8 Ways to Help Manage your Health During the Quarantine

At this time it is important that we are taking care of ourselves mentally, emotionally, physically and spiritually. Overwhelm, frustration, anger, deep worry and panic are just a few of the many emotions we are feeling. In our own way, we are all trying to navigate through these feelings and challenging circumstances at this unique and confusing time.

When you take care of yourself first you can then give from your overflow. You can support yourself and others from a place of peace while being aware of your triggers and behavior. If you give from your reserves you have nothing left for you and your health is often compromised. Now is the time for us to put our own overall health in the spotlight and make sure we are doing all we can to be as safe and as healthy as possible - for ourselves and for others. We have to do our part.

Here are 8 tips on how you can manage your overall health:

1. Monitor and limit the amount of news you are consuming.

FOMO can play a big factor here since it seems every day we are hearing something new. Try to watch bits of news throughout the day and read it online. Listen to informative podcasts and radio shows. If you find yourself channel surfing between cable and local news for hours on end you will burn out and your anxiety will elevate leading to helplessness and depression.

The news is designed to keep you feeling a heightened state of alertness and puts you on edge. It is bombarding you with inconsistent information, constant speculations and discussions that will keep your head spinning and not sure what to believe. It can confuse you and create panic and overwhelm. Be conscious of what you are hearing and who the source is. Is it just their opinion or just fact? Don’t let the news mislead you. That’s where we jump to conclusions and make decisions that aren’t rooted in facts. By choosing your news sources and when you consume will allow you to hear what you need to hear for the day and not be affected by extraneous or conflicting information.

The news will be there tomorrow and to be honest, at this rate, it hasn’t turned a corner. It is on 24-7 and is designed for 1. Ratings 2. Sharing Propaganda 3. Stimulating anxiety, fear and panic. Few questions to consider: Do you find you are addicted to watching the news? Talking to others about it constantly (especially those who are obsessed with it)? Creating thoughts and beliefs that are projecting possible (or unlikely) outcomes?

TIP: I tend to to turn off the news as soon as it gets too repetitive and the talking heads are sitting around speculating what’s going on. I don’t want their opinions to influence me after a while.

2. Find the activities for you that keep you calm and fill up your tank.

You may know yourself better than you give yourself credit for. What are the things you like to do to unwind, to feel happy, to feel healthy? How do you want to feel right now? Less anxious, less worried, more calm and in control? Things like bubble baths, your favorite cake, a trashy reality show, a walk with your dog, puzzles with your kids, singing and making art can take the focus off of the doom and gloom and get you focusing on yourself and your mental health. This is self care and it can come in many forms. You are present (not thinking too far into the future or the past), doing things you love, fueling your well-being and spending time with those you love and activities you love – filling up your tank with the good stuff like love, togetherness, support, creativity and fun.

Other activities you can use to keep you in a calm state is listening to music, deep breathing, meditation, sleeping, reading a book, doing yoga, going for a walk, exercising, journaling, being creative/making things with your hands, praying, playing an instrument, cooking, gardening, cleaning and organizing (believe it or not it makes you feel better once things are clean and tidy) and playing with your kids and pets.

3. Pay attention to how you are using your time.

How much energy are you putting into “distractions” and not on you and/or your loved ones? Are you spending your time watching news all day, vegging out in front of the TV binging entire seasons of shows? Spending time doing productive, constructive and creative things or just letting the couch support you?

Now is a great time to get as industrious, innovative, creative and productive and turn lemons into lemonade. If you are home with some free time take a minute to list all the things you always wanted to do (when you said you would start when you had the time). Get started on that list! Use this time to learn new hobbies, start up old ones, take online classes, join online groups, paint your bedroom, fix something, build something, make a series of artwork, start on an online shop like Society6.com or Etsy, start blogging, taking photos, write that book etc. OR do nothing. If you are a person who is always go-go-going, doing the opposite and taking care of yourself for a change can do wonders to your health. Use this time to slow down and get healthy on the inside and outside. Learn how to meditate, take yoga classes, find relaxing hobbies. This could just be the slow-down you need.

Put your energy into contribution, support and community. Finding ways to be useful and impactful will also help elevate your mood and give you something positive to focus on outside of you and your life. Helping others helps yourself. Be there for someone in need. Sew and donate masks, sell an online course and give proceeds to a cause that you believe in, deliver meals for an organization, help tutor kids online, make meals or baked goods and drop off to those you know who would love a homemade dish. There are so many ways you can use your talents and knowledge to help others at this time.

4. Notice what you are saying, doing and thinking.
Monitor your behavior and notice when you are feeling down, happy and in-between. What are you doing, hearing or experiencing to feel down? What are you experiencing to feel happy? Do more of what is making you feel better. Make an effort daily to do more of these things to keep you in a higher vibe and mentally calm.

What we consume affects our mental state and behavior. Are you always repeating what you hear on the news or on social media and believing even the “speculations” even though it isn’t necessarily true? Notice how it is affecting your behavior overall.

When you manage what you are saying, doing and thinking, you manage your emotional health better.

Please catch yourself when you notice the TV has been on all day and you haven’t stopped thinking about it. Please take care of yourself and limit the triggers that put you in a panic mode, make you feel depressed and/or anxious.

TIP: If you are having a hard time emotionally, now more than ever, limit all triggers as much as possible and be gentle and loving to yourself. Find someone to speak to who can help you through your tough time.

5. Ask yourself, “Are you safe right now?”
You probably are but your mind is telling you otherwise. When you spend a majority of your day worrying, listening to the news, talking about bad stuff with others and consuming doom and gloom information you will feel anxious and worried constantly. Your mind hasn’t had a break and is running wild. Asking yourself if YOU are safe RIGHT NOW – really asking it clearly and from a calmer state will give you some relief. Note that it says “right now”. This is an important part to keep you present. You aren’t projecting into the future and asking from where you are right now in this moment. Once you get present and meet yourself where you are at you can get calm and move forward from that place.

TIP: Take some time with that question and journal out your thoughts if you need to go deeper or clear your head. Going for a walk or doing deep breathing for a few minutes can help too. List ways you are safe in this moment and let it calm you. If negative thoughts are coming up debunk them. Are they really happening? or say positive affirmations to help like “I am safe”, “I am calm”, “I am willing to believe I am safe”, “I am ok”, “I will be ok”. Saying “I am” statements are affirmative. Refer back to this question when you feel panicky and create a method to calm yourself like making the list of why you are safe, saying affirmations and/or deep breathing.

6. Don’t let your normal life lag.

As much as you can, don’t drop your personal projects, work, life as normal, morale and zest for life. Maintaining a normal life as much as possible and doing your best to do activities and things to light you up will help keep you calm and feeling more “normal”. Your emotional/mental state needs be strengthened so you can take care of you first, then you can tend to your personal life and those you love.

TIPS: I found that just driving my car around town and listening to the radio made me feel like I was doing everyday activities (even if I was just going to the store). Wearing a more “put together” outfit other than sweats makes a difference, put on some makeup and do your hair for a zoom call, keep your regular workout schedule even if you have to modify it (work out in the garage, driveway or your backyard), have date nights - make a nice dinner, get out of your sweats. There are so many things you can do to feel a sense of normalcy and that your regular routine is somewhat in-tact.

What can you do to keep things feeling more normal?

7. Monitor what you are eating.

Not only observe the information, content, media and noise you are consuming but also pay attention to what you are putting into your body. Being home and feeling all the cozy feelings can equal weight gain, sluggishness, brain fog, laziness and so much more. There’s nothing wrong with indulging from time to time. Trying to maintain a healthy lifestyle while home 24-7 isn’t easy but doable. Buy less junk food, cut back on drinking alcohol if you notice an uptick in your alcohol consumption, eat more fruits and veggies and prepare them in healthier ways (like less fried foods). Also meal prepping is a great way to plan your meals and cooking for the week and helps you prepare a grocery list that eliminates wasteful spending and shopping. Your body will be happier and healthier on the other side of the quarantine and you’ll be glad you can fit in your jeans!

8. Watch who you are spending time with.

Are you often talking to others who are on high alert? It is contagious. Be cautious of who is influencing your thoughts and behavior. Maybe tell Aunt Fran that you’d like to change the subject or switch the conversation when it gets to be too much. Limit those types of interactions to help manage your emotional state.

In summary, weave in regularly:
1. fun activities (that elevate your mood)
2. compassion and support (donate to a worthy cause, find ways to help out or chat with someone who needs your support)
3. limit all news and things that trigger a negative emotional state
4. creativity (get creative and productive)
5. find ways to maintain a sense of normalcy
6. self-care (a must!)
In doing these you’ll find a peaceful, healthy, mental place to land that balances it all out for you.

What things can you do to limit the distractions, take care of youself and feel more “normal” during this time?

On Dear Handmade Life Podcast chatting about Creative Blocks

TODAY my podcast episode with Dear Handmade Life dropped! Dear Handmade Life is a podcast for creatives discussing all things beneficial from entrepreneurship, productivity and more. I was honored to be asked to come on and discuss my experience with creative blocks. Nicole is such a pro and has thoughtful, insightful comments and keeps the convo going in exciting directions. We dug deep into the topic and discussed ways to overcome blocks, tools for managing the negative inner voice, perfectionism and tips on getting unstuck. It’s chocked full of strategies I use with my coaching clients, advice I give others and use myself. I think you’ll enjoy it! Listen and hang out with Nicole and me on this informative and fun talk!

Go here to listen on their site or listen and subscribe on Apple Podcasts - oh and please leave a review - it really helps their show!

Exhibiting at an Art Licensing Trade Show (after 3 years)

I recently exhibited at the Blueprint Show in San Francisco. Blueprint is a trade show for artists to license and sell their art to manufacturers to produce on their products like home decor, stationery and greeting cards. The last few years for me have been challenging (loss of parents and other personal things) and I toyed with exhibiting again but it wasn’t in the cards. I had the opportunity to exhibit this year and the timing felt right. I needed a push to make a body of work again and jump back into the industry. Nothing like having a goal and a deadline to motivate you! I made some of my favorite pieces to date and excited to see where I go from here.

Previous shows:
In 2016 I exhibited at Surtex in New York. It has been the leading art licensing show originating in the 1980’s. I was one of hundreds of exhibitors bringing their A game in hopes to make deals and sales. I exhibited in 2013 and 2014 with a collective and decided to go it alone. Preparing for this show is a ton of work mentally and physically and a substantial financial investment. I prepped for months designing my art and the booth. I purchased a corner booth (2 walls facing the aisle) and wanted it to feel like a room that I designed and branded thoughtfully. I was really happy with how it came out and received a lot of compliments from my peers and attendees.

Surtex 2016. Here is my booth before and after with my friend and booth volunteer, Rachelle.

Disappointment and burnout:
The show wasn’t as much of a slam dunk. Lots of factors played into lack of traffic in my end of the row (partly because I was in the very back of the show unfortunately - but I wasn’t when I originally signed up, sigh). I had a huge build up before the big show where our Heart 2 Art Periscope show created a worldwide, supportive community where we conducted interviews at the show (watch here) and held a fun happy hour event. It was thrilling to meet all the viewers in person and it energized the show for me. But the anti-climatic ending was crushing. The few leads and potential deals I had didn’t go through (that happens unfortunately), follow up and submissions didn’t go any where and I didn’t see a return on my investment. Our Periscope show ended too. I took some time off from the industry after that. I needed a break. Fortunately I did get a couple of smaller deals early in 2017 and it kept hope alive for me.

Things took a turn:
The following year my elderly mom’s health took a turn and she passed in the fall. I officially took off 2018, working minimally. After much healing, support and self care I found myself making art again in late summer of 2018. I wanted to work on my art style, try new techniques and give myself a project to work towards (read about it here). I opened my online store in time for the holidays with my new art on products such as original art, home decor items and art prints. I started to feel like the fog was lifting more and more and decided it was time to get back into exhibiting this year. This time it was different - I didn’t have any expectations, wanted it to be fun, create work I love and enjoy the show. Just being there was a big deal for me and I knew it meant a fresh start. It was all that and more and I am so glad I did it.

Blueprint San Francisco 2019 is held in the marina in Fort Mason with views of the Golden Gate Bridge!

A Fresh Start:
Exhibiting at Blueprint in their San Francisco show (they have a show in May in NYC) meant I could do a show closer to home (I could drive there) and be a part of a smaller show where I could get my feet wet again. It didn’t require a large booth design and investment as before and was in a familiar place I love. I only had 3 months to prepare. which isn’t a lot of time, but I had a lot of work from my previous show and had time to make new pieces that could make an impact. I was laughing at myself having minor moments of anxiety about not having anxiety over the show prep. This show was so much easier to prepare for than Surtex and I kept thinking I was forgetting something or that things should take more effort and time. NOPE - it was just easier and less details to handle. What a relief. With only 3 months it really was the perfect show to jump back into. I was able to feel more at ease and enjoy the art-making process.

My promotional postcards for Blueprint Show

I began to work on my new art for promotions and create my postcards and banner art. I created birds, flowers, plants and people. I didn’t even come close to creating the art I wanted and am excited to jump back into making the rest of the list this year for future submissions.

After a long, 6-hour drive I met Diane, a friend and previous coaching client of mine, at the show venue. Wow what a venue! I had a perfect view of the Golden Gate Bridge from my booth. The light filled room made it so pleasant and memorable. Set up went quickly (I set it up in my living room before I left to learn how to raise the banner). I am not that tall and Diane perfectly handled all the tall-person tasks. She helped me day 1 of the show too!

Another coaching client, Lisa, who lives in the Bay spent day 2 with me and day 3, Usha, joined me. It is always nice having booth help and also allows me to show other artists firsthand how the show works.

A BIG Realization:
Once there I had a realization that Fort Mason is where my journey in surface pattern design began. I moved to SF in the early 2000's and was seeking creative activities. I attended a talk on marketing your artwork and to my surprise signed with an art agent who was looking for art for Surtex. I had NO idea what she was talking about and proceeded to make the ugliest art and patterns ever. The internet was in its infancy and there were no resources on art licensing or surface design.

Fort Mason Center for Arts & Culture

I didn't end up working with her but took all the classes I could - even taking one right there at Fort Mason on pattern design! We used graph paper and rulers and made intricate, tesselated patterns. I also attended a class at the Fabric Design School and made floral patterns using carbon paper and gouache - all pre-computer. I continued to take classes over the years and even use my new skills at my design job making patterns. I also met a consultant who encouraged me to exhibit in NY and not until 10 years later (2013) I finally did it with a collective. It floored me when I realized that this was the place it all began. It all came full circle.

Booth neighbors

I had such a great time meeting my amazing neighbors Ansada Licensing, Kenzie Frenzy, Katja Designs and Squinks Art. Thanks to Betsy Beier, Urban Daisies and Pomelo and Pomelo for all your support and fun chats. The show proved to be just what I needed to get back into it all. I met the most amazing and inspiring artists exhibitors, reconnected with previous exhibitor friends, had the pleasure of meeting some existing clients after 3 years and met a few, new potential ones. It wasn’t a super busy show but I was able to get some new contacts and work with some existing clients again. It was the perfect re-entry. Looking forward to the follow up and all the new work I will be making now on. Thanks Blueprint for such a warm welcome and the most amazing venue to be seen in.

I'm exhibiting at Blueprint Show October 1st-3rd!

I am exhibiting at Blueprint show in San Francisco! It is my first show in 3 years and I am so thrilled to be doing it. I had a long break but ready to go again and show all my newest work along with some older work that was never seen or submitted. Follow me on Instagram on September 30th- October 4th as I travel to San Francisco, set up my booth and exhibit for 3 days. I will be posting on IG Stories daily. See you then!

Camp Minted Retreat 2019

I had the pleasure of being invited to Minted.com’s conference, Camp Minted in late July in Las Vegas. I am a veteran of creative conferences and this one didn’t disappoint. Minted.com put on an event that is perfect for their global artist community - a beautifully branded conference, workshops and presentations catered to their artists’ interests, their artistic and career growth and community building. Artists from all over the world came through to attend this fun event.

Upon registering you receive a tote bag in the camping theme filled with a t-shirt, water bottle, keychain and journal (that had the schedule printed inside - a huge plus)! Here are some highlights!

We attended fun workshops like writing in sumi ink and learning advanced watercolor techniques!

Attending the sumi ink workshop by Deborah Velasquez at Camp Minted 2019.

Pricilla Lee’s advanced watercolor workshop at Camp Minted 2019.

I also attended an informative presentation from Pinterest that provided tips on using Pinterest efficiently for promotion and driving traffic to your site and shop. I was very excited to sit in Adobe’s demo on their Textile Designer plugin for Photoshop. It was fascinating to see how to you can now make patterns easily in the program. It’s a game changer!

Adobe and Pinterest presentations at Camp Minted 2019.

My friend, Agnes, provided a block printing workshop that ran throughout the retreat. She brought her beautiful blocks from her workshop company, Crave, to stamp on paper in fun colors. It was a hit!

Crave Workshop block printing workshop at Camp Minted.

What a treat to be entertained by the brilliant and talented, Adam JK. His keynote speech was hilarious, very relatable and inspiring. Perfect pep talk for us artists looking to make an impact with our creativity. He encouraged us to be authentic and put our ideas out into the world. We also received a signed, copy of his book “Things Are What You Make of Them” and we even got a photo booth pic with him! Thanks Adam for your important work and taking a photo with us!

We concluded the retreat with a formal dinner ceremony. We took “class” photos in the year we joined Minted.com. I was in the 2013 class. I thoroughly enjoyed this conference. It was intimate, the minted.com employees were approachable and easy to chat with, they made you feel connected to the brand and a part of the community, they encouraged feedback on improving our experiences and provided great presentations and talks that aligned with our creative businesses and aided with skill building. I am so honored to be invited and can’t wait to participate more in their opportunities and growing brand. Thanks Minted for this special event!

45 things that make me happy at 45

Another year around the sun - February 7th is my 45th birthday! I have to say that my 40’s has been quite the ride - it’s a time where I have done a lot of growing, maturing, feeling more and more comfortable with myself and seeing things differently. I’ve been feeling quite nostalgic and reflective and want to share some things that I have learned to appreciate and make me happy (and a few things about me you didn’t know).

1. Having a good office chair May sound a bit old lady-ish but I as I’ve gotten older I’ve noticed that the more I sit the more I need a better chair to support me. I invested in a used Aeron chair last year. I normally would’ve been sick spending several hundred dollars on an office chair but not anymore! My back and butt are thanking me for it daily. I am so happy I bought it.

2. Spending time in nature: I love going outside – always have. I didn’t realize it until the last few years how being outdoors really energizes me. I love going on hikes and walks, working out outside and hitting the beach. It is essential for my mental state and soul and being near water is the best! I have always lived near water on a coast.

3. 80’s and 90’s jams: Puts me back in my younger years instantly and in a great mood
4. Fresh, clean sheets: YAAASSS! Nothing like getting into a clean bed
5. A sweaty night out dancing hard: always a good time. I LOVE to dance
6. Sharing my knowledge and helping others: I love to share and be of help in any way I can
7. Traveling and exploring new places and things: can’t get enough
8. Spirituality and personal growth: always working on being a better person in and out
9. Good health: especially since I fractured my leg I really appreciate this now
10. Cute animal videos – who doesn’t love these?
11. Sunshine: I live in Cali and it’s a huge part of life here. I’ve become addicted to sunshine I think.
12. Plants: duh
13. Making art, being creative: I love exploring and developing my abilities
14. Patterns and illustration: OBSESSED!
15. Social Media: My Pinterest and Instagram addiction - I love eye candy!
16. Working late at night in the “flow”: ahhh sooo good getting lost in your work
17. The ability to bindge watch: who doesn’t love binge watching?
18. Hot yoga: my new favorite workout. Can’t wait to get back once my fractured leg heals
19. Girl time: the BEST!
20. Alone time: this has become more important as I get older
21. Feeling more and more confident and in control: also something that happens as you get older
22. Family and family time: I lost both parents in the last few years and family time is essential
23. Being more comfortable with change: I feel good about this
24. Biking on the beach trail: the breeze in your face is exhilarating!
25. Learning new skills: love notching up my game
26. Cooking (not baking – no good at it)
27. Chocolate – need I say more?
28. Farmer’s markets: Love seeing all the fresh fruits and veggies I can bring home with me
29. Sleeping in: I have a new schedule lately and sleep is a new priority
30. Driving stick: It feels like I’m in control of the car but it’s not fun in traffic though. I drove a 5 speed pick-up truck for 10 years in my 20’s
31. A good kickboxing class: as a former aerobic instructor from the 90’s I appreciate a challenging class from a really good instructor
32. Beach vacations (or any vacation)
33. Laughing and hanging out with my guy: he’s such a goofball and makes me laugh a lot
34. Discovering yummy, new gluten free foods (I’ve been celiac since 2006 - before gluten free was cool)
35. Karaoke: those private rooms are so much fun
36. 80’s cartoons from my childhood: like Jem, Smurfs and Muppet Babies
37. Synchronicities: love it when it happens!
38. Checking things off my to do list and/or goal list
39. Anthropologie: I call it my “Design Church”. I go just for inspiration and to just exhale
40. Cheesy 80’s movies like Xanadu and Revenge of the Nerds: I’ll watch them if they are on cable.
41. Finding out something I am purchasing at the register is actually on sale (score!)
42. Random acts of kindness
43. Mentos commercials make me laugh
44. Nice hotel rooms with good design, robes and big, comfy beds makes me never want to leave
45. Freedom (all kinds)

There are so many more too. I hope you can relate to these (and I am not a big weirdo). I am looking forward to this new year and hope that it is very different than past years - in the best ways ever!

Happy New Year! Let's do this!

2019 is here! We made it. It was a year of ups and downs for me - some grief and healing from the loss of my mom in 2018 and the sale of my childhood home in the spring, lots of self care and quiet time, a rejuvenating trip to Miami and Orlando and a reemergence of energy and passion to paint and create. I created some new work I am very proud of and opened my online store - something I’ve wanted to do for some time. I think it ended strong and I am riding the momentum I created in the last part of the year into 2019.

This year for me is about “expansion” - expanding on my ideas, expanding my portfolio with new, exciting work, expanding my career to pursue my dreams wholeheartedly, expanding my life, my mind, my confidence, my strength, my view of the world through more travel and inner joy. It’s about living my best life this year and not looking back. I feel that it is my time to focus on my happiness and all the things I have been itching to do and see. Stay tuned. I think this year is going to be fire!

I broke my leg

This is me right now in my new temporary life hobbling around with a fractured fibula from a freak roller skating accident. It’s day 4 and ya know it’s getting easier. I had great news from the orthopedic surgeon today and it looks like there’s no ligament damage and there’s no surgery necessary. I’m so relieved. I will be out of the boot in 3 weeks and almost like new in 6.

I only had one breakdown and overall been in good spirits. I am chronically clumsy (people who know me are shaking their heads yes now) and have a high threshold for pain (not necessarily something to be proud of). I made it to 44 years and never broke a bone until now (does a dislocated pinky finger that healed crooked count?). 

This experience has made me feel incredibly grateful for the people who have been there for me, that I work from home and can rest easier and that it wasn’t as bad as it could’ve been. I’m also learning patience, doing more self care and slowing down. I was working late nights and had a couple of all-nighters prior to this getting my online shop ready. I felt a bit rushed and things seemed a bit chaotic. Looks like this happened for a reason and I’m totally ok with it.

New normal

Been spending a lot of time here lately and really enjoying it for the first time in a long time. 

It’s been quite a journey in the last few years - a disappointing tradeshow, the loss of my elderly mother (both parents actually) and the sale of my childhood home all felt like my world was upside down. When would I feel motivated, inspired and excited about life and work again?

I emerged from this funk over time and felt ready to empower myself to do the work to finally feel a sense of fulfillment and inner joy. I began experimenting with art supplies, taking online art classes, seeking guidance from friends and coaches and developing work I could be proud of. 
I turned a corner and through creating I have started feeling the life come back into me. I could see things clearly and am excited to sit at this desk and paint daily. 

This new normal is a great place to be and makes me look forward to seeing what I can do from here. I highly recommend spending time creating for the fun of it. It works wonders. 

***Keep an eye out here for announcements in the upcoming days. I can't wait to show you what I've been working on and will have exciting items for sale for the holidays! xo

I'm on the Badass Creatives Podcast!

I'm so happy to announce that I did my very first podcast! Mallory of Badass Creatives and I chat about branding, some mistakes I have learned from in my creative journey, how I got into the world of Art Licensing and what I pretty much do everyday. We have a candid and honest talk that I think you will enjoy! I highly recommend adding Badass Creatives to our list of podcasts for all things creative - business discussions, great interviews and inspiration, resources and more. Thanks so much for having me on the show! I'm honored to be considered a "badass". Go here and check it out! 

2017 the Year of Loss, Love and Lessons

2017 for me was the year of loss, love and lessons. I also experienced a bit of personal growth from my experiences. I started out the year like a BOSS, attending a fun, fruitful conference where I joyfully networked, received some new opportunities and reunited with old friends. The upcoming months were filled with great coaching clients to work with, travel, new friends who I love, some exciting art licensing opportunities and a class reunion. Then the second half of the year started to slow down and came to a screeching HALT!

My 83 year old mother passed away!

LOSS
It was devastating. She had been slowing down but we weren't prepared for how quick her decline was. She was surrounded by friends and family as we hospiced her at home in New England. I felt honored to be there by her side in her last days with my loving and supportive family. My friend perfectly describes losing your mom as the "earthquake of your life". It is disorienting, confusing and painful. My dad had passed away a few years prior and having no parents was something I just never could've imagined - let alone at 43. It hit me - I wasn't alone. I realized that many people are having babies in their 40's now. My mom had me at 40 in the 70's when it was completely unheard of. Now it's the norm. I learned first-hand that life is short, precious and that we must cherish our loved ones and every moment we have with them creating sweet memories.

Mom and me and my folks on their wedding day

LOVE
I realized at this time it is important to be present to my feelings and welcome every emotion and everyone who reached out. I wasn't interested in working hard or anything that resembled it. I wanted to retreat and found warmth and comfort in receiving love from friends and family. This holiday season would be different for sure and as it approached I began to feel the absence of my parents. The waves of sentimental feelings that the holiday bring made me deeply appreciate and feel their love. I decided to spend that time with family in another state and go on a bit of a road-trip adventure. The adventure was just what I needed and then...

My website was hijacked!

Old site and blog

LOSS...Sorta
UGH. I was away from home in the middle of my trip and there wasn't much I could do. I had potential business and some announcements coming out and knew people would be looking at my site in the next week or two. The site was riddled with malware. The home page had Asian language in which the Google translator said I was selling wheelchairs and electronics. UGH. I decided to toss up my hands and enjoy my vacation. Being present and enjoying the time with my family was more important and geez with all I had been through this wasn't the end of the world. I normally would've been a Defcon 5 situation but I weighed out the good and bad and decided that I would not let this ruin my vacation. I clearly grew from my experiences and realized it will get fixed.

So here we are with a new site and a new blog. I considered the website hacking a blessing. I never would've made a new site in a week's time. My old blog content needs to be cleaned of malware and it can be restored. That's next for me to tackle. I now have a new, fresh start in this new year. Being present, going with the flow and learning the lessons is the new normal for me. My mom is with me always and I am sure she's proud of my growth.