Happsters Happy Questions

Monica The Medium on Her Gift, Happiness & Her Morning Routine

November 17, 2017November 17, 2017by happsters4 Comments

View More: http://dastudios.pass.us/mar-monica

I’m thrilled to be able to share my interview with Monica Ten-Kate, aka Monica the Medium with you today! Monica is an amazing spirit medium, who starred on the reality show “Monica the Medium” on Freeform. I first came across Monica when some friends invited me to her in-person event, where she delivered messages from loved ones in spirit to people in the audience. I was in awe of her gift and am so impressed by her talent. Enjoy the interview!

1. How do you describe what you do?

I talk to dead people. That’s the plain and simple answer. Or in other words, I connect to those who have crossed over who are safe and at peace on the other side.

2. How did you learn that you had this gift?

I was intuitive and empathic growing up, but it wasn’t until high school that I really started to feel, hear and sense spirit around me. It started out with classmates, friends, and even teachers. At first I thought it was a coincidence, but once it started happening around strangers, I realized it couldn’t be a coincidence. The defining moment for me was when I was working at an old job and brought through the dad of a 60 year old senior level engineer who worked there too. His dad showed me his son (the man I was doing a reading for), at 18 years old, finding him deceased next to a motorcycle in a white shed in the backyard. I described the scene clearly to this man I was talking to and he turned completely white and said “how did you know that? I’ve never told anyone that. There’s no way you could have known that.” I was crying and he was crying and I brought through all the messages from his dad. It was really intense and I left there that day knowing that I would be doing this for the rest of my life.

3. Do you have an interesting story you can share from a reading you’ve done in the past?

There have been several times where the location of where I’ve given a reading has been quite interesting (and hilarious). One of the funniest is when I gave a reading in the bathroom at a bar while at Penn State. I was in the bathroom stall and I started receiving messages for one of the girl’s waiting in line. I ended up giving her a reading through the stall!

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4. Have you learned anything from spirit coming through about happiness?

When we lose a loved one, it’s obviously very difficult, but ultimately I’ve learned that Spirit wants us to continue living our life. They love seeing us still find the joy in each day. They truly are the happiest when they see us happy.

5. What podcast or book are you loving lately?

It’s ironic because I’m coming out with my own podcast, but I don’t really listen to any podcasts! One book I recently read that I loved is “The Productivity Project.” It’s about how to increase your productivity. It’s been a light switch for me and changed the way I prioritize tasks.

6. What is your favorite mantra and why?

I just yesterday found this “quote of the day” and I loved it so much that I wrote it down on a post-it note to keep by my desk: “The secret of change is to focus all of your energy not on the old, but on building the new.”

7. Do you have any morning rituals you consistently stick to?

Before I open my eyes in the morning, I take a deep breath and ask Spirit, God, and the angels what I need to know for my highest and best today and soak in the first feeling I get and take that as the message for the day. Also, most mornings I pick an angel card. I have a rule that I have to be happy with the one I get and not pick another one because there’s a reason why I picked it the first time. That card ends up being super accurate!

8. What does a typical day look like for you?

I wake up, feed my dogs, and then pack up my little backpack for the day. Most of the week I go to my gym and work out with my trainer. Then I shower and get Starbucks and go to my office. From there I work on whatever it is I need to do at work that day (plan events, coordinate all the venues, work on the podcast, write a chapter of my book, give readings to those who’ve won giveaways, etc.).

I try to get home by 6pm to spend time with my boyfriend Tyler, but many times I’ll be at the office until late.

9. Do you have anything exciting coming up?

As I mentioned, I just launched a podcast called Wine & Spirits Podcast with Monica the Medium. You can find it here.

You can also see where I’m hosting upcoming Messages from Above events in different cities! www.monicathemedium.com/events.

Social:

Instagram/Twitter: @MonicatheMedium

Facebook: www.facebook.com/MonicatheMedium

Snapchat: MonicatheMedium

Youtube: www.youtube.com/monicathemedium

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This interview is part of Happsters Happy Questions, an ongoing series of interviews that take a peek inside the lives of inspiring women around the world.

Ladies: Are you looking for like-minded, positive friends? Join a Happsters Squad in your city! New squads are opening up in 2018 ❤

Happiness Interviews, Happsters Happy Questions, Uncategorized

Emma Seibold on Her Superpower, Barre, & Being a Mom

May 19, 2017November 22, 2021by happstersLeave a Comment

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I’ve known about Barre Body for a long time and just recently stumbled upon its founder, Emma Seibold. Once I learned a little bit about her, I knew I had to interview her for the blog as part of the Happsters Happy Questions series. She is an incredibly inspiring business owner and mom and I’m excited to share her story with you. Enjoy ♥♥♥

1. Why did you decide to start Barre Body?

Barre Body was born not long after I had my first baby, Xavier. I had been a yoga teacher for a long time and then started incorporating barre into my post baby yoga practice and noticed incredible effects with very little effort almost straight away. I loved how the small, controlled movements at the ballet barre made me feel stable and toned and shaped my body in a way that no other exercise ever had. It really is the most effective workout you’ll ever find and the blend of yoga, pilates and ballet barre conditioning means that it’s always creative and varied and you never get bored.

2. What does a typical day look like for you?

I wake up at 5am so I can fit in meditation and yoga/barre practice before my children wake up sometime after 6. Then it’s a rush to get everyone dressed and fed and out the door for school and day care. Then I sit down at my desk and get to work. I do a lot of phone conferences and create a lot of online content now that I live in Byron Bay away from our studios so I have to be really creative about how I manage the team and how I connect with Barre Body clients and social media followers. I work until about 2.30pm and then we pick the little ones up and often go to the playground before coming home and starting on dinner. The afternoon and evening is for family and then I’ll often do a little bit more work and/or connect with my husband (who is also my business partner) after the kids go to bed. Then I get ready to do it all again the next day! I try to fit in a yoga class here and there and some me time when I can. I also travel a lot for work so I’m often in Sydney, Melbourne or Brisbane visiting our studios.

3. What book have you recommended to friends the most?

A Return To Love by Marianne Williamson is a beautiful guidebook for how to live a life that is guided by love rather than fear. I also really like Big Magic by Elizabeth Gilbert which is all about nurturing creativity.

4. What gives you energy?

Alone time. I really need quiet time by myself every now and again to fill me up. A walk on the beach or a yoga class usually does the trick.

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5. What depletes your energy?

Too many demands on my time or feeling anxious.

6. What’s your super power?

I fall asleep the minute my head hits the pillow which means I get to make the most of those precious sleep hours and get up nice and early the next morning.

I would also say my power of positivity!

7. What is your favorite mantra that continues to be relevant in your life and why?

Live in joy. Be present. Do it all with love.

This came to be at the beginning of this year and it was like it was to be my mantra or my guide for the year. I want to live joyfully and be present in everything I do and make all of my decisions and let all of my actions be guided by love.

8. How has being a mom changed how you’ve run your business?

I was a mum before I started my business or rather, the two happened at the same time so I’ve always had to juggle the two demands on my time. I would say that as my business has grown and matured, I’ve been able to step back a little and give more focus to my children, which is a lovely way to be. It’s always a juggle though and so I just try to really BE wherever I am. If I am with my babies, I am 100% present and likewise for Barre Body.

9. If you could tell your past self something 10 years ago, what would it be?

You are in for one hell of a ride. Trust yourself and amazing things are going to happen.

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10. Do you have any self care rituals that you’ve found recharge you?

Absolutely. Daily meditation and movement practices are central to my wellbeing and a peaceful state of mind. I also love baths and cups of tea! And walking is a favourite way for me to both exercise and clear my mind and allow my creative energy to come through.

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You can find Emma and Barre Body online at: www.instagram.com/barrebody (brand) or www.instagram.com/emmabarrebody (personal), www.barrebody.com.au and www.facebook.com/barrebody

This interview is part of Happsters Happy Questions, an ongoing series of interviews that take a peek inside the lives of inspiring women around the world.

Happiness, Happiness Interviews, Happsters Happy Questions, Uncategorized

Lindsey & Krista from Almost 30 on Friendship, Passion & Wellness

May 12, 2017May 22, 2020by happsters1 Comment

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When I learned about the Almost 30 podcast a few months ago, I listened to it immediately and loved every second of it. I knew from the very beginning that these girls were my kind of girls. Definite “Happsters” at heart!

They are so down-to-earth and interview the most amazing guests on everything from the juice craze to psychic mediums to hormones in a fun and compelling way. I was excited when the podcast hosts, Krista (blogger at The Hundred Blog) and Lindsey (actress, singer, model and SoulCycle Instructor) agreed to an interview. Krista and Lindsey answered separately, so you can see both of their responses to each question below! Enjoy ♥♥♥

1. I love love love your podcast, Almost 30! Why did you decide to start it?

LINDSEY: Krista and I were introduced by a mutual friend who knew that we would connect immediately. Our friendship is SO DAMN EASY. We have supported each other and have been one another’s sounding board from day one. Almost 30 was inspired by our deep chats about who, what, and where we are, as well as hilarious recollections of our early 20’s. We are both obsessed with finding the experts and guru’s, the practices and habits, the products and innovative ideas that will help us to be the best versions of ourselves. Sharing this with our listeners has been the BIGGEST GIFT.

KRISTA: That means so much ☺ we love you. I can’t even remember the genesis behind starting the podcast, but we recorded for a few months in a closet before we shared anything. I have been a podcast fan for years, and felt like there wasn’t a podcast out there that spoke to women in their twenties and thirties about bettering themselves and navigating life’s transitions. We also wanted to bring together a community of women who could support and encourage each other (that’s our secret Facebook group!).

2. How did you two meet?

LINDSEY: As I mentioned above, through a mutual friend! What’s funny is that we both lived in NYC before LA…and then both settled on the west side.

KRISTA: Through SoulCycle! I was auditioning to be an instructor and Lindsey offered to help me out with my audition. After I moved to LA from NYC, I remembered how cool she was and asked her to hang out. We knew instantly that we had something special. Lindsey and I are super similar because we have the same dreamer mentality, plus we work wayyyyy too hard.

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3. What has been the biggest thing you’ve learned since starting the podcast?

LINDSEY: I’ve learned that when I am passionate about something and I have a clear vision, I have the power to commit and follow through. In the past, I had convinced myself that I should be grinding and miserably over-worked in order to achieve what I wanted. The moment I realized that the space between A and B was the best part, that I could actually enjoy the process and thus be inspired to create even more, was the moment I felt free to unapologetically take pride in my path.

KRISTA: Podcasting has taught me so much! It makes me feel like there is something out there for everyone and to have faith that if you persist to do what you want to do. It may not be the first or second thing, but to keep trying. I LOVE my blog, The Hundred Blog, but knew I wanted to incorporate something else. I would have never done the podcast if I didn’t blog for a few years prior. Also, we’ve had the greatest guests on the podcast ever so each time we record I learn so much. As an example, in the Be Well By Kelly episode, I learned about incorporating the ‘Fab Four’ into your diet: Protein, Fiber, Fat and Greens. I try to incorporate that in most meals that I eat!

4. Do you have morning routines? If so, what are they?

LINDSEY: Oh, yes! When I wake up, I put my phone in my night stand drawer for 30 minutes. Within those 30 minutes, I will:

meditate on my little balcony
write three affirmations that I will turn to throughout the day
write down three things I’m grateful for
write down three things I will get done today
take my vitamins
make tea or a small amount of cold pressed coffee with a lot of almond milk
make a healthy breakfast

By then I am awake and have a clear sense of how I want to feel today. Then I can hop on my phone and computer and start to tackle the day!

KRISTA: I do! I am in love with a good morning ritual. It’s super important and sets the tone for your entire day. I would much rather get up early than sleep in and feel late any day. I don’t keep my phone in my room, so my alarm in the kitchen will most likely wake me up. I get up around 5:30 AM and once I do, I’ll take a moment to put my hand over my heart and say thanks. Thanks for waking me up, for my house, for everything! After that I’ll drink warm lemon water (because people have said it works, ha) and then I’ll meditate on the couch for 10 minutes. I usually do a TM meditation and if I can’t get into it, I’ll just do affirmations. After that I’ll leave and go workout (I always get them in early) and then have breakfast when I return. Usually a protein shake + avocado + collagen + pearl powder + maca. I love Sun warrior Protein in Vanilla or Vega Sport (super smooth and delicious).

5. When you’re having a bad day, how do you pull yourself back up?

LINDSEY: A great workout never fails to raise my vibration. It helps me to shake up any mental, physical, creative, or emotional blocks I might be experiencing. I also love being by water when I’m feeling off. Water is so calming and humbling to me, so I will usually take a walk on the beach to reset and recommit to the day.

KRISTA: Meditation really helps me to navigate any bad day. It’s changed my life in that way. I know that if I do have a bad day, or a bad week, that it’s temporary and it won’t last forever. I also don’t attach myself to the feeling. So if I am stressed for some reason, practicing un-attachment really helps me to stay happy. I remember that feeling just ‘is’ and it’s not Krista. Or I’ll have a good vent session with my sister because what else are sisters for?

6. What is your favorite mantra that continues to be relevant in your life and why?

LINDSEY: My potential is greater than any problem I have.

My dreams are big. As I pursue them my mind tends to create problems, because, well, that’s what the mind does. It tries to protect me by looking for what could go wrong or what isn’t so perfect in the moment. This mantra/affirmation reminds me that the problems are specifically for me and I am more than capable of finding flow in any situation.

KRISTA: My mantra is ‘I am’, which reminds me to always ‘be’ wherever I am, and that I can always consider myself at home. I repeat it whenever I need to be reminded to be more present. I also use it when I am saying my affirmations, I’ll use ‘I am…’ then add whatever I need to hear that day like “strong” or “golden” or “love.” After I meditate, I always do a few affirmations before I start my day.

7. Do you have any wellness rituals that you swear by?

LINDSEY: I’m learning that if I don’t take care of me now, I will be useless for my dreams later.

massage every two weeks
facial every three weeks
move my body every day
YOGA YOGA YOGA
I sleep with my crystals (placing the appropriate crystals on my chakras to balance and ground me)

I use Saje essential oils before bed and to wake up in the morning! “Cleanse” is one of my favorites. I put it on the bottom of my feet before bed and I AM KNOCKED OUT and feel amaaaazing in the morning!!

KRISTA: Honestly I have tried them all. Everything under the sun! I love trying new things, seeing how good I can feel and experimenting! I’ve tried LED Light Therapy, Cupping, Acupuncture, Reiki, Crystal Therapy, Cryotherapy…to name a few! This is so weird, but I swear by not taking birth control, ha. I stopped taking it 5 years ago, and have never felt better. My mood improved, I felt clearer, and my hair, skin and nails looks so much better – especially my hair! It’s never been so thick. I have the copper IUD which is amazing and non-hormonal. Once I got off birth control, I was also able to pay close attention to my hormone levels and feel so much more connected with myself.

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8. You two have such a great bond. Do you have any tips on how others can find friends as adults?

LINDSEY: Such a good question. It is so important that you follow what makes you happy and what fills you up. You will find like-minded people there. As I’ve gotten older, I’ve become more aware of what my authentic self feels like. The more I stand in that truth, the more people I attract who have similar goals, visions, love, light, and balance.

KRISTA: YES. Definitely. A lot of the way that Lindsey and I met I felt like was divine timing. It helps that at this stage we know who we are and have similar interests. Along with that, we have a deep respect for the other person. Not only do I love Lindsey, but I respect her. She’s someone I would introduce to my parents, my lifelong friends, and my co-workers because you want to be around people that you’re proud to know. If you’re looking for to listen to you complain all day about your job you hate, how will that serve you? Find people you want to be like and be friends with them. You can also find friends as an adult by doing things you love, and standing in your light, you’ll attract the right people. I found Lindsey through SoulCycle and through that activity I did for me, I was given this friendship.

9. Do you think finding “balance” is possible? If so, what are your tips on finding balance in your life?

LINDSEY: At this point in my life, balance means working really hard and loving it. I think balance will mean something different at various stages in my life. Right now I am happy and fulfilled in the work that I do, so that feels balanced. I have a wonderful group of friends, but I also truly value my alone time…that feels balanced. Krista and I are contributing so much to the podcast and putting in so many hours, but we are also having a blast and receiving so much from it. #ALMOST30NATION makes us so happy. That is balance.

KRISTA: I love this question! I do believe that you can ‘have it all,’ but ‘balance’ I am not so sure! Both are in the eye of the beholder. I would not say that anyone in my life thinks I live a balanced life, but I’m so happy! I work 7 days a week – I have a 9-5, my blog and podcast. I don’t watch TV or relax much, but I wouldn’t have it any other way.

Oh and if you think that you can have it all, you will. I believe that I have everything in my life that I need, and the universe responds to that by actually giving me everything I need.

Also with balance, I’m vegan and gluten free both by choice and don’t drink alcohol at all. But again, this is what makes me feel good and happy.

If there’s something that’s telling you that you’re not living a balanced life, then listen to that, but not to anyone else that could tell you that your life is unbalanced. I’ve had moments where I’ve pushed myself a little too far and I make sure to note that and chill out for a few days.

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You can find Krista and Lindsey online at www.almost30podcast.com. You can also follow them on Instagram at @almost30podcast and be sure to join their secret Facebook group where all the good stuff goes down here.

This interview is part of Happsters Happy Questions, an ongoing series of interviews that take a peek inside the lives of inspiring women around the world.