Lifestyle: Allowing fear

Hello Lovely!

As I have shared before relationships were always a very hard thing for me, allowing situations and not so nice people remain in my life for many years. Sometimes within the wonderful relationships that I now have, things show up that I can make assumptions about and over think. When I allow the fear to take over, I panic and get paranoid. I literally can feel like I am loosing my mind, creating a mountain out of a not so existent mole hill.

When I finally let myself step back, and that could mean having a conversation with a friend who provides a perspective that I really needed to hear. 

OR asking myself the questions; 

1."What do I really need right now?"
2."Am I taking responsibility for myself or blaming someone outside of me?"
3."How can I better understand this (insert feeling, experience here) and learn from it?"

I can then start shifting and moving out of the fear. Loving myself even though I am "being" a way that I think is "wrong", can be really empowering. Showing up and loving the dark parts of ourselves, is what we all need to do. How can we expect anyone else to love those parts of us if we can't seem to. 

I had a friend once tell me after hearing how "crazy" I felt I was being, "You need to stop saying you're crazy because you're not... I care about you and I am proud of how far you've come." Those words changed my perspective, allowing me to know that no matter how "crazy" or "silly" I am feeling. I am still loved.

I truly believe that we are not given anything we can not survive, everything shows up for us to heal, learn and grow.  Take good care and be kind to yourself when feeling down or have not had a great day. YOU are always, deeply loved.

I hope this serves you.

Your Designer,

Amanda Garrett

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Lifestyle: Self Care

Hello Sunshine!

Do you ever feel really tired after working your butt off all week, or even running none stop for a whole day?  That's your body saying, "Let's rest," my love. There were long periods of time that I used to go, go, go and do everything that I had to do including things that others asked of me. After my concussion in the summer, learning to say no was an absolute must. Almost 6 months later, and still having symptoms, I have to really pay attention to my body and how much I can do. It really was a blessing though, because now I listen when I am exhausted instead of trying to do more and pushing myself way too hard.  Sleep is incredibly important whether you have a head injury or not, it allows us to regenerate and be able to go full force again.

Take time for YOU, every week or better yet every single day, so that you can be the best you there is! We can not help anyone if we don't take care of ourselves first. I know, I know easier said than done sometimes, but just learn that you are just as important as anyone or anything else. 

Have a relaxing night with someone you love, friends, family whoever that may be. Do some yoga, or an exercise that moves your body where you feel relaxed and nurtured after. Meditate, have a nap, go to bed early, whatever you need to do, DO IT! I promise you will get all the things you need done and even better when you do this for yourself. 

Oh yeah, and LAUGH, get that funny bone tickled! Laughter helps every cell in your body feel ecstatic, so watch that HI-larious comedy or cat video. You'll thank yourself later.

So much love for you my friend.

I hope this serves you.


Your Designer,

Amanda Garrett



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Lifestyle: Self talk

Hiya Beautiful!


DO any of these sound familiar? 

I am stupid.
I am ugly.
I hate my thighs.
I am not enough.
I am useless.
I am so fat.
I hate my hair.
I'm not good at anything.
I can never win.
My nose is huge.
No don't take my picture, I look awful.

I've been having a lot of conversations with people in my life about negative self talk. I hear it all the time, and hey I'm totally guilty of it in some cases too. I work on this every day. Some days are harder than others. WE talk so poorly about ourselves at times, we do not realize how much it hurts.

I asked a friend who said she hated her legs, how she would feel if someone walked up to her and said that. HER face said it all, pretty friggen horrible! So why do we say these things to ourselves? They become subconscious after a while. Even with all the work I have done I still have that, I am not enough thought show up. Depending on the situation I can either easily shift and choose that I am enough or I get stuck. Creating problems that may not even exist. 

When this happens changing your words towards yourself is incredibly important. If I look in the mirror and say "ugh I've gained so much weight." I now say towards my body, "Thank you for the ability to choose my health." At first it is really hard, know that eventually it gets easier. When you show up for yourself and witness your thoughts, your life will change. HOW you treat yourself and others will get better and even how they treat you will change.

Mantras are very useful especially with negative self talk. Any time I'm fearful (anxious, panicking, frustrated etc), finding words that feel good like, I choose to feel better now, I choose peace over this or just simply I love you/Thank you. Repeat the words that help you feel a little better over and over, until you know you're shifting. Breath. Step back. And really feel what's going on, this is all part of the self-love process.

If you're willing to heal, grow and learn, you will be able to continue to move forward in the best possible way. Yes, there will be great resistance at times but, just remember you're human, you are a magnificent being with extraordinary potential. Big Love my friends.

I hope this serves you.


Your Designer,

Amanda Garrett


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Lifestyle: Selflove

When I was 6 years old I decided no one liked me. What a thing to think and make as a life statement so young, but it's true. I wasn't invited to a girls birthday party, being one of the only kids not invited. I was so upset, I lied. Yep, I was 6 so what do you do. I told my very best friend that I lost my invitation and needed the address and time. She gave it to me, I wrote it down and went home and told my mom I needed to get a gift for a girl in my class. 

We bought a dress and some pretty sweet lip smackers, I was actually so excited! But, we got there, and I was looked at like a fool. By the kids and her mother. I didn't get to go to the party and I never told my Mom what I did to get there. I was 6 years old and I decided no one liked me and I wasn't good enough. 

This thought led through my whole life, I can see how it followed me in every relationship, family, friend and romantic. So many situations kept confirming that I was not enough and I was constantly comparing myself. 




Then, body image began to be a big part of the "I'm not good enough" mind. I started to diet at a young age and wanted to be skinny like my friends. I gained a lot of weight or "baby chub" when I was 11 and was made fun of for it. I didn't always eat the best, there was a convenience store right down the street. So yeah I ate a lot of junk, that didn't help. I was made fun of one too many times and decided to stop eating and start working out ALL the time! 

I was 13 when I became anorexic and 14 when I thought I'd give bulimia a try (that didn't last long, thank goodness). But 3 years later I still wasn't eating much, before high school. I was 100 pounds, skin and bones. I never felt more less, and not enough. In high school I had several wonderful people in my life who helped me eat and gave me some hope. BUT, I wasn't happy and it showed in so many ways. Becoming an over eater I gained weight and lost once again. I compared myself to everyone who I thought was prettier, thinner and well, better than me. I wasn't enough for anyone, especially not myself. 

I tried so hard in every single relationship, friend, family and romantic to be the one person they would love, and be there for. Except I didn't try with my own, the relationship with me. Self love is such an important relationship to have. When you have a strong sense of self worth and love for yourself, things begin to shift. Friends who were your "Besties", fall away and men who you thought loved you, do too. Relationships that no longer serve you basically disappear. 

And what are you left with?  YOU. To love and be kind to, to be your best friend, the light that lifts you up and the heart that holds you close no matter what. Because, well, you are enough. You begin to see that the relationships you now have are the ideal relationships for you. They love and cherish you as you now do yourself. Taking care of yourself mind, body and soul, is the most wonderful, generous thing you can do in your WHOLE life. 

Self love, should be taught to our children and every person on the planet, period. Give yourself the opportunity to shift, love YOU more than anything else, and every one you love will feel it!

This shoot was to show that you can get to happy after an eating disorder. I recovered from Anorexia, I am a recovering over eater and very proud. I no longer put myself down because of my body or the decision that little 6 year old girl made so many years ago. I love her and ME every day. It's not always easy, but like in any relationship if its worth the fight, then FIGHT. I am enough for me and I know I am enough for every one else too. 

Thank you so much to Michelle Liane for being apart of the beginning of something wonderful. 

Self love is all you need to be happy.    

You are beautiful just the way you are..


I hope this serves you.

Your Designer,

                                                           Amanda Garrett

Lifestyle: What's the biggest challenge right now?

Hiya Sunshine,

Do you have any challenges right now that you know if you just let that one thing go, so many more possibilities would open up for you?

Right now, I think my biggest challenge is letting go of overeating. Body image issues have been a huge part of my life and I know that it all comes down to this last hurtle of being a recovered over eater, not just recovering. 

I was with a friend the other day and she said, "You know I just always have eaten only whenever I am hungry. I never understood what the big deal was, with say an event that had a bunch of free food. Not something that ever interested me". WOW - when she explained about an event that showed up once for her in the past, I got really excited. I loooooove food so much! But it has always been a hindrance in a lot of ways for me. What I took from that is, I know I want to only eat when I am hungry, enjoy and savour food instead of allowing it to control me in a lot of ways.

When something aggravating showed up today, I immediately wanted eat something. I couldn't believe how strong the feeling was. I have been witnessing and paying way more attention to how I am feeling when I think I want food now. This is such an important thing to do! Taking a step back and distracting myself, doing something else makes a huge difference. I'd much rather make a dress then eat my feelings(lol). Not having junk or anything sweet or salty that doesn't nourish my body in the house is extremely important as well.

I made strawberry banana bread and in three days it was gone. So I know I WANT to let go of this overeating emotional habit. EVERY single day I am working on it. I know I can do this, and this is the last that I need to do. Because it isn't about the food, or gaining weight. I love my body. I am comfortable in my OWN skin. It is recognizing when I am eating with my emotions continuing the block, rather than working through my stuff.

Today is a new day and here I sit happy I said 'NO', to a doughnut and yes to me!

Remember, we are all going through something and it is so important to show up for yourself, then you can show up for others too.

I hope this serves you.

Your Designer,

Amanda Garrett

Lifestyle: Guidance for Body Love

Hello Gorgeous,

As a recovering overeater, there are times I fall off. Day to day life can have stresses good and bad. I find that certain tools such as a good book, The Best Diet Begins in Your Mind, about eating with our emotions vs hunger and this meditation Guidance for Body Love, really help to step back and be aware of why I am overeating. It is a battle sometimes but I think the most important thing is to move forward and high five myself for the little victories! I hope this can serve you too.
Strength and guidance Xo

Your Designer,

                          Amanda Garrett

                                             

The Canadian Women's Foundation

My days start with a loving kindness meditation towards myself, those I love and care for and out to all beings from my heart to theirs. I truly believe that each of us have a purpose to create greatness on the planet. To change the world one breath, one beat of the heart and one smile at a time. Sometimes it feels like I am not contributing enough but I know with this small act each morning, I am doing something. 

I didn't always do this, some days I woke up in such a horrible mood. I would look in the mirror and not even look at myself, just pass by or avoid my own eyes. I really disliked the person I was, and blamed other people for the experiences that I had. My life was dramatic and unreliable in so many ways, a lot had to do with how I perceived myself. I was never comfortable around people, always trying so hard to fit in and be liked, but also not always being the nicest person. Although as I went through school my friendships got better, but I still felt like I was never enough for anyone not even for me. 

For me it was always about my weight, my body and not having what I wanted. When I was 9 years old I started getting really chubby, that stuck with me for a few years. I was made fun of and teased because of the way my body looked. Which just kept confirming for me that I, my body, wasn't good enough. I struggled with diets starting really young, and then one day a boy I went to school with, who I thought was my "friend" bought a chocolate bar. He held it out to me and said, "I know you waaaaaant it Amanda."  ---I had, had it!

I couldn't bare feeling so unloved and looked down on because of my weight anymore, at 13 I started not to eat and worked out a lot. Three times a day as well as constantly going out with friends, (riding bikes, roller blading etc.). I lost 50 pounds in 2 months, when I went back to school from summer vacation everyone noticed and it made me feel so good! The guys were noticing me, girls that hardly spoke to me or spoke ill of me, were my "friends". Finally, I was enough! 

Sigh of relief right? Not so much. I decided it wasn't enough, I had to keep it off. SO for a short time I starting making myself sick. However, and thank goodness that didn't last long. A good friend, found out while we were away at camp and said she would tell my mom. I thank her to this day for that! I did continue eating very little, by the time I went into high school I was 100 pounds soaking wet. Yikes! For my body type, being more muscular, that was incredibly unhealthy. AND guess what, I still thought I was fat! 

Over the years I have struggled with body image issues, but over the last 4 months, I let it go. Yes, there are still parts that I wish were different, but I work on them every day.

The most important thing is I know I AM ENOUGH! I now look in the mirror with love and kindness towards myself.  I say often 'I love you Amanda' because at the end of the day all you've got is you. I share this short version of this story, my story with you because I believe that all of us need to believe we are worthy of everything in this life, no matter what we look like how we feel about ourselves is so crucial.

I am a huge supporter of the 'As We Are Project' from the Canadian Women's Foundation. This month, being my 3rd year Anniversary, for each 'like' on Facebook that gets A.M.E.G. Designs to 300, a dollar will be donated to the CWF. THIS is where my journey has led me and it's not done yet. I am grateful because now I can help as many young girls and women as I can feel comfortable in their own skin. Because you are not alone, together we can take on the world!

Thank you so very much for reading.

Love and guidance your Designer,

Amanda Garrett



Making all your dress dreams come true and helping to illuminate the beauty in you..

Canadian Women's Foundation
Investing in the strength of women and the dreams of girls.

Events: A Night in Fashion

You know that feeling, of not being comfortable in your own skin. I do, all too well. Body image issues have been a huge part of my life. But I also know what it is like to wear an outfit that makes you feel incredible and beautiful. I became a custom dress designer to help relieve the feeling of being insecure about any part of the body. To illuminate women, to show their light at any event they may be attending. Whether it is a day at the office or their wedding day. I create dresses with a bespoke fit and will help you to feel and be as radiant as you really are. My goal is to reach as many women as possible to provide an experience beyond all others, with my wonderful service. My name is Amanda Garrett and I am ready to light up the world even more!

I had a fashion night and show on Saturday March 12th, 2016. It was an amazing night filled with beauty of all calibers. The women who joined me in the debut of my first custom line were absolutely fabulous! Excited and filled with so much joy, my line was created with such love and creativity just pouring out of me. I am so happy to say that with every stitch I became more and more of who I am and the designer that has been waiting for me to emerge. I will be continuing to make custom lines (a little smaller than the first), in order to have exclusive and special evenings like these.  For the wonderful women who would like to join me, please visit www.amegdesigns.com  and sign up! These fabulous fashion evenings will be in honour of women of all shapes, sizes and beauties. I am proud to help you shine your light and can not wait to create for each of you pieces that accentuate the greatest part of you. You are all beautiful!

Also by liking my Facebook page and ordering a custom dress, you will be eligible to win a custom headpiece or veil! Visit A.M.E.G. Designs to enter! 

Photography: Michelle Liane Photography
Jewelry Stylist: Hellen Themistocleous