What is Your Recipe for Life?

The month of May was busy with celebrations and A LOT of reflecting on the past.  Hitting the milestone of 65 and celebrating 4 years was HUGE for me.  I am amazed at how much my mindset has changed over the last 3 years…

On the days I least expect it, I am reminded of the importance of changing your mindset in all areas of your life especially during those woe is me days.  You know, the days we sit on the “pity pot” focusing on the negative instead of counting our blessings.  These kind of days are fewer and far between since I have been working on the steps and me.  They still come but today I have tools to keep them from lasting too long.

It is usually someone around me who notices the negative mindset or the “attitude” long before I do.  Today, I very seldom wait for the third duck before I start looking at whether or not I need to change my mindset.  Let me explain…When I was in rehab back in 1991 (yup this is one thing that has always stuck with me), I remember a saying something like this: If one person calls you a duck – you can toss it aside, if two people call you a duck – it deserves some consideration but if three people call you a duck – you MUST be a duck!”  Have you ever heard this?

Do you need to change your mindset? Do you need to train your brain  to think positively?  Here are a few tips to help you:

• Believe in yourself – remind yourself daily how awesome you are.
• Empower yourself – remind yourself you always have choices.
• Believe in the impossible – remind yourself anything is possible.
• Look for the good – remind yourself to reframe situations using the tools above.

I will admit, this is a struggle for me some days when new situations trigger old memories, the old behaviors want to come out.  I am learning to STOP 🛑 for a moment, usually saying the Serenity Prayer and then move forward.  I look at how far I have come and remember, feelings pass unless I want to hold on to them and dwell in the muck.

Focusing on the good things in my life and practicing gratitude is a big help.  Surrounding myself with positive people instead of the Negative Nellies is key too.  Maybe this will help you in changing your mindset or counting your blessings:

Begin with a case of Joy

Add a heaping spoonful of Gratitude

Fold in a large dollop of Kindness

Stir in a handful of Forgiveness

Sprinkle liberally with Love and cover with Peace

Always serve with a large side of Faith

(Author unknown)

 

What is your recipe for life?  Have an Epic day!

Thirty-One Gives

At Thirty-One, giving is part of who we are

The name Thirty-One comes from Proverbs 31, which describes a community-oriented woman who gives back and helps others. From the start, community and giving have been at the heart of every decision we make as a company. As Thirty-One grew, we realized we had the power to make a real impact in the world. So, to help us take our mission even further, in 2012 we created Thirty-One Gives, our charitable program. The mission? Empower girls, women and families to build the confidence and self-esteem needed to live a purposeful, thriving life.

Why girls, women and families?

The Thirty-One sales field is a community made up of thousands of women, and we’ve seen firsthand how the opportunity to own an independent business can change lives. We believe confident girls become strong women who lead healthy families and build thriving communities. When women are supported and celebrated, they go on to make a positive impact in the lives of others!

Since its founding, Thirty-One Gives has donated over $100 million in product and cash to charitable organizations that share our mission. From breast cancer research to children’s mental health awareness and support for military families, we’ve forged partnerships with leading national organizations that support important causes near and dear to our heart and to the hearts of our Consultants. 

Giving in action: How we give back

One way we’ve made giving a part of our everyday business is through the Round Up! program. At checkout, every Thirty-One customer has the opportunity to Round Up! their order to the nearest dollar or make a donation of any amount to support our mission. Proceeds from Round Up! benefit a different philanthropic partner each season, allowing us to spread resources and hope to different causes and proving that every cent truly makes a difference.

Between Round Up! and donations of cash and product, we’ve been able to accomplish some pretty amazing things, from donating thousands of dollars to support organizations that combat domestic violence to providing care packages for families with children in the hospital. Not to mention the thousands of fundraisers our Consultants have held to raise money and collect donations for causes they believe in.

A community with heart

Not only is Thirty-One Gives about empowering and giving back to women, girls and families –it’s about relationships. We’re only able to do what we do thanks to the passion of our entire community of Customers, Consultants, Insiders and Home Office employees. If you’ve ever bought a Thirty-One tote or hosted a party with us, you’ve been a part of our giving story. The next time you shop with us, consider rounding up to continue supporting our charitable efforts. When we all work together, we can make a huge difference.

My customers have donated over 500 chemo comfort bags, as well as zipper pouches for our troops, dialysis comfort bags, Easter baskets, Mother’s Day gifts, and supported countless families in the community.  Fundraising opportunities are available.  My next give back program is for Rooted in Love – mini zipper pouches filled with necessities to share some kindness with women who are struggling.

Thank you for helping us to make a difference.

Have a ThirtyOne-derful day!

Actually, I Can Movement

I don’t know about you but I am my own worst critic.  I tend to believe things which simply aren’t true. You know those horrible inner gremlins which want to keep you from feeling the JOY of every day.  What if you WERE good enough, just the way you are? What if failure wasn’t an option? What if you believed, “Actually, I Can”?

STOP right now and take a minute to think about all the things you’re capable of .  I BELIEVE you can do anything you put your mind to!  NOW share the positivity with the women around you.

Thirty-One is launching an ALL IN campaign this fall to inspire others to believe in themselves. When we take time to better ourselves from within, we inspire others to believe – “Actually, I Can.”

 

Write a love letter to yourself

 

Play this fill-in-the-blank  game to get yourself in a positive headspace! Without reading the story, fill in the blanks with a word of your choosing. When you’ve filled them all in, read it back to yourself and feel the love.  I would love to have you share YOURS with us…

 

Wear your confidence close to your heart

 

Design an “Actually, I Can” charm to wear (or gift!) as a reminder to keep moving forward, no matter what life tosses your way. Our Personalization Studio makes it easy to create a custom piece of jewelry that makes a statement, like a personalized Just Write™ Rectangle Charm on a long Dainty Rolo Chain.  I have two of them I were every day – “Just for Today” as a reminder of my recover after relapse and “Courage” because it is my word for this year.  The both remind me of how far I have come over the last 16 months…

 

Pin up these mantra cards

 

Are you a fan of mantras?  Did you know when you repeat a positive mantra every day for 21 days, if will actually become something you believe in?  Positive energy draws more positive energy so why not give these mantras a try.  Use these fun, printable mantra cards to spread the love and keep the positivity going! Hang them on your mirror or leave them for others to find as a reminder of all the amazing things you and others are capable of.

Help survivors of domestic violence

I have shared my story before of being a child of domestic violence – something not talked about back then but it was.  Whether it is physical, emotional or verbal – more than 1 in 3 women will experience some form of domestic violence in her lifetime. This fall, Thirty One is  standing with survivors by supporting an issue which affects so many.

Throughout the entire fall season, Thirty-One Gives wants to empower women to believe in themselves, find safety and rebuild their lives. During October and November, you can Round Up! your Thirty-One purchase to the next nearest dollar (after tax and shipping) or make a donation of any amount to support survivors of domestic violence through our partners: National Network to End Domestic Violence in the United States.

Funds raised by the Round Up! campaign will go to specific programs run by these organizations to help survivors of domestic violence get back on their feet.

In the United States, funds will support the Independence Project through National Network to End Domestic Violence, a credit-building microloan program that helps survivors of domestic violence rebuild after experiencing financial abuse. Women can receive a zero-fee, zero- interest loan of $100 to boost their credit scores. By paying back just $10 for 10 months, she can get approved to sign a lease, buy a car and get started on her new, safe life!

Share your giving heart this season by participating in Round Up! this season – your donations will make an enormous difference in the lives of survivors of domestic violence.

Have a blessed day!

Every Storm – An Opportunity to Trust God

Thank you Mary Southerland for today’s message….

LORD, even when I have trouble all around me, You will keep me alive. When my enemies are angry, You will reach down and save me by Your power  ~ Psalm 138:7, NCV

My father-in-law was swimming in the Atlantic Ocean when he was caught in a school of jellyfish. Dad was stung twenty-three times. In severe pain and a state of sheer panic, he began to swim furiously, trying to escape the poisonous sea creatures.

The only problem was that he was not sure which way was up.

Dad was soon running out of air. He prayed … asking God for help.

And then a thought occurred to him. His only hope was to stop, relax, and look for the light. As he forced himself to relax, he began to float. And then he saw it … the light. With his last bit of energy, he began to swim toward the light and made it to the surface just before he passed out and was rescued.

We often react to a crisis in the same way.

When the excruciating pain of life leaves us breathless, we panic.

We are not sure which way to go.

We are soon paralyzed and in desperate need of rescuing.

And as a last resort, we cry out to God.

When will we learn that crying out to God should be our first response instead of our last resort?

The psalmist promises that God will keep us by His power. The word “power” means “strength and authority.” When we fully surrender our lives to Christ, the Holy Spirit comes to dwell within us. He is our power link to God. And one of His most important jobs is to comfort us when we are in pain and sustain us in the storms of life.

I am telling you these things now while I am still with you. But when the Father sends the Counselor as my representative – and by the Counselor I mean the Holy Spirit – He will teach you everything and will remind you of everything I myself have told you
(John 14:25-26, NLT).

Many times, when the storm waves of life hit, we forget every promise we know. That is when the Holy Spirit reminds us that …

·       God is faithful.
·       God will not forsake us.
·       God will never leave us.
·       God is always with us.
·       God will empower us to withstand the storm.

Just as storms in life are a certainty, so is the provision of God.

Life can be messy and bad things will happen, but every crisis and every storm is also an opportunity to trust God. He calls us to a heavenly perspective when facing challenging times. He calls us to see the storms of life as He sees them – opportunities for His power and purpose to be illustrated in human terms.

In the midst of the darkness, He will point us toward the light. When a huge wave of daily life knocks us to our knees, it is easy to lose our sense of direction. When a storm overwhelms us, we need to stop, look for the light, and swim toward it.

Have a ThirtyOne-derful day!

Why Thirty-One Gifts Now?

I know, you are thinking…. this is just another pitch to join a direct sales company.  Yes, it may look that way BUT have you ever thought about the difference in could make in your life.

What would you do with an extra $300 a month?  Imagine being able to pay your bills or even your mortgage payment each month with your Thirty-One income. What about extra-curricular activities for your kids, a new car for your family, or even paying for a family vacation, with CASH!  Imagine having the money you need for those “extras” you want for yourself and your family…EVERY…SINGLE…MONTH! .Can you visualize it or does it seem impossible?

I was one of those who never easy dreamed.  I lived paycheck to paycheck as a single mom.  I would do vision boards and then quickly have those dreams swallowed up in a pit of bills.  Take a minute and think about what you really want (or dream you had)…. I am inviting you dream because all of this (and more) has happened for so many Thirty-One consultants!  Me included!!!

WHAT IS THIRTY-ONE?
Thirty-One is a faith-based company offering a personalized shopping experience to our customers. We offer purses, totes, accessories, and organizing solutions for your home. The name is from Proverbs 31 and is built on the mission to Celebrate, Encourage, & Reward women!  Let’s be honest, we take care of EVERYONE, so we deserve a little something, right? Thirty-One began in 2003 in the Tennessee home of Scott and Cindy Monroe.  We are the #1 party plan company in the United States! Here is a piece of trivia for you…. There are over 15 million direct sellers in the US of which 80% are women, and less than 1% are Thirty-One consultants! The opportunity is HUGE!

Here is a video which shows to the heart of who we are:

Join my team by clicking here:

 

STEP 1:  Pick and Purchase your enrollment kit. You get to choose from TWO full enrollment kits!! Here is what is included in each one.  Which one is your FAVORITE?

Within 3-5 days after you enroll, you will receive a BIG HOT PINK BOX! Included in the box will be everything you need to get started including business supplies!

STEP 2: Plan Your Launch Party!

Successful consultants begin with a Launch Party!  When you host a party you have the opportunity to introduce your family and friends to your Thirty-One business!  I will be there to help with every step!  You’ll be the HOSTESS and the CONSULTANT for the party. So you will be earning commission from this party, and you’ll be raking in the hostess rewards too!

 

STEP 3:  Earn your Wishes rewards!

The Wishes Reward program is an extra incentive the company offers for new consultants, giving you a chance to earn even more FREE products, Disney gifts cards, VISA gift cards, and business supplies in your first four months.

STEP 4:  Get PAID to PARTY!!
An average party at Thirty-One is about $600 and our consultants earn 25% commission. So, 25% of an average party is $150!! You get to choose how many parties you hold each month. The more you party, the more you earn. Where else can you get paid to hang out with friends, drink wine and eat yummy food! How much would you like to earn your first month?

We get paid by direct deposit on the 10th and 25th of every month.

 

STEP 5:  Get plugged in! 
When you join Thirty-One, you are in business for yourself, not by yourself.  You will be part of one of the largest teams in the company.  We are family (are you humming the song?) and I’m here to help!! Thirty-One offers online training available 24/7. There are local meetings and events with a director in your area, and National Conference happens in July each year!   We just celebrated our 15th Anniversary in Columbus this past weekend.  Additionally,  I am your Director and will support you with training and communication throughout your Thirty-One journey. We have team Facebook group where lots of great information is shared so you can connect with other women on our team!

Is your head spinning?  There is so much information.  Let’s make this as easy as possible:

1. Purchase your enrollment kit for either $99 or $179
2. Plan Your Launch Party for more FREE product as the hostess!
3. Earn Wishes rewards (more FREE products  and/or gift cards during your first 4 months)!
4. Get PAID to PARTY (25% commission from ALL your parties)!
5. Get plugged in for support!

Simple, Easy & Fun!! In 5 easy steps you will be on your way to a SUCCESSFUL NEW BUSINESS!! What is the worst case scenario?  You make a little bit of money and have awesome products to keep.  OR, you will realize the more you party, the more fun you have, and the more you EARN!

Alright, so you are thinking, I’m a crazy busy mom (or working woman) and I don’t have time to party!  Maybe making some extra money isn’t your motivation….Here are some of the reasons other consultants have joined………

• Extra money
• Personal growth
• Consultant perks & 40% discount on products
• Friends
• Fun

So…WHY would you join? Is it the fun, the friends, the extra money, or the perks? What most intrigues you about joining Thirty-One?  Have more questions, click here, and scroll to the bottom for more answers OR send me an email.  My business is an open book.

Have a ThirtyOne-derful day!