Your Winners Circle

Getting Back to the Basics from Gardening to Parenting and Everything in between

This is the tag line for an amazing website that tells the story of a family who is choosing to look for a healthier more natural way of taking care of themselves and raising their two boys.  "This is a story about change, responsibility, and above all, hope… just one family’s transformation fueled by a simple hope for a better future for themselves and their planet." says Michelle of Phoenix, Arizona.  And change it is.

Some time ago this family was featured as one of five family that competed for the most frugal family in the Valley of the Sun by the Phoenix Gazette newspaper. They did not win as their online vote count did not quite top the charts but that did not stop the Wanders family.  They began to create their own homestead and their progress, Natural Wanderings is well worth following as they venture into the world of micro farming.

Michelle, the mom of two boys left her career as a speech language pathologist to give her family the best of her in their growing years. Dave who works for an insurance company spends his off time preparing what once was a green and grassy back yard into their homestead.  The two work together and believe that God will bless this return to natural living and I believe this as well.  This is a huge undertaking but with the attention of health care nutritionists turning more to natural foods, this family is on the right track.

    

Michelle plans to share information on gardening and the raising of her new family edition...the chickens...as well as her two sons as the visions and dreams turn into reality.  She will also share the newest resources as she finds them and photos to allow you to watch the progress as well.  Success has already been had as you see her pictured beside the sunflowers they grew last season. 

 

What Does It Really Take To Become A Winner

Just recently I had the opportunity to congratulate a young lady who took a dream and made it a reality, Lisa Schrolucke.  She placed in the top ten in her first fitness competition.  I look forward to being a witness to the continued progress as she steps up the pace and moves to the next level.  But what really does it take to become a winner. 

As a professional make artist, Lisa first earned her certification in personal fitness training.  After countless weeks of training and diet, her determination to make it happen kept her on course.  When the going got rough she kept her eye on the finishline and the prize that was just beyond...realization of her dream.

 Lisa maintains Rock The Workout and in her post Success is Sweet she shares what it was like to taste the sweetness of accomplishment.  I believe that Lisa is the next up and coming expert in the field of personal fitness training especially for women. 

So what is the next level for you?  What do you have to do to get there?  An are you willing to do whatever it takes to succeed?  Those are the questions that a winner will ask continually ask as they travel down their road to success and the reality of their dream. 

The Power Of Intention Is Real And It is Mighty Especially When Expressed

Just recently I had the opportunity to experience the power of intention in a very amazing way.  I recieve VIP invitations to a variety of social and networking events and one particular event being held at Lavo at the Palazzo Hotel in Las Vegas was giving away a pair of Jimmy Choo shoes.  I RSVP'd for two and took a friend with me reminding her to bring a business card to put in for the drawing. 

We arrived early (as all Goddesses should) and I have to admit that I did not know what Jimmy Choos were but told my friend that I was going to win those shoes.  She laughed at me and politely informed me that they are spoken about all the time on "Sex in The City" and were very expensive shoes. She laughed even more when I informed her that I did not watch that TV show either.  But I truely believed that I was going to win those shoes.  We enjoyed cocktails, chatted with old friends and made a few new ones as well.  When the evening came to an end someone came to me and told me that some girl named Bonnie won the shoes however when I inquired about the winner, no one seemed to be able to give me an answer so we left and went home.

One week later I wrote an email to the sponsors to learn who the winner was to find out it was in fact ME!  I was so excited.  This was truely a display of the power that a spoken intention is and the testimony it was for someone who was unsure of the power a person can hold when they truely believe.  We went back to Lavo to celebrate the success and enjoy my beautiful pair of Jimmy Choos!

Just last evening we attended another mixer where a membership was being given in a drawing.  I did not have a business card handy so my same friend wrote my name on one for the sponsors business card and tossed it in the pitcher.  When the drawing came she and I watched as the card that was drawn had my business card struck for brief moment then it fell back into the pitcher.  The difference between the two drawings was that in my heart I did not truely want to win the membership. I believed I could.  But the testimony spoke loudly of the power that even a half hearted intention can porduce. What are your intentions saying to yourself and those around you.  It is not enough to just think them, you must speak them and above all believe in them and you too will be blessed with that which you believe.

Recognize Opportunity Where There Seems To Be Limitation

How many times have you actually said to yourself...."How in the world am I going to do this?" This is a common question to all of us from time to time. Where have you gotten stuck in your thinking and is your being stuck let opportunity pass you by. Some people have fear about not knowing enough, being enough, didn't know where to begin, weren't quite ready, and the list goes on. The only way to reach the goal you set for yourself is to begin it right now.Take the first step toward it no matter if you know the final answers or not. Action will create momentum and momentum will create an ability to power through any adversity you may perceive along your way. Just remember one thing there's always a way for you to have all that you desire. The answers are right inside you so stop telling yourself you can't and start telling yourself that you can! Everywhere you are there is a power and presence that is in line with the real magnificence of who you are. This power is unlimited in its wisdom, imagination, creativity, and desire to bring out in you the best you that you can be. No matter what may appear on the surface, you have all the tools you need to build the life that you have been dreaming about. Remember one thing, you wouldn't be able to dream something if you didn't already have that dream inside of you. It is so easy to give up and throw in the towel when you come up against a challenge you percieve is bigger than you believe you can overcome. That's the exact time that you must ramp up your desire for success and find the ways you need to turn those challenges into opportunities. You can do it. No matter what you my think about hard situations you always have the choice to think of the solutions to get you through them. There's always a way to make your day the very best it can be when you start to say yes to all the excellence that you are and step into the spirit that brought you here. Express all the greatness you are and start today.

A Modern Day "Will Rogers" Is What Some Call Andy Andrews

Who is Andy Andrews, some have asked me as I have reflected pieces of my success story.  Well, I just recently ran across him on Twitter but I knew of Andy Andrews almost fourteen years ago when I was faced with some life changing decisions.  He was an icon in the business I was about to embark in that started my journey as an entrepreuner.  Some turn away at the mention of the Amway business, but the principles I learned back then were and still are timeless.  They used to say continued education...tapes, books and functions.  I did not really understand what that really meant but I did it anyway.  That is where I learned about this man called Andy Andrews.

He was know as the comedien and voted "Comedien of the Year" for two consecutive years, 1985 and 1986 and funny he was. But the things I learned that took me through the tough times were not just the jokes but the success principles that he incorporated into his humor. As time went on Andy went from that business that he had built to an extremely successful level on to another business which is where I lost track of him since my life had taken me a different direction.  Did not stop traveling down my success road I just took a detour but I still listen to my tapes "Observations" and others that were recorded by very successful people in my business. 

In 2007 I began learning and building an internet business.  I did not believe that I could wirte, as a matter of fact it was very difficult for me, but I did it anyway. As Andy says "You don't have to like everything you do, but you do have to desire the result enough to make you do something. People who can discipline themselves to do what they don't like to do live a wholly different life." I believed that I could share winning ideas, encouragement, stories, principles because I not only lived these things but I continue to live them.  This is where I became reacquaited with Andy Andrews, a now accomplished author as well as international speaker. His newest book "The Butterfly Effect" was just released September 2009. He is also the best selling author of the "The Travelers Gift" as well as several others.  If there is one person that I can say impacted my life it was Andy Andrews.  From Amway to Author he has been an inspiration to me on my journey and I recommend that you check him out as well.

You Create More Success By Making Others Feel Great About Themselves

The economy continues to spiral downward and with it goes the esteem of the general public.  Many are loosing their jobs and their homes and having to start over in a world full of uncertainty.  So the question presnted to me was how do you become or remain successful in a falling and broken economy?  The answer is actually very simple.

Everyone wants to feel good about themselves.  Especially when the rest of the world around them is falling apart.  Success is created when you go out of your way to assist or encourage someone else.  Even if it is not immediate, those that you reach out to will not forget you and will trust you in the future with their purchases.  When it stops being just about the money, the Universe will bend over backwards to bring back to you in like fashion all that you give.  Call it the Law of Attraction or whatever you choose, the fact of the matter is that it is true.  Abundance comes to those whose give the same, no matter what it is.  It may be time, it may be training and it may just be money as well...but it is something. 

Making people feel great about themselves creates a fundation for the future whether it is yours or that of another.  Also as a two fold blessing, you feel great about yourself and will project that to those around you.  And again...like attracts like whether you like it or acknowledge it or not.  That confidence shows up in your success as well.  Those who might not normally purchase from you will either do so or refer others who have a need and a desire for what you are promoting in your business. 

Think about it.....When was that last time you met someone and were so comfortable with them and felt a sense of trust then purchased from them or someone they recommended.  The achievemnet level rises when a person feels not only good but great about themselves.  If you do not feel that way about yourself..it looks like there may be some work to do on your part.  Once you establish that presence you will see the difference in the world around you.  So if you want to be more success in this faultering economy get in the business of making people feel great about themselves and the rest of your success is a matter of time.  

Learn From Your Mistakes To Strengthen The Growth In All Areas Of Your Life

There is a saying that most have heard which states that you learn more from your mistakes that you do your success. This really does tend to be true. Not everything you do will work or create the result that you desire. when you make mistakes or almost get it right, you are in the process of eventually getting it right.  This process is also advantageous in building your confidence and self esteem.  This formula of what worked...what did not...and what can I do dirfferently is how I learned from my mistakes and move forward toward my goals and success. 

One of the most important things that anyone can learn from their mistakes is that in order to be successful, you have to be willing to take risks.  Most people are not willing to do that because they have a fear of failure and what others may think of them.  This fear comes from the lack of self esteem. When you can raise your self esteem you will not be so concerned about what other people think about you.

Your self esteem has everything to do with how you will rise on your road to success.  Your mistakes are your building blocks.  So when it seems like things are going right or turning out as you planned, look at what did work and build on that foundation.  Take a look at what did not work and insure that you do not repeat that part of the process.  With some good feedback, see what you can do differently to success the next time around.  Each time you do this and see positive results, your self esteem grow in the same process and your confidence level will grow. 

 

 

 

You Don't Have To Be Human To Be A Hero, Winners Come In Many Forms

 I was emailed this story and was tremendously moved by its intensity.  I wasnted to share it as well to those who have not heard it before.  My dog and cats are rescue animals and I am so blessed to provide them a great home and enjoy their warmth and companionship. Winners come in all shapes and sizes but nowhere is it listed that they are only human.

My kind of dog! 
 
This is the story about Brutus, a military K9 at McChord.
 
 He's huge - part Boxer and part British Bull Mastiff and tops the scales at 200 lbs. His handler took the picture. Brutus is running toward me because he knows I have some Milk Bone treats, so he's slobbering away! I had to duck around a tree just before he got to me in case he couldn't stop, but he did. Brutus won the Congressional Medal of Honor last year from his tour in  Iraq . His handler and four other soldiers were taken hostage by insurgents. Brutus and his handler communicate by sign language and he gave Brutus the signal that meant "go away but come back and find me".  The Iraqis paid no attention to Brutus. He came back later and quietly tore the throat out of one guard at one door and another guard at another door. He then jumped against one of the doors repeatedly (the guys were being held in an old warehouse) until it opened. He went in and untied his handler and they all escaped. He's the first K9 to receive this honor. If he knows you're ok, he's a big old lug and wants to sit in your lap. He enjoys the company of cats.
 
 K-9 Congressional Medal of Honor Winner
 
 Thought you'd find this interesting.
 
 Talk about animal intelligence and bonding with humans!
 
   Remember that they can't do a lot of things for themselves and that they depend on you to make their life a quality life!
 
 A PET'S TEN COMMANDMENTS.........
 
 1. My life is likely to last 10-15 years. Any separation from you is likely to be painful.
 
 2. Give me time to understand what you want of me
 
 3. Place your trust in me. It is crucial for my well-being.
 
 4. Don't be angry with me for long and don't lock me up as punishment. You have your work, your friends, your entertainment, but I have only you.
 
 5. Talk to me. Even if I don't understand your words, I do understand your voice when speaking to me.
 
 6. Be aware that however you treat me, I will never forget it.
 
 7. Before you hit me, before you strike me, remember that I could hurt you, and yet, I choose not to bite you.
 
 8. Before you scold me for being lazy or uncooperative, ask yourself if something might be bothering me. Perhaps I'm not getting the right food, I have been in the sun too long, or my heart might be getting old or weak.
 
 9. Please take care of me when I grow old. You too, will grow old.
 
 10. On the ultimate difficult journey, go with me please. Never say you can't bear to watch. Don't make me face this alone. Everything is easier for me if you are there, because I love you so.
 
 ~Take a moment today to thank God for your pets. Enjoy and take good care of them.
 
 Life would be a much duller, less joyful experience without God's critters. 
 
  We do not have to wait for Heaven, to be surrounded by hope, love, and joyfulness. It is here on earth and has four legs!  

Memorial Day Is An Amazing Time To Realize The Freedom We Have And Those Who Fought To Secure It

As I work on my online businesses and spend time with my friends today, I am very aware of the freedom I so much enjoy.  Although many of us, especially those who have been extremely successful online, enjoy the ability to make our own choices and do the things we do with who we wish, many people around the world do not enjoy such a luxury.  But it is who went to battle that secured this freedom that we recognize and honor today.  And honor is a virtue and a value that is many times taken for granted. 

As we go through our busy day enjoying barbeques, swim parties, cocktails, friendships and relationships, let us not forget the lives that will not be enjoying the same because they were called to duty.  The duty of defending and maintaining freedom for those in this country.  These men and women had the courage to stand up and fight and even lose their lives.  These are the winners I appreciate each time I see my now grown children and their children laugh and cry with opportunity to grow and improve themselves into individuals that can make a difference in their communities and the world around them.  I am proud to live in America despite it's flaws give my gratitude to those who stood on the front line so that I could live a rich and fullfilled lifestyle.  "Thank You to Our Armed Forces"  May the gifts and blessings of a MIghty God be with those of your friends and family that are still with us today.

Doing What It Takes To Reach Your Goals

Just recently I have had the opportunity to watch a young lady take an amazing grip on her future. some of this comes from the journey she began to control her weigh and become healthy, wealthy, and wise.  She started a new blogsite Rock In The Workout and the content she is sharing in not only great information for useful and understandable to the average person.  This website give resources, tips, and expainations that can help you begin to shape up and look your best.  She holds no punches as to what it takes to reach the goals you set for yourself. She shares her stories of the journey she is on to run marathons and compete in body competions in the future.

Lisa Schrolucke is rockin the workout and understands the challenges that arise when it comes to weigh loss and fitness.  She has made it a goal to team up with some of the best in those fields and help others just like her to achieve the fitness and weight goals they only think about.  She wants to develop her own fitness program and healthy eating program for many just like her who sometimes struggle with sticking to what it takes to look and feel good physically and emotionally.  From average girl to fitness pro in training will give you update details of her progress and guidelines to follow for those who want to travel the journey with her.  You can follow her on Twitter as well.  As an accomplished makeup artist, Lisa knew there is more to beauty and decided to share her discoveries and progress. She is certainly a winner and is Doing What It Takes.