Aha!

I had an "Aha Moment" yesterday.  We've heard Oprah talk about those for years on her talk show...did you know I share a birthday with that amazing woman?  Sure do!  Some people call them epiphanies and some relate to the moment something becomes really clear to them.  Either way, I had one yesterday.

Having a forced vacation this year has given me a lot of time to reflect, plan and day dream.  If you have no idea what I'm referring to, go here and/or here for an update.  

As part of my recovery, I have began to exercise again and eat a healthier diet, read some books that I have had on my list for months, listen to podcasts on business practices and strong Girl Boss ideologies, work on some online classes, join a couple mastermind groups and take the time for a little self love.

All of these things combined have started to show outwardly.  I have had MANY people tell me that I look AMAZING!  (Let me just preface this by saying that there is nothing  that makes me more uncomfortable than a compliment, especially about my appearance!!) So at breakfast yesterday, one of my dearest friends said the same thing to me and my response was, "I must have really looked like Sh*t before."

Without realizing it, I did...look like Sh*t.  I am the owner of a Marni LuHu Designs with multiple facets and many roles that I have to fill from boss to jewelry maker to receiver to buyer to bookkeeper to wholesaler to snow remover to payer of the bills to ...the list goes on and on and not to mention being a wife and mother. Never mind the stress that goes along with owning a business.  All of these things take a lot of time and at the end of the day or week, there wasn't a lot of me time to focus on myself and recharge.  After doing this for six years, it takes it's toll and really...without realizing it.  I'm not alone and certainly don't think this is a me thing.  After reading this, you might think this sounds like you or someone you know.

Life is short, people.  We need to start taking better care of ourselves.  In my stress and relaxation workshop yesterday, it was said that stress produces Cortisol, your body's main stress hormone. Excess cortisol is never good and manifests itself into heart attacks and cancer.  For a better description, read this.  No one wants to go down that road.

I'm really not preaching here, I assure you.  Here in lies my Aha moment...I've had one of the best summers in many years.  I have been forced to take the time that we all should be taking no matter what it is you do as a profession. I have taken the time to sit outside and enjoy my coffee.  I have taken the time to spend with my family.  I have taken the time to go to bed earlier. I have taken the time to walk my morning 5k with Jack.  I have taken the time to prepare a healthy meal for my family and actually bake.  What a joy to be able to have the time to do it for enjoyment rather than necessity.  

All of these things combined and a little Pure Anada concealer (the best!) have helped to recharge and refresh my body and my mind.  I feel good, really good for one that has recently had open heart surgery only 4 short months ago.  As I transition back into work again, I am trying to keep the balance and time restraints and my staff has been amazing in allowing me to do so.

Why is it that it takes us life changing events to recognize things that are already blatantly obvious to everyone around us? What is one thing you can change today that will make a difference in your life ten years from now?

Aha!  What do I take away from this moment?

• Slow down just enough to enjoy the simple things. 
• Work (and laundry) will always be there if you don't do it right now.
• A 5k walk is the perfect amount of time to listen to a great podcast.
• Pure Anada concealer is the best!
• Self love is key, everything else will fall into place if you make that your priority.
• Learning new things is fun and makes you more productive.
• You don't have to do it all, all the time.  You are only one person.
• Oprah is a very wise woman.