Hey momma, have you noticed that this holiday season feels more full than any other year? Even though, technically, there’s a lot less going on? Less parties, holiday events & shows cancelled, seeing friends & family nearly impossible for a lot of us and let’s be real – it’s basically a total wash for a majority of the ways we once used to experience the holidays.

 

Have you felt yourself overcompensating for this “deficit”? Have you noticed how even though there’s less on your calendar, your plate feels more full than ever? You feel busier and more exhausted – on all levels? You’re trying to make this time special for everyone around you, to fill the gap of missing traditions and “holiday cheer”, all the while running yourself ragged? Feeling like a failure.

 

I see you. I’m navigating this right there with you.

 

And here’s a hard truth – if you keep going at this pace, you’re going to get to the actual holiday and be so drained & exhausted that your worst self shows up and ruins Christmas (hand raise, speaking from experience here).

 

Let me ask you: what “extra” are you doing right now? And is it *REALLY* necessary? If not, can you just STOP doing it? Or how can you get support? How will you and your kids look back on this time & remember it? Is the path you’re on now in line with your desires?

 

You’ve got a lot on your plate. But what I’m asking you is, does it ALL have to be there? Or is anything you’re “doing” just added busy to keep you distracted from the fact that this season is HARD and it’s even harder to sit with that?

 

Let’s start there. I want you to write down everything that SUCKS about this season, this year. Let it pour out of you. Maybe even scream or weep into a pillow. Allow yourself to feel the disappointment, the anger, the devastation. It’s real and it *needs* an outlet. 

 

This is about being HONEST, not self-judgy, so that you can adjust expectations and source your magic; find the ease (simplicity).

 

Once you’ve done that, I want you to write down how you WANT to feel this season – both the holiday season and in this season of life. What THINGS // ACTIONS // RITUALS *actually* will create that feeling – for you & those that matter to you. THAT’S what you want to spend your time & energy on.

 

I’m not talking about MORE, I’m talking about less. The simple. The peeled back. Because those are the moments both we and our kids will remember. You know this. But you’ve been brainwashed to believe that more is better (it’s not) and that your magic comes from what you do (it doesn’t, it’s innate in WHO you are).

 

And that’s what this WHOLE year (2020) has been about. Shedding what we don’t need so that we can make space for what MATTERS.

 

This is your reminder that you’re doing an AMAZING JOB *and* the PSA that all you’re doing isn’t necessary. You can do hard things, but you don’t need to do all the things or BE all the things to everyone. Momma ain’t ACTUALLY got time or energy for that.

 

It’s also your permission slip to take a f*cking break, momma. What could you build if you let it all fall apart? How GOOD would it feel to let it all fall apart and then CHOOSE what you want to pick back up?

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Today, Monday, December 14 is a New Moon Solar Eclipse. New moons are a potent time for intention setting and manifestation. They are the “winter” of the lunar cycle (which happens every 29.5 days), a new beginning where you are supported in shedding what no longer serves you (that perhaps wasn’t working in the past moon cycle or that has come into our awareness) and in planting new seeds of what you desire to create and call into your life. 

 

Solar eclipses take this power (release, intuition & manifestation) and amplify it (some astrologers say by 10 fold). This particular new moon is the last of 2020 and the perfect opportunity to seed what you desire for the upcoming year, along with releasing that which you want to let go of // shed.

It’s a perfect time to reflect:

• What did you accomplish this year?
• What went well?
• What was disappointing?
• What fell apart?
• What became clear?
• What journeys did you take (soul, physical, emotional, mental) – and what have you learned from them?
• What shadows of yourself were revealed to you or amplified this year? What are they here to teach you?
• What are you ready to release or manifest in order to come into closer alignment with your highest self?
• How do you want to show up differently than you have been?
• What lessons (sacred medicine) have I learned this year?
• What has been coming up for you this year in regards to your “foundations” – home, relationships, money, work, body, etc.?

 

In the last 24 hours, I have lost my shit, cried a lot and screamed. I’ve felt exhausted, totally “done”, frustrated, immense joy and deep, emotional pain. Anyone else? These big swings in moods and feelings are often labeled as “too emotional” or “bitchy” in this patriarchal society we live in. But the truth is, they are MEDICINE. They are here to shed a light on what’s keeping me // you stuck, what’s suffocating our light and holding us back from our power, purpose and joy.

 

Feelings are here to tell you your truth – to reveal where you are overextended, to highlight what’s not working and shed light on how your lifestyle, reactions and choices are either in or out of alignment with your deepest desires and needs.

 

I hope you’ll spend some time today, with me, holding sacred space for yourself to go inward and see what’s there for you. I promise the medicine – although not always easy to swallow or live, is there so that you can step closer towards your dreams and into the highest version of yourself (where you can make the biggest impact on the world and your community). 

 

(If you can’t today, do no fret, this support and heightened intuition is available to you tonight and for the next few days – the power of the new moon builds a few days before and stays for a few days after).

 

In temple with my spiritual and life mentor, Sarah Jenks today, she dropped some wisdom that I’ll leave you with:

“When you see life as sacred and see the medicine that’s being given to you versus being or playing the victim, it’s like taking a surf board to ride the waves instead of letting it (life) crash down on you.”

 

What in life keeps crashing down on you? What is the potent MEDICINE in that wave? The waves are going to keep coming, that’s life. But the perspective you take, the nourishment and space you give yourself, your willingness to look at the hard things and let them transform you – that’s the surfboard. Grab it, momma. It’s time. It’s your time. 

 

If you want to dive deeper into what this particular New Moon Solar Eclipse in Sagittarius brings (energy-wise and insight-wise), check out this blog post from my business coach & astrologer Lauren DeGolia and/or this blog from The Moon Deck.

 

Happy New Moon, happy shedding and intention setting; oh and enjoy that f*cking permission slip too. 🙂 I love you.

This isn’t your “typical” holiday gift guide. It’s fitting for this year, but also I think a model for gift giving all the time. One where we support small businesses and give gifts that add value (upgrade!) the lives of those around us.

So here you’ll find a collection to infuse + inspire INTENTION and RITUAL.

Intention in how you adorn yourself or your home and the ways in which you care for and understand your body + soul (or inspire others to), wrapped within the rituals that add meaning to your day or your life. The items that made this holiday gift guide are meant to bring you (or the lucky recipient) into the present moment to create more of what you desire, while also appreciating what you have (your body, your family + friends, your spirit) and enhancing your moments of joy + calm (with yourself and others).

This guide supports small local businesses and friends (feel free to leave you favorite small businesses in the comments below too!) who direly need our support right now, along with companies whose products I’ve personally used to deepen my own rituals and/or loving relationship with myself. {Although you can get some of the products below on Amazon, I’ve chosen to link the original sites for everything.} There are tools of self-discovery and exploration, luxurious (and clean!) body products, along with beautiful options to adorn your body and home.

You’ll find gifts for varying price ranges and people – all unique and creative! There’s even some ideas for the kids in your lives.

 

ADORNING:

• THE HOME:
  • HANGING WOODWORK: Amanda Whitworth is a local, super talented woodworker and friend who has wall and plant hangings. Check out her wall hangings HERE and plant hangers HERE.
  • MOON, OCEAN & ASTROLOGY CHART ART: I found Hanah Hailey on Instagram and love gifting her colorful, original pieces. I have gifted a few of her pieces to friends and am adding her Driftwood Moon Phase hanging to my office! To get an order by Christmas, you must order by December 1!
  • CUSTOM POTTERY PIECES – Bullseye Clay is owned by my cousin Ukiah, and he makes some super cool vases, pots and more! Check out his Instagram account HERE and email him for custom pieces or to shop what he has!

 

• THE BODY:
  • UNIQUE, FEMININE CLOTHING FOR ALL PURPOSES: Malika Siddick – female owner of the retail & online clothing store Lika Love here in West Seattle (where I live) – helped me step into a more authentic and feminine expression of myself through my clothes. Check out her website HERE (there’s so many great, unique pieces). They’re doing some killer Black Friday (50% off) and Small Business Saturday (20% off) deals, so don’t miss out!

This winter, I’m currently loving:

• • • • This cozy, fleece top/coat
      • This classy, but sexy knit top
      • This sparkly and fun top
      • This fun, but super soft leopard print long sweater
      • This long, chunky sweater
      • This classy button down sweater with a twist
      • This fitted, mulberry colored dress (paired with a jean jacket, it’s so comfy!)

 

• FOR THE TEENS – my client’s daughter Ruby, (who I’ve known since she was like 7 and now she’s a senior in HS), began by hand stitching eight black & white bandanas to a pair of sweatpants for herself. What started as something to do because she was bored, turned into something that friends and beyond were asking for! Ruby donates 50% of her proceeds to community partners (Justice for Girls Coalition of Washington State and Nomad Boxing Club) and her designs are super cool. Check out Ruby Laine Apparel HERE for some one-of-a-kind gifts!

 

• JEWELRY:
  • • Stella & Haas – all of their jewelry is classy, quality, subtle and goes with everything. I got a necklace from them in July and literally haven’t taken it off. Great prices and the perfect gift for your girlfriends.
    • POUND Jewelry – if you’re into gems or crystals (or know someone who is), this jewelry is SO cool and beautiful. I also love that it’s made by a mother & two daughters.
    • Rebekah J Designs – Rebekah is a local West Seattle babe whose pieces are super unique, classy and always get a compliment (every. time. I wear my Fortunate Necklace).
    • Rain City Forge – adding this local Seattle jewelry artist per the recommendation of a comment on my Instagram. Her pieces are beautiful and super classy!

 

SELF-DISCOVERY: 2020 has been a year that’s pushed us all. It’s been an incredible year of (sometimes forced, but needed) growth and change. For me, I’ve found this path so much easier when I deepen my understanding of who I am and why I react to things the way I do or want things the way I want them. With so much more on our plates as women, these tools help you cut through the BS to uncover exactly where you should be spending your time and energy to maximize growth + understanding, while minimizing being at the whim of your circumstances.

 

• ONE-ON-ONE HEALTH COACHING SESSION WITH ME: This year is an unprecedented season of life. As moms + women, we’ve shouldered so much of the changes, often at the expense of our own health, leaving little time to tend to our body & soul. If you desire to radically change the way you care for yourself – factoring in all the challenges of this current season and working WITH them – I would be honored to help you find ease and begin navigate this season with vibrance and joy. Together, we’ll create solutions & rituals that allow you to create space for yourself, even on the days when space feels limited or non-existent. I simplify and tailor all aspects of health, nutrition, and exercise techniques to YOU, using a cyclical approach, that shifts with your daily-changing needs. You don’t have to neglect your body and spirit in order to help your family survive this time; motherhood does not have to be martyrdom. And when you prioritize your own needs & desires, you’ll have more energy and a well of ease from which you can dip into without depleting or exhausting yourself. Email me whitney@macksmo.com to set up a one-time new client intro session of 60 min for $75.

 

• PERSONAL NATAL CHART + BOOKLET: Your “natal chart” gives you insight into where the sun, moon and planets were at the time of your birth, which, astrologically speaking, influences your personality, emotions, life lessons & gifts you’re here to share. Hanah Hailey makes custom astrology natal charts for one person, couples and families. It’s such a cool gift for those who are into astrology or just starting to discover this fun tool to better understand yourself, your gifts, your personal challenges and purpose in this life! It also comes with a custom booklet to explain your chart! To get an order by Christmas, you must order by December 1!

 

• PERSONAL ASTROLOGICAL READING: Understanding your “cosmic signature” {as my astrology & business coach Lauren says} is such a cool way to understand your feelings, your desires, struggles and gifts you’re here to share with the world, with a clear path on how to harness your innate power and energy. A personal reading of your natal chart gives you one-on-one insights into deepening your relationship with yourself and I recommend it to all my friends & clients. I find that people LOVE learning insights about themselves, so this makes for a unique gift that keeps giving long beyond the holiday season. Purchase a gift card for a reading with my astrology coach, Lauren HERE. 

 

ADDING RITUAL TO YOUR MORNINGS & EVENINGS: Sanity, loving presence, and the ability to ground into your body is strengthened through ritual – the intentional things we do daily that add grace and slow us down, while also infusing calm into (what might otherwise be) chaos. I’ve made notes about all of them (and my favorite time & ways to use them). Many of these make great stocking stuffers as well!

• Slip Into The Coziest of the Cozy: TOM’s Slippers // The White Company {Super Soft} Pajamas: Lace Trim with Tank Grey, Pink or Charcoal with Dots

 

• Set The Mood {Ritual Builders}
  • • glassybaby votives {another local Seattle company} + beeswax tea lights
    • Himalayan Salt Lamp – great for winding down in the evening, helps your body transition from day to night with soft, soothing light
    • Primally Pure JUST launched their first candle for the holiday season! {I’ve got a lot of their goods in this list, so be sure to check them out now while they’re running Black Friday deals!}.
    • The Moon Deck Oracle Card Set – The Moon Deck is my go-to for creating rituals around the phases of the moon {specifically the new & full moons}. Their card deck has beautiful, feminine-inspired artwork with insights, mantras + rituals to help you deepen your intuition and create sacred space for growth. I’m constantly amazed at the wisdom within these cards, each time I use them. If you’re interested in creating more ritual around the moon’s energy and curious about pulling cards, I highly recommend this deck!

 

• Sleep Like A Baby
  • • Lunya Silk Sleep Mask
    • Primally Pure Soothing CBD Mask – made with honey, this is my all-time favorite mask and feels so luxurious
    • Primally Pure Spa Kit – the bath soaks are divine and the Jasmine Body Oil is my favorite!

 

• Face Rituals:
  • Primally Pure Gua Sha Stone & Face Roller – two of my favorites in a set (see the benefits below)
  • Province Apothecary Sculpting & Toning Facial Cupping Set – okay, I just discovered this and it’s amazing! Cupping is a healing modality rooted in Traditional Chinese Medicine (you’ve probably heard of cupping other parts of the body, like the back), but it’s also an effective beauty tool, known to improve the skin’s radiance while naturally sculpting and toning as it gently pulls the skin away from deeper layers of fascia, smoothing wrinkles and revitalizing the look of your skin and heightening your skin ritual.

 

PUT TOGETHER A SELF-CARE PACKAGE OR GREAT STOCKING STUFFERS: One of my favorite things to do for the women in my life is create self-care packages. I buy a few things in “bulk” (like the eye masks and lip balm) and put it all together in a gift bag or stocking. This is also a great and meaningful gift for teachers, where you could throw in a couple local gift cards too.

• Stella & Grace OR Beautycounter Eye Masks – an energy drink for your eyes! I love these on the weekends, after a late night or to make Monday mornings a little more enjoyable! 
• Gua Sha Stone – gua sha is an ancient healing technique rooted in Traditional Chinese medicine that gently massages and lifts the skin using a gua sha stone. It works with the skin to support and optimize the body’s own reparative functions by promoting lymphatic drainage, calming the nervous system, relieving muscle tension + tightness, clearing congestion + buildup, and increasing the flow of oxygen and vital nutrients to the skin. Energizing in the AM and soothing in the PM. One of my fave tools to wind-down and up the relaxation factor of my evening skincare routine.
• Rose Quartz or Jade Face Roller – like gua sha, face rolling helps stimulate lymphatic drainage, detoxify the skin and boost blood flow to promote healthy skin from within. The stones in a roller tend to maintain a lower temperature (you can also keep it in the fridge) so they add a cooling effect as you roll.
• Anthropology Blue Light Blocking Glasses – for the TV watchers in your life, these help improve sleep hygiene by blocking blue light (which interferes with your melatonin production – the hormone that signals the body its time to sleep).
• Primally Pure Lip Balm Set – I love adding these to self-care packages for friends & family or in stockings for my sisters & mom!
• FourSigmatic Mushroom Cacao with Reishi (aka hot chocolate with stress soothing reishi mushrooms – don’t worry, you can’t taste them!): Great for on the go and for calming the nerves. Reishi is a class of mushroom known as an adaptogen – a type of plant that helps your body adapt to stress better. It’s hormone friendly and a yummy treat to enjoy with the cacao! They’re doing 50% off right now for Black Friday & Cyber Monday!
• FourSigmatic also has on-the-go coffee packs paired with other adaptogens like Ashwagandha (my fave – helps mitigate stress & improve sleep, decreases symptoms of anxiety & depression by helping with cortisol & stress response – does so by helping parasympathetic nervous system to activate), Chaga & Cordyceps (chaga supports your immune system & cordyceps boosts mental clarity and focus), and Lion’s Mane (supports clear energy).
• Primally Pure Deodorant – the BEST deodorant and a great stocking stuffer. I love every scent (minus the Geranium because I don’t like floral scents too much), but my favorite is Charcoal (great for the guys too), Blue Tansy and Tea Tree. Maybe even get the TRIO to stuff a few stockings or for your self-care packages for your girls!
• Primally Pure Dry Shampoo – the best I’ve found and one for light or dark locks. Great stocking stuffer!
• Acure Sheet Face Masks – I gift these often and include them in all my self-care gifts for friends & clients.

 

CLEAN BEAUTY: Upgrading your skincare to clean, non-toxic ingredients is one of the most impactful choices you can make for your health and also your hormones – which impact every system of your body. I’ve done a ton of research and testing over the years (you can verify the safety and toxicity levels of any of your current skincare using the Environmental Working Group’s (EWG) Skin Deep Database, which offers safety ratings for over 78,000 cosmetic products along with the “why” behind the rating – like toxic chemicals used and health concerns that they’re linked to.

 

Primally Pure (PP) and Beautycounter (BC) are my two favorite skincare companies; and the two companies // products I recommend more than anything else to clients, friends & family (aside from my hormone-loving adaptogen protocol). I love them so much that I became a Beautycounter Independent Consultant last year and would do the same for PP if I could but instead, I have a discount code for you, LINK HERE). Beautycounter is currently doing a 15% off site-wide sale through Monday, so start shopping HERE.

• Primally Pure Starter Kit – A great way to sample some of my favorite products from PP – the deodorant (only clean deodorant I’ve found that WORKS and doesn’t eventually give me a rash), Everything Spray (literally great for everything – like freshening up your face or a room in your home, also doubles as a toner) and THE BEST body butter in the world (get the Almond+Vanilla – great for mamas-to-be to rub on their bellies too!).
• Primally Pure Vanilla+Almond Body Butter – literally the BEST smelling and most luxurious body butter I’ve ever used. It’s 100% a spa experience every time you use it. PP also just added a holiday edition scent of sweet mint + warm toasty vanilla too that I’m sure is also divine!
• BC Countertime Deluxe Mini Set – this is my all-time favorite line from BC (it’s the anti-aging line) and I noticed a huge difference in my skin – brighter and smoother – after just a week of use (and I got lots of affirmations of this too)! This mini set is a great way to sample the whole line (then have travel-size containers for the future). Every single product is divine (the Antioxidant Soft Cream {day lotion} is what originally got me hooked, it’s so smooth & light // and the Supreme Cream {night} nourishes and feels like silk). Worth the money FOR SURE!
• The Ultimate Renewal Bath Set – new just for the holidays, the body polish and body oil smell divine and are the perfect for giving your winter skin a boost! Dry brushing helps stimulate the lymphatic system and increase circulation to the skin. Dry brush, then hop in the shower and use the body polish, finishing it off with the body oil for spa-like skin.
• BC Counter+ Overnight Resurfacing Peel – this is an overnight peel that smooths the skin and adds a morning glow (it’s actually clinically proven to improve the skin’s texture and add radiance to the skin). I use it under my Countertime routine at night every other night. 
• Counter+ All Bright Serum – kinda the yin to the yang of the Overnight Resurfacing Peel, but for the daytime. Pumped with vitamin c, this serum goes on under your day lotion and helps to reduce the appearance of dark spots, while also preventing new ones. What I noticed was the added brightness after about a week!
• Beyond The Gloss Trio – I love this lip gloss! Enough said. 
• For Your Guy: Counterman Fresh Essentials – Regan loves the Energizing Body Wash, and I’m totally giving him this set for Christmas. Men need clean skincare just as much as the ladies and these 3 are all winners.

 

KIDS:

• Check out these two great GIFT GUIDES for kids:
  • Wilder Child’s Handmade and DIY Gifts for the Nature-Loving Child – this gift guide has such unique ideas and I love that all it’s nature-centered and hands-on ideas!
  • Happy Hero Kids Yoga & Fitness Holiday Gift Guide – My sister Kenzie is an amazing kids yoga instructor who has taught me so much about fostering Will’s mindfulness and emotional intelligence. She’s got some great ideas and tools in this gift guide to begin creating intentional rituals with your children that inspire connection & lay the groundwork for self-regulation and awareness (I especially love the Little Renegades cards and her Happy Hero Holiday Gift Set).

 

 

• Not Just Another Toy:
  • For your littles interested in cooking – The Little Sous Opinel Le Petit Chef 3-Piece Knife Set // And add a cute Kids Apron – Dino, Construction, Personalized Rainbow, Firetruck, Bees
  • Cool, unique and activity- or learning-based gifts: I discovered Uncommon Goods when my sister forwarded me a link to their USA Coloring Tablecloth (which Will is currently working on & part of his social studies lessons!). It’s now my go-to place to order gifts for the wonderful kiddos in our lives – my own & those of family and friends.
  • Mama Sing My Song  – This is SUCH a cool idea (I plan to gift this to Will for his birthday and eventually to Felix when he is older). If not for Christmas, at the very least, I feel like you need to know about this amazing company that creates a custom song all about & for your child!
  • Together We Rise Holiday Stockings For Foster Children – The // our children have been the most impacted by the incredible challenges we’ve encountered this year. As a family – and namely with Will, we are going to sponsor some Holiday Stockings for foster children in need. I hope that you’ll join me or find other ways to support our communities during this time.
  • Subscription Boxes We Love – activity boxed delivered bi-monthly or monthly that our kiddos have thoroughly enjoyed:
    • • Lovevery – Felix was gifted this montessori-based subscription last Christmas and we LOVE it. All of the toys and learning materials are high-quality and beautiful. Felix has used each of them over & over in new and fun ways. Highly recommend!
      • Little Passports – Will was gifted a subscription by a dear friend for the last 3 years and has loved the Early Explorers, Science Junior and is just starting the World Edition. He so looks forward to getting a box and it’s a great activity to do together. 
      • Kiwi Co – we haven’t personally tried this one, although we have friends whose kids love it and I plan to do it for Felix!

 

DO IT YOURSELF GIFTS TO MAKE FOR FRIENDS & FAMILY:

• Homemade Granola – whip up a big batch of my granola, put it in mason jars and start gifting!

INGREDIENTS:

• 4 cups old-fashioned rolled oats
• 3 cups raw nuts (I like pecans, walnuts, cashews & pumpkin seeds)
• 1.5 tsp. salt
• 2 tsp. cinnamon (add more or less depending on how much you like cinnamon)
• ½ cup organic, raw coconut oil
• ¼ cup organic, Grade B maple syrup or organic, raw honey
• 1 tsp. organic pure vanilla extract
• 1 cup wide-flake unsweetened coconut (added @ end of recipe!)

DIRECTIONS:

1. Preheat oven to 275 degrees.
2. Mix oats and nuts together in a large bowl. 
3. Add salt & cinnamon (+ hemp seeds if you’re using them) and stir thoroughly to combine.
4. Stir in coconut oil, honey/maple syrup and vanilla. Heat in microwave for 30 sec to soften coconut oil, then mix well until nuts & oats are evenly coated.
5. Spread granola out over non-stick baking sheet and bake for 40 minutes.
6. Add coconut and bake for 10-12 minutes more.
7. Stir to combine. Let cool before enjoying. Store in an airtight container for 7-10 days (I store mine in fridge).

 

• Whipped Coconut Body Butter – all you need is a mixer and some cold-pressed, organic coconut oil. Option to add some drops of essential oils too (I love doTerra brand – wild orange & lavender are my favorite). Whipping the coconut oil keeps it from hardening, which is super helpful in winter months. TO MAKE: scoop coconut oil into a mixer and whip the oil for 5 minutes (add essential oil at this time too). 

 

• Sugar or Salt Body Scrub – I keep one of these in my shower at all times and always make extra for friends at the same time. TO MAKE: you need organic sugar or fine himilayan pink salt, coconut oil and if desired, essential oils. Use a 2:1 sugar // salt to coconut oil ratio. Add all ingredients to a food processor and mix. 

 

*If you liked this gift guide, please share the love!

Has this ever happened to you?: You’re on on a workout roll. Feeling super motivated and strong in your workouts then all the sudden it’s like a switch flipped in your body? Your motivation wanes and your body feels like sludge (or everything just seems way harder than you think it should be). The energy you have doesn’t match how hard you want to workout and you leave feeling defeated or like you didn’t do enough?
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Can you relate? I’ve been there so many times wondering what the heck was wrong with ME that I couldn’t “keep up” with what I started or be able to perform at my desired fitness level all the time.
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Turns out it wasn’t me that was the “problem”. Instead, it was my model of exercise and the expectation of my body that was failing me. You see, at the time, I didn’t know that women weren’t CREATED to be or feel the same every day, every week, every month. It’s not something we’re taught growing up and most of the models in place are masculine-driven and don’t serve the uniqueness of the feminine hormone/menstrual cycle. And this knowledge not only changed my life, but also my body and specifically my relationship to it. Our bodies is meant to cycle, to change – throughout the day, weeks, months and years and this is not only normal, but 100% predictable (contrary to what we’ve been led to believe).
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Every month, you go through four very distinct phases within your menstrual cycle (and if you’re not bleeding because you’re on birth control, pregnant, breastfeeding, in perimenopause/menopause or for any other reason, you follow the moon’s phases).
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The Four Phases Are:

• the follicular phase //  season = mimics the energy of spring // moon phase = waxing cresent moon
• ovulation // season = summer // moon phase = the full moon
• -the luteal phase // season = fall // moon phase = waning cresent moon
• menstruation // season = winter // moon phase = the new moon

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On a biological level, during each of these four phases or “seasons” of your cycle you will experience different energies, superpowers, insights, strengths and capabilities. And get this – these changing seasons call for naturally adjusting your workouts throughout the month based on the shifting needs of your body in order to FEEL YOUR BEST EVERY DAY.
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Here are some ideas to get your wheels turning!
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In your spring is a great time to try something new, do cardio work or combined cardio & strength.
Your summer is awesome for heavier training & HIIT.
Fall calls for a transitioning down into lower impact and less intensity – think barre classes, lighter weight & higher rep strength training and power yoga.
Winter calls for slowing down – rest, walking, gentle stretches and yin yoga.

So all this buzz about the effectiveness of interval training and “switching up your exercise”?  Your amazing feminine body has known this all along.

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I know what you’re thinking (because I was once this way too): “But I like to workout hard. And I don’t feel as good or like I’m using my time effectively if it’s not a challenging/sweaty/heart-pumping/work-my-body-to-failure type workout”. I hear you. And I honor where you’re at. Maybe just… give it a go. Experiment. See how it *feels* to listen to your body instead of dictate what it’s gonna do.
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Cause here’s what I learned – yes, I enjoy physically pushing my body to its limits (still do). But there is a distinct difference between pushing while listening (and when I have the energy) versus just plain PUSHING/killing (or punishing my body). As women, most of us, we’re good at pushing – we do to all day, most days – it’s familiar; and in some twisted sense, *easier* even than slowing down to LISTEN and respond (#guilty). Autopilot and putting our head down is for sure easier than building your awareness muscle and learning to frequently check-in with your body and soul (then adjust your schedule based on what you discover).
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When I *choose* to move more intentionally & meditatively or when I opt to push my body within the context of what will make me feel my best in that moment and those following, everything changes. I can walk away from a workout after choosing to slow down feeling successful + strong.
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If I ignored my body’s cyclical energy, I would instead walk away feeling defeated because I decided to push through anyways; beating myself up for not “having it in me”. Right? It feels SO much different. The key is OWNING and respecting your beautiful body. And that’s where your power is. Standing IN your body, not letting outside “shoulds” and “it has to look like this” stories dictate your choices. All you need to go where you desire is inside you. Always was, always is.

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PS: are you a gentleman here reading this post? Men and women hormonally cycle differently, yet similar. The cycle that women go through in a month, you do every day. Consider yourself like the sun – it rises & sets in the same place every day, going through the same hormonal phases. Women are like the moon – they show up in the a different place, have a different energy and are a different “size” every day over a month-long period.

You can visualize your hormonal cycle & energies looking something like this:
– From 4am – 10am = your “spring”
– From 10am – 4pm = your “summer”
– From 4pm – 10pm = your “fall”
– From 10pm – 4am = your “winter”

In other words, you can ALSO cycle your workouts for optimal results and key into your body’s needs – that are additionally impacted by what you eat, how much sleep you’re getting, your stress levels, and how balanced your hormones are.

Photo by Heather Brincko!

Do you know how you want to feel? Like on the daily? In every moment and every facet of your life? Energized? Connected? Abundant? Last year I used Danielle LaPorte’s Desire Map to uncover my “core desired feelings” as a new way to set soulful goals (using how I want to feel in all aspects of my life as a compass). This year, one word just popped into my head on January 1st: SPACIOUSNESS. Meaning so many things, but on a very fundamental level spaciousness feels like space and looks like a blank canvas for crafting a life I love.

 

I think my desire for spaciousness was born from the push-pull I experienced in 2017. In my career I had some of my highest highs: from presenting at the IDEA Personal Trainer Institute West Conference among some of the best in the fitness industry to being the keynote speaker for the Washington Midwives’ Association Annual Conference. I had my first 5-figure online product launch and I co-founded a women’s wellness company (NourishYou) with my bestie Hilary Paris, co-leading 3 beyond-words amazing retreats. I got to work with hundreds of incredible people – through my fitness classes and my health + nutrition coaching. 

 

But I also went through some of my darkest moments – personally, relationally, as a mother and in my work. 2017 and I danced between expansion and contraction, growth and setbacks (on all levels – emotionally, mentally, spiritually and physically). And while that’s life’s beautiful journey in a nutshell, this vastness between living a life that was fulFILLing versus just full or “pretty good most of the time” made me super clear one thing: where I choose to put my time, my energy, my thoughts and my efforts was the determining factor in whether or not I was manifesting a life that LIT. ME. UP.

 

And so for me, choosing S P A C I O U S N E S S this year and beyond involves truly listening to what my body needs and soul craves (versus dictating) and accordingly being open to how that evolves and changes over time (because there IS a season for everything, *nothing* is forever). It means having the ability in my life to say yes to anything that lights me up, energizes + inspires me and also the latitude to say “hell no” to that which doesn’t. It looks like picking and choosing who and what I fill my life, body and soul up with on a daily and moment-to-moment basis. This year in particular, it’s especially important to me as I intentionally make room for a possible addition to our little Mack family (no, I’m not pregnant! – but spoiler: I will be sharing my journey towards that possibility and also what that looked like with Will – prenatal and postpartum).

 

It also involves the ability to examine and let go of that which no longer serves me, immediately or with time. It’s done by creating space through (let’s be real – almost) daily meditation (whether 3 minutes or 20 – an amount is fantastic) but also movement (like yoga & mobility). Not sure meditation is your thing? All it is in stillness. A break from the hustle. The opportunity to tune in and listen to all the small & big ways my body + soul are talking to me on the daily and using that as a baseline to guide my next right action. 

 

This all might sound lofty (impossible even?). You see though sweet friend, what I’m learning is that the second I got clear on how I wanted to feel and accordingly created the space to feel and listen, the *easier* it became to navigate my life down the path of my desires and manifest my best life. A huge piece of why is because I wasn’t waiting to feel how I wanted – which so many of us do, right? We’re waiting to get “there”, for our life to be better tomorrow or someone to make us feel the way we desire. We’re waiting to lose the weight, to get “our bodies back”, to be seen or waiting for the time when life “slows down” – thinking that once any/all those things happen, we’ll feel ___________ (how we want to feel – and obviously the goal is to feel good).

 

Truth: everything will take as much time as you give it. Work. Your dreams/desires. Your relationships. Your body. So we must, we must take the time, create the space. No one can or will do it for you and real talk: life keeps happening while you’re waiting – often moving you in the opposite direction of your desires. Creating space, taking time for radical self-care and to LISTEN to your body + soul is not impossible. But it is the opposite of the way most of us live (and are wrongfully told is the pathway to happiness) – filling up our lives with things that don’t bring us joy, excitement or vibrance, continuing to push and say yes to more. Our lives our full, but we’re not fulfilled.

 

We’re also so judgy – of ourselves and others. Waiting for things to be perfect instead of engaging with the natural cyclicality of life and knowing that the way INTO a life we love is through adopting a learner’s mindset in all we do. When I am open to learning from every action (versus judging and shaming), when I bring conscious awareness into my thoughts and feelings (versus continuing to push and just get through, waiting to feel the way I want to feel or for someone to give me permission), I ALLOW light, love, vibrance and… spaciousness to flow into my life. It all begins with knowing how you want to feel and knowing that you CAN feel that way and create more of that feeling right now.

 

It also always takes experiencing the opposite of how we want to feel (many times over) – often coming to the place where we have no other option but to adopt a more embodied way of living – that we are able to see more clearly that which we need and deeply desire on all levels. And what 2017 taught me, thank GOD, is that it all starts small – with space. Space to create SPACIOUSNESS. Spaciousness as a feeling that opens up the possibility for you to truly live your best life and a life. you. love. – one that’s of course ever-changing but always lighting you up. 

 

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Looking to add spaciousness and craft a life + body you love? Email me!

Photos by Heather Brincko and Kate L Porter.

 

I get asked often what “the best diet” or the “most effective method of exercise” is.

I usually respond by asking, “Well, how do you want to feel?”

The most common response I hear {in one way or another} is “lighter”. Lighter as in less weight {physical and emotional}. Lighter as in more comfortable in your own skin. Lighter as in less time spent worrying about what method is best and just knowing what will work. Can you relate?

When we become a mother, there is *so much* pressure to act like we’ve got it all together, to be perfect and to get our bodies and lives “back”. Let’s be real though, this doesn’t just extend to motherhood – as women we struggle our whole lives with trying to get the body we think will bring happiness and to act like we’re pulling off Superwoman status with ease.

But what if we changed the conversation? Changed the approach? What if instead of self-loathing our way “back” (or forcefully “into” a life + body we desire), we self-loved ourselves forward? Forward into a relationship with ourselves that embraced the changes we’ve been through and continually go through {physically, emotionally, mentally, spiritually and in every way I can think possibly of} and focused on creating joy, confidence and energy through radical self-love and acceptance?

What if the key to feeling lighter {in body & mind} and sparking lasting {postpartum and any} weight loss was made simple and enjoyable even, by following that exact path? And what if taking that approach also crafted a life where you feel good in your own skin right now {instead of after you’ve lost the weight}?

Flipping the conversation means that instead of waiting on the weight to live your best and most desired life, you focus on how you want to feel – physically, yes – but deeper – on a soul level. Specifically, what FEELINGS do you want more of? The goal is to fill your life with those feelings and small, daily actions you can take to feel the way you desire. For example, if you desire more joy {as in you desire to be joyFULL}, you can lead with the question, “what brings me joy?” // “what could I do right now to experience joy?” // “what food brings me joy?”.

Approaching your life from a place of being FULL {of the feelings you desire} shifts your focus from one of lack to abundance. We’re adding in the good stuff instead of self-loathing and forcing yourself to do things that to “get you there”. See the difference? To support you in trying this approach on, today I’m sharing three of my favorite strategies that I use with my health coaching clients:

 

WHERE TO START:

*PleasureFULL & JoyFULL* – Seek to Cultivate Pleasure & Joy Daily in Small Ways:

Anytime that there’s a lack of joy and pleasure {that are usually eaten up by the mundane tasks & responsibilities of your life – which definitely has a serious uptick postpartum and as a momma}, you experience an increase in food-based cravings – like baked sweets, chocolate, ice cream, soft + filling starches, ice cream, alcohol, salt and cheese (to name a few). Behind each craving is a 100% legitimate {usually NON-food based} reason that essentially boils down to an internal need you’re neglecting; and cravings are one of the ways the body communicates its needs + your soul’s desires. Most of us interpret these needs as food-based cravings, so indulge in them, then still wonder why we don’t actually feel better afterwards (not to mention the shame + guilt cycle we enter into).

Try this instead: CREATE A FEEL GOOD LIST. Write down as many things as you can think of – big and small – that make you feel good and bring you pleasure and joy {physically and emotionally}. It can be as simple as drinking more water and eating more vegetables at every meal to a spa day (in-home or a treat-yo-self situation), date night (or sex!) with your significant other, meeting up with girlfriends, moving your body, meditating, taking deep breaths, adding flowers to your desk, candles to your home, or reading a book. Anything and everything that makes you feel good that you could do RIGHT NOW. Then try to do at least one thing from this list every day and be sure to add in at least one thing (just for you) that you can look forward to!

 

*MindFULL* – When Your Weight Is Stuck, Look at Where in Life You’re “Stuck”: 

How often as women do we find ourselves “waiting on the weight” before we fully embrace life and do all the things we want to do? Or how much time do we spend imagining how awesome life would be if we were 10 pounds lighter? 40 pounds lighter?

Here’s the truth – you’re never going to get “there” – and even *if* you lose the weight you’d like, it doesn’t make your life full. Just as your body grows and regenerates every day, your soul needs growth as well. So I want to ask you: are you truly *living* your life right now {in all the ways you “would” if you were lighter/happier/richer/had more time} or are you just surviving? What are you not making space for that you KNOW would make you feel better? Believe me, I know there’s definitely an element of surviving during different seasons of your life and especially those first few months postpartum, but in order to bring yourself out of the fog, out of the overwhelm, out of the wallowing in “loss” of self or body, you must (you must!) spend time cultivating the needs of your soul (see below for some ideas on this!) in order to become “unstuck” in negative habits, thoughts patterns and beliefs that ALL stall weight loss efforts.

So if you feel like you’ve tried everything and are still struggling, maybe it’s not your outer body that needs addressing. As a fitness professional and Integrative Nutrition holistic health coach, I can tell you with 100% conviction that it’s not {only} the physical landscape (ex. food and fitness) that needs changing in order to make that stubborn weight budge. Instead, it takes an honest look at what emotional weight (which I believe we all come to bear in some capacity as a mother and a woman) you’re holding onto; the stories you keep telling yourself about your body and the attitude in which you approach your life, your body and it’s worth.

{Another important place to look as women, is how we’re supporting our cycle – and whether we’re submitting to and honoring the cyclicality of our ever-changing lives, talents and body’s needs or we’re completely ignoring them and sabotaging our hormonal health – more on that another time!}.

You can’t keep waiting on the weight, waiting for things to slow down or get easier, for life to happen for you – every season has its struggles, every season passes in the blink of an eye. So instead of forcing change through nutrition or exercise, what if you engaged in self-loving practices that made your life full? And by full, I mean that it’s imperative as a woman and/or a mom to take time for your own growth and care. Will (my son) fills up my heart in ways I’d never known or experienced, but that’s not a substitute for taking time for myself to recharge all the energy I output (physically, mentally, emotionally and on a soul-level) – and the same goes for any other relationship, career or commitment in your life.

 

*SoulFULL* – Seek to Fill Up on Soul Food:
Our soul foods are what really feed us and drive our happiness. They “fill us up” from the inside so that we don’t seek comfort, solace and fulfillment from the “outside” {in food or superficial things}.

Your SOUL FOOD includes:

• being surrounded with loving, deep relationships (with yourself and others)
• having a fulfilling, balanced work life and career (“career” being an interchangeable word with your life’s work and purpose)
• self-care – simply put, caring for yourself daily; doing things that make you feel good + recharge your energy, increase your vitality and create mental space
• engaging in a spiritual practice that gives purpose and meaning to your life

So if you’re frustrated and “stuck”, I encourage you to try these methods and take a look at your soul food. It’s a new path that involves loving yourself (as you are) and filling yourself up from the inside. It’s your answer to ditching diets, extreme exercise and actually getting the results you want. For reals. Let’s take up this new way together; change the conversation of how we treat ourselves so we can bring a fuller, more joyful self to every aspect of our life. You deserve it, beautiful. Sending love and light. -Whitney

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Did you like this post? Please share! If you can relate to it or have a comment/question, I’d love to hear from you! {whitney @ macksmo.com}. Together ladies, we are stronger and we deserve MO(re). So much love to you, all my readers!

 

{*Photos by Sarah Heitman & Kate L Porter*}

I get asked all the time if I’m a morning person. And for good reason, because I get up in the wee hours of the morning most weekdays. Like by at least 6am, but 3 days out of the week creeping into the 3:50 and 445am time slots. A few of the days for work reasons (example – I teach a 4:45am Strength & Mobility class on Thursday mornings), but other mornings, for me. So I have the opportunity to begin each morning on my terms and the way I want to feel: grounded, connected and calm with clarity and energy as a compass.

Regardless of whether I’m getting up for work or for myself, my mornings start the same way with the same rituals. These get me out of bed in the morning and are my surefire way to be energized – without fail and without the need for coffee. They help me wake up, no matter the hour or the amount of sleep that preceded – and you all know my stories there! Morning {and Evening} Rituals are another one of my healthy living non-negotiables because I’ve found that without these (whether I do one, some or all of them), I don’t feel the way I want to feel. 

And that’s what it’s all about right? Any goal you set, at its core, comes from the desire to feel a certain way – and likely different than you do in this moment. For example, the desire to lose weight might stem from wanting to feel light in your body, confident and sexy in your own skin, with less stress + worry, bursting with energy and vibrancy. 

The problem with looking at things from the goal-side first and only, is that it’s not tied to anything meaningful and tangible in a I-can-do-this-everday-and-not-lose-motivation sort of way. And you’re also looking at your life from a perspective of lack (aka what you don’t have). If you flip the conversation though and create a strong WHY rooted in how you want to feel, all of the sudden day-to-day and moment-to-moment decisions become so much easier.

Using the feelings associated with weight loss as a continued example – it becomes a conversation of: “what food or activity or decision would make me feel light in my body right now?” versus things we think we should be doing or have to do to reach our goals. Because truthfully – I know you. Inside there’s a little rebel who doesn’t want to do what you’re told or stick to “the rules” all the time. And I agree. That’s such a boring, black and white way to live life. No thank you.

When I lead with how I want to feel, what might make me feel light is yes, eating a meal rich in color + real food {always}, but also: meeting a friend for happy hour and sharing laughs + meaningful conversation versus sitting at home binge-watching Netflix alone because I’m “not drinking or doing this diet right now”; waking up 15 minutes early to energize my morning versus hitting snooze and then rushing around groggy all day; or even choosing to take a walk outside in nature versus dragging myself to the gym for a high-intensity workout that’s going to “kill me”. 

Do you see the difference, my love?

Do you FEEL the difference between all of those options above? The former are all filled with ABUNDANCE, love, joy, grace and the desire to LIVE your life right now, enjoying each moment with the intention and goal of feeling how you want to feel. Which, of course, will also happen to take you exactly where you want to go. It always does. But makes the journey one that you WANT to be on while feeling the way you desire right now (and as you’re on the journey) versus after you’ve “gotten there” (if you do).

And I really need you to know this: contrary to {almost} everything the media, fitness or health industry sells you, the path to where you want to go doesn’t need to be restrictive, painful or isolating. In fact, if it IS, jump off that train as soon as you can, sister! Then, reframe your mindset to be this: HOW DO I WANT TO FEEL? {Danielle LaPorte’s work in her book Desire Map is a great place to start if you’ve never approached goal setting this way before}. And then follow your intuition. The answers to your most vibrant self don’t lie “out there” in the newest diet, exercise trend, book or supplement. First and foremost, they lie in YOU – and knowing how you want to feel first, then noticing if the actions you’re taking, thoughts you’re holding or beliefs you’re operating by are making you feel that way, or not. 

So, swooping back to mornings — how do you want to feel to start your day? And even: how do you want to feel throughout your day that’s often deeply influenced by how you start your day? And what can you do to always start your day off on the right foot – regardless of how much you slept or what the day holds?

For me, I turn to Morning Rituals to ensure that my day starts with intention and purpose. Finding rituals that work for me has been many years of experimentation and also involves paying attention to where I’m at in my cycle, where my life feels “heavy” or overly-focused at the moment and noting what actually shifts my energy – physically and emotionally to make me feel: calm, centered, energized, grounded, empowered, rested or light (to name a few feelings I desire). AKA HOW I’m able to get out of bed {at un-Godly hours} and feel amazing regardless of my circumstances (like when Will does on sleep strikes).

Want to try experimenting with your own Morning Rituals or up the ante on your current ones? Below I’ve put together my tried & tested favorites {for myself and all my coaching clients}. Let me know which ones become yours!

• Get Your Flow On: As soon as I get out of bed, I “hit the floor”… and engage in some gentle + energizing movement flow to wake up my joints, connect to my breath and wake my body up. What I do changes depending on how stiff I feel, where I’m sore, how I slept or where I’m at in my menstrual cycle. Sometimes it’s 2 minutes, other times closer to ten, but by the time I’m done, my mind and body are aligned. Check out this follow-along video I created for and share with all my coaching clients and try it tomorrow: ENERGIZE YOUR MORNINGS.
• Create Headspace: Meditation can be hard. Or really, anything new can be hard, right? And sometimes awkward. Where we catch ourselves saying/thinking, “What the hell am I doing?” or “This is pointless!” Maybe you’ve tried meditation and it hasn’t “worked” or you think you don’t have time. But I bet if I asked you what you need MORE of in your life, it might sound something like: more calm, more space (and headspace), more clarity, more focus, more time, more energy, more purpose. Yes? I feel you – when your life is fast-faced, it’s hard to slow down or sit still. Relaxing or resting feels foreign and is undervalued in our modern world. But creating space {which is what meditation is, at it’s root} in your life is the gateway to all you desire. So if you’re new to the game, I encourage you to try these simple, timed meditations. It gives you an end game and something to do – which helps when you’re cultivating new habits!
  • Breath of Fire {3 to 6 min meditation with Gabrielle Bernstein} – set a time for 3 minutes and do breath of fire as shown in this video. When you’re done sit for a few regular breaths and set an intention for your day OR set a timer for an additional 3 minutes and sit with the vibrations in your body, connecting to your deepened breath.
  • 4-7-8 Breathing with Dr. Weil {set a timer for 3-5 minutes}. Counting your breath provides a great distraction for the mind, while simultaneously creating space. I love doing this one ANY time of day, even for just 5 cycles of breath.
  • This Healing Sound Bath Meditation by Laura Thompson Brady will give you shivers {click here to go to her website to download/hear it}. When I’m feeling the need to be in more stillness or connect to my soul, I listen to this – morning, noon or night. It makes every fiber in my being soften and “come home”.
• Warm Lemon + Ginger or Chlorophyll Water: After my movement and meditation {or beforeand ALWAYS}, I have water first, before anything else. Bare minimum, just water and 2 glasses. But ideally, one with chlorophyll drops {chlorophyll is a great natural detoxifier that helps boost oxygen uptake and is packed with antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties; it also has a yummy minty taste! You can grab it at your local health food store or on Amazon} and/or a glass with lemon juice and freshly grated ginger root {I shortcut the squeezing by using a splash from Santa Cruz’s Organic Lemon Juice in a glass jar}.
• Daily Devotions: I’m always reading some book – or 5. 🙂 They range in topic from spirituality, to self-improvement, healthy living inspiration to goal setting, hormones + connecting to my feminine power to parenting and beyond. And one thing I love to do with these books, to help them really sink in and to dedicate some time for stillness and reflection is what I like to call “Daily Devotions” – where I sit and read a paragraph, a page, a chapter {no set amount} and take notes + write my thoughts. I definitely don’t do this on the days I wake up in the 4am or before hour, but this is also one of my favorite things to do midday to refresh my mind + soul.

Did you love all the goodness and inspiration in this post? Make sure you never miss a post by signing up for my newsletter {click here!}. And I’m sure you’d love my Living Fully E-Cookbook too {Spring + Summer Edition} or the Fall + Winter Seasonal Meal Plan {8 weeks of grocery lists, recipes and meal plans plus weekly inspiration and themes to keep your holiday season inspired + healthy living simple — dropping next week! Email me to get more information!}. 

*Photo credit: the amazingly talented Kate Porter and myself*