Confession No. 21: I am a Bit Slow

I am 53 years old and it has taken me this long to just begin to start figuring things out. You may agree with me that I am a bit slow getting to the game. Over the past half decade, I have surrounded myself with great mentors for my business, spiritually, physically and personally. Some are well known, like the the words of the late Jim Rohn, in my own company Roger Barnett, Gary Burke, and the organized mind of Zal Fink. I listen to word of the day by John Maxwell, now leaning spiritually to Joel Osteen weekly, a nice mix of mentor and spiritual guide, and someone that may not know how much she coached me, Lou Ann Salmon in Kentucky, I am in awe of her calmness and patience. Physical mentors are now a huge part of my life. In our company Laura Evans with her huge transformation, that shook me up, Jenni Oates, Jackie McCoy from Extreme Makeover and Harley Pasternak, trainer to the “A” list and knows why we are different and of course our Performance team of Olympic metal winning athletes. In addition I have my Pilates /Yoga instructor, Lydia and my love affair with my Total Gym in my home office. This is actually used, no longer a dust collector or clothes hanger. My sister and my friends are active women that always inspire me to look good at every age. Recently I have become aware of a few people who have been around me, but have looked beyond, because it meant looking in the mirror and I wasn’t ready. One from my past, she and her husband are personal trainers, but she is so much more. Besides being a great mom and wife, she is a writer and inspires and adds value to people’s lives daily. She is one person that looks better now than when I first met her when our kids were babies. She doesn't know it but she got me into network marketing, still have the Pampered Chef stuff she sold me years ago. She was dedicated to her family in everyway, even by fullfilling her dreams by staying home raising her kids. I would be still hanging out with Ginger Calem, if we didn’t live three states away! So grateful we met so many years ago. I got into the Health and Wellness industry back in 2009, because I had no energy, my life was out of balance, I wanted a way to help others and my family at the same time. I was aging, my hormones were out of whack and I wasn’t eating right. I wanted an easy way for a busy mom to stay home with her kids, protect the environment and show by my actions. I did not have the time to make my own detergents, soaps and lotions and I am a big believer in the power of one. It starts by one person picking up the piece of trash someone discarded. People are watching, seeing if you are doing the right things, when not expected or for a selfish motive. I am a proactive type, I don’t believe in waiting until I get sick to make my family pay the price for my inaction. The first three years, I was in survival mode, trying to make money, pay bills, salvage a doomed marriage while trying to be a good mother. The last thing on my priorities was myself, too many restaurants and lack of commitment. Exercise was my achilles heal, sporatic at best, excuses were my modus operandi. This is where I was a bit slow, we aren’t talking snails pace, we are talking the changing of the Grand Canyon slow. Yes, I know I am even slow getting to the point here…this past summer I was sitting in the MGM Grand Garden Arena with a few thousand of like minded people being told by my new football tossing buddy, Dr. Jamie McManus (Dr. J) that looking out to all of us, we could stand to get to a healthier weight. She spoke of Globesity and how 2 of 3 Americans were overweight. Just this simple act of getting to a healthy weight, could help eliminate many preventable health issues we are facing today. We can in effect and quite possibly create a positive social change from some huge frightening statistics against a greater risk of strokes, cardiovascular disease,, hypertension, and type 2 diabetes. If we continue growing at our current pace, an estimated half of Americans will be obese by 2030, no health care plan or economy will be able to survive that social and economic disaster. Dr. J. called for a commitment and I was ready. I hated getting my picture taken, if you look at my families pictures, I am not in them. Every year I dreaded looking at the pictures taken of me at Global Conference or the trips to all the beautiful locations when I should be wearing bathing suits and sundresses without dread. The hard question I had to face first, how can anyone take me seriously in my industry if I wasn’t willing to walk the walk. The real hard part was facing the fear that I had tried so many other weight loss plans, I was afraid that my own company would be the same result, or worse yet that I would let myself down yet again. You see, we moms are very good at taking care of others, but for real balance, we need to be healthy to be able to take care of others, so that’s where we should start, loving yourself, feeling good, sexy and being a example for your kids. Your marriage or relationships will benefit, your kids will benefit and you will be a better you, a happier you. Even your work or business, your boss and co-workers will see someone that they will be drawn to. Did you know that the average woman attempts weight loss 4 times a year? Roger Barnett called this industry the panty hose business. How would you like to have the next time you decide to do something, it would be the last time, because you are successful? Having all the tools, supports, science to change your lifestyle, not just feed (no pun intended) into an industry doomed to fail, so they continue to have repeat clients? I am going to take the next few confessions to share my journey of transformation in hopes that I will be able to help other moms, fathers, even teenagers get to a better place. I will tell you that the scale is not my main measurement, because muscle weights more than fat, it was the way my pants started falling off me. Since September I have lost 27 pounds and I am still going, at the end, no let me rephrase that, as I share my after and after after story I will post my pictures in hopes of inspiring others like Laura Evans did for me. So even if you are sexy, lean and healthy like my friend Ginger, maybe you know someone that could benefit from this, please past this link along. I may be slow, but I now know It begins with one person…me.

Confession No. 20: I am not in Control

I know it has been a while since my last confession. The past year, I decided to go a more direct route since online is not the right place for all my confessions. Don’t worry they were kind of boring, nothing juicy. You have heard the saying ”if you want to make God laugh, make a plan”. So if you have even read any of my postings you know I had a vision, a plan for my life, my future. Life has a way of reminding you that you are not in control of all things. The beauty of such a journey and my confession for today are that I am better for it. True growth comes not from the adversity, but with the actions and decisions you make in the midst and to follow the bump. My life has gone through a transformation in just about every way in the past year. It is always easy to look back in the rearview mirror and see things that you stuffed away, ignored or denied. For years, the wind was changing, many external, the economy, and shifts of influence and there was a hole in my life that I was trying so hard to fill with things, activities and escapes. Even the things that were right were thrown off balance by the hole. Its only natural to seek equilibrium eventually and some things seem to suffer. For true peace we need a balance of priorities of being a good mate, mother, work, body, mind and soul. From an outsider’s perspective, I would look ridiculous complaining, a husband who appeared to the world that he was dedicated and loving, two beautiful children, two businesses, all the worldly possessions, extravagant trips. I worked really hard to keep that picture up for all around me. It kept me from looking at the real picture. This past year, Daniel and I decided to end our marriage after 24 years. It was not that we didn’t try to save the family we built; we worked for over 5 years with a therapist to help us come back together. Finally there was not enough to keep going. We were hurting each other and our children were caught in the rollercoaster. It does not matter the fault, the blame. Behind the picture, was chaos and people just trying to hang on. I relate to the process of making homemade mayo, or aioli. You start with an egg white, and then add olive oil. So many things can go wrong, and if you don’t have enough egg white, it won’t be solid. Sometimes, with two people you can just run out of egg white. Since our marriage ended, I have taken the time to reflect, cry, get angry, forgive, heal and the parts of me that I love have resurfaced and the past is just that. The plan of our family has changed, it will be different, not sure how it will turn out…but I know that the opportunity is there for many great memories that have yet to happen. I don’t spend energy worrying now, about how it will be, because I love my life, each day is such a blessing. I have learned how to live today and that peace is amazing. My days are filled with reaching out, being thankful, trying each day to do some random act of kindness. I am honoring the body I was given by exercising and thinking about what I am putting in it. I spent time each day to be still, and just be. Before, life was so chaotic that I couldn’t be the parent I wanted to be. This priority is back in place. My family and friends around me are enjoyed and valued; I can now be there for them as they were there for me when I needed them. What matters is that the family deserves to have peace, and respect. My kids see me happy now, and they have peace. A friend recently said to me that the highest degree of respect to someone is when a person is themselves and is responsible, honest, forthright and caring in their communication. This posting is just that, so in my personal life, and with my business, that is my commitment. So I confess that I am not in control, no big deal…life will unfold. We will laugh, love and share as it unfolds.

Confession No. 19: Fear is a bad habit!

Fear is something we have learned from childhood, I remember going through a stage when I thought the boogie man was coming and I would die, I kept a nightlight on as a young child. Then I feared my parents would die and we would have no one to take care of us. Years later, my brothers played tricks on me scaring me in the dark basement or with a broom figure outside my window. Then middle school engulfed me and I feared acceptance and struggled with body image, this transmuted into high school when I still had braces and my nickname was "spider" because I was all arms and legs. I know this is not life changing stuff, it is actually quite mundane. You see that is exactly what haunts me to this day. I fear the average, being mediocre. Fear is a bad habit that will limit you, stifle you which makes my biggest fear a reality. Whenever fear has gotten into my subconscious and taken a bit of real estate has been periods of my life when I no longer moved forward, sometimes even moved backwards. But nothing is more unsettling to me than side steps. We have always been risk takers, that is life's adrenaline. I can handle steps back as long as I can see a leap forward in the horizon. A good exercise when any fear attempts to invade, think about if this was your last days on earth, would you take the same action? Think about a time in your life when you had nothing, and nothing to lose. Act, with prudence, but act soon fear will be an old habit...one that you leaped past!

Confession No. 18: I am Sorry, but...

"I am sorry, but..." . how many times have you said this to yourself or to others. I know when I first started I did the same thing. Life has a way of throwing obstacles at you. It is way too easy to be pulled into it and use that as an excuse afterwards for not doing what you have to do.



We must constantly remind ourselves that we are not doing this for the team, or for our upline; we are doing this for ourselves and our families. If we don't do the work, we will not see the results; then we will come up with excuses and feel guilty and then a viscous circle of negativity will overcome your business and sabotage your success.



If you find yourself in this cycle, accept what you did yesterday, then let it go. The best way to overcome this is to do something different TODAY!



For 14 years, I used my kids as an excuse to not exercise and lose my extra weight. Later I used my store as a reason why I couldn't do the same, and in the initial months of my Shaklee business, a reason why I didn't get all my dials in. It was a way to protect myself for my failure. I had a good reason why I was not skinny and successful... it wasn't me, right?



The hard truth is that to succeed you need to shed the old you, the one that comes up with excuses, replace it with a new one that dares to fail. It makes you vulnerable. It is only through this change of attitude that you will be able to be a succeed. The level of success is up to you... where you want to be and when.



Pick a realistic deadline for your next goal, look at your schedule, then each day, write down what time slots you are willing to dedicate consistently to working your business. Since you do not have a boss to dictate this to you, it is up to you to develop the discipline to make it happen without excuses.



Don't get me wrong, things happen, you deal with it and forgive yourself and then make up for it another day with extra effort. The most important thing is not get on a roll of the negative behavior - it takes so much more effort to recover. Your goal to reach Director in three months (for example) could end up being pushed out, because too much time was spent on beating yourself up than just getting back into action.



I am a work in process. I continually try to improve. Discipline is a constant effort. Daniel and I want to be Shaklee inside and out. In order to be taken seriously, we need to look the part. We started going to the Gym two days a week, and we are going to a Yoga class on Thursdays. Sunday (now that it is getting cooler) we are going to take a hike and strategize for the next week. This is contagious, because my son is exercising, he is watching what we are doing; much more powerful than any words I can say.



So, my point is, discipline is key, in all aspects of your life, to your success in everything you do, and as a business leader. I will spend my time producing... getting into action. This is the best way I can show you the way. The residual effect of this business, besides the income you are developing, is the discipline, the confidence, and getting healthier inside and out.



Start today by cutting out the words "I am sorry, but..." out of your own dictionary.

Blogs - Environmental Booty

Blogs - Environmental Booty

Confession No. 17: Am I Dreaming?

Am I dreaming? Why you ask? Because over the last four days, the conference was amazing! Roger Barnett, our CEO, gave us everything we need to make our dreams happen if we work hard for it. This conference showed me that this career choice is an amazing gift that I am proud to share with others. I saw story after story, and talked to people that this truly changed their lives.

I am one of those!

Roger gave us the Dream Plan, a patented compensation that is so much more that any competition in our industry. We watched him give over a million dollars worth of actual Hybrid Mercedes Benz to the Presidential Masters, but unlike any other company in our industry he has given us the ability to earn a car in the first 9 months. He gave us four trips to work for each year! He gave us cash for those just starting. He lowered requirements to achieve ranks and Fast Track, he simplified the point system, he simplified the Gold packs and increased the PV to 250 to get there faster. He gave us a compensation plan that pays to infinity levels on ALL products! Am I dreaming?

He gave us three new products...

There are over 80 million people suffering from high cholesterol, do you think you can find 30 to help with a product that is FDA approved to naturally lower cholesterol? People we can build a business with this product alone!

When every other company is taking stuff away with this economy...Roger is giving us more!


Oh my the Power bonus is amazing, you all know that for the first 90 days for every 15 pts (3X 5pts per Gold) we get $150 bonus, then Shaklee pays another $150 Power Bonus, well you can keep it going past the 90 days, by achieving new rank you get these for another 90 days, achieve another rank, another 90 days...get it?

Fast Track is restarted again and the Gold requirements are removed, just qualify for the rank starting today. The slate is wiped clean, if you haven't reached Director yet, this is your chance!

For those who may have dropped out for what ever reasons, maybe the timing, maybe life knocked you around a bit too much...this may be the perfect time to jump back in. I heard many stories of people that came back after years and finally got it going the way they wanted. We will be there to show you the way. We have an amazing lifestyle and I know there are people you know that want this!

The final day, we got together as a team for lunch to celebrate our own accomplishments, Lou Ann gave me a beautiful diamond star necklace to remind me of the strength our team can have when we work hard together. I want to share my appreciation for all the love and support from everyone that attended, I am proud to work with you!

Last night was the icing on the cake, my family and I were escorted through a beautiful room for 5,351 people, each section was lit in different colors, decorated in theme by each Disney character. Shaklee paid attention to all the details of top event, we went to the head table elevated on
a platform with flower arrangements that any bride would envy. We sat three chairs to the left of Roger, the conversation was riveting, everyone asked many questions about our team! Roger came over to us several times, talked with my kids, took pictures, and asked me if he could use my story of letting go of the rock! After we were asked to sit with the Masters for the final event (this was just my first time!) I sat next to Angel Torres, he was so kind and generous!

We were escorted to receive a dozen long stem roses, and a personalized Tiffany vase, then taken up on stage to be asked questions, for the first time in my life I was so overwhelmed with emotion I was at a loss for words! I hugged my table mates. and then my wonderful team...the Shaklee family is made up of such beautiful people.

I went to sleep with my star around my neck to have good dreams, I was like a Princess afraid to fall asleep to wake to see that it was all a dream...

I dreamt of who I could help realize their own dreams, to travel, a new car, pay off debt, to truly enjoy their lives! I dreamt of who I could take a small part in sharing a way to better health, or social change towards a better environment! I dreamt of the Shaklee lifestyle for my family, a way to travel to amazing places, to get my Hybrid. When I woke up, my necklace was still there, my heart is pounding with the anticipation of what is possible and to try to be a better leader to show you that you can do this, it starts in your head...

Mine started with a dream board, 14 months ago I put a cruise ship on that board, did I tell you that I had a car and a picture of a hut above water from Tahiti on it too?

We have the most amazing gift in our hands, it is up to each one of us to see it and take advantage of it. I will see those that get it in Washington DC next summer, maybe we will drive our new car across country to get there!

What is your dream? What are you willing to do to make it happen?


Make a committment to your self, better yet , to your family and start calling right now, don't wait another day!

Confession No. 16: Hungry Enough

This economy, has put dreams on hold for the sake of survival, there are choices, never give up your dreams...

First of all, look for something that you are passionate about! You will succeed if you are loving what you are doing. When you do not have the capital to start a franchise or your own start up, research into Direct Selling or Network Marketing companies. You get the power of a huge corporation, its product development, research, shipping, stocking, marketing, everything that can eat up the novice entrepreneur.

But be cautious, look for a company that has a seamless reputation, a lengthy history, a company that actually does something, or a real product. Be sure and check them out in Better Business Bureau. The products should be recession proof, what I mean is consumables people use everyday, that when times are tough, these would not be deemed unnecessary. There is no integrity in pushing people to buy stuff they do not need, or worse yet, that they can not afford.

Another aspect is how "hungry" are you. As a business owner, it has to be treated as such, not as a hobby. You will not have a boss to tell you to work before you do the laundry. You have to be committed to making it happen. Even though you have your own business, it does not mean you work alone. If you did your research before you "joined", hopefully you found a team with training and support. Make sure that the things they suggest to succeed are something the you and your family are willing to be flexible about giving you the respect while you are working. Being "hungry" gives you that failure is not an option attitude which will push you through the obstacles of working from home. Once you decide go "all in!" Listen to the steps that the people in the position you want went through, and follow their actions. Work with them to set a budget that you are comfortable with to make this business get to first to break even then amp up the budget a bit more to push for further growth. Depending on how you work, the first few months will seem up hill, after 6 months you are on your way to becoming a magnet, people start asking YOU what you are doing.

Where network marketing firms are great for someone will very little start up capital, the downside is that you have to be persistent and patient to develop the income want. But if you hang in there, there is a silver lining, there is no limit to what you can make. I can actually pass this business on to my kids one day. I used to work like a dog for other people to put money in their pocket, I know now I can work that hard for myself and decide when I want to be promoted! Start dreaming again!