Making Changes for 2025
Inspiration, Motivation, Thursday Thoughts for Women Entrepreneurs
The quote, “The hardest part about making a decision is the time leading up to the decision,” has always been something I’ve said to those I’ve loved or counseled when they had a big decision in front of them. The “knowing” of needing to make a change festers in our soul, ready to escape when we give in to a resolution. Whether in life or in business, decisions can be difficult.
For a couple of months, I have pondered making some changes within my business. When the uneasiness or the “knowing” struck me in late autumn, I knew I needed to give myself enough time to ruminate about it, speak with a few trusted people, and then, when the time was right, begin the change. I think we all wish change could occur at the snap of our fingers, but meaningful change takes introspection, time, and commitment.
So yesterday, when I finally committed to doing something concrete about a positive move forward, I felt extremely confident about the decision. The months of wavering dissipated, and a sense of calm took its place. A confident “I have a lot of work to do” kind of calm enveloped me. Change is always going to keep happening, so we have to decide if we want a “say” in what’s changing.
Entrepreneurship is always about change. Nothing about running a business ever stays the same. It isn’t a permanent, concrete structure that doesn’t bend because to be successful, we must be flexible over time to thrive. Sometimes, we need to change our brand look, mission, business plan, target market, pricing, or policies. Other times, we need to be innovative or decisive about ridding our company of wasted resources. Periodically, we need education and inspiration to change our own minds and take things to a higher level.
Today’s post reminds you that you must be willing to keep changing to survive happily in business. Ask yourself, “What have I been stubbornly holding onto for too long that needs a change – my sales skills, my pricing strategy, my staff, or maybe my own attitude?” Get help if you need help. We can stay stuck spinning our wheels in the same place for too long and waste valuable time we can’t retrieve. Move forward. Decide. Commit. Feel better.
Ultimately, any decision you make that doesn’t work out can always be changed again. You are never permanently wed to anything you do, but you must constantly try to transform and revolutionize your business and, at times, your life.
Remembering Special People in Gladness not Sadness this Season
Thursday Thoughts, Holiday Message, Inspiration, Memories
As I listen to Jim Brickman play a holiday tune on his piano through a CD I bought the night my close friend Teresa Huggins brought me to his concert, I think of the gift of friendship that can occur during business. Teresa and I knew each other’s names. Still, we never met until one fateful networking event, where we instantly connected and became dear friends – not unlike many other women who have shared with me. She was just that kind of person.
My memories pick up moments of the concert where only the piano notes could be heard as the audience sat in amazement. The royal blue background on stage reminded me of Mother Mary’s clothing, signifying a deeper meaning for me at the concert. Teresa had helped me visualize a peaceful scene with Mother Mary shortly after we met. I have revisited that quiet space and awakening many times since. In fact, now, when I glance at Mother Mary, I think of Teresa.
We always purchase special Christmas ornaments for our spruce tree; I bought one for myself this year—a purple, yellow, and blue butterfly to remind me of Teresa, who passed away in August two years ago. Because she was a close friend for 11 years, I don’t cry for her because I know where she is and that she isn’t far away. I am glad she is out of pain and flying like a beautiful butterfly in another dimension.
Many people get sad on the holidays because they miss their loved ones, and I understand that after losing two parents. However, when a friend passes on, we can be relatively happy that they were in our lives for some time, delivering wisdom, laughter, and love. I listen to Jim Brickman and look at the butterfly ornament, and I feel Teresa is nearby this holiday. Without doing this, she might feel too far away.
Remember today and every day, you can live in happy memories that warmed your heart, even if the person who was part of the memory is gone. By remembering them, we give ourselves a gift that brings our hearts the joy we need.
Wednesday Wisdom: Reassessment
Wednesday Morning, Wednesday Wisdom, Inspiration for the New Year, 2025 Message
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| The verb reassess means considering something again, especially if new factors have emerged since you first assessed the issue. This word might be stirring in your heart and mind lately. We reassess our shopping lists until Christmas and Hannukah arrive. We reassess our business or career goals as the year ends. We might reassess our health by comparing it to last December. We could even be reassessing relationships after the Presidential election. As I ran my first long run yesterday since having COVID-19 the past week, I reassessed my body, lungs, and mind to ensure I wasn’t doing any harm. I adjusted my tempo, took longer walk breaks, and told myself the miles, not the speed, is what counted. Reassessing can happen in minutes, seconds, or days, not only over a year. Within its description, the word “reassess” has the key phrase ‘especially while paying attention to new or different factors.’ Sometimes factors force us to reexamine a circumstance immediately, other times a situation might gently erode a stance until a new direction makes more sense. Perhaps you reevaluate a particular area of your life or business and analyze it again to see if you reach the same conclusion. Every Wednesday I get a message from someone who reads my wisdom telling me it was especially meant for them. I am grateful they tell me that never knowing what I write about helps others. The wisdom comes in a one-word moment, appearing like a clear moment in the fog, the Tuesday before I send it. So, if today’s wisdom resonates with you, I hope you take a few minutes to write down what needs reassessing in your life, business, relationships, career, or health. Ponder this list in the calmness of the holiday period before midnight on New Year’s Eve so you are prepared to make the changes you may need to make to be happier, healthier, and generally better in 2025. |
Monday Motivation: Running on Empty
Inspiration, Monday Mood, Monday Morning for Busy Women
The half-glass-full optimist in me headed out to get in a 20-minute slow walk leaving behind my Big Sur Marathon training day order to run 4 miles. This past week Covid-19 found me ripping away at my built-up miles and energy. I hate succumbing to sickness. I’m too tenacious.
After six days of Paxlovid, a metal-tasting medicine to keep COVID-19 mild, and a full night of easy swallowing, I arose a bit spry. “Oh, today’s the day, I can finally get some training in,” my after-coffee-self said excited for this slight increase in energy. Within minutes, I was headed to my favorite lake running spot.
The slightly above-freezing temperatures and sun rays hit my face. The old familiar friend I missed the past week. Setting my watch for a 10-minute warmup, I started on my way. “I can do this. I’m better,” I heard myself say. It lasted only 3 minutes until the wind came up, and went into my lungs which stung again, making me turn around. “Why are you pushing yourself?”
I hate failing, giving up, and being wrong. At that moment, I realized with wisdom that a 20-minute walk to keep up with my training was only going to set me back. I didn’t quite sulk to the car, but I sneakily added 10 more minutes to my watch to try again. “Stop it,” I said. Get in that car and get out of here; tomorrow’s another day.”
If you aren’t a runner, you might not understand the insane drive to run especially if you are training for a race, but it’s real. The drive is as real as anything you want to do desperately. Especially after being sick, you only want to feel healthy again so trying sooner than you should makes sense.
Double-check your over-abundant sunny attitude and leave it at the door if you are someone who is constantly raring to go when they shouldn’t be. Find solace in making the right decision for your body. Settle in and see today’s half cup of optimism means giving yourself the present of downtime, not everyone is so lucky to have it.
Wednesday Wisdom: Comparisons
Wednesday Wisdom, Hump Day, Inspiration, Alopecia, Beauty
The smell of wet grass, fallen leaves, mud, and lake water infiltrated my nostrils. Although not the smell most people would want as a fragrant candle, its odor lifted my spirits. Gone was the sterile winter white covering nature’s scents and making my lungs clench from the below-freezing temperature. I felt alive and energized because nature wasn’t buried.
Three days prior I hit the familiar trail, where everyone runs in the winter, since the roadways and pathways are plowed. In 29-degree weather, two men ran waving at me and each other as if to say, “You are a tough soul, keep going!” Training for a marathon makes people do things they normally wouldn’t do, including putting in miles in inclement conditions.
But yesterday, when I ran, it was a balmy 44 degrees, and the once vacant paths were littered with people, running, walking, and giving their dogs some exercise, as if it was summertime compared to Sunday. I know if it had been 65 degrees on Sunday, there would have been fewer people out because today would have felt colder, not warmer.
It amazes me that people can’t seem to judge each day as a stand-alone day and decide if they are up for the challenge instead of comparing it to the previous day or the day to come. Sure, it is nicer to be outside in warmer, sunnier atmospheres, but when you live in Central New York, you honestly need to take each day by itself, leaving comparisons behind.
Judging running weather is no different than women judging their weight, looks, or hair compared to the day before. Being up two pounds, having dark circles under one’s eyes from lack of sleep, or not being able to calm bedhead, makes women feel crappy because they are comparing themselves to what they were the day before or to commercial beauty standards.
Becoming bald has taught me one thing its looks don’t really matter when you get down to the “bare” bones. It’s how you feel, your attitude toward life, your gratefulness for not having a serious health issue, and deciding you can’t and won’t judge yourself if it makes you feel bad. There are more important things to worry about besides the weather, temperature, and superficial beauty.
Today’s Wednesday Wisdom should inspire you to write down five things you love about yourself if you weren’t comparing yourself to others or today’s standards. It hopefully inspires you to not care about the weather as much as you do and get outside for your health. If you can’t buy as many Christmas gifts this year for some reason, don’t be sad, give something from the heart that means as much as presents. Bottom line live and judge for today.
The point is you don’t need to compare yourself to anyone. Be gentle on yourself this time of year and do your best – which is all we get every day no matter the weather. Cheer up. Be happy. You are you!
P.S. I can find you an earthy-smelling candle if you want one for the holidays.
Monday Motivation: What’s Your One Gift?
Monday Mood, Monday Morning, Monday Motivation, Inspiration, Faith, Mother Mary, Roman Catholic
I don’t often write about my religion and faith beliefs because I feel them so strongly in my heart that I don’t feel like I need to voice them. Those who know me understand I was raised Roman Catholic in a city called Rome, New York, to Italian grandparents. Our Italian traditions centered around the Catholic holidays, not the national ones.
When visiting Rome, Italy for the first time and walking into beautifully adorned churches, even the one my great grandparents belonged to in Aviliagno, tucked way up in the mountains of the country, Mother Mary statues were everywhere. She was lit up, with halos around her head, holding Jesus or standing alone, and votive candles and pew benches near her to ask for a prayer or two.
If you enter my house, you’ll find statues of Mother Mary on my work desk, bedroom, living room, and kitchen. During December, you’d find her in multiple manager sets. I simply adore her, and so do the Roman Catholic faithful including Pope Francis, who I also got to see in person while on my trip.
Today is the celebration of the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception. A time to celebrate the great joy of God’s gift to humanity in Mary and to recognize with greater clarity the truth that each human being has been created by God to fulfill a particular mission that he or she and only he or she can fulfill.
A quote on my desk reads, “What we are is God’s gift to us. What we become is our gift to God.” I try to live every day with this thought, especially today when Mary, a simple woman, dedicated her life to giving us God’s greatest gift. My question for you today is, “What gift do you have to offer the world and are you giving and living it?”
Friday Feelings: It Takes More Than a Few Seconds
Friday Feelings, Inspiration, Running, Starting New, Training
The 29-degree windy, snowy conditions reminded me of getting up early every weekend to go downhill skiing with my mother and sister. As a single mother, she taught ski lessons and besides getting paid, she received free ski passes for her daughters. We skied until we graduated from high school with a love/hate relationship of the weekend activity.
After getting home and jumping in the shower to warm up after today’s freezing run, I remembered how it felt after skiing. My cheeks were rosy, my legs and arms slightly achy, my mind cleared of any stress, and a bit of jolliness from joking with my sister on the slopes reminded me of the fun of winter sports.
Today I felt the same way after running only 3.5 miles outside in windy conditions with snow pelting my face. “How can you run in the cold?” my friends ask. “I bundle up, put on my favorite music, and enjoy it,” I say. It’s the truth. It is also true if I wasn’t a child and teenage skier, I probably wouldn’t find winter running so enjoyable.
If you are a marathoner with a race in the Springtime and live in the Northeast, you either have to run inside on a treadmill or gym track, or bundle up and get outside. I ran all winter training for my first marathon, the 2017 Boston Marathon, and learned to toughen up. I swear in the Summer when training for a Fall race, I think the heat is too much and start dreaming of ice hitting my face.
I’ve come to believe the first two miles of any run or race are the hardest. It takes the body, and more importantly, the mind to settle in. Perhaps it is the time it takes for endorphins to start pulsing or the music to get us into a groove but by the time I’m at the 5k mark, I don’t want to stop.
Whether you are a runner or not give yourself more than 15 minutes to settle into any new endeavor. Creative writing takes time. Running distances takes miles. Getting over the fear of public speaking takes practice. Cooking a new recipe doesn’t taste good right away. You have to savor the fresh beginnings knowing the best is yet to come.
It’s a reason to keep pushing through anything new. You will eventually succeed and you will enjoy it. Just give yourself time.
Monday Motivation, Monday Mood, Inspiration
A recent writing prompt from my friend Julie B. Hughes sparked a memory I wanted to share this holiday season. The prompt was, “When has the kindness of a stranger helped you out in a moment when you really needed it?”
My memory:
When I visited my boyfriend one winter weekend, I asked if I could borrow his car to drive home to my parent’s house for the day while he worked. As he handed me his keys he said, “Be careful, it is snowy outside and you are leaving early in the morning so the roads might be slippery.” Little did he know, the icy roads weren’t what I had to worry about.
Halfway home on a back road, the car started stalling. Luckily, I pulled it off the road where it completely died. At 7 a.m. on a Saturday morning, there weren’t cars going by and cell phones hadn’t been invented yet. I was a 21-year-old girl stranded in 30-degree weather. I knew home was too far to walk in such freezing conditions. My options were very limited.
About fifteen minutes later, a man in a pickup truck stopped behind my car. He asked if he could help and asked me where I was going. I told him, “Rome, where my family lives.” He said, “I’m going that way, I can drop you off.” With no other options in sight and a keen sense of feeling this man was okay, I accepted his offer. As I got in the cab of his truck, he moved a helmet over next to him telling me he was on his way to skydive.
As promised, this man dropped me off safely at my grandparents’ house, where my uncle, a doctor, aunt, and cousins lived. I told them my story. They were grateful I was safe and the man didn’t harm me. I knew in my gut he was okay or I wouldn’t have accepted his offer.
The following day, when I revisited my grandparents’ house, my cousin asked me with concern, “Did you say the man who dropped you off was going skydiving?” I replied, “Yes, why?” He said,
“Well, Dad told me this morning one of his patients died skydiving yesterday. It must have been the man who gave you a ride here.” I was shocked. I later thought I was that man’s last good deed on earth.
After finding out he was married, I asked my uncle for his address. I wrote a letter to his family telling them about the selfless act their husband and father did before he went skydiving. I felt they needed to know his act of kindness. I didn’t get a reply, not that I expected one, but to this day when I help someone else, I wonder, “Could this be my last good deed on earth?”
I suggest you contemplate this question during this holiday period and if possible, every day of 2024.
Wednesday Wisdom: Thanksgiving Message
Wednesday Wisdom, Thanksgiving Message, Holiday Unity, Impermanence
| While running the other day, grappling with the changes facing our country, the word impermanence kept coming up. When I got home, I looked up the official meaning of the word to delve more into its significance. |
| “Impermanence refers to the uncertain and temporary nature of much of what we regard as reality. However, despite continuous change, we often mistakenly invest in multiple aspects of life as if they are fixed and certain, such as our relationships, jobs, income, and housing. Expecting temporary circumstances to remain permanent intensifies the pain and suffering of loss, grief, rejection, and disappointment when change does arise. Recognizing the all-pervading nature of impermanence can trigger anxiety about life’s uncertain and unpredictable nature. Yet, accepting impermanence can also be liberating because it opens us up to a world of endless possibilities.” |
| As we gather with friends and family around a Thanksgiving table this year, we might notice impermanence physically and mentally. We will remember people who have passed on, friends whose relationships changed over time or circumstance, and even a conversation about the impermanence of our country’s future. |
| As the Buddhist description above states, understanding change is inevitable. It helps us focus on what we have right now, the people in our lives, and the good fortunes we have, such as food, warmth, and shelter, and to be grateful because this scenario could be different next year or even tomorrow. |
| Today’s Thanksgiving Message and Wednesday Wisdom inspire you to focus on what is right in front of you, who is right beside you, and what you are blessed with now. Forget about tomorrow, it isn’t here yet and we can’t predict its future. Soak in the meaning of this special holiday with love and joy and let’s revel in its impermanence. |
Monday Motivation: Be the Light We Need
Monday Mood, Monday Motivation, Inspiration
When I asked my joyful 90-year-old Aunt Dona what helped her live such a long and happy life she said, “Every morning I wake up knowing I’m alive, I thank God for another blessed day.” Although she has always been a spiritual woman, it doesn’t take years of studying the Bible or attending church to count the blessings in our everyday life.
At the opposite end of the day, I do something similar to my aunt and think of 5 -10 things, people, or occurrences that made me happy or blessed during the day. Sometimes it’s as simple as a good weather day to run a couple of miles, a phone call from a son, a tasteful bite at lunch, a person who opened the door for me, or a sweet video call from my granddaughter.
Lately, people say “I’m a light” or “Have a light.” It is always the same word. I’m not certain what they mean exactly but if I had to guess it is a joyful, understanding spirit inclusive of all people and an optimism that seeps out of me. I felt it in Florence, Italy after buying a hat from two men who were so grateful for my purchase that we talked for ten minutes before hugging goodbye. Seriously, love is the answer.
When the light went out for many of us on November 6th after the election, we had been searching for some light in the forecasted dark times ahead. I still can’t understand why anyone I love or know would vote for such a horrible human being. There is nothing light about him only darkness. So finding hope during this time in American life has been difficult, yet people tell me after I speak to them they see my light.
I guess my light is positivity or like my aunt a joy that can’t be squashed just because a situation seems bleak. As long as I have my health, loved ones, good friends, people who care about the future, shelter, food, water, and waking up each morning, I am blessed and so are you.
Try to look for the light in yourself and others this week of Thanksgiving. Perhaps – like myself or my aunt you will fill each waking moment with gratitude no matter the circumstance.
Women TIES 
