There are many types of role models in each of our lives but two people in your world will serve as a baseline for how you act for all of your life. Your parents.
While you are young, you experience their discipline, their love, their frustration. As you grow into adulthood, you go down one of two paths. You follow their example OR you become a better person than what you were taught.
It's hard to accept that your parents, no matter their mistakes, were probably overwhelmed, scared, sad, happy, depressed, anxious, excited, and all of the other human emotions we all feel. To you, they are just MOM and DAD. They didn't do this or they didn't do that. You didn't get to do this or other kids got better gifts, trips, clothes, etc. You blame them for your job, your relationships, your money problems. You punish them by cutting them out of your life, excusing that behaviour by a huge rationalization. He/She doesn't care anyway. He/She is busy with their own life.
I'm here to tell you, parents have feelings. It hurts when you don't call. It hurts when you only come around when you need something. It hurts when you forget that we would do anything to make life better for you.
We all have our "demons" of our past. I have chosen to forgive. I have chosen to love and count my blessings.
Make the choice to start NEW today. Show love and respect before it's too late. Tomorrow may not come. Choose to reach out.
EVERYONE gets to choose!
Monday, April 9, 2012
Saturday, April 7, 2012
Six People Away!
You are six people away from knowing everyone!
Do you believe that? I do! It happens to me all of the time. I meet someone and before you know it, we are "friends" on Facebook. Then, you notice a post on their "wall" from someone you know. How in the WORLD do they know them?!?!?! ----probably your first reaction.
My cousin's wife in Springfield, MO has some connection to Brad Pitt, so that makes me four people away from BP.
During my hotel years, I met a couple of Secret Service agents that worked on the #1 detail for a period of time. Let's see, so that made me three people away from POTUS.
I worked for a man at one of my jobs that is close friends with the CEO of a major Fortune 500 company. One person away.
It goes on and on.
I think that technology brings my theory to light a lot easier than without. With sites such as Facebook, LinkedIN and Pinterest, we connect in a way we never have before. Doors open, friendships are established and fences are mended with just a few keystrokes.
I would love to hear your SIX people away stories!
Feel free to share!
Do you believe that? I do! It happens to me all of the time. I meet someone and before you know it, we are "friends" on Facebook. Then, you notice a post on their "wall" from someone you know. How in the WORLD do they know them?!?!?! ----probably your first reaction.
My cousin's wife in Springfield, MO has some connection to Brad Pitt, so that makes me four people away from BP.
During my hotel years, I met a couple of Secret Service agents that worked on the #1 detail for a period of time. Let's see, so that made me three people away from POTUS.
I worked for a man at one of my jobs that is close friends with the CEO of a major Fortune 500 company. One person away.
It goes on and on.
I think that technology brings my theory to light a lot easier than without. With sites such as Facebook, LinkedIN and Pinterest, we connect in a way we never have before. Doors open, friendships are established and fences are mended with just a few keystrokes.
I would love to hear your SIX people away stories!
Feel free to share!
Monday, April 2, 2012
One step!
In my attempt to follow my own advice, I got busy this morning doing some online marketing, reading about leadership and making a list of to do's for one of the events I am planning. It's amazing how bogged down and unproductive you get when you have idle time.
Starting a business is fascinating, scary, educational and most of all eye opening. You jump into the experience full of life, positive thoughts, exciting ideas and the road seems very clear. Then, you encounter bumps in the road in the form of financial stress, naysayers and "friends" that seem to disappear.
The lessons, even though painful at times, are still very rewarding. One cannot grow and improve without the bumps in the road.
I am thankful for those that believe in me. I am thankful for the friends that check in with me. I am thankful for the friends that promote my business to help me achieve my dream. I am thankful for the friends that I never hear from... YES.... that's right!! I am of the belief that everything has a season and a reason. Hears to you, my lost friend! CHEERS! You were in my life for a reason and for that I give thanks!
I will keep believing. I will succeed. I will cherish the lessons I am learning.
I will keep taking one step at a time.... forward!
Starting a business is fascinating, scary, educational and most of all eye opening. You jump into the experience full of life, positive thoughts, exciting ideas and the road seems very clear. Then, you encounter bumps in the road in the form of financial stress, naysayers and "friends" that seem to disappear.
The lessons, even though painful at times, are still very rewarding. One cannot grow and improve without the bumps in the road.
I am thankful for those that believe in me. I am thankful for the friends that check in with me. I am thankful for the friends that promote my business to help me achieve my dream. I am thankful for the friends that I never hear from... YES.... that's right!! I am of the belief that everything has a season and a reason. Hears to you, my lost friend! CHEERS! You were in my life for a reason and for that I give thanks!
I will keep believing. I will succeed. I will cherish the lessons I am learning.
I will keep taking one step at a time.... forward!
Monday, March 26, 2012
MUST HAVES!!
I have been thinking a lot over the last month about my "must haves." I think we all have lists in our minds about what the must haves are for everything from relationships to houses and from a new car to a new job.
We are influenced by others, by ads, by immediate needs and perhaps by our imagined lottery winning!
Personally, I have been very lucky! My must haves in a spouse have already been met! CHECK As we complete our first year of marriage, we have grown leaps and bounds as a couple, adjusting as needed, with one primary understanding. Life will always throw us curve balls but as long as we bob and weave together, we will always come thru the obstacle with a greater appreciation for each other.
Professionally, I have been lucky and challenged! The last three companies I have worked for have either been sold or closed. Now maybe that's not lucky in your book, but in mine, the lessons I learned in each of those positions are priceless. The chapters may have ended, but the book is still being written.
You would be amazed at the number of books and companies exist on marketing, promoting and leadership. Some, unfortunately, just re-word and re-hash theories of what's been tried before, but thankfully, thru my network of friends and colleagues, I have been able to find a few gems.
My new FUN must haves list is for a new house. Not that we are moving any time soon, but we are open to the possibilities. Between the two of us, our must haves list is fairly lengthy. Any realtor would consider us a challenge!!!
The truth is though, a new house, a new pair of shoes, a new... STUFF is just stuff. If I were to be perfectly honest, my must haves for relationships is WAY more important to me than anything material.
I encourage you to make good choices and make your "must haves" lists more about relationships.
...everyone gets to choose!
We are influenced by others, by ads, by immediate needs and perhaps by our imagined lottery winning!
Personally, I have been very lucky! My must haves in a spouse have already been met! CHECK As we complete our first year of marriage, we have grown leaps and bounds as a couple, adjusting as needed, with one primary understanding. Life will always throw us curve balls but as long as we bob and weave together, we will always come thru the obstacle with a greater appreciation for each other.
Professionally, I have been lucky and challenged! The last three companies I have worked for have either been sold or closed. Now maybe that's not lucky in your book, but in mine, the lessons I learned in each of those positions are priceless. The chapters may have ended, but the book is still being written.
You would be amazed at the number of books and companies exist on marketing, promoting and leadership. Some, unfortunately, just re-word and re-hash theories of what's been tried before, but thankfully, thru my network of friends and colleagues, I have been able to find a few gems.
My new FUN must haves list is for a new house. Not that we are moving any time soon, but we are open to the possibilities. Between the two of us, our must haves list is fairly lengthy. Any realtor would consider us a challenge!!!
The truth is though, a new house, a new pair of shoes, a new... STUFF is just stuff. If I were to be perfectly honest, my must haves for relationships is WAY more important to me than anything material.
I encourage you to make good choices and make your "must haves" lists more about relationships.
...everyone gets to choose!
Thursday, March 22, 2012
Budget Smudget
I can almost just hear the collective GROAN at the mention of the word "budget."
Most of the world does not have piles of money just laying around. Most of the world has to plan to make a big purchase. Most of the world cannot just spend on a whim.
We see the commercials every day that scream, "I'm the newest and the best, buy ME!!" We see the pictures posted on Facebook of trips taken by everyone BUT YOU. We read articles in the newspaper and magazine about fundraisers and meet/greets that would open all sorts of doors, if you could just afford to GET IN their door.
THUS, we have budgets. Personally and professionally we plan, we track and we live within our means. (Don't fall off your chair laughing at that last statement.) The truth is, we all gamble with our money. We may not go to a casino or play the lottery, but we still gamble. I would venture to bet that almost everyone has at least one credit card. We get it, with the full intention, of using it only for emergencies! Then...... LIFE HAPPENS. The car breaks down, an appliance stops working, the check you were expecting does not arrive. All of a sudden, the "emergency" credit card is close to being maxed out.
One thing I have learned in my working world life is that although we make a budget, usually once a year, changes occur and budgets need to be modified. A lot of companies have embraced a ROLLING budget, but in most cases, I think that's a cop out. To me a rolling budget is a giant rationalization for spending. I understand that costs/expenses change due to economy stressors, but I do not agree that you get to allow for more spending dollars based on higher costs. It is my belief/opinion that when costs increase, your SALES methods and MARKETING efforts and your REVENUE goals need to change. The focus should be on the driving force of your business - sales and service!
In our personal lives, if our expenses are higher, we need to get creative on how to make more of the almighty dollar. Volunteer once a week. Attend as many networking events as you possibly can attend. Make calls to friends and coworkers to check in with their lives. We are all connected in one way, shape or form. Doors open when you least expect them to open.
Don't grimace at the thought of a budget! Reward yourself with setting a new budget for your life and your business. Budget more time for your family. Budget more time for your friends. Budget more time for YOURSELF.
Doors open every day. You just have to be brave enough to walk through the opening!
Most of the world does not have piles of money just laying around. Most of the world has to plan to make a big purchase. Most of the world cannot just spend on a whim.
We see the commercials every day that scream, "I'm the newest and the best, buy ME!!" We see the pictures posted on Facebook of trips taken by everyone BUT YOU. We read articles in the newspaper and magazine about fundraisers and meet/greets that would open all sorts of doors, if you could just afford to GET IN their door.
THUS, we have budgets. Personally and professionally we plan, we track and we live within our means. (Don't fall off your chair laughing at that last statement.) The truth is, we all gamble with our money. We may not go to a casino or play the lottery, but we still gamble. I would venture to bet that almost everyone has at least one credit card. We get it, with the full intention, of using it only for emergencies! Then...... LIFE HAPPENS. The car breaks down, an appliance stops working, the check you were expecting does not arrive. All of a sudden, the "emergency" credit card is close to being maxed out.
One thing I have learned in my working world life is that although we make a budget, usually once a year, changes occur and budgets need to be modified. A lot of companies have embraced a ROLLING budget, but in most cases, I think that's a cop out. To me a rolling budget is a giant rationalization for spending. I understand that costs/expenses change due to economy stressors, but I do not agree that you get to allow for more spending dollars based on higher costs. It is my belief/opinion that when costs increase, your SALES methods and MARKETING efforts and your REVENUE goals need to change. The focus should be on the driving force of your business - sales and service!
In our personal lives, if our expenses are higher, we need to get creative on how to make more of the almighty dollar. Volunteer once a week. Attend as many networking events as you possibly can attend. Make calls to friends and coworkers to check in with their lives. We are all connected in one way, shape or form. Doors open when you least expect them to open.
Don't grimace at the thought of a budget! Reward yourself with setting a new budget for your life and your business. Budget more time for your family. Budget more time for your friends. Budget more time for YOURSELF.
Doors open every day. You just have to be brave enough to walk through the opening!
Monday, March 19, 2012
Happy As A Pig In Mud
This past week was an interesting one at that!
After experiencing chest pains that radiated down my arm and in my jaw, I paid a little visit to the ER. Because of my family history, they ran a few tests and kept me overnight. Thankfully, it was not my heart, but instead something less severe. At my follow up on Friday, my doc tells me to decrease my stress levels.
LOL..... OK.... so where's the pill for that???
Those that know me, know that I am a GLASS HALF FULL kinda gal. (and NO, the glass isn't filled with vodka!) When I found out I was losing my job, I started a business. When I found out I needed to pay for my daughter's wedding, I made a list of expenses and started watching sales for decorations. When my son wanted to move in at 18, I welcomed him with open arms.
You see, I fix things. If something's wrong, I fix it or find someone who will fix it for me. If the path I chose is causing pain or unhappiness, I choose another path. If I cannot .... well, you get the picture.
BUT.......... there it is........ the BUT!
I found out this week that even though I truly believe that all things in life happen for a reason, the weight of not being able to FIX something causes a great deal of stress no matter the outlook. My glass half full drained a little bit this week. My mind went into overdrive trying to figure out a plan. How do I support my family? How do I lead by example to my children? How can I be the positive person when the financial burden is heavy?
I took time yesterday to just sit on the swing. To just enjoy the breeze and the chirping birds. To sit there with my husband with a glass of wine. I experienced, in that moment, peace.
The saying "I want to be happy as a pig in mud" is easily achieved I found out! STOP for just a moment. LISTEN to the world around you. GIVE THANKS for the many blessings in your life.
In that moment yesterday, I WAS happy as a pig in mud and the glass filled back up!
After experiencing chest pains that radiated down my arm and in my jaw, I paid a little visit to the ER. Because of my family history, they ran a few tests and kept me overnight. Thankfully, it was not my heart, but instead something less severe. At my follow up on Friday, my doc tells me to decrease my stress levels.
LOL..... OK.... so where's the pill for that???
Those that know me, know that I am a GLASS HALF FULL kinda gal. (and NO, the glass isn't filled with vodka!) When I found out I was losing my job, I started a business. When I found out I needed to pay for my daughter's wedding, I made a list of expenses and started watching sales for decorations. When my son wanted to move in at 18, I welcomed him with open arms.
You see, I fix things. If something's wrong, I fix it or find someone who will fix it for me. If the path I chose is causing pain or unhappiness, I choose another path. If I cannot .... well, you get the picture.
BUT.......... there it is........ the BUT!
I found out this week that even though I truly believe that all things in life happen for a reason, the weight of not being able to FIX something causes a great deal of stress no matter the outlook. My glass half full drained a little bit this week. My mind went into overdrive trying to figure out a plan. How do I support my family? How do I lead by example to my children? How can I be the positive person when the financial burden is heavy?
I took time yesterday to just sit on the swing. To just enjoy the breeze and the chirping birds. To sit there with my husband with a glass of wine. I experienced, in that moment, peace.
The saying "I want to be happy as a pig in mud" is easily achieved I found out! STOP for just a moment. LISTEN to the world around you. GIVE THANKS for the many blessings in your life.
In that moment yesterday, I WAS happy as a pig in mud and the glass filled back up!
Wednesday, March 14, 2012
IT Mom
One of my favorite commercials right now has a line, "where is I.T. mom?" It probably hits home to a lot of people but really strikes a chord with me! It has nothing to do with me actually knowing a lot about IT (pronounced eye tea) and everything to do with the many hats I wear. NOT unique, just on my mind.
Let's see there is cook, nurse, housecleaner, counselor, educator, writer, photographer, party planner, banker, driver, decorator to go along with my favorite roles.... wife and mother!
When my children were younger, I had all of those roles but one of the titles I wore proudly was that of MEAN MOM. I read a piece on a daycare door long ago entitled "Are You a Mean Mom?" I loved it. It spoke of parenting vs. friendship. Yes, it would be so much easier to be a "Carefree Mom" or a "Disney Dad/Mom" but what does that accomplish over time. What does that teach the child when then go out into the world? I'm not saying BE mean. I'm saying be a parent. Find a balance between positive reinforcement, hugs and kisses and the hard stuff like expectations, rules and consequences.
Heaven knows I have made a lot of mistakes over the years, but I think I have learned from them. I've learned to listen. I never pretend to have all the answers. When I do not know the answer, I thirst to FIND the answer. I hope that my children will leave this house knowing that kindness wins over anger; truth is easier than a lie and your actions will always speak louder than your words.
Everyone gets to choose!
Let's see there is cook, nurse, housecleaner, counselor, educator, writer, photographer, party planner, banker, driver, decorator to go along with my favorite roles.... wife and mother!
When my children were younger, I had all of those roles but one of the titles I wore proudly was that of MEAN MOM. I read a piece on a daycare door long ago entitled "Are You a Mean Mom?" I loved it. It spoke of parenting vs. friendship. Yes, it would be so much easier to be a "Carefree Mom" or a "Disney Dad/Mom" but what does that accomplish over time. What does that teach the child when then go out into the world? I'm not saying BE mean. I'm saying be a parent. Find a balance between positive reinforcement, hugs and kisses and the hard stuff like expectations, rules and consequences.
Heaven knows I have made a lot of mistakes over the years, but I think I have learned from them. I've learned to listen. I never pretend to have all the answers. When I do not know the answer, I thirst to FIND the answer. I hope that my children will leave this house knowing that kindness wins over anger; truth is easier than a lie and your actions will always speak louder than your words.
Everyone gets to choose!
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