Mental Richness

What happened to common sense and intelligent minds? We see such physically beautiful people who make poor decision choices. Broken friendships. Destructive relationships. Poor health choices. Bad investments. For what? To fit in and to catch the eyes of those they think matter. Is outer beauty enough? Will it make you happier? What would make you happier - a good lipstick choice or a good life choice? What would make you more successful - a good bar choice or a good career choice? What would take you where you want to go - a four minute high or a four year education? 

You can't control growing older but you can control growing wiser. Why waste our time focusing solely on outer beauty when we can create inner beauty too? Imagine what would happen if people took half of the effort they used on developing their physical appearance to educate themselves? Who would we be? How would the world be? 

Who you decide to be today - in this very moment - determines who you will become. Your physical appearance can draw others in but your state of mind is what keeps them there. So many individuals settle with who they are after these poor decisions are made. They don't challenge themselves to be bigger, better and brighter. 

Be bigger. Be the biggest and most vibrant personality in the room. Show others that happiness is a choice and success is a lifestyle. Be better. Be better than the person you were yesterday no matter how bad you think it is. Study the habits and lifestyle choices of those you admire. Be brighter. Let your mind and the way you carry yourself light up a room. Know that you deserve this and promise yourself you won't let yourself fall between the cracks. Be the best you I know you can be. 

Your Soulmate

Everyone wants to find their perfect match, what works, who fits -- their soulmate. People think that this is what your soulmate should be -- someone who compliments you and provides you with belief. 

I hate to burst your bubble, but a true soulmate is your mirror image; a true reflection of who you are. This is the person who shows you everything that is holding you back; a reflection of who you want to be. 

Your soulmate brings all of these thoughts and desires forward to your attention so you can change your life. Without this person you wouldn't know your flaws. Your soulmate is probably the most important person you will meet in your life.

Your soulmate is the one person who helps you tear down your walls and find what is within. They help you peel back your layers to find your true self. They shake you up and awaken your soul; your passion; your life. 

Everyone thinks your soulmate is the perfect person who loves you unconditionally no matter what. This is partly true. However, your soulmate really is someone who shakes you up, tears you apart, and helps you see your obstacles, addictions and imperfections. 

Your soulmate is supposed to break your heart so new light can come in. This person makes you feel out of control so much so that you change your life. Your soulmate won't leave you but they will change you -- for the better. 

One Man's Trash is Another Man's Gold

I sit here on the train on route to downtown watching unique stores with unfamiliar signs and hidden parks full of perfection pass by at the speed of light. Why keep such beauty hidden? Why let it pass by so fast? Why only make it seen by those who travel one path? Maybe it is a gift that only some are supposed to see. Unfortunately, not everyone finds the big "X marks the spot". 

Everyone is on a different path in search of a different treasure. Everyone will find something different because of their method of travel, their route of travel and their perspective on life. One man's trash is another man's gold. Your ongoing task is to make the distinction in every opportunity that presents itself to you. You will complete this process many times throughout your life. 

As you grow your perspective grows as well. Which direction will you grow towards? Optimism or pessimism? Do you want to see the trash? Or do you want to see the gold? You have the choice to see the glass half-empty or half-full. Remember you have the power to make a decision based on what you see or what you want to see. Always look for the best in people, in nature and in all things and they will see you as gold too. Shine brightly and always be the sparkle in others' eyes. 

Always, 

Ally May 

The Arbonne Opportunity

A lot of people are unsure about what it is I do in my Arbonne business. I change lives and offer someone a life-altering opportunity. It is a forever investment that can let people dream big and do things they thought they never could. Arbonne gives you the freedom and flexibility to choose what you do and it gives you the financial boost to save up or splurge to enjoy both the future and the right now. 

To learn about what I do, how I am paid and rewarded generously, and how easy it truly is, please watch this incredible video that was released at our global training conference this weekend in Las Vegas! I am setting myself up for success and building an abundant future. You can easily do this too! There is no looking back...eyes are put for us to look ahead for reason. What do you see?

Click here to watch the Arbonne Opportunity!  

Always, 
Ally May

Alongside 18,000 amazing Arbonne Independent Consultants who want an incredible life, just like me! 

Showing off my beautiful Mercedes Benz that Arbonne will give me soon! When does your company give you your car??

Feeling Inspired...Earn 10 Extra Years On Your Life!

I am feeling inspired and ready to gain 10 extra years of life! Sometimes I have days where I need an extra boost to help guide me in the right direction. I think we all have days like this. Sometimes we feel overwhelmed, stressed, irritable, or anxious. Those feelings can't be good for our minds or our bodies. 

I highly recommend you take the 20 minutes to watch this incredible and inspiring TEDTalk video. Please find the link below. I will briefly summarize The Four Types of Resilience, which are tools we can use to extend our lives by 10 years. 

1. Physical Resilience - we can build this up simply by not sitting still. Stand up and walk around to physically help strengthen your heart, lungs and mind. 

Exercise Jane has you do: raise your hands above your head for 5 seconds. 

2. Mental Resilience - we can strengthen our brains and minds by focusing on a specific task. Don't quit and keep going until you finish your task!

Exercise Jane has you do: snap 50 consecutive times or count back from 100 by 7's. 

3. Emotional Resilience - we can strengthen our hearts by feeling love and happiness. Your goal is to feel 3 positive feelings of love and happiness for every 1 negative feeling. 

Exercise Jane has you do: look at pictures of your favourite baby animals. 

4. Social Resilience - we can strengthen our connections with others by increasing the hormone Oxytocin, the trust hormone, through gratitude and touch. 

Exercise Jane has you do: shake someone's hand for 6 seconds to raise the trust hormone.   

By completing tasks to build up these four types of resilience we are granting ourselves with a gift to live 10 years longer than the average person. I am so excited to start implementing this model into my daily life. I will act now to benefit my future self. I hope you join me! 

Enjoy this wonderful video and let yourself live 10 extra years...you deserve it :)! 

Always, 

Ally May 

Jane McGonigal TEDTalk Video

How Stress Affects The Body

We all do it. Most of the time we create it and force ourselves to live in. Stress. It's an overwhelming feeling that takes over our minds and our bodies and consumes our lives.  Typically we put ourselves into overdrive when we encounter situations we can't cope with, situations we don't feel happy about, or situations we are unprepared for. Sometimes we even have the best of intentions but stress ourselves out immensely. Sometimes we over promise and under execute; and sometimes we try to accommodate everyone else by making their lives easy that we find ourselves in a downward spiral.  

It's important to understand that stress has negative outcomes on our bodies and that we need to use our most powerful tool - our minds - to fight it. We must learn to accept the things we cannot change and change the things we cannot accept to keep our minds sane and our bodies healthy. Can you control the situation? If you can't you need to try your best to let it go. 

Immerse yourself in personal development by reading motivational books, watching informative documentaries, listening to empowering music, or by associating with successful and life-changing people. C'est la vie. Sometimes life gets in the way and just happens. Try to learn to roll with the punches. You won't regret it. 

Always,

Ally May 

All You Need is 1

Right now there are 7,221,839,458 people in this world. Every single second that can change. That number can increase and that number can decrease with measures beyond your control. You never know how each day is going to begin or end. 

There is a number that you do know and you will always know. That number is 1. All you need is 1 person out of that 7,221,839,458 to live, to laugh, and to love unconditionally. To the world they are just 1 microscopical, ordinary human being, but to you, that 1 person is the world. A world of endless possibilities with the potential to change your life. The most exciting, extraordinary, biggest part of your life. Your everything. 

How special that person must be for you to choose them. And how special you must be for that person to choose you. Think. Out of 7,221,839,458 people your heart told you that they are the 1. Your 1. This is someone you want to hang on to and someone you never want to let go. Here are some relationship tips to never lose your special 1. 


1. Communication is the key 

Speak using "I" statements when you're expressing how you feel or your opinions to avoid putting blame on the other with "you" statements. It's important you bring as much positivity as possible to your relationship. It's important to always talk about how you feel and to express what you think. It's important you both know what you like and what you don't like. 

My boyfriend and I do weekly relationship reviews where we share something we like about our relationship, as well as, something we would like to work on. We definitely avoid arguments and confusion by always telling the other what we need. Doing this every week also allows for consistent review and doesn't give much time for a negative habit to develop. It also builds a strong bond when you know you can talk about anything. 

2. Appreciation is a must 

This one can be easier said than done in the sense that we can express how we feel when we communicate or by holding hands or by cooking a meal together. You're right, actions do speak louder than words, however it's important to implement special and different acts of appreciation to keep things interesting. Most of us benefit from being told how special we are. 

One method that I love is an appreciation diary. You basically write down something you appreciate about your significant other every day. You can decide when and if you'd like to share this with them. It allows you to focus on the positive parts of your relationship. My boyfriend started one last year and gave it to me for Valentine's Day. How amazing it was to read all these things he appreciated about me. 

3. Quality time as a couple is crucial 

This one can be a little tricky when you're in a long distance relationship or are busy individuals with a crazy agenda. However, it is still important to spend time together to develop as a couple and to really know how each other works. 

My parents have set aside every Friday night for the past 30 years. They call this "date night". Sometimes they go out to dinner, they watch a hockey game at a pub, go see a movie, double date, or lay low at home. It doesn't matter! All that matters is they have time together and they always know when it's happening. How appreciated you both must feel to know you have set aside a day every week of every month of every year to grow together. 

4. Love in the ways they want to be loved

Everyone shows love and feels love in different ways. We're all different and need different things. Some individuals require recognition and praise, while some individuals require being held and told they are beautiful. Get to know your significant other and what they need. 

It's important to find out how your significant other feels loved so you can make sure they always feel loved. Sometimes being reminded of how much you are loved is something relationships are missing. Tell them they did a great job, show them you are proud of their recent decision, hug them and don't let go, tell them they are beautiful and that you appreciate them. 

5. Committing to each other and your relationship 

A solid relationship requires commitment on both ends. It's really important that you both feel confident in your relationship. Commitment includes a lot of important components, such as trust, honesty, loyalty, and sacrifice. Building a strong foundation and having a concrete friendship is an exceptional way to start! 

It's important that you both know what kind of commitment you both want and what you're willing to do. Committing to each other gives your relationship value and certainty. You feel confident and assured that it is going to work. It's so nice to know you are on the same page and are writing the same story. 

Always,
Ally May

 

Walking My Talk

Who you are right now determines who you will become. Who would you like to be? Now write down 5 traits you want your current self to have. How can you get there? Here is some good advice to get you started. Your past doesn't define you. It merely gives you the tools you need for your journey. Experiences are either a lesson learned or a memory made. 

Submerge your present self in positivity so you can live a life of happiness and true bliss. Your mind, body and soul will feel energized, blessed and rejuvenated when you allow them to thrive in good vibes. Don't waste your time on negativity. Avoid others who bring you down and lock up those negative thoughts and throw away the key. 

Learn from your past and live a life of positivity now, so your future will be bright. Live a life your future self will thank you for. You will begin to see those desired traits in yourself because you are monitoring your thoughts and actions and making room only for positivity. Simply change your mindset and your attitude to ones of positivity and good things will follow you. 

Always, 

Ally May 

The Tunnel Called Your Life

Few desire how to achieve personal growth and self development, however many of those few don't even know what they are searching for, what to search for or where to search. The tunnel called your life is a pathway guiding you to your destination. Your life is a long, empty, dark tunnel. Scary, isn't it? You cannot see where you are headed or what is coming up next. It isn't until you know what you are searching for and until you find that light at the end of the tunnel that your mind opens up to endless possibilities that lie at the end of that long, empty, dark tunnel called your life. 

One must understand that there is no time limit and change is constant and inevitable. You have the choice to stop whenever you want. You get to decide to keep going until you have reached your ultimate you; the light at the end of the tunnel. Your final destination is the best you. As you begin your journey know that the tracks can shift, your journey can experience time delays, and sometimes, there is need for maintenance repairs. That's okay. 

It's never too late or too early to be whoever you want to be. You choose the stop you get off at. You decide how far your ticket takes you. You can stay the same or you can let these obstacles change you for the better. Accept change. Welcome it as your friend and don't fear it. Never be afraid to fail or be derailed off the tracks because life is simply offering you the chance to rebuild yourself into who you have always wanted to be -- your ultimate you. 

Always,
Ally May

Why Arbonne Detox Tea?

Please note that this article is written by Arbonne Independent Consultant and Executive District Manager Ally May.  

There are proven benefits to drinking tea, which can help strengthen your body's immune system and provide it with nourishing vitamins and minerals. 

The Arbonne Detox Tea tastes amazing and is beneficial to your mind and body in so many ways. It also contains 9 botanicals, which are designed to help refresh you from the inside out. Happy brewing! 

Always,
Ally May 

P.s. If you are interested in trying the Arbonne Detox Tea please let me know so I can send you some samples, or alternatively we can plan a tea party :). 

Check out the Arbonne Detox Tea here!

Bedtime Snacks...The Good & The Bad

If you're anything like me then you love to relax in the evenings! I love cuddling up by the fire with a good book or catching up on an episode of one of my favourite shows. Usually I have my book or remote in one hand and a bedtime snack in the other. 

It was interesting for me to learn that some snacks help you get your beauty sleep, while other snacks disrupt your sleep pattern. I'm sharing with you a few of my personal favourites! Yum! Happy sleeping! 

Always, 

Ally May

  

Tips to Stop Overthinking

Read below to learn more about these 5 tips and how you can implement them into your life. Don't overthink it! 

Always, 
Ally May 

Tips to Stop Overthinking 

1. Keep yourself immersed in positive activity 
Hanging out with friends, watching a documentary, reading a motivational book, or taking up a fun hobby are great ways to keep your mind focused in a healthy way. When your mind is actively engaged and when you shift your energy towards positive activities, you don't give yourself time to overthink. Keep it positive! 

2. Remind yourself to put things into proper perspective 
Sometimes we worry about things that may not matter tomorrow and things that are completely out of our control. It's important to check in with yourself every now and again to evaluate situations you are thinking about. Ask yourself valuable questions like, "Will this matter a year from now?" "Can I control the outcome?" "Is this actually worth all my time and energy?" It's important to remember to always put things into perspective and to give yourself a break! 

3. Take action! Right now! 
Many struggle with decision making and believe that if they make a choice then they miss out on what could have been. When we come to a fork in the road, it is important to evaluate the circumstances and to make the most effective decision for ourselves, however we need to remember we don't have all day. Like Cinderella, sometimes our clocks strike 12 and then we miss out on a great opportunity. Take action by making decisions. Right now, decide that you are going to make decisions without overthinking. Start by giving yourself a timeline. Of course it depends on the situation but it is important to give yourself a timeline so you can take action and not give yourself a headache in the process! 

4. Live in the present - the greatest gift of all
It's important to give ourselves a reality check every once in a while. Usually when someone is overthinking they are living in the past or focusing on the future. It's always important to evaluate who you were so you can learn and grow from past experiences, but it's also important to take that with a grain of salt. Let it go. Once you've made a decision to learn from your past you can push the experience to the side and shift your focus onto living in the present. Thinking about the future is great for personal growth because we're setting goals, aiming for new targets, reaching for the stars, and climbing higher mountains. It is important to remember that who we are right now is what helps us achieve our goals, hit that target, grab those stars, and climb that mountain. Don't overthink about your past or your future. Act now and be your present day best you. 

5. Surround yourself with a team of individuals and motivating resources

It might sound silly but we truly are 'guilty by association'. You need to surround yourself with motivational individuals who want you to think, act and believe in a positive mindset. We can get lost in the midst of negativity if we're hanging out with the wrong crowd. Similarly, we have a choice to what and who we surround ourselves with and what we submerge our minds into. Read inspiring articles and blogs, listen to uplifting and powerful music, watch informative and motivational films, and surround yourself with confident and positive people. You choose. 

Benefits to Drinking Green Tea

In more recent years, various types of teas, including green tea, have taken the interest of individuals by storm. Many hear through the grapevine that green tea is beneficial to their health and to their bodies but don't actually know how or what it does.

I have done some research to fill you in on some of the many benefits of drinking green tea. Let us know why you love green tea most! Happy Brewing! 

Always, 
Ally May