curiosity is contagious

“Amber Rae is the Brené Brown of Wonder.”
— Mind Body Green

 
 
 
 
DNJ_AmberRae_2E0A3943_ScreenRes_BW.jpg
 

press

 
color-blocks-white.jpg
 
 
Hey_Love.png
 
 
_v1b.png

I'm Amber Rae—an author, artist, and speaker who encourages emotional wellness and personal growth.

My work explores how to free ourselves from the stories that stifle our potential, and what it takes to live as our truest, most courageous selves.

Read my story
 
_v2b.png

I'm the bestselling author of Choose Wonder Over Worry.

Blending raw-and-relatable stories with actionable strategies, it’s a guide to face your fears and create a life that reflects who you truly are.

Deepak Chopra called it a map to "unfold your infinite potential" and Bustle said it's "the one advice book you should read — even if you don't like self-help."

BUY NOW
 
_v5b.png

I empower audiences to unlock their true potential.

Called “relatable, awe-inspiring, and a breath of fresh air,” I give talks and host workshops that engage audiences and inspire change.

Whether presenting on stage to thousands or hosting a group in an intimate setting, together we'll create a space of curiosity, vulnerability, and transformation.

Learn More
 
banner-striped1d.jpg
 
 
 

Let's Stay In Touch

 
 
color-blocks-white.jpg
 

Daily Inspo

I recently experienced a big breakthrough in an important relationship. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ I had been holding on to a painful experience from our past, which was creating a cage around my heart. I was unwilling to forgive because I was still hooked in a pattern of shame and blame. Even though the situation had hurt me, I wasn’t taking responsibility for the role I could now play in the story, and I used that narrative to justify my anger and actions. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ When this pattern was brought to my attention, I realized that I was holding on because the benefit it gave me was the position of a victim. As a victim, I didn’t have to take responsibility, face the situation, or change. Instead, I could justify my anger and perpetuate a cycle of suffering. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ This awareness woke me up and propelled me into creating a new narrative and pattern. It also inspired this pyramid, which illustrates the stages I walked through to transform. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ They are: ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ Awareness: I realize something isn’t working and needs to change. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ Responsibility: I recognize that I am the creator of my reality. While I cannot change the past, I am responsible for and committed to my healing and growth today. I am actively scripting the narrative I choose to let lead my life. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ Forgiveness: I release shame and blame. I realize that holding on impacts me more than anyone. I let go of what could have been different and wholeheartedly choose compassion and acceptance. I am more committed to my joy than my pain. My heart reopens. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ Peace: I no longer hold a charge about the event. I now see how the experience strengthened me and helped me grow. I feel gratitude for my revelations and heightened awareness. I feel safe and at home within myself. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ Joy: I am here, in this moment, fully. I am present to what is. 🥰 ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ 🙏🏼❤️✨
USE YOUR WORDS WISELY ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ And oldie, but goodie: We have a responsibility with the words we use, especially when those we love are feeling achy. I used to struggle with this because I didn’t know how to be with people when they were feeling vulnerable. It triggered the part of me that thought I needed to solve or fix something. If I couldn’t fix it, I felt inadequate and helpless. But feelings are not to be fixed; they’re to be embraced and allowed. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ With every word, we either lean in to empathize and connect, or we step back and disconnect. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ Instead of “don’t be _______,” we can say, “I get why you’d feel that way.” ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ Instead of “don’t cry,” we can say “I’m here.” ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ Rather than “don’t overthink it” or “don’t be so sensitive,” we can acknowledge the person and how much they care, or how deeply they’re impacted. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ Simple tweaks in language make a world of a difference in having us see and be seen, so we can access greater depths in our relationships. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀ “I’m here for you.” Those four words can be the greatest gift. ❤️❤️❤️
✨ Friendly mid-week reminder ✨ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ I’m the kind of human that likes to feel in control. I want to know what’s happening at all times because my story is that if I can control all the variables, I’ll be secure and safe. (Oh what a lie I’ve told myself.) ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ Seeing that life is neither predictable nor controllable, and since I of course chose to marry a man who makes up all of his own rules and cannot be contained 😂😍, one of the greatest life lessons for me has been learning to SURRENDER & remember what I can—in fact—control, and when it’s time to let go. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀ What are you letting go of this week? ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ 🌊🌊🌊
Helllllo, July. Hellllllo new moment to reflect and check-in. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ I was asked recently what’s motivating me to create my art check-ins and templates. I love that question because it had me pause and reflect inwardly, which is precisely why I create them for you. 😍 ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ I’m motivated to create reflective art because we learn growing up that the answers are outside of us. We’re taught to look for authorities and experts that will show us the way. As a result, we learn to stop trusting ourselves and our internal guidance system. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ I believe the answers are within you, and the connection you have to your inner voice is your most important relationship. It’s one that impacts every other relationship in your life. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ My hope through every piece of art and template is to awaken your inner authority and connect you with your own voice. You are your own best guide. ✨ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ Xoxo ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ P.s. If you share with answers, please tag me so I can see. I love seeing us reflect and expand together. ❤️
Several years ago, I was in a period of massive analysis paralysis. I was working on a project I was ready to end, but felt guilty and like I might disappoint people by ending it. I was overpromising and underdelivering because I was trying to please everyone around me and I didn’t have the energy (or the desire) to follow through on what I had committed to. I had a bunch of ideas I wanted to pursue, but I wasn’t clear on where to focus and I felt like everything had already been done. Basically, I wanted to burn everything to the ground and start anew. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ Maybe you’ve been there, too? ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀ During a sad and anxious night of tossing and turning, thinking and overthinking, worrying and analyzing, I huffed and puffed and grabbed my phone. 3:33 a.m. A combination of numbers I had always felt drawn to. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀ “Somethings gotta shift,” I thought to myself. Tired of the circling thoughts in my own mind, I decided to try something different. “Dear universe, divine spirit, the goddess—whomever is out there,” I whispered. “If you can hear me, can you help me?” ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ I wish I could say some divine fairy 🧚🏽‍♀️ emerged and told me exactly what to do. She didn’t. I put myself to sleep instead. 😂 But when I woke up the next morning, I had an invitation calling at me on repeat: Get really still and really quiet, and ask yourself, “What is my next right move?” Then, go do that—even if, and especially if, you’re afraid. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ So I pulled out my journal and began to write. For a brief moment it felt like my small, worried self was able to take a seat, so my higher, wondering self could speak. While I couldn’t see the whole picture yet (we never can), I knew the few immediate (and at the time, TERRIFYING) next moves I needed to take. 1. I had to end the project and face my fear of disappointing others, and 2. I had to stop saying “yes” when I didn’t mean it with my whole heart. That was it. That was my next right set of moves. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ And guess what? Slowly, but surely, I began to put one foot in front of the other and walk toward creating a version of a life that felt aligned and authentic and true to me. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ “What’s the right next move?”
This September, I’m thrilled to be collaborating with @nineretreat to teach a half-day workshop on “The 9 Archetypes of the Whole Woman” as part of their four-day retreat in the woods of Pennsylvania. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ Together we’ll deep dive into what it feels like to be wholly, authentically, and wildly you—and how to embrace all the messy, beautiful, uncomfy & magical aspects of life. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ And that’s not all. Nine is bringing together an incredible group of teachers who will be leading workshops on topics ranging from boundaries to improv to energy clearing to photography to healing. Plus, there’s swimming, hiking, yoga, zip-lining, meditation, and more. My husband and I—aka @MrAndMrsWonder 💑—will also be hosting a fireside chat to get real and raw about love. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ Sound like an experience you’re looking for? Head to @nineretreat or the link in my bio for more deets on how to register. Let me know if I’ll see you there. 😘
✨ Puts down phone, picks up journal ✨ #domoreofwhatworks
Hellllloo & happy weekend! There are so many new faces here that I wanted to put a face to name, say “HELLLLLO,” and welcome you to the fam. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ A few recent happenings that I feel called to share: ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ 1. I JUST GOT MARRIED (as seen pictured here) to the love-of-my-life @farhadini. 🥂 I wasn’t exposed to many successful models of love growing up, so creating our relationship feels like my most important accomplishment. We both feel a waking up in modern relationships—where we’re breaking free of outdated gender norms to own the full spectrum of who we are—and we just started the @MrAndMrsWonder channel to talk modern love. The mess. The magic. The mystery. The adventures along the way. All of it. Come join along if that’s your thing. 💕 ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ 2. I’m an author & artist. On my insta, I create illustrations and invitations to navigate daily discomfort, own who you are, and stay true to what matters. They are as much reminders to me as they are gifts for you. 🥰 ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ 3. Last May, I published my first book “Choose Wonder Over Worry,” which was a lifelong dream come true. The book is born from the idea that we must not “die with our gifts still inside,” which has deeply personal roots—but I don’t want to give away the intro. 😍 Deepak Chopra called it “a guide to unfold your infinite potential.” (It’s available wherever books are sold and at the link in my bio @heyamberrae) ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ 4. I’m so much more than an author and artist, just as we are all so much more than the labels we place on ourselves. Getting married opened so many doorways of creativity within me, and I feel new parts of me ready to be born. This is a little scary and disorienting because every time I think I figure out “who I am,” the next evolution of me wants to be expressed. I’m learning that I don’t need to “figure out” who I am or be transfixed by labels that provide short-term comfort and a sense of certainty. Instead, I can let my becoming emerge and astound me. ✨ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ Your turn: What are you learning lately? I’d love to hear in the comments below👇🏼❤️ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ 📷: @nickonken
I keep this page of my book close to my heart, reminding my high-achieving self that the point of any goal is expansion, growth, and walking deeper into truth. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ My favorite part is the last line: focuses on a “to-be” list. I find it so much more powerful to ask myself, “Who must I BE today to realize what I desire?” instead of only asking, “What do I want to do and accomplish today?” It is my way of BEING that influences what and how I DO. ✨ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ 📖 This is Page 97 of my book, Choose Wonder Over Worry. Grab your copy at the link in my bio 👉🏼 @heyamberrae + swipe right for a gorg book photo captured by @okaybynoon #ChooseWonder
Uncomfy feelings are signals for important needs not being met. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ For example: ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ Burn out might be calling us to slow down, listen to our bodies, make time for play, and be honest about our bandwidth. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ Discomfort, anger, or the desire to escape can be a response to not feeling safe. We may need to take a few deep breaths, set a boundary, or leave if in danger. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ Feeling lonely may be illuminating the desire for touch, connection, and quality time. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ When uncomfy emotions come to the surface, we can pause and compassionately ask ourselves, “What do I need right now?” ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ Here are a few common needs: safety, empathy, respect, feeling heard, touch, quality time, freedom of choice, clarity, trust, play, pleasure, space, rest, recognition, acceptance, and belonging. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ Try it on: When I feel... I need... ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ Xo
New week, full moon & new opportunity to get clear on your week. ⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ Tip: answer alone with a journal, or with a partner, friend, colleague, or team to add depth and accountability. 🙌🏼 ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ P.s. If you share with answers, tag me so I can see. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ P.p.s. More new art coming soon 👩🏻‍🎨