A good read....

Today I set down with the latest issue of Success Magazine and read it cover to cover. Normally, I do this at a coffee spot and treat myself to a decadent frothy coffee drink. This morning I read it in the "Grandmother arm chair" with a cup of Caffix. I have been going to a coffee to do it to avoid the distractions of home and my daughter. However, I learned this morning that  I find the magazine so engaging that I can tune out the distractions and make my daughter wait until I am done. In the future I'll save my money, make a latte and enjoy the magazine all in the comfort of my own arm chair.

www.success.com

The importance of downtime....

Having downtime is important. Why? Because it recharges our brains, increases our productivity and boost our creativity according to science. Down time can be as complex as a two week vacation to some exotic destination or as simple as an afternoon at a museum. I try to make a point of seeing museums exhibitions that interest me or museums that are to my liking. Ancient gold, modern jewelry and even mid century furniture inspire me and recharge my brain. So what is your next downtime.

Doing the unthinkable

Last nifgt I took my daughter and her BFF to a concert. This isn't the unthinkable. The seats were high up and I am afraid of heights. Despite my fear, I sat in my seat (after I got acclimated) and enjoyed the concert. I did the unthinkable by pushing aside my fear. The best part is that I taught my daughter and her friend that fears don't have to control you. I didn't wake up this morning with my fear gone, but woke up knowing that I can be up high despite my fear. However, I don't plan on walking a high wire anytime soon.

R&R

This traditionally means rest and relaxation. In my house I am teaching my 11 y.o. teenage daughter that it means respect and responsibility. Respect is for others and their belongings. Responsibility is for accepting her role in a situation and not to be quick to blame others. So far, my new travel coffee mug has been used twice without asking. I still have some teaching to do. Even though the school year ends tomorrow, my daughter still has some learning to do.

A great quote.....

"Remember all things are possible for those who believe." --Gail Devers, Olympic Champion

Businessman?

"As the old expression goes, there's a difference between a "man in business" and a "businessman." A man in business goes through the motions; a business man is competitive, insightful,resourceful, nimble and driven." Which are you?

Quote from Business Mensch by Noah Alper

The scale tipped

Finally! December 2014, I embarked on a  30-day nutritional cleanse with Isagenix and the help of a friend and health coach, Marie. I lost 5 lbs and my clothes fit better. This lead me to believe that I lost inches too. For over a year, my clothes have remained fitting better. My weight stayed between 160 and 165. Well, today it was below the 160 mark. In the past year I have learned that I need a high protein diet to fight off sugar cravings and snacking. Finally, three high protein meals is paying off. I am not at my goal weight yet, but now I am more hopeful that I can reach it. Awesome!

That sinking feeling....,

I went to get a manicure today. I sat down in the adjustable chair to dry my nails in the dryer and it felt like the chair was getting lower to the ground. The chair wasn't moving, the sensation was coming from me. It was the first time all week I have really set down--I am getting on a plane tomorrow to visit my best friend, have a reception to attend tonight, a client yesterday and a Tuesday that was super busy. I can't even remember Monday any more. Throw in the kid, the dog and packing and a few hours relaxing on a plane will be bliss. I spent the time drying my nails thinking about what's left to do before my taxi arrives. I didn't freak out, I simply planned and even if I stay up late (for a early morning flight) I will go to bed with a sense of accomplishment from today and the week. The relaxation on the plane will be a just reward for my hard work this week.

Wise words....

"Time is a currency you can only spend once, so be careful how you spend it." —Harmon Okinyo

I finally did it

I have wanted to learn to make Linzer cookies, so a few years ago my mom gave me the cookie cutters and I found a recipe in a vintage cookbook a friend gave me. Well, the phot below shows that I have learned. So my advice, keep learning and growing.

High and low.....

Low: snacking on cold Chinese food before bed (rough evening)

High: completing 98% of a crossword puzzle on the across clues. The best I have done.

As a time management coach.....

"But Time... You can never lose time and get it back again. You can't spend time and go earn more of it. You can't buy it, rent or borrow it." — From 15 Secrets Successful People Know About Time Management by Kevin Kruse

Thank you my ex for gifting me this book; it is a page turner. Sorry to my ex, some friends and former clients who might recipe this book as a gift in the new year along with my nagging you to read it immediately.

Wise words.....

Wednesday's words....What is lick?

“"Luck is a dividend of sweat. The more you sweat, the luckier you get.”" — Ray Kroc, founder of McDonalds

I received this yesterday... Makes you think....

Business Norm......Ditch the standard

Today I decided to file away the business cards I had collected over the years through networking, doctor's visits and a love of beads, but when doing so I noticed several had to be trimmed (too tall) to fit in the protector page which assumes each card is a standard 2" X 3.5 " and I realized in the age of technology and flash graphics on websites, the business card is yet another way to standout especially when you do a size that is not the standard and so in my opinion business is going the way of standing out and not fitting into the standard.

(P.S. One of my favorite business cards came from a financial planner whose card was 2" X 1.25" and said on the front, "The lack of orders from you has made this economy size card necessary.")

Wednesday's words: small steps lead us to big things

"great things do not just happen by impulse but as a succession of small things linked
together."  — Vincent van Gogh

Wednesday's words: Wise words from an elder

"I am convinced that almost anything can be accomplished if one does his or her very best and perseveres."— Rose Sachs

(Ms. Sachs passed away this month at the age of 103.)

Neat and clean

I hired a professional organizer to help me make sense of my office which is now also my craft space and from the picture you can see we did good work, so I am thrilled and loving my neater bookshelf.

    

Wednesday's words...Red light, Green light....

"The question isn't who is going to let me; it's who is going to stop me." —Ayn Rand