She Remembered Who She Was...

There is a storm raging inside of me. It has always been there. Only now I embrace it. All in.

I am a strong woman. Fierce. Loyal. Bold. Powerful. Unshakeable.

The Moon is Calling

Do you feel the pull of the moon tonight...

The pull to leave everything in sight~

Come Along With Me~

I’ve decided that I’m taking you all on a journey with me! 

of transformation and expansion… 

Rising Woman~ Nicole Yasmin

Who are you and what do you do for a living?
My name is Nicole and for a living, I teach women how to release weight and live the life they desire.

Tell me about your family, if applicable.
I have a Lebanese background and born in Sydney Australia. I have one brother, 27 first cousins and 14 aunties and uncles ;)

What is your story? 
It all started when I was a teenager and I was diagnosed with depression and polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS). At 81 kilograms and 160cm tall, I was also considered obese. I had severe acne, was completely lethargic and struggled to find any energy, wanting to stay in my bed and sleep most days away.

Do you feel this way? Wake up in the morning not wanting to face the world? 

In an attempt to resolve my health issues, my doctor prescribed me medication to relieve the symptoms, despite being told that it was incurable and that diet and exercise were the only things that may provide some relief.

At this point I thought, 'okay well, I guess that’s it then... I have to accept this is my life, and deal with it.’.

My mother has always been a strong advocate for natural health and healing remedies. She was determined to help me, and I thank her greatly for it.
She sent me to a Dietician, a Naturopath, a Herbalist and an Iridologist. All of these health professionals gave me different vitamins, supplements, herbs and diet plans. I also signed up to the gym and working with a personal trainer. I was able to release 11 kilograms but found that I was still experiencing acne, low energy, and diminished well-being.


I wanted to crawl in my bed and never wake up. I spent mornings crying and thinking ‘there must be something wrong with me. Why does life feel so hard? Why can’t it be easy? Why do I have to be suffering?’ I can only describe it as a huge struggle and a deep suffering. I would pray but I felt like I was never heard.


Years went on and I finished high school. Over that time, the weight came back. I had begun to accept that this was how life was meant to be for me, that I was not meant to be happy or a healthy body weight.


I started studying graphic design thinking it was something I truly loved, but over time I realized it wasn’t, so I took a break to truly ask myself 'what do I love doing?' My first answer was, 'I love helping people'. It was something I felt I could do so well and that rewarded me in ways I couldn’t achieve elsewhere.


I changed my course to a degree in social science majoring in counseling (and later transferred to psychology). My first step towards fulfillment. Along the way, I met someone and they asked if I believed in God and if I went to church. I thought about it and responded, ‘I only go when I have to and I don’t really know if I believe in God.’ I was born and raised as a Catholic but I mean, I would often fall asleep in church because the teachings didn’t quite resonate with me...


This question prompted a journey of self-discovery, and discovery of others. I began to show interest in other people’s beliefs, faiths, religions, and spiritual connections to bring together my own understanding of the whole ‘God’ concept. I put my studies aside to work four jobs to make a living and found it increasingly hard to study...
A family member constantly recommended that I complete a course in a meditation technique, but I wasn’t interested. It wasn’t until my life came crashing down that I was left feeling that deep suffering and painful isolation again.


I couldn’t hold the tears back. I would constantly wake up crying. I kept feeling like ‘there’s something wrong with me. Why isn’t life working out? Why is it SO easy for other people, but not me?’


Have you ever felt that way before? No matter what you do, life still isn't working out?


I was persuaded to take the course in this meditation technique called ThetaHealing. I considered it my last resort. I was desperate for change... and I’ve never looked back.


For the first time in my life I felt happy, TRULY happy. I began to gain clarity and understanding about why my life and feelings were the way they were. Most importantly, I began to understand how I could be in control of and change what was happening.


This course sent me on a journey of constant learning about the mind, body and soul connection. I realized that every health problem had a mental, emotional and spiritual connection to it. I completed many ThetaHealing courses around health, mind, body and spirit. I gained real physical, mental, emotional and spiritual results.


Only when I was able to change my thoughts and emotions did I then start to see lasting physical changes. Bear in mind, my intention to do these courses was not to change my health, but to be happy.


In these courses I discovered how much hatred and rejection I had towards myself.


Over time, I released more than 20kgs of weight, and now no longer experience depression or PCOS. I went back to the doctor who once said it was incurable and she was ecstatic to say I no longer had the PCOS. It has been more than five years since I have applied those changes and my life keeps getting better.

I have founded a business called ‘Shift Your Space’ where I lead online and face to face programs, and provide ThetaHealing consultations. The consultations are for people who feel stuck but are proactive in making a change. They come to me for a reading, guidance, healing and transformation. I also lead Certified ThetaHealing Courses and run a successful online womens program called ‘Shift Your Weight’ that encompasses a holistic approach to health.

What have you overcome to get where you are today?
To get to where I am today, I had to do what was uncomfortable. I had the ideas, dreams and desires, but the only way I was going to make them my reality was to make the discomfort, comfortable. For example, attending those meditation training courses, moving out of home (coming from a Lebanese background, the morality is: you live at home until you are married. Well I have broken away from that) and working for myself. Those 3 big decisions I made, lead me to where I am today. Everything in between were little speed bumps and smooth roads.

What has been your greatest struggle in life?
Struggle is a choice and mindset. I learned through ThetaHealing how to give up the struggle and to read the signs. If something is not flowing, its either your beliefs around it or there is a better route. ThetaHealing is a tool that has allowed me to connect and see the truth of what life presents.

Did you ever feel like giving up? When you felt like giving up, what did you do? 
Yes. I had ‘given up’ a few times. But the Universe kept pulling me back into where I needed to be. Sometimes I would sit with the feelings and allow them to come up and they would pass. Other times where I feel that feeling, my intuition will go “here is the breaking point of change, keep going” and I rise up and become a stronger person. Either way I go, I allow myself to take that course and be kind to myself in the process.

What are some of the tools and resources you have used to work through and overcome those struggles? (books, counselors, workshops, programs, coaches, etc.) 
ThetaHealing was a pivotal point of my journey of change. Through learning the meditation technique, I experienced profound healing on all levels. I shifted what was weighing me down energetically, and became who I really am today. Its a technique that I have continued to study and practice in my day to day life. Its a modality that keeps growing and thats what I love about it. There is always more to learn and apply. Well Vianna (the founder of ThetaHealing) says, “you are remembering”.
A book that introduced me to my path of personal development was ‘The Game of Life’ by Florence Scovel Shinn. Its a great book and easy read to open a persons awareness of their thoughts and the universe.

What are your gifts and how did you discover them?
My biggest gift I have is my intuition. Every person has an intuition and psychic ability. I discovered it profoundly during my first ThetaHealing Course. I was blown away at what I saw. Over the years, I have kept practicing and building my intuition so I can see vividly and clearly. The intuition is like a muscle, the more you practice, the stronger it gets. When I first started, I would only see energy. Now I can see full blown pictures.


Who in life do you rely on when you're struggling? Who keeps you uplifted and on your path?
Creator. I pray and Creator hears me and will send messages to those around me to give me a message. Sometimes we may get caught up on relying on a particular person to help us when we are in need. However, they may not be the exact person to give us the message we need. So instead, pray to Creator.I keep myself uplifted when I practice Yoga, meditate, helping other people, connecting with my loved ones. There have been times where I have gone off my path, but I have learned how to put myself back on my path instead of relying on another person - thats empowerment when you can do it for yourself.

Tell us about your tribe and the importance of having one.
I started a community within my business called ‘Shift Your Space’ where men and women who are spiritual and on their path of personal development come together. I share with them what I have learned so they can learn too. Others will share what they have applied and learned and the results they received so it can help others on their journey. Its a safe space for people to express who they are spiritually and develop their abilities.Its so important to be apart of a community where you feel connected and accepted. Without a community, you feel isolated and alone. If you are reading this, find your tribe. Every person has one, they just haven’t found it yet. My doors are open if you would like to be apart of it. You just need to believe in something that created everything (along with some other conditions ;P) <3

What do you want other women to know who are feeling lost, and/or experiencing their own tragedy and/or struggles?
If you are feeling lost, stuck or experiencing a tragedy, ask for the solution. Don’t get caught up in the problem. Some people may feel stuck because they’re so caught up in the problem. Place yourself in the question of “what is the solution to ______?” or “what can I do to get myself out of this space?” There are answers and solutions right at your door. You just need to open yourself up to see them.

What is some advice you would give to women who are healing or rising in some way?
Healing is a practice. Its not something you do for a short period and stop. Its a way of life. Healing can be smiling at the person you cross paths with, or it can be practicing meditation for 15 minutes per day. It can even be healing to cook a beautiful meal. Every person has their own rituals and methods of what they use for healing. Find your methods and apply it. Keep yourself maintained with your practice and you will keep rising!

~ You can find Nicole at: www.shiftyourspace.com

~ You can download Nicole's free eBook ’10 Reasons Why You Aren’t Releasing the Weight’ here: http://bit.ly/2uYdwLU

Nicole, you are just a delight! Thank you so much for being part of the Rising Woman Project!

xoxoxo

PS... right before I was about to post Nicole's story, I received this inspiring update from Nicole to include her recent choice to shave her hair. This is how you pave your own path, my friends. 

I shaved my hair because I wanted to. I went against my cultural and societies expectations of what I am “meant” to look like. It’s liberating, authentic and I feel completely womanly.

In a world where so many women are told to be something different, I want to see more women embrace who they are. Starting with me, I hope I can make that change. 

xoxoxo

Rising Woman~ Sarah Renee

I'm particularly excited about our next Rising Woman because I just had my own personal experience with her that was awesome. I first connected with Sarah when I was going to BBA meetings about a year ago and she was so welcoming. Just yesterday I thought of her as I've been facing some career decisions, as many of you know, and I decided to take advantage of her $25 questions on Fridays. Even though I felt like deeply I knew the answers I was seeking, sometimes it's good to bounce your thoughts off of someone else who you can trust and can take a unbiased look with you. She helped me to feel confident about the path that I'm on and helped me see some things that I hadn't even thought of. She was also tuned in and able to pick things up without me even telling her the whole story. Thank you so much, Sarah, for your guidance! You are a treasure.

Who are you and what do you do for a living?

I am Sarah Renee, I’m a professional Psychic Medium, Spiritual Transformation Coach, Master Healer, and Intuitive Teacher and writer. I help people find clarity, closure, peace of mind, and connection by delivering messages from the other side.

Tell me about your family, if applicable.

My mom, dad, and sister are my biggest support team and cheerleaders! They have supported me every step of the way, and have always supported me in embracing my abilities.

What is your story?

When I was a little girl I could always sense and feel things that other people couldn’t. My Grandmother passed away when I was 5 years old and my mom always tells the story that I insisted that her soul wouldn’t leave until I said goodbye and I made her take me to the hospital in the middle of the night. I sat at her bedside, although technically she was already passed, and talked with her until getting up and saying she’s gone now, we can go. My parents also used to take me to Sedona, and I would sit in the vortexes there and meditate, without ever seeing anyone else do that or even knowing what I was really doing. As I started getting older and going to school, I began to realize this wasn’t normal, and I often felt afraid or overly sensitive. I started to shut down my sensitivities, like most kids, and tried my hardest to be tougher than I felt. The older I got, the more uncomfortable I became with this part of me. I didn’t feel like I belonged anywhere, I got overwhelmed around large groups of people, I was full of fear and self esteem issues, I wanted to do anything I could to be a different person. At the age of 12, I began to turn to drugs and alcohol to help me cope with my sensitivities. This was my way of disconnecting from Spirit, numbing out all of my empathic abilities, and ultimately disconnecting from myself. At the age of 19 I was referred to a medium and astrologer by a close friend. I had gotten off drugs and sobered up and was looking for some clarity in my life. She was the first person that was able to explain to me that I had mediumship abilities, and what that meant, and I still remember the relief of realizing that I wasn’t completely insane. That session sparked my spiritual journey. I still went back and forth on whether I wanted to truly embrace my abilities, I numbed out with alcohol a little too much at times, and struggled with depression as well as anxiety in my attempts to become more “normal.” I ended up moving from Arizona to San Diego and enrolled in yoga teacher training. Through yoga, I developed my energy healing abilities and began working with clients. As I started to strengthen my spiritual connection, I learned techniques to protect myself from low level spirits and energy, and that was when I began giving myself permission to be different, and to become the woman I truly am. Spirit started coming through during my work with clients, and that transitioned into doing straight up readings to connect with people’s loved ones in the after life as well as the Angels and Guides for more guidance based readings. During this entire process, I spent ten years working for Starbucks and was able to build my business as a Psychic Medium and Spiritual Transformation Coach on the side. It got to the point where I felt called to step into my true calling and leave Starbucks to work for myself full time. That was probably one of the scariest decisions I ever made, but also the best decision I ever made. Starbucks taught me a lot, and I will forever be grateful, but getting to help people through readings, teaching classes, and writing articles on a daily basis feels amazing. In my own personal journey, this past year has been a year of shedding all labels and boxes that I identified with as a means of defining who I was or why I was the way I was. I let go of all the terms I had been diagnosed with over the years- depressed, anxious, addiction, etc. and it has been the most freeing experience. I am now four years sober, I treat my body with kindness and don’t put any poison into it. I honor my sensitivities and abilities daily, I follow a self care routine based on intuitive guidance that allows me to care for myself and my energy. But most importantly, I fully accept myself now, and I no longer feel this need to hide any part of me. I don’t live in shame or feel like my weirdness makes me weak. I allow myself to show up as myself and as God wants me to show up, and by doing that, I am able to help thousands of people. I feel truly blessed for the same abilities that I used to view as a curse, and I feel even more blessed that I’m able to teach and help people embrace their own gifts- whether intuitive, creative, or otherwise- and use them for good rather than try to hide them from the world.

What have you overcome to get where you are today?

I have had to overcome a lot of shame and fear to get to where I am today. I used to be terrified of not only my abilities to communicate with Spirit, but of what people would

think of me if they knew that about me. I also carried a lot of shame around how sensitive I was, how strongly I felt things. And then during my time I spent disconnecting from myself and from God, I lived a lifestyle that was not aligned with my truth, so I carried a lot of shame around those mistakes, and spent years punishing myself and isolating. Finding a way to forgive myself, and using spiritual tools to heal from past trauma is what finally gave me my power back.

What has been your greatest struggle in life?

My greatest struggle has been learning how to not take on other people’s energy. I used to become whoever I was hanging out with. I was so easily influenced, and I just thought that I was a pushover or weak or something was wrong with me. Learning that I am an empath and sensitive, and that I feel what other people feel, and that I can feel what Spirit feels, allowed me to stop blaming myself and to instead learn tools to manage that. Now I am able to clearly sense when things aren’t mine and clear that energy so that I can be operating from my own intuition and clarity.

Did you ever feel like giving up? When you felt like giving up, what did you do?

Yes! About a year after I started doing readings full time I was feeling extremely overwhelmed, depressed, full of anxiety, I was having health problems, and I had lost all sense of balance. I strongly considered quitting and going back to a normal nine to five job. What got me through was prayer and meditation. Going to God and being really honest about my struggles and what was going through my mind. I also worked with a coach and I was able to shift my mindset and take my power back. From that place, I looked at my daily life style and made changes to bring back some balance to my life, to allow me to get the sleep and nutrition I was needing, and to work at the most optimal times for me. Essentially, I got truthful with myself, stopped “shoulding” on myself, and started asking for guidance around solutions, and then implementing those intuitive nudges. Now my business is thriving better than ever before, I am taking care of myself more than ever, I’m setting clear boundaries, and loving what I do again.

What are some of the tools and resources you have used to work through and overcome those struggles? (books, counselors, workshops, programs, coaches, etc.)

For me, I love to read, so I read probably at least one book a week and I alternate between fiction for fun and self help/spiritual books. Dr. Wayne Dyer, Doreen Virtue, and Louise Hay have been my biggest teachers. I also have a coach, which makes a huge difference for me. Daily prayer, meditation, and journaling is vital. I make sure I get some form of movement in 5-6 days a week, and I spend as much time as possible in nature so I can stay grounded. I also practice yoga regularly and walk on the beach as much as possible.

What are your gifts and how did you discover them?

I connect with Spirit in order to help people find clarity, comfort, peace of mind, and closure. I can connect with the Guides, Angels, and Ascended Masters as well as people’s loved ones who have passed away. I am also an energy healer and do in person sessions as well as remote sessions. My gifts continue to develop and unfold the more I trust and use them to help people. I’ve had mediumship abilities since I was a child, but through yoga I was able to develop energy healing abilities, which then opened up into doing professional readings.

Who in life do you rely on when you're struggling? Who keeps you uplifted and on your path?

My mom is my rock. She is who I call when I am feeling scared or overwhelmed, or if I’m struggling with anything at all. She can always calm me down, and never lets me throw myself a pity party! She is my biggest cheerleader and always helps me pick myself back up and keep going. My dad and my sister are also a huge support system for me too, I’m very blessed to have a close family that keeps me grounded!

Tell us about your tribe and the importance of having one.

I have always been the person that knows everyone, and then I have a person or two from each group or tribe that I’m extremely close with. So my tribe is very diverse, but they are all extremely important to me. I have people I can call on to share good news with as well as bad news. What I have found is that by having people that really know you and support you no matter what, it helps keep you from getting too lost in the whirlwind that may be going on around you. It’s also extremely important to have people that will celebrate you and cheer you on, especially when you have big dreams! I’ve found that as we succeed more and dream bigger, our tribe actually matters more. We need people around us that genuinely want to us succeed, that also want to succeed in their lives. We need people that inspire us and that also ground us. Having a core group that you can rely on in the good and hard times makes a tremendous difference!

What do you want other women to know who are feeling lost, and/or experiencing their own tragedy and/or struggles?

I want women who are struggling to know that it’s not their fault. That if they’re struggling or experiencing tragedy- maybe it’s due to trauma, or maybe they’ve been living a life that’s not right for them, or maybe they just got lost on their path- that it’s never too late to be happy again. That it is safe for you to be powerful and that you deserve to heal. Everyone was sent here for a reason, I truly believe that, so knowing that your life is valued, that you are loved, and that you’re supported, even if it doesn’t feel like it. We are never alone, we have our guardian Angels and loved ones watching over us at all times, but they can’t intervene without permission, so by praying to them or to God, Jesus, Source, the Universe, whoever you pray to, and giving them permission to intervene on behalf of your best good, by asking them to show you that they’re there, they will help guide you through this, and you will make it to the other side.

What is some advice you would give to women who are healing?

To the women that are healing right now, be kind to yourself. Honor where you are. Talk to yourself like you’re a friend. Something that I teach a lot of my clients is to look in the mirror and ask “What do you need to feel safe or cared for today?” Whatever you feel, hear, sense, or think of, go do that for yourself. Start to prove to yourself that you will take care of you now, and that you’re ready to listen and heal. That’s how you start to heal and feel whole again.

Anything else you'd like to add?

Don’t ever feel like you are too much, or like you feel too deeply. You are a gift to this world, and the way you feel is a guidance system for you. Follow those feelings, follow your gut instinct and your heart. And then ask for signs, and follow those. When you start to follow your intuition, just little by little, you will start to shift and change your life.

To read more about Sarah, or to book a phone, skype, or in person session:

http://healwithsarahrenee.com

~Link to Sarah's offers/promotions:

5 star yelp reviews- https://www.yelp.com/biz/heal-with-sarah-renee-la-jolla

Facebook page for $25 questions on Fridays and information on upcoming classes and workshops: https://www.facebook.com/healwithsarahrenee/

Sarah, I love you even more after reading your story. Thank you so much for being part of The Rising Woman Project! xoxo