INTERVIEW - The self-esteem queen

"Our inner health is as important as our physical condition. There will always be setbacks in life and it is important to have a strong inner core." 

Mia Törnblom

INNER BEAUTY

Meet Swedish self-esteem guru Mia Törnblom. I´ve been fortunate to meet with this vibrant, energetic, seriously happy and beautiful woman several times through work over the years. She´s also very inspiring, and extremely funny and entertaining on stage so if you have a chance don´t miss to see her. Mia published her first book about self-esteem 2005. It was an instant mega success. By then nobody really thought about the difference between self-esteem and self-confidence. Self-confidence is knowing that I can achieve my goals and get things done. Self-esteem is being conscious about my own worth and to know how it feels to be me, my own worth in my own eyes. You could have high self-confidence but low self-esteem at the same time. That first book was followed by several more, and a mentor business for Mia who today coaches some of Swedens' top leaders and companies in personal leadership. I was so happy when she agreed to tell you readers some of her knowledge, and the other day the very busy Mia and I finally were able to have a great talk about how to build that inner core. 

Mia, are there any routines to keep the self-esteem high?

Yes, if you take responsibility for your own needs then everything else gets easier. You have to ask yourself; what is right for me? What are my needs? It is also important to be able to communicate ones needs, other people shall not have to guess them for you. Don´t blame anybody else. 

Another thing that is important is to confirm yourself continuously. You have to refill that account of yours. It is important to confirm what you DO and what you ARE. Those are different, but we need both. 

Don´t expect perfection all the time. 

Everything happens in the mind. Many people think bad about themselves, sometimes on autopilot. You need to change that.

Many people are looking for their ”purpose in life”? Will good self-esteem make it easier to connect to that purpose and recognise it?

Yes definitely! Good self-esteem will make it easier to recognise what is important and meaningful for you, not what´s important for others. It´s easier to be true to yourself, your authentic self, and it gets easier to move outside your comfort zone. Everything in life becomes more meaningful. 

How can we be more successful in our careers with better self-esteem? 

With good self-esteem you can really enjoy your career and success. With a low self-esteem you only postpone enjoying it and instead focus on the next presentation, the next promotion, the next...You feel like you don´t deserve it, you feel unworthy of your success. 

What are your best tips for dealing with inner stress on a daily basis?

The best tip is to have realistic expectations on yourself. Set attractive goals that you can live up to and meet. Give cred to yourself!

What is beauty to you?

It goes hand-in-hand. I meet a lot of beautiful faces that don´t really like themselves on the inside. That shows. There´s no spark. But it´s also important to take care of your outer looks. It´s important to like your body, to be nice to it. My body is the house where my soul lives!

5 Rules for a HAPPY life:

1. 
Get to know yourself. Take responsibility for your needs.

2. 
Practice what you preach. Do everything you can to live by this.

3. 
Make sure you have fun. Treat yourself to things that empowers and strengthens you. Invest in that.       And surround yourself with friends who strengthens you. 

4. 
Enjoy! My hobby is to enjoy, whether it´s going to the theatre, eating chocolate or something else.     Just enjoy more. 

5. 
Make your mistakes something to laugh about for yourself, and do it fast, instead of dwelling about the actual mistake. You cannot undo it, but you can probably make a good and funny story out of it. This will feel better!

More:
Mia Törnblom homepage
Books

The good lie-in

INNER BEAUTY
This is the time of year I always dream of a long lie-in...who am I kidding, I always love a good lie-in independent of the season. Anyway, I do try to have some routines to start the day with happy intentions even though it´s often (too) early. I´m very inspired (and jealous of bringing that cup of tea back into bed), of how life guru Louise Hay describes her morning ritual, and how she actually uses the bedroom, not only for sleep:

"I have this little routine I’ve done for years. The moment I wake up, I snuggle my body a little more into my bed, feel the feeling of the bed, and I thank it for a really good night’s sleep. I do this for a few minutes as I start my day with positive thoughts. I tell myself things like: This is a good day. This is going to be a really good day. Then I get up, use the bathroom, and thank my body for working well. I spend a little time stretching. After I do a few stretches, I make a cup of tea and take it back to bed. I love my bed. I’ve had the headboard specially built at an angle so I can lean up against it when I read or write. I’ve carried this headboard with me for years. It’s an example of something I’ve done to make my bedroom special and comfortable—a sanctuary. It’s a lovely place to be.”

Louise Hay on how to start the day in a good way as told to Cheryl Richardson.

(Image from Pinterest via houseandhome.com)

A supermodel with a bigger purpose

"It’s strange, but I always knew my life was going to be different. I just felt everything would be all right. There was no logic to it; I just had a gut feeling. I may have known, on some level, that I’d have this amazing life – but I’ll never take it for granted."

OUTER BEAUTY
She´s a mother of three and nowadays lives in Paris with the heir to LVMH group. One of the worlds most beautiful women Natalia Vodianova, talks about her privileged life today, from growing up in Russia selling fruits early on in her life to help support her family, being discovered as a model at her fruit stall to starting her own Charity Naked Heart Foundation, building modern play parks in urban parts of Russia, orphanages and children's hospitals.

"-I live a very different life now, with incredible privileges, but looking back I realise that growing up in Russia gave me tools that other people don’t necessarily have – such as the will to push that bit further, to make things happen, to succeed. I try to use these now to help other people.

I remember feeling confused and a little depressed when I first became successful. By the time I was in my 20s, I had a substantial income for the first time, was married and living in a beautiful house with a healthy baby. Even though I enjoyed it tremendously, I felt there was something else I should be doing with my life. Then in 2004 the Beslan massacre happened in Russia, with 186 children killed. I was deeply moved and wanted to help, which was the spark for my Naked Heart Foundation charity. Hence I found my purpose."

As told to Daily Mail UK where you can read the whole story here.

"Sometimes I think I would love a week without responsibilities. 
I’d probably spend it lying in bed recovering." 

(Well, good to know it can be exhausting being that gorgeous, good hearted and successful:)

(Image from Pinterest via mylusciouslife.com)

The Monday Peptalk - HOW TO stay creative

INNER BEAUTY

Loving this list on how to stay creative. My faves are; get away from the computer, quit beating yourself up, go somewhere new and stop trying to be someone else's perfect. And have fun, count your blessings and finish something (that always feels good). 

Which ones are your faves on a Monday like this? 

HAPPY Monday!

(Image from Pinterest via kvinnan.blogspot.dk)

INTERIORS - The indispensable tray in every room

OUTER BEAUTY

I love a good tray. You can never have too many for storage of any kind as you can see from these inspirational photos. 

Have a beautiful Sunday!

(Image from Pinterest via whatyoufancy.co.uk)

BON Weekend!

Great jewellery storage in the right colour...

Maybe a bit heavy but cool...

Yes please, all of them...

You can never go wrong with nude...

Great combo

I have my eyes set on these perfect-for-party-earrings
by Pat's among other things tonight...

Treasure your girlfriends

OUTER BEAUTY

Don´t we all love Fridays! What are your plans this weekend? I am going to a jewellery sale at a girlfriends house tonight. There will be a lot of gorgeous accessories and jewellery, bubbles and wine and a huge bunch of girlfriends to catch up with. A wonderful start to the weekend. I totally love jewellery and accessories, since they can hot up any simple outfit anytime and even boost your mood, so choose carefully every day and let it be joyful!

Have a wonderful WEEKEND!

(Images from Pinterest via 1 Pinterest 2 gliha.blogs.com 3 reasonstobreathe.tumblr.com 4-5 pinterest 
6 theyallhateus.com)

Words to live by - on success

INNER BEAUTY
Let´s continue on the loving-ourselves-is-what-gives-success-path today. Nobody says it better than Maya Angelou. So many inspiring words and such wisdom this woman has given us!

(Image via Pinterest from thecollegeprepster.com)

Best of beauty according to Swedish women

OUTER BEAUTY
The favourite Swedish fashion magazine Damernas Värld recently got their readers to vote for their favourite beauty products, and I found several of my own beauty staples here. Do you find any of your favourites here?

Best of...

Face creams Clarins Beauty flash balm

Cleaning Dermalogica Daily microfoliant
Love this, definitely the best face scrub I have ever tested. It´s addictive. 

Body care The Body Shop Body butter olive

Discovered this thick body butter during pregnancy. 

Foundation Bare Minerals foundation

Good, but too dry for me being 40 years...

Nail care Seche Vite Dry fast top coat

Super fast and a very special product not like any of its competitors. Apply it when the last layer of nail colour still is wet to sort of seal the colour in.

Concealer Yves Saint Laurent Touche éclat

It feels like this is an all time winner in every contest. Although I must say, there are some big competitors on the market today that I rather prefer. 

Hair care Moroccan Original treatment 

Had this one for years. According to my hairdresser it reduces the dry blowing time with half when applied in damp hair. 

Mascara Lancôme Hypnôse mascara

Still haven´t tried Lancômes' mascaras, but heard over and over again that they´re the best. On my list. 

Lip care Elizabeth Arden Eight hour cream skin protectant

Still love this. Even gotten to like the smell...

(Image via Pinterest from so-much-more-than-nl.blogspot.com)

The Monday Peptalk - 12 lessons for success

INNER BEAUTY

Robin Sharma, a former lawyer, quit his job and self-published a book his mother helped editing. He stored 2000 copies in his kitchen. His second book The Monk Who Sold His Ferrari was also originally self-published until a big publishing company discovered Robin in a bookstore. The book, and the series that followed, have become one of the world's most successful publishing franchises. Today Robin Sharma is one of the top five leadership gurus in the world helping people to achieve their greatest potential and to create their best lives. For this Monday Peptalk I share some of my own favourites of Robin Sharmas best lessons for success in business and life. 

12 Great lessons for success 

1. The more you worry about being applauded by others and making money, the less you’ll focus on doing the great work that will generate applause. And make you money.
2. To double your net worth, double your self-worth. Because you will never exceed the height of your self-image.
3. The more messes you allow into your life, the more messes will become a normal (and acceptable) part of your life
4. The most dangerous place is in your safety zone.
5. It generally takes about 10 years to become an overnight sensation.
6. The secret of passion is purpose.
7. The best leaders are the most dedicated learners. Read great books daily. Investing in your self-development is the best investment you will ever make.
8. Other people’s opinions of you are none of your business.
9. The thoughts you think today determine the results you’ll see tomorrow.
10. Success lies in a masterful consistency around a few fundamentals. It really is simple. Not easy. But simple.
11. Understand that a problem is only a problem if you choose to view it as a problem (vs. an opportunity)
12. The most precious resource for businesspeople is not their time. It’s their energy. Manage it well.

Let´s have a happy MONDAY!

Lazy winter Sunday

OUTER BEAUTY
This wonderful winter Sunday is just perfect for cozying up at the fire place with a magazine and something delicious. They´ve been on my mind since their arrival after Christmas, but I´ve been stopping myself. Until today. I couldn´t resist it anymore. The Swedish bakery "Semla". I definitely prefer mine with warm milk and cinnamon. Although almost everybody loves a good semla, the discussion is always whether to eat it with or without hot milk...

[Images from Pinterest via 1dpoling.tumblr.com 2lalalovelythings.com 3linneapaulina.com]

BON Weekend!

OUTER BEAUTY
What are you up to this weekend? We are starting off with a Friday drink and dinner with just a few close friends, always love that sparkling Friday feeling when the whole weekend is still ahead of you. On Saturday we´re escaping to my parents in-law at the country side, just by the ocean. It´s beautiful and not really much to do other than hang with kids and family, look at the ocean, cook, zip red wine, read all those books and magazines that you didn´t have time for during the week and maybe watch a late movie, like Woody Allen's "To Rome with love" which I still haven´t seen. Or just do nothing. Sometimes I´m pretty good at the art of doing nothing. But it´s easier when leaving home and checking in somewhere else...

Have a wonderful weekend!

(Images from Pinterest via inthecitywithcrystalin.tumblr.com and #3immerwachsen.com)

Life taught me...

INNER BEAUTY

...that loving yourself is of greatest importance. For everything in life actually. Not long ago I could not really accept the term "self love". It just sounded ego. Today I know it´s the total opposite from that and plays a big part in success and happiness. The key to a beautiful and fulfilled life is to learn how to really love yourself. One of the best inspirational people today is Louise Hay. She is a teacher in personal growth and metaphysics and has sold over 50 million books worldwide. Here are her best tips on how to learn to love yourself. This is an important list. Do read it. And start being your own best friend from today. That´s the least we can do for ourselves! 

12 Commandments to help you learn how to love yourself

Stop All Criticism. Criticism never changes a thing. Refuse to criticize yourself. Accept yourself exactly as you are. Everybody changes. When you criticize yourself, your changes are negative. When you approve of yourself, your changes are positive.

Forgive Yourself. Let the past go. You did the best you could at the time with the understanding, awareness, and knowledge that you had. Now you are growing and changing, and you will live life differently.

Don’t Scare Yourself. Stop terrorizing yourself with your thoughts. It's a dreadful way to live. Find a mental image that gives you pleasure, and immediately switch your scary thought to a pleasure thought.

Be Gentle and Kind and Patient. Be gentle with yourself. Be kind to yourself. Be patient with yourself as you learn the new ways of thinking. Treat yourself as you would someone you really loved.

Be Kind to Your Mind. Self-hatred is only hating your own thoughts. Don't hate yourself for having the thoughts. Gently change your thoughts.

Praise Yourself. Criticism breaks down the inner spirit. Praise builds it up. Praise yourself as much as you can. Tell yourself how well you are doing with every little thing.

Support Yourself. Find ways to support yourself. Reach out to friends and allow them to help you. It is being strong to ask for help when you need it.

Be Loving to Your Negatives. Acknowledge that you created them to fulfill a need. Now you are finding new, positive ways to fulfill those needs. So lovingly release the old negative patterns.

Take Care of Your Body. Learn about nutrition. What kind of fuel does your body need in order to have optimum energy and vitality? Learn about exercise. What kind of exercise do you enjoy? Cherish and revere the temple you live in.

Do Mirror Work. Look into your eyes often. Express this growing sense of love you have for yourself. Forgive yourself while looking into the mirror. Talk to your parents while looking into the mirror. Forgive them, too. At least once a day, say, "I love you, I really love you!"

Love Yourself . . . Now. Don't wait until you get well, or lose the weight, or get the new job, or find the new relationship. Begin now—and do the best you can.

Have Fun. Remember the things that gave you joy as a child. Incorporate them into your life now. Find a way to have fun with everything you do. Let yourself express the joy of living. Smile. Laugh. Rejoice, and the Universe rejoices with you!

(Image from Pinterest via crushculdesac.tumblr.com)

Words to live by

INNER BEAUTY

"In the depth of winter, 

I finally learned that within me 

there lay an invincible summer."

Albert Camus

Could there be any more snow? This quote keeps me going, every winter. 

(Image from Pinterest via simpleandchic.com)

A vibrant box

OUTER BEAUTY
Sometimes beauty come in a box. That is in that famous flat orange box. We love a good window shopping, a fact that the Hermès decorators at favourite department store NK in Stockholm took notice of the other week.

HAPPY Wednesday!

A sun-drenched home

OUTER BEAUTY

Welcome home to young and beautiful Nashville philanthropists and photography collectors Jennifer and Billy Frist. Their beautiful house is located in Tennessee and is designed with entertaining and family in mind, as told to Architecthural Digest where you can read the whole story and see more photos from this spectacular house. I especially love that spacious and calm livingroom...

(Thanks for photos with permission from Architechtural Digest 

Photography by Pieter Estersohn)

The Monday Peptalk (in one sentence)

INNER BEAUTY

Will the real you please stand up!

Sometimes it´s just that simple, whether it´s for work, personal life or in any other area. Several years ago I read an article in O Magazine with this brilliant headline. The headline stayed with me, reminding me of being authentic and staying true to myself. I believe that when being the best and true version of yourself, then everything else falls into place. Sometimes we need to be reminded. Let this sentence be what it is exactly for you today. It will mean different things to all of us.

Happy Monday! 

(Image from crushculdesac.tumblr.com)