I received a wonderful opportunity this week when I got an open invitation to pick the brain of a fellow jewelry designer on how she has marketed her business. I reached out to her after her kind comment on a previous blog post and am looking forward to our talking more!
Have you ever wanted to just clear it all out? There are lots of reasons why this instinct comes over us. Spring cleaning (past that season), nesting (definitely NOT pregnant), or the need to change things up. I had a long hard look at lots of things this week. After some intense scrutiny and a huge financial reality check I was able to find more room, get some cash, and free up some major energy in my home. The cash and more room came from letting go of a massage chair that we rarely used (thank you Craigslist!) and I couldn’t believe the energy it brought into that space. Not only was I able to get some cash in pocket, but my jewelry desk is now in the perfect fung shei spot in the room – the wealth corner!
To offer the rest of you who need a pat on the back for letting go to let the energy flow, here’s something that makes me laugh every single time I see it. I classic clip from “Fun with Dick and Jane” kinda says it all. The bad subtitles on it is almost as funny!
Here’s to finding some fung shei in your life. And at least you aren’t being indicted.
Let the positive energy flow! – Heather
(Heather’s dream is to have multiple streams of income, starting with launching an e-commerce website that showcases her one-of-a-kind designer jewelry, which are crafted by her. Heather’s post day is Thursday and her newly launched jewelry site is For Your Adornment)
Popularity: 6% [?]
My dear fellow dreamers recently asked for some explanations of what type of riding I’m pursuing in my dream of becoming an accomplished equestrian. (I’ll apologize now if this is boring.)
Hunters: This is what I’m working on currently. Hunt Seat Equitation can be judged “on the flat”, i.e., no jumping, or “over fences”, which is jumping. The rider is judged. How you ride is called “equitation”. Hands in the correct position? Thumbs up? Wrists straight? Sitting up, stretching up through the top of your head? Shoulders back and square? Can you draw a straight line down through your shoulders, hips, to your heels? Heels down? Stirrup (that’s what your foot sits in) on the ball of your foot? Knees tight against the saddle? Lower legs quiet and not swinging around? Good, light contact through the reins? Do you ride smartly? I.e., do you keep a good place on the rail, not running up behind other horses or cutting off other riders?
A few more things are added for “over fences”: Eyes up, looking over the jump to spot your next jump? Good crest release, which is moving your hands up your horse’s neck to free his head so he can jump? Good jumping position out of the saddle – just enough but not too much? Lower legs remaining solid providing you with a stable base?
“Hunter Under Saddle” and “Hunter Over Fences” judges the horse. Is he pleasant looking? Does he go about his job willingly? Is he light on the bit and not hanging, tugging or pulling on his rider’s hands? Is his head and neck carried in the correct position? Is he using himself correctly, i.e., with his powerful hind end collected under him, pushing forward, and light on his front, not unduly plunking his front feet down? “Over Fences” classes: Again, does he jump pleasantly and willingly? Does he tuck his front legs up nicely or is he lazy about it? Is he “honest”, i.e., does he do his best to jump well even if his rider picks a bad “spot” or take-off point?
Jumpers: Maybe I’ll get here someday; my bravery will have to increase first though! Jumpers is a timed event over fences. The course designer sets a time the course should be completed in. For every bit of time over that, riders are given “faults” or points. Additional “faults” are given for knocking down a rail (4 faults), refusals (8 faults). “Clean rounds” are earned by riders who complete the course within the time allowed and do not knock down any rails or have any refusals (horse gets to jump, says, “No Way!” and refuses to jump). All riders with clean rounds go into the jump-off, which is a shorter course of jumps. At the end, whomever has the best time or least number of faults, wins. Jumpers is exciting and the jumps are huge – they can be over 5 feet tall with 4 foot spreads. Scary!!
I was planning on including pictures with this post but ran into a few issues: First, I still can’t quite figure out what exactly to photograph, although I suppose Nikki would be a good start. Second, as I sat here at the desk staring at the digital camera and the computer, it is clear to me that I really don’t know how to get the pictures from the camera to the computer. And I’m too embarrassed to ask my husband, who’s at work right now anyway. I’ll try to work on pictures for next week.
My hand is doing better. Stitches came out on Monday and I’m able to use it more and more. My doctor was not 100% pleased with how well its closing up, my grip strength or the fact that I cannot straighten my fingers all the way. But, she cleared me to use it more and believes it will improve as the swelling continues to decrease and the tissues heal. She said in order to get full use back, I have to use it as much as I can. I’m o.k. to ride next week if I feel my hand is strong enough. She’s a rider herself and called me “extremely lucky”.
So, next week, look forward to a report of me back on Nikki and some photographs! Have a Happy and Safe 4th of July!!
Danelle
(Danelle’s dream is to become an accomplished horse rider, something she put on hold when she went to college, then got married, had her lovely children and managing a successful career. She has started riding again and is well on her way to achieving her first dream with 8 Women Dream. You can read more about Danelle’s family and the farm at http://storilines.pnn.com)
Popularity: 38% [?]
Tags: becomming an acomplished equestrian, hunter Jumper riding
There is usually more than one way to get a thing done. It doesn’t matter what the ”thing” is, work, home or family, if it needs to get done we as wives, mothers, women find the time and energy. Unless the thing is related to bettering ourselves – mentally, physically or intelligently which may take us one step closer to our dreams – then all bets are off.
When it comes to doing things for ourselves towards our dreams, we take a cue from our spouses, boyfriends, male friends and acquaintances or some guy we saw on TV, and find a million reasons (excuses) why we can’t get to it right now. (Sorry guys but ask yourself how many times you have been asked to fix the ______. I’m sure you can fill in the blank.)
Here are a few ways to find some time to do something for yourself.
Turn Off the TV (Computer/Video Game)
We all know we spend far too much time sitting in front of the TV but we don’t push that off button. Do it. Not only will you find more time for you, your whole family will have more time. Of course that means your children will have more time to annoy you so make sure you do this when they have something to do away from you.
Don’t offer to babysit your grandchildren every day.
You adore them and want to spend time with them but every day is a little much. If you keep it up you won’t be the fun and loving grandmother you want to be. Instead you will be the mean grandma that makes them follow all of the rules and never lets them eat cake for breakfast. It will be like being a mom all over again. Scale it back to no more than three days a week.
Your house doesn’t have to be spotless.
It’s true I swear. You think that every nook and cranny has to be clean at all times just in case (not sure what that means but I have said it myself). The truth is that no one notices those nooks and crannies but you. Your family and friends don’t care and I would wager even your mother-in-law doesn’t spend her time looking there. If she does then plan your away from home “you” time when she will be there- this will also double your “you” time benefit.
Practice Time Management
If you don’t know what that means take a class or read up on it. I find that when I really apply all of the rules I have at least two and a half more hours in a day. Yes, really. That doesn’t mean I am wasting time it just means I am not using it very well.
The point is to find time to do something for yourself that takes you one step closer to your dream or your own personal goals. Most of the things we spend our so called free time on are for others. If you don’t do something for yourself at least once a week you will eventually lose you. Don’t let that happen, you are important to everyone in your life.
Until next week,
Keep Dreaming
Dawnda
(Dawnda’s dream is to get some piece of writing published in 2009. She would really like to get paid for the piece too. However, we beg to differ with the not published part, as we feel she is now published with her writings here on 8 Women Dream and the launch of her scary stories blog at http://www.killeryarns.com – now we just need to work on the getting paid part. Dawnda’s post day is Tuesday)
Popularity: 38% [?]
Tags: 8 women dream, do something for yourself, find time, time
This week when I think of dreaming big I think about my youngest daughter. She has loved Michael Jackson ever since she was about 4. She would watch DVD’s of him and try to copy his moves. Anytime his song would come on the radio, we had to be silent. And if anyone talked bad about him, (you know I’ve tried) she wouldn’t hear of it.
She’s been waiting and waiting for him to go on tour so she could see him, and asked if we could go to London for her birthday (because her older sister gets to see her idol, David Archuleta, for hers). I had to explain the little cost difference.
When she first heard the news of Michael Jackson’s death, it wasn’t real to her until she listened to the radio and watched the news: all day. By the time she went to bed, reality kicked in and the tears came. She will never see her idol perform in real life. We’ve had to listen and watch Michael Jackson on MTV and VH1 all weekend, (if I hear Beat It one more time, I’ll scream).
She knows all the details so far of how he died and wrote the date on her calendar. She’s been begging for me to paint him on her wall for a year now, so now I guess I should make it happen. I asked her what color of him, black or white? My humor wasn’t appreciated. She says he’s not black or white, just Michael Jackson. Aahhh, a kid’s view.
Maybe her idol will help her pursue a dream in life as she grows up and becomes an adult. She has inspired me for my next dream. I will tell you about it next week. In the meantime, here is a video of her dancing like Michael Jackson at a talent show when she was 8:
Till next time,
Kim.
(Kim’s first big dream was to plan and execute a trip to New York with each of her daughters individually. Her secondary goal was to get fit and be healthy for the trip. Kim lost 20 pounds and just returned from her first mother-daughter trip to NY two weeks ago. She also overcame her intense dislike (do we say fear?) of flying to accomplish this dream. Kim’s post day is Monday)
http://www.8womendream.com
Popularity: 100% [?]
Tags: dreaming of becoming a hit like michael jackson, michael jackson fans, michael jacksons number one fan
This Week’s inspirational video stars Tim Ferriss, author of the number 1 New York Times bestseller, The 4 Hour Work Week. Further reading and sample chapters and more can be found at www.fourhourworkweek.com/blog.
This video of approximately 5 minutes is great for those new to the book or those who would like a compressed review of some key concepts of living the 4 hour work week. If you haven’t heard of Tim Ferriss and his efficiency techniques, I invite you to watch and enjoy this video:
What changes do you want to make this week? Leave a comment and let us know.
Keep on dreaming -
Catherine
(This week Catherine worked on the marketing of this blog, attended Toastmasters, lead a meeting of 8 Women Dream which was akin to herding cats, and is hiking Spring Lake 3 days a week. Catherine’s dream is to be a motivator, motivational speaker and published writer. She is testing her theories on motivation with this blog and the seven other women who have volunteered to be a part of her dream project. Catherine also writes about her life as a mom at the blog A Week In The Life Of A Redhead. Someday, she would also like to be invited to speak at TED.)
http://www.8womendream.com
Popularity: 56% [?]
Tags: inspirational videos, the 4 hour work week, tim ferriss videos
This Week while on vacation I am going to talk to all of you through an old video of me explaining Plein Air painting -
This video is from the Art at the Source (AATS) Open Studios where they invite artists to talk about their life and art. AATS is a yearly Open Studios held in Sebastopol, California. Just two weekends ago I finished showing at Art At The Source 2009.
Do you have any questions about what you would like to know about how I go about painting? Let me know your thoughts and I’ll address any questions when I get back from vacation.
Just keep dreaming -
Wendy
(Wendy’s dream is to become a influential international artist, who’s paintings are highly desired throughout the world. Wendy’s post day is Sunday. Wendy also showcases her art on her website Brayton Art and writes about her painting experiences on her blog Wendy Brayton’s Day Of Art)
Popularity: 63% [?]
Tags: how to plein air paint, plein air painting by internation artist wendy brayton, what is plein air painting
I am in the midst of complete chaos. Yet surprisingly I have an inner peace that makes no sense – unless of coarse you believe in God.
With the turn of the economy over the last couple of years, my business has done a downward spiral. I have had to close 3/4 of my business. Making this kind of a decision it is a difficult thing, I only wish the decision was the end of what needs to be done. Consequently it is only the beginning.
Talking to clients, landlords, setting up garage sales, painting, cleaning and the list goes on. Oh yea did I say within a week this all needs to be done?
I take comfort in the fact the the entire country is experiencing very similar things in their lives. I guess misery loves company would be a good phrase.
How do I know I made the right choice? I looked at all the options, then I prayed and at each and every turn I took the road was a simple one. All the doors opened, it is my experience that you know you are going in the correct direction (God’s direction) when the doors open.
The MHA has some great suggestions on Managing Life’s Pressures on their website Mental Health America. One of their de-stressing suggestions is a deep breathing exercise as follows:
De-Stress Through Deep Breathing
Deep breathing is a great way to de-stress. It actually changes your brain’s chemical balance to calm you down.
Here’s how to do it:
- Lie down or sit on the floor or in a chair.
- Rest your hands on your stomach.
- Slowly count to four and inhale through your nose. Feel your stomach rise. Hold it for a second.
- Slowly count to four while you exhale through your mouth. To control how fast you exhale, purse your lips like you’re going to whistle. Your stomach will slowly fall.
- Do this a few times.
So, it looks like I will be doing a lot of deep breathing while I ride this wave of my life. How are you handling your life stresses?
Just remember to keep on swimming – and breathing – Life is Good!
Veronica
(Veronica’s dream is body satisfaction. This includes losing weight, making her body strong, accepting her body image while eliminating a double chin, making cellulite go bye-bye, and improving the floppy arms. Veronica has this amazing ability to travel the world on a dime … soon we hope she will share her amazing travel secrets and adventures too. Veronica Twitters at http://twitter.com/veronica1955)
http://www.8womendream.com
Popularity: 47% [?]
Tags: belief, chaos, choices, decision making, peace of mind
This week I am dealing with that lovely old friend: procrastination.
Below, Dan Ariely, author and professor at Duke University discusses how he dealt with procrastination with his students at Duke University and presents his method as a tool for over coming procrastination in your own life:
Dan further discusses his views on human behavior on his blog Predictably Irrational. If you have any advise on overcoming procrastination let me know.
Meanwhile this post was a great way for me to be able to put off telling you what I have put off this week. I am sleeping with procrastination and he is my lover.
Maybe next week -
Alyse
(Alyse is the first of the eight women here to accomplish her first dream: learn the art glass blowing. She is now working procrastinating on an idea for her next dream goal. Alyse’s post day is Friday)
http://www.8womendream.com
Popularity: 46% [?]
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