tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-76451753371335699912024-03-06T02:08:55.330-06:00Whole Self NourishShannonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17944650508584853478noreply@blogger.comBlogger64125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7645175337133569991.post-7078356471093753062016-06-14T13:08:00.002-05:002016-06-14T13:08:33.963-05:00WOW Big day!<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">WOW Big day! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Not only is my <a href="http://www.listbuildwithlovechallenge.com/" target="_blank">5 day challenge</a> with <a href="http://shesgotclients.com/" target="_blank">Christine Gallagher</a> pushing me to help define my audience and my message more clearly, but really helping me push through some big blocks that have been keeping me stuck and frankly frustrated and a little unhappy for quite some time.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Even opened a conversation with my husband and his intense problem solving nature really helped me get extreme clarity on a path and a real plan. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">It's amazing how one decision can open up the floodgates of your mind, your creativity.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I've been stuck on this road to decide between what I feel currently skilled and capable enough to do as a business and what I really feel mind blowingly passionate about. The thing is that I have this dream, this really big HUGE dream that I'm almost afraid to talk about (as if someone else will steal my idea and do it before me). **we'll come back to that* It is huge and there is a lot I don't know about. It would be a non-profit with lots of moving pieces and lots of things I need to figure out and learn about and most importantly, I feel like I need to have an alternate income source to support me while I make it a reality. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">My amazing husband talked me through chunking it down and setting goals to learn about these things and figure out some of the pieces one at a time so I can put together a business plan and take it to investors.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">AND he talked me through the idea of creating a real business and running it as a real business not a "hobby business" or "home business" or "side project" as I have with my past direct sales endeavors.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Today's challenge got me to thinking about "my tribe" and looking back at myself and how I've evolved as I've journeyed down this path. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> So... I see some re-branding once again in my immediate future and some cool new products, programs and services on the horizon.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">It's good to get excited again! </span><br />
Shannonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17944650508584853478noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7645175337133569991.post-41677544339657392442016-06-13T11:32:00.001-05:002016-06-13T12:09:01.510-05:00What are you really good at?<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I've been a lot of things in my life. I know I will be a lot more things in my life. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I find myself still, or once again, in a search. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">A search for what comes next for me. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">A search for what I'm meant for. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">A search to find what makes me special and unique in the world that is of value to others.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">A search for how I can best serve the world.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">A search for what it is about me that was put here to make an IMPACT.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">A search for how all of that can support me financially.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I'm scared. I hate looking inside ME. I find it sooooooo easy to see inside others. Like it's nothing. Like it's obvious. Like what I see is as visible and clear as the clothes the person is wearing. (*side note: I know that is part of where my "brilliance" lies - just not sure there's any way to earn income from that)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Maybe part of it is that people find it easy to be vulnerable around me. For a LONG time now, complete strangers will share the more personal, painful, intimate details of their lives with me with no prompting whatsover. I used to get a little freaked out by it but I've learned to embrace it.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I know what I want as far as my life and lifestyle is concerned. I just can't quite figure out exactly what that will look like as far as a business model that brings in income. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I feel like I get more clear on the vehicle (sort of) but not clear on my real value.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I'm working with some trainers and mentors and keep being posed the questions: </span><br />
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<blockquote class="tr_bq" style="font-family: arial; font-size: 12px;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;">What are you really good at? </span>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;">What do you love doing that comes naturally to you?</span>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;">What would you happily do, all day long?</span>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;">What gives you lots of energy? (instead of draining you)</span>
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<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 12pt;">When it comes to being of service, what brings you the most joy? </span></blockquote>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">When I sit with these questions I find myself coming up empty. I can't come up with the answers. I feel pressure and I feel inadequate. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">So I came up with another way to evaluate this for myself and thought I'd share in case there are others out there that find themselves in the same frustration.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">When I'm talking with people about my eclectic skill set and explaining why I know x or where I learned y I find myself sharing my past work or project experiences. This led me to a process where I go take inventory and drill down from there. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Step 1: List my past positions / jobs</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Step 2: Drill down to some skills I associate with that position</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Step 3: Highlight particular achievements, or areas where I really enjoyed that position or learned a lot</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Step 4: Identify patterns, especially in progression through particular positions</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">For example:</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Pre-school teacher</span><br />
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<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">explaining / presenting / teaching the same thing in different ways for </span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">different people</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">deducing the best information delivery method for people</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Creativity --- I took photos of my entire class. Each kid had a completely different picture in a different setting that fit their personality. </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Patience --- Cameron <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-t3Eraym8RS3baaAc0iM4NWjLAoaQYUXgqTdgq2RyelXldQ7JaFd4cKRZ3iRl8vohswKCQFUDmcOTE6-IykmeAX1ca-iaDsIBTkUwt4xEIUstRqeEUyUwfHI89Ktkx0lAvOr7n9140cg/s1600/Cameron.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-t3Eraym8RS3baaAc0iM4NWjLAoaQYUXgqTdgq2RyelXldQ7JaFd4cKRZ3iRl8vohswKCQFUDmcOTE6-IykmeAX1ca-iaDsIBTkUwt4xEIUstRqeEUyUwfHI89Ktkx0lAvOr7n9140cg/s320/Cameron.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />He was in my 3 year old class who had stopped talking after his mother died suddenly. Other teachers thought he was too much trouble. I worked with him slowly and found ways to reach him (when his face would light up) and will NEVER forget the first word he said to me, or the look on his grandmother's face when he spoke to her for the first time when she came to pick him up one day. He was difficult to understand for a long time but it was one of my proudest moments in life.</span></li>
</ul>
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<span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;">***Disclaimer - these photos are 26+ years old. The kids pictured here are adults now.</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjW6HDIZknvlpy0jx4gZpO8FgCG2TwK73n0GIxFpTgPJVP3uZ80AO6btRm6gmekbPPCUP8s30x1zAg-8JymeYXehb9nfoahVb_g7lCwwqV-NRtLQVdOzVWZh_MRAVnY1rSn0zAGKyHYESA/s1600/PreschoolClassLove.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjW6HDIZknvlpy0jx4gZpO8FgCG2TwK73n0GIxFpTgPJVP3uZ80AO6btRm6gmekbPPCUP8s30x1zAg-8JymeYXehb9nfoahVb_g7lCwwqV-NRtLQVdOzVWZh_MRAVnY1rSn0zAGKyHYESA/s320/PreschoolClassLove.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaIxJLxNAKn4Ua59c2k5asU2IiSsiDgoARUbxM3FLhjQ5TGp3rjk6eCqxOS2x7JRk3uLqBaBKgsA_Nh2Vy3JLwwcnJmwD0SqYeOIpSSsXHVT8NjJlGuNZhqwmsxLx6Vlka4VHo9MciZIA/s1600/AdmiralDanceParty.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaIxJLxNAKn4Ua59c2k5asU2IiSsiDgoARUbxM3FLhjQ5TGp3rjk6eCqxOS2x7JRk3uLqBaBKgsA_Nh2Vy3JLwwcnJmwD0SqYeOIpSSsXHVT8NjJlGuNZhqwmsxLx6Vlka4VHo9MciZIA/s320/AdmiralDanceParty.jpg" width="240" /></a><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>Shannonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17944650508584853478noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7645175337133569991.post-25933149475380870682016-05-26T11:57:00.000-05:002016-05-26T11:57:16.412-05:00The Journey Continues...<span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;">Last week, I had an uncomfortable conversation with my husband. He asked me about my interest level with my business where it is right now. He has supported me on my journey over the past 10 years as I've experienced the roller coaster of success and engagement with my entrepreneurial endeavors. He is a smart guy, and while he's willing to call me on the carpet, he is aware of the response he's likely to get. He notices me pulling back and not putting in the time and effort that is typical for me when I'm fully engaged and sees that as a sign that I'm "giving up". </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border-image-outset: initial; border-image-repeat: initial; border-image-slice: initial; border-image-source: initial; border-image-width: initial; border: 0px; color: #444444; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border-image-outset: initial; border-image-repeat: initial; border-image-slice: initial; border-image-source: initial; border-image-width: initial; border: 0px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;">Not surprisingly, I reacted completely defensively and shut the conversation down. When I had cooled off and thought more rationally, I re-opened the conversation. Where I am at currently, I'm desperately trying to figure out what is next for me. I'm working through an amazing course with <a href="https://www.blogger.com/the%20#1 regret of people on their deathbeds, as captured by Bronnie Ware, is: “I wish I’d had the courage to live a life true to myself, not the life others expected of me.”" target="_blank">Live Your Legend</a> and the introspective work is really hard for me. </span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border-image-outset: initial; border-image-repeat: initial; border-image-slice: initial; border-image-source: initial; border-image-width: initial; border: 0px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;"><br /></span></span></span></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border-image-outset: initial; border-image-repeat: initial; border-image-slice: initial; border-image-source: initial; border-image-width: initial; border: 0px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;">I know that I don't want to keep doing what I'm doing. I've known that for probably the last 8 years. I want to permanently walk away from my "day job" and "corporate America" once and for all, with a better solution. Like a lot of people on a similar journey, I question myself a lot. It's uncomfortable. Hell, it's downright terrifying. </span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border-image-outset: initial; border-image-repeat: initial; border-image-slice: initial; border-image-source: initial; border-image-width: initial; border: 0px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;"><br /></span></span></span></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border-image-outset: initial; border-image-repeat: initial; border-image-slice: initial; border-image-source: initial; border-image-width: initial; border: 0px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;">What if this is all there is for me?</span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border-image-outset: initial; border-image-repeat: initial; border-image-slice: initial; border-image-source: initial; border-image-width: initial; border: 0px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;">What if I really <b><i>am </i></b>just like "everybody else"?</span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border-image-outset: initial; border-image-repeat: initial; border-image-slice: initial; border-image-source: initial; border-image-width: initial; border: 0px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;">What if I don't have what it takes? </span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border-image-outset: initial; border-image-repeat: initial; border-image-slice: initial; border-image-source: initial; border-image-width: initial; border: 0px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;">What if I don't have anything truly remarkable to contribute to the world?</span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border-image-outset: initial; border-image-repeat: initial; border-image-slice: initial; border-image-source: initial; border-image-width: initial; border: 0px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;">What if no one is ever willing to pay me to do what I'm genius at?</span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border-image-outset: initial; border-image-repeat: initial; border-image-slice: initial; border-image-source: initial; border-image-width: initial; border: 0px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;">What if I'm not really genius at anything? </span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border-image-outset: initial; border-image-repeat: initial; border-image-slice: initial; border-image-source: initial; border-image-width: initial; border: 0px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;"><br /></span></span></span></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border-image-outset: initial; border-image-repeat: initial; border-image-slice: initial; border-image-source: initial; border-image-width: initial; border: 0px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;">I let the fear freeze me. I let it pause my forward momentum, my journey. I've spent a lot of time in the past month watching TV and playing computer video games and surfing social media. Hiding. </span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border-image-outset: initial; border-image-repeat: initial; border-image-slice: initial; border-image-source: initial; border-image-width: initial; border: 0px; color: #444444; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border-image-outset: initial; border-image-repeat: initial; border-image-slice: initial; border-image-source: initial; border-image-width: initial; border: 0px; color: #444444; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Enough. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border-image-outset: initial; border-image-repeat: initial; border-image-slice: initial; border-image-source: initial; border-image-width: initial; border: 0px; color: #444444; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border-image-outset: initial; border-image-repeat: initial; border-image-slice: initial; border-image-source: initial; border-image-width: initial; border: 0px; color: #444444; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">My time is now. Tomorrow and tomorrow and tomorrow never comes and never will.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border-image-outset: initial; border-image-repeat: initial; border-image-slice: initial; border-image-source: initial; border-image-width: initial; border: 0px; color: #444444; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border-image-outset: initial; border-image-repeat: initial; border-image-slice: initial; border-image-source: initial; border-image-width: initial; border: 0px; color: #444444; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Today I start a 21 day guided journey to find the answer to this question. Maybe not the absolute answer, but the answer for me right now.</span></span><br />
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<span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border-image-outset: initial; border-image-repeat: initial; border-image-slice: initial; border-image-source: initial; border-image-width: initial; border: 0px; color: #444444; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">The #1 regret of people on their deathbeds, as captured by</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;"> </span><a href="http://bronnieware.com/" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border-image-outset: initial; border-image-repeat: initial; border-image-slice: initial; border-image-source: initial; border-image-width: initial; border: 0px; color: #0874a5; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;" target="_blank"><span style="background: transparent; border: 0px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Bronnie Ware</span></a><span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;">,</span><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border-image-outset: initial; border-image-repeat: initial; border-image-slice: initial; border-image-source: initial; border-image-width: initial; border: 0px; color: #444444; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"> is: “I wish I’d had the courage to live a life true to myself, not the life others expected of me.”</span><br />
<span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border-image-outset: initial; border-image-repeat: initial; border-image-slice: initial; border-image-source: initial; border-image-width: initial; border: 0px; color: #444444; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border-image-outset: initial; border-image-repeat: initial; border-image-slice: initial; border-image-source: initial; border-image-width: initial; border: 0px; color: #444444; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">As the lead character of one of <a href="http://www.syfy.com/lostgirl" target="_blank">my favorite TV show</a>s says, "Life's hard when you don't know who you are. It's harder when you don't know what you are... I was lost for years, searching while hiding... I won't hide any more. I will live the life I choose."</span>Shannonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17944650508584853478noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7645175337133569991.post-29697801109020400782016-04-29T14:19:00.001-05:002016-04-29T14:19:11.773-05:00I was an Epic Failure at Direct Sales<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I don't know if I've every actually acknowledged it, certainly don't think I ever said it out loud, but the truth is, I was an epic failure at direct sales. It was painful and humiliating and really hard to get through. The crazy thing, is that the only person who really saw it was my husband. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Everyone around me saw me as a success. All in different ways, and for different reasons. And that made it all the more painful. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I started my direct sales experience like a freaking rocket. I promoted to the first significant leadership level and earned the annual company incentive trip both in my first 3 months in the business. I was invited on stage for huge regional events to share my story. The big names in the company all heard my name and connected with me. And I connected with them. I saw myself in them SO much. From the first big meeting, I totally saw myself as those top level earners. I really got it, I did. AND I did the work. I did SO much work. My husband will tell you, I did some crazy stuff. My leader would tell me to knock on doors, and I would literally knock on doors. My leader would tell me to go to the mall and talk to strangers and I would do JUST that. She herself at one point said, "I'd NEVER do the things you've done."</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">But the bottom line is that I never got there. I earned an OK income and it definitely got our family through a tough financial time, but I never got there. I was never able to replace my full time income. I actually lost my leadership title and gained it back 3 separate times. The weirdest thing is that because I worked so hard, because I never gave up, more and more people saw me as successful. Cool amazing inspirational people who I looked up to and respected, they became friends. They learned my name. From the home office people, to the trainers, to the top earners, to industry trainers.<br /><br />And when I left one direct sales company and joined another the same thing happened. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">But why couldn't I make it? I could never figure it out, and it broke my heart. It made me feel worthless. It made me feel like a failure. I could talk about the things outside of myself that contributed to the low points, but that's so not the point. I failed. I couldn't make it work for me. No matter how hard I tried.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">It wasn't until I stepped back, and later had a conversation with a friend who made one of those innocuous comments that are so profound and deep that I saw it. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">*PLEASE TAKE NOTE* I love the industry. Anything I say about why I found it not a right fit for me is meant in no way to disparage the industry. I believe in the industry and its ability to change lives in a huge way.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I am insanely proud of the fact that I am unique. I don't follow pop culture, I reject it. I've never followed the clothing fads or the music trends. And if you hear me talk about that, I am really proud of it. I'm really glad that I'm different. I really kind of strive to be different. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">As I worked in the direct sales industry, I tried to create a brand and a business that was bigger than "just" the company I rep'd for. First it was Wine, Women & Wax and after I changed companies it became Whole Self Nourish. I felt bigger than the container I was in. Not in an arrogant or self indulgent way, but in a way that felt in-authentic to me. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The thing that makes the direct sales industry awesome is its rinse and repeat model. It's a totally accessible way for people to reach the business ownership model and level with low investment and overhead and minimal training. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">It turns out, I'm not so much a rinse and repeat kind of girl. And you know what, that's totally OK. In fact, it's better than OK. It's kind of awesome.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">So now, I'm carving my own path. I'm figuring out what comes next for me and how being me is going to change the world, and next I'll figure out how to get paid for it. </span>Shannonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17944650508584853478noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7645175337133569991.post-17379616235467185872016-04-29T12:50:00.000-05:002016-04-29T12:50:12.465-05:00Why Do (or Did) You Want Out? <span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">There is a statistic that 80% of U.S. workers are unhappy in their job. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuNC3f9OgwTVplLhSwB7fiDKIluNL0cfXpzIzAK9WsAuwhsMOIqa1h0hBJMKgdONx8_6EzoJMedWtf9MjIrc761anZME8FJNa3QktwAXHtr_9xheSmXbC87zp_xeYYiUPdiijKGcCq4O8/s1600/hate_my_job.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuNC3f9OgwTVplLhSwB7fiDKIluNL0cfXpzIzAK9WsAuwhsMOIqa1h0hBJMKgdONx8_6EzoJMedWtf9MjIrc761anZME8FJNa3QktwAXHtr_9xheSmXbC87zp_xeYYiUPdiijKGcCq4O8/s320/hate_my_job.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Of those unhappy workers, only some will take action to find another job. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEje1S47D_I0h3hwO9BUPLcA4lF8QqhB_PoAsjhI8HL7EcuMfmZceL_axJr6EqVzzjXztSTWPZ_lQDr8zDP7jVY1YehQGvEf2r1510JyiIvdjHCFNu4CJ7Su4G22cc4bT9QyJ_S_65_Fog8/s1600/67.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEje1S47D_I0h3hwO9BUPLcA4lF8QqhB_PoAsjhI8HL7EcuMfmZceL_axJr6EqVzzjXztSTWPZ_lQDr8zDP7jVY1YehQGvEf2r1510JyiIvdjHCFNu4CJ7Su4G22cc4bT9QyJ_S_65_Fog8/s1600/67.jpg" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Maybe just a different boss. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Maybe a different position.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Maybe a different company.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Maybe a different city or state.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Of those unhappy workers who take action to find another job, a small number will make very definite decisions and take targeted specific actions to find a new direction in that next job. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaxQSvOzW-N2AAOyw7ybjbeRKfpnLW3rOVzup3t2w7UahSeSLJmiHwVZIOdD3NizwhI9Hppu9tmhO4YvOkrXfE7h6cwY6MW04wnl4MR4T0TIFLvf7hyz8vbyM1XZnO6bedelwD0hwYFqc/s1600/jobs.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaxQSvOzW-N2AAOyw7ybjbeRKfpnLW3rOVzup3t2w7UahSeSLJmiHwVZIOdD3NizwhI9Hppu9tmhO4YvOkrXfE7h6cwY6MW04wnl4MR4T0TIFLvf7hyz8vbyM1XZnO6bedelwD0hwYFqc/s320/jobs.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Maybe they will seek out specific workplace environments they want to be a part of.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Maybe they will seek out a culture that is more in line with their personality and their values.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Maybe they will seek out a company that is working towards a goal that is more in line with their personal goals and a purpose that is in line with things that they believe, or really want to align themselves with.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Of those that are making definite decisions and taking targeted actions, very few will decide another job is not the answer.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7KQ90cSnxclMoA5QbmMjuSZPPEo7KReCtuYivAfT0RsrkmmAQBvJtFMRtqBy_knM9-mZTTwgQqvUqYfeT185-RMeYUDzzEI4bJcrpMLgMz2rXkcBtEV5kDfZupDMnkb-lN5AsahBQu4w/s1600/Oprah.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7KQ90cSnxclMoA5QbmMjuSZPPEo7KReCtuYivAfT0RsrkmmAQBvJtFMRtqBy_knM9-mZTTwgQqvUqYfeT185-RMeYUDzzEI4bJcrpMLgMz2rXkcBtEV5kDfZupDMnkb-lN5AsahBQu4w/s320/Oprah.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Those very few will begin another path altogether, and start the journey of an entrepreneur, or a small business.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Many of you reading this are in that last group, even if you haven't left that unhappy job yet, you're on that path, that journey.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">But it all has to start somewhere. You have to want out.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">For me, it started years ago. (You've heard many versions of this story over the years, so I'll stick to the high points.) My husband had been laid off from a job that he had grown to despise that had driven him into depression. We had made the decision as a family to take another path, and to follow his passion and his childhood dream to become a professional pilot. This required a financial risk and commitment as well as a lot of lifestyle changes. I started a "side gig" with a direct sales company to help bridge the financial gap. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">That's when I saw the possibility of something different for my future. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJopovgeSRZ7RPLb_Vwa2jc9WfoTRaqLjE9BmWJgGDKKLnBmkKHQWtKM6apfVUWKTRbt71VFGapaHSYIFE9v0KA4cDFe9EwmL75f9aWHufUKgM9yLjxJG_Qk1FXK9ct4KC-6Dkth6vVLk/s1600/quote-i-wanted-to-live-the-life-a-different-life-i-didn-t-want-to-go-to-the-same-place-every-harrison-ford-9-90-99.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJopovgeSRZ7RPLb_Vwa2jc9WfoTRaqLjE9BmWJgGDKKLnBmkKHQWtKM6apfVUWKTRbt71VFGapaHSYIFE9v0KA4cDFe9EwmL75f9aWHufUKgM9yLjxJG_Qk1FXK9ct4KC-6Dkth6vVLk/s320/quote-i-wanted-to-live-the-life-a-different-life-i-didn-t-want-to-go-to-the-same-place-every-harrison-ford-9-90-99.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I grew up with a Mom that worked full time, for a job she didn't love, but it had good benefits (yadda yadda yadda), and a Dad in sales, which always seemed to be a cyclical success. We'd have good months and bad months, and it seemed that my Mom always wished he'd just "get a regular job".</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">But as I was exposed to more and more in the direct sales and later entrepreneurial worlds, I grew more and more hopeful that the 9-5 gig wasn't the answer for me.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">But what was wrong with the 9-5 gig? What made me different? What moved me from the 80% that are just unhappy to the very few that start that other journey? </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">It's all about the why you want out. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">What is it that makes you unhappy in that job? </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Is it the position? </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Is it the boss? </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Is it the company?</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Is it the culture? </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Is it the environment (do you hate cube life)?</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Or is it more... is it harder to describe? Does it feel more nebulous? Do you feel a little embarrassed to talk about it?</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">For me, it was (and still is) 2 major things. </span><br />
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<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">My job doesn't matter. In the grand scheme of things, if no one was doing this job tomorrow, the world wouldn't be any worse off. It doesn't make the world a better place in any way. If the whole company went away, the world would barely notice.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAgzZvxhyOR62nGlYThbpTLApUYAw0mOrudCrX3_IxURaEDc51zTcoPpriY5htar0mXkKpbmClpnZHeT1dJOsnBEnVWQRCc4hTNfSrDWuda7f4eWOMtK0fdOClkLY5ZR0-ICO1Uf2yOPA/s1600/not-a-living-a-difference.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAgzZvxhyOR62nGlYThbpTLApUYAw0mOrudCrX3_IxURaEDc51zTcoPpriY5htar0mXkKpbmClpnZHeT1dJOsnBEnVWQRCc4hTNfSrDWuda7f4eWOMtK0fdOClkLY5ZR0-ICO1Uf2yOPA/s320/not-a-living-a-difference.jpg" width="246" /></a></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I want to enjoy my life, my husband, my time. NOW! I don't want to wait until we retire to really live our lives. I don't want to have to ration my enjoyment, I don't want to have to ask someone else's permission to go do the things I want to do with my husband, my family and my friends.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhM17__I38icjkiBrFryH8u1sWt5IV-SVKltZcUXjWyDehwy9fXANDE8Zz7vdgJlL4gOrWS52WrKUgyoJoT3j0c5rIvPKePQ_uYUFx7WPj1yilX6j1AYpYaiozt8iBuVwrAptozrWNPPw/s1600/Many-people-die-at-25.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="208" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhM17__I38icjkiBrFryH8u1sWt5IV-SVKltZcUXjWyDehwy9fXANDE8Zz7vdgJlL4gOrWS52WrKUgyoJoT3j0c5rIvPKePQ_uYUFx7WPj1yilX6j1AYpYaiozt8iBuVwrAptozrWNPPw/s320/Many-people-die-at-25.jpg" width="320" /></a></span></li>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">What about you? If you have left a "job" that you were unhappy in for something else, why did YOU want out?<br /><br />I'd LOVE to hear your story! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>Shannonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17944650508584853478noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7645175337133569991.post-81426815274878391472016-04-15T10:01:00.002-05:002016-04-15T10:01:56.645-05:00What Difference do you want to make? <span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">People are bombarded every day with ugliness. The media focuses on it so much, that many people simply adopt the belief that that's really all the world is. Whether it's the violence and mistreatment of humanity pushed by the news, or the social sadness of the latest Hollywood breakup pushed by all the grocery store magazines at the checkout counter.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">So people start to live their lives in quiet capitulation. They just accept that they are surrounded by ugliness, that the world is getting worse and that there is nothing they can do to change any of it.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">They start to believe that they aren't supposed to be happy. That life isn't supposed to be good and exciting and amazing. They start to believe that those moments of happiness are only brief respites from the obligatory doldrums of life. They wait days for the brief happiness of the weekend. They wait weeks for the brief happiness of a vacation. They wait years for the hope for the promise of happiness of retirement. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">What difference do I want to make? </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I want to help people see that it's not only their right, but their obligation to the world to be happy <b><i>every day</i></b>. Not just on Saturdays. Not just on spring break. And retirement? The statistics are terrifying on just how many people make, how soon they die once they retire, and the quality of life they find once they "get there".</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGdDekPI6mzxa7gV4ouvNdqFrdEUD6a-xFA5S0nb5NqfRyetLj-iYNrtUKh57yP91z9nsoPwFJg7RVj44D1cnNv3mtiMaoBNO6_1TPESrLV54NoKO_EftfinAnsdpJVFTahP0j2ml8-3g/s1600/Happy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="228" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGdDekPI6mzxa7gV4ouvNdqFrdEUD6a-xFA5S0nb5NqfRyetLj-iYNrtUKh57yP91z9nsoPwFJg7RVj44D1cnNv3mtiMaoBNO6_1TPESrLV54NoKO_EftfinAnsdpJVFTahP0j2ml8-3g/s320/Happy.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I want to change that belief. Life is not meant to be endured. Life is meant to be celebrated. Life is meant to be enjoyed. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">What about you? What difference do <b><i>YOU </i></b>want to make? I'd really love to hear about it. </span>Shannonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17944650508584853478noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7645175337133569991.post-2507859576283024762016-04-13T17:13:00.002-05:002016-04-13T17:13:26.614-05:00What makes you angry about the world?<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">In my blog challenge, I managed to miss the writing prompt on Day 2 so I'm making up for that one now...</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Maybe it was kind of fate to allow me to miss this prompt because it's not something that resonates with me. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I can't stay mad.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Can't.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLqsQZhTow3zmpR6bzYIr3RheUQ-P2kXvkehz9CiYGgrkW6hiIVBtzT93ZqQwCW-zVxTZpz35eG0ZxajTivQUHYERuDmY4wpfg5l2-VGuXJ5YflKf52SR6iteaYdpjHHLX_2tIolLOpeU/s1600/country-road-driving-300x199.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLqsQZhTow3zmpR6bzYIr3RheUQ-P2kXvkehz9CiYGgrkW6hiIVBtzT93ZqQwCW-zVxTZpz35eG0ZxajTivQUHYERuDmY4wpfg5l2-VGuXJ5YflKf52SR6iteaYdpjHHLX_2tIolLOpeU/s1600/country-road-driving-300x199.jpg" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I can't tell you what the exact date was, the month, or even frankly the year, but I distinctly remember the details and the feeling of the day in my mid-twenties when I was driving in my car on a country road when I had an earth shattering revelation. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">My mom and I have had a challenging relationship most of my life, as many girls and their moms do, especially through those teen and early 20's years. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">That day, driving my car, it simply dawned on me that the only person I was hurting by staying angry was <b>me</b>. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The person you're mad at often doesn't know, or care that you're angry or why. They often will never apologize for the thing that they did that hurt you or scared you or just plain pissed you off. They are off living their own joyful, or at least oblivious life (that part is NOT directed at my mom, just at people in the world in general - just to be clear). In the mean time, you're sitting there, feeling horrible and basically poisoning yourself with the bile you continue to manufacture. The only person you're hurting by staying angry is YOU.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyJgAtdBm6k2yMNkjbkj_Q7skUrNfE21MCHCd7HHVocvsmfPxVKqym0TUIZa_QSQF-Vx8xiK4r-4hUngZ7VluUk_7NnpndiAJgCj9mIkSHhKKnq9kI5yVYhCzmaktkZpjbX2_mShLpNDk/s1600/Anger_thumb_0.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyJgAtdBm6k2yMNkjbkj_Q7skUrNfE21MCHCd7HHVocvsmfPxVKqym0TUIZa_QSQF-Vx8xiK4r-4hUngZ7VluUk_7NnpndiAJgCj9mIkSHhKKnq9kI5yVYhCzmaktkZpjbX2_mShLpNDk/s1600/Anger_thumb_0.jpg" /></a><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I used to be that person, I used to stew on something after it happened and get </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />more and more upset, more and more indignant, more and more furious. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">But that day, that moment, it all just melted away. I just let it go. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I still <b><i>get </i></b>angry, sure! Hell, I have Irish and German blood in my veins (haha)<br />It just doesn't stay around. There are even times when I <b><i>try </i></b>to stay angry and I just can't. It feels yucky and I just don't like it.<br /><br />So, I can't really answer the question, there are plenty of things that irritate me, drive me crazy, make me sad. I just guess I like myself a little too much to let anger poison me.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>Shannonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17944650508584853478noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7645175337133569991.post-88794909166109714112016-04-13T14:38:00.002-05:002016-04-13T14:38:11.806-05:00What do you do?<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfeGW3q4lcB0By8Gh250vtzkDHgz5xYnk54Y3OHzZOkEjPmIiRs4FVUph5yeV-Oft3YJzVREyPD170S4j_KLZdQggGQqKTgr2Rs82LOAU6-L5k_sI8Q1kDoKers0-PA5rqNs5IgatwI98/s1600/networking-blog.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfeGW3q4lcB0By8Gh250vtzkDHgz5xYnk54Y3OHzZOkEjPmIiRs4FVUph5yeV-Oft3YJzVREyPD170S4j_KLZdQggGQqKTgr2Rs82LOAU6-L5k_sI8Q1kDoKers0-PA5rqNs5IgatwI98/s320/networking-blog.jpg" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">As a woman who has been actively engaged in the Chicagoland networking community for going on 15 years now, I used to love this question. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I used to live for this question. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I worked painstakingly as my business evolved to craft a brilliant "60 second commercial" that would capture the attention of a room full of other networkers who had likely tuned out of 90% of the introductions they heard that day.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Over the past 6 months or so, I have grown to kind of hate this question. I feel like the latest evolution of my business has become positively schizophrenic. When affronted with this question of late, I always start with "Oh my gosh, I do A LOT" and then I rattle through a high level description of the myriad of pies I currently have fingers in, from my full time day job gig (which I hate talking about because I've been questing to get out from under it for the past 10 years or so) to my various side gigs which felt so aligned to me at one point but now feel completely disconnected.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Probably like many of you who are reading this, I have become a lifetime student of personal development. From Napoleon Hill to Tony Robbins, to the latest weekend conference to help me uplevel my skills in one area or another, I'm constantly trying to improve my brain, and myself. Often, as they say with success, the path isn't as straight or linear as one might expect or hope.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSnUHOkzXuJvY8JqLOVcBJOGVJZNFYTX5CosDowZQeO0c2mjfuR3KHHm6pjnCjOByrK7Ign1_VLRCi7etodoYbigaDWmjShCWHjTM07f4FnkyWWmhNrELuVqehxyBdqOzemIw8503zS2k/s1600/successsquiggle.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="231" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSnUHOkzXuJvY8JqLOVcBJOGVJZNFYTX5CosDowZQeO0c2mjfuR3KHHm6pjnCjOByrK7Ign1_VLRCi7etodoYbigaDWmjShCWHjTM07f4FnkyWWmhNrELuVqehxyBdqOzemIw8503zS2k/s320/successsquiggle.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Also, probably like many of you reading this, I'm trying to figure out what comes next for me. Knowing I'm meant for something so much bigger than what I'm currently doing. Believing that I am destined to make a significant impact on the world, and eager to start doing that. Dreaming of a life on my own terms.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">With my extreme penchant for making real connections with people and loving to hear their stories, going forward for myself, I'm going to change my language at upcoming networking events and new interaction opportunities (I'm sure some of you see where this is going) from "What do you do?" to "What are you excited about right now?". </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">If you happen to be in a great place in your life and business, this may prompt you to share why you are so passionate about your work and what makes you excited about it and brilliant at it. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">If you're not in that place, maybe you're completely bored or burnt out in your current position, it leaves you wide open to talk about anything in your life that turns you on. Maybe that's your kids, or your spouse, or your garden, or your favorite sports team, or an upcoming vacation, or a crazy home improvement project... the list is endless and certainly starts a more fun and engaging conversation than "I'm an accountant".</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Today, I'm really excited about being a light that shines on women that illuminates their brilliance and reminds them of their true genius. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdXsuSVf2eKTtdGVYtJNUTAr2U7uZxSJlfw_MVihwF__cokK9oepAZDZwYRhrGuQCPIHklNYaVrjGJUEwZ4Pd9OAQ6V9wu-fI9XTBk09FhisZa1csL3Ec998KLBrVGkvBqGZj3m8vZF3U/s1600/devilangel.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="113" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdXsuSVf2eKTtdGVYtJNUTAr2U7uZxSJlfw_MVihwF__cokK9oepAZDZwYRhrGuQCPIHklNYaVrjGJUEwZ4Pd9OAQ6V9wu-fI9XTBk09FhisZa1csL3Ec998KLBrVGkvBqGZj3m8vZF3U/s320/devilangel.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">You know how we all have that mean voice inside our heads that tells us all kinds of lies about how we're too much of this or not enough of that? Imagine the cartoon with the devil and the angel, that voice, the one we've all tuned in to, is the devil. I help women to tune in and turn up the volume on the voice of the angel. The one that not only tells you that you're pretty, and you're smart, and you're enough, but what your true genius is, your gift, the thing that you were put on this earth to share with the world. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Yeah... <b><i>that's</i></b> what I do. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">How about you? What are you excited about right now? I'd really love to hear about it in the comments below. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span>Shannonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17944650508584853478noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7645175337133569991.post-18338524350915813982016-04-12T14:59:00.001-05:002016-04-12T14:59:17.931-05:00What's one thing you're proud of?<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">As much as I don't like to brag ... see the <a href="http://wholeselfnourish.blogspot.com/2016/04/what-do-people-thank-you-for.html" target="_blank">previous post</a> about how I don't like to be the focus of attention I think I have to break this into categories.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">When I look back at my life and think of moments when I've felt the most proud of myself in the moment, each one of my athletic achievements are there. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">My 1st Half Marathon</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">My 1st Full Marathon</span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhr8idjJpVQdxNMnYjziVbWRwwWgcH9S9Ko9T5U7AvltkAFpjjHtXJPMI9TzT5AyynwIfiMXp7jdDXZCoz_SBp_0VH0NU4fKmuQ3r6aV04D70VTtc57KWxG6pVEnlO-j4qKMz4pftkAvnQ/s1600/72304-506-009f.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhr8idjJpVQdxNMnYjziVbWRwwWgcH9S9Ko9T5U7AvltkAFpjjHtXJPMI9TzT5AyynwIfiMXp7jdDXZCoz_SBp_0VH0NU4fKmuQ3r6aV04D70VTtc57KWxG6pVEnlO-j4qKMz4pftkAvnQ/s320/72304-506-009f.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">My 1st Chicago Marathon</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">My 1st Triathlon </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhj3pPgcWzmQJCwmZHHGlUKWQX_i4q-K67DQayuPrRxeMg1wpXBxNluzQ1anNqpH5bQPJX0XbW1YT_6Rr542XXxk3UzZsukmh_XTR8OC9L8026hSYVAy3sfST3UGGuRFYpe8am9ni7tZDs/s1600/13716_269d7d5c0631405a238fe42caba46d4c_MudZone.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhj3pPgcWzmQJCwmZHHGlUKWQX_i4q-K67DQayuPrRxeMg1wpXBxNluzQ1anNqpH5bQPJX0XbW1YT_6Rr542XXxk3UzZsukmh_XTR8OC9L8026hSYVAy3sfST3UGGuRFYpe8am9ni7tZDs/s320/13716_269d7d5c0631405a238fe42caba46d4c_MudZone.jpg" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">My 1st Spartan race </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj53-PnCo0VeGyGIm2DQL7z7z6p0orPmha_-EWmo0ALO4wZKaiMAIrvyAahbENEELyXa9fuLnJE_TGOvKoWWMzQNbcja5eskuS27-Add8tcWyg4f1GhGJqjA_HzphUcsDHPLte-mYAorbc/s1600/Rugged+Maniac1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj53-PnCo0VeGyGIm2DQL7z7z6p0orPmha_-EWmo0ALO4wZKaiMAIrvyAahbENEELyXa9fuLnJE_TGOvKoWWMzQNbcja5eskuS27-Add8tcWyg4f1GhGJqjA_HzphUcsDHPLte-mYAorbc/s320/Rugged+Maniac1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I feel proud when I say out loud that I have accomplished x number of these athletic feats.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">But I also recognize that when other fuss and make a big deal about those events, that I feel like 'eh, they are really not that big a deal.<br /><br /><br />I'd have to say that the thing I'm most proud of is bring to reality Whole Self Nourish Day. An idea that sprung out of a coaching session with my amazing business coach <a href="http://www.thrivecoachservices.com/" target="_blank">Christine Suva</a> became a reality through me moving through immense fear of failure. Working with her amazing support and encouragement, I put something together that benefits a lot of women and was a huge risk personally and professionally.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I've just done my third and I learn more and get more proud each time.<br /><br />What's one (or two) thing you're proud of? I'd love to celebrate you in the comments! </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>Shannonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17944650508584853478noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7645175337133569991.post-13795637752437363482016-04-12T12:30:00.000-05:002016-04-12T12:45:34.601-05:00What do people thank you for?<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">It may or may not surprise you that I've embarked on yet another journey of learning/personal development/discovery. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br />If you have been reading this blog for some time, you may have noticed that I kind of disappeared. I had been writing weekly, and sometimes more for quite a while, but then as life does, I became overwhelmed and when I get overwhelmed or frustrated I tend to just stop. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyO6iFf2EyyV63S6inj0pJbhaLhxV2-OyWgDsSTS37vZyd_7bY7bNHidHrrqTyMPiUBaXJ31vzXZ8KWlyNzhbW2nej-X5jnl2Lnr4fj7qlZbfGHGT0zUAEKpHJRfBt6QSGJCNz7H6anBg/s1600/smiley+stop.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyO6iFf2EyyV63S6inj0pJbhaLhxV2-OyWgDsSTS37vZyd_7bY7bNHidHrrqTyMPiUBaXJ31vzXZ8KWlyNzhbW2nej-X5jnl2Lnr4fj7qlZbfGHGT0zUAEKpHJRfBt6QSGJCNz7H6anBg/s320/smiley+stop.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Stop pretty much everything. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Stop working out regularly</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Stop eating right </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Stop my daily work to build and grow my business </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Stop my daily work to get to be the person I know I'm really meant to be. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">So, when I found the <a href="http://liveyourlegend.net/" target="_blank">Live Your Legend</a> team, I was totally on board. As part of the work I'm doing to reconstruct the business model around Whole Self Nourish and figure out what that is going to look like for me going forward, I'm re-devoting myself to the practice of regularly writing to this blog.<br /><br />You are welcome and invited to <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4qMPX-qxYRs" target="_blank">tune in or tune out</a> as this blog and I progress and evolve into the next stages of what is to come.<br /><br />So, enough with the preamble... on to the topic of today... </span><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhW0RmZh5JtvDqE0vUV2qyIccgpA71gdiYWm0a3evaNC172yGZj_Kwy4SKZ3qTHqwOO72TynhxFYMoghepMBknDuAumB1CSXjOAi9T9KbtNjMl5YvTY2bL3H50-zAe35oltKpVT1urrHMc/s1600/ThankYouHug.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhW0RmZh5JtvDqE0vUV2qyIccgpA71gdiYWm0a3evaNC172yGZj_Kwy4SKZ3qTHqwOO72TynhxFYMoghepMBknDuAumB1CSXjOAi9T9KbtNjMl5YvTY2bL3H50-zAe35oltKpVT1urrHMc/s320/ThankYouHug.jpg" width="314" /></a><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">What do people thank you for? </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Those of you that know me in person have witnessed that I'm not very good at being the center of attention. Weirdly, I am not afraid of public speaking, I actually quite enjoy it, but I like it as a means to the end of promoting and acknowledging others.<br /><br />I'm one of those people who has something about them which draws stuff out of people. All kinds of stuff. Like, total strangers tell me their entire life story, including some really personal details that often make me a bit uncomfortable. But, I'm a really good listener. I'm <b><i>really </i></b>good at being completely present with the person I'm connecting with and leaving my agenda at the door. I'm also really good at hearing the things that people are saying that they aren't actually saying, and relaying that information back to them in a way that allows them to acknowledge it for themselves. Finally, I'm good at seeing what makes that person completely brilliant, genius and unique and helping them see that for themselves. (All of this is kind of funny to me as of course I'm horrible at doing this for myself.)<br /><br />That's what people thank me for. <br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLQ33mJJFttDZCyvd3l8VA6FUuuX8UqfUwmC3fTyci7f8g2Guq3KeewcFVX7oVYAhp_CA1J9giZdAgs32ZMrR-wzhzaDAuHdWLK42t-rzktYuakGomwOSfQft-ZTQCzirFpYRXubsHNaw/s1600/Listenedto.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="195" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLQ33mJJFttDZCyvd3l8VA6FUuuX8UqfUwmC3fTyci7f8g2Guq3KeewcFVX7oVYAhp_CA1J9giZdAgs32ZMrR-wzhzaDAuHdWLK42t-rzktYuakGomwOSfQft-ZTQCzirFpYRXubsHNaw/s320/Listenedto.jpg" width="320" /></a><br /><br />How about you? What do people thank you for? I'd love to hear it in the comments! </span>Shannonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17944650508584853478noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7645175337133569991.post-80087477301418143992016-04-07T15:08:00.000-05:002016-04-07T15:08:02.591-05:00Make Space<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">For a lot of people, life is spent in quiet acquiescence.<br />It's a lot of time spent waiting...</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Waiting to grow up.<br />Waiting to be on your own.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Waiting to find that perfect person.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Waiting to finish school.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Waiting for the next promotion.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Waiting for the weekend. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Waiting for vacation.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Waiting for retirement.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">And for those, for many, for most, that time waiting is spent doing "what you have to do", "what is expected of you". It's what we were taught. You go to school, you get a job to support your family, and you plan to enjoy your life in your retirement.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">If you're reading this, you're probably not one of those people, or if you are, you don't want to be any more and you're most likely working to change it.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">For some, for those who make a different choice and walk a different path, every day is about discovery, about following your purpose, your passion, your path. Every day is about making the most of the life you have TODAY, not tomorrow. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">But that's not an easy path to walk, and for a lot of us, the path isn't clear. You may not know what your purpose is, or you may not be sure what your passion really is. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">If you want to walk that different path, that path of joy, of impact, of passion and purpose, the first step is to make the space to figure out what that might look like for you. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Give yourself some space at least weekly, better if you can make a tiny daily habit to dream. It can be 5 minutes. It doesn't have to be a huge time commitment. Let yourself think about what you'd like your life to be if anything was possible. What kind of a difference you'd love to make if anything were possible. Picture yourself receiving an award for having achieved something you'd be so very proud of. Picture yourself at a banquet where people are honoring you for a lifetime of ______. What goes in that blank for you.<br /><br />You don't have to know how to do it. You don't have to know what it takes to get there.<br /><br />Just give yourself the space to dream about what that could look like for you if you let it.</span>Shannonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17944650508584853478noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7645175337133569991.post-41848244494361130082015-12-18T14:57:00.000-06:002015-12-18T14:57:07.251-06:00Do you hear what I hear?<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">We all have our favorite quotes. By far, the one that has stuck with me the most, and that I think of most often is one I heard the first time from Tony Robbins at an Unleash the Power Within weekend. I don't think he was the original "author" but I attribute it to him as it's his voice I hear when I think of it. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Being listened to is so close to being loved that most people cannot tell the difference.</span></blockquote>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">This week, I hosted the 2nd annual Inspiration Awards for the <a href="http://www.over40females.com/members/group.aspx?id=141509" target="_blank">Chicago Chapter</a> of <a href="http://www.over40females.com/" target="_blank">Over 40 Females</a>. It is definitely my favorite event of the year. I can't plan for all the fun crazy moments that come out of the little awards I make up based on what I hear over the year. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Only this past year was it brought to my attention that this is my gift. I hear people say they things they don't even say out loud. I don't claim to have any magical ability or anything, I just think I pay more attention than most people. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I'm so thankful that I learned the art and skill of active listening so that I can be fully present in the company of some of the most amazing people I have ever met. It is amazing what you can learn and appreciate from those around you if you only stop to listen. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Listening tips which are great this time of year (and pretty much always) when you're at lots of parties and gatherings. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">1. Let go of your agenda.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">2. Stop waiting for a moment to share that great story, the moment will come or it won't.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">3. Don't look over the other person's shoulder at everything else going on in the room.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">4. Allow yourself to take in what the other person is sharing with you, all of it. The words, the tone, the timber, the thoughts and the emotions behind it. People say SO much more than the mere words convey, it's easy to miss half the conversation if you're not focused.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>Shannonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17944650508584853478noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7645175337133569991.post-10064500956275882762015-12-03T12:40:00.000-06:002015-12-03T12:40:11.541-06:00What do the Holidays Mean For You?<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">My immediate family is pretty small. I have 1 sister, my Mother has 1 sister and my Father has 2 brothers and a half brother. When I was growing up, I had the joyful blessing of spending the holidays with my extended family. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">My maternal Grandma was one of 8 siblings, and most of those had more than 2 children, so my Mother has loads of cousins. I had the extreme blessing of my Great Grandma until I was 18 years of age (something rather unheard of) and so until she passed, we had a huge family holiday celebration at her home. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">For me, that came to define the holidays. Family. Optimally, lots of family crammed in a home that just barely large enough to contain them all. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">After my Great Grandma passed away, the celebrations got smaller as we didn't get together with my Mom's cousins any longer, but now I had 2 cousins and we still had that warm family feeling. Over the years, we had a few different iterations of inviting friends that were like family to join one holiday meal or another. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Time changes as all things do, and I remain the "last man standing" in the midwest as all the rest of the family have moved to warmer climates. Luckily, I have the new blessing of my husband's family which is robust on both his Mom's and his Dad's side. We still have a holiday meal filled with family around a table where you're bumping elbows with your neighbor and making bad jokes. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">But I always think back to those Holidays at Grandma Brieschke's. I long for the whole family to be in one place, and I wish that things didn't have to change. My Mom and Sister tend to be the weepy ones in the family, but every year around this time, I find myself getting misty at warm family movies and commercials. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">What comes up for you around the Holidays? I'd love to hear your stories! </span>Shannonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17944650508584853478noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7645175337133569991.post-56486151415681797132015-10-30T14:55:00.000-05:002015-10-30T14:55:13.838-05:00What a difference the sun makes!<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Here in the midwest, we're pretty solidly into fall. Meaning the temps are getting lower, the colors of the leaves are mostly changed and the leaves themselves are starting to fall. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">This is my favorite time of year, as I am a fan of the cooler temps, although we've had more rain than I like. This past week, I really noticed what a difference the sun makes. On back to back days, the temp was the same - between 60 and 65. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The first day, I was perfectly comfortable in a t-shirt, and even a little warm in jeans. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgW6TETULRk24dNxq5rNjhC-gpOU4AsT1JeRboaarg7OE901DG0nOH_u6vjGwJMaUjZERuXFWBrV6LkN6W6mrtSEliNQYvf-4QIXZroirmSx0b_xgW3ZVmU4E9XeOgw0qXCeRAZLb7bIZ4/s1600/fall-day.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="199" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgW6TETULRk24dNxq5rNjhC-gpOU4AsT1JeRboaarg7OE901DG0nOH_u6vjGwJMaUjZERuXFWBrV6LkN6W6mrtSEliNQYvf-4QIXZroirmSx0b_xgW3ZVmU4E9XeOgw0qXCeRAZLb7bIZ4/s320/fall-day.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The second day, I was down right chilly in a sweatshirt. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXPxPQ7QiS_N42BiTMEqWu44jDml3FNSUl0Yt5bXZL637nIf1DwUshXfiJlm9ri1nN4vO7IxqQUFlslHOpsSIkMs_eYyiEju0AHpRVZMx5ajRQ4ydk8mXAkid20uvKSRqYTLmvGrhxdqs/s1600/dscf0089a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXPxPQ7QiS_N42BiTMEqWu44jDml3FNSUl0Yt5bXZL637nIf1DwUshXfiJlm9ri1nN4vO7IxqQUFlslHOpsSIkMs_eYyiEju0AHpRVZMx5ajRQ4ydk8mXAkid20uvKSRqYTLmvGrhxdqs/s320/dscf0089a.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">What was the difference? The sun! </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The first day was a clear sunny day and the second was overcast. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">For whatever reason, I really took notice of this. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I will never advocate a false attitude appearance, and don't want you to feel like I'm suggesting a Pollyanna perspective, but think about how this applies to so many areas of your life. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Where can you bring more sunshine? The same circumstance can appear, sound, feel and even taste different in the bright yummy warm light of the sun.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWqkPol4Dv4NnrEIPr08CvKx9H3o_2LnHQHrsQwmZMjq3ZCZT1ECB44l9lxBo8-4n8MPpKNz11WxmgNEOV3G31_q9JIDG6xhO0L6F7jQiyVC2b3-Kzpr8iiy6ypjvDSVwYqZORZnU50TQ/s1600/CreateYourOwnSunshine.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWqkPol4Dv4NnrEIPr08CvKx9H3o_2LnHQHrsQwmZMjq3ZCZT1ECB44l9lxBo8-4n8MPpKNz11WxmgNEOV3G31_q9JIDG6xhO0L6F7jQiyVC2b3-Kzpr8iiy6ypjvDSVwYqZORZnU50TQ/s320/CreateYourOwnSunshine.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>Shannonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17944650508584853478noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7645175337133569991.post-3682077407840879712015-10-16T11:24:00.001-05:002015-10-16T11:24:08.224-05:00It's not OK that it's not OK<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Those of you that know me "in real life" know that I am genuinely a happy, positive person. A lot of people who know me add a lot of superlatives to that description. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">This isn't fake, it isn't forced, it isn't an act, it is genuinely who and how I am. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Most of the time</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">But sometimes, just sometimes, I'm not amazing, spectacular, outstanding or fabulous. And the rub is that I honestly feel like that's not OK. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Like many of us, this leads me down the path of not listening to my own advice. I can clearly hear my own voice talking to friends, family and colleagues and telling them that sometimes they owe it to themselves to feel how they feel for the moment (just don't wallow there). Also like many of us, I feel intense pressure and responsibility to <b><i>not </i></b>allow myself to do just this. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Years ago, early in my employment with ADP, there was a guy in my department, a <b><i>really </i></b>toxic guy. They sat him right next to me. After some time, I realized this guy was having a negative impact on me, my attitude, etc. I went to my supervisor and explained this, and that I really enjoyed my job, and didn't want that to change and could they please move one of us. My supervisor actually said to me, "You are the most up beat positive person on the team, imagine how he would impact anyone else. I can't move you away from him."</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">We all fall into roles. Roles where we not only feel obligated, but feel responsible for others around us. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I've fallen into a role where I lift up those around me. It's a GREAT role. I love it, most of the time, I do it without even thinking about it, without giving it any effort or energy, it simply is how I am. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">But sometimes, just sometimes, I feel like being a little selfish. I feel like feeling crappy. And I kind of feel like I'm not allowed. Don't misunderstand me. This is completely, 100% self-imposed. This is nothing that anyone around me would ever say or even think. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I share it with you today because I think I'm not alone. It may not be this exact situation for you, but I think we all fall into roles where we tell ourselves that it's more important for us to do x for this person or that person that it is to do what we know we need to do for ourselves. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">And the truth of it all is that is what is not OK.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">It's not selfish to honor yourself. </span>Shannonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17944650508584853478noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7645175337133569991.post-54740406007213177332015-10-01T15:12:00.002-05:002015-10-01T15:12:48.957-05:00Life Does't Make Reservations<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">We've all heard the saying "Life is what happens to you while you're busy making other plans."</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Life has its own agenda, and it doesn't make reservations. You don't often get a heads up for the little hiccups that get thrown in on your journey.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">As with everything, your perspective makes all the difference. Stuff comes up that you have to deal with whether you are ready or not. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Years ago, my husband and I coined our own little phrase, on an adventure, for when we got lost. We'd say, we're not lost, we're on an adventure! Accordingly, we'd thoroughly enjoy our unplanned exploration.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">This past week, we found ourselves on a new adventure. After getting some water in our basement, in my office of course, during the flash flood rains, we noted a distinct musty odor. We set out to remove a small portion of the carpet in my office, quickly realizing that we needed to pull all of the carpet out of the office. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">--- Our house was built in the 60's and the previous owner fancied himself somewhat of a handyman. Unfortunately he took lots of short cuts and we always find shoddy workmanship when we take stuff apart. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Next we find we need to take down the paneling and then, to our dismay, find we need to take out an entire wall between my office and our bar. Demolition of the entire room was not on the plan or in our time or money budget.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">But life doesn't make reservations.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">My computer has been offline since Saturday and we're working on some temporary work conditions as this weekend project won't be quite finished in the time we originally planned.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Your perspective makes all the difference...</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">As I sit with a glass of wine, stressing about the much bigger project than we had planned, my amazing husband says. "Man, this is going to be awesome! I'm so excited about actually having your office done right! It will be so much lighter in there with dry wall and you won't have any more Brady Bunch paneling!" </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">It's going to happen. Life is going to throw stuff at you. Challenging stuff. Scary stuff. You don't get to plan for it. You don't get to budget time, effort, energy or money for lots of little surprises.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">But you <b><i>do </i></b>get to choose your perspective. </span>Shannonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17944650508584853478noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7645175337133569991.post-20862995745599031182015-09-25T11:43:00.001-05:002015-09-25T13:04:17.090-05:00Refresh... whatever works for you!<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Many of you know I recently returned from my annual vacation. Some of us call it a family reunion, some call it a concert, some call it a festival, some call it a pilgrimage.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgc44Ep9M3FTuTKUguwUZaQsHpqTItpkgU-E_kneI3Rl-r7YaOLkslUG1PgZpZwEzkM_Tlp1-KChCTaaKvKXrQzxcQTZGb5Ebi98oxfEWw-eV3MpCJCRT5sE9ilwsheXLmsTNPE2ggCWH4/s1600/PPUSA.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgc44Ep9M3FTuTKUguwUZaQsHpqTItpkgU-E_kneI3Rl-r7YaOLkslUG1PgZpZwEzkM_Tlp1-KChCTaaKvKXrQzxcQTZGb5Ebi98oxfEWw-eV3MpCJCRT5sE9ilwsheXLmsTNPE2ggCWH4/s320/PPUSA.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">We've been going for about 14 years now, and have made some of the best friends in our lives from, literally, all over the world. We can't wait each year to see one another. A couple times, we even put together a "mid-year trip" just so that we could see each other before having to wait the whole year.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">In an interview with one of the band members that played this year, he said " When is another time in the world when I would be able to hang out with an obstetrician from Alabama, a half-Brazilian booking agent from Connecticut...? We have very little in common except for the fact that we love this sort of music... it's like a warm, fuzzy place."</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDtH6B7HYSSSnkgcXNJ_gVYciRoaGRKVj4EKI82O2i5I8xIroDaLHF5bPYnApXQQaPEAjPjq07z5qMpFoyHXPQigVikhXDO48_rx3t92TYgS7Horl7eYOvi-SaCuyaH-5F0nVjorK9kQc/s1600/CYFun.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDtH6B7HYSSSnkgcXNJ_gVYciRoaGRKVj4EKI82O2i5I8xIroDaLHF5bPYnApXQQaPEAjPjq07z5qMpFoyHXPQigVikhXDO48_rx3t92TYgS7Horl7eYOvi-SaCuyaH-5F0nVjorK9kQc/s320/CYFun.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">While it not a vacation with a lot of sleep and rest, it is definitely an amazing rejuvenation of a completely different sort. A week that starts with hugs, hugs and more hugs. A week of complete divorce from reality. No TV, no social media, no email. A week of connecting. A week of laughing until your face, ribs and stomach ache.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I come home feeling new again. Feeling like a computer after a reboot.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">What do you do that completely reboots your system? When do you give yourself the chance to disconnect from tasks, lists, responsibilities, worries, etc etc etc? </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I'd love to hear how you rejuvenate yourself. What do you do or use to divorce yourself from your daily constraints, how often and what difference do you see after? </span><br />
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<br />Shannonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17944650508584853478noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7645175337133569991.post-91821789321910887932015-09-08T19:33:00.001-05:002015-09-08T19:33:43.756-05:00Did I say what I thought I said?<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Communication. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">We do/use it every day. Sometimes, things become so obvious to us, so taken for granted that we assume everyone is operating from the same basic understanding that we are, the same starting point. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">But, that is not always the case.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRJnhBFTLBNgJOGT9duMms8I-Lb1FhOUe0SfCQPt1FjhiJILS7hLlwjVVUp96Fpd6rhMOVlO2m2tavrrl111DGU4UytntY3dGP2QCQ9qVV_uidDw0xC5gt-0zkKmVssSq8pBqDfyV9QCg/s1600/Talking.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRJnhBFTLBNgJOGT9duMms8I-Lb1FhOUe0SfCQPt1FjhiJILS7hLlwjVVUp96Fpd6rhMOVlO2m2tavrrl111DGU4UytntY3dGP2QCQ9qVV_uidDw0xC5gt-0zkKmVssSq8pBqDfyV9QCg/s320/Talking.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">A great example is an old riddle...</span><br />
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<span style="color: #222222; font-size: 15px; line-height: 28.5px;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">There is a bit of water and broken glass on the floor. George and Gracie are dead. How did they die?</span></span></blockquote>
<span style="color: #222222; font-size: 15px; line-height: 28.5px;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">In an attempt to solve this riddle, you offer many solutions, you also have many questions. As with all murder investigations, the important first detail is the identity of the victim or victims. </span></span><br />
<span style="color: #222222; font-size: 15px; line-height: 28.5px;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Most people begin to solve this riddle (assuming you haven't heard it before) with the same basic assumption; that George and Gracie are <b><i>people</i></b>. In fact, this basic assumption sends you down a path of thinking that will direct you away from the solution. </span></span><br />
<span style="color: #222222; font-size: 15px; line-height: 28.5px;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">George and Gracie are goldfish. They died because their tank (bowl) broke.</span></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0i9Kmz_uGqhh80jMTjD2DFM7V4j1FkNRVFvi_C1h26GrcaCq0qtlpnefv6WnvuCHYOi6sEQ8Pbgvd4BnBMZuTDauuvDzVeoXfqk8Sa4C-uXiaDu7ymQpe5lm2hs_ap84n3dHH-E_y4mc/s1600/knowledge-perception.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="216" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0i9Kmz_uGqhh80jMTjD2DFM7V4j1FkNRVFvi_C1h26GrcaCq0qtlpnefv6WnvuCHYOi6sEQ8Pbgvd4BnBMZuTDauuvDzVeoXfqk8Sa4C-uXiaDu7ymQpe5lm2hs_ap84n3dHH-E_y4mc/s320/knowledge-perception.png" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-size: 15px; line-height: 28.5px;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Often times in our daily communication, we believe that others around us are operating from the same basic assumptions that we are when, in fact, they may not be.</span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #222222; font-size: 15px; line-height: 28.5px;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Equally often, we may form half a thought in our head and communicate the rest of the thought without even realizing the first half no one heard but us.</span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #222222; font-size: 15px; line-height: 28.5px;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">A brilliant step in clear, connected communication is making sure that your audience is absolutely on the same page that you are. This is true whether you are speaking to a group, an auditorium or one individual.</span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #222222; font-size: 15px; line-height: 28.5px;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Can you think of places where you have run into a misunderstanding based on faulty basic assumptions? I know I can! </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #222222;"><span style="font-size: 15px; line-height: 28.5px;">Keep this in mind this week when you're communicating and make sure you are saying what you mean to be saying. </span></span></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJ2plLT5BXLwuu0IeHJE1QuThCz1fnhhOuMIoQUuK43WhIlmtvxVhEXKTywxsPJmLaew4zHZQnFm-_Gd2x9g9V2Xjb3Nsda2pIFs__0DCfqyajsBcftPXQvrFAbtAr6P9Lb8AWMa9SiO0/s1600/tincantelephone.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="251" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJ2plLT5BXLwuu0IeHJE1QuThCz1fnhhOuMIoQUuK43WhIlmtvxVhEXKTywxsPJmLaew4zHZQnFm-_Gd2x9g9V2Xjb3Nsda2pIFs__0DCfqyajsBcftPXQvrFAbtAr6P9Lb8AWMa9SiO0/s320/tincantelephone.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 28.5px;"><br /></span>Shannonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17944650508584853478noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7645175337133569991.post-68427239962497782972015-08-28T11:10:00.000-05:002015-08-28T14:54:20.878-05:00Collaboration <span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Collaboration is an amazing, exciting thing that can create something that is exponentially larger than the sum of its parts so to speak.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZhCjsZiIBBvVjma1sYKQTji5MaNQmnDPc0T1LeBMij81nvshMTE1UYKzrIYr4MlqQRsBpy0lU6eOXtkk2hCmn_W4o6Sa-MCYnpG-9csKNpj0quOMlqFAL2wYkc1BaGAVxZbGU6EwxqQc/s1600/collaborate_share.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZhCjsZiIBBvVjma1sYKQTji5MaNQmnDPc0T1LeBMij81nvshMTE1UYKzrIYr4MlqQRsBpy0lU6eOXtkk2hCmn_W4o6Sa-MCYnpG-9csKNpj0quOMlqFAL2wYkc1BaGAVxZbGU6EwxqQc/s320/collaborate_share.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">It's a great way to cross promote.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">It's a great way to extend your offerings to your "peeps" (your list, your customers, your colleagues, even your friends and family).</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">It's a great way to increase your value to your "peeps".</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">It's a great way to learn about other businesses that are in alignment with yours to promote future referrals.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">It's a great way to get new eyes on your business.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">All these things are great and why collaboration can be an amazing tool.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7_rxQKWiiLMX6eY6qwiHJGR8woryA4GxbHgOV-fDZ774oLadSY-QsD_v9_gI3t7zR-87wphNNCUx__vL8bs1B8qXhfRtGCpbXRHX-VIABZIl5cOr6F_lk6VqY_jC9JZO6v19Z_W9nPFE/s1600/why-women-header-4fb8cfa2-high-24037549.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7_rxQKWiiLMX6eY6qwiHJGR8woryA4GxbHgOV-fDZ774oLadSY-QsD_v9_gI3t7zR-87wphNNCUx__vL8bs1B8qXhfRtGCpbXRHX-VIABZIl5cOr6F_lk6VqY_jC9JZO6v19Z_W9nPFE/s320/why-women-header-4fb8cfa2-high-24037549.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">That being said, you want to ensure that the project, or the partner business is in alignment with your business, your current direction and your underlying mission. You also want to ensure that the partners you are collaborating with do business in a similar fashion to the way you do business. You have to be an advocate not only for your business visibility and branding, but most importantly, an advocate for your customers. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">A large part of collaboration is cross promotion, and if you are going to open your precious database and invite your customers to experience something, you want to do your best to ensure it will be a good experience for your customers, and one that is in alignment with the type of experience they receive from you.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiP1pV83mjenPSiFNZGNLzz7Xg6FvUzt26uoTiwpY8tWXVXrM0mo-NduWH5pOwU7TiUFBPhUowQlLM2BXs6t-und31gme2UjeU0816qgPcGYA0JaxaFHVurY1MPlqHoVBTagwQ4lEtFBiI/s1600/GROUP+circle21.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="319" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiP1pV83mjenPSiFNZGNLzz7Xg6FvUzt26uoTiwpY8tWXVXrM0mo-NduWH5pOwU7TiUFBPhUowQlLM2BXs6t-und31gme2UjeU0816qgPcGYA0JaxaFHVurY1MPlqHoVBTagwQ4lEtFBiI/s320/GROUP+circle21.png" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">If you are a very nurturing, high touch, deep relationship building kind of business professional (as I strongly suspect you are if you are reading this right now) then it is not going to be a right fit to partner with a very straight up hard sales type, even if the product they sell is something that your people would be super keen to purchase.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">There are many other examples I could site, but I'm sure you get the idea. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Collaboration can be amazing and create something entirely new and fantastic, for you, the partner, and all of your "peeps". But take care, because it can also reflect someone else's business model and practices on you so choose wisely friends!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Everyone has an agenda, it's naive to think that they don't, and you should, too. You're not in business to be giving everything away. But like any other relationship, you want to be partnering with someone who cares as much about how the relationship benefits you as they do about how the relationship benefits them.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Finally, when you do choose to collaborate, think of it like those group projects in school. You never want to be the guy everyone else thinks is a slacker in the group. Do your share, and most importantly share your brilliance. Sometimes the project originator has an idea, and only through the added insight and brainstorming of a team does it reach its full potential. </span>Shannonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17944650508584853478noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7645175337133569991.post-32808617748151063602015-08-14T09:02:00.001-05:002015-08-14T09:02:25.514-05:00The Bloom on the Rose<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I've written before about pruning as a necessary process for growth.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I was deadheading my rose bushes a week or two back and for some reason it caused me to think about it from a slightly different perspective. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdfOlVSW3KT2RpIa__kpPOoRWvX1fn5KAcwb_IY6xkOvqe1FpHIubNPhIpxsWKdLqRNE4G66vZfwOVTlxKcVJQxXrtHlyNxF-kLrFZHTbHPGdwu98eHTY-7gpV4bRTkqc4RxV7zzdAsM8/s1600/mayknockout01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdfOlVSW3KT2RpIa__kpPOoRWvX1fn5KAcwb_IY6xkOvqe1FpHIubNPhIpxsWKdLqRNE4G66vZfwOVTlxKcVJQxXrtHlyNxF-kLrFZHTbHPGdwu98eHTY-7gpV4bRTkqc4RxV7zzdAsM8/s1600/mayknockout01.jpg" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">When we come up with our next great idea or thing or just hit our next stage of greatness, we essentially bloom. Each time, we allow ourselves to think that this is the "end" in a sort. We feel accomplished. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I'm no green thumb, so I apologize if I explain this wrong, but how I understand it is that basically when flower withers and dies on a plant, the plant really has no idea that the flower is no longer blooming. It continues to send nutrients and energy to that bloom, essentially starving the rest of the plant. It is when we trim off this withered bloom that the plant can grow stronger, fuller, and in some cases bloom again, as is the case in fact with my rose bushes.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhto4rXOQzjhniaU3_2gKMbHqfOyNz6HWeyo5twI5fUhy2n9mEgLu_IXCyevIlcI7f2LHPJ1qBQ-v9Q4gWm8mh7WOMmS4hRMhgXwKP8FwwB4iy8cWtkFw6zCZw_aRZJ7IU3oxc3kNdA9O8/s1600/roses-pink-carpet.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhto4rXOQzjhniaU3_2gKMbHqfOyNz6HWeyo5twI5fUhy2n9mEgLu_IXCyevIlcI7f2LHPJ1qBQ-v9Q4gWm8mh7WOMmS4hRMhgXwKP8FwwB4iy8cWtkFw6zCZw_aRZJ7IU3oxc3kNdA9O8/s320/roses-pink-carpet.jpg" width="276" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I think we do this in our lives and in our business. We continue to feed our energy into a bloom that has withered and prevent the option to bloom again, or force that bloom to wait an entire season.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">So what if we taught ourselves to look at each new bloom as a great, beautiful and temporary win, being fully ready to move on right away to the next step, the next stage, the next idea, or just the next repetition of that beautiful bloom?</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Do you do it? Do you find yourself funneling energy into a tired bloom in some area of your life or business? I know I do. I'd love to hear your thoughts in the comments! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>Shannonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17944650508584853478noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7645175337133569991.post-12336083419552236422015-07-31T10:01:00.001-05:002015-07-31T10:01:41.272-05:00Why do we wait?<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I got some bad news from a friend this week. You know the kind, the kind that makes you immediately infinitely more appreciative of your life, your relationships, all that.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">If you're reading this, it's pretty likely you practice daily gratitude, or at least practice gratitude in your life. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCdKNWPlphZBJyfHkGqhIIPwKjx8pULEsFE5Axk97qhGtiFie-xdao1ufTLb1Q6FhmdEbpQE5LuqvzFwlhTbYIsqfzuiayrZSdfZtVoRCzMJ-7YHIpnZ-cYcoqt9eCNIKSM_hrt3TENMg/s1600/gratitude.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="153" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCdKNWPlphZBJyfHkGqhIIPwKjx8pULEsFE5Axk97qhGtiFie-xdao1ufTLb1Q6FhmdEbpQE5LuqvzFwlhTbYIsqfzuiayrZSdfZtVoRCzMJ-7YHIpnZ-cYcoqt9eCNIKSM_hrt3TENMg/s320/gratitude.png" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I'm challenging all of you, including myself, to step it up a notch and truly cherish your life. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3u_Z2rItw2WzCMiyyTVLXEZVu389cEebACYTbFHAdjLPA_HgcUUs2Mc0kxXWRi5GZzsJOZHEd7hGayjbK3fnQv18UWry7c5Qtjuk0uX502ziCGI-VA5SK4xfnQl0Hvtv0aoE9D5IFiYk/s1600/1a53e2dbcb27e92ddeda7aa1c2e12dec.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="309" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3u_Z2rItw2WzCMiyyTVLXEZVu389cEebACYTbFHAdjLPA_HgcUUs2Mc0kxXWRi5GZzsJOZHEd7hGayjbK3fnQv18UWry7c5Qtjuk0uX502ziCGI-VA5SK4xfnQl0Hvtv0aoE9D5IFiYk/s320/1a53e2dbcb27e92ddeda7aa1c2e12dec.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Why does it take these moments of tragedy to wake us up? And why does that lucidity not last? It shouldn't take news of an accident, illness, death or divorce to make us stand up and say WOW I'm so incredibly lucky I have an amazing life. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">News hits of a shooting or horrible accident to befall kids somewhere and social media blows up with hug your kids messages. Someone's parent or grandparent dies and everyone calls or posts memories of their parents and grandparents. A tornado or hurricane levels a town and we suddenly stop complaining about the house we're living in.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Why do we wait? </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I know I'm really lucky. I have a lot of people around me that tell me they appreciate and care for me all the time, most of all my amazing husband. He's thankful for little things and big things in our life from running an errand for him to making his lunch for his trips, but there are moments like receiving this news yesterday when that all feels so superficial.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">We need to strive to keep the best of us at the top of mind every day, not just in the aftermath of the latest tragedy. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3GD6gA02RluljGjUahyXa3JU6GgkC5KsV7kbs9Rtf5PSVufsgUj53Sa_Z8QqDVPez2WriEVCcoHi2iCrOH0KdD8dCQO3yvdnGYPufAG6M_4iWhAJTgsWTOHFkN-GISlGKKrsUpTF0qzI/s1600/cherish_every_moment-113941.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="218" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3GD6gA02RluljGjUahyXa3JU6GgkC5KsV7kbs9Rtf5PSVufsgUj53Sa_Z8QqDVPez2WriEVCcoHi2iCrOH0KdD8dCQO3yvdnGYPufAG6M_4iWhAJTgsWTOHFkN-GISlGKKrsUpTF0qzI/s320/cherish_every_moment-113941.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>Shannonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17944650508584853478noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7645175337133569991.post-85755417906366893032015-07-24T16:42:00.000-05:002015-07-24T16:42:17.795-05:00Sometimes it's not about you<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">This past weekend I completed the Chicago Rock 'n' Roll half marathon. That's totally not the cool part. The cool part is that I did it with my girlfriend who has only been running a year. I've done 4 previous half marathons, and I had a pretty decent cheering section at every one. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">This time, my husband was there with me, which is always awesome, and even he was helping to cheer on my friend.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Every person that has congratulated me on the race almost surprises me. Part of me feels like I didn't even run the race. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Because it wasn't about me.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">It was an absolutely amazing experience to be able to fully support someone in achieving a huge massive goal. Especially when she doubted, especially when she was afraid, especially when she was willing to accept less from herself.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">And, don't you know, this felt like a much bigger accomplishment than my own first half marathon. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSNK0fgBReR9DIJV3DCm2sADWs1U-NK9ZL5A6QrUEnJPCSWTocnncOtIw8fRaLSE1ObAMvs0XCIkqOZtWuhogcGNreopR-kqDpX_OXuWfZQCyKNacIQu1EtPj7Kv-sEoYwjuYXSDeSjqM/s1600/ColetteRnR3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSNK0fgBReR9DIJV3DCm2sADWs1U-NK9ZL5A6QrUEnJPCSWTocnncOtIw8fRaLSE1ObAMvs0XCIkqOZtWuhogcGNreopR-kqDpX_OXuWfZQCyKNacIQu1EtPj7Kv-sEoYwjuYXSDeSjqM/s320/ColetteRnR3.jpg" width="212" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgz5bH6weuT_MvZl88J3yW_xa1ZLB1jFzE7vjzzDi8B9RFpbWN6vwoh39UKjbCUsv0qz7EfzjwE6YMzQ4t8fnFGpfv-JvDNrXwKAbhW-J6-eQBnX5pmrVkTU3h9OOXNH3XLER0ugbZWG74/s1600/ColetteRnR2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgz5bH6weuT_MvZl88J3yW_xa1ZLB1jFzE7vjzzDi8B9RFpbWN6vwoh39UKjbCUsv0qz7EfzjwE6YMzQ4t8fnFGpfv-JvDNrXwKAbhW-J6-eQBnX5pmrVkTU3h9OOXNH3XLER0ugbZWG74/s320/ColetteRnR2.jpg" width="212" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Who can YOU support this week? </span>Shannonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17944650508584853478noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7645175337133569991.post-58247635045255908062015-07-15T16:42:00.004-05:002015-07-15T16:42:57.334-05:00The Evolution of Learning<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Isn't it amazing how the first time you learn something, it seems impossible? </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">It becomes possible, then manageable, then easy, then second nature.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">You can back slide, but once past that first learning curve, it's never quite as difficult again. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The danger, is that you may not work as hard as you could or should on those subsequent efforts. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">This weekend, I'm gearing up to run the Chicago Rock n Roll half marathon. I haven't run a half marathon in several years. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">My training hasn't been nearly what it should this year for a myriad of reasons, but I'm still getting out there and it's going to be awesome. The best part is that I have a girlfriend who will be running her very first half marathon. She has just become a new runner in the past year and she's diving headlong into the love of the activity.</span><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYzT1E8OHD1MZQ55E_ax9BmWkT_0rHIH-K35IEMiePrV0fDB9cEWMG1FcN2rqRj4ExdhpLpH9UPcmBaBA58Ogs9AjOmPvTWagp6I0KkGVgCSCmO-MRtg6eq1Eg4y5bA4DNHcns4qEStfk/s1600/1stHalfMarFinish.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYzT1E8OHD1MZQ55E_ax9BmWkT_0rHIH-K35IEMiePrV0fDB9cEWMG1FcN2rqRj4ExdhpLpH9UPcmBaBA58Ogs9AjOmPvTWagp6I0KkGVgCSCmO-MRtg6eq1Eg4y5bA4DNHcns4qEStfk/s1600/1stHalfMarFinish.JPG" /></a><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I remember my first half marathon. It was epic to me. It was a HUGE accomplishment, our first cattle dog, Loki died just before the race, he had been my running partner. My virtual trainer in Australia not only called me that morning, but sent flowers! My amazing husband was there to support me the whole way! </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I finished that race with a stress fracture and didn't even know it. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">This will be my 5th half marathon, and I haven't run a straight distance race since the Chicago marathon in 2011, that year I did my first obstacle race, an Olympic distance triathlon and the marathon all within less than 6 months. I got pretty addicted to obstacle racing for a while but I'm really excited to get back to half marathons. I think it's my favorite distance. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I'm not going for any kind of personal best at all this time, it's SO much more exciting to support a friend! </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The funny thing is that I have no doubt that I'll be able to run the distance, that I'll be happy with the experience. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">What have you learned that seemed impossible at first and now seems like child's play?</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>Shannonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17944650508584853478noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7645175337133569991.post-46470981010265816482015-06-05T10:04:00.000-05:002015-06-05T10:04:40.995-05:00Stop looking for balance<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I just completed the book "Think and Grow Rich for Women" and the final chapter really struck me. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Sharon Lechter talked about balance in a way I've never thought of before and surely has changed the way I'll ever think of it again.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">She quotes the Merriam Webster's dictionary definition of balance as </span><br />
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<span style="background-color: #f1f1f1; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.25px;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">the ability to move or to remain in a position without losing control or falling</span></span></blockquote>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">She also notes that as women we never stop moving, so why would we strive to achieve something that is defined as just that. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I took it to another thought and correlated it to the statement I've most heard quoted by Anthony Robbins which is </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">If you're not growing, you're dying.</span></blockquote>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Sharon went on to assert that what we should be seeking is presence. Rather than feeling guilty for not doing something else in this moment, seek and choose to be fully present doing what you are doing in any given moment. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I love this philosophy. I feel thankful that I'm already practicing this in many ways, of course I can improve in this area, as most of us can in most areas of our lives.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">This brings to mind for me so many people I see these days with their smart phones out at the dinner table, or at a business meeting. Don't get me wrong, I understand that you may be taking notes, or using social media to share and or promote the cool experience you are having. I've been to meetings and conferences where they ask you to tweet the hash tag, etc. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I challenge you to ditch the search for balance and embrace the choice to be fully present.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">When you are with your family, don't worry about the business or household tasks that need to be completed, BE with your family. When you are focused on the work you need to complete for your business, don't feel guilty that you are not spending time with your family. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Certainly, do your best to arrange your schedule so that you can make the optimal use of your time, and serve your highest values.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>Shannonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17944650508584853478noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7645175337133569991.post-5748754709501071122015-05-21T15:33:00.002-05:002015-05-22T14:38:20.298-05:00Ever notice that how you do anything is how you do everything?<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I find so often that running is a metaphor for my life. I was out on my first 6 mile run of the season today and noticed 3 pretty big points that directly correlate to my business. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I'm behind on my half marathon training compared to where I feel I should be based on the date of my race and my past experience. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Of course, I still ran the run that was on the schedule for today. With little consideration to whether i was ready or not. So I ran my first 6 mile of the season 2 days after my first 5 mile of the season. As a seasoned runner, I know that could possibly be a recipe for disaster, but </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I'm more focused on the goal and the outcome than the process and the journey. Have to hit that finish line! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Thankfully I stopped myself from trying to do an 8 mile run the following day. I have some sane moments after all.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I do this in my business, in my house work, I beat myself up for not doing this long laundry list of things I've set up for myself because I'm so focused on the result and I want the result NOW. As a result, I don't do all the things, and then feel bad because I'm "behind".</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjBV3GnHDrAS44RNVC6Flg77bH6QBX41X2vok9A_y6f_3k75rWt_q4kfRen8x13qWsmGoZQdIjp7phLqXv5bDlx6T7m8inps8oMVvqLwixCwBfMLIYeh1RiMhDcCQn3pXY5w7AX0PBat4/s1600/you-fall-behind.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="227" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjBV3GnHDrAS44RNVC6Flg77bH6QBX41X2vok9A_y6f_3k75rWt_q4kfRen8x13qWsmGoZQdIjp7phLqXv5bDlx6T7m8inps8oMVvqLwixCwBfMLIYeh1RiMhDcCQn3pXY5w7AX0PBat4/s320/you-fall-behind.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">How friggin silly!!!!!!!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I'm binary. My husband makes fun of me all the time that I have a binary bladder. I don't have to go to the bathroom, and then I have to go right NOW!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I noticed that about my running today. I'd be running (jogging) and I'd run until I was near my aerobic threshold, then I would stop (walk) until I caught my breath and rinse and repeat. Even after I noticed this, and took note that if I could just throttle my speed I could sustain it for so much longer. I'll be going along and my pace app will announce current pace 8 minutes 30 seconds per mile, split pace 11 minutes 48 seconds per mile. What the heck am I doing running at an 8:30 pace? That's a much faster pace than I can sustain, so I hold it until I can't hold it any longer than walk 10 paces or so then repeat. If I could hold a 9:30 or 9:45 pace, I could sustain it for a long period of time. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4h1L_kQ_IJh7R_jtBC2z3ik4kq5LMT52BQd_WdIv5qdEzTQ3B0eRDcWWleypJPjPS-T2_rYWU58O0hFqz71tqTHcD21fVuZqXgi5CC9eCls4thrJhUtdfaaafg9BhfM3zu8jw8TAM_1Y/s1600/stopgo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="241" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4h1L_kQ_IJh7R_jtBC2z3ik4kq5LMT52BQd_WdIv5qdEzTQ3B0eRDcWWleypJPjPS-T2_rYWU58O0hFqz71tqTHcD21fVuZqXgi5CC9eCls4thrJhUtdfaaafg9BhfM3zu8jw8TAM_1Y/s320/stopgo.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">This is true in many areas of my life. I have 2 speeds, stop and go. I get moving on something and push until I can't sustain the pace any longer, then I come to a complete stand still. I need to learn to move at a sustainable pace. Throttle my efforts and push through a mild level of discomfort rather than "take a break" as soon as I feel fatigue setting in.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNaxZ7vVHSHOTBCDKtBIQQr70wHBMSgTRJ5jGyVUfDo_zg706pRYoH6_WZU3dhYtzcY7UNDDhXAhkokjsu0szSO6mK7g9Qay3QeOtbA_TOj1Rdhaes-kgseiuiH2sGkNXdQ23xKkUL3Cw/s1600/Slow-And-Steady-Wins-No-Race-By-Samuel-Ekekere.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNaxZ7vVHSHOTBCDKtBIQQr70wHBMSgTRJ5jGyVUfDo_zg706pRYoH6_WZU3dhYtzcY7UNDDhXAhkokjsu0szSO6mK7g9Qay3QeOtbA_TOj1Rdhaes-kgseiuiH2sGkNXdQ23xKkUL3Cw/s320/Slow-And-Steady-Wins-No-Race-By-Samuel-Ekekere.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Today I went on one of my first runs of the season without the dogs. When I run with the dogs, they need to stop to go to the bathroom, they stop at all cross streets, and are sometimes distracted by this or that causing us to stop for a moment or two. I've gotten used to that. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Running alone today, I did my first sustained effort of 3 miles. It was tough, reminded me that I need to build up my stamina considerably before my 13.1 race mid July.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I let others set the pace. I enjoy pacing with others, but I allow it to hold me back. I can see where I sometimes do this in other areas of my life. It is easy and comfortable to stay at the speed and pace that someone is doing so I don't have to push myself, stretch myself. It also reminds me that I need to step up and into my role as a leader more fully in some areas of my life and inspire others to step up to MY pace.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg12m53rxCoQQFrNunHlfenAp5apeElsu5KNSrhEb4AvRiWkwCocZxPGW9RtB1672EbRlVsI6X6bc_LXDp8VtlkncT7d9zDMUtssNSEVHvCooZTLFmPh86zyRhp_qY32LLSMdursesABLE/s1600/setting-the-pace.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg12m53rxCoQQFrNunHlfenAp5apeElsu5KNSrhEb4AvRiWkwCocZxPGW9RtB1672EbRlVsI6X6bc_LXDp8VtlkncT7d9zDMUtssNSEVHvCooZTLFmPh86zyRhp_qY32LLSMdursesABLE/s1600/setting-the-pace.jpg" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">How about you? Do you see any of these weird habits showing up in your life? </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">1. The "I'm behind I need to catch up" mentality</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">2. Two speeds, stop and full speed and nothing in between</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">3. Letting others set a "comfortable" pace below your own capabilities </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>Shannonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17944650508584853478noreply@blogger.com0