Category: Life

Categories
Entrepreneurs Life

End of Year Round Up

I’m sure I’m in great company with all the other December writers asking you to consider doing an ‘annual’ review! What did you set out to accomplish when 2017 was ushered in?  How often did you review your ‘goals’ list as one month followed another?  Did you fall short, meet or exceed your expectations?  Or, just maybe, you didn’t bother because either you simply ‘live life’ as it presents itself or setting goals just isn’t your thing.  In any case, you’ve made it this far, had experiences both favorable and not so pleasurable and you are now facing yet another New Year.

Wherever you are in your personal/professional life, at some point you’re likely to ‘look back’ to consider what did or didn’t work.  Did you carry out your exercise commitment?  Did you finally lose and keep off unwanted weight?  Did you take the class you told yourself you would?  Maybe you really did stay connected with those that are important to you.   Did you learn new skills, strengthen your spiritual beliefs, volunteer or reach out to others in need?

It’s not for anyway to judge or hold you accountable for anything you did or didn’t do. That’s up to you.  As for me, I find that my focus strengthens, my resolve stays consistent and my outcome worthy of my efforts when I do outline future plans based on past results.  Maybe you will consider ‘looking back’ and deciding for yourself what you might do differently in the future based on the year about to spring forth as 2018.  

You and I know, life is a gift.  Regardless of what we do, what happens with or without our consent, life is still a gift. Being grateful and not taking time for granted are reasons enough to make the best of the days you do have.  As you usher in the new year, take some time to consider your good fortune and implement a plan that fits your style, your desires and the outcome you want when the following ‘next’ year rolls around.

I welcome you to comment on one or two choices you will pursue and for which you will hold yourself accountable! It’s an exercise worthy of your time and you are worthy of having the best life possible!
 

Categories
Life Survivor

Be S.A.F.E.

Another pink month has come and gone.  For many, it is cause to celebrate healing, to share compassion with those still going through the breast cancer journey and for all of us to do what we can to establish a cure.  It’s my 3rd year wearing pink daily and the sisterhood of those who understand what that means is strong and endearing.

I had the honor of sharing a bit of my personal story this month at an amazing Pink Celebration co-created by Vicky Bates (XC Co-Leader/Hiram) and Sue Madison (best buddies). During my ‘spotlight’ I offered the following acronym: S.A.F.E. = Support, Attitude, Faith, Empowerment. I am providing this knowing what I discovered/uncovered can apply to ANY challenge.  Some of you have faced your own challenges this year, so I’m hopeful that a bit of encouragement and insight will be helpful as you each continue your journey.

S – Support is a major pathway toward any healing – being willing to ask for help is a sign of strength and being willing to accept support allows others to love on you.

A – Attitude is a mindset we hear reiterated over and over again.  No matter what the circumstance, having a positive, life affirming attitude does help get through life’s challenges.

F is for Faith.  This is about acknowledging your spiritual leader, believing that no matter what, you are guided during very difficult times.  Trust can give you the hope and perseverance needed to keep going.

And, lastly, E is for Empowerment  This is your platform for strength, resiliency and determination.  We all have the capacity to endure, to rise about what we face and to take life’s challenges head on.

Be SAFE. And, may you be well always and in all ways.  You are loved.

For my no-fee e-book:

www.BonnieRossParker.com/discovery-and-recovery

Thank you to Patty Wells of PatriciaWellsPhotography for the beautiful “Pink Lady” head shot. Patty was gracious enough to photograph all of the survivors at the Pink Ribbon Celebration! 

Categories
Life Networking

Defying My Age

The expression, ‘Do what you love and love what you do’ is the very foundation of what I am all about. For 20+ years I’ve had the joy, privilege and satisfaction of supporting female entrepreneurs and business women. With a background in education, franchise development, publishing, community involvement and as a professional speaker/author, I know firsthand that the wide variety of my personal and professional experiences have and continue to have an impact on women local to Greater Atlanta and nationwide. At 73+, I haven’t even considered slowing down, sitting around or ‘throwing in the towel’! I love the realization that women want to learn from others who have paved the way, who are eager to emulate other’s success and who acknowledge the benefits that come from a mutually satisfying mentor/mentee relationship.

Fourteen years ago, I founded an organization whose mission is to: encourage and facilitate the growth, performance and integrity of professional women by creating opportunities to foster relationships through a creative exchange of information and referrals. Having been very successful in business and knowing that I could translate my success and pay it forward by helping others, I have never looked back. While women my age are most likely retired, living in 55 and over communities, playing golf, cards and socializing with their peers (and I admire them for choosing what is fulfilling for them), I, on the other hand, feel abundant joy every time I learn that another woman is applying my lessons, my experiences and taking the lead toward her success.

My female platform, Xperience Connections, is a licensed program. The women who step up to become leaders are supporting women in their community, applying valuable lessons for both personal and professional growth, bringing business to their doorstep AND are viewed as a catalyst for the success of others. One participant wrote the following about my program:

“What may appear as simply another “networking event” on your calendar is so much more than that when you attend an Xperience Connections (XC) event. Bonnie Ross Parker, the Founder, has created an experience where women come together to inspire and honor one another. I have heard women say countless times and with tremendous gratitude that they felt valued, heard and supported at XC meetings. Within this unique networking model, underlies the Founder’s intent to treasure each woman’s unique contributions and passions – a true culture of honor.” Susan Brown, Impact Coaching

I love being an example of what is possible as the ‘grandmother’ to Xperience Connections participants. I am grateful that I continue to have the desire, the energy and commitment to inspire others to achieve their own greatness. I have no plans to retire as long as I can provide my enthusiasm, my energy and the value of my experiences.

Categories
Life

Choose Journey over Destination

The following message is taped over my desk: It was given to me by a friend. “If you knew where the treasure is would you enjoy the journey as much, or, would you miss things along the way by focusing on the treasure?” It’s been my experience that regardless of the outcome I anticipate, sometimes the fulfillment comes from implementing a plan rather than actually achieving the goal! Think about a time that you planned a surprise, arranged the details for a vacation, the years you were in college to earn a degree, overcame a job loss or spent weekends looking for the perfect home to purchase.

While every journey of value has its challenges, how meaningful would reaching the destination be if there were no stories or excitement related to the experience? A significant part of getting what you want is in the road taken to achieve it.

While intellectually this makes sense, if you are like me, I get impatient. When will my plans come together? How much longer must I wait to achieve the rewards I desire? Why is it that the closer I get to something I want, a challenge shows up creating a set back? Are road blocks treasures in disguise? Do we willingly learn life’s lessons or are the lessons we learn the result of our having to alter our course to reach our destination?

The reality is that there is no end to one’s journey. It simply continues day to day, as one experience follows another. The journey embraces the people who impact us, circumstances and changes we can’t control, the choices and decisions we make and the effect of those actions over time.

The road is comprised of trial and error, risks and opportunities, pleasure and disappointment. Through it all, we learn and grow as we move closer to our destination. I encourage you to be patient with yourself and the universe. Take time to experience your journey and enjoy the treasures along the way.