and al of the other good, bad and ugly parts of my life
My life has not been perfect, but today, I am deciding to view it through the lens of thankfulness and gratitude. For it is those things which have helped to shape me. It is those imperfections which have helped me to become the woman I am today. Some days those same things take me on a dark journey of negativity BUT today is NOT one of them.
TODAY, I am thankful for the struggles because without them I would not be able to make a difference in the life of someone else. I would not be able to be compassionate. I would not have the desire to make others smile.
TODAY, I am thankful for a loving God who not only has forgiven me for my mistakes but continues to guide me. I have faith and trust with Him, all things are possible.
So, what are you thankful for today? Share with us and let’s celebrate our imperfections together.
UGH! I cringe every time I see this picture but it is a constant reminder for me. Yes, it is me at a hefty 295 pounds with my awesome daughter. This is definitely a #throwback.
This was a period of time in my life when Negative Nellie and Doubtful Debbie were playing along side me. My mantra then was always “I will be happy when…..” and as a result I sometimes missed out on things.
Have you every said or even thought these words? Have you started a sentence with “when I am…., I will be happy”? I will be honest and say there are still some days when those thoughts knock on my door.
On my weight loss journey to goal weight, my favorite line was “I’ll be happy when I reach goal weight”. Guess what? I reached goal weight and there was no magic wand to make me happy. When fear and doubt creep into my business, I say “I’ll be happy to make my minimum goal”. OH NO!!!
The Universe brings us what we put out there. Fear and doubt brings more fear and doubt. The statement “I’d be happy if ….” takes our focus off the blessings we already have and those waiting for us. We miss out on the moment and no matter what you may think – good, bad or otherwise – the moment is a blessing.
What if you were to change this statement to “I’m thankful for…..”? Sometimes in the dark it is hard to see the blessings. Maybe you are struggling with finances, a shaky marriage, addiction, homelessness or (fill in the blank). There is blessings in them. Maybe it is a stranger who smiles at you or pays you a compliment. Maybe it is a friend who drops by unannounced with groceries. Maybe it is a song on the radio which evokes a pleasant memory. Being thankful for the smallest thing truly will make a difference in your life.
So, today let’s list what we are thankful for this week. This is my list from 2014 (since this is #TBT) I am thankful this week for:
A relationship with God that gives me comfort when I struggle
A loving husband who supports me no matter what
A loving family who accepts me for who I am along with all of my faults
Feeling a little bit better and learning how to manage my IBS
Not re-injurying my back during the mini storm last Monday
A business that allows me the flexibility to make my own schedule
A supportive network (ETTM) of fellow solo-preneurs and network marketers
A full March calendar that allows me to share Thirty One with friends and family
Only nudging the scale up (1 lb) a little this week. Yes, I would love a loss but as I change my eating habits there will be some changes in my weight. Building a bridge and getting over it!
Receiving an unexpected refund check when the checkbook was getting a little low
As I look back and reflect on this past week, here is what I am thankful for now:
A relationship with God which comforts me when I struggle (never changes)
A loving husband who supports me no matter what (my rock)
A loving family who accepts me for who I am along with all of my faults
Learning to manage my MS
A business which allows me the flexibility to make my own schedule
Grateful the scale keeps going down every week
A support network who continue to help me stay accountable to my goals.
Don’t think you are blessed? Think this is all silly? The truth is a change in your mindset will definitely change your outlook and the results. Start with the little things you are grateful for: waking up in the morning, no traffic on the way to work, a roof over your head, family, food on the table, a job, and the list goes on.
I could go on and on because I am BLESSED. When doubt and fear creep in or Negative Nellie or Doubtful Debbie try to pay a visit – I take a gratitude walk. I STOP and start listing all of the things I am grateful at the MOMENT – no matter how large or small. For me, this closes the door on the negative thoughts and helps me to focus on the positive things in my life.
What is your “I’d be happy if” statement? Let’s change it from a negative to a positive…
Throwback Thursday… YES, these were all in the early Thirty One catalogs. Consultants brought boutique shopping to those who didn’t have the time or the money to shop in those cute little shops. I am so glad that we are heading back to our roots…
Here we are in another “J” month. I have heard from my team as well as other consultants – no one wants to party. They are too busy, there are too many DS party plan companies and everyone is on home party burnout. Really?
Is it that our potential hostesses are in “home party burnout” mode or is it you? Have you exhausted your circle of friends and family? Have you moved out of your comfort zone to talk with other people about hosting or your fabulous products? Are you excited or have you gotten bored with your parties and product? Do you still have an emotional connection to your why?
Maybe it is YOU that has “home party burnout”! Let’s be honest, if you were a guest, would you book a party with you? I remember the first time I was challenged to answer that question. WOW! I had to think long and hard about it. We are usually toughest on ourselves but if the answer is NO, then it is time to re-visit your hostess coaching and your party presentation. I have tried many different styles of party presenting – some fun, lots of games, open house, script, no script, everyone else’s script. The truth was that I have tried so many things over the last year or so, I wasn’t sure what style I was most comfortable with anymore. I thought back to my BEST parties, maybe not the biggest sales but the ones where everyone had fun (including me)! What about you, think about that party? What were the things that made it the best?
If you have been doing the same thing and are feeling a little bored, the summer is a great time to try something NEW. Something that will excite YOU and your guests. Maybe a trunk party.
How about a BINGO night.
Get creative – people are busy and the kids are out of school. You may need to find a new way to lock in those parties. If you can flex your schedule – a Saturday morning at the park, a lunchtime office party, coffee (drinks) after work for about an hour – do it! Maybe a summer theme party.
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Remember, you never know when your next awesome opportunity is going to arrive, so pull up your boot straps (errr, big girl panties) and remember all the reasons why we do this business. And remember – absolute WORST case scenario….the party is a complete bust- you have some “girl time” with the hostess and make a few new friends.
Graphics courtesy of Christina’s Creations. Which one sounds like fun to you?
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Hope Wissel 