Life Challenges

Mar

Are you ready to step up? Here is my offer to you

Posted in Goal Setting, happiness, Life Challenges, Personal Development, self esteem.

I was moved some years ago by a poem which I’d love to share with you. You may be familiar with the words of Marianne Williamson, I’m sure if you’re like me then you won’t mind reading them again.

“Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness that most frightens us. We ask ourselves, Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, fabulous? Actually, who are you not to be? You are a child of God. Your playing small does not serve the world. There’s nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won’t feel insecure around you. We are all meant to shine, as children do. We were born to make manifest the glory of God that is within us. It’s not just in some of us; it’s in everyone. And as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we’re liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others.”

I wonder how these words affect you? I know that the first time I read them I could see how I’d been ‘fitting’ in with everyone else and was keeping myself small so I didn’t stand out, didn’t want to risk criticism from others and lacked belief in myself – I didn’t want to be seen. Do you do this too? My self esteem was very low. It cost me relationships with friends and partners, I didn’t think anyone would find me interesting or my opinions. I felt I was a disappointment to my family, was happy to spend money on my children but not on myself, didn’t like myself very much, didn’t feel safe and was always worrying about things. And then good news - it began to change! I got some coaching and mentoring!

It was like the chains that were holding me a prisoner just dropped off and I was able to step into the light, regain my self esteem, discover who I really was and began to live my purpose to the full.

Whilst I didn’t have the money, I knew I didn’t want to put my life on hold and if things stayed as they were, I’d never have the money. I could see how much my flawed thought patterns and behaviours were costing me (and as a role model, future generations). I knew that my happy future depended on getting some support. I was ready to invest in myself so I borrowed some money and used my credit card. It was the best thing I could have done to set myself free and to release the ‘real’ me again!

Having a coach to ‘hold my hand’, someone who asked me the difficult questions that I’d never asked myself, who supported and believed in me, my really accelerated my progress. The results were tremendous! I still have a coach and a mentor today who support me to accelerate in other areas of my life - coaching is super powerful!

Do you feel ready to step into the light too? Have these blogs over the months been supporting you to make some changes which are creating a better life for you?

If you feel that you would like to accelerate your progress, invest in yourself and work with me on a one to one basis then I have an offer for you! This won’t be for everyone, but if your heart is telling you this is your time, then I have only 5 spaces to take on new clients currently. I would love to have an informal chat with you if you feel ready to shine.

Most clients choose book a series of 6 x 50 minutes weekly sessions with me as this is more effective than booking one off sessions. Your investment in 6 sessions is £497. However, as you are one of my loyal Damsels, I am offering you the opportunity of applying for one of these 5 places with a massive £100 off the usual price bringing this amazing offer to you at £397!!!! My mentor thinks I’ve lost the plot as my prices will be going up in the near future, and yet I feel in my heart that I want to do this for you. This blog will be seen many hundred ladies, many of whom have booked sessions with me in the past and who will want to snap up this bargain, so I urge you to be quick in replying. Please email me with ‘Application for discount’ in the subject line and a short message and I’ll get back to you asap to arrange our informal, no obligation chat ali@daringdamsels.com. This offer is only open to you for the next 7 days.

Let me know if you are ready to draw the line in the sand, to step up into the light to allow me the privilege of supporting you get your life ‘back’.

With love and happiness

Ali xx Feminine Self Esteem Mentor

www.daringdamsels.com www.fabfriendsnetwork.com www.facebook.com/daringdamsels

What do some previous clients say about their coaching/mentoring experience with me?

“Ali’s wonderful warmth and generous spirit puts you immediately at ease. Her intuition and empathy combined with a fervent support of what makes each individual woman uniquely special leads to a coaching session that is uplifting and inspiring. Ali will not only make you realise what is great about you, but help you on a path towards realising your own unique potential.” Yiannik Bennett, Florida

“Ali immediately made me feel very comfortable and safe during our coaching session with her friendly and empathetic approach. I had been blocked for some time and was unsure how to progress forward. She skillfully changed tack when it became apparent that I was not going to respond predictably but still enabled me to feel in control at all times. Due to her spontaneous and skillful creativity, we ended up achieving far more than I would have dreamed possible. As a result of the session, I at last feel able to move forward again, helped in no small way by the strategies and exercises she has given me. I give Ali highest recommendation. Anyone who is seeking sensitive and skilled guidance in their business or personal lives would benefit greatly by seeking her help”. Laurelle Rond, England

“What is special about Ali’s coaching is her gentle and compassionate approach, along with her perceptive and intuitive insights. Through her support and her powerful questioning, I have been able to see more clearly and be more empowered. I would thoroughly recommend her to anyone who wants to make deep and significant changes in their lives. Thank you Ali for all your help!” Hilary Reeves, England

“Ali has a great manner about her. She is patient and easy to talk to and really helped me to think about my priorities and focus in life.” Ros Kitson, England

“Ali is a wonderful, sensitive and compassionate coach and friend. She has helped me to get back in touch with my self worth and talents when I had lost sight of them, spending many years at home looking after my family. I now feel ready to move on to the next stage of my life and I am very grateful to Ali for helping me find the way.” Chris Iishin Horner, New Zealand

Tagged belief, criticisim, life coach, Marianne Williamson, mentor, personal investment, playing small, purpose, self esteem, stepping up, time to shine | Comments (0)

Feb

A Client Shares Her Story

Posted in Life Challenges, Personal Development, self esteem.

May I share an email which I received with you? It’s from an inspiring lady in New Zealand called Sheryl who signed up for the 7 Fed Up to Fabulous tips on this website and found the weekly newsletter tips to be a real lifeline… she gained great value from her mentoring call… this is her story. (Sheryl’s given her permission for me to share with you.)

Send me an email to arrange an informal chat about how my mentoring could support you to step up and realise your potential – I’d love to hear from you ali@daringdamsels.com

Ali xx

Feminine Self Esteem Mentor

Fab Friends Network www.fabfriendsnetwork.co.uk Daring Damsels www.daringdamsels.com Facebook www.facebook.com/DaringDamsels

Hi Ali

How can I tell you how much your call to me meant? We had such trouble with the time zones but managed it finally with your mathematical brain, thanks for loaning it to me

When I first saw the ad for Daring Damsels I was at a really low point in my life, with not enough income, a troubled relationship with my daughter, and not enough to do. I had moved to this city a year & a half earlier, and still hadn’t formed significant relationships, which bothered me a lot.

Especially being a people person. I had got to the point of either checking out finally from my lot, or doing something about it. That’s when I looked up your website and subscribed to your newsletters.

I have to say they were very encouraging, a string to hold on to… a lifeline if you will. I loved the positive affirmations video and shared the information on Facebook, hoping it would encourage others as it had done me.

As I continued to read I thought a lot about who I am and what I want out of life. For me it’s to have significant bountiful relationships with the people in my life. I want to nurture and grow those relationships, while being true to who I am, and what I believe in.

I started to set some boundaries in my life, and it’s changed a whole lot of things. I lost people along the way who didn’t ‘get me’, and the places I go and people I see are different now. I only hang out with the people I like mostly hehe, family are a no choice zone sometimes.

I only compromise sometimes because it’s easier for me than for them. I’m a giving person so I like to give of myself and my skills and abilities where I’m able. As long as I don’t deny myself doing it.

When we got to the mentoring stage via Skype, I had come to that place, and for you to affirm me in the way you did, really helped. I was still a little unsure of whether I was headed in the right direction. Now I KNOW I am, and am going to make this MY TIME TO SHINE.

Life is not a rehearsal, you reminded me of that. We only get one go at it. I’m still learning and hope to continue to do so, as I mature like a delicious blue cheese…just gets better with age.

I will continue to pass on what I’ve learned Ali; once again thank you so much for sharing your time and skills with me.

With much love and appreciation

Sheryl

Tagged ali soleil, boundaries, choices, daring damsels, life challenges, life line, mentoring, nurture, Skype | Comments (0)

Dec

Are You Sensitive To Criticism?

Posted in gratitude, happiness, Life Challenges, Personal Development, self esteem.

I hope you’re finding yourself feeling a bit more aware of your response to compliments since the last blog on that subject. How about criticisms? It’s difficult to get through a life time without a lot of small, medium and large criticisms.

If someone says a throw away comment which feels like a criticism or an insult – how do you react to that? From my experience of coaching fabulous ladies, I find that most of us allow a criticism to cut to the core. It sits in our heads and we re-live the negative feelings forever more and yet a compliment just vaporises away as if it never happened. Isn’t that interesting?

By raising our awareness we can live more consciously and choose how we deal with compliments and criticisms. So when you feel criticised, it may sting, you may initially feel a negative emotion but stop and think about what’s happening.

Where are these words coming from? From a place of love/support or from a place of negativity? Choose to address what’s been said, breath slowly, relax your muscles and choose feel the warmth of someone caring enough to pass on their thoughts. Review where there may be merit to the issue, what common ground there could be and take any necessary action, then it let go…. and move on!!! After all, why wouldn’t you? You have a fabulous life to lead which is a blessing in its self!

If you are enjoying these reflections and tips please do tell your friends and family – ask them to sign up for their 7 Fed Up to Fabulous Tips at www.daringdamsels.com

Quote of the day: “Insults should be written in sand, compliments should be carved in stone” Arab Proverb

Wishing you happiness

Ali xx

Ali Soleil – Feminine Mentor

www.DaringDamsels.com

Tagged ali soleil, awareness, compliments, conscious choice, criticism, daring damsels, insults, negative feelings | Comments (0)

Oct

What do you want?

Posted in Goal Setting, happiness, Life Challenges, Perfect Days, Personal Development, self esteem.

When you’re thinking about your life and looking forward, do you know what you really want?

Knowing what you want is the important thing. Not to worry about the ‘how’… but to keep focused on the outcome, what you want to happen and not get bogged down in the nitty gritty of how it will become your reality.

It’s good for you to have some clarity about what you really want. Most of us know what we don’t want and struggle to know what we do want. As you’re reading this, I know you are wanting to gain higher self esteem and confidence. Imagine how different your home life, family life, career, finances etc will be once you have built these up - these are your reasons for building your self esteem in the first place. If you are unclear about what you want and maybe there are some grey areas in your thinking. You’re not alone, so many clients struggle with this and they book me for a coaching session or more. If you’d like to devote some special time to exploring and discovering just what you do want, email me at ali@daringdamsels.com this is your life, you deserve it to be a fulfilling and happy one!

So, whatever you want or dream of, get into the habit of asking yourself – or even praying to a higher power for an answer every night before you fall asleep. Ask for the way to be shown to you. You may well wake up with more ideas – write them down and keep pen and paper by your bed ready.

What I’ve started doing more recently is keeping a diary just to record the bursts of inspiration. So often we do not do anything with this information or ideas which come from our higher self/Universe and yet they are the very gifts which will guide us on our path. Today I looked at my diary again and had already forgotten to take action on some points – so I was so grateful for having recorded them. That’s what we all do, we get the messages, think wow and then we forget them, so I urge you to keep a record of them and begin taking action.

The way to achieve your dreams may not seem probable or realistic at first glance, it does not mean that it is impossible, just open your mind… and be aware that sometimes the way will be shown in a less likely way than the obvious.

Quote of the day

”Don’t limit yourself. Many people limit themselves to what they think they can do. You can go as far as your mind lets you. What you believe, remember, you can achieve.” Mary Kay Ash

Wishing you all you wish for yourself

Ali xx

Feminine Self Esteem Mentor – www.DaringDamsels.com

Tagged ali soleil, Coaching, confidence, daringdamsels, dreams, focus, goals, gratitude, guide, higher self, life coaching, life journey, self esteem, universe, want | Comments (0)

Oct

Who are you? What is your identity?

Posted in gratitude, happiness, Life Challenges, Perfect Days, Personal Development, self esteem.

Sometime we can lose track of who we are. Have you ever felt like that? I know I did. Sometimes it’s the difference between living and existing. When you lose track of who you are, you can feel you’ve lost your voice, wouldn’t you agree? The great news is – it doesn’t have to be this way!

Watch this short video I’ve created for you about regaining your identity, which will support you to raise your self esteem and begin to really live again. Do comment or email me your thoughts ali@daringdamsels.com. If you feel ready to make a shift; if your heart is telling you now is your time – then email me about a free consultation where we can explore how I can support you to feel more fabulous and live the life you desire.

Wishing you oodles of self love

Ali xx

Feminine Self Esteem Mentor – www.daringdamsels.com

Tagged clarity, existing, feeling fabulous, feeling lost, feeling stuck, identity, living, self esteem, time, who am I | Comments (0)

Oct

Have you remembered to make time for you? ‘Me time’

Posted in happiness, Life Challenges, Parenting, Perfect Days, Personal Development, self esteem.

Would you agree that as women, it is so easy to find ourselves busy being busy and we forget about letting go and enjoying life – making time to do the things we like to do? The things that make our heart sing and give us a spring in our step. When you value your time and choose to do something for you, let go of any negative thoughts - your self esteem rises.

Watch this video and comment or email me what you like to do ali@daringdamsels.com Looking forward to hearing from you.

Wishing you happiness

Love

Ali xx

Feminine Self Esteem Mentor

Tagged being busy, fun, happiness, leisure time, letting go, me time, negative thoughts, self esteem, women | Comments (0)

Sep

It is time to take a leap of faith

Posted in Life Challenges, Perfect Days, Personal Development, self esteem.

As you may know, I was given the huge privilege of being asked to speak on a radio show in the north of England. Salford City Radio’s host of the Feel Good Show, Sara Lou-Ann Jones, asked me if I would like to come along and speak about going from Fed Up to Fabulous and give self esteem raising tips.

My first thought was – “I can’t do that!”

My second thought was – “Of course you can and you’re going to email back straightway!”.

Isn’t it funny how you can initially think you are not capable of doing something new, something different and something that stretches you? But when you decide to decide and break down your own barriers you can surprise yourself! It just takes a leap of faith in yourself, that is all.

The show went very well, I enjoyed it tremendously and all the feedback has been very positive. I can’t wait to do another one! You know don’t you, that when you step outside your comfort zone although initially it can feel uncomfortable, it feels amazing once you’re on the other side! That is where the magic begins! You can hear my interview (and conquering another personal challenge!). Click here to listen

So what have you not felt capable or good enough to do? I’m sure you are already more than capable, more than good enough… you are ready. This is your time, your time to shine. Do something this week which stretches you a little and also gives you a big boost! You have nothing to lose and everything to gain. Go for it girlfriend! And don’t forget to email me and let me know what you chose to do!

Quote of the day

“Trust yourself. You know more than you think you do.” Benjamin Spocks

Ali xx

Ali Soleil – Feminine Self Esteem Mentor

www.DaringDamsels.com

Tagged challenge, comfort zone, daring damsels, Fed Up to Fabulous, guest, interview, leap of faith, radio, Salford, self esteem, tips | Comments (0)

Sep

Have you heard the latest scandal?

Posted in happiness, Life Challenges, Personal Development, self esteem.

Have you bought a women’s magazine lately? I wonder what motivated you to buy it?

I went on a long train journey recently and realised I had forgotten my book. I looked at the newspaper and magazine stands on the platform and scanned the front covers looking for something that grabbed my attention. The majority of the front covers gave clues to what was inside – stories of scandal, revelations and shock.

If it’s true you attract what you focus on, you have to be selective about what you read, right?

So many of the articles in magazines are sensationalised stories of misery and emotional turmoil. Whilst some stories can inspire many push your energy into a downwards spiral.

As a beautiful intuitive woman, I know you can’t help but imagine how the people in these articles feel; you feel their pain, their misery. And that doesn’t feel good, does it? It’s the same with television programmes such as The Jeremy Kyle show, it’s easy to be caught up in the drama and scandal, but does it do you any good? Does it cause you to feel annoyed, argumentative or fed up? Who would consciously choose to feel this way?

More and more I find myself making a conscious decision to make choices which seek out the positive, which will help me grow, learn and raise my self-esteem.

If you know you are reading or watching media which doesn’t lift your spirits or make you smile, ask yourself “Is this moving me forward or holding me back in my development?” This is your time, move away from the negative and find something more positive to focus on.

Quote of the day

“Be the change you wish to see in the world” Mahatma Gandhi

Ali xx

Ali Soleil – Feminine Self Esteem Mentor

www.DaringDamsels.com

Tagged argumentative, conscious choice, daring damsels, emotional turmoil, jeremy kyle, postive energy, scandal, self esteem, sensationalisim, womens magazines | Comments (0)

Aug

Find it hard to say ‘no’?

Posted in happiness, Life Challenges, Parenting, Perfect Days, Personal Development, self esteem, Uncategorized.

Would you say that it’s true that when self esteem is not as high as you’d like, one of the things we’re prone to do is to say ‘yes’, when really we’d like to be saying ‘no’?

I know for myself, that often I would put my schedule and any free time behind any requests from family or friends who asked me to support them. I definitely wanted to help them, but I am also aware now that often I was craving significance from these people in order to feel ‘noticed’, ‘indispensible’, ‘worthy’, almost a reason for being. If I said ‘no’ when asked for help, I’d feel guilty, as if I was letting them down. Does this resonate with you?

For me I was brought up to always put others first and to not to be ‘selfish’ so it came naturally to be a willing helper. However, since realising why I had been doing this and how it had become a negative pattern of behaviour (which was not serving me), I have become much more self aware.

It’s not wrong to be flexible and put yourself first, it’s not even selfish. What is wrong is putting yourself at the end of the queue of people to whom you give support, wouldn’t you agree? Be kind to yourself, take care of yourself after all, you’re fabulous! If you’ve flown on an aeroplane you’ll know in the safety instructions before you take off; the air stewards give a demonstration and say that passenger carrying small children or babies, must put the oxygen mask first. Help others happily whenever you want to, not because you feel you have no choice or because of a sense of duty.

If you recognise this pattern, and find it hard to say ‘no’ then acknowledge yourself for making this observation – that is fabulous, you are growing and raising your self esteem! One way to deal with this pattern is to think of some good answer to give when saying ‘no’ and keep practicing them until they roll off the tongue. Don’t feel guilty, this is your life – you own it, it is your time to choose how you spend it and for what purpose. Give youself a reward of some kind words, put on a feel good song or give yourself a treat and let it go, think about something good. Life is all about choices!

Wishing you oodles of self love

Ali xxx

Ali Soleil – Feminine Self Esteem Mentor

Tagged choice, flexible, guilt, indispensible, pattern of behaviour, saying no, saying yes, self aware, self esteem, selfish | Comments Off

Aug

The joys of motherhood

Posted in gratitude, happiness, Life Challenges, Parenting, Perfect Days, Personal Development, Teenage development.

In a recent blog I suggested that we all have many great teachers in our lives, who unwittingly shape us. Have you identified some of yours?

Apart from lovely Winnie, other great teachers in my life include my amazing daughters Becky and Anna. They really light my life and make my heart sing with happiness.

I since they were born – with Bexx who will be 18 years in 3 days and Anna coming up for 17, I have had to learn much about patience, being in the moment, unconditional love, sacrifice, negotiation skills, time keeping and much more.

In recent years, I have been learning about detachment, learning not to judge, not to jump to conclusions, not to criticise, allowing them to take responsibility and letting them make their life decisions for themselves (with my guidance) and being ok with what they decide. It’s not always easy to know the right thing to do, after all we don’t get a manual do we? I certainly don’t get it right every time either, but I do my best for them.

I follow my intuition about what’s happening and keep all communication channels open. Sometimes as a parent I know I’ve wondered if I can cope with hearing what’s going on – sometimes it can shock me, but I came to the conclusion many years ago that I would rather know and support than not know. They are my girls and I love them whatever they get up to. Because of this I feel so blessed and filled with gratitude, to be a big part of both girl’s lives with my dual role of being Mama and also best friend.

I wonder what my life could have been like if I’d not had them, it’s unimaginable now. I’m heading towards a life without them being at home with me and that fills me with wonder. It’s another learning stage and I’m looking forward to it – for all of us.

Wishing you happiness and learnings.

Ali xxx

Tagged being a mother, communication, decisions, intuition, love, motherhood, negotiation, parenthood, teenagers, unconditional love | Comments (0)

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Life Challenges

Are you ready to step up? Here is my offer to you

A Client Shares Her Story

Are You Sensitive To Criticism?

What do you want?

Who are you? What is your identity?

Have you remembered to make time for you? ‘Me time’

It is time to take a leap of faith

Have you heard the latest scandal?

Find it hard to say ‘no’?

The joys of motherhood



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