Love Note #14

It's been a rough couple of months...years...decades...centuries! Is it true that we, as a society are inherently violent? Are we in a violent time? You would think so because we're living through it. However, historically speaking this is the least violent time in history.

That someone, anyone would be targeted as less-worthy because of the color of his or her skin, sexual orientation or religious beliefs, does not click with my mind, heart, or soul. As a white woman, who has been profiled to be every possible religion, race, color, and sexual orientation...I know what it is like to be different. I've never understood it, but I have felt it.

Are we that afraid of differences? Have we always been afraid of differences?

Let's look to the children. They don't see skin color, religion, or gender. They see another human being, a life that they want to get to know. Therefore, we are taught hatred, and it is up to each of us to cull this hatred from our lives and replace it with love.

Maya Angelou said, "Hate, it has caused a lot of problems in the world, but has not solved one yet."


I've cried a thousand tears over the senseless deaths throughout my life, (from 9/11 to Sandy Hook and the Indigenous mass killings to Black men being shot for just "being." None of these affected me directly, but affected me none-the-less. I have to clear the negative energy from my Being—Every, Single, Time!

It's time we look at the wo-man in the mirror and ask..."Is there hatred and violence in my life?" and "Where do I need to show more Compassion, Empathy, and Love?" When I asked these questions of myself, my answer was, "No way! I'm a person of peace and understanding. I'm not filled with hate."

But then...

...I really looked deep. I have walked across the street to avoid a Black Man coming toward me, instead of walking by and saying "Hello." I have watched violence on TV and in the movies, because it's only make-believe, right? I have a burning hatred for those who spout hatred and racism. But am I in the right? I have bashed another person's religion because they bashed my own beliefs. Does that make me right?

The problems we face as a society are systemic. However, each of us, as individuals, has to be mindful and willing to look in the mirror and really examine our life. How are you adding to the growing problems in our society?



If we are more mindful and loving toward one another, perhaps we can get some momentum going and change the systems. What do you think?

How will you be more mindful of the hatred that creeps into your life? Tell me in the comments below.

6 Secrets About Climbing that Mountain

"Realize deeply that the present moment is all you ever have. Make the NOW the primary focus of your life." ~Eckhart Tolle

Hello Beautiful,
----------
After the last post, I want to thank everyone who reached out. You made me feel loved and accepted exactly where I was.

The reason I wrote my story was because too often, especially with social media, we're bombarded with perfect scenarios and everyone else's life seems to be way better than our own. Well, I just wanted to point out that it just isn't true. We all go through the ringer a time or two in our lives.

I was actually not going to post anymore. Then, all week I kept hearing (from many different sources) "Don't quit before the miracle."

Well, I just got back from a seven-mile walk to the post office. There is nothing like a good walk in the fresh air to get clear on what needs to be said.

On my seven-mile walk, the first half was downhill. Perfect, I got to look around, take in the scenery, listen to the birds, and hoof it down the mountain. It was Beautiful! I made it there in 20 minutes. There was a breeze, shade, and no problems. Life is like that sometimes.

But then...

Book Review: Henrietta the Dragon Slayer

Henrietta the Dragon Slayer is filled with action and intrigue!

 One thing I really love to do is help other writers and entrepreneurs reach their dreams. Recently, I had the chance to read Beth Barany's Henrietta the Dragon Slayer.

What a wonderful story and cast of characters! Beth weaves the story through a fantasy world where the main character has slayed dragons and has seen her fair share of war for such a young woman.

     As Henrietta stumbles out of a tavern after hearing tales of her heroics, she meets a pushy knight named Franc, who insists that she return with him to the Islands of Oro to face the Emerald Dragon, Mimoto. However, Henrietta has other plans when she hears that her master has fallen ill and only the Dragon’s Dracontias stone can save him.

     Henrietta is a strong female role model who is on her hero’s quest with some unexpected and unlikely traveling companions. The young witch, Paulette, adds personality and innocence to the band. The pushy Knight, Franc, is stoic and harsh, yet finds his compassion in this quest. The Jester, Jaxter adds comic relief and helps blend all of the characters’ personalities. Beth creates a story of intrigue. The book is an action-packed fantasy with moments of real human emotions and turmoil. I adore Henrietta’s no nonsense, warrior ways. She has a sharp tongue and attitude befitting her legendary status as a dragon slayer.

    Henrietta the Dragon Slayer flows and is easy-to-read. You won’t find offensive language or sexual content, though there is some mild violence that stirs the action, but no overwhelming details. Throughout you’ll hear Henrietta mention in thought and deed that she is tired of killing. Beth’s fantasy world is detailed to the point that you can picture yourself in the tale, the mark of a good fantasy writer, yet she doesn’t get the reader mired down in too much fluff.

     As far as young girl fantasies goes, this is a GREAT read! Super-empowering for females of all ages. Perfect for your summer reading list! I can’t wait to read book 2: Henrietta and the Dragon Stone!

What are you reading this summer? Tell us in the comments below.

About Beth Barany
Award winning author, Beth Barany writes in two genres: young adult adventure fantasy and romantic fantasy. Inspired by living abroad in France and Quebec, she loves creating magical tales of romantic adventure to empower women and girls to jump into life with both feet and be the heroes in their own lives.
     In her off hours, Beth enjoys walking her neighborhood, gardening on her patio, and watching movies and traveling with her husband, author Ezra Barany. They live in Oakland, California with their cat named Leo, a piano, and over 1,000 books.
When not writing or playing, Beth runs her own company helping novelists as a book midwife, coach, and teacher to help them write, market, and publish their books.

PS. This is not an affiliate link. I just really loved the book.

Find Your Place and It Will Nourish You

Find Your Place & It Will Nourish You

"We are Divine enough to ask, and we are important enough to receive."  ~Wayne Dyer

Phew...what a month it has been!  Spring is showing me what rebirth is really all about, and it's not necessarily all sunshine and roses. I've been in a releasing and death phase for the past two years. Finally, the Phoenix is rising from the ashes of my former life. The stories I believed in are no longer valid, and I had to break my heart in order to regain my soul.

Last year was a test of human endurance, gaining confidence in myself, and trusting in the Divine.

As you may remember, I quit my full-time job to pursue my dream of running my own business. About the same time, my sons and I decided we were going to move out of Florida. The where and when were sort of up in the air, but April 2016 was our target month. So a tentative plan was set in motion. I  sent tobacco prayers on the wind and prayed to the four directions that all works out for our highest good, and that the where and when would be shown to me over time.

I showed up, did some research, had some preliminary discussions with key players in my life, and watched the signs.

Then all of a sudden a series of life happenings seemed to derail the entire dream. One of my sons was arrested on conspiracy to sell and distribute a controlled substance. He worked in a shop that sold Hemp Oil, or so he thought. His mugshot was plastered all over the news. I was embarrassed. He was embarrassed and scared. But we vowed to stick together despite some people turning on him and thinking he was a drug dealer. He learned a lot. I learned a lot. Life is full of unexpected surprises.

Then my 7 year relationship began to fall apart. We tried to keep it together, and I love him deeply. Ultimately, our lifestyles are too different to be in it for the long haul. I'm a wanderer. He's not. He didn't want to move. I didn't want to stay. I learned a lot. He learned a lot. Love is weepy.

My other son was going to move in with my brother after his lease was up, (while we waited for his twin brother to finish his community service for his brush with the law). My brother seemed to have a lot of rules and requests that were unreasonable (in my humble opinion). My young blood decided against moving in. We both respect my brother for stating his needs, even if that wasn't what we wanted to hear.

Heartbroken. Now what?

My young blood decided to move out west. I decided to go with him with a minor adjustment to his plan. I wasn't going to ride my bike the whole way. Then his twin brother received word that he could do his community service out of state. He was able join us. All of this fell into place within two weeks and started a month after I chose the place...Albuquerque.

The Universe had heard my prayers and was conspiring with everything and everyone to make it happen, even the fact that April is when we're moving. Funny how that works, huh?

So the week of April 18th, I am packing up a truck with our minimal things, a snake, a cat, and a one young blood, and heading to Albuquerque, New Mexico. The other son will join us a few days later. It's a whirlwind of a move back to a place that nourishes my soul, and where my sons were born. It's an amazing kind of rebirth.

It has also been a great lesson for me in trusting Great Spirit. It, He, She is working for your highest good. All you have to do is pray and show up.

May the Divine work miracles in your life, too!

5 Soulful Social Media Strategies

5 Soulful Social Media Strategies with Humpback Whale

I’ll be perfectly honest, and I know this is not a popular opinion, but I don’t like social media. In me, it brings up old wounds, shadows, and feelings of inadequacy, envy, and even overwhelm at times. It can be a HUGE distraction, too. Social media seems necessary if you want a successful business, and yet, there are those who have opted out. It gives this girl pause for thought.

There are beautiful people on both sides of this debate. There are a lot of us wobbling on the fence. What if you feel like running from the Social Media beast, but think you need to stay, or even want to on some level? I can’t deny the beautiful connections that I’ve made that wouldn’t have happened any other way and staying in touch with these Lovelies is way easier on social media. Yet I can't help wanting to make real connections, in person instead of online. What's a Soul-o-preneur to do?

Since I’m one of those on the fence, here is how I cope:

10 Simple Ways to Add Ease & Joy in Your Biz

Why do you need ease and joy in your business? 
It reduces stress, keeps you from getting overwhelmed and worrying about only the small details.

1. Write down anything that is in your head. Keep it all in one place.
2. Keep your calendar up-to-date.
3. Make sure you inbox is completely clear by the end of the day. Use a "Follow-up" folder for emails you don't want to deal with right away.
4. Take a break regularly throughout the day.
5. Set good boundaries on your time.
6. Your business is a way for you to give your gifts, talents, and love away daily.
7. Simplify. Get rid of anything or tweaking those things that aren't useful, beautiful, loving, or joyful. Automate anything and everything that you can.
8. Invest in yourself. You are your best business assets.
9. Play. Have a childlike curiosity about everything going on in your business.
10. Surround yourself with the people who empower, honor, and support you. You are the average of the five people who you hangout with daily.

Less Clutter = More Ease, Joy, and Flow in your Business! 

How do you find ease and joy in your business (and life)? Tell me in the comments below. Curious minds want to know.

Love Note #7

Love Note #7: What the world really needs is more love and less paperwork.

We get so caught up in the day-to-day grind of making a living that we forget to make a life. The essence of this great life is love.

P.S. Put down that stack of papers and find the love.

4 Things a Soulful Business Owner Needs to Do to Be Seen

by Deborah Globus

4 Things A Soulful Business Owner Needs to Do to Be Seen

 

When you’re a small, heart-centered business owner – a soul-o-preneur as Heather calls us – it’s absolutely vital to the success of your business that you get yourself out there and “get seen.”  This is what is behind the whole “you are your brand and your brand is you” idea. 

It is challenging since many of us tend to be tenderhearted, service-oriented, humble and full of integrity.  Marketing in the usual way is tough, so here are some do’s as you explore ways of being seen that work for you and your business.

So what’s a tenderhearted soul-o-preneur to do?

The 1 Thing Not to Ignore as a Female Soul-o-preneur

The 1 Thing NOT to Ignore as a Female Soul-o-preneur
Photo by Catherine Beerda-Basso

 
I had a blog post all ready to go, but then something happened that, quite frankly, needs to be talked about. It’s the one thing that we (as women) know as truth, but in the masculine world of business, we ignore, push aside, get through, and don't talk about. That is our moon cycles. As I come to the end of my moon cycles, each blood that does happen is precious to me, but I've not been mindful enough to realize that I wasn't truly honoring it as a business woman, until now.

Not so long ago, moon cycles were honored and considered sacred. A woman on her moon was excused from work because her energies were powerful and no longer about the outside world. She went to a secluded and safe place with other women who were bleeding also. What mattered during this time was the inside world, messages, signs, and voices. It was a strong intuitive time, a time to talk to Spirit for the good of herself, her family, and her community. She would have visions, journey, sleep, and dream. A woman would spend the time interpreting these messages for the good of all. This bleeding woman took care of herself and was adorned and pampered by the Elder women of the community. Some scholars believe that as the patriarchy began to rise, menstrual blood taboos were used to control women. It was no longer something powerful or sacred. It was a disgusting waste product to be ridiculed and laughed about. Modern woman took on these taboos as her own, but there is another way.

5 Things I Learned From the Money-makers

5 Things I Learned from the Money-Makers. Buffalo = Abundance

Lately, I have been seeing an over-abundance of promises on the Web on how someone doubled their income, quit their full-time job to blog, made 5-figures in one month blogging, or doubled their page views in two days? I've been wondering: If there are so many people doing this, what am I doing wrong? And not just that, but if there are so many people making that much money, why is everyone still living paycheck to paycheck, or hoping someone buys their product so they can eat next month, or taking all of these classes about making more money or growing your email list. Why isn't it happening for everyone across the board?

Alright I admit, I've clicked on a lot of these promises and taken a boatload of classes. Hell, I want to make 5 figures in one month. There is a lot of good I could do in the world with that kind of moola. However, what I've found in reading their information is nothing. They skirt around the subject, but don't really tell you how they did it or the formulas for "success" didn't work for my business. I don't want to be a Negative Nellie or project anything on anyone, but I'm a bit skeptical. The business owners who are actually making that kind of money aren't telling everyone that they're making that kind of money, even if they are business coaches! Just sayin'.

I'm beginning to think that it's a numbers game, "I have the latest get rich quick scheme." Is it all about the money or the people you serve? Can it be both? I want more real and honest communication around business, especially from a soulful perspective...or am I the only one?


So, here's what I've learned from the money-makers:

What Would Happen If You Quit Social Media?

What would happen if you quit social media?

 I've been toying with the idea of quitting social media all together. I've had many discussions with friends and family about the good, the bad, and the ugly, why to stay and why to go. Why am I even considering such a drastic move? Here are my reasons:

1. Other than my business. I don't get much out of social media. Okay, I do enjoy pinning tiny house ideas to Pinterest. You got me!
2. I find myself comparing and judging not only others, but myself as well. That's not cool in my book and not aligned with my values.
3. It feels like an addiction or at least a cage. How many times do you check Facebook? See what I mean!?
4. I'm trying to be more mindful of everything in my life, including my time. Social media is a HUGE time suck.

 I know quitting seems drastic, but I've taken sabbaticals and felt fabulous during and right after. Then all of a sudden, the gremlins of Comparison and Judgment creep back into my day-to-day life. I hate when that happens. And if I add the verbal attacks that I've witnessed on social media, why would I want to be a part of that world? It all seems odd and definitely against my values.

Are you ready to be a soulful business woman?

Being a Soul-o-preneur is not for wimps!

Five years ago, I was sitting with friends bemoaning my full-time job and dreaming of being my own boss. I was sure it would be much easier and certainly more lucrative. My friends asked why I would want to do such a thing. They told me things like: "I had a job that most people dream about, what about health insurance, income inconsistencies, and having it run your life." I laughed and continued with my plans for "freedom." For once, no one and nothing was going to stop me.

Fast forward to present day. They were right, to a certain extent. Here's what I've learned: Being a Soul-o-preneurs is not for wimps. And that is no joke! However, if I had known then what I know now, I would have done it anyway. There are just some things you have to learn, and it's a steep learning curve. There's nothing like trial by fire!

Here are some thoughts: 

In Honor of National Cat Day...

Kitty says, "Take a nap, so you can take care of business."

Who knew there was actually a National Cat Day? However, cats can teach us a million wonderful things about taking care of ourselves, so we can take care of business, our families, and our communities. So in honor of National Cat Day, my kitty says, "take a nap."

How do you take really good care of yourself? Tell us in the comments below!

7 Simple Boundaries to Set in Your Soulful Biz

We all know those projects that seem to take all of your time and energy. They suck the joy right out of your Happy Place and replace it with complaining and deep sighs of disgust. Is this any way to live? I think not. What we need are boundaries! Just like with people, your biz needs boundaries, too.

Here are seven ways to create good business boundaries:

1. Set a time limit. Each day set a time limit for how long you're going to work on a particular project. We have limited time to get a lot done. What makes logical sense? An hour? Half day? Whatever time you set, the project will fill that space, so make the space as small as possible.