Standing together

I wanted to share this beautiful letter from our lovely customer, Susanah. I share it not only because I hope that those who are local will consider joining us on Saturday, but also as a testimonial to courage, strength and the power of community. 

As you know, October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month and on Saturday, October 2nd from 10:30 - Noon scores of Breast Cancer Survivors alongside their friends and families will stand in solidarity for those who have struggled with this disease that affects 1 in 8 women in America.  Mayor Michael Pavia and WABC-TV news commentator Bill Evans will be there as well.

Last year, we fell just a wee bit short in completing the Mile.  I am hoping to make "The Mile" (if not more) in 2010.

The event is taking place (right after Saturday's class) at Veterans Park, Atlantic Street, Stamford.

In addition to being an organizing member on the Paint The Town Pink Committee with the Bennett Cancer Center of Stamford Hospital, I am also a survivor and Jazzerciser.  My battle with cancer took place just a year ago and I am keenly aware of the many benefits I've reaped from attending Jazzercise:  The gradual strength that came back over time (my ability to graduate to a 7-lb. weight when the baby 1 lb. pink weights proved difficult last year) and the joy and solidarity that I've always felt being surrounded by "Real Women".  You have all touched me in ways large and small. 

Kristen, you know that we have our share of Breast Cancer Survivors in our Jazzercise classes.  Too many.

I want to dedicate this year's Mile Of Pink to one of "Our" members:  May Marie.

If anyone is unable to attend the Mile of Pink Event on Saturday due to prior commitments, I urge them to purchase a T-Shirt in the effort to help eradicate this disease from our community.  Wear the T-Shirt around Town during October.

Stand in the Mile Of Pink for Jazzercise.

Stand in the Mile of Pink for May Marie.

Love,
Susanah

Mums the word....

 

This lovely fall photo is from Carrie Leber from Bloomalicious.  I love getting her email newsletter because it's always full of juicy beautiful photos.   So I'm 'borrowing' this one, giving her the credit, and using it to kick off the spirit of fall which is right around the corner.


While I hate to see summer fade, I'm getting ready for fall stuff - like a bunch of mums for my front porch, pumpkin coffee,  golden leaves & cozy sweaters.  Fall is one of my absolute favorite things about living in New England.    My hubby even made this deliciously healthy soup today with butternut squash (another fall fave). Yum!


I'm reflecting on what my intentions and goals for fall.  In fact, I'm happy to report that my earlier post on personal September goals a few weeks ago is almost complete, as is my business list (which I didn't post.)    Although I'm still working on that visit with my nephew...


What are your favorite things about fall?  Time to get into the spirit!

Remembering...

Everyone will at some point tomorrow remember where they were, what they were doing, who they called first, who they hugged first.  We will remember and reflect and pray in our own different ways.

At the the time I was fortunate to be part of an international team at DaimlerChrysler Financial. Belonging to an international team added a perspective to this event and provided a sense of support beyond the boundaries of my own country.

I was also fortunate that  my company did everything possible to bring me home safely that week. A long trip from Prague, to Germany to Paris, became even longer when I heard the news while in flight heading to New York. 

There was a uniqueness being on an international flight and sharing this experience with so many non-Americans.  We were also initially removed from the horrific pictures and news accounts, as we remained on the plane until 9/12 and ultimately in the care of the Canadian Red Cross and Navy for several days following. 

While reflecting, I pulled out a folder of emails I received the days following from my colleagues from around the world.

This line came from my boss Stephen Jepsen of Berlin...

"So far as I see, nobody was able to go back to work today without the feeling that something fundamental had changed in our western world in seconds yesterday. ..and  that these buildings, symbols for freedom and pride, don't exist anymore."

 

9/11/01  From the plane window in St. John's Newfoundland

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Sept. 11, 2001

Yes, something fundamental did change that day.  I hope that what we hold on to is the reminder of what's really important in life.  I believe that we can keep the kindness and courage that was shown during that time alive in our words and actions every day. 


The moment that will forever be burned in my memory is finally reaching US soil and seeing the American flag, the true symbol of our freedom and pride, flying brightly.

Guest Blogging

I'm the guest blogger today for Here's to Life Now.

Thanks Susan for the opportunity and a special shout out to the fabulous Heidi and inspirational Anna for their input. http://herestolifenow.com/blog

Read on for thoughts on staying motivated.

Get Entrepreneurial with your Life!

As an entrepreneur, I spend a lot of time on business planning. It's essential to be focused and organized when running your own business.  This way things don't fall through the cracks and I don't get to the end of the quarter wondering where the time went or what happened to the bottom line.  

I also make sure I spend time on the various aspects of business like marketing, PR, staff development, customer relations, promotions, and much more.   If I only concentrated on one area, it wouldn't be a very healthy business. 

I use the same approach with my personal life.  It helps me stay balanced and give energy to what's important in my life.

I decided to to share an example, so here's what's on tap for September....

• 
  
  Solve the water issue in the basement (the joys of home ownership!)
• Do a detox (this is so important for your health plus a great idea to do seasonally. I'm kicking it up a notch this time)
• Plan a Chick Flick Night with my girl friends to see "Eat Pray Love"  (girlfriend time is key)
• Find & register for a class to take this fall - so far I have my eye on Italian Cooking or Wine & Cheese Pairings  (I'm always up for learning new stuff)
• Volunteer at the Soup Kitchen  (giving back is important to me, so I always make time for it)
• Visit my nephew in NJ (oh, and my brother & sister-in-law too)
• Play golf with my hubby (gotta have those dates!) 
• Entertain (this is something I love to do and a great way to stay connected; last month it was a big bash, this month a small family get together)
• Get a massage  (I used to think this was a luxury, but there are many affordable options - look for deals on Local Ginger, Living Social and Spa Finder Deal Days, plus the CT School of Massage offers a very low priced massage to give students practice time - but trust me you'll still reap the benefits)
• Clean out my dresser & chest of drawers  (I'm on a kick to purge and clean out)
• Participate in a Reiki Share (I love giving, &a getting, a session every month; energy is powerful)
• Plan something nice for my mom's birthday (ssshh)  (need I elaborate on this one?)

Of course, just like entrepreneurial life, it's important to make a plan and be flexible enough to change the plan when necessary. 

Finally, create a way to be accountable.  I have Mastermind partners that keep me accountable in my business.  For my personal goals, well, I've just posted them here, I'd say that's definitely putting it out there! I'll be sure to let you know how I do.


So, to recap here's how to get 'entrepreneurial' with your life:

• Plan
• Keep the plan balanced and varied
• Be flexible enough to change it if necessary
• Find a way to be held accountable

Now it's your turn. Create accountability by sending me your ideas for the coming month!

Now it's off to meet with the Roto Rooter man to work on item #1.