22 Sparkly Ways to Shine your Inner Bling - Christine Kane

Sometimes you want lots o’ bling. Sometimes a little bit goes a long way.

You never need bling, though.

Trust me on this.

I’ve performed over 1500 shows in my career. And I’ve learned that your shine has very little to do with what’s on the outside and everything to do with what’s on the inside.

No matter what they say on What Not to Wear, authentic bling comes from deep within. It comes from a life of purpose, happiness, peace, action, and stillness.

Here are 22 ways to get that shine, sparkle, and bling from the inside out:

1 – Start everything with intention

Inner bling comes from knowing why you do what you do and who you want to be. Intention is a simple way of getting centered before you begin any activity or show up for any event or write any email or blog. Intention sets your energy. Your energy creates your outcomes.

2 – Know your motivations

Why do you do what you do? What’s motivating you?

When you know your motivations, you get clear on how to clean up your core. For instance, early in my music career, I realized that I often acted out of desperation. (Fear of not getting/being enough.) When I saw this, I began to shift away from these choices. My actions got “cleaner.” And the results were more powerful. Sometimes I couldn’t shift. I was stuck. But it helped to recognize the motivation and be kind to myself once I realized that I wanted to come from a clearer place.

3 – Forgive yourself your fears

We all have them. We’ve all gone through them. Be kind to yourself about your fears. Then, take action anyway.

4 – Eat more greens

Physical health is the best bling of all. Take time to learn how to create healthy meals of mostly vegetables and fruits. Eliminate processed foods as much as possible.

5 – Make a “Here’s What I Love” list

Fun is imperative for shiny bling. The problem is that we often don’t know what we love to do. It’s typical to think of the usual suspects: going to the movies, getting a pedicure, or going to the beach. But what do you love? Is it ping-pong, NASCAR, gardening? Make your own list so you can always refer to it and add to it.

6 – Do at least 1 item on your “Here’s what I love” list each week.

7 – Take risks

Taking risks gets easier once you take them. Too many people make risk-taking an event. They walk across burning coals, or bungee jump. For me, the biggest risks – the ones that teach me the most – are the quiet daily risks I take. From writing songs, to enrolling in an on-line course, to trying a new blog idea. These risks build that muscle inside of me slowly.

Walking across hot coals is fine. But it’s a lot like deciding to get in shape, and then lifting 100 pounds all at once. It’s the constant practice of something that teaches you how to do it and how to be bling-y all over.

8 – Laugh more

The more you laugh, the more bling you get. Make time for friends who make you laugh.

9 – Get a dog

Or a cat. Pets teach you how to be in your heart space. They teach unconditional love. I found my dog just after I committed to healing depression once and for all. She has been one of my greatest healers.

10 – Sleep when you’re tired

This might seem like a no-brainer. But I’ve worked with hundreds of people at my retreats and in my e-Seminars on this. So many of them will keep going and going, trying to function when they’re exhausted. They usually end up eating junk food or watching hours of television, rather than giving their body what it really needs – rest.

11 – Get moving

Regular work-outs are one of the best ways to get bling.

According to one study, when you do a 30-minute cardio work-out: “2 – 3 pounds are lost from sweat, 70% of muscle fibers are working (up from 5 – 50% at rest); increased blood flow to brain heightens alertness; endorphin rush reduces anxiety and boosts moods.” Lifting weights keeps me in an elevated and peaceful mood all day.

12 – Say no unless it’s an absolute and pure YES

I get many emails from people who have been to one of my retreats or participated in the e-Seminar. They thank me for giving them permission to begin saying no to everything that’s not an absolute yes in their schedule or in their environment. I learned it from Cheryl Richardson. I get to pass it on now that I’ve been practicing for many years.

13 – Create a Vision Board

14 – Break up with your television

Or at least, just turn off the cable. TV is an energy suck. It will dull your bling.

15 – Clean up your physical space

16 – Stand naked in front of the mirror every morning and say, “Damn, I love myself!”

Hey. Don’t knock it til you try it.

17 – Watch your Language

18 – Revel in your imperfections

I’m not exaggerating when I tell you that my friend Joy hangs up on me almost every single time she calls me. She simply can’t do technology. She’s a disaster on the computer. And last week, she snipped the chord to her iPod headphones with her gardening shears. The best thing, though, is to hear her laugh at herself each time some new mini-disaster happens. She revels in her own imperfections. And she is definitely bling-y.

We all have our areas of imperfections. Forgive yourself, and keep on doing it. Anything worth doing is worth doing. You’ll get the hang of it.

19 – Be totally present to the one you’re with

Your attention is gold sparkly rhinestone bling. Your attention is incredibly powerful. It is a gift to you and to anyone who spends time with you. Be present – fully present – to anyone you spend your time with.

20 – Read for fun

When you’ve got a good book to read at the end of the day, you always have something to look forward to no matter what happens.

21 – Go on retreat

My friend Joy does a silent retreat at least three times a year. She swears that it’s the secret to her blingy-ness. I believe that any kind of intentional retreat can do the trick. Silent retreats. Yoga retreats. Meditation retreats. Or even Great Big Dreams Retreats!

22 – Decide to be bling-y

Sometimes, it just comes down to making the choice to shine no matter what.

25 COMMENTS ADD A COMMENT
  • Wendy

    Hi Christine,

    I was just clearing out some old papers and ran across this post that I had printed out … I always enjoy your post so much and wanted to say thank you so much for all the times you’ve encouraged me.

    Blessings
    Wendy

  • Mary

    Christine,

    Thanks so much for your article. I used it at my weight loss club to present a program. It took me 3 weeks to go through all 22 ideas because there was so much conversation during almost every one. We had a great time. It has also inspired some of the ladies to add some outer bling to their wardrobe. Of course, there were also a few ladies who didn’t know what bling was but we set them straight!!

  • Claire

    Had to revisit this one today ’cause I think it’s working! Facilitated a seminar today and it went really well – mostly because everything was so easily in the right place; just because I was ready to let it be there. And I’ve been working piecemeal on this inner bling thing. Thank you so much. Must go now, and clean up my physical space.

  • rowena

    I like it. Love it. I was thinking myself of a similar list I wrote about being a “glamor mom.” It totally comes from the inside, and you’ve got some good shine. Your list does seem to be a little more comprehensive.
    http://domesticglamor.com/2008/06/15/ten-steps-to-being-a-glamormom/

  • m

    I was particularly touched by the bit about ‘forgiving ourselves for being afraid’ – so much of my life I’ve berated myself for not doing things when the truth was I was afraid and berating myself never made the fear go away.

  • Caren

    Oh – oops, that’s me: Caren! I go by dharmamama on a few other forums. Hey, Christine!!

  • Dharmamama

    I recently had a friend recommend the book Make Every Man Want You Now – the title alone was enough to put me off the book! I’m single, but not really looking, or even wanting, partnership right now. And the way I go about meeting people really isn’t with the thought: I’ll make them want me! But I trust this friend implicitly, and she mentioned it several times. Well – it turns out the book is really about living an authentic, honest, empowered life! And, of course, people find that irresistible. It’s really a great book! I think it’s incredible how this wave of BEing is going through the world. Someone who picks up that book expecting something different will get something very empowering.

    Not sure why, but your post made me think of it! I guess it’s about inner bling – which translates to outer shine!

  • Sunrise Sister

    Great post – right where I’m at now. Having put down the paintbrushes many, many years ago, they’re out, they’re working and my work has been accepted in 2 separate Juried Art Show events. I’m blingin’ – love your blog!

  • kenny

    christine, you are fab! :o)

  • Lynne

    Dear Christine,
    Thanks for the comment… of course… and just talking about it without trying to protect your partner, and having a good cry! makes you feel better as well!

    Thank you for your very inspirational and practical blog! I’ve been reading for months, guess today was the day to be honest! thank you! xx

  • L.A. Linda

    christine,

    when you go through the pain, when does it become wallowing? I guess, when to “say ‘when'”? I imagine it’s individual and based on circumstances, but I know of times, like lynne mentioned, where it never really goes away. I usually think of it, then ‘put it away’; yet, that seems like … hmmm…I don’t know — not truly letting it go? Ugh. Hard to describe, I guess.
    I do make an effort not to wallow.

    Regarding the G.S.’s, it’s sounds like you’re sorta doing them already :D. Only thing I’d add is that it’s best to start with your fruit, then add the greens slowly and taste, add, taste, add, etc; so that way you don’t waste anything. Oh, and start with mild greens! Baby spinach or baby bok choi are good; otherwise, kale may be too-too hardy to start :). They’re so yummy!

  • Christine Kane

    thanks everyone for adding your thoughts and ideas. these are great to read.

    lisa cree – thanks for jumping in here! #16 is really a good one to try, even though it’s scary!

    l.a. linda – wow. i love your idea for greens. i’m heading to the local tailgate market today – – so i’m going to keep that recipe in mind. i usually make a smoothie in the morning and throw in some collard greens (no stems). it makes the smoothie ugly – but it doesn’t change the fruit taste.

    lynne – okay – here’s the deal. being bling-y doesn’t mean you spend your life in a bouncy joyous place. there have been lots of periods of my life – especially big transitions or scary times – when i “go fetal.” (that’s my way of putting it.) being able to grieve, be sad, or feel anger or whatever – all of that contributes to your bling. martha beck has a way of putting it that i love: clean pain and dirty pain. dirty pain is when you’re just reveling in your own negative thoughts and stories. clean pain is the kind of grief you’re describing. bling doesn’t mean that you don’t go through that. life takes all kinds of turns. just let yourself be there. and i’ll add you to my prayer list this morning. and i’m with m – you can pretend not to feel pain and fake your bling. you can have bling AND be in pain too!

  • m

    Lynne moving countries is huge. I spent years mourning or suppressing the grief of being uprooted at the age of 9. Until you have ‘home’ removed then you don’t realise how much you are supported by its familiarity.

    Allow youself the grief – you can’t bling it away.

  • Lynne

    Hi Christine,
    I’m a bling-y person… and love it… we’ve moved countries…and i struggle to get my bling back!
    I’ve tried to do all the things on the list… and normally I’m very positive and alive! and know you choose how you react and act and are…but I can’t seem to shake this sad feeling inside… and i don’t want to feel like this!
    Any ideas? And don’t think about how to say it… just say it… i’ve also tried to just get over it! works for a few weeks… then i feel like this again…

    the only one i have not tried is getting a dog… 🙂 xx

  • Pippa

    Christine, thank you, thank you, THANK YOU for this sparkly post. It put a shine to my day right when I thought I couldn’t go any downer.

    Thanks to you I am theming this month “Self-Worth” and using this post to get closer to my own inner sparkle.

    Love & light!
    Pippa

  • L.A. Linda

    Oh, Number 4 has it, hands down, lol. I’m a greens fiend! I wish everyone the bliss of greens, and especially, via green smoothies! Christine have you gotten a greens fix from a GS?!! Please try one: Combine whole leafy greens (take them off the stems!) with whole fruit of choice to taste/sweetness. You will start out with lots more fruit, if you’re not used to raw greens! But, eventually, adding more leaves will be automatic.
    Oh for the love of greens…watch your health skyrocket with one of these every day!

    Love Number 11 as well. I’ve been a cardio queen; but I have to admit — lifting is a rush! I can never be in a bad or bluesy mood after lifting somethin’ heavy 😀

    Number 13 — I read about the vision board, but I must be not as evolved to attempt such a thing. Seems out of my reach…for now, anyway.

    *am the new Linda so decided on adding L.A. to my name :^)

  • Mark

    Christine – that’s a power-packed list. Thanks!

    I love the “Here’s what I love” list.

    Embracing your preferences, inclinations, and interests – very key!

    I just spent the weekend with good friends on the beach…enjoyed dinners outside with them…having great conversations over bottles of wine, playing a little guitar for them under the stars…

    That sort of bonding is great for the inner bling.

  • emily

    I like this!
    # 10 is my big hook-up…I’m getting better though! I do love to sleep and am learning to give it to myself when I need it.
    I broke up with my tv about 6 months ago. I couldn’t believe how MUCH my mood improved after that! My family and friends kept asking, “well what do you do then without a tv?” I read lots of books and take walks and play with the cat and just be silent sometimes…I am much happier. Plus, there is so much more space in my living room!

  • April Daisy

    A friend pointed me to this post this morning! The funny thing is I had just posted to my own blog about the intention of actions…in my case it was by way of expectations. Definitely something to keep in mind at all times!! It keeps life clearer!!

    😀 Have a happy, blessed day!!

  • Lisa Cree

    Christine,

    Love the Chihuahua (had to look up spelling) with bling. Really loved “19 – Be totally present to the one you’re with”. I just read about being present this morning. It’s one of the things so many people in our culture struggle with. We are always somewhere else in our heads. I agree with the Dog Whisperer. Learn how to be in the “now” like dogs do. Ahhhhh, maybe that’s why #9 – Get a dog is so important. They teach us how. Ok not so sure I’m ready for #16. Great post!!!

  • Sarah

    Christine!

    I was not sure what was going on with me the last couple of days, but now you have given me the word – I’ve been bling-y! And one of the ways that I can be there is certainly number 18 (reveling in my imperfections – middle age is all about enjoying the brain farts and on my good days I do. I’m going to post this list somewhere for those not-so-good days!

    Thank you so much!

  • Sue

    Love this! Love what you said about taking risks. This is such a great thing to read in the morning, helping to define how I will intend and segment intend things in this day. Number 2 hit me over the head and I will really look at that. The part about how knowing your motivations helps you clean up your core is such a cool way to look at it. Thank you!
    (Learning how to segment intend has changed how I do my job everyday. What a great ripple effect!)

  • Christine Kane

    thanks elaine! (and while i’ve never dressed my dog up – she does get wrapped in an occasional scarf in the winter.)

    lance – i like how you worded that. “journey-based risks” vs. “event-based risks.” and yes, both are valuable – but when i work with people in my e-seminars – it’s the journey-based risks that are the most scary for them! go get some more broccoli!

  • Lance

    Well, Christine, this is an excellent list.

    Take risks – this is one of my favorites from your list, and it’s because you define this risk as a journey, not an event. I have done both. The event-based risks (like skydiving) are great, and challenging, and uplifting — but it’s one time and then it’s over. The journey-based risks are sustained over time (writing a blog, raising conscientious children, etc) and become more a part of your soul as you do them (that sounds like some bling to me!). For me, starting a blog has been a risk, and the reward has been beyond my expectations. I have also went skydiving, and that too was beyond my expectations – but over after an hour.

    TV – that’s another good one. It can become so easy to numb your mind sitting in front of the tv blankly. There is little interaction. When we have so many other ways we can bling-up our lives in a positive way.

    Broccoli for lunch today – that must count for some bling too!!

    I could go on and on, this is just an excellent list. But work calls – hey, how else can I afford all the bling (oh, that’s right – inner bling doesn’t always have a cost).

  • Elaine

    I love this post! …and exactly why do people dress their dogs up like in this picture?!;-)(though the dog in your pic seems to be smiling!)