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We are all pilgrims on the
same journey
but some pilgrims have
better road maps.
~ Nelson DeMille
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| Buon Viaggio Blog |
The theme this month is
Alternatives.
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DON'T WAIT TO CELEBRATE
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 Going after a dream is an act of courage, of commitment, of
creation. It is a journey that too few ever make. Howard Schultz, founder of
the ubiquitous Starbuck's coffeehouses said, "There are so many older people
out there who are bitter and angry at the world. But at the end of the day,
they are angry with themselves because they didn't follow their dreams."
If you're planning to be one of the older people who are
thrilled and excited about how you've spent your life, give yourself some
credit for that all along the way.
Many entrepreneurs, excited by their ideas, plunge into
project after project, hardly pausing to take a breath. In the long term, this
devotion to getting things done may not be sustainable. Smart dreambuilders
know that even little milestones need to be noticed and celebrated.
However much or however little progress you've made in this
past year, it's time to celebrate how far you've come and celebrate how far you
plan to go.
Such celebrations don't have to be lavish or expensive, but
they do need to be heartfelt. You've earned it by your own efforts, after all,
and that's worthy of attention and delight.
There's only one rule for a dream celebration: it should be
unique and pleasurable. Going out for dinner at the restaurant where you always
go on Friday night doesn't count. This celebration should take you off the
beaten path and allow you to indulge in a new experience.
"Although self-acknowledgement may seem obvious," writes
Lucia Capacchione in her wonderful book Visioning, "most people
don't do it enough. It's so much easier to get caught up in what you didn't do,
what you did wrong, or the things you still have to do."
When I visited Karyn Ruth White's home, I noticed her
refrigerator had a number of those little cards that come tucked in with
flowers. She explained that when her business was six months old, she sent
herself six roses with a card congratulating herself on starting her venture.
At a year, she sent a dozen roses along with more congratulatory words. This
twice yearly ritual has continued, causing her to notice and delight in her
progress at regular intervals.
If roses aren't your style, write a fan letter to yourself
and mail it. Or send a card that says "Bravo!" Make it a habit to pay
attention to what you've done-even if that means applauding yourself for
sticking with it when it would have been easier to quit.
Milestones also are a perfect opportunity to thank those who
have supported you on your path. Who's helped you? Have you told them lately
how much you appreciate their faith and trust? Write a letter of thanks to
everyone who has made a contribution to your progress. You might even thank a
former spouse or lover for moving out of your life.
If you've completed a project or seen a dream come true,
it's time to celebrate in a bigger way. Artists and actors seems to be
especially good at celebrating completion and we can learn from their example.
Anyone who's ever worked on a play or movie knows that a cast party comes at
the end of the production. Award ceremonies to publicly acknowledge achievement
abound in the arts community.
The self-employed can learn from their festive example.
There's an ancient principle that has had a profound impact
on the lives of those who embrace it. That tiny bit of wisdom states, "whatever
you focus on expands." So take Tom Peters advice and "Celebrate what you want
to see more of." Repeat as necessary.
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CALLING ALL THRIFTY ENTREPRENEURS
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There's a big difference between being thrifty and being a
cheapskate. As advertising whiz Bernice Fitz-Gibbon liked to remind Macy's
customers, "It's smart to be thrifty."
We've done our best to make it easy for you to celebrate
with us at the Joyfully Jobless Jamboree
while still being smartly thrifty. However, deadlines are looming and we don't
want you to miss out.
Let us know you're coming before August 31 and you can save
$100 on your registration. Sign up with a friend and you can both save even
more. We've also negotiated a fantastic discount with Lakeways Conference
Center, but that room
block also goes away after August 31.
Oh, and we've added some new info to the Website including a
few FAQs. Join the celebration now.
Joyfully Jobless Jamboree
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HELLO, DENVER
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Just a quick reminder that I'll be back at fun Colorado Free University for my final seminars of the year on August 27 & 28. We'll be exploring How to Support Your Wanderlust, Making a Living Without a Job and Establish Yourself as an Expert. Love to see you there if you're in the neighborhood.
Colorado Free University
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I PLAN TO CELEBRATE THIS ALSO
|  I've spent the past month packing and purging in
anticipation of my upcoming move. While I wasn't the one that instigated it,
I'm getting excited about starting this new adventure. Once the grunt work is
over, I will be celebrating loudly.
Should you wish to patronize the USPS and write to me, my
new mailing address is PO Box 800971, Valencia CA 91380.
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Buona fortuna,
Barbara Winter
P.S. On occasion, I may receive a commission or compensation when you participate or purchase a product or service I recommend. That being said, I strive to always offer useful content and resources in each issue of Joyfully Jobless News.
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Winning Ways | PO Box 800971, Valencia, CA 91380
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