Woman of the Week: Tonya

Meet this weeks Woman of the Week Tonya!  I met Tonya several years ago when she owned her jewelry supply business Whole Lotta Whimsy.  She had the best products and the most wonderful customer service.  She is also a jewelry artist that creates beautiful pieces in her brand new home studio in her new home.  She recently made a climate switch from desert living to mountain living and I see her going to all sorts of jewelry workshops to hone her already impressive skills.

1:  If you could have a gigantic billboard anywhere with anything on it, what would it say and why?
Yesterday is gone. Today is a gift. What will you do with this precious time. Live today like it’s your last!

2:  In the last five years what have you become better at saying no to?
It’s become easier to say no to taking on time consuming tasks or jobs that involve stress, anxiety and anger. I don’t need to start another business, be in a position of leadership (boards, committees, etc), join peer groups, or be the team mom. I am just focusing on me and my work these days and it sure is peaceful and satisfying.

3:  What advice would you give to a smart, driven college student about to enter the "real world"?
It’s a cliche but it’s true....don’t sweat the small stuff. 
I did a lot of work in my 40’s figuring out my undesirable traits, admitting them, and making a plan to correct/change them. I’m a perfectionist driven by my successes and achievements. “More is more” used to be my motto. So for me, it was always about the small stuff because I’m about the details. It wasn’t good enough to do the bare minimum or even to do the average job. However in the end, if this is your last day on earth, you have to ask yourself, would you seriously waste time worrying or fretting about “that thing”. Pick your battles better in your work, your life, your relationships and your expectations of self. Lastly remember what Voltaire said “the perfect is the enemy of the good”.

4:  What is one of the best or most worthwhile investments you've ever made?  (it doesn't need be financial in nature)
The time, teaching, advice, listening and love that I have invested in my child. There is nothing more important in the world than the happiness of your child. I feel a responsibility to make sure that my son, who is now a man, is a productive, empathetic, responsible, loving and joyful part of the greater community of the planet. I also wanted to do whatever it took to teach him how to treat others with respect, kindness and love. 

5:  In the last five years, what new belief, behavior, or habit has most improved your life?
Behavior: moving! Integrating daily workouts and movement has made me more productive, happy and healthy.
New Belief: no one needs to know your opinion and you don’t have to help others all the time. Just listen, nod and agree if you disagree. Voicing your opinion only changes their opinion about you and never about the topic or their passionately held beliefs.
Habit: stop and smell the roses. Seriously, stop to look at the sky, the buildings, the vegetation, etc. Visit more places by yourself, more often, so you have the quiet and you see the details because you are introspective. 
And stop eating carbs...they are evil!

6:  How has a failure, or apparent failure set you up for later success?  Do you have a favorite failure of yours?
There are very few things that I consider a failure. For me they are learning experiences and adventures that make me more successful the next time. If I had to pick one, I would have to say my first retail store because it was not as profitable as I wanted it to be. There are so many things that are part of having a profitable business but when you sign that lease, you have to do whatever it takes to make that location, size of space and business idea a success. That might mean extreme personal sacrifices of blood, sweat and tears but during that experience you will learn a ton. It’s that effort, drive and hard work that makes any experience a successful one. I loved my store and my customers and I learned so much from that experience that helped me make a more successful business with another store, a wholesale company, a marketing consulting company, and a coaching company. Each one lending New failure experiences to the perfect mix of ingredients. My newest entrepreneurial adventure is much more laid back. I’m launching a jewelry and design company. I’ve always been a designer/maker. I’m just manifesting it in a new way!

7:  What purchase of $100 or less has most positively impacted your life in the last six months or in recent memory?
I would have to say that they are experiences at museums. I recently visited Washington DC and spent many days at the museums. They were actually free but so enriching. Not enough Americans take advantage of these treasures. I try to add a day to visit museums in every city I visit!
I also love buying books and researching stories that give me historical info to help my work grow and evolve. 

8:  When you feel overwhelmed or unfocused, what do you do?
Step back, take some 4/7/8 breathing (Dr Weil), and remind myself that it’s just a speed bump. Slow down, reflect, understand it’s not a big deal in the scheme of life, and make a new plan. I also remind myself upon waking and throughout the day that this day is a blessing and gift. It is not promised. How do I want that day to exemplify what I want to Do, Be, Have, and Become? Am I in alignment?

9:  What is the book (or books) you've given most as a gift and why?  Or what are one to three books that have greatly influence your life?
Greg Levoy: Callings
Jack Canfield: The Success Principles
Seth Gooding: Linchpin (I think all high school age people should have to read this book)
Malcolm Gladwell: The Tipping Point


10:  What is one piece of advice you would give to a woman that you wish you knew earlier in life?
Take better care of you girl friendships. Keep in touch and follow through.
Follow through with your communications in all areas of life.
Keep family first, always. 
Wake up and give thanks for life. 
Say no more than you say yes. You need to take care of yourself first. 

11:   What do you think about the theory of "the love of your life", what does that phrase mean to you?
I think “love of my life” can be cliche but you certainly can attract that romantic energy by knowing what you want. Most people don’t know what they want and wanting “love” is too vague. Knowing who you desire (just like knowing your target market) can lead to finding “the one”.
You can also have the love of your life through birth. My child truly is the love of my life. We are forever connected.
I do believe you can meet the love of your romantic life, and you know when you do. However it’s not enough. I believe we are not the same people in our 20’s as our 30’s etc. So we have to continue to work on ourselves, our relationships and our communication as we grow. I have been blessed with a husband who is not only my true love but my best friend too! Our love continues to grow and deepen because we put our relationship first and we work on ourselves individually and as a couple. 

12:  What is something that you would find most helpful in your life right now?  (what would be the best problem solved for you)
I have sciatic nerve issues so I will be dedicating more time to stretching and strength training. As I’ve gotten more movement oriented I’ve also gotten stiffer which surprised me! Ah the joys of aging. Physical health is just as important as our mental health. Thanks Sherry for the stretching exercises. I can’t wait to integrate them into my daily habit. 
This week I am hitting my “fifth level”. I can only imagine what I will have learned and achieved at the “sixth level”.

Thank you for sharing Tonya!

XO

Titanium

 

Woman of the Week: Kelly

This week we celebrate Kelly.  Another long time friend from my high school days.  She has like me been on a journey to learn more about the power of food for good health and healing.  She has a son with MS and has learned that pharmaceuticals that can be more poison than healing with chronic illness.  Learn more about her story below.

1:  If you could have a gigantic billboard anywhere with anything on it, what would it say and why?  

I would love for a giant billboard to read, “Food DOES make a difference!  Eat More Plants!”

2:  In the last five years what have you become better at saying no to?

In recent years, I’ve become much better at saying no to foods that don’t promote health.  I can easily walk by junk food without feeling the need to eat it.

3:  What advice would you give to a smart, driven college student about to enter the "real world"?

Take time to be in the moment and enjoy your youth.  While I believe a career is important, find a healthy balance between your work life and your personal life. Trust me, in hindsight; you will be thankful!

4:  What is one of the best or most worthwhile investments you've ever made?  (it doesn't need be financial in nature)

My best and most worthwhile investment has definitely been in my children and family.  Loving and nurturing them is what makes me the happiest.

5:  In the last five years, what new belief, behavior, or habit has most improved your life?

As you have probably figured out by now, a healthy diet is extremely important to me.  Nine years ago, at the age of 20, our son Austin was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis.  His presenting symptom was something called Optic Neuritis, which has left him legally blind. After watching him struggle with several prescribed, and poisonous in my opinion, pharmaceuticals, I began to research how important a healthy diet is for MS sufferers.  Seven years ago, our entire family went vegan to support him and it has made a huge difference for all of us!  It truly has been an incredible, positive journey, and we are so grateful.

6:  How has a failure, or apparent failure set you up for later success?  Do you have a favorite failure of yours? My favorite failure was when I didn’t get the initial job that I interviewed for at the company that I currently work for, Vitamix.  I knew that I wanted to work for this company, and remained steadfast in my pursuit. Later, a much better opportunity presented itself, and I secured the position. I’m so thankful that I didn’t get that initial job! 

7:  What purchase of $100 or less has most positively impacted your life in the last six months or in recent memory?

The Instant Pot is the first item that comes to mind when I think of a positive purchase that costs less than $100.  If you don’t have one, make the investment.  You won’t be disappointed.

8:  When you feel overwhelmed or unfocused, what do you do?

I have learned over the years that when I begin to feel overwhelmed and unfocused, I need to decline extracurricular activities and commitments and allow myself to have downtime.  It’s usually a sign that I’m overcommitted.

9:  What is the book (or books) you've given most as a gift and why?  Or what are one to three books that have greatly influenced your life?

The book that has most influenced my life is the Holy Bible.  I believe in the Lord Jesus Christ, and thank him daily for the abundance of blessings in my life. 

10:  What is one piece of advice you would give to a woman that you wish you knew earlier in life?

The one piece of advice that I would give a young woman today would be to remain true to yourself and your beliefs.

11:   What do you think about the theory of "the love of your life", what does that phrase me to you?

I believe that you can have more than one true love in a lifetime.  What makes the difference, in my opinion, is dedication to the person that you love. That’s what defines true love to me.

12:  What is something that you would find most helpful in your life right now?  (what would be the best problem solved for you)

I want to see a complete cure for MS!  I believe it’s out there with all of my heart. 

Thank you Kelly for sharing a portion of your life with us.  Food is indeed powerful medicine!

XO

Titanium

 

Woman of the Week: Lynn

Please welcome this weeks WOW, Lynn.  I have known and admired Lynn for over 40 years.  We went to high school together and I was always so impressed with who she was, how genuine and kind she was and I thought she was so strong at a time in life when so many young people are struggling with knowing who they were.  Please join me in celebrating her today and appreciate the honesty in her story.  When I ask the women in my focus group to do these interviews, it requires some of them to step way outside their comfort zone and many don't understand the impact that their stories and wisdom hold. I am in awe of them all for the lives they live, the stories they hold in their hearts and their willingness to trust me to share all of this with the world outside the safety of our group.  

 1:  If you could have a gigantic billboard anywhere with anything on it, what would it say and why?

"BE THE REASON SOMEONE SMILES"  I believe any big or small gesture of love, praise, kindness or time, can make a difference in another's life either in the moment, their day or possibly their lives.  Your own life will grow in joy and purpose the more you show love in action.

2:  In the last five years what have you become better at saying no to?

I'm becoming better at saying, "no," to my, "no's."  In the past if something was asked of me that I felt was entirely out of my comfort level, I wouldn't hesitate or find excuses to say no.  I've been working on taking fear and self doubt out of the equation and learning to tell myself, "I can or should do this."   Trust me, it doesn't work every time! :))

3:  What advice would you give to a smart, driven college student about to enter the "real world"?

When the paychecks start rolling in and you suddenly feel rich, don't start living beyond your means.  Live frugally for a few years and start saving for a house, contribute or open a retirement account and start making monthly payments for any student loans you might have.  You will be so much further ahead in the long run and have something to show for your hard work and sacrifice, versus, shiny new things that become dull overtime.

4:  What is one of the best or most worthwhile investments you've ever made?  (it doesn't need be financial in nature)

My family, friends and faith.  I would be poor in spirit without any one of them.  My investment in them has enriched my life greatly.

5:  In the last five years, what new belief, behavior, or habit has most improved your life?

By staying in consistent relationship with God.  I do this with prayer, praise, bible study, volunteering in church, and community.  Respecting all of God's creations, forgiving, asking for forgiveness, kindness, and humility.  I truly believe ones time, talent and treasure should be shared with others.   I have always been a Christian believer but my faith journey was much closer to the starting line than the finish line.  Through my actions of participating more consciously in my relationship with God, I have more hope, peace, love and joy in my life.

6:  How has a failure, or apparent failure set you up for later success?  Do you have a favorite failure of yours?

My never ending attempts at weight loss.  I come close to achieving my goal, then suddenly, sabotage rears it's ugly head.  Each failure has given me insight about my self, my triggers, my knowledge of good and bad nutrition, new ways to cook, new foods I have never heard of or tasted, so in that respect, it's not just lbs. I'm gaining!!:))  I've recently changed my priority for shedding extra weight, health before vanity, maybe this will fool the saboteur in me.

7:  What purchase of $100 or less has most positively impacted your life in the last six months or in recent memory?

A foam roller.  It has helped me and my husband find relief with the aches and pains in our backs and hips.  

8:  When you feel overwhelmed or unfocused, what do you do?

What I do is determined by the situation that is causing these issues.  One I have always been predictable for doing is going straight to the junky/comfort foods in our house and if not desirable enough, drive to the nearest fast food drive thru.  Other things I do if feeling deeply burdened by life, is to write a letter to God, take a quiet walk with my thoughts, swim laps in our pool (season permitting) until I feel a calm come over me, there's just something with me and water, or I talk with my husband about it.  Sometimes all of the above in the same day! 

9:  What is the book (or books) you've given most as a gift and why?  Or what are one to three books that have greatly influence your life?

I love books, one of my favorite places to be is a library or bookstore.  Three years ago, I joined a book club, we are called the, Chic-lits.  Many books over the years have influenced, educated, brought me to tears or laughter.  What are they you ask?  Fiction, non fiction, biographies and self help books from gardening, parenting, cooking, dieting, relationships, spirituality and more, but as I write this, no one particular book or name stands out to me, sorry!  I do however, have an answer to, "books I've given," only because it's been more recent.  I have given those artistic adult coloring books more than once, along with a big box of colored pencils and a sharpener to my mother, 87 yrs. old, my mother in law, 82 yrs. old, and my friend who will be 90 yrs. old next month.  All three of them, quite often, show me their coloring masterpieces!:))

10:  What is one piece of advice you would give to a woman that you wish you knew earlier in life

Try to consciously define your own identity to yourself such as; your likes, dislikes, morals, values, goals.  Without those you may find yourself wrapped up into some one else's and wonder how you got so off track.  

11:   What do you think about the theory of "the love of your life", what does that phrase me to you?

I think that phrase has always been connected in more of the romantic sense.  I believed in that theory for many years.  My first love came at twelve, we eventually married when we were twenty one. We divorced twelve years and two daughters later, quite shockingly to me.  It took a lot of healing over the years to realize he didn't need to be the only love I could have, I could have better.  I met someone, opened my heart and eventually married.  We will be celebrating our nineteenth wedding anniversary this November.  Love is all around us, we just need to be willing to accept and give love back and enjoy the unpredictable ride love can be.  

12:  What is something that you would find most helpful in your life right now?  (what would be the best problem solved for you)

If I found a Genie in bottle I would wish for him/her to have the answers to curing all cancers.  My grandson Anthony just finished 3 1/2 years of grueling pain for the treatment of Leukemia.  My prayers are for him to stay in remission and my hope is that his and all other cancers will be eradicated sooner than later by endless resources of money, knowledge and dedication to finding the cure.  Of course there is endless problems to be solved in this world and I pray for those too, daily, but selfishly, I found the Genie and at this time in my life this is what most haunts me.  

Thank you Lynn for sharing your story and your dreams.

Check back next week for the next WOW and her story.

XO

Titanium

Woman of the Week: Sheila

This week we celebrate Sheila, someone I have known for 40 years.  A mom to three girls, a homeschooler, a volunteer and a grandmother.  Sheila, thank you for sharing your wisdom with all of us.   

1:  If you could have a gigantic billboard anywhere with anything on it, what would it say and why?  Romans 5:8 “But God demonstrates His great love for us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.” I find this scripture to be astounding & a wonderful illustration of love.

2:  In the last five years what have you become better at saying no to?   I'm a helper by nature & get satisfaction by coming alongside others, rather than being the leader. However, over the years my "helping" or volunteering began created stress instead. When my husband was diagnosed with stage 3 colon cancer in spring of 2016 I was forced to limit my helping to just my husband and immediate family. Now that he's cancer free I understand not to over-book myself in volunteering. 

3:  What advice would you give to a smart, driven college student about to enter the "real world"?  I'd probably tell them something similar to what I told my own daughters in their college years: Focus on your strengths, work on your weaknesses & always be eager to learn something new. Your outlook on life will influence your decisions & your future, so stay focused on the good in people & situations.

4:  What is one of the best or most worthwhile investments you've ever made?  (it doesn't need be financial in nature) Homeschooling my three daughters has by far been the most worthwhile thing I’ve ever done. Yes, there was also struggle, doubts & times to re-evaluate my commitment, but it was such an adventure (kind of a rebellious adventure) that kept us close as a family throughout their childhoods. Despite (or because of?) my “patchwork” approach to homeschooling, two are successful college grads & my youngest has two years left to complete at the U of O. All three are strong, confident young women who still like to hang out with their momma.

5:  In the last five years, what new belief, behavior, or habit has most improved your life?  Life in general is so much easier when I am thankful. Learning to be intentional in being thankful, especially in hard circumstances, has brought me closer to family & to the Lord. I've always been a very positive & thankful person, but after reading the book, One Thousand Gifts, I have tried to find something to be thankful (grateful) for each day. Some days this was quite hard, especially while my husband was going through chemo & his outlook was uncertain, but just the process of saying thank-you to God for small things was so helpful.

6:  How has a failure, or apparent failure set you up for later success?  Do you have a favorite failure of yours?

7:  What purchase of $100 or less has most positively impacted your life in the last six months or in recent memory?  A few years ago, I started planting flowers & small perennials in pots of different sized on my patio, which I can see them from my kitchen & family room windows. I have found that the process of planning, planting & tending to these flowers really, really makes me happy. Who knew? Just looking outside as I wash dishes from spring to fall makes me smile and uplifts my mood. My planted pots are a hit with the squirrels & hummingbirds, too. 

8:  When you feel overwhelmed or unfocused, what do you do?  When I'm overwhelmed with life I usually unplug from social media, clear off my schedule, pray about the situation & talk it over with my husband over a glass of wine, depending on the situation. If weather permits, going on a short hike or spend time outdoors helps to clear my mind & allows me to refocus.

9:  What is the book (or books) you've given most as a gift and why?  Or what are one to three books that have greatly influence your life?  As a follower of Jesus, the Bible has been the greatest influence on my life. I am an avid reader & book lover.  My favorite books are usually children's or middle-grade books, which is probably because I read most every book my girls did while homeschooling. Powell's used bookstore in Portland is like a candy store to me! I love to buy books for my grandsons in California, my new granddaughter in Seattle & my nieces & nephews. I've even managed to recommend a couple grown-up books to my 25 year old, which she actually liked.

10:  What is one piece of advice you would give to a woman that you wish you knew earlier in life? Don't care so much about what others think of you or at least don't let it stop you from doing what you want to do in life. As long as you are kind & generous, you don't need to be concerned about fitting into someone else's pigeon hole or expectations. (I wish I had heard this as a teenager.) 

11:   What do you think about the theory of "the love of your life", what does that phrase me to you? I think people can have many "loves" throughout their lives. Sometimes we don't actually realize how important (or less important) those loves are/were until we are older & wiser. The love of my life, however, is definitely Bill, my husband of 33 years. It hasn't always been an easy road, but at this point we can look back on our journey be grateful for each other & solid in our commitment for the future.

12:  What is something that you would find most helpful in your life right now?  (what would be the best problem solved for you) My biggest concern in my life right now is dealing with my aging parents & their medical needs. My dear Dad has Parkinson's and dementia and my Mom is having a hard time realizing that she IS actually elderly. We recently moved my Dad into a care facility & my Mom into an independent retirement home, where neither are quite happy. I don't think there's really anything that will help. It's just a hard time for them & for my sister & I as we do what we can to make these last years as comfortable as possible.  

Thank you again Sheila!

XO

Titanium

Monday Mantra

A lot more love and a whole lot less worry, give yourself this gift today.  

XO

Titanium

Friday FIVE!!

Friday Five!! 4/13/18

1:  Quote:  Open your heart, fling your hopes high, set your dreams aloft.  I am here to hold your hand.  ~Maya Angelou

2:  Listening:  Chandler - The Sages & Fools, a recent release by an 18 year old singer I found on Instagram.  She plays the guitar, ukulele, keyboard and does some great covers on her Insta feed.  

3:  Reading:  In my quest to learn more about time and how to be effective and productive and still have time for just me I am reading The 7 habits of highly effective people.  And diving in a little to my Anatomy Trains book which is really a textbook and a very chewy read.

4:  Watching:  Comedians in Cars Getting Coffee on Netflix.  Jerry Seinfeld, funny people and cool cars.

5:  Dreaming of flip flops, warm weather, walks on the beach without a jacket and lots and lots of low tides on Eagle Harbor.  

I'm really ready for the weekend, I hope you have something fun planned with people you enjoy AND time for yourself to just do whatever feels good in the moment.

XO

Titanium

Thoughts on the Day 4/12/18

"Go at it boldly, and you'll find unexpected forces closing round you and coming to your aid."   ~Basil King

As I am working on all the things I have swirling in my head that I want to create and share there are times I wonder just what the hell I think I am doing.  I'm smart enough to know that I don't know everything, curious enough to want to keep learning more and feel my purpose telling me to keep going you're on to something here.  I'm no expert, well I am expert enough to realize that I am no expert, but I certainly have lived some life and learned some shit and realize there is so much more to learn.  

I think life is fluid, like the ocean, a river or a stream.  When the water runs into an obstacle, it finds a way to flow around, between or over whatever lies in its path.  I aspire to be more like the ocean I so love and stay fluid, learning all I can to go around, between or over whatever keeps me from my path and purpose.  

I have a curiosity about life, about people, about how they arrive where they are when I meet them or hear their story.  There is so much wisdom in a life that I love to hear.  Many don't realize just how much wisdom they possess, thinking that everyone must know what they know, have the experiences that are similar.  What I have learned is that everyone has their own unique journey and while many may have had similar experiences they are still unique to the person who has lived the life.  I think there are too many people who don't realize how powerful their stories are, how much connection and understanding can come from sharing those stories of joy, pain, sorrow, excitement, love, loss, gain and vulnerability.  Not everyone is ready to share with others, not ready to ride the vulnerability track, some because they just haven't come to the space where they can, others because no one has bothered to ask them and really hear them...

I want to create a space for the hearing, the seeing, the supporting, the sharing, the celebrating and the uplifting.  It's slowly coming together and it's more expansive and amazing than I ever imagined in my head.  Read the Woman of the Week series and the first Monday Muse from this last Monday.  These are just the tips of the iceberg of the depth of wisdom that lives out there waiting to be brought into the light.

Be Bold... I'm working on it.

XO

Titanium

Woman of the Week: Cynthia

Please join me in celebrating Cynthia or as I call her Cyn this week for our WOW.  We met in 1996 I believe when we both worked for a small start up airline in Seattle.  We have stayed in touch all of these years.  She was the first person to tell me not to try to "drive it" and the first time she said that I didn't understand at all.  Well I was still a lot clueless in my 30's.  She's been a touchstone and a guide and confidante for all of these years.  And Cyn, I left the last part you included because I felt it was as important as all the rest of the wisdom that you shared.  Love you large!

1:  If you could have a gigantic billboard anywhere with anything on it, what would it say and why?

Do it – but check and alter your attitude if need be. 

Always do anything with love and by choice. 

2:  In the last five years what have you become better at saying no to?

I say “no” more to myself actually.  “No Cyn, you don’t want to skip Tai Chi this morning.  No Cyn, you need to get to your massage, the other things can wait for 90 minutes.”  So I’ve been saying “yes” to self care by saying “no” to that little voice that tries to get me to focus on things that truly can wait.

3:  What advice would you give to a smart, driven college student about to enter the "real world"?

Focus on what you want in 5 years from now and keep that focus yet stay open to twists and turns you might find even more interesting as you go.  Nothing is cast in stone unless you say it is.

Keep a budget and plan for some fun within it. 

Network, network, network. 

Exercise and eat right.

4:  What is one of the best or most worthwhile investments you've ever made?  (it doesn't need be financial in nature)

The time I’ve spent with my daughter, grandchildren and friends and family.  The time I’ve spent studying coaching.

5:  In the last five years, what new belief, behavior, or habit has most improved your life?

I don’t have to do it all.  Ask for help.  Be ready for it to come from anywhere, even if you ask one person and they won’t or cannot, keep looking for support.

6:  How has a failure, or apparent failure set you up for later success?  Do you have a favorite failure of yours?

All failures have taught me oodles. Everything is connected.  Fail fast and quick, learn and adapt from it.  Stay curious, even when you think you can’t.  My favorite failure is more about failing and staying ‘stuck’ and not moving up and onward.  It’s okay to sit down by the side of the road and throw a pity party and blame everyone, but the less time you spend there the better time you will have giving yourself your power back to move it on and kick it up a notch.  Lean in to it – learn from it.

7:  What purchase of $100 or less has most positively impacted your life in the last six months or in recent memory?  

Seriously, Alexa – Echo Dot.  She keeps track of my grocery lists, to do lists, appointment reminders better than even my iPhone does – because I can holler at her and review later, end of day, start of day.  That $30 was a good choice.  

8:  When you feel overwhelmed or unfocused, what do you do? 

I breathe.  I sit in as much silence as I can find.  I get up and move about and change my physical view of things, do the dishes, play with the dog.  I take a break – whatever that looks like.  Then I come back, reprioritize using a list or a self-talk and get back on it or reschedule.

9:  What is the book (or books) you've given most as a gift and why?  Or what are one to three books that have greatly influence your life? 

What You Think of Me is None of My Business – and The Power of TED – Einstein’s Dreams – and many many more.  The Bible has been a great guide, especially Roman’s, the Corinthians and a few others.  There’s an old Sufi book I loved, but can’t find it right now!

10:  What is one piece of advice you would give to a woman that you wish you knew earlier in life?

Love your body, love your mind, be kind, manage your anger (it’s just your fear in disguise) and absolutely be your best self, every day. 

11:   What do you think about the theory of "the love of your life", what does that phrase me to you?  

I have a hundred loves of my life if not more.  Life is one long continuous stream of consciousness and as I’ve moved through it, I’m not afraid to have as many loves of my life (that life in that time) as is warranted.  Is there “one” love of my life?  So many ways to show and be and receive love – grandchildren, children, partners, co-workers – I have oodles of loves of my life.  As to the spouse/mate kind – I’ve seen it for others but not for myself yet – every man I’ve ever loved, during the time I’ve loved him – is/was the love of my life.   I think, throughout it all, I am the greatest love of my own life.

12:  What is something that you would find most helpful in your life right now?  (what would be the best problem solved for you) 

Aged, ailing parents and the system is so far beyond broken.  If someone could project manage and gain the right staff and people and surroundings for our elderly – that would solve about 100% of my current issues.  
 

It’s 722 am and I can’t think of anything else – Thanks for asking Digi-goddess – not sure it will help or do anyone but me any good to have gone through your questions – but it was insightful and made me think.  Thank you sweetie – hope you are feeling better soon.  More littlest lovey pics with you – and beach reports when able – LOVE to see you and hear you!!

Please join me next week for a brand new feature, Monday Muse.  I will be reaching out to women who inspire me that I have met through various points in time in my life and from all walks of life.  I hope to help compliment the Woman of the Week series and keep introducing amazing women from all over the world.

XO

Titanium

Friday FIVE!!

That's right it's that day again FRIDAY!!  Here's this weeks FIVE!!

1:  Quote:  I wish to live a life that causes my soul to dance inside my body...  The old dancer in me really likes the metaphor.  Is your soul dancing inside your body?  If not, what could you change or tweak to give it dancing shoes?

2:  Watching:  The last Fixer Upper episode aired and while I can back and re-watch the old ones, I was looking for some other inspiration.  I found the show Good Bones on HGTV.  I don't watch a lot of TV but this is a good show to watch before bed, no monsters, no killing and pretty houses to dream about.

3:  Listening:  The latest in the Robicheaux series from James Lee Burke on Audible, The Online Marketing Marketing Made Easy podcast with Amy Porterfield and the Moana soundtrack with the baby in the car.

4:  Inspiration:  My Functional Medical specialist..  She told me this week that I am proof for her that functional medicine does work.  She wonders sometimes if she is actually making a difference for some of her patients.  When she met me, my trajectory was in serious peril for my health and in just 14 months we worked together to change not just my trajectory but to start me well on the path to healthy living with minimal pharmaceutical intervention.

5:  Focus:  My ladies in my Unapologetically You Mastermind Focus group and learning more about them, their lives, their mindset, their wisdom and what is forefront on their minds right now.  

And the bonus extra, we are at some point going to have warmer weather and while I love a good burger made of beef, this recipe has me curious about whether it can be as good as it looks.  

https://cafedelites.com/blt-balsamic-chicken-avocado-feta-salad/

Have a good weekend!!

XO

Titanium