An email that changed everything

I received this email from my long time friend Kim Fiske. It was timely and just what I needed.

You can read it here

The difference is the group setting. For me it has a certain non incumbent feel to it. I don’t feel like I have to, but I want to instead.

We all have scars. Some inner, some outer. We all need healing. Give it a try while she’s offering the 7 day free trial.

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Seven Decades

I’ve lived through 7 decades. During those years I’ve witnessed history, learned, and relearned. Ive been incredibly thin, and very overweight. I’ve ran with the trends, only to settle with different.

I’ve spent most of my life battling illnesses and myself. I’ve suffered immeasurable losses, and been blessed with abundant blessings. I’ve lived in the city, and lived in the hollers of Tennessee. I’ve wiped more bottoms than I care to remember, and wiped away many tears. What I know is this.

Life really is just a matter of perception. There isn’t a right or wrong. There are values, manners, and morals that serve as guidelines for choices. It doesn’t matter who is pro choice, or prolife. The choice is yours, based on your own perceptions, formed by your personal guidelines.

It’s ok to not have kids, it’s ok to have a bunch of kids. The choice is yours and so is the responsibility.

You will not be any happier thin if you don’t find inner peace overweight. When you figure it out, acceptance will follow.

Stop shouting, shaming, bullying. I don’t want to know who you are sleeping with, my perception of you will be based on who you are as a human, not who you sleep with.

The generations now are completely missing the mark on marriage, family, and the entire institution of love. A family is your circle of love. It doesn’t matter who is in your circle. Marriage is a commitment, there will be days that will be extremely difficult, there will be other days that make you forget about the difficult ones. Stop being afraid of commitment.

Being in nature is the most important. walking barefoot, learning about all the things, and just being quiet is so vital to our health. You don’t need to run, hike, swim etc you just need to sit some where, be quiet, and wiggle your toes on the earth.

Lastly, what I know is this, life is incredibly short. We are here for a purpose. Maybe that purpose is the raise children, maybe it’s to discover a cure. It doesn’t matter, you will know.

Loyalty between Business Peers

If you are an entrepreneur, or promote a brand then you network. There isn’t anyway around it because we all depend on word of mouth referrals. In today’s world of social marketing and the increasing demand for visual content it’s even more important to find networking partners who still hold traditional values. I’m talking about loyalty.

Here’s an example; you spend time and money building a following. You network with others. Sale is exchanged. Your product or service for theirs. You are now peers. You are expected to share the brand awesomeness with your people, when asked. You build a mutual relationship. Let’s say you are a photographer and your peer sells a direct sales product. You buy hers, she hires you. Then you notice that she’s promoting another photographer. How do you feel?

Years ago that person would have been frowned on by peers, but in the world of social networking loyalty is the missing link that is taken for granted. Loyality builds partnerships and businesses. Perhaps we should start practising more of that.

Women who side hustle and why they do it.

It’s relatively a new cliche’ “side hustle”. What is it, and why are women embracing it. Men also side hustle but I’m writing this with women in mind. Generally most women will fall under one of these;

  1. Boredom
  2. Extra income
  3. Gal pals
  4. A friend or family member sucked you in.
  5. You hate the 9-5 and dream of being a full time soleprenuer
  6. Discounts on products

So let’s talk about the different side hustle.

  1. Service- offering a service such as photography, dog grooming, babysitting, real estate etc.
  2. Product sales- involves selling a product either as retailer, auction style, or direct sales, or etsy sales.
  3. Digital products- selling digital products via etsy, amazon, or your own online site.

So let’s scroll back up to the first list. Boredom– if you are looking for something to fill in time but don’t want a commitment or to further a dream then volunteer work may be more suitable.

Extra income- the best way to achieve extra income would be to offer a service or digital product. The initial investment is usually zero to minimal.

A friend or family member sucked you in- more than likely this was not about you but about achieving their dreams not yours. If you joined a direct sales company there are things to consider. You can achieve your goals if you do the research first. Generally you will work your rear off for someone else’s goals and despite what you may have been told, joining doesn’t make you a business owner. The company can cancel its rep program or change the rules at anytime. Clever container did just that this year.

Dreams- If you are dreaming of being your own boss and ditching the 9-5 then make sure that your side hustle is inline with your goals. By starting out small you may be able to develop a sound customer base which will result in word of mouth referrals. Which are the best kind. You can also get a feel for your planned business and develop a niche.

Discounts- Not really a great reason to side hustle. You will likely spend more than you save.

Why I don’t “like” your facebook post.

Simply put, it makes me feel cheap, un-authentic, and a fake. I don’t feel connected, and I don’t want to encourage more boring or annoying posts.

Facebook is a social tool. I look for and like posts that are relatable to me. I use to scroll and like without giving it much thought. I auto liked because I didn’t want to hurt anyone’s feelings. Especially in the photography world where likes are expected. Now I scroll and reflect.

When I do find a post that I like, makes me laugh, or resignates with me in another way I’ll just leave a comment.

Now I feel more connected. Try it!