I've spent the last few days talking with more busy mamas & women than ever who are ready to CHANGE THEIR LIVES in 2019 🙌🏼 And I could not be more excited to give them the same tools that have helped me to get & STAY healthy and fit for the last 5 1/2 years.

With no gym needed, they'll get:

- short & effective home workouts that WORK,
- programs anywhere from 20-60 min a day to fit their busy lifestyle,
- from just 4 to 7 days a week,
- from cardio to weight lifting to yoga to kickboxing,
- from beginner (w/ a modifier) to moderate to advanced,
- with a simple, easy-to-follow eating plan,
- a quick & convenient all natural shake to help them lose weight, give them energy, stay fuller longer, and get rid of sugar & junk food cravings,
- and MOST IMPORTANTLY... an online group full of other women with the same goals to give them daily MOTIVATION, SUPPORT & ACCOUNTABILITY!

THIS is what I have been doing for the last 5 1/2 years and it works bc it's NOT a diet - but rather a LIFESTYLE. You can have cheats, live your life, and (bc it's all on wifi) you can take this lifestyle with you anywhere you go - even at the beach!

If you are ready to live your best life in 2019, fill out the form below. We start JAN 7! 

SHAUN T'S NEW PROGRAM IS HERE!

I am SO excited to announce that the newest program from Shaun T is now available for purchase as of today and at an extra discounted promotional price! At only 20 minutes a day & 6 days a week, it's the PERFECT program for anyone with a busy lifestyle who wants to get results. The before & after pics (below) from the test group are incredible! It's mostly cardio but there are weight workouts AND there's a modifier as well.

Transform :20 is a fast, super-intense fitness program created by Super Trainer Shaun T that will transform your body - and your mind - in just 20 minutes a day, 6 days a week over 6 weeks. It's hard, but that's why it works... and the results will be worth it. 

Transform :20 is a breakthrough total body workout without breaks. After 5 minutes, you'll be out of breath, at 10 minutes you'll be sweating, in 15 minutes you'll be looking at the clock, and by minute 20 you'll be done. You'll blast your core, legs, glutes, and upper body - no weights required. There's a different workout every day, 6 days a week, done in real time with the cast. No do-overs. No repeats. No excuses.

To join the EXCLUSIVE TRANSFORM :20 Test Group starting January 7, fill out the form below!

30 days of MIND, BODY & SOUL

I have never been more excited for a group since I started coaching because THIS group is one I truly believe EVERYONE needs. It all started with my own search to find BALANCE, reduce STRESS / ANXIETY, to be more MINDFUL and live in the PRESENT, as well as trying to become a "morning person". When you can achieve that, along with taking care of your body with healthy foods, water & exercise, amazing things can happen!

You are HAPPIER, have a greater sense of PEACE, you're more PRODUCTIVE, SLEEPING better, FEELING better, more PATIENT, POSITIVE, have more ENERGY & FOCUS... which can improve nearly every area of your LIFE, your RELATIONSHIPS, your WORK, etc. And can't we ALL use that?

For 30 days, we will be focusing on clean eating, the workout program of your choice, a short daily meditation (which you'll get in a free app), Shakeology for 30 days (to fill our bodies with vitamins, minerals, proteins, probiotics and superfoods), plus we'll be reading the book 'The Miracle Morning' - a book that has COMPLETELY changed my life. It’s a quick read that will help you to get up early and start your day with meditation, positive affirmations, exercise, healhty foods, goal setting & more... all before 8am. It's one of the BEST books I've read I’m giving a FREE book to the first 10 people who sign up.

The group itself is free, as well as the Meditation app & The Miracle Morning book (if you’re one of the first 10). The only thing you’ll need to purchase is your challenge pack which includes: ALL of the workout programs on Beachbody OnDemand (which you’ll have access to for ONE FULL YEAR), all of the nutrition plans, a 30-day supply of Shakeology & a shaker cup, a set of portion control containers - all together for 160. Plus you’ll get ME as your free coach & 24/7 access to the group - which is filling up fast! Are you ready?

CLICK HERE OR Message me on Facebook to join!

ZUCCHINI PASTA!

One of our fav dinners & alternatives to pasta!  I love carbs (who doesn't) but I've been trying to avoid them at dinner time so lately we've been swapping the heavy pasta for zucchini noodles (aka #zoodles)!

I learned when I did our new nutrition program a few months back that our dinner plates should be 75% veggies & 25% proteins so we've been making simple swaps like this and surprisingly it's also super easy to make!

TIP: You will need a spiralizer.  There are lots of spiralizers out there to make zoodles but THIS is the one we have.  It's inexpensive and works great!  


INGREDIENTS
5 organic zucchinis (or approx 3.5 lbs)
1 pound of organic ground turkey (or your choice of protein)
1 jar of sauce (I love Classico's Organic Marinara)
1 tablespoon of Extra Virgin Olive Oil (or Avocado Oil)
Parmesan, optional. (I love Classico's Natural parmesan cheese because there are no artificial ingredients or fillers)


DIRECTIONS
1. First wash the zucchini and cut off one end with a chef knife.
2. Then follow the instructions on your spiralizer to turn your zucchini into noodles.
3. Cook turkey meat in a pan and heat your sauce a separate saucepan.
4. In a large pot, heat olive oil in a large skillet on medium heat.
5. Add zucchini noodles and stir frequently.
6. Let cook for approximately 5-10 minutes, or until soft (do not overcook).
7. Once cooked, drain any excess water from the pot.
8. Add turkey meat and sauce, stir then serve. Top with parmesan & enjoy!

Makes approximately 4 servings.

Introducing.... PUMPKIN SPICE SHAKEOLOGY!!!

I am SO EXCITED and I know many of you are too who also LOVE fall and LOVE all things PUMPKIN!!! For the first time EVER, the BIGGEST flavor of the season is coming to Beachbody! Introducing....

PUMPKIN SPICE SHAKEOLOGY!!!!

THIS MONDAY Sept 17 in the US (and Oct 11 in Canada) for a LIMITED time, you can order Vegan Pumpkin Spice Shakeology in 14 single-serve packet boxes as a one-time purchase while supplies last exclusively through coaches only.

Now you’ll be able to enjoy the yummy taste of fall — WITHOUT derailing your health and fitness goals  Unlike the sugary pumpkin spice latte from Starbucks (as much as 420 calories -- no thanks!! )

This rich and creamy shake features notes of pumpkin spice — cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger. It’s incredibly tasty on its own mixed with water, or you can use almond milk for a creamier version. And it's packed with 16g of protein with only 160 calories.

Not to mention, it is also....

100% Natural
Zero artificial sugars or sweeteners
Vegan
Gluten-free

Guilt-free
Aids in weight loss
Keeps you full for hours
Gives you energy (without added caffeine)
Contains over 70 Superfoods, vitamins, minerals & adaptogens
Has pre- & probiotics to aid in digestion & regularity
Perfect as a meal replacement or snack (even pre/post workout)
And REALLY helps to eliminate sugar & junk food cravings!

It’s meticulously crafted with a potent blend of protein, probiotics, digestive enzymes, antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals. No need to stop by the coffeehouse for a sugar-loaded calorie bomb this year!

Who else is excited for this?!?!?!!

Starting on Monday afternoon (on Sept 17), you will be able to purchase Pumpkin Spice Shakeology through the link below!

From Full-time Employee to Part-time Mompreneur and how YOU can too!

It's not every day I get dressed up to work at home (actually 99.9% of days I'm in yoga pants, a messy bun & a t-shirt) but today I was asked to speak to a top team in our company on what it takes to be successful in this business.

I wish I had all these secret tips to give them... but the truth is, I just wanted it bad enough & was willing to work incredibly hard every day for it - because I wanted to change my life & my family's lives. I woke up one day & realized I was unhappy, unfulfilled, out of shape and tired of living paycheck to paycheck. I just wanted to be happy, be healthy, to do something that made a positive impact in this world, to have more freedom in my life, and most of all - be HOME with my baby.

So I said to myself - you have 2 choices... 1) You can CHANGE your life OR 2) Do nothing - and in one year from now, you'll be in the EXACT same place as you are today. And that second answer scared me more than anything. So when I found this business, I made a decision to go ALL IN. Not "try", but DO whatever it took to figure it out, MAKE it work and never give up.
.
My husband was 10000% skeptical (at the time lol), I hadn't worked out in 2 years, I barely had 100 friends on FB, I was SUPER shy (still am), super private, worked 60 hrs a week, had a busy 2 yr old at home, AND to top it off, we didn't even HAVE the 160 dollars it cost to even START this business.... but I did it anyways.

Moral of the story: If you have a goal or a dream, don't let anyone or anything stop you from pursuing it. And if there's one piece of advice I can give you - BELIEVE IN YOURSELF ❤ Your dreams are not stupid and they are not crazy. If you see a better life for yourself, YOU CAN HAVE IT. Don't let YOU be the only one stopping you from achieving it. I always tell people - if I can do this, ANYONE can. I am nothing special - just a girl who wanted more for her life & chose to follow her dreams. And if you're reading this & have been looking for a sign - THIS IS IT. #theresroomforYOU

CLICK HERE TO LEARN MORE ABOUT JOINING OUR TEAM!

Introducing LIIFT4 - The NEW 4 day/week workout program

INTRODUCING LIIFT4

LIIFT4 is a combination of weight-lifting and high intensity interval training (HIIT) cardio to tone, build learn muscle, and burn fat. The moves are based on basic lifting techniques that let you isolate, stabilize and focus each rep on the muscle group you’re working.  This program is for ALL fitness levels and includes a modifier if needed.

PROGRAM DETAILS
8 weeks
4 workouts a week
3 days off to rest or stretch
Every workout is different
30-40 minutes a day
Simple, flexible eating plan (with a "cheat day" included)

EQUIPMENT REQUIRED

A set of light, medium, and heavy dumbbells (depending on your fitness level) OR Resistance Bands and Band Handles (Included in all LIIFT4 offers, except the LIIFT4 VIP Early Access-Digital Only offer).  I personally use a set of 5 lbs for my light weights and 10-15 lbs for my heavy weights.

LIIFT4 will be available exclusively on Beachbody On Demand with VIP early access starting in July.  As a busy, working mom, this is the PERFECT WORKOUT for summer!  Short & sweet and allows for cheats (because I love my wine & pizza)! #momlife

Join us in the Exclusive LIIFT4 Test Group with us on July 9 where you'll get to do this program from start to finish with an entire group of people on the same mission and holding each another accountable.  We are going to be following the LIIFT4 food plan and using Shakeology or The Performance for this 8-week group.  Message me on Facebook or apply below to join us!  So excited for this!!!!!

Change the way you look at food & lose weight with 2B Mindset!

If you have ever struggled with....

Emotional eating
Yo-yo dieting
Portion control
Overeating and/or binge eating
Losing weight only to gain it all back
Food addictions
Not knowing what to eat
Unhealthy eat while traveling or dining out
Obesity or family history of being overweight
Inability to lose those last 5-15 pounds
Inability to exercise
Want to lose weight but don't like to exercise 
Or love your exercise routine but just need a new nutrition plan?

THIS PROGRAM IS FOR ANYONE WHO: 

• Wants to lose weight, but don’t like to exercise
• Exercises but struggles with their nutrition or doesn't see the weight loss results they want
• Loves food, loves to eat big portions, and rarely feels full
• Is tired of yo-yo dieting and wants to maintain a healthy, balanced lifestyle
• Wants a simple, easy-to-follow way to lose weight without strict rules, like cutting food groups, counting calories or eating small portions 
• Cannot exercise due to injury/illness but want to lose (or maintain) weight through better eating habits
• Has experienced emotional eating and want to be free from obsessing about food and feeling overwhelmed by food choices

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Can I exercise and use 2B Mindset?

Yes. Exercise is not required for the program but is considered “extra credit.” I will personally be doing the Master's Hammer & Chisel lifting/cardio program by Autumn Calabrese & Sagi Kalev with my current accountability group.

Can I use Shakeology with this program?

Yes. Ilana recommends using Shakeology with 2B Mindset. I will be incorporating the Vegan Chocolate Shakeology, which I haven't gone a day without since 2013!  BEACHBAR Snack Bars and Shakeology Boosts are also recommended with this program.

Can pregnant or nursing mothers do the 2B Mindset program?

2B Mindset is a weight loss program. Since pregnant mothers should be gaining weight and not losing weight, it is not advised that they follow 2B Mindset during pregnancy.  For breastfeeding mothers, La Leche League International advises to wait at least two months before making any drastic effort to lose weight in order to allow your body to recover and ensure a steady milk supply. Keep in mind that breastfeeding women may naturally lose one to four pounds per month simply due to the amount of energy required to nurse in the first place.

Does the 2B Mindset nutrition plan use Portion Fix containers?

No. There are no containers used in this program.

Do I have give up sweets and alcohol during this program?

No.  Ilana will teach you how you can still have dessert and wine and still lose weight.

What tools are included with 2B Mindset? 

• Streaming access to all 2B Mindset videos, including: 21 short videos that teach the basic principles of the program, including how to understand food groups, what to eat and when, Ilana's proven secrets to a positive mindset, plus real-life strategies for managing any eating situation (i.e., eating out at restaurants, while on a trip, for vegans/vegetarians, etc.), 5 videos that help address the most common challenges to losing weight and establishing a healthier relationship with food, plus recipe videos where Ilana shows you how to cook her favorite time-saving, delicious and satisfying meals

• A Getting Started Guide, which includes step-by-step instructions for putting the program into action 

• My Go-to-Guide, a handy resource that accompanies the videos, featuring food lists, grocery shopping lists and more 

• 2B Mindset Recipes booklet, a collection of Ilana's favorite healthy meals, which can be printed for handy reference 

• My Tracker, a 90-day journal you can use to track your meals, progress, and all the daily inputs that can influence your weight loss journey and success

• A special 30 oz water bottle that helps get you drinking more water with Ilana's motivational sayings to keep you on track

• Access to the Beachbody OnDemand App that lets you view all 2B Mindset videos + program materials on-the-go, and gives you a place to track your meals and your progress, right on your mobile device

OUR #1 SELLING PACKAGE: The 2B MINDSET CHALLENGE PACK with SHAKEOLOGY + access to BEACHBODY OnDEMAND: 

In this 2B Mindset challenge pack, you will get everything included in the Basic Kit PLUS Shakeology and a shaker cup , PLUS a 1-year membership to Beachbody OnDemand (BOD) where you'll have full access to over 900 home workouts, recipes, meal plans, a meditation series and more!

Are there any other special offers available with 2B Mindset? 

We always a new monthly promotion available exclusively through Coaches. Reach out to find out the most current promo!

I'M INTERESTED!  WHAT'S THE NEXT STEP?

Message me on Facebook or Instagram or email at jaclynstokes@hotmail.com and I'll be in touch ASAP!

                                                   

WE ARE ABOUT TO START!

✨TODAY is the LAST DAY to join our #SpringIntoSUMMER accountability group starting on Monday! ✨ I'm about to head off to Mexico 🇲🇽 so if you want in, comment below // drop an emoji // or message me ASAP bc I will be unplugged while I'm away! 😎✌🏼

You can do ANY program in our new 30-day group OR join us in our exclusive Hammer & Chisel 60-day group. In BOTH groups you will get:

🌸 25-40 min workouts (you can do anywhere you have wifi)
🌸 A simple & flexible eating plan to follow (yes, you can still have 🍕🍷)
🌸 Free portion containers for your food & snacks
🌸 Shakeology to help you lose weight, stay full & curb cravings (for LESS THAN 1/2 price)
🌸 Daily support // motivation // accountability in a FUN group (THE best part!🙌🏼❤️)
🌸 Where we're all going to start & FINISH our programs TOGETHER!!!💪🏼
🌸 LOSE WEIGHT, TONE UP, and GET RESULTS just in time for summer baby!!! 👙🙌🏼
🌸 Feel free to invite your friends or fam to join you!

HOW TO JOIN?

Send me a message on Facebook or Instagram

OR

CLICK HERE to apply & I'll get back to you ASAP!

BEACHBARS ARE HERE!!!

Guess what came out today?! People have been asking Beachbody for BARS forever and now they’re here!

ONLY 150 calories
10g of protein
4g of fiber
And only 5g of sugar

And YES, they’re all natural, gluten-free and kid approved!  They’re available in Chocolate Peanut Butter & Chocolate Cherry Almond. SO yummy & even less calories than KIND bars. Perfect snack for on the go or in between meals!

These leggings are LIFE

OBSESSED with this new line of leggings I found. They fit & feel like lululemon but 1/4 the price! So comfy, cute and they have them in literally every color -- available in both capris & full length.  These are the high-waisted (which I LOVE) but they have them in a regular waist too.  Plus, new fun workout clothes are always motivation to workout, right?! 

[ CLICK HERE for the link where I got them ]

P.S.  You're welcome! ;)

An Ectopic Pregnancy occurs in 1 out of 50 pregnancies....

An Ectopic Pregnancy occurs in 1 out of 50 pregnancies and is the leading cause of maternal death in early pregnancy. I had never even heard the words "ectopic pregnancy" until I nearly died from it exactly 2 years ago today. So today I'm sharing my story to raise awareness and hopefully help save someone else's life ❤️
.
After trying to conceive for 18 months for a second child, we finally got a (+) pregnancy test. But this time, something felt different. I didn't have the initial excitement that I did with McKenna. And we didn't tell anyone. I wanted to wait until our first ultrasound to make sure everything was OK. Something just didn't completely feel right... it was almost like I knew that I wasn't going to be able to keep this pregnancy.

A test at our physician's office confirmed a (+) pregnancy, however, it was faint. At approximately 7 weeks, I began spotting and we were sent for an early ultrasound. It was then they sat us in a room filled with tissue boxes, and I knew what was coming. We were told I had miscarried.

Immediately, I was sent to get bloodwork. They said they had to check my hCG levels once a week to make sure they were going down accordingly with that of a "normal miscarriage". After 6 consecutive weeks of testing, each week my doctor called to tell me my levels were going down normally and they were almost at 0.

It was a Monday. My husband was out of town and my in-laws were on the way to my house to bring McKenna back from a sleepover. I was home alone and getting ready to do my workout. All of the sudden, I felt sweat pouring down my face and immediately felt sick to my stomach. Realizing I was about to pass out, I grabbed my phone which THANK GOD was right next me, laid down on the floor and called 911. I was in & out of consciousness and there was a sharp shooting pain in my stomach. Finally, the paramedics came through the door and my in-laws had arrived right behind them. I was barely conscious, hyperventilating, and when they asked what had happened, I told them I didn't know. There was a female EMT who asked if I was pregnant. I told her no, but that I recently miscarried and she said "I think I know what's happening."

They rushed me to Allegheny General Hospital for emergency surgery. Unaware, I was internally bleeding to death and had lost over 75% of my blood by the time I got to the hospital. Thankfully they quickly found out my blood type and immediately began blood transfusions while they waited for the OB Surgeon to arrive (as AGH doesn't have OB surgeons so they had to page a physician on-call from West Penn Hospital to come & do the surgery). Meanwhile, my husband was skiing in Utah when the doctor called and told him "Your wife's in critical condition and we can't get her stable. You need to get on a plane home like NOW!" The last thing I remember is my mother-in-law coming in the operating room, holding my hand and telling me I had to hang in there for McKenna. In that moment, I just prayed. Prayed that God would let me get through this to see my baby girl again. Then everything went white.

After surgery, they said I was extremely lucky to be alive. That had I not called 911 when I did or if I had gotten to the hospital 30 minutes later, I likely wouldn't be here. I received 4.5 blood transfusions that day, one (huge) incision, 18 staples down my stomach & spent 4 days in the hospital. I was told I had a full tubal rupture due to an ectopic pregnancy.

I was SO grateful to be alive, but I was so confused as to HOW DID THIS HAPPEN?! How did I have a pregnancy growing in my tube for 13 WEEKS with NO symptoms, NO pain? I was told I miscarried, I was told my levels were "normal" and the surgeon confirmed everything DID LOOK normal. She said my doctor did everything by the books and the only thing that would have confirmed it would have been an external ultrasound, which I wasn't able to do at the time bc I was only 7 weeks along OR if my doctor had given me a Methotrexate shot. It just seems crazy that there wasn't another way to PREVENT this.

Please know that I do not share this to scare anyone, but to raise awareness to in hopes prevent this from happening to you or someone you know. Sometimes I think we go through things so that our stories can help/save someone's else life. In the unfortunate event you should miscarry, please make sure to take extra precautions and talk to your doctor should you experience anything similar.

Feel free to share

The Perfect Omelette

This is my absolute favorite healthy brunch and it’s so easy to make.  👌🏻And since I get asked for recipes all the time, I figured I’d share!

WHAT I USED:
- 2 organic cage-free eggs (or egg whites)
- 2 all natural, turkey sausage links
- 4 organic cherry tomatoes or 1/4 red pepper (diced)
- a handful of organic spinach
- feta cheese
- avocado oil
- pepper

PREP:
- Thaw sausage links in boiling water
- Add 1 T. Avocado oil to pan on medium/high heat
- Add tomatoes or peppers and sausage, cook for 3 minutes
- Add spinach, cook & stir for an addtl 1 minute
- Remove veggies to a bowl, set aside
- Reduce heat to medium
- Add 1 tsp of avocado oil to pan
- Add eggs and cook for approx 2-3 minutes
- Add veggie mix on half & top with feta
- Flip the other half on top to close the omelette and cook for one minute
- Flip entire omelette to cook other side for one minute
- Top with pepper (optional) and serve w/ fruit and top


And voila.... the perfect omelette :)

A dying 27-year old woman's letter to the world will change your approach on life

If you have time to read ONE thing today, this week, this month, this year... let it be THIS. Possibly the most beautiful story about LIFE, LOVE & what truly MATTERS. 

Rest in peace Holly... Your story will change the lives of many. 

PLEASE SHARE!

"A bit of life advice from Hol:

It’s a strange thing to realise and accept your mortality at 26 years young. It’s just one of those things you ignore. The days tick by and you just expect they will keep on coming; Until the unexpected happens. I always imagined myself growing old, wrinkled and grey- most likely caused by the beautiful family (lots of kiddies) I planned on building with the love of my life. I want that so bad it hurts.

That’s the thing about life; It is fragile, precious and unpredictable and each day is a gift, not a given right.

I’m 27 now. I don’t want to go. I love my life. I am happy.. I owe that to my loved ones. But the control is out of my hands.

I haven’t started this ‘note before I die’ so that death is feared - I like the fact that we are mostly ignorant to it’s inevitability.. Except when I want to talk about it and it is treated like a ‘taboo’ topic that will never happen to any of us.. That’s been a bit tough. I just want people to stop worrying so much about the small, meaningless stresses in life and try to remember that we all have the same fate after it all so do what you can to make your time feel worthy and great, minus the bullshit.

I have dropped lots of my thoughts below as I have had a lot of time to ponder life these last few months. Of course it’s the middle of the night when these random things pop in my head most!

Those times you are whinging about ridiculous things (something I have noticed so much these past few months), just think about someone who is really facing a problem. Be grateful for your minor issue and get over it. It’s okay to acknowledge that something is annoying but try not to carry on about it and negatively effect other people’s days.

Once you do that, get out there and take a freaking big breath of that fresh Aussie air deep in your lungs, look at how blue the sky is and how green the trees are; It is so beautiful. Think how lucky you are to be able to do just that - breathe.

You might have got caught in bad traffic today, or had a bad sleep because your beautiful babies kept you awake, or your hairdresser cut your hair too short. Your new fake nails might have got a chip, your boobs are too small, or you have cellulite on your arse and your belly is wobbling.

Let all that shit go.. I swear you will not be thinking of those things when it is your turn to go. It is all SO insignificant when you look at life as a whole. I’m watching my body waste away right before my eyes with nothing I can do about it and all I wish for now is that I could have just one more Birthday or Christmas with my family, or just one more day with my partner and dog. Just one more.

I hear people complaining about how terrible work is or about how hard it is to exercise - Be grateful you are physically able to. Work and exercise may seem like such trivial things ... until your body doesn’t allow you to do either of them.

I tried to live a healthy life, in fact, that was probably my major passion. Appreciate your good health and functioning body- even if it isn’t your ideal size. Look after it and embrace how amazing it is. Move it and nourish it with fresh food. Don’t obsess over it.

Remember there are more aspects to good health than the physical body.. work just as hard on finding your mental, emotional and spiritual happiness too. That way you might realise just how insignificant and unimportant having this stupidly portrayed perfect social media body really is.. While on this topic, delete any account that pops up on your news feeds that gives you any sense of feeling shit about yourself. Friend or not.. Be ruthless for your own well-being.

Be grateful for each day you don’t have pain and even the days where you are unwell with man flu, a sore back or a sprained ankle, accept it is shit but be thankful it isn’t life threatening and will go away.

Whinge less, people! .. And help each other more.

Give, give, give. It is true that you gain more happiness doing things for others than doing them for yourself. I wish I did this more. Since I have been sick, I have met the most incredibly giving and kind people and been the receiver of the most thoughtful and loving words and support from my family, friends and strangers; More than I could I ever give in return. I will never forget this and will be forever grateful to all of these people.

It is a weird thing having money to spend at the end.. when you’re dying. It’s not a time you go out and buy material things that you usually would, like a new dress. It makes you think how silly it is that we think it is worth spending so much money on new clothes and ‘things’ in our lives.

Buy your friend something kind instead of another dress, beauty product or jewellery for that next wedding. 1. No-one cares if you wear the same thing twice 2. It feels good. Take them out for a meal, or better yet, cook them a meal. Shout their coffee. Give/ buy them a plant, a massage or a candle and tell them you love them when you give it to them.

Value other people’s time. Don’t keep them waiting because you are shit at being on time. Get ready earlier if you are one of those people and appreciate that your friends want to share their time with you, not sit by themselves, waiting on a mate. You will gain respect too! Amen sister.

This year, our family agreed to do no presents and despite the tree looking rather sad and empty (I nearly cracked Christmas Eve!), it was so nice because people didn’t have the pressure of shopping and the effort went into writing a nice card for each other. Plus imagine my family trying to buy me a present knowing they would probably end up with it themselves.. strange! It might seem lame but those cards mean more to me than any impulse purchase could. Mind you, it was also easier to do in our house because we had no little kiddies there. Anyway, moral of the story- presents are not needed for a meaningful Christmas. Moving on.

Use your money on experiences.. Or at least don’t miss out on experiences because you spent all your money on material shit.

Put in the effort to do that day trip to the beach you keep putting off. Dip your feet in the water and dig your toes in the sand. Wet your face with salt water.

Get amongst nature.

Try just enjoying and being in moments rather than capturing them through the screen of your phone. Life isn’t meant to be lived through a screen nor is it about getting the perfect photo.. enjoy the bloody moment, people! Stop trying to capture it for everyone else.

Random rhetorical question. Are those several hours you spend doing your hair and make up each day or to go out for one night really worth it? I’ve never understood this about females 🤔.

Get up early sometimes and listen to the birds while you watch the beautiful colours the sun makes as it rises.

Listen to music.. really listen. Music is therapy. Old is best.

Cuddle your dog. Far out, I will miss that.

Talk to your friends. Put down your phone. Are they doing okay?

Travel if it’s your desire, don’t if it’s not.

Work to live, don’t live to work.

Seriously, do what makes your heart feel happy.

Eat the cake. Zero guilt.

Say no to things you really don’t want to do.

Don’t feel pressured to do what other people might think is a fulfilling life.. you might want a mediocre life and that is so okay.

Tell your loved ones you love them every time you get the chance and love them with everything you have.

Also, remember if something is making you miserable, you do have the power to change it - in work or love or whatever it may be. Have the guts to change. You don’t know how much time you’ve got on this earth so don’t waste it being miserable. I know that is said all the time but it couldn’t be more true.

Anyway, that’s just this one young gals life advice. Take it or leave it, I don’t mind!

Oh and one last thing, if you can, do a good deed for humanity (and myself) and start regularly donating blood. It will make you feel good with the added bonus of saving lives. I feel like it is something that is so overlooked considering every donation can save 3 lives! That is a massive impact each person can have and the process really is so simple.

Blood donation (more bags than I could keep up with counting) helped keep me alive for an extra year - a year I will be forever grateful that I got to spend it here on Earth with my family, friends and dog. A year I had some of the greatest times of my life.

..’Til we meet again.

Hol

Xoxo”
That’s the thing about life; It is fragile, precious and unpredictable and each day is a gift, not a given right. 
I’m 27 now. I don’t want to go. I love my life. I am happy.. I owe that to my loved ones. But the control is out of my hands.
I haven’t started this ‘note before I die’ so that death is feared - I like the fact that we are mostly ignorant to it’s inevitability.. Except when I want to talk about it and it is treated like a ‘taboo’ topic that will never happen to any of us.. That’s been a bit tough. I just want people to stop worrying so much about the small, meaningless stresses in life and try to remember that we all have the same fate after it all so do what you can to make your time feel worthy and great, minus the bullshit.
I have dropped lots of my thoughts below as I have had a lot of time to ponder life these last few months. Of course it’s the middle of the night when these random things pop in my head most! 
Those times you are whinging about ridiculous things (something I have noticed so much these past few months), just think about someone who is really facing a problem. Be grateful for your minor issue and get over it. It’s okay to acknowledge that something is annoying but try not to carry on about it and negatively effect other people’s days. 
Once you do that, get out there and take a freaking big breath of that fresh Aussie air deep in your lungs, look at how blue the sky is and how green the trees are; It is so beautiful. Think how lucky you are to be able to do just that - breathe. 
You might have got caught in bad traffic today, or had a bad sleep because your beautiful babies kept you awake, or your hairdresser cut your hair too short. Your new fake nails might have got a chip, your boobs are too small, or you have cellulite on your arse and your belly is wobbling.

Let all that shit go.. I swear you will not be thinking of those things when it is your turn to go. It is all SO insignificant when you look at life as a whole. I’m watching my body waste away right before my eyes with nothing I can do about it and all I wish for now is that I could have just one more Birthday or Christmas with my family, or just one more day with my partner and dog. Just one more. 

I hear people complaining about how terrible work is or about how hard it is to exercise - Be grateful you are physically able to. Work and exercise may seem like such trivial things ... until your body doesn’t allow you to do either of them. 

I tried to live a healthy life, in fact, that was probably my major passion. Appreciate your good health and functioning body- even if it isn’t your ideal size. Look after it and embrace how amazing it is. Move it and nourish it with fresh food. Don’t obsess over it. 
Remember there are more aspects to good health than the physical body.. work just as hard on finding your mental, emotional and spiritual happiness too. That way you might realise just how insignificant and unimportant having this stupidly portrayed perfect social media body really is.. While on this topic, delete any account that pops up on your news feeds that gives you any sense of feeling shit about yourself. Friend or not.. Be ruthless for your own well-being. 

Be grateful for each day you don’t have pain and even the days where you are unwell with man flu, a sore back or a sprained ankle, accept it is shit but be thankful it isn’t life threatening and will go away. 

Whinge less, people! .. And help each other more. 

Give, give, give. It is true that you gain more happiness doing things for others than doing them for yourself. I wish I did this more. Since I have been sick, I have met the most incredibly giving and kind people and been the receiver of the most thoughtful and loving words and support from my family, friends and strangers; More than I could I ever give in return. I will never forget this and will be forever grateful to all of these people. 
It is a weird thing having money to spend at the end.. when you’re dying. It’s not a time you go out and buy material things that you usually would, like a new dress. It makes you think how silly it is that we think it is worth spending so much money on new clothes and ‘things’ in our lives. 

Buy your friend something kind instead of another dress, beauty product or jewellery for that next wedding. 1. No-one cares if you wear the same thing twice 2. It feels good. Take them out for a meal, or better yet, cook them a meal. Shout their coffee. Give/ buy them a plant, a massage or a candle and tell them you love them when you give it to them. 
Value other people’s time. Don’t keep them waiting because you are shit at being on time. Get ready earlier if you are one of those people and appreciate that your friends want to share their time with you, not sit by themselves, waiting on a mate. You will gain respect too! Amen sister. 

This year, our family agreed to do no presents and despite the tree looking rather sad and empty (I nearly cracked Christmas Eve!), it was so nice because people didn’t have the pressure of shopping and the effort went into writing a nice card for each other. Plus imagine my family trying to buy me a present knowing they would probably end up with it themselves.. strange! It might seem lame but those cards mean more to me than any impulse purchase could. Mind you, it was also easier to do in our house because we had no little kiddies there. Anyway, moral of the story- presents are not needed for a meaningful Christmas. Moving on. 

Use your money on experiences.. Or at least don’t miss out on experiences because you spent all your money on material shit. 

Put in the effort to do that day trip to the beach you keep putting off. Dip your feet in the water and dig your toes in the sand. Wet your face with salt water. 
Get amongst nature.

Try just enjoying and being in moments rather than capturing them through the screen of your phone. Life isn’t meant to be lived through a screen nor is it about getting the perfect photo.. enjoy the bloody moment, people! Stop trying to capture it for everyone else. 
Random rhetorical question. Are those several hours you spend doing your hair and make up each day or to go out for one night really worth it? I’ve never understood this about females 🤔.

Get up early sometimes and listen to the birds while you watch the beautiful colours the sun makes as it rises.

Listen to music.. really listen. Music is therapy. Old is best.
Cuddle your dog. Far out, I will miss that. 
Talk to your friends. Put down your phone. Are they doing okay?
Travel if it’s your desire, don’t if it’s not.
Work to live, don’t live to work. 
Seriously, do what makes your heart feel happy. 
Eat the cake. Zero guilt. 
Say no to things you really don’t want to do. 
Don’t feel pressured to do what other people might think is a fulfilling life.. you might want a mediocre life and that is so okay. 
Tell your loved ones you love them every time you get the chance and love them with everything you have. 

Also, remember if something is making you miserable, you do have the power to change it - in work or love or whatever it may be. Have the guts to change. You don’t know how much time you’ve got on this earth so don’t waste it being miserable. I know that is said all the time but it couldn’t be more true.

Anyway, that’s just this one young gals life advice. Take it or leave it, I don’t mind! 
Oh and one last thing, if you can, do a good deed for humanity (and myself) and start regularly donating blood. It will make you feel good with the added bonus of saving lives. I feel like it is something that is so overlooked considering every donation can save 3 lives! That is a massive impact each person can have and the process really is so simple. 
Blood donation (more bags than I could keep up with counting) helped keep me alive for an extra year - a year I will be forever grateful that I got to spend it here on Earth with my family, friends and dog. A year I had some of the greatest times of my life.
..’Til we meet again.

Hol
 
Xoxo”