May23

Changes

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“You know the great thing, though, is that change can be so constant you don’t even feel the difference until there is one. It can be so slow that you don’t even notice that your life is better or worse, until it is. Or it can just blow you away; make you something different in an instant. It happened to me.”  From the movie My Life as a House

This is one my favorite movies and definitely worth watching. The concept that life can change in just a minute is one that has always fascinated me.  It reminds me to be thankful for all that I have including the love of the people closest to me, my good health and intellect, and even the very ability to change my circumstances if I choose to. Life can change all or any of that in a second and we often don’t take the time to appreciate the simple pleasures of life until they are taken away or threatened.  Instead we often focus on the negative and lose sight of the every day gifts we possess.

In an instant we change our thinking or make a positive decision that will change our lives and possibly the lives of those around us.  How often has someone just said the right words or have you met the right person at the right time? Changing your life really can be as easy as changing your mind. The decision to stop an unproductive behavior or create a life affirming change can be as simple as the realization and then going forward and acting on it.  Many times in my own life everything just became very clear in an instant and I can look back to the very moment where I just had to make a change, knew what I wanted my life to look like, and could see what I needed to do. What an awesome feeling that is!

So go out and tell someone thank you or that you love them or just notice something positive. You never know when that small thing you say can change another person’s life.

Have a wonderful day!

May22
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“Often people attempt to live their lives backwards. They try to have more of what they want so they will be happier. The way it actually works is the reverse. You first must be who you are, then love what you do, in order to have what you want.”
– Margaret Young

Just about through step one and moving forward in to step two….

“Often people attempt t…

May21

Positive thoughts

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“The thought manifests as the word; The word manifests as the deed; The deed develops into habit; And habit hardens into character. So watch the thought and its ways with care, And let it spring from love born out of concern for all beings.” 

— Buddha

Today I am going to focus on my thoughts. Lately,

I’ve felt that I am so focused on the future that I am allowing myself become very unhappy in my present work situation. I suppose that the true test of who you really are is how you think and behave in the circumstances that are difficult. So, today I’m going to concentrate on loving, postive thoughts. Join me?

May19

New Experiences and changes…

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“The purpose of life is to live it, to taste experience to the utmost, to reach out eagerly and without fear for newer and richer experience.”  Eleanor Roosevelt

I love this quote. I love quotes in general. Whenever I am feeling a little lost I’ve always looked for inspiration in the words of others. I imagined that they must know more that I do if everyone was quoting them and I’m usually able to find just what I need.

I have to admit, the idea of giving my resignation to the school where I teach special education is a a little daunting. I decided about 5 years ago after a divorce to complete a Master’s program in Special Education and change careers to become a teacher. It wasn’t easy to juggle work and school and four children, with very little help. Both of my parents died during all of this and there were many other problems, many financial. In other words; I nearly killed myself getting here and after 2 years in the exact job I thought I wanted that actually wants me back I’m planning to resign. Wow, when I write it down it sounds nuts.

For all that is good about this, there is bad. It’s not the new and richer experience I had hoped for. In fact, I spend most of my day doing tedious paperwork and handing my lessons to my tutor so she can enjoy teaching them. I love the kids in my class and I think they may even love me as much as a middle school student can. I do know that they  know how much I respect them and I absolutely get that back. But, my job is about 10 % teaching and 90% administration. Let’s not forget I’m actually considered living on the poverty level for the town where I work. I make 50% of the median income in my town. Not even the deciding factor, but significant enough to mention.

So, the new and richer experience had to include a way to make the world a better place. I know myself and if that is not part of the plan I won’t be happy doing whatever I am doing. I’ve always volunteered and worked in nonprofit and have started two nonprofits of my own. The trouble was that I could never make enough money to support my family at these jobs so I would find myself doing something that made our lives more comfortable but gave no personal satisfaction aside from that.

I have been in search of the opportunity where I can live a comfortable life, be challenged, independant, and also give back. I think I’ve found it. The business I’m starting with give a percentage of the cost from the client  and a percentage of my profit on each transaction to a nonprofit I am creating. My thought is that if I do it at the start that neither the client or myself will miss that small amount.

Imagine if every business did that? Imagine the good we can do? I want to be a part of that and I know that if I work hard I can create something wonderful that will employ people, give other woman a new start and allow me to support my family. I’m chronicling it on here so that I can show other women after I successfully create this business called Magnolia that just because you’re scared doesn’t mean you should stop.

Take a second to send some encouragement if you happen to read this. I’m going forward but the good thoughts help.

Thank you for reading and good luck to you too!

May17

Hello world!

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When we are no longer able to change a situation – we are challenged to change ourselves.
Viktor E. Frankl
 
I created this blog in order to  journal  the events surrounding the starting of a new business, as well as an affiliated nonprofit. I thought I could show others that reinventing yourself is possible, but as I write I can see that it’s also helping me to see the same thing.
 
The business will allow me the opportunity to start an organization that provides loans and grants to woman, who have previously lived below the poverty line, so that they can start their own businesses. 
 
To be a part of someone realizing their dreams or giving them the encouragement to change their perceptions of themselves or what is possible in their lives would be an incredible gift.  I’m looking forward to the process. Thanks for following along!