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Day 1,317 – Finding Joy in the Journey – Saturday – 6/12/2021

This view of the sky caught my attention as we were sitting out have drinks at our friends’ house. It was so dark except the small sliver of light coming from the sunset. The sun had already set though its light could still be seen.

Being nice, being kind, reaching out to someone in need, offering a helpful hand are all acts that don’t go unnoticed. And they are acts that are seen long after the initial act of kindness is over, as there are lingering and ongoing effects of being kind.

About “Finding Joy”

And I’m off…. the 16-day adventure begins. The timing of this trip is interesting so I’m naming it “Finding Joy in the Journey.” I’ll be doing one dedicated post each day (at the end of the day or next morning). Since I typically post more than once a day, you’ll find it as a black and white photo. I’ll share the joy of the journey (on the trip or through this season), where I’m finding it and what I’m learning. I hope to inspire myself along the way. And if I can inspire others too, that would be a gift. So let the journey begin…

It was November 2017 and I was ready to head off on a sixteen-day trip.  Nine days before leaving, my mom unexpectedly passed away from a heart attack. It shook me to my core.  I had always been told the 40’s are the best years of your life.  And in a matter of three years, since turning the age of 40, I had gone through a divorce and lost both parents. 

I contemplated canceling the trip though I knew my mom would not be happy with that decision. She would want me to continue living my life.  My parents did not raise me to sit back and watch life; instead to fully participate in every moment. So I promised my parents to find joy in the journey everyday on my sixteen-day trip and share my experience with others. 

Little did I know what “Finding the Joy in the Journey” would turn into when I acted on the prompting to share my experience on a daily basis.  It helped me see life differently and my wish is that it will inspire others find joy in their journey.

Day 1,316 – Finding Joy in the Journey – Friday – 6/11/2021

It’s amazing the things you begin to notice

It’s amazing the things you begin to notice when you become present in the moment. Today, it was the surprise of finding a heart in my coffee! The shadow of the nozzles create a heart. We have had this coffee machine for a couple of months now and today is the first time I saw it. It made me smile and just another reminder to stop and smell the roses, or in this case, the coffee!

About “Finding Joy”

And I’m off…. the 16-day adventure begins. The timing of this trip is interesting so I’m naming it “Finding Joy in the Journey.” I’ll be doing one dedicated post each day (at the end of the day or next morning). Since I typically post more than once a day, you’ll find it as a black and white photo. I’ll share the joy of the journey (on the trip or through this season), where I’m finding it and what I’m learning. I hope to inspire myself along the way. And if I can inspire others too, that would be a gift. So let the journey begin…

It was November 2017 and I was ready to head off on a sixteen-day trip.  Nine days before leaving, my mom unexpectedly passed away from a heart attack. It shook me to my core.  I had always been told the 40’s are the best years of your life.  And in a matter of three years, since turning the age of 40, I had gone through a divorce and lost both parents. 

I contemplated canceling the trip though I knew my mom would not be happy with that decision. She would want me to continue living my life.  My parents did not raise me to sit back and watch life; instead to fully participate in every moment. So I promised my parents to find joy in the journey everyday on my sixteen-day trip and share my experience with others. 

Little did I know what “Finding the Joy in the Journey” would turn into when I acted on the prompting to share my experience on a daily basis.  It helped me see life differently and my wish is that it will inspire others find joy in their journey.

Day 1,315 – Finding Joy in the Journey – Thursday – 6/10/2021

Build Relationships and Build Referrals

Such an honor to share how to build relationships and build referrals in your network marketing business in the Momentum Makers Lunch & Learn series going on this week and next week. Two books out so from Momentum Makers with several more coming. I’m reading Book #2 right now on Social Media tips – great ideas. Plus, I’m excited that my chapter will be in the upcoming book on Personal Branding!

About “Finding Joy”

And I’m off…. the 16-day adventure begins. The timing of this trip is interesting so I’m naming it “Finding Joy in the Journey.” I’ll be doing one dedicated post each day (at the end of the day or next morning). Since I typically post more than once a day, you’ll find it as a black and white photo. I’ll share the joy of the journey (on the trip or through this season), where I’m finding it and what I’m learning. I hope to inspire myself along the way. And if I can inspire others too, that would be a gift. So let the journey begin…

It was November 2017 and I was ready to head off on a sixteen-day trip.  Nine days before leaving, my mom unexpectedly passed away from a heart attack. It shook me to my core.  I had always been told the 40’s are the best years of your life.  And in a matter of three years, since turning the age of 40, I had gone through a divorce and lost both parents. 

I contemplated canceling the trip though I knew my mom would not be happy with that decision. She would want me to continue living my life.  My parents did not raise me to sit back and watch life; instead to fully participate in every moment. So I promised my parents to find joy in the journey everyday on my sixteen-day trip and share my experience with others. 

Little did I know what “Finding the Joy in the Journey” would turn into when I acted on the prompting to share my experience on a daily basis.  It helped me see life differently and my wish is that it will inspire others find joy in their journey.

Day 1,314 – Finding Joy in the Journey – Wednesday – 6/9/2021

Above and Beyond

I’m a huge fan of when companies and individuals go above and beyond. On Sunday afternoon, Steve and I played golf at Sweetwater Country Club. As I got out of the car, I noticed a large patch of bird poop on the driver rear door and window. I asked Steve while we were in the valet area if he would take my car and get it washed this week.

I didn’t think any more about it until I went to leave for yoga class on Monday morning and noticed driver rear door was clean. So, I went in to thank Steve for cleaning the car. He told me he didn’t do it.

When we pulled into the club for date night, I asked the valet if he had done it. He had! He heard me talking with Steve about getting the car washed and he had taken upon himself, without us asking, to clean the passenger rear door. I was blown away by his attentiveness. There is so much to learn by the action of this young man! This is service that goes above and beyond!

I have always tried to be generous when it comes to tipping with valets and waitstaff. When you take care of people and give to give, you are taken care of in return. What you give out comes back. Be generous, be nice and it will come back to you in unexpected ways.

About “Finding Joy”

And I’m off…. the 16-day adventure begins. The timing of this trip is interesting so I’m naming it “Finding Joy in the Journey.” I’ll be doing one dedicated post each day (at the end of the day or next morning). Since I typically post more than once a day, you’ll find it as a black and white photo. I’ll share the joy of the journey (on the trip or through this season), where I’m finding it and what I’m learning. I hope to inspire myself along the way. And if I can inspire others too, that would be a gift. So let the journey begin…

It was November 2017 and I was ready to head off on a sixteen-day trip.  Nine days before leaving, my mom unexpectedly passed away from a heart attack. It shook me to my core.  I had always been told the 40’s are the best years of your life.  And in a matter of three years, since turning the age of 40, I had gone through a divorce and lost both parents. 

I contemplated canceling the trip though I knew my mom would not be happy with that decision. She would want me to continue living my life.  My parents did not raise me to sit back and watch life; instead to fully participate in every moment. So I promised my parents to find joy in the journey everyday on my sixteen-day trip and share my experience with others. 

Little did I know what “Finding the Joy in the Journey” would turn into when I acted on the prompting to share my experience on a daily basis.  It helped me see life differently and my wish is that it will inspire others find joy in their journey.

Day 1,313 – Finding Joy in the Journey – Tuesday – 6/8/2021

A husband that cooks

Having a husband that cooks is such a joy! Tonight, he surprised me with lamb chops, broccoli, asparagus, and roasted potatoes. Plus Bisto. For my fellow Americans, Bisto is an English gravy. Steve went to the British Depot in Katy to make sure he had some on hand. I’ve never been a fan of gravy. You won’t find a lick of gravy on my plate at Thanksgiving. No, thank you. Though I must admit, I was quite pleased with it on my meal. Actually impressed. Next up, I have to get Steve to do a Sunday roast!

About “Finding Joy”

And I’m off…. the 16-day adventure begins. The timing of this trip is interesting so I’m naming it “Finding Joy in the Journey.” I’ll be doing one dedicated post each day (at the end of the day or next morning). Since I typically post more than once a day, you’ll find it as a black and white photo. I’ll share the joy of the journey (on the trip or through this season), where I’m finding it and what I’m learning. I hope to inspire myself along the way. And if I can inspire others too, that would be a gift. So let the journey begin…

It was November 2017 and I was ready to head off on a sixteen-day trip.  Nine days before leaving, my mom unexpectedly passed away from a heart attack. It shook me to my core.  I had always been told the 40’s are the best years of your life.  And in a matter of three years, since turning the age of 40, I had gone through a divorce and lost both parents. 

I contemplated canceling the trip though I knew my mom would not be happy with that decision. She would want me to continue living my life.  My parents did not raise me to sit back and watch life; instead to fully participate in every moment. So I promised my parents to find joy in the journey everyday on my sixteen-day trip and share my experience with others. 

Little did I know what “Finding the Joy in the Journey” would turn into when I acted on the prompting to share my experience on a daily basis.  It helped me see life differently and my wish is that it will inspire others find joy in their journey.

Day 1,312 – Finding Joy in the Journey – Monday – 6/7/2021

Work hard Play hard

I am very much a work hard and play hard type of gal. It’s how I have lived much of my life and in a lot of areas it has served me well. Though I’ve also learned that work hard and play hard is not always the only answer. Sometimes you have to put on the brakes and slow down.

Over the past few weeks, my right elbow has been bothering me. Most likely tendonitis from golf and yoga. Since it occurred, I’ve just pushed through and kept doing what I was doing. Though today after a conversation with my yoga teacher, we decided that may not be the best decision. Sometimes work hard and play hard can make things worse, not better.

I still took my yoga class though did some modifications (changed chaturanga to cat/cow) and skipped wheel (even though I can finally get into it!). It wasn’t easy and part of me felt like I wasn’t pushing myself. Though I knew in this case, I needed to listen to my body more than my “do more” brain. By slowing down, it will actually speed up my healing. I’m curious, what is one area you have had to slow down to actually speed up?

About “Finding Joy”

And I’m off…. the 16-day adventure begins. The timing of this trip is interesting so I’m naming it “Finding Joy in the Journey.” I’ll be doing one dedicated post each day (at the end of the day or next morning). Since I typically post more than once a day, you’ll find it as a black and white photo. I’ll share the joy of the journey (on the trip or through this season), where I’m finding it and what I’m learning. I hope to inspire myself along the way. And if I can inspire others too, that would be a gift. So let the journey begin…

It was November 2017 and I was ready to head off on a sixteen-day trip.  Nine days before leaving, my mom unexpectedly passed away from a heart attack. It shook me to my core.  I had always been told the 40’s are the best years of your life.  And in a matter of three years, since turning the age of 40, I had gone through a divorce and lost both parents. 

I contemplated canceling the trip though I knew my mom would not be happy with that decision. She would want me to continue living my life.  My parents did not raise me to sit back and watch life; instead to fully participate in every moment. So I promised my parents to find joy in the journey everyday on my sixteen-day trip and share my experience with others. 

Little did I know what “Finding the Joy in the Journey” would turn into when I acted on the prompting to share my experience on a daily basis.  It helped me see life differently and my wish is that it will inspire others find joy in their journey.

Day 1,311 – Finding Joy in the Journey – Sunday – 6/6/2021

18 holes, blue skies and my husband by my side

18 holes, blue skies and my husband by my side makes for a great Sunday afternoon!

About “Finding Joy”

And I’m off…. the 16-day adventure begins. The timing of this trip is interesting so I’m naming it “Finding Joy in the Journey.” I’ll be doing one dedicated post each day (at the end of the day or next morning). Since I typically post more than once a day, you’ll find it as a black and white photo. I’ll share the joy of the journey (on the trip or through this season), where I’m finding it and what I’m learning. I hope to inspire myself along the way. And if I can inspire others too, that would be a gift. So let the journey begin…

It was November 2017 and I was ready to head off on a sixteen-day trip.  Nine days before leaving, my mom unexpectedly passed away from a heart attack. It shook me to my core.  I had always been told the 40’s are the best years of your life.  And in a matter of three years, since turning the age of 40, I had gone through a divorce and lost both parents. 

I contemplated canceling the trip though I knew my mom would not be happy with that decision. She would want me to continue living my life.  My parents did not raise me to sit back and watch life; instead to fully participate in every moment. So I promised my parents to find joy in the journey everyday on my sixteen-day trip and share my experience with others. 

Little did I know what “Finding the Joy in the Journey” would turn into when I acted on the prompting to share my experience on a daily basis.  It helped me see life differently and my wish is that it will inspire others find joy in their journey.

Day 1,310 – Finding Joy in the Journey – Saturday – 6/5/2021

morning reading

I love to spend time in the morning reading on the back patio. This book was given to me by John at the club. He’s the same age my mom would be and a really nice guy. I love the title of this book. I finished it this morning and realized that many of the lessons, I have already implemented into my life. I feel like I have lived the motto of “Do Live Differently” for a long time. I haven’t followed the conventional path, especially when I quit my corporate job and decided I would call network marketing my home.

I’ve always questioned “well that is how it is supposed to be.” Well, why? Why does it have to be that way? I’ve tried to look at life and my options differently. I believe when you do, you begin to create freedom in your life. You start looking at what I call the good life and realize that the great life is not about more, more and more. It’s not defining success the same way as the world does though redefining it on what success means to you and how you can experience it every day. I know if I am authentic, connected, happy and having fun then my day was successful. It’s definitely a different way to look at life. I love that I’ve learned that living the great life is all about creating a life of significance.

About “Finding Joy”

And I’m off…. the 16-day adventure begins. The timing of this trip is interesting so I’m naming it “Finding Joy in the Journey.” I’ll be doing one dedicated post each day (at the end of the day or next morning). Since I typically post more than once a day, you’ll find it as a black and white photo. I’ll share the joy of the journey (on the trip or through this season), where I’m finding it and what I’m learning. I hope to inspire myself along the way. And if I can inspire others too, that would be a gift. So let the journey begin…

It was November 2017 and I was ready to head off on a sixteen-day trip.  Nine days before leaving, my mom unexpectedly passed away from a heart attack. It shook me to my core.  I had always been told the 40’s are the best years of your life.  And in a matter of three years, since turning the age of 40, I had gone through a divorce and lost both parents. 

I contemplated canceling the trip though I knew my mom would not be happy with that decision. She would want me to continue living my life.  My parents did not raise me to sit back and watch life; instead to fully participate in every moment. So I promised my parents to find joy in the journey everyday on my sixteen-day trip and share my experience with others. 

Little did I know what “Finding the Joy in the Journey” would turn into when I acted on the prompting to share my experience on a daily basis.  It helped me see life differently and my wish is that it will inspire others find joy in their journey.

Day 1,309 – Finding Joy in the Journey – Friday – 6/4/2021

Cheers to the weekend

Cheers to the weekend! It’s been a good week. I’m excited about what’s happening. And I love that the end of the day, I get to go out to dinner with my husband. We waited a long time for that, and he is definitely worth the wait!

About “Finding Joy”

And I’m off…. the 16-day adventure begins. The timing of this trip is interesting so I’m naming it “Finding Joy in the Journey.” I’ll be doing one dedicated post each day (at the end of the day or next morning). Since I typically post more than once a day, you’ll find it as a black and white photo. I’ll share the joy of the journey (on the trip or through this season), where I’m finding it and what I’m learning. I hope to inspire myself along the way. And if I can inspire others too, that would be a gift. So let the journey begin…

It was November 2017 and I was ready to head off on a sixteen-day trip.  Nine days before leaving, my mom unexpectedly passed away from a heart attack. It shook me to my core.  I had always been told the 40’s are the best years of your life.  And in a matter of three years, since turning the age of 40, I had gone through a divorce and lost both parents. 

I contemplated canceling the trip though I knew my mom would not be happy with that decision. She would want me to continue living my life.  My parents did not raise me to sit back and watch life; instead to fully participate in every moment. So I promised my parents to find joy in the journey everyday on my sixteen-day trip and share my experience with others. 

Little did I know what “Finding the Joy in the Journey” would turn into when I acted on the prompting to share my experience on a daily basis.  It helped me see life differently and my wish is that it will inspire others find joy in their journey.

Day 1,308 – Finding Joy in the Journey – Thursday – 6/3/2021

Trying dresses on.

I was trying dresses on for my nephew’s wedding as he is getting married next month in Chicago. In the process, I was having Steve take pictures so I could get some feedback. He told me to twirl and little did I know he captured this picture.

When I first looked at this picture, I didn’t really like it. As I stared at it a little longer, it made me smile. It made me smile as I could see a very different woman in this picture than the woman, I was a decade ago. Earlier in the day, I had been working on my book and was writing about how I had lost myself and the moment my confident business woman showed back up in my life. It was more than the confident business woman; it was the confident woman who once again started believing herself over what others told her. It was the confident woman that started trusting herself and her inner voice. She had been buried for a long time as she slowly disappeared in my late 20’s and throughout my 30’s.

As I look at this picture, I can see a confident woman. It doesn’t mean I don’t have fears. It doesn’t mean I don’t make mistakes or do things wrong. It doesn’t mean I don’t have doubts. I’ve found we all have those things. Though, what the confident woman in this picture has is that she has embraced herself, the good, the bad, the beauty, the flaws. She’s embraced who she is. She loves herself and knows that her voice is important. She knows she can trust herself and trust God to lead her.

About “Finding Joy”

And I’m off…. the 16-day adventure begins. The timing of this trip is interesting so I’m naming it “Finding Joy in the Journey.” I’ll be doing one dedicated post each day (at the end of the day or next morning). Since I typically post more than once a day, you’ll find it as a black and white photo. I’ll share the joy of the journey (on the trip or through this season), where I’m finding it and what I’m learning. I hope to inspire myself along the way. And if I can inspire others too, that would be a gift. So let the journey begin…

It was November 2017 and I was ready to head off on a sixteen-day trip.  Nine days before leaving, my mom unexpectedly passed away from a heart attack. It shook me to my core.  I had always been told the 40’s are the best years of your life.  And in a matter of three years, since turning the age of 40, I had gone through a divorce and lost both parents. 

I contemplated canceling the trip though I knew my mom would not be happy with that decision. She would want me to continue living my life.  My parents did not raise me to sit back and watch life; instead to fully participate in every moment. So I promised my parents to find joy in the journey everyday on my sixteen-day trip and share my experience with others. 

Little did I know what “Finding the Joy in the Journey” would turn into when I acted on the prompting to share my experience on a daily basis.  It helped me see life differently and my wish is that it will inspire others find joy in their journey.