:: Yours Truly, Unplugged ::

I started to look up ways to completely unplug from it all when on vacation. I found a bunch of articles that explain how to unplug from work and truly leave the digital world behind while away and realized that for the first time in my life, I have a unique opportunity.

I can truly, wholeheartedly, unplug. I am in a situation where unfortunately, I am not working. That is stressful enough but if I spin it to the positive, I have a chance at something I have never had before. I am not carrying the stress of getting everything on a task list done before I embark on my tropical journey. I have no one to delegate to. I will not have the Monday blues and apprehension about going back to work. I also won't experience the stress usually associated with what would be waiting for me upon my return. None of it. This is a strange and exhilarating feeling.

Now believe me, I could be in complete panic mode because...well, did I mention the fact that I don’t have a J.O.B? The fear of the unknown will be undoubtedly waiting for me, reminding me of that when I return. But sometimes in life, we are faced with the choice to shut down and agonize over something, or be open and trust the process. I for one, have been trying really hard to continue to trust the process. As a result, I am truly looking forward to embracing my current status and allowing my brain to power down and shut off all the noise usually associated with the nine to five. 

This vacation I plan to be present. Spend quality time with my family. Relax. Refresh. Have fun. Even wing it when it comes to exploring. And while I will certainly be taking photos to capture our memories, my hope is to find the balance between enjoying those picture perfect moments, capturing most of them on camera, while accepting that not every moment is to be shared on the ‘Gram.

So with that, I am looking forward to truly being on vacation...unplugged. Powering down and allowing myself to just be free of any hustle. I'm learning that we sometimes have to give in to the struggles that cross our path, that completely knock us off course, and trust that we are a step closer to the comeback of an even better tomorrow.

Until then...there’s an umbrella drink with my name on it.

:: The Ritual of Burning Sage ::

BURNING SAGE :: A POWERFUL RITUAL

I get asked a lot of questions about saging/smudging. The practice of energy clearing with sage and palo santo helps banish negativity and really brings home the good vibes. There’s science behind the spirituality, too: When burned, sage smoke releases ions that change the composition of the air and have been linked to positive mood boosts. In addition to being an excellent stress-reliever, burning sage can be a powerful spiritual ritual and self-care practice.

You may burn sage to cleanse a space or your environment of negative energy, to generate clarity, and to promote healing. Intention is everything with this ritual, so before you light up, ask yourself what you’re trying to purify and/or heal from or release — in your space and in yourself.

THE BEST TIME TO SAGE IS ... WHENEVER YOU WANT

Moving into a new home or office space is a perfect time to burn sage in order to clear the previous owner’s energy and set your own intention for the space. However, you can sage your home any time you feel called to, whether you want to energetically reset or just chill out a bit. It is also a good practice to sage after entertaining or having people over.

HOW TO SAGE YOUR HOME 101

• Light one end of the wand bundle 
• Carefully allow the flame to go out so that the tips of the dried leaves are smoldering slowly, and let the smoke billow up. 
• You can blow on the end to release more smoke and fan the smolder, but keep your face far away (at least two feet), because it’s typical for little sparks of ash to break off, and you don’t want them flying in your face. 
• Start to waft around your space and through your different rooms with your intention in mind. 
• Starting in one corner and “pushing” energy toward the door can be a good way to release bad vibes. 
• Pay special attention to wafting in corners and near mirrors, as well as high-traffic areas like hallways and doorways. Also, pay extra attention to windows. 
• Use an abalone shell or other fireproof dish to catch the ashes as you go.
• After clearing and cleansing, extinguish your sage stick by gently pressing it into the abalone shell or a clay dish, glass bowl or ashtray. You can also allow it to burn out on its own. Some people like to wait 20-30 minutes to allow the sage smoke to reach maximum potency. Then, open any windows and your front door to let all of that stuck energy out.

FINISH WITH PALO SANTO

Now that you’ve cleared the energy and created a new, pure space, infuse it with your own positive thoughts and intentions. Burning palo santo wood is an excellent way to do this; between sage’s cleansing powers and the healing, uplifting properties of palo santo, they really are a complement to each other. Palo santo helps bring forward your intentions and positivity to any space.

So go ahead and light it up!

Whatever is Meant for me Remains-My Year 41 in Review

"What was your greatest loss this year?"
"Nothing, whatever was meant for me remained, whatever was not meant for me left."

I saw this quote posted on Instagram and the timing of it could not have been more fitting or perfect.

Every year around this time I look back and reflect on how the year has treated me since my last birthday.  I have been in awe of 2019 and it will go down as a year that I won't soon forget.  I am grateful for the many blessings I have experienced this year: Job promotion, new book that made it to the Amazon Best Seller's list, named "a new fierce female modern healer" by Organic Spa Magazine, published contributions and articles in various magazines and media sources, published contributions to other collaborative book projects, Woman of the Year runner-up for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society where I learned that I am capable of doing much more than I ever thought possible.

Usually though when so much good floods our way, we wait in apprehension for the other shoe to drop.  I vowed that as uncanny as it was that I seemed to experience so many good things in such a short amount of time, that I would make a conscious effort to remain positive.

Sometimes the universe has other plans.  I should have listened to the knot in my stomach that seemed to emerge at the end of May.  I started to have this unsettled and stressed feeling and could not attach it to anything so disregarded it.  Well, end of June rolled around and the other shoe dropped and hit me like a ton of bricks.  I was taken by surprise and laid off from the position I had been promoted to at the beginning of the year due to a 'reduction in workforce'.

So many emotions occurred in such a short span of time.  The shock, disbelief, denial, panic, sadness, anger and fear were all overwhelming.  I felt as though I went through the stages of grieving and was consumed by the fear of the unknown.  I asked myself a million questions, went through all sorts of insecurities in my head, feelings of inadequacy and more.

I felt myself spiraling downward and depressed, and then one morning about a month later, I woke up with a whole new outlook.  Instead of perceiving this as a failure, I started to see it as an opportunity to regroup.  My belief is that this was an opportunity for me to reevaluate where I have been and where I want to go moving forward.  What lights me up? What excites me? What is going to make me want to get up every morning with passion? I am seeing this setback as a blessing, as hard as it is to keep that mindset - I am committed to it.

I am ready for this new chapter in my life.  I am excited about what lies ahead and feel that I am headed into my 42nd year with a clean canvas that I can design as I wish.

I want to sincerely thank all of my family, friends and colleagues for checking in on me, for your support and unwavering belief in me. Here's to what is meant to remain and what is meant to be.

STARSEEDS :: A Spiritual Handbook for Old Souls

Honored to be a contributor to Angel Quintana (Holistic Fashionista)’s

STARSEEDS :: A Spiritual Handbook for Old Souls 

From the moment I was asked to be a part of this, I have accepted so much about myself and am forever grateful. Can’t wait to read it! 

My chapter :: Selfish AF + Awake

Starseeds are beings that have experienced life in non-physical dimensions and other planets. They are old souls who tend to have knowledge about things, even if they cannot explain them. 

This spiritual handbook for old souls will pave a pathway to reconnecting and remembering who you truly are on a soul level. Experience the healing effects of the twin flame journey, meditation, the Tarot, astral travel, sexual energy, essential oils, and much more designed to help identify spiritual blocks and gracefully progress through the ascension process. 

These sacred rituals, personal stories, and healing ceremonies from 46 unique Soulpreneurs will invoke the divine framework for those who feel ready to step into higher realms and join the generation of Lightworkers living on Earth today. 

♡ Made with love in Sunny San Diego. 286 pages. 46 chapters.

Get your copy here >> STARSEEDS 

Holistic Fashionista Magazine Contribution - 7 REASONS WHY PUTTING YOURSELF FIRST ISN’T SELFISH

It’s about high time to put YOU First.


Sounds completely opposite of everything we have been taught growing up, but it’s true.
When you can truly put yourself first, and love yourself unconditionally, not only do you reap the benefits mentally, physically and soulfully…everyone else does too!

Here’s exactly 7 reasons why:

1. You become more giving.

When your mind, body, and soul feel full and content, you end up expecting and wanting less of others. You have filled up your own cup so that it’s full and ready to give to the next person who needs it.


Let’s say your boyfriend is going to be home late after a long and stressful day at work. You’ve spent the evening making your favorite dinner and watching reruns of your fave TV shows. You’ve had plenty of time to put your own stressful day behind you.

Then the BF walks in and he’s grumpy. Work didn’t go well. He’s hungry and wants you to make him a snack because he just wants to collapse on the couch and play video games.

It may seem contradictory but putting yourself first can work wonders in your relationships.



2. Your happiness is contagious.
This saying is a cliché because it’s so true. When you’re around someone who is a Debbie Downer those negative those feelings will start to rub off on you.

The good news is that the same goes for positivity. When you make the time to decompress and recharge, others will feed off those vibes and adjust their moods accordingly.



3. You will motivate others.
When you focus on your self-care, you will start to feel more energized. You will inspire yourself and start thinking of dreams and goals that you want to accomplish. You’ll start to inspire those around you to do the same.

When others see you accomplishing your goals – they’ll start to think maybe they can too. Your self-care can have quite the ripple effect!



Read more here

Holistic Fashionista Magazine | How to Deal with Conflict + Hold onto Your Sanity

Have you always been a believer of setting an intention for your day to keep you focused and grounded on the positive, as well as recording what you are grateful for each evening? That mindset is what I focus on each day, and I still do. What you may find is throughout your day, occurrences, conversations, and interactions may occur to ruin the positive vibe that you’ve got going on. We need a way to stop those interruptions dead in their tracks.

Although this philosophy I’m about to share, may seem to put a little bit of a different spin on that practice, it is necessary to incorporate if you want to learn to deal with conflict and hold onto your sanity and namaste vibe.

This will seem to go against the normal positivity you intend to summon into each day, however you may find that it is necessary when faced with difficult conversations, situations and people, as well as your own thoughts and opinions when the mind wanders to the less positive.

Try practicing as part of your morning ritual to have the mindset of “Not Today”. What do I mean? Let me break it down for you:

<<<Read More Here>>>>

A Review of "The Queen B" - Live the Process

My name is: Gina Clapprood.

My book is called: The Queen B. The struggle is real. So is the comeback. (February 2019).

My background before becoming an author was: I consider myself a normal working mom of three boys by day and an Intuitive Life Coach by night. It’s funny to see the word “author” because, while I did author two books prior to this one, I did it as an outlet for keeping my sanity at a very stressful time in my life. I would say more, but I’d be giving away my chapter in the book.

I was inspired to write it when: I would meet with clients, mostly women, who all seemed to be unhappy or searching for more in their lives. I kept coming across a commonality: they were all sacrificing their own happiness. The reasons for doing so differed from person to person, but the underlying issue was that they were not putting their needs first. This pertained to the roles they played in all areas of their lives, which I gave a “b” identifier: Bitch, Boss, Beauty, Bachelorette, Badass and more. I was inspired after holding workshops on this very topic and seeing the tribe of women that would bond over what was discussed. There was this collective realization that they were not alone and didn’t have to feel guilty or apologize for putting their own wants and needs first.

Read Full Article

New Breed of Fierce Female Modern Healers-My Interview with Organic Spa Magazine

I am so honored to have been interviewed and named a "new breed of fierce female modern healers" by Organic Spa Magazine Amazing things happen when you just own who you are.

I am featured on pages 57-60.

https://secure.viewer.zmags.com/publication/50747166#/50747166/58

GIVING THE PROCESS 8th GIFT: An Intuitive Insight Session with Gina Clapprood--Enter to Win!

Honored to be a part of Live The Process’s Giving the Process - Today my gift is the 8th gift of the 30 days of giveaways!

What do you actually want in 2019? Intuitive life coach, Gina Clapprood, is all about helping you distill that, offering a blueprint for an amazing year! Today’s GIVING THE PROCESS 8th GIFT: an Intuitive Insight Session with Gina Clapprood.

Today’s The Process Gift is an Intuitive Insight Session with Gina Clapprood.

My name is: Gina Clapprood.

I’m known for being: an Intuitive Lifestyle Coach.

I'm sharing: Intuitive Insight Session.

You can find it at: online or in-person. 

What makes it special is: An Intuitive Insight Session is a reading, which—combined with my unwavering advice—offers an insightful edge on an issue, situation or decision to which you need an answer. I use my intuition, various coaching methods and more (oracle Cards, crystals etc.) to provide you with the guidance and answers you need.

One thing you can’t miss is: I combine my intuition and life coaching skills to breathe some confidence into your dreams and your new (and improved) way of life. I will guide you through the sometimes overwhelming transitions on your journey and help you uncover what it is you want from your future. There is no limit on how many questions you can ask! You can ask as many specific questions as you wish! 

Your body will thank you because: The session will put your mind at ease, which benefits your whole self—mind, body and soul.

This will help you be your best you this year because: I will provide you with insight on where I see you presently, how to navigate certain challenges in your life that may be holding you back and where I see your best path to finding your authentic self. You will be left with a blueprint for making 2019 your best year yet! 

One person in my life who especially deserves an inspiring, healthy and positive 2019 is: Hands down, my mom. She is the strongest woman I know; she has been through so much and is a widow twice now. She keeps trudging along somehow, but she could use a healthy dose of inspiration and positivity, for sure, as the last few years have been hard on her.

Enter the Giveaway Now

They say it takes 30 days to create a habit: Enter here, follow us on Instagram and tag a friend (explaining why they especially deserve an amazing 2019) and you’ll both be eligible to win, making this year about self-care, fresh starts and supporting each other.