During a recent vacation with my family, I wrote and distributed this email (below) on behalf of my business. I’ve been thinking a lot about this email, and its content, since creating it. Partially because, I’ve been having trouble practicing what I just preached! With this past week being one that I returned to work, after being away for an entire week, I found myself feeling conflicted leaving this time – in Delaware, spent with my family – behind, and returning back to my life. Back to putting on the many hats it all requires. As we were driving back home, all of the familiar feelings of anxiety began to overwhelm me. Visions of my “to-do-lists” and unfinished projects, at both home and work, began to knot my stomach. The financial concerns that I left behind, felt as though they were bricks hitting me in the face – Again. All of these thoughts of worry and unworthiness began overwhelming my mind and my heart. Again. I wanted to turn around, if I’m being completely honest. I. Just. Didn’t. Want. Our. Time. Away. To. End. After all, I felt more connected with my husband and my boys than I ever have. I was finally present. And available. Not to mention, that I completely fell in love with Delaware and the active, family-oriented culture it offered us. I was honestly struggling with all of these thoughts – all of these feelings – the ENTIRE 4 hour drive home. It took everything I had to continue operating our vehicle away from the safe haven we just left behind.

I did continue home, however. We got home, unloaded our things, and I went straight to the boarding facility we had our dog at for the past week. He was one of the main reasons I continued home. I picked him up and brought him home, where he belongs. He began to feed my soul. Just as he always does – For which, I am grateful.

I carried on throughout my week – Reluctantly. With each new day, my perspective shifted. I had a nice visit with family early in the week – spending some much needed cuddle time with my little nephew and niece. It was a great week at work – back with the ladies that work for me, that I work beside each day. Back with my guests that I have the true honor of working with, while we talk about everything imaginable, laugh and even cry together sometimes. It was a busy week – which, helped ease some of my worries. I received and gave many hugs – As I am so fortunate to experience on a daily basis. All of these things began to validate that I do belong here, for now, in this moment in time. That my purpose lies within the life I already live with my family – both biological and within my business. It has also, however, validated my thoughts that I need to execute some changes within my life. Changes that were made clear to me while I was away – while I was free of all the static that I hear each and every day. Changes that are beneficial to my family, my business and to my well-being. To our growth and securing our future. This past week, I realized how critical all of these moments are in defining clarity. All life requires us to do – is simply choose to listen. Our time here is so fragile – I’m no longer interested in treading water. In settling for what is – Rather than striving for the possibilities of what can be. Once upon a time, my ambition guided me. Not my worry. Not my fear. Not my insecurities. Not my weaknesses.

These past two weeks – Both my week away, and my week back home, have inspired me. Both experiences, in addition to all of the mini-experiences in between, have helped to define the areas in my life that are in need of my attention. There are areas that no longer require my energy. There are goals that I now have. Life experiences that are awaiting our arrival! As I get settled back into this life, with yet another experience under my belt, I will choose to walk in gratitude for all that we do have – right here, right now. My commitment now motivated by growth – both personally and professionally.

In recognizing the immense power of attraction this universe so kindly answers to – I recreated a 90-day vision to hold me accountable: “To organize and manifest my visions, my purpose and dreams. To be true to myself and my intentions – Do what I say – Do what I love – Love what I do – On a path to Success!”

I have spent this past week reflecting on what “Success” means to me. In my life. For my family. As a woman. A mother. A wife. A business owner. And a stylist/service provider. I began defining and organizing it all. I’ve been thinking and writing – A lot! Creating action plans for obtaining “Success” (by my definition– that is).  Action plans to achieve goals, fulfill intentions, be my best person and to live my best life!

The truth is – I’m not really as overwhelmed by returning to “this life”, as I thought. This week has shown me this fact – with great clarity even. I’m disappointed, however, that I wasn’t following through on my intentions to enhance “this life”. I simply haven’t been listening to my intuition lately.  At least not consistently enough to believe in myself, or in my visions – and to take proper action to make things happen. Without doing so, “this life” will never be capable of reaching its full potential – my intentions will never be manifested, my story will go untold. This – is in fact – what scares me. This – is in fact – where my fears, and my obstacles, reside. Action – Is where my ambition awakens. Focus – Is where my visions will manifest into reality. And in gratitude – Is where my intentions always tend to thrive.  I lost sight of this, somewhere along the way, as I was treading life away.

I find much comfort in all of these intuitive thoughts that have been flooding my mind this past week. I am grateful for these gorgeous moments of clarity! Of course, the road always comes back to writing – And sharing my journey here, with you. Gratitude always. Until next time – Be well – And remember to follow your heart and take action! Read on for the email – the vacation – that set this all in motion … Xo!

“Greetings from Bethany Beach!

I hope this message finds you all doing well!

I know, most of you are saying, why are you WORKING while you are on vacation?!?!? Well, a couple of reasons. I suppose when there is an inspiration to write – I like to do so. I woke up early this morning and made myself a cup of tea with honey, ate a banana (and maybe I had a piece of salt water taffy … shhhhhh.) I’m sitting outside, on the back deck of the beach house we are staying at – with a gentle breeze upon me and it is quiet and so peaceful here. My husband is still sleeping. My older son is still sleeping. My younger son is currently playing with his toys that he won last night in the arcades at the boardwalk – right here by my side. My Brother-in-law and his fiancé are working out. And my Father-in-law just went on a coffee run. So, there you have it – I’m writing to all of you and enjoying every moment of doing so! No one needs me in this particular moment. Besides, Inspired By You is one of my babies. When I’m on vacation, have a “day off”, or anything of the sort … I’m never away from it. You are all part of my life, part of my family – Always intertwined, regardless of our “hours of business”. As a business owner, especially a small business owner – there is no separation. So, here I am, four hours away … which, feels like a world away … still with the capability of staying connected. For which I am grateful.

I was thinking this morning about how resistant I was to even take this vacation – When my Father-in-law asked us to make this trip with them, my initial response was that “I couldn’t”. After all, we do already have our trip to Myrtle Beach planned with my family during the week of MusikFest while the studio is closed. After looking at the calendar, I thought, well – I could drive separate and return on Tuesday so I can return to work. Then, my husband pointed out that our 10 year wedding anniversary fell on Thursday – So, obviously, I needed to be here for that! Especially this year – under all of the circumstances that attempted to separate us – I definitely needed to be here to celebrate our love overcoming the many adversities we have been faced with. This was essential. So, I was going to come home on Friday – to return to work. And then …. I had a couple of cancellations on Friday and Saturday, leaving my days full of gaps. So, I decided to move the few appointments that remained in my schedule and simply enjoy an entire week off with my family.

We are having an absolutely lovely time here. I almost cannot put words to it. We are doing nothing spectacular, simply bumming on the beach and spending quality time together. I’m even a few chapters into a book that my son, Julian, bought me a couple of years ago – that I’ve had little time to read! So, this morning, as I was reveling in my gratitude for this experience, I was asking myself, “Why did it take all of this – all of this time – for me to finally give myself permission to simply nurture my soul in this way?!?! To simply take time for my family and leave my many worries behind?!?!” The truth is – I was teetering on being burnt out before I left home. We are only three days into our vacation and I can already recognize this very simple fact. The past couple days have been some of the best in my life … So, it leaves me wondering – If we know these moments are essential to nurturing our souls – why do we not allow ourselves more experiences of this nature?? At what point are we convinced that we are underserving to take care of ourselves, and our families, in this manner?? I may just have to change this mindset that has been engrained in me. Because, this – right now – is medicine to my soul. Perhaps we all need more …. And simply don’t take the time to listen to the whispering of our own hearts.

It is officially on my bucket list to change this mentality. I’m already looking forward to our next trip to Myrtle Beach with my family. Always an equally profound experience … only, this time, I will begin that vacation with the belief that I am deserving to enjoy my time away, my family and recognize the fact that without nurture … my heart and spirit will never flourish.

With all of this being said – I hope you take a piece of this with you and know that you are deserving, as well. I sincerely hope that you find time to spend quality time with your family, friends – and yourself – this summer! Get out and enjoy … life is meant to be lived – not treaded. I can say this, because I was simply just treading …. And forgetting the crucial part – Of living it. Perhaps we can make a pact – To live. To laugh. To love. To let our spirits shine! And mostly, to KNOW that we are DESERVING!

The Studio is OPEN this week – The lovely girls are holding down the fort in my absence. So, please, take some time for yourself this week and visit – Call to reserve your appointment TODAY!! Danielle will happily assist you! Simply mention this email and receive $5.00 Off ANY service or yoga class – This week ONLY!! Haircut, color, highlights, massages, facials, yoga classes, intuitive reiki. We have something for everyone – Come on in and visit – pamper yourself in the process! You deserve it! Truly – you do.

Looking forward to seeing you all when I return home! Until then – Please take some time to nourish your soul … Love and gratitude to all.”