Three years ago this week, I took a huge leap of faith.  After laying around depressed for three weeks after losing a business I had poured my heart and soul into, I decided to open my heart to another.  I was scared.  I was skeptical.  I was excited.  I was willing.  That whole first year was a roller coaster ride, wanting to trust these people, yet fearing I’d be disappointed.  In three years, I’ve not had one second of disappointment in my decision.  These are two of the most faith-filled, humble, giving people who I’m proud to do life with.

Many do not understand the true freedom in Direct Sales.  By freedom, I mean the wide range of needs it can fill for different people.  For some, they just want to get a discount on products.  Others want to pay for their children’s sports.  Others want to make a meaningful contribution to their household income.  Others grasp the power available in Direct Sales to create a lifestyle that simply isn’t available anywhere else.

I don’t mean just the money – money is fleeting and it doesn’t buy happiness.  I’ve had plenty and I’ve had lack, and I know for a fact that money isn’t the answer to what’s lacking in our lives.  Direct Sales provides a feeling of, “I believe in the possibilities.  I believe in a vehicle to create a better life for myself and others”.

BELIEF DOESN’T MAKE IT EASY…IT JUST MAKES IT POSSIBLE.

For me, it saved my life in a sense.  I don’t talk too much about the physical challenges I deal with on a daily basis, because it doesn’t bring me joy or fulfillment to do so.  All I can say is I’m not equipped for a 9-5.  When I left the corporate world, I lost my identity.  I lost my purpose.  This industry saved me in a sense that it gave me a focus each day, without requiring me to punch a clock.  Without it, I would focus on my physical pain and not the possibilities I’m given each day.  My life appears lackadaisical to some, but balance and rest is a daily requirement for me, and this environment fosters the ability to build a business around your life – not the other way around.

BELIEVE IN YOURSELF AND OTHERS WILL HAVE NO CHOICE BUT TO BELIEVE WITH YOU.

Nashville, April 2017

What are you believing in?  What do you want your life to look like?  Are you sowing belief and faith into your vocation or watching the clock until your day is over? Are you living for Friday and dreading Monday?  Why not inch your way into a healthier space by creating a clear vision for what you want your life to look like one day?  Then, make a difference right where you are, right now.  Your ATTITUDE – no matter what your vocation – is the difference between fulfillment and misery.

Shining your light on the road ahead can help bring others out of the darkness.

Start where you are and figure out where you want to go.  I can tell you, firsthand, it’s never too late to begin a new chapter in your life, but you can’t start the next chapter of  your life if you keep re-reading the last one and you’ll never be great without taking a chance on yourself.  You were never created to live depressed, guilty, defeated, condemned, unworthy or ashamed.  You were created to be VICTORIOUS.

Whether it’s in business, your personal relationships or your self-talk, stop hating yourself for everything you aren’t and start loving yourself for everything you ARE.  If you spend your time around people who don’t lift you up, build you up and bring out the best in you, find new people.  If you don’t like someone’s behavior, stop putting up with it.  It’s that simple.  It’s not until you’re in a space of true gratitude and appreciation for YOU that you can figure out where your TRUE PASSION lies.  Gratitude for what you have is like a muscle – you need to work it every day so it’s doesn’t atrophy.  Your struggle will end when gratitude begins.

Perhaps you are in a job you don’t love, but your true passion lies in a hobby.  Make time for your hobby.  I’ve finally made time for my art, and I look forward to it so much, it fills me with energy that carries me through the mundane tasks of life.  My body can be weak and in pain, but when I paint I don’t feel it.  I can go hours and hours and not think about the pain.  As I pursue my passion, my soul strengthens.  A strong soul will equip you for many struggles and hardships.  It will also fill you with the capacity to love the unlovable, the energy to give more of your time to those in need and the ability to feel compassion for others.

Your soul is rooting for you!

The last year has brought with it ups, downs, joys and sorrows – just like everyone else.  I’m grateful for the incredible tribe of women I mentor and love in jBloom.  I believe in life, it’s imperative to find “your tribe” and love them hard.  I’m humbled by the thought of God blessing me with such strong, vibrant, passionate women who pray for each other, laugh with each other and cheer each other on.  It’s a dream come true.

This sweet business has allowed me to travel, mentor others, laugh, learn, and grow.  I’m not the same person I was before and I have Direct Sales to thank – jBloom specifically.

It’s impossible to describe the depth of the love that runs through these women – grabbing hands in this picture – knowing what they stand for and believing in their ability to change the lives of others.

 

 

Never stop believing in the greatness that lies within you.  If God can use a broken version of me, he can use a whole version of you.  Anything is possible through His grace, mercy and love.

“Be brave, be kind, be bold, be fierce, be YOU”

-Jules-