Life Journeys and Exploring Creativity…

Divorce with Dignity:

In 2010 my world turned upside down. I as a successful size two business woman and a modern day wife. I was juggling each piece of life with finesse, firmly keeping it all in my control. Then my mother-in-law died and my husband spiraled into alcohol and depression, pulling away from me and finding comfort and connection with others.

The 18 month separation and divorce that followed was the hardest period of my life. Yet I was determined to be a better wife in divorce than I had been in marriage. The result was personal growth unlike any other time in my life, a deep and lasting friendship built on forgiveness and restoration, and a happier life trajectory.

The world said I had to be angry, selfish, vindictive, and bitter.

I wanted to be better.

There is another way to divorce, a more peaceful way. A way that leads you to become a better version of yourself.

I’m happy to share it with you.

Be Brave Not Perfect

From the time my lungs took their first gasp of air, the world has steadily been shaping me into the version it wants me to be. While boys get to be boys, girls get to be quiet, courteous, altruistic, and perfect. Somehow I fell into the same trap that has caught so many of my peers.

We are taught to do it all, be it all, have it all, do it all. And do it perfectly.

I was bound by perfectionism most of my life. If I couldn’t do something perfectly, I didn’t do it. I missed out on much of life in the process.

A few years ago I began a journey to Be Brave, Not Perfect. It’s redefining my life and you’re welcome to walk that journey with me.

A Beautiful Blended Bonus Family

When I met my husband he was finalizing his divorce. It had been dragging on for a couple years due to complicated circumstances. Negotiations ebbed and flowed. Feelings got hurt. Repairs were made. Progress inched forward.

As time went on, I got to know both he and his ex well. In the end, I helped with the negotiation process. We wrapped up the details, became friends, mended fences, and finalized things.

Fast forward to our engagement and eventual marriage. Through it all, the three of us remain committed to communication, friendship, fun, and family. We spend a lot of time together with the kids, working hard to create the best blended bonus family possible.

It’s unorthodox. But it’s also incredibly beautiful. I feel blessed to be a part of the family, awkward moments and all.

Divorce and blended families don’t have to be filled with bitterness, anger, finger pointing, blame laying, and resentment. Just because it’s common doesn’t mean it’s the only way, or even the best way.

Walk with me and build your best blended bonus family possible.

Let’s Get Creative

I love logic. It’s predictable. It’s safe. It’s controllable. For nearly 40 years I lived comfortable in my left brain. I built businesses, believed thoughts over feelings, and stifled my creativity. In truth, I thought I just wasn’t wired to be creative. As I admired writers, painters, sculptors, musicians, and artists from the sideline, it never occurred to me that the right side of my brain might have something worthwhile to contribute.

Recently I’ve started to let it out, bit by tiny bit. I’ve dabbled in photography, crafts, painting, writing, building centerpieces, creating fun family shoots, throwing theme parties for friends and family – – whatever I can think of that allows me to play, create, dream.

I figured, what the heck, may as well share the ideas for others to try. Keeps me accountable not to close that part of my brain back up again.

All Things Business…

Business Consulting

I stumbled into business years ago. And now as I lift my hear I suddenly realize I have nearly 20 years of experience. I’ve built and sold companies. I’ve built and managed companies. Business strategy, brand messaging, and team building are some of my favorite topics. I love digging in with fellow business owners to uncover ways to be more successful. Sometimes I consult alone, sometimes I am lucky enough to partner with my husband (both of us have a special heart for start-ups and team building).

Whether you’re running a brand new business out of your home, looking to build a more cohesive team and become a more effective manager, or working to take your existing business to the next level, I would love to help you. It’s one of my gifts and I love sharing it with others.

Help yourself to free resources or take a look at the services available.

Social Media Messaging

Boy has marketing changed over the years. Past favorites have become archaic dinosaurs as social media takes center stage. Branding yourself, your company, your hobby, your family in a way that’s engaging, cohesive, and true to who you are is a challenge. It’s overwhelming. It’s confusing. It’s time consuming.

I can help you develop an on-line personality, a consistent marketing message that encourages engagement that remains true to you, and a system that’s easy to implement on your own. Whether you’re looking for a one-time consult to get yourself organized, or longer term involvement in carrying out your social media plan, I would love to help.