Today on honour roll I will be honouring the lovely Claire Baker from “This is Lifeblood.” This super rad lady was my life coach and has been influential in helping me grow and flourish in my God colours. Claire is a certified coach, mentor and creative living in beautiful Perth. Her mission is to guide women who are ready to feel free, radiant, capable and open (in their lives, health, blogs and biz), to do so. She supports them – excitedly, happily, gratefully – as they transition from where they are, to where they want to be.
Claire is also the author of She is Radiant your six week wellness adventure to get glowy and feel rad. I’ve got the guidebook and it’s awesome. Loving the recipes in there! Her down to earth nature and honest to goodness advice is what drew me to her so today I’m willing to share her with you. You’re going to love her.
WELCOME TO THE SISTERHOOD – CLAIRE BAKER
+ Maya Angelou once said that “We delight in the beauty of the butterfly but rarely admit the changes it has gone through to achieve that beauty.” What changes have you gone through over the years that have shaped you as a person and have developed what you do at “This is Lifeblood?”
That is such a beautiful quote (from a beautiful woman) and I wholeheartedly agree; I’m completely obsessed with the concept that ‘we already are what we desire’at the moment. In order to BE the beautiful butterfly, in all our glorious hues, we need to heal and let go of what is blocking those colours from shining BRIGHT.
For me, this has meant honouring my desire and real need for creativity, exploration and wellness in my life. I resisted both for so long!
Fear, mostly, held me back from making these changes, but once I realised that fear isn’t as scary as I had once thought, changes such as cleaning up my diet, walking away from the party, practicing presence and mindfulness, experimenting with writing and making art, diving back into study, being honest in my relationships (and with myself), starting a business…They have not only shaped me as a person, but allowed me to BE the person I already was and always have been – in FULL colour.
+ What inspired you to start on the journey of life coaching and blogging?
Working with a life coach myself! Anyone who has worked with a coach or mentor, will vouch for the intensity at which positive change occurs when you have someone holding you accountable and being a voice of encouragement in your life.
I have always loved to write, as well as support and inspire others, so for me, this is a DREAM job. Every day I have the privilege of providing space for women to reconnect with their desires and move past their fears and limitations to create a life they adore; it is an honour I am beyond grateful for.
+ How do you like to connect with the Divine or practice your spirituality?
Ever since I was a little girl I’ve used my journal to connect with God; whether it’s a note of gratitude or a request for support for myself or others, I always feel really connected in those moments. I also find meditation and countless whispered ‘thank you’s!’throughout the day help me to feel grounded and centred in my spiritual practice.
+ What one piece of advice would you tell a 21 year old version of yourself?
Oh honey, life doesn’t have to be so complicated. You will never be everything to everyone, so keep it simple and just do what makes you happy, healthy and content. Book the flights. Keep writing. Just be who you are. Oh, and he’s not for you – but that’s OK. Your man is waiting for you to love who YOU are, so get to it.
+ How is it possible to keep your body and business healthy at the same time?
Great question! So much of this lies in being truly honest with yourself, combined with self care and some old-school boundary setting!
After working/studying 6 days a week for the last 18 months or so, I’ve recently dropped down to 4 days, which feels SO good in my bones. I have firm, but flexible working hours and I make sure I take lunch breaks (easier said than done) and I’m off all technology after 6pm at night (most days).
I also realise that there are seasons for immersion and more intense work periods when we have creative callings to attend to – and that’s wonderful – as long we offset these times with relaxation, rest and PLAY. Self care is crucial for optimum creativity!
You know, working as a life coach means we’ve gotta engage in…LIFE. I’m a much better coach (not to mention girlfriend, friend, sister, daughter…) when I’m feeling rested, playful, engaged and cared for.
+ What are some of the rules and rituals that help you feel grounded, connected, inspired and blissful?
Movement, writing, whole foods and cups of tea are priceless in my world. Living by the ocean has changed my life and digging my toes in the sand daily is a must.
I also feel connected when I’m cooking, using oracle/angel cards, meditating (or simply deep breathing), practicing yoga and doing handstands on the grass. My dog and my man keep me grounded (and blissed out!) and my commitment to positivity, intuition and tuning into my body is a gentle rule that has now become a way of life, really.
+ If you had to live on an island and you could only bring three books, which three would you bring?
(Very timely question and I’m planning on moving to Bali for 2 months next year!)
The Power of Now by Eckhart Tolle – to keep me present and mindful.
The Liver Cleansing Diet by Dr. Sandra Cabot – to keep my insides happy and healthy.
Wild by Cheryl Strayed – to inspire me to write AND take crazy adventures.
+ What does radiance mean to you, why is it important and how can we add more of it to our lives?
To me, radiance is about SHINING OUR LIGHT. It is beaming out to the world who we are and glowing in our own genuine and authentic way – unashamedly and without fear.
When we are radiating our truth, we are beautiful beyond measure.
I am a firm believer that our health is the vehicle that enables all that we do; with happy cells and a clear mind, we are unstoppable.
So whole foods, kind thoughts and words, self care, adventure, creativity, play, rest and relaxation…These are the basis for the potent concoction that ignites our inner radiance.
My eBook She is Radiant: Your 6-Week Wellness Adventure To Get Glowy & Feel Rad is a step-by-step guide to figuring out what foods are best for your unique body, as well as inspiration to implement a self care routine that is nourishing and sustainable. She Is Radiant has lots of personal stories, exercises and recipes to help you find your inner glow. She’s loved all around the world and it’s been an honour to see how many women have create positive change in their life with my eBook in tow.
+ On the “Becoming Who You are Podcast –Episode 62” you discussed the concept that personal growth is all about the process not the destination. What do you mean by this?
Some of the best advice I’ve ever received was the quote ‘Trust the Process’, but I’d take it one step further I think and argue that believing in the process is where the potency lies.
Being 10kg lighter isn’t going to change your life – it’s the behaviour and choices that get you there, that will. It’s not meeting the man that changes things – it’s the way you learnt to love yourself regardless (that is so much more attractive to him) that really matters.
We are constantly learning, growing and shedding skin – so the more we lean into that process – and hey, enjoy it! – the sooner we realise that there is in fact no destination.
This is Life, right now. Happening, right now. Tune in.
+ What is the most important piece of advice for anyone else who has a dream to change the world or make a difference?
I’ll let Maryanne Williamson wrap this up for me…
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 is 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 are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others.
Thanks so much Claire for your beautiful responses. I’m sure we have all taken something away from this. Claire blogs over at “This is Lifeblood.” Go on over and show her some love. So tribe what’s the one beautiful take away you’ve received from these words of wisdom from Claire? Let’s get a conversation started below and please share the post using the buttons below if you loved it.
Thank you for having me darling lady! x
Claire, I am so honoured to have worked with you and to have featured you today. Thank you for your time and the wisdom and love you put into your responses.