Daily Thoughts/Reflections: Why Health Comes First..

I am not a person who embraces the feeling of being ill. Believe it or not, there are individuals out there who thrive off of the attention they receive when they are not feeling good. I am quite the opposite. There was a time when I was very active and I would partake in a number of activities that would involve me being very physical. This would include jogging, roller-
blading, cycling amongst other things.

However, over the years and with the launching of some of my ventures as well as balancing work, my health has been failing me; or should I say, I have been failing my health. I was recently diagnosed with having chronic fatigue and iron deficiency, meaning that I haven't been taking enough iron. This has seen my hair break drastically, my body ache, an increased lack of concentration and mood swings.

The past few months have been horrendous and it has meant that all of the things that I enjoy doing have been pushed aside.

However, like many things, there is a light at the end of the tunnel. I have spent the last few days looking at eating habits and it is evident that I haven't been mindful of what I have been putting into my body. As a result, I have become a shadow of my former self!

I am now making more informed choices about what I am eating, I am developing a exercise plan which will involve me working out more, both indoors and outdoors, taking time out for meditation and reading which will allow my mind and body to de-stress. I'm also going to start juicing more and to re-visit yoga (as this was something I used to do most evenings)

When it comes to having goals in place, it really is impossible to achieve them if your health is not in check.

The next few weeks will be vital for my own development and that of my brand. A number of days ago, I had a very productive brainstorm with my creative director and co-editor to evaluate, just what needed our attention and focus over the coming months.

I'm very excited that at last, I have a vision, a direction and a goal, worth working towards. Therefore, it is absolutely paramount that I work on not only the progress of In-spire LS and Shop In-spire but that I also work towards developing a stronger version of myself.

Watch This Space.

Sasha
x

Read More

Daily Thoughts/ Reflections: Life has a time limit.

I've found myself thinking about the past and asking myself what if? Whilst pondering on the past and questioning the unchangeable I pushed aside my present and future plans and to do lists.

This contributed to me falling into a demotivated state; one that saw me question my very existence. It was damaging to say the least. initially, I tried to refocus and failed. But, luckily for me; my good friend Sasha provided me with many truths, which helped me to shift my negative mood to a positive one.

This evening I was reading the blog of a family friend Colin Smith who you may of read about on our site! And I realised life has a time limit. If someone like Colin can continue to push on with his life and use his fatal illness to help others despite knowing his time is limited, then why am concentrating on something I can never change?

So many people spend so much time focusing on the 'what ifs' instead of the changes they need to make. If more people had the determination and spirit that Colin possesses, the world would truly be a better place and more people would be achieving their dreams and each and every step would be appreciated.

If you haven't read Colin's story click here: http://headcase-ironman.me/category/colins-blog/

Colin's story is inspirational but more funding is needed for the charity 'Headcase'so do check out the whole blog on ways you can help.

I'm now feeling inspired and I know what I have to do to refocus and get back on track. Remember, to seize each day.
Dream, Believe, Achieve!

Katie

Read More

Daily Thoughts/ Reflections: Count Your Blessings

A large part of life contains some form of struggle! Big or small a struggle is still a struggle and it still needs to be overcome!

I've spent a majority of my life struggling or so I thought! but as I've grown I have to wonder if they're struggles or lessons and tools that have built, taught and moulded me as an individual; all in place in making me the woman I am today.

I ask myself what kind of person would I be without the struggles? Where would my determination and passion to succeed come from without the knock backs and the continual setbacks?

It's very easy to be blinded by your struggle so much so that it overtakes your life and instead of finding solutions you find your struggle becomes bigger and harder to deal with.

The easiest way to overcome the struggles of life is to look on the bright side of it! Find them blessings around you and feel thankful for everyone! And believe me everyone has some form of blessings around them be it family friends a roof over your head and even the food in your belly! Everything good small and even things that are simple are a blessing in some form because many wish for what you have!

I find the moment I think of all of my blessings, evaluate where I have been, what I've overcome and how far I have come, I forget the struggle and turn it into a learning tool! So I can focus on turning the negatives into positives.

I spent a large part of my life not having anyone I could count on. However, I finally feel that I've surrounded myself with the right people! And God I am thankful for them, they are without fail major blessings in my life!

I encourage you to count yours!

Read More

Daily Thoughts/Reflections: So Far So Good- Reasons Why You Should Visit Shop In-spire

I'm excited! My back is aching and I'm feeling like passing out from fatigue, but I'm so proud of the four covers we have put out so far.

It may not seem like much to some. But, we spent 2 years uploading posts onto our website http://www.in-spirelsmagazine.co.uk to launching our online store...

http://www.shopin-spire.com

Over the next few months, you will be able to purchase everything IN-SPIRE LS including: tees and hoodies, mouse mats and mugs! The list is endless. The store recently launched and you can currently purchase fair trade merchandise, jewellery with a positive message, In-spireLS Magazine Subscriptions and individual issues.

Look how far we've come....

We can't wait to reveal the next cover star- these are just some of the reasons why you should visit http://www.shopin-spire.com 

Read More

Daily Thoughts/Reflections: Back On The Beautiful Track

It has been such a long time since any of us have managed to blog. When it comes to blogging, the truth is; people are more receptive to you when you do it daily. Saying that, I must add that the past few months have been BUSY! It was so important to take some time away and to re-evaluate the vision, my life and the direction I want to go in. Sometimes, you need take time to reflect. To look at your life and all that is taking place with renewed perspective. Over the past few months, challenges have continually presented themselves and there have been instances where I have wanted to throw in the towel and stop everything.

However, I have had to be honest with myself. Nothing I have ever attempted and evidently achieved has come easy to me. Everything of worth which is currently present in my life, has become present and constant because of my own hard work, persistence and diligience. I believe wholeheartedly in hard work and I am the first to preach that 'If first you don't succeed, dust yourself off and try again' But, there have been moments when I have felt that I am tired of falling.... It has been in the last few days that EVERYTHING has begun to click into place. I now know that the path I am on IS THE RIGHT ONE.

I also realise that it may take me a little longer than I had wished. Yet, I am proud of the fact that I have a dream, that I have something to work towards. A goal that I can dedicate myself and work on everyday. Nothing is more beautiful than that. Today, In-spireLS Magazine headed down to the Fashion event Pure London in Kensington Olympia. It was a fantastic event, filled wth the best in fashion brands, catwalk shows and seminars. The major highlight was listening to a talk by model and entrepreneur Caprice. My mother and I, had been fans of her for a very long time. So it was refreshing to see her in the flesh and to see how approachable and down to earth she is. We also got the chance to listen to a short interview/catch-up with "The Only Way Is Essex" Star Samantha Faiers and her business partner Libby Low talk about their business venture 'Minnies Boutique'. (keep an eye out for my full review of the event on http://www.in-spirelsmagazine.co.uk) It was listening to all of these women share their stories that truly inspired me.

Too often, I spend time giving 'time' to people and events which do not shape or have influence on any area of my life at all. Attending this amazing event was a major highlight and was a fantastic day spent with some of my team. It also helped me realise that what I am working on WILL work even better than I had imagined and will continue to inspire and motivate me to create even bigger opportunities. I'm excited and more FOCUSED than ever before. I'm fully back on the beautiful track.

Read More