The Manifesto Corner - Ashley Freeman

Motivating, Inspiring, Passionate and Humble are a few words to describe this fitness bombshell- Ashley Freeman.  Ashley has her very own You Tube Channel, Fitness Blog, E Book and a forever expanding Instagram Account @ashleymfreeman . She has come so far and has achieved so much in 2013 and has Huge plans for 2014. I got to interview Ash and got her to open up about how she got to where she is today, her struggles, her triumphs and what some of her future plans are for next year. Get ready to be inspired by one amazing girl!

What are the key steps you took to manifesting your dreams in Fitness and health?

When I look at myself there is still such a long way until I’ve achieved what I want to! 2013 has been a real building year for me, I set out to share my own journey of health through instagram and am blown away by the amount of people who wish to share it with me! I competed in my first fitness modelling competitions, completed my personal training course and also reached out to and connected with a lot of the people who have inspired me so much. This year I guess I have been laying ground work for everything I wish to achieve in 2014.

I think what I have learnt is that a lot of our dreams and goals are so close and within easy reach. A lot of the time we over complicate the journey to achieve them. If you can sit down and really look at what you want to achieve, then break it down into small steps there really is no limit to what you can do. I’ve also learnt to ask for help and advice. I was always so stubborn and wanted to do everything for myself. Now I love asking for help from people who have been in my position before, there is so much knowledge flowing through the people around you, and there is certainly no shame in ever asking for help!

What is your favourite quote and how does it resonate with you?

Ahhhh I have SO many favourite quotes! This is so hard! IT is very simple but I do love ‘Be the change you wish to see in the world’. It only takes one person to inspire their families and friends to make a change who will inspire others and so it goes on.

 Your only 22 years old yet you have achieved so much success and a lot of girls would look up to you for inspiration. What would be your words of wisdom to all your fans that want to manifest their own dreams and career success?

I really can’t stress enough how important it is to believe in yourself and back yourself 100%. There are always going to be people who will question or doubt what you are trying to do and that is fine, but I have just always remained so strongly focused on what it is that I want that it doesn’t bother me what others may say or think. Our lives are so short, and the fact that you are sitting at a computer or on your phone reading this means that you have so much more than so many people in this world. It is our own responsibility to make our lives exactly what we want as no one else is going to make your dreams come true for you. Not only do you need to take every opportunity you are given but you also need to make opportunities. One more thing, be kind, respectful and understanding to every person that you meet. It is incredible how different people from my past have come back into my life and have helped me in different ways.

The road to reaching a goal is never easy we all have a few hick ups along the way, did you ever have some tough times through out your journey?

What would the highs be without the lows? There have been a few different things in my life which have changed as I have grown in the past few years. Growing apart from friends as you develop different interests and directions can be hard. However I have found that by following my heart and my passions in life I have met so many new people who are supporting and motivating me to get to where I want to be. Every obstacle makes you stronger. I have made the decision to move away from my former career as a professional dancer as I was told my body didn’t suit the ‘softer’ look anymore since I started working out. That was hard as dancing has always been my life, however health and fitness and inspiring others has consumed me and there are so many things I want to do in this industry, it has my whole heart now. Of course there are people telling you what you’re doing is silly or just simply don’t understand the direction your taking your life in. However I think I’m to stubborn and have too much belief in myself and what I want to achieve to care haha.

What was the pivotal moment for you to get into health and fitness and make a change?

There was no real ‘moment’ for me, my journey was one of making small changes here and there which over time completely changed my lifestyle. I wasn’t always healthy, fit and conscious of my body. I was heavily into all the partying for years aswell. However once I started really looking after myself by eating better and exercising regularly, it became harder and harder to put my body through big weekends of drinking. I still love going out every now and then, but more than anything I love waking up and feeling incredible on the weekends ready to have an amazing day. I guess I’ve seen the incredible changes in my own life that took place when I began looking after myself, and it’s now my mission to help others to feel and achieve the same feeling.

 Who is your role model that you look up to and how do they reflect your own life?

I look up to so many people for so many reasons. People from all different warps of life. But my two biggest inspirations are my parents. I think they are the most incredible people in the world. I am inspired every day by my dad for his passion for learning and bettering himself, his commitment to his health and his incredible loyalty and passion for his family. My mum teaches me patience, caring, acceptance and unconditional love. Both of them have taught me to be a hard worker and have given me incredible self-belief. My whole life they have told me over and over I could be whatever I wanted. I strive to attain all of the qualities I see in them as human beings. They are my biggest inspirations.

You have an incredible fan base on Instagram, including an active and interactive Face Book, a You Tube channel and an amazing Blog, what is next on your to do list to achieve?

My ultimate dream? To have a health and fitness section on a TV show and to be taking my work with me around the world travelling doing seminars and training people on how to be the strongest healthiest and happiest they can be. I would also love to start my own active wear line someday. I am passionate in so many different areas of fitness. I honestly believe everything happens as its meant to and when its meant to so long as you remain positive, driven and proactive.

To some up your mood in one word what would it be?

Driven.

To Join Ashley in Bali for an Active Escape next year, Click the link below to put on a deposit, only a few spots remaining so get in quick!!

www.activeescapes.com.au

Follow Ashley on Instagram: @ashleymfreeman

Like Ashley on Face Book:  https://www.facebook.com/ashleyfreemanfitness

Follwer her Fitness & Health Blog: http://sherunswiththewind.blogspot.com.au

Watch Ashle's Videos: http://www.youtube.com/channel/UC2EhaMuxAyPKvNWYV_XqcVw

Love + Light,

Nikki x

The Beauty Behind a Hot Towel Scrub

Ready to add in a daily ritual that will leave you feeling centered, energized and completely renewed. It is quick and easy and has huge health benefits, read below to find out all about

the Hot Towel Scrub:

The Hot Towel Scrub:

A hot towel scrub can be done before or after a shower, for me I like to do it before my shower or a hot bath. For maximum effect, scrub twice a day for 10-20 minutes depending on the amount of time you have.  The process of the Hot Towel scrub has a deep physical, mental, and emotional effect when done at the sink, so I highly recommend you use the sink rather then in the shower or bath.

Directions to Hot Towel Scrubbing:

(I have added in my own personal touches and some products and tools that I use when I do this Technique, I hope you enjoy…)

Sep 1:

Set the Mood: The next 15-20 minutes is dedicated to me, myself and I. So I make my space (My bathroom) the most peaceful, relaxing place you could imagine. I light my Aromatherapy Co Candle

http://www.thearomatherapycompany.co.nz ,with such a pretty scent of lavender, manuka and wild chamomile. This candle is perfect as it had a strong enough  effect that it lights up a small bathroom so you can have all the lights off and still be able to see.

I then turn on my favorite relaxation app ( Healing) it is a free app and it plays amazing bamboo and flute music for 45 minutes.

Step 2:

Fill it up and add Some Love: when filling the sink, make sure your water it nice and HOT, I place a hand full of Pure Salt Rocks into the water. Salt water helps wash off impurities, it is also known to clear bad energy from your self and others who you may come across during the day. I then add a dash of lavender essence to enhance all the bodies senses.

Step 3:

Wash Cloth Time:  Find a small hand towel or a facial wash cloth to use, try and find 100% cotton so you don’t irritate the skin. Fold the wash cloth into a small square. Hold the towel by both end, take a big breath in and on the exhale place the cloth into the hot water.

 Step 4:

Scrub a Dub Dub: Once the towel is fully wet and hot, wring it out and while it is still hot and steamy start scrubbing your body.

Start with your left hand, work up to your arm then neck, all the way up to your face and chest then back down to your right arm.  Focus on your breathing and the scrubbing motion over the skin. Then after your arms and chest, work your way around your back down to your abdominal, and down your legs. Remember to take your time and keep soaking the towel when it looses its heat. From your upper legs scrub down your calf’s and wrap the towel over your feet to finish the scrub.

Step 5:

Give thanks to the moment: before you turn on the lights, turn of the music and jump into the shower, take a minute to listen to your breath, check in with your self and your body and say thank you for this beautiful moment. This is a time where we can give love to our body and be in a state of complete inner stillness. After the hot towel i might even take it own step further and add a clay based Mask for my face. I love the Jurlique Purifying Mask, it gets rid of impuities and leaves skin feeling fresh an balanced. http://www.jurlique.com.au  

Hot Towel Benefits:

• Reduces muscle tension
• Reenergizes in the morning and relaxes at night
• Opens the pores to relieve stored toxins
• Softens deposits of hard fat below the skin and prepares them from discharge
• Allows excess fat, mucus, cellulite and toxins to actively remove away from the surface, rather than to accumulate around deeper vital organs.
• Relieves stress and calms the mind
• Promotes circulation
• Easy massage and deep self care
• Creates a loving relationship with the body, helps people who struggle with body image problems
• Spreads energy through the chakras.

So you don't have to go have to go to the extreme like i do with all the bells and whistles, but i do encourage you to try and do a Hot Towel scrub at least once a week. Love the body that you are in and give your self a time out.

Love + Light,

Nikki. 

Top Tips for Self Love

As you all are aware I am studying at the most amazing nutrition school in the world Institute of Integrative Nutrition (IIN) I am up to Module 3 and this week is all about Bio Individuality, meaning that every “ body “ is different, we also talk about Self Care and some great tips from Robert Notter for our self and for future clients. I was so inspired by these tips that I felt the need to share this with you all. These are not all the tips and I have interpreted these tips in my own personal way.

Hope this inspires you to take time out each day for “YOU” as you deserve it you amazing human ;)

Tip 1:

Take one step at a time: Remember the phrase “ Rome wasn’t built in a day” well it has a good point, that good things take time and great things take persistence and energy. If you working on a project, or a goal like getting to a healthy weight range, please remember to take it easy and don’t over work your self, take little steps every day to accomplish that end result.

Tip 2:

Have “YOU” time: This step may sound selfish but it’s very necessary, we are constantly catering our self to others and not looking after the number one person in our life (our self). Schedule in some time to do things that you enjoy, where it is read a book, watch a movie of your choice, book in to get a massage, go to your favorite cafe and order your favorite meal or just simply sleep in. Treat your self to a bit of self-healing and love from time to time.  

Tip 3:

Eat Healthy Foods: Eating a well balanced diet with enough vegetables, whole grains, fruits and protein can really impact our bodies. If we eat well we feel well, we sleep better, we are less likely to get sick and we have more energy. Eating junk food and sugary foods constantly make us feel tired and run down, so recharge your body with nutritious foods to make your feel energized and on top of the world.

Tip 4:

Move your bodies: If you are sitting in an office each day you have to remember to move your body. Ideally we should be doing exercise each day even if its just a 30 min power walk, however if you cant get around to it make sure you just move your body, either by jumping around your house, turning on some music and dancing or just stretching it out in your bedroom. Our bodies need to be moved daily to help with our circulation and mobility.

Tip 5:

Breath Frequently: We have moments in our day that we feel stressed, worn down and lacking in energy, we must remember our breath and the importance of deep breathing. By focusing on our breathing we narrow in on our awareness and bring our bodies back to its natural state. Our body next oxygen to survive, so give thanks to the fresh air we get to fill our lungs with and notice each breath feel lighter and lighter as your stress and worries lifts away.

Tip 6:

Don’t Compare Yourself: This is such an important tip to remember, did you know that comparison is the biggest form of unhappiness! If you want to get from A to B and you know that some one has already accomplished what you want, do not envy, bitch and complain that they have something that you want. Instead you should take time to congratulate that person, and say to your self “ hey, if they can do it, then so can I” Remember to give love to the things that you want, the moment you don’t give love to something the universe will respond and you will never accomplish what you set out to accomplish.

Tip 7:

Spend Time with Supportive People: Spend time with those legends in your life that really take you higher, that share the same common interests as you and who can truly motivate you from just being around them. Try to avoid “Energy Vampires”, these are people who complain, nag, bitch, whine and who are just straight up negative about life. Energy Vampires will try to bring you down with them, so make sure you escape the trap and find time to connect more with your support team. Also make sure you find time to say thank you to all those supportive people in your life as they truly are a blessing in your life.

Remember to love the most important person in your life " YOU" when you love your self you attract lots of love back into your life. treat your self to a massage go for a long walk, eat healthy delicious food and spend time with your legendary friends. 

Love + Light.

Nikki. 

The Manifesto Corner with Nicola Wood

Recently I got to interview Nicola Wood, who is the Sunrise Traffic Reporter all the way from the chopper. I met Nicola when I was working in my last PR job, she is such a beautiful warm soul who is such an inspiration to go out and be persistent and get what you really want.

What were the three key tips to manifesting your dream career in journalism and presenting?

I started my career by chasing my passion. In my case, I couldn’t think of anything more exciting and challenging that would make me want to wake up so early in the morning than seeing the sunrise from a chopper while reporting on TV. Secondly, you have to believe you can do it. After finishing my studies, I had no work experience and literally chased down my current role, because I believed I was able to handle the workload. I could see myself in the position and couldn’t imagine doing anything else. Finally, believing you deserve the role isn’t enough – you need to actually be deserving, by always learning, putting in the long hours and taking criticism on the chin. If you believe in your passion enough, then all the work will be worth it in the end.

What is your favorite quote and how does it resonate with you?

‘Fortune favors the brave’ – I love this, because all the risks, all the chances and all the times you are put out of your comfort zone, you can’t possibly lose. When you do something that scares you, you are always going to gain knowledge, experience and wisdom that will add to your character.

I also love a quote of Mother Teresa: “People are often unreasonable and self-centered. Forgive them anyway. If you are kind, people may accuse you of ulterior motives. Be kind anyway. If you are honest, people may cheat you. Be honest anyway. If you find happiness, people may be jealous. Be happy anyway. The good you do today may be forgotten tomorrow. Do good anyway. Give the world the best you have, and it may never be enough. Give your best anyway.”

Every single time I read this quote, I smile.

 What does an average day look like in the World of Nicola Wood?

The alarm goes off at 4:30am and I am out at the airport doing radio crosses, doing make-up and getting ready to fly just before 6:00am. I fly in the traffic chopper for just under 3 hours filming and reporting on accidents and delays for Sunrise on Channel 7, while doing radio crosses in between that. After we land, I’ll drive back home, eat, organize the mess I left behind me in a tired-rush, go for a run and do some work for my blog, First World Beauty Problems. I’ll head back out to the airport just after lunch for the drive shift, where I update the traffic for various radio stations around Sydney through to 7pm. After arriving back home again, I’ll attempt to have some kind of a life by going out to dinner (I’m a horrible cook/can’t be bothered learning) and catching up with friends that have normal work hours. If I’m in bed by 9pm, it’s a good day. If I’m in bed by 10:30pm, it’s probably a more normal day.

Who is your role model and how do they reflect in your own life?

I have a few role models – my Mum for showing me how to be strong and support others, as she has always been such a wonderful support for me. I also look to many of my close friends as role models, as they have had the determination and confidence to go after their dreams, which inspires me to do the same after every catch-up coffee.

If you could be any one in the entire world for the day who would you be and why?

Obviously, I would be Beyoncé. I would pop my hips at every chance, I would hit every high note if someone just asked me how I was, I would chill on some pimping boat with Jay Z and rap about how awesome I am and I would call up my girls from Destiny’s Child to do freeze-frames while singing ‘Say my Name’.

 What are the three key things you want to manifest in your life?

1.    Gratitude. I can be so quick to look for the next thing, the next goal or the next aim without stopping to appreciate what I have around me. Gratitude changes everything.

2.    Meditation. I am horrible at meditating, because I am so easily distracted – yet I find that when I completely put my mind into relax mode, I am much less likely to get annoyed in traffic delays or when I burn my tongue on a soy latte…(I got slightly annoyed even typing that).

3.    Laughter. Nothing attracts me to a person more than humor. The people I have around me are always the ones that make me smile, because sometimes, all you can do is laugh!

 If you came across a huge grassy green hill, how would you go down the hill ( you may use any kind of prop or physical motion) ?

The first thing that comes to my mind when imagining this hill, is sliding down on a board and picking up some serious speed! I would most likely hurt myself at the bottom, but it would be so much fun at the time!

In 1 word how do you describe yourself ?

Excitable. I have always been overly excited by birthdays, Christmas morning, a new outfit, surprises…anything! Usually people grow out of this kind of thing, yet I don’t think I’ll ever be able to stop smiling when my favorite song comes on, squealing down the phone at good news from a friend or completely dying at the specials board at Gelato Messina.