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  • Featured Content

  • May16th

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    when life catches up…

    Posted in: Uncategorized

    I’m a doer. One of those people who is all in, chips on the table, let’s do this baby. I quiver at the thought of creating, guns are always blazin at the idea of blazin trails. It’s who I am, my core, I seek, I create and then I dance in the whirlwind.

    Most people would look at what I have on the go and run the other way. I however know that each piece is integral in moving me forward toward the dream, forward motion for me is the dream. And although there are times like the present that show me there are only so many hours in the day, I bow gracefully to the whirlwind in hopes the dance will be hot and heavy and leave me feeling exhilarated.

    I used to think that I needed all my items to be crossed off the list before I could celebrate what is here now – like a 4000 sq ft house and a land rover is going to make me anymore me. Here is the gift, now is the gift and even when life begins to catch up to you, trust that everything is meant for your life. to grow. to teach

    xo nicki

  • May2nd

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    how a cold. the pouring rain and 2 days in the woods fuelled my soul.

    Posted in: Uncategorized

    It all happens for a reason. The timing of it all. The serendipity of no chance encounters. The coming together of the cosmos in support of fuelling dreams and playing big. 2 days in breathtaking serenity, supported by soul food and soul friends. It was priceless.

    When I began to think about how I wanted to spend my 30th birthday at the beginning of 2012, I knew it needed to be marinated in ease, allow for  beautiful contemplation and major time for soul seeking, peeling back of more layers and time to simply be.

    The anticipation of these 2 days grew wildly within my soul, she was excited to be unleashed for 48 straight hours of self love and possibility. She knew what she was here for; she knew what questions needed to be answered, what needed to be released and all that was brewing just below the surface of my skin.

    When I arrived at the Echoes, I decided my only goal was to allow my muse anything she desired, she was in charge, it was her time to shine; reading, writing, journaling, napping, hottubing, eating – in no particular order. Whatever she needed to feel supported, heard – so that she left feeling nurtured and ready to do what we both needed to be done.

    My cold came on the day of my birthday. Initially my thought was damn, I don’t want to spend my 2 days of soulcation too fuzzy to actually seek truth but I quickly realized that my cold was simply just my 20’s vacating my body. Funny how your body always sends you signs, often miraculous signs, if you listen closely. The lead up to my 30th birthday was all about leaving parts of myself that made me who I was in my 20’s behind, the belief systems (like always having to work hard) and patterns of habits (like struggling to get where I need to get). It was an exorcism of sorts. I made the decision of what I no longer needed to be hung up on and got on with forgiving myself. Beautiful. Real. Heartfelt.

    The moody weather was actually a welcomed relief, I had no excuse to do anything but listen to the pitter patter on the roof and stay wrapped up in my cabin – no walks along the beach, or stretching on the grass. Pure hibernation. Exactly what she needed.

    Fuelling your soul may sound a little too woo woo for you but let me be honest with you. Those 2 days of asking myself and my muse some hard questions like “what do I need to stop doing immediately” and “what is my definition of freedom” will set the pace for the next 10 years. The soul searching that happened within the confines of a cold and the pouring rain will be the springboard of what I choose to let my life look like.

    So dream. Explore. Hibernate and let your soul fly.

    xo nicki 

  • April24th

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    the flame of a new decade

    Posted in: Uncategorized

    I have been anticipating the arrival of my 30th year for the last few months. a new decade, new opportunities for growth, new challenges, new perspective. I could choose for this to be just any other day, to simply watch the hours go by without any shifts taking place but I have instead decided the beauty of this new decade will light a flame of possibility.

    I spent my 20′s much like so many others – battling to find my place in the world, my direction, my foundation. I flipped and flopped, I searched and grasped, I clung on many days to heartache over boys and lost dreams. I did what most everyone else did – I fell in love, got a career, bought a house, got married and had a baby. I checked off the right boxes. slam dunk.

    Today however is a new day, a new year, a new decade and I am dedicating my 30th decade to peace; peace within myself, peace with the life that surrounds me, peace with the direction I am heading, peace with my dreams, peace with my past, peace with every new day.

    Today I am choosing to leave behind some of what made me in my 20′s and although I am grateful for where they have brought me. exactly here. I realize some of the resentments, belief systems and struggles no longer serve me.Time to exfoliate the soul a little deeper, peel back another layer and allow the possibility of everything I know to be true to take that small flame and build a fire.A fire that burns brilliantly in even the deepest of storms, a fire that dances in the winds of change, adapts, leaps and roars.

    So today I ask not that you celebrate me but instead take a moment to ask your inner flame what she needs so you too may dance, leap, adapt and roar. And then ignite that very flame.

    xo nicki

  • April14th

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    forging new trails

    Posted in: Uncategorized

    In 10 days from today, I will gratefully be blowing out the candles to my 30th birthday.

    There has been a restlessness inside me that has been growling around my insides for awhile now – she is strong and determined and in desperate need of being listened too. She is hungry for more and yearning for all her dreams to erupt outside the walls of her skin. She is ready and has been for some time now.

    In celebration of starting a new decade I have said yes to this restlessness and am taking 3 days of quiet & solitude to simply listen – to ask myself the daring, sometimes hard questions that one needs to ask from time to time. I think back to 3 years ago when this deepening began for me; the voice was much different, she was lost and wandering around aimlessly – now she is a force waiting to be unleashed fully.

    Open space for dreaming. time to sit and wonder. an oasis of possibility. forging new trails.  

    I believe each of us needs and desires time to sit, to be open, to have nothing ‘to do’. In this space, in these moments, is where your dreams, your destiny, your force will speak. You are clearing space for your inner most desires to come to life.

    In 10 days from now, I will be saying a prayer of gratitude and igniting the light a little brighter and inviting in my most brilliant self to speak her truth. Can’t wait to see what she has in store.

    xo nicki 

  • April11th

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    your footprint

    Posted in: Uncategorized

    I’ve always said my mission was to change the world – to be the change – to inspire change. So many people would look at me thinking ‘who this girl? whats so special about her?’. I’ve been thinking a lot lately about the impact we have in this big crazy world and believe it or not, its significant.

    a drop in the bucket, one in a million, to small to influence change? yeah I used to say those things too. the truth, the reality is that every single freaking day we open our eyes to a new day and a chance to infect massive change. and its simple, its easy, its beautiful.

    choose love over fear, over hatred, over selfishness. choose your words (both to yourself and to others). be kind to everything. inspire gratitude by being grateful. show forgiveness. smile genuinely. extend compassion. have faith in each other. believe in pleasure & ease & passion. be joyful & let it be fun.

    thats how you change this world – by changing you.

    xo nicki

  • March29th

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    Posted in: Uncategorized

    “throw your soul through every open door” adele 

    I have heard more than once in my life that I am lucky – a horseshoe kinda girl – served on a silver platter. I beg to differ of course. I’ve been grateful for every moment and when opportunity, no matter how it looks, I leap, bound, explore. I ask for the meaning. I dig for clues. I thank my angels.

    There is truly no difference between you, me, Oprah, Steve Jobs or your next door neighbour. The opportunity lies in the ability to take a chance. to dream outside the box. to go boldly where you never thought possible. to say yes to the authentic goddess within you. to risk the safety of playing small.

    breath in the fresh air of possibility. push past the possibility you had laid out for yourself. start a fire deep within your soul. say yes to the magnificence within you. 

    xo nicki 

  • March19th

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    ease is the currency for change

    Posted in: Uncategorized

    there are times the part of me that used to control me still creeps in;the junkie – she’s an adrenaline junkie, she’s a control junkie, she’s a struggle junkie. mostly she just wants to be loved, she wants someone to wipe her tears and hug her tightly. that’s where the ‘true’ me comes in. She is wrapped with love, compassion, understanding and most of all….ease. She trusts, she believes, she is rooted in deep faith. Faith in herself and in her abilities to fly, to accomplish more than she ever felt she could grounded on the earth. She freaks the hell out of the ‘old’ me. 

    If you are standing in a place of contemplation, of an urge to move forward, of a feeling of expansion, of deep boundaries that are no longer cross-able…. you have already arrived. you have taken your first step forward. ease should flood your being. you are no longer in question but instead on a journey into your truth.

    when I took my first step I was constantly at war with myself – the perfectionist was still winning the game day in and out, struggle was still my sidekick, adrenaline was my drug of choice but as each day passed, as each layer gave way to the beautiful truth within me, I realized that the currency for change is ease.your truth is ease. your divine rite is natural, beautiful, succulent, sustaining and whole. 

    you are not the person your ego has made you out to be – you are simply truth, in its most perfect form. create ease in every corner of your soul and you will find the true you.

    xo nicki 

  • March13th

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    when injustices smack you right up in your moneymaker

    Posted in: Uncategorized

    I have a moral radar of a monk. (well not quite but you know what I mean)

    i’m not saying this because I want you to think I am better (or holier) than anyone else, it just is the way it is. my heart hurts for homeless dogs, uninspired people, people with questionable ethics and the injustices on every corner of this world. translate = I wish I could wave a magic wand and save everyone. now part of that is completely egotistical (I know you were thinking it) but that’s not the point of this post. the point of this post is to clarify what you can do when those injustices smack you right up in your moneymaker….. you keep your side of the street clean.

    newsflash: you can’t control anyone or anything that walks this beautiful planet …. except you. beautiful, sexy you. I am fiercely learning that in order for me to stay true to my path I simply need to only be concerned with how I show up in this life. It’s not my place to judge or decide how anyone else should be showing up. nope. nada. my job is to shine. to place beautifully crafted boundaries around my ethics, morals and do-gooding and then to simply shine within them and shine bright. once those boundaries have been crafted, own them, stand tall within them, trust yourself. and always show up for you.

    but always keep it clean. grow. do better. stretch beyond yourself. shine.

    xo nicki

  • March9th

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    bring your a-game

    Posted in: Uncategorized

    “The privilege of a lifetime is to become who you truly are.” ― C.G. Jung 

    Authenticity has been on my mind over the past few weeks and knew that as we are heading into spring it is the perfect topic for our next DARE session. Being  authentic is the cool thing to do (or at least in the circles that I hang) but for the longest time I was unsure what that even meant.

    On Tuesday March 13th, we are going to crack open a little wider, dare a little stronger and get to the ‘heart’ of what it means to live your life in your authentic power. As you begin to peel back each layer of yourself you get one layer closer to identifying all that you truly are.

    Bringing your a game (that is your authentic game) into this world will align your desires with the truth that you are living each and every day – it is the most powerful tool you could possibly utilize and the good news is, is that you already have it all within you.

    Look forward to seeing you on Tuesday.

    xo nicki

    Sign up details!
    LIVE tickets $20.00 @ Decades Coffee Club in Chilliwack
    ONLINE tickets $10.00 @ the comfort of your home, connect from anywhere

    To register email nicki@daringtolive.ca and identify whether you are coming live or need online access.

  • March8th

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    life evolves

    Posted in: Uncategorized

    Live evolves. It is a constant opportunity for magic to happen in the realization of your truest gifts. They come dressed in the oddest of circumstances sometimes. I used to be void to that fact that my life was actually speaking to me, through me and through everyone that was present in my life – whether is was the woman I glanced at walking down the street and exchanged pleasantries with or whether it was through the people I chose to surround myself with. Life is a constant opportunity for growth. Your life is speaking to you and its your decision whether or not you listen.

    Now when I have these moments of great transparency into what life is teaching me, instead of ignoring it, I embrace the lesson and I listen.

    I listen quietly and I listen deeply. I search, dig and allow myself to open up more.
    To hear the message sometimes requires great patience – sometimes you aren’t ready to receive the message – sometimes it takes more than 1 time to understand the message. But its there.

    It’s there for you to reach out and grab. To evolve.  To shine. 

    xo nicki 

  • September13th

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    we have arrived…..

    Posted in: Uncategorized

    Finally we have arrived to the new bold, fierce Daring to Live site. This is going to go down as one of the most memorable days in my life – a moment in time when fear has been released and truth has SHONE.

    If this is your first time stopping by – hi and welcome, take your shoes off and get comfy – we are gonna have a ton of fun. If you have been following me since the beginning – thank you will never be enough. You are the ones who have kept me trudging through on the days when fear had its death like grip around me, telling me to play small.

    So how is this site gonna be different?

    Well first you can see there is A LOT more goin on up in here.

    The blogs will continue as always – they are my connection to that inner beauty that is a serious rockstar. But I will be adding programs and coaching and lots of other juicy projects that I am beyond passionate about that will be sure to set your world on FIRE.

    So sign on up to your right for my mailing list - so you can stay up to date with the juicy-est news, quests and life-pondering questions. Its easy and fun and you can opt out at any time – althought I can’t imagine you would want to….. seriously who doesn’t want the life they dream of…. NOT YOU SISTA!

    ohhh and also come and say hi – introduce yourself. I love to see all the amazing women that I reach through this little thing called the Internet.

    xo nicki

  • September15th

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    got inner peace?

    Posted in: Uncategorized

    When I used to think of what it would be like to have inner peace, I thought I would have to be meditating on the side of the Alps in Buddha like fashion… was I so wrong.

    On my path to ‘finding’ myself, I realized that inner peace looks a whole lot different than I once thought. It doesn’t mean just sitting in meditation 24 hours a day, its about ambition and dedication wrapped into a beautiful package of knowing; knowing your essence, knowing your truth and seeking new perceptions.

    So this is what my Inner Peace looks like:
    She wears red stilleto pumps everywhere  
    She gives herself permission to live life beyond her wildest dreams
    She surrenders daily to God and the Universe – cause they always hook her up!
    She loves widly and openly
    She is of great service to this world
    She knows she is beauitful beyond measure
    She streches and moves beyond her comfort zone on a daily basis
    She believes in possibility
    She plays big
    She trusts that her vision is already on its way

    Each of us will have our own journey, will have our own moments of inner peace and each will dance to a different beat. It is the knowing of yourself and accepting of yourself where the peace will truly reside. What does your Inner Peace look like? I’ll be she ROCKS!

    Life is great. Life is love. Let it all in.

    xo nicki

  • September29th

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    I am a SPIRIT JUNKIE

    Posted in: Uncategorized

    On Monday night, I sat with intention as my ‘guru’ for the past 18 months graced the stage in a strapless bright blue dress and killer heels.

    This was a manifestation from the time I picked up her first book “Add More ~ing to your Life” and kept saying…. “one day I will meet you”. Well that day came for me on Monday night and I know that will not be the last.

    As she was speaking about her journey and reflected on how she became a “Spirit Junkie” I began to realize that I too, over the past 2 years, have actively chosen my spirit over my ego. This has not always been an easy journey but it has been beauitful and one I truly believe will never be ‘finished’, there will never be a box I can check off or a to-do list item I can cross out. Being a spirit junkie is about waking up every morning and choosing love over fear, authenticity over expectation, flow over struggle.

    And as I was driving home that evening filled with an abundance of spirit, I celebrated the last 2 years and all the ways that I decided to show up for my spirit to let it simply shine.

    I am a spirit junkie because I wake up every morning and choose to live from spirit
    I am a spirit junkie because I choose love over fear
    I am a spirit junkie because I am aware
    I am a spirit junkie because I choose forgiveness over resentment
    I am a spirit junkie because I surrender and release my life
    I am a spirit junkie because I am a ‘recovering’ control freak & achievement junkie
    I am a spirit junkie because I work it every single day

    Although I could feel the presence of fear with me all night on Monday with thoughts like “she’s not going to like me”, “I should not wait in line, I am just another number” and “I will never be able to accomplish what she has”, I chose instead to show up fully and be open to what I was meant to receive that night – which of course ended up being a TON of love.

    So thank you Gabby for coming to Vancouver and creating the space to allow me to realize that I too am a Spirit Junkie.

    xo nicki

  • October2nd

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    In like a LION, Out like a LION

    Posted in: Uncategorized

    I woke up yesterday morning feeling a sense of relief and absolute abundance. I knew September was going to be a month I was never going to forget. I finally launched my dreams into this world with going ‘live’ with my website, I assigned financial resources to make it happen, I got up in front of a room and opened myself up fully with my first seminar, I saw my guru speak and had an opportunity to meet her. I was busy rockin and rollin just how I had imagined for the month. But the divine also decided to guide me in a way that I was not prepared for and definitely not expecting…. that I was pregnant with our second child.

    This threw me into a new dimension of knowing that I truly have no control over the day to day offerings of this life ~ simply just control over how I deal and react to them. When I woke up that morning I asked God and the Universe as I do every morning “Show me what ya got today” and by the afternoon the life plan I had laid out for myself for the next year was turned upside down. But although I took a day or two to search for the reasons, I knew that this was to be my next mission – an opportunity to dig deep and surrender a whole lot more – an opportunity to quieten the control freak a little bit more and let her know that we are going to be ok.

    So today as I look ahead to October, I feel full and divinely supported in following the direction of my heart. I look forward to October being a much quieter month, spending more time on reflecting and writing and focusing on the joy and abundance I am surrounded by every day. The busyness of the summer gets exchanged for making large batches of soup and watching movies. October has always been one of my favourite months – the month that has always meant ‘giving thanks’ and has always allowed me the opportunity to begin my hibernation inwards, one I can feel is always needed this time of year.

    As I say goodbye to an amazing September, I welcome October with open loving (and a bit tired) arms, ready for what this reflective month chooses to give me. And as you too embark on October I ask you to also reflect on what it is that you need to surrender too, what do you need to give thanks for and what is lurking in the depths of your soul that could use a little love?

    xo nicki

  • October5th

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    An Attitude of Gratitude

    Posted in: Uncategorized

    It’s no secret that I couldn’t be where I am today without the amazing support of the people in my life (it takes a village ladies). October being the month of ‘gratitude’ I always like to take some time each day to be truly grateful for the fruits this life has offered to me. With last month being so crazy busy, I owe a LOT of gratitude to the following people. I hope each of you know how instrumental you were (and are) in my life and particulary over the last month – I could not have done this without you….. 

    Rob & Weston: My heart is always where the two of you are but I know the past year has not always been ‘easy’ as I waffled in fear of the unknown. You have been my biggest support and my unwavering motivation to create a life worth living.

    Mum: From the time I was a small girl, you have been unintentionally (or maybe it was intentional) pushing my dreams to the forefront of my consciousness. Although I know because you are my mum, you kinda have to support me, but you go above and beyond that…. in fact I think you have been to every single event, party or gathering all because of your unbelievable support of me.

    Jordan of Jolted Pixel Media & Marketing: I am a visionary. I love to live in the big picture stuff but I give it to Jordan for always knowing how to make that happen in the functional world. He puts up with my rants and raves, my perfection-ate, impatient ways. There will never ever be anyone who could fill your shoes so I hope your’re with me for the long haul :)

    Jennifer of Jennifer Rodriguez-Cruz Photography:  Talent oozes from her veins and it is freaking contagious…… Jen, there are seriously no words that will ever mean enough. You have an innate way of getting in my head and capturing the exact shot I was hoping for. All I can say is you better not become to famous for me xo

    Heather Omelus, Stella & Dot Consultant: As I said it take a village and Heather always knows exactly what to add to any outfit to make it go from so-so to jaw-dropping. I have visions of Heather becoming my personal stylist (hey a girl can dream).

    There are so many other people in my life (you know who you are) and there is not a day that goes by that I am not grateful for the people that are or have been in my life. Each of you have woven a piece of you into the beautiful tapestry that I call my soul – making beautiful impressions and lasting memories.

    So with just 5 days left until the Canadian Thanksgiving holiday I am gonna say “Stop your bitchin”- literally stop – and be ridiculously, giddily thankful for this exact moment, regardless of what your circumstances or your so-whats, just be thankful and go out into this world armed with that gratitude and be open to receive it right back.

    xo nicki

  • October12th

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    LIFE = OVERCOMING ADVERSITY

    Posted in: Uncategorized

    Bad things happen to amazing people. period. I used to think that I could ‘nice’ my way out of life’s challenges but it doesn’t matter how many random acts of kindness you have done in your life, or if you always say please and thank you and watch your p’s & q’s. Life happens and sometimes it will unroll in a completely different way that you ever imagined. Sometime’s its devastating, sometimes it drives change, sometimes it’s inspirational. I have lived my life when confronted by less than desirable situations to look inwards and search for the lesson – search for the hope – search for a reason. And although I don’t always get what I am looking for, I always get what I need. 

    I have always said that its never a matter of when bad things happen, its a matter of how you deal with those situations when they do happen. Its about rising above them, believing there is a way out and knowing that this moment, however uncomfortable it is – is a gift, a moment for your inner strength to strengthen, a moment for you to listen, to be humbled by life and to allow something more beautiful to bloom.

    Throughout each of our lives, we will all be confronted by situations that require the deepest level of inner strength that we can muster, situations that we simply must just surrender too, situations we have to say ‘ok’. It is in those situations, the most challenging that reap the largest benefit, that become the biggest gifts, that allow us the space to grow, create and strengthen each of our lives.

    Use the adversity as a tool – move through it and come out stronger, braver and more fierce than when you entered it. Know that this moment was simply just meant to be.

    xo nicki 

  • October12th

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    DARE Sessions are officially UP!

    Posted in: Uncategorized

    Change is inevitable. Growth is optional. Choose wisely.  

    In just a few days, the first official DARE Session will be ready to roll out…

    What are DARE Sessions?  They are intimate monthly workshop sessions where I will walk you through a different topic bringing you one step closer to your authentic being and living your best life. Each workshop is designed to ask you the tough questions, encourage you to dig deeper and strengthen the relationship with your inner guide. 

    They are no holds bar. You need to be prepared to show up and be real. There is no room for excuses. This is where the magic happens.

    So many of these topics and exercises are ones that I personally used to help me get re-aquainted with myself and push out of the comfort zone I had so carefully built around me.

    There will be 2 options each month to participate: 
    1. In person at Decades Coffee Club in Chilliwack, BC
    2. Online utilizing an interactive webinar software. So anyone, anywhere can attend.

    Each monthly session you will have the opportunity to share your experience and work through some issues that are coming up.

    Each group is safe, non-judgemental, open and supportive of one-another. 
90 minutes of thought provoking questions and exercises, open sharing and accountability.

    
If you are interested in signing up CLICK HERE   

    October’s TOPIC: DARE to DREAM – Looking Inwards to Find the Keys to Authentic Living

    Dreaming is often the first step in truly looking at what you hope and desire for in this life. Let me guide you through exercise’s to connect with your inner guidance system to search for what is connecting you to your own life.

    There are two options for dates & payment:
    October 17th @ 7pm EST In Person @ Decades Coffee Club     $40      LIMIT 20 PEOPLE
    October 18th @ 7pm EST Online  $30    LIMIT 25 PEOPLE
    Combine October and November’s Sessions for added benefits and cost savings. CLICK HERE 

    The moment you begin to reconnect with your inner guide is the moment your truth will begin to shine. If you have any questions please email me at nicki@daringtolive.ca

    xo nicki

     

     

     

     


  • October17th

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    Greatness is One Small Step

    Posted in: Uncategorized

    I often think of the people in my life that I admire and wonder what was the one key that got them to that place?Was it determination, perseverance, follow through, courage? I am sure it was all of those things but more than that I believe it is taking one small step at a time. 

    The path to greatness can never be measured at the finish line – it must be measured by all those small moments in between, the first step in moving towards your greatest self and every step that follows. A dear friend of mine just finished her first half marathon just over a week ago and as we were chatting about the experience she was celebrating the fact that just 6 months prior to that, she had troubles running around the block – but here she is now, running half marathons, finishing strong … every single little step counts.

    So cupcake, what are you doing today to take that one small step towards greatness? Of course it starts with the willingness to ‘be great’ and having the courage to take that first step towards your dreams but far often days, weeks go by without us paying attention to what our own greatness could be – perhaps afraid to claim it, or afraid to fail. But I’ll let you in on a little secret…. the more steps you take, the faster you pick up speed and before you know it, you’re flying. So, take that step today and see where it leads.

    “Take the first step in faith. You don’t have to see the whole staircase, just take the first step.”
    Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

    xo nicki  

     

     

  • October19th

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    Which Wolf Are You Feeding?

    Posted in: Uncategorized

    A Grandfather from the Cherokee Nation was talking with his grandson.

    “A fight is going on inside me,” he said to the boy.

    “It is a terrible fight between two wolves.”

    The young grandson listened intently.

    “One wolf is evil, unhappy, and ugly: He is anger, envy, war, greed, selfishness, sorrow, regret, guilt, resentment, inferiority/superiority, false pride, coarseness, and arrogance. He spreads lies, deceit, fear, hatred, blame, scarcity, poverty, and divisiveness.”

    “The other wolf is beautiful and good: He is friendly, joyful, loving, worthy, serene, humble, kind, benevolent, just, fair, empathetic, generous, honest, compassionate, grateful, brave, and inspiring resting wholeheartedly in deep vision beyond ordinary wisdom.”

    The grandson paused in deep reflection of what his grandfather had just said. Then he exclaimed; “Oyee! (in recognition).

    Grandfather continued; “This same fight is going on inside you, and inside all human beings as well.”

    The grandson paused in deep reflection and recognition of what his grandfather had just said. Then he finally cried out deeply; “Oyee! Grandfather, which wolf will win this horrific war?”

    The elder Cherokee replied, “The wolf that you feed. That wolf will surely win!”

    xo nicki 

  • October24th

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    Keep Still & Breathe

    Posted in: Uncategorized

    Over the past week I have began to write my first book - a memoir of how divinely driven my life has always been and how yet I only started to listen to those divine interventions recently. Although I have just barely started, it already has been a great reminder to stay connected to that beautiful loving voice within me who steers and supports my return to love.

    So often I hear people frantically try to ‘figure’ out their life, write their 3, 5, 10 year life plans and hey I used to be there – in fact I could have started the ‘ write your life plan’  club, where down to the last detail, we would have had it allllllll figured out — sound like you cupcake? And then something happens, could be small, could be catastrophic and all of sudden s**t hits the fan cause it didn’t fit in to the ALMIGHTY PLAN.

    As I continue on this journey deeper and deeper within myself, I have realized the miracles don’t happen in having a plan, the miracles happen when I keep still & breathe. For the past 2 years I have become a recovering control freak and organizer of my life – I have decided instead to embrace the art of surrender, and despite my anxious tendencies to plan every corner of my life, this actually is working BETTER.

    I wake up and surrender to what the day will bring – I ask my inner guide, my loving inner voice for guidance and as long as I continue to listen, she has offered up some amazing miracles, some amazing opportunities and a whole lot of love.

    Last week as I was on my way home from a visit with my best friend and soul sister, I had a beautiful divine intervention that has since left me with a deeper connection to myself than when I left. I know the path I am on is exactly where I need to be, I know that I have everything I need already within myself and I know that happiness, true happiness is just my state of mind.

    So when you feel yourself out of control or searching for the answer, remember to simply keep still and breathe and I know the answer will show up.

    xo nicki

  • November2nd

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    Who Needs Coffee When You Can Wake Up HAPPY

    Posted in: Uncategorized

    I have to admit that I have never had a coffee addiction.I have never needed that ‘kick in the ass’ when I wake up or have the attitude of ‘don’t talk to me until I’ve had my first cup’ but as I was on the elliptical at the gym first thing on Sunday morning I realized that every morning I have a choice ~ wake up happy or wake up needing something outside of myself to perk me up. 

    Not that long ago, I would arise each mornings dreading another day – yes dreading another day of my life – the only life I will ever have.

    When I began to look for happiness inside instead of outside, I began to shift, began to rise each morning excited, inspired and full of love – no caffeine needed here, ladies. I got high on life and the thought that today I could possibly create something beautiful.

    So how did I get here??? Well it all started with a desire to get past the sinking feeling that there is no way this could be all there was to life. I began searching and questioning what my own definition of happiness was. I battled the demons within myself and the expectations that I thought society had engrained in me. I pushed through and fell in love with myself, fell in love with the possibility and wonder of this life and slowly noticed that I no longer woke up exhausted of life or wanting to hide under the covers.

    I start each day with a mantra I repeat to myself as I lie in bed and wake up “I choose to have faith in love and I release my faith in fear”. As I repeat this over and over, I think of all the beautiful gifts my life has offered up so far, knowing that this is simply just the beginning.

    So how do you feel when you wake up each morning? Are you stuck in the cycle of ‘needing’ outside people or things to make you happy or are you radiating from within?

    xo nicki 

  • November16th

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    When You Can’t Shake the FUNKY!

    Posted in: Uncategorized


    Ever wake up just feeling a little funky?    A little off? And not like yourself? I can’t seem to shake this feeling of overall nastiness that has been hovering around me for the past few funky days. It’s smelly and flat out stinks. It came crawling in just when I was at my highest relaxation for the past few months; it resembles anxiety, stress, feelings of lack and not enough, panic, frustration and flat out FEAR. Ever had that? You know just when you are at your highest, those feelings seem to come creeping in at record speed and set up shop as if they have no intention of going anywhere for awhile? 

    I feel fortunate enough that I now have a plethora of arsenal to deal with these feelings but it doesn’t change the fact that the residual funkiness remains. We all have off days, weeks, months and regardless of the circumstances it chooses to present I know this feeling is all me. I’m off and have been for a few weeks now, struggling with staying in my groove of prayer and meditation and healthy eating. Having my priorities ass backwards and feeling a few too many should’s and cant’s and guess what….. that is what life and this bountiful universe is giving right back to me.

    So after a short lost-all-control moment last night – I woke up with a smile on my face, knowing that this too shall pass and its all up to me baby. It’s in the thoughts and words that I project each day, its in my attitude and my deep desire to be released from the grips of my ego; it is in my daily practice of getting to work with the divine, it is in what I put out.

    I wish I could tell you that your circumstances have nothing to do with you but hey you don’t hang here so I can continue to pull the wool over your eyes, right? So sugar…. perhaps its time (just as it was for me last night) to take stock in where you are at mentally, physically and spiritually and then say ‘today is the day’.

    xo nicki 

  • November25th

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    The hardest day of my life…

    Posted in: Uncategorized

    Last Friday, November 18, 2011 I heard the words that no expectant mother ever hopes to hear “There is no fetal heartbeat”. As I sat on the ultrasound table numb and searching for reasons I knew this was going to be the hardest day of my life. I was sick, I knew that coming in to the hospital but I simply thought I had a vicious flu, not an aggressive infection that would take the life of the tiny baby growing inside my belly.

    14 hours later and after an intense labour I held closely in my arms that tiny tiny baby just 15 weeks gestation and we said goodbye.

    I have spent the last week outside of myself, circling around how to move on, how to move through and how to just get dressed. The feeling of loss at times is overwhelming almost suffocating – but yet I still live.

    Today as I go to light a candle for our little one, the sun is shining, the air crisp and I can feel the beautiful soul of our baby dancing in the heavens – I can see the beautiful soul of our child everywhere I see love and I know that wherever I am, wherever I go, our child’s soul will be lighting my life.

    The only way to move on is to move through, the only way to move through is to feel, the only way to feel is to surrender.

    So today I beg you, I plead with you – stop saying “I’ll start that tomorrow” or “my dreams are not realistic”. Tomorrow is never a guarantee, tomorrow is not promised so live for today, for this very moment and do something miraculous.

    xo nicki

  • November28th

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    Choices, Choices, Choices

    Posted in: Uncategorized

    Darling, today I am talking to you. To the you that feels like you have no choice as to where you are in your life right now – right here. Maybe its an overall uncomfortable feeling of uneasiness or maybe its that one long lost dream that has been looming over you for years or maybe its just the feeling that you need a change, a fresh start.

    As I laid in bed last night tossing and turning trying to get to sleep I had a deep conversation with myself that resulted in knowing I always have a choice and although sometime’s things don’t turn out exactly how I envisioned them and hoped for them to be – I still have a choice.

    I have a choice to get out of bed every morning. I have a choice to perceive my life as a gift. I have a choice to see others as I hope they would choose to see me – with kindness and compassion. I have a choice to let go of belief systems that are no longer serving me or my life. I have a choice of who I choose to spend my time with. I have a choice to create something miraculous every day. I have a choice to see the love in this life, in every circumstance.

    So sweetheart – everything isn’t always going to work out, things aren’t always going to be perfect, but that’s the beauty – it is in the moments of discomfort comes the opportunity to allow new beginnings, fresh thoughts and co-creation.

    There are just 34 days left until 2012 – let’s not put off our new beginnings until the New Year. Together let’s make the choice to start today, right in this moment, to create those fresh thoughts and know that you always have a choice, regardless if you think you do or not.

    Your choice is simple – your choice is love.

    xo nicki

  • November30th

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    Stop Shovelling SHIT

    Posted in: Uncategorized

    This is a post that I need to hear myself, that I need to honour and finally start running with it.

    Stop shovelling the shit in your life that you are tired of, exhausted from and drained of. Yep sweetie, its offloading time. Time to get serious about this life, time to stop wasting each day, hoping your ship is going to come in or you’ll win the lottery. Time to stop lugging around all that extra weight on your tired little legs. It’s Go Time!

    Today is the day to take ACTION. To do what you love, what lights you up like a friggin Christmas tree, what makes your soul shine and your heart sing. Today is the day to blaze your own trail, to stop worrying about the should’s and cant’s and to throw out your EXCUSES.

    Today the Universe has your back, just believe it.

    xo nicki  

  • December2nd

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    My December Wish

    Posted in: Uncategorized

    You can feel the hustle & bustle already beginning and it is barely December - the malls are packed, the countdown has begun and the lists are being made. Perhaps its the evolution I have been through over the past 2 weeks or maybe it’s just the continual internal shift that seems to be ever-evolving within me but this year my wish for December is much more simple.

    I wish you peace – peace from frantically shopping and quite possibly spending more money than you need too
    I wish you peace from obligations and should have’s
    I wish you peace from the chaos that seems to take over the meaning of Christmas
    I wish you peace and comfy nights in your pj’s feeling the love that surrounds you
    I wish you peace and hot coco and laughing with loved ones
    I wish you peace and quite moments of contentment
    I wish you peace in knowing that you are enough just as you are
    I wish you peace in trusting you are exactly where you are meant to be
    I wish you peace in surrendering a few moments to the magic of Christmas

    I wish you peace.

    xo nicki

  • December7th

    1 Comment

    dear God (the bountiful Universe, my dearest grandpa and my little angel)

    Posted in: Uncategorized

    Alright, OK you have my attention.

    my full un-divided attention. you see, I look back to those monumental moments in my life, particularity in the last few years – breaking my ankle, the birth of my son and I understand now that it took those moments for me to begin to listen – I was not listening, I was numb, had no pulse on my inner light but I have dug, searched, peeled back, revealed and arose ready to live my most authentic truth.  

    but standing here today, in this moment, in my truth, I feel tired, exhausted. I am here in human form struggling with human questions for where you want me to go, what you want me to do. But I stand right here in this moment, surrendering completely and unquestionably ready to listen – so show me what You and this beautiful Universe got

    xo nicki

  • December14th

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    {the PEACE in discombobulation}

    Posted in: Uncategorized

    Ever find yourself unraveling at the seams? Can’t seem to get your shit together?Or just feel like you are about to explode from all the change and chaos that seems to be hovering around you? Well sweets I am SO with you. I continue to work through all that’s going on around me; a loss that is insurmountable, a bathroom reno to our ONLY bathroom (so I am living at my mother’s), Christmas is (yikes) 11 days away and I have yet to do a SINGLE thing (seriously), my full-time job has deals that need negotiating and year end is rapidly approaching – I have contemplated quietly driving to the airport and just hopping on the first flight to somewhere tropical and saying….. ‘FUCK it’ but I am slowly finding the peace in all this discombobulation.

    Here’s the thing -chaos is cleansing. unraveling is refreshing. unearthing yourself is groundbreaking. change is life allowing new opportunities to rush in.I have realized living in the uncomfortable has allowed the freedom for clarity to become my new BFF. Clarity of what’s important in this life. Clarity of what I know to be true. Clarity for what I truly want.

    Chaos is the first step in blazing your new trail. So grab on to what you can – start stitching your life back together in the way that YOU WANT TOO, by no one else’s standards, no one else’s expectation and allow the ruin, the chaos to be your most triumphant step towards the life you have always wanted.

    xo nicki 

  • December29th

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    2011… the year of GO

    Posted in: Uncategorized

    I love the week between Christmas and New Years – there seems to be a quietness in the air, a stillness from the hustle and bustle of the holidays. I am a big fan of New Year’s and taking a few moments to relish in the year that has passed, the up, the downs, the good, the bad and the plain old ugly.

    2011 for me was a year of GO – a ‘shit or get off the pot’ kinda year.

    It was time for me to stop saying what I wanted and start actually taking (baby) steps towards it. My word for 2011 was COMMITMENT and I believe it influenced me in those dark moments when fear was loud and angry and I almost threw in the towel. COMMITMENT gave me the permission I was seeking to say YES, let’s GO. And although 2011 saw some of the happiest moments and darkest hours, it was a year I am proud to have lived and grown through.

    At the very least I am standing very strong in my brilliance, have accepted the beauty within and know where my demons like to hang out. There is much work to be done – but isn’t that the fun of it all? For me the digging, searching and surrendering is the very essence of this life.

    So as I reflect on the year that has passed, I realize I am raring to go for 2012 with a new word and a new focus, tools in my pockets, inspiration up my sleeve and a smile on my face.

    I invite each of you before the year moves forward to recognize where you are standing in this moment, be proud of all you have accomplished and know that you have the choice to either let it go or take it with you into the New Year.

    xo nicki 

  • January1st

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    2012…. let’s do this!

    Posted in: Uncategorized

    HAPPY 2012 you gorgeous, radiant you! 

    Ahh don’t you just love the smell of a fresh year? A chance to start something really mind-blowing and life changing? January 1st is quite possibly one of my most beloved days of the year. It’s that invigorating realization that the next 365 days might just possibly be the year to conquer all that you dream of.

    Over the past few weeks I have had the opportunity to do some really really deep digging – explore, exfoliate and question some of my most clinging beliefs and have emerged knowing that I am going to blow the roof off 2012. I am armed with my willingness to see myself fully, ready to do the work to transform and set this world on fire.I got big plans BABY! 

    But before we get ahead of ourselves (can you tell I’m excited- can you, can you) I want to share my word for 2012 with you….. drum roll please……….ease.Yep, my big word for 2012 is ease and although at the first sound of the word it might seem a little relaxed, more passive than ass kicking. here me out.

    AFFLUENCE is ease. ABUNDANCE is ease. COMMITMENT is ease. INSPIRATION is ease. CREATIVITY is ease. BEING CONNECTED is ease. KINDNESS is ease. COMPASSION is ease .  FORGIVENESS is ease . BEAUTY is ease. GLOWING is ease. FLOW is ease. TRACTION is ease. LOVE is ease. MOMENTUM is ease. RADIANCE is ease. SURRENDERING is ease.

    perfect right?well since my little angel flew to the heavens, I have had several un-earthing moments (naturally) and decided to use those moments of pain as fuel to really kick my soul digging up a notch and you know what I found??? a serious fear of success and a co-dependent need for struggle. I know what you are thinking – this chick??? yep, I always believed that I had a fear of failing but nope.nada. this girl is scared shitless of her light and of fully realizing my own potential – cause that shit would be really off the hook!

    So when I realized this, I off course do what I know best and march off to see someone who can un-nerve me even more. 2012 is all about ease hot stuff and letting my brilliance shine. none of us are meant to struggle, we are meant to grow and flourish effortlessly through this life and that’s just what I am going to do.

    ease & kisses

    xo nicki 

  • January3rd

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    Step Into Your Brilliance

    Posted in: Uncategorized

    I am having one of those moments… a moment of prayer, anticipation and extreme inspiration. It is January 3rd and I am already settling in to ease so much easier than I thought (hello, wasn’t that the point darling?). I have buried a few hatchets in the past 3 days – and have resurrected this piece of me that exudes deliciousness. this is it. 

    But in all this juicy amazingness, I almost forgot that next Tuesday is the FIRST DARE Session of 2012. Not only am I at my best in front of ya’ll but these last 6 weeks have given me some serious bling and I am very excited to share it all with you.

    ALERT:date change for DARE sessions… they are now the second tuesday of every month.mark them on your calendars. missing them means missing the best version of yourself.  

    So here is what is in store for January’s session:

    Step Into Your Brilliance
    How Finding Your Sacred Balance Reveals Your Truth

    We are going to hash out how to find your own sacred sweet spot, hash out priorities and learn how to OWN your majestic gifts so every day you are singing and shining.

    Where: Decades Coffee Shop and online

    When: January 10th, 2012

    Time: 7pm sharp – we start with meditation

    Sessions are approx 90 minutes long and participation is encouraged for those that want to share

    OHHH and the best part. Because I am standing in my sparkle right at this moment, I am declaring January “Pay What You Want”

    That means that once the session is over and you are oozing divine inspiration you will get to decide how much you want to pay for the session and if that’s nadda.zip.zilch, that’s cool, cause I know you’ll be back.

    So how to sign up right?Just email me at nicki@daringtolive.ca please specify if you are in-person or online and wabam – you are in.

    Hope to see you lovely so we can spread the sparkle all around this globe – me & you baby.
    (and don’t forget to spread the love.wink) 

    xo nicki  

  • January9th

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    Here is to…moments

    Posted in: Uncategorized

    We live through hundreds of thousands, maybe even millions of moments within our life time.

    Small moments, quiet moments, loud and spectacular moments. Many float by without much thought, many mark our lives for eternity but moments are always guaranteed to happen.

    Two years ago today was the birth of my son. a moment that will forever be a part of me, embedded into my cells until the moment that I no longer walk the earth. It was a loud spectacular moment to begin with, the moment where I finally got to see the incredible face that had been growing within the walls of my belly for the past 9 months. it was not a typical romanticized glamourous moment of childbirth. it was raw, full of emotion and honest.
    and within the first moments of seeing his pink chubby face, I knew. I knew the life that had been was no longer, I knew that I needed to be everything I could for myself in order for me to be everything for him.

    this moment was my catalyst for change within my life. it meant no more waiting for the right time. no more holding back on my dreams. no more excuses or reasons. all that was left was love. love for myself and for the indescribably beautiful baby I was holding in my arms.

    It was 2 years ago today that marked the shift within myself that finally gave me permission to say “yes, you deserve all you have ever dreamed of girlie – go out and get it”.

    Every moment you encounter presents the opportunity to become embedded in your cells, the moments that take your breath away, the moments that teach, the moments that enrich en, the moments that crack you open a little wider. Listen for these moments, watch and open yourself to the beautiful gifts that you may receive. I know from opening myself to that moment fully has allowed me to realize some of my deepest dreams, has put me face to face with my biggest demons and allowed me the room to breathe the freshest air from flying beyond what I thought possible for my life.

    So January 9th, is not only a day that I celebrate the brightest star in my life but that I say thank you to myself for receieving the gifts the moment of his birth allowed.

    love you heaps & mountains my little monkey,

    xo nicki

  • January11th

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    makin love to my $$$

    Posted in: Uncategorized

    I have a little secret to tell you.

    I am/was one of those women who NEVER paid attention to what was coming in or going out of our bank account. My hubby who keeps impeccable records has always been the one for the past few years who kept dibs on the cash.the moohla. the cha-ching. In mid December as it became glaringly obvious of my need for struggle, I realized that my relationship with money wasn’t all that abundant and wasn’t jiving with my new word of ease.

    After a great DARE session last night, it’s been confirmed that talking about money makes people squeamish. turn the other way uncomfortable. change the subject quickly. but you should know me well enough by now that well I ain’t falling for it. so here i’ll go first. ready to break barriers and take my power back from the not-so almighty dollar.

    it’s just money, really, just a piece of paper. a way of exchanging goods and services. I have given my power over to the dollar & cents for most of my life. wrapping my own self worth in how much my paycheque is (btw it’s $54,000 year), that I should know what my net worth is (still haven’t calculated it), what I am able to obtain as the next rung on my ladder to perceived success. I have charged it, put myself in way over my head (like way), dug myself back out and have continued the dance of fear around what money seems to come in and out of my life.

    well its now a different conversation. I am making sweet love to my money. I am checking the bank statements, paying the bills and giving homage to what I have in my life- you see gratitude for those bills only breeds more abundance. this isn’t about feeling bad for wanting to be wealthy or our desire to be rich – cause hey, I got big plans for affluence in my life and have no qualms in being honest about it. this is about your relationship with the mighty dollar and how you give it power. how we have become obsessed as a culture on perceived success. it’s ok to want more of it, to love it, just as long as you aren’t defining yourself by it.be grateful for it.

    so if you want to judge me or yourself for how you perceive to be doing better or worse than me, it’s ok, I just know that you’re afraid too and isn’t this what its all about.

    recognizing the fear and saying to hell with it and doing it anyways.
    cause baby that’s how I roll and that’s how I bust through my own fears.

    So I don’t expect you to start telling the world how much you make (trust me it’s not easy) but I do encourage you to get over the fact that money does not define you. it is not you. it does not define you as the person you are standing in your brilliance. it simply is just paper.

    xo nicki

  • January12th

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    i’ll have what she’s having….

    Posted in: Uncategorized

    ever have one of those days where you are seriously shitting rainbows?like. everything you do is set on fire? perfect alignment. the universe is saying yes and the momentum is HOT? well welcome to your brilliance sweet cheeks and i’ll have what she’s having. 

    I have spent the last few days in constant flow, bowing to the universe in awe and plenty of gratitude. Idea’s, people, opportunities, they are stacking up like a set of mala beads and you know what….. I expected this.

    Sister this is what we have been working our hinnies off for and damn, I expect miracles.Every morning when I plop my butt onto my mat I align my vision with what the universe is begging for me to receive. 

    It’s sexy. It’s hot. It’s fire. It’s fierce. It’s freedom.

    xo nicki 

  • January15th

    1 Comment

    I’m bringing sexy back

    Posted in: Uncategorized

    Within the tranquil walls of one of my favourite places, the spa, I declared to bring my sexy back…. hello. I am 29 (almost 30) and somewhere between 25 and yesterday I seemed to have lost my sex appeal. Now I could blame it on things like I can’t wear stiletto’s anymore or that I had a baby…the typical waa waa bullshit. 

    Instead I realized that it only had to do with the fact that well, I was a little lost on the inside and that reflected back on the outside. These days, I am quite honestly feeling like a freaking rockstar taking centre stage and the crowd roaring all around me. It was a sad realization to think that the outside doesn’t reflect that.umm even one little bit.

    It was the moment that I realized my outer self care was being put on the backburners. I was relying on the spark within me to light the way for the outer me. And now that the inner light is burning brighter than ever, its time to start shakin it up a little. It’s time to reclaim my sexy.

    So no it doesn’t mean dressing like I’m still in high school or spending atrocious amounts of moo-la on expensive products or clothes, its simply an attitude and a quite moment of thanks to say ‘you’ve done the work on the inside, now shine on the outside, you deserve this’. It’s that moment when you decide that you are worth it. It’s the quiet confidence in standing in exactly who I am.

    Sexy is a revolution. Sexy is claiming your brilliance. Sexy is knowing you are beautiful exactly as you are.

    xo nicki 

  • January17th

    2 Comments

    Be Authentic & the World Will See You….

    Posted in: Uncategorized

    Not so long ago, I was ashamed of who I was, afraid to be brilliant, afraid to dream big. concerned of what everyone thought of me. concerned I didn’t have enough rungs on my ladder and was only focused on checking off all the boxes on life’s to-do list. I was merely a bystander in my own life. I watched it float by moment after moment. 

    I have spent the last 2 years submerged within my soul, daring myself to be brilliant, to shine as bright as the stars in the sky, to have the courage to stand in my own authenticity. and what have I learnt…. be authentic and the world will see you. And isn’t that what we all truly want – to be seen in our wholeness, in all our glorious, juicy realness.

    so beautiful, this is an invitation to your life. go out and be bold. take risks. love wildly. explore your childlike curiosity. get out of your comfort zone. be fierce. loose control. forgive. give up expectations. be present. put yourself out there. breathe, sing & dance. release your fears. shine.

    you are radiant. you are enough.

    xo nicki 

  • January31st

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    red hot february…

    Posted in: Uncategorized

    ok my sizzling little cupcakes. tomorrow is February 1st, the first day of the month of L.O.V.E. 

    I heart the month of February for 2 reasons. Valentine’s Day = chocolate and February 25= my anniversary to my very yummy hubby.

    This february however I plan to double dip myself in a whole lot of self love.

    Self love is the premise to shining your light, owning your brilliance and spreading your wings to fly.

    Being in love with you, madly, widely in love with you will release a crazy temptress onto this world, an unstoppable love crazy passionate, gifted wild woman and darling that is exactly what we need.

    A healthy love affair with yourself can come in all shapes and sizes but all equals the same thing = you love you, for exactly who you are. Not just when you fit your favorite jeans, not just when you are all done up, not just when you are rocking at something. always. every time you look into the mirror, every time your freckles on your face and your butt shine through, every time you don’t score the gold star.

    you are a uniquely divine delicious women. your light is what this world needs. your dancing soul ignites and infects this world with red hot passion and i love you.

    so this february vow to love yourself a little more. take that soothing bath, shake your assets, speak beautifully to yourself, treat yourself to a pedicure, snuggle up with a book and forget the laundry, write yourself a love letter, celebrate who you are. promise yourself at least 30 minutes every day, just for you and the sexy prowess that resides within your soul. unleash her a little, feed her, nourish her and she will love you always.

    xo nicki 

  • February3rd

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    bring it on cupcake.

    Posted in: Uncategorized

    I figure one of my most precious gifts is the constant willingness to look at my shit.Although at times I feel vulnerable beyond belief, I am always willing to question, everything. To examine, stare my fear in the eyes and not back down. Fear.less.ness does not only apply to those who go raging into the unknown with swords drawn and wings spread. fearing less belongs to those as well who simply make a choice to choose love over their fear. to say yes to all the possibility within yourself. 

    Last night after watching a touching movie about the life of Lois Wilson (the woman who’s husband started AA), I realized with a heavy heart that I still have some yucky residue and a fear of not being enough, which stems from my dad and his issues with alcoholism (we have an amazing relationship now). I know logically that I am enough, I know that I have everything within me, I just need to walk through it. And instead of holding an ounce of resentment, I simply decided instead to choose love. This is simply another layer I need to peel back to fully allowing myself the freedom to be whole.so bring it on. 

    When it comes to fear, it can be an intricately beautiful dance. It ebbs and flows with the constant change in your life. It will rear its not so pretty head when you least expect it and retreat when you say ‘no thank you’ but contrary to what many think – fear is a good thing. It gets your butt out of some sticky situations and gets you to speak up when you might just rather be quiet. It certainly got my ass into the hospital when I new something was terribly wrong with me, and although it didn’t save my little nugget, it saved my hiney.

    Superwoman syndrome of fearlessness is not part of the daring to live moto, fear.less.ness is. Its all about feeling your fears, acknowledging, being grateful for them and when appropriate kindly and gently ask them to step aside, cause dammit you are ready to shine. 

    Armed with a kick in the ass last night, I am choosing with ease to always be enough, in every situation, with every thought.

    As we continue to celebrate the month of self love, ask yourself, what fear am I ready to release, ready to stare in the face and move through anyways? After all fearing less is one of the sexiest things you can do for yourself – hello slinky lingerie for the soul!

    xo nicki 

    ps. I have some major exciting juicy things in store so stay tuned for more fear.less.ness!

  • February7th

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    r.e.s.p.e.c.t

    Posted in: Uncategorized

    Whenever I hear the word sacrifice I get the hibbie geebies- like its a bad virus that I don’t want to come in contact with. same goes for willpower. uhhh they all seem to lead back to a place of lack in my mind. However, when we kicked off 2012, I vowed to manifest ease in my life and re-arrange some of my most ancient belief systems – and well that meant creating new definitions for both sacrifice & willpower. 

    I realized that like anything in life, I get to be the one who decides on how I define things in my life, how I perceive them and how I interact with them. huh? imagine the control we would have if we conciously decided how we were going to interact with certain words. that is some serious kick ass freedom.

    So here I was driving this morning, sun shining like a hot August day and I realized that both sacrifice and willpower only equate to respect.

    Respect in saying yes to that delicious divine voice that is calling out to you. Sacrifice’s made for personal gain (and only that) are a beautifully wrapped gift to yourself. A gift that says to you “you have asked for this outcome, here are the parameters in which it will be delivered”. Let’s take the book I am writing for instance. I clearly have to make sacrifices of my time in order to let the book evolve. This would include sacrifices to family time or time I could be spending doing things around the house.

    Willpower is much the same.It is the respect that you are choosing to stay on the path that your divine voice is asking for. Willpower in staying true to what you desire is the highest form of self love. Yep self love. However only when you are in a state of love, not a state of self loathing. Like this morning I was quite cozy in bed and had thoughts of turning off my alarm and staying in bed instead of greeting my Jillian Michaels video at 5:30am. However a very loving voice encouraged me to get out of bed and move my body – no self hatred allowed. 

    This really made me think of how I have defined certain words in my life and the ripple effect they’ve had. It all comes back to choosing love and knowing we all have the choice, in every instant, to see the love that’s right in front of us.

    xo nicki 

  • February13th

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    {v-day} and why I choose to LOVE!

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    OK I am going to be honest…. I love Valentines Day. I am not one of the hundreds of people who avoid it because they feel it is simply just a day full of commercialism. Perhaps it is. Perhaps it was created simply just to jack up card prices and sell a ton of chocolate… but none the less I love to spend the day honouring and loving myself and all those around me. 

    Valentine’s Day isn’t simply just a day to celebrate your romantic partner – it is a day to celebrate LOVE. I love my husband, I love my son, I love my mother, father, step mother, I love my brothers, I love my in-laws (all 4 of them), I love my siblings in-law, I love my friends, I love my co-workers, I even love strangers but most importantly I love ME!

    V-day for me is all about reflecting and celebrating all the love that I have been blessed with in my life. It is a day to breathe it all in, say ‘I love you’ to those beautiful people in your life and open yourself up for even more love to flood in.

    Absolutely I think we should celebrate those we love every day but hey what’s wrong with even a little more love to make the world go round?  

    Valentine’s Day is also a perfect day to pour on a little self love. As soon as you wake up tomorrow try standing in the mirror, look yourself in the eyes, give yourself a hug and say “I love you beautiful” – its like a chocolate cupcake for your inner spirit and she will feel soooo loved.

    So whether you avoid the day or embrace it, I invite you to reserve the day for L.O.V.E, whether its romantic love, BFF love or showering yourself in self love {I recommend all love} – cause sugar its all the same, and truly makes the world a better place.

    love and cupcakes,

    xo nicki 

    {ps. I make homemade cards, avoid buying chocolate and give out free hugs all day long – how do you celebrate?}

  • February20th

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    the {teeter-totter} affect

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    leaping from the ground. flying through the air. reaching the top, sometimes with a bump. dangling your legs in the air, feeling free. coming back down to earth. 

    There are moments in life that seem to teeter and then totter. It is the moments that you await with bated breath to take another leap, knowing that you will always come back down. That with every leap of faith, when you reach the top it may look a little different, may feel more open, may change your perspective. Occasionally you can balance in the middle but you always know you must make the decision to keep climbing up or head back down.

    I live for the moments of pushing off from the ground of which is my reality. The moment of pure exhilaration when you leave the earth for opener skies of possibility. Fear is mostly who is sitting on the other side of me, generally bringing me down with an unpleasant bump, only to find that just a few moments later I am taking yet another leap. Some leaps are bigger than others, some are just decisions of throwing caution to the wind and trusting that my inner voice is always right.

    But I say leap. bound. feel free. honour your rite to fly. gain new perspective on your way up. harness growth on your way down. but trust that with every push off from where you are at this moment is an opportunity to grow wings. 

    xo nicki 

  • February28th

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    {harness} your power

    Posted in: Uncategorized

    you have a beautiful, unique superpower just waiting to erupt from you. So many of us rest on our excuses, take our disadvantages to bed with us at night and expect that when we wake up in the morning everything is going to be totally different than yesterday. well my gorgeous sister, if you want to harness your powers, if you truly want the life of your dreams then you need to go out and get it. you need to get over scared and embrace change. you need to ditch control and cozy up to unexpected. you need the air of possibility to fuel you in the wee hours of the morning. 

    the power that is within you is more powerful than anything you can learn – it is your gift, your god-given genius, your natural persuasion of passion mixed with raw authenticity and its freaking juicy. I have wavered back and forth in my life as to whether your art form can be taught. I truly believe that your power is something you are born with, it is something that sets your soul on fire as a 5 year old and still does – its pure and so damn delicious.

    As a 5 year old I danced, loved the spotlight. I was a magnet. As I went through high school I found my stride in writing and performing speeches, essay writing, creative opportunities to meld learning in with visual play, I mentored, taught and led. I was still a magnet. In my professional career, I lead, created, taught, mentored, stole the stage and was still a magnet. Up until a few years ago I would have never connected to dots to what my pure brilliance was – it simply never occurred to me.

    I believe that when I came into existence I was preparing for the very life I had led- given the beautiful tangible gifts that I now own so very proudly. free to harness my powers. free to accept my life’s greatest work. free to inspire. free to be imperfect but perfect in the same rite. free to question. free to stretch beyond anyone’s possibility but my own. 

    So gorgeous find your power, your sweet spot. take responsibility for your gifts, get out there and shine.

    dare to dream outside your comfort zone. 

    xo nicki 

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