April 21, 2017 – RETURN OF EROS

My new life is not all business. My goal is to work 20-25 hours a week so that I can reconnect with family and friends. I plan to have a better quality of life and that includes family and friends. I am better able to create sabbaticals that include loved ones. In the past, I have seen these times as sacred times and have shut out others for my solo time and space. As I redirect my life and move more in alignment with my purpose, my sacred times must include the living beings I hold sacred as well.

I spent a few days on the beach this week. The beach I choose was in close proximity to an aunt that I hadn’t seen in over five years. In honesty I hadn’t spent much time with her because I’ve been caught up in my own life as many of us are. We talked for four hours straight. It was like catching up on a lifetime of missed phone calls and missed opportunities. I realized where some of my sassiness comes from. I thought it came from my mom but who knew I inherited some of it from my dad’s youngest sister. Our connections with are siblings had many similarities. I felt a sense of sadness as I drove off into the sunset. I am not sure if it was hers or mine. What I do know is it won’t take me another five years to see her. I’ll make sure I visit more often.

Yesterday I ended my work day early for a two-hour drive to Montgomery Alabama. I am the closest family for my cousin who attends Alabama State University. She texted me last week to give me an excuse if I wanted to change my mind. She was attempting to lower her expectations and not make me feel obligated. She tried to tell me why it would be too much for me to come on April 20th to support her boyfriend’s fraternity probate and again on May 3rd for her dance performance. What she doesn’t understand is that I’ve already chosen family and friends over long hours and a life filled with regret. I have my priorities in order and I wouldn’t miss the invitation at this point in my life unless it was necessary. I know first hand what it feels like to be hundreds of miles from the nearest family. I also know that my presence lights her spirit and allows her to feel less alone and more connected. I wouldn’t miss her invitations for the world. My new life gave me nine hours to spare. Time well spent in God’s eyes.

Finally after at least six years I am Dallas bound. I am going to see my sister-friends and their babies. Three children without the experience of their long-lost aunt, to caught up in her own world to visit. My new life means new beginnings. The first step to realignment and priority shifts. In 2017, I am taking time to reinvest in myself and the people who love and support me. If I can fly to China surely I can find a way to see my extended family that live in the same country. I choose family. I choose to shift my priorities.

New life new beginnings.

Peace and Blessings

I made it through my first week of self employment. I am definitely still getting adjusted to my new timing. From some people’s perspective they treat me as if I’m unemployed and always available so I get calls in the middle of the day especially around my midday nap. My midday nap make others think I’m not working at all. While I am loving the outpouring of love, it is my responsibility to redefine my boundaries and inform others of my business hours. No I do not sleep in and get up late. I continue to wake up at 5 am. Early morning is when I’m most productive. I work when I am most productive. I shift my attention from my phone to focus on my business. My most productive times are 5am to 10am and 5pm to 9pm. I don’t know why but that’s when I get the most work done. I’ve started to adjust my life around those times. Here is what my days look like

5am to 10am yoga and meditation, administrative duties, content and class planning, training, marketing and success visualization
11am to 1pm working out (i.e. walking/running or weights) and yoga stretches
1pm to 3pm running errands or handling personal business
3pm to 4pm taking a nap
5pm to 9pm networking, marketing and business development

Yes it appears that I am off a lot earlier than in the past however when you’re asleep I am working. When you are done with your day, I am working. My day now includes what’s most important to me not what’s important to my employer. I spend more time in mind, body and soul zone. When you are commuting I’m visualizing my success. When you are at breakfast, I am meditating. When you are wrapping up your day, I am regrouping. My nap is essential for second part of my day. If I don’t plan for it, I become exhausted. The beauty of my new schedule is I get to adjusted it according to what is needed for the day or week. If I know I have an event later in the day, I adjust my late evening schedule to afternoon. In a few weeks my corporate classes will start so my workout will move up and that time will be dedicated to my classes. My errand time slot may fall off completely or be moved to specific days. The lines appear blurred but I am very much employed. I am not unemployed. I am self-employed.

Peace and Blessings