Remarkably You

"Your Grandson needs to stop fantasizing so much!"

2006-12-14T22:13:00.000-05:00

These were the words of an elderly, Remarkable gentleman Darrell and I met in the most unlikely of places. As we were sitting on a dock on an usually chilly night in a crowd of people, he shared with us the story of his then 8 year old grandson and how his teacher told his parents that his "story" couldn't possibly be real . . . But that night - we believed!

This past weekend was a little unusual for me as I was spending the weekend in Sarasota, FL with Darrell instead of going home to icy Indiana. We picked a cozy little B & B on the Gulf of Mexico, had breakfast, and began to plan our day. What did we want to do?

We decided to drive and just let the wind take us. As I mentioned earlier, it was a bit chilly, but the sun was shining and we started in on a very relaxing day. We walked along the path on a marina nearby. We drove down the coast to Siesta Beach where I have to confess they have the whitest sand I've ever seen. And we picked a little out the way restaurant on one of the bays for lunch.

As we were eating, all of a sudden, Darrell gasped and remembered something. He pulled out his phone which somehow has internet connections and began to search. "I don't know," he said, "but it would be so fun!" I smiled, but didn't have a clue what he was talking about. Then he sighed heavily and told me that he had always dreamed of "this" and it wasn't very likely that it would be happening today either. "It's only got a 30% chance of actually happening," he frowned, "and it's 3 hours away."

A 30% chance of a lifelong dream coming true and it's only 3 hours away - I'm in!!! After all, isn't that what love and friendship are really all about? Believing in one another's dreams, taking the risks together, and making the best out of whatever happens in the end??

We started to make the 3 hour drive, and took a little bit of a detour in Orlando. We stopped on International Drive at a Friendly's for ice cream sundaes, and he checked the internet again. "It's still at 30%. We could just stay here and enjoy Orlando." he suggested . . . How easy it is for all of us to get on a path towards our dreams only to get sidetracked by a "more sure" thing?

Sure, it would've been a load of fun to stay in Orlando. We could've gone to Epcot Center, Wonderworks, shopped, or minature golfed at this really cool little place OR we could get back in the car, drive another 1 1/2 hours on a big maybe. What would you have done?

Personally, I said, "No way! Orlando will be here for a long time to come, but your lifelong dream and this event doesn't happen everyday. This is your chance, as remote as it is, and we're going for it!"

We got back into the car and drove to Titusville, FL where a crowd had already started to gather. We looked across the 6 mile river and saw the lights brightly shining up into the sky. We heard they had upgraded the chance for launch to 70% now, weather conditions looked favorable, and the final countdowns had begun. Could it really happen? Could we be so lucky? Could Darrell actually experience his lifelong dream of watching a spaceshuttle lift off from Cape Canaveral?

As we waited on the dock, we heard the Grandfather share the "fantasy" story of his Grandson. This man's son works for NASA, and on a very special day many years ago, this man was able to take his other daughter's son into the space center and hold him up to touch the Spaceship Columbia. The teacher told him that it was impossible. He couldn't possibly have actually done that? He believes that these fantasies are true!

As we stood on that dock, watching the Spaceship Discovery lift off the ground, light up the night sky with more than 7 million pounds of pressure and fire, travelling at a rate of thousands of miles per second, nothing sounded like it was impossible.

With only a 30% chance, lifelong dreams abolustely can and do come true!

The Remarkable Traveller!

2006-12-04T20:58:00.000-05:00

Where in the world is Gloria?? It's a question I seem to be asked often these days, and I know I've been pretty quiet for a little while now. BUT, I'm back . . again : ) And ready to share with YOU, all that's been happening in my life and all that I'm learning and experiencing.

First, I must share that I've been quiet because I have been travelling. I made the decision about a month and a half ago to partner up with a business consulting firm out of the Chicago area where they ship me off to any part of the country or Canada to work with a company for several weeks at a time. I have to confess - I'm loving it!!!

I love the work, the people, the challenge of coming into a new industry and learning all there is to learn about it, the dynamics of people working together in all different ways, the many accounting programs that are out there (I had no idea there were so many!), the nitty gritty of sales & marketing, and all the tricks of the trade when it comes to savvy travelling.

I cannot tell you how many Remarkable People I have met while I've been travelling - a family who was bringing home their son after he was wounded in Iraq, a grandmother who had spent a week in Las Vegas taking care of her 2 granddaughters and it was her first trip on an airplane, a husband who couldn't wait to get home to his wife because she had run a marathon that day and needed a massage, a 19 year old man who was in the Army Reserves and had adopted triplets, a wonderful gal who is in her early forties and expecting twins next summer, a custom home builder from Hilton Head, NC, who grew up in the "Home of the White Squirrel" where they'd have squirrel counting as extra credit in high school (really!), another great guy who also travelled for a living who told me I was the most fun person he had ever sat next to on a plane : ), and an amazing adolescent psychologist who has written several books, speaks across the country, and reminded me that it is only in school that we are expected to be good at everything . . .

There have been so many stories that I just have to begin to sharing them. I would love for you to read my blog each week as I share one of my travelling stories with you. In the big picture of things, I'd love for this to be the beginnings of my next book - A year of travel and the Remarkable People I've met! - or something along those line. So, if there is a little voice inside of you that would love to get out and meet some new people - then join me as I travel each week. I promise - it is never boring!!

Oh, and if you can tell me where the "Home of the White Squirrel" is, you get an extra bonus : )

Til next week - Be Remarkable wherever you are!!

If today was your last day . . . ?

2006-09-28T10:09:00.000-04:00

This was a question Darrell and I pondered on the beach in Cancun, Mexico just as the moon was beginning to rise up over the ocean - a ritual we enjoyed almost every night.

It had been a perfect day. The weather was beautiful, the company was fun and playful and loving, and the surroundings couldn't have been more gorgeous. Throughout our week there, we did whatever we wanted to do . . We learned how to Hobie Cat (a small sail boat); we jet skied; we took a ferry to Cozumel, rented a skooter, and toured the island where we found an out of the way little restaurant where we drank a cool, refreshing rum punch; we played water volleyball; particpated in other games; met some fantastic people from around the world including Jack and Red from Texas; ate unbelievably yummy meals and watched as the waiter served us sexy coffee - quite the show!

No regrets, no stress, and no concerns . . . Yet, tomorrow was going to be our last day. What were we going to do? What was it that we REALLY wanted to do?

We had 2 things left that we considered. One would've been a very long, hot, and minute to minute kind of day that would've left us very tired - but also probably very excited, too. It was an all day tour of the Mayan ruins. We would've left first thing in the morning for a 3 1/2 hr bus ride, walked a mile, explored the ruins, walked back that same mile, eaten lunch, and finished the day with the long bus ride home. It sounded like fun, BUT not something we REALLY wanted to do on our last day.

We decided instead to sleep in just a bit, eat a good breakfast, go parasailing - which was an absolute blast!! - go sailing on the Hobie Cat one more time where we saw a real, live starfish swimming, and finish the day again by sitting out on the beach watching the clouds and the lightning flashes off in the distance, reflecting, dreaming, and snuggling.

It was another perfect day. We wouldn't have changed a thing . . on our last day.

If today were your last day, what would you do with it? What would you REALLY love to spend your time doing? How could you finish this day saying - Another perfect day!!

Collaboration or Criminals??

2006-09-05T13:31:00.000-04:00

What a fabulous weekend I had! I enjoyed time with my kids, time with Darrell, and time relaxing and enjoying some time to think. It was great . . . and then I realized I locked my keys in my car . . . but let me slow down as I am getting ahead of myself.

After a very full weekend of kids, fun at the zoo, spending money, and doing some work here and there, I found myself needing some alone time with Darrell. Just a simple hug can carry me for days.

I went over to his place in downtown Indy, and truly enjoyed some snuggling time, talking, dreaming, and learning more about life and myself. After a bit, we decided to take a walk down to a nearby Starbucks. I keep a pair of sneakers in my car for just such spontaneous occasions, and off we went hand in hand with his dog in tow.

I ordered a chai tea and a piece of cinnamon toffee crunch loaf - very yummy!! We sat outside, said hello to a few strangers who wanted to pet the dog, and then headed on back for me to get home.

And then it hit me - When I put on my sneakers, I put my purse in there, too, and intentionally locked the doors to keep my purse safe. Ugh!!

Darrell was very supportive, but I was really upset about having to fork over more money on a holiday(!)because I wasn't thinking. I grumbled and complained some, but it really wasn't doing much good. We decided to look online to see how we could "break in" to my van. It's amazing how much information you can find out about stealing cars online, but there wasn't a whole lot of useable information for what we needed.

We decided to try the old hanger method, but Darrell only had one metal hanger in his entire closet, and it was one that had the cardboard piece on the bottom. (Plastic hangers are his first choice, I learned.) We tried to work with it, but it was too short. We needed a regular one.

SO, once you know what you need you go get it - right? It may not be pretty or fashionable or altogether prim and proper, but I put my mind to work on how to get a metal hanger. I knocked on his next door neighbor's door and asked. He looked at me a little funny, BUT he left for just a second and came back with one. Yeah!

We tried for several minutes, but neither of us being criminals, we really didn't know what we were doing. Several people rode by on bicycles or walked by looking at us a little funny, but I asked each one, "Do you know how to do this??" No luck there.

I finally gave in and decided to call the locksmith. Grumble, grumble, GRUMBLE!! I gave the operator all the information while Darrell continued to come up with new ideas. I saw that he was actually putting the hanger inside the window and trying to reach the door handle - brilliant!

We decided to keep trying, but now we had a time limit. If the locksmith came before we figured it out, I'd just have to bite the bullet. But we still had time. We bounced ideas off each other. Took turns trying things to see who was better or stronger at working with the hanger or the window. I kept looking over my shoulder expecting to see the locksmith van pulling up any second.

And then, we did it! Darrell managed to get the hanger around the door handle, leverage the hanger in the right direction, pull, and open the door. He is so my hero!!

Life Lesson ~ Never underestimate the power of your Remarkable teams and alliances. Both of us had great ideas and strengths. Both of us had a part. And when push came to shove, and the deadline was looming, we worked together to reach our goal. There are some things you cannot do alone, and it serves us all very well to have those chosen few to support us all along the way.

Luck or Attraction?

2006-08-24T13:14:00.000-04:00

If you read my last post, you read how a wonderful gal, Kandee G, called me completely out of the blue to see how she might be able to support me. And I'm very happy to report that she did send a copy of her book that she personally signed ~ To Gloria, You are Remarkable! Kandee G . . . I just LOVED that!!

It truly is a great book that I've been reading over this last week, and I would highly recommend you check it out, too, at www.kandeeg.com. In it she walks you through her G.A.M.E.S system for building a Remarkable Life. Coincidence?

With that, I have to ask you the question because I've been wondering it myself. Was that phone call a case of luck and I just made it into more that it should've been OR was I truly creating and bringing into my life those that I needed proactively?

Forever grateful, I may still have just blown it off as mere coincidence, but then something else completely AMAZING happened just the following week ~

One of my very specific goals is to build my subscriber list of my daily e-mails to 10,000 subscribers. Quite a big goal, but one I really, really want!! My dilemna though was that I wanted it, but didn't quite know how to go about making it happen. I've been asking myself the same question over and over for weeks now - How can I build my list to 10,000? I was doing everything I knew how, and while I did get a few more subscribers here and there, nothing substantial.

And then I received ANOTHER phone call. This time it was from a gentleman I had met about 3 years ago or so. We were both at a National Speakers Association meeting, and at the time, he was president of the chapter. Through the years we have kept in touch via e-mail now and then just to say hello. I helped him do some editing on some articles he was writing, and he encouraged me quite a bit to keep on keeping on.

On this phone call, he asked me, "Gloria, how can I help you?" Well, it just so happens that he speaks on e-mail technology, spam, and IT issues. Because I was so very clear about what I wanted, I asked him the question I had been asking myself for weeks - How can I build my subscriber list to 10,000?

Guess what??!! He knew the answer to that question! He gave me an assignment with the instructions that when I finished that step, call him, and he'd tell me what to do next. Now, am I just super lucky or am I living in attraction? And even more importantly, can YOU do this for yourself??

Yes, you can!! And here's how you can be more Remarkably Attractive:
*Get REALLY clear on the specifics of what you most want.
*Do what you know to do right now.
*When help arrives - and it will! - ASK.

I can't wait to see what happens this week - for ALL of us!

What goes around, comes around?

2006-08-08T09:15:00.000-04:00

Do you believe that? Do you believe that the things that you do and say will come back to you many times over? Do you believe that the good things, the time and energy you invest in others will be multiplied and eventually reap many benefits in your own life?

This past Sunday I received a call from a gal in Bermuda. (How cool is that?) She has read some of my articles that were on www.womansdivorce.com and she wanted to talk with me. But the more I talked with her, the more I felt completely frustrated. At one point, she actually laughed at what I was saying to her. Not because I believe she was mean spirited, but she was angry, she believed she had no other options than what she had already tried, and since I didn't know the WHOLE story, I was crazy!

But I know the truth. I didn't need to know the whole story. And the principles about trusting that the present is perfect, that she is creative and resourceful, that things do happen just as they should - those foundational ideals never change! I believe them with all of my heart even when it isn't so easy : ) . . . And the funny thing was, she said that she believed them, too. She had even written about them, but when things weren't just as she wanted and the going got tough, they became a idealistic fantasy, a myth, an ideal not reality. I was sad for her.

Mostly, though, I wondered why. Why did she call me? What did she want from me? I felt frustrated that I couldn't somehow shake her and get her to see the truth. And while I was glad to spend a little bit of time with her, about 30 minutes or so, in the grander scheme of things, I hung up feeling like I had just wasted my time.

But then the most amazing thing happened just yesterday . . . Again, do you believe that your efforts and energies will come back to YOU multiplied again and again??

I was doing some research on a marketing venue and had sent out several e-mails asking those who had already invested if it was worth the money to them. Knowledge is power! I didn't really know who these people were other than the blurbs written about them in the marketing piece, but I decided to write and ask for their help.

Last night, about 8:30 or so, I received a telephone call from an amazing gal that I has sent this e-mail off to. She is without a doubt the most inspiration person I have met in a long time - and SHE CALLED ME!! Her story, and this is what she calls it, is From Peanut Butter to Private Jets.

14 years ago, her husband left her with a 4 month old baby - no money, no investments, no home, not anything! She lived with friends because she had no family, and she was literally eating peanut butter out of a jar. Today, she travels the world in one of 2 private jets, and she shared with me last night that she just ordered a third! She has 2 homes, 4 cars, and her company grosses over 10 million a year! . . . And she called ME and asked me, "Gloria, how can I help YOU?" We ended the 30 minute conversation with a complimentary copy of her book, an invitation to call any time with her personal cell phone number, and new belief and inspiration that is absolutely priceless.

You will never convince me that we do not have the power to create what we truly want in our lives. When we do what we know to do - everyday and in every way - we do not know how God is going to bless it, but He will. You plant the seeds in the fields right in front of you, and let God bring in the harvest.

Wow!

A Wish or a Strategic Plan of Action?

2006-07-26T15:20:00.000-04:00

What is the difference between a wish and a strategic plan of action? I don't think I have to tell you, but there is a huge difference!

From my last blog, Gary made a comment - and I thank YOU so much for doing so! - saying that he wished he could experience the Remarkable changes in his own life that I had described in my own story. I love that, and honestly, that's why I write so many of my own personal stories. Not because I want to brag, but to be a role model, an example, someone to point to that reminds you of this very fact, "If SHE can do it, I can do it!!"

Let's be real here - I'm not anyone extra special. I'm not extraordinarily brilliant or creative or fearless or have the ability to fly. I'm made of the same stuff as YOU!

Yet, I know and truly believe that at the very same time, I am special! I am brilliant and creative and fearless and a list of many other wonderful traits. I don't have to be someone I'm not to create the life I want - I simply have to be willing to step into the scariest of all secrets and that is . . .

If I want to have a Remarkable life then I have to be willing to be Remarkably ME!

*I have to stop wishing, and start getting clear about what I want my life look like a year from now.
*I have to stop dreaming with a heavy sigh, and begin huffing and puffing at the gym.
*I have to stop making excuses about how I'm not smart enough or business savvy enough, and read, learn, network, and begin to change how I think about things.
*I have to put aside all the drama of life, and be willing to take the strategic actions that will get me where I want to go.

And so do YOU!!!!

So, stop wishing that you were Remarkable and starting BEING Remarkable!! . . . From the list above or from your own brilliance, what would you like to do next to begin this amazing and oh, so rewarding transformation?

Remarkably Different!

2006-07-18T10:09:00.000-04:00

I had a very fun weekend - how about you?? Did you do anything new and exciting, relaxing, or inviting to friends and family?

For me, I did something I've always wanted to do, but for various reasons just never have done. I went canoeing! It was a perfect day here - very hot, 94 degrees or so, sunny, not too buggy, and I was spending the day with my most handsome man, Darrell.

Neither one of us had been canoeing before, so we weren't sure quite what to expect. But honestly, I was expecting to tip over at least once. We didn't, but we did splash around quite a bit and with as hot as it was, it felt wonderful!

The funniest part though was actually crossing paths with someone that I knew. Who would've guessed that in the middle of the river, surrounded by dragonflies and flopping catfish, I would meet someone I knew??

He was kayaking down the river with his wife, and when I said hello, he had no idea who I was. Not because he didn't remember, but he simply didn't recognize me. My hair was longer, and I was wearing a ball cap. I didn't have on my professional clothes that he usually saw me in, and I was not with the man I think he expected me to be with. (I'm sure he didn't know about the divorce.)

I can only imagine what he was thinking, but it really didn't matter. I hoped that he appreciated the Remarkably new me, but even if he didn't - I didn't care! I am happy, enjoying life, and loving all the differences that are now a part of my world. It was quite the reminder of how different my life really is, and I absolutely LOVE it!!!!

How has your life changed to the Remarkable over the last year?

Remarkable Experiences!!

2006-07-05T12:35:00.000-04:00

I'm back! And I apologize for being quiet for so long : ) . . . Lots and lots of things going on though - and ALL very fun!!

I've been to Dallas and back . . .

We, Darrell and I, left on a Thursday night a few weekends ago now for the 14 hour drive. I volunteered to drive first on our grand tour of the US from Indiana. We made it past St. Louis and were headed into the depths of Missouri when a strange creature was found in the middle of the road!!

This creature was one I had actually seen before. It was a little more than waist high, orange, and had white stripes - otherwise known as the construction barrel. : ) Yes, to me, the driver at the time, it seemed as if it was in the middle of the road. The dotted lines were criss-crossing because of the construction. Immediate thought - Right or left? And at 75 mph, you have to make a quick decision . . .

I went left. Wrong one!!! As soon as we dropped off the edge of the road and hit dirt, I knew it was the wrong one. But what could I do? I made a decision and had to go with it - right? Isn't that how it is in life sometimes?

The car started sliding and I did my best to steer with the skidding, not to lose control was the ultimate goal. I didn't, and we didn't hit anything - yes, God does watch over the feeble-minded!!

We finally came to a stop. Darrell asked me if I was okay, which I was. I checked in to see where we were and the traffic around us, and got back onto the interstate.

It was so funny as we drove those first few miles afterward and I thought about the incident. While we were sliding and skidding all over the place, somehow it felt strangely familiar. Then I remembered why! Darrell and I had gone go-cart racing and mastering the slide around the corners was part of the experience. Little did I know how I would need that skill later . . .

The Remarkable Lesson: We have to make quick decisions, and sometimes we make the wrong ones. And you never know what life experiences you've had or skills you've developed in the past which will help you manage the present!

Mom's are Remarkable!

2006-05-05T16:56:00.000-04:00

With Mother's Day just a little over a week away, I have to take a moment to give a special thank you to my Remarkable Mom!

As I've written in my past couple of posts, I've been battling with poison ivy - big time! I think I tried every over the counter gel, cream, oatmeal bath, and potion with no success. I even went to the doctor to get a shot, and still had no relief. I tried to make myself feel better by telling myself I never knew anyone who had poison ivy their entire life, so eventually, it was going to have to go away. That makes sense, doesn't it?? : )

Just last night, my Mom called to see how I was feeling. In a nutshell, I whined . a lot! But isn't that what Mom's are so wonderful at? Listening to us whine, complain, and gripe once in a while, and other times rejoice, celebrate, and ponder with us, too?

In the midst of all my whining, my Mom wondered if a presciption she had gotten for a rash years before might help. Yes, the expiration date on the tube of ointment was for 2001, but it was definitely worth a try! I ran over and picked it up.

Lo and behold, this morning, I was shouting hallelujah's and doing the jitterbug. The swelling had gone down on several of the spots, the itching was MUCH better, and I finally had a good night's rest. Darrell, my cohort in crime and partner in suffering, called it snake oil, but whatever it is I was and am grateful for it!

I'm not sure what I'm going to get for my Remarkable Mom on this Mother's Day . . maybe a back scratcher? But whatever it is, it'll be a gift filled with love and appreciation for who she is and the difference she has made in my life today and always.

How will you say thank you to your Remarkable Mom?

Remarkably Aware of . . .

2006-05-02T13:39:00.000-04:00

Scratch, scratch, scratch . . .

Yep, the poison ivy is still raging on, and I'm just about ready to jump out of my skin!!! I even went to the doctor last Thursday to get a shot. It didn't help - ugh!!

It's frustrating when our bodies don't cooperate with us for one reason or another. Isn't it? And over this last week and a few days now, I have really become Remarkably aware of how vital our physical well-being plays in our overall well-being.

With all the rash, I haven't been able to exercise; I haven't been sleeping well at all; and worst of all, I haven't been able to sit for more than a few minutes to actually concentrate on any one thing without the intense urge to adjust, wiggle, or gently rub some infected area on my body. My body is simply demanding attention and my mind is following orders!

What is your body telling YOU these days? Is it supporting you to reach your goals, dreams, and objectives or are you trying to ignore the "itch" and function anyway?

For me, I know many times I've tried to ignore my physical side and claim the "mind over matter" motto. The truth - unless we are taking really good care of our bodies, we will NEVER be able to function at our maximum potential. NEVER!!

Hmmm . . . definitely something to think about.

Remarkable people give their bodies the honor and respect it deserves to function at its best. No excuses. (I'm off to take another hot shower and some Benadryl!! : )

Feeling Remarkably Itchy!!

2006-04-27T22:46:00.000-04:00

I'm sitting here typing this post all pink after a nice hot shower. Sounds nice, doesn't it? Except the reason for the "as-hot-as-I-could-possibly-stand-it" shower was the poison ivy that is absolutely driving me crazy in all kinds of friendly places!!!

Most people right away have asked me where did I get it. An ordinary question to ask, and my answer is a very fun one. This past Sunday, my guy and I went geocaching. If you aren't familiar with geocaching, you aren't alone as most people I say that to give me a blank look. And before Sunday, if you had said it to me, I would've given you the same look.

But geocaching is a very fun game that's almost like a treasure hunt. You go online where they give you a general map of where the "treasures" are hidden close to your zip code, along with the GPS coordinates. My boyfriend has a phone that is amazing, and he can put the coordinates in there. It then gave us a compass looking thing that we followed, and it gave us how far away we were from that spot, etc. It is very cool!

Well, as you can imagine, this "treasure hunt" lead me to paths I didn't even know existed - walking trails, open fields, and even a lot where a house used to be and now only the concrete slab is left. It gave a little bit of an eerie feeling thinking about day gone by : )

So, somehow, somewhere in the hunt, I managed to find a little more than I intended to find in the form of itchy red blobs that are keeping me up at night and oozing all over everything. (I did got to the doctor today, so hopefully after the shot, I'll have some relief soon!)

But in light of how I got it, what would you do? When I told my Dad, right away he said, "Well, I hope you learned a lesson." I asked what lesson that was supposed to be and he said, "Stay away from all that stuff!" It made me think . . .

Do I really want to "stay away from all that stuff!" But isn't that what we do most of the time. We experience something new, there's an unexpected result of some kind, and we often let it go without a second thought. It's not worth it, we say!

Yet, I would suggest that there is another way. I think my lesson is that I need to learn what poison ivy looks like, how it spreads, and how I can work with it the next time I go geocaching. The lesson for me isn't to quit geocaching or experiencing new things. The lesson for me is to learn!

How about you? What have you quit lately that was fun, inspiring, challenging, or simply following your dream because the consequence seemed too big. Don't quit, learn!

Remarkable People are always on the hunt for learning new things!!

Have you truly FELT Remarkable lately?

2006-04-25T08:08:00.001-04:00

Life sometimes can be a very bumpy ride. Just when we think we are in the fast lane, we hit a speed bump, a pothole, or roadkill. All of these cause us to slow down and take a breath.

Now this breath can look like a lot of things, too. This breath can be used to complain about the things that get in our way. This breath can be a shout of hallelujah that we maneuvered past the worst of the pothole. Or this breath can be a silent cry that no one but you hears as you slowly drive by the remains of a racoon.

What I have found to be most true with myself is that when I hit a bump in the road, my first place I run to is my logical side. The side that looks at the obstacle and thinks, "Oh, that isn't too bad. Just a little bump. You can work with this. What are you going to do from here?" Very logical, positive, and completely unfeeling!

Once in awhile though, the pothole is just too big to "wish" away. You have to get out of your car, stop and think about what to do next, and deal with how you feel. You may feel sad, angry, frustrated, helpless, overwhelmed, rejected, or victimized -after all, why does this always happen to ME?? Or you may feel elated, joyful, encouraged, blessed, loved, or honored - because a detour now and then can show us things we never imagined.

Angry - thankful, sad - joyful, overwhelmed - bored, loved - lonely . . . Remarkable people live a full life and FEEL it all.

What are you feeling today? . . . Me, I'm a little confused and sad mixed in with some renewed determination. : )

Remarkable People always surround themselves with Remarkable People!

2006-04-18T22:57:00.000-04:00

Being a Mom to 4 kiddos, I used to dream of spending some alone time now and then. It was a luxury I didn't always have, and I craved it. Now, after the divorce and splitting the kid's time 50/50, I find more alone time than I know what to do with sometimes.

It's late now, and as I reflect on the day, it's been a productive day. I worked more on my Remarkably You e-course which will be coming out very soon. I worked on some tax things that needed to be done. I worked with my coaching clients, and enjoyed time via phone with them. I even enjoyed a movie tonight, and ate a few bites of cookie dough . . . And then I realized I never left my apartment!

Yet, in the midst of feeling this overwhelming lonliness that I wouldn't wish on my worst enemy, I think about those that I have spent time with today.

*My amazing clients who are growing, challenging themselves in new ways, and
learning to take on some of the most amazing goals.
*My boyfriend who has supported me so much with getting my Remarkably You CD series together, and even found some much needed technical equipment to make that a little easier on me today. (Yeah, I think he's pretty special!)
*My marketing team who spoke with me about my new logo, banner placement ads, and marketing blurbs for all of the above.
*And then seeing a new comment posted on my blog by a gentleman I do not even know who inspired me to keep on keeping on as parent.

It's true that I never left my apartment today, but it's not true that I'm alone in my journey. There are many who love and care about me, and I never want to forgot how very blessed I am . . . even in the midst of my lonliness sometimes : )

Remarkably You people make others feel very special. Who has made you feel that way lately??

Remarkable People Get Noticed!

2006-04-12T13:55:00.000-04:00

I must be making quite a splash in some way because I received a very unique e-mail in regard to my last blog. I will not give his/her e-mail address or name (especially since he/she didn't sign it), but I will give the author of the note the respect he/she deserves. After all, we do live in America, and we all have the right to express our opinions.

So, find below a copy of this unusual e-mail and my response. Think about how the Remarkably You person within you would have responded . . .

Upset Reader writes:
Well how long did it take you to realize that what we do as parents affect our children's way of thinking and doing? How long have you been a mother? Do you really not pay that much attention to them? Maybe you should stop trying to tell everyone else how to live and feel and focus on your children's lives, help them "find their true potential". I find you to be very self-righteous, lazy, arrogant, dishonest, and a HUGE hypocrite.

My Curious Response:

Well, I will say that this is a first to receive such a harsh e-mail in the years that I've been writing and coaching, but I guess I shouldn't have expected everyone to appreciate my thoughts and ideas. But to say these things about me when you really don't know me - I find very interesting. Why am I dishonest just because I had the kids take on the responsibility for taking out the trash?

I can tell that you put a lot of passion into your words, and I'm curious at to why. Why did you feel it was necessary to write this e-mail at all? Were you hoping to help in some way or just hurt?

I have been a Mom for many years now, and while I do not claim to be perfect by any stretch of the imagination, I do my best to teach my children to respect others and what they try to do in this world even if I don't always agree or understand. I honor hard work in myself and in them. My wish for you is that you would do the same.

In this country we have the freedom to express our opinions - both of us. I really do appreciate you taking the time to express yours today. And my request is that if you really object to my writings that much, just don't read them . . .

Thoughtfully,
Gloria

Even my Kids are Remarkable!!

2006-04-11T09:39:00.000-04:00

Have you ever thought about how much what we do and say actually affects our children? I know that I've said this and had a logical understanding of this, but until yesterday I don't know that I realized just how much our thinking and our perspective about life is passed on to our kids!

I grew up in a VERY entrepreneurial home. My Dad always had creative business ideas and several businesses that he bought, sold, ran into the ground, and otherwise. I watched my Dad make a lot of money and lose a lot of money. It was the life of a true entrepreneur!

As a Life & Business Coach, I, too, live the entrepreneurial lifestyle and work with many entrepreneurs. I love how we think, aren't afraid to take the risks, and are always on the lookout for new ways of making money. (My personal goal is to make a lot of money and keep it though : )

What I didn't realize was how this way of thinking was actually being picked up by my kids, too!!

Just yesterday, my two younger kiddos, Brett, 10, and Gloria Jean, 8, were taking the trash out to the trash compactor at my apartment complex. I'll confess that I usually wait til they are home to make the treck because it really is quite a hike to the entrance of the apartment complex where we have to haul the trash. It's is no strange site to see people with trash bags on the hoods of their cars taking the trash to the designated dumpster. It's a pain!

When they came home the two of them had come up with a BRILLIANT entrepreneurial idea. After all, if you want to make a lot of money, find a need and fill it - right? So, that's what they decided. Since it is such a pain for them to take out the trash, they guessed it probably was for others, too. What if they advertised and let people know that for $1.00 a week their customers could set out up to 2 garbage bags just outside their door, they would pick them up at a designated time, and take them to the compactor.

I couldn't believe it!! I'm not 100% sure this idea will actually be put into action, but I'll have to admit that I LOVE the way they are thinking : )Remarkable!

What need to do you see and how would you like to fill it??

Baby Steps towards Remarkably You CD series!

2006-04-05T19:15:00.000-04:00

I'm so excited! Today, I was able to take a BIG baby step towards a dream I've been talking about for a looooonnnnnng time. I put a group of people together for a conference call, recorded it, and have the idea to turn it into the first of 5 in the Remarkably You CD series . . How cool is that?

It wasn't without a few gliches, but for the most part, I was very happy with the steps I took today. The next step is some editting which once again means pulling in some of my support team . . I couldn't do what I do without them!!

Doesn't it just feel GOOD when we do something, even if it's a little something, in the direction of our dreams and goals?

What was yours today?? : )

Remarkably You means Choosing to Trust

2006-04-04T14:31:00.000-04:00

I've heard this phrase quite a bit in the last 2 days . . . "It is hard for me to trust" . . .and I can't help but wonder why that is.

Why is it hard for us to trust? Does it serve us well to live with this distrust of others? Does it support us on our journey to always wonder about someone else's motivations?

Yes, I know that our past experiences play a role in this. But I also realize that this is a CHOICE! We get to choose whether or not we are going to trust.

I look back on my life and think, "Yep,I had a best friend who betrayed me for a boy in high school." "Yep, I had a husband who betrayed me for another woman - and more than once!" "Yep, I've had a coach who accused me of stealing from her - yikes!" And, "I've had clients who spread rumors within organizations that were impossible to disprove."

So, what do we do with all of this? We can go around distrusting the world, and almost lie in wait and look for the ways they are going to betray us, so we can prove that we were right, OR we can choose to trust anyway. It's not much different when it comes to choosing to love - is it?

I believe the Remarkably You person chooses to trust - trust in themselves that they make good decisions, even though sometimes we do mess up; trust in others, even though sometimes they will make mistakes, too, and even hurt us; and trust in God, that He has a plan and purpose where all of this will come together just as it should.

It's your choice . . . Are you ready to be Remarkably You, and step out and trust?

Remarkably You sometimes means stirring the waters!

2006-04-03T13:24:00.000-04:00

This past Friday I made a very bold decision and sent out a newsletter to my pretty large e-mail subscribers list sharing a business related incident that I've been working through. In the newsletter, I was very direct - although general in not naming names, etc - and throughout the weekend and today, I've received much feedback from it.

I knew at the time that I sent it, it was a risk. Yet, one I felt compelled to take! What does a Remarkably You person do? I took the risk.

Most of the feedback has been encouraging. Thanking me for sharing a personal story and most were relating to the incident. But I received on today, from a gal related to the incident who was very disheartened. She said that she trusted me and I broke that trust. She said that "my true character" was just now coming out. Hmmm . . ?

*Why do we think that just because someone holds a differing viewpoint that they are automatically wrong?

*Why do we hide behind these veils of "privacy" and close ourselves off? Maybe because we are afraid of the feedback - good and bad!

The one good thing that I am learning through all of this is that sometimes it is good to stir the waters. The feedback is good in that the truth is coming out from everyone's different perspectives. And conflict, often times, brings about change. Change can be VERY good!!

What does being Remarkably feel like?

2006-04-01T09:14:00.000-05:00

I just had a member of my marketing team, Terry Burke from Ball State University, send me a personal e-mail saying this:

When writing about what it looks like to be ‘remarkable’, you might use all the senses such as this is what it feels like or these are the things that you sense, this is how it touches you, these are things you say even to yourself.

I LOVE this!! Thanks, Terry : )

So, what would I sense if I were truly being Remarkably Me? I would feel at peace, centered, inspired, passionate, determined, focused, able to see others more clearly and what they need and desire. I would sense that those around me love me, respect me, and honor who I am, and I would do and be the same for them.

I'll have to think more on this today . . .And get into the other thoughts another day. : )

What would you or do you sense when you are being Remarkably You??

Becoming Remarkably Me!

2006-03-30T11:46:00.000-05:00

There are many times in life when we must reinvent ourselves. Life throws us a few curve balls now and then, and we have a choice. Reinvent who we are or get bitter and try to fight the "system"!!

Well, it isn't always easy to reinvent ourselves, but the battle is always well worth it. And for me, I'm choosing my next battle to become Remarkably Me!

What does that mean?

As a life and business coach, I work with my clients on helping them discover their greatest potential within themselves. Supporting them to dream big and become the person they most want to become so that they are the person who can truly live that dream. It is very much around this model - Be, do, have . . . Be the person you most want to be first, then do what you need to do, and then have all that you most desire.

SO, I'm a quest to become Remarkably Me. I've renamed my business Remarkably You Coaching, and I want to be that model for my clients. (New website coming soon!!)

What does it look like for me to be Remarkably Me?

1) Physically fit and feeling good . . . It's time for me to shape up!
2) Emotionally Healthy - Getting my personal needs met and learning to believe more in myself and my unique gifts and talents!
3) Financially Sound - Making sound money decisions, saving, and creating a business and lifestyle that is profitable and serves me well!
4) Mentally Alive - Reading, learning, experiencing new things, challenging myself to think in new ways!
5) Relationally Full - Having oodles of friends, family, and clients who love, accept, and support me just as I am, while always challenging me to be my best and stretch a little more!
6) Business Success - Creating a full practice of clients whom I look forward to spending time with, work/life is balanced, and I do more of what I absolutely LOVE to do!
7) Spiritually Growing - Enjoying time alone to pray, meditate, reflect and be grateful for what is and what is yet to come!

I want to share this journey with you. I often say that the journey is not always about the good, but also includes the bad, and the ugly things, too. It's risky to throw it all out there, but those who want to make a difference and be remarkable in this world are willing to take a few risks.

Will you join me in becoming Remarkably YOU?? I'd love to hear what Remarkably YOU looks like for you . . . Let's go!