I’ve just got back from Los Angeles where I spent a fabulous weekend reconnecting to my soul-self.  It’s so important we stay true to what we care about and what drives us – and staying in touch with my soul essence is something very valuable to me.

So there I was in a room full of hundreds of powerful women, but not powerful in a pushy way, but in a very feminine way.  You know, it’s such a shame that our culture no longer celebrates feminine power and that we have to go re-discover something that was so normal in so many traditional cultures.

It seems like the drive these days is to turn women into men and men into women.  But just because we can be strong and independent, doesn’t mean we have to give up being ladies!  And just because men can be soft and sensitive, doesn’t mean you have to forget your soul-self either.

And talking of being a lady, well guess where I went this week?! I popped into the MAC store in Santa Monica and treated myself to 2 new eyeshadows, 1 mascara, 1 studio fix, 2 new brushes, lip gloss for Hannah and two new lippies for me.  Not a bad stash for the afternoon and a very good way to get in touch with my feminine energies, don’t you think?  And men, I’m not saying you have to wear make-up but you can still be soft and sensitive too.  All of us can learn to get in touch with our soul-selves and the divine essence of who we are….

Have you heard me talk about Wealth Dynamics lately? Probably-I’m always carrying on about how it is simply the most useful profiling tool I’ve come across. Based on the Chinese text” The I Ching”, Wealth Dynamics shows you how to tap into your natural flow by following one of the eight paths to wealth creation-a path unique to you and EASY to follow. And that’s what this new little project of mine- my first “Multimedia Book” is all about:

http://www.shiftlifestyle.com/wealth

The Wealth Garden Book - Dr Joanna Martin

The good news is you can get a chapter from me, straight from the book as a “taster” absolutely free. How fun is that? So you can go and review the content, see some groovy previously unseen video trainings and audio tools from me, and if you like it- grab the whole Multimedia Experience!

The book is called “The Wealth Garden: The New Dynamics of Wealth Creation in a Fast-Changing Global Economy”, and I got together with more than 30 other leading entrepreneurs from five continents to bring it together. Our stories about the day-to-day application of wealth dynamics are truly inspiring. And this cutting-edge online book allows you to experience our stories through text, audio and video! Cool huh?

http://www.shiftlifestyle.com/wealth

The Wealth Garden is a must-have book for anyone who wants to stop the chase and start attracting wealth, opportunity, resources, powerful connections and success in all areas of life. You’re going to love it!

Go check it out now…. and post me your feedback!

Warm regards,

Joanna

PS Did I mention the best bit: you get a chapter from me as a “taster” absolutely FREE! Yay. Let me know what you think!

http://www.shiftlifestyle.com/wealth

I read a report in the paper the other day that the British are guaranteed a long, hot Summer.  Get the barbeques ready and the sunglasses out.  Who needs to fly abroad anyway?  This way you get to beat the ash.  So, what holiday plans have you got for this summer (or winter if you’re in Oz)?  Please do share the exciting ones with us – it always gives me ideas for my next vacation!

In a few days, Greg and I are flying out to Antibes in the South of France.  It’s not technically a holiday because we’ll still be working out there but it still gives us a chance to dine out on all that yummy French food.  Isn’t French food just the best?  I just love the way the French practically build their whole day around their meals.  I like that they place this at the centre of their existence.  It says something about how healthy they are – rather than placing their lives around their workload.

Holidays aren’t just an annual event are they?  In our business we permanently aim for the relaxed edge that holidays give us.  What you get out of holidays – the time to unwind and relax and get the work/life balance into perspective – we try to strive for everyday.  How can you bring the holiday into your work-life?  It’s actually more productive than you think….

Think about it this week as you soak in the sun in your lunch-break.

My Mum has 3 Golden Rules.  I’m sure she’d never be able to teach them to you – but they are things I’ve noticed over the years that apply as well to business as they do to mothering.

1. Never show up to a party empty handed.

It’s polite, thoughtful and just good form to take a bottle of wine, flowers or a gift of some sort.

Similarly in business, if someone has given you the gift of their time to help you out in business – what can you give them to say thanks?

2. Happiness is more important than financial reward. 

My Mum never expressed too much concern when I wanted to leave medicine and become an actress.  She continues to support me no matter what I want to do, as long as I’m happy. 

I think we should all “mother” ourselves in this way in business.  Take your own happiness “temperature”.  Are you still happy doing what you’re doing? If not, perhaps you should nurture and support yourself and let yourself do something you enjoy for a while. (Who knows it might make you more money like mine did!)

3. Relationships first.

No matter what happens, or what someone does or doesn’t do – the most important thing is to maintain the relationship.  If there is love and trust in the relationship people will be empowered to make the right choices.  There’s no room for judgment. 

I notice this holds true with dealing with staff.  People don’t come to work to do a bad job.  If you empower people, and love them enough, they are more likely to achieve than if you berate them.

As I write this I think I could write a million things I learned from my Mum that impact my business, but 3 will do for today.  What did you learn from your Mum?  Was is it empowering?  If not, turn it around – there’s some great life lessons in there if you look.

Thanks Mum.

It’s all about London this week.  At one point last week I thought I’d never get to say that…  But on Monday, Greg and I safely touched down upon English soil and boy are we relieved.  We always feel comfortable coming back to the UK and we’ve settled nicely into our new house.  Plus I have to say, the springtime weather is just gorgeous….. blue skies and sunshine!   

We’ve got lots of lovely plans for whilst we’re here – and most of them revolve around catching up with you!  If you haven’t already heard, I’m doing a special complimentary webinar for all you British entrepreneurs on the 29th, I’m at Mark Anastasi’s Social Media Summit event this weekend and then of course, I get to see you at my very special “Presentation Secrets” event on May 7th and 8th.   So, I’m hoping plenty of time for us to catch up and connect in person.

There’s so many things to do in London (which is why we love it so much) but unfortunately we missed one of the highlights of the year – the London Marathon. But whilst we were up in the sky our Hannah was pounding the streets.  She got to the finish line in an impressive 5:22:34.  But more impressively she’s raised nearly £2000 for charity!