A few weeks ago, I took a vacation with my family to New York City. While there, we visited the American Girl® store. My daughter Jenna loves this store, and it’s easy to understand why so many girls are attracted to this brand. When you enter the store, the “experience” begins. This got me thinking about how Smart Women could learn from American Girl® how to build a business image or brand that lasts.
Smart Women Know the Difference between a Job and a “Calling”
I am fortunate to spend time with a lot of Smart Women. A topic that comes up on a regular basis is this idea of a job vs. a “calling.” What's the difference? How do you know what a “calling” is? Jobs are something that we do in our lives to keep ourselves and our families together. A “calling” is when our true purpose, our life's work, is discovered.
The Smart Women’s Manifesto
I have about 29 items on my “to do” list this morning. I’ve got a teleclass at 12:00 with the National Association of Entrepreneur Moms where I’m going to share the 5 most valuable secrets that I’ve learned over the last 20+ years to take a business from idea and start-up to a six figure income. Tomorrow I will be hosting my Passion, Purpose, Plan Circle here in Los Angles for women who really want to re-invent their lives and take themselves to a different, more desirable place.
It’s weird though. I’ve had this nagging feeling all morning. You know what I mean? Something’s not quite right but you can’t put your finger on it? Yeah, that feeling. I’ve been up since 5:30 and it’s now 9:15 and for some reason I’m feeling the need to describe, clarify, or just write about why I gave birth to Smart Women Smart Solutions over 5 years ago and why I created the Women’s Success Circles and all the other “sibling” programs that came along.
About 10 years ago, when I was in my late 30’s, I began to go through a major transition in my life. I knew that something was changing inside of me but I wasn’t able to see, clarify or know what it was at the time. I had lost my passion, my “spark” for my professional life and just felt the “blues.” After some soul-searching, I decided that I needed to figure out what was next for me—sort of a re-invention I guess. I went through and developed a process that I used to create a new, passionate, meaningful life for myself. I also knew that I was not alone. If I felt this way it was quite possible that many other women probably did too. I knew that other women might be questioning what might be next for them, ready for a change but not sure how to figure it all out.
Are You Feeling The Passion Yet?
Hey Smart Women! Happy February—the Passion Month! In each newsletter this month, I'm going to share weekly tips on how you can create a passionate, loving relationship with the most important person in your life—You. As women, we offer our love and support to so many people and we sometimes put ourselves at the bottom of the “love” list. There are 4 areas in a woman's life that need continual love and attention—Mind, Body, Relationships, Creativity. This week, I'll focus on something to love and nurture your Mind.
Passion Tip for the week: Find a quiet place to sit alone and enjoy a cup of your favorite coffee or herbal tea. Sit quietly. Listen and feel each breathe you take. If you are sitting near a window, look out and find a piece of nature that interests you. Take in the beauty around you and the beauty within your soul.
Two great books to nurture your Mind: (both are quick reads with wonderful meaning)
Sue Bender – Every Day Sacred
Christina Baldwin – The Seven Whispers
I'm offering you the same Passion Tip that I plan to use myself! Many of you know that my husband Greg has been ill and in the hospital. He's back home! WooHoo! He is feeling stronger every day. The support has been amazing. So many people have called, emailed, and stepped up to do whatever it takes to support our family. My heart is full of gratitude.