Lack of Money Does Not Block Blessings

Lack of Money Does Not Block Blessings

I’ll never forget this story or where I was when I heard it.

I was sitting at my kitchen table, in my normal spot (we all have them, right?). After scrolling through a few podcasts, I ended up on Oprah’s SuperSoul Conversations. An episode with Brené Brown popped up and I felt it calling to me.  I have a soft spot for Brené Brown – her research really makes me think, plus she’s a great storyteller.

Now, if you don’t know who Dr. Brené Brown is – she’s an New York Times best selling author and a researcher – she heavily focuses on vulnerability.

Brené was first on SuperSoul after her book, “Daring Greatly ” became a best seller. The second time she was on Oprah, Brené told the story of how her life looked the first time they had met.

On the day she was to meet Oprah for the first time, her rent check bounced, she was broke, and she had no nice clothes to wear on the show. With $5 cash on her, she hit the GoodWill in a nice part of town, and found a shirt that was suitable to wear.

Picture it – a woman who hit the NYT best sellers list, sitting next to Oprah in a shirt she bought from the GoodWill, seemingly appearing as if she’s got it all figured out.

Now, it’s worth mentioning that Brené hadn’t received any money from her book at this point. Many don’t know that authors sometimes have to wait over a year to see that money come through to them – and often times, books that require the research such as the titles Brené authors, sometimes require working “for free” for awhile.

Needless to say, this story hit me hard.

While listening to it I wrote down, “lack of money does not block blessings.”

If you’re reading this post and you’ve ever thought that good things can’t or won’t happen to you because of your financial situation – know that you’re wrong.

Blessings are in everyday things. Don’t overlook them and don’t ever feel like you’re not worthy of them simply because of your financial situation.

Money Mindset Blocks to Give Up

  • Debt defines me
  • Lack of money blocks me from getting what I want
  • I will only be financially free if I marry rich
  • I’m not good at managing money

Money Mantras to Embrace

  • My relationship with money gets better every day
  • I am worthy of getting everything I want
  • I am limitless with the amount of money I can make

Struggling with your Money Mindset? Check out my podcast episode with Wealth Therapist, Agnes Kowlaski. Agnes outlines how we can give ourselves Permission to Prosper.

Bless Up,
Lauren

The Importance of Personal Boundaries

The Importance of Personal Boundaries

There was once a time, not long ago, that I felt the need to give all of me to everyone else.

My thought process for most of my life was, “I can, so I will.”

This included giving away my time, doing things I didn’t love, saying yes to everything, accepting toxic people into my life, etc. Basically, I was always willing to refuel the tanks of others while neglecting my own.

Over the past year or so, I’ve grown in leaps and bounds all because I decided to take back my power.

When I began this journey of reclaiming my power, I learned that setting boundaries is key. Healthy boundaries allow us to not fall into the trap of society’s pressures which tell us that if we say no, we’re not a good [mother/father, wife/husband, friend, colleague].

Personal boundaries extend into many areas of life (physical, emotional, mental, sexual, spiritual, material), but the reason for setting them is to ultimately have safe and healthy relationships – both with yourself and with others.

I love Brene Brown’s definition of boundaries in her book, Rising Strong. She defines boundaries as “simply our lists of what’s okay and what’s not okay.”

I’m sharing a few (of many) personal boundaries I’ve embraced, that have literally been life changing.

 

Learning to Say No

How many times have you said yes to something then immediately regretted it? Better yet, how many times have you said yes because you couldn’t think of an excuse to say no? We often feel as if “no” needs a reason – as if saying “no” isn’t a complete sentence by itself. It’s often the guilt that comes along with the word, that pushes people into the “yes.”

One area I struggled with this, was in my business. It felt terrible to me when people would seek my aid for services I no longer offered or even for things I did/do offer, yet I had no true time to help them.

I fell into the trap of saying yes, then b*tching about the project the entire time I was doing it. Essentially, I set myself up for misery by saying yes.

Now that I’ve learned to say NO more, I use phrases such as: “My plate is full right now, but I’m happy to refer you to a trusted colleague who might be able to help,” or “I’d love to, but I’m already over committed. Thank you for thinking of me!”

These phrases still say no, but also don’t make me feel like a complete a-hole while saying them.

Share Information Gradually

I’ve noticed when I’m on the plane, people next to me often share things I don’t think they’ve shared with their spouse, let alone a friend. I’ve been guilty of this too – it’s almost as if opening up to a stranger can be easier because HEY… I’ll never see this person again, right?

Not everyone needs to know your biznass, your biznass (that’s business, for those of you who didn’t read that in Ludacris’ voice). Oversharing is part of not having boundaries. Oversharing too many details with people you’ve just met, exposes you to potential hurt or manipulation.

Protect yourself, open up to those who truly care for you and have your best interest at heart.

 

Not Everything Needs a Response

I was recently hit with an uncomfortable situation with a person I didn’t even know, who was attacking my character and my morals. I knew this person was projecting their own insecurities on me and if I gave any attention or energy into the situation, I would only fuel the fire.

Instead, I chose the high road. I ignored what was said and I went on about my day.

Had I engaged in a response I know I’d get fired up, say things I didn’t mean (which could ultimately come back to haunt me), and would exert all of that day’s energy into a person who didn’t deserve it. Thus, leaving me drained and unable to give my energy to the people who do deserve it.

Recognize when silence is a better option. Not everything needs a response.

 

Prioritize Self Care

If you tune into my podcast, you may remember my episode about self compassion and how the guilt of putting myself first, ultimately led me to putting my health at risk.

You know when boarding the plane they state to put your oxygen mask on first before assisting others? That’s because it’s known that you cannot take care of anyone else, if you’re over there passing out from of lack of oxygen.

I’m very humanitarian driven, so to me, prioritizing myself felt selfish.

But guess what?!

Prioritizing yourself isn’t selfish, it’s imperative

Now, I take time to do things that I love; I’ve recognized when my tank is full, I’m happier and I’m a nicer person which makes me feel more equipped to serve. Also, my energy also doesn’t deplete as quick

Bubble baths and face masks are both sure fire ways to relax me.
I love taking drives in my car while blasting music and singing at the top of my lungs, always makes me smile.
Getting out in nature and exploring a place I’ve never seen before humbles me. Being alone in silence, even for 10 minutes, mentally recharges me.

I recognize when I need more self care and I’ve dropped the guilt that comes along with it. 

 

 

Setting Boundaries, Brene Brown

 

The boundaries I outlined may seem elementary but as Matt Bevin said, “the ripple effects of small things is extraordinary.

Take some time to think about the boundaries in your life; are you aware of them, or are you lacking them?

To Your Growth,
Lauren

The Most Powerful Type of Momentum

The Most Powerful Type of Momentum

Momentum: the force that keeps an object moving or keeps an event developing after it has started.

Some days, it’s really tough to humbly receive acknowledgement and praise, while you’re working for nearly free.

When I started my podcast, I didn’t realize how much time I would end up devoting to it. I thought it’d be something where I could pick up my mic, talk to someone, publish it on the interwebs and call it a day.

It’s become so much more than that. To date, the podcast is being listened to in 15 countries and 33 states. I receive messages daily, both from people I’ve known for years as well as complete strangers, who tell me they love what I’m doing, or that an episode’s message resonated with them.

These words, they fuel me to continue to put the time into publishing the show, but to be 100% transparent – I’m not making any money off the show. The 15-20 hours I put into the show weekly – from setting up calls, finding guests, scheduling the conversations, having the actual conversation, recording intros/outros, editing episodes, writing episode notes, etc. – those 20 hours give me purpose, but they don’t feed my family.

Not *yet* anyway…

So, why do I keep doing something, that isn’t providing a financial return?

I heard on the news recently, that a man won the lottery for $638 Million. This man, has been playing the same lottery numbers every week, for 20 years. Yes, you read that correct. Same numbers, weekly, for 20 freaking years. All it took, was that *one* draw to make him a multi-millionaire.

Mastin Kipp, the author behind TheDailyLove.com, stated on an Oprah’s SuperSoul Conversations, that his entire life fell apart in one week. His relationship fell apart, investors pulled out of his business due to the recession, his roommate gave him 3 day’s notice, he had gout in his foot, AND he and his business partner split ways. All in ONE week.  

At this time in his life, it had taken him one year to gain even 1,000 followers on his social media, so it’s not that he was big or famous; but he said he felt that this was his calling. Within a month of his life seemingly falling apart, Kim Kardashian tweeted about The Daily Love to her 1 million followers, and encouraged them to follow his account. He went from 1,000 followers to 10,000, overnight.

Now, Mastin is widely known travels the world on a mission to inspire and motivate.

What did these two people, who I’ve never met, prove?

Momentum fueled by persistence, is an unstoppable force.

Persistence, is a type of momentum that has a force like no other.

It’s only when we stop trying that we lose any chance of reaching those big goals, milestones, achievements, or levels of mastery.

I know the Master Your Mind, Business and Life podcast will generate opportunities that I’ve dreamed of and work towards – but only through my persistence.

I’ll keep chasing my big dreams – you keep chasing yours.

Through persistence, we’ll both be rewarded in ways we’ve been dreaming about and relentlessly hustling towards.

To Our Growth,
Lauren

The Importance Learning the Language

The Importance Learning the Language

I’m guilty of zoning out when I don’t understand what’s being said.

I’m sure you’re guilty of it too.

You’ve likely sat through a class you were interested in, only to become so lost in the verbiage being used that it sounds as if the teacher was speaking another language.

I remember a conversation with my spiritual mentor, early into us meeting each other. We were talking about astrology, something I was eager to learn about, but was still a novice in. When she asked me which planet was in my 11th house in my birth chart, I was completely confused. My WHAT chart? Was that something my mom needed to get from the hospital? I have a planet in a house? Do WHAT?

I had no idea what she was talking about, so the entire conversation made me feel so lost. She was starting big on the spiritual scope, while I was still trying to grasp the overall concept. I knew that if I wanted to dive back into a conversation with her about astrology, I first needed to learn the language.

By “learning the language,” I mean the common terms and phrases that are used to discuss that subject.

Likewise, when teaching the language, you need to “dumb it down.” I don’t mean this as if the person you are talking to is dumb, but if you know more on the subject than they do, you need to teach the basics and break down the terms/phrases associated to that subject.

When studying “the language”, remember to be a student. This may mean you need to take initiative and do independent research to further advance your understanding. Research, connect, apply.

We all have a starting point in every area of life; be mindful that others may not be on your level yet.

Teach, inspire, learn, and grow. We’re all in this together!

Cheers to your growth,
Lauren

Balancing Life as a Work-From-Home Parent

Balancing Life as a Work-From-Home Parent

Being an entrepreneur is hard work. Working from home requires self motivation.

Working from home with a baby on your lap? Now that takes business and life to a whole new level.

For the past 8 years, I have successfully run two businesses with not one, but two kids at home.

Many view working from home as a luxury. Sitting at home in your pajamas all day, never missing a moment with the kids, the flexibility of scheduling…sounds like the best job ever, right?!

It is, for most.

But that doesn’t mean it doesn’t come with mass amounts of struggles.

Have you ever been on a video conference call, and have a toddler walk in carrying their poopy diaper for all to see? I have.

What about times where you have literally gone WEEKS without seeing anyone other than your kids and/or partner? Yep, plenty of those.

And of course there’s days,when you’re massively uninspired, because your environment never seems to change

In all of the many years of juggling this work-from-home mompreneur life, I’ve learned a few important lessons along the way to keep things as smooth sailing as possible. If you’re a work-from-home parent who feels like the Captain of the Struggle Bus right now, these tips are for you:

  1. Routine, Routine, Routine. I’m the first to admit, my whole day feels off when my morning routine is off (also sometimes a massive a-hole when it’s thrown off). There’s truly only 2 things I do for myself, each and every single morning. After I wake up, I make coffee, I sit down with my journal, and I write positive affirmations, blessings, and/or thoughts of gratitude. Then, I’m ready to go into “Mom Mode” and run in 20 different directions, before finally being able to sit down and work. Find something that brings you balance in the morning, it’ll set the tone for your day.
  2. Make Use of Drive Time If I’m the passenger in the car, I use our travel time, albeit 10 minutes or 9 hours, to work. It’s a great and easy way to do light tasks such social media management, emails, updating to-do lists, or even finally getting around to that e-Guide I’ve been meaning to read all week. Utilize time in the car, even if that means the 5 minutes you’re sitting in line waiting to pick up your kiddo from school or practice!
  3. Wake up Early Or go to bed late. I used to go to bed late, but as my kids get older (who am I kidding, as I get older), I’ve found late nights are harder and I’m completely drained by 9pm. The rare exception is when I’m in a creative flow, I could work all night! Wake up an hour or 2 before your kids to brainstorm, task prep for the day, or to even have a quiet moment to enjoy your coffee before chaos ensues.
  4. Find Help When my kids were younger, their dad worked nights, so I really was able to utilize days with help. As things have changed, I found myself in a predicament of needing more help. If your budget allows it, hire an in-home part-time nanny or babysitter; part or full-time daycare is an option, too! Not in your budget or realm of comfortability?
  5. Priority & Action Lists I’m a big list person; a lot goes on in my head and organization for me, comes with writing everything down. I prioritize my tasks into what absolutely has to get in kid free time (podcast recording, meetings that require silence, brainstorming, etc) – then I make it a priority to schedule that time. I use “Action Lists” instead of “To Do” lists, because they are actions I must take in order to succeed. Little changing in words, can change how your prioritize tasks.
  6. Have a Prep Day  I utilize Sunday’s to prep all my content for the week and write down my priority list. If I’m feeling particularly on top of my game, I’ll meal prep for the week too. Makes it easier to know whats for lunch and dinner, when the work is cut out of it.
  7. Give Yourself the Day Off A day off on Wednesday? Sure. Why not! You have flexibility in your job, use it. And most importantly, when you take a day off, drop the guilt. Mental health is as important as physical health, a trip to the park or even 1 hour at the nail salon, can do a lot to revitalize you.

So there you have it, 7 ways to make the work-from-home parent / life balance a little easier.

Do you have a tip you’d like to share with others that I may have missed? I’d love for you to share it in the comments below!

To Your Growth,
Lauren