Mar
8
I have been a long time believer in the Vision Board. I have had so many “Woo-Woo Moments” happen from putting what I want in life on paper. That beautiful LG Washer and Dryer in my laundry room? Oh yeah, Vision Board. My Nissan Murano parked in the garage? Yep, Vision Board. But I’ve also brought love, happiness, travel, opportunities, and BLISS into my life using a Vision Board. So, after attending Mini Camp on Saturday, I thought Vision Boards were a good subject for Motivational Monday.
One of the featured speakers this past Saturday at Mini Camp was my Life Coach, Deb Roffe. Love her! (shameless plug: www.summitlifecoaching.net ) She gave an interactive presentation on the power of the Vision Board.
So, what is a Vision Board? Well, it really can be anything you want it to be, but basically it’s a collage of pictures, words, drawings, symbols, and anything else that represents what you want to acheive. Simply browse through magazines and clip out anything that pulls at you. Sometimes you’ll even discover things you didn’t even know you wished for! My Vision Boards are typically full and artistic, it’s partly a creative outlet for me. But other vision boards I’ve seen are very direct and simple. Let it be an expression of you and what you desire. There’s no wrong way to creating a Vision Board.
It’s also important that you are specific in what you ask for. I had a picture of a beautiful work space on one of my Vision Boards, but there were three cats in the photo. Everyone kept asking me if I wanted more cats! I ended up finding a better photo-more cats was not what I wanted to attract in my life!
You can also make specific, targeted Vision Boards. For example, today Jackson and I created a Vision Board for the new home we’re looking for. We picked out photos of all the things we’d like our new home to be. I picked a few photos that represented a peaceful environment and mountain views. Jackson picked out a garden and a bunk beds.
Vision Boarding with kids is fun, but also a great vehicle for discussion. As we were creating our “Home Vision Board” we talked about our anxiety about moving, and it was an opportunity for Jackson to ask questions and feel like he was an active participant in creating our new home.
Once complete, your Vision Board should be somewhere where you can see it often througout the day. It can even move around with you. I took a picture of mine and made it the wallpaper on my IPhone. This is where the magic really happens with your Vision Board. I’ve found it helps me stay focused throughout the day, targeting my time, only filling my day with things that take me closer to the goals on my Vision Board.
Most importantly, you must know what you want in life. You must put it out to the world, out to the universe. Creating a Vision Board supports your most deepest desires and records it on paper. Let it represent you and all that you want out of life. And before you know it, you’ll be checking things off of your Vision Board as you acheive them.
If you would like more information on Vision Boards or Deb’s Life Coaching Services, or would like to attend a Vision Board Workshop with Deb Roffe please visit her website www.summitlifecoaching.net
Hope you have a Blissful Monday!
-Jenn
Tags: Acheive Your Goals, balancing life, Motivational Monday
Mar
1
“When you get to the end of your rope, tie a knot and hang on.” –Annonymous
Balancing work and family is like a circus act. Many days the show goes off without a hitch, but there are other days where I feel like I’m holding on for dear life. I chose this quote for Motivational Monday as a reminder to each of us that we all have days where we’ve just got to hold on tight and let it pass.
Sometimes it’s a new phase Jackson is going through. We’ve managed to survive potty training, hitting, and back talk without losing an eye, but while things seem peaceful at the moment, a new phase could pop up at any time. Other times, it is a difficult client, not enough hours in the day, or the challenge of dealing with Chase Bank for the billionth time (maybe I should blog about their Customer Service- that would be a funny one!)
These are the days, to just take a breath, grab a Chai and hold on. I recommend a good bath too, but, that’s just my opinion. No, really, my point is we’re all just out there working our butts off to create a great life, a Bliss Life. We all face challenges, difficulties, and hard times. But it’s the journey that matters. So take comfort in knowing you’re not alone. You’re doing a great job. You’ll make it… just tie a knot and hang on.
Tags: Motivational Monday, work life balance, working mom
Feb
22
“There’s something so magnificent about you. I have been studying me for forty-four years. I wanna kiss myself sometimes. Because you’re going to get to love yourself. I’m not talking about conceit. I’m talking about a healthy respect for yourself. And as you love yourself, you’ll automatically love others. ” -Bob Proctor
I’ve grown tremendously in the last few years, but especially in the last 6 months transitioning out of my marriage. I feel like this time in my life, this moment, is to get to know myself. To honor myself, to discover myself, to just be. And to be happy. But, there are times that I’m just not sure what that is. Or worse, I do, and feel guilty enjoying it.
And so, today, for Motivational Monday, (and in honor of my birthday tomorrow!) I choose to honor and enjoy me. I choose to delight and enjoy guilty pleasures and honor me.
Here’s what I intend to do this week to love myself:
-Take all the time I want for myself. I love the Indian philosophy when it comes to self care. I’ll take all the time I wish to get ready in the morning, and pamper myself at night. Whether bathing, blow drying, or powdering!
-I choose to honor every choice I make and enjoy it. NO MORE GUILT.
-Get my nails done. Including a pedicure!
-I choose to say “YES!” to all I want to do and “NO!” to anything that does not bring me absolute joy.
-Sign up for ballroom dance classes.
-Sign up for the new gym. (Ug! I’ll admit, I haven’t joined because I didn’t want to spend the money on myself.)
-Schedule more ski days.
-Buy myself some new perfume.
-Let go of perfect.
-Show others how to love me.
-Be Happy.
Birthday or not, choose love. Love yourself today-you deserve it.
Tags: balancing life, Motivational Monday, women's health
Feb
8
This week I need a little financial motivation. I’m an avoider when it comes to dealing with the finances. So, facing the overwhelming responsibility of being the financial provider for myself and my son is terrifying. My goal is to educate myself, be thoughtful, and plan how I’m going to invest and grow my money. We all have money, it’s what we choose to do with it that is important. And so, my quote today was pulled from the inspiring deck of Secrets of the Millionaire Mind Cards by T. Harv Eker. Enjoy! And join me in growing some money today!
“If you want to get rich, focus on making, keeping and investing your money. If you want to be poor, focus on spending your money.” -T. Harv Eker
Have a Blissful Week!
-Jenn
Tags: None
Feb
1
“If we live good lives, the times are also good. As we are, such are the times.” -St. Augustines
Many of us are wrapped up in all that is going on around us. Especially economically, but we also feel the stress of family, illness, loss, failure, etc. It’s easy to focus on the negative when so many around us are out of jobs and struggling to make it each day. Fear is a very powerful thing.
I choose to abandon fear each day. It creeps up now and again, but instead of allowing it in my head and in my life, I choose to live good, do what I love, listen with my heart, and speak in love. If only love surrounds me, then this life and these times are good.
Today, I challenge you to abandon fear and ”Live Good”. Honor all the good that surrounds you. Go out into the world and create good. It doesn’t have to be in a big way. Just live good. Smile at a stranger. Give a compliment. Say a prayer. Let’s abandon fear and spread joy today. You are special in this world and you can make a difference. So choose good and “Live Good”!
Tags: Balance, Motivational Monday
Jan
26
Unfortunately, I had to let go of blogging for the last few months. I apologize for this. Early last Fall, my husband and I decided to transition out of our marriage… aka: Divorce. I choose not to use the “D” word because of the shock, horror, and sad look on people’s faces. Many days were extremely difficult (don’t worry; I’ll spare you the gory details). But, I do think it’s critical to share this part of my journey with you, because it’s an important part of my choice to create and live a Bliss Life. And it goes to show you, life itself might not always be Bliss but how you choose to live it certainly is.
Someone asked me recently about my “failed marriage”. To be honest, I was offended. But, I understand that perception. I will never feel like we failed. In fact, to stay married would have failed us all.
Things really peaked about 2 ½ years ago. We were fighting a lot, resentful, and even using the “D” word. One freezing night, we had this huge fight sitting in a parking lot in our car. I think we both made an unconscious choice not do that anymore. The intense fighting, I mean. We had always been careful not to do so in front of Jackson, but the words, the energy; it wasn’t good for any of us. And so we moved on to a new place of “peace” since neither of us wanted, or was ready, to bite the bullet and end things.
I know I feared the unknown, being a single mother, being single, being on my own, and hurting my husband. I feared the reaction from my friends and family, but most of all, I feared making my son a “Child of Divorce”. Divorce brought so much pain into my life as a child; I just couldn’t bear to put that on Jackson. And so, we moved through each day playing the husband and wife game. He would go to work, and I would cook dinner. We’d take Jackson on outings, have dinner with friends….we even had a little fun.
We continued on for more than two years. But more and more things kept nudging me to change. The defining moment was a trip we took to California. We had a wonderful time with my step-sister and step-brother and their families. I love them all dearly. And it was on the beach that day that I realized I wouldn’t have any of these wonderful people in my life without Divorce.
Ultimately, we made the decision out of love for one another and our son. It’s my duty, and my honor to live my very best life for my son. I believe the greatest gift I can give Jackson is to be happy and live life to the fullest each and every day. Unfortunately, that meant letting go of my marriage. But, my story of divorce doesn’t have to be Jackson’s. I choose love, joy, communication, and happiness for my family. And, I’m very lucky that I un-married someone that is willing to work just as hard to create this. My soon-to-be-ex-husband is finding joy again too-he’s started playing volleyball and there’s a new relaxed look to his face and renewed energy. For us, divorce really was the only way to honor and cherish one another.
I’m incredibly proud of us. In the last few months I think all three of us have shown the world what we’re made of. We have negotiated out of our marriage without lawyers (yes, it can be done). We went to parenting class as a pair (one of two couples in the room). And we show Jackson everyday that while it’s new, different, and even hard some days; this is and will always be a new and happier life for us all.
So with that, I challenge you to look closely at your own life. Perhaps your marriage isn’t an obstacle, but, are you living your biggest, best, life? Do you live life with an abundance of joy, happiness, and gratitude each day? Is your life filled with the greatest of love? I ask you to read this excerpt carefully and challenge you to take one small step closer towards your Bliss Life…
“Oftentimes you give others the opportunity to create your happiness, and many times they fail to create it the way you want it. Why? Because only one person can be in charge of your joy, of your bliss, and that’s you. So even your parent, your child, your spouse—they do not have the control to create your happiness. They simply have the opportunity to share in your happiness. Your joy lives within you.”-Lisa Nichols, The Secret
Tags: balancing life, divorce, happy divorce
Nov
23
Running your own business is hard. Being a Mom, even harder. Juggling both? Impossible? Not at all. But there are many challenging aspects of, well, juggling it all. For Work-At-Home Moms it does feel like a circus act most days. After 5 years I’ve found some simple tips, tricks, and a little magic to make it all work-big top and clown nose optional.
1. Start Each Day with a Purpose. I’ve found it necessary to not only have a clear focus for myself each day, but for my son Jackson, age 5, as well. If you want success, you must set clear, concise, daily expectations for success. This goes for the kiddos as well. Each morning we discuss what we have on the agenda, how Jackson can be helpful, and what we can do to make it a great day. We all have a choice in what our day looks like. Make sure your children are involved and settting a purpose for their day as well.
2. Breathe. I know it sounds simple, and I mention it often, but so many of us are walking around like unconscious zombies. Stop right this minute, and take 3 big, deep, conscious breaths. It is virtually impossible to breathe and be stressed at the same time. So, when a moment is getting the best of you, stop, take a few deep breaths and remember, it’s only a moment. Not the rest of your life.
3. Put The Kids To Work. Ok, so I’m not encouraging a sweat shop here. But, there are many ways to teach your children a wonderful array of life skills by incorporating them into your business. Jackson loves stuffing envelopes, applying stickers, filling sample containers, taking packages to the post office, etc. etc. As they get older, charge them with tasks like data entry, delivering orders, or setting up for presentations. By the time they leave the nest you will have given them a strong work ethic, marketing skills, and more.
4. Create a Family Calendar. I recommend creating a Master Family Calendar in the home where everyone can see it on their way out the door. I only share information that is pertinent to the family on this calendar. Things like sport schedules, doctor appointments, and answers to most commonly asked questions like: “What’s for dinner?” This keeps communication open, and questions and confusion to a minimum.
5. Talk Regularly. The most important thing you can do is talk with your family regularly. We make sure to enjoy the start of the week with Sundae Sunday Night. We take a look at our schedule, set expectations for the week, and understand how we can work together as a team. But, it’s also important to have dialog throughout the week. Sometimes children (teenagers too) need to be reminded that the trade-off for having mom home is uninterrupted phone calls, evenings out, and computer time. Showing gratitude and respecting the trade-off is critical. Set expectations and boundaries when you do need work time when the family is home.
And Last But Not Least…10 Quick Short-Cuts To Make a Work Day at Home Bliss:
1. Create a Business Box for your kids with treats, games, and treasures to play with only when Mom is working.
2. Set a timer and work in 30 min. intervals. This is motivating for you and tolerable for the kids. Don’t forget to set the timer for playtime with them too.
3. Make a Smiley Face Sign and Stop Sign for your office door. When the Smiley is posted the family (including hubby) knows it’s ok to interrupt. If there’s a Stop Sign on the door they know this means NO Interruptions.
4. Take a Silly Break. When things get stressful, stop, put whatever it is aside and get silly with your kids. Putting on a clown nose while cooking dinner is a fun place to start.
5. Schedule “Me Time”. Enough with the Mommy Guilts. We’re all doing the best we can. And the very best thing you can do is replenish yourself. Schedule exercise, chocolate, date night, or whatever you need to fill yourself back up. I of course always love a good bath!
6. Make life portable. The second you can invest in a portable device do it. My IPhone has changed my life. The carpool lane, waiting rooms, and check-out lines are now great places to Twitter, Facebook, check email and keep caught up without taking up more time at home. Marketing and business on the go-brilliant.
7. Shedule and honor your own business hours.
8. Invest in a Crock-Pot and Crock-Pot Cookbook.
9. Keep prepared fruits, veggies, and snacks on hand at all times. Great for kids and yourself!
10. Set-up a kid-friendly home. Clothes, activities, snacks, and anything else your child needs (that’s age appropriate) should be accessible and easy for them to help themselves whenever they need it. Let them be the big kids they want to be.
Here’s the bottom line: navigating a new way to balance work and family is a juggling act, but, it’s our duty to lead the way for future mothers to find success in any way they wish. Whether it’s in the home, outside the home, or a combination of both, the best mother is a happy mother living her Bliss Life-clown nose and all.
Tags: work from home, working mom
Nov
15
There are many challenges and rewards when going into business for yourself. Whether you start your own venture, join a direct-sell company, or choose one of the many other options out there, one thing remains the same-being in business for yourself is tough. According to SBA Quarterly Indicators, there were 43,500 business bancruptcies in 2008 alone.
So, how can you find Success as a Small Business Owner? First off, let’s get one thing straight. Your business will always be growing and facing obstacles. In fact, these are positive signs of growth, and should be celebrated as such. When you no longer face growth or challenge you are no longer in business. So, my first tip for Success as a Small Business Owner is keeping your business and your outlook in perspective. Are you facing an obstacle or merely a challenge? You’ve got to have the heart and determination to turn every obstacle into a challenge.
“Life will teach you the lessons, it is up to you to learn them” -Unknown. Business challenges can also be incredible learning experiences. I know it sounds cliche, but honestly, the last 5 years as the Founder and CEO of Bubble Goddess Bath Co. has been better than any business school I could have ever attended. I have gained business management skills, a keen marketing eye, networking skills, and the ability to rally exceptional people to help in the areas I don’t excel. Success in business is learning from every experience, the good, the bad, and the ugly.
It’s also imperative to grow some thick skin. It’s hard when you’ve put so much of your heart into something for it to quickly be discarded or critiqued by a potential client. Don’t take it personally. Just listen to the feedback, improve, and move on. Just get yourself and your business out there to the highest number of individuals in your demographic.
The most important lesson I’ve learned, is to not make money (or lack of it) an obstacle for you or your business. Many of us are out there marketing our businesses with next to nothing. I think this is the greatest challenge and the most fun. How can you promote and build your business without spending a penny? Get creative and remember, everything is negotiable. Can you barter or trade your product for another service? Are you taking advantage of Social Media? Do you have referral and client appreciation programs? There are many simple ways to market and grow your business on a budget, you just have to get creative and not money make an obstacle.
And last but not least, Nobody, and I mean NOBODY, will love your business the way you do. I have a priceless group of supporters, tremendous clients and fans, and a hugely supportive family. But what it boils down to is it’s your love, your passion, and your ass on the line. At the end of the day, you are the one that must take a deep breath, pull up those boot straps, and forge ahead. Only when you master this determination will you have the most important skill needed to achieve Success as a Small Business Owner.
How Have You Found Success as a Small Business Owner?
What Do You Think Is Necessary to Find Success as a Small Business Owner?
Share Your Stories and Comments This Month and Be Entered To Win the book “Appreciation Marketing”! Every Comment is an Entry!
Tags: business building, home business
Oct
29
I never set out to just make soap in my basement. I started Bubble Goddess Bath Co. to grow an empire. A home based business allows you to do this, from home, around your own schedule. Anyone that doesn’t get that has misconceptions about the industry. Don’t get me wrong, I understand some of these misconceptions. But today, I set out to dispell my favorite of those misconceptions.
Misconception #1 If You’re Not Making a 6 Figure Income, Your Home Based Business Is Not Successful
First of all, people start home based businesses for a number of reasons besides getting rich. Don’t get me wrong, getting rich is great. However, many people start a home based business for recognition, comraderie, discounts, tax write-offs and more. So, to treat your business as a hobby will not make you rich, but many reap plenty of rewards by starting a business. Be careful when turning your nose up at an opportunity, you never know how it might change your life.
Misconception #2 I Could Never Be a Salesperson
Ok, really? Who wants to be like a used car salesman? If you think that’s how you’ll be successful, you’re dead wrong. Start by representing a company, service, and/or products you can believe in. Then start sharing. Have you ever told a friend about a great restaurant or pair of shoes you found at the mall? You build your home based business the same way-stop selling and start sharing. Read Permission Marketingby Seth Godin or Appreciation Marketingby Tommy Wyatt and Curtis Lewsey.
Misconception #3 I Don’t Have Time To Start a Business
According to Veronis Suhler Stevenson’s Communications Industry Forecast and Report, quoted by the U.S. Census Bureau, in 2003, the average American spent 1,745 hours watching television, which works out to 145 hours a month. That’s more than six complete days in front of the TV each month. Enough said.
Misconception #4 All Home Based Businesses Are Scams
Don’t get me wrong, there are a lot of scams out there in the world. They’re in every industry. Here’s the deal, if anyone is telling you that you will get rich over night, I’d dig a little deeper. To truly grow a successful home based business it takes, hard work, determination, passion, and consistency. It’s simple, it’s flexible, and rewarding, but you do have to work. Do your homework, check out the compensation plan, and talk to people in the industry before making your decision. If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.
As I said, there are many misconceptions about the Home Based Business. All in all, I am a huge supporter of the home based business. In fact, I wouldn’t go back to the 9-5 world to save my life. As Timothy Ferris puts it in his book The Four Hour Work Week this is the way of the “New Rich”.
Do you have any misconceptions about the home based business industry? Are you struggling to share your home based business with others? Please submit your comments and I will be happy to share my opinions and resources.
Blissfully In Business,
Jenn
Tags: business building, home business, work from home, working mom
Oct
26
It’s Motivational Monday! Here’s today’s inspiration:
“Is the life I’m living the life that wants to live in me?” -Parker Palmer
What are your burning desires? Have you created a life you love? Are you living your Bliss Life? Perhaps you’ve started on the journey, and gotten stuck along the way. Or perhaps, there are fears that keep you from moving toward the life of your dreams.
Today I challenge you to create a daily ritual to honor the life that lives inside you. I do this first thing in the morning so my focus is sharp and clear throughout the day. Here’s how I create this special place and time each day:
1. Find a nice location that is quiet, close with nature, and a place where you feel connected and calm. I sit looking out the large window in my bedroom.
2. Visualize yourself living the Bliss Life of your dreams. What does it look like? Feel like? Taste like? Look at your Vision Board and imagine yourself receiving all that you want.
3. Sit in meditation. This is a time to quiet your mind and receive. Many believe that prayer is a time to talk to your higher power. Meditation is listening to him.
4. Journal what you feel, the visions that come to you. Journal whatever you need to get off of your chest. This is a safe place for your quietest thoughts. It is also a safe place to dream.
5. Take 3 actions before 11 am each day that move you toward that Bliss Life you want to create. They can be big or small. But honor them by taking action.
How are you living the life that lives inside you? What actions are you going to take today to move you toward your Bliss Life?
Tags: balancing life, Motivational Monday
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