Uncategorized · Weekly Wisdom

5 Ways A Balloon Can Remind You Of Your Worth

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Happy Today!

There was a random encounter I had at my local Target (Tarjay to most of us) today which hurt my heart but also inspired me. During the checkout lane I commented on how I enjoyed the author of a book the woman in front of me was purchasing. I mentioned that I was currently reading another book by the author and informed her that I had also gifted the book to someone.

Now before I go on, I am not the person who randomly strikes up a conversation with the person in line. I am usually the person focusing on their phone so that they won’t have to talk with the chatty Tarjay customers. So I truly believed the person was making a good purchase.

The woman thanked me and reported that she has been working with an employee and trying to coach her performance towards acceptable measures. Today the employee admitted that her husband was the reason she couldn’t get it together. He had told her so many times that she wasn’t worth anything and she couldn’t get his words out of her head.

I feel I can tell you that I was angry for that woman!

But I don’t know that employee so I said – “thank you for thinking enough of your employee that you are willing to continue working with her while building up her confidence.” She politely thanked me for recommending the book and said she planned to read it along with the employee.

This saddened me and there were a few things I would have loved to share with that unsupported wife. Since I can’t tell her, maybe there is someone else who needs a pep talk. So let me give you a small one:

It’s important that everyone understand that everyone that is with you is not for you. Everyone you are with, may not be the ones to uplift you. That doesn’t mean you have to leave those people (I can’t advise on that because I don’t know you) but it does mean you have to empower and encourage yourself.

In case you have never been told this:

“No one can make you feel inferior without your consent” – Eleanor Roosevelt

There are people in your life who are supposed to love you and lift you up. Unfortunately, sometimes these people are the ones who hurt you the most. But once you reach the age where you can make decisions for your own life or recognize that it is time for you to make decisions for yourself, decide to surround yourself with people and things that will lift you up.

Think of it this way, you are like a balloon you pick out from a selection of balloons on the wall. That balloon is flat and has a shiny exterior that can be seen by all who pass it by. But on the inside it is empty and waiting to be selected and filled up with helium. Once the helium is inserted, the balloon floats and soars for all to gaze upon.

Here’s five (5) ways you can allow a balloon to remind you of your worth:

1. You have a shiny exterior. It’s smiling back at you.

2. You deserve to be selected. And you were.

3. You deserve to be filled. And you will be.

4. You deserve to soar. You are on the way up.

5. Your helium is what you allow to nourish your spirit and your heart. It is the support network you create even if it’s through books, podcasts, books, classes or journaling.

Withdraw your consent to believe that you are not worthy. Stop at the nearest store which offers balloons and pick one out for yourself. Take a selfie of yourself with that balloon and make it the wallpaper of your phone, tablet or computer. If you are into planners or journals, post that picture in there.

Let that photo remind you that you are worthy and about to soar. If you know someone who doubts their worth, be like that supervisor I met in Tarjay. Help build that person up either directly or indirectly through introduction to a helpful resource. Remember we all need a little encouragement every now and then.

Til next time,

“No one can make you feel inferior without your consent.” – Eleanor Roosevelt

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Goal Achievement · Target Think Thursday

Mid Year Goals Reflection Using Napoleon Hills 28 Questions from Success Magazine

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Happy Today!

Today I celebrate the one year anniversary of being self-employed! (Cue the balloons and fireworks)

Now let me be clearly transparent – this was a hard fought journey to one year. There were many times I thought of giving up but with the love and support of those around me, I persevered and now I am ready to celebrate.

The first celebratory thing on my list is to complete a strengths, weakness, opportunities and threats (SWOT) analysis based on the results of my personal self-analysis.  I am a solopreneur so I need to ensure that I am mentally strong and focused to reach my goals.  You see the first year was a time of set-up, system creations, and business generation.  Now I want to work on business growth the same way I am working on my personal growth.  So imagine my joy when I discovered Success magazine had posted an article which included the 28 Self-Analysis Questions from Napoleon Hill.  Napoleon Hill is the author of Think and Grow Rich.  If you have not read this book, you are truly depriving yourself of the opportunity to change your thinking and thus your future.

The book was written in 1913 but its principles are still relevant today.  Now there is a workbook that people can purchase and work through if they so decide.  I did a read with me on this blog a few years ago and each week posted quotes and questions for reflection along the way.  I found that it was easier for me to process the information I read and apply to my own life by making those notes along the way.

The twenty-eight questions are my method of choice for my completing my yearly evaluation.  I choose to do this on my business anniversary because creating something out of nothing has been on my bucket list and five year plan since 2015.  I allowed fear to stop me from starting but I did start.  Fear made the process a little longer but I did it.  That is what I am celebrating – getting past the fear and doing what was perceived as hard.

Annual self-analysis will disclose whether advancement has been made, and if so, how much. It will also disclose any backward steps one may have made.
— Read on www.success.com/napoleon-hills-28-self-analysis-questions/

This is what I want to learn.

1-1

Have I truly made the advancements that I think I have?  Doing this analysis now will allow me to plan out the remainder of 2019.  I’m anxious to get started so I will stop her and get started answering these questions.

Til next time,

“Be patient with yourself. Self-growth is tender; it’s holy ground. There’s no greater investment.” – Stephen Covey

Recommendation of the Month

Recommendation of The Month: His and Her Money

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Happy Today!

If 2019 has taught us anything, a major lesson should be the need for financial security. We had a record-breaking federal worker furlough, historic fire devastation, and ongoing weather-related destruction. one method of ensuring a lasting legacy for yourself and your family.

One legacy idea is exposing those around you to thinking of financial security through debt free living. Debt free living is not security but it is a worry which can be removed from your life. It’s the beginning of wealth creation because it can free up money which can be diverted to investments and savings.

This is one of the reasons I enjoy listening to the podcast His and Her Money. The hosts are living debt free lifestyles and have paid off their mortgage while building a profitable and sustainable business which allowed both to work full time for themselves. I recently experienced the liberation that comes from being debt free but I have a long way to go until my household is debt free but we made a giant leap towards that direction.

I feel confident recommending Tai and Talaat to others because anyone can see themselves within the messages they communicate. A few weeks ago they posted a Life Application vlog entitled Get Rid of These Two Thoughts of how Talaat gave his resignation only to find his replacement announced within a few hours. He learned what we all know but don’t like to discuss, we are replaceable on our jobs.

This was a relatable topic which reinforced why we need to have a backup plan. I have been in Talaat’s shoes and found it to be a little unsettling how quickly people I had worked with for years moved past me for another person(s) to fill my shoes.

This replacement could have broken anyone’s spirit or confidence but it didn’t break me nor Talaat because we know what our purpose is. We are able to recognize and acknowledge our blessings so now what we once both thought was impossible, is here. I suspect you also have experienced things that were previously seen as impossible become reality. Whether it’s a car, marriage, vacation, career, bank account or visit to your bucket list restaurant. It happened.

Imagine what could happen if you didn’t have to worry about credit card and student loan bills. Isn’t what you imagined worth coming true? After all that’s why we make bucket lists. We want more out of life.

Listen to a few episodes of The His and Her Money Podcast and hear the success stories of others who were able to become debt free and you may find inspiration for your own journey.

Til next time,

“When you know your purpose, no one can break you. When you know how to recognize and acknowledge your blessings, you can do the impossible.” – Tiffany Tom-Johnson

Weekly Wisdom

10 Quotes On New Beginnings

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Happy Today!!

We closed on our house last Thursday and now I am feeling a rush of nostalgia and peace surrounding our new beginnings. The house was the beginning of not only my marriage but also motherhood, career trajectories and finally the beginning of my business. I celebrated love, life and graduations. Closing the door on that property felt like permission to embrace a new perspective on the future.

Once I had a few days to enjoy the euphoria of having my first real estate sale over and done, I became excited about the opportunity to rebuild our home environment simultaneously while the builders finished our home. I survived the chaotic aspect of home repairs, showings, packing, and temporary relocation all while maintaining a work at home schedule and a sense of normalcy for my kids.

This experience was a representation of us doing something based on faith that it will all work out. We had no idea if or how we would prepare our family for such a massive change in their lives. One thing was certain – we wanted more for our future and we could not achieve it by being paralyzed by what ifs. The anxiety and temporary frustrations would eventually be forgotten if we acted now. However, if we did nothing we would demonstrate to all who knew us (especially TJ three and dog) that we gave in to fear. We jumped and while one part of our relocation journey is completed, we still have a long way to go.

Do you struggle with stepping out into your future do to fear? Do you let your dreams stay dreams? STOP today! Take the step or maybe its steps (if you need a push, here’s your PUSH) you need to have the life you want but don’t yet believe you deserve. Here’s a take one step challenge – Write it down!

That’s the challenge!

Write it down!

Even if the only thing you know right now is – “I want to take a step toward a better future!” Write that down!

If you want more visibility – write your are in my comments. If you made a step or took a series of steps, I would love to congratulate you – leave me a comment.

Here’s a few quotes to add to your reasons for embracing changes in your life today.

Quotes on new beginnings and realizing your internal strength:

1. “You can start late. Look different. Be uncertain. And still succeed.” – Misty Copeland

2. “It’s a terrible thing, I think, in life to wait until you’re ready. I have this feeling now that actually no one is ever ready to do anything. There is almost no such thing as ready. There is only now.” – Hugh Laurie

3. “Rock bottom became the solid foundation on which I rebuilt my life.” – J.K. Rowling

4. “You’re off to great places. Today is your day. Your mountain is waiting, so get on your way.” -Dr. Seuss

5. “We keep moving forward, opening new doors, and doing new things, because we’re curious and curiosity keeps leading us down new paths.” – Walt Disney

6. “Put blinders on to those things that conspire to hold you back, especially the ones in your own mind.” – Meryl Streep

7. “Don’t let yesterday take up too much of today” – Will Rogers

8. “If you are working on something that you really care about, you don’t have to be pushed. The vision pulls you.” – Steve Jobs

9. “If you look at what you have in life, you will always have more.” – Oprah Winfrey

10. “You are enough just as you are.” – Meghan Markle

Til next time

Take one step towards your desired future

Uncategorized

Free Registration To The Boss Free Virtual Summit – April 30, 2019

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Happy Today!!

I know many people who hate their jobs!

I know even more people who are dealing with burnout and what I called the “I have no options syndrome.”

I was one of those people who saw the writing on the wall for my job and planned for it. But some people see the writing and don’t plan for it.

Sadly, I am sure that you know even more people who fall into one or more of the categories above.

I want everyone to understand that there are options and resources available if you hate your job, wish to change careers, are interested in side hustles/self-employment, or have a curiosity regarding these areas. Jeff at Read to Lead Podcast has assembled a group of industry experts who will provide a wealth of information on a variety of topics centered around becoming Boss Free. The Boss Free Virtual Summit will occur April 30, 2019.

The summit is free and once you register you get access to Jeff’s Boss Free Resource List. In addition, since many people work the sessions are recorded and you may access them for three days. There is also an opportunity to select the on demand option which will allow you continued access after the three days.

I’m registered and looking forward to learning from these experts. If you would like more resources such as these, please leave me a comment.

Til next time,

“You should set goals beyond your reach so you always have something to live for.” – Ted Turner

Books and Words

Audible Free Picks Of The Month – April 2019

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Happy Today!

Audible has its monthly offerings of free original audiobooks available for account holders.  As part of your subscription, you have the opportunity to download two titles each month for your listening pleasure.

This month’s offerings include:

  1. True West by Sam Shepard  – Drama narrated by Kit Harrington and Johnny Flynn
  2. The Beautiful Brain by Hana Walker-Brown – Investigation regarding head traumas in sports, Narrated by Hana Walker-Brown
  3. Riley Mack and the Other Known Troublemakers by Chris Grabenstein – Fiction story of a crew of clever kids who outwit bullies and bank robbers
  4. Elizabeth II: Life of a Monarch by Ruth Cowen – Documentary of Queen Elizabeth narrated by Jennie Bond, Tim Piggott-Smith, Lindsay Duncan
  5. The Dispatcher by John Scalzi – Science Fiction & Fantasy story narrated by Zachary Quinto
  6. The Darkwater Bride by Marty Ross – Horror Fiction narrated by Clare Corbett, Donal Finn, Jamie Glover, Freya Mavor, and Adrian Scarborough

There is an audible book for the book lovers in all of us.  Even though reading the written word is the best, listening is a great compromise especially when trying new genres.

Til next time,

“You can find magic wherever you look. Sit back, relax, all you need is a book.” – Dr. Seuss

Uncategorized

Reminder of The Power of Common Courtesy

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Happy Today!

We are in full relocation mode this week but I want to share a post I published on my blog BeingTiff in 2015. The post was originally entitled Operation Common Courtesy. With the state of society and the sadness associated with various situations around the world, I thought it would be a great reminder of the need to demonstrate common courtesy to those around us.

It’s been almost four years since this post was published but I still experience odd looks from people whenever I say “Good Morning” or “Thank You.” But I don’t know their story so I speak and offer a smile of encouragement. If you read this post today and struggle with thoughts of suicide, please contact The National Suicide Hotline at 1-800-273-8255.

Operation Common Courtesy is a repost from BeingTiff.wordpress.com

On Friday I had the honor of hearing the powerful story of a young man who survived what should have been a tragic story of a 19 year old suicide victim.  Thankfully it was the story of a survivor, an advocate, an inspiration and a walking success story.

As I sat and listened to his testimony, I was struck by one recurring theme – “what happened to common courtesy?”  I can’t do his story justice but I am going to try.  This young man sat among and walked among several people of various ages, genders and races and literally cried for help.  

Key word, cried.

Everywhere he went he cried. As he walked he cried. As he rode he cried. People pointed people laughed but no one asked him if he was ok.  And that was the one phrase he needed to hear. “Are you ok?”  

He said to hisself if one person will just ask me if I was ok I won’t go through with killing myself.  Again that thought occurred to me, “what happened to common courtesy?”  I remember a time in which a person could shed one tear and everyone would stop and ask if you needed anything.  I remember when it was unthinkable to walk past a child or woman asking for money for gas or a meal.  “What happened to common courtesy?”

It wasn’t until I listened to his story that   I remembered when I was pregnant and tried to walk in the door at McDonalds, people would push me out of the way.  “What happened to common courtesy?”  I was inspired by that testimony and decided to take up his challenge of giving a smile to everyone I meet because it may be the only one they receive.  That was easy for me so I decided to make it more challenging, I decided to see if common courtesy was still alive. For the sake of my own challenge, I considered common courtesy to be any of the following:

1. “Good Morning”

2. “Hello!”

3. “How are you? Then actually respond”

4. “Have a great day”

5. “You look nice!”

6. “Are you ok?”

I wish I could say that my challenge experience was positive but I was saddened by the number of people that wouldn’t even return “Good Morning” or “Hello.”  I was even more surprised by the odd looks I received just from uttering those words to strangers.  

I guess common courtesy is not as common as I thought.  Now knowing this unfortunate truth, I plan to keep practicing what I am calling OPERATION COMMON COURTESY.  I will model this behavior for my children and put the expectation of a return reply in their minds.  Maybe by demonstrating a little compassion, my family may help another hurting person who is thinking to themselves, “If one person asks me how I am doing, I won’t kill myself.”

What about you? Will you choose to join us in OPERATION COMMON COURTESY?

Til next time,

Give a smile to someone today, it may be the one thing they need to keep them going.