Have you ever felt like you needed to make yourself smaller so other people would feel more comfortable? Maybe you’ve quieted your personality or put your dreams on the back burner because you were worried about what someone else might think. Growing up, I was often told to be seen and not heard. I’m naturally outgoing and extroverted, but that wasn’t always something my parents encouraged.
Over the years, I’ve learned that I don’t have to shrink myself to fit into someone else’s expectations. In this week’s video, I’m sharing why it’s so important to live boldly. I even have a little help from Shasta, our boss mare, who certainly knows how to take up space and confidently lead her herd! I also share a little inspiration from Dolly Parton, who never let other people’s expectations stop her from chasing her dreams. You only get one life to live, so why not make it a full, meaningful, and fulfilling one? Don’t wait for someone else to give you permission. Let yourself live loudly and boldly!
November is the perfect month to slow down and notice the people who make your life better. Each day, write down one thing you’re thankful for about someone special in your life. It could be your spouse, child, friend, neighbor, coworker, or anyone who has made a difference in your life. By the end of the month, you’ll have a beautiful collection of reasons why you’re grateful for that person, creating a meaningful gratitude gift you can give them during the holidays in December.
You could simply give them this completed page, or take your gratitude gift up a notch and turn it into something they can treasure for years to come. Add photos and memories and create a scrapbook or spiral-bound book. You could laminate the pages, place them in a beautiful picture frame, or create your own special keepsake. However you choose to share it, the most important part is letting someone know just how much they mean to you. What a wonderful gift to give someone this holiday season! Click below to watch and learn more.
Have you ever had a scary moment that reminded you just how blessed you are? Dave and I were in Texas for an eWomenNetwork event and a visit with family when, the day before we were scheduled to fly home, he started experiencing heat and pain in his legs. After looking up his symptoms and realizing it could be a blood clot, we headed to the ER, where we spent more than five hours getting him checked out. Thankfully, we learned it was a superficial blood clot, and Dave was cleared to fly home to Portland the next day. We were so grateful that he didn’t have to stay in Texas for weeks and, most importantly, that he was going to be okay!
The very next day, I was hosting a Christian women’s retreat at our home with Happy Success Ranch Retreats. Our theme was Hope in the Darkness, but after everything we’d just experienced, I knew we needed to talk about being BLESSED, too. In this week’s video, I share a special BLESSED acrostic to remind us to believe, love, evolve, say our prayers, follow our dreams, remember that we are enough, and don’t doubt. Sometimes life gives you an unexpected reminder to stop and count your blessings. I hope this message encourages you to recognize just how blessed you are!
Click below to watch and learn more.
Here’s my BLESSED poem.
Believe in yourself (and believe in Jesus)
Love yourself (and love Jesus)
Evolve and continue to grow in your faith and in your life
Say your prayers (constantly)
Someday never comes so follow your dreams now
Enough (you are worthy and enough)
Don’t doubt (trust the process and trust Jesus)
Have you ever had to disassociate with someone or set strong boundaries with family and friends? The people you surround yourself with can have a big impact on your life, especially when it comes to your dreams and goals.
After completing my two-year Equine Gestalt Coaching certification through Touched by a Horse, Dave and I decided I should pursue my master’s degree, which would take another two years. When I shared the news with my mom, she was disappointed and disapproving. She questioned why I needed more education when I already had my certification. I loved my mom dearly, but I knew I couldn’t let her disapproval dictate my future.
I wrote her a letter explaining that I loved her, but I would not allow her to tell me what I could or couldn’t do with my life. She received the letter, apologized, and our relationship changed for the better. She stopped trying to tell me how to run my life, and I’m so glad I had the courage to set that boundary.
Your loved ones may have their own ideas about what your life should look like, but their dreams for you don’t have to become your dreams. This reminds me of Mel Robbins’ The Let Them Theory and the freedom that comes from releasing your need to control what others think. You can love people without giving them the power to determine your future. Don’t let someone else’s opinions keep you from pursuing the dreams and goals that are on your heart!
Click below to watch and learn more.
Have you ever had to set a boundary with someone you love to protect your dreams or goals?
Have you ever been so busy doing good things that you didn’t realize you were neglecting the people who mattered most? Ten years ago, I received a four-page letter from my husband, Dave, that completely changed the way I looked at my life and my priorities. At the time, I was working hard to get Happy Success Ranch Retreats started while serving on boards, committees, task forces, and groups through organizations like Oregon Horse Country, the National Speakers Association, etc. I didn’t even realize how much I had taken on. Dave was working 70-hour weeks while also caring for the horses, the ranch, and our beach house.
The first sentence of his letter was, “I love you, but I cannot do this anymore.” I was shocked. I had no idea he felt that way, and our marriage almost ended. Thankfully, we chose to have the difficult conversations, went to marriage counseling, and I made some changes. I stepped away from many of the boards and committees I was involved with so I could be more present at home with my husband.
When I shared this story with my business coach, Sandra Yancey, she gave me a quote I’ll never forget: “What you take for granted can be taken away.” That was a powerful wake-up call for me. Dave didn’t need me to accomplish more. He simply wanted me to be present. Are you making your priority people your priority? This isn’t just about marriage. It could be your children, your parents, your friends, or anyone who means the most to you. Don’t get so busy building a life that you forget to be present with the people who make that life meaningful.
