonya!

XO

Titanium

 

Monday Motivation

Finding your passion isn't just about careers and money.

It's about finding your authentic self.

The one you've buried beneath other's needs.

~Kristin Hannah  

Woman of the Week: Cynthia

Please join me in celebrating Cynthia or as I call her Cyn this week for our WOW.  We met in 1996 I believe when we both worked for a small start up airline in Seattle.  We have stayed in touch all of these years.  She was the first person to tell me not to try to "drive it" and the first time she said that I didn't understand at all.  Well I was still a lot clueless in my 30's.  She's been a touchstone and a guide and confidante for all of these years.  And Cyn, I left the last part you included because I felt it was as important as all the rest of the wisdom that you shared.  Love you large!

1:  If you could have a gigantic billboard anywhere with anything on it, what would it say and why?

Do it – but check and alter your attitude if need be. 

Always do anything with love and by choice. 

2:  In the last five years what have you become better at saying no to?

I say “no” more to myself actually.  “No Cyn, you don’t want to skip Tai Chi this morning.  No Cyn, you need to get to your massage, the other things can wait for 90 minutes.”  So I’ve been saying “yes” to self care by saying “no” to that little voice that tries to get me to focus on things that truly can wait.

3:  What advice would you give to a smart, driven college student about to enter the "real world"?

Focus on what you want in 5 years from now and keep that focus yet stay open to twists and turns you might find even more interesting as you go.  Nothing is cast in stone unless you say it is.

Keep a budget and plan for some fun within it. 

Network, network, network. 

Exercise and eat right.

4:  What is one of the best or most worthwhile investments you've ever made?  (it doesn't need be financial in nature)

The time I’ve spent with my daughter, grandchildren and friends and family.  The time I’ve spent studying coaching.

5:  In the last five years, what new belief, behavior, or habit has most improved your life?

I don’t have to do it all.  Ask for help.  Be ready for it to come from anywhere, even if you ask one person and they won’t or cannot, keep looking for support.

6:  How has a failure, or apparent failure set you up for later success?  Do you have a favorite failure of yours?

All failures have taught me oodles. Everything is connected.  Fail fast and quick, learn and adapt from it.  Stay curious, even when you think you can’t.  My favorite failure is more about failing and staying ‘stuck’ and not moving up and onward.  It’s okay to sit down by the side of the road and throw a pity party and blame everyone, but the less time you spend there the better time you will have giving yourself your power back to move it on and kick it up a notch.  Lean in to it – learn from it.

7:  What purchase of $100 or less has most positively impacted your life in the last six months or in recent memory?  

Seriously, Alexa – Echo Dot.  She keeps track of my grocery lists, to do lists, appointment reminders better than even my iPhone does – because I can holler at her and review later, end of day, start of day.  That $30 was a good choice.  

8:  When you feel overwhelmed or unfocused, what do you do? 

I breathe.  I sit in as much silence as I can find.  I get up and move about and change my physical view of things, do the dishes, play with the dog.  I take a break – whatever that looks like.  Then I come back, reprioritize using a list or a self-talk and get back on it or reschedule.

9:  What is the book (or books) you've given most as a gift and why?  Or what are one to three books that have greatly influence your life? 

What You Think of Me is None of My Business – and The Power of TED – Einstein’s Dreams – and many many more.  The Bible has been a great guide, especially Roman’s, the Corinthians and a few others.  There’s an old Sufi book I loved, but can’t find it right now!

10:  What is one piece of advice you would give to a woman that you wish you knew earlier in life?

Love your body, love your mind, be kind, manage your anger (it’s just your fear in disguise) and absolutely be your best self, every day. 

11:   What do you think about the theory of "the love of your life", what does that phrase me to you?  

I have a hundred loves of my life if not more.  Life is one long continuous stream of consciousness and as I’ve moved through it, I’m not afraid to have as many loves of my life (that life in that time) as is warranted.  Is there “one” love of my life?  So many ways to show and be and receive love – grandchildren, children, partners, co-workers – I have oodles of loves of my life.  As to the spouse/mate kind – I’ve seen it for others but not for myself yet – every man I’ve ever loved, during the time I’ve loved him – is/was the love of my life.   I think, throughout it all, I am the greatest love of my own life.

12:  What is something that you would find most helpful in your life right now?  (what would be the best problem solved for you) 

Aged, ailing parents and the system is so far beyond broken.  If someone could project manage and gain the right staff and people and surroundings for our elderly – that would solve about 100% of my current issues.  
 

It’s 722 am and I can’t think of anything else – Thanks for asking Digi-goddess – not sure it will help or do anyone but me any good to have gone through your questions – but it was insightful and made me think.  Thank you sweetie – hope you are feeling better soon.  More littlest lovey pics with you – and beach reports when able – LOVE to see you and hear you!!

Please join me next week for a brand new feature, Monday Muse.  I will be reaching out to women who inspire me that I have met through various points in time in my life and from all walks of life.  I hope to help compliment the Woman of the Week series and keep introducing amazing women from all over the world.

XO

Titanium

Thoughts on the Day 3/26/18

It's Monday and I have had a do not disturb on my office door at work all day today.  I came in with the mindset that I had things to get done and though I hate to put up the sign, it has made a huge difference in staying focused on what I need to get done today.  I have so many moving parts in my life that sometimes I have a hard time staying focused on just one thing.  I am working on doing better with that.

I have been working on my passion project off and on for the last year.  It has changed tremendously from where I started one year ago.  It is now less about just my medical mystery tour and more about connection, building community and living my life unapologetically and with my truth and wisdom.  There are times when the negative voice kicks in and I think I don't really have that much wisdom to share or that anyone would care.  Blogging can make you feel like you are dropping pebbles out into the ocean most times.  I can see from my analytics that there are people looking at the posts, that always helps, but honestly I would keep posting even if there weren't.  It's the daily diary or the space to thrash out what I am feeling or talk about something that hit me like a ton of bricks.

I changed my focus last fall and have been quietly building a focus group of other women I know.  We share and I am convinced after starting the Woman of the Week, that many of those women don't believe they have wisdom that is important to share.  However they have responded so positively to my interview requests and continue to astound and amaze me with their truth, wisdom and honesty.  Many of them are around my age, most are mid-life, some younger, but the sense of community and support doesn't see age and the ongoing connection has certainly been something that has been a joy to watch grow.  I certainly don't have all the answers to all of the problems, issues, stumbling blocks or challenges, but I think having a space where women are seen, heard, supported and celebrated is HUGE...  As I get ready to shift from the focus group out into the sphere of a larger audience, I look forward to finding new women to share with and learn from and celebrate.

I am working on a new facet for the blog starting in April.  I am reaching out to women who inspire me, most I have met through social media and will be creating a Monday Muse interview series.  They will be spread out over time as I am still building the list, but I am just as excited to share and learn with those that choose to join me on this new journey.  Stay tuned for the first one coming soon!

XO

Titanium