What Opportunities Have You Missed?

I am visiting my sister and her family in Thunder Bay, Ontario. They love to hike. It has been a while since I have really hiked. The last place I hiked was the Grand Canyon to Havasu Falls. I saw it on a postcard and thought I need to see this. I did not know where it was or how I was going to get there but I knew I had to see it and I did. It was breathtaking and the blue-green water was so pure!

I love adventures because you never know what you will learn about yourself in the process. We began to hike Mount McKay and part way up I started to hear, "Mom, I can't do this." from my 7 year old son. I stated, "You can't or you choose not to. Here's some water." Distractions are great. When you put your focus on how you CAN do something versus how you CAN'T, you can get a little farther each time. Again, just meters from the top, he said, "Mom, I really can't." "Here is some more water." - I responded. There was sweat on my brow, I call it – glistening. Quenching his thirst, we took our final strides to the top overlooking Lake Superior and the "Sleeping Giant". We made it to the top. What a great accomplishment (I was so proud of the kids for trying something new)!

Going down was a bit more challenging than going up. The path going up seemed so steep and narrow and we forgot about the short areas where it was flat (although very few). I think many of us feel that when we attempt things we are not use to doing, new or uncomfortable; we see the path as steep and narrow. There are many challenges that test our minds to see how persistent we really are. Just think if my son would have quit before we reached the top, we would have missed the opportunity to see the fantastic view. Many people quit just before they reach their breakthroughs. They feel they have given all they got when they are just minutes or days away from reaching their destination. Those who hold out - reap the rewards.

What mountain are you trying to climb? How can you distract yourself to focus on your peak (destination)?

That One Big Break!

Are you wondering whether or not you should look into a crystal ball or shake some dice in Vegas? Are you comparing yourself to others and thinking why can't I have what they have? Are you sitting on your porch swing waiting for someone to come to your door step to tell you it is your time to be a star? If you said yes to any of these, you might want to splash some cold water on your face to refresh yourself.

Your lucky break does not have to come from shaking a pair of dice or learning about your future. The reason you do not have what someone else has is because what was achieved was meant for them in their way and not yours. However, if you admire what another has, you should be inspired to know that you can aspire to have great things in your life too. Little do you know, this overnight success you have been comparing yourself to has been a work in progress for some time now. Their consistent efforts and persistent attitude helped them get to where they are today. Learn from them. Study them. Get to know them as a person. Ask them about how they got started. You might be surprised. Your new connection could also lead you to others you must meet. As the saying goes, you shouldn't wait for success to come to you, "you need to swim out to meet it."

Create your big break! Increase Your Odds of Success...

1. Tell everyone you know about your dreams, ambitions, and goals.

2. Ask them if they know someone you should meet in their network and request a virtual introduction. There are on average about 250 people in each person's network.

3. Connect with the person you were introduced to with a 15 minute phone call. Remember people do business with people they know, like, and trust. Be real.

4. Be specific. People naturally want to help people but they cannot help you if you do not ask or if you do not know what to ask for.

5. Think about how you can help others by connecting them with your network or circle of influence.

Make big plans for yourself by setting goals and breaking them down into manageable pieces. They are the "breaks" that make the difference. Take action with each piece. Each action helps you take another action step. Before you know if, your goal will be attained.
What "big break" have you been waiting for? What is it that you can do today to help someone with their "big break"?

“Cherish the journey; the destination is where it all comes together.”

– Debra Kasowski

Trust Yourself

"You cannot trust another person until you fully trust yourself." Veronica Conway - in Click - Ten Truths in Building Extraordinary Relationship by George C. Fraser.

You need to trust in yourself that you have skills and abilities to navigate through life and handle whatever comes your way.

A Very EXTRA - Birthday to YOU! Reason to Celebrate Even More!

I love surprising people. I wanted to surprise someone with a gift of a birthday card and guess what? I am the one who ends up with a gift. My colleague and dear friend Debbie Mrazek, author of The Field Guide to Sales was celebrating her birthday. She mentioned that sometimes the family gets a bit disappointed when she cannot celebrate every minute of her birthday with them. (She is a loved woman!) So her girlfriend told about the BIG BIRTHDAY plan! I loved it so much I wanted to share it with you. Do you want to know?

For every year you are celebrating, extend your birthday celebration by that many days. So if you are turning 43, add 43 days where family and friends can book some time with you to celebrate. Come on, why have only one day when you can have 43! Everybody's happy - including you!No extra candles for goodness sake!

Celebrate your birthday in style! Live your life rich from the inside out with relationships that fill your core! Thank you for the special gift Debbie! Keep celebrating and nibble on some chocolate!

Let Your Glass Runneth Over

I just came back from attending the eWomen Network Conference in Dallas, Texas at the beautiful Hyatt Regency Hotel. I had the sincere opportunity to to hear Les Brown and Dr. Julie vanPutten speak on stage. The strongest message I share with you in the following video:

LIVE FULL DIE EMPTY BEFORE YOU DIE

"The ideal situation to die is to have family and friends praying around you versus the ghosts of the dreams and passion you did not pursue that must die with you. What story will die with you?" - Les Brown

If there is something you are passionate about, please go after it. You rob the world of your talents, skills, charisma. The world will not be as it should without your gifts.

Share with us how you live life to the fullest and let your cup runneth over!

If You Are Happy and You Know It - You Made a Choice

To be truly happy in life is to be truly happy with the person you are right now. You made choices bringing you to where you are today. You might have heard people say, "I will be happy when..."

• I am out of debt.

• I lose 10 pounds.

• I graduate from school.

• I get married.

• I have saved $1500.

• I get rid of these stretch marks.

What's on your list?

If you waited to be happy, you may not get there. You may lose your motivation. Remember the stretch marks may be from birthing a child - you gave life. Now that's pretty amazing! Happiness in a bundle. You need to realize you do not know what tomorrow may bring. You can choose to be happy or you can choose to be miserable. It is up to you. Happiness is a matter of attitude.

Can you be a happier by paying double the minimum payment of your debts, cutting up extra credit cards (really, how many do you need?), or putting an extra $35 to your savings account today? Can you enjoy a healthier lifestyle by making healthier eating choices and exercising with a friend? Can you enjoy your extracurricular activities and meet your soul mate in the process? Of course you can - these are action steps instead of waiting...what if tomorrow doesn't come - you may come up with a new excuse tomorrow not make the choice to be happy in this moment. Love who you are and where you are right now. Make the choice to change the course of your destiny – be happy today. You are continually evolving into the person you were meant to be.

Happiness is a matter of choice. A choice to be happy no matter what!

What choices are you making today to be happy?

Consistency Always Wins

Whatever your goal may be, it is important to take consistent steps of action to create momentum. One time efforts will not move you forward. Determination and discipline will lead you in the right direction - closer to your goal. Your habit of action will reward you but you must not give up. Time prevails. The longest distance to your goal is the one getting you from where you are right now to the first step.

Your goals add passion to living. If you want to write a book, save a domain name, write an outline, write a sentence or a paragraph before bed, or even apply for an ISBN number. Whatever you do, do something, especially if you really want it! Maybe you would like to run a marathon, join a running group like The Running Room or a Team in Training for Diabetes (fundraising and training), go for a walk and advance to a run at your pace, and feel the breeze on your face as you breathe in the fresh air. Sweetness of the journey my friends! Consistency will take you to the finish line!