Making Connections

Sometimes in busy day to day activities and lists of things to do you can get caught up in all the things you need to get done.  You have lists of things to do, paperwork to complete, interruptions that you don't expect. You can hide behind your computer screen, technology and fuss with the paperwork, bills, tasks and such that you can get overwhelmed and forget about the outside world (sort of). You can get comfortable in your atmosphere, especially if you work from home.
It is really when you truly get out there and make it happen verses doing the things that in your list that you really begin to grow and blossom. I am not suggesting you ignore what is on your list, just prioritize it.
 For anyone who is in sales or promotes a business or service, you have to remember that the business, although sometimes- mostly doesn't find you. Sure you can get referrals, you can make connections from a computer or a phone, but that face-to-face connection you make can sometimes be 10 times more powerful.
Getting out and about to promote yourself, connecting with people on a human level verses hiding behind today's technologies will help you stand out often times from your competitor. Do you have a business, service or trade? Are you spending your day maximizing what you can to, how you can become an expert in your field, how you can gain loyalty, trust and knowledge to help you go the extra step. What can you do to stand out, become the best you? These are the things you need to consider. Make a list and then get out there and do it.
 Nothing says great service more than learning and knowing all you can about what your potential client or customer is looking for, connecting with them on a personal human level and giving them the best service/product that you can. Stand behind what you do, make adjustments for what you don't and see how far it will take you.
In the last two days I connected with 1 person a day who could use my service because I was in the right place at the right time and I asked the right questions. If you are confident it what service/product you provide they will feel confident in you.
I encourage you to get out today, meet a new face, call some old connections and just see what might come you way.

"Action is the foundational key to all success." - Pablo Picasso

Making others happy

Do you ever feel like by doing good unto others it makes you feel happy in return? I know that if I do something nice for someone I do get that warm and fuzzy feeling inside that helps in some ways benefit me more than the person I am helping. It makes me feel human, connected. It doesn't have to always be big or spectacular. A smile to a stranger, a kind word of encouragement, a simple text or email picture that may make someone smile or laugh could make all the difference to not only you but that person.  Smiling can sometimes make us happy even if we are going through a lot.
Volunteering to help out whether it be for an organization, a neighbor or friend. I recently went to visit a friend in a nursing home who isn't doing so well. I know that she is stuck there and there really isn't much she can do about it, it is dreary and boring and by no means a 5 star resort even though they got a 5 star rating.  She is probably depressed and unhappy on top of her ailments. These types of situations where you not only have to go see someone that you may not want to remember that way, but you have to see them in pain and suffering and that can sometimes reflect on our own happiness. It can make us in turn feel depressed or sad.
In a way we have to look at it as an opportunity to feel blessed with our own situation no matter how unhappy, stressed, confused, or difficult our life may seem to be. Sometimes the littlest gestures that you can do for them, whether it is the reaction you would get from a healthy person, or just a little nod, chuckle or smile can make all the difference in how a person leaves this world. Sometimes we learn a lot from the most difficult times in our lives.
How do you want to leave this world? Have you made your mark? Have you spread love and joy to others. In light of some recent happenings in my life I have reflected on what type of person not only I think I am, but how I want to be remembered. Am I living every day with knowing that I will leave this world remembered that way? If your answer is no you may need to do a little soul searching, because no matter whether someone thinks they can predict that their time is up, we will never know how much time we have until it is gone. Live for the NOW, Take life one day at a time, focus on what truly matters.
 You can be a workaholic trying to have and get the most you can to provide for your family and all their wants and needs, working your butt off so that you can spend more time with them in the future.  But if you work too much now, and there is no tomorrow for you, did you really accomplish your goal. My kid is 3, does he want me to buy him things sure, does he want to do things and go places sure, but what is most important to him is the time I spend not the things he gets, spend more time with the ones you love and less money and I bet that makes all the difference.
"People, even more than things, have to be restored, renewed, revived, reclaimed and redeemed; never throw out anyone." Audrey Hepburn

Suck it Up!

Do you ever feel like you have had a long hard day and it isn't even half over? Have you wanted to lock yourself in your room and just sleep until tomorrow and start over. Has a string of events started that is really beyond your control but somehow you blame yourself for all of it? You just want some sympathy, someone to come home, make you some dinner, take your kid and dogs to the park, and get you some space- or pull your hair out lock yourself in your closet and scream really loud! LOL!  Man, has it been that kind of day. But then you remind yourself that you need to remain positive, because those negative situations and events that you are harping on are just in turn causing more negative situations because that is where your mind is focused. What you really need is not sympathy it is a swift kick in the butt from someone (probably yourself) that you just need to step back, take a few minutes to walk away, say a prayer, take a deep breath do something else and start again with full force, a positive attitude and some gusto! It's only 1:30, life isn't ending from my roller coaster ride and I think I will give it another try, I have plenty of hours left in the day. By the way, thanks mom for taking my buddy away for some picture taking so I could pep up and reorganize my thoughts. You are my blessing today.
May all of your day be filled with chances to escape, re-think and re-connect for the most positive outcome.
Dani

Blog Hop?

I was recently invited to do a Blog Hop. What is a Blog Hop? That is the same question that I asked. Sherry who asked me to do this with her, answered these same questions on her blog about her "next big thing" calling it "Roots" at this time while in the process of writing. You can read and then hop over to the next author from this email and read about them. So therefore it is blog hopping.

 

 

I am hoping that I will be able to sell enough copies of Paxton and Mali Find Their Boat this year in order to go ahead with my next publication. I was able to make my first one happen with help from family and friends pre-selling copies as well as a small loan from some friends! I hope to not have to do that again to make #2 in the series happen. I am looking forward to 2013 and hitting up as many schools as I can to sell the 5000 copies I will need to make this happen. Looking forward to any friends and family connections at the local schools to get me in to do presentations or local author reads to the kids. Talk about writing and kids goals and dreams. Grade levels Pre-K- 2nd make this a perfect opportunity to promote, sell and share my story.  And by local meaning have car will travel. Anywhere in the state.

 

Here is my "Next Big Thing"

 

What is the working title of your book?

Paxton and Mali Go To The Lake

Where did the idea come from for the book?

After having my son I was inspired to break into the author realm with Children's books and work my way up to a novel eventually.

Book #1 of the Series-

Paxton and Mali Find Their Boat

In book #2 they go to test their boat at the lake.

What genre does your book fall under?

Sports/Recreation - Children's

Which actors would you choose to play your characters in a movie rendition?

This would be cute, I do believe that mine would definitely fall under the cartoon range, but my son and my friend's little girl who I modeled the character's after would probably be good choices to turn into the cartoon characters. I am thinking a cartoon series that would fit well on Disney.
What is the one-sentence synopsis of your book?

Paxton and Mali let their imaginations roll as they take there next adventure to the lake where they test out the new boat they "bought" in book #1.
Will your book be self-published or represented by an agency?

More than likely an agency I am not an illustrator and I loved what my current publishing company did with the ideas and photos I gave them for the illustrations. I think the characters and colors truly pop!
How long did it take you to write the first draft of your manuscript?

 probably 1/2 of a 3 hour car trip I dictated it to my mom and she wrote it down while I was driving.
What other books would you compare this story to within your genre?

I want to say like Berenstain Bears! Think big right?
Who or What inspired you to write this book?

My son Paxton, my love of fishing growing up and my husband Steve who loves to fish and whose Bass boat the book's boat is modeled after.

What else about your book might pique the reader’s interest?

The books explore a child's imagination, tell a simple story of girl teaching boy how to fish. Every book will have a watermark copy of my son's hand on the back!  

 

 I had the opportunity to meet up with a new author by meeting her sister in law at a local craft fair! I am glad that I was able to be introduced to her and her work. Meet Sherry Rossman and check out her books at http://sherryrossman.wordpress.com

 

Her new book is available at Amazon for the Kindle- hard copy coming soon! http://amzn.to/Z3bcwP

The Guardians watch, help, and serve as warriors for the King of Kings. Most cannot see these mysterious angels, but Goodwin cat can. Join him today as he shows how they work in the lives of his family and all children.
For children 4-10

Remember to let me know if you have an event at your child's school or I can set up a time to meet with your children's teacher or principal to discuss what I can do for the school.
 

hearing for granted

Over the past few years my husband's grandmother, who is now 96 has been slowly losing her hearing. True for the past almost 15 years I have known her she has worn hearing aids however, they did help her be able to hear and carry on a conversation with us a lot more so than recently.
I had the pleasure of picking her up from my sister-in-laws last weekend and brought her out to see the lights in the neighborhood and our tree and decorations. We tried talking in the car a little but it was extremely hard.
Paxton got extremely frustrated from the back seat trying to "tell her something" He kept saying I want to tell Grammy something. I had to keep reminding him that she can't hear, and at 3 years old I don't think he gets it. He can hear, I am sure he wonders why everyone can't hear.
I had a babysitter growing up who had 2 other sisters and one of them was deaf, she occasionally watched me, she could talk with a muted tone and could hear to an extent but not really, and I always thought how hard that would be, but I guess that is what sign language is for, even when you see little kids that can't hear and it amazes me how awesome it is that they can communicate. But elderly and brittle hands is probably not the best time to pick up such forms of communication.
Paper and letters will have to be how we remain patient and calm trying to tell stories and explain things to her about what is going on in our lives. When I was working full time away from home for awhile there I would write her a letter and mail it to her of the things we had done over the past week. My sister-in-law suggested this to my husband and we thought it was a great idea. When my husband asked me the other night if I was still doing this and I have to admit I was not. We try to get over to see her with Paxton once a week, but true the communication when there is still tough, so the letters will now continue. I can't imagine how lonely it is to not share in the conversations around you, especially since you once could.
I left Paxton at home when I took her home that night and in the car she asked me questions but when I responded she couldn't really hear me and it was too dark to drive and look over at her so she could see my lips. She tries to answer based on what she thinks you have said to her. I nodded a lot.
On my way home by myself listening to Christmas Music I had time to really reflect on this.  A simple thing like Christmas music that I take for granted I will be able to hear every year, became a blessing to me. A woman for over 90 years was able to communicate and understand without things having to be written down for her until recently. I decided that was my cue to be reminded that things can be taken from you  in the blink of an eye or gradually and you will have to adapt, and may never have something that important to you again. Sometimes my kid whines, sometimes he talks a lot, sometimes he won't be quiet, and I get rather irritated wondering why he just can't be quiet,  but truly if I had my hearing taken from me I would be wishing I could hear those sounds again.

As Guilty as I charge myself

Yesterday I allowed myself to feel at peace with something I forgot to do. I am one of those women who feels like they have to be superwomen at so many things. I want think and act like I can handle it all and sometimes it just kicks me in the butt. I get so upset and disappointed in myself when I don't or forget to do something that was important to someone else. For any of you who know me, I am into a lot of things. I do a lot for my family members I work hard and try to be everywhere for everyone. I think that I put more harsh and unrealistic expectations on myself more than others place reliance on me. Maybe sometimes I blame their reliance on me as a reason why I am so stressed. I need to keep reminding myself every day along with everything else I remind myself of, that I can only do so much. I need to stop putting extreme expectations on myself.
I recently had a bunch of blood work done wanting to blame my testiness, hormonal imbalance, moods, weight gain  and such on something that was wrong with me. I am happy and glad to say that nothing came back wrong with my blood work, I am just a little crazy in the head! HA! I am sure some of you can relate.
This has brought me to the conclusion that I just need to take the time for me. To breath, to exercise, to stick to something consistent that will probably help the rest of my needs become met, to collect my thoughts before stepping out there and trying to tackle the world for others. This in turn may make me better at tackling the world for others. Will I continue to put the needs of others first, probably, but I also need to learn that if I am going to do that, I need to proceed with caution, I need to under promise and over deliver. I need not to place unrealistic expectations on myself and I need to laugh off the silly mistakes, that will not be remembered.
Yesterday I got Paxton ready for school, grabbed his gift for exchange and his backpack, drink and gift for teacher, got to the school and read on the board, pj day! Wow Dani, nice one. Paxton was the only kid without pj's on. I felt extremely terrible, like all the other mom's looked at me like I was a failure- did they, probably not, but I allowed myself to think that for a short while, because I felt like one. I felt like I was suppose to make sure I looked at the school calendar and remembered such an important thing, but allowed myself to get busy or wrapped up with other things that I did not. Lesson learned put Paxton's school calendar on my calendar!
I asked my little man, bless his heart, if he wanted me to go home and bring back his pj's? He replied, "no mom, that is okay" and went off to play with the other kids. I went to the car feeling guilty still but with the amount of errands I needed to run, glad I didn't have to make the 8 mile trek home and back again. I conversed with a friend over email who reminded me that tooth fairies sometimes even forget to leave money. Not only did it make me smile it made me remember that we are only human, as mom's we are going to try to make everything perfect for our kids and family, and it is only us that allows our self to feel that guilt whether someone else places the blame or not.
When I picked him up he didn't want to come home he was having so much fun at the Christmas party and breathed a sigh of relief knowing that this is only the beginning and probably not the first time I will forget something. I am glad I have such a loving little boy and I hope to raise him to be an amazing adult.

Christmas Crunch Time

Aw according to my son's Snoopy Christmas Countdown Clock there are 4 days, 17 hours 2 minutes and 31, 30, 29 seconds left until Christmas Day! For the first time in years I feel ready. I am not stressed, I am not rushed, I paced myself. I am happy, and whatever I haven't gotten to, I am just going to enjoy these days that I have to be Merry and Bright.

After the recent events of last week I am truly grateful to have a family and a child that I can wrap my arms around tight, that I can spend time with. I need to make the time count. I need to savor the NOW because it can so easily be taken from me and I can never get it back. There is no rewind button.  I could have all the possessions in the world and they wouldn't replace my family being close to me in the flesh able to touch and appreciate.
The presents are bought and wrapped, the cookies are made for the neighbor's gifts. Preschool exchange gift is wrapped along with the teacher's gift. I am going to run a few errands today to take some things back, I have one last trip to the grocery for the items I need for cookie baking day, for Christmas Eve and Day dinners, I have perogie filling made, just need to make the perogies. I have my annual cookie baking day with my nieces planned for Saturday! I can't wait it is so much fun. This year we will throw Paxton in the mix and I will remember to remain calm that they are only kids having fun and a little wasted flour, sprinkles, sugar and mess are nothing compared to spending time with them enjoying making memories.
 My hubby decided to try his hand at tamale making this year so Sunday we are having a tamale making party. (honestly I am not a tamale fan, but they should be fun to make). I wanted this Christmas to be meaningful, to teach my son the true meaning. Together we purchased a special Santa key that we fixed up and added a little saying for Santa and his reindeer to get into our door, (thanking him for coming to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ), since we don't have a fireplace for him to get down. We bought and have read our daily bible sayings (and of course my son ate the chocolates) from the advent calendar. We decorated together, talked about the manager story and Paxton has decided that Christmas morning Jesus' birthday cake will be white with  mini red and green M&M's . We can celebrate Christmas morning and sing Happy Birthday to HIM.  Paxton has had fun watching his elf hunt, fish, ride on dinosaurs, eat Nutella and get it on his nose, grow candy canes in the backyard and hang from the lights. This is the first year he wasn't afraid of Santa Claus, climbed right up on his lap and told him what he wanted, ( a truck/trailer and boat- from Bass Pro and a skateboard)  It has really been a fun filled season full of new and interesting things now that he is the age where things make more sense to him. I really have enjoyed it and can't wait to make these memories traditions year after year.
This year we gave to the church food drive, donated a few of my books to the Cardon's Children's Hospital and thanks to a dear friend the Children's Hospital in Salt Lake City, UT, as well as donated to the United Way in lieu of Scentsy's original plan to donate a Scentsy Buddy for each child  to the Sandy Hook School Children, due to gifts not being accepted. This is truly the season for giving and I want my son to learn that is is in giving that we receive.

“O Divine Master, grant that I may not seek to be consoled, as to console. To be understood, as to understand. To be loved, as to love. For it is in giving that we receive. It is in pardoning that we are pardoned. It is in dying that we are born to eternal life.” ~St. Francis of Assisi

How Do I Pray For The Families Of Sandy Hook?

I know that usually I am the writer on this lovely blog of mine, however I received this great and powerful blog post today from Lysa TerKeurst of Proverbs 31 ministries, and I wanted to share with every one. For more visit Lysa's page at http://www.proverbs31.org/



There are things mommies aren’t ever supposed to find.

They aren’t supposed to find themselves in a firehouse frantically looking for their child. They aren’t supposed to find their child’s name on a list of those who won’t be coming home. They aren’t supposed to find a dress to wear to their child’s funeral.

They aren’t supposed to turn their calendar and find a date circled for the birthday party they were supposed to be planning next month. The one that won’t be.

Or walk to the mailbox and find their child’s dentist appointment reminder card. The receptionist forgot to pull that one out.

Or find a book they know their child would love. Only half way to the check out counter they remember, they’re gone.

They aren’t supposed to find these things.

They aren’t supposed to find that grieving for a child is like navigating a path with chasms so wide their continued steps seem impossible. Terrifying. Hopeless.

I know these chasms. I watched my mom stare at them. I saw her wish she could fall in them and never have to take another painful step. I wept over everything she found reminding her my sister was gone.

That’s how I know what God would have me pray right now. For the families of the loved ones that lost so much last Friday. But especially for the mommies.

The mommies that even right now are finding things no mommy should have to find.

I want my prayers to slip into those chasms and somehow fill them. I am asking God to show me. Make me aware of the specific things those mommies might find in the months to come. When the black dresses are hanging in the closets. The media has packed up and gone home. The cards stop coming. The neighbors are back to normal.

And in the quietness of her own grief that mommy finds something. Something that breaks her heart all over again. And in that space of pure grief, she feels horrifically alone.

Please Lord, let my prayers go there. Prick my heart to fill that chasm with layers of prayers from my mommy heart. Let me take the deep grief of that moment so she doesn’t have to be so alone.

Though she won’t see me or hear my prayers, may she feel an unexplainable sense of Your presence. And know. You.

That’s what I pray she does find. You. With her. Comfort. Peace. Healing. Hope.

Oh God, show us how to pray.

“Know that wisdom is such to your soul; if you find it, there will be a future, and your hope will not be cut off,” Proverbs 24:14.

Related posts:

1. Pray for Me?
2. I don’t want to raise a good child
3. The most powerful way to pray for our kids

plan, purpose, passion

This week is a new week. I am going to work on my schedule that I made for myself during the week from my mastermind group at the office and concentrate on finishing each task as I am doing it. My biggest struggle while multi-tasking or having the ability to work from home, I tend to jump from one project to another without finishing the first, I allow interruptions, because somehow in my mind I feel like if I take care of it on the spot, it won't have to go on a list for later and people will appreciate me being on top of it.  I think this is hurting rather than helping me fit as many things into a day that I can, because I never fully finish what I am doing to jump to the next thing and I have to go back to it anyway. So I am going to take each task and do it unless an emergency arises.
I often listen to other agents/lenders voicemails that return calls within 24 hours or certain times of the day and thought to myself, how do they get any business this way. Most of my clients want service the minute they call/text or email. I put myself in their shoes, I want what I want when I want it or I get anxious sometimes. But maybe this isn't the best way to give service if I am not fully committed to what is at hand because I have several projects going on in my head or on my desk.

  So for those of you that are used to me answering on the first ring, texting back right away or emailing you the minute a question arises, my purpose this week is to help each person fully, finish each job/task/project at one time if possible and to see if I can't get just a little more done on my list that I intended and thought I could. I am going to work toward allowing myself more peace knowing that I cannot control every thing that comes my way, the issue/problem/question will probably still be there in 30 minutes when I am done with whatever I am working on. That I can do my best, but give my efforts to making the most of my time. With a plan, with a purpose and with passion.

what motivates you?

What motivates you? What drives you to wake up every day and go out there and do something with yourself, make something of yourself? For each of us I am sure it is different and it can be more than one factor. Is it for you? For someone else? Is it worth it? Does it allow balance in your life? These are all questions we have to ask our self when deciding what to do for our jobs/careers/life goals. Do you get comfortable with what you are doing and don't keep pushing yourself to do the things you want and lose time? I know that I do. Giving up is easy, being comfortable feels nice, yet for me sometimes some things are missing. When I work harder and get the results I want, I am happy, I am satisfied, I feel great and accomplished. I am not sure why it is so hard to get motivated to start with sometimes.
I think the biggest struggle example that I have is my intention to work out. I ALWAYS feel great after a good work out, but I seldom am really motivated to actually work out, even though I know the results will boost my self confidence and energy. Same goes for my work, my book, etc. Sometimes I put first the things I think I should be doing and save some of this stuff as selfish things that can be pushed back.
I know that with the Thanksgiving holiday I slacked off a little more than I probably should and now I am racing to catch up and try to keep up with my leads and not lose anyone because I am busy and may not be available at the exact time they are looking for me to help them. I had in the back of my mind that everything would be okay and then one of my closings fell through that I was banking on to take that extra "week" off, even though I was working I wasn't working like I should have been. Do we need to give ourselves a break every once in a while? Sure but we still have to be cautious of how it will affect the outcomes in the future. That is when balance and calmness, patience and flexibility have to be my constant daily reminder, as well as my motivating factor, my family.

My family is the most important tangible thing that I have, and keeping up with my goals and aspirations gives me the flexibility I need to make the time with my family happen. I need to just keep remembering to keep my eye on my goals, go over my motivations every day (even though I know what they are) and keep the faith and belief that God is there for me to see me through any obstacle I have and that I believe in myself enough to know that I can do anything which I set my mind to and really really want.

100% Control

I have talked about reactive situations and re-creating myself to be the best me that I can on several previous blogs. I was recently reminded of how my defensive nature can sometimes ruin an immediate situation because I don't have the time to stop and let something sink in, I just immediately lash out with sometimes negative comments that don't usually make the situation any better, and most of the time worse- even though that may not be my intention. I would never intentionally hurt some one's feelings, but sometimes that is just what happens. I am again glad that I can take constructive criticism (once I truly think about the situation- I wish it was more immediate so I didn't lash out).
What we say and what comes out of our mouth can easily be apologized for and often if not most of the times forgiven and maybe forgot about, but never taken back, as if it didn't happen.
I don't know if any of you are like me in the fact that you have really high expectations of yourself and how you should be to others, how the things that you touch and are a part of your life so easily get absorbed into something that you feel responsible for, even if you cannot control the person or thing, you somehow feel that you "the internal perfectionist" that you are should not allow it to happen, but honestly no matter how many times that I have felt like I should be able to control a person or situation simply because it affects me or would make me somehow look bad, I honestly can't take responsibility for anything that I don't have 100% control over- on the other hand; MY REACTION- 100% control.
So in other words, I don't have 100% control over my family members, what they do or say, how they feel or react, a real estate transaction that another person causes to not go as smoothly as "I" had planned, or some one's positive or negative reaction to something I say or do. So why is it that I feel responsible to justify or defend something that I cannot fully control.  Sometimes I feel like the elephant trying to balance on the beach ball trying to juggle it all when I need to just stand on both feet and take in only what I know that I can handle- all the other things that I "think" I can handle often tend to be the "reactions" that I really could have avoided.
I can control my reactions, my weight, what I put into my mouth, how much I exercise, the words that come out of my mouth, my intentions, my effort, my talent God has given me, my attitude, how I treat others, the time I spend with those I love,  my spending, etc. So therefore, today I will concentrate on the things that I know that I can control allowing my peace of mind, balance and stability to ensure that even though I cannot guarantee that I will not have the reactive/defensive moments in the future, I will have the ability to control having them less because I am focused on the things I can control and making myself better in the categories that I KNOW that I can.

To those of you who help me

I have really had an up and down week this week. Sometimes you just aren't sure you can get all the demanding things done, let alone stay sane during them all. I was overloaded with many things to do, places to be, multiple projects and deadlines at once as well as information overload, expenses and not to mention my share of frustrations, sometimes to the point where I just wanted to come unglued.  Amidst the chaos, there are many things to be grateful for. We just need to stop and really reflect on them.
Sometimes there are just those people that you come in contact with that make life easier to bare, that make you less frustrated, or help you forget what you were frustrated about. Sometimes we take those people for granted and sometimes they don't even expect a thank you. But I want to take this time to simply stress how important it is to thank these people before it is to late. You may truly make a difference to them.
I want to thank John at Nissan for his exceptional customer service, for getting to my vehicle asap, diagnosing the problem, fixing another person's mistake, replacing a missing part, him and his service people's time, washing and vacuuming my car and sending me home reassured with a $0 bill.
I want to thank the tow truck manager and state farm for picking up the difference of the mistake they quoted me in mileage on the tow bill.
I want to thank the Fletcher's manager for agreeing to pay my difference in tow bill when my car died in the intersection for the part that they accidentally knocked off while checking my air filter that caused my car to die and have it be towed.
I want to thank God or the Universe for the car troubles that may have put me in the right place at the right time to avoid something catastrophic that could have happened in my life.
I want to thank Jesse at Discount tire for matching prices on tires for me and finding the best deal for Steve's tires possible to help ease our already hefty bill to buy 6 new tires between us.
I want to thank my mom for coming to my rescue once again and helping with my son without a second thought.
I want to thank my friend Amy for the ride to pick up my car so I didn't waste extra time waiting for a courtesy vehicle or arranging another way to pick my car up. And for helping me with my computer issues. :)
To Melinda and Judy for helping me with Drew and his rental and easing both of our weeks!
I want to thank Ali for having me come present my book to her literature class and over the last few days becoming an advocate for my book sales and helping me to get some contacts at local schools that she has connections with.
Thank you  Meisha for agreeing to take my new catalogs and scents to her work to collect orders for me! :)
I want to thank Ashley and Alexandria for always knowing when to text or call at the moment that I need the pick me up the most!
I thank my husband for remaining calm this week in the midst of my crazy schedule and late nights my frustrations and roller coaster moods! You were amazing!
I am sure there were a lot more people that I could and should be thanking right now, and to anyone who has helped me in the past a big thank you to you as well.

I will go out and put a little sunshine into some one's life today, because though they may seem like small gestures to the person who is doing them, they may make a total difference to those who are receiving them.

Turn of events

Sometimes no matter how hard you try and plan for your day to go one little switch and your whole day can go another way. I set out this morning to do a little work helping my mom in her closet then my plan was to do paperwork, BPO's, look up houses for people and follow up with banks on short sales, while taking breaks to do laundry and put away stuff from our weekend trip.
1 text changed that all. I dropped what I had planned to show a couple houses for rent over an hour from my home. Neither were a winner in his mind, but a blessing in disguise in mine.
Life is about making money to live on to have what you need and want, but it is also about making the most of your time and energy and today I was grateful that mine including stopping to spend a little time and bringing a little sunshine to a friend in the hospital. And knowing that whether it was a big or little impact making it is important because we never truly know how much time we have left.
Today i count my blessings for my life, my health and my happiness that i am in control of creating every day, because we truly create our own happiness in the midst of tragedy, or disaster. We chose our reaction.
2 situations, one that involved a previous Broker's niece and fellow Realtor's son who were killed in a car crash this past weekend at the young age of 22 and another a friend of friend who himself, wife and 1 month old baby girl were struck by a car walking through an intersection this morning (all still alive but with multiple injuries.) -remind me that when I am gone no one will remember me for how clean my house was, whether I got all my laundry done, if I got everything done on my list but they will remember my attitude, my smile and how I impacted their life.
So i believe today I accomplished my goal, whether I crossed a single thing from my list or not. And if tomorrow never comes would i rather have know the last dish was clean or that I spent it with the family and friends that I love.

Today I am grateful for more than I know

Today marks the start of my journey of faith, of trust and hope because I BELIEVE in what I knew that I could do all along. When you want something bad enough you will go for it you will push yourself and make it happen. I love life, I love my family, my greatest goal is to help people and I am accomplishing this, whether it is paid in money or other ways that are not as easily seen by the eye, but can be felt by the heart.
I cashed my first buyer transaction check since I quit my job almost 2 months ago( not including the rentals I have done)  and it feels great, to be back into doing what I love, getting in the swing of things balancing my life, appreciating what I have, setting goals daily, weekly and looking forward to all my upcoming adventures.
Remembering that things will happen beyond my control so I need to control what I can and let the rest of the things fall into place how they will, try to find something to be grateful in every interaction, situation or obstacle that I face. One moment at a time, one step at a time, one day at a time. Appreciate what I see, what I touch and how good I can feel. Take notice of others and all that I can learn from them, absorb as much knowledge as I can and keep moving forward toward my goals. Being kind and considerate with everyone because I can think before I speak, but I cannot take something I said away.
Sometimes like I have said in numerous posts, it is the little things that we don't even know that we do or say that can make a huge difference sometimes in the lives of others.  I was chatting with a person through face book yesterday who said this to me after we messaged back in forth a few times, for what I thought was a normal conversation...
"I meat to thank you again for all your help today! You never know who's life you touch through sharing your story and today you've helped so much."
I thought, how super sweet to acknowledge something that came so naturally for me to do as something that really helped her.
It makes me step back and think of all the times someone has touched me or gave me courage or strength to get through something and perhaps I never acknowledged them for it. What a great way to feel good about touching someone else's life. An old boss of mine once told me that her word of worth would be service. She truly feels that she is accomplishing what she should be in life by being of service to other people. You can truly take that word just as the word believe and make it whatever you feel is the definition for you.

Believe is my word and now I truly believe even more.
I believe God is good
I believe in miracles
I believe in myself
I believe that I am destined to do great things
I believe in those around me
I believe in my family
I believe in life
I believe in dreams................................etc.

Live for NOW it is a PRESENT

Often times I think that we go about our day to day routine, struggles, projects, work, life and demanding things that NEED to get done that we often times don't stop to enjoy what we really have. The blessings that are in our life. We take our family, our life and our friendships, our health, freedom and possessions for granted. We take the little gifts we receive every day, such as sunshine and rain, even running late or that blasted train that we didn't anticipate,( things that happen for a reason that we don't know, but something that truly was a blessing in disguise)  and we don't bother to be thankful, because it is expected, we are irritated or we just have too much on our plate to take the time to notice. Sometimes we are so wrapped up in the things that have happened to us,  and the things that we are in fear of in the future that we don't truly see or appreciate what we have right now.

I have come across a few people in my life who do appreciate what they have right now, they live for the moment.  This has made me reflect differently, they have made me truly find the good in every situation, even if it doesn't seem possible to view it in any other way than bad/tragic or terrible.

 For 3 years growing up I watched my best girlfriend struggle with brain cancer, from the ages of 7-10 I  never remember hearing a negative word come out of her mouth, I remember her smile, her soft voice, the way she made the Dr.'s and nurses at the hospital laugh- she inspired me to be grateful for everything that I have. She made me realize that life can be short, but not short lived if you are an inspiration to those around you, if you make your mark that will forever be remembered and well received by those you touched, something that will continue to be talked about, something that will forever inspire you to be the best that you can.

I know sometimes it is easy to forgot in a world where we are "trained" to want more, to never be satisfied with just what we have and to continue to strive for better. This is fine, and wanting more is not a bad thing, but stopping to slow down and be thankful for what we already have, and appreciate it sometimes gets put off until later, and then never happens, even if our intentions are in the right place. No one sees intentions only actions.
We have a dear friend right now fighting for her life, fighting to understand why something so sad and devastating could happen to such a kind, caring, uplifting person, someone who means so much to those around her that without her they may not fathom what they could possibly do without her. This is when people come together to be grateful, to say thank you for making an impact on my life.

For NOW is all we really have, all we can count at this moment in time. It is sad to say that sometimes our reflections, our thankfulness, or times of stopping to "smell the roses" come when we are faced with a challenge or we are fighting for a cause whether that be for ourselves or someone else. These tough times are great reminders for us that we need to slow down, make each moment count before it is gone and no longer the moment. We can so easily pass by opportunities to be thankful for what we have, to share a kind thought or word with someone else. To shine our light upon the world that so desperately needs our positive energy and support.

You will never reach a point where you are completely free of all your problems, only in being present can you truly be free NOW, no one can guarantee freedom of the future, and no one can change your past, but you can control now, your attitude, you light, the way that other's see you, the way you treat people, especially those that you love so much you often take for granted that they will always be there.
We can be in control of our thoughts, our actions and take the steps we need to take action and make our future's bright, however since we cannot predict what will happen to us, when our time is up here it is up and sometimes no matter how many  "what if" or what could we have done differently games we could play in our minds, we will never have the answers we are looking for as to WHY.

So take steps every day to make your life count, to create moments of happiness for yourself and for others, and truly let your light shine upon the world, you will not only make a difference in your life, in the way you view things, but in the lives of every one you touch, whether it be with your words, your actions or a simple smile, you can make a difference.

Don't wait to fight for a cause, make your cause your every day purpose to live for NOW and make your mark on the world. Make it a good, positive memorable mark, because if you wait to long and your time is up many will have missed the opportunity to have been touched by you and carry your legacy with them in their future.

Unexpected but Expected

So Day #1 of my fully trimmed out schedule for the week, heck I know I am a few days behind but didn't figure out what I was wanting to do until Monday and then how to use the fancy hotmail calendar that emails you an hour before an event as a reminder until yesterday!
Ended up having a bit of a case of insomnia last night so fully expected to sleep a little later than my first planned event at 5:40 this morning to read and pray once Steve left for work.... ah... unexpectedly my son apparently had different plans and thought that 4:50 was the perfect time to wake up. Coaxing him back in bed didn't really buy me much time to snooze, since he was bouncy into my room at 5:30, just before Steve left.
So needless to say that although I am going to do my best to assure that I try my hardest to keep to a schedule so that I get into a semi-routine of what I expect of myself to do on a daily basis, I have to remain calm and know now once again things are going to happen and adjustments WILL be made.
Anytime you work for yourself in the type of field that I am in, it is definitely WAY different than going to a routine job every day where you know what time to what time, what to expect and what you are going to be doing while you are there. Right now you have to be ready to do anything at the drop of a hat with how the market is reflecting the low inventory and the clients that are needing to see homes as soon as possible before they go under contract. It is way more challenging and exciting and for those of you that know me the best, I perform way better when under pressure and with lots of things to accomplish! I LOVE it.

OWN it- guilt FREE

I can recognize that I have flaws and I have strengths and one of my flaws is that I will often times have a plan in my head and do not write it down or carry it out because I get distracted by all the other little things that pop up. I am a people pleaser and I often times let others dictate what it is that I do, from my child to my husband, my mom, friends in need, or clients that I feel I may "lose" if I don't jump when they call. This type of behavior can cause a person to become overwhelmed and discouraged when you have too much to do on a daily basis and you don't know how to organize or dictate when you are available for them. This can also cause you not to be as attentive or do as good of a job because you are easily distracted and may forget what you were working on when you did "jump".
Don't get me wrong family and God come first, but sometimes the money that you are trying to pursue in order to spend more money with your family can cause you to work harder to get it and you will please people that you don't need to along the way to get it, sometimes getting disappointed when it doesn't come and you wasted precious time on something that didn't pan out. As a Realtor that is the chance we take sometimes for our clients, in hopes that they will stay loyal, work with us or find what they need/want. However, the trick is is to be busy enough that they don't expect you to jump at every phone call, but don't be too busy not to follow up in a manner that is professional, timely but doesn't allow them to run your life. I think in the past I have felt guilty if I was doing something for my self and didn't give it up to help a client. I truly love helping people but I need to remember everything has limits. Whether I am going to a Dr. appointment, eating dinner with my family, taking my son to the museum or taking a 1/2 an hour to read a book that inspires me; I need to attend to the task at hand and call the person back, or schedule them for a time that is open for me.
We are in control of what we do, when and the choices we make to reach and achieve our goals. With a plan in place and a target in mind, I am set to make some great choices this week that will lead me on a path to success, while standing by all of my commitments to God, my family and my clients, while still giving quality service to all.

People are happy if they can do what they think is right without feeling guilty. Romans 14:22

Daily Inspiration Coffee JOLT

Inspiration is something that can never grow old. In the daily grind of life we need a constant reminder not to give up, let go of our dreams or let others tell us what we can and cannot do. Hook up with accountability partners that will allow you to be you and hold you to what you want to do. Hold them to what they want to do/accomplish as well. Work with people who inspire you and who you can inspire. Hang out with people who are already living the dreams you want to accomplish. Whether you look up inspiring You tube videos, read quotes, read books, listen to motivating cd's; it is going to encourage you and give you the push you need to go forward.
This past week I had a few sales fizzle, a few renters find homes on their own because the inventory was so low that nothing I could provide them matched their criteria. I was very disappointed but decided that I needed a little rejuvenating. I took my son to the Science Center with friends on Friday, Saturday we went swimming and Sunday we went to the Natural History Museum in Mesa (free the first Sunday of the month) to see the dinosaurs. It was a lot of fun.
This Monday morning I am ready to go. I have a great week planned for all the things/steps I am going to take to get new and hold onto my current business. I am not going to let last week get me down, because I know what I want and I am ready to go for it.

You are the creator of your own HAPPINESS! Start today.


Thanks Dean for my morning JOLT, it was better than the coffee.

Keep Plugging Away

"One of the most common causes of failure is the habit of quitting when one is overtaken by temporary defeat."

Napoleon Hill
1883-1970, Author of Think and Grow Rich

I love this.... we all want to quit at some point in what we are pursuing whether we just have an idea, we think may not work, we are just starting out and something negative happens to bring us down, or we are a long way into it and are not sure what the future holds. Guess what? We don't know what the future holds and if we give up now without truly seeing it through, we will never know what it could of held.
Keep your chin up, keep going, pursue your dreams, keep moving forward, love every minute, every struggle and every triumph because that is what is going to make it all worth the end results!
Remember, we can only be better than we were yesterday, don't compare yourself to others, praise yourself and your abilities every day and be proud of who you are and what you stand for, while spreading a little joy and happiness in the lives of others.
We all struggle and no one knows what the next person is truly going through, give them all the benefit of the doubt and take care of yourself.

succeed

So starting out on this new venture on a roll, working my butt off and selling homes, contracts written, the stars seem to align, things are progressing nicely, business is coming from all directions  and boom, things start to crack, chip, break and fall apart before my eyes....REMEMBER, I say to myself, I am not only in it to make money, I am in it to help people, and instead of complaining what do I do- take the challenge- become the stronghold, look for the positive in the situation. Grab the bull by the horns as they say and "fix" it which I am known for. At my old job I had a tough time when I always wanted to fix a situation, which led my students to not be as accountable as they should be, but in this life, this field, that is my job. To hold a contract together, to weigh all sides, to go to bat for my client, to not give up, to not give in and to move forward like it is all I have to live for. It is my livelyhood..... and I missed it! :) Here is to a new day, here is to a new beginning, here is to finding that 1 positive in the situation, no matter how small. It is like when you can't your keys and you are running late and it seems like everything that can go wrong does. But if you look back and reflect that things happen for a reason and maybe just maybe you avoided that accident you would have gotten into on your way somewhere if you wouldn't have misplaced them... you just never know.