Motivational Monday

Well, it seems this is the case every time I decide to blog - it's been MONTHS since I've sat down to share my thoughts and I vow to make a commitment to do this regularly. In this capacity among many others, I'm through with the one-day or week-long commitments. And here is why.....

My mom and I traveled to Vegas this past weekend for Arbonne's Global Training Conference and it was life-changing! I really wish I could take the energy, belief, and love that women like Debbie Neal, Valerie Guenter, Linda Parker, and Cecilia Stoll shared with us over the past few days and bottle it up to share with all of the women I meet everyday. As a result of this conference, I have a renewed sense of self and purpose for my life.

Two mother/daughter teams from the Hovis Region. Love these ladies!!

One of the speakers (who was not an Arbonne consultant) shared about channeling your energy and using the energy that you have to create your best life. She said that we each need to connect with our personal purpose/mission in the various aspects of our life and devote our energy to that. As I was processing that "nugget", I realized that I know my professional purpose - I believe that God created me to be a teacher. I love my job (despite the stress and frustration) and know that I make a difference in young people's lives every single day. That part was clear. What I was sharing with my mom, however, is that my personal purpose is somewhat unclear. I think I was created to be a mom to children someday, but haven't had that chance yet. I believe that I would make a wonderful, supportive wife, but don't have that opportunity either. Instead of dwelling on what I don't have, I have decided that in this season of my life, my personal purpose is to be the best daughter, sister, and friend that I possibly can. I am going to work everyday on becoming the absolute BEST version of myself so that I can exude the confidence, grace, and support that oozes from a happy woman!

Along those lines, I am vowing to let this be an outlet for me to remain positive in this journey we call life. I need to have a place where I can document my progress and be able to look back one day when I'm an ENVP and direct others to "my story".

Our roomies for the week - Megan & Sara

One of the trainers this weekend (I don't have their name in my notes) said to write down all of the things about your current reality that you don't like and MAKE. A. CHANGE. So, here goes:
1) Weight - need to lose about 20 lbs
2) Finances - WAY too much debt for my liking on my 2 credit cards
3) Marital Status - I want a partner to share my life experiences with
4) Working for someone else - I would love to have more time freedom

I mean, I'm sure there's more, but that's all I can think of right now. Although, those 4 categories comprise A BIG PART of my everyday happenings. So, here's to making changes in ALL 4 categories and seeing HUGE changes over the next few months....I mean, #3 is sort of hard, but I know that by working on the other 3, it will come!

Two AMAZING RVPs (Suzy & Elizabeth) that inspire both myself and Mom everyday!

I was really moved by ENVP Valerie Guenter when she shared that she made a list of 21 reasons why she started Arbonne in the beginning of her business and then showed a collage of 21 pictures showing how she had accomplished EVERY. SINGLE. ONE. How amazing is that?! That is follow-through if I've ever heard of it! I'm going to write it all down now too - 21 reasons why I'm not only going to "give this business a try", but 21 reasons why I'm going to work this business so I can share my collage on the GTC stage when I become a NVP!

Here they are, in no particular order......drum roll please.....
1) My Future Husband
2) Honeymoon in Bora Bora
3) 2 children someday
4) Freedom to take, not 6 or 12 weeks of maternity leave, but 5 years!
5) Carrying less than $500 balance on credit cards for more than one month in a row
6) Ability to teach by choice, not necessity (thanks, Elizabeth Hovis for the inspiration!)
7) Going on a family trip where I PAY for my parents instead of the other way around
8) White Mercedes
9) Financial confidence to tithe every month without hesitation
10) New tile in my guest bathroom shower
11) Cleaning service
12) New counters in kitchen
13) Tile backsplash in kitchen
14) Lighting above the wet bar at my house
15) New lighting in my kitchen
16) Laser hair removal.....EVERYWHERE!
17) Girls trip to Vegas or New Orleans where I pay for all my friends!
18) Ability to pay for my childrens' college in cash like my parents did for me
19) Writing a check to my parents for "the gift" they gave me almost 10 years ago
20) Throwing my sister the MOST LAVISH, destination bachelorette party EVER!
21) Being able to support and help other people achieve the life of their dreams

I truly believe, now more than ever, that this opportunity is a GIFT! I can't wait, not only, to check off items from the list above, but also to help other people who "get it" do the same. Quitting is not an option - I know I was hand-picked to be a part of this wonderful company and can't even fathom how God will use me to impact others through Arbonne.

In the words of Cecilia Stoll: "I'm ok with having 10 nations direct to me. Jesus only had 12 direct to Him and look at His team now!"

"See" you guys (all 4 of my followers) next week! :)