A Wish From My Mother for Mother’s Day

Posted on May 12, 2013 by Kathy Coddington

227545_1540639776426_1847892411_982855_3619665_nWhat a beautiful day for Mother’s Day the sun is shining although the air is cool but all in all a great day.  My 87-year-old mother and I were talking this morning about what Mother’s Day really means to us.  Although it is great to get all the accolades and “time off” on this day, as we age it takes on a whole new meaning.

Traditionally, Mother’s Day was started in 1908 when Ann Jarvis held a memorial for her mother and she set out to campaign to make it a nationally known holiday.  Although she succeeded she was very disheartened by all the commercialism that was attached to the day so soon.

When you become a Mother for the first time, Mother’s Day is becomes very special.  Never before have you experienced such a bond and unconditional love as you do with your child and that first year becomes a celebration of another step into womanhood.

As the years go by, and if you are lucky that more children call you “Mom”, Mother’s Day becomes a day when you get all those little special gifts and trinkets made especially for you by your children.  I still have some that my son made me and he is a grown man with a family of his own.

As you move into being a grandparent and/or great-grandparent as in my Mother’s case, the day becomes a little less festive and sometimes quiet.  Yes, we still get the phone calls, the texts, the cards, the flowers, sometimes visits; but celebrating is usually done with just my Mom and I as everyone else is busy with their own families.

She and I cook dinner together and usually go flower shopping.  It has been a tradition even before I was married to buy Mom’s flowers for her pots and gardens and we plant them together.  This year we have the flowers, but waiting on the planting, as we have a freeze warning in effect for tonight.

I am sure you are wondering what the purpose of my blog was today.  I just wanted to share my special moments and what my Mother said in our talks today.  Mother’s Day is still a very cherished time with her, and this is my way of sharing our Mother’s Day with you.

Throughout our talks today, Mom  has shared what his day really means to her. But one thing really hit home.  She said Mother’s Day “takes on many different faces and changes as we age, but it is always present to remind us of the loved ones past and present in our heart.”  She emphasized that we should actually celebrate our Mother all year round with the same admiration and love that overflows on Mother’s Day. I so agree!

So the wish from my Mother I share with you today is simple.  Share the love, the glory, the special gifts with your Mother all year-long.  Don’t wait for a special day to show her how much you love her. What happens if that day comes and she isn’t with you anymore.  Never regret spending valuable time together.  I love you Mom more than words can express ~ I cherish all the special time we have together and Happy Mother’s Day every day!!

~ Kathy

 

 

 

 

 

 

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My 21 Day Commitment to a New Awakening and Why ~

Posted on April 28, 2013 by Kathy Coddington

news_awakening_america_fast_20111In between my normal hectic life as Mom, Grandma, and Daughter this weekend, I was able to attend two wonderful seminars, view several training videos, and read a personal blog that totally turned my life around.  Never before has anything made me stop dead in my tracks, hit home, and open my eyes as much as the events of this weekend.

In all my 62 years I thought I had seen it all, experienced it all, been there done that.  Most that know me know that I am a great reader and researcher.   I follow the likes of Dani Johnson, Kim Garst, Ann Sieg, Sandi Krakowski, Katie Vega, Tony Robbins, John Maxwell, Ray Higdon, and many more.   In between running my own business, and spending time with family; I am studying to become a Life Coach and Mentor in my personal life and in business.   But, it wasn’t until I watched a short 15 minute testimony by a twenty-year-old-something phenom, Jeremy Krakowski, that I literally stopped cold in my tracks and had to take a deep breath.

This young man was telling his life story about how all the obstacles and roadblocks he had faced in his life made him realize he needed to change.  He talked about being a high IQ intellect at the very young age of 7.  He talked about how he started his own business at 14, and by 18 was employed with a very reputable company without a college education.  He talked about how all his life he never felt like he belonged and how everything he did was just to “fit in”.  He talked about how in 2011 he hit bottom on alcohol and drugs, was severely overweight, and felt he had no reason to go on.

While we hear these stories every day, this young man captured my heart and soul.  And for the first time I felt as if it was me on that video, talking about my life especially when he said ~ “pay attention to what YOU are saying about yourself, because YOU are listening”. WOW let me repeat that again, “pay attention to what YOU are saying about yourself, because YOU are listening!  I had to pause the video, walk away, and take a breath!  Flashbacks of all the times I have said I am ugly, I can’t do this, why don’t I fit in, what is wrong with me, why do people hate me, why can’t people acknowledge my success, what am I doing wrong, why am I alone, came crashing in my mind.

Growing up I wasn’t the prettiest girl at school; but I was popular.  I wasn’t the smartest in my class, but I was highly intelligent and made good grades.  I didn’t come from a rich family, but my parents always made sure I had what I needed even sacrificing their own needs.  I wasn’t openly religious but I attended church and Sunday school every Sunday all throughout my life, even was baptized by my Grandfather who was a minister.   I didn’t get scholarships, but I attended the best schools and colleges my parents and I could afford.   My relationships were few, but I fell in love, got married, had my beautiful son.  In spite of obstacles, I worked hard and I became successful in business.  I had everything in life one would want, but I wasn’t happy.  Today I found out why!!

Listening to this young man reach out and give his testimony made me realize I too have been my biggest challenge and obstacle.  I too have been the roadblock to my own happiness.  I have totally sabotaged my mental, emotional, and physical well being, as well as directly affecting those around me personally and in business.  I didn’t listen to what I have been saying about myself, and consequently I am my own demise.

So, today April 28, 2013 I dedicate myself to a 21 Day Commitment to a New Awakening and to changing my life.  Today begins the best day of the rest of my life.  I am going to do everything I need to do to change me and my life: spiritually, physically, mentally, and emotionally.  I will chronicle every step, every success, every hurdle, even the failures and the remedies.  I vow that the words that come out of my mouth from this day forward will be positive, and I promise to put forth my words into actions.   As with any change, I know I will stumble, and old habits will be hard to alter, but I will do this!!

Stay tuned for future blog posts as I cross each bridge of my journey.  If you would like to take this challenge with me, you are encouraged to do so.  I will graciously accept you as an accountability partner.   These might be the hardest but most rewarding 21 days I will ever commit to in my life; but I know the end result will be worth every step of the way.

God Bless and Thank you Jeremy Krakowski!! ~ Kathy

 

 

 

 

 

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“Reason, Change, Belief, Trust, Worth, Success”

Posted on April 20, 2013 by Kathy Coddington

stash-1-5075cd9f60ac6These thoughts by Marilyn Monroe have always intrigued  me.  While I totally understand what they all mean now that I am older; it took me sometime to grasp each nugget she offered.  I would read them over and over, research them in my mind and heart, and finally come to understand the life they were preparing me for.

The first thought was easy for me to comprehend as I knew that “everything in life does happen for a reason”.  We may not always understand why at the time, but if we place ourselves in God’s hands the reason will always be shown at the proper time.  Whether it be in life or business, God’s plan will become evident as we follow the paths we are given.  The more I accepted Him,  the easier life became.  Thus, I learned about reason and to accept change.

“People change so that you can learn to let go” is one of the hardest lessons to learn in life as a child and as an adult.  As youngsters we are so dependent upon our parents, our friends, and our extended family that we hold on tightly.  It is not until we are in our late teens, early 20′s, that we begin to dare to learn to let go.  Let go of old friends, let go of family, let go of first loves; all the while learning that even as we do, we ourselves change and we let go so that we can experience new jobs, fall in and out of love, and mature.

By letting go of our dependence, we then see that not everything in this life is going to be perfect.  We will fail and succeed many times in all areas of our life.  And sometimes no matter how much we don’t want them too, “things go wrong”.  We are let go from a job we love, we lose loved ones before their time, our health encounters illness or disease, we lose the trust and friendship of a good friend, or we find ourselves alone.  It is at these times that we learn to deal with adversity, which in turn will shape us as stronger person, will teach us to appreciate what we truly do have, and will allow us to accept unexpected joys.

However, is it possible to be joyful about the wrong things?  Have you ever believed a lie that someone told you even though you knew it just wasn’t right?  Have you ever been so caught up in drama with someone that you lost yourself while trying to stay with them?  These feelings of believing and trust are so natural that we don’t see they can be harmful.  However, it is usually only a matter of time, that we soon realize we don’t have to listen to lies, we don’t have to stay in drama, that we can finally step out, that we can be free, and that we can truly appreciate the real things in life and trust ourselves only.  We know that it is not necessary to be lied to, or be deceived; that we are truly worthy of so much more!  It is finally this knowledge of self-worth that allows us to know, that “sometimes good things fall apart, so that better ones can fall together.”

Often times we think that we are in the perfect relationship, the perfect career, the perfect place, the perfect family; and one day we wake up and realize we are unhappy.  We are stunned, we are lost, we are hurt.  We feel guilty wondering how everything so right could feel so wrong.  It is at this moment, that we choose the path we will follow.   Will we stay unhappy or make a change.   Have you ever left a “perfect” relationship to find the love of your life?  Have you left a job and found a much better one that meets your needs?  Have you ever left your familiar surroundings and family to find a town or group of friends that fulfilled your goals?  Have you truly put your wants, desires and goals first and learned happiness does exist?  Have you ever been your own boss and answered to no one?  If so, then you have found the very essence Marilyn Monroe dreamed about in her thoughts; you are now a complete, fulfilled, successful, worthy person.  God Bless ~ Kathy

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If A Caterpillar Can Become A Butterfly ~ What About You!

Posted on March 31, 2013 by Kathy Coddington

Today is Resurrection Sunday, Easter to Christians and Jews alike.  It is a day of new beginnings, a day when the dark dread of winter blossoms into the hope of Spring.  It is a time of personal and professional awakening.  It is a day when we ask ourselves “if a caterpillar can become a butterfly, what about me?”

Have you ever really studied the transformation of a caterpillar to a butterfly?  How the caterpillar enshrouded itself within a sturdy cocoon preparing itself for its life journey, and then bursts out as a butterfly on the wings of flight and life?  If you haven’t, take a moment and envision this transformation, one of God’s most simple but amazing messages, do you see any similarity to life ?

We all start out as children, (caterpillars); beginning our journey of knowledge, growth, and experience, facing each and every trial and tribulation (cocoon stage); while preparing us for the time we will take our wings and fly (butterfly).  The same can also be said about business.  No matter what business journey people choose there is also a time to be a caterpillar, a cocoon, and a butterfly; which stage are you in?

Are you the young caterpillar who is always studying, learning, training, and experiencing the ups and downs as you find your way?  Are you the cocoon, whose life and business are established, but becoming more productive, fine tuning your skills and working on accomplishing all your goals?  Are you the butterfly soaring above all the rest?

Succeeding in business just as in life, is a time of overwhelming learning embroiled in many roadblocks or learning curves.  For many the cocoon stage is the hardest, and we tend to become impatient, frustrated, sometimes even giving up never reaching the ultimate success.  Could you imagine this world without butterflies?  How many dead cocoons, not empty shells, have you ever seen?  None, not many?  Then why would you let yourself stay in the cocoon stage and quit before your blessing?

As Jesus was given the ability to fly out of his cocoon (tomb), so do you.  All you have to do is focus on who you are, what you want to accomplish, and stay the course.  Whether it is simple or hard every one of you has the chance and ability to become a beautiful butterfly.  You have the power and the drive to soar above the clouds in perfect flight; exercising all your wisdom and success to finally reach that pinnacle of happiness.  If the little caterpillar can become a butterfly, so can you!

God Bless,

Kathy

 

 

 

 

 

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25+ Ways To Find FREE Leads Online and Offline

Posted on March 17, 2013 by Kathy Coddington

free-leads-for-mlmPerhaps the number one problem that most businesses face in their marketing their business and/or products is where to go to find “qualified” leads.

For years I have researched every top marketer and inspirational speaker, you know those “million dollar” people who are always out there selling their programs and seminars for us to duplicate what they do; to learn what they do, how they do it and the tools they use.

Well last week, just by chance, I responded to an email from one of those internet “gurus” Ray Hidgon*.  Little did I know that the one hour I spent with him on an audio seminar would turn my business on its ear.  Not only will I share the content from that seminar with you, but I will show you how you can twist his methods and really make an impact on your own business online and offline.

I am sure curiosity has captured you and you are saying, Kathy cut to the chase and tell us about what you learned, and I will do that.  However, keep in mind that although some of these methods are ones we hear every day, what is important is how Ray taught me to think outside the box and use these same methods in quite the opposite way we are used to using them to achieve amazing results.  (This blog will be long but I promise it is worth the time to read, and you will refer to it every day.)

Ok, so let’s get started.  What are the “25 Plus” ways you can find qualified free leads online and offline to boost the sales and success of your company?  Here they are:

1. Networking Events.  That’s right, get dressed up and start attending Chamber of Commerce meet and greets, and community social events where you can meet a lot of the top professional people and business owners in your own area.  While you are socializing collect and exchange all the business cards you can.  The next day call all the people you have cards for and ask them if they are open to other money making possibilities.  You will be surprised how many will listen.

2. Craigslist.  While most of us that are in direct sales and marketing use this option every day to place ads; I am going to tell you another proven way to use CL.  Instead of placing ads go to the city and category you are interested in and search through all the ads and contact those you find intriguing and ask them if they are open to hearing about your opportunity.  Take the active approach and contact them from their ad.

3 and 4. Facebook Friends and Facebook Groups.  Everyone knows the impact social media has made on networking and direct sales.  It is no secret that everyone that is a member has a wealth of family, friends and business associates at our disposal every day.  Have you reached out to your friends list?  Have you joined all the groups on Facebook where the networking “gurus” hang?  Did you know that people such as Tony Robbins, Jim Rohn, etc., all started out in MLM and direct sales companies?  Join their groups, like their pages, reach out to your friends I promise you will find a wealth of customers.  I personally have enrolled many people from Facebook in my business.

5. Business Cards on Cork Boards. Everyone in sales and marketing is taught to post our business cards or flyers on every bulletin board or news board we find.  However, the one method no one mentions is that instead of just leaving your card on these boards, you grab all the cards, and tear off tabs you can off that board that others have posted and turn them into your own leads.  Call them about your opportunity !!!

6 and 7. Warm Market and Warm Market Referrals.  I am not going to tell you to barrage your family and friends over and over again with business opportunities; but what I will tell you is if you have valuable products or programs that you feel would be of benefit to them, call them.  If they are not interested ask them if they know someone that could use your product or service.  Sometimes these word of mouth warm market referrals are the best you can reap.

8, 9 and 10. Google Search.  Google search Your City Name Professionals, Your City Name Realtors, and Your City Name Financial Planners.  Using this method you will find names and phone numbers of the movers and shakers in your community to call who are usually working on a commission basis so they are open to adding on new opportunities or changing careers.

11. MeetUp.com.  I have just started using this service and it is fantastic.  It is a social group forum where you can search for groups within 2 miles to anywhere around your home town.  It is based on the premise of neighbors meeting neighbors with like interests.  It shows all the groups and activities in your area; you simply join, and use them as fantastic lead sources as you attend the networking events.  Exchange information about yourself and your business while making lasting friendships.  I usually search within 25 miles of my town but if you like to travel distance is no problem.

12. LinkedIN.  Of all the social networking groups I have found this one to be the most successful.  I have met and re-kindled friendships with some of the most successful business people locally, nationwide and around the world.  Simply make a profile and start inviting connections.  While there is some cost to advertising on this forum the connections you make with people in your own business and others is invaluable.  Make sure you follow the major companies that compliment your own business as well, and join all the groups that you have an interest in or that match your business.  I am surprised at the growth and awareness of my business and myself simply by making the connections I have made since I first started.

13. Twitter.  We all know that Twitter is the home of the “stars” but what you don’t realize is its power in business to business networking as well as attracting business prospects.  If I hadn’t been a member of Twitter and checking tweets every day I would have never found the company I am now associated with; one little “tweet” drastically changed my life!!!  I now link my Twitter posts with my Facebook posts and other social media and use it as a huge funnel for prospects or just sharing my interests.

14. YouTube. While you might not be ready to make your own video presentation about your business opportunity (which should be a future goal); YouTube is the place for information about business, training, health, family, music, and total personal enrichment.  I check YouTube daily for seminars and videos that will enrich my life, as well as videos made by people that are in business similar to me.   I have learned a lot about my own business and reference videos every day to my team.  Also, every night before bed I fire up YouTube on my laptop and watch a motivational video, or listen by headset; you will be surprised how on fire you will be when you wake up the next morning.

15. Church Events, Parenting, and School Events.  Start attending Church, Parenting, and School Events in your community.  One important aspect of business is exposure but more so it is learning to give before you can receive.  You don’t have to have children to participate in community events.  Take a little time to attend or even volunteer with community events, share yourself with your neighbors, this interaction will boost your business twentyfold without even asking!!

16. Toll Booth Marketing and Restaurant Drive-Ups.  Since some of us like myself live in areas that do not have Toll Booths so I have included Restaurant Drive-Ups in this category.  One of the best ways to use the “give and receive” method is to pay the person’s toll or order behind you.  How many times have you seen on social media links where someone says thank you to that wonderful caring man or woman in front of me today that paid for my order or my coffee today?  They will stop you or ask the cashier who you were and trust me they will call or contact you to just say Thank You.  This is the start of a great connection and can be easily turned into a lead as they will ask in the conversation “what do you do”.

17 and 18. Drops Cards and Play Money.  Most of you are familiar with those little drop cards which are business cards that when folded look like a 50 or 100 dollar bill laying on the ground.  However, I use them differently and so do many others.  I make them in two sizes and I don’t fold them.  I buy play money at the “dollar” store preferably the larger size (about the size of a #10 envelope).  Scan the bill into my printer, prepare a message for the back, and print out my “bills” cut to size depending on their intended use; and insert them in books at the library, magazines, tip jars, on cars, bulletin boards, treat bags, etc.  They do attract attention and they do call you!  Make your information short, sweet and catchy.  Caution if you are putting on cars parked in public lots do not per your personal information on them just your website, this cuts down the complaints and fines!!

19, 20, and 21. Realtor Signs, Realtor Books, and Brand-a-Signs.  Everywhere you go you see Realtor Signs and those corrugated Brand Info signs along the road.  Write down all the phone numbers you can and call them – ask them if they are open to you telling them about an opportunity to make money.  Also, every grocery store has a rack of Real Estate Books, or Auto Books, etc.  Grab those books and start cold calling, excellent way to network and gain leads.

22. Clothes Advertising.  This method is old, tried, and true but worth repeating.  Clothes advertising could be a button, a hat, a shirt, a jacket, socks, anything that you can wear that has your business information on it.  The items will get looks and they will get people asking you what you do. But the best kicker way to use this method is to ask a question back when asked what you do. Simply say, I am so and so and this is what I do would you be open to hearing about it?  Answer their question with a question !!

23. Outbound Mailings. Even though most of us conduct our personal and business transactions online today, we still mail out several bills or informational items each day or week.  Put your business card or drop card in each piece of mail that goes out.  Why? Because who opens those envelopes? People!  People who might be interested in getting out of the j.o.b. they have!  Also, you know all those promotional items we get in the mail for insurance, etc?  They all have return self addressed envelopes.  Put your business card or drop card in those envelopes even if you don’t want their product and mail them back.  You might be surprised at the response!

24. Trade Show Booth Renters.  No, I am not suggesting you go rent booths at Trade Shows although they are very profit making.  What I am suggesting is that while you are visiting these shows such as Car Shows, Lawn and Garden Shows, 4-H Fairs, etc., you visit each booth and collect their information and follow up with them by phone the next day.  A very simple way to increase your data base for leads and potential long term customers !!!

25. Doctor, Dentist, Optometrist, Lawyers, CPAs, Insurance, Offices Etc.  While I am not saying to put your business cards in these offices as some restrict this method; I am telling you this is a great way to cold call.  Go to the Secretary or Receptionist and ask to speak with the Doctor or Dentist or professional not as a client but as a business contact.  Make an appointment if you have too.  These professionals are always open to hearing about new opportunities and always seem to be great lead referrals.  Don’t be shy!

26. Car Lots.  While I would have never thought about this method as the car lots are on private property.  All salesmen and women who work this business are on commission or draw plus commission basis.  Take a flip chart or a brochure with you and do a mini presentation with the sales person while waking the lot looking at cars.  Never leave without exchanging business cards.  These people work long brutal hours and are eager to change careers.  They are some of the most receptive leads we can find for our business.

Last but not least 27.  Restaurant and Hotel Owners.  Stop in and visit these owners tell them about your business and offer to use their facilities for your business meetings if they will sign up with you.  Many of the local, regional and national meetings and events of most of the small and large companies you see advertised each day are held at a particular place because the owner or manager is a member of that organization and offers tremendous savings on rental.   Think of the boost to your business having these professionals in your pipeline!!

As you can see there a wealth of people, places, and organizations that we can use as lead sources and this list just highlights a few.  While not everyone of you will be comfortable with every method, with a little imagination you will never run out of leads.  Take a few and try them and while doing so remember the main key is to “salt your prospect’s thirst,” give them an opportunity that will make them want more and you are on your way to phenomenal success!

~ Kathy

*Ray Higdon, Author, Motivational Speaker, www.rayhigdon.com

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Why Time Management is Important

Posted on March 9, 2013 by Kathy Coddington

time-managementAs my business quickly grows each month, I am becoming more and more aware that I need to drastically utilize time management techniques. Time, and having enough of it is always a challenge for business owners; there just doesn’t seem to be enough to get everything done. Not only does the lack of time become stressful but it is frustrating to see how few of the items on my “to do” list actually are completed.

While it may be impossible to change the number of hours I am given in a day; it is possible to change the way I use them. Managing time leads to better productivity and productivity is the key to success. Here are a few of the time managing tips I have learned in my quest to streamline my business.

Goal setting is the number one key to time management. Knowing where you are going, what you want to achieve, and how you are going to implement the goals feeds success. I found that I needed to set specific and achievable short term goals rather than broad ones that I might never attain. The best method I have found for goal setting is the S.M.A.R.T. approach. S = specific, make clear decisions on what you want to do. M = measurable, define your goals and track your progress. A = attainable, make your goals realistic and achievable. R = relevant, identify goals that fit within your business plan. T = time-based, set a period of time to achieve goal. (Gregory 2013)

The second tip in time management is to identify when you are the most productive, and adapt that time of day to your schedule to increase good work habits and productivity. Personally, I am a night owl, I get the most work done when it is after hours; after normal business and family time when it is quiet, I am alone, and I can think clearly. I leave most of my administrative duties for off hours and spend my set day hours working with my clients. By making this simple change in time priorities I have found my business increasing. I now have more time to devote to my clients, I am more relaxed when I do speak with them, thus increasing the closure rate of sales.

Probably the best tip in time management I am learning is to track actual working time. By simply writing down what I do each day and the length of time it takes me to finish the task; I hold myself accountable, stay laser focused, and waste less time. To cut down on the manual data entry I was doing each day, as I was keeping a time journal, I found Bubble Timer by Snooky Monkey LLC. Bubble Timer is a sweet computer software application that is free to try, and once you set your daily activities into the program it is easy to see at a glance how time is spent, where it is spent, and how it affects productivity per day. You simply mark the goal or activity that is completed, and the program continually updates in 15 min increments while giving immediate feedback. It is simple to add and remove activities allowing one to see a total picture of how well goals are achieved personally and professionally. The data can even be exported to Excel to keep comparison charts per day. I have been totally surprised how much time a day I do waste (Johnson 2004).

While I am not perfect, by tightening the time spent on work and setting priorities, I find I am more relaxed, enjoy working my business more each day, and have more time for family and life. ~ Kathy

References:
Gregory, Alyssa. 2013. 7 Tips for More Effective Time Management. About.com
Johnson, Sean. 2004. Bubble Timer. Snooky Monkey, LLC

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What To Give Up for “Lent” ~ When We Don’t Want To Give Up

Posted on February 17, 2013 by Kathy Coddington

change-wordleWhile this may not be the most popular article I have written to many of you, it is probably the most courageous and inspiring piece for me.

Historically, in the Christian world, the Lenten Season is the 40 days and 40 nights before Easter.  It is a time of repentance, reflection, sacrifice, fasting and dedication to the teachings and love of Christ as we prepare for His resurrection on Easter Sunday.

In modern times such as now, Lent means giving up something that we can do without or that is easily sacrificed to re-commit ourselves to the Lord.  Some might give up their favorite food, watching television, spending money, anything that symbolizes our act of self-sacrifice and penance.

Growing up in a traditional Christian family I never ever considered not giving anything up for Lent.  My grandfather was a minister and although we lost him early in life, we have continued to follow the practices he set forth for Lent as he understood the teachings and traditions of our faith.  But, what do we give up for Lent when we don’t want to give up?

Taking time to reflect upon that question, I have come to understand how we are faced everyday with learning to sacrifice when we truly don’t know how to or don’t want to give up.  We learn to sacrifice in our personal life, our workplace, and as a community.  We learn to put another person’s wants or needs before ourselves.  We learn to sacrifice in order for others to gain.

Isn’t this what Lent is truly about?  Taking the ME, the I, out of everything we do? Paying things forward as we prepare for the blessing?  Practicing the same rituals such as the Christians did as they prepared for Easter and the resurrection of Christ?  I think so!

Several months ago, I decided to take a leap of faith and return to the working world after having to retire early due to health issues.  For eight long years I searched to find a way to continue to share my experiences and knowledge of corporate America from home, since my health prevented me from going to work every day in the traditional way.

While I won’t share my opportunity today, I do use this as an example of how we can sacrifice daily wants to prepare others for the blessings they can receive.  In other words,  showing people how to take their own “Lenten” journey; teaching them to prepare themselves as well as those they will encounter, to receive a “resurrection” in their personal and financial lives.

So, how do we decide what to give up for “Lent”, when we don’t want to give up?  We simply give ourselves!  We give up our personal wants and needs to enable others to find theirs! Whether it be through encouragement and penance of traditional Christian practices during the Season of Lent, or simply by giving up personal time and knowledge to lead others to new experiences each day; we are then able to know and share that “sacrifice will bring blessings” !!!

God Bless Your Day ~ Kathy

 

 

 

 

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What Is Gratitude?

Posted on January 25, 2013 by Kathy Coddington

Gratitude-CassieRead a great article today on practicing GRATITUDE From WebMD (Healthwise 2012) thought it worthy to share ~ What does it mean to be grateful?

Gratitude is saying “thank you.” But it’s more than a thank-you to a friend for a favor or gift. Gratitude is saying thanks for everything that is important to you and good in your life. You are thankful for a gift, but you’re also thankful to watch a sunset, do well at a sport, or to be alive. You see your life and your experiences as a gift.

Gratitude is linked to well-being. One group of three studies suggests that people who practice gratitude appear to be more optimistic, pleased with their lives, and connected to others when compared to those who reflect on daily hassles or on everyday events.1 Another study suggests that gratitude in teens is linked to feeling good about life, being optimistic, and having a good social network.2

You also might find that gratitude may help decrease anger. If you find yourself thinking about how someone has wronged you, shift your attention to someone else who has been there to support you.

Gratitude may also be linked to resilience, which is having an “inner strength” that helps you bounce back after stressful situations. The traits mentioned above, such as optimism and connection with others, are often found in people who are resilient.

How can you practice gratitude?

To practice gratitude, you say “thanks” and you appreciate what’s important to you.

Spend a few minutes at the end of each day and think about, or even write down, what you are grateful for that day. Think about people, events, or experiences that have had a positive impact on you.

Call or email someone just to say “thanks.”

Write thank-you notes as well as saying “thank you” when you receive gifts or favors. Or write a letter of gratitude and appreciation to someone. You don’t have to mail it.

Write a letter to the editor of your local newspaper about something a stranger did for you. Or just say “thank you” to people you don’t know, such as waving when a person lets your car cut in during heavy traffic.

When feeling burdened by your health, give thanks for the abilities you still have.

Start a family ritual of gratitude, such as giving thanks before a meal.

Find a creative way to give thanks. For example, plant a garden of gratitude or take pictures of things you are grateful for.

Reference: REPRINT OF ARTICLE FROM WebMD Medical Reference from Healthwise 2012 “What Is Being Grateful?”

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The One Key To Creating A Successful Home Business

Posted on January 7, 2013 by Kathy Coddington

success 01Since I started working at home part-time in 1989-2011 and full-time in 2012; I have been asked repeatedly what it takes to create a successful home business.  I always answer it is easier for me to tell you what it doesn’t take then what it does.

Being successful at home is not writing fancy blogs; it’s not a secret or unique trick or process; it’s not a mega bucks SEO program; and it’s not social media marketing or waves of internet leads or traffic !!!

It is the very basic principle that every 6 figure income earner who works at home understands; it is what every successful entrepreneur learns quickly.  The common denominator to being successful with a work at home business is ~ commitment !!!  It is committing your entire being to making your vision a reality !!

It’s a true and proven fact, that if you can master your commitment to your business on a daily basis you will be successful.  Everyone who has mastered it is !!  You will hit road blocks along the way but if you stay the course, stand by your commitment, endure every hardship that you encounter; you will create the most amazing long-term impact on your life and the lives of those around you.

It won’t matter what you do know or don’t know about running a business; nor will it matter what struggles and mistakes along the way try to kill your business. Your passionate drive and commitment will see you through any deficiencies and push you to learn every thing you need to make it successful.  You will take every failure that comes along, turn it into a learning tool, and reset your path accordingly.

The bottom line, the important key to remember is ~ that no matter what you want in life, if you give it your total undying commitment and determination; success is not a matter of “if” but “when”.  Build your home business foundation strong, work it with passion, and no storm will make it crumble.

 

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“The 5 Things You Must Do To Create Positive Change In Your Life” ~ **Larry Winget

Posted on January 1, 2013 by Kathy Coddington

changeLet’s get straight to the point. If you want to create change, you must do these 5 things.

1. Decide to change. Most people say they want to change without making the real decision to change.  A true decision is based in commitment.  You have given your word to yourself.  It is a decision that says regardless of what you run up against, you are going to change.  It is a deal you have struck with yourself and you affirm that there is no going back!

2. Know WHY you want to change. Too many people get caught up in HOW they are going to change.  That comes later ~ there are lots of ways to change.  How is the easy part. WHY is much tougher.  Let’s say you have decided to lose weight.  Good for you.  Why?  To be healthier?  To live longer?  All great answers.  Go deeper.  Why do you want to be healthier?  Why is it important to live longer?  I did this exercise with a woman who after asking WHY several times, it came out that she just wanted to look good in a swimsuit this summer so she wouldn’t be embarrassed.  Embarrassment was her answer.  This is just an example, but you get it.  Dig deep for the WHY you want to change.

3. Be willing to do whatever it takes to change. Life doesn’t always ask you to DO whatever it takes, but you had better be WILLING to do whatever it takes if you want to see any changes.  If you aren’t willing, save yourself the time and don’t even start the process as you will end up quitting soon anyway.

4. Do whatever it takes to change. Yeah, this is the hard work part.  No change is going to happen without work and action.  There’s no way around it so roll up your sleeves, get off your butt and do the work.

5. When you fail, dust yourself off and start again. You will fail.  Success is about moving past failure.  Don’t cry, don’t whine, don’t get stuck ~ just play through the pain and keep going no matter what.  No excuses are acceptable.  Short list but big work.  Get started right now on the changes you want to create in your life.  By the way, when you get to where you want to be, celebrate ~ that’s the pay off.  Celebrate your victory, set a new target and get back to work.

**About the author Larry Winget   is the trademarked Pitbull of Personal Development and is a five time New York Times/Wall Street Journal Bestselling Author. He was the star of A&E’s Big Spender, has been featured in national radio and television commercials and can currently be seen as a regular on many television news programs as a personal development/finance/parenting /business expert. Learn more about Larry on his website: http://larrywinget.com/

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