Last week I was, let's say, gently reminded of the fact that when I may feel that things are going way wrong, life is tough, and when will it get better? They're just not as bad as they seem. I had one of those weeks where when it rains it pours. My Jeep is breaking piece by piece, well, motor by motor (transmission among other parts) and serious hail damage, house needs some major and minor repairs, kids' schools want activity fees for each kid, kids are being kids, my husband broke his foot again, and I am unemployed trying to make a go of my own business with HUGE hopes and dreams. I constantly asked myself, when will it end?
Then, I find out that the girl who is speaking at a business meeting with such great words of inspiration, who has so much passion for her work, and can instantly say something or tell a story so funny you'll pee your pants, has been fighting cancer. The family next door just lost BOTH incomes almost three weeks ago, with no jobs in this area that are promising. The sweet customer who is so excited about setting up an appointment with me but hasn't been able to because her mom had a stroke earlier this summer and then turned right around to bury her adult daughter who is my age. In an instant, my life and my struggles seem so trivial! I am quickly reminded that just when I think I have been having a rough go of things, that somewhere, someone has it much worse than me.
Why do we allow ourselves to get our heads buried so deep in the sand that we forget to rely on God, Who is All Knowing, Who knew that we would be going through these trials before we ever encountered them, and Who will never give us more than we can handle? What a test of strength and perseverance! We don't have to take any of those tests alone! I can always say, on the backside of these tests that I am thankful for them because they shape who I am and push me in the direction that I need to go on this journey.
When life throws you a curve ball, step back, get a grip and pull yourself up by your bootstraps, and remember this perspective. Thank God for the trial, persevere, you will come out on the other side a different person.
Finally, even in the face of trial, don't forget to Believe in Yourself, Be Extraordinary, Dream Big...
Stacey
Thursday, August 19, 2010
Saturday, July 10, 2010
..to setting GOALS...
...Say What?!...
My mind has been littered with thoughts, curiousity, and emotion, which is partially the reason for my lack of weekly blogs lately. How does one sort those thoughts out? Some would say exercise, others would say journaling or 'brain dumping'. Do you ever get so deep in your thoughts that you're virtually alone, even though you're surrounded by crowds of people? Many of my thoughts revolve around the goals that I have set for myself in my new journey.
I attended a seminar several weeks ago presented by Allison Lamar, (http://www.allisonlamarronline.com) former Mary Kay National Sales Director, who set several records in Mary Kay. I realize, as I have now heard her story several times, that it's not the accolades that she has received that have inspired me. What inspires me is Allison's frankness about the whole notion of how to set goals and actually achieve them. When we set a goal for ourselves sometimes we are short sighted and set a huge goal without any planning or idea of how to get to the end. You see, Allison gave up mediocrity for a dream life, she got there by setting goals and planning. In order to reach the destination she had in mind, she had to plan each stepping stone that would eventually help her to arrive in her final, desired destination.
Shouldn't this planning be the same for you and I? I have set goals for the month of August in my business, I am setting plans in place on a daily basis to reach those goals and eventually, my dream life. That's what I want for sure! I have set up daily goals to get to where I want to be in 1, 5, 10, and 20 years...my end is in mind! What's even greater about the goals that I have set, is that I am building my own character and strength, without even realizing it! Goals can change you and can change the lives of those around you, just ask my husband!
I am just now, in four years of living in Colorado, starting to feel like I am settled and beginning to belong to a part of something bigger than myself. It delights my heart, makes me feel giddy inside like a little girl who has just received her first pair of dance shoes. For the first time, in a long time, I can truly say that I love my work, because it doesn't feel like work. I get to be a part of my community through volunteer opportunities, take my kids to school and volunteer in their classrooms, take part in some of the activities I love, and be whom I believe, the woman God intended for me to be in the very beginning before I was even a twinkle in my parents' eyes. I am working hard, but I love it! All because I have set goals for myself, I have a direction, and something VERY specific to shoot for!
My encouragement for you this week: set some goals for yourself for tomorrow, this week, this month, the rest of the year! Your life will change. I can't wait to hear back from you to hear what goals you have set, how you're getting there, and when you finally arrive! Don't forget to give them a deadline!
Until then...
Believe in Yourself, Be Extraordinary, Dream Big.
You can do it!
Stacey
My mind has been littered with thoughts, curiousity, and emotion, which is partially the reason for my lack of weekly blogs lately. How does one sort those thoughts out? Some would say exercise, others would say journaling or 'brain dumping'. Do you ever get so deep in your thoughts that you're virtually alone, even though you're surrounded by crowds of people? Many of my thoughts revolve around the goals that I have set for myself in my new journey.
I attended a seminar several weeks ago presented by Allison Lamar, (http://www.allisonlamarronline.com) former Mary Kay National Sales Director, who set several records in Mary Kay. I realize, as I have now heard her story several times, that it's not the accolades that she has received that have inspired me. What inspires me is Allison's frankness about the whole notion of how to set goals and actually achieve them. When we set a goal for ourselves sometimes we are short sighted and set a huge goal without any planning or idea of how to get to the end. You see, Allison gave up mediocrity for a dream life, she got there by setting goals and planning. In order to reach the destination she had in mind, she had to plan each stepping stone that would eventually help her to arrive in her final, desired destination.
Shouldn't this planning be the same for you and I? I have set goals for the month of August in my business, I am setting plans in place on a daily basis to reach those goals and eventually, my dream life. That's what I want for sure! I have set up daily goals to get to where I want to be in 1, 5, 10, and 20 years...my end is in mind! What's even greater about the goals that I have set, is that I am building my own character and strength, without even realizing it! Goals can change you and can change the lives of those around you, just ask my husband!
I am just now, in four years of living in Colorado, starting to feel like I am settled and beginning to belong to a part of something bigger than myself. It delights my heart, makes me feel giddy inside like a little girl who has just received her first pair of dance shoes. For the first time, in a long time, I can truly say that I love my work, because it doesn't feel like work. I get to be a part of my community through volunteer opportunities, take my kids to school and volunteer in their classrooms, take part in some of the activities I love, and be whom I believe, the woman God intended for me to be in the very beginning before I was even a twinkle in my parents' eyes. I am working hard, but I love it! All because I have set goals for myself, I have a direction, and something VERY specific to shoot for!
My encouragement for you this week: set some goals for yourself for tomorrow, this week, this month, the rest of the year! Your life will change. I can't wait to hear back from you to hear what goals you have set, how you're getting there, and when you finally arrive! Don't forget to give them a deadline!
Until then...
Believe in Yourself, Be Extraordinary, Dream Big.
You can do it!
Stacey
Saturday, July 3, 2010
Take a break.
Why is it that we have to go away on a 'vacation' to take a break? Why does it take a week to decompress and brain dump just to finally get to that relaxation point, and only a day to fill it back up with the worries of daily life? Why do we succumb to the 'rat race', pushing ourselves until we become burnt out or ill?
I grew up, especially in my college years, hearing my father say, "Stacey, stop and smell the roses." He is such a laid back man, easy going, I don't recall hearing anger or yelling often from this man. If my dad was upset, it came out even keeled and in a direct tone, I always knew I was in trouble when I heard that particular voice. I spent my college years and late 20's in the idea of keeping up with the Jones', get ahead now and maybe play later attitude. I had the world by the tail, nice house, 3 beautiful children, a good job, and a marriage that looked good on the outside, and thousands of dollars in debt. I am an overachiever, anyone in my family will tell you that statement is true. But, whom was I fooling? My cup was empty.
It wasn't until I decided to leave my job as an assistant manager at a big box retailer, making $57,000, a year to go back to teaching that I realized the importance of 'stopping to smell the roses'. I still think that even then I didn't quite get it, but was on the right track nonetheless. I was a single mom at the time, took a huge paycut to go back to teaching. I was happier, getting to spend more time with my kiddos, enjoying breaks and summer vacations. I got to play again. After all, who wants to be 60 and all grown up with that little kiddo boxed up somewhere in storage?
Since I left my 9-5 job, rather it left me, I am realizing even more opportunity to 'stop and smell the roses'. Seizing opportunities to relive some fantastic childhood memories and the amazingly, overwhelming playground in my backyard we call The Rockies. I am playing hard enjoying a relaxing stay at a lakeside motel, experiencing the energy, anticipation, and excitement of a sleepy lake town coming alive to celebrate our nation's birthday. Hoping some kind stranger will offer a circle or two around the lake on water skis. For the first time, in a long time, I finished a book, read a magazine or two, did a little bargain shopping, dipped my toes in the icy lake after a long hike to see some epic water falls in the backwoods. I actually sat for day, exceeded my sun limit, listened to the water slap against the shore, and the hum of boats moving up and down the lake. Ahhhhh, that is enough to lull you into a nap in miliseconds! I must say that taking a break with nowhere to be and nothing to do does a body good. I think it can be done even at home...you can even label it with the newest term of our economic times, 'staycation'. Lock your doors, turn of your phone, forget the laundry and house chores, pick up a good book from your local library. Reconnect with old friends, put together a scrapbook, stay in your jammies all day long. What are the desires of your heart when it comes to taking a break? What did you wish the last time you said, "When I have a day off, I will..."? What are you waiting for? Seize the moment, seize the day! Can I let you in on a little secret? Your laundry will be there tomorrow, so will the dusting, vacuuming, and dirty toilets. Guess what? They don't care!
Please, I urge you, to take a break. Ladies if that means time for yourself, do it, please. It will help you to be a better wife, mom, woman. Guys, you too. Parents, make a date night and stick to it, but be sure to keep with the rule, "you are not allowed to talk about your kids". What is your passion, what are the desires of your heart screaming for?/
Fill in the blank, if I had the time, I would... Go, take the time, do it. Finally, at this moment, is your glass half empty, or half full? Do you need a break?
Believe in yourself, Be Extraordinary, Dream Big....
I grew up, especially in my college years, hearing my father say, "Stacey, stop and smell the roses." He is such a laid back man, easy going, I don't recall hearing anger or yelling often from this man. If my dad was upset, it came out even keeled and in a direct tone, I always knew I was in trouble when I heard that particular voice. I spent my college years and late 20's in the idea of keeping up with the Jones', get ahead now and maybe play later attitude. I had the world by the tail, nice house, 3 beautiful children, a good job, and a marriage that looked good on the outside, and thousands of dollars in debt. I am an overachiever, anyone in my family will tell you that statement is true. But, whom was I fooling? My cup was empty.
It wasn't until I decided to leave my job as an assistant manager at a big box retailer, making $57,000, a year to go back to teaching that I realized the importance of 'stopping to smell the roses'. I still think that even then I didn't quite get it, but was on the right track nonetheless. I was a single mom at the time, took a huge paycut to go back to teaching. I was happier, getting to spend more time with my kiddos, enjoying breaks and summer vacations. I got to play again. After all, who wants to be 60 and all grown up with that little kiddo boxed up somewhere in storage?
Since I left my 9-5 job, rather it left me, I am realizing even more opportunity to 'stop and smell the roses'. Seizing opportunities to relive some fantastic childhood memories and the amazingly, overwhelming playground in my backyard we call The Rockies. I am playing hard enjoying a relaxing stay at a lakeside motel, experiencing the energy, anticipation, and excitement of a sleepy lake town coming alive to celebrate our nation's birthday. Hoping some kind stranger will offer a circle or two around the lake on water skis. For the first time, in a long time, I finished a book, read a magazine or two, did a little bargain shopping, dipped my toes in the icy lake after a long hike to see some epic water falls in the backwoods. I actually sat for day, exceeded my sun limit, listened to the water slap against the shore, and the hum of boats moving up and down the lake. Ahhhhh, that is enough to lull you into a nap in miliseconds! I must say that taking a break with nowhere to be and nothing to do does a body good. I think it can be done even at home...you can even label it with the newest term of our economic times, 'staycation'. Lock your doors, turn of your phone, forget the laundry and house chores, pick up a good book from your local library. Reconnect with old friends, put together a scrapbook, stay in your jammies all day long. What are the desires of your heart when it comes to taking a break? What did you wish the last time you said, "When I have a day off, I will..."? What are you waiting for? Seize the moment, seize the day! Can I let you in on a little secret? Your laundry will be there tomorrow, so will the dusting, vacuuming, and dirty toilets. Guess what? They don't care!
Please, I urge you, to take a break. Ladies if that means time for yourself, do it, please. It will help you to be a better wife, mom, woman. Guys, you too. Parents, make a date night and stick to it, but be sure to keep with the rule, "you are not allowed to talk about your kids". What is your passion, what are the desires of your heart screaming for?/
Fill in the blank, if I had the time, I would... Go, take the time, do it. Finally, at this moment, is your glass half empty, or half full? Do you need a break?
Believe in yourself, Be Extraordinary, Dream Big....
Stacey
Friday, May 14, 2010
The beginning of the end . . .
or is it the beginning of the beginning? I must say that I have heard so many cliche phrases over the past month since I received my "you've been bumped" letter. Most often to the tune of, "When God closes a door, He opens a window." and "Blessing in disguise." I believe all to be true...but often times, it is so easy to say those cliches than to be living the change.
I have known public education at the secondary level for the past ten years, with the exception of a two year hiatus to try my hand at retail management. I found there that I love my family and the quality time with them much more than a large paycheck, thus, my return to teaching. Over the course of eight years, I served as a vocational/business/computer teacher in four different states. I have always thought I enjoyed teaching and coaching cheerleading, which I have received praises for because, "who wants to deal with all that drama?"
It happened, on my birthday, the dreaded conversation accompanied with a letter. All my career plans changed that day...did I mention it was my birthday? What a present! I do not mean that sarcastically, I mean it whole-heartedly. I did shed tears and was quite upset, because I received my letter on a Wednesday and still had to teach Thursday and Friday of that week. Some say, 'it's not the adversity that defines you, it's how you respond to that adversity that defines you'. I believe this is true, I can choose to mope and have a negative attitude, or pull myself up by my boot straps and come up with a new 'game plan'. I managed to maintain a mostly positive attitude, despite the fact that I got bumped by a tenured teacher in the district. I have other thoughts on that whole process, but we'll save that argument for another time. I would like to think that I exited gracefully, and as I packed my belongings and tore down my classroom, I had so many mixed emotions. Many of my students asked me why I was packing up, that is when I had to say that I was leaving. It was such a sad conversation, because my 7th graders will now have had three different computer teachers in their three years at this school. I will admit it was hard getting up that last month to go in to school and still actually teach, the positive in that, is that my principal recognized that I was still actually teaching the kids something rather than shutting down and letting them play for the last six weeks of school. I guess that says something for me and my professional integrity.
When leaving on that last teacher day, I will have to say I was sad to leave my colleagues, but quite excited for what lies ahead. I like to think that I am still teaching, but not in the conventional way that when someone says, 'teach' or 'teacher', they immediately think of a school building, a classroom, students, and difficult parents, and the ugliest word of all, assessments. Yep, I said it! No, I will be in various buildings or homes, in various places, but best of all, investing time in others and building meaningful relationships. Thus, the phrase, "enriching women's lives". This new journey has already proven to be challenging for me. I am not one to just step out, meet people, strike up conversations. I would like to think that I am being stretched beyond all boundaries and putting a different perspective on my life and how I live it. I would choose to say, "Extraordinary". It is amazing how, when you change your perspective on things, put a positive spin on it and find the best in it, regardless of how difficult your day was, that in the end, there is a bigger purpose.
I will say, that in the last month I have realized that I am extremely blessed. I think this is something I already knew, but extremely blessed even in the little things especially in an age of immediate gratification. When I say little things, I mean my dryer that has been broken for over a month, that has just been fixed. Now, this might seem HUGE to some of you especially for those of you who have multiple children who like to change their clothes what seems like a million times a day. Well, once I got over the emotional flood and could see straight again, I realized that we live in a very dry environment. Duh! Hang a clothes line and multiple loads can be dried in 30 minutes. You might wonder how this is a blessing? Our electric bill went down, AND I get to enjoy the outdoors for a few minutes while hanging clothes. We live in a relatively quiet neighborhood, so I am able to hear the songs of the birds, the occasional squirrel scamper up a tree, and the laughter of children. I am still using our clothes line for the bigger stuff to see if we can keep that bill down just a bit. A test in patience and the realization that making a mountain out of a mole hill wouldn't make our clothes dry any faster!
I am blessed with a husband who makes me a woman and a half. By this I mean, he has been extremely supportive in my business adventure in whatever ways that he can. The best part is when I start talking about different types of make up and he just smiles and nods, listening all the while. Then he gives me business ideas, makes comparisons so that he can relate, and even will attend my business events with me. I love him for that!
I will leave you with this question, one we have heard often, but I think we often need to ask ourselves when facing each day. How is your glass today? Half empty or half full?
Believe in Yourself, Be Extraordinary, Dream Big...
Stacey
I have known public education at the secondary level for the past ten years, with the exception of a two year hiatus to try my hand at retail management. I found there that I love my family and the quality time with them much more than a large paycheck, thus, my return to teaching. Over the course of eight years, I served as a vocational/business/computer teacher in four different states. I have always thought I enjoyed teaching and coaching cheerleading, which I have received praises for because, "who wants to deal with all that drama?"
It happened, on my birthday, the dreaded conversation accompanied with a letter. All my career plans changed that day...did I mention it was my birthday? What a present! I do not mean that sarcastically, I mean it whole-heartedly. I did shed tears and was quite upset, because I received my letter on a Wednesday and still had to teach Thursday and Friday of that week. Some say, 'it's not the adversity that defines you, it's how you respond to that adversity that defines you'. I believe this is true, I can choose to mope and have a negative attitude, or pull myself up by my boot straps and come up with a new 'game plan'. I managed to maintain a mostly positive attitude, despite the fact that I got bumped by a tenured teacher in the district. I have other thoughts on that whole process, but we'll save that argument for another time. I would like to think that I exited gracefully, and as I packed my belongings and tore down my classroom, I had so many mixed emotions. Many of my students asked me why I was packing up, that is when I had to say that I was leaving. It was such a sad conversation, because my 7th graders will now have had three different computer teachers in their three years at this school. I will admit it was hard getting up that last month to go in to school and still actually teach, the positive in that, is that my principal recognized that I was still actually teaching the kids something rather than shutting down and letting them play for the last six weeks of school. I guess that says something for me and my professional integrity.
When leaving on that last teacher day, I will have to say I was sad to leave my colleagues, but quite excited for what lies ahead. I like to think that I am still teaching, but not in the conventional way that when someone says, 'teach' or 'teacher', they immediately think of a school building, a classroom, students, and difficult parents, and the ugliest word of all, assessments. Yep, I said it! No, I will be in various buildings or homes, in various places, but best of all, investing time in others and building meaningful relationships. Thus, the phrase, "enriching women's lives". This new journey has already proven to be challenging for me. I am not one to just step out, meet people, strike up conversations. I would like to think that I am being stretched beyond all boundaries and putting a different perspective on my life and how I live it. I would choose to say, "Extraordinary". It is amazing how, when you change your perspective on things, put a positive spin on it and find the best in it, regardless of how difficult your day was, that in the end, there is a bigger purpose.
I will say, that in the last month I have realized that I am extremely blessed. I think this is something I already knew, but extremely blessed even in the little things especially in an age of immediate gratification. When I say little things, I mean my dryer that has been broken for over a month, that has just been fixed. Now, this might seem HUGE to some of you especially for those of you who have multiple children who like to change their clothes what seems like a million times a day. Well, once I got over the emotional flood and could see straight again, I realized that we live in a very dry environment. Duh! Hang a clothes line and multiple loads can be dried in 30 minutes. You might wonder how this is a blessing? Our electric bill went down, AND I get to enjoy the outdoors for a few minutes while hanging clothes. We live in a relatively quiet neighborhood, so I am able to hear the songs of the birds, the occasional squirrel scamper up a tree, and the laughter of children. I am still using our clothes line for the bigger stuff to see if we can keep that bill down just a bit. A test in patience and the realization that making a mountain out of a mole hill wouldn't make our clothes dry any faster!
I am blessed with a husband who makes me a woman and a half. By this I mean, he has been extremely supportive in my business adventure in whatever ways that he can. The best part is when I start talking about different types of make up and he just smiles and nods, listening all the while. Then he gives me business ideas, makes comparisons so that he can relate, and even will attend my business events with me. I love him for that!
I will leave you with this question, one we have heard often, but I think we often need to ask ourselves when facing each day. How is your glass today? Half empty or half full?
Believe in Yourself, Be Extraordinary, Dream Big...
Stacey
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