I’m just an ordinary woman who has come to appreciate the extraordinary circumstances of my life. My journeys have taken me from the valleys of failure to the highest mountain peaks of success and beyond. I’m here to share those experiences with other women just like me and you. I’m not a psychiatrist, counselor, or mental health professional, but an “experience coach” with a high level degree in the school of hard knocks. I want to share together, learn together and build a great network of amazing women that desire to support each other through the down times and joyfully celebrate the triumphs we experience.
I am passionate about seeing women be successful at whatever they desire to do. I “aspire to inspire” in a pay it forward homage to the women who have mentored me as I have traveled this road called life. Ruthspirations will focus on current issues that women face every day in both their personal lives and the workplace. It is a vehicle for providing a forum to open up, talk and share with each other so that with support and encouragement we can make powerful choices that will encourage positive and successful outcomes, no matter the endeavor.
Sample topics might include: dressing for success, single motherhood, challenging situations in the workplace, learning to balance life and career, loving the skin you’re in, style tips, music, healthy eating and exercise, creative writing ideas, design tips, hot entertainment ideas, parties ideas, meetings and event industry topics, feel good stories, tummy chuckles, some sad but true experiences and much more…the topics are endless and each of you will help shape the future of the topics we explore together in this exquisite sisterhood of being women..
I will from time to time feature guest bloggers and I readily encourage feedback and suggestions for topics that you might like to see featured.
There is nothing more joyful in this world than empowered, laughing, beautiful women; if even one soul finds something to be inspired about from the words I share, then I know that I’m well on my way to realizing one of my dreams. I warmly welcome you into the living room of my virtual refuge; a place for real women just like you…and me.
Loving Life!!!
Life threw me a curve ball in a big way this past week. It is a really BIG one. After many years, my position as VP of Marketing & Business Development for a major event company was eliminated. It was a shock and I felt every emotion historically recorded flash through my mind in 2.5 seconds as I sat absorbing the news. I can only imagine the expression on my face as it transitioned through each emotion I was processing. Any of you that know me, know that I will never be a professional poker player because my eyes and face show every feeling and emotion written in plain English on my face. I’m sure my boss (and yes, I still count her as my friend) didn’t know whether to prop me up, hold me down, hug me, laugh or cry. I suppose after so many years of knowing me, she knew to just wait (which she did) and let everything settle into its proper place. And, it did with a rapidity that stunned me. The chaos was almost at once replaced by a clarity and peace that I couldn’t have dreamed of. I realized this isn’t the end, but rather the beginning. Now wait. Stop it! I can almost hear you – the gasp, the intake of breath, the apology…”I’m so sorry” – just stop it. I need a hand up, not pity and condolences, I didn’t die, I’m still here, healthy, happy and a whole lot wiser than I was last week. (I’m also available for work). Come on, a little humor never hurt anyone.
But seriously, let me explain. Yes, I’m sad. It’s a lot like losing family. Yes, I’m a little nervous. I’m human. More importantly, and overriding the fear of the future is the knowledge that I’ve faced one of my worst fears and I’m still standing. I mean after all I’m still me, I still put in the work and now I have my very own identity. And, it’s a great one. I’ve worked hard for it. You see, an opportunity has been thrown my way that I intend to capitalize on. As Marsha Sinetar said, “Life’s up and downs provide windows of opportunity to determine your values and goals – Think of using all obstacles as stepping stones to build the life you want.” That’s my mission. To turn this down into an up and reach for a dream and achieve it by doing what I love to do. The excuses I used to make to myself are gone. The opportunity is here, right now, and I’m grabbing on and I’m going for it.
You see, I have a passion for words. Spoken, written, sung, it doesn’t matter. I have a love for writing and speaking that has yearned to break free, unleash and pour forth in an inspired energy to influence others that might read or hear the words that I put together. I love to inspire people. It seems to come naturally for me, and when I see someone’s face light up with clarity and hope, I know I’m doing what I was meant to do. It was only a short time ago, that I said those very words to a friend of mine in conversation. “I was meant to inspire”. She agreed, good friend that she is. A few days, later I was recognized publicly for inspiring someone who is an inspiration to me. WOW! How great is that? I don’t know the full definition of it all yet and may realize it in different expressions that manifest themselves in a variety of ways. I love it. I like variety. My vision is honed in on two simple foundational elements – creativity and inspiration. They sit in front of me with high definition clarity.
I can take my love for the events industry and use my sixteen years of experience combined with my natural talents to help other people achieve their goals and objectives. Woot! My creativity can help conceptualize and bring to life client’s visions. My vernacular can inspire emotion (which as you know is a key component of selling), my words can paint pictures. My voice can inspire, my attitude can elevate, my desire can overcome any obstacle that dares show its head. See, where I’m headed? Upward and onward!!!
WOW! A metamorphosis has begun and I’m in the cocoon undergoing massive change. I’m swinging from employee to entrepreneur, from promoting someone else’s product to my own, from living to living my dream. It’s called growing up and out at the speed of light. I’m breathless and most of the past ten days are literally a blur. If I don’t write it down, I may not remember. So, don’t take it personally. I am fully immersed and passionate in whatever I’m involved in, because I give it my all, my everything, every ounce of umphfff I can find anywhere. That’s just who I am.
It’s gonna be a bit like a reality tv show for the next few months. In fact, now that I’m thinking about it, maybe I should write the idea and pitch it. See? The entrepreneur transition is already happening. But I digress. I know my situation is not unlike many others out there and I hope that your outcome will be as cool as mine. Maybe together we can make that happen. I often find that when I realize someone else is feeling the same way I am, it gives me courage to keep my shoulders back, rack out and step, step booty kick my way right through it. (Ya gotta LOVE Drop Dead Diva!)
So you see, I didn’t get laid-off because the economy sucks, I was presented with an opportunity that I identified and somewhere in that opportunity is my dream and what I was born to do. Stay tuned, keep watch and if you’re so inspired you’re invited to come along – maybe you’ll get to discover your dream too!
Stay tuned, after all, this IS just the beginning!
Rocks, Gravel, Sand & Water
“We must be willing to get rid of the life we’ve planned, so as to have the life that is waiting for us.”
Scholar, Joseph Campbell
My daughter, old soul that she is, displayed the above quote in her status on her Facebook page this morning and it really hit home. How much time have I spent wishing for the life I planned and not living the life that is in the Present. The here and now. While I’m an optimistic person (most of the time) I found that there was a deep stirring as the true meaning of the words hit home. Time for a reality check, Ruth.
The truth of the matter is that all to often I find myself wishing away time to get to a goal or thinking…I’ll be happy when this happens or that happens, or what if I’d done this or that. WHAT? What about all the time in between those major life experiences? The in between moments between major accomplishments fade into vague obscurity - simple gratification seems to escape me when my eyes are focused on reaching a life goal. So full and busy, yet, so empty because I never allow myself to enjoy a present moment of complete satiety.
I liken this thought to an experiment my teacher did in science class. He brought in a jar of rocks. He asked the class, “is this jar full.” We all agreed yes. He then picked up a can of gravel and poured it into the jar. Then he repeated the question. “Is the jar full now?” We again responded yes. He pulled out a can of sand and poured it into the jar. He repeated the question again. “Is the can full, now?” By this time we warily nod our heads yes. He pulls out a bottle of water and pours it into the jar of rocks, gravel and sand. He then repeats the question again. And, this time, we aren’t certain, but warily nod our heads yes. Finally, we are correct this fourth time, the jar is full, but the amazing part of the whole demonstration was how much more could be fit into a jar that seemed full in the first place. Here’s the point. The big rocks are the big goals in life. You set out to achieve them and race from one to the next. It’s different for everyone. To me it was college, husband, kids, career, retirement, and a life full of spectacular memories and success. Enter plan v. life. While I have achieved part of the big rocks, I have overlooked all the room that there is in the in between spaces of my life. I work incessantly to achieve the big rocks, when if I would start filling in some of the empty space with some of the smaller gravel, sand and water, life would feel so much more satisfying than it appears sometimes.
As I thought about what could fill in the blanks when there are unattained goals that I want so badly, I realized that unconsciously I’d already begun filling them in. I’ve recently taken up photography and love going on excursions to find beauty that inspires me to memorialize it. If only for me, it relieves my stress, inspires me and I find that I think more openly and creatively. My shoulders drop, I find myself giggling out loud in amusement and I’m relaxed and my attitude is jubilant. I’m on an adventure and that makes me ecstatic. Normally, my mind is on a constant burn, racing from one thought topic to the next for work or whatever I choose to focus on. It’s relentless. The simple act of snapping a camera automatically slows me down to the level where I can appreciate some of the smaller grains of gravel and sand in life. A child laughing, a beautiful flower, a poignant moment between young lovers, celebration and mourning, a moment shared with my child – and that’s just for starters. While a very simple analogy, as I continued thinking I discovered there are many other things that have begun to really color my world. Friends, family, shopping, my rescue kitten, extending a kind gesture, writing this blog, being a friend to someone in need, paying it forward, summertime bbq’s and the privilege of living in the greatest country on planet earth. I appreciate it all.
As a woman who’s life has held extraordinary experiences along the way, I find that I’m enjoying the process of gravel and sand. I’m hopeful that by concentrating on the joys of the journey, that perhaps the miles to important life goals won’t seem so distant. By relaxing to appreciate my life as it is now, I’m sure time will only speed up, rather than slow down, but for some reason I don’t mind because I’m focused on the fillers that truly make my existence full of vibrant celebration.
I revel in being the woman that I am. I’m strong, accomplished and I’ve overcome some life altering situations. I realize that forgetting to do the victory dance after each achievement, no matter how small, that I missed out on a lot of celebrating. I’m going to go back and celebrate every one of them. I know that I’ll be celebrating for a good time to come. I’m excited and inspired to make this small change. It’s going to enhance my self worth. I’m excited about where I’m going, where I’ve been and all the celebrating that’s to come. So, my friends…as Jane Binghum (Drop Dead Diva) would say…”shoulders back, rack out, step, step, bootie kick”…get out there…enjoy life…celebrate…be real with yourself…get clarity and stop missing out on the full life you deserve while you’re chasing rocks to fill up the jar. I’m dancing to the beat of a new drum…thank you my precious Rachael for reminding your mom of such an important element of an exhuberant life…you really, really rocked my world!!! To my readers, I wish you joy, love and lots of rocks, gravel, sand and water.
PHOTO CREDIT: http://tinyurl.com/lz9wbx
Make A Promise...To Yourself!
It’s a big world out there and along with being big, it’s scary right now with the economy in the tank, the country polarized on politics, unemployment soaring and unsettled tension and anxiety lurking around every corner. It would be easy to hide our heads as women and put our trek for success on the back burner because the time just doesn’t seem right to move forward. That thought school would seem more safe and secure than diving into a pool of sharks wrought with disease and ready to tear you apart at the slightest scent of blood, wouldn’t it? There’s only one problem. If you wait, success will keep moving and pass you by.
Find heart and prepare yourself well with strategy to succeed. People are eager right now for success stories. It’s inspirational to see someone beat the odds and succeed in this time of unsettlement and seeming desperation. Be smart. Be dedicated and be prepared to try and try again. It’s time to reach for your dreams.
I’m saying this to each of you out there that are wanting to embark on a journey. The same rules apply whether its losing weight, starting a new business, going for a job promotion, finding a job, taking a relationship to a new level, quitting smoking, finding a relationship or a whole host of other topics. Only you know what your next big dream is. Be present to it, take a stand and go for it. Today. Be fearless in your pursuit of happiness. It’s the one thing in life that you can’t buy, can’t borrow and no one will hand it to you. It’s YOUR happiness. Only YOU can create it.
I can only say, GO FOR IT. Time waits for no one and there will always be a reason not to. But in the meantime, if you are acting on achieving it, you’re half way to the big win. Hard work, sweat and sometimes even tears are the only way you’ll get there. But in the end, it will all be worth it, and what a feeling in the end to be able to stand on the winner’s podium with a grin that says, “I did it when no one else did or thought I could.” It’s that faith in yourself that sets you apart in success.
A few tips I’ve found helpful for embarking on any new success journey:
1. Do your research. Educate yourself.
2. Ask questions of people you consider mentors in the pursuit you are interested in.
3. Be prepared to invest time. Success usually doesn’t happen over night, and longevity is key.
4. Put together a plan. You wouldn’t go on a road trip without a map would you? Goals are not realized without having them.
5. Be prepared to make mistakes. Without allowing for them, you are not allowing for success. Use them as learning tools and learn from others mistakes too.
6. Surround yourself with successful people. Success breeds success. Attitude is everything. A positive one will take you far.
7. Love what you’re doing. There’s nothing like love and passion to motivate you.
8. Be present to opportunity and explore every one.
9. Have faith and believe in yourself.
10. Celebrate, celebrate and then celebrate some more.
It’s really not brain surgery, its setting a course, and then taking action on it. There’s never a dream to small or too big. It’s all about you, the woman, the strength behind the dream. It’s your tenacity and passion that will push you up the hill. Remember, the old adage? I think I can. I think I can. If you think you can – YOU CAN. And will.
Recently, I’ve embarked on several journeys both personally and professionally and I’m working on each of them day by day. I feel empowered, stronger, alive and excited about the future. There’s no downfall to taking action. Some I will be successful at, and some I will fail at, but I can tell you that I will get up, dust myself off, and keep trying until I too can stand on the winner’s podium celebrating my successes with a million dollar grin that nobody can take a way from me. I’d love to have millions of you standing up there celebrating your victories too. Feel free to join me. The more, the merrier.
I encourage you to go out a do something wonderful for yourself. Realize a dream. Any dream. Even the smallest one will enliven you, give you hope and strengthen your muscle for an even bigger dream. It will encourage love for yourself, inspire confidence and build self esteem. And, when you get to the winners circle don’t forget to look over your shoulder, hold out your hand and invite someone else to come along too.
I wish you every success in your endeavors. See you on the winner’s podium. Remember…if you’re afraid to fail, you’ll never succeed.
I’m so ready for spring, and this year has me even more excited. I was just in Europe and I love the trendy look of the season. Black and White with a splash of color. It doesn’t matter the color as long as you are bold and beautiful with it. Being a redhead, I am on the constant prowl for the perfect color of yellow for me. I’ve mastered the rest of the palette, yet yellow remains elusive for me. Until now. It is my mission to now head out and find the perfect shoes and handbag in any color of yellow I choose. Why not try it? Choose your color, then go splurge on that burst of spring. I intend to rock this color combo all summer long. And, in fact, I might try a few others too….turqoise or perhaps red…why not…I’m feeling bold and beautiful. How bout you?
The Black White and Yellow of It!
Sheer Genius Idea by Petalos di Pauli
I received an invitation to a function last week that so impressed me that I set out to find out who had designed them. After a bit of research, I found the company – Petalos di Pauli. I am so impressed with their uniqueness, design and presentation. If you are looking for something different and lovely for an invitation. Look no further. You can find many samples on their website at www.petalosdipauli.com. I love quirky, unusual and well put together creativity.
