At the time I was in my early 20’s, had just been laid off from my first job out of college, and had made a tough decision to move back home for a few months while I looked for my next opportunity.

It’d be safe to say I was a little lost back then with no clue what was to come next in my career. I figured there’d be no better time to work on my fitness and drop a few pounds. If it was good enough for Bey, it was good enough for me.

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BUT WHAT IS THE MASTER CLEANSE?

The Master Cleanse has been around for ages. It was created by nutritionist Stanley Burroughs in the 1940’s as a way to cure stomach ulcers and other digestive ailments.

The cleanse lasts for 10 days. During this time you’re allowed to drink water, herbal tea, and a “lemonade” drink that’s a concoction of fresh squeezed lemon juice, grade B maple syrup, and cayenne pepper.

Each morning you complete a salt water flush of the digestive system… aka you drink a quart of hot salty water that goes straight through your stomach to the other side. It’s like a liquid plumber for the gut if you will. Proximity to a toilet at all times is mandatory.

What I thought would be a grueling 10 days dreaming of all the pizza and cheese dip I’d eat when it was over turned into something deeper.

In that first cleanse I learned that taking an extended break from food gave me time to get reconnected with myself. I looked more deeply at what really drove my desires and reconsidered the things I truly wanted in life.

I used the time to make a few adjustments and within a few weeks I had a new job in a new city, moved back out on my own, and started a more mature phase of adult life. All of those changes weren’t the result of my time spent cleansing, but it played a big role in helping me adjust. I didn’t just lose a few pounds, I found a new clarity in the life I wanted to build for myself.

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HOW I USED THE MASTER CLEANSE TO REVIVE MY FOCUS & CONNECT WITH CLARITY

I’ve continued to do the Master Cleanse over the years at times when I’ve needed a reset. It’s a great way to bring myself back to center, identify unhealthy patterns, and to get extra clarity in my goals and refocus my vision.

The biggest takeaway from my master cleanse review and overall experience is that it also gives me a chance to release toxins, waste, and extra pounds I’m holding onto but no longer need. Even better is that it provides an opportunity to do the same mentally, emotionally, and energetically.

In my last cleanse I found an unhealthy pattern of accepting less than what I deserved.

I then released a happy client who loved my work but had made a habit of paying late and making me chase them down to be compensated for completed projects. I released a man I really adored who rarely made the effort to communicate through any channel other than text despite his repeated claims to be excited about dating. I released a belief that “hard work” was the key to success and allowed myself to step into more simplicity and ease with the structure of my business. I let a lot go in 10 days and felt like a new person because of it.

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TIPS ON GETTING THE MOST BENEFITS FROM YOUR FIRST MASTER CLEANSE PHYSICALLY & MENTALLY

Here are a few tips on using the Master Cleanse to clear both your body and mind from dead weight that no longer serves you being you being the best version of yourself.

TIP #1: Plan in advance

The biggest reason people fail to complete the cleanse is a lack of planning. Pick a timeframe to complete your cleanse when your schedule is less taxing. If there’s no such window in your calendar then create one. If you can’t seem to create one then ask yourself why making time for your own health isn’t a priority. Get real with yourself and accept your truth, whatever it may be.

Once you’ve picked a 10 day period to complete your cleanse you should plan for success. Order the things you’ll need in advance and have them ready to go at the start your cleanse vs picking up things along the way. I wrote a separate post that outlines everything you need to know like what to buy, estimated costs and more.

You can get a list of master cleanse ingredients and rules here.

TIP #2: Set an intention

Have a clear and specific reason for completing the cleanse. Most of us want to lose a few pounds, but you’ll have better results if you dig a little deeper.

Perhaps you want to get back in touch with your own voice? To identify your vices and unhealthy patterns? To find renewed energy and focus to complete a specific project? To reset your eating habits and get back to taking better care of your body overall?

Use your time cleansing to work towards a specific outcome but give yourself the flexibility to roll with whatever comes up in the process without judgement. Allow yourself 10 days to just be.

TIP #3: Use extra time wisely

During your cleanse you’ll find yourself with a bit of extra time on your hands. You’ll spend less time planning, cooking, and ordering meals. You’ll no longer need to do quite as many dishes or spend as much time shopping for food.

Take that extra time and do something good for yourself. Read (or listen to) a good book. Spend a little time in meditation. Take a new course or learn a new skill. Connect with an old friend. Get outside and enjoy nature more than you normally would. Leverage the time you’d normally spend eating to feed a different part of your soul.

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TIP #4: Move your body

It’s easy to think a time where you’re not eating is a time to veg out and live in couch potato land, but the opposite is true. Your body needs movement. As you move through the cleanse and release toxins your system needs circulation now more than ever.

Light exercise like a long walk, gentle yoga, or simple stretching goes a long way in helping your lymphatic remove waste from the body.

TIP #5: Release judgement

There will be times where you may feel tempted to judge yourself or others during the cleanse. You might be tempted to judge your cravings or inability to stop thinking about food. You might be tempted to judge every person that friend who knows you’re fasting but eats in front of you anyways.

Let it go. Take this time to embrace a space where there is no right or wrong way to do things. Go with the flow of what feels best and ask yourself the deeper questions surrounding your thoughts. Get past surface level judgements and reconnect with the truths that really make you tick.

A SUMMARY OF MY MASTER CLEANSE REVIEW 

The master cleanse isn’t for everyone. But if you’re up for the challenge and looking for a reset it may support your goals. I’m just a regular person who found success in using this process throughout my life. This isn’t medical or health advice and you should talk to your doctor before giving it a try.

The post How I Revive My Energy & Focus – A Master Cleanse Review first appeared on Ashley Baxter.

I decided to put together this quick guide after having followed the cleanse a few times over the past decade. The master cleanse has allowed me to reset my eating habits, achieve more mental clarity, and release unwanted weight and patterns from my life. You can read more about that HERE.

I’m going to give you all the basics plus a few pro tips to help you move through the cleanse with ease.

MASTER CLEANSE RULES

The Master Cleanse was created by nutritionist Stanley Burroughs in the 1940’s. Originally, Burroughs created the cleanse to cure stomach ulcers and other digestive ailments. Over the years, it became a catchall detox program to help those who are feeling sluggish and would like more energy.

The rules of the Master Cleanse are simple:

STEP 1 – Select a 10 day window for your cleanse
STEP 2 – During that window consume only your cleanse “lemonade”, fresh water, and herbal tea (no other food or drink allowed)
STEP 3 – Complete a salt water flush each morning to move waste out of the body through your digestive tract

These 3 rules are easy to follow if you set yourself up for success. Now, let’s move onto what you’ll need to purchase for a successful cleanse.

MASTER CLEANSE SHOPPING LIST

You’ll need a few supplies to complete the cleanse. I suggest purchasing everything at once before you begin for one main reason. You’re less likely to waste the ingredients you’ve purchased and give up on the cleanse before it’s over.

In the past I’ve tried the buy as you go method of picking up materials for a few days as I needed them. Those efforts frequently left me with failure. My cravings for a snack would kick in before I’d make it to the store to get more goods.

However, there’s nothing like 10 pounds of lemons sitting in the fridge just waiting to be used to give you motivation to see it all the way through. Buying in advance is commitment.

For a 10 day cleanse you’ll want to have on hand:

• 20-25 pounds of fresh juicy lemons approx. (organic is best!)
• 3 liters of maple syrup
• regular sized container of cayenne pepper
• Regular sized container of sea salt
• 1 box (or 10 bags) of herbal laxative tea (Smooth Move is a great choice)

The largest cost comes from the fresh lemons and the maple syrup. You can save a little money by buying in bulk at your local Costco, farmers market (buy a whole case), or restaurant supply if they sell to individuals.

The cost of my last cleanse (in 2020) was as follows:

Lemons = $32.50 (25 pounds x $1.30 a pound)
Maple Syrup = $39.57 (3 Bottles x $13.19 a Liter)
Uniodized Sea Salt = $2.99 (1 container @ 30 ounces)
Cayenne Pepper = $3.98 ( 1 container @ 2.89 ounces)
Herbal Laxative Tea = $4.99 ( 1 box of 16 bags)
Total Spent For 10 Day Cleanse = $84.03 (plus tax)

My lemons, maple syrup, and salt came from from Costco. The cayenne pepper and tea came from Amazon.

Another item you might consider purchasing for your cleanse is a food scale. I use this simple food scale from Escali to weigh my ingredients to make sure I’m following the right proportions.

MASTER CLEANSE INGREDIENTS & RECIPE

The master cleanse recipe consist of:

• 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
• 2 tablespoons grade B maple syrup
• 1/10 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 10 ounces of fresh water

You can follow this for a single glass of lemonade. However, making single serving glasses throughout the day can take a little time. Or worse, you may be tempted to give into cravings or hunger pangs (which don’t always reflect a true need to eat) if you don’t have lemonade on hand at all times.

The recipe to make enough master cleanse lemonade to fit into a gallon container consist of:

• 10 ounces fresh lemon juice
• 10 ounces grade B maple syrup
• 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 100 ounces of fresh water

Once made, you should store your lemonade in the fridge until your ready to drink it. If you’re not a fan of spice, you can also make your mixture without the cayenne and wait to add it to each glass. This will prevent your premixed from becoming super spicy.

SALT WATER FLUSH RECIPE

The salt water flush recipe consist of:

• 2 teaspoons (or 12 grams) of uniodized sea salt
• 1 quart (or 32 ounces) of warm fresh water

DO NOT USE IODIZED SALT. Make sure the sale is uniodized such as most sea salt or pink Himalayan salt. It needs to be raw and unprocessed.

You can make a fresh quart for your flush each morning when you wake up. It’s important to have the proper ratio of salt to water. An imbalance of too much or too little salt may not provide the “flushing” effect needed to clear your system.

It’s also important to drink the entire quart of salt water immediately. You don’t need to chug it, but get it down within a few minutes for the best results. If you find that the above ratio doesn’t produce a bowel movement within 30 minutes to an hour, try using more or less salt until you find the right ratio for you.

A DAY ON THE MASTER CLEANSE

The master cleanse schedule is easy to follow.

Upon waking up complete the salt water flush. You’ll do this on a completely empty stomach before having any lemonade. After the flush has produced your first significant bowel movement you’re safe to drink a regular sized glass of  fresh water.

Once your flush is complete you’ll go about your day as normal. It’s best to drink lemonade throughout the day as this will help regulate your appetite more effectively. If you’re hungry have some lemonade. You’ll can also drink fresh water as desired too.

At the end of your day, prior to bed, you’ll brew and drink a cup of the herbal laxative tea. This will help to encourage your colon to release any toxins or matter that it’s holding onto and in turn make your flush in the morning much more productive.

WHAT ABOUT THE BATHROOM?

One of the most common concerns about completing the master cleanse is what comes out. How frequently will you need to use the restroom? What should it look like? Should you have concerns? Etc…

The cleanse is… well it’s a cleanse. Most people will clear their colon of any remaining solid foods in a few days. After that, their bowel movements will be in the form of mostly liquid or mucous. This is normal.

It’s most important to stay near a restroom in the mornings after drinking the salt water flush. That is when your digestive system will be most active and productive. Many people are free to carry-on about their day as normal once the flush is complete.

As you start to ease out of the cleanse your bowel movements should return to their normal form, or improve if they were previously problematic.

This guide from TheMasterCleanse.org highlights what you should expect.

EASING OUT OF THE MASTER CLEANSE

Easing out of the master cleanse is a simple transition. Once done you can return to or kickstart healthier eating habits. You’ll want to be gentle on your system and work your way back to solid foods.

Day 1 

Start working your way back to a regular diet with fresh squeezed orange juice. A few glasses on this day will do.

Day 2

Continue drinking orange juice but also incorporate a fully vegan vegetable soup. You’ll want to avoid meat, dairy, and high amounts of sodium. If you need a boost to satiate your hunger you can also add rice.

Day 3

Continue to enjoy your orange juice and soup, but also add in fresh green salads and fruit. This will introduce your system to easy to digest raw fruits and veggies.

Day 4

Resume a regular balanced and healthy diet. Your break from eating is likely to have reset your taste buds. You should find it easier to stay on track with foods that are filling and nutritious without tons of sugar, processing, and junk.

Disclaimer:

I’m just a regular person who has found success in using the Master Cleanse for my own personal use. Nothing I’ve shared has been evaluated by the (FDA) and this information is for educational purposes only. This is not health or medical advice and I am not suggesting you complete the Master Cleanse. Be smart. Use your own judgement as to whether or not this may work for you and consult your own doctor for advice before beginning any new program.

The post How To Do The Master Cleanse (A.K.A The Lemonade Diet) first appeared on Ashley Baxter.

On average, Americans spend around 90,000 hours of their life at work. All that time spent in the office has a huge influence on our everyday life. 

Sometimes we get lucky and we meet coworkers that we really connect with. It’s common for those people to become our friends. 

When a coworker passes it’s devastating. They may have been the person who sat next to you every day. Someone who supported you when you needed help. They may have even been someone you didn’t know personally, but respected due to their impact and contribution to the company.

It’s normal to feel a flood of emotions over the days, weeks, and months after they pass. You may have moments of confusion, shock, sadness or even overwhelm at the void their passing has left behind.

The death of a coworker may motivate you to take action and make the most of everyday. Or, it may bring a number of questions that you’ll need time and space to answer.

So what can you do to ease the pain of losing a colleague? 

GIVE YOURSELF TIME

Grieving may seem like a waste of time. Something to rush through in order to get back to work. But studies show that the effects of incomplete grief (like irritability and apathy) can negatively influence your work. Create space in your life to process your emotions. Hold that space for as long as you need it.

ALLOW YOURSELF TO FEEL WHAT YOU FEEL

It’s normal to feel. If you don’t, you may have incomplete grief from a previous life situation that needs to be addressed first. Feel your emotions as they come up. Take time to move through that energy. You may think you don’t have permission to feel the same type of sadness as you do when you lose a family member. It isn’t so. Acknowledge what you feel and avoid the temptation to stuff it down.  

PAY YOUR RESPECTS

Paying your respects is therapeutic and healing. This can be done in many ways. You might attend their funeral, raise funds to do something kind for their surviving family, or hold a team event to give back to the community in their honor. Remembering your colleague through positive activity will create a ripple effect of positivity that influences others.   

ACTIVELY PRACTICE COMPASSION

You never know what someone else is going through. You’ll also have little insight into what your coworkers really feel about the loss of your teammate. Make it a point to practice kindness and compassion in the office more than ever. Loss can be a powerful trigger in one’s life. This loss will be no different. A little compassion will go a very long way in creating a positive work environment during this time of need.

Written in honor of Cathy C. & Patrick D.

The post How To Cope With The Death Of A Coworker first appeared on Ashley Baxter.

In this audio, I’ll share with you 67 powerful affirmations for entrepreneurs to train your brain for success, abundance, and flow in your business. Listen to these positive affirmations when you wake up in the morning or before you go to bed at night.

1. I feel confident about the entrepreneurial path I have chosen.
2. Owning my own business is my destiny.
3. I love helping clients with the products and services I provide.
4. My business makes a positive difference in the world.
5. Every day my business grows more and more successful.
6. Success and money come easily to me.
7. I create value for others and I am rewarded with abundance in my life because of it.
8. I am a smart, successful savvy business owner.
9. Whatever I want to accomplish in my business I can achieve.
10. I am here to serve and support.
11. I create daily opportunities for growth for myself and others.
12. I learned from every mistake and failure in my business and it makes me better at what I do.
13. I love what I do and my bank account is constantly growing.
14. I am passionate about my work and I take pride in providing quality to my customers.
15. I am driven by my passion and purpose in my business.
16. Money and wealth come easily to me.
17. Every day I attract my ideal clients with my positive energy and vibration.
18. My business is prepared for massive success and growth.
19. I love facing challenges and my business and finding solutions.
20. My business is exactly where it needs to be today.
21. I help others and in return, I am rewarded with abundance.
22. Things are always working out for me.
23. Through my business, I am fulfilling my purpose.
24. I treasure the freedom that business affords me.
25. Because of my work, I am happier every single day.
26. I focus on generating value through my business.
27. Every day I show gratitude for the opportunity to be my own boss.
28. I am making a positive difference in the world through my business.
29. I am a successful entrepreneur.
30. I am extraordinary at what I do.
31. I am living my dream life.
32. I am my biggest cheerleader.
33. I’m on the right path.
34. I will always believe in myself in my ability to provide value to the world.
35. My business positively impacts everyone else around me.
36. Everything that I need to be successful is already within the I love doing the work that brings me to abundance.
37. I take calculated risks and I’m positively rewarded for that.
38. I step outside of my comfort zone every single day.
39. I love telling others about the good work that I do.
40. I give myself permission to live the life I’ve always wanted starting to that I know my priorities and I’ve honored the commitments aligned with them.
41. I am supported in every step of my journey.
42. I have healthy boundaries and my business.
43. I feel competent to make the right decisions for my business.
44. My choices and decisions are aligned with my dreams.
45. When I think about my business, I feel a positive vibration.
46. I create the reality of my business with my thoughts, my words and my actions.
47. Every day I make choices for the greater good of my business.
48. I go above and beyond to keep the promises I made to my customers.
49. I am a natural-born leader.
50. I can always find a way to make anything work.
51. I have a community around me that wants to see me succeed.
52. My business is larger than me.
53. I am patient and persistent and the journey to success in my business.
54. I condition my thoughts and my actions for success.
55. I am good at implementing and executing the tasks at hand to bring success to my business.
56. Every opportunity I face is a learning opportunity.
57. I am good at managing money and resources and my business.
58. I have a positive outlook that allows me to believe in myself.
59. I approach all business matters with honor and integrity.
60. I listen to feedback about my business with an open mind.
61. I reply to customers with compassion and in between.
62. I am committed to helping those around me find success.
63. Through my business, I give back to my community.
64. I am responsible for the success of my business.
65. I embrace technology and modern innovations that make running my business easier.
66. I deserve success in my personal life and in my business.
67. I show gratitude every day for the legacy My business is creating.

The post 67 Powerful Affirmations For Entrepreneurs To Train Your Brain For Abundance first appeared on Ashley Baxter.

Sometimes your happiness is met with genuine enthusiasm and pure joy. But not always.

Your positive news might be met with a negative or apathetic response. Friends and family may rain on your parade, try to one up you, or even make you feel guilty for accomplishments.

No bueno.

Why Does This Happen?

Jealousy? Selfishness? Concern for your well-being? Fear that you’re making a mistake?

No matter the reason, it’s key to remember that it’s hard to be happy for someone else if you aren’t happy with yourself.

People who struggle to find true happiness in their own life would naturally be challenged to feel it for others. Makes sense, right?! It’s the same as asking someone who’s broke to lend you $5.

If they don’t have the resources to take care of themselves they likely won’t have it to give to you. So how can you get over the disappointment of others not sharing your joy?

Don’t Take It Personal

Feeling like others don’t want to participate in our joy can hurt. We might feel sadness at the assumption we’re at fault or that the other person has it out for us. Neither is true.

It’s simply not personal.

A co-worker who isn’t happy for your promotion could be wishing to make progress in their own career. A parent unhappy with their child going to college could be upset at the thought of having an empty nest. A friend who frowns on the success of your business could be struggling with the failure of their own.

Any of those situations on the surface could be labeled as “this person isn’t happy for me”. However, at the core, none of them are personal at all.

What Can You Do?

It’s tempting to get mad or assign a negative label to the person who isn’t able to share your joy. Instead shift your mindset.

Turn the situation around by:

1. Holding Onto Your Own Happiness
   It might be tempting to downplay your happiness so that others aren’t uncomfortable. Don’t. Enjoy your moment. Celebrate on your own terms in a way that allows you to fully express how happy you really are.
2. Accept The Other Person As They Are… Or Don’t
   When someone isn’t happy for you it’s tempting to label them as jealous, self-centered, or controlling. Yet, those labels won’t get you to your end destination which is to enjoy your moment. You can accept the other person as they are or you can choose not to. Accepting them means knowing they may not react the way you’d hope. If you can’t accept that you might filter what information you share with them.
3. Find Others Who Want To Celebrate With You
   There is someone in  your life who wants to celebrate with you. It might be a teacher, a classmate, a co-worker, or even someone in a Facebook forum of like-minded people. Know that there is always someone who wants to see you succeed. That person might be a total stranger, and that’s OK.

The post What To Do When People Aren’t Happy For You first appeared on Ashley Baxter.

Nothing soothes the soul like a weekend getaway with your girlfriends.

Tired? Stressed? Need a change of scenery? All are perfectly good reasons to hop on a quick flight (or in the car for a road trip) and hit up a new city to explore with your friends.

Girlfriend getaway weekends don’t need to follow a specific formula. When I was younger, I thought girls trips had to be a big production and required coordinating the schedules of lots of ladies.

The older, and a bit wiser, me knows that a successful girls trip can be completed with as few as two participants. You can even call up a friend in a different city and meet somewhere in the middle for a few days.

I’ve had the pleasure of enjoying more than a few weekend trips with my best girlfriends over the years. Below you’ll find my top 5 US cities for a girls’ trip weekend. I’ve taken the time to outline the best places to stay, time of year to visit, things to pack, and what to do in each city.

The San Diego skyline at night.

San Diego, California

Where To Stay: Gaslamp Quarter

When To Go: Anytime… the weather is amazing here 365 days a year.

What To Do: Take a swim at La Jolla Cove, snap a shot of the USS Midway’s “Kiss Statue”, or grab a fish taco and some ice cold cervezas at one of the many authentic baja style restaurants. San Diego has it all, plus amazing beach views to sweeten the deal.

How To Pack: Flip flops, lightweight dresses, shorts, and tees will suit you fine. Don’t forget a swimsuit that makes you feel fab and some sleek sunglasses!

Pro Tip: Plan your own girls weekend professional photo shoot! You can find local photographers that will be flexible to you and your girls schedule on Thumbtack.com. Sunrise and sunset shoots are incredibly breathtaking. Just head to the beach with your friends and let the pros capture amazing fun at the beach that you’ll never forget.

Central Park in NYC.

New York City, New York

Where To Stay: Between Chelsea & The Meatpacking District

When To Go: The holiday season is a great time to visit NYC. It might be cold, but one view of the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree will warm your hearts right up.

What To Do: Shop til you drop, take in a Broadway show,  or hit up one of the many museums. You and your girls won’t walk a block without finding something fun to do or see. Check out the Chelsea Market for great shopping and unique finds then head to the Meatpacking District for a fancy dinner and dancing the night away.

How To Pack: Bring lots of layers, warm hats, a weatherproof jacket, and your fave water-resistant boots. Snagging a taxi, or hopping on the subway, is always an option. But you’ll find that taking a walk through the streets of Manhattan in the crisp of winter can be quite delightful for the soul.

Pro Tip: Nestled in the fabulous Macy’s Herald Square, on the 8th floor, you’ll find the De Gustibus Cooking School. Many of the worlds most amazing chef’s have graced their kitchen. They also offer a variety of classes… including wine tastings that are perfect for a group of ladies to enjoy!

The Chicago skyline before sunset.

Chicago, Illinois

Where To Stay: The Chicago Riverwalk Area

When To Go: Summertime offers mid-70’s temps… it doesn’t get better than that!

What To Do: Take an architectural boat tour on the river, snap a million pictures of your reflection at The Bean, or catch the Cubs for a home game. The winters here are so frigid that EVERYONE is excited to play in the summer. You’ll find friendly people, good times, and amazing food. Don’t miss out on enjoy fresh Garrett’s popcorn or a slice of deep dish pizza.

How To Pack: Cute but casual fits the bill in Chi-Town. Think comfortable shoes and breezy sundresses. A good humidity resistant spray will go a long way to extend your hairstyle if you’re a curly haired lady like me.

Pro Tip: A weekend in Chicago hits a new level of relaxation when you’re got a private boat to cruise around in. You can find a number of companies offering rentals or might even snag one on Airbnb. Take a quick trip to the grocery store to stock up on bubbles and brie, and enjoy a day with your best girls in the sun.

The Savannah riverwalk.

Savannah, Georgia

Where To Stay: River Street

When To Go: A fall trip offers scenic views and perfect weather to walk around the square.

What To Do: Sample every single flavor at Byrds Cookie Company, sip on an ice cold glass of sweet tea at Top Deck Bar, or rent bikes and take a close up tour of the town. Savannah is a great place to do absolutely nothing and everything all at once. It’s a pedestrian friendly city perfect for a girls trip when you want to chill out without a strict schedule.

How To Pack: Your most comfortable jeans, glitzy tops, and light sweaters will take you through your Savannah weekend in style. It’s the south, so be prepared for a little heat in the day with cool (but humid) nights!

Pro Tip: Stay in Savannah, but don’t miss out on beach time at Tybee Island. A 30 minute drive down Islands Expressway will bring you to the sandy shores of south Georgia. It’s a laid back beach perfect for dipping your toes in the water while leaving your cares behind.

A view of downtown Austin from the lake.

Austin, Texas

Where To Stay: Near 6th Street

When To Go: Springtime

What To Do: Eat migas, check out a show at Stubb’s, or hike to the top of Mount Bonnell. Austin literally offers something for everyone. Being near 6th street will give you and your girlfriends a chance to tour the city by foot which will heighten the experience.

How To Pack: This trip is a perfect time to bust out the cowboy boots you’ve been hiding away in the back of your closet. Tank tops and tees will keep you cool in the Texas heat. Think lightweight fabrics and shades

Pro Tip: If you and your girls are in need of retail therapy you’ll be covered 30 minutes north or south of the city. Round Rock, Texas (north) and San Marcos, Texas (south) can both be found along I-35 and offer amazing luxury outlet experiences. A little love from Carolina Herrera, Prada, or Tory Burch might be the afternoon pick me up your friends are looking for.

The post Travel Tuesday – My Top 5 US Cities For A Girlfriends Getaway Weekend first appeared on Ashley Baxter.

What are affirmations?

Affirmations are statements you create around your goals and dreams that help train your brain to positive thoughts and possibilities.

In your affirmations, you declare your desires to be true. Studies have shown that doing this actually helps them come to reality. It doesn’t happen overnight, but the idea makes a lot of sense if you think about it. By simply believing that the things you desire could actually be yours you’ll be more likely to make actions towards getting them.

How To Write Affirmations

So where do you get affirmations?

You can Google affirmations and find hundreds of lists for every topic you can think of. From love, to work, to health, to wealth… many wise people have written detailed affirmations that you are free to copy.

However, your affirmations will have a larger impact on your life if you take a few minutes to focus them on things that you’re currently struggling with.

• STEP 1

  Grab a pen and paper, set a timer for 10 minutes, and write down any self-judgments, roadblocks, or negative thoughts that are holding you back and squashing your motivation.

• STEP 2

  Review that list. For each item, write a self-affirming statement that speaks the opposite of that feeling to be true. Here’s an example:

  Roadblock
  “I’ll never find my soulmate or be loved.”

  Affirmation
  “I am worthy of love and the person I’m meant to spend my life with will come into my life.”

• STEP 3

  After you’ve written your affirmations, create a schedule in which you’ll repeat them out loud or write them down. Then stick to it!

Why Repeating Your Affirmations Is So Important

On days when you need a little extra something to stay motivated, your affirmations can help keep you focused. It’s often said that you are what you think. Adding this bit of positive energy to your routine keeps your mind thinking good vibes. Those good feelings will start to spill into other areas of your life as well.

Take note of how you feel both before and after you repeat or re-write your affirmations. Chances are, you’ll feel much better afterwards.

It’s normal to feel some resistance when you start this process. If you aren’t accustom to reminding yourself of the possibilities it can feel forced. Some people often refer to the use of affirmations as a “fake it til’ you make it” exercise which feels a little disingenuous.

But that’s the point!

If you reject the hope and truth in the awesome things you wrote as your affirmations why would they ever become real? That’s why it’s important to push through. Read your affirmations until they feel real. Knowing that they are possible helps bring them to life.

Have you written you affirmations? How do you use them to stay motivated? Tell me in the comments below.

The post #MotivationMonday – Write & Repeat Your Affirmations first appeared on Ashley Baxter.

Change your environment!

In the corporate world that can mean getting up and going for a walk around the building or making sure to leave your desk for lunch. But what can you do when you’re tied to a laptop and on a deadline?

One of my favorite things is changing the environment between my ears. That’s right, I listen to something uplifting!

You can pop in your headphones and control your auditory stimulation now. What should you listen to? Well it all depends on what really gets you going. A few of my faves are:

Motivational Speeches

Sometimes a good pep talk can boost your motivation and get you in gear. I love the “Today is the Day” playlist on Spotify. It’s a playlist of motivational speeches that make me feel a bit like I’m back in my high school gym waiting to take the court before a game. If truth bombs and tough love are your thing, this one is for you.

Uplifting YouTube Videos

I’m a huge fan of inspirational speakers like Lisa Nichols, Abraham Hicks, and Tony Robbins. Did you know that there are tons of playlists of YouTube with the videos that you can listen to throughout the day? Pick your favorite speaker and do a Google search for their name + “YouTube playlist”. You’ll be surprised at the gems you find.

• Abraham Hicks
• Tony Robbins
• Louise Hay
• Lisa Nichols
• Wayne Dyer
• Bob Proctor

Happy Electronic Music

Something about EDM makes me really happy. The rhythm makes my body feel alive. The language is usually about happy feelings (if there are even any words at all). I can get totally lost in the beat and quickly shake any thoughts that might encourage me to procrastinate. My go to fave is ElectroPositivity on Spotify.

Guided Meditations

When most people think of meditations they think of being guided into peaceful bliss with their eyes closed. What I’ve found however, is that guided meditations are actually great triggers to reset your mindset for motivation in the middle of the day. As long as your meditation isn’t designed for a restful night’s sleep, you should be fine to take in its message as you work the day away. Oprah and Deepak Chopra have great guided meditations on a variety of topics. Their collections have gotten A+ ratings from myself and a number of my friends.

What do you listen to for motivation during the weekday? Share your tips in the comments below.

The post #MotivationMonday Tip – Create A Playlist for Positive Vibes first appeared on Ashley Baxter.

As the New Year creeps closer many of us will begin to write out our lists of new years resolutions. For most, it’s a timeless tradition passed down through generations.

The most common resolutions are related to weight loss, eating a healthier diet, being smarter with finances, and spending time more efficiently. All are perfectly good things to focus on improving.

What’s The Best One?

Yet, there is one resolution that goes unnoticed. There is one thing you could focus on in 2016 that would make all your other goals a million times easier to reach. Do you want to know what it is?

The most important new years resolution you can make in 2016 is to live a more conscious life. 

Yes, it is really that simple. Being more conscious in your everyday life choices will give you a strong foundation to accomplish literally anything you want to achieve. From your love life, to your family, to your career, or even your overall happiness, giving thought to the things that seem routine help you make decisions that get you closer to what you want.

You’re probably wondering why everyone doesn’t live consciously if it’s so easy, right?

That is because the hard part of conscious living is facing the truths uncover head on and doing something about them. Even more difficult will be learning to accept the ugliest truths for exactly what they are and finding peace in that.

Conscious Living vs Common Living

A great example is someone who makes a resolution each year to lose weight and exercise more but never manages to get in a workout.

The common man or woman would claim “I haven’t lost the weight because I am too busy to exercise.” From there, the common individual might:

• Continue to complain about their weight.
• Continue to whine about their inability to find time to exercise.
• Blame their lack of progress on other people, obligations, or their busy schedule.
• Feel with anger, shame or frustration if someone asks why they haven’t met their weight loss goals.

The conscious man or woman would claim “I haven’t lost the weight because I am too busy to exercise. I am too busy to exercise because I haven’t prioritized it in my schedule.” In that statement you see the conscious realization that it isn’t the busy schedule which prevents the exercise but the lack of prioritization. From there, the conscious individual would do one of two things:

• Accept that they are comfortable staying at their current weight because they don’t want to prioritize exercise in their schedule and make peace with their decision.
• Rearrange their schedule to make exercise a priority. This means they may have to make difficult decisions on what to remove from their schedule. Those decisions may lead to uncomfortable conversations with others regarding why their priorities have changed.

The common approach is comfortable. The conscious approach lives in truth. Knowing the truth pushes you to acceptance or action. The first brings peace and the latter brings a need to get outside your comfort zone and make change. The choice is yours every single day with every single decision you make.

How Does Resolving to Live Consciously Make a Difference?

Resolving to live consciously means you no longer accept life on auto-pilot. Your routine is no longer just a routine. You now have the power to get to the source of what you feel is holding you back from living the life you want. You now carry the ability to unveil the truths that will help you make steps to make changes for the better.

Those sometimes ugly truths may lead you to realize that it’s time to change your environment. That could mean leaving a comfortable job, a long relationship, or moving yourself or your family across the country. The truth could bring you to realize that in order to meet your resolutions you need to change your perspective. If you don’t want to do that, you can live in peace knowing that you aren’t ready to make that step.

Embrace this resolution, to live a conscious life, as your number one focus and watch your other resolutions fall into place with more ease than ever before. Your life is never going to be better than you decide to make it right now, so make a conscious decision to live out your fullest potential.

The post The Single Most Important Resolution You Can Make This New Years first appeared on Ashley Baxter.

Every experience is an opportunity to learn a lesson that helps shape us into a more evolved being. The good. The bad. The ugly.

There are a few lessons in particular that, once learned, make the journey much easier.

31 LIFE LESSONS FROM A TRIP AROUND THE SUN

1.Pack light. When traveling, never take more items than you need. In life, never carry more emotional baggage with you than is required to get to your next destination. Shed the excess.

2. Measure material goods in sentimental value, not monetary value. Things are things. Attachment causes worry. Let go, let flow.

3. But always back up your hard drive… because having your laptop stolen sucks.

4. Instead of debating purchases, ask yourself… “In 5 years, will this still be a memory”? Proceed accordingly.

5. List your priorities. If you say something (or someone) matters but “don’t have time” take a look at that list of priorities and adjust accordingly.

6. Reevaluate your priorities every 90 days. As you grow older and wiser they will change for the better. Let them go stale and you’ll keep chasing things you no longer need to be happy.

7. Sometimes life’s bullsh*t is fertilizer. My pawpaw always covered his fields in manure to produce stronger crops. Sometimes you have to be surrounded by crap to reach your full potential.

8. Keep spare keys. For. Everything. 

9. You are Mr./Mrs. Right. The more fun you have with yourself the more opportunities you have to meet someone at your vibration. 

10. 99.9% of the time it’s not about you. Everyone has their own doubts, fears, agendas, hopes, and dreams. You are the center of your own universe and no one else’s.

11. Trust your gut but also question it. Why is it telling you what it’s telling you?  The answer provides lessons to help you in similar situations.

12. Never underestimate the power of kindness.

13. Be brave. Take risks. Do at least one thing that makes you uncomfortable every single day. Nothing extraordinary happens inside your comfort zone.

14. Own your ability to make decisions. Some things we are born with. Everything else in your life is a direct result of something you decided to do. Bask in the awesomeness of your authority over yourself.

15. Realize that saying sorry is nice, but its power weakens when it’s overused. Let your actions to convey whatever it is that you think needs correcting.

16. Breathe in moments of uncertainty. We go all primal brain (fight or flight) when the going gets tough. Training yourself to take a breath can create space for your problems to solve themselves.

17. Hone your discernment. Remove what doesn’t serve you as your highest self from your life without apology. It’s often a silent process and sometimes no words need to be spoken.

18. Believe people when they show you who they are. If it walks, talks, quacks, and acts like a duck it’s a duck.

19. Stay curious. When you don’t fully understand something, being judgmental or defensive won’t bring you closer to comprehension. Simply ask questions and take the time to learn more.

20. Take care of your body. You only get one and spare parts are hard to come by. Your legs can run marathons, climb mountains, & move you across oceans. 

21. Learn how to fuel your body. Every person needs different things. Don’t assume a one size fits all approach will work. 

22. And also learn where your food comes from. As more people ask questions, mass food production standards will improve for us all.

23. Spend less time wondering what other people are thinking, and more time asking yourself how you feel.

24. Detox from technology regularly. It’s normal to live a super connected life but don’t let your digital reality be a damper on your actual reality.

25. Don’t fake it til you make. Be your authentic self and appreciate where you are in the moment before you get where you’d like to be.

26. Question the foundation of your complaints. The act of complaining isn’t going to fix anything. But understanding why you felt a need to complain in the first place gives you a place to start in making your situation better.

27. Don’t worry about haters. It means you’re doing something worth hating.

28. Say hello or good morning to everyone, especially those who don’t say it back or respond grumpily. They are usually the most in need of kindness.

29. Give without condition. Not from expectation of reciprocal effort or what’s in it for you. Unconditional giving removes stress, anxiety, and brings a lot more joy to sharing your life with others.

30. Travel. Travel now. Travel frequently. Travel with family. Travel with friends. Travel alone. Don’t wait to see the world until the time is right. The right time is always now and there’s an adventure waiting right around the corner every day.

31. Your perception is reality. Everything in life is truly that simple. Build a strong mindset centered on gratitude, positivity, and abundance.  You have everything you need to live the life you want if you’d just believe it.

The post 31 Life Lessons From A Trip Around The Sun first appeared on Ashley Baxter.