WAHMs Motivated Forever!

A Letter to Mr. Potty - CafeMom

2008-02-24T06:54:00.003-10:00

I have to add another subject to my "Passionate About" list. I forgot to list HUMOR!!! I can't believe I forgot that. When I stumble pages on StumbleUpon that's one of the things I look for is HUMOR! And if I'm not mistaken that's one of the most popular subjects on StumbleUpon. I Love to laugh in the morning when I'm having my coffee. It sets me up for a good day all those happy chemicals just a dripping from my brain all over to the rest of my body. Then when the bills come, in droves, I'm better able to handle it. Know what I mean? HUMOR very important in my life.

I got this following post not from StumbleUpon but from one of the mom's at CafeMom. It's hilarious! Read on...

Dear Mr. Potty,

As you are well aware, my son has been attempting to use your assistance for the past two weeks.

I have concerns that I would like to discuss.

It has come to my attention that you are encouraging him to slam your lid shut, over and over again. Please do not do this. I fear he may harm his winkie - I've heard this can happen. While your at it, please don't continue to tell him it's o.k. to flush as many times as he can, before I yell, "Hey! Knock it off, mister!" That's right, I'm on to you.

No more finger-dipping, hand-splashing, yook-a-me-I-swimming! If these antics continue, I will be forced to take matters into my own hands. And I think you know what I mean. The overuse of cleaning chemicals can be harmful to certain types of surfaces, like porcelain for example. It's true. I looked it up on the internet. It sure would be unfortunate if you found yourself in that situation, don't you think? Perhaps your cooperation might be effective in avoiding that unnessesary action.

So, seeing that we've come to an "understanding", I trust I will not:

1) Find Happy Meal toys at the bottom of your bowl
2) Hear water splash onto the bathroom floor
3) Stumble over squishy wads of soaked toilet paper in the middle of the night
4) Discover your handle in the bottom dresser drawer
Sincerely,
Johnny's Mom

List Of Things I'm Passionate About

2008-02-23T15:10:00.003-10:00

When I first started this blog I was in the dark about what I was doing. I would get so frustrated with the technical stuff. Now, I'm alright at it. It's been about 1 year since I started. Still, I'm no expert and sometimes it takes too much time to learn something. Better just to do it the old way.

One of the things I read over and over and over again (not in these exact words) was to streamline my subjects. The subjects should all be tailored to fit the blog title. Or so that's how I interpreted the information. That was really hard for me. This is a blog about a WAHM being and staying motivated on a daily basis so she can continue to over come obstacles that come her way while she's building a home based business which is a difficult task to say the least. Yes, building a home based business is not easy, it's difficult. And if you're not equipped with the right stuff you pack up and quit. Get that 9-5 job with little pay, never, ever enough and to top it off you don't get to hardly see your children. They are at the mercy, yes, mercy of other adults who most of them could really give 2 hoots about your child. Children come and go in their lives as public school servants. Their not the ones going to follow through with your children, you are. Never, ever place your children at the hands of public school servants. And yes, some do care but most of the times their hands are tied. Yes, I've had a lot of experience with public school hassles!

Ok, back to the subject at hand. Being and staying motivated is a topic that can encompass all kinds of topics. So, I've made a list of my passions that I'd like to write about that inspire me and motivate me day to day:

1. Ke Akua
2. My children
3. Going to the beach
4. Homeschooling
5. My home based candle business
6. Listing and Selling items on Mommy Auctions and Go Green Auctions
7. Primitive Country Crafts, any crafts
8. Learning about blogging
9. Cooking & baking
10. WordPress stuff
11. Graphics
12. Socializing on CafeMom
13. My group on CafeMom - Primitive Country Crafters & Graphic Designers
14. My group on CafeMom - Motivated WAHMs
15. Stumbling my favorite sites on StumbleUpon

So if you come here and you read my blog and it seems all over the place...it's not. It's just me writing about what motivates me and what inspires me and every once in awhile I'll share something that motivated another person. Or I'll share stuff that other noted motivational speakers are sharing.

Have You Always Wanted To Work From Home But Didn’t Know Where To Start?

2008-01-26T23:14:00.001-10:00

I was once in the same boat. I already knew my future would be in network marketing and owning a home based business but I didn’t know which one. I continued my schooling thinking that at least I could get a degree and enter a professional field if I can’t find a home based business that’s right for me. So I’m on my merry way, still clicking on different things here and there and lo and behold I get a package in the mail with 2 candle scent samples, a brochure, and some other pertinent information. I’m like “Wow!” this is cool.

I put it aside and check my email and in my box is the first lesson from an eCourse that was sent to me by the same person who sent me the package in the mail. I read the lesson and was truly inquisitive now about this business. A candle business? I hate giving parties and stuff like that it would never work for me. But still I continue to read the lessons that are arriving in my box every day now. I’m hooked by the 3rd lesson! All this information for a home based business, before I even decide to join? I’ve never heard of that before! Usually you don’t get diddly squat unless you already fork out the money to join.

Needless to say the eCourse really sold me. But they didn’t give it all away though. And that’s smart too because many a person has inquired about the business, gotten the eCourse only to join another candle company. So they save the rest for those who really team up with them. Smart.

Now this is what really caught my attention. All the while I’m doing this research, the person who was sending me this information was on vacation, if I remember correctly, in Peru? I called her cell phone and she answered! She was really cool about me calling her, of course I didn’t know she was on vacation. We talked several times, even though our call kept breaking up and then it got to a point where she was going to go somewhere where there was no reception at all.

No problem. I joined and signed up with the Yahoo Discussion Group and everyone welcomed me as if I was sponsored by them personally. Now how’s that? I was really impressed by that. Crossline and everyone was greeting me and answering my questions. About one week later my sponsor returns to North Carolina and immediately sends me a care package to get started. Not that’s not a requirement, to send a care package, but that’s what they were doing back then.

Now, here I am one year later with all kinds of obstacles that come my way but which cannot be overcome. Depends on your sights and what you have them set on.

I learned so much since I joined this business. Things about the internet I never knew and I continue to learn to, every day. But if it wasn’t for those first few lessons I received in the beginning I don’t know if I would be here today. Probably would still be hunting around for a home based business.

If you want to check out the Free Candle Business eCourse for yourself just click on the candle… and you’ll be on your way!

May We All Be Coffee Beans!

2008-02-03T09:40:00.003-10:00

I know this has been posted in a lot of places but it's the first time I've seen it. Thanks to DivaDynamite over at CafeMom I wanted to pass it along as I think it's a very good visual on how we make ourselves feel sometimes:

~.~.~.~.~.~.~

A young woman went to her mother and told her about her life and how things were so hard for her. She did not know how she was going to make it and wanted to give up. She was tired of fighting and struggling. It seemed as one problem was solved, a new one arose.

Her mother took her to the kitchen. She filled three pots with water and placed each on a high fire soon the pots came to boil. In the first she placed carrots, in the second she placed eggs, and in the last she placed ground coffee beans. She let them sit and boil; without saying a word.

In about twenty minutes she turned off the burners. She dished the carrots out and placed them in a bowl. She pulled the eggs out and placed them in a bowl. Then she ladled the coffee out and placed it in a bowl. Turning to her daughter, she asked, 'Tell me what you see.'

'Carrots, eggs, and coffee,' she replied.

Her mother brought her closer and asked her to feel the carrots. She did and noted that they were soft. The mother then asked the daughter to take an egg and break it. After pulling off the shell, she observed the hard boiled egg. Finally, the mother asked the daughter to sip the coffee.

The daughter smiled as she tasted its rich aroma the daughter then asked, 'What does it mean, mother?'

Her mother explained that each of these objects had faced the same adversity: boiling water. Each reacted differently.

The carrot went in strong, hard, and unrelenting. However, after being subjected to the boiling water, it softened and became weak. The egg had been fragile. Its thin outer shell had protected its liquid interior, but after sitting through the boiling water, its inside became hardened. The ground coffee beans were unique, however. After they were in the boiling water, they had greatly changed the water.

'Which are you?' she asked her daughter. 'When adversity knocks on your door, how do you respond? Are you a carrot, an egg or a coffee bean?

Think of this: Which am I? Am I the carrot that seems strong, but with pain and adversity do I wilt and become soft and lose my strength?

Am I the egg that starts with a malleable heart, but changes with the heat? Did I have a fluid spirit, but after a death, a breakup, a financial hardship, or some other trial, have I become hardened and stiff? Does my outer shell look the same, but on the inside am I bitter and tough with a stiff spirit and hardened heart?

Or am I like the coffee bean? The bean actually changes the hot water, the very circumstance that brings the pain. When the water gets hot, it releases the fragrance and flavor. If you are like the bean, when things are at their worst, you get better and change the situation around you.

When the hour is the darkest and trials are their greatest, do you elevate yourself to another level? How do you handle adversity? Are you a carrot, an egg or a coffee bean?

May you have enough happiness to make you sweet, enough trials to make you strong, enough sorrow to keep you human, and enough hope to make you happy.

The happiest of people don't necessarily have the best of everything; they just make the most of everything that comes along their way. The brightest future will always be based on a forgotten past; you can't go forward in life until you let go of your past failures and heartaches.

When you were born, you were crying and everyone around you was smiling. Live your life so at the end, you're the one who is smiling and everyone around you is crying

Crow and Kitten are Friends

2008-02-07T09:25:00.000-10:00

Watch this and be inspired and motivated by two animals that are natural enemies. It speaks volumes about humans. It is a lesson from two animals, who are supposedly not as intelligent as humans, on how to overcome and get over differences.

Top 31 Motivation Hacks by Todd

2008-02-01T09:38:00.000-10:00

I came across this while Stumbling and thought it was so good that I wanted to share it on my blog which is about motivation. He lists 31 ways to stay motivated. It's easy and fun to read and I really enjoyed it. I just had a problem with this one: 13. Have a clear, clutter-free work environment Clutter in your physical space translates to clutter in the mind. Have a clean, fresh space to work in and your thoughts and actions will follow-suit. The problem is not what he said, it's me, I do have a cluttered workplace, and house, and I know it means I have a cluttered mind, which I do! So now I'm going to clear the clutter today! Please read this...

Top 31 Motivation Hacks

it is really too good not to if you want to...

Stay Motivated Forever!

You Can Heal Your Life

2008-01-25T08:47:00.000-10:00

Hi everyone! Has anyone seen the movie "You Can Heal Your Life" by Louise Hayes? I've read her book many times and really got a lot out of it. I ordered the movie from Border's but it hasn't come in. I guess I'll try ordering it from Amazon.com! If anyone's seen the movie can you share your thoughts on it?

Inspirational Video by a Young Man

2008-01-18T06:16:00.000-10:00

This is a video made by a young man for one of his college classes. I thought it was really good and was pleased to hear words coming from a young man who understands the power of the mind.

This song makes me think of my children which is really motivating for me!

2008-01-13T12:51:00.000-10:00

This song is dedicated to my children Lovely Day Bill Withers When I wake up in the morning, love
And the sunlight hurts my eyes
And something without warning, love
Bears heavy on my mind
Then I look at you
And the world's alright with me
Just one look at you
And I know it's gonna be
A lovely day
... lovely day, lovely day, lovely day ...

When the day that lies ahead of me
Seems impossible to face
When someone else instead of me
Always seems to know the way

Then I look at you
And the world's alright with me
Just one look at you
And I know it's gonna be
A lovely day.....

When the day that lies ahead of me
Seems impossible to face
When someone else instead of me
Always seems to know the way

Then I look at you
And the world's alright with me
Just one look at you
And I know it's gonna be
A lovely day...

Same Old Motivating Things

2008-01-11T15:44:00.001-10:00

Sometimes I feel so motivated about my home based candle business and my health and my family life that I want to explode to share it with everyone. But when I start to write my mind goes blank. It's a block. I think it's because I soon realize that what's motivating me today and almost every day I've already written about. To reiterate is not good writing is what I remember reading somewhere a while back. So I don't write. Today I've decided to write because if the same things are motivating me every single day then it must be a powerful motivator and as long as I talk about it every day someone may get the message that they too might use the same motivators for themselves. This is what is motivating me today and has been for awhile now. Since watching the movie "The Secret" my children and I have been saying to ourselves and sometimes out loud things that we are thankful for. Especially when the day is going bad and it's hard to think of even one thing to be thankful about. We'll think of even the littlest thing, like, Thank You for this computer that I'm using right now that helps me to run my very own home based candle business. And once we think of one thing it gets easier and easier to think of other things in our life to be thankful for. Am I rich because I practice being thankful? Is that all you should be thankful for, is to get rich? No, I'm not rich yet but I'm going to tell you that my headaches, the aching headaches I used to have when I woke up in the morning. The dizziness, the cloudiness, the not being able to turn my head quickly or bend down and pick something up because my head would spin round and round headaches. Those, are almost nil! Sure, once in a blue moon I'll get those awful excruciating headaches but hardly ever! When I consider that I used to get them almost every single morning making it almost impossible to concentrate on my home based business I am so grateful, thankful that it's not even funny! Having this new free from spinning head allows me to focus more on the things I have to do to have a smooth running home. Well, as smooth as can be not every home is ALL smooth! I think you should try it if you're negative about the whole thing. It costs you nothing to do it except for time.

What Is Creating?

2008-01-07T14:33:00.000-10:00

What is creating? When I think of the word "creating" I think art, painting, making something that's tangible. When I think of a creative person, I think of Mozart and Da Vinci.

But when I really think about it, the word creating pertains to everything! Every step we make, every action we take, every thought we have is a creation. That leaves me feeling great to know that I'm creative, and so are you, whether you want to be, like it or not. In fact right now, I'm "creating" a post.

What led me to think about this? I just created a new look at my CafePress store, Motivated WAHM! I looked at the store front and didn't think too highly of my "WAHM Apparel" and "WAHM Family" section design. But I Love my "5Star Kidstuff" section design. I added a couple of designs to my "5Star Kidstuff" section (with more coming in the future). That's when I started thinking how I'm not so creative. I had to set myself straight.

I've been working for days creating a WordPress site and a MySpace site. I like creating my own backgrounds and graphics so it's a whole new learning experience for me. I have to experiment with different sizes of images to make it fit whatever I'm working on. For instance, the MySpace background that I created, I have to go to Internet Explorer to change the background because it can't be done at Mozilla Firefox. So, I'll upload an image and it'll look fine on IE but will be off on Mozilla. So then, I have to go resize the image on Paint.net upload it to my Photobucket then upload it to MySpace profile editor. I go through the whole process again to see if it looks ok on Mozilla.

The results are pretty good if I may say so myself. Not stellar, but good and I'm pretty satisfied.

Creating is fun for this...

Motivated WAHM!

A Feeling Of Accomplishment

2008-01-06T10:25:00.000-10:00

Even the littlest things, like creating a banner for my new website, gives me a sense of accomplishment. As I feel like I'm accomplishing things I get more motivated to do more. The banner I designed isn't anything stellar like that. I'm not a graphic designer or an artist. But I did want to use a banner that is unique, matches my website, and I don't have to pay an arm and a leg for. Would you like to see my banner? I created 2, one for Kaipo's Scents and one for Cool Prim Stuff. For Kaipo's Scents I took one of my brick red table cloths and laid it out. I then placed candle wax tarts that I make and tried my best to balance the colors. I took a picture with my digital camera that is about 4 years old and uploaded on my computer. I saved it in .gif I believe and than saved it in .png and .jpeg. I exported the picture to Picasa2 where I gave it a glow and soft focus than exported it back to my pictures. Next I opened PowerPoint and inserted the picture on a slide. I used WordArt to make the text. I picked one that is outlined and the inside is transparent so my background shops up. I used the font "Witch" which I got from Rageddy Scrappin for free. I fiddled with the size and color of the text until it suited my taste. When I was finished I saved it to my pictures. I then went to my WordPress dashboard and under Presentation I clicked on Custom Image Header. There I uploaded my new banner. It's just about the same process with my Cool Prim Stuff site. Like I said it's not stellar graphics but it sure is satisfying to see something you made that's really not that bad. Motivation doesn't just come in famous quotes by famous successful people it can come in all sorts of events, or actions that are in your life or you read about in someone else's life that touches something in you and motivates you to get on with your own success...whatever that success may be for you right now. For me, it just so happens to be success in my home based candle business. And if you look behind that there are 3 beautiful faces that will benefit from my successful home based candle business. My 3 Stars!

An Inspiring Movie with Will Smith

2008-01-04T12:10:00.000-10:00

"The Pursuit of Happiness" starring Will Smith and his son Jaden is an inspirational, the man is still living and is about my age, story of Christopher Gardner and his son. Throughout the movie I kept getting this message...DETERMINATION...!!! This man went through hell to get where he wanted to go but he kept his eye on the end result, Loved his son wholeheartedly, to infinity and beyond, which helped him to stay focused ( I believe ). There's a few scenes in the movie that supposedly didn't really happen but you get the picture right? He didn't let anybody Steal His Dream! There's one scene in particular that sticks in my head. That's when his son is shooting baskets and tells his father something. His father answers him negatively, something to the effect that his son can't be a basket ball player or measure up to a famous basket ball player. After thinking about his answer he calmly tells his son

"Don't ever let anybody tell you you can't do something. Not even me. Just because someone can't do something they want to tell you that you can't do it either."

Very powerful words for me. I was told as a child so many negative things. I'm sure there are many of us who have been told the same thing. I even catch myself saying negative things to my children (I'm not a perfect parent) and catch myself telling the same thing that Will Smith says to his son in the movie. His obstacles and his determination and his belief that he could accomplish what he wanted to accomplish is the same kind of thinking I need with my home based candle business. If you'd like to learn more about the man that Will Smith portrays in the movie

The Pursuit of Happyness you can visit his website at

http://www.chrisgardnermedia.com/index.htm

At his website you can also order his book. I Thank Ke Akua every day for people like Christopher Gardner who share their inspiration with everyone.

Great Article by Jackie Ulmer

2007-10-29T10:48:00.000-10:00

MLM Moms By Jackie Ulmer If you are a mom (or even a dad!) building an MLM business and wondering how to keep balance and sanity in your life, then this MLM training segment was written just for you. So, let's chat - mom to mom. First, let me share a little of my story so you'll know that I've "been there, done that" and am not talking some MLM theory. I've built my business through baby number one, a pregnancy, baby number two, and on up to my current position of one teenager and one pre-teen. All the while, my kids were at my feet and I was home with them. Simple? No! Fast growing? Nope! Worth it? Every second! Perhaps like you, when my husband and I decided to have children, we were adamant that one of us would be home with them. Since he was the major breadwinner, that meant I would be home. And, I wouldn't have wanted it any other way. But, it's hard to make it on one income, so I began looking for a business. Long story short, MLM kept coming up, and although I was skeptical, I educated myself and jumped in. Today, I am happy to be among the ranks of the six figure MLM income earners, but it didn't happen overnight; it wasn't easy; and there were many times along the way that I wanted to quit. Does this sound familiar to you? Here are some ideas that I hope will help you as you move along your MLM journey, especially as a mom building strong kids and a strong business. 1. Get very clear on your reason why. This will sustain you when someone tells you no, or things get slow. Make sure your why is very powerful to you and that it means more to you than what anyone else might say or think. For me, the ability to create a fabulous lifestyle for my family and to never have my kids in day care meant more to me than anyone else's opinion. 2. Realize that as a mom with small children, you will have to balance and prioritize in a different way. Communicate with your sponsor and your team about your commitment, your priorities and how you will balance the two. Never feel the need to compromise your values in building your MLM business. I didn't and you don't have to either. 3. Get organized. And, I mean in every area of your life. Organize your business and your life. Set up one calendar with everything about home and business. Mark out times that are strictly family, and every other non-negotiable time in your life. Then, (and this is important) find times each day that you will work your business. Commit to these times, no matter how small the time frame. Be consistent and don't procrastinate. 4. Ask for help in anyway that you can. Talk to your spouse about taking the kids for an hour so you can make calls. Talk about splitting up household duties differently. Invest in help as your budget allows. I know hiring a cleaning lady was a priority for me as my business and profits grew. The grocery store can help with this. Buy pre-chopped fresh vegetables; marinated meats; and whatever you can to make things simpler. I am a stickler on healthy meals and nutrition, so I have never resorted to the "fast food" syndrome. Get a crock-pot and use it! Make healthy, delicious meals a snap. 5. Form a babysitting coop with other moms in your area. Then, use it and reciprocate. I used the times I babysat other kids as playtime for my kids, and then used the times when my kids were at a friend's to work my business. This was an amazing resource for me as my kids never felt like they were at a babysitters. They just saw it as a play date with someone from the play group. 6. Set clear goals and intentions for your business. As Yoda said to Luke in Star Wars II, "There is no try. There is only do, or do not." Same for your business. Make success non-negotiable. It's a marathon, and not a sprint. So what if it takes you seven years to become a top income earner, or hit your income goal. Will it be any less worth it? NO! Make it happen. 7. Work on Self Development. MAKE time for it. If you look for time in your schedule, it will never happen. You must make time for your business and make time for the very important task of developing your mindset and growing your business from the inside out. This is the single MOST important ingredient in your business. 8. Use Technology - Today, with the internet and all of the tools out there, keeping in touch: delivering timely information to your prospects; training to your team and even putting yourself out there so that people who are ready and looking for a business NOW can find you through the search engines. Do NOT let technology scare you. I had moderate success in MLM doing it the "old fashion" way. I created a full time income, but not "obscene money." Today, using the internet exclusively in my business, I'm a VERY HAPPY Six Figure Income Earner working about 30 hours a week. I'm able to work fewer hours than the "typical networker" because I let technology be my sales force and "PR People!" 9. Get your kids involved - From the time kids are two, and maybe even younger, you can find helpful, fun and educational ways to get them involved in your business. In my business, toddlers can place labels on brochures, the bottom of candles and other products, envelopes, etc. They can fold letters, stamp postcards, and have a great time "working" alongside of mom. Relax, and let go of your perfectionism. When was the last time you paid any attention to how straight the stamp is on a letter you received in the mail? Get them involved in non-business activities, too. My 13 year old son made dinner for our family the other night. Now, if you are thinking he pulled out the box of Mac-n-Cheese, think again. He made baked chicken with Apricot/Mango Sauce; Quinoa; Green Beans with Pine Nuts and Red Peppers and a salad with goat cheese. I'm really not kidding. I LOVE to cook and have always loved having my children cook right alongside of me. Now, he is ready to do his own thing. Imagine what kind of time that offers me! 10. Compare yourself to no one! This is so important. Who are you competing with? Only yourself. That's truly it because competing with anyone else is like apples and oranges. Everyone has different strengths, weaknesses, life challenges, ambition and goals. Comparing yourself to anyone else is a waste of energy. If you must compare, then use yourself and your past accomplishments as the measuring stick. Track your steps and then strive for more each week. Your business will soar! 11. Reward yourself. Life is meant to be fun and so is business. In the beginning, it's more difficult to set income goals, because you are building the foundation. This was always frustrating to me, until I discovered that by setting activity goals in the beginning, I could track my progress and feel good about the steps I was taking along the way to make things happen. And, as my action steps picked up, the rewards kept coming, and my business kept growing, producing those earlier elusive income goals. So, look inward and take outward action. Get busy charting your own game plan and focus forward. Along the way, treat yourself for a job well done. And, it doesn't have to be extravagant. Make it fun, though! 10. Believe in the power of your dream. The subconscious mind is a funny thing. It does not know the difference between what is real and imagined. So, since YOU are the one who controls your thoughts, daydream some powerful thoughts. Let your mind go nuts as you wander through your own field of dreams. And, while you are "there," BELIEVE it! Believe it and it will come true. As a mom, you have the ability to offer the greatest gifts of all to your children and your family. You have the ability to raise happy, wholesome and educated children. You have the ability to contribute to the family income without the need for make-up, pantyhose, or glass ceilings. What a relief! You truly have the ability to "have it all" and "have enough" without compromising your children along the way. Grasp the opportunity before you! I promise, you will never regret it. About the Author Jackie Ulmer, a veteran Network Marketer, has coached and trained thousands of representatives both inside and outside of her sales organization. Her passion is inspiring others to succeed in their own dream. Contact her or sign up for her newsletter through her website: http://www.streetsmartwealth.com

Motivated by this book for over 10 years

2007-10-28T08:03:00.000-10:00

Think and Grow Rich by Napoleon Hill. I first read this book about 17 years ago. I joined Amway as a Distributor and we were in Dexter Yeager's group. I know lots has happened with the group, Amway, and ordering of Distributor materials but I have to say that I'm grateful that I was a part of that group because it was then that I was introduced to a way of thinking and being that was so logical to me and made so much sense to me.

Do I still have a copy of Think and Grow Rich? Absolutely! It's in my collection of books that I've kept since I was first introduced to this way of thinking. It was exciting to know that I could change my life by changing the way I think. I had no idea how deeply embedded negative thinking was in my mind. I still to this day catch myself gravitating and being pulled to all the negative things that are happening in my life while fully ignoring all the really great things that are happening in my life.

For example, I live in a wonderful house. It has 3 bedrooms, is spacious for our needs and has a big yard. We have all the necessities, a washing machine, rice cooker, computer, 2 tv's, 2 vcr/dvd players, toilet paper, shampoo and conditioner, toothpaste, dishes, food, the list goes on and on. What do I mull over? The leak in our kitchen sink! Fully fretting over it! When the best thing to do is recognize I have a leak and call the plummer on Monday to fix it. In the meantime, be careful with using the sink and then go back to being happy about all the things that I do have and that are nice.

Reading Think and Grow Rich was a catalyst for change in my life. I'm very happy that I read it and I continue to read it...in fact it's the book I'm reading again right now. That's what prompted me to write about it.

You can order the book directly from: The Napoleon Hill Foundation where there is also a workbook offered. I'm not an affiliate (I don't even know if they offer an affiliate program) so I don't make money from it.

You can download it as well for free here: Think and Grow Rich

Procrastination Funny!

2007-08-22T13:25:00.001-10:00

Where'd You Like to Meet?

2007-08-21T11:53:00.000-10:00

Last night while driving my oldest daughter to the airport my 9 year old daughter Rel started a discussion on the differences between two very popular spiritual movies, The Secret and The Peaceful Warrior.

She brought the discussion up because I was feeling forlorn over my oldest leaving us for two years. Sure she'll be back but still there'll be very long absences. Now this step in her life is a very important step and it has to be taken for her to grow as a person. But, mommy, being very protective worries over how she'll get to school, to work, how she'll pay her bills, will she like her new job after she gets one and on and on. So to make myself feel better I tried to explain, to myself, by talking to the children, about "the journey" and enjoying "the journey" as Socrates in the Peaceful Warrior taught Dan Millman who went on to become an outstanding athlete and author of the spiritual book "The Peaceful Warrior" put it. In this case the journey that my daughter will take to get her degree. I also brought up some points I learned from the movie by Rhonda Byrne, "The Secret." We watch both movies over and over.

The graph above shows how all spiritual teachings overlap one another and at the very center, where they all meet or where they have a common thread.

This is what Rel had to say, "but mommy, The Peaceful Warrior and The Secret are different. How can you use both of the movies to make you feel better? You can only use one or the other. The Peaceful Warrior tells you to stay in the now and The Secret tells you to look to the future. You can't do both mommy!" Ok, now I have a job on my hands! How do I explain such deep meaning movies to my 9 year old child...hmmm...think...think!

Ok here is what I told her but before I go on The Peaceful Warrior is now TPW and The Secret is now TS for the purpose of this post only. And also keep in mind that this is the way I see it and I don't speak for the general public, only for me because it works for me.

When watching TS the main point that came across to me was to try to fit some happy thoughts into my mind once in awhile or most of the time. Most of my time I really focus on things that stress me out especially where money is concerned. I started to think about things that made me happy. I could hardly remember any happy childhood stuff until I went on a trip to Oahu with my siblings. Riding along in a car together we spent most of our time laughing, teasing, and joking with each other. It was so much fun! From there I was able to start remembering a whole lot of stuff we used to do together as children that brought back such delightful memories. I started to think of my children all the time, seeing their smiling faces and especially hearing their voices telling me how much they loved me. I started to think about the beach and all the fun times we have at the beach together.

Another thing that TS suggests is to recite in your head all the things to be grateful for. I do that religiously! From the time I get up, throughout the day, and until I fall asleep. Sometimes I'll be driving and I'll look to the beautiful mauka side of the islands and am just in amazement at its majestic...ness! I'll recite in my mind how thankful I am to be able to witness its majestic...ness.

Now, did my money problems all of a sudden disappear? No, of course not. But I'm happier now, happier than I've been in a long time. And, I'm not getting sick like I used to. My health isn't 100% good, I still get sick but not nearly as much as before. My head is clear most of the time, I'm more organized (to a really organized person I'm still disorganized), and I'm just plain old happier.

TPW.

..wow! What a GREAT book and a GREAT movie! And with Nick Nolte, whew, I'll always think Socrates is Nick Nolte now! I absolutely adore Nick Nolte! I read TPW about 15 years ago when I was still on Guam. I remember reading it to my college girl when she was little and playing soccer. I believe it helped her because she went on to become a very adept soccer player and was voted as an all-star island player by the coaches. She was the youngest player ever selected at that time. She was an all around player too but her favorite position was defense and goalie.

The message that TPW gave me was powerful...stay in the now. At that time I was always remembering my past and it was affecting how I performed in my now. Another deep message for me was "take the trash out!" I would start to imagine a garden (I didn't make this up someone else did) filled up with weeds and growing over all my pretty flowers. I saw myself pulling out the weeds that represented thoughts that weren't helping me and making way for my pretty flowers to grow.

It's taken years but with the help of all the other spiritual books I've read and all the other spiritual movies I've seen I've come a long way. Even now I continue to grow. Why just this morning I had a blow out with my youngest son and didn't act in accordance with what TPW and TS so painstakingly try to teach me! But I know enough now to bounce back, take the trash out, fill my mind with some thoughts that make me happy and go from there.

My point is this, the two movies have a meeting point. They meet in the mind where they're telling me to take out the thoughts from my mind that are causing havoc in my life. They tell me the same thing in different ways and that's what I love about all the different authors of spiritual books. The more they tell the same story in different ways the more people they can reach with their message that really does seek to help a person live a happier life. I see such earnestness in all of the teachers, Dan Millman, Bob Proctor, Dr. John DeMartini, John Assaraf. Yes, there's money involved if you want some of their teachings but they also give out a heck of a lot of free stuff too!

If we look at it as one or the other than it becomes like religion. You know, all religions have a meeting point where they agree. Yet, they tend to focus on the differences they have. Then their followers split up and it's not a happy scene in a lot of places.

That's how I explained it to my 9, 12, and 20 year old children. I hope they always see the beauty in what these spiritual teachers are teaching us.

Lisa Nichols on Maui

2007-08-15T16:30:00.000-10:00

Lisa Nichols lending me her beautiful and bright smile for picture taking! I wanted to stay and take a picture with her but my children were calling me like crazy so I had to buzz.

Hmmm, let's see, how can I give these out to people for free? She did too...it was wonderful!

Talk about motivation and inspiration! I was really motivated to see Lisa Nichols at The Maui Beach Hotel last night. I'd heard about it in the morning and borrowed $25.00 from my daughter to go see her.

She told us stories of her childhood growing up and some of the challenges she had to overcome. The audience that could relate to what she was saying would raise one or two hands up or stand with two hands raised depending on the intensity of the relationship to what she was saying. There was a wave of hands raised to be sure.

Wise in her young life, Lisa is a dynamic speaker with true life stories to back up her teachings. She's down to earth and offers guidance in a not so conforming manner but nonetheless effective in its own right.

Her motto seemed to be to make us become "significantly uncomfortable" because if we want to get ahead we have to do some things that are significantly uncomfortable. Exercises were done to make us kind of squirm but we did it anyway because most of us there wanted to glean from her what she had to learn on her own "in the dark of the night" where she did all her searching for answers.

Part of that was to stop the "chatter" in her head that many of us know we have too. Some are unconscious so that we aren't even aware that our "chatter" is telling us we are not capable or whatever but the limiting belief has a total negative effect on the positive that we are working on accomplishing in our life.

The one saying she gave us, and this came from her grandmother was, Winners never quit! Quitters never win!

She's also going to be at the Unity Church on Sunday so I hope to make it. Afterwards she's conducting an all day workshop from 1pm - 7pm which I cannot attend. That's beach day with my children!

Attending this talk is phenomenal in helping me to...

Stay Motivated Forever!

Sophia Loren Quote

2007-08-06T12:50:00.000-10:00

To me Sophia Loren is like the most Beautiful Woman in the world. I've named my oldest daughter Sophia after Sophia Loren. Just read the quote that follows from her:

When you are a mother, you are never really alone in your thoughts. A mother always has to think twice, once for herself and once for her child.

Sophia Loren

How true that is and how motivating for me, a WAHM, to hear that. To hear from someone famous like her that my decisions are not only based on my wants and needs but also my children's. When I decided to pursue and never give up finding a home based business it was always with the thought that I wanted to be able to be home with my children. It's hard as a single parent and even in a 2 parent household to have one of the parents home to care for the child. The way prices are going up but salaries still being mediocre even in a 2 parent household they both have to work to make ends meet. I hear it all the time. So it must be more so for a single parent. This mother, this WAHM thought twice about the path she is taking, once for myself, the thought of being home with my children, and once for my children, to have a mother to be there when they need her.

Every family will be different but that is what I want for my family and when discussing it with my children it's also what they want. Just hearing someone I admire say what rings through my mind is something that helps me to...

Stay Motivated Forever!

Quote by Meryl Streep

2007-08-05T21:25:00.000-10:00

Every single decision I make about what material I do, what I'm putting out in the world, is because of my children.

Meryl Streep

It's so refreshing and motivating to me to read quotes from some of the greatest actors in the world. To know that they are famous and seemingly untouchable but yet they have the same concerns for their children as any other mom does. Is she a WAHM, no, she's not. She does not work at home...but...she makes so much money in a few months of the year making a movie, enough to tide her over for years I would think. I could be wrong. The point is that she gets to spend a lot of time with her children which is what a lot of us WAHMs aspire to do. Since we can't be famous actors, well I'll speak for myself, we can at least build a business at home that allows us to spend time with our children and raise them as we see fit. Every single decision she makes is centered around her children, not unlike a WAHM who will carefully shop for the perfect home based business, something that matches her passion, her pocketbook, and her belief. There'll be more quotes from this wonderful mom! She's humorous and down to earth with a very no nonsense attitude. I got motivated from reading her quote. I read motivational quotes as just another way to...

Stay Motivated Forever!

WAHMs Motivated Forever!: Homeschool WAHM

2007-08-03T09:06:00.000-10:00

WAHMs Motivated Forever!: Homeschool WAHM

Homeschool WAHM

2007-08-03T08:53:00.000-10:00

One of the things that motivates me the most to build a home based business is my children. Two of my children are in elementary and middle school. They both want to be homeschooled and I want to homeschool them so it works out perfectly.

I started a blog to log what we are doing with our homeschooling and what progress we make. This is not only for me but for the school when I need to submit their progress.

Here's the link:
http://homeschoolwahm.blogspot.com
There I'll also start to list resources for homeschoolers as I come upon the ones I like.
Just another reason for this WAHM to...

Stay Motivated Forever!

Listen to music that Motivates You!

2007-07-30T11:25:00.000-10:00

The other day my 9 yr. old was cleaning her room. She took the radio from her brother's room and they proceeded to argue over who's room the radio should be in. Her argument was that, at that point in time, she was cleaning her room and there is a certain song on a certain CD she was listening to that helped her to keep motivated to clean her room. So, this is how I settled the argument. I said, the radio doesn't belong in any particular room but for now it should be in her room because really and truly, I wanted her to clean her room. Then the radio would be put back in her brother's room and they were to take turns or go into each other's room to listen to music. She proceeded to supply her brother with a portable CD player, batteries, and ear phones to tide him over in the meantime. Now, my older 20 yr. old also has to listen to music when cleaning, and really loud too. Even when she's studying, she's a Jr. in college. I ask how she can possibly study with her music and she says if she doesn't play it she'll fall asleep. I remember when I was young, I too had to listen to music to clean house. I still do but the music I listen to has changed drastically! The music this Motivated WAHM listened to back then gives me a headache. I now like to listen to classical and piano music. My favorite is actually Christmas music which I listen to all day long using Live365. Live365 (I'm not an affiliate but am a member) has a wide selection of independently owned radio stations that you can choose from. There's several Christmas stations and I listen to all of them. That is what I'm listening to right now, when I post, when I write, when I check my email, when I look at my Vision Board Slide Show, when I make my crafts, when I cook, when, when, when....I close a post and say to everyone....

Stay Motivated Forever!

On Overcoming Hopelessness

2007-07-29T08:54:00.001-10:00

"If you think prevailing conditions have the power to force you into a life of mediocrity, you are selling yourself short. Unfortunately, however, if you believe it, that is what will happen."

You Are What You Think
Doug Hooper
Page 56

When Fear Causes You Harm, Activate the Patronus Charm

2007-07-28T14:38:00.000-10:00

My children and I watched the latest Harry Potter Movie, “Order of the Phoenix”, just recently. We loved it as we love all Harry Potter movies but this is not a review of the movie. I’m going to take a small event from the movie and expand on it. I would like to focus on the Patronus Charm that is used by wizards and witches alike against the ugly, yukky dementors! In case you never watched the movie, a dementor is a black shadowy figure that flies around feeding off of people’s emotions, most notably that emotion of fear. The only way to keep from having the life sucked out of you is to know how to activate the Patronus Charm. The Patronus Charm is simply, but not so simple to do, conjuring up a strong happy thought. It’s similar to what you need to do to be able to fly in “Peter Pan”. In both cases you have to hold fast to the happy thought. If the Patronus Charm is activated successfully a beautiful white lighted whispery figure appears that, and this is how I understood it, holds the happy thought. The dementors are deterred by this white lighted figure and fly away. An unsuccessful Patronus Charm will allow the dementor to literally feed off of your emotions and suck the energy out of you leaving you in a depressed state. A dementor is simply put (everything is so simple isn’t it?) a symbol of our fears. The more we concentrate on our fears the more our energy is used to deal with these fears leaving us tired and fatigued. It becomes a vicious circle where a thought of fear begets more fearful thoughts until we reach such a state of sadness and depression we find it hard to function. Luckily, most of us don’t remain in that state. How do we get out of it? The thing is, and this is so hard to understand, we have the ability to conquer any fears we might have. Little or big, most fears are just things we choose to focus on. With a little help from the symbol of a Patronus Charm, we too can use our very own magic and conjure up happy thoughts. With each happy thought we remember or make up, more comes to the forefront of our mind until we are in such a state of happiness that our fears have no room to live in our mind. They’re still there in the mind but not at the forefront. What does this have to do with network marketing? Well, there are many fears with network marketing. The first one that comes to my mind is fear of failure. A person may join with a network but if the fear of failure persists in the mind then guess what? The actions that need to be taken in order to make a success of the network marketing business will not be taken which will eventually lead to failure. Another one that comes to my mind, and this happens to me, is fear of approaching people and being rejected. So, we never approach anyone, never get rejected, and consequently never have anyone join us in our network marketing business. If you read this, please know that you can rid yourself of those darned demented dementors! It really works, I should know. I used to always focus on my unhappy memories to the point where I didn’t know I had any happy memories. I slowly started to cling to one happy memory and I just concentrated on that. Soon, another happy memory popped into my head and another and another until I can’t stop the happy memories from popping into my head. Was it easy? No, it wasn’t, not for me. This is the thing though; I’m just an ordinary person, just like most everyone else. If I can do it, so can you other ordinary person, so can you!