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Hey there!

In 2015 our family of 5 downsized our house by 2,000 square feet.

Then I created an online business to help us pay off debt and travel the USA.

Here’s how it all happened.

Socialize!

Facebook
Twitter
Instagram
Pinterest
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On the Gram

I decided to crack the code on how to successfully

I decided to crack the code on how to successfully survive crappy times. Here it is.
.
After writing out 3 of the hardest times of my life, I can officially confirm that this is the Algorithm for a Shit-storm.
.
1. You have got to accept and/or grieve your situation. This was something I had to do when my dad passed and when my marriage was on the rocks. Living in denial or refusing to feel your emotions will always keep you stuck.
.
2. You need a game plan for survival. When my dad died I created a game plan for his funeral and did all the paperwork, sure. BUT what I really did was make a game plan for MY LIFE. I created boundaries that I wouldn’t cross. I refused to throw my life away or let anything (in my control) cut it short. When my son was in the hospital the game plan was visitors allowed but NO ONE was allowed to cry or “mourn” or act as if this was the end for my son. It was not accepted and I would turn anyone away who behaved as such.
.
3. Share your struggles. You have to. Because it gets the pain out of you and quite possibly helps someone else who might be silently enduring. For my son in the hospital this meant creating a private Facebook page for family and friends to get updates. For my marriage struggles it meant sharing with HIM! Not expecting him to read my mind.
.
4. Small successes is probably the best piece of advice I could ever give. When times are hard, focus on anything that is good. If my son blinked, I told the whole world. After my dad passed, if I did a load of laundry it was a good day. When I wanted to punch Tom in the face, I would close my eyes and list off all the good he had done that day.
.
5. Be open to help. Financially, physically, emotionally. Get good at accepting help. Then, when you are able to, return the favor. This could mean donating to a cause, attending any funeral of a parent or practicing giving and receiving in a relationship instead of just one or the other.
.
If you are stuck in the muck, in the middle of a shit-storm and you want to come out on top ... here ya go.
.
#shitstorm #survivor #youcandohardthing

It is possible to love someone so much and also kn

It is possible to love someone so much and also know your paths need to split.
.
Maybe this means setting boundaries or limits on how much you talk.
.
Maybe it means just being willing to allow them to take their path without trying to make your paths merge.
.
I have grown different ways from a lot of people.
.
Sometimes, you grow back together for a while. Sometimes you don’t.
.
Leaving a relationships (friendship, family or romantic) when you love someone is hard to do. Believe me. I’ve done it.
.
But if you want to grow to your fullest most beautiful self, it just might be something that needs to happen.
.
This doesn’t make you selfish.
.
You can send love, well wishes and truly pray to see another thrive while still wanting the same for yourself.
#growthroughit #growingdifferently #growingdifferentways #selfgrowthquotes

I should be further along. I SHOULD be married. I

I should be further along. I SHOULD be married. I SHOULD have ____ fill in the blank. And...SAYS WHO?
.
Oh you SHOULD have a steady career right now? You know how many people climb the corporate ladder, get to their 40s and go, “Shit. This isn’t ACTUALLY what I want to do with my life.” But walking away from that paycheck...that’s tough now that you’re in so deep.
.
You SHOULD be married! You know how many women I’ve met who bought into this myth and now find themselves stuck in an OK marriage with kids...that’s hard to change.
.
I SHOULD be skinnier. Nope. Skinny people still are unhappy with their appearance in other ways. Happiness is what you bring with you.
.
I SHOULD BE...I should be...
.
No friend, you just are. You exist perfectly right now.
.
Should be is designed to keep you hidden from who you are. It’s made to distract you into living a life and fitting a mold that was never meant for you.
.
The funny thing is, the sooner you get content with that person. That true you, the sooner you will reach who you were made to be.
.
Feel totally freaked out by this? Drop me a DM. Let’s chat about YOU 😉
.
#beyourselfquotes #selfhelpquotes #selfgrowthquotes

I used to shame myself for being an enneagram 4 or

I used to shame myself for being an enneagram 4 or an empath.
.
UGH why do you get so caught in your emotions?
.
How come you can’t handle anything without getting emotional?
.
If you are a high emotion person, give yourself love and compassion.
.
Your emotions are a gift.
.
If you cry all the time at commercials or when people are telling a story (happy or sad) congratulate yourself for your ability to connect. And let the tears flow.
.
It’s time for everyone to stop being embarrassed or ashamed of who they are. ❤️
.
However, letting your emotions spiral or drag you down for days is not effective and there are better ways for you to be you.
.
Here are some ideas for how to navigate your life if you are someone who tends to get wrapped up in emotions.
#empaths #empathproblems #enneagram4 #enneagram4facts #empathsofinstagram

Hard truth: SHE can live your dream. SHE can have

Hard truth: SHE can live your dream. SHE can have what you want. YOU can’t.
.
I hope I got your attention. Because that 👆🏽 is a total BS lie that I will BET you have told yourself.
.
👉🏽Yeah, she can have that online business because she’s pretty. It’s easy when you’re pretty.
👉🏽She has a birth defect, so of course, people want to hear HER story.
👉🏽It’s easier for her because her husband can help out.
👉🏽It’s easier for her, she doesn’t have a husband and kids to worry about.
👉🏽It’s easy for her, she’s young and carefree.
👉🏽It’s easier for her because she’s older and has more experience.
.
Just. STOP.
.
Stop assuming someone who made something of themselves just “got lucky” or had a better life than you.
.
All that is doing is keeping you going ‘round and ‘round on the Pitty Party Party Bus for 1.
.
Get off it already.
.
Take an honest look at your life and tell me, if you were to reach your dream, accomplish your goal, and have it all, what excuse would people make for you?
.
What “it was easier for her” reason would people give to excuse the hard work you put into changing your life?!
.
Do NOT under value someone else’s hard work and do NOT under value your capability to do BIG things!
.
Get off the damn Pitty Party Bus — it’s only going in circles. You’re going ahead. Forward. Maybe you’ll have to walk, run, bike, ... maybe you’ll go 90 mph. It doesn’t matter how fast or how long forward is ALWAYS better than getting nowhere.
.
Stop the excuses. Start going.
#smallbusinesswomen #moveforwardalways #strongwomenlifteachotherup

Raise your hand if you have mini-panicked when no

Raise your hand if you have mini-panicked when no one really liked your Insta post. 🙋🏽‍♀️
.
You re-read the caption, scan the photo and start wondering, “What is wrong with me?”
.
Was the photo horribly offensive?
.
Did I say something wrong?
.
Can no one else relate?!
.
Should I take it down?
.
Maybe you even did! I totally have.
.
Social media likes and follows is just one more way we can see little results and then stop showing up authentically as ourselves.
.
Here’s the solution: like the video or photo you post. Mean every word of your captions. Don’t think, “I hope people like this one.” or “This seems to be what other people who get likes are sharing.”
.
Instead just share from the heart authentically as yourself and work to detach from the outcome.
.
If they like it, cool.
.
If they don’t, cool.
.
If at the end of the day you know you were showing up as YOU. Who cares what anyone else might think.
#socialmediabreak #likeforfollow #socialmediaisnotreallife

It’s Monday. You’re tired. Let me help you wit

It’s Monday. You’re tired. Let me help you with that. 🤪 ☕️
.
Meditating or becoming mindful and tuning in doesn’t have to be a whole thing. It can be finding little moments of calm amidst your regular day.
.
Sure we could call these moments “spacing out” but let’s go with meditation. It sounds way more like you have your 💩 together.
.
#morningcoffee☕️ #mondaymorningmotivation #minimeditation

Are you ever having a good day, then all of a sudd

Are you ever having a good day, then all of a sudden it’s like something switched?
.
Maybe it’s just me. The solo crazy person over here.
.
But...here’s what I think:
.
When you start to recognize a shift in emotion or thoughts, pause and ask yourself, “Where the heck did that come from?!”
.
No, really. Pause, rewind, think back. What triggered a shift in your “good vibes”?
.
Taking the time to more consciously become aware of these shifts will allow you to find your triggers and better process them in the future instead of letting them spiral off into a big-‘ol-mess of emotions where you’re yelling things like, “I’M FINE!!” At the top of your lungs.
.
This takes work. But you are worth it. And feeing a little more sane is pretty great.
#emotionalhealth #emotionalintelligence #highestself

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On the Gram

I decided to crack the code on how to successfully

I decided to crack the code on how to successfully survive crappy times. Here it is.
.
After writing out 3 of the hardest times of my life, I can officially confirm that this is the Algorithm for a Shit-storm.
.
1. You have got to accept and/or grieve your situation. This was something I had to do when my dad passed and when my marriage was on the rocks. Living in denial or refusing to feel your emotions will always keep you stuck.
.
2. You need a game plan for survival. When my dad died I created a game plan for his funeral and did all the paperwork, sure. BUT what I really did was make a game plan for MY LIFE. I created boundaries that I wouldn’t cross. I refused to throw my life away or let anything (in my control) cut it short. When my son was in the hospital the game plan was visitors allowed but NO ONE was allowed to cry or “mourn” or act as if this was the end for my son. It was not accepted and I would turn anyone away who behaved as such.
.
3. Share your struggles. You have to. Because it gets the pain out of you and quite possibly helps someone else who might be silently enduring. For my son in the hospital this meant creating a private Facebook page for family and friends to get updates. For my marriage struggles it meant sharing with HIM! Not expecting him to read my mind.
.
4. Small successes is probably the best piece of advice I could ever give. When times are hard, focus on anything that is good. If my son blinked, I told the whole world. After my dad passed, if I did a load of laundry it was a good day. When I wanted to punch Tom in the face, I would close my eyes and list off all the good he had done that day.
.
5. Be open to help. Financially, physically, emotionally. Get good at accepting help. Then, when you are able to, return the favor. This could mean donating to a cause, attending any funeral of a parent or practicing giving and receiving in a relationship instead of just one or the other.
.
If you are stuck in the muck, in the middle of a shit-storm and you want to come out on top ... here ya go.
.
#shitstorm #survivor #youcandohardthing

It is possible to love someone so much and also kn

It is possible to love someone so much and also know your paths need to split.
.
Maybe this means setting boundaries or limits on how much you talk.
.
Maybe it means just being willing to allow them to take their path without trying to make your paths merge.
.
I have grown different ways from a lot of people.
.
Sometimes, you grow back together for a while. Sometimes you don’t.
.
Leaving a relationships (friendship, family or romantic) when you love someone is hard to do. Believe me. I’ve done it.
.
But if you want to grow to your fullest most beautiful self, it just might be something that needs to happen.
.
This doesn’t make you selfish.
.
You can send love, well wishes and truly pray to see another thrive while still wanting the same for yourself.
#growthroughit #growingdifferently #growingdifferentways #selfgrowthquotes

I should be further along. I SHOULD be married. I

I should be further along. I SHOULD be married. I SHOULD have ____ fill in the blank. And...SAYS WHO?
.
Oh you SHOULD have a steady career right now? You know how many people climb the corporate ladder, get to their 40s and go, “Shit. This isn’t ACTUALLY what I want to do with my life.” But walking away from that paycheck...that’s tough now that you’re in so deep.
.
You SHOULD be married! You know how many women I’ve met who bought into this myth and now find themselves stuck in an OK marriage with kids...that’s hard to change.
.
I SHOULD be skinnier. Nope. Skinny people still are unhappy with their appearance in other ways. Happiness is what you bring with you.
.
I SHOULD BE...I should be...
.
No friend, you just are. You exist perfectly right now.
.
Should be is designed to keep you hidden from who you are. It’s made to distract you into living a life and fitting a mold that was never meant for you.
.
The funny thing is, the sooner you get content with that person. That true you, the sooner you will reach who you were made to be.
.
Feel totally freaked out by this? Drop me a DM. Let’s chat about YOU 😉
.
#beyourselfquotes #selfhelpquotes #selfgrowthquotes

I used to shame myself for being an enneagram 4 or

I used to shame myself for being an enneagram 4 or an empath.
.
UGH why do you get so caught in your emotions?
.
How come you can’t handle anything without getting emotional?
.
If you are a high emotion person, give yourself love and compassion.
.
Your emotions are a gift.
.
If you cry all the time at commercials or when people are telling a story (happy or sad) congratulate yourself for your ability to connect. And let the tears flow.
.
It’s time for everyone to stop being embarrassed or ashamed of who they are. ❤️
.
However, letting your emotions spiral or drag you down for days is not effective and there are better ways for you to be you.
.
Here are some ideas for how to navigate your life if you are someone who tends to get wrapped up in emotions.
#empaths #empathproblems #enneagram4 #enneagram4facts #empathsofinstagram

Hard truth: SHE can live your dream. SHE can have

Hard truth: SHE can live your dream. SHE can have what you want. YOU can’t.
.
I hope I got your attention. Because that 👆🏽 is a total BS lie that I will BET you have told yourself.
.
👉🏽Yeah, she can have that online business because she’s pretty. It’s easy when you’re pretty.
👉🏽She has a birth defect, so of course, people want to hear HER story.
👉🏽It’s easier for her because her husband can help out.
👉🏽It’s easier for her, she doesn’t have a husband and kids to worry about.
👉🏽It’s easy for her, she’s young and carefree.
👉🏽It’s easier for her because she’s older and has more experience.
.
Just. STOP.
.
Stop assuming someone who made something of themselves just “got lucky” or had a better life than you.
.
All that is doing is keeping you going ‘round and ‘round on the Pitty Party Party Bus for 1.
.
Get off it already.
.
Take an honest look at your life and tell me, if you were to reach your dream, accomplish your goal, and have it all, what excuse would people make for you?
.
What “it was easier for her” reason would people give to excuse the hard work you put into changing your life?!
.
Do NOT under value someone else’s hard work and do NOT under value your capability to do BIG things!
.
Get off the damn Pitty Party Bus — it’s only going in circles. You’re going ahead. Forward. Maybe you’ll have to walk, run, bike, ... maybe you’ll go 90 mph. It doesn’t matter how fast or how long forward is ALWAYS better than getting nowhere.
.
Stop the excuses. Start going.
#smallbusinesswomen #moveforwardalways #strongwomenlifteachotherup

Raise your hand if you have mini-panicked when no

Raise your hand if you have mini-panicked when no one really liked your Insta post. 🙋🏽‍♀️
.
You re-read the caption, scan the photo and start wondering, “What is wrong with me?”
.
Was the photo horribly offensive?
.
Did I say something wrong?
.
Can no one else relate?!
.
Should I take it down?
.
Maybe you even did! I totally have.
.
Social media likes and follows is just one more way we can see little results and then stop showing up authentically as ourselves.
.
Here’s the solution: like the video or photo you post. Mean every word of your captions. Don’t think, “I hope people like this one.” or “This seems to be what other people who get likes are sharing.”
.
Instead just share from the heart authentically as yourself and work to detach from the outcome.
.
If they like it, cool.
.
If they don’t, cool.
.
If at the end of the day you know you were showing up as YOU. Who cares what anyone else might think.
#socialmediabreak #likeforfollow #socialmediaisnotreallife

It’s Monday. You’re tired. Let me help you wit

It’s Monday. You’re tired. Let me help you with that. 🤪 ☕️
.
Meditating or becoming mindful and tuning in doesn’t have to be a whole thing. It can be finding little moments of calm amidst your regular day.
.
Sure we could call these moments “spacing out” but let’s go with meditation. It sounds way more like you have your 💩 together.
.
#morningcoffee☕️ #mondaymorningmotivation #minimeditation

Are you ever having a good day, then all of a sudd

Are you ever having a good day, then all of a sudden it’s like something switched?
.
Maybe it’s just me. The solo crazy person over here.
.
But...here’s what I think:
.
When you start to recognize a shift in emotion or thoughts, pause and ask yourself, “Where the heck did that come from?!”
.
No, really. Pause, rewind, think back. What triggered a shift in your “good vibes”?
.
Taking the time to more consciously become aware of these shifts will allow you to find your triggers and better process them in the future instead of letting them spiral off into a big-‘ol-mess of emotions where you’re yelling things like, “I’M FINE!!” At the top of your lungs.
.
This takes work. But you are worth it. And feeing a little more sane is pretty great.
#emotionalhealth #emotionalintelligence #highestself

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