Thankfulness

Today is the day after we reflect on what we are thankful for. (this day is also ironically the day many people push and shove others in line to get the best deal on material items-- I'm definitely not involving myself in crazy tradition.) As part of my new business venture, I've been taking 5-10 minutes each evening for daily gratitude to really focus on what's great in my life - to give thanks. I have to write down 3 things I'm thankful for, and what I have found is that that a routine of practicing gratitude is really good for the soul. For starters, I am amazed that never have trouble writing down three things - and it makes me very happy to think of the depth and breadth of things I have to be thankful for. My beautiful family, random acts of kindness, a good book or article. A heartwarming song, getting in touch with an old friend, the hope of something new.

I've been very focused on the law of attraction lately - which is outlined in a variety of forms like The Secret, The Abundance Book, and by many speakers and groups across the world. I've always believed in it, but I'm really starting to make sure I put it into practice on a daily basis. It takes patience, and it takes perseverance. I find that the more I focus on the good, the more good things come. The more I focus on what is lacking, the more things are lacking. It's truly interesting! Have you ever tried this for yourself?

So here I go - into the holiday season with a full spirit and lots of dreams and goals - and I will use my utmost diligence and strength within me to focus truly on what is important. I have a vision and I. WILL. GET. THERE. First, my family and friends who are like family. Alongside this in parallel my health (so I have as much time as possible with my friends and family.) Health = mental + physical. I need to be in a good state if I'm going to maximize my time. Then it's about spending the time doing the things I love, and recognizing that not every person or situation is going to fit perfectly like a jigsaw puzzle. That's okay. Imperfection is okay. If I focus on the positive, the imperfections don't really matter anyway, do they??!

Less than 4 weeks until Christmas. Time for joy in our homes and hearts, and giving to those who are less fortunate. I have been reflecting a ton and have some serious writing to do over the next month if I'm going to hit my 37 blogs per year!

Sleep well everyone, and think about what thankfulness means to YOU on a daily basis. Be thankful and focus on the positive. You'll get so much in return that you'll be glad that you did.

Building a Business

Building a business is riveting. It is fascinating, frightening, and downright amazing. My dad is an entrepreneur, and I've always known I had it in me to try something. Instead of wanting, now I'm doing, and that feels pretty great.

It's a test of resiliency, a test of character. Every decision, every step is my own. I choose how much I want to pour into it, when I need a break, and when I need to push through to reach another goal. As my cousin had said to me, I will feel so great because I will have created something that didn't exist before. She is totally right. It's slow going at times, but when there are successes, they feel like huge leaps. They make me giddy! When there are challenges, it feels like 2 steps back (sometimes 3). But I learn and iterate along the way, tweak my style and overall hope for personal and professional growth.

A former co-worker once said to me she thinks every person needs to own a business in a lifetime, because of the individual growth opportunity it provides. I think she's totally right.

Short and Sweet

This is just a short and sweet post to say how EXCITED I am about focusing on what the future has in store. I always have felt a connection to the future, as well as a nostalgic connection to the past. Lately, I've been feeling very future-focused, which is great.

We are having another baby in April (!), I am taking the GRE in 2 weeks to apply to another grad school program, and I am building a business - all great things that are life goals as well. I find that instead of dreaming, I should be doing, and while it is less certain than just being still, it is also more stimulating and rewarding.

What does your future have in store for you? I'd love to hear it! And I'll continue to update you on my future as it becomes my present; I promise. Because as fun as it is to live in the past or dream in the future, the MOST IMPORTANT is to be present with those you love and who make you laugh. Laughter in the present is the best medicine. :)

The Girl on the Plane

(written about a month ago)
I just returned to my hotel room after an exhilirating weekend in Phoenix. This conference - the things I learned and excitement generated in me are astounding. And the weekend started with a little girl named Joey. I sat next to her on the plane - and when I first got on the plane I wasn't so sure. I was excited to get away for the weekend for some "me" time, because as much as I adore my family, it was going to be nice to curl up in a ball on the plane and sleep, with no distractions or conversation. But, as I approached my seat I saw two little blond girls in my row; they looked like twins. The row behind had an equally blond younger sister and blond mom - clearly genetically blessed family.

I quickly learned the girls were 5, 4, and 2 (as they eagerly told me). Crazy mama burnt out with 3 little girls on the plane! When they started talking my ear off, their mom jokingly said, "Yeah, you won't get a word in the entire flight." I'm thinking, "Oh no, what happened to my kid-free me time?"

However, they did let me sleep for awhile, and when I woke up for the second half of the flight, little Joey became my pal. She started showing me all of her things, her stickers and drawings, and offered me a Hello Kitty sticker for my notebook. At one point, she wanted to look out the window, so I told her she could come closer. She literally climbed right up on my lap! Her mom asked if it was okay, and I said it was; it was so nice to have this little person to talk to and share things with. She snuggled in with me and we pointed at the mountains as we flew southwest.

She continued to go between her seat and my lap for the next short while, looking at me when her ears popped, asking for my help to pack her books in her bag. It was nice to perform these motherly duties even when I wasn't actually the mother. Maybe once you do these things for your own child it's obvious to all little humans?

At the end of the flight she asked, "Are you flying with us to San Francisco?" And I said, "No, I will stay in Phoenix." Her face got serious and she looked up and said, "Oh. I'm going to miss you."

It was the sweetest melt-your-heart moment from a complete stranger - a little girl with joy and love for the world. And she was headed to her new home in San Francisco, and I wouldn't see her again. This sort of positivity and love was a fantastic start to my weekend where I learned all things necessary to launch my new business. (and it's launching! more on that later.)

Thanks, Joey, for the day brightening moment. Even when I didn't think I needed it, it definitely felt right in my heart. <3 p="">