Last night I couldn't sleep. My mind was swarming with ideas for Circle's End. God has given me a new vision that is much bigger than the one I originally conceived. I was so excited by some of the things I saw that I was ready to contact a graphic designer this morning to get a quote for commissioning a logo design. I wanted to have something tangible to hold onto - something that would confirm that I have definitely made a breakthrough in my career.
This morning, I was nudged by the Spirit to Google "Circle's End." Wow...I didn't realize how unoriginal the name was. It is the name of a Harry Potter book, the name of a band, the name of a movie, the name of a farm, the name of a song, the name of a novel, the name of a video game...and that is most likely not an exhaustive list. Needless to say, I was taken a bit back. I think a new name will be necessary.
Despite that little hiccup, I am more excited than ever about my soon-to-be born organization. They say that everything happens in God's perfect timing, and I am starting to believe it more than ever. Last year, while in New York for a meeting, I attempted to write a business plan for the then-Circle's End. I was having so much trouble. Maybe it was the excess stress I was feeling from work. Maybe it was the post-partum depression that had its claws in me. Maybe it was simply not the time. In the next couple of weeks, I am going to tackle that business plan again - and I have a feeling it will all come together nicely.
Showing posts with label Circle's End. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Circle's End. Show all posts
Wednesday, February 9, 2011
Sunday, February 6, 2011
Strengths Finder 2.0
One of my homework assignments to complete before my first coaching session was taking the online Strengths Finder assessment. The purpose of the evaluation is to identify the top five talents in one's life. The following were my results, along with a brief description of the talent.
1. Empathy - I can sense the feelings and emotions of the people around me and understand where they are coming from.
2. Input - I am inquisitive and collect things. Not only tangible objects, but also words, facts, quotations, and images.
3. Connectedness - I believe that all things happen for a reason. We are all connected and part of something greater than ourselves.
4. Adaptability - I live in the moment. I am flexible. I may have a plan, but I respond willingly to demands of the moment, even if I am pulled away from my plans.
5. Developer - I see the potential in others. Each person is a work in progress, and alive with possibilities.
I think that my results are pretty accurate. The only strength I briefly questioned was "Adaptability," mainly because I tend to resist sudden change. However, once I get over the initial shock and have a venting session, I usually do go with the flow and get the job done. I also see life as an adventure, and I don't necessarily need everything planned out. (Especially on vacations) I'd rather play things by ear. Keeping all that in mind, I can see why I may have gotten this result.
As I am getting a clearer picture of what Circle's End may ultimately look like, I can see how all of those strengths will fit in. It's quite exciting to see the puzzle pieces coming together!!
1. Empathy - I can sense the feelings and emotions of the people around me and understand where they are coming from.
2. Input - I am inquisitive and collect things. Not only tangible objects, but also words, facts, quotations, and images.
3. Connectedness - I believe that all things happen for a reason. We are all connected and part of something greater than ourselves.
4. Adaptability - I live in the moment. I am flexible. I may have a plan, but I respond willingly to demands of the moment, even if I am pulled away from my plans.
5. Developer - I see the potential in others. Each person is a work in progress, and alive with possibilities.
I think that my results are pretty accurate. The only strength I briefly questioned was "Adaptability," mainly because I tend to resist sudden change. However, once I get over the initial shock and have a venting session, I usually do go with the flow and get the job done. I also see life as an adventure, and I don't necessarily need everything planned out. (Especially on vacations) I'd rather play things by ear. Keeping all that in mind, I can see why I may have gotten this result.
As I am getting a clearer picture of what Circle's End may ultimately look like, I can see how all of those strengths will fit in. It's quite exciting to see the puzzle pieces coming together!!
Tuesday, July 6, 2010
Conversation with Carolyn
As I stated in my previous post, I had a wonderful time conversing with Carolyn over coffee on Sunday. In the midst of catching up, I told her all about massage school and Circle's End and the breakdown I had a few weeks ago.
I told her that my EAP got back to me with career counselor results, and that one guy happened to be the author of "What Color is Your Parachute?" and that if I was going to see anybody, perhaps it should be him.
She listened patiently, and then she said, "You don't need a career counselor. You already know what you want to do. You don't need to know what color your parachute is. You already know. What you really need to do is take control of your situation. Really visualize what Circle's End looks like. Write down the details of the environment, your commute to work, how you feel, what you smell, everything. Then start connecting with people in the wellness community. Take them out for coffee. People love talking about themselves and their experiences. Start a notebook with all your resources. I've gotten all of my jobs by people pulling for me. You never know how everything will connect in the end."
We spoke for over an hour, but that was the exchange that impacted me the most. I left the cafe feeling so energized and so on the right path. No matter what form it takes, I know I was created to be a holistic health practitioner. Of course, I already knew that. I just needed someone to affirm it. Now I just need to focus on the details!!
I told her that my EAP got back to me with career counselor results, and that one guy happened to be the author of "What Color is Your Parachute?" and that if I was going to see anybody, perhaps it should be him.
She listened patiently, and then she said, "You don't need a career counselor. You already know what you want to do. You don't need to know what color your parachute is. You already know. What you really need to do is take control of your situation. Really visualize what Circle's End looks like. Write down the details of the environment, your commute to work, how you feel, what you smell, everything. Then start connecting with people in the wellness community. Take them out for coffee. People love talking about themselves and their experiences. Start a notebook with all your resources. I've gotten all of my jobs by people pulling for me. You never know how everything will connect in the end."
We spoke for over an hour, but that was the exchange that impacted me the most. I left the cafe feeling so energized and so on the right path. No matter what form it takes, I know I was created to be a holistic health practitioner. Of course, I already knew that. I just needed someone to affirm it. Now I just need to focus on the details!!
Wednesday, March 24, 2010
Thoughts
I have so much "stuff" swarming around in my head right now.
1) Massage Therapy. I have wanted to become a massage therapist for so long. The thought of Circle's End came to me in 2002, but way before that, I toyed with the idea of massage. I even requested information from three different massage schools while I was still at Villa Julie. I remember one day at VJC during my junior year, I saw a girl in a massage therapy uniform, and I immediately felt a longing. My journals I kept at VJC talk of how I was in the wrong major, but I felt too much pressure to stay right where I was.
Fast forward to 2010 - my year of action. With the support of my husband and my two best friends, it was decided that I could apply to massage school THIS YEAR - much quicker than we originally anticipated. Praise God!
Of course, there has to be a catch. Before I can even apply for the program I have to complete (or be enrolled in) two prerequisites: MASS 101 and BIOL 109. I was planning to take both this summer. Unfortunately, the classes conflict. There is a hybrid Anatomy and Physiology class, where you take the class online, and attend lab in person one day a week. That would have been the perfect solution - except the lab is Fridays from 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. - which conflicts with work.
I emailed the instructor of the hybrid class. I emailed the Case Manager of the Massage Therapy Program. And I emailed the Director of the program. I just wrote to the Director this morning, so I am still waiting on her response. I explained the situation and asked if there was any way around it. I also asked if a student could be accepted on a provisional basis if she hadn't yet taken the program prerequisites. I still have to wait for an answer, but sadly, it's looking like I may have to wait and apply for the program next year.
In good news, I registered for MASS 101. The class begins on June 7th. I know it's going to be difficult balancing everything, but I'm really looking forward to it. I will also be attending the program's Open House tomorrow night. Even if I am forced to wait until next year to apply, I still want to go and see what the program has to offer.
2) My "day job." I've never really felt completely comfortable here. And now that it is getting in the way of pursuing my dreams, I dislike it even more. I keep thinking...if only I didn't have this job, then I could attend school no problem. Sadly, we can't afford for me to quit. I make $40,000 a year. That isn't small change. And even if I am successful with Pink Papaya, I don't think I could reasonably make that much money each year. I would have no problem walking away from here today, but with a new house, a baby, and a husband who doesn't get paid during the summer, that action is simply not an option.
I have tried to be positive about my job. I have asked God to increase me right where I am. I have asked Him to be with me and help me be effective as I go throughout my day. I have tried to surround myself with His Word while at work. I have tried to remember that even though I don't understand why, I am here for a reason. But none of these things have helped me. I truly do want my attitude to change. I just don't know how else to try. I feel so deflated and trapped.
3) Pink Papaya. I am in LOVE with this business. Even though I've only been at it for less than a month. Even though I am still in the hole financially. I just finally feel good - amazingly good - about it. I can see myself being successful. I can see myself being promoted. I can see myself building a team. I can see myself achieving the title of Vice President. I believe with my whole heart that God is leading this venture, and I am just along for the ride!
Sadly, no one else in my life except my co-pilot Steph and my upline Cathy understands. I think everyone is being supportive the best way they can - but I don't think anyone truly believes I will succeed. Even Harry reminded me this morning that I still have a long way to go before I break even. It's hard when you believe in something so strongly and passionately, and yet, you receive mostly negative feedback in return. It hurts my feelings in a way.
4) Church. I am feeling all out of sorts, and I know it's because I haven't gone to church in three weeks. I am so desperate for a church home. We just have yet to find a place that will meet the needs of each one of us. I had high hopes for LifeBridge, but even though we had a positive experience, I'm not really all that interested in going back. It didn't really move my spirit at all. And Harry frustrates me. I want him to be the spiritual head of our family. I hate that he doesn't take much interest in finding a church and that all the decisions in this area seem to fall on me. I guess the sad truth of the matter is that we're not equally yoked. I guess I was hoping that would change once we found a church that moved us both. But it's been harder than expected to find a home.
6) My health. I have been majorly slacking where my working out is concerned. I thought that having Steph join the 30-Day Shred challenge would help to motivate me get out of bed. But it hasn't. The alarm goes off at 5:00, and I can't find the strength to get up. So I choose to sleep the extra 45 minutes. There is no way I can lose the weight I wanted to by my birthday. I'm just too inactive. I also haven't been making any true effort where my diet is concerned. We have so much processed food in the house that can't be good for us at all - yet we eat it every night because it is convenient, relatively quick, and tastes good. The Proverbs 31 Woman fed her family quality foods. If I want to be like her, I have a LONG way to go.
7) Bianca. I complain all day that I don't see enough of her and I don't spend any time with her. Yet when I get home, the first thing I want to do is get on the computer and take care of Pink Papaya. I'm not playing with her like I should. I'm not reading to her like I should. I'm not singing to her like I should. I'm not feeding her like I should. I just lay her down on the floor or the couch and sit next to her with my laptop. I feel like a horrible mother. I'm nothing like the Mother I imagined I would be. And I feel so disappointed in myself. I've stopped giving her negative energy, but now, I'm hardly giving her any energy at all. This has to stop.
8) Harry. I love my husband. I truly do. I don't know what I would do without him. But I feel so disconnected from him right now. He thinks it's because I spend too much time on Pink Papaya. I personally think it's because I want someone who "gets" me, and in a lot of ways, I don't think he does. And I'm sure he feels the same way about me. I know there have to be days when he is home alone watching sports that he wished he had a wife who would sit right next to him and cheer and talk statistics and not leave him alone so much. I hate myself for writing this, but I wonder if we made a mistake by getting married. They say that opposites attract, but what happens when you're just TOO opposite?
So in the perfect world, here's how everything would play out:
1. I make $40,000+ a year with Pink Papaya.
2. I am able to quit my day job.
3. My schedule has flexibility so that I can attend school every semester and graduate in 2 years.
4. I am able to stay at home with Bianca, only dropping her off at Aunt Dot's when I go to class.
5. I become a vegetarian.
6. My skin looks great and I have a lot more energy.
7. I have so much energy that getting up in the morning to exercise is no issue at all.
8. I am at a healthy weight and I feel great physically and mentally.
9. We have a church home.
10. We pray together as a family and as a couple each night.
11. I read my Bible daily.
12. I make an effort to watch and be enthusiastic about sports.
13. We have a regular date night.
14. We feel closer than ever.
But this isn't a perfect world, and I just have to wait and see how everything will turn out.
1) Massage Therapy. I have wanted to become a massage therapist for so long. The thought of Circle's End came to me in 2002, but way before that, I toyed with the idea of massage. I even requested information from three different massage schools while I was still at Villa Julie. I remember one day at VJC during my junior year, I saw a girl in a massage therapy uniform, and I immediately felt a longing. My journals I kept at VJC talk of how I was in the wrong major, but I felt too much pressure to stay right where I was.
Fast forward to 2010 - my year of action. With the support of my husband and my two best friends, it was decided that I could apply to massage school THIS YEAR - much quicker than we originally anticipated. Praise God!
Of course, there has to be a catch. Before I can even apply for the program I have to complete (or be enrolled in) two prerequisites: MASS 101 and BIOL 109. I was planning to take both this summer. Unfortunately, the classes conflict. There is a hybrid Anatomy and Physiology class, where you take the class online, and attend lab in person one day a week. That would have been the perfect solution - except the lab is Fridays from 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. - which conflicts with work.
I emailed the instructor of the hybrid class. I emailed the Case Manager of the Massage Therapy Program. And I emailed the Director of the program. I just wrote to the Director this morning, so I am still waiting on her response. I explained the situation and asked if there was any way around it. I also asked if a student could be accepted on a provisional basis if she hadn't yet taken the program prerequisites. I still have to wait for an answer, but sadly, it's looking like I may have to wait and apply for the program next year.
In good news, I registered for MASS 101. The class begins on June 7th. I know it's going to be difficult balancing everything, but I'm really looking forward to it. I will also be attending the program's Open House tomorrow night. Even if I am forced to wait until next year to apply, I still want to go and see what the program has to offer.
2) My "day job." I've never really felt completely comfortable here. And now that it is getting in the way of pursuing my dreams, I dislike it even more. I keep thinking...if only I didn't have this job, then I could attend school no problem. Sadly, we can't afford for me to quit. I make $40,000 a year. That isn't small change. And even if I am successful with Pink Papaya, I don't think I could reasonably make that much money each year. I would have no problem walking away from here today, but with a new house, a baby, and a husband who doesn't get paid during the summer, that action is simply not an option.
I have tried to be positive about my job. I have asked God to increase me right where I am. I have asked Him to be with me and help me be effective as I go throughout my day. I have tried to surround myself with His Word while at work. I have tried to remember that even though I don't understand why, I am here for a reason. But none of these things have helped me. I truly do want my attitude to change. I just don't know how else to try. I feel so deflated and trapped.
3) Pink Papaya. I am in LOVE with this business. Even though I've only been at it for less than a month. Even though I am still in the hole financially. I just finally feel good - amazingly good - about it. I can see myself being successful. I can see myself being promoted. I can see myself building a team. I can see myself achieving the title of Vice President. I believe with my whole heart that God is leading this venture, and I am just along for the ride!
Sadly, no one else in my life except my co-pilot Steph and my upline Cathy understands. I think everyone is being supportive the best way they can - but I don't think anyone truly believes I will succeed. Even Harry reminded me this morning that I still have a long way to go before I break even. It's hard when you believe in something so strongly and passionately, and yet, you receive mostly negative feedback in return. It hurts my feelings in a way.
4) Church. I am feeling all out of sorts, and I know it's because I haven't gone to church in three weeks. I am so desperate for a church home. We just have yet to find a place that will meet the needs of each one of us. I had high hopes for LifeBridge, but even though we had a positive experience, I'm not really all that interested in going back. It didn't really move my spirit at all. And Harry frustrates me. I want him to be the spiritual head of our family. I hate that he doesn't take much interest in finding a church and that all the decisions in this area seem to fall on me. I guess the sad truth of the matter is that we're not equally yoked. I guess I was hoping that would change once we found a church that moved us both. But it's been harder than expected to find a home.
6) My health. I have been majorly slacking where my working out is concerned. I thought that having Steph join the 30-Day Shred challenge would help to motivate me get out of bed. But it hasn't. The alarm goes off at 5:00, and I can't find the strength to get up. So I choose to sleep the extra 45 minutes. There is no way I can lose the weight I wanted to by my birthday. I'm just too inactive. I also haven't been making any true effort where my diet is concerned. We have so much processed food in the house that can't be good for us at all - yet we eat it every night because it is convenient, relatively quick, and tastes good. The Proverbs 31 Woman fed her family quality foods. If I want to be like her, I have a LONG way to go.
7) Bianca. I complain all day that I don't see enough of her and I don't spend any time with her. Yet when I get home, the first thing I want to do is get on the computer and take care of Pink Papaya. I'm not playing with her like I should. I'm not reading to her like I should. I'm not singing to her like I should. I'm not feeding her like I should. I just lay her down on the floor or the couch and sit next to her with my laptop. I feel like a horrible mother. I'm nothing like the Mother I imagined I would be. And I feel so disappointed in myself. I've stopped giving her negative energy, but now, I'm hardly giving her any energy at all. This has to stop.
8) Harry. I love my husband. I truly do. I don't know what I would do without him. But I feel so disconnected from him right now. He thinks it's because I spend too much time on Pink Papaya. I personally think it's because I want someone who "gets" me, and in a lot of ways, I don't think he does. And I'm sure he feels the same way about me. I know there have to be days when he is home alone watching sports that he wished he had a wife who would sit right next to him and cheer and talk statistics and not leave him alone so much. I hate myself for writing this, but I wonder if we made a mistake by getting married. They say that opposites attract, but what happens when you're just TOO opposite?
So in the perfect world, here's how everything would play out:
1. I make $40,000+ a year with Pink Papaya.
2. I am able to quit my day job.
3. My schedule has flexibility so that I can attend school every semester and graduate in 2 years.
4. I am able to stay at home with Bianca, only dropping her off at Aunt Dot's when I go to class.
5. I become a vegetarian.
6. My skin looks great and I have a lot more energy.
7. I have so much energy that getting up in the morning to exercise is no issue at all.
8. I am at a healthy weight and I feel great physically and mentally.
9. We have a church home.
10. We pray together as a family and as a couple each night.
11. I read my Bible daily.
12. I make an effort to watch and be enthusiastic about sports.
13. We have a regular date night.
14. We feel closer than ever.
But this isn't a perfect world, and I just have to wait and see how everything will turn out.
Friday, January 15, 2010
Wednesday, January 6, 2010
Wishcasting Wednesday
Today, Jamie Ridler asked the question, "What dream do you wish to explore?"
The dream that has been living in my heart since around 2002 is Circle's End. It's a holistic health business that I own and operate. It is a place where people come to heal, using tools such as massage, music, journaling, yoga, and nutrition. The details keep changing in my head, but its name, mission, and logo have remained the same. Originally I saw a studio. Then I saw a home office. Lately, I've been seeing myself traveling to my clients' homes.
#92 on my Day Zero list says, "Create a vision board for Circle's End." I'm actually very excited about that. Perhaps my vision will end up solidifying in ways I never expected. I just can't start on the project until I have more magazines. (Anybody wish to make a donation of an old one to me?)
I know this dream was put in my heart for a reason. I don't know what form it will ultimately take, but I know it will help me fulfill my life's purpose: to love others, help them heal, and remind them that they can do or be anything they imagine.
The dream that has been living in my heart since around 2002 is Circle's End. It's a holistic health business that I own and operate. It is a place where people come to heal, using tools such as massage, music, journaling, yoga, and nutrition. The details keep changing in my head, but its name, mission, and logo have remained the same. Originally I saw a studio. Then I saw a home office. Lately, I've been seeing myself traveling to my clients' homes.
#92 on my Day Zero list says, "Create a vision board for Circle's End." I'm actually very excited about that. Perhaps my vision will end up solidifying in ways I never expected. I just can't start on the project until I have more magazines. (Anybody wish to make a donation of an old one to me?)
I know this dream was put in my heart for a reason. I don't know what form it will ultimately take, but I know it will help me fulfill my life's purpose: to love others, help them heal, and remind them that they can do or be anything they imagine.
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