November One Word Challenge: CELEBRATE!

Happy November, Friends!

Already it's been a busy, whirl wind sort of month. My focus this month is to CELEBRATE! Celebrate? Really? With all the hubbub and holidays coming up?  YES. Absolutely.

If you know me at all, you know that I celebrate BIRTHDAY MONTH. After all, we should be excited for each year we have the opportunity to live, to impact those around us, to experience all the amazing people, places and adventures in our lives. I mean, what's more amazing than celebrating YOU?!

I hear all the time that people don't celebrate their birthdays. I'm baffled. It's your birthday, celebrate how you want. Maybe it's being alone and enjoying a good book, a movie, or a solo hike. Maybe it's with friends sipping margs (Mango Marg at the right from Matt's El Rancho, ATX) and eating too much guacamole (which is an oxymoron, there's no such thing as too much quac!). Maybe it's dancing till your legs give out, and maybe it's having a quiet day with your family.  Whatever way you choose to celebrate, I think the most important part is to acknowledge that YOU.ARE.AMAZING. And just that is 100% worth celebrating.

This year has just zipped by - I can hardly believe that I'm coming up on a birthday and the end of the year just behind it. Just the other day it was December and I was planning a little writing project for 2019. I mean, I blinked, and it's almost a year later!

I for sure have grown and learned a ton this year, mostly about myself and the life I want to live, what and who make me happiest, and what sort of impact I want to have in the world. Of course I'm still growing and learning, leaning on mentors and industry experts, and have BIG PLANS for the rest of this year and moving into 2020. 10 events so far this year, fitness & nutrition, and writing projects, and we're just getting warmed up! More reasons to celebrate, for sure.

One of the most important lessons I'm learning, and hope to pass on to others, is EXPERIENCES OVER THINGS.

Kennebec River Views, near Augusta Maine. #theMaineEvent

I've just gotten back from 3 nearly consecutive events in October/early November (CHI, DM, ATX) and had the opportunity to tag along on a work trip with the hubster. YES PLEASE. I'm calling it "the Maine Event" - not because we had any real reason for me to be here, other than to celebrate birthday month on a trip with someone I love, exploring someplace new, and adding to my experiences bank. I had a wonderful roaming walk today, logged 13+ miles, breathed fresh air, met some DILPs (dogs I'd like to pet), took time to swing, stopped and smelled the flowers, popped in small town shops, and just soaked it all in.

And, to be honest, that is about as good as it gets, solo time wise. I'm also a people person, so there are some days when I need people and activities to recharge my batteries. This time in my life, I recognize my need for both. I haven't always been aware of what I needed to fill my cup - just what made others happy. I'm still a people-pleaser by nature, but I've learned to temper that against what I need. And it feels so good.

Y'all - take time to celebrate. Birthdays. Small wins. Big wins. Chances to learn and improve. A beautiful day. A rainy day. A good book. A great joke. A new job. A day off. Free wifi. No wifi. A long walk. A scenic drive. And the gratitude attitude just goes on and on and on and on and on.... (you get it).

So. Many. Reasons.

How will you CELEBRATE this month? 

 We'll 'chat' more soon... until then...

Ciao for now!

<3 Jen

Keep Grinding, Even When Motivation Wanes

Keep Grinding, Even When Motivation Wanes

Y'all - my motivation is seriously lacking. I can't put my finger on why, but sitting in the office and working has really been a challenge lately. I'm working on turning off the multitasking monster, but staring at outlines and project timelines, and pages of writing has me feeling a little overwhelmed and sapped.

I recognize that this is not productive.

Here are some of the thoughts that I've been beating back lately, despite my commitment to the GRIND:

• I'll never finish it, why start?
• No one will read it, why bother?
• I'm not a transformation or inspirational story, why would people follow me?
• The proposal is going to be denied, why submit it?
• I'm no good at webdesign, I'll just wait until someone else can help me.
• I'm no expert, who cares what I have to say?
• I can't start that until someone (insert one: better, smarter, stronger, more creative) is here to help me.
• I have a "face for radio" - no one wants to see me on YouTube or in a "Live".
• I've never done anything big in my life, what makes me think I can start now?

I also recognize these thoughts as unproductive, and largely untrue. So why do they still echo in my head and keep me from accomplishing all the things on the meticulously crafted to do lists I've created to take over the world?

Because I'm human, I guess. Because when things are going pretty well, and I feel good about who I am and what's going on, I immediately question if that's okay, if I deserve the good things coming, and should keep on going. I wonder if I'm smart enough, strong enough or creative enough. I question my motives, methods, and abilities.

WTF, right?

Here's the gist of it:

In response to fear, I stop short of failure. I get <this close> and then stop. Quitting of my own volition is better than falling flat on my face, no? Wait, I think I know this one (logically, at least): No. No it isn't. So how does this mindset take root? Years and years of practice, that's how. I'm not going to get into family life, history of relationships, challenges and losses, or any of the parts of my own personal history, but I promise you - it's there. Fodder for me and a therapist to hash out. But I have some control here. I will adjust what I can control - my mindset.

Today's new mantra: WHAT IF I FLY?!

The real kicker is that I genuinely believe that I AM smart enough, strong enough and creative enough, logically.  So what's the rub?

I've decided to do some reading about entrepreneurs and self-awareness. I have queued up a few podcasts and have added to my Audible listening list, trying to understand the deep down reasons, the lessons to learn from, and the paths forward to my best self. (Brene Brown is a fabulous resource, if you didn't already know.)

So, I have updated my mental to do list (Notice the choice of wording - WILL, not should. Should invites judgment and comparison.): 

• I will UN learn some bad habits that have held me back - seemingly to protect myself. 
• I will recognize and lean into my strengths and play into those, and ask for help on my areas of weakness.
• I will logic my way through these processes, with deliberate steps.
• I will celebrate the wins, and learn from the failures (to FAIL is the First Attempt In a Line).
• I will surround myself with supportive and generally awesome people.
• I will stop and breathe, reflect, and show myself compassion and love instead of judgment and shame.

Friends, I'm here to tell you that I'm far, FAR from perfect. I have bad days, I get into trouble, have fights, feel helpless and hopeless sometimes, laugh and have fun, joke and sing, have creative bouts and big time slumps. Feel like my children and geniuses, or feel like I've failed them. I am insecure and confident, depending on the day. I'm both proud and ashamed of parts of myself and my life. I know a little about a lot, but I want to know a lot more. I have so many good things and people in my life, but sometimes wish for more.

My life is a challenge, but isn't that a given? I mean, do any of us really think we're gonna get out of bed and all the good things would just be laid at our feet? Newsflash, you're still asleep!!  I'm a realist, and recognize that I have to work for my rewards. Some days are just harder, ya know?

So, for today, I'm going to keep on the GRIND, leaning on friends and family to help motivate me to small wins. I've narrowed my to do list for today down to just 3 tasks (this blog post is one of them).  I've committed to myself that I will complete these three things and then take the pups out and have yummy leftovers and maybe finish my most recent for pleasure book. 

Compromise, right? GRINDING doesn't have to wear you down. Sometimes it makes you sharper.

Here's to becoming sharper!!

Ciao for now,

~Jen <3

Still on the GRIND

Happy Tuesday, Friends!

We've made it a little over halfway through the month and I wanted to share some successes and challenges I'm facing while continuing on the GRIND.

It's tough to wear multiple hats, especially while traveling. I tend to focus on the event and tasks at hand and leave the rest of the work for when I get home. There are definite advantages to that, and also a feeling of being behind when you do finally get home.

Much of what I've read about multitasking directs us to be more present in the current activity. Experts agree:

“Multitasking is the worst way to try and get lots of things done,” says Robby Slaughter, a productivity expert. “It's contrary to human psychology. We do best when we concentrate on one task at time. It's also insulting to the work (and the person who assigned it), because it indicates that task doesn't deserve our complete attention."

So, why do I feel like a failure when I get home and return to my "to do" list after ignoring it while traveling for other work. Because we are conditioned to multitask, especially as women professionals. There are apps, planners, tools and programs to help you multitask, but I always feel like I'm being distracted from the task at hand. "I'll finish this, but wait, I just got a reminder to do that."  Or, "watch this video while you work on that project." And I don't remember what the video said, and the project I was working on needs massive editing.

When your business model depends on multiple revenue streams, you can't let one stream 'dry up' while you work on another stream. So how can I avoid the multitask mix-ups or the focused meltdown?

Work ahead. That's how I'm working through tasks as the event season continues. I'm making a list of all the things I can do ahead of time, and tackling them with focus and deliberate steps. I'm hoping to find myself a little more relaxed when I return after my next out of town event (the end of this month).

The list is long, and that in itself can be discouraging. But I love a list that it marked up and complete!

My successes have really been on focusing on my physical and mental health, making time to visit friends, and spending time with the boys (furry and non-furry) at home. October travel has been a little nuts and I've got one more trip at the end of the month, but I'm not feeling exhausted or drained, I didn't get sick after Marathon as I often have, and I'm doing my best to stay on track with my nutrition and fitness. I credit some of that to limiting my adult beverage intake when I travel, and also to staying consistent with my nutrition. I pack it and take it with me when I travel: shakes, tea (Ionix), and snacks. I truly believe that it's not only been great to help keep my weight consistent and my stress levels low, but it makes breakfasts easy, keeps my digestive system happy, and I really think it's tasty, too.

If you have any interest in getting your nutrition on track before the hectic holiday season, now is a great time! We all know how a full schedule and the stress of the season can affect your hormones, weight, and sanity in general. Let's get you on track and keep you on track! I love to help others simplify their lives through amazing products. Check them out here!

For now, I'm staying with the GRIND, making a list and checking it twice, and closing/muting the distractions until each item is crossed off. I'm working ahead so I can be more present. I'm moving, sleeping, and fueling my body.

How will you maintain your momentum during a stressful season? I'd love to learn your secrets to success! Comment here or grab me on the Socials! ;)

Ciao for now!

~jen <3

October One Word Challenge - GRIND

As we enter the 3rd Quarter of 2019 - the start of a busy season, it's important that I recognize the effort needed to continue to grow.

This isn't a 1:1 ratio of work=result, it's work + work + work + work = results. Patience and perseverance is needed, and that my friends is challenging. 

Tis the season to GRIND.

I looked up the dictionary meaning of grind to find this:

grind

/ɡrīnd/

Learn to pronounce

verb

1. 1.

   reduce (something) to small particles or powder by crushing it.

   "grind some black pepper over the salad"

   Similar:

   crush

   pound

   pulverize

   mill

   powder

   granulate

   grate

   mince

   shred

   crumble

   pestle

   mash

   smash

   press

   fragment

   kibble

   triturate

   comminute

   levigate

   bray
2. 2.

   rub or cause to rub together gratingly.

   "tectonic plates that inexorably grind against each other"

   Similar:

   rub

   grate

   scrape

   rasp

   gnash

   grit

Not really the word useage I had imagined. But I can see how "reduce" can translate into what I'm focused on this month. I'm reducing, working backwards from my big goals, to determine and execute the small tasks (particles) that make up the whole. RESULT > individual tasks + learning + time. I'm keeping my eye on the small particles that I know with faithful execution will lend themselves to my desired result. 



When working on a project or goal, it's easy to get lost. Can you see the forest for the trees? Each part of the project is important. Each "tree" has a purpose. You may have to plant 100 trees before you can stand back and actually SEE the forest! 

Yo - planting trees is exhausting. If we quit after one or two, we may never realize our goal. Grinding it out, even when the results aren't obvious is our best chance at success.

Plant, evaluate, plant, consider, plant, work hard, plant, look around and see what you've created (and it is GOOD), plant ...   You get what I'm saying.

Here are some trees I'm planting - my grove is small, but if I keep planting, soon, it'll be a national forest!

• My proposals may not be accepted in full, or at all. And that's ok. I'll keep writing them, adjusting them, and eventually working to complete them.
  
• My event support may not look the way I thought it might, but there are always opportunities to learn, network, grow, and have fun.
  
• My classes may not always be full, but I can come prepared and with energy to give the best to those that do attend.
  
• Not everyone I speak to sees the value in the nutritional program I use and support - but I never know when I'm going to make a huge positive impact on someone's life, and so I'm going to keep sharing.
  
• I'm focusing on relationships and being connected and present. Ever think about someone and say, "I really should call/text so-and-so." and then do nothing? I'm working on sending the text, making the call, reaching out. Send the card. Make the donation in someone's name. Give the hug. Tell them you love them. These are the best of my "trees"!
  
• My home isn't fancy, but I can do my best to keep it well maintained, warm and welcoming to friends and family.
  
• My body doesn't look like a Sports Illustrated Swim Suit Model, but I work at feeding it the best nutrition I can and moving daily (I'll be posting about my 90 days til New Year Challenge and for my own accountability, my successes and challenges.)! 

Summer is over, and while I'm looking forward to some fun adventures this fall, I'm ready to keep on the GRIND and see how the work translates into results!
            

What do you do to stay focused on the task(s) at hand? How do you manage the GRIND daily?

I'd love to hear about your One Word for October, or who your annual Word continues to inspire you, or the challenges you're facing. Let's support each other and help us to be accountable!

Ciao for now!
~Jen <3

Designate What You Value Most

We're really moving through September - how does it go so fast?!  This month I've chosen "designate" for my One Word Challenge. I've been working to apply that to all aspects of my life. Designating time, resources, attention and love to the people and things that make me happy, to the activities that help me better myself, to the projects that help others, and to the exercises that are good for my body, mind, and business.

The Hubster and I just got back from a 9 day Alaskan adventure to celebrate our 20 year anniversary (speaking of where did the time go...) where we stayed with my SIL Lana. We explored all over and despite less than ideal weather conditions, we managed to see beautiful places, get to know family, meet a new pup, hike, eat, play games, sleep in, cheer for our favorite teams (Go Big Red Football & Volleyball!), bake and eat some more, fly the drone, see Denali, go for walks in the rain, hike through water and up a mountain in the fog/sleet, small town shopping, and a whole lot of "WOW, look at those mountains!" Check out a link to our video HERE. Designating time for self care, relaxation and time with family really has made a huge difference. #ahhhhIneededthat

Designating time with those we love is an integral part of being our best selves. It was an awesome way to recharge and reset with goals and dreams top of mind. I'm so grateful for the opportunity for the whole week, and I can't believe it's taken us so long to get up there and see the family we have up there and the beautiful area they call home.  I hope we'll be back VERY SOON!

I've also designated some time to read a book by one of our hosts, Maggie Holeman. She's a wonderfully independent woman who retired and opened up a B&B in Hope, Alaska. She's a close friend of my SIL and the four us us got to enjoy lunch, exploring, dinner and a fire, and a cozy evening at her wonderful cabin, aka Black Bear B&B. 

Her book Woman in the Locker Room  is her story from child hood memories (not all good) to the challenges she faced as a woman in the armed service, and Alaska Fire & Police forces. I really enjoyed hearing stories from both Lana and Maggie from their police and fire fighting days, it's truly incredible that these strong women gave so much of themselves to serve and protect others.  I think it's important that I designate some time to get to know more about strong women and all they can and have accomplished. Here's to reading more about Maggie's adventure - and hopefully another visit where we can chat around the fire.

I'm also reading into a personal improvement exercise - "Becoming Self-Aware". Designating time to recognize my strengths and weaknesses, learning from my past (reflecting), trying new things and opportunities (say YES!), and evaluating each experience as I go.   Getting deliberate with my activities (keeping a list and schedule, and reviewing it regularly!) will help build this habit and help me be consistent.

As the busy fall months turn into the busy holiday season, I'm going to be focused on the ways that I can be my best self - even if that means finding the areas of my shortcomings and devoting time to finding someone to help me, taking time to learn and get better, or changing my focus so that those areas are not part of my plan moving forward.

There's always work to be done, and I'm ready to get down to it!

How do you designate what you value most? What steps do you take daily/weekly/monthly to get better? What are you reading? I really want to know! Share with me in the comments or hit me up on social media.




Ciao for now!
~ jen <3