mom

Bri is a truly amazing woman who juggles motherhood, blogging, and self care so gracefully. She opens up in this interview about if she believes in “having it all,” how she takes time to enjoy the little things, her favorite self care practices and so much more. Enjoy ♥♥♥

1. You’re a creative director, lifestyle blogger, wife and mom. Do you think it’s possible to have a perfect balance in life and “have it all”?

I’m not too sure I believe in balance. I believe people need to make time to take care of themselves, pursue their passions and determine what is working in their lives and what is not. When people are fully in tuned with who they are than I believe they are able to create “balance” in their lives. I think when people do things for the wrong reasons than they do not feel balanced. I believe we should love our jobs and all aspects of our lives. If there is something that we don’t love than that’s when we need to stop and take the time to figure out what needs to change.

2. When you feel overwhelmed, how do you practice self care?

I practice self care by doing things I love. Self care for me usually includes one of the following: painting my nails, coloring, painting, going to the beach, stepping outside for fresh air, mindful breathing, yoga or a brisk walk.

3. I love the concept of your painting and wellness workshops! Can you tell us a little bit about how those came about and what they entail?

Thank you! The Painting + Wellness Workshops came about from a few different aspects. I wanted to try something new while also creating an event that could help women thrive. My regular workload typically consists of a lot of computer time and I want to be more in person with people. I have also attended so many events as a blogger where we are treated so well that I wanted to bring this style of event to any woman who wants to take a little time out for themselves. Each workshop includes information about self care and following your heart. I’m working on figuring out the details for the next workshop but I’d like them all to include an activity, a learning aspect and relaxation time. My purpose is to follow my heart and to encourage others to do the same. I want people to love their lives. I want people to take care of themselves, figure out what they love and do it! I have a lot of passions and I believe the workshops tie together all the things I love to do while encouraging others to thrive.

4. It’s often said that life is about enjoying the little things. What are the little things you try to take the time to enjoy?

I take time to enjoy nature. A lot of people seem to take it for granted. I will sit in my backyard sometimes and just watch the birds, the trees and the clouds. I also take time to enjoy little moments in my kids lives and try to be as present with people as possible.

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5. What is your favorite mantra right now and why?

I have a lot! I often say Follow Your Heart. I believe we can get stuck in our heads when trying to make decisions but I think we really need to listen to our gut, our heart or our intuition more. We usually immediately know what we want to do when we follow our hearts. It’s our thoughts (or ego) that sometimes make us think we can’t do something or try to hold us back from what we really want.

One of my other favorites is She believes she can, so she does! I believe we have the ability to create our own reality. Many people hold themselves back because they don’t really believe in themselves. I think the first step into believing in yourself is loving yourself, faults and all. I know this can be hard but not loving yourself is so much harder. I want people to embrace who they are and love who they are so they can fully thrive. When you fully believe you can do something than you will. This mantra keeps me going because if I don’t believe in myself, nobody else will either.

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

During the week I get up with my kiddos, eat breakfast and take my daughter to school. Then my babysitter will come over for 2 hours in the morning to watch the little guy while I work. After she leaves I play with him than he takes a nap and I finish working for the day. When he wakes up we have lunch and play. Then we pick up my daughter from school. Typically we come home or on half days we go play with friends. We do household chores and play than make dinner. I usually take some downtime once the kiddos go to bed. Occasionally I will attend an event for work in the evenings or catch up on any projects with deadlines. Weekends we usually spend with friends and family or exploring San Diego.

7. Do you have a book or podcast you’ve recommended to friends the most in the last year?

I’ve enjoyed “You can Heal Your Life” by Louise Hay. I also watch Gary Vee videos often.

8. Finally, are there any courses or workshops you’d like readers to know about?

I will have the next workshop date available on BriGeeski.com within the next week or so. I am also finalizing some plans for painting classes coming soon!

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You can follow along with Bri’s journey on Instagram @brigeeski and visit her blog at http://www.brigeeski.com.

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.

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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.

Tag: mom

Bri on Creativity, Self Care & Following Your Heart

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