One Month....I DID IT!

Morning - I am doing the HAPPY DANCE!!!!!

I can't believe that I did it - no I haven't reached goal at Weight Watchers but getting close.  

I have done 30 days of blogging and am ready to keep going.  Thank you Vanessa Coppes for the encouragement.  It is now part of my morning ritual - coffee, devotions and a blog posting.  I am learning to make notes for future blog posts to share with everyone.  At some point, I am sure I will share more of my personal life's journey but for right now, the spark has not been there nor do I want to be know as a blogger who just shares "their drama".  I want to inspire and encourage other women to reach for their dreams no matter how big or out of reach they may be.  

I have learned that even though I may not think something is important - it may change someone else's thought process and help them.  Thank you to those who have been following me and sharing my stories.  Like with any business - word of mouth is the best way to promote your business.  

Here are a list of tips from Direct Selling Education Foundation on promoting through word of mouth:

1. Join a local event, get your business in the local media and get people talking positively about your business.
2. Use social networks to connect with your customers, engage in conversations, use it to provide better customer service, and build relationships and buzz.
3. Make each interaction with your business a memorable one, and you’ll make your business memorable. Follow up with a thank you call or card. Offer a free branded gift and other memorable services.
4. Offer your customers an opportunity to comment, or take a poll and act upon their suggestions to create buzz.
5. Ask loyal customers and local influencers to refer your business to others and give them a reward for it.
6. Treat your customers like VIPs and share their testimonials wherever you can.
7. Offer customized/personalized customer service to create a buzz.
8. Ask for reviews from loyal customers and local influencers.
9. Once in a while, surprise your customers with extras and tell them to share it with others. Give them a discount that they can share with another to help bring new customers.
10. Start a campaign to help others in your community and create an online forum to encourage conversation and positive word of mouth.
11. Become the town “know it all.” Post and host on your site interesting facts about your town and residents to encourage conversations.
12. Offer contests, start trends and other promotions to generate buzz and build brand recognition.

If you haven't blogged - try it!  If you are, share your link below and I will be happy to pass it on to others.  Have a ThirtyOne-derful day.

Centra State Hospital Cancer Care Benefit

Happy Saturday morning Everyone -  I am up early and out the door to support an AMAZING cause - the Cancer Care Unit at Centra State Hospital in Freehold.  I will be joining lots of other vendors in the atrium today from 9AM - 5PM - partying Thirty One style.

This the first time that I have stepped into Centra State Hospital since September 11, 2011.  It is because of the care, support and dedication of the staff at the Cancer Care Unit that I am doing this event.  On that day, my aunt, Edythe Weston passed away from a 14-month long battle with cancer.  I know that it may not seem like a long time to battle this crazy disease but what she didn't know was that she had actually been battling it for years.  See the cancer had already spread throughout her body yet she had NO symptoms.  Edythe was diagnosed with kidney cancer in July 2010 when she went to the ER for a bad cold.  She had been sick for about a week and wasn't getting any better so she agreed to go to the ER.  X-rays showed two spots on her lungs and further testing revealed the main cancer was in her kidney.  Then began the treatments, the multiple doctor visits and the battle that would finally take her that day.  

During the months and days leading up to her death, I spent many days there visiting her, sharing memories and just reconnecting.  There were lots of great memories to share - trips to NY for shows and the circus, movies, adventures galore.  When my drug addiction came to light, Edythe was one of my biggest supporters.  She was there to encourage me, help me through the tough days and lend a hand when caring for Belinda.  Every year she faithfully sent me a card to celebrate my recovery and tell me how proud she was of me.  When Belinda was born, she was always there to help out - babysitting, creating memories for Belinda that would last her lifetime.  We drifted apart for many years - when we reconnected, we didn't even understand the reason why - time we couldn't get back.  Years lost of making more memories.  Edythe didn't hold a grudge, she was just grateful that she was able to reconnect with Belinda and I.  She had a giving spirit and as her dad (my PopPop) would, she would do anything for anyone.     

Is there someone in your life that you have lost touch with?  Don't let a minute go by that you don't make amends - especially if you don't even know why you lost touch.    Life is too short and too priceless to take for granted.      

Okay, so I went off track for a minute....The staff in the Cancer Care Unit were always willing to go that extra mile to help us out.  It wasn't just a job but their passion.  On the day that Edythe went to visit the rest of the Weston clan in heaven - even her doctor came and spent several hours (on a Sunday) with us to help us along the way.  The hospital staff made sure that we were not bothered so that we could have our final moments with Edythe in peace.  

People often talk about going to NY or Phillie for treatment - stating that the doctors here are not as good.  As for me, I would go to Centra State Cancer Care Unit before traveling a long distance to seek good medical care because they are GREAT!  Stop by and support a great cause.  I know that I will be thanking the nurses and staff today for all that they did for us during our time spent in their unit.

Have a ThirtyOne-derful day!

Spring Cleaning the Clothes Closet

Over the last few days, I have begun to do some spring cleaning - my first stop is always my closet.  A chance to put away the heavy sweater,pull out my capri pants, flip flops and short sleeve shirts.  Okay, so the weather may still be a little cool but to me - spring is here!  

While doing this, I came upon some things that were bought and still had the price tag on them.  You know - the perfect sale, something that seemed right at the time or the never ending impulse buying.  So, I have a Closet Filled with  (some) Regrets.  I saw an article the other day that made me stop and think about what is in my closet, the opener said - 

Only about 20% of clothes in the average person’s closet are worn on a regular basis, says Ginny Snook Scott, chief design officer of California Closets, the designer of customized closets and storage spaces. That’s especially the case for women since “men tend to wear more of their wardrobe, as they stereotypically have less,” she says. “They tend to have less than 10 pairs of shoes that they rotate fairly well, whereas women have four to five times that amount, on average.”

WOW!  This made me take a look at my closet again.  What were the things that I wore on a regular basis?  I am a jeans girl all the way in the winter so why do I insist on buying skirts that never seem to make it out of the closet?  Since I am still on my weight loss journey, I have not been buying as many clothes - holding out for milestones in my journey to treat myself to something new. 

The St. Paul's Church Rummage Sale is coming up in May so as I clean out my closet, I add to the pile of things to be donated.  My impulse shopping may be just the right thing for someone else.  What will you do with the "regrets" in your closet?  Do you have a favorite charity to donate to or is there something else that you do with them?

I saw a tip somewhere on a blog or Facebook, I can't remember which that someone shared which I think is going to be my new rule of thumb:

My grandmother always says you should wear something once for every dollar you spend on it. I thought it was silly the first time I heard it, but now I find myself holding up items and thinking "Will I really wear this 25 times?" It definitely helps my impulse buys! G-E-N-I-U-S! 

What tactics do you use to avoid purchase regrets?  Have a ThirtyOne-derful day!

Jiggle Thighs - A new way to look at them...

I read an email/ blog posting on Women Living Well about learning to accept things "in the Opposite World" which really made to stop to think that I need to look at my "jiggle thighs" in a different way..

For as long as I can remember, I have had "bumps" on the top of my thighs.  Yes, they have gotten smaller with the loss of 105 pounds but they are still there!  I walk, maybe not as much as I could but you would figure loosing 105 pounds would have helped to get rid of them, right?  I wear clothes that conceal them but I still know they are there.  Of course you can really notice them because my waist continues to shrink and nothing is in proportion.  So maybe this isn't your problem area, maybe it is the "jiggle arms" or the muffin top or the roll our bra creates - no matter what we all seem to judge ourselves when we look in the mirror..

How about this thought....My jiggle thighs are evidence of God’s goodness in my life! Sounds crazy, right? Mind you I never notice this or any other problem area on other people, just on myself.  Most people don't mention it - okay maybe an occasional child who is curious but why wouldn't they be - I'm curious as to know why God has blessed me with these wonderful thighs.  

In the article I read, Jen Wilken was noted on several occasions.  One of the key statements she wrote was "The expectation of physical perfection hits modern females early and often. In middle school, girls cut themselves to deal with the pressures of conforming to the ideal. In middle age, women do, too—but allow the surgeon to hold the knife."  WOW! She then goes on to say "We carve the record of our self-loathing into the very flesh of our bodies—a self-marring, a literal carving of an idol. Increasingly, physical perfection is the legacy of womanhood in our culture, handed down with meticulous care from mother to daughter, with more faithful instruction in word and deed than we can trouble to devote to cultivating kindness, peacemaking, and acceptance that characterize unfading, inner beauty."

I say all this to say - let's not torture ourselves with lies about the need to have a perfect body or to be an ideal weight.  I am not saying - don't be healthy, what I am saying is strive for a goal that is reachable for you.  I am learning to accept me for me - jiggle thighs and all - knowing that I am beautifully made by God.  I am not less than because it has taken me a "LONG" time to reach my goal weight.  I am not less than because my body is not a perfect size 10.  

Today, I am living in the hope, security and the arms of Higher Power who loves me unconditionally.  Give yourself a break today and know that as long as you are trying your best - that is all that God is asking of you.

For tips on healthy weight loss check out - Weight Watchers.

Have ThirtyOne-derful day.

Earth Day Memories

Monday, April 22nd has become know as Earth Day....we all strive to be eco-friendly by recycling paper, plastic and glass.  We take "green" bags to the grocery store and look to buy organic vegetables and meat.

For me, I have memories of a simpler time.  I know, I sound like I am 100 - no just a soon to be 56!  I remember the first Earth Day in 1970.  I was attending Dow Avenue School and everyone wanted to do something.  We wore earth shoes and cleaned up the parks and woods.  I remember walking to school (about 5 miles one way) with a group of friends to bring attention to how the buses were polluting our air.  Walking to school was one thing but then we remembered that we needed to walk home AFTER school.  Not part of the original plan.  I remember cleaning up a local roadside with my aunts - Edythe and Elsie - stepping on a nail, a rusty nail to be more exact.  So my clean up now involved a trip to the ER AND a tetanus shot.  Earth shoes were all the rage.  They may not have been pretty but they were supposed to be good for you and help the environment.

The years have passed and Earth Day has taken on a new and bigger meaning.  Holes in the ozone layer. Recycling has become mandatory by local townships. Everyone is pitching in and helping to clean up our beaches, parks, and roadsides.  As for me, I am renewing my commitment to do the things that we started to do so many years ago to help in preserving the world for my grandchildren since my daughter is grown and doing her own part on to help save the world.

What will you do to be a part of the "green living" world?  Have a ThirtyOne-derful day.

Becoming a Leader

Several months ago, I promoted to Director with Thirty One - a goal that I had been working towards for several months.  In fact, that was my main goal to achieve before National Conference this year in Atlanta.  Goal achieved!  

As I read an article by Karen Phelps on Leadership Skills, I realized that I had achieved my goal but didn't know what to do next.  Although I have been a Program Coordinator and a Chief Operating Officer in the non-profit world, in the direct selling world of leaders - I was clueless.  It seems that after doing some research, I wasn't alone according to Karen Phelps - "many direct selling leaders arrive accidentally at a new position and aren't sure how they got there or what to do next".  On paper my goal was to be a Director but I don't know if I really knew what that meant (besides a more money in my commission check).  The reality that there was more to being a Director hit when one of my downline recruited TWO new team members.  Her question "Who will send them their new consultant binders - you or Hope Shortt (my Director)?" SMACK!  It would now be me and I was definitely not ready for that task.  Quickly, I began to cut and paste what I was sent to send to MY new team members.

So, here are a few tips that I gained from the article and will begin to put into action for myself:

• Change yourself first!  If you need to change things in your life, start there.  Don't worry about what everyone else is doing just what positive things you can change.  This is a tough one for me because I almost always catch myself comparing my business to others.
• Realize that human beings are emotional and that what we say and do is based on our emotions.  Basically, we need to take time to find out about our team.  I have been blessed to be able to connect (even if only by Facebook or email) with most of my team so I know what their goals (large or small) are as it relates to their business.
• Good leaders are empathetic and sensitive to others.  Basically, be a good listener so that you can hear what they are saying between the lines.  The more that you listen, the more they will trust you.
• One of the greatest ways to influence others is by asking questions and really listening to the answers.  Don't state a comment if you can ask a question.  This goes along with the 10-second rule that I learned from Dana Wilde from the MindAware.  If you are talking for more than 10-seconds after you ask a question - you aren't listening.  I try to practice this on a regular basis.
• Set a good example!  People love to follow a leader that knows where she is going.  Good leaders are self-disciplined, have clear ideals and continually aspire to reach their goals.  Sometimes I think I just fall into this.  I do have goals, a vision board and on most days clear ideals.  As far as self-disciplined, this is something that I have to work on.
• Keep Learning!  When you arrive at a leadership level it is the perfect time to learn new skills so you and your team can keep ahead in the game!  I am always looking for new tips and skills that I can put into practice as well as share with my team.

So, even though my goal was to promote to Director, I am not sure the reality of it has hit or will hit until I have the privilege of walking across stage at National Conference in July to meet THE Cindy Monroe and have my picture taken.  On any given day, I have to have FAITH that God is with me, walking beside me to help me on this journey and is guiding me to fulfill my mission which is "to inspire and nurture women; cultivating their inner beauty that God delights in.  To help them identify their dreams while providing personal, preferred service to my Thirty One customers, hostesses and team."   

Have a ThirtyOne-derful day!

Energizing Your Business & Your Weight Loss Program At the Same time

Happy Monday!  I hope everyone had a great weekend.  I had the chance to read an article on the DSW website entitled "Seven Ways to Energize Your Business" and it got me to thinking - I know a scary thought for a Monday morning, right?

Here are the ways that they suggested that I have tweaked to help me in my weight loss program as well:

• Establish priorities. As in business, we try to tackle everything at one time. List your priorities and focus on just one or two items at a time. The same thing in your weight loss journey - one step at a time. Eating more fruits & veggies. Exercise. Cutting out carbs.  Prioritizing a list takes the stress off and allows you to focus on one thing at a time with the comfort of knowing where you will go from here.
• Be as efficient as possible.  In my business, this is a little bit easier to do when I avoid Facebook, Piniterest and anything else that distracts me from my goals for the day.  I even put a picture of a "security camera" in front of me.  This is my gentle reminder that I have to practice what I preach when it comes to office hours.  In my weight loss journey, the same can be said - excuses or reasons why we don't have time to take a 10 minute walk, eat the right foods, go to a meeting or as Weight Watchers would say "get active".  Don't be a computer zombie or a couch potato, move even if it is up and down the stairs or around the block. Get up during commercials and move. 
• Combine your work with different areas of your life.  For me as a Thirty One Director, it is an easy to combine areas of my life.  I use and carry our bags every where I go.  When I travel to National Conference or for a training, hubby goes along so that when the work is done, we get to spend some time together.  The best is when I get to combine work with a trip to North Carolina to see my daughter, Belinda.  As far as my weight loss journey - it is not just a "diet"!  Yes, my goal is to reach my ideal weight but more than that I am learning how to care for myself by eating right and moving more.  Seems basic enough, right?
• Actively manage your time and stop wasting it.  Time management may be easy for some but for me it is a struggle so calendar blocking has become my friend.  My monthly calendar is color coded so that I can manage time with family, work, my Thirty One business and time for me (sometimes this gets cancelled).  Manage your time when it comes to activity or exercise.  Add it to your calendar so that it becomes a part of your every day life and you aren't wasting the small amounts of time doing nothing when you could be active.  I know, I need to practice this one myself!
• Commit to learning new things.  My professional development is important to me because it is an investment in my business that helps not only me personally but my team.  You can learn new things in a variety of ways like reading a blog, a video, a conference call, a networking meeting or a formal conference/ training.  The same is true about my weight loss journey.  I continue to learn new tips and ideas not only from the Weight Watcher meetings, the friends that I have met there but also by talking to others in the health field or other DS wellness companies about their products
• Don't sweat the small stuff.  There are going to be bumps in the road but you can learn from them and then let them go.  Sometimes this is easier to do in business then when we are losing weight.  If you lost weight but are suffering from a small set-back like some weight gain or a plateau - look back on what worked and what didn't.  Protect your loss.  Just because you gained a little doesn't negate all the positive work that you have done.
• Laugh more. I have learned to laugh at myself.  I LOVE what I do - who wouldn't love to party every time they go to work, right?  The same has been true in my weight loss journey .  I have found that finding humor in everyday life makes me a happier person.

This is a lot to take in on a Monday morning but the lesson is simple - we tend to look at our lives as separate compartments - business, family, work, spiritual, etc. - that very seldom merge together.  When they do, it is often in a negative way - why not take the positive lessons that we have learned each part of our life and apply them to every part of our life as we take this journey through life.

Have a ThirtyOne-derful day!