The Art of Lightwork + Making Money

As you begin to read this post, I already know there is a part of you that is ready to serve. That wants to help others heal, feel happier, and make a difference in the world. Perhaps you’re a teacher, a life coach, or a yoga instructor. Whatever your title, there is a communal sense of wanting to elevate, expand your reach, and be known for making a true impact on us all.

I feel this because that’s me at my core. Every since I was young, I knew I was meant to have a bright future that would involve reaching out to the masses. I had no idea of the context, but it was going to be special!  Life had an interesting way of showing me how when I lost my way in my early 20s. I didn’t fit into the post college mode and I couldn’t seem to find anything that brought me fulfillment and joy. So I found drinking and other activities that would distract me until one day even that wasn’t enough. It led me to get help and figure out what it meant to love myself like I did when I was young and discover my purpose. I was realigned with my desires for greatness and also realizing that I was to help others that lost their way. I pursued life coaching and teaching meditation as my new career and there was no greater feeling than giving people permission and space to feel good. In time, I found that bringing in my love of metaphysical + spiritual studies could help people even further and as a coach it was a magnetizing blend.

And so as you read all of this, it sounds quite simple. Girl gets lost. Girl finds her way. Girl helps others. Girl has a thriving career. All is freaking fantastic.

I wish it was that easy, but it wasn’t. It took me a few years to be able to be full time doing the work that I loved. It also meant several failed attempts that left me shameful, broke, and scared.

The biggest one was when I left my Corporate job on the eve of my 30th birthday (2 + half years ago) to be a life coach full time. I was living on a Manhattan budget with 4 months savings and no steady clients. I had just started reading about the law of attraction and watching Abraham Hicks videos and I thought if I just believed and wanted it bad enough, everything would fall into place and I would attract everything I needed.  I was so confident that I booked a trip to Vegas before starting my new venture as well as a music festival weekend in Atlanta. It was all going to work out because I wanted it to.

I had it all wrong. By the time I was 2 months in, I was living on oatmeal, eggs, and the Starbucks gift cards my Dad sent me every week.  I found a side job as a host for an event company that paid me under the table. I would shove leftover dinner rolls into my bag and walk 2 miles home instead of paying for the subway. I hardly slept and I was deep in fear.

The crazy part was that fear didn’t so much have to do with not paying the bills as much as it involved the embarrassment of my failing business. I had my sights set so high and was confident in my relaying to everyone how wonderful and prosperous this would be. I saw so many others in my industry boost about making lots of cash and how easy it seemed. I didn’t understand why them and not me. I was disappointed that I wasn’t making a difference and helping people transform; and further, I was frustrated that I wasn’t making a fruitful income like I hoped for.  Eventually, my money ran out and with much defiance yet no other options besides moving in with my parents, I got another Corporate job.

It wasn’t until that role that I started to see my mistakes with manifesting and how I was treating money. And as often as that job didn’t always feel fulfilling, it did support me. And it gave me the security to continue to live in NYC, try things out in my business, and most importantly, take it responsibility and seriously.  It also brought me to my mentor Gabby Bernstein and her Spirit Junkie Masterclass. Eventually, I was able to leave that job and it was because my business had taken on a clear direction, steady following, and the work was becoming too much to manage between both roles. I also learned to value and respect my money, not just plead with the universe to give it to me. There has to be an ebb and flow of giving and receiving, along with a sweet note of gratitude for abundance to really come into our lives.

We all have different journeys and if you’re ready to serve others or start your own business, realize that it will happen in a way that is truly defined and tailored for you.

Here are just a few things I learned along the way:

It’s okay to have high standards. However you have to earn them first! Personally, I just wanted the sweet style of life without taking the time to create the foundation for it to happen upon. The first step is to feel and harness your desires and then backtrack to build the arc to house them. While the coaching work I wanted to do came from a pure, good place, it wasn’t enough to just want to help people, I needed to put in the effort as to how and then embody it. That sets the tone and then more can come from there!

Redefine what success looks like. There are many people with online businesses that showcase more about their earning capacity and high-level opportunities than actually talking about what it is they do to help serve others. And there’s no judgement in that. The thing to realize however is that if you want to have an online business, it doesn’t mean you have to now also be a millionaire. Maybe you’re a stay at home mom and would like to make enough to fun the family vacation or perhaps you actually like your day job and doing acts of service on the side bring you joy. Remember that how other people handle their business is not the way you have to! Focus on the passion aspect first and then you can bring the money aspect in.

Remember why you started. Most often, the reason many of us start a business or become a life coach or healer is because there is a problem that we can help solve. We awakened to it in some way and it drives us to our core until we do something about it. Though somewhere along the way, the whole thing became capitalized and it’s turned more into a money game than a self help phenomena. Trust that you will be supported financially if you love what you do and you’re clear on how you wish to implement it. And you deserve to make as much money as you want or need. I encourage it!

It’s not until you get into a space that you are aligned and confident around finances that you’ll really be able to do the work that you need to do. I had to learn that before I could successfully run my own business, I had to bust through the money stuff so I could feel open and expansive and ready to help others and serve in that oh so big way.

All of this I had to learn on my own, but that doesn’t have to be the case for you. Take time to access how money plays a part in your life and how it holds you back. Do you let it be an excuse that stops you from being great? Or does it limit your potential to express your talents? Whatever the case, I’m happy to know that there are people dedicated now to helping you through the chaos of cash, so you can be happy, at ease, and doing work you love. I mainly have to give it to my home girl, Amanda Frances, who’s Money Mentality Makeover is literally changing the lives of entrepreneurs and giving people permission to live an abundant life while doing really beautiful heart centered work. You can learn all about the program here!  And because I’m so onboard with all of this (and kinda jealous I didn’t have this 3 years ago but you do!) I’m offering my Cosmic Moon Course, launching this Spring, absolutely free! The Moon course gives you the opportunity to learn about how the Moon relates to Astrology, how the cycles work, and even how to apply your new money manifesting skills to New + Full Moon rituals! It’s a 4 week digital program that is so much fun and I’d love to have you onboard!

I’ll leave you with this money meditation, trusting that the clarity, ease, and respect of abundance flows through you naturally, that you allow in the help to elevate higher and to know that all is working out for your highest good.

So good right? And when you sign up for Amanda’s course, let me know about it too! Email me at danielle@daniellemercurio.com so we can celebrate the next chapter!

Still not sure if the course is right for you? Check out the free training on earning money as a natural extension of your being!  Click here for access!

Holding space for you to have a life and business filled with inspiration, happiness, and most of all love. I know it’s know easy sometimes when all you want to do is help people and there is so much back end, however it can be done. I believe that by sharing my vulnerable moments, it will help you too. xo

My Journey to finding my Gypsy Glow!

I am SO thrilled to be a part of the GLOWSCHOOL BLOG TOUR! It’s a movement created by my spirited friend, Dana Gatziolis. I met Dana through Gabrielle Bernstein’s Spirit Junkie Masterclass and to describe her as a Glowing soul doesn’t even do her justice as she goes beyond such! Her story is that of boldness, truth, and sheer bravery. I invite you to read her story and just feel out her radiate energy!

As part of the the blog tour, I was asked to share how I found my Glow and the ways that you too can tap into that infinite luminosity. Coming into my cosmic Gypsy self definitely had it’s awkward and challenging moments, however the freedom and love I feel now makes it all worthwhile.

Read on my glowing friend….

It’s true when they say that what is destined to be yours will be shown at the most divine timing in our lives. Little glimpses of hope and passion weaved into a story board guided by the underworking of society.

Little did I realize that my first glimpse of what would be my ‘Cosmic Gypsy Glow’ would be recognized at a grocery store near my childhood home in Los Angeles, upon finding a pocket Astrology guide to being a Leo.

I was blessed with the ability to read at the onset of age 4, and though this current literature was more advanced than my usual Dr. Seuss tales, I was able to navigate my way through most text. I read how a Leo was a person that was a bold leader, often theatrical in nature and enjoyed living a lavish and fun lifestyle. I continue to read on about the Leo’s love for travel, good food, and shopping. That they had many friends and loved to party. I started blushing as it went on to add a steady flow of lovers. The more I glossed over the words the more I felt affirmed to why I was here on this earth. With each playful adjective my heart filled with a sense of longing and pride. I loved everything about the independent and fabulous Leo. I loved even more that it was affirmed that when I grew up, I was going to be a Leo!

At just the ripe age of 6 years old, I was lured into the seclusive world of Astrology.
Over the years I continued to read about the Leo persona when I could. Growing up in a Catholic household, the astrology ideology wasn’t exactly welcomed and I kept my hobby hidden. Upon discovering in excitement the New Age or Occult sections at the library or book store, I would camp out and spend hours reading through the captivating celestial text. With every new finding, I was feeling more and more connected to this secret system of the stars.

By the time I reached college, my knowledge and interest in Astrology was at it’s peak. I became the girl at parties that assessed people’s personalities based on their Sun sign and would predict which couple’s relationships had the most staying power. Astrology let me not only be an excelled observer of the world which I was in constant awe of, it allowed me to feel like I had a special talent and a skill set that people could appreciate.

As I transitioned into adulthood, the pressures of society allowed me to lose sight of my passion and precious love for astrology. I became burdened by trying to fit into society’s timeline and boxed myself into a corporate career that wasn’t satisfying my soul. I had lost sight of the lion hearted girl I was and grew more confused as to why I wasn’t becoming the bold Leo leader I was destined to be. The more separated I felt, the less I started to take care of myself and soon I was going down the rabbit hole of using outer addictions to try to suppress my lost soul. I would always pray for a magical change the next day, yet every morning brought the gloom of disappointment. And so as if by habit, I would offer up to God and pray to just make it through the day.

I didn’t know that the freedom and love I desired was just dormant on the other side, waiting for me to realize that the Leo was ready to go and just waiting for permission.

And in the Fall of 2009, a force greater than my own intervened, and with a heavy hand the lion in me roared out and a new glowing light was activated. It was that of the light that was to save me. As I adjusted to the awkward brightness, through partly shielded hands I could see out into my life and realized a new journey was uncovering before me.

It took many months for me to work with this glow. I felt like I was starting all over again, learning how to work with the thoughts that triggered me to the darkness as well as nurturing my heart to keep me going in love. There were moments when I wanted to hide back in my cave and go back to the life I didn’t want yet was all I had come to know. However my light kept me strong. Keep going, it’d whisper gently.

And so I did.

In it’s truest discovery I realized that this glow was my homecoming, a cosmic force to bring me back to my Leo hearted soul. It’s my most authentic connection with a divine force outside of me. It wasn’t the feeling of not being good enough or regrettable or misunderstood. It’s real genuine love. And I came to find that the glowing love I felt was purely me.

Soon after I found modalities such as meditation and mindfulness to keep me in my glow. I learned what it meant to be in the present moment and it was the greatest gift I’d ever been given. I can still remember that instant of my mind, body and soul all syncing together as if it was the most natural thing in the world. I tapped back into new age curiosities such as Astrology and Tarot. I started reading my horoscopes again and it guided me to Kundalini Yoga which expanded my path in a whole new way.

I become inspired to become a teacher of the Kundalini technology, a practice that quite simply cultivates the awareness for us rise up within our own self rite coinciding with the Aquarian Age. It was there I was given the spiritual name ‘Sahej Anand’, which means lioness who finds bliss in the present moment under God and shares that joy with others. I wept in awe at it’s divine meaning and at how well it understood just what I felt called in my soul to do. Just like that day at a grocery store outside of L.A.

The light came at my darkness hour and restored my soul in such a way that I may auto-illuminate that glow throughout the world with the blessing of the cosmos. It is all but my birthright to do so and a true honor. Though the use of astrology, it’s allowed me to guide others to glow too. To see another way. To know there is a way to see out of the dark fear of the unknown.

Your life is but a sacred love story, a reunion of what your soul intended for you and the process of awakening. The more I surrender to my cosmic, glowing Gypsy heart, the more my life feels filled with purpose and a sense of meaning. I never thought I wanted to go the unconventional route and sometimes it feels easier to retreat, however through the consistency of being in this craft, my legacy expands deeper and I know I’m in my truth.

Perhaps you may be wondering how you can tap into a more glowing and luminous self. It’s likely you feel a mix of emotions; excitement, inspiration, confusion, and even fear. Below is my most treasured guidance to set you back on your path:

Be curious about life. To know that it is truly possible to follow your glow and trust that by taking on a more observational and nonjudgmental approach it will enhance further. The main objective is to just begin. Start where you’re at. Ask for guidance. Google it even. You’ll be amazed at the people and opportunities that start to unfold!
Trust that happiness + abundance is your birthright! Above all else, you deserve to be joyous and prosperous. Your soul came here bound with a divine mission and the more you commit to it (as oppose to helping fulfill someone else’s journey), you’ll start to receive all the support and security you need! Ask for complete ease so you can fulfill your path without fear and focus on elevating your desires. Don’t let fear declare bankruptcy on your life and invest in your faith instead!
Clarity comes from taking action! After exploring next steps, it’s time to put them to work! Realize that you may have to try a few different ways until you find your fit. Practice making the space to honor your ideas. Sure, they may not seem practical to a parent or peer, however at the end of the day, it’s not really up to them. If you aren’t sure what lights you, give yourself permission to see what happens. Mishaps are not failures however merely a process of elimination. If you stay true to making yourself a priority, everything you need will start to magically shift into place.
You are so much more than you think you are! Take time to befriend yourself and implement self care. You have a special fit in this cosmic universe and the more you embrace it, the easier life becomes. You’re here on a mission only you can fulfill and deep down you know it’s possible. You wouldn’t be given a dream if you weren’t equipped to play it out! Glow for it.

You truly are meant to freaking GLOW in this life. Trust that there is always another way, a new opportunity… You must simply believe and know that if you truly want it, there will be many miracles and a life filled with pure ease!

Yesterday, Nicole from Body Boop shared her favorite GLOW tips with us, and I’m so psyched to read what Jen Kanipe is sharing tomorrow!
Jump on board this beautiful blog tour, and GLOW with us!

Also, I highly recommend taking advantage of Dana’s FREE 10-Day Get Glowing Adventure – starting February 1st: 10 days of simple + fun daily challenges + inspiration. Hope to see you there! Let’s GLOW!

From Working Corporate to my own Light business!

Six months ago I went from working for someone else, to the ultimate someONE. My new CEO? Why that of the divine source, working in sync with me and what I was ready to offer!

Since the Fall of 2011, I was ready for more. I had fell to my knees two years prior, realizing I had no sense of who I was and spiraling quickly down a rabbit hole. After getting help, I received a more clear understanding of my purpose to guide people so they can feel more satisfied and present in the moment. And now it was time to implement. I received training at the Institute of Professional Excellence in Coaching (iPEC), met individuals with the same passion and desire to help, and enrolled in Marie Forleo’s B-school to beef up my business savvy ways. During this time I was living in Philadelphia, working as an administrative assistant for a law firm. I knew the role had a shelf life and I was setting myself up for the expiration date.

Then the day came when the firm announced the office was closing and I was offered a transfer to NYC. I was just finalizing my coaching practice and unclear if it was a sign I was ready to go on my own in Philly or take the leap to the world’s biggest metropolis.

I was single and open, so I jumped into a new chapter in NYC. And with that it meant 12 hour days and working weekends as the firm caught up from the move. I was living out of suitcases and cardboard boxes the first 2 months until my parents intervened and helped me unpack.  Some mornings I’d cry when the moment came that I couldn’t hit the snooze again. I’d dread the subway rides where I was pushed and crammed in with other people just as miserable.  People outside the city would comment how exciting it must be and it broke my heart. The first year in the city was a long one and with the hours I was working I saw my coaching dreams slip further and further away.

I knew I had to make a change. I wasn’t experiencing the city or my life for that matter in a way that felt fulfilling. And I couldn’t let go of my coaching dreams. It haunted me regularly. The very fact that I hadn’t moved on from the idea added to it’s value.  So I put in my notice at the law firm and in August of 2013, at the onset of my 30th birthday, I “escaped”.

At that point in time, freedom was not having to go into an office anymore or miss out on events because I was working late. It  now meant having time to develop my business, get speaking gigs, and start working with clients.

Except none of that ever happened. As much as I promoted and hoped, no one wanted to make the investment to work with me or come to my events. Living in midtown Manhattan, my financial resources were burning up quickly and my fear was going into hyperdrive. I tried to keep it all together on the outside but inside I was freaking out.

My life was becoming unmanageable. I had hit rock bottom, yet again.

And just like the last time, with embarrassment and confusion, I needed help. And so three months after my 30th birthday, I found myself back in a cubicle again. Back to the pain at the sound of my alarm and the sadness that washed over me squeezing into the subway car every morning.  For awhile, I resisted hardcore. While I didn’t let my work performance suffer, I resented the new company I was working as an assistant for. I got upset when they made extra demands or an entrepreneurial event came up that I couldn’t go to because of them.

Once again, the same story unfolded and I was miserable and doubting my purpose. I didn’t understand why I was brought to NYC if I was going to struggle and I hated that it felt like I was just coasting through my life. I was constantly reaching my breaking point until one day I decided to surrender.

It was the moment of surrender that brought me to my horoscope that read I should take a Kundalini Yoga class. So I did.

And I fell in love with the practice. They said to keep coming back. And so I did.

Kundalini Yoga taught me to learn to work with the resistance I was feeling, not against it. It allowed me to see my challenges not as set backs but set forths into new ways of doing things. It allowed me to see how I was holding myself back in my resentment and tamper tantrums of not getting my way and instead realize it wasn’t all about me. It was about something far greater, if I could just get myself into a space of trust and patience to receive it.

I was guided to Gabby Bernstein‘s work and enrolled in her Masterclass soon after. I was placed in a community of light workers where we could simply believe and inspire each other. I felt encouraged to explore my other gifts outside of coaching such as Astrology and Tarot. I felt that maybe there was hope for me after all.

So what happened next?  I left my Corporate job in the Spring of 2015 and haven’t looked back since! Here are the top tips I learned to eventually transfer out of my 9-5 and into my light full time!

1. Your current job is a spiritual experience. When I first started my work with Gabby, I would complain that I was ready to start coaching full time now. Surely, she could understand the passion and desire I felt!  Quite the contrary. She put me in my place and advised that I wasn’t ready. The desire to leave wasn’t enough. Not only did a need a more clear plan in place, I also needed to learn to appreciate the place that was supporting me. She reminded me that I had a responsibility not only to myself but those I’d come to serve one day. I needed to utilize my current job to afford me the opportunities to advance to the next level, such as continuing her Masterclass and receiving my Kundalini Teacher Training. And therefore, I needed to have respect for where I was clocking in. Utilize your current role to give you the benefits you need to build your business in a space of feeling secure. When you try to create a business in lack, you are projecting misguided feelings and agendas. Also set clear boundaries with your place of employment. For me, I was very direct that I would need to leave at 5pm every day. If you are finding that your job is not in alignment with your boundaries, perhaps you need a different job to support you as your make your transition.
2. Do honor ALL of your talents and gifts. When I first started my business, I was stuck on only life coaching. I was ignoring my passion for Astrology and other spiritual methods. It wasn’t until I decided to share my knowledge of the cosmos that things started to shift. By fully expressing what I had to offer, everything started to blend together and I attracted clients that had been looking for me! By worrying about seeming too “woo woo” I was ignoring the ones that would love it. I now have a range of clients from coaching, astrology, meditation and more. Look at it like a restaurant. If you were only serving one item, you’d bring in some people however limiting those with different cravings. If you expand your menu, you’ll give potential clients more tasty options!
3. If it’s not a connection, it’s a distraction. When you are transitioning into your own business, there isn’t a ton of time for much else. Choose your activities and free time wisely. Is what you’re engaging in inspiring you further or holding you back? For me, that was dating. I was getting too caught up in going out with guys that didn’t hold the higher vision of my future with me. I realized that unless it was a real supportive connection, it was just a distraction. That is not to say that you can’t have fun and let loose while building a business! However you want to notice when the good times are outweighing the rest and how that may impact your momentum.
4. Find people that will hold space during your move toward Freedom. Surround yourself with people that will support your new venture. We have a habit of trying to prove or going to people for help that may not understand what’s happening. Being in an atmosphere where you can vent throughout while still staying empowered is so important. Look for people that won’t coddle you but motivate you to stay with it. A business coach/mentor or mastermind community can be wonderful for this!

You have a desire to help people and lead a more fulfilling life. You wouldn’t have made it to the end of this blog otherwise. And you can. It just takes a lot of trust, patience, and a knowing that your mission and purpose is worth waiting for. The more consistently you show up for it every day, the faster it will come to you and the easier it gets.

If you want to discuss further, I’m here for you! Whether it’s clarity around developing your niche and next steps, how to connect with your audience, building confidence or just someone that can relate, I’m here for you! Set up a 20 minute consult here to talk about it!

I can’t do this on my own. Neither can your peers. We need YOU and the unique light you have to bring to the world. Please help yourself and help us in turn. You got this and we’re here for you too!

How I Successfully Willed Myself to Gain 20 Pounds in a Year

Today marks the one year anniversary of me trying something different. Of the turning point where I realized that certain relationships and situations had to go because they were ultimately distracting me from the big picture of where I wanted to be. A year ago I launched my first Astrology forecast video, setting the tone that I was serious about launching my dreams and bridging together a purpose and a passion. To celebrate, I’m holding a live call on July 9th at 8:30pm EST and you can sign up here. I would love to have you there as I share how I easily blend Astrology into my everyday life!

Up to this point however, there was always something nagging me. A nasty fear. It was the worry that I would gain weight and thus lose my credibility. It was that constant concern that actually willed me to manifest what I was so turned off by and in the span of 12 months, I managed to put 20 pounds onto my being.  As much as I hated it, there was a strange satisfaction from my ego, taunting me that everything I was building in my outside world could crumble if I don’t get this in check. And with every pound, it was confirming such.

It wasn’t until last week when the universe literally pushed me to my knees on my run, that I realized I needed to shift.

The weight gain was two fold really. At will, I’m an addict. When things are too good to be true or completely unknown, I reach. It use to be more brash substances such as alcohol or drugs however I’ve since learned to not to reach for those in desperate times. Instead, I went back to my old stomping grounds, food. The excitement of making my dreams a reality, of having people turn to me for guidance and being an expert in something was incredible. I didn’t know what to do with the rush of feelings so I grounded myself with food. Every single time. A successful event meant pizza to follow. A client makes a break through and I praise them afterward with ice cream. Instead of sitting with the glee, I had to transfer it to another source. My world was expanding, and apparently that applied to my waist line too!

There is also a pattern in our society, that when you’re thin you get attention. Either flattery or concern. When you’re overweight, everyone leaves you alone. After puberty, I was typically on the heavier side and was in a constant pursuit of body normalcy. However every time I lost pounds, I was hit back with waves of attention which I hated. People want to know how I did it or if I went overboard. I couldn’t never win. I just wanted to enjoy my healthy body and dress it up in fun new outfits. I didn’t like the new standard of approval I had to meet and would constantly fall back to my old ways. And as of recent, with launching a new business, I found comfort in the fact that I could hide behind the weight and no one would bring up my body or dissect it if I happen to lose more. It also kept me from other things that would distract me, like dating. I subconsciously created an armor to protect anything from getting in my way. Not stopping to realize that the more you close off, the more space you block from ultimately expanding in.

It is only fitting, a year later and steadily in the business I wanted (and truly am in love with), that this issue reach it’s peak. When I fell last week, scraping my hands and bruising my knees, it left me out of commission and I felt a whole new wave of appreciation for my body. It limited my ability to move freely and go about my day to day as I come to know. However that’s a freaking good thing. I needed a change up so I could see that this trending agony of weight gain could stop. And it’s more than the actual weight and image concerns, for me, it’s about going deeper. Of realizing I deserve this life I have created. I am worth it and have value to bring to others. And most importantly, I don’t have to ground my light. Those feel good vibes I get are gorgeous and meant to be contained, not weakened by an outer source. Today, I’m making the commitment to drop my armor. To embrace my life with love and reflect that back onto my body. To nurture the vessel that holds my beautiful soul. Today I know longer have to perfect anything. I can bask in the perfection that is the right now and the moments to follow will follow suit.

If you’re looking for ways to strengthen your relationship with food and your body, I encourage you to check out my friend and mentor Gabby Bernstein’s program Finally Full.

And here’s just a few more tips from me to you:

1. Full Acceptance. When I was building my business, there was a fear that maybe this wasn’t meant to be. That my dreams weren’t possible. And so the weight gain was my sneaky way of sabotage. However as much as I tried, my business still grew and I have a following of gorgeous people with the biggest hearts. I saw that they loved me for ME. Not for how my body looked. And honestly, I could be at any size and they would appreciate what I was offering them. And that is because I deliver from the heart. When I am with a client, a group or shooting a video, I am speaking from love and fully on your side. So if you are feeling a disconnect from your body, start to explore the value of what you offer the world. How are you a giver among family and friends? Take full acceptance of that role you hold and treasure it. Give it real worth. And understand that you are not defined by how you look but how your heart radiates and make others feel.

2. Come clean. I had to get real with myself and even vulnerable to shift this growing concern. It’s not easy when you are viewed as a expert in one area to have to admit defeat in another. However I knew that by vocalizing what’s going on (and not writing it off or cracking jokes like I usually do), I could get the encouragement and support I needed in a way to keep me going.

3. Balance. As with anything, moderation is so key. When I look back to my successful moments of a healthy lifestyle, it was filled with exercise I enjoyed, nourishing foods and fun moments with friends where we could explore good food together. It wasn’t the moments of binge eating in front of the TV or using adderall to keep my weight in check. It wasn’t being mean to myself or restricting my intake. Channel the fond memories of food, health and body movement and start to implement those back into your life. Make the joyous feelings of what a vivacious, satisfied body and life feel like the priority.

Can you relate? Have you ever found yourself in one area of success and sabotaging another? What did you do? How are you still dealing with it now? Comment below as I’d love to hear from you! Let’s take off the armor and shine bright together!

Defeating the ‘Carrie Bradshaw’ Factor!

I’ve been based in NYC a while now and I think a lot about the ‘Carrie Bradshaw Factor’.

There is an increasing trend of individuals in the 23-34 age group (women especially), that are flocking to the city in hopes of the fantasy life of posh evenings out, gorgeous men and unique job opportunities.  Instead, they are finding themselves broke, single and feeling ‘stuck in the city’. I also had fallen into that trap and found myself unhappy, frustrated and overweight.  Given such, it’s important to find ways you can incorporate the city life you’re craving, without having to settle, feel added pressure or let down.  Follow these fast and simple tips to amplify your city chic experience!

Date a human, not a fantasy!

Let go of some of the high standards set for the perfect partner.  It’s a lot of pressure to put on the other person on a first date! This is the time to relax and have fun. Be open to the possibilities and remember that often times you don’t always know what’s best for you. You might be surprised and find more than what you thought you were looking for!  Or at best, make a great new friend.

No one talks about all those late night liquid calories!

The more fun and colorful a cocktail, the more chance of racking up the pounds. Limit yourself to just one of these drinks when out on the town. Sip slowly and actually savor it. Switch to a cleaner drink, such as vodka club and alternate water in between cocktails. Also, remember why you are out! Develop a relationship with the friends you are with and potentially meeting new people, not a love affair with a daiquiri.

Become a confident, fearless go getter!

It’s easy to fall into the trap of thinking people are watching your every move. Realize that what others think of you is none of your business. Follow your gut instinct and see it through. You have to live with your decisions and it allows you to develop a better relationship with yourself. You come across as more poised and self-reliant, which will attract more positive experiences and people into your world.

Have a tip for easily being fabulous in the city? I’d love to know! Share with a  comment below!

How to Stand Out in your New City!

It’s time for another episode of New You City Chat!  This week, I discuss the challenges you may encounter when relocating and what you can do to off set them.

Remember that the key to all of this is to be YOU.  Radiant your true self and the right people and places will come into your world naturally.  Feel really proud of what you’ve accomplished and how courageous you are to make such a big transition!

Have a moving tip or advice on how to make the most of a new city? Let me know and leave a comment!

Why now is NOT the best time to book your next guilt trip!

This week the concept of guilt has been on my mind.  It’s so interesting the tangled web we weave from a situation where guilt has affected us in some way.  It drives us mad; with its projections of self-doubt, regret, shame, and disappointment just to name a few.

Does this ever happen to you?  Do you find yourself going crazy reliving a situation in your head, hoping it had gone differently?  Do you feel like you ruined your reputation from a mistake you’ve made?

I know how easy it is to get caught in this trap and that’s why this week’s episode of “New You City Chat” is an expose on guilt!  I discuss what guilt is, how it affects us, and what you can do about it going forward.

 

Remember that guilt is just an aspect of our lives, not a reflection of it.  Things happen, however with a sense of forgiveness and selflessness, we can move ahead.

When was the last time you were guilt stricken?  Leave me a comment below and let me know what you did to overcome it.  I can’t wait to see your insight!

Breaking the Vicious Cycle of Judgments!

It’s time to unleash the second video of my Q&A series!  This one focuses on how to prevent our own judgments from interfering with our everyday lives.  It’s so easy to want to compare ourselves to others, in fact our ego encourages it!  So how do you stop this flow of negativity from coming into your daily routine?  Watch the video for my insight as to how!

Remember that we can’t control other people’s thoughts, however you author your own story!  Yes, this does take a lot of awareness, practice and patience!  Know that you can create a change, so keep at it!  You’ll be closer along your path to letting your true, beautiful, hot self shine through!

Be sure to also tune into my next radio show, Tuesday, August 20th at 8p.m. EST! We’ll discuss how visualization and affirmations can help you achieve your DREAM city life! Is your life not panning out the way you’d thought? Are you ready to attract more love, money or even a hotter body? Learn the ways to manifest positivity and results through simple thoughts and techniques. You’ll start to see how to make the city work with you as oppose to against you, even faster than you can catch the subway!

Have a question you’d like answered on the show? Let us know! Email the specifics at danielle@daniellemercurio.com or post your comment below.

Set a reminder and follow the link below during show time!
New You City Radio Chat – How to Manifest Your DREAM Life!

Until next time, keep dreaming & stay open to the possibilities! -Danielle

Is it possible to NOT worry about what other people think without looking selfish?

My most recent radio show embraced the topic ‘What Other People Think of You is None of Your Business’. Clearly, there is much to discuss when it comes to wondering about what other opinions are going on about you!

We tend to bring our focus so heavily on what other people think of us, that it’s driving us away from our own wants, desires and establishing our true purpose in life. We start to worry about pleasing them as oppose to ourselves!

Have you ever felt at times like all eyes are on you? Like everyone is just waiting for you to fail or disappoint?

What happens is that this creates a unique sense of fear and our mind in turn starts to play tricks on us. Instead of thinking about what we WANT to do, we concentrate on what we SHOULD do. And we’re “shoulding” ourselves all over the place!

Follow this link to my radio recording and learn more about how to STOP the opinions from consuming your mind, as well as discover the personal blocks you may be holding onto that are fueling the beliefs that other people are judging you!

New You City Radio Chat – What Other People Think Of You Is None Of Your Business!

Before the show, I had invited listeners to write in their personal questions to be answered on air. Unfortunately, we just couldn’t get to it all in one hour! So to make sure no one was left unanswered, I’m answering your questions via video response! I’m releasing three videos that contain my insight per your requests! Here’s my first titled, “Am I just being selfish? Truth vs True.”

After you watch the video, let me know what you do to stay connected to your Truth via the comments below!

Also, don’t forget to sign up for my mailing list to be the first to know about my latest updates and happenings! Sign up here!

Revealed: How Other People’s Thoughts Hold You Back!

Hope you have been enjoying your summer!  If you’re in the city like me, how crazy has this heat been??  As much as I love a good sweat in the sun, I’ve been showing up to most gatherings looking more “ewwy” than delightfully dewy…

Some people may scoff silently in their minds at my disheveled appearance or massive pit stains (hey, it happens to the best of us!).  They may even derive a sense of pleasure at how much better they may look in these situations.  And while it took me a loooonngggg time to get here, I can honestly say “I REALLY DON’T CARE!”

How is that even possible, you ask?  For me, it came to a point where I was just simply burnt out.  I was constantly concerned about being judged and I tried to carefully calculate my moves so that they would please other people.  I was always agonizing over what I should wear, if people noticed I gained five pounds, or why I was stuck in a career that had nothing to do with my major.  As I continued on this lifestyle, the unhappier I got.  So once I finally learned how to remove myself from that world of worry, I realized that I’m the one who gets to make the decisions and that really, what other people thought of me was none of my business!

Have you ever felt like the whole world was looking right at YOU, noticing all your flaws?  Or do you ever let the opinions of others overwhelm you into making a decision that just didn’t feel right?

If so, this week’s New You City Radio Chat is for you!

We’ll discuss why the opinions of others matter so much and how it’s okay to be selfish sometimes!  I’ll even open up the phone lines for your questions or comments!  Just call in to 646-716-9397.

The live show starts at 8:00p.m. EST on Tuesday, August 6th.  Simply follow the link below and listen from your smart phone or computer.

New You City Radio Chat – What Other People Think Of You Is None Of Your Business!

After the show, I’d love to know what you think as well as what your best tactic is for staying focused on YOU!  Post your comment below!

Also, if you can’t make the live show, you can also catch any of my past recordings on iTunes!  Just search via the Life Coach Radio Network.