Fear dissipates. Habits begun. I enjoy my daily tasks and readings. I commit to me. I am worth it. I deserve it.
For the past year and a half, after ending a relationship I should have ended years ago, I vowed to myself it was time for me. I proceeded to attend events (primarily concerts with a live musical tossed in to spice things up) and continue my cruises through the Caribbean. These were things I couldn’t do in my youth.
Not long after deciding to become a representative for the company I am now affiliated with, I was welcomed by a group of women and a culture that reflects my true self. Yet, I soon realized I had much to learn about social marketing. I purposely didn’t post much about the business until I was comfortable with the products. Now I am ready.
Yet, something was missing. Attention to me. Not necessarily making time for myself, as I have successfully woven these activities into my life with the aforementioned treats and instruction, but for me – inside.
I started to attend one networking group of female entrepreneurs and soon joined – regularly attending monthly meetings; through synchronicity I fell upon another networking group of women and felt its warmth and mission immediately and decided to become a charter member of this fairly-new group (it didn’t hurt that I met one member from the first group I mentioned AND then meeting another charter member whose classes I’d previously attended); and I almost became a member of a third – though I ended up listening to my inner-voice and changed my mind on that one – something I just couldn’t identify nagged at me and I bowed out of that particular group. It was the right decision for me at this time in my journey.
The culture I am thriving from these groups, along with the friendships I’ve made along my network marketing journey this year have inspired me. And made me think.
I’ve never been one to shy away from a challenge, and I have often been my greatest challenge! Case in point? I want to grow my business. I want to grow my tribe. Yet I lack the skill set to initiate conversations with strangers. Moreso, if a stranger speaks to me I try to limit the conversation. So, midway through the week I sent out a request to my uppers and peers asking them to allow me to shadow them to see how it’s done. I’m cruising in a little more than a week and my goal will be to speak to people on this cruise, make a connection or more and speak of my life and this business!
We had a homeowner’s association meeting this week. For the first time in my 7 years of living here, I didn’t raise my voice, I spoke with respect (that is something I always do) and I didn’t join them when they started speaking to me in a condensing tone. I’m proud of those moments, I kept taking deep breaths and reminding myself that I did’t have to add to the situation. No longer will I have to steep to their level. I’m learning new ways to react. I am learning to not hate anymore – they are ignorant and cannot help their way of thinking. I reflect and ask my God and the forces out there to assist them in seeing there are laws that must be followed.
EUREKA! My first TRUE (in my mind anyway!) sit/meditation this week. For the FIRST TIME I was able to sit for 15 minutes! Not only that, but I actually started to hear, really see and smell. Joy. AND this is why I know I am just a few short practices away from acquiring the skill to toss thoughts from my mind AND sit regularly. Yes, just a few short practices away. YAY!
Congratulations, LJ!!! I am proud of you persevering with your sits!!! Now the reward!!! This is a great journey and I am so glad you are on board!!!
Wow! You are truly inspiring me. Not only with your networking groups and reaching up to shadow someone but with your entire attitude. Congratulations on the sit as well.
So many changes… that’s awesome! I feel you ‘becoming” – I love your style, so authentic- thank you for sharing so genuinely- it is inspiring!