be proactive

for a lunch date while I was in Missoula. She lives out of town and comes in on Fridays to run errands. She is like my mother that way…live their lives with very structured schedules….wonder what life like that must be like? But I digress. We don’t really talk often and I want to build a stronger relationship with her.

We had a wonderful visit catching up on all her family news. There was lots of it…she has a very large family with 5 of her own and now all of their children. The time flew by and then we were off into our very different lives.

I will see her again around Christmas…big family gathering at my mom’s house. I am looking forward to seeing everyone but inside I am aching to go home for the holidays and see my own little bundles of joy. We’ll see what happens!

What a sad description of how I was feeling just a few days ago. I took a long hard look at where I am and how I am living. It is 360 degrees opposite of what makes me happy and fulfilled.

It became apparent that my focus had been on giving up on myself. I cut myself off from people who love me, the work I enjoy, past-times that relax me and surrounded myself with the negativity I was feeling inside. My normal cheerful, sunny, optimistic self became dark, sullen and lonely.

Then I met a friend,a divine connection, who stretched out her hand in friendship to walk with me back into the positive side of life. She and her husband are gentle souls who quietly encourage others (me) to enhance their strengths and live life fully engaged.

Having validation in the real world again is a life saver after 2 1/2 years of isolation in the wilderness!

Yesterday I needed to get centered in my goals. I needed to reconnect to my heart and spirit.

So I spent 2 hours quietly in the local library browsing for inspirational books to read. Then I actually sat at a table basked in sunshine and reviewed where I am in my life and what I want to do the next half of my life.

I needed the quiet away from all of the inner and real pressures I have been feeling to do this reality check.

has taken it’s toll on my health. I’m not sleeping well, not eating at all and feel tired all the time. The things I know I should do to keep going like exercise and laugh alot are so far down on my list I have forgotten them.

Cannot remember the last hug I gave anyone…that is sad especially from me who is a huge hugger.

What is wrong with this picture?

Worth passing on.

This is pretty neat…...(30 second video)... Have you ever seen one of our Military walking past you and wanted to convey to them your thanks, but weren’t sure how, or it felt awkward?

Recently, a gentleman from Seattle created a gesture which could be used to express your thanks and has started a movement to get the word out..

Please everybody take just a moment to watch…..
The Gratitude Campaign
...and then forward it to your friends!

THEN START USING THE SIGN.

starting to take form after months of worry and paralysis the thought of failing is diminished to almost nothing.

The problem is that I am not very organized so that is my goal for today. I have a daytimer, a laptop and 3 different colored notebooks (1 for each of my ventures) so now all I have to do is put together my materials and make a schedule to achieve my goals.

Actually there are only 2 things I have my heart in…the ad sales working with small business owners and my real estate services business that is truly taking form.

I have found NeighborWorks America a national non-profit that educates community leaders for economic development and affordable housing programs.

I’m not saying I am a community leader but that is the direction I am heading.

Living in the wilderness my wardrobe had reverted to a very casual sweater and jeans mentality. The jobs I have had here did not demand anything more.

Now at the prospect of moving home or becoming the CEO of my own company here my wardrobe needs a makeover. My friend who has owns a staffing company here for 15 years totally agreed with me
so we spent the weekend finding new pieces to boost my professional image.

Amazing what a little makeover can do for your confidence. :)

for the winter here in the wilderness. Real estate is not a year round career here like it is in the South. So I need a plan B or is it Plan C? I have tried so many things…who knows what will work?

The 1 thing I haven’t done is follow my heart with the children’s cooking school, art cafe and creative arts center…too hard? Not any support? Lazy?

All of these things come to mind when in reality it is fear of failing at something that is very important to me.

This past week I met with a local Real Esate Broker. We have a common philosophy about what we do. She is actually the first person here that gets me about what a professional Realtor does and how we can help people get into homes. She also understands this economic slump is a time for people to invest in their futures.

The meeting lasted 3 1/2 hours. Time flies whwen you are having fun! So I am going to actively work with her. Before I can do that I have to find a job that covers my bills until I get on my feet in my real estate career.

She and her Assistant have said they will help me find that job…at last I don’t feel alone here in the wilderness.

I moved here 2 1/2 years ago because I needed a change. It was a spur of the moment decision. Looking back a vacation would have served the purpose better but as we know hindsight is 20/20.

Last night my closest friend here told me I need to make the decision to stay or go home. Everyone is tired of seeing me sad when I talk about Texas. They love me and want me to be happy.

If I had my grandchildren here like she does or even a business or a job for that matter I could see staying as a happy option. I do love it here for the beauty but I truth be told I am sad.

Maybe that is what is holding back the flow of joy in my life.