We've seen millions of those inspirational messages with pretty pictures about how life is a journey, not a destination and we need to enjoy the journey right?
As a travel enthusiast, I so see the truth in the idea.
As a life enthusiast, I so find the joy in every day, and I think that was the meaning I took from that saying or idea.
As a learning enthusiast, I think I finally get it!
As a woman entrepreneur, like you, I am on a constant path of learning, improving, building new skills. I have a pile of business books, self-help books, motivational books. I get excited about new ideas and am always trying to improve myself and my business.
In my direct sales business, one of the huge points that is repeated over and over and over again in every training and at every conference ad nauseum is this idea of a big WHY.
"When your why is big enough, you'll find the how."
I'll be truthful, in 8 years, I've searched and searched and using all the tools and ideologies presented to me, it's never worked for me. Never.
I'm reading a fabulous book - Networking is Dead - I highly recommend it! I took intense interest in the lesson about confusing the what with the why. "When your why is bigger than your what or your how you become an attractor of possibility."
Finishing up the end of my amazing year working with business coach Christine Gallagher, and preparing for a coaching call this week, I had one of those "big a-has" that we hear so much about.
My why isn't about me. Well, it is in it's what I want to create in the world, but it's not about the vision of the life I want to create for me. That is the result, that's the what. That's not the why.
I friggin' GET IT!
My why isn't so I can retire from corporate America permanently and become a real, full time, honest to goodness entrepreneur - you know - safety net free. My why isn't the business and the schedule and the income that will allow me to spend the time with my husband I want and travel when and where we want.
I want to work with more women entrepreneurs, in BOTH of my businesses. More importantly, the reason I want that is because I want to serve them. I don’t just want to sell product for the sake of the almighty dollar. I want to help women entrepreneurs to find a way to take the kind of care of themselves that they need and that they know they need. I want to make it not only possible, but even easy for them to make that oh so important time to connect with those most important women in their life. I want to influence a team of leaders to make the same kind of impact, each in their own way. I want to create a community, a family of great women.
And I am SO blessed that I see a bigger vision of the IMPACT I can have on women entrepreneurs than I ever saw before.
Because of the journey. WOW am I loving it!
So ladies, stay tuned. I am here to serve you.
Do you want to promote yourself or your business? I will connect you with the BEST networking organization in the US. Over 40 Females combines education and pampering at each uniquely themed event while providing support and encouragement to women on the social and business networking platforms.
Have you considered that proper self-care is actually a business resource and tool that you should be tending right up there with personal and professional improvement? Let's connect. I would love to help you claim that sacred connection time with those women in your life you've been promising to connect with, and create with you a personal sanctuary so you can make that self-care time at the snap of your fingers.
I'd love to hear your thoughts. Click on that commenty box below and share your why or your what or if you just get what I'm saying.
I love what I do. I mean, I really love what I do.
This week, I had a phenomenal experience at one of my parties. My spectacular chiropractor and hostess set up the night with whimsy, she told all the ladies they were coming to a night of Wine Women & Wax. A couple of them thought we were having a night with wine and hair removal. We had wine, and snacks and pizza. The ladies connected and visited and rejoiced that we were in a room filled with peace and candlelight on a cold, snowy and blustery January night in Chicagoland.
I began the night like I almost always do, sharing that I believe they did not come out to listen to me talk, but to talk to one another. I shared all the great specials they can take advantage of so they can get the best deal on their shopping, a quick and fun pass the gift game, and a couple quick tidbits.
- Consider creating a space just for you in your home where you can regroup, unwind and recharge at the end of the day.
- When women get together they physically produce more of a chemical oxytocin which reduces stress.
- They are all getting important anti-oxidants by sharing that glass of wine.
As the evening wound down, I received the most wonderful compliments that the ladies were so impressed with my "presentation" and that they really enjoyed connecting with one another, and had never been to another "home party" that gave them that opportunity. And I noted that another amazing thing that happens when women get together, is that we build each other up. We support one another, we comfort one another, we encourage one another, we exchange advice, we commiserate by sharing similar experiences and the compliments flow.
How often do you get compliments every day?
Ladies, we spend so much of our lives caring for all those around us. You know you do. And you know you should be taking care of yourself better, you know that "self care stuff" is something you should be doing, but because it's for you, you never get to it. And why is it that this falls off of your list every week?
Because you feel guilty doing for yourself.
Add to this, every time you chat with your girlfriend - sometimes via text or facebook message - you promise that you have to get together sometime soon, it's been too long. We can't let it go this long again. And the exact same thing happens. You never get to it. And why?
Because you feel guilty doing for yourself.
But this time, the guilt is a double whammy - you're damned if you do and damned if you don't because you feel guilty to "do for yourself" by making the time to spend with your girlfriend or you feel guilty for not keeping your promise to your girlfriend.
How can you win?
I've said it before, and I'll say it again. You need to take your self-care seriously. I have been thrilled to watch the "extreme self care" practice of Kelly O'Neil as she prepared for her amazing women's leadership conference.
Take a stand for yourself. If your doctor said you had to make an appointment, you would. This is critical to your mental and physical well being. Say no to the guilt. Make a date with your favorite girls. Luxuriate in one another's company. Notice the glow each and every one of you has after spending time together.
Grab some more great and easy tips for your guilt-free self care in my free report: http://www.winewomenandwax.biz/StressRelief.html
Ever have one of those days where you just want to scream?
Or a day or two where you are in a funk and can't seem to shake it?
Do you feel like that feeling is out of your control?
It isn't, or at least, it doesn't have to be.
Life is full and things are fluid all the time. Things are always going to be coming at you, there will often be more than you can handle.
You will have not enough business, or too much.
The kids will have a million activities, or they will be bored and driving you crazy.
The house will be in need of fixing, or in need of remodeling or in need of redecorating, or you will be ready to sell it.
There will always be stuff. It won't all be rosy. But the really cool thing is you are in complete control of your perspective and your reaction.
As kids, when we wanted to stay up late, or eat popcorn, or go outside, we always had to ask our parents. And, when we got an answer we didn't like, they would tell us that when we grew up, we could make our own rules and we could decide when to stay up late, or eat popcorn.
But we don't do we? We still let everything around us be the "boss of us".
My tip for today, your mission, should you choose to accept it is to take one of those tear sheets for yourself. Be the boss of you. Choose to stay up late, or go to bed early. Take a nap, go for a walk, eat ice cream before dinner.
Pick a thing that makes you feel great, and do that thing just for you and nobody else.
I'd love to hear what your thing is... share in the comments below.
Find more tips and ideas in my free report: http://www.winewomenandwax.biz/StressRelief.html
Do you remember when you were young and you used to daydream? You had no limits, no boundaries, you would think of places you wanted to go, people you wanted to meet, jobs you wanted to try, thinks you wanted to do, things you wanted to have...
You could be a race car driver, a doctor, an astronaut, a fairy princess.
You could live in Paris, or Rome or on the moon.
Your house could be a castle, or a mansion or a toadstool.
When is the last time you let yourself just daydream? No rules, no restrictions. Just dream.
I have several colleagues, mentors and friends who journal. I have a really hard time with the journaling process, but as I was thinking of trying it again
I considered the idea of daydream journaling.
Just let your mind wander and think of anything that pops up.
Things you would love to have - a new car, a dream home, a new kitchen, a new laptop, a pet monkey.
Places you would love to visit - Paris, the zoo, Egypt.
People you would love to see - far away family or friends, real or imagined characters from books or movies.
Jobs you would love to do - be a fireman, an astronaut, the president, a ballerina.
Allowing our mind to free flow like this is a great form of self-care. Letting go of the constant thoughts of your stressors, your lists and obligations is more than just cathartic, it's soothing, it's a release.
AND ... you just don't know what silly, or wild and crazy daydream could plant the seed for your next venture, your dream home, your next career, the solution to a problem that's been vexing you.
Have learn to meditate on your "to do list"? This is a great way to do that too!
I dare you, set aside 15 minutes to just daydream. No guilt allowed!
Do you think it could reduce your stress? I do!
Find more tips and ideas in my free report: http://www.winewomenandwax.biz/StressRelief.html
How true is that?
- What woman you know doesn't do at least 3 jobs?
- Who makes it look effortless most of the time?
- Who doesn't get thanked enough?
- Who slowly and quietly gets more overwhelmed each day?
- Who seldom complains about the load she bears?
And of all the hats we wear, we are nearly always supporting, doing or caring for someone else.
So, when do you decide it's time to take care of you? And if you ever make this difficult and guilt inspiring decision, who is it that does take care of you?
Run down the list of hats you wear in a typical day, or week, or month, and consider how those who are paid as professionals in each field demand to be treated and served.
Chefs have dishwashers, most professions have secretaries, or assistants, some professions have entire staff to tend to things that are outside their expertise.
And you, a busy professional woman, do all of these, only get paid for one maybe two of them and insist that your needs can wait.
and wait...
and wait...
and wait...
But what happens when they can't wait any longer? What happens when you finally hit that tipping point? What happens when you burn out mentally, emotionally or physically?
People in your life will step up and pitch in and they will care for you. And then you'll feel even more guilty.
So what if you decided that taking care of you, self-care, that thing that you know you're supposed to do, but just never manage to get around to, was important. What if you decided that it was a priority?
What if you could come up with a way to do that on a regular basis and not feel guilty?
Impossible?
Maybe not.
There are a thousand little things you can do in a day to lower your stress level and take a little bit of self-care without neglecting your loved ones, your business or your ever growing to-do list.
Here are a few to inspire you to do a little self-care today...
- Give yourself a mini facial - grab one of those sets of beauty products you bought but never took the time to use and do all the steps. Enjoy the glow and great feeling skin.
- Listen to your favorite song. Turn the volume up loud. Before you pick up the kids, sing all the lyrics at the top of your lungs and chair dance if you want to.
- Call your best girlfriend and share a funny memory.
- Do a random act of kindness for someone who can not return the favor, but a cup of coffee for the person behind you in line, pay a parking meter, give a McDonalds or Subway gift card to a homeless person.
- Send yourself a note or card - in the mail.
- Watch your favorite movie.
Find more tips and ideas in my free report: http://www.winewomenandwax.biz/StressRelief.html
As the calendar year turns to begin anew, I, like most people, consider my plans for the year. Goals, commitments, vacations, plans...
One of the first things on my list is to plan for races I intend to complete in the coming year. Having finished 2 Warrior Dashes, and now my first Super Spartan, I am completely obsessed with obstacle races.
Like many, I have significant goals to lose weight and improve my fitness in the coming year, to add emphasis to this, my company's annual incentive trip this year is to Hawaii for 6 days and 5 nights. As my husband and myself are extremely excited to earn and attend this year's trip, I am planning my training with added vigor.
So, I started reading the Spartan Race eBook - all things training and mindset related to prepare you for a Spartan Race. A line jumped out at me and caught my attention
"When we were young, we loved to climb, run, jump and swing. We loved to play. It's part of who we are, yet it's often absent from our adult lives."
As kids, we loved to feel the wind in our hair, the sun on our face and the grass (or dirt or sand) under our feet.
As we have moved through this thing called life, we work more and play less. So much less, in fact, that we lose the desire to play.
This year, as you make your list of hopes and dreams, your goals and resolutions, I propose that you resolve to regress.
Go back. Go back to your youth and grab that vitality you had, grab the desire to go out and play. Run. Jump. Swing. Dance. Spin. Climb. Soar.
Imagine how much younger you could feel as 2014 comes around. How's that for self care?
Have you grabbed your free guide yet? What are you waiting for?
http://www.winewomenandwax.biz/StressRelief.html
I look at my schedule for December filled with gatherings and get
togethers, fun and festivities, and I think to myself, "This is my favorite holiday!"
In Chicago,
we have been having some seriously crazy weather, and we're enjoying it, but
it's a little weird. On Sunday, leaving a party, I said to my
hostess - Christmas music and air conditioning, it just doesn't seem
right!
As I look forward to this month of caring and sharing, rejoicing and
reconnecting, I am reminded of some advice I got when I was planning my
wedding many years ago.
Pay attention and enjoy the planning. The day
comes and goes so fast it's like a blur. Relish every moment of the
preparation.
I was thankful I followed that advice as we took a full year to plan our wedding, and true to the predictions, the day was so fast. I captured moments and committed them to memory. Thank goodness for wonderful friends with cameras that captured great moments as well.
I find we do much the same in preparation for the holidays. We make plans for a big party, or our family gathering. There's the shopping and the decorating and the wrapping and the baking. All in a rush looking at the deadline on the clock. Then December 26th arrives and the presents are gone and many start taking down the decorations and the melancholy creeps in.
As you are making your lists and checking them twice this holiday season, take some time to stop and embrace the magic. Go ice skating, walk down your favorite city street and look at the lights, enjoy a mug of cocoa, mulled cider or egg nog.
You'll be happy you did!
Share what magic you plan to take a moment to enjoy this year!
Hey! I'm going to be on the radio! LIVE on
Wednesday, December 12th @ 7:00 PM CST at www.CashFlowShowRadio.com
You can listen live, via replay, see the schedule and download the
Smartphone app at: www.CashFlowShowRadio.com
Get your free guide: “Self Care Tips for Personal and Professional Success”
www.winewomenandwax.biz/freebie.html
I felt so proud of myself this weekend.
Has anyone else bought those 4 step face care systems but almost never do all 4 steps? You know you should, you understand the steps and why they work. In my case, the system corrected my adult onset acne, so I totally get it, but in the frenzy of my morning and evening routines, I convince myself that I can't spare the 1 or 2 minutes it would take to complete "the whole thing" which I think I imagine to be like an hour in my mind. You have to wash, exfoliate, tone, spot treat and hydrate, and then there's the mask! Heck, half the time, I take my eye makeup off, but don't even manage to wash the rest of the makeup off. It's such a small thing, such a minute amount of time, but I manage to make myself believe that I can't spare even that.
But this Saturday, I held myself to my commitment to myself. I worked out, and I did my whole face care routine in the morning. It took less than 5 minutes. I didn't manage to do it in the evening as well, but I added it to 1 routine and it made me feel GREAT!
It's funny how we can make excuses not to do the things we know we should do for ourselves, for our health and well being, even when they are small. We aren't really saving that much time for other activities, but we think we are.
But here's the cool thing... once you make these tiny adjustments and add them to your routine, you start taking better care of yourself without the herculean effort you think it requires.
You wouldn't think of waking up or going to bed without brushing your teeth, right? It's just routine.
Sorry, had to throw in a bit of a chuckle there :)
Choose something tiny, miniscule that you know you should be doing to take care of yourself. Something you've been meaning and meaning and meaning to do, but keep finding reasons not to. Add it to 1 of your daily routines. Remember, it takes 30 days to make a habit, so do it for 30 days, and see the difference it makes!
I'd love to hear the item you are going to add!
Hey! I'm going to be on the radio! LIVE on
Wednesday, December 12th @ 7:00 PM CST at www.CashFlowShowRadio.com
You can listen live, via replay, see the schedule and download the
Smartphone app at: www.CashFlowShowRadio.com
Get your free guide: “Self Care Tips for Personal and Professional Success”
www.winewomenandwax.biz/freebie.html
