Just a couple more days and we are 1/12th done with this year already! It has been a tough couple of weeks, somehow each week is busier than the next? Birthdays are now done (kind of) and solo and ensemble will be done at the end of this week. And Superbowl when the Seahawks WIN on Sunday! It is the constant hub of activity surrounding all these things that throws me and I suppose has for the last twenty years. You know what I mean, it is always "well this week is a bad week, I'll start X next week." And this weather doesn't help a damn bit, can I get an "Amen!"
Each week it is appointments, and dance class, and piano lessons, and big cases, and court days, and, well, there is always something. Some reason not to take care of myself, some reason not to succeed or reach my goals this week. For some, it is the reason not to diet, or quit drinking, for some it is the reason not to go to church or start going to church, and for some it is the reason not to spend time with their family or do that one big thing they have been procrastinating (find a new job, address their broken marriage or broken child, what have you....). For me, it is to quit hibernating and to use my time to take care of business (and by business, I mean taking care of myself).
Yes, I said hibernating, just like a bear but with a TV and not only in the winter. I sleep, I nap, that is the way I deal with my stress. It is embarrassing, but at the end of my workday or mid-weekend day, I nap. It is an escape, a way to allow my brain and my body to unwind with as little effort as possible. Then, like today, I wake up and the only thing I want to do is stay in that bed and watch TV. Have a decaf mocha for dinner and call it a day. For some of you this crutch is drinking, and for the wiser of you, it is exercising, reading, praying, all of the things I want my crutch to be.
My goal for January was to quit this crap, to put healthier outlets in place so my body, mind, and soul would not continue to put the anxiety and stress of each day in a box with a loose lid somewhere else in my mind. I wouldn't say I have failed, but, per usual me, I wouldn't say I've succeeded either.
I am getting there. Slowly working on developing these outlets, but I haven't been great about putting them in place and February brings new goals that must be placed on top of the greatest goal- to start taking care of myself. It will happen, I will do it, because I can...because that is who I am.
I thank those who have been with me so far on this journey. My mom and dad for encouraging me and believing not only that I can do it, but that I will do it. All of you whom have told me how much you like my blogs and to keep it up, all of you that have prayed for me. Jonna for always being my best coach and walking with me.
This journey has only just begun, this month is not over yet, and neither is this night. I will keep up the good fight, despite the challenges this month has brought, this week has yet to bring, and even this night is currently bringing with my children fighting as I write this.
Thank you all... here is to a fabulous rest of the week, a fabulous rest of the month, and BRING IT ON FEBRUARY!!!
Tuesday, January 28, 2014
Thursday, January 16, 2014
2014- Halfway Through January ALREADY!!!
Well, here it is halfway through January and I'm already slacking off on posting and the promised "more pictures":) I am not going to lie, it has been a TOUGH YEAR ALREADY!!
We started the new school "year" with going back to dance combined with a new employee at work and BAM! UTTER CHAOS! We have been super busy at work which is great, but at the end of the workday I feel like a big stress ball. That really did not bode well for me last week. That dresser, the beginning of all things beautiful and victorious in 2014, still a dresser sitting empty.
BUT... this week I am doing better. I started the week off rough but after a somewhat scary doctor's appointment realized I have to RELAX. Not watch TV, not take a nap, but actively RELAX. That may sound like an oxymoron, but if you know me you understand. I have been reading more, praying more, breathing more, and I actually made it to kickboxing tonight (only because of a couple of AWESOME friends, you know who you are!). I started walking, not for exercise but to de-stress. Walking in the morning, walking at work, walking at night, just walking. It helps a lot for me.
So, until the end of the month I am going to just try to keep taking advantage of more and more healthy outlets. I'm not worrying about training, dieting, etc. I am just trying to take one bad habit and work on it little by little, using the tools at my disposal to help.
Now I'm off to eat a late dinner with my girlies and snuggle in for a little comedy TV and probably a long hot shower to ease some of these sore muscles. Goodnight all!
We started the new school "year" with going back to dance combined with a new employee at work and BAM! UTTER CHAOS! We have been super busy at work which is great, but at the end of the workday I feel like a big stress ball. That really did not bode well for me last week. That dresser, the beginning of all things beautiful and victorious in 2014, still a dresser sitting empty.
BUT... this week I am doing better. I started the week off rough but after a somewhat scary doctor's appointment realized I have to RELAX. Not watch TV, not take a nap, but actively RELAX. That may sound like an oxymoron, but if you know me you understand. I have been reading more, praying more, breathing more, and I actually made it to kickboxing tonight (only because of a couple of AWESOME friends, you know who you are!). I started walking, not for exercise but to de-stress. Walking in the morning, walking at work, walking at night, just walking. It helps a lot for me.
So, until the end of the month I am going to just try to keep taking advantage of more and more healthy outlets. I'm not worrying about training, dieting, etc. I am just trying to take one bad habit and work on it little by little, using the tools at my disposal to help.
Now I'm off to eat a late dinner with my girlies and snuggle in for a little comedy TV and probably a long hot shower to ease some of these sore muscles. Goodnight all!
Saturday, January 4, 2014
2014-Birthday Festivities
My birthday is January 2nd and my Dad has joked I celebrate it for a week:) I had an AWESOME birthday "week" this year. Beautiful cards from friends and family, the day off thanks to my awesome partner, beautiful gifts from my husband and girls, lunch with my mom, dinner with the ladies, mani/pedis with April, a massage from Brooks, a beautiful birthday song from my sister, and lots of sweet texts, calls, and Facebook shout outs!
My birthday is often a bittersweet day because it is the day after New Years. When a lot of us, including me, are dwelling on the resolutions we didn't accomplish the year before and in awe at the big resolutions we have declared for the new year. This year is no different for me, with one exception: I'm done looking back and now I'm looking forward.
I've set the bar high, extremely high, for what I want this year, my 34th year of life. But I am strong, a survivor, a fighter, determined, intelligent, and able to do anything I want to do in this life. Thank you to my parents for teaching me that, and to my friends for continuing to remind me.
As I'm sure it is for a lot of you, it is hard for me to know where to start. I have decided to take the next three weeks to develop a habit, or habits, of finding and using healthy outlets for emotion, stress, anxiety, and worry. That will pave the way for achieving all my other goals this year. It is going to be tough as I am a creature of routine and to create new routines and change old ones is a struggle.
It may sound odd, but I have started with a dresser. A dresser that will hold the things I need for healthy outlets. Workout outfits grouped together, a place for journals, bibles, and books, music, walking shoes, and a place where I can make a list of those healthy outlets and turn to that list several times a day. Tomorrow the dresser will be put together, even if I have to do it myself, and the items will be placed in it. And next year, around this day, I will be excited and proud of all the things I accomplished in 2014 and all the things to come in 2015 and think "it all started with a dresser."
My birthday is often a bittersweet day because it is the day after New Years. When a lot of us, including me, are dwelling on the resolutions we didn't accomplish the year before and in awe at the big resolutions we have declared for the new year. This year is no different for me, with one exception: I'm done looking back and now I'm looking forward.
I've set the bar high, extremely high, for what I want this year, my 34th year of life. But I am strong, a survivor, a fighter, determined, intelligent, and able to do anything I want to do in this life. Thank you to my parents for teaching me that, and to my friends for continuing to remind me.
As I'm sure it is for a lot of you, it is hard for me to know where to start. I have decided to take the next three weeks to develop a habit, or habits, of finding and using healthy outlets for emotion, stress, anxiety, and worry. That will pave the way for achieving all my other goals this year. It is going to be tough as I am a creature of routine and to create new routines and change old ones is a struggle.
It may sound odd, but I have started with a dresser. A dresser that will hold the things I need for healthy outlets. Workout outfits grouped together, a place for journals, bibles, and books, music, walking shoes, and a place where I can make a list of those healthy outlets and turn to that list several times a day. Tomorrow the dresser will be put together, even if I have to do it myself, and the items will be placed in it. And next year, around this day, I will be excited and proud of all the things I accomplished in 2014 and all the things to come in 2015 and think "it all started with a dresser."
Wednesday, January 1, 2014
2014-The Year of Change-Day 1
Well HERE WE GO!!! 2014 is going to be the year of change! Like most control freaks I hate change. But for several months I have been thinking a lot about a sermon focused on Surrender that my pastor gave one Sunday. There is also a section in A Purpose Driven Life about surrendering. My favorite quote is you surrender to something, and if it isn't God what is it? I think for me it has been fear, chaos, stress for way too long. In 2014 I want to completely surrender my life to God and not all the negative crap that has ruled me for too long.
Emotionally that means letting go. Letting go of past mistakes, letting go of yesterday, letting go of past hurts. It means addressing those things, feeling that pain, addressing it, and giving it to God. It means daily giving my emotional baggage to God, whatever it may be that day. That means praying, talking it out, walking, meditating, working out, dancing, singing, whatever releases the negative and allows me to focus on the positive and the Lord.
Mentally that means focusing. I do a good job of focusing at work but too many days work follows me home, invades my dreams and sleep, and shadows my time that should be focused on my family, myself, and all the little gems of life that surround us everyday.
Physically that means forgiving myself for the past twenty years neglecting my body and health. Today is only what matters. Eating right, exercising, addressing my health issues, and the list goes on.
Spiritually it means submerging myself in the Lord. In his word, in prayer, in putting him in the drivers seat. I want to miss church less, read more, pray more, thank and trust him more.
Physically how does all of this manifest itself? You will see me happier. You will see me spending more time on my needs and myself. You will see me more at church. I will be reading more- fiction that I love and Christian books. I will be saying "no" more. To others and to myself, to my fears, to stress, to chaos, to negative thinking. I will be walking all the time: in the morning, at work, at night, you name it.
I will be compartmentalizing my work from home. I won't be taking calls from clients after work hours. I won't be discussing work unless I am at work. We will be spending more time together as a family, and less time on electronics in separate rooms of the house.
I will run a 10k and a half-marathon in 2014. It is a tall order, but I am strong and I can and will do it. I will be a mean, lean, kickboxing machine. I will quit smoking, quit skipping meals, quit focusing my meals around junk.
I will start Weight Watchers next week. This week I will workout three times and next week four, and so on. I will most likely need to hire a running coach.
This year will be full of change. Some is unforeseen. But we will be going on vacation for the first time ever when we travel to Disneyland this summer. We will be adding at least one new addition, a Blue Merle Australian Shepherd, to the family. If I can talk Josh into it we may also be adding a new kitten and another Shi Tzu (wish me good luck on those).
Tomorrow I turn 34 years old. It is a bit scary, I'll admit, being so close to 35. But I plan on running a marathon my 35th year and that will keep me on track, motivate me to become healthier in every aspect of my life. Today I got all the lazy out;) But tomorrow will be about me. About exercising and spending time with friends and family and starting this new life.
2014 will be a year of change. But it is time. And I am ready for it.
2014
Emotionally that means letting go. Letting go of past mistakes, letting go of yesterday, letting go of past hurts. It means addressing those things, feeling that pain, addressing it, and giving it to God. It means daily giving my emotional baggage to God, whatever it may be that day. That means praying, talking it out, walking, meditating, working out, dancing, singing, whatever releases the negative and allows me to focus on the positive and the Lord.
Mentally that means focusing. I do a good job of focusing at work but too many days work follows me home, invades my dreams and sleep, and shadows my time that should be focused on my family, myself, and all the little gems of life that surround us everyday.
Physically that means forgiving myself for the past twenty years neglecting my body and health. Today is only what matters. Eating right, exercising, addressing my health issues, and the list goes on.
Spiritually it means submerging myself in the Lord. In his word, in prayer, in putting him in the drivers seat. I want to miss church less, read more, pray more, thank and trust him more.
Physically how does all of this manifest itself? You will see me happier. You will see me spending more time on my needs and myself. You will see me more at church. I will be reading more- fiction that I love and Christian books. I will be saying "no" more. To others and to myself, to my fears, to stress, to chaos, to negative thinking. I will be walking all the time: in the morning, at work, at night, you name it.
I will be compartmentalizing my work from home. I won't be taking calls from clients after work hours. I won't be discussing work unless I am at work. We will be spending more time together as a family, and less time on electronics in separate rooms of the house.
I will run a 10k and a half-marathon in 2014. It is a tall order, but I am strong and I can and will do it. I will be a mean, lean, kickboxing machine. I will quit smoking, quit skipping meals, quit focusing my meals around junk.
I will start Weight Watchers next week. This week I will workout three times and next week four, and so on. I will most likely need to hire a running coach.
This year will be full of change. Some is unforeseen. But we will be going on vacation for the first time ever when we travel to Disneyland this summer. We will be adding at least one new addition, a Blue Merle Australian Shepherd, to the family. If I can talk Josh into it we may also be adding a new kitten and another Shi Tzu (wish me good luck on those).
Tomorrow I turn 34 years old. It is a bit scary, I'll admit, being so close to 35. But I plan on running a marathon my 35th year and that will keep me on track, motivate me to become healthier in every aspect of my life. Today I got all the lazy out;) But tomorrow will be about me. About exercising and spending time with friends and family and starting this new life.
2014 will be a year of change. But it is time. And I am ready for it.
2014
Tuesday, December 31, 2013
Goodbye 2013! The Year of Realization...
Well, as promised, this is me- open, honest and transparent. Some may say "Why?" "Why do you put your business out there like this?" The answer is easy: to help others. And so they can help me. I hope my blogs, my posts will bring joy, inspiration, education, comfort, and be able to help others who face the same things I face/have faced in my life. My ultimate goal in life is for God's light to shine through me.
And I want your help! I want your support, your information and education, your encouragement, your laughter and peace. So feel free to message me or post comments.
I call 2013 the Year of Realization for me because, quite simply, I realized a lot of things this year. About myself, about others, about life.
This year I was diagnosed with a serious health condition. Those that are close, know. If you don't know, don't ask because I won't tell you. It doesn't affect my work but it does affect the rest of my life. I struggled with not letting it define me, this diagnosis, and I won't let it. I struggled with medication and I am on a good path, medically.
I realized, through all of this, that the past twenty years of my life have been spent surviving instead of thriving. Trying to get through life instead of love and live my life. Those of you that have known me for twenty years know some of those years of struggle. Some of you have gotten me through those years. But those years are over now, I have survived.
Throughout survival, I have neglected myself emotionally, mentally, physically, and spiritually. That is one of the biggest realizations I have come to. With the death of a friend late this year I realized just this very thing and that it is time to let go. Let go of the past twenty years of hurts and disappointments, largely in myself. Take the good and move forward to change (which I hate). But 2014 WILL be the year of change.
It is time to begin. Begin caring for myself in all these ways I haven't for so long. To find healthy emotional and mental outlets for stress and anxiety. There are so many things I love to do that are healthy outlets, things that used to define me but have gotten lost in the years of my life. Singing, dancing, walking, being outdoors, writing, reading, photography. All things I plan on doing instead of napping or smoking to get away from it all.
There is an athlete inside of me, I can feel her wanting to burst out. Many of you don't know this about me but I played sports all through school. In high school I let a lot slip, struggling to survive, but still managed to play volleyball and softball. I played basketball for years. But I want to run and I mean RUN. Run all year, run for exercise and sanctuary, just run. I absolutely love Zumba and have been inspired by my instructor, Ms. Amy Ferrell, who is amazing.
This year I also found kickboxing thanks to JP! I love it. I love it because I am drenched in sweat when it is over and I love it because it embodies the fact that I am a FIGHTER. A warrior. Always but more so now than ever.
Spiritually, it is time as well. Time to submerge myself in the Lord, his word and his presence. To surrender both the daily struggles and worries and those of my lifetime to HIM. I have held back from him and it is time to let go of the control I have held so tightly to and give it all to him.
2013 was amazing in so many ways. The birth of a beautiful godbaby Lexi, two new beautiful nieces and nephews (Saya and Caleb), the strength of my marriage reaching higher than I ever thought possible, and, of course, the purchase of our first new and beautiful home. Our firm continues to grow and prosper and I have found the daily best friends and sisters in Jonna and Shannon. They love me no matter what and they watch out for me in a way that my actual big sister cannot. My actual big sister, Sheiska, and I are closer than ever before and I share the same closeness with my parents. My children continue to be amazing, beautiful, precious beams of light in my world. My pets continue to provide me daily comfort and amusement. I have gotten to spend amazing time with my "girls"; Brooks, Wendy, Billye, Erica, Kristin, Tiena, and all of those I may have forgotten. And finally, I gained a guardian angel, Abby.
I have realized so much this year, 2013. But 2014 is the year of change and I am READY!!!!
And I want your help! I want your support, your information and education, your encouragement, your laughter and peace. So feel free to message me or post comments.
I call 2013 the Year of Realization for me because, quite simply, I realized a lot of things this year. About myself, about others, about life.
This year I was diagnosed with a serious health condition. Those that are close, know. If you don't know, don't ask because I won't tell you. It doesn't affect my work but it does affect the rest of my life. I struggled with not letting it define me, this diagnosis, and I won't let it. I struggled with medication and I am on a good path, medically.
I realized, through all of this, that the past twenty years of my life have been spent surviving instead of thriving. Trying to get through life instead of love and live my life. Those of you that have known me for twenty years know some of those years of struggle. Some of you have gotten me through those years. But those years are over now, I have survived.
Throughout survival, I have neglected myself emotionally, mentally, physically, and spiritually. That is one of the biggest realizations I have come to. With the death of a friend late this year I realized just this very thing and that it is time to let go. Let go of the past twenty years of hurts and disappointments, largely in myself. Take the good and move forward to change (which I hate). But 2014 WILL be the year of change.
It is time to begin. Begin caring for myself in all these ways I haven't for so long. To find healthy emotional and mental outlets for stress and anxiety. There are so many things I love to do that are healthy outlets, things that used to define me but have gotten lost in the years of my life. Singing, dancing, walking, being outdoors, writing, reading, photography. All things I plan on doing instead of napping or smoking to get away from it all.
There is an athlete inside of me, I can feel her wanting to burst out. Many of you don't know this about me but I played sports all through school. In high school I let a lot slip, struggling to survive, but still managed to play volleyball and softball. I played basketball for years. But I want to run and I mean RUN. Run all year, run for exercise and sanctuary, just run. I absolutely love Zumba and have been inspired by my instructor, Ms. Amy Ferrell, who is amazing.
This year I also found kickboxing thanks to JP! I love it. I love it because I am drenched in sweat when it is over and I love it because it embodies the fact that I am a FIGHTER. A warrior. Always but more so now than ever.
Spiritually, it is time as well. Time to submerge myself in the Lord, his word and his presence. To surrender both the daily struggles and worries and those of my lifetime to HIM. I have held back from him and it is time to let go of the control I have held so tightly to and give it all to him.
2013 was amazing in so many ways. The birth of a beautiful godbaby Lexi, two new beautiful nieces and nephews (Saya and Caleb), the strength of my marriage reaching higher than I ever thought possible, and, of course, the purchase of our first new and beautiful home. Our firm continues to grow and prosper and I have found the daily best friends and sisters in Jonna and Shannon. They love me no matter what and they watch out for me in a way that my actual big sister cannot. My actual big sister, Sheiska, and I are closer than ever before and I share the same closeness with my parents. My children continue to be amazing, beautiful, precious beams of light in my world. My pets continue to provide me daily comfort and amusement. I have gotten to spend amazing time with my "girls"; Brooks, Wendy, Billye, Erica, Kristin, Tiena, and all of those I may have forgotten. And finally, I gained a guardian angel, Abby.
I have realized so much this year, 2013. But 2014 is the year of change and I am READY!!!!
Monday, April 29, 2013
Catch My Breath
Oh yeah, that's right, I'm quoting the song title of a Kelly Clarkson song as the title of my blog:)
So last we talked I was about 3 to 4 weeks quit smoking. I have since relapsed. This is a very emotional journey for me as I have shared in my previous blogs. The response I got from some close to me was surprising. My cheerleaders remained awesome! Others said things like "you sound so angry" "obviously you are grumpy" or "that's life". That sucked. I know this relapse will be disappointing to a lot of you but I am doing my best and that will need to be good enough.
Don't laugh, but I went to a hypnotherapist in the midst of my deepest struggle. She had a lot of wisdom to share. My session didn't make me quit smoking (which was of course the intended result), but it shone a light into the chaos of this struggle. Essentially what I realized is I was going about this backwards. I was starting with the end goal, the destination and trying to work my way backwards. Starting with quitting smoking, and then flailing about trying to work into an exercise routine, good nutrition, and ways to deal with all the smoking triggers. Classic me!
So I realized I needed to visualize my "goal" or destination of quitting smoking and getting healthy and go from there. What that means for me is to implement an exercise routine, focus on nutrition, and stress management/reduction... working my way to quitting smoking and getting healthy. This realization has really boosted my confidence and reduced my stress.
So I am "catching my breath" as Kelly would say. I am gradually increasing my exercise, this week to 5 times per week. I am trying to walk as much as possible during the workday as a stress release instead of immediately turning to smoking. As a family, we are focusing on eating at home. I am going to run my 5K's even though I will need to walk part of them. I am focusing on quiet time, a little bit at a time and trying to improve my prayer life and time spent in bible study. I am succeeding.
By the third week of May I'll be focusing my exercise routine to include all of the necessary elements (i.e. cardio, flexibility, strength) and we will be working on more focused meditation and relaxation techniques as a family. I'll continue my bible study and increase the time I spend for myself in the morning and evening. Finally, I'll be walking a LOT more. We are also really working on prepping and preparing our food, especially fruits and veggies. It is such a hard routine for us to get into but we are getting there!
I'm not setting a timeline on myself this time. I'm guessing it will probably be early summer when I quit for good... After all, this is the year of the Cozarts!
Peace out
a
So last we talked I was about 3 to 4 weeks quit smoking. I have since relapsed. This is a very emotional journey for me as I have shared in my previous blogs. The response I got from some close to me was surprising. My cheerleaders remained awesome! Others said things like "you sound so angry" "obviously you are grumpy" or "that's life". That sucked. I know this relapse will be disappointing to a lot of you but I am doing my best and that will need to be good enough.
Don't laugh, but I went to a hypnotherapist in the midst of my deepest struggle. She had a lot of wisdom to share. My session didn't make me quit smoking (which was of course the intended result), but it shone a light into the chaos of this struggle. Essentially what I realized is I was going about this backwards. I was starting with the end goal, the destination and trying to work my way backwards. Starting with quitting smoking, and then flailing about trying to work into an exercise routine, good nutrition, and ways to deal with all the smoking triggers. Classic me!
So I realized I needed to visualize my "goal" or destination of quitting smoking and getting healthy and go from there. What that means for me is to implement an exercise routine, focus on nutrition, and stress management/reduction... working my way to quitting smoking and getting healthy. This realization has really boosted my confidence and reduced my stress.
So I am "catching my breath" as Kelly would say. I am gradually increasing my exercise, this week to 5 times per week. I am trying to walk as much as possible during the workday as a stress release instead of immediately turning to smoking. As a family, we are focusing on eating at home. I am going to run my 5K's even though I will need to walk part of them. I am focusing on quiet time, a little bit at a time and trying to improve my prayer life and time spent in bible study. I am succeeding.
By the third week of May I'll be focusing my exercise routine to include all of the necessary elements (i.e. cardio, flexibility, strength) and we will be working on more focused meditation and relaxation techniques as a family. I'll continue my bible study and increase the time I spend for myself in the morning and evening. Finally, I'll be walking a LOT more. We are also really working on prepping and preparing our food, especially fruits and veggies. It is such a hard routine for us to get into but we are getting there!
I'm not setting a timeline on myself this time. I'm guessing it will probably be early summer when I quit for good... After all, this is the year of the Cozarts!
Peace out
a
Sunday, April 7, 2013
No More Yes Man (or Woman in this case)....
Something has been really chappin my hide lately and it is time for a change. Heck, it is a season of change for me, yes? No more smoking, going to get healthy, why not add to the mix?! The big change is: No More Yes Man (or Woman in this case).
My grandma always said "if you want something done, ask a busy person to do it." Boy she wasn't kidding. After my years (and years) of non-profit wok, I know that is THE TRUTH. It is always a handful of people in a group that do 99% of the work. But it is more than that in my life....
I always say yes. Yes to my kids. Yes to my friends. Yes to my clients. Yes to my family. Yes to my causes. Yes to the PTA. Yes, yes, yes! The result: an unhealthy stressed out me who couldn't name a hobby or something I do for myself. Not one thing. NOT EVEN SMOKING! (can you tell I'm a little bitter about that?) And if one of you comments about "That's life" or "that's being a mom" I will mentally punch you in your face.
So guess what? NO!!!!!! I'm done. Stick a fork in me, I am totally done. There are those in my life whom are SO GREAT about this, setting boundaries and doing what they can and I admire and ENVY them! My turn!
Let me start this out by saying, there are some of you I will hang the moon for because you are freaking AWESOME and would do anything for me. Some of you already have. Jen Tyler, Amee Tilger, my parents, Jonna Dengate, my partner Shannon, you are my ROCKS. April and Cameron Wiggins, you routinely do AMAZING things for our family (and me) and I love you for it. Amy Ferrell, your FREE Zumba class and your story has inspired me and I thank you so much for it. You all get YES! to whatever you need whenever you need it.
Some of you have been amazing at sending me referral and supporting my business, THANK YOU! I will always do the same for you! My sister, Sara, and Megan Long come to mind but I know there are more of you....
But to the rest of you.... step up. If you want me to buy your kid's girl scout cookies/coupon cards/whatever THEY are selling.... if you want me to attend your business event/charity auction/or countless Pampered Chef/Partylite/whatever the heck it is YOU are selling.... if you want continous free legal advice/a sympathetic ear to listen to your constant life drama/or for me to constantly change my life to accomodate your plans/lack of planning then you better pull up a chair and clear your calendars people because I will be knocking on your door asking for HELP.
Help with Relay team events, a couple of bucks in Relay raffle tickets, forming a team for the CASA Bowl-A-Thon, supporting MY kids fundraisers, whatever it takes. You want from me, you better be willing to give. I don't care if it is $5 or a couple of hours of your time, I'll take it. And if I ask, and you can't give, HAVE SOME RESPECT AND AT LEAST RESPOND. Ignoring me is just plain RUDE.
Sorry, but I have a full time job, a few of them actually, and I can no longer justify taking time away from myself, my family, or my worship to give to those who don't give back. You must earn my time, and like my loyalty, I will be fierce in rewarding those who give to me.
Peace out.
a
My grandma always said "if you want something done, ask a busy person to do it." Boy she wasn't kidding. After my years (and years) of non-profit wok, I know that is THE TRUTH. It is always a handful of people in a group that do 99% of the work. But it is more than that in my life....
I always say yes. Yes to my kids. Yes to my friends. Yes to my clients. Yes to my family. Yes to my causes. Yes to the PTA. Yes, yes, yes! The result: an unhealthy stressed out me who couldn't name a hobby or something I do for myself. Not one thing. NOT EVEN SMOKING! (can you tell I'm a little bitter about that?) And if one of you comments about "That's life" or "that's being a mom" I will mentally punch you in your face.
So guess what? NO!!!!!! I'm done. Stick a fork in me, I am totally done. There are those in my life whom are SO GREAT about this, setting boundaries and doing what they can and I admire and ENVY them! My turn!
Let me start this out by saying, there are some of you I will hang the moon for because you are freaking AWESOME and would do anything for me. Some of you already have. Jen Tyler, Amee Tilger, my parents, Jonna Dengate, my partner Shannon, you are my ROCKS. April and Cameron Wiggins, you routinely do AMAZING things for our family (and me) and I love you for it. Amy Ferrell, your FREE Zumba class and your story has inspired me and I thank you so much for it. You all get YES! to whatever you need whenever you need it.
Some of you have been amazing at sending me referral and supporting my business, THANK YOU! I will always do the same for you! My sister, Sara, and Megan Long come to mind but I know there are more of you....
But to the rest of you.... step up. If you want me to buy your kid's girl scout cookies/coupon cards/whatever THEY are selling.... if you want me to attend your business event/charity auction/or countless Pampered Chef/Partylite/whatever the heck it is YOU are selling.... if you want continous free legal advice/a sympathetic ear to listen to your constant life drama/or for me to constantly change my life to accomodate your plans/lack of planning then you better pull up a chair and clear your calendars people because I will be knocking on your door asking for HELP.
Help with Relay team events, a couple of bucks in Relay raffle tickets, forming a team for the CASA Bowl-A-Thon, supporting MY kids fundraisers, whatever it takes. You want from me, you better be willing to give. I don't care if it is $5 or a couple of hours of your time, I'll take it. And if I ask, and you can't give, HAVE SOME RESPECT AND AT LEAST RESPOND. Ignoring me is just plain RUDE.
Sorry, but I have a full time job, a few of them actually, and I can no longer justify taking time away from myself, my family, or my worship to give to those who don't give back. You must earn my time, and like my loyalty, I will be fierce in rewarding those who give to me.
Peace out.
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