​During a session with a client I felt the need to remind her how important it was to really invest herself fully into her business. Yes, we have obligations to what seems like the whole world but to be successful at anything takes intentional time and devotion. As a business owner often people can’t see all of the real work that goes in to fulfilling your dreams and so they assume you have “free time” or that you are at their disposal. I am learning it is okay to just say “no”. If you don’t make the time to pursue your gifts and focus on the things that make you happy there is absolutely no one you can blame but yourself. Trust me it is not easy making the time but you are so worth it. You owe it yourself and the world to invest in what you are being called to do. 

A few days ago while at an engagement several people approached me and complimented me on things from my weight, style, to just “keeping it together” …words most hard working people love to hear, right? However, in those moments I found a way each time to shoot down the compliments or diminish their words.  Words of affirmation are big to me and are definitely a part of my love language and yet when given a compliment I am completely uncomfortable and will say almost anything to distract from it…weird I know.

But what has come from me realizing this is the reason I am so shocked when I am complimented is because I am constantly striving to do better, to do more. Often, I honestly do not feel that I do anything extraordinary or noteworthy I am simply doing what has to be done, what should be done, and what can be done to the best of my ability. I live a typically routine life constantly searching for ways to create balance while juggling all the balls of life at once.However, I am beginning to recognize in many ways I am in a race with myself the only problem is there is no finish line.

While striving for excellence can be a great self-motivator it can also be self-destructive if you never stop and acknowledge your accomplishments. This is a reminder not only to you but also to myself to take time to celebrate the accomplishments big or small, allow people to see your hard work and effort. Never reduce who you are or what you have done so far in life. Remember to be in the moment and allow those great things to push you towards greater things. If you never stop and appreciate where you are, or acknowledge where you are, how can you properly prepare for where you are going?

You may not have the dream career you want; many obstacles may have tried to stifle your life’s passions but it is never too late on this race called life to take a detour on the path less traveled that could lead to happiness. Have the courage to believe you are as great if not greater than people can even see.

XOXO

 
As a mother, wife, daughter, friend, researcher, entrepreneur etc.etc., I wear so many hats as many of us do and in the midst of it all often I neglect the responsibility of “self”.  Last week while doing my routine juggling act my body decided it needed a break. A painfully sore throat which stayed for a few days caused me to rest my voice (and all the boys in my house took a sigh of relief, lol) and fatigue. I had no choice but to only speak when it was actually necessary and to allow my body to get better. Having a moment to rest always causes me to do some internal evaluating.  During this time, I remembered that although I know I am needed and I take pride in all that I do it is okay to not always be available and that as important as I feel I am things can still operate if I need to take a break. I also was reminded that people want to be helpful, asking for help does not reduce my strength it actually allows me to only get stronger.  So remember to take time for yourself, there is nothing more important than your health.