Educational Lessons From Our Life Experiences

Some of you, in fact, most of you don't know that for a couple of years, I had my very own dog treat business. It was called, "Puppy Personal". I baked all natural, personalized dog treats in any shape, size, and flavor.

I used to refer to it as a "side business".  Yet, looking back today, that "side business" ended up being an educational lesson that prepared me for bigger and greater things I have going on with my career today. That "side business" taught me how to sell, research and market a product, work at public events, create a website, use my creativity, meet other entrepreneurs and cheer one another on, learn NOT to take "I'm not interested" personally, and build more and more confidence along the way.

There I was, years ago, baking away for my business!

If I had listened to all the people who; thought I was crazy to start up a dog treat company out of my home, thought I was going about it all the wrong way and wouldn't make a profit, thought I was wasting my time and energy, or gave me every bit of advice as to how THEY would do it...than I wouldn't have had what I need today to keep my Life & Relationship Coaching business moving forward in the right direction.


What ideas have you been carrying around with you, not knowing how to make them a reality?

What will motivate you to take your first step forward?

What thoughts, or comments, from others have been holding you back?

How will you know when you are ready to begin?



A Life Coach can help.

 Finding Your Passion

Most of us shrug our shoulders when we're asked what we're passionate about. This is not a "trick" question, yet it's difficult for most of us to answer? 

What are we drawn to? What makes our head turn and look twice? What are we watching that keeps us from changing the channel on our t.v.? When we're in a book store, what section do we walk towards? The answers to these questions are all clues to what we're passionate about...and it doesn't have to be just "one" thing, it can be many things!

Once we know what we are passionate about, we can dive deeper and enjoy more of what we love....orrrrrrr.... perhaps, even make a career out of it. (Wink!)

A life coach can help. 

So what...I'm Not Perfect!!!!

About a month ago, I hit send on my monthly newsletter, which gets distributed to hundreds of women. I always send myself a copy, so I can pop it up and see what it looks like to everyone who's viewing it. So, out it goes, and my newsletter pops into my email.

As I begin reading it, with a smile on my face, my eyes pop out of my head. OH NO! My opening paragraph has NOTHING to do with the rest of my post! I had made a few changes while I was giving my finishing touches, and forgot to change the opening paragraph to reflect those changes. UGH!!!!!!!!

I immediately froze, and could literally feel my body burning up with embarrassment. Of course, you knows what comes next...all the negative thoughts, words, and feelings come to me.

"You see, you rushed your work, once again!"

"Everyone's going to read this and not know what the heck you're talking about!"

"Who's going to want to continue reading your monthly newsletters?"

The voices kept shouting..."Blah! Blah! Blah!"...Until I finally told myself to STOP! I was being mean to myself, bullying myself, and creating unnecessary anxiety, with all the nonsense I was telling myself.

I've learned, through the years, that all my mistakes, big or small, have always prepared me for bigger and better things in my future. If it weren't for our mistakes, how will we learn, grow, create, and better ourselves?

Next time you're beating yourself up for a mistake you have made, stop yourself, and use that energy to think of ways how you can improve it for the future.


A Life Coach can help you.

Nursery School, Kindergarten, Middle School, High School...Suny New Paltz School of Business! WTF

High School Graduation Party, June 28, 2015

The years flew by, and before I knew it, he was applying for colleges, renting a tux for his senior prom, and ordering his cap and gown for graduation. Wow, my little boy is now in his first semester at SUNY New Paltz...accepted into their Business School, no less! His hard work and dedication gave him this opportunity, and I'm so excited to see what the future holds for him.

This is one of my favorite pictures from his graduation party. Ray would say, "Of course it is, mom, because you're in it! " LOL This time, that's not the case. LOL It's my favorite, because of so many other reasons than that. To start, we are laughing! Laughter sums up our whole relationship. When I look back at all the years raising this little guy, all I can remember is laughing with him. Honestly, we found humor in everything. I have a smile on my face, just thinking of all the things we've laughed about...and still laugh at today. 

I also love this picture, because it's so candid. Raising him as a single mother, our days were not planned. We didn't stress about how perfect our day or weekend was going to be...we just got up and went, had fun, and enjoyed all the things the day brought us. Those were moments I would do all over again, and never change a thing! We were creative and never bored. 

One more thing I'll mention about this photo, which brings tears to my eyes, is to be able to physically see how close we've stayed with one another. Just look at how he still reaches out to put his arm around me. May not seem that big of a deal to others, but we all know some teenagers who don't even want to pose for a picture standing next to their parent. I will never take any sign of affection from him for granted. Whether it's a hug, a kiss, a text, or a phone call from him, I consider them all precious gifts and will take whatever he gives me!!!! :) 

So, he's now at college, and my heart is filled with even more love and wishes for an even brighter future for him. My husband and I have this whole house to ourselves. We are enjoying our time alone together, but it's quiet with out Ray around every day. Actually, I'm more quiet without Ray around every day. LOL I didn't realize how many times I called his name; asking him if he wanted breakfast, telling him I'm running out for a bit, knocking on his door to ask if I can come in, or shouting out when it's dinner time. LOL Yep, it's an adjustment with my little boy being away in college, but the text, phone calls, emails, hugs and kisses from him will be even sweeter to receive!!!! Life is good!

Step Out of Your Comfort Zone

We all have a comfort zone. A place where we are familiar, surrounded by a sense of security. Our comfort zone can help us stay true to who we are...staying balanced and centered...allowing us to live within our means. Sounds like a nice place to stay, doesn't it? For some, yes, but for the rest of us who want more out of life, we will have to take a step out into the uncomfortable every once in a while.

Think of a moment in your life when you stayed in your comfort zone, instead of taking a chance. What kept you in your comfort zone? Was it motivation, fear, lack of experience, or finances?

What if you did take that chance? What would your life look like today? Where would you be? Describe what you would be feeling? Who would be with you?

It's important to understand that each time we leave our comfort zone, we realize that what's on the other side isn't as scary as we thought!

Benefits From Being An Introvert

Google the word introvert, and I can bet you the word "shy" will show up somewhere. Shy? Really? I consider myself to be an introvert and I am the furthest from being shy. Ask anyone who knows me, and they'll tell you I'm the extremely outgoing and friendly. So, why do I consider myself an introvert.

On any given day, I'd rather spend time reading a book, taking a walk, riding my bike, out taking photos, or visiting a museum alone, than to be in any crowded environment. It's not that I'm shy or unsocial, because I love people and love being around people. I enjoy talking, listening, and laughing with others...I just seem to be more fulfilled when I'm not in a crowd.

My life, and the people in my life have all benefited from the moments I've spent with myself. These moments have allowed me to re-energize, follow up and catch up with what's going on in my own life. How many of you can agree, when I say...too much time and energy is spent following up, catching up, just to see what's going on in other people's lives?

Being by myself allows me to do whatever I want...and I love it! I've spent too many years waiting on others to clear their schedule, in order for me to enjoy my life. Today, I can honestly tell you how much I love to get up and go, wherever and whenever I want to, and not have to wait for others to fulfill my day.

Do you consider yourself to be an introvert?

How have you benefited from spending moments with yourself?

What added value are you able to share with others?

When It's Meant To Be...You Will Answer

When it's meant to be...you will answer!

In my past there were moments when my insecurities got the best of me and I've missed out on major opportunities. Afterwards, I would beat myself up for not having enough confidence to grab what was in front of me.

Sitting in mediation one day, it came to me... I realized that it wasn't the confidence I was lacking, it was the experience, maturity, and growth I still needed, in order to have been able to accept new challenges. Listen to your intuition. You will know when you are ready. You will jump, when your moment is NOW! When an opportunity knocks, don't be so quick to say, "Yes", when you're not feeling it in your gut. Instead, say, "Thanks, but I'm waiting for an opportunity, much bigger, to come along!' You will know what opportunities to grab, and which ones to pass along for someone else to have that chance.


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